bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How fast‐growing bacteria robustly tune their ribosome concentration to approximate growth‐rate maximization
Authors: Bosdriesz Evert , Molenaar Douwe , Teusink Bas , Bruggeman Frank J. 
Published: March 2015

Maximization of growth rate is an important fitness strategy for bacteria. Bacteria can achieve this by expressing proteins at optimal concentrations, such that resources are not wasted. This is exemplified for Escherichia coli by the increase of its ribosomal protein‐fraction with growth rate, which precisely matches the increased protein synthesis demand. These findings and others have led to the hypothesis that E. coli aims to maximize its growth rate in environments that support growth. However, what kind of regulatory strategy is required for a robust, optimal adjustment of the ribosome concentration to the prevailing condition is still an open question. In the present study, we analyze the ppGpp‐controlled mechanism of ribosome expression used by E. coli and show that this mechanism maintains the ribosomes saturated with its substrates. In this manner, overexpression of the highly abundant ribosomal proteins is prevented, and limited resources can be redirected to the synthesis of other growth‐promoting enzymes. It turns out that the kinetic conditions for robust, optimal protein‐partitioning, which are required for growth rate maximization across conditions, can be achieved with basic biochemical interactions. We show that inactive ribosomes are the most suitable ‘signal’ for tracking the intracellular nutritional state and for adjusting gene expression accordingly, as small deviations from optimal ribosome concentration cause a huge fractional change in ribosome inactivity. We expect to find this control logic implemented across fast‐growing microbial species because growth rate maximization is a common selective pressure, ribosomes are typically highly abundant and thus costly, and the required control can be implemented by a small, simple network.
Preparation of an engineered safer immunotoxin against colon carcinoma based on the ribotoxin hirsutellin A
Authors: Tomé‐Amat Jaime , Herrero‐Galán Elías , Oñaderra Mercedes , Martínez‐del‐Pozo Álvaro , Gavilanes José G. , Lacadena Javier 
Published: March 2015

Immunotoxins are chimeric proteins composed of an antibody domain that specifically directs the action of the toxic domain, resulting in the death of the targeted cells. Over recent years, immunotoxins have been widely studied and the number of different constructions has increased exponentially. Protein engineering has allowed the design of optimized versions of immunotoxins with an improved tumor binding affinity, stability or cytotoxic efficacy, although sometimes this has compromised the safety of the patient in terms of undesirable adverse secondary reactions. A triple mutant at three Trp residues (HtA3ΔW) of the ribotoxin hirsutellin A retains its specific ribonucleolytic activity, although cell internalization capacity is lacking. This toxin variant has been fused to the single chain variable fragment A33 (scFvA33). This immunoconjugate (IMTXA33HtA3ΔW) was produced in the methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris and purified using nickel‐nitrilotriacetic acid affinity chromatography. Both target and toxic domains were characterized. The immunotoxin showed an exquisite specific binding against GPA33‐positive culture cells, which results in the death of the targeted cells because of specific ribonucleolytic activity against ribosomes of the engineered hirsutellin A variant. IMTXA33HtA3ΔW represents a promising structure in the search for an improved immunotoxin without compromising the safety of patients.
Oral health status in children and adolescents with haemophilia
Authors: Othman N. A. A. , Sockalingam S. N. M. P. , Mahyuddin A. 
Published: March 2015

SummaryThis case‐controlled study aimed to evaluate the existing oral health status in children and adolescents with haemophilia. A total of 50 haemophilia patients and 50 matched controls aged seven to 16 years were recruited into the study. Clinical examination was carried out to determine dental caries experience, oral hygiene status and gingival condition in these two groups. Information regarding previous dental history, oral hygiene practices and dietary habits were also obtained. No significant difference was found in mean caries experience in primary and secondary dentitions (P = 0.86 and 0.32) and in Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI‐S, P = 0.20) between both groups. However, a significantly higher proportion of haemophilia patients (24%) had better oral hygiene status as compared to the controls (2%, P = 0.004). Furthermore, there was a significant difference in Modified Gingival Index (MGI, P = 0.02) between the two groups with the study group having less gingival inflammation. A total of 88% (n = 44) of the haemophilia patients were registered and received dental treatment in specialist dental clinics. More than half (56%, n = 28) had frequent dental visits and only one‐third of the haemophilia patients had history of hospitalization due to oral problems. There was no significant difference in oral hygiene practices and dietary habits between both groups. In general, haemophilia children and adolescents in this study had similar caries experience, a significantly better oral hygiene status and gingival health as compared to healthy controls. The main reason for this is the multidisciplinary approach implemented by medical health‐care professionals as primary care provider and the dental team.
Identification of antrodin B from Antrodia camphorata as a new anti‐hepatofibrotic compound using a rapid cell screening method and biological evaluation
Authors: Geng Yan , Wang Jing , Sun Qing , Xie Minfeng , Lu Zhen‐Ming , Xu Hong‐yu , Shi Jin‐Song , Xu Zheng‐Hong 
Published: March 2015

AimLiver fibrosis is the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) resulting from chronic liver diseases. Efficient and well‐tolerated drugs for its treatment are urgently needed. This study aims to identify the active ingredients of Antrodia camphorata by a bioassay‐guided fractionation approach and explore the acting mechanism by using a hepatic stellate cell (HSC) line CFSC‐8B stimulated by transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1).MethodsThe accumulation of collagens was evaluated using chromogenic precipitation reaction with picro‐sirius red (PSR) dye solution and quantified by spectrophotometric analysis of the dissolved stain. MTT assay, cell migration assay, quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting analysis were used to determine the cell viability, cell migration and gene expression.ResultsWe established a rapid colorimetric assay suitable for screening of anti‐hepatofibrotic reagents. Stimulation with 10 ng/mL TGF‐β1 for 48 h and 200 μL PSR dye solution were optimal for the colorimetric assay in CFSC‐8B cells. We used SB431542, silybin and another 11 antifibrotic reagents to verify the cellular model. Within the safe doses, they attenuated ECM production induced by TGF‐β1. Bioactivity‐guided fractionation led to the identification of antrodin B from A. camphorata. Antrodin B significantly ameliorated cell proliferation, cell migration, suppressed HSC activation marker α‐smooth muscle actin expression and ECM components Col1, Col3 and Fn expression, and blocked the phosphorylation of Smad2/3 induced by TGF‐β1 in CFSC‐8B cells in a dose‐dependent manner.ConclusionWe developed a simple assay based on TGF‐β1‐induced total collagen accumulation in CFSC‐8B cells and identified antrodin B which may serve as a potential candidate for treatment of liver fibrosis.
A home‐based training programme improves family caregivers’ oral care practices with stroke survivors: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kuo Y‐W , Yen M , Fetzer S , Chiang L‐C , Shyu Y‐IL , Lee T‐H , Ma H‐I 
Published: March 2015

AbstractObjectivesStroke survivors experience poor oral health when discharged from the hospital to the community. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a home‐based oral care training programme on knowledge, attitude, self‐efficacy and practice behaviour of family caregivers.MethodsA randomized controlled trial was conducted. The experimental group consisted of 48 family caregivers who received the home‐based oral care training programme, and the control group consisted of 46 family caregivers who received routine oral care education. The outcomes were measured by the Knowledge of Oral Care, Attitude towards Oral Care, Self‐Efficacy of Oral Care and Behaviour of Oral Care before the training programme, and at one and two months afterwards. The data were analysed using mixed model anova to determine differences in the outcomes between the two groups.ResultsThe findings demonstrated that the intervention group had more knowledge (t = 8.80, P < 0. 001), greater self‐efficacy (t = 3.53, P < 0.01) and better oral care behaviour (t = 11.93, P < 0.001) than the control group at one and two months, with statistically significant differences in oral care knowledge, self‐efficacy and behaviour outcome over time. The attitude of the intervention group towards oral care practice was generally positive (mean of baseline and two month = 12.9 and 14.7), but no significant difference in attitude change between the control and intervention groups (t = 1.56, P = 0.12). The treatment interaction effect was significant for the family caregivers’ behaviour of oral care at one and two months of the intervention for both groups.ConclusionOur individualized home‐based oral care education can achieve significant improvements in oral care knowledge and self‐efficacy among family caregivers of stroke survivors, and it can sufficiently empower them to modify their oral care practices in a home‐based healthcare environment.
Community pharmacists’ role in benzodiazepine supply in Ireland: a questionnaire of pharmacists’ views and experiences
Authors: Cadogan Cathal A , Ryder Sheila A 
Published: March 2015

Abstract

Objective
To investigate the views and experiences of community pharmacists in Ireland regarding their role in benzodiazepine supply and the potential for role expansion.

Methods
A postal questionnaire was issued to a random, geographically stratified sample of community pharmacies in Ireland.

Key findings
The response rate was 37.6%. Pharmacists’ awareness of the national source of benzodiazepine guidelines was low (26.6% previously aware). Benzodiazepine prescriptions were frequently encountered in practice and commonly for extended durations of 28 days. Pharmacists’ involvement in roles extending beyond dispensing was limited. In the 6 months prior to the questionnaire, fewer than half of pharmacists reported having suggested discontinuation to a patient (43.7%) or having contacted a prescriber about a patient’s benzodiazepine use (47.1%). Pharmacists acknowledged their potential to undertake a more extensive role in benzodiazepine supply and expressed willingness to do so in practice.

Conclusions
This study adds to the limited body of existing literature regarding community pharmacists’ role in benzodiazepine supply. The findings indicate the need to revisit existing benzodiazepine guidelines to improve pharmacists’ awareness of them and to address long-term prescribing. The apparent lack of active pharmacist involvement in roles and activities extending beyond dispensing needs to be addressed. Given that most pharmacists encountered benzodiazepine prescriptions at least once daily in practice, they are well positioned to promote safe and appropriate benzodiazepine use. Sizeable proportions of pharmacists expressed willingness to expand upon their existing role and facilitate long-term patients in attempting discontinuation. Further research is needed to explore barriers and facilitators to pharmacists undertaking extended roles in benzodiazepine supply in greater detail.
FAmily-Led RehabiliTaTion aftEr Stroke in INDia: The ATTEND Pilot Study
Authors: Pandian Jeyaraj D. , Felix Cynthia , Kaur Paramdeep , Sharma Deepika , Julia Lizzie , Toor Gagan , Arora Rajni , Gandhi Dorcas B.C. , Verma Shweta J. , Anderson Craig S. , Langhorne Peter , Murthy G.V.S. , Hackett Maree L. , Maulik Pallab K. , Alim Mohammed , Harvey Lisa A. , Jan Stephen , Walker Marion , Forster Anne , Lindley Richard 
Published: March 2015

Background The aim of this pilot study was to determine the feasibility of a multicenter, randomized, controlled trial in India of a family-led, trained caregiver-delivered, home-based rehabilitation intervention vs. routine care. Methods A prospective, randomized (within seven-days of hospital admission), blinded outcome assessor, controlled trial of structured home-based rehabilitation delivered by trained and protocol-guided family caregivers (intervention) vs. routine care alone (control) was conducted in patients with residual disability. Key feasibility measures were recruitment, acceptance and adherence to assessment procedures, and follow-up of participants over six-months. CTRI/2014/10/005133. Results A total of 104 patients from the stroke unit at Christian Medical College, Ludhiana were recruited over nine-months. Recruitment was feasible and accepted by patients and their carers. Important observations were made regarding potential unblinding of the participants, contamination of therapy between the randomized groups, organization of home visits, and resources required for a multicenter study. Conclusion The pilot study established the feasibility of conducting a large-scale study of family-led, trained caregiver-delivered, home-based stroke rehabilitation in a low resource setting. The main phase of the trial ‘ATTEND’ is currently underway in over 10 centers in India.
Evaluation of angiogenesis, epithelialisation and microcirculation after application of polyhexanide, chitosan and sodium chloride in rodents
Authors: Goertz Ole , Lauer Henrik , Hirsch Tobias , Daigeler Adrien , Harati Kamran , Stricker Ingo , Lehnhardt Marcus , von der Lohe Leon 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of polyhexanide and a new developed chitin‐based wound dressing on skin microcirculation, epithelialisation and angiogenesis. A full‐thickness dermal layer extending to the underlying cartilage was excised on the dorsal side of hairless mice (n = 27; 2·3 ± 0·3 mm2). A polyhexanide ointment, a chitosan solution and a sodium chloride group as control were analysed using intravital fluorescence microscopy. Angiogenesis, epithelialisation and microcirculatory standard parameters were measured over a time period of 20 days. The non‐perfused area is regarded as a parameter for angiogenesis and showed the following results: on days 12, 16 and 20, the sodium chloride group was significantly superior to chitosan solution (P < 0·05) and, on days 8, 12, 16 and 20, the polyhexanide group was superior to chitosan solution (P < 0·05). The epithelialisation was measured significantly faster in the polyhexanide and control group on day 8 versus chitosan solution. Whereas polyhexanide and sodium chloride were nearly completely epithelialised, treatment with chitosan solution showed still an open wound of 11% of the initial wound size. Altogether, we could demonstrate the advantageous effects of a polyhexanide ointment on microcirculation, angiogenesis and epithelialisation. Chitosan solution appears to inhibit angiogenesis and delays epithelialisation. Further studies in different models would be worthwhile to confirm these results.
Effects of CO2 Enrichment and Drought on Photosynthesis, Growth and Yield of an Old and a Modern Barley Cultivar
Authors: Schmid I. , Franzaring J. , Müller M. , Brohon N. , Calvo O. C. , Högy P. , Fangmeier A. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractSusceptibility of crops to drought may change under atmospheric CO2 enrichment. We tested the effects of CO2 enrichment and drought on the older malting barley cultivar Golden Promise (GP) and the recent variety Bambina (BA). Hypothesizing that CO2 enrichment mitigates the adverse effects of drought and that GP shows a stronger response to CO2 enrichment than BA, plants of both cultivars were grown in climate chambers. Optimal and reduced watering levels and two CO2 concentrations (380 and 550 ppm) were used to investigate photosynthetic parameters, growth and yield. In contrast to expectations, CO2 increased total plant biomass by 34 % in the modern cultivar while the growth stimulation was not significant in GP. As a reaction to drought, BA showed reduced biomass under elevated CO2, which was not seen in GP. Grain yield and harvest index (HI) were negatively influenced by drought and increased by CO2 enrichment. BA formed higher grain yield and had higher water‐use efficiency of grain yield and HI compared to GP. CO2 fertilization compensated for the negative effect of drought on grain yield and HI, especially in GP. Stomatal conductance proved to be the gas exchange parameter most sensitive to drought. Photosynthetic rate of BA showed more pronounced reaction to drought compared to GP. Overall, BA turned out to respond more intense to changes in water supply and CO2 enrichment than the older GP.
Increasing self‐esteem and empathy to prevent violent radicalization: a longitudinal quantitative evaluation of a resilience training focused on adolescents with a dual identity
Authors: Feddes Allard R. , Mann Liesbeth , Doosje Bertjan 
Published: March 2015

AbstractQuantitative results are reported of a longitudinal evaluation of a resilience training as a possible method to prevent violent radicalization (Diamant; SIPI, 2010). A total of 46 male and female Muslim adolescents and young adults with a migrant background participated. Results show that the training significantly increased participants' reports of agency and a marginal increase was found in reported self‐esteem, empathy and perspective taking but also narcissism. Attitudes toward ideology‐based violence and own violent intentions were significantly lower after the training than before. Higher reports of empathy were related to less positive attitudes toward ideology‐based violence. These results suggest that an intervention aimed at empowering individuals in combination with strengthening empathy is successful in countering violent radicalization.
Hypertension in African Americans Aged 60 to 79 Years: Statement From the International Society of Hypertension in Blacks
Authors: Egan Brent M. , Bland Veita J. , Brown Angela L. , Ferdinand Keith C. , Hernandez German T. , Jamerson Kenneth A. , Johnson Wallace R. , Kountz David S. , Li Jiexiang , Osei Kwame , Reed James W. , Saunders Elijah 
Published: March 2015

A 2014 hypertension guideline raised goal systolic blood pressure (SBP) from <140 mm Hg to <150 mm Hg for adults 60 years and older without diabetes mellitus (DM) or chronic kidney disease (CKD). The authors aimed to define the status of hypertension in black adults 60 to 79 years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005–2012 and provide practical guidance. Black patients were more often aware and treated (P≤.005) for hypertension than whites and had higher rates of DM/CKD (P<.001), similar control to <140/<90 mm Hg with DM/CKD (P=.59), and lower control without DM/CKD (<140/<90 mm Hg and <150/<90 mm Hg, P≤.01). Limited awareness (<30%) and infrequent health care (>30% 0–1 health‐care visits per year) occurred in untreated black and white hypertensive patients without DM/CKD and BP ≥140/<90 mm Hg. The literature suggests benefits of treated SBP <140 mm Hg in adults 60 to 79 years without DM/CKD. The International Society of Hypertension in Blacks recommends: (1) continuing efforts to achieve BP <140/<90 mm Hg in those with DM/CK, and (2) identifying hypertensive patients without DM/CKD and BP ≥140/<90 mm Hg and treat to an SBP <140 mm Hg in black adults 60–79 years.
Unadjusted Plasma Renin Activity as a “First‐Look” Test to Decide Upon Further Investigations for Primary Aldosteronism
Authors: Rye Peter , Chin Alex , Pasieka Janice , So Benny , Harvey Adrian , Kline Gregory 
Published: March 2015

The authors sought to define the 95th percentile of plasma renin activity (PRA) in a sample of patients with confirmed primary aldosteronism (PA) prior to adjustment of medications as a practical “first‐look” test to identify those with very low ultimate likelihood of having PA. The aldosterone to renin ratio (ARR) was measured without adjustment of antihypertensive medications, with further workup as appropriate. Two groups were defined: patients with surgically “confirmed PA” (n=58) and patients with “high‐probability PA” (n=59), defined as having any of the following: computed tomography–confirmed adrenal adenoma plus lateralizing adrenal vein sampling (AVS) without surgery, high ARR and hypokalemia but nonlateralizing AVS, or ARR more than four times the upper limit of normal. The PRA 95th percentile was 1.0 ng/mL/h. All outliers had hypokalemia and two had adrenal adenomas. There was no difference between the confirmed and high probability groups. In the absence of highly suspicious clinical features, patients with unadjusted PRA >1.0 ng/mL/h do not warrant further investigation for PA.
Preschool language variation, growth, and predictors in children on the autism spectrum
Authors: Ellis Weismer Susan , Kover Sara T. 
Published: March 2015

BackgroundThere is wide variation in language abilities among young children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), with some toddlers developing age‐appropriate language while others remain minimally verbal after age 5. Conflicting findings exist regarding predictors of language outcomes in ASD and various methodological issues limit the conclusions that can be drawn about factors associated with positive language growth that could provide insights into more effective intervention approaches for increasing communication skills.MethodsLanguage development was investigated in 129 children with ASD participating in four assessments from mean age 2½ years (Visit 1) through 5½ years (Visit 4). Language ability was measured by a clinician‐administered test of comprehension and production. Hierarchical linear modeling was used to identify predictors of language ability. Stability of language status was examined in subgroups of Preverbal versus Verbal children identified at Visit 1. Discriminant function analysis was used to classify another subset of cases according to Low Language (minimally verbal) versus High Language outcome at Visit 4.ResultsASD severity was a significant predictor of growth in both language comprehension and production during the preschool period, while cognition predicted growth in production. For the highest and lowest language performers at Visit 4, cognition, maternal education, and response to joint attention correctly classified over 80% of total cases. The vast majority of children who were preverbal at 2½ years attained some level of verbal skills by 5½ years.ConclusionsFindings indicate that it is possible, by 2½ years, to predict language growth for children with ASD across the preschool years and identify factors that discriminate between children who remain minimally verbal at 5½ years from those with high language proficiency. Results suggest that early intervention focused on reducing core ASD symptoms may also be important for facilitating language development in young children with ASD.