bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modeling Bacterial Population Growth from Stochastic Single-Cell Dynamics
Authors: Alonso Antonio A. , Molina Ignacio , Theodoropoulos Constantinos 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACT

A few bacterial cells may be sufficient to produce a food-borne illness outbreak, provided that they are capable of adapting and proliferating on a food matrix. This is why any quantitative health risk assessment policy must incorporate methods to accurately predict the growth of bacterial populations from a small number of pathogens. In this aim, mathematical models have become a powerful tool. Unfortunately, at low cell concentrations, standard deterministic models fail to predict the fate of the population, essentially because the heterogeneity between individuals becomes relevant. In this work, a stochastic differential equation (SDE) model is proposed to describe variability within single-cell growth and division and to simulate population growth from a given initial number of individuals. We provide evidence of the model ability to explain the observed distributions of times to division, including the lag time produced by the adaptation to the environment, by comparing model predictions with experiments from the literature for
Escherichia coli
,
Listeria innocua
, and
Salmonella enterica
. The model is shown to accurately predict experimental growth population dynamics for both small and large microbial populations. The use of stochastic models for the estimation of parameters to successfully fit experimental data is a particularly challenging problem. For instance, if Monte Carlo methods are employed to model the required distributions of times to division, the parameter estimation problem can become numerically intractable. We overcame this limitation by converting the stochastic description to a partial differential equation (backward Kolmogorov) instead, which relates to the distribution of division times. Contrary to previous stochastic formulations based on random parameters, the present model is capable of explaining the variability observed in populations that result from the growth of a small number of initial cells as well as the lack of it compared to populations initiated by a larger number of individuals, where the random effects become negligible.
BEM46 Shows Eisosomal Localization and Association with Tryptophan-Derived Auxin Pathway in Neurospora crassa
Authors: Kollath-Leiß K. , Bönniger C. , Sardar P. , Kempken F. 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACTBEM46 proteins are evolutionarily conserved, but their functions remain elusive. We reported previously that the BEM46 protein inNeurospora crassais targeted to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and is essential for ascospore germination. In the present study, we established abem46knockout strain ofN. crassa. This Δbem46mutant exhibited a level of ascospore germination lower than that of the wild type but much higher than those of the previously characterizedbem46-overexpressing and RNA interference (RNAi) lines. Reinvestigation of the RNAi transformants revealed two types of alternatively splicedbem46mRNA; expression of either type led to a loss of ascospore germination. Our results indicated that the phenotype was not due tobem46mRNA downregulation or loss but was caused by the alternatively spliced mRNAs and the peptides they encoded. Using theN. crassaortholog of the eisosomal protein PILA fromAspergillus nidulans, we further demonstrated the colocalization of BEM46 with eisosomes. Employing the yeast two-hybrid system, we identified a single interaction partner: anthranilate synthase component II (encoded bytrp-1). This interaction was confirmedin vivoby a split-YFP (yellow fluorescent protein) approach. The Δtrp-1mutant showed reduced ascospore germination and increased indole production, and we used bioinformatic tools to identify a putative auxin biosynthetic pathway. The genes involved exhibited various levels of transcriptional regulation in the differentbem46transformant and mutant strains. We also investigated the indole production of the strains in different developmental stages. Our findings suggested that the regulation of indole biosynthesis genes was influenced bybem46overexpression. Furthermore, we uncovered evidence of colocalization of BEM46 with the neutral amino acid transporter MTR.
The effect of coach and player injury knowledge, attitudes and beliefs on adherence to the FIFA 11+ programme in female youth soccer
Authors: McKay Carly D , Steffen Kathrin , Romiti Maria , Finch Caroline F , Emery Carolyn A 
Published: June 2014

BackgroundInjury knowledge and beliefs influence uptake of prevention programmes, but the relationship between knowledge, beliefs and adherence remains unclear.AimTo describe injury knowledge and beliefs among youth female soccer coaches and players, and to identify the relationship between these factors, different delivery strategies of the FIFA 11+ programme and adherence.MethodsA subcohort analysis from a cluster-randomised controlled trial of 31 female soccer teams (coaches n=29, players (ages 13–18) n=258). Preseason and postseason questionnaires were used to assess knowledge and beliefs. Teams recorded FIFA 11+ adherence during the season.ResultsAt baseline, 62.8% (95% CI 48.4% to 77.3%) of coaches and 75.8% (95% CI 71.5% to 80.1%) of players considered ‘inadequate warm-up’ a risk factor for injury. There was no effect of delivery method (OR=1.1; 95% CI 0.8 to 1.5) or adherence (OR=1.0; 95% CI 0.9 to 1.1) on this belief. At baseline, 13.8% (95% CI 1.3% to 26.4%) of coaches believed a warm-up could prevent muscle injuries, but none believed it could prevent knee and ankle injuries. For players, 9.7% (95% CI 6.1% to 13.3%), 4.7% (95% CI 2.1% to 7.3%) and 4.7% (95% CI 2.1% to 7.3%) believed a warm-up would prevent muscle, knee and ankle injuries, respectively. Years of playing experience were negatively associated with high adherence for coaches (OR=0.93; 0.88 to 0.99) and players (OR=0.92; 0.85 to 0.98).ConclusionsThere were gaps in injury knowledge and beliefs, which differed for coaches and players. Beliefs did not significantly affect adherence to the FIFA 11+, suggesting additional motivational factors should be considered.
Follicular Fluid Oocyte/Cumulus-Free DNA Concentrations as a Potential Biomolecular Marker of Embryo Quality and IVF Outcome
Authors: Dimopoulou M. , Anifandis G. , Messini C. I. , Dafopoulos K. , Kouris S. , Sotiriou S. , Satra M. , Vamvakopoulos N. , Messinis I. E. 
Published: June 2014

The present prospective study examined the follicular fluid oocyte/cumulus-free DNA concentrations (ff o/c-free DNA) during ovarian stimulation and the possible association between ff o/c-free DNA and embryological results such as embryo quality and pregnancy rate. Eighty-three women undergoing IV/ICSI-ET treatments were prospectively included in this study. ff o/c-free DNA was determined by conventional quantitative real time PCR-Sybr green detection approach. The 83 ff samples were categorized in two groups: group 1n=62with cumulus oocytes complexes (CoCs)≥2 and group 2n=21with CoCs = 1. Group 1 revealed significant higher embryo quality in terms of mean score of embryo transfer (MSET), but lower ff o/c-free DNA concentrations compared to group 2. The two groups showed comparable pregnancy rates (positive hCG and clinical pregnancy). The higher the ff o/c-free DNA concentration, the lower the number of produced oocytes. ff o/c-free DNA did not seem to have any direct role in the IVF outcome. Further research is required to clarify whether ff o/c-free DNA is a biomolecular marker of embryo quality and IVF outcome.
Constraints on Heavy Neutrino and SUSY Parameters Derived from the Study of Neutrinoless Double Beta Decay
Authors: Neacsu Andrei , Stoica Sabin 
Published: June 2014

New constraints on the lepton number violating (LNV) parameters are derived from the analysis of the neutrinoless double beta (0νββ) decay in the hypothesis that this process would occur through the exchange of heavy neutrinos and/or SUSY particles. For derivation, we use new values of both phase space factors (PSFs) and nuclear matrix elements (NMEs) calculated with numerical codes developed recently, as well as the most recent experimental lifetimes. The NMEs are computed with a shell model (ShM) code for 48Ca, 76Ge, and 82Senuclei, while at present similar ShM results are available only for the first nucleus. We compare our results with similar ones from literature, obtained with ShM, QRPA, and IBM-2 methods, and conclude that more results are needed for a relevant analysis on the validity of NMEs associated with these decay mechanisms.
PME-1 Modulates Protein Phosphatase 2A Activity to Promote the Malignant Phenotype of Endometrial Cancer Cells
Authors: Wandzioch Ewa , Pusey Michelle , Werda Amy , Bail Sophie , Bhaskar Aishwarya , Nestor Mariya , Yang Jing-Jing , Rice Lyndi M. 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) negatively regulates tumorigenic signaling pathways, in part, by supporting the function of tumor suppressors like p53. The PP2A methylesterase PME-1 limits the activity of PP2A by demethylating its catalytic subunit. Here, we report the finding that PME-1 overexpression correlates with increased cell proliferation and invasive phenotypes in endometrial adenocarcinoma cells, where it helps maintain activated ERK and Akt by inhibiting PP2A. We obtained evidence that PME-1 could bind and regulate protein phosphatase 4 (PP4), a tumor-promoting protein, but not the related protein phosphatase 6 (PP6). When the PP2A, PP4, or PP6 catalytic subunits were overexpressed, inhibiting PME-1 was sufficient to limit cell proliferation. In clinical specimens of endometrial adenocarcinoma, PME-1 levels were increased and we found that PME-1 overexpression was sufficient to drive tumor growth in a xenograft model of the disease. Our findings identify PME-1 as a modifier of malignant development and suggest its candidacy as a diagnostic marker and as a therapeutic target in endometrial cancer. Cancer Res; 74(16); 4295–305. ©2014 AACR.
Human Umbilical Cord Blood–Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Producing IL15 Eradicate Established Pancreatic Tumor in Syngeneic Mice
Authors: Jing Wei , Chen Ying , Lu Lei , Hu Xiangui , Shao Chenghao , Zhang Yijie , Zhou Xuyu , Zhou Yingqi , Wu Lang , Liu Rui , Fan Kexing , Jin Gang 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) represent a new tool for delivery of therapeutic agents to cancer sites because of their strong tropism toward tumors. IL15 has demonstrated a potent antitumor activity in various animal models as well as clinical trials. However, because of its short half-life, effective therapeutic effects usually require a high dose, which often results in undesired side effects; thus, new strategies for overcoming this disadvantage are needed. In this study, human MSCs were isolated from umbilical cord blood as delivery vehicles and transduced with lentivirus vector expressing murine IL15 (MSC-IL15). In vitro assays of lymphocyte activation and proliferation demonstrated that IL15 produced by MSCs was biofunctional. In syngeneic mice bearing Pan02 pancreatic tumors, systemic administration of MSC-IL15 significantly inhibited tumor growth and prolonged the survival of tumor-bearing mice, which were associated with tumor cell apoptosis, and natural killer (NK)– and T-cell accumulation. Furthermore, we confirmed that MSC-IL15 could migrate toward tumor and secreted IL15 in tumor-specific sites. Depletion of NK and CD8+ T cells abolished the antitumor activity of MSC-IL15, suggesting that NK and CD8+ T cells play a key role for MSC-IL15–mediated effect. Interestingly, cured mice after MSC-IL15 treatment were resistant to Pan02 pancreatic tumor rechallenge, and adoptive transfer of lymphocytes from cured mice also could cause rejection of Pan02 tumor inoculation in naïve mice, indicating that MSC-IL15 induced tumor-specific T-cell immune memory response. Overall, these data support that MSCs producing IL15 might represent an innovative strategy for therapy of pancreatic tumor. Mol Cancer Ther; 13(8); 2127–37. ©2014 AACR.
Patterns of Alcohol Consumption and Myocardial Infarction Risk
Authors: Leong Darryl P. , Smyth Andrew , Teo Koon K. , McKee Martin , Rangarajan Sumathy , Pais Prem , Liu Lisheng , Anand Sonia S. , Yusuf Salim 
Published: June 2014

Background—
Although moderate alcohol use is associated with protection against myocardial infarction (MI), it is not known whether this effect is generalizable to populations worldwide. It is also uncertain whether differences in the pattern of alcohol use (and in particular heavy episodic consumption) between different regions negate any beneficial effect.

Methods and Results—

We included 12 195 cases of first MI and 15 583 age- and sex-matched controls from 52 countries. Current alcohol use was associated with a reduced risk of MI (compared with nonusers: adjusted odds ratio, 0.87; 95% confidence interval, 0.80–0.94;
P
=0.001); however, the strength of this association was not uniform across different regions (region-alcohol interaction
P
<0.001). Heavy episodic drinking (≥6 drinks) within the preceding 24 hours was associated with an increased risk of MI (odds ratio, 1.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.1–1.9;
P
=0.01). This risk was particularly elevated in older individuals (for age >65 years: odds ratio, 5.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.6–18;
P
=0.008).

Conclusions—
In most participants, low levels of alcohol use are associated with a moderate reduction in the risk of MI; however, the strength of this association may not be uniform across different countries. An episode of heavy drinking is associated with an increased risk of acute MI in the subsequent 24 hours, particularly in older individuals.
Prediction of adaptation difficulties by country of origin, cumulate psychosocial stressors and attitude toward integrating: A Swedish study of first-generation immigrants from Somalia, Vietnam and China
Authors: Johnsson Ewa , Zolkowska Krystyna , McNeil Thomas F 
Published: June 2014

Background: Different types of accumulated stress have been found to have negative consequences for immigrants’ capacity to adapt to the new environment. It remains unclear which factors have the greatest influence. Aims: The study investigated whether immigrants’ experience of great difficulty in adapting to a new country could best be explained by (1) country of origin, (2) exposure to accumulated stressors before arrival or (3) after arrival in the new country and/or (4) reserved attitude toward integrating into the new society. Methods: The 119 first-generation immigrants from Somalia, Vietnam and China, living in Malmö, Sweden, were interviewed in a standardized manner. Results: Experiencing great difficulty in adapting to Sweden was independent of length of residence, but significantly related to all four influences, studied one at a time. Country of origin was also related to stressors and attitude. When the effects of the other influences were mutually controlled for, only exposure to accumulated stressors in Sweden (and especially experiencing discrimination/xenophobia/racism) accounted for great adaptation difficulty. Stressors in Sweden had a greater effect if the immigrant had been exposed to stressors earlier. Conclusions: Immigrants’ long-term experiences of great difficulty in adapting to a new country were explained primarily by exposure to accumulated stressors while moving to and living in the new country, rather than by their backgrounds or attitudes toward integrating. This suggests promoting strategies to avoid discrimination and other stressors in the host country.
Headache in sleep apnea syndrome: Epidemiology and pathophysiology
Authors: Russell Michael B , Kristiansen Håvard A , Kværner Kari J 
Published: June 2014

This review investigates the relation between obstructive sleep apnea and sleep apnea headache, migraine and tension-type headache. Focus is made on studies from the general population with interviews conducted by a physician and obstructive sleep apnea confirmed by polysomnography. Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is observed in 3% of the middle-aged population. The prevalence of sleep apnea headache in this population is 12%–18%, while morning headache with similar symptomatology as sleep apnea headache occur in 5%–8% of the general population. People with sleep apnea headache did have significantly more minutes below 90% oxygen saturation (23.1 min vs. 1.9 min, p = 0.002), higher level of average oxygen desaturation (5.9% vs. 4.5%, p < 0.001) and lower average of the lowest oxygen saturation (80.9% vs. 88.5%, p < 0.001) than people with morning headache. A comparison of those with obstructive sleep apnea with or without sleep apnea headache showed no significant differences. Thus, oxygen desaturation alone cannot explain the pathophysiology of sleep apnea headache. Obstructive sleep apnea and migraine, and obstructive sleep apnea and tension-type headache are not related in the general population. The cause of sleep apnea headache remains to be elucidated.
The Influence of Cervical Muscle Characteristics on Head Impact Biomechanics in Football
Authors: Schmidt Julianne D. , Guskiewicz Kevin M. , Blackburn J. Troy , Mihalik Jason P. , Siegmund Gunter P. , Marshall Stephen W. 
Published: June 2014

Background: An athlete is thought to reduce head acceleration after impact by contracting the cervical musculature, which increases the effective mass of the head. Purpose: To compare the odds of sustaining higher magnitude in-season head impacts between athletes with higher and lower preseason performance on cervical muscle characteristics. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: Forty-nine high school and collegiate American football players completed a preseason cervical testing protocol that included measures of cervical isometric strength, muscle size, and response to cervical perturbation. Head impact biomechanics were captured for each player using the Head Impact Telemetry System. A median split was used to categorize players as either high or low performers for each of the following outcome measures: isometric strength (peak torque, rate of torque development), muscle size (cross-sectional area), and response to cervical perturbation (stiffness, angular displacement, muscle onset latency). The odds of sustaining moderate and severe head impacts were computed against the reference odds of sustaining mild head impacts across cervical characteristic categorizations. Results: Linemen with stronger lateral flexors and composite cervical strength had about 1.75 times’ increased odds of sustaining moderate linear head impacts rather than mild impacts compared with weaker linemen. Players who developed extensor torque more quickly had 2 times the increased odds of sustaining severe linear head impacts (odds ratio [OR], 2.10; 95% CI, 1.08-4.05) rather than mild head impacts. However, players with greater cervical stiffness had reduced odds of sustaining both moderate (OR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.61-0.96) and severe (OR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.46-0.89) head impacts compared with players with less cervical stiffness. Conclusion: The study findings showed that greater cervical stiffness and less angular displacement after perturbation reduced the odds of sustaining higher magnitude head impacts; however, the findings did not show that players with stronger and larger neck muscles mitigate head impact severity.
Cognitive Impairment Among Elderly Individuals in Shanghai Suburb, China
Authors: Chen Jin-Mei , Cui Guo-Hong , Jiang Guo-Xin , Xu Rui-Fang , Tang Hui-Dong , Wang Gang , Chen Sheng-Di , Cheng Qi 
Published: June 2014

Objectives: To investigate the association between serum C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration and cognitive impairment as well as interactions between CRP and other relevant factors. Methods: Patients with cognitive impairment and 1 to 2 age- and sex-matched controls nested from a population-based study among residents aged 60 years and older in Shanghai suburb. The associations of serum CRP concentration and other relevant factors were examined with logistic regression analysis. Results: The mean CRP in patients with cognitive impairment was higher than that in controls ( P < .001). The highest quartile of CRP (>4.77 mg/L), abdomen obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, and hyperglycemia was associated with cognitive impairment. Significant interactions were found between increased CRP and hypertriglyceridemia as well as between increased CRP and hyperglycemia on cognitive impairment; and the attributable proportion due to interaction was 82% ( P < .0001) and 37% ( P = .007), respectively. Conclusions: Increased CRP was associated with cognitive impairment, and additive effects of increased CRP with hypertriglyceridemia and hyperglycemia on cognitive impairment were observed among elderly individuals.
Asenapine augmentation and treatment-resistant schizophrenia in the high-secure hospital setting
Authors: Smith E. Naomi , Durge Vijay , Sengupta Samrat , Das Mrigendra 
Published: June 2014

Introduction: Asenapine is a novel, recently introduced antipsychotic drug. It has a unique receptor profile and it is licensed in the UK for the treatment of bipolar-affective disorder. However, there is some evidence for its effectiveness in schizophrenia and it is licensed for schizophrenia treatment in a number of countries. Significant numbers of patients within the high-secure hospital setting suffer from treatment-resistant schizophrenia. Many patients fail to respond to adequate antipsychotic trials, and require trials of augmentation with other medications. Methods: We report on our experience of using asenapine for augmentation of other antipsychotic medications in two male patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia and histories of interpersonal violence. The patients provided informed consent to participate in this case series. Data were collected from the patients’ clinical records, incident reports and hospital medical centre records. These records were used to derive primary and secondary outcome measures. These included time spent in seclusion, verbal and physical aggression, numbers of incidents and metabolic parameters. Symptoms were rated pre- and postaugmentation using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and Clinical Global Impression rating scales. Results: Both patients showed an improvement after the addition of asenapine. These improvements were characterized by a reduction in global PANSS scores, in the PANSS excitability component, a reduction in scores of violence, overall incidents and reduction in seclusion hours. Conclusions: We found asenapine to be an effective augmentation agent with other antipsychotics in both patients. Clinical improvement was noted within weeks. The case-series nature and small sample size limited our ability to draw firm conclusions from our data. However, retrospective analysis has allowed us to take a naturalistic approach that this augmentation strategy may be advantageous on an individual patient basis in a high-secure hospital setting.