bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Structure of the bacterial type II NADH dehydrogenase: a monotopic membrane protein with an essential role in energy generation
Authors: Heikal Adam , Nakatani Yoshio , Dunn Elyse , Weimar Marion R. , Day Catherine L. , Baker Edward N. , Lott J. Shaun , Sazanov Leonid A. , Cook Gregory M. 
Published: January 2014

SummaryNon‐proton pumping type II NADH dehydrogenase (NDH‐2) plays a central role in the respiratory metabolism of bacteria, and in the mitochondria of fungi, plants and protists. The lack of NDH‐2 in mammalian mitochondria and its essentiality in important bacterial pathogens suggests these enzymes may represent a potential new drug target to combat microbial pathogens. Here, we report the first crystal structure of a bacterial NDH‐2 enzyme at 2.5 Å resolution from Caldalkalibacillus thermarum. The NDH‐2 structure reveals a homodimeric organization that has a unique dimer interface. NDH‐2 is localized to the cytoplasmic membrane by two separated C‐terminal membrane‐anchoring regions that are essential for membrane localization and FAD binding, but not NDH‐2 dimerization. Comparison of bacterial NDH‐2 with the yeast NADH dehydrogenase (Ndi1) structure revealed non‐overlapping binding sites for quinone and NADH in the bacterial enzyme. The bacterial NDH‐2 structure establishes a framework for the structure‐based design of small‐molecule inhibitors.
Single‐cell C4 photosynthesis: efficiency and acclimation of Bienertia sinuspersici to growth under low light
Authors: Stutz Samantha S. , Edwards Gerald E. , Cousins Asaph B. 
Published: January 2014

Summary

Traditionally, it was believed that C4 photosynthesis required two types of chlorenchyma cells to concentrate CO2 within the leaf. However, several species have been identified that perform C4 photosynthesis using dimorphic chloroplasts within an individual cell. The goal of this research was to determine how growth under limited light affects leaf structure, biochemistry and efficiency of the single‐cell CO2‐concentrating mechanism in Bienertia sinuspersici.

Measurements of rates of CO2 assimilation and CO2 isotope exchange in response to light intensity and O2 were used to determine the efficiency of the CO2‐concentrating mechanism in plants grown under moderate and low light. In addition, enzyme assays, chlorophyll content and light microscopy of leaves were used to characterize acclimation to light‐limited growth conditions.

There was acclimation to growth under low light with a decrease in capacity for photosynthesis when exposed to high light. This was associated with a decreased investment in biochemistry for carbon assimilation with only subtle changes in leaf structure and anatomy. The capture and assimilation of CO2 delivered by the C4 cycle was lower in low‐light‐grown plants.

Low‐light‐grown plants were able to acclimate to maintain structural and functional features for the performance of efficient single‐cell C4 photosynthesis.
Circulating Endothelial Progenitor Cells as a Predictor of Response to Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy: The Missing Piece of the Puzzle?
Authors: ANTÓNIO NATÁLIA , SOARES ANA , CARVALHEIRO TIAGO , FERNANDES ROSA , PAIVA ARTUR , VENTURA MIGUEL , CRISTÓVÃO JOÃO , ELVAS LUÍS , GONÇALVES LINO , PROVIDÊNCIA LUÍS A. , FONTES RIBEIRO CARLOS , MARIANO PEGO GUILHERME 
Published: January 2014

BackgroundIt would be important to better identify heart failure (HF) patients most likely to respond to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). Because endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) play a crucial role in the maintenance of vascular endothelium integrity, we hypothesize that patients who have higher circulating EPCs levels have greater neovascularization potential and are more prone to be responders to CRT.MethodsProspective study of 30 consecutive patients, scheduled for CRT. Echocardiographic evaluation was performed before implant and 6 months after. Responders to CRT were defined as patients who were still alive, have not been hospitalized for HF management, and demonstrated ≥15% reduction in left ventricular end‐systolic volume (LVESV) at the 6‐month follow‐up. EPCs were quantified before CRT, from peripheral blood, by flow cytometry using five different conjugated antibodies: anti‐CD34, anti‐KDR, anti‐CD133, anti‐CD45, and anti‐CXCR4. We quantified five different populations of angiogenic cells: CD133+/CD34+ cells, CD133+/KDR+ cells, CD133+/CD34+/KDR+ cells, CD45dimCD34+/KDR+ cells, and CD45dimCD34+/KDR+/CXCR4+ cells.ResultsThe proportion of responders to CRT at the 6‐month follow‐up was 46.7%. Responders to CRT presented higher baseline EPCs levels than nonresponders (0.0003 ± 0.0006% vs 0.0001 ± 0.0002%, P = 0.04, for CD34+/CD133+/KDR+ and 0.0006 ± 0.0005% vs 0.0003 ± 0.0003%, P = 0.009, for CD45dimCD34+/KDR+/CXCR4+ cells). In addition, baseline levels of CD45dimCD34+/KDR+/CXCR4+ cells were positively correlated with the reduction of LVESV verified 6 months after CRT (r = 0.497, P = 0.008).ConclusionsHigh circulating EPCs levels may identify the subset of HF patients who are more likely to undergo reverse remodeling and benefit from CRT. Addition of EPCs levels assessment to current selection criteria may improve the ability to predict CRT response.
Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa Associated with Amniotic Band Syndrome
Authors: Snadecki Haley , Criscione Vincent , Jaquith Alisha , Hay Beverly , Deng April , Wiss Karen 
Published: January 2014

AbstractAmniotic band syndrome (ABS) is a term used to describe congenital anomalies that result from the entrapment of a fetus in fibrous bands. We describe two male infants born with features of dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB) and ABS. These cases add to the few previous reports of simultaneous DEB and ABS. Abnormal type VII collagen in anchoring structures of the amniotic epithelium is a proposed mechanism for loose amniotic bands that entangle the fetus, with an abnormality in the gene that encodes for type VII collagen.
Technical Efficiency in the Angolan Banking Sector with the B‐convexity Model
Authors: Barros Carlos P. , Liang Qi Bin , Peypoch Nicolas 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThis paper analyses technical efficiency in Angolan banks from 2005 to 2010 with an innovative production frontier model, themodel. The intermediate approach is adopted. It is observed that the efficiency increases over the observation period, according to the international experience, market share and local markets. Policy implications indicate that competition and governance should be promoted in order to increase efficiency.
Spatial analysis of thickness variability applied to an Early Jurassic carbonate platform in the central Southern Alps (Italy): a tool to unravel syn‐sedimentary faulting
Authors: Franceschi Marco , Massironi Matteo , Franceschi Pietro , Picotti Vincenzo 
Published: January 2014

AbstractEarly Jurassic syn‐sedimentary extensional tectonics in the central Southern Alps controlled patterns of deposition within the Calcari Grigi carbonate platform. We used variogram maps to gather model‐independent information on the spatial distribution of thicknesses of selected platform units and investigated whether major syn‐sedimentary faults outlined subsiding domains during platform growth. Thicknesses display a spatial organization that suggests that large fault belts, often coincident with exposed Jurassic extensional structures, transected large parts of the platform. The network of four fault systems (trending NNW–SSE and NE–SW) displays orthorhombic symmetry, suggesting non‐Andersonian faulting and a true triaxial strain field with N100°E maximum extension or transfer shear zones connecting major NNW–SSE‐trending extensional faults. In both cases, inherited structures of Permian to Triassic age may have played a primary role in Jurassic faulting. If confirmed throughout the South‐Alpine domain, this arrangement could shed new light on Early Jurassic rifting mechanisms in the Southern Alps.
The significance of silica precipitation on the formation of the permeable–impermeable boundary within Earth's crust
Authors: Saishu Hanae , Okamoto Atsushi , Tsuchiya Noriyoshi 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThe hydrological system within Earth's crust is divided into the permeable zone and the underlying, much less permeable zone. In this study, we investigated the solubility and precipitation kinetics of silica in water under the conditions of the Kakkonda geothermal field, Japan, where well WD‐1a penetrates the boundary between the hydrothermal convection zone and the heat conduction zone. We found that quartz solubility has a local minimum at the depth of the hydrological boundary, at ~3100‐m depth (380 °C and 24 MPa), in the case of either hydrostatic conditions or fluid pressure increase above hydrostatic at deeper levels. The hydrothermal experiments reveal that rapid quartz precipitation occurs via nucleation when fluids are brought from the liquid region to the supercritical region. The preferential precipitation of quartz at a specific depth plays a significant role in forming and sustaining the permeable–impermeable boundary in the crust.
Invasive Trichosporon infection in solid organ transplant patients: a report of two cases identified using IGS1 ribosomal DNA sequencing and a review of the literature
Authors: Almeida Júnior J.N. , Song A.T.W. , Campos S.V. , Strabelli T.M.V. , Del Negro G.M. , Figueiredo D.S.Y. , Motta A.L. , Rossi F. , Guitard J. , Benard G. , Hennequin C. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractTrichosporon species are rare etiologic agents of invasive fungal infection in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients. We report 2 well‐documented cases of Trichosporon inkin invasive infection in SOT patients. We also conducted a detailed literature review of Trichosporon species infections in this susceptible population. We gathered a total of 13 cases of Trichosporon species infections. Any type of organ transplantation can be complicated by Trichosporon infection. Bloodstream infections and disseminated infections were the most common clinical presentations. Liver recipients with bloodstream or disseminated infections had poor prognoses. Although the most common species was formerly called Trichosporon beigelii, this species name should no longer be used because of the changes in the taxonomy of this genus resulting from the advent of molecular approaches, which were also used to identify the strains isolated from our patients. Antifungal susceptibility testing highlights the possibility of multidrug resistance. Indeed, Trichosporon has to be considered in cases of breakthrough infection or treatment failure under echinocandins or amphotericin therapy. Voriconazole seems to be the best treatment option.
Draft Genome Sequence of Porphyromonas gingivalis Strain SJD2, Isolated from the Periodontal Pocket of a Patient with Periodontitis in China
Authors: Liu Dali , Zhou Yanbin , Naito Mariko , Yumoto Hiromichi , Li Qiang , Miyake Yoichiro , Liang Jingping , Shu Rong 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACT

Porphyromonas gingivalis
strain SJD2 was isolated from subgingival plaque of a patient in China with chronic periodontitis. Here, we report the draft genome of this strain, with a size of 2,328,850 bp, average G+C content of 48.3%, and 2,020 predicted protein-coding sequences.
Factors affecting emergency preparedness competency of public health inspectors: a cross-sectional study in northeastern China
Authors: Ning Ning , Kang Zheng , Jiao Mingli , Hao Yanhua , Gao Lijun , Sun Hong , Wu Qunhong 
Published: January 2014

ObjectivesTo determine the emergency preparedness competency specific to public health inspectors (PHIs), preparedness limitations and needs of the workforce, as well as to identify important factors that affect the preparedness competency of PHIs.SettingCross-sectional survey was conducted in Heilongjiang, a province in northeastern China.ParticipantsA questionnaire was administered to a sample of 368 PHIs from 17 public health inspection agencies, chosen by stratified cluster sampling strategy. 9 PHIs and 6 agency's leaders were invited to participate in an in-depth interview.Outcome measuresSelf-rated preparedness competency in quantitative study was measured. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to test the associations between individual determinants and self-rated preparedness competency. Key themes relating to preparedness competency of PHIs in qualitative study were analysed.ResultsAlthough 82% of PHIs highly rated their general preparedness competency, there were significant differences among the assessment on specific domains of their competency. Comparing with attitude, the domains of skills and knowledge tend to be lower (p=0.000). Awareness on one's own responsibilities regarding emergency response work was identified as the most important factor associated with preparedness competency (adjusted OR=6.33, 95% CI 3.30 to 12.16). Lack of explicit national job requirements, overlapping responsibilities and poor collaboration among agencies, together with poor knowledge and skills level of personnel, led to an ambiguity of responsibility, and hindered the preparedness competency enhancement of PHIs furthermore.ConclusionsAmbiguity responsibility in emergency response is still a prominent issue that hinders the further improvement on the preparedness competency for PHIs’ in China. Intensified capacity-building activities targeting at individuals’ weakness in specific knowledge and skills are urgently needed; in addition, capacity building at policy and system level as well as agency levels is of equal importance.
Factors influencing the diagnostic accuracy of the rapid influenza antigen detection test (RIADT): a cross-sectional study
Authors: Tanei Mika , Yokokawa Hirohide , Murai Kenji , Sakamoto Rino , Amari Yu , Boku Soushin , Inui Akihiro , Fujibayashi Kazutoshi , Uehara Yuki , Isonuma Hiroshi , Kikuchi Ken , Naito Toshio 
Published: January 2014

ObjectiveTo evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the rapid influenza antigen detection test (RIADT) and determine which symptoms are relevant to results.DesignSingle-centre, cross-sectional study.SettingPrimary care centre, Tokyo, Japan.Participants82 consecutive outpatients presenting with upper respiratory symptoms and fever ≥37°C at any time from symptom onset, between December 2010 and April 2011.Main outcome measuresResults of history and physical examination including age, sex, temperature, time of test from symptom onset, vaccination record and current symptoms (sore throat, arthralgia and/or myalgia, headache, chills, cough and/or throat phlegm, nasal discharge) were recorded. The RIADT and a fully automated respiratory virus nucleic acid test (Verigene Respiratory Virus Plus; VRV), the latter being the gold standard, were performed. Patients were divided into four groups: false negative (FN), RIADT− and VRV+; true positive (TP), RIADT+ and VRV+; true negative (TN), RIADT− and VRV−; and false positive, RIADT+ and VRV−. Groups were compared regarding age, sex, temperature, time of test from symptom onset, vaccination record and symptoms.ResultsRIADT sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 72.9% (95% CI 61.5% to 84.2%), 91.3% (79.7% to 102.8%), 95.6% (89.5% to 101.6%) and 56.8% (40.8% to 72.7%), respectively. Time from symptom onset to test was shorter for the FN group than the TP group (p=0.009). No significant differences were detected for the other factors assessed. Results revealed higher temperatures for FN than TN patients (p=0.043), and more FN than TN patients had chills (p=0.058).ConclusionsThe RIADT sensitivity was low, due to early administration of the test. In the epidemic season, the RIADT should not be used for suspected influenza until 12 h after symptom onset. A positive RIADT firmly supports the influenza diagnosis; a negative result does not confirm its absence. High fever and chills might indicate influenza, but additional tests are sometimes necessary.
Changes in weight and health-related quality of life. The Doetinchem Cohort Study
Authors: Milder Ivon E J , de Hollander Ellen L , Picavet H Susan , Verschuren W M Monique , de Groot Lisette C PG M , Bemelmans Wanda J E 
Published: January 2014

BackgroundThe cross-sectional association between obesity and a lower health-related quality of life (HRQL) is clear. However, less is known about the association between changes in weight and HRQL. We examined the association between weight changes and changes in HRQL in a population-based sample of 2005 men and 2130 women aged 26–70 years.MethodsWeight was measured two or three times with 5-year intervals between 1995 and 2009, and was categorised as stable (change ≤2 kg, 40%), weight loss (19%), or weight gain 2.1–4.0 kg, 4.1–6.0 kg, or >6 kg (41%). Changes in HRQL (SF36 questionnaire, including physical and mental scales) per weight change category were compared with a stable weight using generalised estimating equations.ResultsWeight gain was associated with declines of up to 5 points on five mainly physical scales and holds for different age categories. Especially for women, a dose-response relationship was observed, that is, larger weight gain was associated with larger declines in HRQL. Changes in HRQL for those with weight loss were small, but particularly on the mental scales, changes were in the negative direction compared to a stable weight.ConclusionsWeight gain and weight loss were associated with unfavourable changes in HRQL compared with a stable weight. For weight gain, this was most pronounced on the physical scales and for weight loss, although less consistent, on the mental scales.
Household crowding is associated with higher allostatic load among the Inuit
Authors: Riva Mylene , Plusquellec Pierrich , Juster Robert-Paul , Laouan-Sidi Elhadji A , Abdous Belkacem , Lucas Michel , Dery Serge , Dewailly Eric 
Published: January 2014

BackgroundHousehold crowding is an important problem in some aboriginal communities that is reaching particularly high levels among the circumpolar Inuit. Living in overcrowded conditions may endanger health via stress pathophysiology. This study examines whether higher household crowding is associated with stress-related physiological dysregulations among the Inuit.MethodsCross-sectional data on 822 Inuit adults were taken from the 2004 Qanuippitaa? How are we? Nunavik Inuit Health Survey. Chronic stress was measured using the concept of allostatic load (AL) representing the multisystemic biological ‘wear and tear’ of chronic stress. A summary index of AL was constructed using 14 physiological indicators compiled into a traditional count-based index and a binary variable that contrasted people at risk on at least seven physiological indicators. Household crowding was measured using indicators of household size (total number of people and number of children per house) and overcrowding defined as more than one person per room. Data were analysed using weighted Generalised Estimating Equations controlling for participants’ age, sex, income, diet and involvement in traditional activities.ResultsHigher household crowding was significantly associated with elevated AL levels and with greater odds of being at risk on at least seven physiological indicators, especially among women and independently of individuals’ characteristics.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that household crowding is a source of chronic stress among the Inuit of Nunavik. Differential housing conditions are shown to be a marker of health inequalities among this population. Housing conditions are a critical public health issue in many aboriginal communities that must be investigated further to inform healthy and sustainable housing strategies.
ALCAM/CD166 Is a TGF-β–Responsive Marker and Functional Regulator of Prostate Cancer Metastasis to Bone
Authors: Hansen Amanda G. , Arnold Shanna A. , Jiang Ming , Palmer Trenis D. , Ketova Tatiana , Merkel Alyssa , Pickup Michael , Samaras Susan , Shyr Yu , Moses Harold L. , Hayward Simon W. , Sterling Julie A. , Zijlstra Andries 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
The dissemination of prostate cancer to bone is a common, incurable aspect of advanced disease. Prevention and treatment of this terminal phase of prostate cancer requires improved molecular understanding of the process as well as markers indicative of molecular progression. Through biochemical analyses and loss-of-function in vivo studies, we demonstrate that the cell adhesion molecule, activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule (ALCAM), is actively shed from metastatic prostate cancer cells by the sheddase ADAM17 in response to TGF-β. Not only is this posttranslational modification of ALCAM a marker of prostate cancer progression, the molecule is also required for effective metastasis to bone. Biochemical analysis of prostate cancer cell lines reveals that ALCAM expression and shedding is elevated in response to TGF-β signaling. Both in vitro and in vivo shedding is mediated by ADAM17. Longitudinal analysis of circulating ALCAM in tumor-bearing mice revealed that shedding of tumor, but not host-derived ALCAM is elevated during growth of the cancer. Gene-specific knockdown of ALCAM in bone-metastatic PC3 cells greatly diminished both skeletal dissemination and tumor growth in bone. The reduced growth of ALCAM knockdown cells corresponded to an increase in apoptosis (caspase-3) and decreased proliferation (Ki67). Together, these data demonstrate that the ALCAM is both a functional regulator as well as marker of prostate cancer progression. Cancer Res; 74(5); 1404–15. ©2014 AACR.
Epigenetic Potentiation of NY-ESO-1 Vaccine Therapy in Human Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Odunsi Kunle , Matsuzaki Junko , James Smitha R. , Mhawech-Fauceglia Paulette , Tsuji Takemasa , Miller Austin , Zhang Wa , Akers Stacey N. , Griffiths Elizabeth A. , Miliotto Anthony , Beck Amy , Batt Carl A. , Ritter Gerd , Lele Shashikant , Gnjatic Sacha , Karpf Adam R. 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
The cancer–testis/cancer germline antigen, NY-ESO-1, is a vaccine target in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), but its limited expression is a barrier to vaccine efficacy. As NY-ESO-1 is regulated by DNA methylation, we hypothesized that DNA methyltransferase inhibitors may augment NY-ESO-1 vaccine therapy. In agreement, global DNA hypomethylation in EOC was associated with the presence of circulating antibodies to NY-ESO-1. Preclinical studies using EOC cell lines showed that decitabine treatment enhanced both NY-ESO-1 expression and NY-ESO-1–specific CTL-mediated responses. On the basis of these observations, we performed a phase I dose-escalation trial of decitabine, as an addition to NY-ESO-1 vaccine and doxorubicin liposome chemotherapy, in 12 patients with relapsed EOC. The regimen was safe, with limited and clinically manageable toxicities. Both global and promoter-specific DNA hypomethylation occurred in blood and circulating DNAs, the latter of which may reflect tumor cell responses. Increased NY-ESO-1 serum antibodies and T-cell responses were observed in the majority of patients, and antibody spreading to additional tumor antigens was also observed. Finally, disease stabilization or partial clinical response occurred in six of ten evaluable patients. On the basis of these encouraging results, evaluation of similar combinatorial chemo-immunotherapy regimens in EOC and other tumor types is warranted. Cancer Immunol Res; 2(1); 37–49. ©2014 AACR.
Eosinophils and Cancer
Authors: Davis Benjamin P. , Rothenberg Marc E. 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Eosinophils have long been known to infiltrate tumors, and in most cases, this is associated with an improved prognosis. However, the reasons behind this infiltration and the mechanism of action of the eosinophil have remained elusive. In this article, we explore the biology of eosinophils and examine their function in homeostasis and disease states, specifically focusing on what is currently known about the association of the eosinophil with cancer. Cancer Immunol Res; 2(1); 1–8. ©2014 AACR.