bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Do Rumen
Bacteroidetes
Utilize an Alternative Mechanism for Cellulose Degradation?
Authors: Naas A. E. , Mackenzie A. K. , Mravec J. , Schückel J. , Willats W. G. T. , Eijsink V. G. H. , Pope P. B. 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACT

Uncultured and therefore uncharacterized
Bacteroidetes
lineages are ubiquitous in many natural ecosystems which specialize in lignocellulose degradation. However, their metabolic contribution remains mysterious, as well-studied cultured
Bacteroidetes
have been shown to degrade only soluble polysaccharides within the human distal gut and herbivore rumen. We have interrogated a reconstructed genome from an uncultured
Bacteroidetes
phylotype that dominates a switchgrass-associated community within the cow rumen. Importantly, this characterization effort has revealed the first preliminary evidence for polysaccharide utilization locus (PUL)-catalyzed conversion of cellulose. Based on these findings, we propose a further expansion of the PUL paradigm and the saccharolytic capacity of rumen
Bacteroidetes
species to include cellulose, the most abundant terrestrial polysaccharide on Earth. Moreover, the perspective of a cellulolytic PUL lays the foundation for PULs to be considered an alternative mechanism for cellulose degradation, next to cellulosomes and free-enzyme systems.
Dynamic Remodeling of Microbial Biofilms by Functionally Distinct Exopolysaccharides
Authors: Chew Su Chuen , Kundukad Binu , Seviour Thomas , van der Maarel Johan R. C. , Yang Liang , Rice Scott A. , Doyle Patrick , Kjelleberg Staffan 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACT

Biofilms are densely populated communities of microbial cells protected and held together by a matrix of extracellular polymeric substances. The structure and rheological properties of the matrix at the microscale influence the retention and transport of molecules and cells in the biofilm, thereby dictating population and community behavior. Despite its importance, quantitative descriptions of the matrix microstructure and microrheology are limited. Here, particle-tracking microrheology in combination with genetic approaches was used to spatially and temporally study the rheological contributions of the major exopolysaccharides Pel and Psl in
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
biofilms. Psl increased the elasticity and effective cross-linking within the matrix, which strengthened its scaffold and appeared to facilitate the formation of microcolonies. Conversely, Pel reduced effective cross-linking within the matrix. Without Psl, the matrix becomes more viscous, which facilitates biofilm spreading. The wild-type biofilm decreased in effective cross-linking over time, which would be advantageous for the spreading and colonization of new surfaces. This suggests that there are regulatory mechanisms to control production of the exopolysaccharides that serve to remodel the matrix of developing biofilms. The exopolysaccharides were also found to have profound effects on the spatial organization and integration of
P. aeruginosa
in a mixed-species biofilm model of
P. aeruginosa
-
Staphylococcus aureus
. Pel was required for close association of the two species in mixed-species microcolonies. In contrast, Psl was important for
P. aeruginosa
to form single-species biofilms on top of
S. aureus
biofilms. Our results demonstrate that Pel and Psl have distinct physical properties and functional roles during biofilm formation.

IMPORTANCE
Most bacteria grow as biofilms in the environment or in association with eukaryotic hosts. Removal of biofilms that form on surfaces is a challenge in clinical and industrial settings. One of the defining features of a biofilm is its extracellular matrix. The matrix has a heterogeneous structure and is formed from a secretion of various biopolymers, including proteins, extracellular DNA, and polysaccharides. It is generally known to interact with biofilm cells, thus affecting cell physiology and cell-cell communication. Despite the fact that the matrix may comprise up to 90% of the biofilm dry weight, how the matrix properties affect biofilm structure, maturation, and interspecies interactions remain largely unexplored. This study reveals that bacteria can use specific extracellular polymers to modulate the physical properties of their microenvironment. This in turn impacts biofilm structure, differentiation, and interspecies interactions.
The epidemiology of 1345 shoulder dislocations and subluxations in French Rugby Union players: a five-season prospective study from 2008 to 2013
Authors: Bohu Yoann , Klouche Shahnaz , Lefevre Nicolas , Peyrin Jean-Claude , Dusfour Bernard , Hager Jean-Philippe , Ribaut Aurélie , Herman Serge 
Published: August 2014

BackgroundAn understanding of the epidemiology of shoulder dislocation/subluxation in rugby union players could help develop targeted prevention programmes and treatment. We performed a multiyear epidemiological survey of shoulder dislocation/subluxation in a large cohort of rugby players.MethodsA descriptive epidemiological study was performed prospectively for five playing seasons (2008–2013) in all players licensed in the French Rugby Union. Rugby players were categorised into five groups by age. The player and the team physician reported the injury to the club insurance company if it occurred during training or a match. The goals of the study were to define the rate, type and causes of shoulder dislocation/subluxation.Results88 044 injuries were reported, including 1345 (1.5%) episodes of dislocation/subluxation in 1317 men and 28 women, mean age 22.5±5.9 years. About 10/10 000 men and 5/10 000 women reported an episode of shoulder dislocation/subluxation per season, including 83/10 000 senior professionals, 17/10 000 senior amateurs, 21/10 000 juniors, 12/10 000 cadets and <1/10 000 rugby school players. Shoulder dislocation/subluxation was significantly more frequent in senior and junior players (p<0.001). Injuries mainly occurred during a match (66%) in the middle of the season (44%). The most frequent playing position was forwards (56%) and the main mechanism was tackling (69%). When reported, the history of recurrence was found in 66% of injured players, fractures in 22% and acromioclavicular injury in 6.7%. Nerve injury was associated with shoulder dislocation in 6% of cases.ConclusionsSenior professionals and junior male forward rugby players with a history of shoulder dislocation/subluxation should receive special attention from sports medicine professionals and orthopaedic surgeons.
Age and sex patterns of premature mortality in India
Authors: Dubey Manisha , Mohanty Sanjay K 
Published: August 2014

ObjectivesTo estimate premature mortality by age, sex and cause of death in India.BackgroundStudies on premature mortality in India are limited. Although evidence suggests recent reductions in infant and child mortality, little is known about the age and sex patterns of premature deaths in India.MethodsSecondary data from the Sample Registration System and, census of India and report on cause of death. A set of indices are used to estimate the premature mortality were analysed.Primary and secondary outcome measuresStandardised years of potential life lost (YPLL), premature years of potential life lost (PYPLL) and working years of potential life lost (WYPLL) for broad age groups and by selected causes of death.ResultsFrom 1991 to 2011, the age-standardised rate of YPLL (per 1000 population) declined from 310 to 235 for males and from 307 to 206 for females. The estimated YPLL (in millions) declined from 134 to 147 for males and from 123 to 108 for females, the YPLL for adults (aged 15–65) increased by 32% for males and 28% for females, the standardised PYPLL (per 1000 population) declined from 259 to 137 for males and from 258 to 115 for females, the estimated PYPLL increased by 13% for all adult males and by 32% for 30–45-year-old adult males, and the standardised rate of WYPLL declined from 274 to 131 for males and from 295 to 91 for females. These findings suggest a significant improvement in early childhood mortality and increasing mortality trends in 30–45-year-old adult males. The YPLL and WYPLL standardised rates for males and females were highest for cardiovascular disease.ConclusionsThe increasing share of premature deaths among adults and high levels of premature mortality suggest an improvement in child survival increased attention should be given to prevention and treatment of non-communicable diseases in order to avoid premature deaths in India.
Physical activity and risk of fatty liver in people with different levels of alcohol consumption: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Tsunoda Kenji , Kai Yuko , Uchida Ken , Kuchiki Tsutomu , Nagamatsu Toshiya 
Published: August 2014

ObjectiveTo investigate whether physical activity affects the future incidence of fatty liver in people with never-moderate and heavy alcohol consumption.DesignProspective cohort study.SettingHealth check-up programme at Meiji Yasuda Shinjuku Medical Center in Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo, Japan.PopulationA total of 10 146 people aged 18 years or older without fatty liver enrolled through baseline surveys conducted from 2005 to 2007. They were grouped into never-moderate alcohol drinkers (n=7803) and heavy alcohol drinkers (n=2343) and followed until 2013.Main outcome measureIncident fatty liver diagnosed by ultrasound.ResultsDuring a mean follow-up of 4.4 years (34 648 person-years), 1255 never-moderate alcohol drinkers developed fatty liver; 520 heavy alcohol drinkers developed fatty liver during a mean follow-up of 4.1 years (9596 person-years). For never-moderate alcohol drinkers, engaging in >3×/week of low-intensity (HR=0.82, 95% CI 0.71 to 0.96) and moderate-intensity (HR=0.56, 95% CI 0.39 to 0.81) physical activity significantly reduced incident fatty liver compared with those who engaged in physical activity <1×/week. For vigorous-intensity physical activity, frequencies of 2×/week (HR=0.57, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.86) and >3×/week (HR=0.55, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.79) were significantly associated with lower risk of incident fatty liver. In propensity-adjusted models, these significant associations still remained. By contrast, in heavy alcohol drinkers, there were no significant associations between the type or frequency of physical activity and incident fatty liver.ConclusionsPhysical activity had an independent protective effect on incident fatty liver only in the never-moderate alcohol drinkers, and the preventive effect increased with higher frequencies and intensities of physical activity.
A reimagined discharge lounge as a way to an efficient discharge process
Authors: Hernandez Natalia , John Dinesh , Mitchell Joan 
Published: August 2014

AbstractFaced with inherent inefficiencies built into transfer of a patient from emergency department (ED) to an inpatient bed, we determined that the timely availability of an inpatient bed was essential to improving efficiency and flow. Lack of beds early in the day was a major cause for delays and backup in the ED, which in turn placed the ED at risk for overcrowding and diversion. Review of the discharge process revealed that only 33.4% of discharges were completed prior to noon, and on average took 126 minutes from the time a discharge order was written to the time the patient actually left their inpatient bed.To achieve our goals of improving patient flow and discharge efficiency, we proposed a new project, called the “Discharge Hospitality Center (DHC).” Our previous attempt at creating a ‘discharge lounge” was unsuccessful. However, we learned from that endeavor which then allowed us to completely redesign the new DHC project and incorporate ongoing feedback from all stakeholders, sharing performance metrics regularly, and collectively searching for ways to overcome barriers and improve performance together. Strict eligibility criteria were created, and every patient was screened for DHC eligibility daily at our multidisciplinary discharge planning meeting. This multidisciplinary group made the final decision about eligibility for the DHC, and took responsibility for distributing the list of eligible patients to the acute care nursing floors immediately after their early morning meeting. Using the list of patients appropriate for the DHC, the acute floor nursing teams developed standard work for prioritization of DHC eligible patients for discharge, which more reliably allowed those patients to leave their inpatient beds earlier in the day. We found there was no need for dedicated staff at our DHC, as after discharge all outpatient procedures and policies applied.Our outcomes were quite favorable. Four months after the DHC project was launched, ED stays over 6 hours decreased from 24.6 to 15.8%, discharges before noon increased from 33.4 to 41.5%, and time improved from 126 down to 84 minutes from the time a discharge order was written to the time the patients actually left their inpatient bed. We reviewed all patients who went to the DHC on the subject of readmission and found two that were unavoidable (whether or not the DHC was used), and one patient nearly missed his ride home as he sat in the wrong location for transport pickup. In conclusion, a DHC can be successfully designed through integration and collaboration with stakeholders which can be a valuable tool to improve discharge efficiency and patient flow.
Explanatory factors for health inequalities across different ethnic and gender groups: data from a national survey in England
Authors: Mindell J S , Knott C S , Ng Fat L S , Roth M A , Manor O , Soskolne V , Daoud N 
Published: August 2014

BackgroundThe objective of this study was to examine the relative contribution of factors explaining ethnic health inequalities (EHI) in poor self-reported health (pSRH) and limiting long-standing illness (LLI) between Health Survey for England (HSE) participants.MethodUsing HSE 2003–2006 data, the odds of reporting pSRH or of LLI in 8573 Bangladeshi, Black African, Black Caribbean, Chinese, Indian, Irish and Pakistani participants was compared with 28 470 White British participants. The effects of demographics, socioeconomic position (SEP), psychosocial variables, community characteristics and health behaviours were assessed using separate regression models.ResultsCompared with White British men, age-adjusted odds (OR, 95% CI) of pSRH were higher among Bangladeshi (2.05, 1.34 to 3.14), Pakistani (1.77, 1.34 to 2.33) and Black Caribbean (1.60, 1.18 to 2.18) men, but these became non-significant following adjustment for SEP and health behaviours. Unlike Black Caribbean men, Black African men exhibited a lower risk of age-adjusted pSRH (0.66, 0.43 to 1.00 (p=0.048)) and LLI (0.45, 0.28 to 0.72), which were significant in every model. Likewise, Chinese men had a lower risk of age-adjusted pSRH (0.51, 0.26 to 1.00 (p=0.048)) and LLI (0.22, 0.10 to 0.48). Except in Black Caribbean women, adjustment for SEP rendered raised age-adjusted associations for pSRH among Pakistani (2.51, 1.99 to 3.17), Bangladeshi (1.85, 1.08 to 3.16), Black Caribbean (1.78, 1.44 to 2.21) and Indian women (1.37, 1.13 to 1.66) insignificant. Adjustment for health behaviours had the largest effect for South Asian women. By contrast, Irish women reported better age-adjusted SRH (0.70, 1.51 to 0.96).ConclusionsSEP and health behaviours were major contributors explaining EHI. Policies to improve health equity need to monitor these pathways and be informed by them.
Comparative analysis and meta-analysis of major clinical trials with oral factor Xa inhibitors versus warfarin in atrial fibrillation
Authors: Nunes José Pedro L , Rodrigues Rui Paulo , Gonçalves Francisco Rocha 
Published: August 2014

ObjectivesA comparative analysis of three major clinical trials with factor Xa inhibitor oral anticoagulant (XOAC) drugs versus warfarin in atrial fibrillation—Rocket-AF (rivaroxaban), Aristotle (apixaban) and Engage AF Timi 48 (edoxaban; two different doses and sets of data)—was carried out.MethodsData were extracted from the original reports (study level) and a meta-analysis was carried out.ResultsWhen compared with warfarin, XOAC therapy was associated with a decrease in haemorrhagic stroke, with a similar pattern for all regimens and meta-analysis showing a risk ratio of 0.488 (95% CI 0.396 to 0.601). Regarding total mortality, a favourable pattern was seen for all four regimens and meta-analysis showed a risk ratio of 0.892 (95% CI 0.840 to 0.947). Major bleeding and gastrointestinal bleeding provided two examples regarding which heterogeneity would seem to exist, when XOAC drugs are compared with warfarin. In what concerns the incidence of myocardial infarction, the primary end point (stroke plus systemic embolism) and ischaemic stroke, the situation is less clear. These results are inconsistent with a putative ‘group effect’ for all the seven parameters under study, and for some of them it would probably be best to look at each of the individual trial data rather than at the meta-analysis data (which seem to lack a clear biological meaning).ConclusionsApixaban, rivaroxaban and edoxaban have shown interesting effects, when compared with warfarin in clinical trials, in patients with atrial fibrillation, particularly with regard to haemorrhagic stroke and to the mortality rate. No other consistent conclusions concerning a putative ‘group effect’ can be reached at the present stage. Concerns regarding adherence to therapy, possible drug interactions, cost and current absence of antidotes may be taken into consideration when choosing an anticoagulant drug.
ECG characteristics according to the presence of late gadolinium enhancement on cardiac MRI in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Grall Sylvain , Biere Loïc , Clerfond Guillaume , Mateus Victor , Prunier Fabrice , Furber Alain 
Published: August 2014

BackgroundLate gadolinium enhancement (LGE) on cardiac MRI (CMR) has been described as an independent predictive factor of cardiovascular events among patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). LGE and Q waves are considered as myocardial scar markers but their relation in the context of HCM is poorly established and has to be more supported. The objective of the study was to compare ECG findings in the presence or absence of LGE.Methods42 patients with HCM confirmed by CMR were included in the study. ECG abnormalities including abnormal Q waves and five ECG scores of left ventricular hypertrophy were assessed and compared according to LGE presence and its extension. Some CMR features, such as septal to posterior wall thickness ratio, were also studied according to the presence of LGE and the presence of abnormal Q waves.ResultsAbnormal Q waves were more prevalent in the LGE (+) group (60% vs 12%; p=0.002), but there was no correlation between location of Q waves on ECG and territory of LGE on CMR. Among patients with LGE, quantitative analysis of LGE was not different in the presence or absence of Q waves. In contrast to the LGE mass, septal to posterior wall thickness was higher in patients with abnormal Q waves (2.3±0.7 vs 1.6±0.5; p=0.012).ConclusionsAlthough abnormal Q waves were more prevalent in the presence of LGE, no correlation was found with the LGE location and extent. These data suggest that abnormal electrical activation of the hypertrophied ventricular septum represented by a high septal to posterior wall thickness ratio seems to be an important mechanism of abnormal Q waves in HCM.
Endothelial function and left ventricular diastolic functional reserve in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Leung Melissa , Phan Victoria , Leung Dominic Y 
Published: August 2014

BackgroundEndothelial dysfunction is an early feature of vascular disease. Left ventricular (LV) diastolic reserve is the ability of the left ventricle to augment diastolic function with exercise and may be impaired in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). It is unclear if endothelial dysfunction is related to impaired LV diastolic reserve and diminished exercise capacity.Methods96 patients with type 2 DM and 10 controls had brachial artery reactivity testing, followed by exercise echocardiography. The brachial artery diameter was measured at rest and during reactive hyperaemia. LV diastolic reserve was measured as Δe′ with exercise and diastolic reserve index (Δe′/rest e′). Exercise capacity was calculated by metabolic equivalents (METs).ResultsCompared with controls, patients with DM had lower rest e′ (7 vs 9 cm/s, p=0.002), lower Δe′(1 vs 4 cm/s, p=0.023), lower Δe′/rest e′ (0.20 vs 0.47, p=0.003) and reduced flow mediated dilation (FMD, 5 vs 15%, p<0.001). FMD was correlated with Δe′ (r=0.65, p<0.001), diastolic reserve index (r=0.61, p<0.001) and post-exercise septal E/e′ (r=−0.50, p<0.001), but not with rest e′ (r=0.13, p=0.177). FMD was an independent predictor of Δe′ (β=0.002, p<0.001, R2=0.47) and diastolic reserve index (β=0.030, p<0.001, R2=0.41). Younger age (p<0.001), male gender (p=0.014), lower body mass index (p<0.001), lower rest E/e′ (p=0.042) and higher FMD (p=0.025) were independent predictors of higher METs (R2=0.52, p<0.001).ConclusionsPatients with DM had impaired endothelial function and LV diastolic dysfunction. LV diastolic reserve and exercise capacity are linked to endothelial function. Targeting vascular risk factors to improve endothelial function may improve LV diastolic reserve and exercise capacity.
Volume dependence of the Grüneisen ratio for shock-wave equation-of-state studies
Authors: Gospodinov Valentin 
Published: August 2014

This work presents an analysis of the existing self-contained expressions for the volume dependence of the Grüneisen ratio γ in view of their further application to equation of state (EOS) studies. These expressions are assessed and applied to materials with the major types of chemical bonds. Predictions from regression analysis are compared to existing experimental data sets. All expressions predict with very good accuracy the values of γ at ambient conditions, its volume variation in the low pressure region, but fail to give correct values for its infinite compression limit. A possible reason for this is that all experiments are performed at comparatively low pressures. The interpolation formula by Al'tshuler et al. [J. Appl. Mech. Tech. Phys. 28, 129 (1987)] and the equation, proposed by Jeanloz [J. Geophys. Res. B 94, 5873 (1989)] are the best fit to experimental data. A modification to Jeanloz's equation, more convenient for use in shock physics, is proposed in the present work. It could be used jointly with the shock Hugoniot to derive a complete EOS for solids from their response to shock-wave loading.
Biomimetic Tissue–Engineered Systems for Advancing Cancer Research: NCI Strategic Workshop Report
Authors: Schuessler Teresa K. , Chan Xin Yi , Chen Huanhuan Joyce , Ji Kyungmin , Park Kyung Min , Roshan-Ghias Alireza , Sethi Pallavi , Thakur Archana , Tian Xi , Villasante Aranzazu , Zervantonakis Ioannis K. , Moore Nicole M. , Nagahara Larry A. , Kuhn Nastaran Z. 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
Advanced technologies and biomaterials developed for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine present tractable biomimetic systems with potential applications for cancer research. Recently, the National Cancer Institute convened a Strategic Workshop to explore the use of tissue biomanufacturing for development of dynamic, physiologically relevant in vitro and ex vivo biomimetic systems to study cancer biology and drug efficacy. The workshop provided a forum to identify current progress, research gaps, and necessary steps to advance the field. Opportunities discussed included development of tumor biomimetic systems with an emphasis on reproducibility and validation of new biomimetic tumor models, as described in this report. Cancer Res; 74(19); 5359–63. ©2014 AACR.