bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Surface hydrolysis of sphingomyelin by the outer membrane protein Rv0888 supports replication of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in macrophages
Authors: Speer Alexander , Sun Jim , Danilchanka Olga , Meikle Virginia , Rowland Jennifer L. , Walter Kerstin , Buck Bradford R. , Pavlenok Mikhail , Hölscher Christoph , Ehrt Sabine , Niederweis Michael 
Published: June 2015

SummarySphingomyelinases secreted by pathogenic bacteria play important roles in host–pathogen interactions ranging from interfering with phagocytosis and oxidative burst to iron acquisition. This study shows that the Mtb protein Rv0888 possesses potent sphingomyelinase activity cleaving sphingomyelin, a major lipid in eukaryotic cells, into ceramide and phosphocholine, which are then utilized by Mtb as carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus sources, respectively. An Mtb rv0888 deletion mutant did not grow on sphingomyelin as a sole carbon source anymore and replicated poorly in macrophages indicating that Mtb utilizes sphingomyelin during infection. Rv0888 is an unusual membrane protein with a surface‐exposed C‐terminal sphingomyelinase domain and a putative N‐terminal channel domain that mediated glucose and phosphocholine uptake across the outer membrane in an M. smegmatis porin mutant. Hence, we propose to name Rv0888 as SpmT (sphingomyelinase of Mycobacterium tuberculosis). Erythrocyte membranes contain up to 27% sphingomyelin. The finding that Rv0888 accounts for half of Mtb's hemolytic activity is consistent with its sphingomyelinase activity and the observation that Rv0888 levels are increased in the presence of erythrocytes and sphingomyelin by 5‐ and 100‐fold, respectively. Thus, Rv0888 is a novel outer membrane protein that enables Mtb to utilize sphingomyelin as a source of several essential nutrients during intracellular growth.
Learning the ABC of oral fungal drug resistance
Authors: Cannon R.D. , Holmes A.R. 
Published: June 2015

SummaryATP‐binding cassette (ABC) proteins are ubiquitous in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. They are involved in energy‐dependent transport of molecules across membranes. ABC proteins are often promiscuous transporters that can translocate a variety of substrates. In oral fungi, especially in Candida species, they have been implicated as major contributors to the high‐level azole resistance of clinical isolates from infections that do not respond to drug therapy. Although this is predominantly due to efflux of azoles from the cells, ABC proteins can contribute to fungal drug resistance in other ways as well. Cells in biofilms are notoriously resistant to antifungal agents. ABC proteins can contribute to this resistance through the efflux of drugs. Biofilms are complex communities of myriad microorganisms which, to survive in such a milieu, need to communicate with, and respond to, other microorganisms and their products. ABC proteins are involved in the secretion of fungal mating factors and quorum sensing molecules. These molecules affect biofilm structure and behavior that can result in increased drug resistance. Hence, ABC proteins make multiple contributions to oral fungal drug resistance through a variety of responses to environmental signals.
Resistance to Fusarium crown rot in wheat and barley: a review
Authors: Liu Chunji , Ogbonnaya Francis C. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractFusarium crown rot (FCR) is becoming a major disease in many parts of the cereal‐growing regions worldwide. Significant QTL conferring FCR resistance have been reported on 13 of the 21 possible hexaploid wheat chromosomes in wheat and on three of the seven chromosomes in barley. Available results show that host resistance to FCR is not pathogen species‐specific, that resistance QTL have strong additive effect and that both plant height and growth rate affect FCR severity. Further, different loci seem to be responsible for resistances to FCR and Fusarium head blight although both diseases can be caused by the same Fusarium pathogens. Although marker‐assisted selection for FCR resistance has been initiated, the available markers are all derived from QTL mapping, which provides only limited resolution. Further work has to be conducted in developing diagnostic markers before significant progress can be made in deploying marker‐assisted selection as a routine tool to accelerate and improve FCR in breeding programmes.
Analysis of iron superoxide dismutase‐encoding DNA vaccine on the evolution of the Leishmania amazonensis experimental infection
Authors: Campos B. L. S. , Silva T. N. , Ribeiro S. P. , Carvalho K. I. L. , KallÁs E. G. , Laurenti M. D. , Passero L. F. D. 
Published: June 2015

SummaryThe present work aimed to evaluate the immunogenicity of Leishmania amazonensis iron superoxide dismutase (SOD)‐encoding DNA experimental vaccine and the protective properties of this DNA vaccine during infection. The SOD gene was subcloned into the pVAX1 plasmid, and it was used to immunize BALB/c mice. Twenty‐one days after the last immunization, mice were sacrificed (immunogenicity studies) or subcutaneously challenged with L. amazonensis (studies of protection), and alterations in cellular and humoral immune responses were evaluated, as well as the course of infection. Mice only immunized with pVAX1‐SOD presented increased frequencies of CD4+IFN‐γ+, CD8+IFN‐γ+ and CD8+IL‐4+ lymphocytes; moreover, high levels of IgG2a were detected. After challenge, mice that were immunized with pVAX1‐SOD had increased frequencies of the CD4+IL‐4+, CD8+IFN‐γ+ and CD8+IL‐4+ T lymphocytes. In addition, the lymph node cells produced high amounts of IFN‐γ and IL‐4 cytokines. Increased IgG2a was also detected. The pattern of immunity induced by pVAX1‐SOD partially protected the BALB/c mice from a challenge with L. amazonensis, as the animals presented reduced parasitism and lesion size when compared to controls. Taken together, these results indicate that leishmanial SOD modulates the lymphocyte response, and that the elevation in IFN‐γ possibly accounted for the decreased skin parasitism observed in immunized animals.
Gender disparities in German home‐care arrangements
Authors: Dorin Lena , Krupa Elzbieta , Metzing Sabine , Büscher Andreas 
Published: June 2015

An ageing population correlates with rising needs for long‐term care (LTC). Support programmes should consider the specific needs of the various subgroups of care dependents and family caregivers. The objective of this study was to analyse the gender‐specific disparities in home‐care arrangements in Germany, and for this purpose, survey and insurance claims data were used. A survey of 2545 insured care recipients with high‐level care needs was conducted in 2012 with the Barmer GEK, a major German statutory healthcare insurance. Insurance claims data were provided for a follow‐up, focussing on the group aged 60 years and older. For statistical comparison, chi‐squared test and t‐tests were used, and a p‐value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Most care recipients are female, and they are on average 2 years older than males. Men receive family care mostly from their wives, whereas widows frequently live alone and receive care from daughters, sons, other relatives, neighbours and friends, as well as from professional nursing services. Furthermore, women more often anticipate the need for (further) professional assistance and move in with a relative or to an assisted living facility or a nursing home in good time. The desired rate for relocation to a nursing home was higher than the anticipated, and during the 6‐month follow‐up, the actual rate of relocations was in between both. In summary, the caring situation of men and women is different. Care‐receiving men are most often cared for by their wives. Widowed women need a social network and their children in order to remain in their own home. To provide better home‐care arrangements for women in this situation, the family and social networks need a stronger focus in politics and research. To stabilise the home‐care situation of men with high‐level care needs, their wives need more support.
Patients’ perceptions of participation in nursing care on medical wards
Authors: Tobiano Georgia , Bucknall Tracey , Marshall Andrea , Guinane Jessica , Chaboyer Wendy 
Published: June 2015

BackgroundPatient participation benefits the patient and is a core concept of patient‐centred care. Patients believe in their ability to prevent errors; thus, they may play a vital role in combating adverse event rates in hospitals.Aims and objectivesTo explore hospitalised medical patients’ perceptions of participating in nursing care, including the barriers and facilitators for this activity.Research methodsThis interpretive study was conducted on four medical wards, in two hospitals. Purposeful maximum variation sampling was operationalised to recruit patients that differed in areas such as age, gender and mobility status. In‐depth semi‐structured audiotaped interviews were undertaken and analysed using inductive content analysis.ResultsTwenty patients participated in the study. Four categories were uncovered in the data. First, valuing participation showed patients’ willingness to participate, viewing it as a worthwhile task. Second, exchanging intelligence was a way of participating where patients’ knowledge was built and shared with health professionals. Third, on the lookout was a type of participation where patients monitored their care, showing an attentive approach towards their own safety. Fourth, power imbalance was characterised by patients feeling their opportunities for participation were restricted.ConclusionsPatients were motivated to participate and valued participation. Cultivating this motivation may be crucial to patient empowerment and practices of safety monitoring, a fundamental strategy to addressing patient safety issues in hospitals. Engaging nurse–patient relationships, inclusive of knowledge sharing, is required in practice to empower patients to participate. Educating patients on the consequences of non‐participation may motivate them, while nurses may benefit from training on patient‐centred approaches. Future research should address ways to increase patient motivation and opportunities to participate.
Repression as a Double‐edged Sword: Resilient Monarchs, Repression and Revolution in the Arab World
Authors: Bischof Daniel , Fink Simon 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThe Arab world shows a puzzling variation of political violence. The region's monarchies often remain quiet, while other autocracies witness major upheaval. Institutional explanations of this variation suggest that monarchical rule solves the ruler's credible commitment problems and prevents elite splits. This article argues that institutional explanations neglect the role of repression: increasing the scope of repression raises the costs of rebellion and deters rebels. However, the deterrence effect disappears if repression is used indiscriminately. If remaining peaceful offers no benefits, repression creates new rebels instead of deterring them. A time‐series‐cross‐section analysis of repression and political violence in the Middle East and North Africa corroborates our argument and shows the u‐curve relation between repression and violence. Once we control for repression, monarchies have no special effect anymore. Thus, our article addresses the discussion about monarchical exceptionalism, and offers an explanation why repression deters as well as incites political violence.
A Japanese single‐hospital observational trial with a retrospective case‐control analysis of varicella zoster virus reactivation after autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation
Authors: Mawatari M. , Isoda A. , Miyazawa Y. , Sawamura M. , Matsumoto M. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractBackgroundVaricella zoster virus (VZV) reactivation following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (SCT) is common. To help reduce its incidence and to identify predictive factors for VZV reactivation after autologous SCT (auto‐SCT), we conducted a retrospective analysis in patients with hematologic malignancy at our hospital.MethodsWe conducted a single‐hospital observational trial with a retrospective case‐control analysis of post‐auto‐SCT VZV reactivation in patients with malignant lymphoma (ML) and multiple myeloma (MM) between January 2001 and December 2010, in the Department of Hematology at our hospital. First, we analyzed the cumulative incidence of VZV reactivation during the post‐SCT period. Second, we conducted a case‐control analysis to identify the risk factors for VZV reactivation within 1 year after SCT. Univariate analyses were performed using Fisher's exact test for categorical variables. A multivariable model and logistic regression were used to assess the risk factors for VZV reactivation.ResultsWe included 97 patients in this study. The median duration of follow‐up was 1027 days. Forty‐two patients experienced VZV reactivation after SCT, while 29 (69.0%) experienced reactivation within 1 year after SCT. The cumulative incidence was 30.7% at 1 year and 51.2% for the total observation period. Multivariate analysis showed that engraftment after day 10 was an independent risk factor for VZV reactivation (P = 0.03).ConclusionsOur study showed a high incidence of VZV reactivation in the first year after auto‐SCT in ML and MM patients. Patients with delayed engraftment are at high risk for VZV reactivation and should be considered for prolonged VZV prophylaxis.
Repetitive Manual Acupuncture Increases Markers of Innate Immunity in Mice Subjected to Restraint Stress
Authors: Watanabe Mayumi , Kainuma Eisuke , Tomiyama Chikako 
Published: June 2015

Objective To study the effects of repetitive manual acupuncture treatment on acute stress in mice and to explore its impact on the immune system. Methods Thirty-six mice were randomly allocated to one of four groups: control, acupuncture, stress and acupuncture+stress (n=9 each). Mice in the two acupuncture groups were given daily acupuncture treatment superficially (to skin depth) at CV6, CV12 and bilateral ST25, LR14, GB20, GB21, BL10, BL11, BL13, BL14, BL19, BL23 and BL25 for 7 days. On the eighth day mice in the stress and acupuncture+stress groups were exposed to acute stress for 2 h by confinement in a 50 mL centrifuge tube. Body temperature, blood glucose, the number and subpopulation ratios of leucocytes in the liver, spleen and thymus, natural killer (NK) cell percentage cytotoxicity and serum corticosterone and interferon gamma IFNγ were quantified. Results Mice exposed to stress (irrespective of acupuncture treatment) exhibited hypothermia and hyperglycaemia. However, the increase in glucose level was mitigated by repetitive acupuncture treatment (p<0.05). Percentage cytotoxicity and the level of corticosterone were significantly increased after stress but were unaffected by acupuncture. IFNγ levels did not differ between the groups. Hepatic innate immunity in the liver appeared to be stimulated by repetitive acupuncture treatment as proportions of extrathymic T cells, NK cells and NKT cells in the liver were greatest in the acupuncture+stress group and significantly increased relative to the control group. Conclusions Repetitive manual acupuncture mitigated stress-induced hyperglycaemia and enhanced markers of innate immunity in the liver within the range of normal homoeostasis. As long as acupuncture stimuli were appropriately applied, they did not appear to be stressful to the mice.
Economic evaluation favours physiotherapy but not corticosteroid injection as a first-line intervention for chronic lateral epicondylalgia: evidence from a randomised clinical trial
Authors: Coombes Brooke K , Connelly Luke , Bisset Leanne , Vicenzino Bill 
Published: June 2015

AimTo determine the cost-effectiveness of corticosteroid injection, physiotherapy and a combination of these interventions, compared to a reference group receiving a blinded placebo injection.Methods165 adults with unilateral lateral epicondylalgia of longer than 6 weeks duration from Brisbane, Australia, were randomised for concealed allocation to saline injection (placebo), corticosteroid injection, saline injection plus physiotherapy (eight sessions of elbow manipulation and exercise) or corticosteroid injection plus physiotherapy. Costs to society and health-related quality of life (estimated by EuroQol-5D) over the 1 year follow-up were used to generate incremental cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) ratios for each intervention relative to placebo.ResultsIntention-to-treat analysis was possible for 154 (93%) of trial participants. Physiotherapy was more costly, but was the only intervention that produced a statistically significant improvement in quality of life relative to placebo (MD, 95% CI 0.035, 0.003 to 0.068). Similar cost/QALY ratios were found for physiotherapy ($A29 343; GBP18 962) and corticosteroid injection ($A31 750; GBP20 518); however, the probability of being more cost-effective than placebo at values above $A50 000 per quality-adjusted life year was 81% for physiotherapy and 53% for corticosteroid injection. Cost/QALY was far greater for a combination of corticosteroid injection and physiotherapy ($A228 000; GBP147 340).SummaryPhysiotherapy was a cost-effective treatment for lateral epicondylalgia. Corticosteroid injection was associated with greater variability, and a lower probability of being cost-effective if a willingness to pay threshold of $A50 000 is assumed. A combination of corticosteroid injection and physiotherapy was ineffective and cost-ineffective. Physiotherapy, not corticosteroid injection, should be considered as a first-line intervention for lateral epicondylalgia.Trial registration numberanzctr.org Trial identifier: ACTRN12609000051246.
Trends in dietary cholesterol intake among Chinese adults: a longitudinal study from the China Health and Nutrition Survey, 1991–2011
Authors: Su Chang , Jia Xiaofang , Wang Zhihong , Wang Huijun , Zhang Bing 
Published: June 2015

ObjectivesDietary cholesterol is the leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease and other chronic diseases. Changes in dietary patterns in China recently might have an impact on the trends of diet-related risk factors of chronic diseases. This study aims to monitor the changes in daily cholesterol intake and its food sources in Chinese adults.DesignA longitudinal study using demographic and dietary data of adults younger than 60 years from eight waves (1991–2011) of the China Health and Nutrition Surveys was conducted. Mixed-effect models were used in this study.SettingThe data were derived from urban and rural communities in nine provinces (autonomous regions) in China.ParticipantsThere were 21 273 participants (10 091 males and 11 182 females) in this study.OutcomesThe major outcome is daily cholesterol intake amount, which was calculated by using the Chinese Food Composition Table, based on dietary data.ResultsThe mean daily cholesterol intake in Chinese adults increased from 165.8 mg/day in 1991 to 266.3 mg/day in 2011. Cholesterol consumed by participants in different age (18–39 and 40–59 years), sex and urbanisation groups steadily elevated over time (p<0.0001), as did the proportions of participants with greater than 300 mg/day cholesterol consumption. In each subgroup, cholesterol originating from most of the food groups showed increasing trends over time (p<0.0001), except for animal fat and organ meats. Eggs, pork, fish and shellfish in that order remained the top three sources in 1991, 2000 and 2011, whereas milks were a negligible contributor. Cholesterol from animal fat declined and was insignificant in 2011 in most of the subgroups, while cholesterol being of poultry origin increased and became considerable in 2011.ConclusionsAdults in China consumed increasingly high cholesterol and deviated from the recommended intake level over the past two decades. Adults need to pay more attention to intakes of eggs, pork, fish and shellfish.
Association between Body Mass Index and Mortality for Colorectal Cancer Survivors: Overall and by Tumor Molecular Phenotype
Authors: Campbell Peter T. , Newton Christina C. , Newcomb Polly A. , Phipps Amanda I. , Ahnen Dennis J. , Baron John A. , Buchanan Daniel D. , Casey Graham , Cleary Sean P. , Cotterchio Michelle , Farris Alton B. , Figueiredo Jane C. , Gallinger Steven , Green Roger C. , Haile Robert W. , Hopper John L. , Jenkins Mark A. , Le Marchand Loïc , Makar Karen W. , McLaughlin John R. , Potter John D. , Renehan Andrew G. , Sinicrope Frank A. , Thibodeau Stephen N. , Ulrich Cornelia M. , Win Aung Ko , Lindor Noralane M. , Limburg Paul J. 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
Background: Microsatellite instability (MSI) and BRAF mutation status are associated with colorectal cancer survival, whereas the role of body mass index (BMI) is less clear. We evaluated the association between BMI and colorectal cancer survival, overall and by strata of MSI, BRAF mutation, sex, and other factors.
Methods: This study included 5,615 men and women diagnosed with invasive colorectal cancer who were followed for mortality (maximum: 14.7 years; mean: 5.9 years). Prediagnosis BMI was derived from self-reported weight approximately one year before diagnosis and height. Tumor MSI and BRAF mutation status were available for 4,131 and 4,414 persons, respectively. Multivariable hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated from delayed-entry Cox proportional hazards models.
Results: In multivariable models, high prediagnosis BMI was associated with higher risk of all-cause mortality in both sexes (per 5-kg/m2; HR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.06–1.15), with similar associations stratified by sex (Pinteraction: 0.41), colon versus rectum (Pinteraction: 0.86), MSI status (Pinteraction: 0.84), and BRAF mutation status (Pinteraction: 0.28). In joint models, with MS-stable/MSI-low and normal BMI as the reference group, risk of death was higher for MS-stable/MSI-low and obese BMI (HR, 1.32; P value: 0.0002), not statistically significantly lower for MSI-high and normal BMI (HR, 0.86; P value: 0.29), and approximately the same for MSI-high and obese BMI (HR, 1.00; P value: 0.98).
Conclusions: High prediagnosis BMI was associated with increased mortality; this association was consistent across participant subgroups, including strata of tumor molecular phenotype.
Impact: High BMI may attenuate the survival benefit otherwise observed with MSI-high tumors. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 24(8); 1229–38. ©2015 AACR.