bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reduction of the Temperature Sensitivity of Halomonas hydrothermalis by Iron Starvation Combined with Microaerobic Conditions
Authors: Harrison Jesse P. , Hallsworth John E. , Cockell Charles S. 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACTThe limits to biological processes on Earth are determined by physicochemical parameters, such as extremes of temperature and low water availability. Research into microbial extremophiles has enhanced our understanding of the biophysical boundaries which define the biosphere. However, there remains a paucity of information on the degree to which rates of microbial multiplication within extreme environments are determined by the availability of specific chemical elements. Here, we show that iron availability and the composition of the gaseous phase (aerobic versus microaerobic) determine the susceptibility of a marine bacterium,Halomonas hydrothermalis, to suboptimal and elevated temperature and salinity by impacting rates of cell division (but not viability). In particular, iron starvation combined with microaerobic conditions (5% [vol/vol] O2, 10% [vol/vol] CO2, reduced pH) reduced sensitivity to temperature across the 13°C range tested. These data demonstrate that nutrient limitation interacts with physicochemical parameters to determine biological permissiveness for extreme environments. The interplay between resource availability and stress tolerance, therefore, may shape the distribution and ecology of microorganisms within Earth's biosphere.
Profiling Microbial Communities in Manganese Remediation Systems Treating Coal Mine Drainage
Authors: Chaput Dominique L. , Hansel Colleen M. , Burgos William D. , Santelli Cara M. 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACT

Water discharging from abandoned coal mines can contain extremely high manganese levels. Removing this metal is an ongoing challenge. Passive Mn(II) removal beds (MRBs) contain microorganisms that oxidize soluble Mn(II) to insoluble Mn(III/IV) minerals, but system performance is unpredictable. Using amplicon pyrosequencing, we profiled the bacterial, fungal, algal, and archaeal communities in four MRBs, performing at different levels, in Pennsylvania to determine whether they differed among MRBs and from surrounding soil and to establish the relative abundance of known Mn(II) oxidizers. Archaea were not detected; PCRs with archaeal primers returned only nontarget bacterial sequences. Fungal taxonomic profiles differed starkly between sites that remove the majority of influent Mn and those that do not, with the former being dominated by
Ascomycota
(mostly
Dothideomycetes
) and the latter by
Basidiomycota
(almost entirely
Agaricomycetes
). Taxonomic profiles for the other groups did not differ significantly between MRBs, but operational taxonomic unit-based analyses showed significant clustering by MRB with all three groups (
P
< 0.05). Soil samples clustered separately from MRBs in all groups except fungi, whose soil samples clustered loosely with their respective MRB. Known Mn(II) oxidizers accounted for a minor proportion of bacterial sequences (up to 0.20%) but a greater proportion of fungal sequences (up to 14.78%). MRB communities are more diverse than previously thought, and more organisms may be capable of Mn(II) oxidation than are currently known.
Effective Trapping of Fruit Flies with Cultures of Metabolically Modified Acetic Acid Bacteria
Authors: Ishii Yuri , Akasaka Naoki , Goda Itsuko , Sakoda Hisao , Fujiwara Shinsuke 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACT

Acetoin in vinegar is an attractant to fruit flies when combined with acetic acid. To make vinegar more effective in attracting fruit flies with increased acetoin production,
Komagataeibacter europaeus
KGMA0119 was modified by specific gene disruption of the acetohydroxyacid isomeroreductase gene (
ilvC
). A previously constructed mutant lacking the putative ligand-sensing region in the leucine-responsive regulatory protein (
Ke
Lrp, encoded by
Kelrp
) was also used. The
ilvC
and
Kelrp
disruptants (KGMA5511 and KGMA7203, respectively) produced greater amounts of acetoin (KGMA5511, 0.11%; KGMA7203, 0.13%) than the wild-type strain KGMA0119 (0.069%). KGMA7203 produced a trace amount of isobutyric acid (0.007%), but the other strains did not. These strains produced approximately equal amounts of acetic acid (0.7%). The efficiency of fruit fly attraction was investigated with cultured
Drosophila melanogaster
.
D. melanogaster
flies (approximately 1,500) were released inside a cage (2.5 m by 2.5 m by 1.5 m) and were trapped with a device containing vinegar and a sticky sheet. The flies trapped on the sticky sheet were counted. The cell-free supernatant from KGMA7203 culture captured significantly more flies (19.36 to 36.96% of released flies) than did KGMA0119 (3.25 to 11.40%) and KGMA5511 (6.87 to 21.50%) cultures. Contrastingly, a 0.7% acetic acid solution containing acetoin (0.13%) and isobutyric acid (0.007%), which mimicked the KGMA7203 supernatant, captured significantly fewer flies (0.88 to 4.57%). Furthermore, the KGMA0119 supernatant with additional acetoin (0.13%) and isobutyric acid (0.007%) captured slightly more flies than the original KGMA0119 supernatant but fewer than the KGMA7203 supernatant, suggesting that the synergistic effects of acetic acid, acetoin, isobutyric acid, and unidentified metabolites achieved the efficient fly trapping of the KGMA7203 supernatant.
Elizabethkingia anophelis: Molecular Manipulation and Interactions with Mosquito Hosts
Authors: Chen Shicheng , Bagdasarian Michael , Walker Edward D. 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACT

Flavobacteria (members of the family
Flavobacteriaceae
) dominate the bacterial community in the
Anopheles
mosquito midgut. One such commensal,
Elizabethkingia anophelis
, is closely associated with
Anopheles
mosquitoes through transstadial persistence (i.e., from one life stage to the next); these and other properties favor its development for paratransgenic applications in control of malaria parasite transmission. However, the physiological requirements of
E. anophelis
have not been investigated, nor has its capacity to perpetuate despite digestion pressure in the gut been quantified. To this end, we first developed techniques for genetic manipulation of
E. anophelis
, including selectable markers, reporter systems (green fluorescent protein [GFP] and NanoLuc), and transposons that function in
E. anophelis
. A flavobacterial expression system based on the promoter P
ompA
was integrated into the
E. anophelis
chromosome and showed strong promoter activity to drive GFP and NanoLuc reporter production. Introduced, GFP-tagged
E. anophelis
associated with mosquitoes at successive developmental stages and propagated in
Anopheles gambiae
and
Anopheles stephensi
but not in
Aedes triseriatus
mosquitoes. Feeding NanoLuc-tagged cells to
A. gambiae
and
A. stephensi
in the larval stage led to infection rates of 71% and 82%, respectively. In contrast, a very low infection rate (3%) was detected in
Aedes triseriatus
mosquitoes under the same conditions. Of the initial
E. anophelis
cells provided to larvae, 23%, 71%, and 85% were digested in
A. stephensi
,
A. gambiae
, and
Aedes triseriatus
, respectively, demonstrating that
E. anophelis
adapted to various mosquito midgut environments differently. Bacterial cell growth increased up to 3-fold when arginine was supplemented in the defined medium. Furthermore, the number of NanoLuc-tagged cells in
A. stephensi
significantly increased when arginine was added to a sugar diet, showing it to be an important amino acid for
E. anophelis
. Animal erythrocytes promoted
E. anophelis
growth
in vivo
and
in vitro
, indicating that this bacterium could obtain nutrients by participating in erythrocyte lysis in the mosquito midgut.
Randomised Controlled Trial on the Use of Acupuncture in Adults with Chronic, Non-Responding Anxiety Symptoms
Authors: Errington-Evans Nick 
Published: January 2015

Background A group of adults can be identified with chronic non-responding anxiety symptoms who have repeatedly accessed treatments through their GP, such as cognitive behaviour therapy, bibliotherapy and medication, but with no effect. These patients make heavy use of health service resources with no beneficial outcome. This study aims to test the effect of an acupuncture formula of three specific acupuncture points, suggested in a previous pilot study. Method 40 participants from a psychiatry waiting list were randomised into one of two groups: group 1 (n=25) received 10 weeks of acupuncture at PC6, HT7 and LR3, and group 2 was a waiting list control group. The waiting list group (n=15) then received acupuncture. Both groups were followed up for 10 weeks after treatment. The outcome measure was the State and Trait Anxiety Inventory. Results 36 patients completed the study, with two dropouts in each group. State anxiety scores in the acupuncture group decreased from 57.7 (SD 13.1) to 38.8 (12.0); scores in the waiting list control group decreased from 61.5 (11.6) to 60.6 (11.7). The difference was highly significant (p<0.0001). Similar changes were seen for trait anxiety scores. The control group showed similar statistically significant improvements when they received acupuncture. The improvements were maintained after 10 weeks of follow-up in each group. Conclusions Acupuncture is a promising intervention for patients with chronic anxiety symptoms that have proven resistant to other forms of treatment.
Kinesio taping in musculoskeletal pain and disability that lasts for more than 4 weeks: is it time to peel off the tape and throw it out with the sweat? A systematic review with meta-analysis focused on pain and also methods of tape application
Authors: Lim Edwin Choon Wyn , Tay Mathew Guo Xiang 
Published: January 2015

IntroductionIn recent years, Kinesio tape has been used to support injured muscle and joints, and relieve pain. We compared the pain and disability in individuals with chronic musculoskeletal pain who were treated with Kinesio taping with those using minimal or other treatment approaches.MethodsSearches of eight major electronic databases were conducted. Data for pain and disability scores were extracted. Meta-analyses (wherever possible) with either a fixed or random effect(s) model, standardised mean differences (SMDs) and tests of heterogeneity were performed.ResultsSeventeen clinical-controlled trials were identified and included in the meta-analyses. When compared to minimal intervention, Kinesio taping provided superior pain relief (pooled SMD=−0.36, 95% CI −0.64 to −0.09, p=0.009) but the pooled disability scores were not significantly different (pooled SMD=−0.41, 95% CI −0.83 to 0.01, p=0.05). No significant differences were found when comparing Kinesio taping to other treatment approaches for pain (pooled SMD=−0.44, 95% CI −1.69 to 0.82, p=0.49) and disability (pooled SMD=0.08, 95% CI −0.27 to 0.43, p=0.65).DiscussionKinesio taping is superior to minimal intervention for pain relief. Existing evidence does not establish the superiority of Kinesio taping to other treatment approaches to reduce pain and disability for individuals with chronic musculoskeletal pain.
The association between daily physical activity and plasma B-type natriuretic peptide in patients with glucose intolerance: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Hamasaki Hidetaka , Yanai Hidekatsu , Kakei Masafumi , Noda Mitsuhiko , Ezaki Osamu 
Published: January 2015

ObjectivesIn spite of accumulating evidences suggesting an inverse association between insulin resistance and plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels, the effect of daily physical activity on plasma BNP in individuals with glucose intolerance remains unknown. We investigated the association of physical activity level (PAL) with plasma BNP in patients with impaired fasting glucose, impaired glucose tolerance and type 2 diabetes.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingOutpatients visiting the National Center for Global Health and Medicine Kohnodai Hospital.ParticipantsA total of 60 patients with glucose intolerance who did not take any hypoglycaemic agents, cholesterol-lowering agents and antihypertensive agents were recruited. Patients who were diagnosed as having heart failure and renal impairment, engaged in sports-like exercise and resistance training were excluded.Primary outcome measuresPAL was objectively measured by a triaxial accelerometer. The association between PAL and plasma BNP levels was assessed by multiple regression analysis.ResultsPAL was positively correlated with plasma BNP levels (r=0.296, p=0.021). PAL was still significantly correlated with plasma BNP levels after adjustment for age (β=0.290, p=0.014), and adjustment for age and body mass index (β=0.282, p=0.018). Plasma BNP levels were inversely correlated with serum insulin levels (r=−0.350, p=0.006) and homeostasis model assessment-estimated insulin resistance (HOMA-IR; r=−0.363, p=0.004). Serum insulin levels (mean±SD, 8.1±6.4 μU/mL) and HOMA-IR (2.4±1.9) in the high-BNP group were significantly lower than those (11.2±7.4 μU/mL and 3.7±3.0, respectively) in the low-BNP group.ConclusionsOur findings propose the possibility that plasma BNP may be increased by daily physical activity and BNP is associated with insulin resistance.
The efficacy of activated protein C for the treatment of sepsis: incorporating observational evidence with a Bayesian approach
Authors: Zhang Zhongheng 
Published: January 2015

ObjectiveThe present study aimed to combine observational evidence with randomised controlled trials (RCTs) by using the Bayesian approach.Data sourcesElectronic databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), ISI Web of Science, EMBASE and EBSCO were searched from inception to January 2014.Study eligibilityRCTs and observational studies (OS) investigating the effectiveness of activated protein C (aPC) on mortality reduction were included for analysis.ParticipantsPatients with sepsis.InterventionaPC.Synthesis methodsObservational evidence was incorporated into the analysis by using power transformed priors in a Bayesian. Trial sequential analysis was performed to examine changes over time and whether further studies need to be conducted.Main resultsa total of 7 RCTs and 12 OS were included for the analysis. There was moderate heterogeneity among included RCTs (I2=48.6%, p=0.07). The pooled OR for mortality from RCTs was 1.00 (95% CI 0.84 to 1.19). In OS, there was potential publication bias as indicated by the funnel plot and the pooled OR for mortality with the use of aPC was 0.67 (95% CI 0.62 to 0.72). The pooled effect sizes of RCTs were changed by using different power transform priors derived from observational evidence. When observational evidence was used at its ‘face value’, the treatment effect of aPC was statistically significant in reducing mortality.Conclusionswhile RCT evidence showed no beneficial effect of aPC on sepsis, observational evidence showed a significant treatment effect of aPC. By using power transform priors in Bayesian model, we explicitly demonstrated how RCT evidence could be changed by observational evidence.Trial registration numberThe protocol for the current study was registered in PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42014009562).
Computerised physician order entry-related medication errors: analysis of reported errors and vulnerability testing of current systems
Authors: Schiff G D , Amato M G , Eguale T , Boehne J J , Wright A , Koppel R , Rashidee A H , Elson R B , Whitney D L , Thach T-T , Bates D W , Seger A C 
Published: January 2015

ImportanceMedication computerised provider order entry (CPOE) has been shown to decrease errors and is being widely adopted. However, CPOE also has potential for introducing or contributing to errors.ObjectivesThe objectives of this study are to (a) analyse medication error reports where CPOE was reported as a ‘contributing cause’ and (b) develop ‘use cases’ based on these reports to test vulnerability of current CPOE systems to these errors.MethodsA review of medication errors reported to United States Pharmacopeia MEDMARX reporting system was made, and a taxonomy was developed for CPOE-related errors. For each error we evaluatedwhatwent wrong andwhyand identified potentialpreventionstrategies and recurring error scenarios. These scenarios were then used to test vulnerability of leading CPOE systems, asking typical users to enter these erroneous orders to assess the degree to which these problematic orders could be entered.ResultsBetween 2003 and 2010, 1.04 million medication errors were reported to MEDMARX, of which 63 040 were reported as CPOE related. A review of 10 060 CPOE-related cases was used to derive 101 codes describingwhatwent wrong, 67 codes describing reasonswhyerrors occurred, 73 codes describing potentialpreventionstrategies and 21 codes describing recurring error scenarios. Ability to enter these erroneous order scenarios was tested on 13 CPOE systems at 16 sites. Overall, 298 (79.5%) of the erroneous orders were able to be entered including 100 (28.0%) being ‘easily’ placed, another 101 (28.3%) with only minor workarounds and no warnings.Conclusions and relevanceMedication error reports provide valuable information for understanding CPOE-related errors. Reports were useful for developing taxonomy and identifying recurring errors to which current CPOE systems are vulnerable. Enhanced monitoring, reporting and testing of CPOE systems are important to improve CPOE safety.
Reducing pre-operative length of stay for enterocutaneous fistula repair with a multi-disciplinary approach
Authors: Chamberlain Mark , Dwyer Rebecca 
Published: January 2015

AbstractPre-operative assessment of complex surgical patients can be a lengthy process, albeit essential to minimise complication rates. In a tertiary referral unit specialising in the surgical repair of entercutaneous fistulas, a baseline audit revealed an average in-patient length of stay of 30.1 days, mainly caused by poor co-ordination between specialities. After the introduction of a weekly multi-disciplinary team meeting and the formalisation of a patient pathway, this admission length was reduced to 5.7 days (p<0.01), resulting in significant savings to the department.
Expression of proliferation markers Ki67, cyclin A, geminin and aurora-kinase A in primary breast carcinomas and corresponding distant metastases
Authors: Tökés Anna-Mária , Szász A Marcell , Geszti Franciska , Lukács Lilla V , Kenessey István , Turányi Eszter , Meggyesházi Nóra , Molnár István A , Fillinger János , Soltész Ibolya , Bálint Katalin , Hanzély Zoltán , Arató Gabriella , Szendröi Miklós , Kulka Janina 
Published: January 2015

AimsTo assess the expression of the following cell cycle regulatory proteins in primary metastatic breast carcinomas (MBCs) and on availability in matched distant metastases (DMs): Ki67, cyclin A, geminin and aurora-kinase A (aurkA); and to compare the expression of these markers in early MBC (EMBC) and late MBC separated into groups according to median time point on metastatic event occurred (28 months).MethodsThe expression of the above mentioned markers was analysed in a total of 47 primary MBCs and 59 DMs (out of which 37 were pairs) by immunohistochemistry. Fourteen breast carcinomas with no relapse over a 10-year follow-up period were utilised as control cases (CBC).ResultsAmong the MBCs, 22 metastasised to the bone, 4 to the lung and 21 to the central nervous system (CNS). Geminin (p<0.001) and Ki67 (p=0.001) were increased in the MBCs while aurkA and cyclin A showed no difference when compared with CBCs. There were no differences between aurkA, cyclin A and geminin expression in MBCs and DMs in general. Expression of Ki67 was, however, elevated (p=0.027) in DMs. In CNS metastases all markers showed elevated expression as compared to MBCs. In bone metastases, geminin was lower (p<0.001) compared with primary MBCs. In the metastases of the lung, the evaluated markers did not show different expression. According to the median follow-up until the metastatic event, Ki67 was found to be significantly elevated in EMBC (p=0.018).ConclusionsKi67 index and geminin distinguish a fraction of MBC with worse prognosis, showing increased levels in the latter in comparison to CBC being tumour-free over a 10-year follow-up period. Ki67 could possibly identify a group of MBCs that develop early DMs.
SND1 Acts Downstream of TGFβ1 and Upstream of Smurf1 to Promote Breast Cancer Metastasis
Authors: Yu Lin , Liu Xin , Cui Kang , Di Yanbo , Xin Lingbiao , Sun Xiaoming , Zhang Wei , Yang Xi , Wei Minxin , Yao Zhi , Yang Jie 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
SND1 is an AEG-1/MTDH/LYRIC-binding protein that is upregulated in numerous human cancers, where it has been assigned multiple functional roles. In this study, we report its association with the TGFβ1 signaling pathway, which promotes epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in breast cancer. SND1 was upregulated in breast cancer tissues, in particular in primary invasive ductal carcinomas. Transcriptional activation of the SND1 gene was controlled by the TGFβ1/Smad pathway, specifically by activation of the Smad2/Smad3 complex. The SND1 promoter region contained several Smad-specific recognition domains (RD motifs), which were recognized and bound by the Smad complex that enhanced the transcriptional activation of SND1. We found that SND1 promoted expression of the E3 ubiquitin ligase Smurf1, leading to RhoA ubiquitination and degradation. RhoA degradation in breast cancer cells disrupted F-actin cytoskeletal organization, reduced cell adhesion, increased cell migration and invasion, and promoted metastasis. Overall, our results define a novel role for SND1 in regulating breast tumorigenesis and metastasis. Cancer Res; 75(7); 1275–86. ©2015 AACR.
Serum YKL-40 in Risk Assessment for Colorectal Cancer: A Prospective Study of 4,496 Subjects at Risk of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Johansen Julia S. , Christensen Ib J. , Jørgensen Lars N. , Olsen Jesper , Rahr Hans B. , Nielsen Knud T. , Laurberg Søren , Brünner Nils , Nielsen Hans Jørgen 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
The aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis that high serum YKL-40 associates with colorectal cancer in subjects at risk of colorectal cancer. We measured serum YKL-40 in a prospective study of 4,496 Danish subjects [2,064 men, 2,432 women, median age 61 years (range, 18–97)] referred to endoscopy due to symptoms or other risk factors for colorectal cancer. Blood samples were collected just before large bowel endoscopy. Serum YKL-40 was determined by ELISA. Serum YKL-40 was higher (P &lt; 0.0001, unadjusted for confounding covariates) in subjects diagnosed with colon cancer (median 126 μg/L, 25%–75%: 80–206 μg/L) and rectal cancer (104, 72–204 μg/L) compared with subjects with adenoma (84, 53–154 μg/L), other nonmalignant findings (79, 49–138 μg/L), and no findings (62, 41–109 μg/L). Serum YKL-40 independently predicted colorectal cancer [OR, 1.53; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.40–1.67; AUC = 0.68, P &lt; 0.0001]. Restricting the analysis to subjects with no comorbidity increased the OR for serum YKL-40 to predict colorectal cancer (OR, 1.82; 1.58–2.08; AUC = 0.73, P &lt; 0.0001). Combining serum YKL-40 and CEA demonstrated that both were significant [(YKL-40, OR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.16–1.40); (CEA, OR, 1.92; 1.75–2.10; AUC = 0.75, P &lt; 0.0001; OR for a 2-fold difference in marker level)]. Multivariable analysis (YKL-40, CEA, age, gender, body mass index, and center) showed that serum YKL-40 was a predictor for colorectal cancer in individuals without comorbidity (OR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.05–1.40; P = 0.012), whereas this was not the case for those with comorbidity (OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.84–1.14; P = 0.80). In conclusion, high serum YKL-40 in subjects suspected of colorectal cancer and without comorbidity associates with colorectal cancer. Determination of serum YKL-40 may be useful in combination with other biomarkers in risk assessment for colorectal cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 24(3); 621–6. ©2015 AACR.