bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Art-175 Is a Highly Efficient Antibacterial against Multidrug-Resistant Strains and Persisters of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Briers Yves , Walmagh Maarten , Grymonprez Barbara , Biebl Manfred , Pirnay Jean-Paul , Defraine Valerie , Michiels Jan , Cenens William , Aertsen Abram , Miller Stefan , Lavigne Rob 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACT

Artilysins constitute a novel class of efficient enzyme-based antibacterials. Specifically, they covalently combine a bacteriophage-encoded endolysin, which degrades the peptidoglycan, with a targeting peptide that transports the endolysin through the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria. Art-085, as well as Art-175, its optimized homolog with increased thermostability, are each composed of the sheep myeloid 29-amino acid (SMAP-29) peptide fused to the KZ144 endolysin. In contrast to KZ144, Art-085 and Art-175 pass the outer membrane and kill
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
, including multidrug-resistant strains, in a rapid and efficient (∼5 log units) manner. Time-lapse microscopy confirms that Art-175 punctures the peptidoglycan layer within 1 min, inducing a bulging membrane and complete lysis. Art-175 is highly refractory to resistance development by naturally occurring mutations. In addition, the resistance mechanisms against 21 therapeutically used antibiotics do not show cross-resistance to Art-175. Since Art-175 does not require an active metabolism for its activity, it has a superior bactericidal effect against
P. aeruginosa
persisters (up to >4 log units compared to that of the untreated controls). In summary, Art-175 is a novel antibacterial that is well suited for a broad range of applications in hygiene and veterinary and human medicine, with a unique potential to target persister-driven chronic infections.
IncH-Type Plasmid Harboring
bla
CTX-M-15
,
bla
DHA-1
, and
qnrB4
Genes Recovered from Animal Isolates
Authors: Schlüter Andreas , Nordmann Patrice , Bonnin Rémy A. , Millemann Yves , Eikmeyer Felix G. , Wibberg Daniel , Pühler Alfred , Poirel Laurent 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACT

The whole sequence of plasmid pENVA carrying the extended-spectrum β-lactamase gene
bla
CTX-M-15
was determined. It was identified from a series of clonally related
Klebsiella pneumoniae
sequence type 274 strains recovered from companion animals. This plasmid was 253,984 bp in size and harbored, in addition to
bla
CTX-M-15
, a large array of genes encoding resistance to many antibiotic molecules, including β-lactams (
bla
TEM-1
,
bla
DHA-1
), aminoglycosides (
aacA2
,
aadA1
), tetracycline (
tetA
), quinolones (
qnrB4
), trimethoprim (
dfrA15
), and sulfonamides (two copies of
sul1
). In addition, genes encoding resistance to mercury, tellurium, nickel, and quaternary compounds were identified. It also carried genes encoding DNA damage protection and mutagenesis repair and a locus for a CRISPR system, which corresponds to an immune system involved in protection against bacteriophages and plasmids. Comparative analysis of the plasmid scaffold showed that it possessed a structure similar to that of only a single plasmid, which was pNDM-MAR encoding the carbapenemase NDM-1 and identified from human
K. pneumoniae
isolates. Both plasmids possessed two replicons, namely, those of IncFIB-like and IncHIB-like plasmids, which were significantly different from those previously characterized. The
bla
CTX-M-15
gene, together with the other antibiotic resistance genes, was part of a large module likely acquired through a transposition process. We characterized here a new plasmid type carrying the
bla
CTX-M-15
gene identified in a
K. pneumoniae
isolate of animal origin. The extent to which this plasmid type may spread efficiently and possibly further enhance the dissemination of
bla
CTX-M-15
among animal and human isolates remains to be determined.
Precooling and percooling (cooling during exercise) both improve performance in the heat: a meta-analytical review
Authors: Bongers Coen C W G , Thijssen Dick H J , Veltmeijer Matthijs T W , Hopman Maria T E , Eijsvogels Thijs M H 
Published: April 2014

BackgroundExercise increases core body temperature (Tc), which is necessary to optimise physiological processes. However, excessive increase in Tc may impair performance and places participants at risk for the development of heat-related illnesses. Cooling is an effective strategy to attenuate the increase in Tc. This meta-analysis compares the effects of coolingbefore(precooling) andduringexercise (percooling) on performance and physiological outcomes.MethodsA computerised literature search, citation tracking and hand search were performed up to May 2013. 28 studies met the inclusion criteria, which were trials that examined the effects of cooling strategies on exercise performance in men, while exercise was performed in the heat (>30°C). 20 studies used precooling, while 8 studies used percooling.ResultsThe overall effect of precooling and percooling interventions on exercise performance was +6.7±0.9% (effect size (ES)=0.43). We found a comparable effect (p=0.82) of precooling (+5.7±1.0% (ES=0.44)) and percooling (+9.9±1.9% (ES=0.40)) to improve exercise performance. A lower finishing Tc was found in precooling (38.9°C) compared with control condition (39.1°C, p=0.03), while Tc was comparable between conditions in percooling studies. No correlation between Tc and performance was found. We found significant differences between cooling strategies, with a combination of multiple techniques being most effective for precooling (p<0.01) and ice vest for percooling (p=0.02).ConclusionsCooling can significantly improve exercise performance in the heat. We found a comparable ES for precooling and percooling on exercise performance, while the type of cooling technique importantly impacts the effects. Precooling lowered the finishing core temperature, while there was no correlation between Tc and performance.
Evolution of the hip fracture population: time to consider the future? A retrospective observational analysis
Authors: Baker Paul N , Salar Omer , Ollivere Benjamin J , Forward Daren P , Weerasuriya Namal , Moppett Iain K , Moran Chris G 
Published: April 2014

ObjectiveTo examine how the population with fractured neck of femur has changed over the last decade and determine whether they have evolved to become a more physically and socially dependent cohort.DesignRetrospective cohort study of prospectively collected Standardised Audit of Hip Fractures of Europe data entered on to an institutional hip fracture registry.Participants10 044 consecutive hip fracture admissions (2000–2012).SettingA major trauma centre in the UK.ResultsThere was a generalised increase in the number of admissions between 2000 (n=740) and 2012 (n=810). This increase was non-linear and best described by a quadratic curve. Assuming no change in the prevalence of hip fracture over the next 20 years, our hospital is projected to treat 871 cases in 2020 and 925 in 2030. This represents an approximate year-on-year increase of just over 1%. There was an increase in the proportion of male admissions over the study period (2000: 174 of 740 admissions (23.5%); 2012: 249 of 810 admissions (30.7%)). This mirrored national census changes within the geographical area during the same period. During the study period there were significant increases in the numbers of patients admitted from their own home, the proportion of patients requiring assistance to mobilise, and the proportion of patients requiring help with basic activities of daily living (all p<0.001). There was also a twofold to fourfold increase in the proportion of patients admitted with a diagnosis of cardiovascular disease, renal disease, diabetes and polypharmacy (use of >4 prescribed medications; all p<0.001).ConclusionsThe expanding hip fracture population has increasingly complex medical, social and rehabilitation care needs. This needs to be recognised so that appropriate healthcare strategies and service planning can be implemented. This epidemiological analysis allows projections of future service need in terms of patient numbers and dependency.
Dietary fatty acids in the secondary prevention of coronary heart disease: a systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression
Authors: Schwingshackl Lukas , Hoffmann Georg 
Published: April 2014

ObjectivePrevious systematic reviews were not restricted to either primary or secondary prevention trials, this study aimed to investigate the effects of reduced and/or modified fat diets and dietary fatty acids on all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality and cardiovascular events in participants with established coronary heart disease.DesignSystematic review, meta-analysis and univariate/multivariate meta-regression.Eligibility and criteria for selecting studiesElectronic searches for randomised controlled trials comparing reduced/modified fat diets versus control diets were performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library.Data extractionPooled effects were calculated using an inverse-variance random effect meta-analysis. Random effects univariate and multivariate meta-regressions were performed including changes in all types of dietary fatty acids.ResultsOverall, 12 studies enrolling 7150 participants were included in the present systematic review. No significant risk reduction could be observed considering all-cause mortality (relative risk (RR) 0.92, p=0.60; I2=59%) and cardiovascular mortality (RR 0.96, p=0.84; I2=69%), combined cardiovascular events (RR 0.85, p=0.30; I2=75%) and myocardial infarction (RR 0.76, p=0.13; I2=55%) comparing modified fat diets versus control diets. This results could be confirmed for the reduced fat versus control diets (RR 0.79, p=0.47; I2=0%), (RR 0.93, p=0.66; I2=0%), (RR 0.93, p=0.71; I2=57%) and (RR 1.18, p=0.26; I2=18%). The multivariate and univariate model showed no significant associations between the independent variables and the changes from saturated fat, monounsaturated fat, polyunsaturated fat and linoleic acid. Sensitivity analyses did not reveal a significant risk reduction for any outcome parameter when polyunsaturated fat was increased in exchange for saturated fat.ConclusionsThe present systematic review provides no evidence (moderate quality evidence) for the beneficial effects of reduced/modified fat diets in the secondary prevention of coronary heart disease. Recommending higher intakes of polyunsaturated fatty acids in replacement of saturated fatty acids was not associated with risk reduction.
Controlling methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) in a hospital and the role of hydrogen peroxide decontamination: an interrupted time series analysis
Authors: Mitchell Brett G , Digney Wilhelmine , Locket Phil , Dancer Stephanie J 
Published: April 2014

ObjectivesThe impact of surface disinfection versus detergent cleaning on healthcare associated infection rates remains unresolved. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of hydrogen peroxide (HP) decontamination against methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA).DesignSingle centred retrospective before and after study design.SettingLaunceston General Hospital, Tasmania, Australia.ParticipantsPatients with MRSA infection or colonisation.InterventionsRooms occupied by patients with MRSA infection or colonisation were cleaned following discharge with either detergent or HP.Main outcome measuresMRSA room contamination following cleaning; new MRSA acquisition in patients.ResultsOver 3600 discharge cleans were completed, with more than 32 600 environmental swabs processed. MRSA was isolated from 24.7% rooms following detergent cleaning and from 18.8% of rooms after HP (p<0.001). The incidence of MRSA acquisition reduced from 9.0 to 5.3 per 10 000 patient days in detergent and disinfectant arms, respectively (p<0.001).ConclusionsUse of HP disinfection led to a decrease in residual MRSA contamination in patient rooms compared with detergent. It may also have encouraged the reduction in patient MRSA acquisition despite several confounders including staff feedback on terminal cleaning, additional MRSA screening and quicker laboratory methods. Infection control is best served by concurrent interventions targeting both the patient and healthcare environment.
Key health outcomes for children and young people with neurodisability: qualitative research with young people and parents
Authors: Allard Amanda , Fellowes Andrew , Shilling Valerie , Janssens Astrid , Beresford Bryony , Morris Christopher 
Published: April 2014

ObjectivesTo identify key health outcomes, beyond morbidity and mortality, regarded as important in children and young people with neurodisability, and their parents.DesignQualitative research incorporating a thematic analysis of the data supported by the Framework Approach; the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) provided a theoretical foundation.SettingThe study was conducted in community settings.ParticipantsParticipants were 54 children and young people with neurodisability: 50 participated in focus groups, and 4 in interviews; 53 parents participated: 47 in focus groups and 6 in interviews. Children/young people and parents were recruited through different networks, and were not related.ResultsChildren/young people and parents viewed health outcomes as inter-related. Achievement in some outcomes appeared valued to the extent that it enabled or supported more valued domains of health. Health outcomes prioritised by both young people and parents were: communication, mobility, pain, self-care, temperament, interpersonal relationships and interactions, community and social life, emotional well-being and gaining independence/future aspirations. Parents also highlighted their child's sleep, behaviour and/or safety.ConclusionsThose responsible for health services for children/young people with neurodisability should take account of the aspects of health identified by families. The aspects of health identified in this study provide a basis for selecting appropriate health indicators and outcome measures.
The potential role of NT-proBNP in screening for and predicting prognosis in heart failure: a survival analysis
Authors: Taylor C J , Roalfe A K , Iles R , Hobbs F D R 
Published: April 2014

ObjectiveTo determine the potential role of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in screening for and predicting prognosis in heart failure by examining diagnosis and survival of patients with a raised NT-proBNP at screening.DesignSurvival analysis.SettingProspective substudy of the Echocardiographic Heart of England Screening study (ECHOES) to investigate 10-year survival in participants with an NT-proBNP level at baseline.Participants594 participants took part in the substudy. Records of all participants in the ECHOES cohort were flagged during the screening phase which ended on 25 February 1999. All deaths until 25 February 2009 were coded.Outcome measuresLogistic regression was used to examine whether NT-proBNP is useful in predicting heart failure at screening after adjustment for age, sex and cohort. Kaplan-Meier curves and log rank tests were used to compare survival times of participants according to NT-proBNP level. Cox regression was carried out to assess the prognostic effect of NT-proBNP after allowing for significant covariates and receiver operator curves were used to determine test reliability.ResultsThe risk of heart failure increased almost 18-fold when NT-proBNP was 150 pg/mL or above (adjusted OR=17.7, 95% CI 4.9 to 63.5). 10-year survival in the general population cohort was 61% (95% CI 48% to 71%) for those with NT-proBNP ≥150 pg/mL and 89% (95% CI 84% to 92%) for those below the cut-off at the time of the initial study. After adjustment for age, sex and risk factors for heart failure, NT-proBNP level ≥150 pg/mL was associated with a 58% increase in the risk of death within 10 years (adjusted HR=1.58, 95% CI 1.09 to 2.30).ConclusionsRaised NT-proBNP levels, when screening the general population, are predictive of a diagnosis of heart failure (at a lower threshold than guidelines for diagnosing symptomatic patients) and also predicted reduced survival at 10 years.
Awareness and enforcement of guidelines for publishing industry-sponsored medical research among publication professionals: the Global Publication Survey
Authors: Wager Elizabeth , Woolley Karen , Adshead Viv , Cairns Angela , Fullam Josh , Gonzalez John , Grant Tom , Tortell Stephanie 
Published: April 2014

ObjectiveTo gather information about current practices and implementation of publication guidelines among publication professionals working in or for the pharmaceutical industry.Design/settingWeb-based survey publicised via email and social media to members of the International Society for Medical Publication Professionals (ISMPP) and other organisations from November 2012 to February 2013.Participants469 individuals involved in publishing industry-sponsored research in peer-reviewed journals, mainly working in pharmaceutical or device companies (‘industry’, n=144), communication agencies (‘agency’, n=238), contract research organisations (CRO, n=15) or as freelancers (n=34). Most respondents (78%) had worked on medical publications for ≥5 years and 62% had a PhD/MD.ResultsOver 90% of industry, agency and CRO respondents routinely refer to Good Publication Practice (GPP2) and the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors’ Uniform Requirements. Most respondents (78% industry, 79% agency) received mandatory training on ethical publication practices. Over 90% of respondents’ companies had publication guidelines or policies and required medical writing support to be acknowledged in publications (96% industry, 99% agency). Many industry respondents used publication management tools to monitor compliance with company guidelines and about half (46%) stated that their company had formal publication audits. Fewer agencies audited adherence to guidelines but 20% of agency respondents reported audits of employees and 6% audits of freelancers. Of concern, 37% of agency respondents reported requests from authors or sponsors that they believed were unethical, although 93% of these requests were withdrawn after respondents explained the need for compliance with guidelines. Most respondents’ departments (63% industry, 58% agency, 60% CRO) had been involved in publishing studies with negative or inconclusive results.ConclusionsWithin this sample, most publication professionals working in or for industry were aware of, and applying, major publication guidelines. However, the survey also identified specific areas where education and promotion of guidelines are needed to ensure ethical publication practices.
Simulating the impact of changing trends in smoking and obesity on productivity of an industrial population: an observational study
Authors: Bhojani Faiyaz A , Tsai Shan P , Wendt Judy K , Koller Kim L 
Published: April 2014

ObjectiveTo estimate the impact of trends in smoking and obesity prevalence on productivity loss among petrochemical employees from 1980 to 2009.MethodsSmoking and obesity informations were collected during company physical examinations. Productivity loss was calculated as differential workdays lost between smokers and non-smokers, and obese and normal-weight employees.ResultsDuring 1980–2009, smoking prevalence decreased from 32% to 17%, while obesity prevalence increased from 14% to 42%. In 1982, lost productivity from obesity was an estimated 43 days/100 employees, and for smoking, 65 days/100 employees, but by 1987, workdays lost due to obesity exceeded that attributable to smoking. In 2007, workdays lost from obesity were 3.7 times higher than for smoking.ConclusionsOwing to the increasing trend in obesity, the productivity impact on employers from obesity will continue to rise without effective measures supporting employee efforts to achieve healthy weight through sustainable lifestyle changes.
Critical role of smoking and household dampness during childhood for adult phlegm and cough: a research example from a prospective cohort study in Great Britain
Authors: Cable Noriko , Kelly Yvonne , Bartley Mel , Sato Yuki , Sacker Amanda 
Published: April 2014

ObjectiveTo examine independent associations between childhood exposures to smoking and household dampness, and phlegm and cough in adulthood.DesignA prospective cohort study.Participants7320 of the British cohort who were born during 1 week in 1970 and had complete data for childhood and adult information.Main outcome measuresExperiences of phlegm and coughing over the previous 3 months were assessed using questions from the Medical Research Council (MRC) Questionnaire on respiratory symptoms when the cohort participants were 29 years of age. 4 response patterns (no symptoms, phlegm only, cough only, both symptoms present) were created based on the responses to these questions.ResultsChildhood smoking and exposure to marked household dampness at age 10 were associated with phlegm (childhood smoking: relative risk ratio (RRR)=1.45, 95% CI 1.02 to 2.05; dampness: RRR=2.05, 95% CI 1.07 to 3.91) and co-occurring cough and phlegm (childhood smoking: RRR=1.35. 95% CI 1.08 to 1.67; dampness: RRR=2.73, 95% CI 1.88 to 3.99), while exposure to two or more adult smokers in the household was associated with cough-related symptoms (cough only: RRR=1.28, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.58; phlegm and cough: RRR=1.32, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.64). These associations were independent from adult smoking, childhood phlegm and cough, early social background and sex. Current smoking at age 29 contributed to all symptom patterns; however, a substantial association between household dampness and co-occurring phlegm and cough suggest long-term detrimental effects of childhood environmental exposures.ConclusionsOur findings give support to current public health interventions for adult smoking and raise concerns about the long-term effects of a damp home environment on the respiratory health of children.
Clinical features of isolated gestational proteinuria progressing to pre-eclampsia: retrospective observational study
Authors: Akaishi Rina , Yamada Takahiro , Morikawa Mamoru , Nishida Ryutaro , Minakami Hisanori 
Published: April 2014

ObjectivesSome women with isolated gestational proteinuria (IGP) later develop hypertension and are diagnosed with pre-eclampsia (PE). This study was performed to determine whether clinical features of such proteinuria preceding PE (P-PE) differ from those of other PE (O-PE).DesignRetrospective observational study after approval of the institutional review board of ethics.SettingA single university hospital. Proteinuria was defined as a protein-to-creatinine ratio (mg/mg; P/Cr) of ≥0.27 in the spot urine specimen. IGP was defined as proteinuria in the absence of hypertension. P-PE was defined as PE in which proteinuria preceded hypertension by more than 2 days.ParticipantsAll of 10 and 18 consecutive women with P-PE and O-PE, respectively, who gave birth between January 2008 and August 2013.ResultsProteinuria appeared earlier (at 30.2±3.0 vs 35.3±4.3 weeks, p=0.001), the P/Cr level was greater at birth (7.28±2.14 vs 3.19±2.49, p<0.001), net maternal weight gain during the last antenatal 1 week was greater (3.1±1.8 vs 1.3±1.7 kg, p=0.023) and length of pregnancy was shorter (32.5±1.9 vs 36.1±3.6 weeks, p=0.001) in women with P-PE than in O-PE. The duration of IGP was 10.0±5.9 days (range 3–20), and the time interval until delivery after diagnosis of PE was 6.1±8.2 days (range 0–23) in 10 women with P-PE. The P/Cr levels at birth were significantly inversely correlated with the antenatal lowest antithrombin activity and fibrinogen levels among the 28 women with PE.ConclusionsWomen with P-PE were likely to exhibit greater proteinuria in the urine, greater water retention in the interstitial space and more enhanced coagulation–fibrinolysis, thus suggesting that they may constitute a more severe form of PE than women with O-PE do.