bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Proteomic analysis of the supernatant of red blood cell units: the effects of storage and leucoreduction
Authors: Dzieciatkowska M. , Silliman C. C. , Moore E. E. , Kelher M. R. , Banerjee A. , Land K. J. , Ellison M. , West F. B. , Ambruso D. R. , Hansen K. C. 
Published: May 2013

BackgroundRed blood cell (RBC) transfusion is a life‐saving intervention for critically ill patients; however, it has been linked to increased morbidity and mortality. We hypothesize that a number of important proteins accumulate during routine storage of RBCs, which may explain some of the adverse effects seen in transfused patients.Study DesignFive RBC units were drawn and divided (half prestorage leucoreduced (LR‐RBC) and half left as an unmodified control (RBC). The supernatant was separated on days 1 and 42 of storage and proteomic analyses completed with in‐gel tryptic digestion and nano‐liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.ResultsIn RBC supernatants, 401 proteins were identified: 203 increased with storage, 114 decreased, and 84 were unchanged. In LR‐RBC supernatant, 231 proteins were identified: 84 increased with storage, 30 decreased, and 117 were unchanged. Prestorage leucoreduction removed many platelet‐ and leucocyte‐derived structural proteins; however, a number of intracellular proteins accumulated including peroxiredoxins (Prdx) 6 and latexin. The increases were confirmed by immunoblotting, including the T‐phosphorylation of Prdx‐6, indicating that it may be functioning as an active phospholipase. Active matrix metalloproteinase‐9 also increased with a coinciding decrease in the metalloproteinase inhibitor 1 and cystatin C.ConclusionWe conclude that a number of proteins increase with RBC storage, which is partially ameliorated with leucoreduction, and transfusion of stored RBCs may introduce mediators that result in adverse events in the transfused host.
Assessment of endothelial dysfunction by flow‐mediated dilatation in men on long‐term androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer
Authors: Gilbert Stephen E. , Tew Garry A. , Bourke Liam , Winter Edward M. , Rosario Derek J. 
Published: May 2013

New Findings
What is the central question of this study?Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer has been linked with increased cardiovascular risk, but the mechanisms are unclear. Is there evidence that endothelial dysfunction, as evidenced by reduced flow‐mediated dilatation (FMD), is associated with ADT?
What is the main finding and its importance?Reduction in FMD with preservation of glyceryl trinitrate‐mediated dilatation indicates endothelial dysfunction in men with prostate cancer on long‐term ADT compared with well‐matched control subjects. Vascular endothelial dysfunction associated with long‐term ADT for prostate cancer might explain the observed epidemiological increases in adverse cardiovascular events. Assessment of FMD may be useful in the monitoring of cardiovascular risk in men with prostate cancer on ADT.
Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in men with prostate cancer has been linked to an increased incidence of cardiovascular events and mortality, but the underpinning mechanisms are unclear. Endothelial dysfunction is considered a precursor for cardiovascular disease. Previous studies have reported variably on the association between ADT and endothelial function. This blinded case–control study examined endothelial function, using high‐resolution ultrasound to measure flow‐mediated dilatation (FMD) and glyceryl trinitrate (GTN)‐mediated‐dilatation in the brachial artery, in 20 men with prostate cancer (69 ± 7 years old) treated by ADT (median duration 22 months, range 6–133 months) and 20 men without prostate cancer (69 ± 5 years old) matched for age, physical activity, coexistent cardiovascular disease and body mass index. The magnitude of dilatation was calculated traditionally and allometrically scaled, adjusting for baseline diameter. There were no differences between groups for resting vascular measures (means ± SD). Flow‐mediated dilatation was lower in men on ADT than in control subjects (3.9 ± 2.1 versus 5.9 ± 3.8% for traditional, P= 0.047; 3.7 ± 2.7 versus 6.0 ± 2.7% for allometrically scaled, P= 0.023). Response to GTN was similar in both groups (12.2 ± 4.2 versus 14.8 ± 5.7% for traditional, P= 0.113; 12.3 ± 4.6 versus 14.4 ± 4.6% for allometrically scaled, P= 0.163). The magnitude of difference in mean FMD between groups was marginally altered to 2.4% (95% confidence interval 0.3–4.5) after adjustment for the difference in body fat mass and concomitant cardiovascular medication, with the difference in FMD remaining significant (P= 0.029). There is evidence of endothelial dysfunction in men with prostate cancer on long‐term ADT. Although a causal relationship is unproven, the findings are consistent with observational reports of adverse cardiovascular outcomes associated with long‐term ADT for prostate cancer.
Environmental Dissolved Organic Matter Governs Biofilm Formation and Subsequent Linuron Degradation Activity of a Linuron-Degrading Bacterial Consortium
Authors: Horemans Benjamin , Breugelmans Philip , Hofkens Johan , Smolders Erik , Springael Dirk 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT

It was examined whether biofilm growth on dissolved organic matter (DOM) of a three-species consortium whose members synergistically degrade the phenylurea herbicide linuron affected the consortium's integrity and subsequent linuron-degrading functionality. Citrate as a model DOM and three environmental DOM (eDOM) formulations of different quality were used. Biofilms developed with all DOM formulations, and the three species were retained in the biofilm. However, biofilm biomass, species composition, architecture, and colocalization of member strains depended on DOM and its biodegradability. To assess the linuron-degrading functionality, biofilms were subsequently irrigated with linuron at 10 mg liter
−1
or 100 μg liter
−1
. Instant linuron degradation, the time needed to attain maximal linuron degradation, and hence the total amount of linuron removed depended on both the DOM used for growth and the linuron concentration. At 10 mg liter
−1
, the final linuron degradation efficiency was as high as previously observed without DOM except for biofilms fed with humic acids which did not degrade linuron. At 100 μg liter
−1
linuron, DOM-grown biofilms degraded linuron less efficiently than biofilms receiving 10 mg liter
−1
linuron. The amount of linuron removed was more correlated with biofilm species composition than with biomass or structure. Based on visual observations, colocalization of consortium members in biofilms after the DOM feed appears essential for instant linuron-degrading activity and might explain the differences in overall linuron degradation. The data show that DOM quality determines biofilm structure and composition of the pesticide-degrading consortium in periods with DOM as the main carbon source and can affect subsequent pesticide-degrading activity, especially at micropollutant concentrations.
The Spatial Distribution of the Exocyst and Actin Cortical Patches Is Sufficient To Organize Hyphal Tip Growth
Authors: Caballero-Lima David , Kaneva Iliyana N. , Watton Simon P. , Sudbery Peter E. , Craven C. Jeremy 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT

In the hyphal tip of
Candida albicans
we have made detailed quantitative measurements of (i) exocyst components, (ii) Rho1, the regulatory subunit of (1,3)-β-glucan synthase, (iii) Rom2, the specialized guanine-nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) of Rho1, and (iv) actin cortical patches, the sites of endocytosis. We use the resulting data to construct and test a quantitative 3-dimensional model of fungal hyphal growth based on the proposition that vesicles fuse with the hyphal tip at a rate determined by the local density of exocyst components. Enzymes such as (1,3)-β-glucan synthase thus embedded in the plasma membrane continue to synthesize the cell wall until they are removed by endocytosis. The model successfully predicts the shape and dimensions of the hyphae, provided that endocytosis acts to remove cell wall-synthesizing enzymes at the subapical bands of actin patches. Moreover, a key prediction of the model is that the distribution of the synthase is substantially broader than the area occupied by the exocyst. This prediction is borne out by our quantitative measurements. Thus, although the model highlights detailed issues that require further investigation, in general terms the pattern of tip growth of fungal hyphae can be satisfactorily explained by a simple but quantitative model rooted within the known molecular processes of polarized growth. Moreover, the methodology can be readily adapted to model other forms of polarized growth, such as that which occurs in plant pollen tubes.
The Endosymbiont Amoebophilus asiaticus Encodes an
S
-Adenosylmethionine Carrier That Compensates for Its Missing Methylation Cycle
Authors: Haferkamp Ilka , Penz Thomas , Geier Melanie , Ast Michelle , Mushak Tanja , Horn Matthias , Schmitz-Esser Stephan 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT

All organisms require
S
-adenosylmethionine (SAM) as a methyl group donor and cofactor for various biologically important processes. However, certain obligate intracellular parasitic bacteria and also the amoeba symbiont
Amoebophilus asiaticus
have lost the capacity to synthesize this cofactor and hence rely on its uptake from host cells. Genome analyses revealed that
A. asiaticus
encodes a putative SAM transporter. The corresponding protein was functionally characterized in
Escherichia coli
: import studies demonstrated that it is specific for SAM and
S
-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH), the end product of methylation. SAM transport activity was shown to be highly dependent on the presence of a membrane potential, and by targeted analyses, we obtained direct evidence for a proton-driven SAM/SAH antiport mechanism. Sequence analyses suggest that SAM carriers from
Rickettsiales
might operate in a similar way, in contrast to chlamydial SAM transporters. SAM/SAH antiport is of high physiological importance, as it allows for compensation for the missing methylation cycle. The identification of a SAM transporter in
A. asiaticus
belonging to the
Bacteroidetes
phylum demonstrates that SAM transport is more widely spread than previously assumed and occurs in bacteria belonging to three different phyla (
Proteobacteria
,
Chlamydiae
, and
Bacteroidetes
).
Anr and Its Activation by PlcH Activity in Pseudomonas aeruginosa Host Colonization and Virulence
Authors: Jackson Angelyca A. , Gross Maegan J. , Daniels Emily F. , Hampton Thomas H. , Hammond John H. , Vallet-Gely Isabelle , Dove Simon L. , Stanton Bruce A. , Hogan Deborah A. 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTPseudomonas aeruginosahemolytic phospholipase C (PlcH) degrades phosphatidylcholine (PC), an abundant lipid in cell membranes and lung surfactant. A ΔplcHRmutant, known to be defective in virulence in animal models, was less able to colonize epithelial cell monolayers and was defective in biofilm formation on plastic when grown in lung surfactant. Microarray analyses found that strains defective in PlcH production had lower levels of Anr-regulated transcripts than the wild type. PC degradation stimulated the Anr regulon in an Anr-dependent manner under conditions where Anr activity was submaximal because of the presence of oxygen. Two PC catabolites, choline and glycine betaine (GB), were sufficient to stimulate Anr activity, and their catabolism was required for Anr activation. The addition of choline or GB to glucose-containing medium did not alter Anr protein levels, growth rates, or respiratory activity, and Anr activation could not be attributed to the osmoprotectant functions of GB. The Δanrmutant was defective in virulence in a mouse pneumonia model. Several lines of evidence indicate that Anr is important for the colonization of biotic and abiotic surfaces in bothP. aeruginosaPAO1 and PA14 and that increases in Anr activity resulted in enhanced biofilm formation. Our data suggest that PlcH activity promotes Anr activity in oxic environments and that Anr activity contributes to virulence, even in the acute infection phase, where low oxygen tensions are not expected. This finding highlights the relationships amongin vivobacterial metabolism, the activity of the oxygen-sensitive regulator Anr, and virulence.
Trials of Acupuncture for Drug Dependence: A Recommendation for Hypotheses Based on the Literature
Authors: White Adrian 
Published: May 2013

Objectives After initial promising research into acupuncture for withdrawal from drugs of dependence, two large negative trials were published in 2002 and the use of acupuncture in US rehabilitation facilities fell. However, subsequently it has been maintained, despite a lack of support from systematic reviews. This suggests a mismatch between research and clinical observation, which could be due to the acupuncture technique used, choice of controls or outcome measures. This study aims to explore the mismatch. Methods An exploratory review of all 48 clinical trials on alcohol, cocaine, nicotine or opioid dependence included in current reviews. Results Studies with sham controls (that could be active) were less likely to be positive (33%) than those with non-acupuncture controls (75%). Positive results were more likely when measuring craving (56%) or withdrawal symptoms (58%) than when measuring abstinence (31%) or attrition (31%). Three treatment variables appeared to be associated with positive results: (1) body acupuncture, used in 13 studies, was associated with positive outcomes for craving and withdrawal symptoms but not for abstinence or attrition; (2) electroacupuncture, used in seven studies, was associated with positive results with all four outcomes; and (3) bilateral needling in 20 studies was associated with effects on abstinence, craving and withdrawal symptoms. Conclusions The current evidence suggests that acupuncture may have some effects on drug dependence that have been missed because of choice of outcome in many previous studies, and future studies should use outcomes suggested by clinical experience. Body points and electroacupuncture, used in the original clinical observation, justify further research.
Risk factors and successful interventions for cricket-related low back pain: a systematic review
Authors: Morton Sarah , Barton Christian J , Rice Simon , Morrissey Dylan 
Published: May 2013

BackgroundLow back pain (LBP) is highly prevalent in cricketers, particularly in adolescent fast bowlers. Numerous modifiable risk factors for and interventions to address LBP in cricketers have been proposed in the literature.AimSummarise and critique studies evaluating LBP risk factors in cricketers, and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions designed to prevent or treat such LBP.Study designSystematic literature review.MethodsMEDLINE, ISI Web of Knowledge, CINAHL, SportDiscus and the Cochrane Library were searched from inception using key terms relating to risk factors and interventions in LBP in cricketers. Quality of included studies was assessed using the Downs and Black Quality Index, data were extracted to complete the effect size and OR calculations and evidence levels were established using van Tulder's criteria.Results12 studies (6 of high quality) investigating the factors associated with LBP in cricketers and 5 low-quality studies evaluating the interventions for the treatment/prevention of LBP in cricketers were identified. Moderate evidence indicates the presence of acute MRI bone stress as a risk factor for developing lumbar stress fractures. Additionally, moderate evidence indicates increased shoulder counter rotation (associated with mixed bowling actions) and decreased anterior abdominal fascial slide may be associated with LBP in cricketers.ConclusionsScreening for bone stress on MRI should be considered by clinicians managing developing cricketers to identify the risk of lumbar stress fracture development. Numerous associative factors were outlined, although causality needs establishing to further guide interventions in cricketers with LBP. Intervention studies were of insufficient quality to generate concrete conclusions and these research failings require rapid attention.
Sedentary behaviour and risk of mortality from all-causes and cardiometabolic diseases in adults: evidence from the HUNT3 population cohort
Authors: Chau Josephine Y , Grunseit Anne , Midthjell Kristian , Holmen Jostein , Holmen Turid Lingaas , Bauman Adrian E , Van der Ploeg Hidde P 
Published: May 2013

BackgroundSedentary behaviour is a potential risk factor for chronic-ill health and mortality, that is, independent of health-enhancing physical activity. Few studies have investigated the risk of mortality associated with multiple contexts of sedentary behaviour.ObjectiveTo examine the prospective associations of total sitting time, TV-viewing time and occupational sitting with mortality from all causes and cardiometabolic diseases.MethodsData from 50 817 adults aged ≥20 years from the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study 3 (HUNT3) in 2006–2008 were linked to the Norwegian Cause of Death Registry up to 31 December 2010. Cox proportional hazards models examined all-cause and cardiometabolic disease-related mortality associated with total sitting time, TV-viewing and occupational sitting, adjusting for multiple potential confounders including physical activity.ResultsAfter mean follow-up of 3.3 years (137 315.8 person-years), 1068 deaths were recorded of which 388 were related to cardiometabolic diseases. HRs for all-cause mortality associated with total sitting time were 1.12 (95% CI 0.89 to 1.42), 1.18 (95% CI 0.90 to 1.57) and 1.65 (95% CI 1.24 to 2.21) for total sitting time 4−<7, 7−<10 and ≥10 h/day, respectively, relative to <4 h/day after adjusting for confounders (p-trend=0.001). A similar pattern of associations was observed between total sitting time and mortality from cardiometabolic diseases, but TV-viewing time and occupational sitting showed no or borderline significant associations with all-cause or cardiometabolic disease-related mortality over the same follow-up period.ConclusionsTotal sitting time is associated with all-cause and cardiometabolic disease-related mortality in the short term. However, prolonged sitting in specific contexts (ie, watching TV, at work) do not adversely impact health in the same timeframe. These findings suggest that adults should be encouraged to sit less throughout the day to reduce their daily total sitting time.
Cognitive and motor skills in school-aged children following maternal vitamin A supplementation during pregnancy in rural Nepal: a follow-up of a placebo-controlled, randomised cohort
Authors: Buckley Gillian J , Murray-Kolb Laura E , Khatry Subarna K , LeClerq Steven C , Wu Lee , West Keith P , Christian Parul 
Published: May 2013

ObjectiveTo determine the effects of maternal vitamin A supplementation from preconception through postpartum on cognitive and motor development of children at 10–13 years of age in rural Nepal.DesignFollow-up assessment of children born to women randomly assigned by a village to receive either supplemental vitamin A (7000 µg retinol equivalents) or placebo weekly during a continuous 3.5-year period from 1994–1997. The participants came from 12 wards, a subset of 270 wards in the original trial. Trained staff tested children for cognition by the Universal Nonverbal Intelligence Test (UNIT) and motor ability using four subtests from the Movement Assessment Battery for Children (MABC). Data on schooling, home environment and nutritional and socioeconomic status were also collected.SettingSouthern plains district of Sarlahi, Nepal.Participants390 Nepalese children 10–13 years of age.Main outcome measuresRaw scores on UNIT and square-root transformed scores on an abridged version of the MABC tests, expressed as cluster-summarised (mean±SD) values to account for the design of the original trial.ResultsThere were no differences in UNIT (79.61±5.99 vs 80.69±6.71) or MABC (2.64±0.07 vs 2.49±0.09) test scores in children whose mothers were exposed to vitamin A vs placebo (mean differences: −1.07, 95% CI −7.10 to 9.26, p=0.78; 0.15, 95% CI 0.43 to −0.08, p=0.15), respectively. More children in the placebo group had repeated a grade in school (28% of placebo vs 16.7% of vitamin A, p=0.01).ConclusionsPreconceptional to postpartum maternal vitamin A supplementation, in an undernourished setting, does not improve cognition or motor development at ages 10–13 years.
Quality of newborn care: a health facility assessment in rural Ghana using survey, vignette and surveillance data
Authors: Vesel Linda , Manu Alexander , Lohela Terhi J , Gabrysch Sabine , Okyere Eunice , ten Asbroek Augustinus H A , Hill Zelee , Agyemang Charlotte Tawiah , Owusu-Agyei Seth , Kirkwood Betty R 
Published: May 2013

ObjectiveTo assess the structural capacity for, and quality of, immediate and essential newborn care (ENC) in health facilities in rural Ghana, and to link this with demand for facility deliveries and admissions.DesignHealth facility assessment survey and population-based surveillance data.SettingSeven districts in Brong Ahafo Region, Ghana.ParticipantsHeads of maternal/neonatal wards in all 64 facilities performing deliveries.Main outcome measuresIndicators include: the availability of essential infrastructure, newborn equipment and drugs, and personnel; vignette scores and adequacy of reasons given for delayed discharge of newborn babies; and prevalence of key immediate ENC practices that facilities should promote. These are matched to the percentage of babies delivered in and admitted to each type of facility.Results70% of babies were delivered in health facilities; 56% of these and 87% of neonatal admissions were in four referral level hospitals. These had adequate infrastructure, but all lacked staff trained in ENC and some essential equipment (including incubators and bag and masks) and/or drugs. Vignette scores for care of very low-birth-weight babies were generally moderate-to-high, but only three hospitals achieved high overall scores for quality of ENC. We estimate that only 33% of babies were born in facilities capable of providing high quality, basic resuscitation as assessed by a vignette plus the presence of a bag and mask. Promotion of immediate ENC practices in facilities was also inadequate, with coverage of early initiation of breastfeeding and delayed bathing both below 50% for babies born in facilities; this represents a lost opportunity.ConclusionsUnless major gaps in ENC equipment, drugs, staff, practices and skills are addressed, strategies to increase facility utilisation will not achieve their potential to save newborn lives.Trial registrationhttp://clinicaltrials.govNCT00623337.