bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plethysmographic Variability Index (PVI) accuracy in predicting fluid responsiveness in anesthetized children
Authors: Julien Florence , Hilly Julie , Sallah Tarik B. , Skhiri Alia , Michelet Daphné , Brasher Christopher , Varin Laurent , Nivoche Yves , Dahmani Souhayl 
Published: March 2013

SummaryIntroductionPlethysmographic Variability Index (PVI) has been shown to accurately predict responsiveness to fluid loads in adults. The goal of this study was to evaluate PVI accuracy when predicting fluid responsiveness during noncardiac surgery in children.Material and MethodsChildren aged 2–10 years scheduled for noncardiac surgery under general anesthesia were included. PVI was assessed concomitantly with stroke volume index (SVI). A response to fluid load was defined by an SVI increase of more than 15%. A 10 ml·kg−1 normal saline intravenous fluid challenge was administered before surgical incision and after anesthetic induction. After incision, fluid challenges were administered when SVI values decreased by more than 15% or where judged necessary by the anesthesiologist. Statistical analyses include receiving operator characteristics (ROC) analysis and the determination of gray zone method with an error tolerance of 10%.ResultsFifty‐four patients were included, 97 fluid challenges administered and 45 responses recorded. Area under the curve of ROC curves was 0.85 [0.77–0.93] and 0.8 [0.7–0.89] for baseline PVI and SVI values, respectively. Corresponding gray zone limits were [10–17%] and [22–31 ml·m−2], respectively. PVI values exhibited different gray zone limits for pre‐incision and postincision fluid challenges, whereas SVI values were comparable. PVI value percentages in the gray zone were 34% overall and 44% for challenges performed after surgical incision.DiscussionThis study found both PVI and prechallenge SVI to be accurate when used to predict fluid load response during anesthetized noncardiac surgery in children. However, a third of recorded PVI values were inconclusive.
What the heart forgets: Cardiac timing influences memory for words and is modulated by metacognition and interoceptive sensitivity
Authors: Garfinkel Sarah N. , Barrett Adam B. , Minati Ludovico , Dolan Raymond J. , Seth Anil K. , Critchley Hugo D. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractMental functions are influenced by states of physiological arousal. Afferent neural activity from arterial baroreceptors at systole conveys the strength and timing of individual heartbeats to the brain. We presented words under limited attentional resources time‐locked to different phases of the cardiac cycle, to test a hypothesis that natural baroreceptor stimulation influences detection and subsequent memory of words. We show memory for words presented around systole was decreased relative to words at diastole. The deleterious memory effect of systole was greater for words detected with low confidence and amplified in individuals with low interoceptive sensitivity, as indexed using a heartbeat counting task. Our observations highlight an important cardiovascular channel through which autonomic arousal impacts a cognitive function, an effect mitigated by metacognition (perceptual confidence) and interoceptive sensitivity.
Is Dorothy Correct? The Role of Patient Education in Promoting Home Dialysis
Authors: Golper Thomas A. , Mehrotra Rajnish , Schreiber Martin S. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe major payer of dialysis services in the United States, Medicare, has established incentives to encourage the use of home dialysis. However, this modality remains underutilized. We think that a major cause of this situation is ineffective education of the prospective dialysis population regarding the choices of kidney replacement modalities. We discuss the value of patient education and the consequences of failing to educate prospective dialysis patients. We then explore approaches to achieve patient education goals and the physician's and education team's roles in the development of an individual patient's life plan.
Undisclosed human immunodeficiency virus risk factors identified through a computer‐based questionnaire program among blood donors in Brazil
Authors: Blatyta Paula Fraiman , Custer Brian , Gonçalez Thelma Terezinha , Birch Rebecca , Lopes Maria Esther , Lopes Ferreira Maria Ines , Carneiro Proietti Anna Barbara , Sabino Ester Cerdeira , Page Kimberly , de Almeida‐Neto Cesar ,   NHLBI Retrovirus Epidemiology Donor Study‐II (REDS‐II), International Component
Published: March 2013

BackgroundHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV) risk factor screening among blood donors remains a cornerstone for the safety of blood supply and is dependent on prospective donor self‐disclosure and an attentive predonation interview. Audio computer‐assisted structured interview (ACASI) has been shown to increase self‐reporting of risk behaviors.Study Design and MethodsThis cross‐sectional study was conducted between January 2009 and March 2011 at four Brazilian blood centers to identify the population of HIV‐negative eligible blood donors that answered face‐to‐face interviews without disclosing risks, but subsequently disclosed deferrable risk factors by ACASI. Compared to the donor interview, the ACASI contained expanded content on demographics, sexual behavior, and other HIV risk factors questions.ResultsA total of 901 HIV‐negative blood donors were interviewed. On the ACASI, 13% of donors (n = 120) declared a risk factor that would have resulted in deferral that was not disclosed during the face‐to‐face assessment. The main risk factors identified were recent unprotected sex with an unknown or irregular partner (49 donors), sex with a person with exposure to blood or fluids (26 donors), multiple sexual partners (19 donors), and male–male sexual behavior (10 donors). Independent factors associated with the disclosure of any risk factor for HIV were age (≥40 years vs. 18‐25 years; adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 0.45; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.23‐0.88) and blood center (Hemope vs. Hemominas; AOR, 2.51; 95% CI, 1.42‐4.44).ConclusionACASI elicited increased disclosure of HIV risk factors among blood donors. ACASI may be a valuable modality of interview to be introduced in Brazilian blood banks.
Assessing the Relative Effects of Geographic Location and Soil Type on Microbial Communities Associated with Straw Decomposition
Authors: Sun Bo , Wang Xiaoyue , Wang Feng , Jiang Yuji , Zhang Xue-Xian 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT
Decomposition of plant residues is largely mediated by soil-dwelling microorganisms whose activities are influenced by both climate conditions and properties of the soil. However, a comprehensive understanding of their relative importance remains elusive, mainly because traditional methods, such as soil incubation and environmental surveys, have a limited ability to differentiate between the combined effects of climate and soil. Here, we performed a large-scale reciprocal soil transplantation experiment, whereby microbial communities associated with straw decomposition were examined in three initially identical soils placed in parallel in three climate regions of China (red soil, Chao soil, and black soil, located in midsubtropical, warm-temperate, and cold-temperate zones). Maize straws buried in mesh bags were sampled at 0.5, 1, and 2 years after the burial and subjected to chemical, physical, and microbiological analyses, e.g., phospholipid fatty acid analysis for microbial abundance, community-level physiological profiling, and 16S rRNA gene denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis, respectively, for functional and phylogenic diversity. Results of aggregated boosted tree analysis show that location rather soil is the primary determining factor for the rate of straw decomposition and structures of the associated microbial communities. Principal component analysis indicates that the straw communities are primarily grouped by location at any of the three time points. In contrast, microbial communities in bulk soil remained closely related to one another for each soil. Together, our data suggest that climate (specifically, geographic location) has stronger effects than soil on straw decomposition; moreover, the successive process of microbial communities in soils is slower than those in straw residues in response to climate changes.
Use of Microfluidic Technology To Analyze Gene Expression during Staphylococcus aureus Biofilm Formation Reveals Distinct Physiological Niches
Authors: Moormeier Derek E. , Endres Jennifer L. , Mann Ethan E. , Sadykov Marat R. , Horswill Alexander R. , Rice Kelly C. , Fey Paul D. , Bayles Kenneth W. 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT

The
Staphylococcus aureus cid
and
lrg
operons play significant roles in the control of autolysis and accumulation of extracellular genomic DNA (eDNA) during biofilm development. Although the molecular mechanisms mediating this control are only beginning to be revealed, it is clear that cell death must be limited to a subfraction of the biofilm population. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that
cid
and
lrg
expression varies during biofilm development as a function of changes in the availability of oxygen. To examine
cid
and
lrg
promoter activity during biofilm development, fluorescent reporter fusion strains were constructed and grown in a BioFlux microfluidic system, generating time-lapse epifluorescence images of biofilm formation, which allows the spatial and temporal localization of gene expression. Consistent with
cid
induction under hypoxic conditions, the
cid
::
gfp
fusion strain expressed green fluorescent protein predominantly within the interior of the tower structures, similar to the pattern of expression observed with a strain carrying a
gfp
fusion to the hypoxia-induced promoter controlling the expression of the lactose dehydrogenase gene. The
lrg
promoter was also expressed within towers but appeared more diffuse throughout the tower structures, indicating that it was oxygen independent. Unexpectedly, the results also demonstrated the existence of tower structures with different expression phenotypes and physical characteristics, suggesting that these towers exhibit different metabolic activities. Overall, the findings presented here support a model in which oxygen is important in the spatial and temporal control of
cid
expression within a biofilm and that tower structures formed during biofilm development exhibit metabolically distinct niches.
Characterization of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Growth on
O
-Acylcarnitines and Identification of a Short-Chain Acylcarnitine Hydrolase
Authors: Meadows Jamie A. , Wargo Matthew J. 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT

To survive in various environments, from host tissue to soil, opportunistic bacterial pathogens must be metabolically flexible and able to use a variety of nutrient sources. We are interested in
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
's catabolism of quaternary amine compounds that are prevalent in association with eukaryotes. Carnitine and acylcarnitines are abundant in animal tissues, particularly skeletal muscle, and are used to shuttle fatty acids in and out of the mitochondria, where they undergo β-oxidation. We previously identified the genes required for carnitine catabolism as the first four genes in the carnitine operon (
caiX-cdhCAB
;
PA5388
to
PA5385
). However, the last gene in the operon,
PA5384
, was not required for carnitine catabolism. We were interested in determining the function of PA5384. Bioinformatic analyses along with the genomic location of
PA5384
led us to hypothesize a role for PA5384 in acylcarnitine catabolism. Here, we have characterized PA5384 as an
l
-enantiomer-specific short-chain acylcarnitine hydrolase that is required for growth and hydrolysis of acetyl- and butyrylcarnitine to carnitine and the respective short-chain fatty acid. The liberated carnitine and its downstream catabolic product, glycine betaine, are subsequently available to function as osmoprotectants in hyperosmotic environments and induce transcription of the virulence factor phospholipase C,
plcH
. Furthermore, we confirmed that acylcarnitines with 2- to 16-carbon chain lengths, except for octanoylcarnitine (8 carbons), can be utilized by
P. aeruginosa
as sole carbon and nitrogen sources. These findings expand our knowledge of short-chain acylcarnitine catabolism and also point to remaining questions related to acylcarnitine transport and hydrolysis of medium- and long-chain acylcarnitines.
Draft Genome Sequences of Bordetella holmesii Strains from Blood (F627) and Nasopharynx (H558)
Authors: Tatti Kathleen M. , Loparev Vladimir N. , RanganathanGanakammal Satishkumar , Changayil Shankar , Frace Michael , Weil Michael Ryan , Sammons Scott , MacCannell Duncan , Mayer Leonard W. , Tondella M. Lucia 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT

Bordetella holmesii
, a human pathogen, can confound the diagnosis of respiratory illness caused by
Bordetella pertussis
. We present the draft genome sequences of two
B. holmesii
isolates, one from blood, F627, and one from the nasopharynx, H558. Interestingly, important virulence genes that are present in
B. pertussis
are not found in
B. holmesii
.
Genome Sequence of Cronobacter sakazakiiSP291, a Persistent Thermotolerant Isolate Derived from a Factory Producing Powdered Infant Formula
Authors: Power Karen A. , Yan Qiongqiong , Fox Edward M. , Cooney Shane , Fanning Séamus 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT

Cronobacter
is an opportunistic pathogen associated with meningitis in neonates. Based on long-term surveillance of a powdered infant formula production facility, a persistent and thermotolerant isolate, denoted
Cronobacter sakazakii
SP291, was detected. Here we report the complete genome along with the sequences of three plasmids identified in this organism.
Genome Sequence of a Plant-Associated Bacterium, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens Strain UCMB5036
Authors: Manzoor Shahid , Niazi Adnan , Bejai Sarosh , Meijer Johan , Bongcam-Rudloff Erik 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT

We announce here the genome sequence of
Bacillus amyloliquefaciens
strain UCMB5036, a plant growth-promoting bacterium isolated from a cotton plant. Its genome contains gene clusters involved in nonribosomal synthesis of secondary metabolites known for their antimicrobial activities. The availability of this genome will provide novel insights into plant-bacterium–associated activities.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Microbacterium
sp. Strain UCD-TDU (Phylum
Actinobacteria
)
Authors: Bendiks Zachary A. , Lang Jenna M. , Darling Aaron E. , Eisen Jonathan A. , Coil David A. 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT

Here, we present the draft genome sequence of
Microbacterium
sp. strain UCD-TDU, a member of the phylum
Actinobacteria
. The assembly contains 3,746,321 bp (in 8 scaffolds). This strain was isolated from a residential toilet as part of an undergraduate student research project to sequence reference genomes of microbes from the built environment.
Effects of Electro-Acupuncture on Oestrogen Levels, Body Weight, Articular Cartilage Histology and Mmp-13 Expression in Ovariectomised Rabbits
Authors: Qin Yuxi , He Jing , Xia Lu , Guo Hua , He Chengqi 
Published: March 2013

Background Electro-acupuncture (EA) treatment has been shown to decrease pain and improve the function of ovariectomised (OVX) rats with osteoarthritis (OA); however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Object We used OVX rabbits to replicate natural human menopausal processes and to evaluate whether EA could be used to prevent and treat postmenopausal OA. Methods The rabbits were randomly divided into four groups of eight: a normal control group (NC), an OVX group, an ERT group (oestrogen replacement therapy after OVX) and an EA group (EA therapy after OVX). After the interventions, all of the animals were killed. Serum oestrogen levels and body weight were measured. The transcription of matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) mRNA was detected using reverse transcriptase-PCR. Modified Mankin scores were used for histological assessment. Expression of MMP-13 in cartilage was determined by immunohistochemistry. Results Both the EA group and the ERT group had increased serum oestrogen levels (p=0.028, p=0.037 respectively), as well as decreased expression of MMP-13 (p=0.000, p=0.000, respectively), relative to the OVX group. The body weight of the EA group was lower than that of the OVX group and the NC group (p=0.007), as well as the ERT group (p=0.010). Conclusions EA could be a new method for preventing and treating postmenopausal OA by producing endogenous sex hormones that inhibit the expression of MMP-13 and cause weight loss with no side effects and a relatively low cost.
Is the work ability index useful to evaluate absence days in ankylosing spondylitis patients? A cross-sectional study
Authors: Meyer Katharina , Niedermann Karin , Tschopp Alois , Klipstein Andreas 
Published: March 2013

BackgroundThe work incapacity of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) ranges between 3% and 50% in Europe. In many countries, work incapacity is difficult to quantify. The work ability index (WAI) is applied to measure the work ability in workers, but it is not well investigated in patients.AimsTo investigate the work incapacity in terms of absence days in patients with AS and to evaluate whether the WAI reflects the absence from work.HypothesisAbsence days can be estimated based on the WAI and other variables.DesignCross-sectional design.SettingIn a secondary care centre in Switzerland, the WAI and a questionnaire about work absence were administered in AS patients prior to cardiovascular training. The number of absence days was collected retrospectively. The absence days were estimated using a two-part regression model.Participants92 AS patients (58 men (63%)). Inclusion criteria: AS diagnosis, ability to cycle, age between 18 and 65 years. Exclusion criteria: severe heart disease.Primary and secondary outcome measuresAbsence days.ResultsOf the 92 patients, 14 received a disability pension and 78 were in the working process. The median absence days per year of the 78 patients due to AS alone and including other reasons was 0 days (IQR 0–12.3) and 2.5 days (IQR 0–19), respectively. The WAI score (regression coefficient=−4.66 (p<0.001, CI −6.1 to −3.2), ‘getting a disability pension’ (regression coefficient=−106.8 (p<0.001, 95% CI −141.6 to −72.0) and other not significant variables explained 70% of the variance in absence days (p<0.001), and therefore may estimate the number of absence days.ConclusionsAbsences in our sample of AS patients were equal to pan-European countries. In groups of AS patients, the WAI and other variables are valid to estimate absence days with the help of a two-part regression model.
Late Palaeozoic–Early Cenozoic tectonic development of Southern Turkey and the easternmost Mediterranean region: evidence from the inter-relations of continental and oceanic units
Authors: Robertson Alastair H. F. , Parlak Osman , Ustaömer Timur 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Reconstructions of the Anatolian continent and adjacent areas assume the existence of one or more continental fragments during Mesozoic–Early Cenozoic time. These rifted from North Africa (Gondwana) during the Triassic, drifted across the Mesozoic Tethys and collided with Eurasia during latest Cretaceous–Paleocene time. Current reconstructions range from a regional-scale Tauride–Anatolide continent with oceanic basins to the north and south, to numerous rifted continental fragments separated by small oceanic basins. Field-based evidence for the inter-relations of the continental blocks and associated carbonate platforms is discussed and evaluated here, especially to distinguish between sutured oceans and intra-continental convergence zones. Several crustal units are restored as different parts of one large Tauride–Anatolide continent, whereas several smaller crustal units (e.g. Kırşehir massif; Bitlis/Pütürge and Alanya/Kyrenia units) are interpreted as continental fragments bordered by oceanic crust. We infer a relatively wide İzmir–Ankara–Erzincan ocean in the north and also a wide South Neotethyan ocean in the south. Several smaller oceanic strands (e.g. Inner Tauride ocean, Berit ocean and Alanya ocean) were separated by continental fragments. Our proposed reconstructions are shown on palaeotectonic maps for Late Permian to Mid-Miocene. The reconstructions have interesting implications for crustal processes, including ophiolite genesis and emplacement.
Deacetylated GM3 Promotes uPAR-Associated Membrane Molecular Complex to Activate p38 MAPK in Metastatic Melanoma
Authors: Yan Qiu , Bach Daniel Q. , Gatla Nandita , Sun Ping , Liu Ji-Wei , Lu Jian-Yun , Paller Amy S. , Wang Xiao-Qi 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
GM3, the simplest ganglioside, regulates cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by influencing cell signaling at the membrane level. Although the classic N-acetylated form of GM3 (NeuAcLacCer) is commonly expressed and has been well studied, deacetylated GM3 (NeuNH2LacCer, d-GM3) has been poorly investigated, despite its presence in metastatic tumors but not in noninvasive melanomas or benign nevi. We have recently found that d-GM3 stimulates cell migration and invasion by activating urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) signaling to augment matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) function. However, the mechanisms by which d-GM3/uPAR increase MMP-2 expression and activation are not clear. By modifying the expression of d-GM3 genetically and biochemically, we found that decreasing d-GM3 expression inhibits, whereas overexpressing d-GM3 stimulates, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activity to influence MMP-2 expression and activation. p38 MAPK (p38) activation requires the formation of a membrane complex that contains uPAR, caveolin-1, and integrin α5β1 in membrane lipid rafts. In addition, knocking down or inhibiting focal adhesion kinase (FAK), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), or Src kinase significantly reduces d-GM3–induced p38 phosphorylation and activation. Taken together, these results suggest that d-GM3 enhances the metastatic phenotype by activating p38 signaling through uPAR/integrin signaling with FAK, PI3K, and Src kinase as intermediates. Elucidation of the mechanisms by which d-GM3, a newly discovered, potential biomarker of metastatic melanomas, promotes cell metastasis will help us to understand the function of d-GM3 in metastatic melanomas and may lead to novel GM3-based cancer therapies. Mol Cancer Res; 11(6); 665–75. ©2013 AACR.