bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pseudomonas aeruginosa Outer Membrane Vesicles Modulate Host Immune Responses by Targeting the Toll-Like Receptor 4 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zhao Kelei , Deng Xin , He Chuan , Yue Bisong , Wu Min 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACT

Bacteria can naturally secrete outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) as pathogenic factors, while these vesicles may also serve as immunologic regulators if appropriately prepared. However, it is largely unknown whether
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
OMVs can activate inflammatory responses and whether immunization with OMVs can provide immune protection against subsequent infection. We purified and identified OMVs, which were then used to infect lung epithelial cells
in vitro
as well as C57BL/6J mice to investigate the immune response and the underlying signaling pathway. The results showed that OMVs generated from
P. aeruginosa
wild-type strain PAO1 were more cytotoxic to alveolar epithelial cells than those from quorum-sensing (QS)-deficient strain PAO1-Δ
lasR
. The levels of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-6, increased following OMV infection. Compared with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), lysed OMVs in which the membrane structures were broken induced a weak immune response. Furthermore, expression levels of TLR4-mediated responders (i.e., cytokines) were markedly downregulated by the TLR4 inhibitor E5564. Active immunization with OMVs or passive transfer of sera with a high cytokine quantity acquired from OMV-immunized mice could protect healthy mice against subsequent lethal PAO1 challenges (1.5 × 10
11
CFU). Collectively, these findings indicate that naturally secreted
P. aeruginosa
OMVs may trigger significant inflammatory responses via the TLR4 signaling pathway and protect mice against pseudomonal lung infection.
FCs-EK: a new sampling of the Fish Canyon Tuff
40
Ar/
39
Ar neutron flux monitor
Authors: Morgan L. E. , Mark D. F. , Imlach J. , Barfod D. , Dymock R. 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Sanidine from the Fish Canyon Tuff is regularly used as a neutron flux monitor by
40
Ar/
39
Ar geochronologists. A new sampling of the Fish Canyon Tuff (denoted FCs-EK) has yielded sanidine that relative to FC-2 is confirmed here to have an
R
value of 0.9997±0.0100, which is indistinguishable from 1. The new sample will allow for continuity as many
40
Ar/
39
Ar laboratories have exhausted their supplies of FC-2. FCs-EK is now available in significant quantities from the Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre.

Supplementary material:

A table of Ar isotopic data is available at
http://www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18632
.
Management and Outcomes of Major Bleeding During Treatment With Dabigatran or Warfarin
Authors: Majeed Ammar , Hwang Hun-Gyu , Connolly Stuart J. , Eikelboom John W. , Ezekowitz Michael D. , Wallentin Lars , Brueckmann Martina , Fraessdorf Mandy , Yusuf Salim , Schulman Sam 
Published: October 2013

Background—
The aim of this study was to compare the management and prognosis of major bleeding in patients treated with dabigatran or warfarin.

Methods and Results—

Two independent investigators reviewed bleeding reports from 1034 individuals with 1121 major bleeds enrolled in 5 phase III trials comparing dabigatran with warfarin in 27 419 patients treated for 6 to 36 months. Patients with major bleeds on dabigatran (n=627 of 16 755) were older, had lower creatinine clearance, and more frequently used aspirin or non-steroid anti-inflammatory agents than those on warfarin (n=407 of 10 002). The 30-day mortality after the first major bleed tended to be lower in the dabigatran group (9.1%) than in the warfarin group (13.0%; pooled odds ratio, 0.68; 95% confidence interval, 0.46–1.01;
P
=0.057). After adjustment for sex, age, weight, renal function, and concomitant antithrombotic therapy, the pooled odds ratio for 30-day mortality with dabigatran versus warfarin was 0.66 (95% confidence interval, 0.44–1.00;
P
=0.051). Major bleeds in dabigatran patients were more frequently treated with blood transfusions (423/696, 61%) than bleeds in warfarin patients (175/425, 42%;
P
<0.001) but less frequently with plasma (dabigatran, 19.8%; warfarin, 30.2%;
P
<0.001). Patients who experienced a bleed had shorter stays in the intensive care unit if they had previously received dabigatran (mean 1.6 nights) compared with those who had received warfarin (mean 2.7 nights;
P
=0.01).

Conclusions—
Patients who experienced major bleeding on dabigatran required more red cell transfusions but received less plasma, required a shorter stay in intensive care, and had a trend to lower mortality compared with those who had major bleeding on warfarin.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.ClinicalTrials.gov
. Unique identifiers: NCT00262600, NCT00291330, NCT00680186, NCT00329238 and NCT00558259.
Anticoagulation and Survival in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Olsson Karen M. , Delcroix Marion , Ghofrani H. Ardeschir , Tiede Henning , Huscher Doerte , Speich Rudolf , Grünig Ekkehard , Staehler Gerd , Rosenkranz Stephan , Halank Michael , Held Matthias , Lange Tobias J. , Behr Juergen , Klose Hans , Claussen Martin , Ewert Ralf , Opitz Christian F. , Vizza C. Dario , Scelsi Laura , Vonk-Noordegraaf Anton , Kaemmerer Harald , Gibbs J. Simon R. , Coghlan Gerry , Pepke-Zaba Joanna , Schulz Uwe , Gorenflo Matthias , Pittrow David , Hoeper Marius M. 
Published: October 2013

Background—
For almost 30 years, anticoagulation has been recommended for patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH). Supporting evidence, however, is limited, and it is unclear whether this recommendation is still justified in the modern management era and whether it should be extended to patients with other forms of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).

Methods and Results—

We analyzed data from Comparative, Prospective Registry of Newly Initiated Therapies for Pulmonary Hypertension (COMPERA), an ongoing European pulmonary hypertension registry. Survival rates of patients with IPAH and other forms of PAH were compared by the use of anticoagulation. The sample consisted of 1283 consecutively enrolled patients with newly diagnosed PAH. Anticoagulation was used in 66% of 800 patients with IPAH and in 43% of 483 patients with other forms of PAH. In patients with IPAH, there was a significantly better 3-year survival (
P
=0.006) in patients on anticoagulation compared with patients who never received anticoagulation, albeit the patients in the anticoagulation group had more severe disease at baseline. The survival difference at 3 years remained statistically significant (
P
=0.017) in a matched-pair analysis of n=336 IPAH patients. The beneficial effect of anticoagulation on survival of IPAH patients was confirmed by Cox multivariable regression analysis (hazard ratio, 0.79; 95% confidence interval, 0.66–0.94). In contrast, the use of anticoagulants was not associated with a survival benefit in patients with other forms of PAH.

Conclusions—
The present data suggest that the use of anticoagulation is associated with a survival benefit in patients with IPAH, supporting current treatment recommendations. The evidence remains inconclusive for other forms of PAH.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01347216.
Paul’s “Indebtedness” to the Barbarian (Rom 1:14) in Latin West Perspective
Authors: Harrison James R. 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
In moving the geographical focus of his mission from the Greek East to the Latin West (Rom 15:23-24, 28; cf. 1:9-10, 13), Paul states that he was indebted to “Greek and barbarian” (1:14). Paul’s language of “indebtedness” not only relativises the ethnic and linguistic divide of antiquity (v. 14 a), but also cultural and educational stereotypes, including the denigration of barbarians (v. 14 b). The apostle’s thought here should not be restricted to the evangelisation of the Latin West and the pastoral care of its churches, even though that is the focus of the pericope (vv. 8b-9a, 11-12a, 13b, 15-17). His language of “indebtedness” occurs in various contexts, several of them social (1:14a; 4:4; 13:8; 15:1, 27). It evokes the world of Roman political and social parlance, with its interplay of imperial patronage and the reciprocation of favour in the western provinces where many barbarian tribes resided. After examining renderings of barbarians in select Roman writers and the Augustan triumphal iconography, the article explores the notion of “obligation” in the Gallic and Spanish inscriptions.
The author proposes that Romans 1:14 articulates what “indebtedness” meant for the believer’s mission to the marginalised people groups outside of the body of Christ. This would enable Paul’s house-churches not only to embrace the peoples from barbarian tribes with whom the Romans had patronal relations, but also those tribes in the Latin West whom the Romans had punished for their non-compliance.
Eight New Atlantic Rainforest Species and Nomenclatural Notes in Brazilian Myrtaceae
Authors: SOBRAL MARCOS 
Published: October 2013

Eight Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest species are described and illustrated: Calyptranthes santalucia, Eugenia barrana, E. culicina, E. lacistema, E. viscacea, Myrcia basicordata, M. monoclada and Myrciaria evanida. Calyptranthes santalucia, from the state of Espírito Santo, is related to C. brasiliensis, differing for its acute leaves and pauciflorous inflorescences; Eugenia barrana, from the states of Minas Gerais and Bahia, is related to E. chlorophylla, but has smaller leaves and larger flowers; Eugenia culicina, from the state of Pernambuco, is related to E. roseiflora, differing through the smaller petioles, adaxially sulcate lateral veins, pilose flowers and larger fruits; Eugenia lacistema, from Bahia, is related to E. platyphylla, differing by the inflorescences with lignified bracts and smaller pedicels; Eugenia viscacea, from Bahia, is related to E. ellipsoidea, differing through the inflorescences with densely imbricate bracts and smaller pedicels; Myrcia basicordata, from Espírito Santo, is related to M. pubescens, but presents applanate glabrous twigs and glabrous and sessile leaves with cordate base; Myrcia monoclada, from Bahia, is related to M. riodocensis, but has larger leaves and pentamerous flowers, and Myrciaria evanida, from Espírito Santo and Minas Gerais, resembles M. floribunda, differing by the vanishing secondary veins and smaller flowers. The new species are also evaluated as to their conservation status according to IUCN criteria. Additionally, the synonymization of Eugenia apiocarpa under E. astringens and of Eugenia pleurantha under E. umbellata and the lectotypification of Eugenia ellipsoidea are proposed.
A Method for Adaptive Habit Prediction in Bulk Microphysical Models. Part III: Applications and Studies within a Two-Dimensional Kinematic Model
Authors: Sulia Kara J. , Harrington Jerry Y. , Morrison Hugh 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Arctic mixed-phase clouds are ubiquitous, and the persistence of supercooled liquid is not well understood. Prior studies of mixed-phase clouds predict a single axis length assuming spherical particles or mass–dimensional relationships derived from in situ data. These methods cannot mechanistically evolve particle shape, leading to inaccuracies in estimates of mixed-phase lifetime. Parts I and II of this study report on the development and parcel model testing of an adaptive habit parameterization that predicts two bulk crystal lengths. The method is implemented into a two-dimensional kinematic model in which the dynamic flow field is prescribed, allowing for sedimentation and separate advection of length mixing ratios.
Similar to other studies, results show that mass–dimensional relationships produce large variation of phase, despite similar choice in particle type. Results with evolving ice habit promote phase maintenance in cases where mass–dimensional methods glaciate the layers. Adaptive habit simulations with sedimentation increase cloud lifetime at higher ice concentrations but can also lead to lower liquid amounts. Radiative cooling initially increases ice growth with a subsequent enhanced sedimentation flux, altering cloud-phase partitioning dependent on ice concentration. Surface latent and sensible heat fluxes of 50 W m−2 result in an increase in overall water mass, while compensating fluxes establish sufficient energy and mass amounts for liquid and ice maintenance. These studies provide insight into the fluxes that may be necessary for mixed-phase cloud maintenance.
Insulin-like growth factor-II and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-2 prospectively predict longitudinal elevation of HDL-cholesterol in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Narayanan Ram P , Fu Bo , Oliver Robert L , Siddals Kirk W , Donn Rachelle , Hudson Julie E , White Anne , Laing Ian , Ollier William ER , Heald Adrian H , Gibson JM 
Published: October 2013

Introduction Associations of insulin-like growth factor-II (IGF-II) and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-2 (IGFBP-2) with cardiovascular risk have been inadequately studied. We hypothesized that IGF-II and IGFBP-2 associate with longitudinal trends in lipid profiles in type 2 diabetes patients. Subjects and methods Four hundred and eighty nine subjects with type 2 diabetes (age 27–87 years) from the Salford Diabetes Cohort were studied. Longitudinal clinical information was extracted for an eight-year period (2002–2009) from an integrated electronic dataset of primary care and hospital data. Results There were 294 male subjects and mean age was 62.9 years. At baseline, IGF-II concentration was 602 ng/mL. HDL cholesterol at baseline was associated with log-IGF-II concentration in a model adjusted for age, gender, baseline body-mass index (BMI), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and lipid-lowering therapy. IGFBP-1 and IGFBP-2 were associated with high HDL-cholesterol. A higher circulating IGF-II concentration at baseline was also associated with longitudinal increase in HDL-cholesterol in mixed-effects regression analyses independent of IGF-I, IGFBP-1, IGFBP-2, IGFBP-3, age, gender, eGFR, BMI and lipid-lowering therapy. Log-transformed baseline concentrations of IGFBP-1 and IGFBP-2 were also associated with longitudinal elevation in HDL-cholesterol. No association was observed for IGF-II or IGFBP-2 with longitudinal LDL cholesterol trends. Conclusion Our analyses based on ‘real world’ data demonstrate that higher baseline IGF-II and IGFBP-2 predict increased HDL concentration over time, implicating IGF-II in modulation of circulating HDL-cholesterol concentrations.
The Feasibility and Accuracy of Using a Remote Method to Assess Computer Workstations
Authors: Baker Nancy A. , Jacobs Karen 
Published: October 2013

Objective: The objective was to test the accuracy of using remote methods (tele-ergonomics) to identify potential mismatches between workers and their computer workstations. Background: Remote access to ergonomic assessments and interventions using two-way interactive communications, tele-ergonomics, increases the ability to deliver computer ergonomic services. However, this mode of delivery must first be tested for accuracy. Method: In this single group study, the computer workstations of 30 participants who reported mild to moderate discomfort were remotely assessed using photographs taken by a research assistant and the self-report Computer Workstation Checklist (CWC) completed by the study participant. Mismatches identified remotely by an ergonomics expert were compared to results obtained from an onsite computer workstation visit completed by the same expert. Results: We accurately identified 92% of mismatches. The method was more sensitive (0.97) than specific (0.88), indicating that experts using the remote method were likely to overidentify mismatches. Conclusion: These results suggest that an expert using the self-reported CWC combined with workstation photographs can accurately identify mismatches between workers and their computer workstations. Application: Remote assessment is a promising method to improve access to computer workstation ergonomic assessments.
Examining the effect of level of stress on firefighters’ time-to-decision in virtual reality
Authors: Keren Nir , Bayouth Shawn T. , Franke Warren D. , Godby Kevin M. 
Published: October 2013

Highly immersive virtual reality environments were used to examine firefighters’ decision making process and choice. We report here the effects of acute occupationally-relevant stress level on time-to-decision. When comparing low to high-stress situations, time spent on enhancing situational awareness and overall time-to-decision were significantly longer in the low stress setting. However, time spent on reviewing information that was not embedded in the environment was not statically different. Analysis indicated that stress level did not significantly affect the distribution of final choice. We propose that when stress increases, firefighters sacrifice time available to them to enhance their situational awareness rather than sacrifice information review time; however, stress per se, did not affect their decision choice.
The CSF3R T618I mutation causes a lethal neutrophilic neoplasia in mice that is responsive to therapeutic JAK inhibition
Authors: Fleischman Angela G. , Maxson Julia E. , Luty Samuel B. , Agarwal Anupriya , Royer Lacey R. , Abel Melissa L. , MacManiman Jason D. , Loriaux Marc M. , Druker Brian J. , Tyner Jeffrey W. 
Published: October 2013

Key Points
CSF3R T618I is sufficient to drive a lethal myeloproliferative disease in a mouse bone marrow transplant model. Treatment of CSF3R T618I mice with the JAK1/2 inhibitor ruxolitinib effectively reduces white blood cell count and spleen size.
An official American Thoracic Society and European Respiratory Society policy statement: disparities in respiratory health
Authors: Schraufnagel Dean E. , Blasi Francesco , Kraft Monica , Gaga Mina , Finn Patricia , Rabe Klaus F. 
Published: October 2013

Health disparities, defined as a significant difference in health between populations, are more common for diseases of the respiratory system than for those of other organ systems, because of the environmental influence on breathing and the variation of the environment among different segments of the population. The lowest social groups are up to 14 times more likely to have respiratory diseases than are the highest. Tobacco smoke, air pollution, environmental exposures, and occupational hazards affect the lungs more than other organs and occur disproportionately in ethnic minorities and those with lower socioeconomic status. Lack of access to quality healthcare contributes to disparities.The executive committees of the American Thoracic Society (ATS) and European Respiratory Society (ERS) established a writing committee to develop a policy on health disparities. The document was reviewed, edited, and approved by their full executive committees and boards of directors of the societies.This document expresses a policy to address health disparities by promoting scientific inquiry and training, disseminating medical information and best practices, and monitoring and advocating for public respiratory health. The ERS and the ATS have strong international commitments and work with leaders from governments, academia, and other organisational bodies to address and reduce avoidable health inequalities. Their training initiatives improve the function of healthcare systems and health equality. Both the ATS and the ERS support all aspects of this document, confer regularly, and act together when possible, but the activities to bring about change may vary because of the differences in the continents where the two organisations carry out most of their activities.The ATS and ERS pledge to frame their actions to reduce respiratory health disparities. The vision of the ATS and ERS is that all persons attain better and sustained respiratory health. They call on all their members and other societies to join in this commitment.
Increase in chemokines CXCL10 and CCL2 in blood from pigs infected with high compared to low virulence African swine fever virus isolates
Authors: Fishbourne Emma , Hutet Evelyne , Abrams Charles , Cariolet Roland , Le Potier Marie-Frédérique , Takamatsu Haru-H , Dixon Linda K 
Published: October 2013

AbstractModulation of the expression of chemokines and chemokine receptors in whole blood was compared following infection of pigs with high and low virulence isolates of African swine fever virus. Levels of mRNAs for CCL2, CCL3L1, CCL4, CXCL10, CCR1 and CCR5 were significantly increased in at least one time point following infection in two experiments and CCL5, CCR9 and CXCR4 mRNA were significantly increased in one of the experiments. The results showed that greatest fold increases in mRNAs for CXCL10 and CCL2 were observed following infection of pigs. CXCL10 mRNA was increased by up to 15 fold in infected compared to uninfected pigs. CXCL10 protein was also detected in serum from pigs infected with the high virulence Benin 97/1 isolate. Levels of CCL2 mRNA were increased in pigs infected with high virulence Benin 97/1 isolate compared to low virulence OURT88/3 isolate and this correlated with an increase of greater than 30 fold in levels of CCL2 protein detected in serum from pigs infected with this isolate. An increase in overall chemotaxis active compounds in defibrinated plasma samples from Benin 97/1 infected pigs was observed at 3 days post-infection (dpi) and a decrease by 7 dpi as measured by chemotaxis assay using normal pig leucocytesin vitro. Increased levels of CXCL10 may either contribute to the activation of lymphocyte priming toward the Th1 phenotype or induction of T lymphocyte apoptosis. Increased levels of CCL2, a chemoattractant for macrophages, may result in increased recruitment of monocytes from bone marrow thus increasing the pool of cells susceptible to infection.