bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using an agent-based sexual-network model to guide mitigation efforts for controlling chlamydia
Authors: Azizi Asma , Dewar Jeremy , Hyman James M.
Published: December 2017

We create and analyze a stochastic heterosexual agent-based bipartite network model to help understand the spread of chlamydia trachomatis. Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States and is major cause of infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease, and ectopic pregnancy among women. We use an agent-based network model to capture the complex heterogeneous assortative sexual mixing network of men and women. Both long-term and casual partnerships are modeled with different sexual contact frequencies and condom use. We use simulations to compare the effectiveness of intervention strategies based on randomly screening people for infection, treating the partners of infected people, and rescreening for infection after treatment. We compare the difference between treating the partners of an infected person both with, and without, testing them first for infection. The highest prevalence is among young sexually active individuals. We calibrate the model parameters to agree with recent survey data showing chlamydia prevalence of 14% of the women and 9% of the men in the 15 – 25 year-old African American residents of New Orleans, Louisiana. We observed that although increased chlamydia screening and treating most of the partners of infected people will reduce the incidence, these mitigations alone are not sufficient to control the epidemic. The model predicts that the current epidemic can brought under control once over half of the partners of infected people are tested and treated.
Autophagy-dependent gut-to-yolk biomass conversion generates visceral polymorbidity in agingC. elegans
Authors: Ezcurra Marina , Benedetto Alexandre , Sornda Thanet , Gilliat Ann F. , Au Catherine , Zhang Qifeng , van Schelt Sophie , Petrache Alexandra L. , de la Guardia Yila , Bar-Nun Shoshana , Tyler Eleanor , Wakelam Michael J. , Gems David
Published: December 2017

Aging (senescence) is characterized by the development of numerous pathologies, some of which limit lifespan. Key to understanding aging is discovery of the mechanisms (etiologies) that cause senescent pathology. InCaenorhabditis elegansa major senescent pathology of unknown etiology is atrophy of its principal metabolic organ, the intestine. Here we identify a cause of not only this pathology, but also of yolky lipid accumulation and redistribution (a form of senescent obesity): autophagy-mediated conversion of intestinal biomass into yolk. Inhibiting intestinal autophagy or vitellogenesis rescues both visceral pathologies, and can also extend lifespan. This defines a disease syndrome leading to polymorbidity and contributing to late-life mortality. Activation of gut-to-yolk biomass conversion by insulin/IGF-1 signaling (IIS) promotes reproduction and senescence. This illustrates how major, IIS-promoted senescent pathologies inC. eleganscan originate not from damage accumulation, but from continued action of a wild-type function (vitellogenesis), consistent with the recently proposed hyperfunction theory of aging.
Self-organization of a functional human organizer by combined WNT and NODAL signalling
Authors: Martyn I. , Kanno T.Y. , Ruzo A. , Siggia E.D. , Brivanlou A.H.
Published: December 2017

In amniotes, the development of the primitive streak (PS) and its accompanying “organizer” define the first stages of gastrulation. Despite detailed characterization in model organisms, the analogous human structures remain a mystery. We have previously shown that when stimulated with BMP4, micropatterned colonies of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) self-organize to generate early embryonic germ layers1. Here we show that in the same type of colonies WNT signalling is sufficient to induce a PS, and WNT with ACTIVIN is sufficient to induce an organizer, as characterized by embryo-like sharp boundary formation, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers, and expression of the organizer specific transcription factor GSC. Moreover, when grafted into chick embryos, WNT and ACTIVIN treated human cells induce and contribute autonomously to a secondary axis while inducing neural fate in the host. This fulfills the most stringent functional criteria for an organizer, and its discovery represents a major milestone in human embryology.
Transmural unipolar electrogram morphology is achieved within 7s at the posterior left atrial wall during pulmonary vein isolation: VISITAG™ Module-based lesion assessment during radiofrequency ablation
Authors: Tomlinson David R. , Myles Madison , N. Stevens Kara , Streeter Adam J.
Published: December 2017

Aims

To assess the occurrence of a histologically validated measure of transmural (TM) atrial ablation – pure R unipolar electrogram (UE) morphology change – at first-ablated left atrial posterior wall (LAPW) sites during contact force (CF)-guided pulmonary vein isolation (PVI).

Methods and results

Exported VISITAG™ Module and CARTOREPLAY™ (Biosense Webster Inc.) UE morphology data was retrospectively analysed in 23 consecutive patients undergoing PVI under general anaesthesia. PVI without spontaneous / dormant recovery was achieved in all, employing 16.3[3.2] minutes (mean [SD]) of temperature-controlled RF at 30W. All first-ablated LAPW sites demonstrated RS UE morphology pre-ablation, with RF-induced pure R UE morphology change in 98%. Time to pure R UE morphology was significantly shorter at left-sided LAPW sites (4.9[2.1] s versus 6.7[2.5] s; p=0.02), with significantly greater impedance drop (median 13.5Ω versus 9.9Ω; p=0.003). Importantly, neither the first-site RF duration (14.9 versus 15.0s) nor the maximum ablation catheter tip distance moved (during RF) were significantly different, yet the mean CF was significantly higher at right-sided sites (16.5g versus 11.2g; p=0.002). Concurrent impedance and objectively annotated bipolar electrogram (BE) data demonstrated ~6-8Ω impedance drop and ~30% BE decrease at the time of first pure R UE morphology change.

Conclusion

Using objective ablation site annotation, TM UE morphology change was typically achieved within 7s at the LAPW, with significantly greater ablative effect evident at left-sided sites. The methodology described in this report represents a novel and scientifically more rigorous foundation towards future research into the biological effects of RF ablation in vivo.

Condensed abstract

Through appropriate use of the VISITAG™ Module and CARTOREPLAY™, unipolar electrogram morphology change indicative of histologically confirmed transmural atrial ablation in animal models, was proven to occur typically within 7s, during first-site contact force-guided ablation at the left atrial posterior wall during pulmonary vein isolation.
Distractor inhibition contributes to retroactive attentional orienting within working memory: Evidence by lateralized alpha oscillations in the EEG
Authors: Schneider Daniel , Barth Anna , Haase Henrike , Hickey Clayton , Wascher Edmund
Published: December 2017

Shifts of attention within mental representations based on retroactive cues (retro-cues) facilitate performance in working memory tasks. It was suggested that this retro-cue benefit is related to the concentration of working memory resources on a subset of representations, thereby improving storage and retrieval at the cost of non-cued items. However, the attentional mechanisms underlying this updating of working memory representations remain unknown. Here, we present EEG data for distinguishing between target enhancement and distractor suppression processes in the context of retroactive attentional orienting. Therefore, we used a working memory paradigm with retro-cues indicating a shift of attention to either a lateralized or non-lateralized item. There was an increase of posterior alpha power contralateral compared to ipsilateral to the irrelevant item when a non-lateralized mental representation was cued and a contralateral suppression of posterior alpha power when a lateralized item had to be selected. This suggests that both inhibition of the non-cued information and enhancement of the target representation are important features of attentional orienting within working memory. By further presenting cues to either remember or to forget a working memory representation, we give a first impression of these retroactive attentional sub-processes as two separable cognitive mechanisms.
Treatment‐related psychological stress in different in vitro fertilization therapies with and without gonadotropin stimulation
Authors: Haemmerli Keller Katja , Alder Gilliane , Loewer Lennard , Faeh Monika , Rohner Susanne , von Wolff Michael
Published: December 2017

Introduction

Infertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) impose substantial distress. However, the specific role of individual contributory factors remains unclear. We therefore compared treatment‐related psychological stress in IVF treatments with (cIVF) and without (NC‐IVF) gonadotropin stimulation, as cIVF includes potentially stressful factors such as ovarian stimulation, anesthesia, embryo selection and cryopreservation, whereas NC‐IVF does not.

Material and methods

Women were offered to have cIVF or NC‐IVF. Validated psychological questionnaires filled in online before, during and after completed treatment cycle(s) at home were used to analyze psychological distress and treatment‐related satisfaction and quality of life. To avoid different pregnancy rates in the two treatment groups, one cIVF was compared with three NC‐IVF therapies, resulting in the same cumulative pregnancy rate.

Results

Data from 57 NC‐IVF and 62 cIVF patients were evaluated. NC‐IVF resulted in a similar overall clinical pregnancy rate than one cIVF. NC‐IVF patients had a significantly lower level of depression (CES‐D, 13.4 vs. 15.7, p < 0.05) and a higher satisfaction with the treatment (Treatment FertiQoL, 67.9 vs. 62.9, p < 0.05) compared with cIVF patients. The level of psychological distress increased during c‐IVF treatment and decreased during NC‐IVF treatment. In contrast, during NC‐IVF treatment there was a significant increase in satisfaction with the treatment, whereas satisfaction with treatment in the cIVF patients decreased.

Conclusions

Factors other than just pregnancy rate seem to have an impact on psychological stress in IVF treatment. Due to reduced psychological stress in NC‐IVF, this treatment could be especially considered in psychologically stressed women.
A sideways look at conservation and consistency in tourism policy
Authors: Dickman Amy , Packer Craig , Johnson Paul J. , Macdonald David W.
Published: December 2017

Article impact statement: Wildlife‐based land management should be based on consistent principles for promoting sustainability.
Interactive media as a tool for reducing waiting anxiety at paediatric rehabilitation hospitals: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Biddiss Elaine , Knibbe Tara Joy , Fehlings Darcy , Mckeever Patricia , Cohen Ashley , Mcpherson Amy
Published: December 2017

Aim

To investigate the efficacy of waiting room media for reducing anxiety and increasing satisfaction at a paediatric rehabilitation hospital.

Method

In this clustered, parallel, randomized controlled trial, 310 young people with disabilities (age range 5–19y) and their parents attending outpatient clinics were assigned to interactive media (n=113), a silent nature video (n=97), or media‐free comparison (n=100) groups. Young person and parent anxiety was reported using the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) on arrival and after 10 minutes in the waiting space. Questionnaires measured young person, parent, and staff satisfaction.

Results

Young people exposed to interactive media reported a postexposure state anxiety that was 1.1 raw points (2.7 standardized points) lower on the STAI than the comparison group (95% confidence interval [CI] −1.9 to −0.22). There was no difference in postexposure state anxiety between the passive media and comparison groups (95% CI −0.64 to 1.1). Parents’ state anxiety did not differ between conditions, but interactive media were associated with greater satisfaction (p=0.009). Of 120 staff, 119 reported that interactive media improved the clinic experience for families.

Interpretation

Interactive media designed for accessible, hands‐free play mitigate waiting anxiety and increases satisfaction. This paper provides evidence to guide design and decision‐making around the use of interactive media in health care spaces.

What this paper adds

Interactive media reduced preclinic waiting anxiety for young people with disabilities.

Interactive media were accessible to young people with a range of mobility.

Interactive media increased parental and staff satisfaction in the clinic.

Guidelines for the design of hands‐free, inclusive interactive media for health care facilities are presented.
Early childhood education and care (ECEC) assistants in Europe: Pathways towards continuous professional development (CPD) and qualification
Authors: Peeters Jan , Sharmahd Nima , Budginaité Irma
Published: December 2017

There is broad consensus amongst researchers and international organisations that the quality of early childhood education and care (ECEC), which means the wellbeing of children and families, depends on well‐educated and competent staff. This remains a challenge in Europe, since part of the workforce is also represented by low‐qualified ECEC assistants in many EU countries. In the CoRe study (2011), assistants are defined as ‘invisible workers’, meaning that their presence is usually not taken into account in policy documents and that they have far fewer possibilities of qualification and professional development than core practitioners. Building on the findings of the CoRe study, a recent NESET II report reviewed the profiles of ECEC assistants in 15 European countries and their professionalisation opportunities. This article describes the report's findings, with a focus on the roles of assistants and on how to create coherent pathways towards their qualification and continuous professional development (CPD) opportunities. The latter is shown through the examples of three case studies carried out in Denmark, France and Slovenia. Recommendations for policy makers are included in the conclusions. The framework of the article is the ‘competent system’: as pointed out in the CoRe study, individual competences alone are not sufficient to create quality. A ‘competent system’ is needed which includes collaboration between individuals, teams and institutions and has competent governance at policy level. This means working within a holistic ‘educare’ approach that is able to value the educative role of caring and the caring role of education.
Neuronal oscillations: unavoidable and useful?
Authors: Singer Wolf
Published: December 2017

Neuronal systems have a high propensity to engage in oscillatory activity because both the properties of individual neurons and canonical circuit motifs favour rhythmic activity. In addition, coupled oscillators can engage in a large variety of dynamical regimes, ranging from synchronization with different phase offsets to chaotic behaviour. Which regime prevails depends on differences between preferred oscillation frequencies, coupling strength and coupling delays. The ability of delay coupled oscillator networks to generate a rich repertoire of temporally structured activation sequences is exploited by central pattern generator networks for the control of movements. However, it is less clear whether temporal patterning of neuronal discharges also plays a role in cognitive processes. Here, it will be argued that the temporal patterning of neuronal discharges emerging from delay coupled oscillator networks plays a pivotal role in all instances in which selective relations have to be established between the responses of distributed assemblies of neurons. Examples are the dynamic formation of functional networks, the selective routing of activity in densely interconnected networks, the attention‐dependent selection of sensory signals, the fast and context‐dependent binding of responses for further joint processing in pattern recognition and the formation of associations by learning. Special consideration is given to arguments that challenge a functional role of oscillations and synchrony in cognition because of the volatile nature of these phenomena and recent evidence will be reviewed suggesting that this volatility is functionally advantageous.
An EEG index of sensorimotor interhemispheric coupling after unilateral stroke: clinical and neurophysiological study
Authors: Pichiorri Floriana , Petti Manuela , Caschera Stefano , Astolfi Laura , Cincotti Febo , Mattia Donatella
Published: December 2017

Brain connectivity has been employed to investigate on post‐stroke recovery mechanisms and assess the effect of specific rehabilitation interventions. Changes in interhemispheric coupling after stroke have been related to the extent of damage in the corticospinal tract (CST) and thus, to motor impairment. In this study, we aimed at defining an index of interhemispheric connectivity derived from electroencephalography (EEG), correlated with CST integrity and clinical impairment. Thirty sub‐acute stroke patients underwent clinical and neurophysiological evaluation: CST integrity was assessed by Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and high‐density EEG was recorded at rest. Connectivity was assessed by means of Partial Directed Coherence and the normalized Inter‐Hemispheric Strength (nIHS) was calculated for each patient and frequency band on the whole network and in three sub‐networks relative to the frontal, central (sensorimotor) and occipital areas. Interhemipheric coupling as expressed by nIHS on the whole network was significantly higher in patients with preserved CST integrity in beta and gamma bands. The same index estimated for the three sub‐networks showed significant differences only in the sensorimotor area in lower beta, with higher values in patients with preserved CST integrity. The sensorimotor lower beta nIHS showed a significant positive correlation with clinical impairment. We propose an EEG‐based connectivity index which is a measure of the interhemispheric cross‐talking and correlates with functional motor impairment in subacute stroke patients. Such index could be employed to evaluate the effects of training aimed at re‐establishing interhemispheric balance and eventually drive the design of future connectivity‐driven rehabilitation interventions.
Plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) concentrations in ponies measured by two different assays suggests seasonal cross‐reactivity or interference
Authors: Knowles E. J. , Moreton‐Clack M. C. , Shaw S. , Harris P. A. , Elliott J. , Menzies‐Gow N. J.
Published: December 2017

Background

Analysis of plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone concentration [ACTH] aids diagnosis of pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID). Comparisons of the validated chemiluminescent‐immunoassay (CI) and immunofluorescent (IF) assays are limited.

Objectives

To compare the results of [ACTH] analysis by CI and IF methods of samples collected in autumn and spring and assess cross‐reactivity.

Study design

Method comparison.

Methods

Plasma from nonlaminitic ponies was analysed concurrently using the IF and CI methods in autumn and the following spring. Diagnostic thresholds for the IF method were derived using ROC curves and Youden indices to correspond with CI thresholds. Assay specificity was assessed using commercially available ACTH fragments and degradation products of endogenous ACTH.

Results

CI and IF methods yielded different results (P<0.001); mean differences (CI–IF), (95% confidence intervals): Autumn (n=99) 38.6 (30.6–46.5) pg/ml, Spring (n=88) 5.1 (3.9–6.3) pg/ml. The association between CI and IF results differed in autumn and spring, consistent with seasonally dependent cross‐reactivity or interference. Good (κ=0.66–0.74) agreement was obtained for binary interpretation in spring between IF and CI using thresholds of >24 and >29 pg/ml respectively and in autumn between IF and CI using thresholds of >27 and >47 pg/ml respectively or >33 and >77 pg/ml respectively. Of 88 ponies with both spring and autumn samples, 56 (64%) exceeded a published autumn CI threshold (>47 pg/ml), of which 39 (70%) were below the equivalent threshold (<29 pg/ml) the following spring without treatment. The CI assay showed apparent increases in [ACTH] following addition of CLIP (ACTH 18–39). Degradation of ACTH during storage affected the assays differently.

Main limitations

Limited numbers of PPID cases were included. Immunoreactivity of commercially available peptides may differ from their endogenous equivalents.

Conclusions

The methods yielded different absolute values but the agreement for binary classification was good. An altered pituitary secretome in autumn that affects apparent [ACTH] values is likely.

The Summary is available in Spanish ‐ see Supporting information.
Factors Associated with Romantic Relationship Self‐Efficacy Following Youth‐Focused Relationship Education
Authors: Futris Ted G. , Sutton Tara E. , Duncan Jeneé C.
Published: December 2017

Objective

To explore how youths' perceived relationship self‐efficacy following relationship education may vary on the basis of program and youth characteristics.

Background

Youth‐focused relationship education has been shown to promote attitudes and behaviors that foster healthy romantic relationships. Yet little is known about the factors associated with variations in these program outcomes.

Method

Using data collected from a convenience sample of 1,076 youth who participated in the Love U2: Relationship Smarts Plus program, structural equation models and multiple group analysis using chi‐square difference tests were examined to assess whether and how various program and youth characteristics are associated with relationship self‐efficacy.

Results

Youths' romantic relationship self‐efficacy was greater when programming was offered within a week or weekly versus monthly, after school rather than in‐school, and whether participants were female and had previous dating experiences. Several demographic factors (e.g., race, sex) moderated the influence of programmatic and individual characteristics on self‐efficacy.

Conclusion

Variability exists in how relationship and marriage education programs are implemented in uncontrolled real‐world settings. Our findings suggest that program outcomes may also vary on the basis of certain youth and program characteristics.

Implications

Practitioners should carefully consider how the tailoring of program content and delivery to meet the needs of diverse audiences maintains program fidelity and can potentially influence program outcomes.
Climate‐driven diversity change in annual grasslands: Drought plus deluge does not equal normal
Authors: Harrison Susan P. , LaForgia Marina L. , Latimer Andrew M.
Published: December 2017

Climate forecasts agree that increased variability and extremes will tend to reduce the availability of water in many terrestrial ecosystems. Increasingly severe droughts may be exacerbated both by warmer temperatures and by the relative unavailability of water that arrives in more sporadic and intense rainfall events. Using long‐term data and an experimental water manipulation, we examined the resilience of a heterogeneous annual grassland community to a prolonged series of dry winters that led to a decline in plant species richness (2000–2014), followed by a near‐record wet winter (2016–2017), a climatic sequence that broadly resembles the predicted future in its high variability. In our 80, 5‐m2 observational plots, species richness did not recover in response to the wet winter, and the positive relationship of richness to annual winter rainfall thus showed a significant weakening trend over the 18‐year time period. In experiments on 100, 1‐m2 plots, wintertime water supplementation increased and drought shelters decreased the seedling survival and final individual biomass of native annual forbs, the main functional group contributing to the observed long‐term decline in richness. Water supplementation also increased the total cover of native annual forbs, but only increased richness within nested subplots to which seeds were also added. We conclude that prolonged dry winters, by increasing seedling mortality and reducing growth of native forbs, may have diminished the seedbank and thus the recovery potential of diversity in this community. However, the wet winter and the watering treatment did cause recovery of the community mean values of a key functional trait (specific leaf area, an indicator of drought intolerance), suggesting that some aggregate community properties may be stabilized by functional redundancy among species.
Microplastics as an emerging threat to terrestrial ecosystems
Authors: de Souza Machado Anderson Abel , Kloas Werner , Zarfl Christiane , Hempel Stefan , Rillig Matthias C.
Published: December 2017

Microplastics (plastics <5 mm, including nanoplastics which are <0.1 μm) originate from the fragmentation of large plastic litter or from direct environmental emission. Their potential impacts in terrestrial ecosystems remain largely unexplored despite numerous reported effects on marine organisms. Most plastics arriving in the oceans were produced, used, and often disposed on land. Hence, it is within terrestrial systems that microplastics might first interact with biota eliciting ecologically relevant impacts. This article introduces the pervasive microplastic contamination as a potential agent of global change in terrestrial systems, highlights the physical and chemical nature of the respective observed effects, and discusses the broad toxicity of nanoplastics derived from plastic breakdown. Making relevant links to the fate of microplastics in aquatic continental systems, we here present new insights into the mechanisms of impacts on terrestrial geochemistry, the biophysical environment, and ecotoxicology. Broad changes in continental environments are possible even in particle‐rich habitats such as soils. Furthermore, there is a growing body of evidence indicating that microplastics interact with terrestrial organisms that mediate essential ecosystem services and functions, such as soil dwelling invertebrates, terrestrial fungi, and plant‐pollinators. Therefore, research is needed to clarify the terrestrial fate and effects of microplastics. We suggest that due to the widespread presence, environmental persistence, and various interactions with continental biota, microplastic pollution might represent an emerging global change threat to terrestrial ecosystems.
Clinicopathological characteristics of cutaneous malignant melanoma in patients at a tertiary hospital in Macaronesia. Survival as a function of locoregional prognostic factors per the American Joint Committee on Cancer
Authors: Fernández‐de‐Misa Cabrera Ricardo , González Delgado Benjamín , Gambra Michel Luisa E. , Casale Cristian , Lopez Figueroa Antonio , Uña Gorospe Jon , Martínez Cedrés José C. , Cabrera Suárez Miguel A. , Garrido Ríos Sofía , Hernández Hernández Noelia , Tébar Díaz Alejandro , Sánchez Barrios Aitana , Allende Riera Ana , Perera Molinero Antonio
Published: December 2017

Background

Despite suffering high ultraviolet radiation levels, few data on malignant melanoma (MM) in Macaronesia are available.

Methods

Observational study of cutaneous MM cases diagnosed during a period of 12 years at a tertiary hospital in Canary Islands.

Results

A total of 532 patients (female/male = 1.4) with an average age of 56 years were included; 5% developed more than one MM, and 7% reported family history of MM. Phototype II (43%), dark eyes (41%), and dark hair (41%) predominated. There was a lower frequency of light‐colored hair and eyes in those born in the Canary Islands. The most frequent locations of MM were on the back for men (37%) and on the lower extremities for women (35%). Among the infiltrating tumors (83%), the (median) thickness was 1.07 mm (women, 0.90 mm; men, 1.21 mm). Anatomopathological ulceration (AU) and a mitotic rate ≥1 mitosis/mm2 (HMR) were recorded in 27% of patients. Patients with regional disease constituted 12% of the population. The most common stage was IA (34%). Melanoma‐specific survival (MSSV) decreased significantly with thickness, presence of AU, HMR, and sentinel lymph node disease. These four variables were independent prognostic factors. The five‐year MSSV varied between 100% (stage IA) and 39% (stage IIIC).

Conclusions

The characteristics of the patients were similar to those published in datasets from continental Europe, although the pigmentary features were darker in those originating from Macaronesia. The prognostic parameters described in the 7th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) independently predict MSSV in our patients.
Decrease of superficial serine and lactate in the stratum corneum due to repetitive frictional trauma
Authors: Wong Lai San , Otsuka Atsushi , Tanizaki Hideaki , Nonomura Yumi , Nakashima Chisa , Yamamoto Yosuke , Yen Yu Ta , Rerknimitr Pawinee , Honda Tetsuya , Kabashima Kenji
Published: December 2017

Background

Repetitive frictional trauma can be induced in daily and occupational activities, such as daily ablutions with washcloths. The influence of frictional trauma on the skin barrier function, especially in the perspective of the components of stratum corneum (SC), has not yet been studied in detail. Raman spectroscopy is a noninvasive optical technique based on inelastic light scattering that is capable of measuring several components in the skin. In this study, we used Raman spectroscopy to investigate the change in natural moisturizing factor (NMF) components in the SC following repetitive physical friction.

Methods

Six healthy volunteers, who were included in the study after obtaining an informed consent, performed repetitive washing with soap using nylon towels on the forearm twice a day for 2 weeks and used Raman spectroscopy to investigate the change in NMF components in the SC.

Results

Compared with the control, which was washed with soap at the same frequency on the opposite forearm, a significant increase in the transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and a decrease in NMF, serine, and total lactate, responsible for maintenance the SC hydration and structuring and maintaining the epidermal barrier function, in the SC were found.

Conclusions

Increased TEWL and decreased NMF are considered as an etiology of atopic dermatitis (AD); therefore, our findings provide evidence that daily activities with repetitive frictional trauma may be related to the predisposition of AD.
Current priorities in the Zika response
Authors: Esposito Danillo L. A. , de Moraes Jonathan B. , Antônio Lopes da Fonseca Benedito
Published: December 2017

Zika virus (ZIKV), a single‐stranded RNA virus of the Flaviviridae family, is an arbovirus (viruses transmitted by arthropods) transmitted to humans and non‐human primates through the bites of infected female Aedes sp. mosquitoes. Although first isolated in 1947, it only recently emerged as a global threat, present in several countries resulting in a pandemic scenario. ZIKV infections may have severe outcomes, such as neurological impairment, and with the intrinsic ability of inducing microcephaly in fetuses of infected pregnant women, the virus has become a major public health problem. This review discusses some advances in diagnosis; vaccine development and the problems associated with their administration; the importance of the cross‐reactivity with other flaviviruses in protecting or worsening the disease; the implications of the recent outbreak caused by the virus in the world; and future prospects for the complete understanding of this disease.
Intrahepatic and peripheral blood phenotypes of natural killer and T cells: differential surface expression of killer cell immunoglobulin‐like receptors
Authors: Podhorzer Ariel , Machicote Andrés , Belén Santiago , Lauferman Leandro , Imventarza Oscar , Montal Silvina , Marciano Sebastián , Galdame Omar , Podesta Luis G. , Fainboim Leonardo
Published: December 2017

Deep characterization of the frequencies, phenotypes and functionalities of liver and peripheral blood natural killer (NK), natural killer T (NKT) and T cells from healthy individuals is an essential step to further interpret changes in liver diseases. These data indicate that CCR7, a chemokine essential for cell migration through lymphoid organs, is almost absent in liver NK and T cells. CD56bright NK cells, which represent half of liver NK cells, showed lower expression of the inhibitory molecule NKG2A and an increased frequency of the activation marker NKp44. By contrast, a decrease of CD16 expression with a potential decreased capacity to perform antibody‐dependent cellular cytotoxicity was the main difference between liver and peripheral blood CD56dim NK cells. Liver T cells with an effector memory or terminally differentiated phenotype showed an increased frequency of MAIT cells,T‐cell receptor‐γδ (TCR‐γδ) T cells and TCR‐αβ CD8+ cells, with few naive T cells. Most liver NK and T cells expressed the homing markers CD161 and CD244. Liver T cells revealed a unique expression pattern of killer cell immunoglobulin‐like receptors (KIR) receptors, with increased degranulation ability and higher secretion of interferon‐γ. Hence, the liver possesses a large amount of memory and terminally differentiated CD8+ cells with a unique expression pattern of KIR activating receptors that have a potent functional capacity as well as a reduced amount of CCR7, which are unable to migrate to regional lymph nodes. These results are consistent with previous studies showing that liver T (and also NK) cells likely remain and die in the liver.
Burden of influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, and other respiratory viruses and the completeness of respiratory viral identification among respiratory inpatients, Canada, 2003‐2014
Authors: Schanzer Dena L. , Saboui Myriam , Lee Liza , Nwosu Andrea , Bancej Christina
Published: December 2017

Background

A regression‐based study design has commonly been used to estimate the influenza burden; however, these estimates are not timely and many countries lack sufficient virological data. Alternative approaches that would permit a timelier assessment of the burden, including a sentinel surveillance approach recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), have been proposed. We aimed to estimate the hospitalization burden attributable to influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and other respiratory viruses (ORV) and to assess both the completeness of viral identification among respiratory inpatients in Canada and the implications of adopting other approaches.

Methods

Respiratory inpatient records were extracted from the Canadian Discharge Abstract Database from 2003 to 2014. A regression model was used to estimate excess respiratory hospitalizations attributable to influenza, RSV, and ORV by age group and diagnostic category and compare these estimates with the number with a respiratory viral identification.

Results

An estimated 33 (95% CI: 29, 38), 27 (95% CI: 22, 33), and 27 (95% CI: 18, 36) hospitalizations per 100 000 population per year were attributed to influenza, RSV, and ORV, respectively. An influenza virus was identified in an estimated 78% (95% CI: 75, 81) and 17% (95% CI: 15, 21) of respiratory hospitalizations attributed to influenza for children and adults, respectively, and 75% of influenza‐attributed hospitalizations had an ARI diagnosis.

Conclusions

Hospitalization rates with respiratory viral identification still underestimate the burden. Approaches based on acute respiratory case definitions will likely underestimate the burden as well, although each proposed method should be compared with regression‐based estimates of influenza‐attributed burden as a way of assessing their validity.
Multifunctional antiferroelectric MLCC with high‐energy‐storage properties and large field‐induced strain
Authors: Chen Liming , Sun Ningning , Li Yong , zhang Qiwei , Zhang Liwen , Hao Xihong
Published: December 2017

Multifunctional antiferroelectric (Pb0.92−xBa0.05La0.02Dyx)(Zr0.68Sn0.27Ti0.05)O3 multilayer ceramic capacitor (MLCC) was prepared successfully by the tape‐casting method. The MLCC with 10‐thick layers exhibits compact structure, excellent energy‐storage, and strain properties. For energy‐storage performance, the pulsed discharge current reveals that the stored energy can be released in a quite short time of about 600 ns. The maximum discharge energy density was obtained in the sample with x = 0.04 at 300 kV/cm, which was 3.8 J/cm3 calculated by the hysteresis loop and 2.7 J/cm3 by the pulsed discharge current, respectively. Meanwhile, the MLCC possesses large strain property, where the sample with x = 0.04 shows a high field‐induced strain of 0.71% at room temperature. In addition, the temperature dependence of energy‐storage and strain demonstrates that the MLCC has good temperature stability. The results indicate that the multifunctional MLCC can be a promising candidate for the application in energy and sensor fields.
Effect of Al3+ doping on mechanical and thermal properties of DyTaO4 as promising thermal barrier coating application
Authors: Wu Peng , Chong XiaoYu , Feng Jing
Published: December 2017

The ceramics of dysprosium tantalate (DyTaO4) doping with Al3+ (the doping content are 0, 2, 4, and 6 mol%, respectively) are successfully synthesized in this work. The results of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) reveal that the DyTaO4 has the domains within ferroelasticity. The thermal properties indicate that the (AlxDy1−x)TaO4 ceramics have much lower thermal conductivity and better high‐temperature phase stability than that of 8YSZ (yttria‐stabilized zirconia). The elastic properties imply that the (AlxDy1−x)TaO4 have lower elastic properties than that of DyTaO4. The values of Young's modulus of (AlxDy1−x)TaO4 range from 82 to 135 GPa, and the thermal expansion coefficients (TEC) of (AlxDy1−x)TaO4 vary in the range of (6‐10) × 10−6 K−1 when the temperature is below 1200°C.
AC electric field‐induced softening of alkali silicate glasses
Authors: McLaren Charles T. , Heffner William R. , Raj Rishi , Jain Himanshu
Published: December 2017

Electric field‐induced softening (EFIS) is a recently discovered phenomenon leading to significant reduction in the furnace temperature at which glass softens under the application of DC voltage. Unfortunately, it is accompanied by local compositional changes due to migration of ions that could limit its usefulness. To overcome this drawback, we have investigated the same phenomenon using AC voltage, that is, AC‐EFIS on a sodium disilicate glass and a 50/50 mixed lithium‐sodium disilicate glass of very different ionic resistivity yet similar network structure. The results show that the magnitude of EFIS temperature reduction is significantly greater for AC compared to DC for both glass compositions. The enhancement of EFIS under AC voltage appears to be due to a more uniform power dissipation and self‐healing of changes than under DC voltage. This uniformity allows for the overall sample temperature to increase throughout the bulk and provides a better technique for practical applications than the DC case which produces potentially undesirable changes, especially in the anode region.
EU Refugee Policies and Politics in Times of Crisis: Theoretical and Empirical Perspectives
Authors: Niemann Arne , Zaun Natascha
Published: December 2017

In 2015/16, Europe faced the largest inflow of refugees since World War II. This inflow highlighted systemic deficiencies in EU asylum co‐operation which provoked a state of crisis. Together with the Eurozone crisis, this crisis has the potential to seriously damage the overall project of EU integration. The goal of this Special Issue is to provide a first systematic assessment of the crisis, applying and further developing key theoretical approaches to the sequence of events. In empirical terms, we advance original empirical evidence in order to deepen our understanding of the crisis and how it has been managed. In theoretical terms, we seek to (re)assess the usefulness and limitations of some important theoretical perspectives to European integration at a critical juncture of the EU's history. After presenting the sequence of events and assessing the EU's crisis response, the introduction will summarize our main findings and present avenues for further research.
Democracy at Stake: Multipositional Actors and Politicization in the EU Civil Society Field
Authors: Oleart Alvaro , Bouza Luis
Published: December 2017

The European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) has the potential to significantly change the dynamics of interaction between EU institutions and civil society, which we conceive as a field. This article analyzes how the EU civil society field has been re‐shaped by the ECI, the creation of networks and relationships between EU and national organizations and the effects of politicization. Using interview data and online documents from five ECI cases, we argue that an ECI can potentially transform the meta‐field of civil society and democracy by altering what is at stake. We show that the five cases compete in a single field of civil society in the EU where incumbent organizations react to challenges. However, the field cannot be characterized in terms of a competition between insiders and outsiders. Rather, the ECI favours actors able to combine activism in different spheres – which we call multi‐positional actors.
Selection and identification of protective culture for controlling Staphylococcus aureus in fresh Domiati like cheese
Authors: Ibrahim Amel , Awad Sameh
Published: December 2017

Antibacterial activity of forty lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolates toward Staphylococcus aureus was evaluated. The selected strains were then used as protective culture in artificial contaminated Domiati like cheese with S. aureus. The effect of using these strains on physicochemical properties and overall acceptability of fresh cheese was evaluated. Depending on its antibacterial activity, three strains of Lactobacillus rhamnosus 130RZFAAU, 131RZFAAU, and 190RZFAAU were selected for cheese making. No negative sensory properties were observed by the panelists when LAB strains were used as a single culture in the fresh cheese making. The application of these strains as protective culture in artificial contaminated cheesemaking process give a positive results. S. aureus was detected in cheese samples by culture method and propidium mono azide–quantitative polymerase chain reaction method. The results recommended that the strain L. rahmnosus 131RZFAUU that used in this study has antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and could be used as protective culture for improving the safety of Egyptian soft cheese.

Practical applications

Detection of pathogenic bacteria by classical tests can take several days. It would be useful to have a rapid detection protocol to screen for the presence of Staphylococcus aureus in milk and cheese. Application of real‐time PCR in cheese is sufficient in characterization the S. aureus communities in raw milk and follow the dynamics of the entire populations in cheese. Recently, some scientific publications have shown that the naturally cheese microflora can efficiently prevent the growth of pathogenic or spoilage microorganisms. The control of spoilage and pathogens bacteria has been traditionally done by chemical additives, but the application of promising protective cultures, especially for traditionally cheeses made from raw milk, is limited. This work present some protective culture selected for controlling S. aureus in soft cheese. This work confirm the PMA‐q PCR method for detection live cells of S. aureus in cheese rapidly.
Predicting calvarial growth in normal and craniosynostotic mice using a computational approach
Authors: Marghoub Arsalan , Libby Joseph , Babbs Christian , Pauws Erwin , Fagan Michael J. , Moazen Mehran
Published: December 2017

During postnatal calvarial growth the brain grows gradually and the overlying bones and sutures accommodate that growth until the later juvenile stages. The whole process is coordinated through a complex series of biological, chemical and perhaps mechanical signals between various elements of the craniofacial system. The aim of this study was to investigate to what extent a computational model can accurately predict the calvarial growth in wild‐type (WT) and mutant type (MT) Fgfr2C342Y/+ mice displaying bicoronal suture fusion. A series of morphological studies were carried out to quantify the calvarial growth at P3, P10 and P20 in both mouse types. MicroCT images of a P3 specimen were used to develop a finite element model of skull growth to predict the calvarial shape of WT and MT mice at P10. Sensitivity tests were performed and the results compared with ex vivo P10 data. Although the models were sensitive to the choice of input parameters, they predicted the overall skull growth in the WT and MT mice. The models also captured the difference between the ex vivoWT and MT mice. This modelling approach has the potential to be translated to human skull growth and to enhance our understanding of the different reconstruction methods used to manage clinically the different forms of craniosynostosis, and in the long term possibly reduce the number of re‐operations in children displaying this condition and thereby enhance their quality of life.
Effect of lactic acid bacteria‐treated King grass silage on the performance traits and serum metabolites in New Zealand white rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
Authors: Shah A. A. , Yuan X. , Khan R. U. , Shao T.
Published: December 2017

This study examined the effects of Lactobacillus plantarum and Pediococcus acidilactici‐treated silage of King grass (Pennisetum purpureophoides) on the productive traits and blood biochemistry of New Zealand white (NZW) rabbits. King grass was ensiled without or with L. plantarum (T1), P. acidilactici (T2) and P. acidilactici + L. plantarum (T3). A total of 72 male NZW rabbits (6 weeks) of similar weight and appearance were housed in groups in metallic cages in a completely randomized design. The performance traits, daily feed intake, body weight gain and feed convention ratio were not affected by the silage treatment. Triglyceride and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) concentration was increased (p < .05) in T2 (0.92 mmol/L) compared to the other treatments. The superoxide dismutase (SOD), phosphorous (P) and magnesium (Mg) increased (p < .05) in T1 (658.01 nmol/ml, 5.1 mg/kg and 2.43 mg/kg, respectively) compared to the control and other experimental groups. Cu and Mn decreased (p < .05), while Zn increased (p < .05) in the treated groups compared to the control. The CP decreased (p < .05) in the treatment groups compared to the control. Neutral detergent fibre (NDF) increased (p < .05) in T2 (54.40%) compared to the other treatments. The inoculation of lactic acid bacteria‐treated King grass silage supplementation positively affected rabbit performance and improved blood cholesterol profile, antioxidant status and improve nutrients digestibility.