bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hydroxycinnamic Acids Used as External Acceptors of Electrons: an Energetic Advantage for Strictly Heterofermentative Lactic Acid Bacteria
Authors: Filannino Pasquale , Gobbetti Marco , De Angelis Maria , Di Cagno Raffaella 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACT

The metabolism of hydroxycinnamic acids by strictly heterofermentative lactic acid bacteria (19 strains) was investigated as a potential alternative energy route.
Lactobacillus curvatus
PE5 was the most tolerant to hydroxycinnamic acids, followed by strains of
Weissella
spp.,
Lactobacillus brevis
,
Lactobacillus fermentum
, and
Leuconostoc mesenteroides
, for which the MIC values were the same. The highest sensitivity was found for
Lactobacillus rossiae
strains. During growth in MRS broth, lactic acid bacteria reduced caffeic,
p
-coumaric, and ferulic acids into dihydrocaffeic, phloretic, and dihydroferulic acids, respectively, or decarboxylated hydroxycinnamic acids into the corresponding vinyl derivatives and then reduced the latter compounds to ethyl compounds. Reductase activities mainly emerged, and the activities of selected strains were further investigated in chemically defined basal medium (CDM) under anaerobic conditions. The end products of carbon metabolism were quantified, as were the levels of intracellular ATP and the NAD
+
/NADH ratio. Electron and carbon balances and theoretical ATP/glucose yields were also estimated. When CDM was supplemented with hydroxycinnamic acids, the synthesis of ethanol decreased and the concentration of acetic acid increased. The levels of these metabolites reflected on the alcohol dehydrogenase and acetate kinase activities. Overall, some biochemical traits distinguished the common metabolism of strictly heterofermentative strains: main reductase activity toward hydroxycinnamic acids, a shift from alcohol dehydrogenase to acetate kinase activities, an increase in the NAD
+
/NADH ratio, and the accumulation of supplementary intracellular ATP. Taken together, the above-described metabolic responses suggest that strictly heterofermentative lactic acid bacteria mainly use hydroxycinnamic acids as external acceptors of electrons.
Antimicrobial Susceptibility Profiles and Molecular Typing of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli Isolates from Ducks in South Korea
Authors: Wei Bai , Cha Se-Yeoun , Kang Min , Roh Jae-Hee , Seo Hye-Suk , Yoon Ran-Hee , Jang Hyung-Kwan 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACT

Campylobacter
is a food-borne zoonotic pathogen that causes human gastroenteritis worldwide.
Campylobacter
bacteria are commensal in the intestines of many food production animals, including ducks and chickens. The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of
Campylobacter
species in domestic ducks, and the agar dilution method was used to determine resistance of the isolates to eight antibiotics. In addition, multilocus sequence typing (MLST) was performed to determine the sequence types (STs) of selected
Campylobacter
isolates. Between May and September 2012, 58 duck farms were analyzed, and 56 (96.6%) were positive for
Campylobacter
. Among the isolates, 82.1% were
Campylobacter jejuni
, 16.1% were
C. coli
, and one was unidentified by PCR. Of the 46
C. jejuni
isolates, 87.0%, 10.9%, and 21.7% were resistant to ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, and azithromycin, respectively. Among the
C. coli
isolates, all 9 strains were resistant to ampicillin, and 77.8% and 33.3% were resistant to ciprofloxacin and azithromycin, respectively. The majority of the
Campylobacter
isolates were classified as multidrug resistant. Twenty-eight STs were identified, including 20 STs for
C. jejuni
and 8 STs for
C. coli
. The most common clonal complexes in
C. jejuni
were the ST-21 complex and the ST-45 complex, while the ST-828 complex predominated in
C. coli
. The majority of isolates were of STs noted in ducks and humans from earlier studies, along with seven STs previously associated only with human disease. These STs overlapped between duck and human isolates, indicating that
Campylobacter
isolates from ducks should be considered potential sources of human infection.
Substrate-Specific Development of Thermophilic Bacterial Consortia by Using Chemically Pretreated Switchgrass
Authors: Eichorst Stephanie A. , Joshua Chijioke , Sathitsuksanoh Noppadon , Singh Seema , Simmons Blake A. , Singer Steven W. 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACT

Microbial communities that deconstruct plant biomass have broad relevance in biofuel production and global carbon cycling. Biomass pretreatments reduce plant biomass recalcitrance for increased efficiency of enzymatic hydrolysis. We exploited these chemical pretreatments to study how thermophilic bacterial consortia adapt to deconstruct switchgrass (SG) biomass of various compositions. Microbial communities were adapted to untreated, ammonium fiber expansion (AFEX)-pretreated, and ionic-liquid (IL)-pretreated SG under aerobic, thermophilic conditions using green waste compost as the inoculum to study biomass deconstruction by microbial consortia. After microbial cultivation, gravimetric analysis of the residual biomass demonstrated that both AFEX and IL pretreatment enhanced the deconstruction of the SG biomass approximately 2-fold. Two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (2D-NMR) experiments and acetyl bromide-reactive-lignin analysis indicated that polysaccharide hydrolysis was the dominant process occurring during microbial biomass deconstruction, and lignin remaining in the residual biomass was largely unmodified. Small-subunit (SSU) rRNA gene amplicon libraries revealed that although the dominant taxa across these chemical pretreatments were consistently represented by members of the
Firmicutes
, the
Bacteroidetes
, and
Deinococcus-Thermus
, the abundance of selected operational taxonomic units (OTUs) varied, suggesting adaptations to the different substrates. Combining the observations of differences in the community structure and the chemical and physical structure of the biomass, we hypothesize specific roles for individual community members in biomass deconstruction.
Interpreting trial results following use of different intention-to-treat approaches for preventing attrition bias: a meta-epidemiological study protocol
Authors: Dossing Anna , Tarp Simon , Furst Daniel E , Gluud Christian , Beyene Joseph , Hansen Bjarke B , Bliddal Henning , Christensen Robin 
Published: September 2014

IntroductionWhen participants drop out of randomised clinical trials, as frequently happens, the intention-to-treat (ITT) principle does not apply, potentially leading to attrition bias. Data lost from patient dropout/lack of follow-up are statistically addressed by imputing, a procedure prone to bias. Deviations from the original definition of ITT are referred to as modified intention-to-treat (mITT). As yet, the impact of the potential bias associated with mITT has not been assessed. Our objective is to investigate potential bias and disadvantages of performing mITT and evaluate possible concerns when executing different mITT approaches in meta-analyses.Methods and analysisUsing meta-epidemiology on randomised trials considered less prone to bias (ie, good internal validity) and assessing biological or targeted agents in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, we will meta-analyse data from 10 biological and targeted drugs based on collections of trials that would correspond to 10 individual meta-analyses.Ethics and disseminationThis study will enhance transparency for evaluating mITT treatment effects described in meta-analyses. The intended audience will include healthcare researchers, policymakers and clinicians. Results of the study will be disseminated by peer-review publication.Protocol registrationIn PROSPERO CRD42013006702, 11. December 2013.
Pain in patients with COPD: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: van Dam van Isselt Eléonore F , Groenewegen-Sipkema Karin H , Spruit-van Eijk Monica , Chavannes Niels H , de Waal Margot W M , Janssen Daisy J A , Achterberg Wilco P 
Published: September 2014

ObjectivesTo systematically investigate the prevalence of pain, factors related with pain and pain management interventions in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis.Data sources and study eligibility criteriaPubMed (MEDLINE), EMBASE, CINAHL and PsychINFO from 1966 to December 2013. Studies were included if they presented clinical data on pain or symptom burden in patients with COPD, or pain as a domain of quality of life (QoL). All types of study designs were included.ResultsOf the 1571 articles that were identified, 39 met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. Fourteen studies focused on pain and symptom burden (including pain) in patients with COPD and 25 studies focused on QoL using a questionnaire that included a separate pain domain. Reported pain prevalence in high-quality studies ranged from 32 to 60%. Included studies report that pain is more prevalent in patients with COPD compared to participants from the general population. Comorbidity, nutritional status, QoL and several symptoms were related to pain. None of the included studies reported a significant relationship between lung function and pain prevalence or severity. However, studies investigating pain in patients with moderate COPD reported higher pain prevalence compared to studies in patients with severe of very severe COPD.ConclusionsAlthough literature on this topic is limited and shows substantial heterogeneity, pain seems to be a significant problem in patients with COPD and is related to several other symptoms, comorbidity and QoL. Data synthesis suggests that pain is more prevalent in patients with moderate COPD compared to patients with severe or very severe COPD. Further research is needed and should focus on determining a more accurate pain prevalence, investigating the relationship between pain prevalence, disease severity and comorbidity and explore implementation and efficacy of pain management interventions in patients with COPD.
Emergency and urgent care capacity in a resource-limited setting: an assessment of health facilities in western Kenya
Authors: Burke Thomas F , Hines Rosemary , Ahn Roy , Walters Michelle , Young David , Anderson Rachel Eleanor , Tom Sabrina M , Clark Rachel , Obita Walter , Nelson Brett D 
Published: September 2014

ObjectiveInjuries, trauma and non-communicable diseases are responsible for a rising proportion of death and disability in low-income and middle-income countries. Delivering effective emergency and urgent healthcare for these and other conditions in resource-limited settings is challenging. In this study, we sought to examine and characterise emergency and urgent care capacity in a resource-limited setting.MethodsWe conducted an assessment within all 30 primary and secondary hospitals and within a stratified random sampling of 30 dispensaries and health centres in western Kenya. The key informants were the most senior facility healthcare provider and manager available. Emergency physician researchers utilised a semistructured assessment tool, and data were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic coding.ResultsNo lower level facilities and 30% of higher level facilities reported having a defined, organised approach to trauma. 43% of higher level facilities had access to an anaesthetist. The majority of lower level facilities had suture and wound care supplies and gloves but typically lacked other basic trauma supplies. For cardiac care, 50% of higher level facilities had morphine, but a minority had functioning ECG, sublingual nitroglycerine or a defibrillator. Only 20% of lower level facilities had glucometers, and only 33% of higher level facilities could care for diabetic emergencies. No facilities had sepsis clinical guidelines.ConclusionsLarge gaps in essential emergency care capabilities were identified at all facility levels in western Kenya. There are great opportunities for a universally deployed basic emergency care package, an advanced emergency care package and facility designation scheme, and a reliable prehospital care transportation and communications system in resource-limited settings.
Three-month outcome of patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome using point-of-care cardiac troponin-T testing compared with laboratory-based cardiac troponin-T testing: a randomised trial
Authors: Asha Stephen Edward , Cooke Andrew , Walter Elizabeth , Weaver James 
Published: September 2014

ObjectiveThe aim of this randomised trial was to determine clinical outcomes in patients suspected of an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) who had cardiac troponin-T measured by point-of-care (POC) compared with laboratory-based cardiac troponin-T testing. A secondary aim was to describe the correlation between the two troponin assays.MethodsAdults suspected of ACS were allocated to have troponin processed by POC or laboratory analyser. The primary outcome was a composite of acute myocardial infarction, coronary revascularisation, cardiac arrest and mortality at 3 months. Paired troponins taken on participants allocated to POC were used to determine correlation between troponin values obtained from laboratory and POC analysers.ResultsThere were 452 participants. 30 (13.1%) of 229 participants allocated to POC had at least one primary outcome event compared with 29 (13.0%) of 223 allocated to laboratory testing, a difference of 0.1% (95% CI −6.2% to 6.4%, p=0.98). Of 215 available paired troponins results, both analysers gave congruent results in 196 (91%) cases. The POC troponin was negative when the laboratory sample was positive in 16 (7%) cases. The POC troponin was positive when the laboratory sample was negative in 3 (1%) samples. Passing–Bablok regression analysis demonstrated both a constant and proportional difference between the two analytic methods.ConclusionsAmong patients suspected of an ACS, we found no evidence for a difference in adverse outcome when POC troponin was used in comparison with laboratory troponin. Due to the small sample size, an absolute difference of up to 6% in adverse outcome is possible.Trial registration numberANZCTR#12612000319875.
Retrograde access to the posterior inferior cerebellar artery in balloon-assisted coiling of posterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysms
Authors: Heye Sam , Stracke Christian Paul , Nordmeyer Hannes , Heddier Markus , Stauder Michael , Chapot René 
Published: September 2014

IntroductionBalloon-assisted coil embolization of proximal posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) aneurysms may be limited by the inferiorly oriented, acutely angulated origin of the PICA from the vertebral artery. The aim of this study is to evaluate retrograde access to the PICA via the contralateral vertebral artery or the posterior communicating artery.MethodsTwenty-nine proximal PICA aneurysms treated by balloon remodeling with navigation of the balloon in the PICA via the contralateral vertebral artery or posterior communicating artery were found in our database between January 2007 and December 2013 and were reviewed.ResultsAccess to the PICA was made via the contralateral vertebral artery in 26 patients (90%), six of them (23%) with a hypoplastic V4 segment. In three patients (10%) the retrograde approach was made via the posterior communicating artery. After balloon remodeling, additional stenting was performed in 16 patients (55%). The complication rate was 3% (1 acute stent thrombosis). Grade 0 or 1 occlusion was obtained in all patients at completion angiography. No recurrence was found during follow-up.ConclusionsRetrograde access to the PICA to perform balloon-assisted coil embolization of proximal PICA aneurysms with or without additional stenting after coiling is safe and effective. Hypoplastic V4 segment of the contralateral vertebral artery is not a contraindication.
Adiponectin Receptor Signaling on Dendritic Cells Blunts Antitumor Immunity
Authors: Tan Peng H. , Tyrrell Helen E.J. , Gao Liquan , Xu Danmei , Quan Jianchao , Gill Dipender , Rai Lena , Ding Yunchuan , Plant Gareth , Chen Yuan , Xue John Z. , Handa Ashok I. , Greenall Michael J. , Walsh Kenneth , Xue Shao-An 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
Immune escape is a fundamental trait of cancer. Dendritic cells (DC) that interact with T cells represent a crucial site for the development of tolerance to tumor antigens, but there remains incomplete knowledge about how DC-tolerizing signals evolve during tumorigenesis. In this study, we show that DCs isolated from patients with metastatic or locally advanced breast cancer express high levels of the adiponectin receptors AdipoR1 and AdipoR2, which are sufficient to blunt antitumor immunity. Mechanistic investigations of ligand–receptor interactions on DCs revealed novel signaling pathways for each receptor. AdipoR1 stimulated IL10 production by activating the AMPK and MAPKp38 pathways, whereas AdipoR2 modified inflammatory processes by activating the COX-2 and PPARγ pathways. Stimulation of these pathways was sufficient to block activation of NF-κB in DC, thereby attenuating their ability to stimulate antigen-specific T-cell responses. Together, our findings reveal novel insights into how DC-tolerizing signals evolve in cancer to promote immune escape. Furthermore, by defining a critical role for adiponectin signaling in this process, our work suggests new and broadly applicable strategies for immunometabolic therapy in patients with cancer. Cancer Res; 74(20); 5711–22. ©2014 AACR.
Cellular Disposal of miR23b by RAB27-Dependent Exosome Release Is Linked to Acquisition of Metastatic Properties
Authors: Ostenfeld Marie Stampe , Jeppesen Dennis K. , Laurberg Jens R. , Boysen Anders T. , Bramsen Jesper B. , Primdal-Bengtson Bjarke , Hendrix An , Lamy Philippe , Dagnaes-Hansen Frederik , Rasmussen Mads H. , Bui Khan H. , Fristrup Niels , Christensen Erik I. , Nordentoft Iver , Morth Jens P. , Jensen Jørgen B. , Pedersen Jakob S. , Beck Martin , Theodorescu Dan , Borre Michael , Howard Kenneth A. , Dyrskjøt Lars , Ørntoft Torben Falck 
Published: September 2014

AbstractExosomes are small secreted vesicles that can transfer their content to recipient cells. In cancer, exosome secretion has been implicated in tumor growth and metastatic spread. In this study, we explored the possibility that exosomal pathways might discard tumor-suppressor miRNA that restricts metastatic progression. Secreted miRNA characterized from isogenic bladder carcinoma cell lines with differing metastatic potential were uncoupled from binding to target transcripts or the AGO2–miRISC complex. In metastatic cells, we observed a relative increase in secretion of miRNA with tumor-suppressor functions, including miR23b, miR224, and miR921. Ectopic expression of miR23b inhibited invasion, anoikis, angiogenesis, and pulmonary metastasis. Silencing of the exocytotic RAB family members RAB27A or RAB27B halted miR23b and miR921 secretion and reduced cellular invasion. Clinically, elevated levels of RAB27B expression were linked to poor prognosis in two independent cohorts of patients with bladder cancer. Moreover, highly exocytosed miRNA from metastatic cells, such as miR23b, were reduced in lymph node metastases compared with patient-matched primary tumors and were correlated with increments in miRNA-targeted RNA. Taken together, our results suggested that exosome-mediated secretion of tumor-suppressor miRNA is selected during tumor progression as a mechanism to coordinate activation of a metastatic cascade. Cancer Res; 74(20); 5758–71. ©2014 AACR.
A Hypusine–eIF5A–PEAK1 Switch Regulates the Pathogenesis of Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Fujimura Ken , Wright Tracy , Strnadel Jan , Kaushal Sharmeela , Metildi Cristina , Lowy Andrew M. , Bouvet Michael , Kelber Jonathan A. , Klemke Richard L. 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
Deregulation of protein synthesis is a hallmark of cancer cell proliferation, survival, and metastatic progression. eIF5A1 and its highly related isoform eIF5A2 are translation initiation factors that have been implicated in a range of human malignancies, but how they control cancer development and disease progression is still poorly understood. Here, we investigated how eIF5A proteins regulate pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) pathogenesis. eIF5A proteins are the only known proteins regulated by a distinct posttranslational modification termed hypusination, which is catalyzed by two enzymes, deoxyhypusine synthase (DHPS) and deoxyhypusine hydroxylase (DOHH). The highly selective nature of the hypusine modification and its amenability to pharmacologic inhibition make eIF5A proteins attractive therapeutic targets. We found that the expression and hypusination of eIF5A proteins are upregulated in human PDAC tissues and in premalignant pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia tissues isolated from Pdx-1-Cre: LSL-KRASG12D mice. Knockdown of eIF5A proteins in PDAC cells inhibited their growth in vitro and orthotopic tumor growth in vivo, whereas amplification of eIF5A proteins increased PDAC cell growth and tumor formation in mice. Small-molecule inhibitors of DHPS and DOHH both suppressed eIF5A hypusination, preventing PDAC cell growth. Interestingly, we found that eIF5A proteins regulate PDAC cell growth by modulating the expression of PEAK1, a nonreceptor tyrosine kinase essential for PDAC cell growth and therapy resistance. Our findings suggest that eIF5A proteins utilize PEAK1 as a downstream effector to drive PDAC pathogenesis and that pharmacologic inhibition of the eIF5A–hypusine–PEAK1 axis may provide a novel therapeutic strategy to combat this deadly disease. Cancer Res; 74(22); 6671–81. ©2014 AACR.
Saphenous Vein Graft Failure After Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery
Authors: Hess Connie N. , Lopes Renato D. , Gibson C. Michael , Hager Rebecca , Wojdyla Daniel M. , Englum Brian R. , Mack Michael J. , Califf Robert M. , Kouchoukos Nicholas T. , Peterson Eric D. , Alexander John H. 
Published: September 2014

Background—
Coronary artery bypass grafting success is limited by vein graft failure (VGF). Understanding the factors associated with VGF may improve patient outcomes.

Methods and Results—
We examined 1828 participants in the Project of Ex Vivo Vein Graft Engineering via Transfection IV (PREVENT IV) trial undergoing protocol-mandated follow-up angiography 12 to 18 months post–coronary artery bypass grafting or earlier clinically driven angiography. Outcomes included patient- and graft-level angiographic VGF (≥75% stenosis or occlusion). Variables were selected by using Fast False Selection Rate methodology. We examined relationships between variables and VGF in patient- and graft-level models by using logistic regression without and with generalized estimating equations. At 12 to 18 months post–coronary artery bypass grafting, 782 of 1828 (42.8%) patients had VGF, and 1096 of 4343 (25.2%) vein grafts had failed. Demographic and clinical characteristics were similar between patients with and without VGF, although VGF patients had longer surgical times, worse target artery quality, longer graft length, and they more frequently underwent endoscopic vein harvesting. After multivariable adjustment, longer surgical duration (odds ratio per 10-minute increase, 1.05; 95% confidence interval, 1.03–1.07), endoscopic vein harvesting (odds ratio, 1.41; 95% confidence interval, 1.16–1.71), poor target artery quality (odds ratio, 1.43; 95% confidence interval, 1.11–1.84), and postoperative use of clopidogrel or ticlopidine (odds ratio, 1.35; 95% confidence interval, 1.07–1.69) were associated with patient-level VGF. The predicted likelihood of VGF in the graft-level model ranged from 12.1% to 63.6%.

Conclusions—
VGF is common and associated with patient and surgical factors. These findings may help identify patients with risk factors for VGF and inform the development of interventions to reduce VGF.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00042081.