bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enzymatic Modification of Lipid A by ArnT Protects Bordetella bronchiseptica against Cationic Peptides and Is Required for Transmission
Authors: Rolin Olivier , Muse Sarah J. , Safi Chetan , Elahi Shokrollah , Gerdts Volker , Hittle Lauren E. , Ernst Robert K. , Harvill Eric T. , Preston Andrew 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACT

Pathogen transmission cycles require many steps: initial colonization, growth and persistence, shedding, and transmission to new hosts. Alterations in the membrane components of the bacteria, including lipid A, the membrane anchor of lipopolysaccharide, could affect any of these steps via its structural role protecting bacteria from host innate immune defenses, including antimicrobial peptides and signaling through Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). To date, lipid A has been shown to affect only the within-host dynamics of infection, not the between-host dynamics of transmission. Here, we investigate the effects of lipid A modification in a mouse infection and transmission model. Disruption of the
Bordetella bronchiseptica
locus (
BB4268
) revealed that ArnT is required for addition of glucosamine (GlcN) to
B. bronchiseptica
lipid A. ArnT modification of lipid A did not change its TLR4 agonist activity in J774 cells, but deleting
arnT
decreased resistance to killing by cationic antimicrobial peptides, such as polymyxin B and β-defensins. In the standard infection model, mutation of
arnT
did not affect
B. bronchiseptica
colonization, growth, persistence throughout the respiratory tract, recruitment of neutrophils to the nasal cavity, or shedding of the pathogen. However, the number of bacteria necessary to colonize a host (50% infective dose [ID
50
]) was 5-fold higher for the
arnT
mutant. Furthermore, the
arnT
mutant was defective in transmission between hosts. These results reveal novel functions of the ArnT lipid A modification and highlight the sensitivity of low-dose infections and transmission experiments for illuminating aspects of infectious diseases between hosts. Factors such as ArnT can have important effects on the burden of disease and are potential targets for interventions that can interrupt transmission.
Effect of teenage motherhood on cognitive outcomes in children: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Morinis Julia , Carson Claire , Quigley Maria A 
Published: October 2013

ObjectiveTo examine the association between teenage motherhood and cognitive development at 5 years.DesignData from Millennium Cohort Study, a prospective, nationally representative UK cohort of 18 818 infants born between 2000 and 2001.Participants12 021 (64%) mother-child pairs from white, English-speaking, singleton pregnancies were included.MethodsCognitive ability at 5 years was measured by the British Ability Scales II. Difference in mean cognitive scores across maternal age groups was estimated using linear regression, with adjustment for potential confounders and mediators.Results617 (5%) children were born to mothers aged ≤18 years. Our analysis revealed that children of teenage mothers had significantly lower cognitive scores compared with children of mothers aged 25–34 years: difference in mean score for verbal ability −8.9 (−10.88 to −6.86, p<0.001); non-verbal ability −7.8 (−10.52 to −5.19, p<0.001); spatial ability −4.7 (−6.39 to −3.07, p<0.001), which is equivalent to an average delay of 11, 7 and 4 months, respectively. After adjustment for perinatal and sociodemographic factors, the effect of young maternal age on non-verbal and spatial ability mean scores was attenuated. A difference persisted in the mean verbal ability scores −3.8 (−6.34 to −1.34, p=0.003), equivalent to an average delay of 5 months.ConclusionsResults suggest that the difference observed in the initial analyses for non-verbal and spatial skills are almost entirely explained by marked inequalities in sociodemographic circumstances and perinatal risk. However, there remains a significant adverse effect on verbal abilities in the children born to teenage mothers.
Staffing and resource adequacy strongly related to RNs’ assessment of patient safety: a national study of RNs working in acute-care hospitals in Sweden
Authors: Smeds Alenius Lisa , Tishelman Carol , Runesdotter Sara , Lindqvist Rikard 
Published: October 2013

IntroductionAlthough registered nurses (RNs) are central in patient care, we have not found prior research that specifically addresses how RNs assess the safety of patient care at their workplace and how factors in RNs’ work environment are related to their assessments. This study aims to address these issues.Methods9236 RNs working with inpatient care in 79 acute-care hospitals in Sweden completed a national population-based survey, including Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index—Revised and items from Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture. Correlation coefficients (Pearson and Spearman) and proportional odds regression were used for analysis.ResultsNursing work environment factors were strongly related to RNs’ assessments of patient safety. RNs’ perception of having adequate staffing and resources improved their assessment of patient safety by at least two and a half times (OR 2.74 CI 2.52 to 2.97). RNs with a higher level of involvement in direct patient care gave a better patient safety grade than RNs with a more supervisory role. Most, but not all, patient safety culture items were related to RNs’ assessed patient safety grade. We found that work experience seemed to have no influence on RNs’ patient safety assessment.ConclusionsWhile previous research emphasises patient-to-nurse ratios in strengthening patient safety practices, this study complements this by emphasising RNs’ own perception of having enough staff and resources to provide quality nursing care, as well as having good collegial nurse–physician relations and the presence of visible and competent nursing leadership—all factors highly related to RNs’ assessment of the safety of patient care at their workplace.
Relative effectiveness of dominant versus non-dominant hand position for rescuer's side of approach during chest compressions between right-handed and left-handed novice rescuers
Authors: You Je Sung , Kim Hoon , Park Jung Soo , Baek Kyung Min , Jang Mun Sun , Lee Hye Sun , Chung Sung Phil , Kim SeungWhan 
Published: October 2013

IntroductionThe major components affecting high quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) have been defined as the ability of the rescuer, hand position, position of the rescuer and victim, depth and rate of chest compressions, and fatigue. Until now, there have been no studies on dominant versus non-dominant hand position and the rescuer's side of approach. This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of hand position and approach side on the quality of CPR between right-handed (RH) and left-handed (LH) novice rescuers.Material and methods44 health science university students with no previous experience of basic life support (BLS) volunteered for the study. We divided volunteers into two groups by handedness. Adult BLS was performed on a manikin for 2 min in each session. The sequences were randomly performed on the manikin's left side of approach (Lap) with the rescuer's left hand in contact with the sternum (Lst), Lap/Rst, Rap/Lst and Rap/Rst.ResultsWe compared the quality of chest compressions between the RH and LH groups according to predetermined positions. A significant decrease in mean compression depth between the two groups was only observed when rescuers performed in the Rap/Lst scenario, regardless of hand dominance. The frequency of correct hand placement also significantly decreased in the Lap/Rst position for the LH group.ConclusionsThe performance of novice rescuers during chest compressions is influenced by the position of the dominant hand and the rescuer's side of approach. In CPR training and real world situations, a novice rescuer, regardless of handedness, should consider hand positions for contacting the sternum identical to the side of approach after approaching from the nearest and most accessible side, for optimal CPR performance.
Internet usage and knowledge of radiation health effects and preventive behaviours among workers in Fukushima after the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident
Authors: Kanda Hideyuki , Takahashi Kenzo , Sugaya Nagisa , Mizushima Shunsaku , Koyama Kikuo 
Published: October 2013

BackgroundThe Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident (FDNPPA) was the world's second largest nuclear power plant accident. At the time that it occurred, internet usage prevalence in Japan was as high as 80%.ObjectivesTo compare health knowledge on radiation and preventive behaviour between internet users and non-users among adults employed in industries in Fukushima after the nuclear disaster.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional questionnaire study among adults employed in industries in Fukushima 3–5 months after the FDNPPA. Targets were 1394 regular workers who took part in health seminars provided by the Fukushima Occupational Health Promotion Center. After applying the selection criteria, there were 1119 eligible participants. The questionnaire asked for personal characteristics and main sources of information about the FDNPPA, as well as health knowledge on radiation and preventive behaviours following the nuclear accident. We assessed the contribution of each variable using logistic regression analysis.ResultsAmong the eligible respondents, 637 workers (56.9%) were internet users and 482 (43.1%) were non-users. Internet users had more health knowledge than non-users (average 4.6 radiation-related health conditions in internet users vs 3.6 conditions in non-users) and more preventive behaviours (average 2.6 behaviours in internet users vs 1.9 in non-users). According to logistic regression analyses, internet usage was positively associated with greater health knowledge on radiation (OR 1.13; 95% CI 1.08 to 1.20) and more preventive behaviours (OR 1.14; 95% CI 1.07 to 1.23).ConclusionsInternet usage was significantly and positively associated with greater health knowledge and more preventive behaviours. The internet is a useful method of distributing information to the general public in emergency situations such as a nuclear disaster.
Endovascular treatment of unruptured and ruptured brain arteriovenous malformations with Onyx18: a monocentric series of 84 patients
Authors: Consoli Arturo , Scarpini Giulia , Rosi Andrea , Renieri Leonardo , Chiarotti Ivano , Vignoli Chiara , Ciampa Iacopo , Nappini Sergio , Limbucci Nicola , Mangiafico Salvatore 
Published: October 2013

BackgroundBrain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are a rare pathology, and their treatment is discussed. The development of techniques and materials in endovascular, radiosurgical, and neurosurgical fields led to higher rates of complete occlusions and good clinical outcomes.Materials and methods84 patients (52 men, 32 women; mean age 38.2 years; range, 9–70 years) were treated at our institution with Onyx18 from 2001 to 2011. Patients treated with other embolic agents, with micro-AVMs, were not included in the analysis.ResultsComplete occlusion was achieved in 27/84 patients (32.2%), in 40/84 (47.6%) brain AVMs occlusion of 80–90% of the nidus was obtained, and in 17/84 (20.3%) cases <80% of the nidus was occluded. Intraprocedural adverse events occurred in 11/84 patients (13.1%), and overall mortality and disabling permanent morbidity were 2.3% (2/84) and 4.7% (4/84), respectively.ConclusionsEndovascular treatment may be considered a safe and effective approach in superficial small brain AVMs in addition to surgery, mostly in ruptured AVMs. The therapeutic strategy should be to cure small and medium AVMs with endovascular treatment alone or combined treatment. Large unruptured AVMs (Spetzler–Martin grades IV–V) should be treated with target embolization of high flow fistulas or intranidal aneurysms.
Republished: Stem cells, angiogenesis and muscle healing: a potential role in massage therapies?
Authors: Best Thomas M , Gharaibeh Burhan , Huard Johnny 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Skeletal muscle injuries are among the most common and frequently disabling injuries sustained by athletes.
Repair of injured skeletal muscle is an area that continues to present a challenge for sports medicine clinicians and researchers due, in part, to complete muscle recovery being compromised by development of fibrosis leading to loss of function and susceptibility to re-injury.
Injured skeletal muscle goes through a series of coordinated and interrelated phases of healing including degeneration, inflammation, regeneration and fibrosis. Muscle regeneration initiated shortly after injury can be limited by fibrosis which affects the degree of recovery and predisposes the muscle to reinjury. It has been demonstrated in animal studies that antifibrotic agents that inactivate transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 have been effective at decreasing scar tissue formation. Several studies have also shown that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) can increase the efficiency of skeletal muscle repair by increasing angiogenesis and, at the same time, reducing the accumulation of fibrosis. We have isolated and thoroughly characterised a population of skeletal muscle-derived stem cells (MDSCs) that enhance repair of damaged skeletal muscle fibres by directly differentiating into myofibres and secreting paracrine factors that promote tissue repair. Indeed, we have found that MDSCs transplanted into skeletal and cardiac muscles have been successful at repair probably because of their ability to secrete VEGF that works in a paracrine fashion. The application of these techniques to the study of sport-related muscle injuries awaits investigation. Other useful strategies to enhance skeletal muscle repair through increased vascularisation may include gene therapy, exercise, neuromuscular electrical stimulation and, potentially, massage therapy. Based on recent studies showing an accelerated recovery of muscle function from intense eccentric exercise through massage-based therapies, we believe that this treatment modality offers a practical and non-invasive form of therapy for skeletal muscle injuries. However, the biological mechanism(s) behind the beneficial effect of massage are still unclear and require further investigation using animal models and potentially randomised, human clinical studies.
The variety and distribution of building stones used in the churches of West Sussex, England, from AD 950 to 1850
Authors: Cordiner Roger J. 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
A large number of different building stones were used during the period AD 950–1850 in West Sussex churches, with 52 different types identified and named in this study. The building stones include local Tertiary and Cretaceous rocks, as well as imported rocks from the Isle of Wight, Dorset and Normandy. One hundred and eighty churches, mainly built during the period from the eleventh to the sixteenth centuries but with a few ranging in age up until the mid-nineteenth century, have been visited to identify the building stones used. The distribution pattern of use of four building stones – Tunbridge Wells Sandstone, Hythe Formation Sandstone, Mixon Stone and Quarr Stone – is presented and analysed. These building stones show distinctive patterns of distribution, which are related to geological, geographical, economic, architectural and historical factors. The building stones native to West Sussex are of considerable geological interest as few quarries or other exposures showing these strata are now present.
The stone materials of the historical architecture of Tuscany, Italy
Authors: Fratini F. , Rescic S. 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
The paper presents an overview of the principal stone materials used in the historical architecture of Tuscany, a region of central Italy characterized by a great variety of landscapes. The large number of these materials reflects the complex geology of the region, where each village and town has a unique identity conferred by the architecture and typical colours of the construction materials. The urban areas that have developed in the foothills of the Apennines are, characterized by the use of sandstone, while the towns and villages of central-southern Tuscany are generally more heterogeneous, with an abundant use of bricks and travertine. The information presented is focused on the use of the stone materials during the different epochs, their geopetrographical characteristics and their most common durability problems.
Abnormal Calcium Cycling and Cardiac Arrhythmias Associated With the Human Ser96Ala Genetic Variant of Histidine‐Rich Calcium‐Binding Protein
Authors: Singh Vivek P. , Rubinstein Jack , Arvanitis Demetrios A. , Ren Xiaoping , Gao Xiaoqian , Haghighi Kobra , Gilbert Mark , Iyer Venkat R. , Kim Do Han , Cho Chunghee , Jones Keith , Lorenz John N. , Armstrong Clara F. , Wang Hong‐Sheng , Gyorke Sandor , Kranias Evangelia G. 
Published: October 2013

Background

A human genetic variant (Ser96Ala) in the sarcoplasmic reticulum (
SR
) histidine‐rich Ca
2+
‐binding (
HRC
) protein has been linked to ventricular arrhythmia and sudden death in dilated cardiomyopathy. However, the precise mechanisms affecting
SR
function and leading to arrhythmias remain elusive.

Methods and Results

We generated transgenic mice with cardiac‐specific expression of human Ala96
HRC
or Ser96
HRC
in the null background to assess function in absence of endogenous protein. Ala96
HRC
decreased (25% to 30%) cardiomyocyte contractility and Ca
2+
kinetics compared with Ser96
HRC
in the absence of any structural or histological abnormalities. Furthermore, the frequency of Ca
2+
waves was significantly higher (10‐fold), although
SR
Ca
2+
load was reduced (by 27%) in Ala96
HRC
cells. The underlying mechanisms involved diminished interaction of Ala96
HRC
with triadin, affecting ryanodine receptor (RyR) stability. Indeed, the open probability of RyR, assessed by use of ryanodine binding, was significantly increased. Accordingly, stress conditions (5 Hz plus isoproterenol) induced aftercontractions (65% in Ala96 versus 12% in Ser96) and delayed afterdepolarizations (70% in Ala96 versus 20% in Ser96). The increased
SR
Ca
2+
leak was accompanied by hyperphosphorylation (1.6‐fold) of RyR at Ser2814 by calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II. Accordingly, inclusion of the calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II inhibitor KN93 prevented Ser2814 phosphorylation and partially reversed the increases in Ca
2+
spark frequency and wave production. Parallel in vivo studies revealed ventricular ectopy on short‐term isoproterenol challenge and increased (4‐fold) propensity to arrhythmias, including nonsustained ventricular tachycardia, after myocardial infarction in Ala96
HRC
mice.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that aberrant
SR
Ca
2+
release and increased susceptibility to delayed afterdepolarizations underlie triggered arrhythmic activity in human Ala96
HRC
carriers.
Phenomenological predictors of psychosocial function in bipolar disorder: Is there evidence that social cognitive and emotion regulation abnormalities contribute?
Authors: Van Rheenen Tamsyn E , Rossell Susan L 
Published: October 2013

Objectives: Neurocognitive ability and mood have often been discussed as contributing mechanisms to the severe psychosocial dysfunction experienced in bipolar disorder (BD). In contrast, there has been little discussion on the contribution of social cognition or emotion regulation. This paper aims to assert a potential role for these constructs in psychosocial functioning in BD, with an overarching goal to highlight the necessary importance of considering them in future research examining psychosocial outcomes in the disorder. Methods: This paper provides a theoretical synthesis of available and indirect evidence for an influence of (1) social cognition and (2) emotion regulation on psychosocial functioning; it acknowledges important clinical questions that need addressing, and discusses how current research might be translated to improve the treatment of psychosocial dysfunction in BD. Results: Given their assumed roles in facilitating social interactions and modulating behaviours, it is certainly plausible that abnormalities in social cognition and emotion regulation are detrimental to psychosocial functioning. Currently, there is only minimal direct evidence examining their influence, although existing BD studies are preliminarily supportive of relationships between these constructs. Conclusions: There are reasonable theoretical grounds, supported by indirect and preliminary evidence, to suggest that social cognition and emotion regulation may be important in the prediction of psychosocial outcome in BD. However, this proposition is limited by the paucity of empirical research directly examining this matter.
White matter integrity alterations in young healthy adults reporting childhood trauma: A diffusion tensor imaging study
Authors: Lu Shaojia , Wei Zhaoguo , Gao Weijia , Wu Weiwei , Liao Mei , Zhang Yan , Li Weihui , Li Zexuan , Li Lingjiang 
Published: October 2013

Objective: To date, insufficient studies have focused on the relationship between childhood trauma and white matter integrity changes in healthy subjects. The aim of the present study was to explore the potential effects of childhood trauma on white matter microstructural changes by using voxel-based diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to examine alterations in fractional anisotropy (FA) values in a group of young healthy adults. Methods: A total of 21 healthy adults with a history of childhood trauma exposures and 21 age- and sex-matched individuals without childhood trauma were recruited in the present study. The Childhood Trauma Questionnaire was used to assess five aspects of childhood trauma exposures. DTI data were obtained on a Philips 3.0-Tesla scanner. Voxel-based analysis was conducted to compare white matter FA values between groups. Results: Adults with self-reported childhood trauma experiences showed decreased white matter FA values in the genu and body of the corpus callosum and the left occipital fusiform gyrus ( p < 0.001 uncorrected, voxel > 100). There was no significant difference in FA values between individuals with single and multiple childhood trauma exposures at the defined threshold. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that childhood trauma is associated with reduced microstructural integrity of the white matter in adulthood. These effects are still evident even in the absence of current psychiatric or medical symptoms, which may represent the vulnerability for developing mental disorders after childhood trauma experiences.
Textures of African Thought: Analyticity and Apologia
Authors: Osha Sanya 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe debates concerning what ought to be the nature and orientations of African philosophy are long drawn-out. These debates reflect the different conceptual approaches to the invention of contemporary practices of African philosophy between Anglophone and Francophone modes of philosophizing. This article reflects on these differences as well the continuing problems of creating modern African philosophical traditions. In doing so, it demonstrates why some methodological presuppositions are inadequate in grappling with some forms of sociality and the more general dilemmas of modernity and also applauds the efforts of some contemporary African thinkers who have adopted a multidisciplinary approach to overcome internal discursive limitations within the field.
Black Existence in Philosophy of Culture
Authors: Gordon Lewis R. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThis article examines an Africana philosophy of culture of black existence through, after offering a critique of a theodicy of textuality and social reality, exploration of the construction of “problem people,” of people whose existence, marked by blackness, has been treated as a challenge to reason and the search for knowledge in the modern world. As Africana philosophy raises concerns of philosophical anthropology, philosophy of freedom, and a metacritique of reason, it offers, as well, a case for the central importance of philosophy of culture in modern and late modern thought.