bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hetero‐trans‐β‐glucanase, an enzyme unique to Equisetum plants, functionalizes cellulose
Authors: Simmons Thomas J. , Mohler Kyle E. , Holland Claire , Goubet Florence , Franková Lenka , Houston Douglas R. , Hudson Andrew D. , Meulewaeter Frank , Fry Stephen C. 
Published: July 2015

SummaryCell walls are metabolically active components of plant cells. They contain diverse enzymes, including transglycanases (endotransglycosylases), enzymes that ‘cut and paste’ certain structural polysaccharide molecules and thus potentially remodel the wall during growth and development. Known transglycanase activities modify several cell‐wall polysaccharides (xyloglucan, mannans, mixed‐linkage β‐glucan and xylans); however, no transglycanases were known to act on cellulose, the principal polysaccharide of biomass. We now report the discovery and characterization of hetero‐trans‐β‐glucanase (HTG), a transglycanase that targets cellulose, in horsetails (Equisetum spp., an early‐diverging genus of monilophytes). HTG is also remarkable in predominantly catalysing hetero‐transglycosylation: its preferred donor substrates (cellulose or mixed‐linkage β‐glucan) differ qualitatively from its acceptor substrate (xyloglucan). HTG thus generates stable cellulose–xyloglucan and mixed‐linkage β‐glucan–xyloglucan covalent bonds, and may therefore strengthen ageing Equisetum tissues by inter‐linking different structural polysaccharides of the cell wall. 3D modelling suggests that only three key amino acid substitutions (Trp → Pro, Gly → Ser and Arg → Leu) are responsible for the evolution of HTG's unique specificity from the better‐known xyloglucan‐acting homo‐transglycanases (xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolases; XTH). Among land plants, HTG appears to be confined to Equisetum, but its target polysaccharides are widespread, potentially offering opportunities for enhancing crop mechanical properties, such as wind resistance. In addition, by linking cellulose to xyloglucan fragments previously tagged with compounds such as dyes or indicators, HTG may be useful biotechnologically for manufacturing stably functionalized celluloses, thereby potentially offering a commercially valuable ‘green’ technology for industrially manipulating biomass.
Costs and outcomes after cardiac surgery in patients refusing transfusion compared with those who do not: a case‐matched study
Authors: Guinn Nicole R. , Roberson Russell S. , White William , Cowper Patricia A. , Broomer Bob , Milano Carmelo , Chiricolo Antonio , Hill Steven 
Published: July 2015

BACKGROUNDAlthough numerous studies have demonstrated the feasibility of cardiac surgery for blood refusal patients, few studies match to controls, and fewer examine cost. This historical cohort study aims to compare costs and outcomes after cardiac surgery in Jehovah's Witness patients who refuse blood transfusion with a group of matched patients accepting transfusion.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSA retrospective database review was performed to find all patients having cardiac surgery who refused blood products from January 2005 to July 2012 at Duke University Medical Center. These 45 patients were closely matched 1:2 with controls who accepted transfusion based on characteristics likely to influence transfusion. Cost from day of surgery to hospital discharge and other outcome data (length of stay [LOS], discharge hemoglobin [Hb], acute kidney injury) were analyzed retrospectively.RESULTSForty‐five Witnesses having cardiac surgery were temporally matched to two controls having the same surgery. Median euroSCORE was the same in both groups (6.0, p = 0.9981). In the matched‐pairs comparison of cost, there was no significant difference in total cost for Witnesses and controls. There was no difference in intensive care unit LOS (median, 1 day, both groups) or total LOS (median, 9 days for Witnesses vs. 7 days for controls). Mean Hb at discharge was higher in Witnesses than in controls (11.7 g/dL vs. 9.8 g/dL, p < 0.001). Thirty‐day mortality was zero in both groups.CONCLUSIONUtilizing applicable blood conservation measures, cardiac surgery may be performed with similar outcomes and cost from day of surgery to discharge compared to controls in select patients without blood transfusion.
Complete Genome Sequence of Avian Paramyxovirus Strain APMV-6/red-crested pochard/Balkhash/5842/2013 from Kazakhstan
Authors: Karamendin Kobey , Kydyrmanov Aidyn , Seidalina Aigerim , Jenckel Maria , Starick Elke , Grund Christian , Asanova Saule , Khan Elizaveta , Daulbayeva Klara , Kasymbekov Yermukhammet , Zhumatov Kainar , Sayatov Marat , Beer Martin , Fereidouni Sasan 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACT

An avian paramyxovirus 6 strain was isolated during a wild bird monitoring study in Kazakhstan in 2013. The virus was isolated from a wild duck red-crested pochard (
Netta rufina
) in southeastern Kazakhstan. Here, we present the complete genome sequence of the virus.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Geobacillus
sp. Isolate T6, a Thermophilic Bacterium Collected from a Thermal Spring in Argentina
Authors: Ortiz Elio M. , Berretta Marcelo F. , Navas Laura E. , Benintende Graciela B. , Amadio Ariel F. , Zandomeni Rubén O. 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACT

Geobacillus
sp. isolate T6 was collected from a thermal spring in Salta, Argentina. The draft genome sequence (3,767,773 bp) of this isolate is represented by one major scaffold of 3,46 Mbp, a second one of 207 kbp, and 20 scaffolds of <13 kbp. The assembled sequences revealed 3,919 protein-coding genes.
Complete Genome Sequence of an Emerging Melon Necrotic Spot Virus Isolate Infecting Greenhouse Cucumber in North America
Authors: Li Rugang , Zheng Yi , Fei Zhangjun , Ling Kai-Shu 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACT

The complete genome sequence (4,267 nt) of a
Melon necrotic spot virus
(MNSV) isolate (ABCA13-01) infecting greenhouse cucumber in Canada was determined through deep sequencing of small RNAs. Its genome sequence was most closely related to MNSV-N (97%) but lacked a 55-nucleotide insertion at the 3′ untranslated region for resistance breaking.
Metatranscriptomic Analysis of Larval Guts from Field-Collected and Laboratory-Reared Spodoptera frugiperda from the South American Subtropical Region
Authors: McCarthy Christina B. , Cabrera Natalia A. , Virla Eduardo G. 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACT

This is the first study to report a high-throughput approach integrating gene expression data from
Spodoptera frugiperda
guts and their associated metatranscriptomes. Our datasets provide information on the potential effects of environmental conditions on the expression profile of
S. frugiperda
larval guts, their associated metatranscriptome, and putative interactions between them.
Complete Genome Sequence of an Atypical Dengue Virus Serotype 2 Lineage Isolated in Brazil
Authors: Salvador Felipe Scassi , Amorim Jaime Henrique , Alves Rubens Prince Santos , Pereira Sara A. , Ferreira Luis Carlos Souza , Romano Camila Malta 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACT
Here, we report the complete polyprotein sequence of a dengue virus 2 strain isolated in Brazil. This virus belongs to the American genotype and has the ability to cause neurovirulence in immunocompetent adult mice. The data presented here may help understand the genetic determinants responsible for neurovirulence.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Phenanthrene Degrader,
Mycobacterium
sp. Strain EPa45 (NBRC 110737), Isolated from a Phenanthrene-Degrading Consortium
Authors: Kato Hiromi , Ogawa Natsumi , Ohtsubo Yoshiyuki , Oshima Kenshiro , Toyoda Atsushi , Mori Hiroshi , Nagata Yuji , Kurokawa Ken , Hattori Masahira , Fujiyama Asao , Tsuda Masataka 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACT

A phenanthrene degrader,
Mycobacterium
sp. EPa45, was isolated from a phenanthrene-degrading consortium. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of EPa45, which has a 6.2-Mb single circular chromosome. We propose a phenanthrene degradation pathway in EPa45 based on the complete genome sequence.
De Novo
Whole-Genome Sequence and Annotation of a
Leishmania
Strain Isolated from a Case of Post-Kala-Azar Dermal Leishmaniasis
Authors: Gupta Anil Kumar , Srivastava Saumya , Singh Amit , Singh Sarman 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACT
The pathogenesis of post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) is complex. Only 5 to 10% of kala-azar patients develop this dermal complication, and it is not known whether this is due to changes in the parasite genome or some host factors. Here, we report the whole-genome sequence and annotated genes of the whole genome of the PKDL strain.
Draft Genome Sequence of a Novel Nicotine-Degrading Bacterium, Pseudomonas plecoglossicida TND35
Authors: Raman Gurusamy , Sakthivel Natarajan , Park SeonJoo 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACT

Pseudomonas plecoglossicida
TND35 is a potent nicotine-degrading bacterium. The draft genome sequence of strain TND35 contains 6,209,227 bp, 5,511 coding genes, and a G+C content of 62.3%. It encompasses genes related to catabolism of nicotine,
N
-heterocyclic aromatic compounds, heavy metal degradation, and butanol biosynthesis.
Anaemia and related nutrient deficiencies after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Weng Ting-Chia , Chang Chia-Hsuin , Dong Yaa-Hui , Chang Yi-Cheng , Chuang Lee-Ming 
Published: July 2015

ObjectiveTo obtain a pooled risk estimate on the long-term impact of anaemia and related nutritional deficiencies in patients receiving Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery.DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis.Data sourcesMEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane databases were searched to identify English reports published before 16 May 2014.Eligibility criteriaArticles with case numbers >100, follow-up period >12 months, and complete data from both before and after surgery were selected. Outcomes of interest were changes in baseline measurements of proportion of patients with anaemia, by haemoglobin, haematocrit, ferritin, iron, vitamin B12and folate levels.Data collection and analysisTwo reviewers independently reviewed data and selected six prospective and nine retrospective studies with a total of 5909 patients. A random effect model with inverse variance weighting was used to calculate summary estimates of outcomes at 6, 12, 24 and 36 months postoperatively.ResultsProportion of patients with anaemia was 12.2% at baseline, which, respectively, increased to 20.9% and 25.9% at 12 and 24 months follow-up, consistent with decreases in haemoglobin and haematocrit levels. Although the serum iron level did not change substantially after surgery, the frequency of patients with ferritin deficiency increased from 7.9% at baseline to 13.4% and 23.0% at 12 and 24 months, respectively, postoperation. Vitamin B12deficiency increased from 2.3% at baseline to 6.5% at 12 months after surgery in those subjects receiving RYGB. There was no obvious increase in folate deficiency.ConclusionsRYGB surgery is associated with an increased risk of anaemia and deficiencies of iron and vitamin B12, but not folate. Ferritin is more sensitive when serum iron level is within normal range.
Alcohol detoxification in Ysbyty Gwynedd: Two small sips or one big gulp? Two-step screening more reliable for identification of alcohol dependency syndrome at risk of delirium tremens for routine care
Authors: Salman Muhammad , Subbe Christian 
Published: July 2015

AbstractCompliance with pathways for hospitalised patients with alcohol dependency syndrome is often poor. A pathway for recognition and treatment of alcohol dependency was redesigned as part of a 12 month service improvement project in the acute medical unit using plan, do, study, act (PDSA) cycles.A needs assessment was undertaken: Audit data from 2013 showed over-prescription of chlordiazepoxide for detoxification treatment (DT) leading to prolonged hospital admissions with an average length of stay of 5.5 days in 2012/2013.Acceptability of screening tools was tested: Common screening tools (CEWA, AUDIT) were rejected by junior doctors due to the high number of questions as too cumbersome for routine practice. Compliance with usage in random samples over a three month period was persistently <10%. Testing of an abbreviated AUDIT questionnaire with only two questions and a specified threshold showed a AUROC of 1 (p<0.001 for correct identification).The screening tool was implemented in several PDSAs cycles. After the final cycle a random sample of 100 patients was reviewed for pathway compliance over a three months period. Eighty-six patients were screened with the two-question tool of these 18 were identified as possible risk. Of these 16 patients had the full AUDIT questionnaire, only eight with elevated values were started on DT. Overall compliance with the pathway increased to 84%.
Specialist palliative care improves the quality of life in advanced neurodegenerative disorders: NE-PAL, a pilot randomised controlled study
Authors: Veronese Simone , Gallo G , Valle A , Cugno C , Chiò A , Calvo A , Cavalla P , Zibetti M , Rivoiro C , Oliver D J 
Published: July 2015

BackgroundThis study analysed the impact on palliative care outcomes of a new specialist palliative care service for patients severely affected by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS/MND), multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease and related disorders (multiple system atrophy progressive supranuclear palsy, MSA-PSP).MethodsThe design followed the Medical Research Council Framework for the evaluation of complex interventions. A phase II randomised controlled trial (RCT) was undertaken comparing an immediate referral to the service (FT, fast track) to a 16-week wait (standard track (ST), standard best practice) using a parallel arm design. The main outcome measures were Quality of Life (measured with Schedule for the Evaluation of Individual Quality of Life Direct Weight, SEIQoL-DW) and burden of the carers (Caregivers Burden Inventory, CBI), with secondary outcomes of symptoms, psychosocial and spiritual issues.Results50 patients severely affected by neurodegenerative conditions and their informal family carers were randomised: 25 FT, 25 ST. At baseline (T0), there were no differences between groups. 4 patients died during the follow-up (2 FT, 2 ST) and 2 FT patients dropped out before the end of the study. After 16 weeks (T1), FT participants scored significant improvement in the SEIQoL-DW index, pain dyspnoea sleep disturbance and bowel symptoms.ConclusionsThis exploratory RCT provides evidence that no harm was experienced by SPCS for patients severely affected by neurodegenerative disorders. There was an improvement in quality of life and physical symptoms for neurological patients in palliative care. Caregiver burden was not affected by the service.
Why don't end-of-life conversations go viral? A review of videos on YouTube
Authors: Mitchell Imogen A , Schuster Anne L R , Lynch Thomas , Smith Katherine Clegg , Bridges John F P , Aslakson Rebecca A 
Published: July 2015

ObjectiveTo identify videos on YouTube concerning advance care planning (ACP) and synthesise existing video content and style elements.MethodsInformed by stakeholder engagement, two researchers searched YouTube for ACP videos using predefined search terms and snowballing techniques. Videos identified were reviewed and deemed ineligible for analysis if they: targeted healthcare professionals; contained irrelevant content; focused on viewers under the age of 18; were longer than 7 min in duration; received fewer than 150 views; were in a language other than English; or were a duplicate version. For each video, two investigators independently extracted general information as well as video content and stylistic characteristics.ResultsThe YouTube search identified 23 100 videos with 213 retrieved for assessment and 42 meeting eligibility criteria. The majority of videos had been posted to YouTube since 2010 and produced by organisations in the USA (71%). Viewership ranged from 171 to 10 642. Most videos used a documentary style and featured healthcare providers (60%) rather than patients (19%) or families (45%). A minority of videos (29%) used upbeat or hopeful music. The videos frequently focused on completing legal medical documents (86%).ConclusionsNone of the ACP videos on YouTube went viral and a relatively small number of them contained elements endorsed by stakeholders. In emphasising the completion of legal medical documents, videos may have failed to support more meaningful ACP. Further research is needed to understand the features of videos that will engage patients and the wider community with ACP and palliative and end-of-life care conversations.
Body size and body composition: a comparison of children in India and the UK through infancy and early childhood
Authors: D'Angelo S , Yajnik C S , Kumaran K , Joglekar C , Lubree H , Crozier S R , Godfrey K M , Robinson S M , Fall C H D , Inskip H M 
Published: July 2015

BackgroundIndian babies are characterised by the ‘thin-fat phenotype’ which comprises a ‘muscle-thin but adipose’ body composition compared with European babies. This body phenotype is of concern because it is associated with an increased risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. We examined whether the ‘thin-fat phenotype’ persists through early childhood, comparing Indian children with white Caucasians in the UK at birth, infancy and childhood, using comparable measurement protocols.MethodsWe used data from two cohorts, the Pune Maternal Nutrition Study (N=631) and the Southampton Women's Survey (N=2643). Measurements of weight, head circumference, mid-upper arm circumference, height, triceps and subscapular skinfold thickness were compared at birth, 1, 2, 3 and 6 years of age. SD scores were generated for the Pune children, using the Southampton children as a reference. Generalised estimating equations were used to examine the changes in SD scores across the children's ages.ResultsThe Indian children were smaller at birth in all body measurements than the Southampton children and became relatively even smaller from birth to 2 years, before ‘catching up’ to some extent at 3 years, and more so by 6 years. The deficit for both skinfolds was markedly less than for other measurements at all ages; triceps skinfold showed the least difference between the two cohorts at birth, and subscapular skinfold at all ages after birth.ConclusionsThe ‘thin-fat phenotype’ previously found in Indian newborns, remains through infancy and early childhood. Despite being shorter and lighter than UK children, Indian children are relatively adipose.
Maternal mental health and risk of child protection involvement: mental health diagnoses associated with increased risk
Authors: O'Donnell Melissa , Maclean Miriam J , Sims Scott , Morgan Vera A , Leonard Helen , Stanley Fiona J 
Published: July 2015

BackgroundPrevious research shows that maternal mental illness is an important risk factor for child maltreatment. This study aims to quantify the relationship between maternal mental health and risk of child maltreatment according to the different types of mental health diagnoses.MethodsThe study used a retrospective cohort of children born in Western Australia between 1990 and 2005, with deidentified linked data from routine health and child protection collections.ResultsNearly 1 in 10 children (9.2%) of mothers with a prior mental health contact had a maltreatment allegation. Alternatively, almost half the children with a maltreatment allegation had a mother with a mental health contact. After adjusting for other risk factors, a history of mental health contacts was associated with a more than doubled risk of allegations (HR=2.64, 95% CI 2.50 to 2.80). Overall, all mental health diagnostic groups were associated with an increased risk of allegations. The greatest risk was found for maternal intellectual disability, followed by disorders of childhood and psychological development, personality disorders, substance-related disorders, and organic disorders. Maltreatment allegations were substantiated at a slightly higher rate than for the general population.ConclusionsOur study shows that maternal mental health is an important factor in child protection involvement. The level of risk varies across diagnostic groups. It is important that mothers with mental health issues are offered appropriate support and services. Adult mental health services should also be aware and discuss the impact of maternal mental health on the family and children's safety and well-being.
Republished: The clinical spectrum of pulmonary aspergillosis
Authors: Kosmidis Chris , Denning David W 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACT
The clinical presentation of Aspergillus lung disease is determined by the interaction between fungus and host. Invasive aspergillosis develops in severely immunocompromised patients, including those with neutropenia, and increasingly in the non-neutropenic host, including lung transplant recipients, the critically ill patients and patients on steroids. A high index of suspicion is required in patients without the classical risk factors as early presentation is usually silent and non-specific, pyrexia uncommon and timely treatment is crucial for survival. Invasive aspergillosis has also been diagnosed in normal hosts after massive exposure to fungal spores. Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis affects patients without obvious immune compromise, but with an underlying lung condition such as COPD or sarcoidosis, prior or concurrent TB or non-tuberculous mycobacterial disease. Aspergillus bronchitis may be responsible for persistent respiratory symptoms in patients with Aspergillus detected repeatedly in sputum without evidence of parenchymal Aspergillus disease, especially in patients with bronchiectasis and cystic fibrosis. Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis affects patients with asthma and cystic fibrosis, and is important to recognise as permanent lung or airways damage may accrue if untreated. Changes in the classification of Aspergillus allergic lung disease have been proposed recently. Cases of extrinsic allergic alveolitis and chronic pulmonary aspergillosis have been observed after Aspergillus exposure. Asymptomatic colonisation of the respiratory tract needs close monitoring as it can lead to clinical disease especially with ongoing immunosuppression. The various syndromes should be viewed as a semicontinuous spectrum of disease and one form may evolve into another depending on the degree of ongoing immunosuppression.
Republished: Genetic investigations in childhood deafness
Authors: Parker Michael , Bitner-Glindzicz Maria 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACT
Permanent childhood sensorineural hearing loss, is one of the most common birth defects in developed countries. It is important to identify the aetiology of hearing loss for many reasons, as there may be important health surveillance implications particularly with syndromic causes. Non-syndromic sensorineural hearing loss is a highly heterogeneous genetic condition, meaning that it may be caused by any one of numerous genes, with very few phenotypic distinctions between the different genetic types. This has previously presented significant challenges for genetic testing. However, the introduction of new technologies should enable more comprehensive testing in the future, bringing significant benefits to more affected children and their families.