bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Growth factor therapy in patients with partial‐thickness burns: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang Yi , Wang Tao , He Jinguang , Dong Jiasheng 
Published: July 2014

AbstractGrowth factor (GF) therapy has shown promise in treating a variety of refractory wounds. However, evidence supporting its routine use in burn injury remains uncertain. We performed this systematic review and meta‐analysis assessing randomised controlled trials (RCTs) to investigate efficacy and safety of GFs in the management of partial‐thickness burns. Electronic searches were conducted in PubMed and the Cochrane databases. Endpoint results analysed included wound healing and scar formation. Thirteen studies comprising a total of 1924 participants with 2130 wounds (1131 GF receiving patients versus 999 controls) were identified and included, evaluating the effect of fibroblast growth factor (FGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF) and granulocyte macrophage‐colony stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) on partial‐thickness burns. Topical application of these agents significantly reduced healing time by 5·02 (95% confidence interval, 2·62 to 7·42), 3·12 (95% CI, 1·11 to 5·13) and 5·1 (95% CI, 4·02 to 6·18) days, respectively, compared with standard wound care alone. In addition, scar improvement following therapy with FGF and EGF was evident in terms of pigmentation, pliability, height and vascularity. No significant increase in adverse events was observed in patients receiving GFs. These results suggested that GF therapy could be an effective and safe add‐on to standard wound care for partial‐thickness burns. High‐quality, adequately powered trials are needed to further confirm the conclusion.
Piezoelectric Ceramics for Use in Multilayer Actuators and Energy Harvesters
Authors: Hur Joon , Seo In‐Tae , Kim Dae‐Hyeon , Nahm Sahn , Ryu Jungho , Han Seung Ho , Kang Chong‐Yun , Yoon Seok‐Jin 
Published: July 2014

Microstructural and piezoelectric properties of 0.72Pb(Zr1−xTix)–0.28Pb(Zn0.4Ni0.6)1/3Nb2/3O3 (PZ1−xTx‐PZNN) ceramics with 0.50 ≤ x ≤ 0.55 were investigated for evaluating the possibility of their use in multilayer actuators and energy harvesters, which demand a large piezoelectric strain constant (d33) and a small dielectric constant (εT33/εo). The PZ0.47T0.53‐PZNN ceramic with a morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) composition showed large d33 and εT33/εo values, making it unsuitable for use in multilayer actuators and energy harvesters. However, the PZ0.48T0.52‐PZNN ceramic with a rhombohedral structure showed a small εT33/εo value of 1605, yet maintained a large d33 of 550 pC/N. Thermal stimulation did not have any significant effect on the piezoelectric properties of this specimen, except for a slight increase in the εT33/εo value upon heating the specimen at 150°C for 4 h. In an effort to reduce the sintering temperature, CuO was used as an additive for the ceramic. As a result, the CuO‐added PZ0.48T0.52‐PZNN ceramic was well sintered at 900°C. In particular, the 1.0 mol% CuO‐added PZ0.48T0.52‐PZNN ceramic exhibited a large d33 value of 554 pC/N and a small εT33/εo value of 1620, making it highly suitable for use in multilayer actuators and energy harvesters.
Treatment mechanism in the MRC preschool autism communication trial: implications for study design and parent‐focussed therapy for children
Authors: Pickles Andrew , Harris Victoria , Green Jonathan , Aldred Catherine , McConachie Helen , Slonims Vicky , Le Couteur Ann , Hudry Kristelle , Charman Tony ,   the PACT Consortium
Published: July 2014

BackgroundThe PACT randomised‐controlled trial evaluated a parent‐mediated communication‐focused treatment for children with autism, intended to reduce symptom severity as measured by a modified Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule‐Generic (ADOS‐G) algorithm score. The therapy targeted parental behaviour, with no direct interaction between therapist and child. While nonsignificant group differences were found on ADOS‐G score, significant group differences were found for both parent and child intermediate outcomes. This study aimed to better understand the mechanism by which the PACT treatment influenced changes in child behaviour though the targeted parent behaviour.MethodsMediation analysis was used to assess the direct and indirect effects of treatment via parent behaviour on child behaviour and via child behaviour on ADOS‐G score. Alternative mediation was explored to study whether the treatment effect acted as hypothesised or via another plausible pathway. Mediation models typically assume no unobserved confounding between mediator and outcome and no measurement error in the mediator. We show how to better exploit the information often available within a trial to begin to address these issues, examining scope for instrumental variable and measurement error models.ResultsEstimates of mediation changed substantially when account was taken of the confounder effects of the baseline value of the mediator and of measurement error. Our best estimates that accounted for both suggested that the treatment effect on the ADOS‐G score was very substantially mediated by parent synchrony and child initiations.ConclusionsThe results highlighted the value of repeated measurement of mediators during trials. The theoretical model underlying the PACT treatment was supported. However, the substantial fall‐off in treatment effect highlighted both the need for additional data and for additional target behaviours for therapy.
An exploration of the practice of restricting a child's movement in hospital: a factorial survey
Authors: Brenner Maria , Drennan Jonathan , Treacy Margaret Pearl , Fealy Gerard M 
Published: July 2014

Aims and objectivesTo identify the reported predictors of the practice of restricting a child for a clinical procedure in hospital.BackgroundPrevious work in this area is dominated by discussion papers and suggestions for addressing the issue of restriction. This is the first study to explore reported predictors of this practice with a view to implementing change based on research findings.DesignA factorial survey was developed, which incorporated the use of vignettes with various scenarios. The factorial design enabled exploration of the interaction of multiple factors on the practice of restriction.MethodsOne hundred and sixty‐six nurses caring for children were each sent 10 vignettes and asked to rate their likelihood to restrict a child based on the vignettes. A total of 105 nurses responded to the survey, representing a response rate of 63%. Hierarchical linear regression was used to identify reported predictors of restriction.ResultsNurses were more likely to restrict a child if they had prior instruction on safe holding, if there was no play therapist available, if the nurse was a registered general nurse with no other registration qualification, if the child required cannulation or if the child was less than five years of age.ConclusionThis study identified predictors of restriction from the perspective of practicing nurses; the evidence needs to be used in developing clinical guidelines and in multidisciplinary education.Relevance to clinical practiceThere is a need to move from any presumption of restriction towards more critical consideration of the individual requirements of the child. There is a need to increase the numbers of nurses receiving specialist training on the care of a child in hospital. The importance of a well‐resourced play therapy service is supported, and there is a need for multidisciplinary work to explore alternatives to restriction.
RAPSTROM™ First‐in‐Man Study Long‐Term Results of a Biodegradable Polymer Sustained‐Release Sirolimus‐Eluting Stent in De Novo Coronary Stenoses
Authors: KUMAR PRATHAP , PILLAI RAMAKRISHNA , SREEDHARAN MADHU , DAVIDSON DEEPAK , MANJUNATH C.N. , FISCHER LOUIE , BALAKRISHNAN K.P. , D'ASCENZO FABRIZIO , SHEIBAN IMAD 
Published: July 2014

BackgroundDurable polymers used for first‐generation drug‐eluting stents (DES) potentially contribute to persistent inflammation and late DES thrombosis. We report the first real‐life human experience with the rapamycin‐eluting biodegradable polymer‐coated Rapstrom stent.MethodsAll consecutive patients with single de novo native coronary stenosis (<30 mm and between 2.5 and 4.0 mm) were enrolled. Major adverse cardiac events (MACE) at 1 year (cardiac death, myocardial infarction [Q and non‐Q], or ischemia‐driven target lesion revascularization) were the primary end‐point.ResultsA total of 123 patients were enrolled. The stent was implanted without complications in all patients, and no MACE were recorded at 30 days. At 12‐month follow‐up 9 patients (7.3%) experienced a MACE and 4 (3.2%) required a target lesion revascularization, while 1 (1%) stent thrombosis was recorded. A planned angiographic follow‐up (FU) was performed in 73 patients (59%) at 9.4 ± 2.6 months following the index procedure. In‐stent late loss was 0.16 ± 0.09 mm, and in‐segment late loss was 0.18 ± 0.8 mm.ConclusionThe Rapstrom biodegradable polymer rapamycin‐eluting stent appeared safe and efficacious in this first real‐life human experience, due to a low late lumen loss. Larger randomized studies are required to confirm these preliminary results. (J Interven Cardiol 2014;27:373–380)
The Impact of Insurance Instability on Health Service Utilization: Does Non‐metropolitan Residence Make a Difference?
Authors: Fields Bronwyn E. , Bell Janice F. , Moyce Sally , Bigbee Jeri L. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractPurposeDiscontinuous and no health insurance are major barriers to health care utilization. This paper examines if nonmetropolitan versus metropolitan residence is associated with differences in health care utilization in the face of insurance instability.MethodsA cross‐sectional analysis of adults aged 18‐64 years was conducted using the 2006‐2010 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey data set (N = 61,039). Negative binomial regression was used to model measures of health service utilization (emergency room [ER] visits, inpatient discharges, office‐based visits, dental care visits, prescriptions filled, home health visits) as functions of insurance continuity, adjusted for sociodemographic and health‐related covariates. Models were stratified by metropolitan versus nonmetropolitan residence.FindingsHealth insurance continuity was significantly associated with several measures of health service utilization, including more ER visits for individuals with gaps in health insurance (IRR [incident risk ratio] = 1.29; 95% CI: 1.16‐1.42) and fewer inpatient discharges for individuals without insurance (IRR = 0.50; 95% CI: 0.43‐0.57) when compared with individuals with continuous insurance. Individuals who were discontinuously insured or uninsured had significantly fewer office‐based visits. They also had significantly fewer dental visits, prescription fills, and home health visits; moreover, the magnitudes of these associations were generally significantly greater for residents of nonmetropolitan areas.ConclusionsInsurance instability is associated with higher use of emergency services and reduced use of nonhospital health care services. Residents of nonmetropolitan areas with unstable or no insurance coverage may be at particular risk for reduced access and use of some health services relative to their counterparts living in metropolitan areas.
Polymorphisms in oxidative stress pathway genes and risk of diabetic nephropathy in South Indian type 2 diabetic patients
Authors: Narne Parimala , Ponnaluri Kamakshi Chaithri , Siraj Mohammed , Ishaq Mohammed 
Published: July 2014

AbstractAimDiabetic nephropathy (DN), a common microvascular complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is polygenic, with a vast array of genes contributing to disease susceptibility. Accordingly, we explored the association between DN and six polymorphisms in oxidative stress related genes, namely eNOS, p22phox subunit of NAD(P)H oxidase, PARP‐1 and XRCC1 in South Indian T2DM subjects.MethodsThe study included 155 T2DM subjects with DN and 162 T2DM patients with no evidence of DN. The selected polymorphisms were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction and Taqman allele discrimination assay.ResultsNo significant difference was observed in the genotype and allele distribution of eNOS −786T>C, intron 4a4b, p22phox 242C>T and XRCC1 Arg399Gln polymorphisms between T2DM groups with and without DN. Contrastingly, there appeared to be a significant association of eNOS 894G>T and PARP‐1 Val762Ala polymorphisms with DN wherein, the presence of 894T allele was associated with an enhanced risk for DN [P = 0.005; OR = 1.78 (1.17–2.7)], while the 762Ala allele seemed to confer significant protection against DN [P = 0.02; OR = 0.59 (0.37–0.92)]. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed a significant and independent association of eNOS 894G>T, PARP‐1 Val762Ala polymorphisms and hypertension with DN in T2DM individuals.ConclusionseNOS 894G>T and PARP‐1 Val762Ala polymorphisms appeared to associate significantly with DN, with the former contributing to an enhanced risk and the latter to a reduced susceptibility to DN in South Indian T2DM individuals.
Bacillaene and Sporulation Protect Bacillus subtilis from Predation by Myxococcus xanthus
Authors: Müller Susanne , Strack Sarah N. , Hoefler B. Christopher , Straight Paul D. , Kearns Daniel B. , Kirby John R. 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACT

Myxococcus xanthus
and
Bacillus subtilis
are common soil-dwelling bacteria that produce a wide range of secondary metabolites and sporulate under nutrient-limiting conditions. Both organisms affect the composition and dynamics of microbial communities in the soil. However,
M. xanthus
is known to be a predator, while
B. subtilis
is not. A screen of various prey led to the finding that
M. xanthus
is capable of consuming laboratory strains of
B. subtilis
, while the ancestral strain, NCIB3610, was resistant to predation. Based in part on recent characterization of several strains of
B. subtilis
, we were able to determine that the
pks
gene cluster, which is required for production of bacillaene, is the major factor allowing
B. subtilis
NCIB3610 cells to resist predation by
M. xanthus
. Furthermore, purified bacillaene was added exogenously to domesticated strains, resulting in resistance to predation. Lastly, we found that
M. xanthus
is incapable of consuming
B. subtilis
spores even from laboratory strains, indicating the evolutionary fitness of sporulation as a survival strategy. Together, the results suggest that bacillaene inhibits
M. xanthus
predation, allowing sufficient time for development of
B. subtilis
spores.
Quality Control of Plasma Membrane Proteins by Saccharomyces cerevisiae Nedd4-Like Ubiquitin Ligase Rsp5p under Environmental Stress Conditions
Authors: Shiga Takeki , Yoshida Nobuyuki , Shimizu Yuko , Suzuki Etsuko , Sasaki Toshiya , Watanabe Daisuke , Takagi Hiroshi 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACT

In
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
, when a rich nitrogen source such as ammonium is added to the culture medium, the general amino acid permease Gap1p is ubiquitinated by the yeast Nedd4-like ubiquitin ligase Rsp5p, followed by its endocytosis to the vacuole. The arrestin-like Bul1/2p adaptors for Rsp5p specifically mediate this process. In this study, to investigate the downregulation of Gap1p in response to environmental stresses, we determined the intracellular trafficking of Gap1p under various stress conditions. An increase in the extracellular ethanol concentration induced ubiquitination and trafficking of Gap1p from the plasma membrane to the vacuole in wild-type cells, whereas Gap1p remained stable on the plasma membrane under the same conditions in
rsp5
A401E
and Δ
end3
cells. A
14
C-labeled citrulline uptake assay using a nonubiquitinated form of Gap1p (Gap1p
K9R/K16R
) revealed that ethanol stress caused a dramatic decrease of Gap1p activity. These results suggest that Gap1p is inactivated and ubiquitinated by Rsp5p for endocytosis when
S. cerevisiae
cells are exposed to a high concentration of ethanol. It is noteworthy that this endocytosis occurs in a Bul1/2p-independent manner, whereas ammonium-triggered downregulation of Gap1p was almost completely inhibited in Δ
bul1/2
cells. We also found that other environmental stresses, such as high temperature, H
2
O
2
, and LiCl, also promoted endocytosis of Gap1p. Similar intracellular trafficking caused by ethanol occurred in other plasma membrane proteins (Agp1p, Tat2p, and Gnp1p). Our findings suggest that stress-induced quality control is a common process requiring Rsp5p for plasma membrane proteins in yeast.
In Vivo
Expression of Streptococcus pyogenes Immunogenic Proteins during Tibial Foreign Body Infection
Authors: Freiberg Jeffrey A. , McIver Kevin S. , Shirtliff Mark E. 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACT

Group A streptococcus (GAS) is an important human pathogen that causes a number of diseases with a wide range of severities. While all known strains of GAS are still sensitive to penicillin, there have been reports of antibiotic treatment failure in as many as 20% to 40% of cases. Biofilm formation has been implicated as a possible cause for these failures. A biofilm is a microbially derived, sessile community where cells grow attached to a surface or as a bacterial conglomerate and surrounded by a complex extracellular matrix. While the ability of group A streptococcus to form biofilms in the laboratory has been shown, there is a lack of understanding of the role of GAS biofilms during an infection. We hypothesized that during infections, GAS exhibits a biofilm phenotype, complete with unique protein expression. To test this hypothesis, a rabbit model of GAS osteomyelitis was developed. A rabbit was inoculated with GAS using an infected indwelling device. Following the infection, blood and tissue samples were collected. Histological samples of the infected tibia were prepared, and the formation of a biofilm
in vivo
was visualized using peptide nucleic acid fluorescent
in situ
hybridization (PNA-FISH) and confocal microscopy. In addition, Western blotting with convalescent rabbit serum detected cell wall proteins expressed
in vitro
under biofilm and planktonic growth conditions. Immunogenic proteins were then identified using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight tandem mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/TOF MS). These identities, along with the
in vivo
results, support the hypothesis that GAS forms biofilms during an infection. This unique phenotype should be taken into consideration when designing a vaccine or any other treatment for group A streptococcus infections.
The RimL Transacetylase Provides Resistance to Translation Inhibitor Microcin C
Authors: Kazakov Teymur , Kuznedelov Konstantin , Semenova Ekaterina , Mukhamedyarov Damir , Datsenko Kirill A. , Metlitskaya Anastasija , Vondenhoff Gaston H. , Tikhonov Anton , Agarwal Vinayak , Nair Satish , Van Aerschot Arthur , Severinov Konstantin 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACT

Peptide-nucleotide antibiotic microcin C (McC) is produced by some
Escherichia coli
strains. Inside a sensitive cell, McC is processed, releasing a nonhydrolyzable analog of aspartyl-adenylate, which inhibits aspartyl-tRNA synthetase. The product of
mccE
, a gene from the plasmid-borne McC biosynthetic cluster, acetylates processed McC, converting it into a nontoxic compound. MccE is homologous to chromosomally encoded acetyltransferases RimI, RimJ, and RimL, which acetylate, correspondingly, the N termini of ribosomal proteins S18, S5, and L12. Here, we show that
E. coli
RimL, but not other Rim acetyltransferases, provides a basal level of resistance to McC and various toxic nonhydrolyzable aminoacyl adenylates. RimL acts by acetylating processed McC, which along with ribosomal protein L12 should be considered a natural RimL substrate. When overproduced, RimL also makes cells resistant to albomycin, an antibiotic that upon intracellular processing gives rise to a seryl-thioribosyl pyrimidine that targets seryl-tRNA synthetase. We further show that
E. coli
YhhY, a protein related to Rim acetyltransferases but without a known function, is also able to detoxify several nonhydrolyzable aminoacyl adenylates but not processed McC. We propose that RimL and YhhY protect bacteria from various toxic aminoacyl nucleotides, either exogenous or those generated inside the cell during normal metabolism.
Identification of a Unique Radical
S
-Adenosylmethionine Methylase Likely Involved in Methanopterin Biosynthesis in Methanocaldococcus jannaschii
Authors: Allen Kylie D. , Xu Huimin , White Robert H. 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACT

Methanopterin (MPT) and its analogs are coenzymes required for methanogenesis and methylotrophy in specialized microorganisms. The methyl groups at C-7 and C-9 of the pterin ring distinguish MPT from all other pterin-containing natural products. However, the enzyme(s) responsible for the addition of these methyl groups has yet to be identified. Here we demonstrate that a putative radical
S
-adenosyl-
l
-methionine (SAM) enzyme superfamily member encoded by the MJ0619 gene in the methanogen
Methanocaldococcus jannaschii
is likely this missing methylase. When MJ0619 was heterologously expressed in
Escherichia coli
, various methylated pterins were detected, consistent with MJ0619 catalyzing methylation at C-7 and C-9 of 7,8-dihydro-6-hydroxymethylpterin, a common intermediate in both folate and MPT biosynthesis. Site-directed mutagenesis of Cys77 present in the first of two canonical radical SAM CX
3
CX
2
C motifs present in MJ0619 did not inhibit C-7 methylation, while mutation of Cys102, found in the other radical SAM amino acid motif, resulted in the loss of C-7 methylation, suggesting that the first motif could be involved in C-9 methylation, while the second motif is required for C-7 methylation. Further experiments demonstrated that the C-7 methyl group is not derived from methionine and that methylation does not require cobalamin. When
E. coli
cells expressing MJ0619 were grown with deuterium-labeled acetate as the sole carbon source, the resulting methyl group on the pterin was predominantly labeled with three deuteriums. Based on these results, we propose that this archaeal radical SAM methylase employs a previously uncharacterized mechanism for methylation, using methylenetetrahydrofolate as a methyl group donor.
Endogenous Synthesis of 2-Aminoacrylate Contributes to Cysteine Sensitivity in Salmonella enterica
Authors: Ernst Dustin C. , Lambrecht Jennifer A. , Schomer Rebecca A. , Downs Diana M. 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACT

RidA, the archetype member of the widely conserved RidA/YER057c/UK114 family of proteins, prevents reactive enamine/imine intermediates from accumulating in
Salmonella enterica
by catalyzing their hydrolysis to stable keto acid products. In the absence of RidA, endogenous 2-aminoacrylate persists in the cellular environment long enough to damage a growing list of essential metabolic enzymes. Prior studies have focused on the dehydration of serine by the pyridoxal 5′-phosphate (PLP)-dependent serine/threonine dehydratases, IlvA and TdcB, as sources of endogenous 2-aminoacrylate. The current study describes an additional source of endogenous 2-aminoacrylate derived from cysteine. The results of
in vivo
analysis show that the cysteine sensitivity of a
ridA
strain is contingent upon CdsH, the predominant cysteine desulfhydrase in
S. enterica
. The impact of cysteine on 2-aminoacrylate accumulation is shown to be unaffected by the presence of serine/threonine dehydratases, revealing another mechanism of endogenous 2-aminoacrylate production. Experiments
in vitro
suggest that 2-aminoacrylate is released from CdsH following cysteine desulfhydration, resulting in an unbound aminoacrylate substrate for RidA. This work expands our understanding of the role played by RidA in preventing enamine stress resulting from multiple normal metabolic processes.