bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diet of Haplognathia ruberrima (Gnathostomulida) in a Caribbean marine mangrove
Authors: Pascal Pierre‐Yves , Bellemare Claude , Sterrer Wolfgang , Boschker Henricus T. S. , Gonzalez‐Rizzo Silvina , Gros Olivier 
Published: April 2015

AbstractHaplognathia ruberrima is a cosmopolitan gnathostomulid species found in sulfur bacterial mats in mangroves in Guadeloupe (French West Indies). Haplognathia ruberrima presents a δ13C value lower than all measured meiofaunal grazers and lower than the available measured food sources of this environment. This low δ13C value can not be due to specific ingestion of 13C‐depleted methanogenic bacteria because abundances of those bacteria are reduced in surficial and deep sediments as revealed by δ13C of bacterial fatty acid. According to scanning electron microscope observations, no bacterial ectosymbionts were observed at the surface of the gnathostomulids, and transmission electron microscope views revealed the absence of bacterial endosymbionts. Energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy analysis detected low levels of sulfur (0.32%±0.8) in biological tissues of H. ruberrima, confirming the absence of thioautotrophic bacterial symbionts in these animals. Consequently, the low δ13C value of H. ruberrima can not be due to the presence of sulfur‐oxidizing symbionts but more probably to the selective and exclusive consumption of free‐living, sulfur‐oxidizing bacteria.
Body weight gain and risk of colorectal cancer: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of observational studies
Authors: Schlesinger S. , Lieb W. , Koch M. , Fedirko V. , Dahm C. C. , Pischon T. , Nöthlings U. , Boeing H. , Aleksandrova K. 
Published: April 2015

SummaryWhile the relationship between body mass index as an indicator of excess body weight and the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) is well established, the association between body weight gain in adulthood and risk of CRC remains unresolved. We quantified this association in a meta‐analysis of 12 observational studies published until November 2014 with a total of 16,151 incident CRC cases. Random effect models were used to obtain summary relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Between‐study heterogeneity was assessed using I2 statistics. Overall, the summary RR (95% CI) was 1.22 (1.14–1.30) for high body weight gain (midpoint: 15.2 kg) compared with stable weight (P for heterogeneity = 0.182; I2 = 21.2%). In a dose‐response analysis, each 5 kg weight gain was associated with a 4% (95% CI: 2%–5%) higher risk of CRC. The association persisted after adjustment for body weight at younger age and was present for both men and women, as well as for colon and rectal cancer. Differences by sex were detected for colon cancer (P for interaction = 0.003, with higher risk for men than women), but not for rectal cancer (P for interaction = 0.613). In conclusion, these data underscore the importance of body weight management from early adulthood onwards for the prevention of CRC development.
Histamine reduces boron neutron capture therapy‐induced mucositis in an oral precancer model
Authors: Monti Hughes A , Pozzi ECC , Thorp SI , Curotto P , Medina VA , Martinel Lamas DJ , Rivera ES , Garabalino MA , Farías RO , Gonzalez SJ , Heber EM , Itoiz ME , Aromando RF , Nigg DW , Trivillin VA , Schwint AE 
Published: April 2015

ObjectivesSearching for more effective and selective therapies for head and neck cancer, we demonstrated the therapeutic effect of boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) to treat oral cancer and inhibit long‐term tumor development from field‐cancerized tissue in the hamster cheek pouch model. However, BNCT‐induced mucositis in field‐cancerized tissue was dose limiting. In a clinical scenario, oral mucositis affects patients’ treatment and quality of life. Our aim was to evaluate different radioprotectors, seeking to reduce the incidence of BNCT‐induced severe mucositis in field‐cancerized tissue.Materials and MethodsCancerized pouches treated with BNCT mediated by boronophenylalanine at 5 Gy were treated as follows: control: saline solution; Hishigh: histamine 5 mg kg−1; Hislow: histamine 1 mg kg−1; and JNJ7777120: 10 mg kg−1.ResultsHislow reduced the incidence of severe mucositis in field‐cancerized tissue to 17% vs CONTROL: 55%; Hishigh: 67%; JNJ7777120: 57%. Hislow was non‐toxic and did not compromise the long‐term therapeutic effect of BNCT or alter gross boron concentration. Conclusion: Histamine reduces BNCT‐induced mucositis in experimental oral precancer without jeopardizing therapeutic efficacy. The fact that both histamine and boronophenylalanine are approved for use in humans bridges the gap between experimental work and potential clinical application to reduce BNCT‐induced radiotoxicity in patients with head and neck cancer.
Poplar trees for phytoremediation of high levels of nitrate and applications in bioenergy
Authors: Castro‐Rodríguez Vanessa , García‐Gutiérrez Angel , Canales Javier , Cañas Rafael A. , Kirby Edward G. , Avila Concepción , Cánovas Francisco M. 
Published: April 2015

SummaryThe utilization of high amounts of nitrate fertilizers for crop yield leads to nitrate pollution of ground and surface waters. In this study, we report the assimilation and utilization of nitrate luxuriant levels, 20 times more than the highest N fertilizer application in Europe, by transgenic poplars overexpressing a cytosolic glutamine synthetase (GS1). In comparison with the wild‐type controls, transgenic plants grown under high N levels exhibited increased biomass (171.6%) and accumulated higher levels of proteins, chlorophylls and total sugars such as glucose, fructose and sucrose. These plants also exhibited greater nitrogen‐use efficiency particularly in young leaves, suggesting that they are able to translocate most of the resources to the above‐ground part of the plant to produce biomass. The transgenic poplar transcriptome was greatly affected in response to N availability with 1237 genes differentially regulated in high N, while only 632 genes were differentially expressed in untransformed plants. Many of these genes are essential in the adaptation and response against N excess and include those involved in photosynthesis, cell wall formation and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. Cellulose production in the transgenic plants was fivefold higher than in control plants, indicating that transgenic poplars represent a potential feedstock for applications in bioenergy. In conclusion, our results show that GS transgenic poplars can be used not only for improving growth and biomass production but also as an important resource for potential phytoremediation of nitrate pollution.
Susceptibility‐weighted imaging in acute‐stage pediatric convulsive disorders
Authors: Iwasaki Hiroki , Fujita Yukihiko , Hara Mitsuhiko 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this preliminary study was to investigate the clinical use of acute‐stage susceptibility‐weighted imaging (SWI) in children with prolonged convulsive disorder.MethodsTen children with prolonged convulsive disorder who underwent SWI within 2 h after termination of seizure (acute‐stage SWI group) and 15 control children who underwent SWI > 2 h after their seizures terminated or for other purposes were enrolled. The cerebral venous vasculature was compared between the groups. The acute‐stage SWI group was further divided into three subgroups: normal group, those with regional low signals in the cerebral veins (regional group) and those with diffuse low signals in the cerebral veins (generalized group). Inter‐ictal electroencephalography (EEG) and venous blood gas findings during seizure activity were compared between these subgroups.ResultsAll patients in the acute‐stage SWI group had low cerebral vein signal. Four patients were assigned to the regional group and six patients to the generalized group. Decrease of venous pH and the increase of venous pCO2 during seizure activity was more prominent in the regional group than in the generalized group. In the regional group, low‐signal areas in the cerebral veins were consistent with abnormal areas on EEG; these low‐signal areas resolved completely in all patients on follow‐up SWI. Ten patients in the control group had normal SWI, and five had a generalized low signal.ConclusionsAcute‐stage SWI may be a useful alternative for identifying lateralization of seizures in children with prolonged convulsive disorder.
A Spatiodynamic Model for Assessing Frost Risk in South-Eastern Australia
Authors: Bakar K. Shuvo , Kokic Philip , Jin Huidong 
Published: April 2015

SummaryPrevious climate research concluded that causal influences which have contributed to changes in frost risk in south-eastern Australia include greenhouse gas concentration, El-Niño southern oscillation and other effects. Some of the climatic indices representing these effects have spatiotemporal misalignment and may have a spatially and temporally varying effect on observed data. Other indices are constructed from grid-referenced physical models, which creates a point-to-area problem. To address these issues we use a spatiodynamic model, which comprises a blending of spatially varying and temporally dynamic parameters. For the data that we examine the model proposed performs well in out-of-sample validation compared with a spatiotemporal model.
The adaptation of aDanish version of thePainSelf‐EfficacyQuestionnaire: reliability and construct validity in a population of patients with fibromyalgia inDenmark
Authors: Rasmussen Marianne U. , Rydahl‐Hansen Susan , Amris Kirstine , Danneskiold Samsøe Bente , Mortensen Erik L. 
Published: April 2015

The aim of this study was to translate, culturally adapt and evaluate the psychometric properties of thePainSelf‐EfficacyQuestionnaire (PSEQ) in a population of patients with fibromyalgia inDenmark. The study sample included 102 patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia referred to a specialist clinic. ThePSEQwas translated and adapted to a Danish setting using a standard stepw‐ise forward–backward translation procedure, followed by initial testing and focus group interview. Reliability was examined by analysing internal consistency and test–retest agreement. Construct validity was exami‐ned by investigating dimensionality, targeting, local independence, category functioning and differential item functioning (DIF). Reliability was high: Cronbach's alpha 0.88, test–retest correlation 0.93, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) 0.89 and item–total correlations 0.44–0.70. Factor analyses and item response (IRT) models indicated unidimensionality, and thePSEQ‐DKwas well targeted to the sample. High interitem correlation was observed between two items, indicating local dependence, and item misfit andDIFwere observed for a few items. However, the overall fit of the scale to a single‐factor model andIRTmodels supported acceptable construct validity. ThePSEQ‐DKshowed acceptable psychometric properties and can therefore represent a reliable and valid measure for evaluating self‐efficacy in patients with fibromyalgia inDenmark.
Environmental Justice and Patterns of State Inspections*
Authors: Spina Francesca 
Published: April 2015

ObjectiveThis article analyzes state patterns of environmental inspections to determine if the government enforces environmental laws equitably.MethodsThis article examines state inspections of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) nationwide from 2002 to 2011. It uses negative binomial regression models to test for disparities in levels of inspections at the county level.ResultsResults indicate evidence of race‐based disparities in levels of state inspections in counties with larger populations of African Americans. Results also suggest evidence of age‐based disparities in levels of inspections, as well as disparities in socially disorganized counties.ConclusionsAlthough the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has addressed class‐based disparities in levels of inspections of the RCRA, the findings indicate that the EPA should examine its inspection efforts based on age and structural characteristics of communities.
Health literacy and diabetic foot ulcer healing
Authors: Margolis David J. , Hampton Michelle , Hoffstad Ole , Scot Malay D. , Thom Stephen 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTThe adherence by patients to diabetic foot ulcer therapy is often difficult. The goal of this study was to begin to understand how a patient's health literacy affects their foot ulcer management decisions. Initially using a cross‐sectional study design, we evaluated diabetics with foot ulcers within 4 weeks of being asked to participate in a longitudinal study. We assessed health literacy using measures of general health literacy, diabetes health literacy, diabetes self‐efficacy, and diabetes numeracy. Individuals enrolled in the study had higher health literacy based on the Short Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults [33.8 (SD 2.3) versus 27.3 (SD 9.6); p = 0.009] as compared to individuals who previously declined an invitation to enroll in the study. Furthermore, patients with lower Short Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults scores had larger (p = 0.04) and older (p = 0.125) wounds (markers for poorer prognosis). Other measures of literacy showed similar results. In conclusion, those with diminished health literacy were less likely to enroll in an investigational study and had wounds that were less likely to heal.
Following the Fate of Bacterial Cells Experiencing Sudden Chromosome Loss
Authors: Elbaz Maya , Ben-Yehuda Sigal 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACT

Chromosomal DNA is a constant source of information, essential for any given cell to respond and adapt to changing conditions. Here, we investigated the fate of exponentially growing bacterial cells experiencing a sudden and rapid loss of their entire chromosome. Utilizing
Bacillus subtilis
cells harboring an inducible copy of the endogenous toxin
yqcG
, which encodes an endonuclease, we induced the formation of a population of cells that lost their genetic information simultaneously. Surprisingly, these DNA-less cells, termed DLCs, did not lyse immediately and exhibited normal cellular morphology for a period of at least 5 h after DNA loss. This cellular integrity was manifested by their capacity to maintain an intact membrane and membrane potential and cell wall architecture similar to those of wild-type cells. Unlike growing cells that exhibit a dynamic profile of macromolecules, DLCs displayed steady protein and RNA reservoirs. Remarkably, following DLCs by time lapse microscopy revealed that they succeeded in synthesizing proteins, elongating, and dividing, apparently forming
de novo
Z rings at the midcell position. Taken together, the persistence of key cellular events in DLCs indicates that the information to carry out lengthy processes is harbored within the remaining molecular components.

IMPORTANCE
Perturbing bacterial growth by the use of antibiotics targeting replication, transcription, or translation has been a subject of study for many years; however, the consequences of a more dramatic event, in which the entire bacterial chromosome is lost, have not been described. Here, we followed the fate of bacterial cells encountering an abrupt loss of their entire genome. Surprisingly, the cells preserved an intact envelope and functioning macromolecules. Furthermore, cells lacking their genome could still elongate and divide hours after the loss of DNA. Our data suggest that the information stored in the transient reservoir of macromolecules is sufficient to carry out complex and lengthy processes even in the absence of the chromosome. Based on our study, the formation of DNA-less bacteria could serve as a novel vaccination strategy, enabling an efficient induction of the immune system without the risk of bacterial propagation within the host.
Thinking Globally, Acting Locally: Harnessing the Immune System to Deal with Recalcitrant Pathogens
Authors: Russell Michael W. 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACT
Traditional approaches to harnessing the immune system to confront infectious diseases depend on vaccines, which have generally proven highly effective, but for many infections these either are not available or are of limited effectiveness. Although antibiotic therapy has been extremely successful in reducing the burden of bacterial disease, the emergence of resistance among several important pathogens threatens to undermine this accomplishment, and despite some successes chemotherapeutic treatments for viral, fungal, and parasitic infections are more limited. Understanding the mechanisms whereby pathogens manipulate the immune system to favor their survival, or exploit weaknesses in host immunity, can lead to novel approaches for the treatment of infections by redirecting host immune responses against the pathogen. Such treatments may be most effectively applied at the mucosal locations which are frequently the sites of initial infection and may also suggest new approaches for vaccine development.
Quality improvement and person-centredness: a participatory mixed methods study to develop the ‘always event’ concept for primary care
Authors: Bowie Paul , McNab Duncan , Ferguson Julie , de Wet Carl , Smith Gregor , MacLeod Marion , McKay John , White Craig 
Published: April 2015

Objectives(1) To ascertain from patients what really matters to them on a personal level of such high importance that it should ‘always happen’ when they interact with healthcare professionals and staff groups. (2) To critically review existing criteria for selecting ‘always events’ (AEs) and generate a candidate list of AE examples based on the patient feedback data.DesignMixed methods study informed by participatory design principles.Subjects and settingConvenience samples of patients with a long-term clinical condition in Scottish general practices.Results195 patients from 13 general practices were interviewed (n=65) or completed questionnaires (n=130). 4 themes of high importance to patients were identified from which examples of potential ‘AEs’ (n=8) were generated: (1) emotional support, respect and kindness (eg, “I want all practice team members to show genuine concern for me at all times”); (2) clinical care management (eg, “I want the correct treatment for my problem”); (3) communication and information (eg, “I want the clinician who sees me to know my medical history”) and (4) access to, and continuity of, healthcare (eg, “I want to arrange appointments around my family and work commitments”). Each ‘AE’ was linked to a system process or professional behaviour that could be measured to facilitate improvements in the quality of patient care.ConclusionsThis study is the first known attempt to develop the AE concept as a person-centred approach to quality improvement in primary care. Practice managers were able to collect data from patients on what they ‘always want’ in terms of expectations related to care quality from which a list of AE examples was generated that could potentially be used as patient-driven quality improvement (QI) measures. There is strong implementation potential in the Scottish health service. However, further evaluation of the utility of the method is also necessary.
Prognostic utility of serum CRP levels in combination with CURB-65 in patients with clinically suspected sepsis: a decision curve analysis
Authors: Yamamoto Shungo , Yamazaki Shin , Shimizu Tsunehiro , Takeshima Taro , Fukuma Shingo , Yamamoto Yosuke , Tochitani Kentaro , Tsuchido Yasuhiro , Shinohara Koh , Fukuhara Shunichi 
Published: April 2015

ObjectivesThe prognostic utility of serum C reactive protein (CRP) alone in sepsis is controversial. We used decision curve analysis (DCA) to evaluate the clinical usefulness of combining serum CRP levels with the CUBR-65 score in patients with suspected sepsis.DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingEmergency department (ED) of an urban teaching hospital in Japan.ParticipantsConsecutive ED patients over 15 years of age who were admitted to the hospital after having a blood culture taken in the ED between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2012.Main outcome measures30-day in-hospital mortality.ResultsData from 1262 patients were analysed for score evaluation. The 30-day in-hospital mortality was 8.4%. Multivariable analysis showed that serum CRP ≥150 mg/L was an independent predictor of death (adjusted OR 2.0; 95% CI 1.3 to 3.1). We compared the predictive performance of CURB-65 with the performance of a modified CURB-65 with that included CRP (≥150 mg/L) to quantify the clinical usefulness of combining serum CRP with CURB-65. The areas under the receiver operating characteristics curves of CURB-65 and a modified CURB-65 were 0.76 (95% CI 0.72 to 0.80) and 0.77 (95% CI 0.72 to 0.81), respectively. Both models had good calibration for mortality and were useful among threshold probabilities from 0% to 30%. However, while incorporating CRP into CURB-65 yielded a significant category-free net reclassification improvement of 0.387 (95% CI 0.193 to 0.582) and integrated discrimination improvement of 0.015 (95% CI 0.004 to 0.027), DCA showed that CURB-65 and the modified CURB-65 score had comparable net benefits for prediction of mortality.ConclusionsMeasurement of serum CRP added limited clinical usefulness to CURB-65 in predicting mortality in patients with clinically suspected sepsis, regardless of the source.
How intravenous nitroglycerine transit time from bag-to-bloodstream can be affected by infusion technique: a simulation study
Authors: Douma Matthew J , O'Dochartaigh Domhnall , Corry Angela , Brindley Peter G 
Published: April 2015

ObjectiveTo measure the possible delays in intravenous nitroglycerine administration.MethodsThis was a simulation study of sham intravenous nitroglycerine using a standard nitroglycerine titration protocol. Variables studied were (i) common cannulae/needles, (ii) infusion accessories and (iii) presence of a parallel intravenous saline carrier line (or drive line) infusing at 30 mL/h. Outcomes were (i) delay from bag-to-bloodstream arrival and (ii) the dosage showing on the infusion pump when the sham drug first exits the cannula (aka the ‘presumed initial dosage’).ResultsThere was a statistically significant difference in both (i) time-to-bloodstream arrival and (ii) the dosage showing on the infusion pump as the sham first exits the cannula with (i) different cannulae, (ii) different accessories and (iii) presence of a carrier line. The bag-to-bloodstream time varied 10-fold: 197–2062 s. The ‘presumed initial dosage’ varied sixfold: 5–30 µg/min. Adding the medication to an already flowing carrier line reduced the time for the sham to exit the cannula fourfold: from 2062 to 469 s.ConclusionsDespite limitations, this study outlines the importance of cannula type, infusion accessories and carrier lines. Larger cannulae and greater priming volumes substantially delay drug delivery, whereas carrier lines/drive lines substantially accelerate drug delivery. Our study also shows how patients could be exposed to clinical delays, as well as incorrect presumptions about drug dosage. Guidelines, and education efforts, should highlight the clinical importance of factors that affect bag-to-bloodstream time.