bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early and late dot‐probe attentional bias to mild and high threat pictures: Relations with EEG theta/beta ratio, self‐reported trait attentional control, and trait anxiety
Authors: van Son Dana , Angelidis Angelos , Hagenaars Muriel A. , van der Does Willem , Putman Peter
Published: August 2018

Frontal EEG theta/beta ratio (TBR; negatively associated with attentional control, or AC) was previously reported to moderate threat‐level dependent attentional bias in a pictorial dot‐probe task, interacting with trait anxiety. Unexpectedly, this was independent from processing stage (using cue‐target delays of 200 and 500 ms) and also not observed for self‐reported trait AC. We therefore aimed to replicate these effects of TBR and trait anxiety and to test if effects of early versus late processing stages are evident for shorter cue‐target delays. This study also revisited the hypothesis that TBR and self‐reported trait AC show similar effects. Fifty‐three participants provided measurements of frontal TBR, self‐reported trait AC, trait anxiety, and dot‐probe task bias for mild and high threat pictures using the same dot‐probe task, but this time with 80‐ and 200‐ms cue‐target delays. Results indicated that higher TBR predicted more attention to mild than high threat, but this was independent from trait anxiety or delay. Lower self‐reported trait AC predicted more attention to mild than high threat, only after 200 ms (also independent of trait anxiety). We conclude that the moderating effect of TBR on threat‐level dependent dot‐probe task bias was replicated, but not the role of trait anxiety, and this study partially confirms that effects of trait AC are more dominant in later processing.
Life cycle assessments of aquaculture systems: a critical review of reported findings with recommendations for policy and system development
Authors: Bohnes Florence Alexia , Hauschild Michael Zwicky , Schlundt Jørgen , Laurent Alexis
Published: August 2018

The aquaculture sector is anticipated to be a keystone in food production systems in the coming decades. However, it is associated with potentially important environmental damages caused by its contribution to eutrophication or climate change, for example. To comprehensively quantify those impacts, life cycle assessment (LCA) studies have been conducted on several seafood farming systems for the past 15 years. But, what major findings and common trends can we draw from this pool of studies? What can we learn to provide recommendations to decision and policymakers in the aquaculture sector? To address these questions, we performed a critical review of 65 LCA studies of aquaculture systems from the open literature. We conducted quantitative analyses to explore which impacts can be identified as dominating and to compare different types of aquaculture systems. Our results evidenced that the feed production is a key driver for climate change, acidification, cumulative energy use and net primary production use, while the farming process is a key driver for eutrophication. We also found that different aquaculture systems and technology components may exert considerably different environmental impacts. Based on identified patterns and comparisons, we therefore provided specific recommendations to aquaculture stakeholders for future policy and system development. Overall, the analysis of existing studies demonstrates that important insights can be gained by applying LCA to aquaculture systems, and, to move towards an environmentally sustainable aquaculture sector, we recommend its systematic use in the design of new aquaculture systems or policies, and/or in the evaluation and optimization of existing ones.
Calcium chloride combined with dimethyl sulphoxide for the chemical sterilization of dogs
Authors: Silva Renata C. A. , Paranzini Cristiane S. , Franco Leandro G. , Miguel Marina P. , Honsho Cristiane S. , Souza Fabiana F.
Published: August 2018

Contents

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of intratesticular injection of calcium chloride (CaCl2) combined with dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) as a chemical sterilization in dogs. Twelve dogs were divided into two groups: the treated group (n = 6), in which 15 mg/kg of a 7.5% CaCl2solution combined with 0.5% DMSO was injected into each testicle (volume range 1.0‐4.76 ml); and a control group (n = 6) that received the same volume/kg of 0.9% sodium chloride solution (NaCl). Semen characteristics pre‐ and post‐treatment were evaluated. Serum testosterone concentration was determined before the injection (D‐1) and at 15 (D15), 30 (D30) and 60 (D60) days after intratesticular injection. Testicle sizes and local pain were evaluated for 7 consecutive days (D1 to D7) and at D15, D30 and D60 after injection. At D60, testicle histological evaluation was performed after orchiectomy. No pain was observed by testicular palpation, with the exception of one dog in the treated group; this dog then received analgesic therapy. An increase in testicular volume was evident within 24 hr after treatment, followed by gradual reduction for 3 weeks. Five of 6 dogs from the treated group presented azoospermia at D15; the remaining dog presented at D30. There was no significant difference in testosterone concentrations in the treated group during the experimental period. Histological evaluation showed testicular degenerative lesions, especially at the proximal and middle portions. The results indicated that one injection of 7.5% CaCl2combined with 0.5% DMSO into each testis is a viable alternative for canine sterilization.
Inflammatory insights into airway remodelling in asthma
Authors: Grainge Chris , Park Jin‐Ah
Published: August 2018

See related Article
Fluid Inclusions, Stable Isotopes, and Geochronology of the Haobugao Lead‐Zinc Deposit, Inner Mongolia, China
Authors: Wang Chengyang , Li Jianfeng , Wang Keyong
Published: August 2018

The Haobugao deposit, located in the southern segment of the Great Xing'an Range, is a famous skarn‐related Pb‐Zn‐(Cu)‐(Fe) deposit in northern China. The results of our fluid inclusion research indicate that garnets of the early stage (I skarn stage) contain three types of fluid inclusions (consistent with the Mesozoic granites): vapor‐rich inclusions (type LV, with VH2O/(VH2O + LH2O) < 50 vol %, and the majority are 5–25 vol %), liquid‐rich two‐phase aqueous inclusions (type VL, with VH2O/(VH2O + LH2O) > 50 vol %, the majority are 60–80 vol %), and halite‐bearing multiphase inclusions (type SL). These different types of fluid inclusions are totally homogenized at similar temperatures (around 320–420°C), indicating that the ore‐forming fluids of the early mineralization stage may belong to a boiling fluid system. The hydrothermal fluids of the middle mineralization stage (II, magnetite‐quartz) are characterized by liquid‐rich two‐phase aqueous inclusions (type VL, homogenization temperatures of 309–439°C and salinities of 9.5–14.9 wt % NaCl eqv.) that coexist with vapor‐rich inclusions (type LV, homogenization temperatures of 284–365°C and salinities of 5.2–10.4 wt % NaCl eqv.). Minerals of the late mineralization stage (III sulfide‐quartz stage and IV sulfide‐calcite stage) only contain liquid‐rich aqueous inclusions (type VL). These inclusions are totally homogenized at temperatures of 145–240°C, and the calculated salinities range from 2.0 to 12.6 wt % NaCl eqv. Therefore, the ore‐forming fluids of the late stage are NaCl‐H2O‐type hydrothermal solutions of low to medium temperature and low salinity. The δD values and calculated δ18OSMOW values of ore‐forming fluids of the deposit are in the range of −4.8 to 2.65‰ and −127.3‰ to −144.1‰, respectively, indicating that ore‐forming fluids of the Haobugao deposit originated from the mixing of magmatic fluid and meteoric water. The S‐Pb isotopic compositions of sulfides indicate that the ore‐forming materials are mainly derived from underlying magma. Zircon grains from the mineralization‐related granite in the mining area yield a weighted 206Pb/238U mean age of 144.8 ±0.8 Ma, which is consistent with a molybdenite Re‐Os model age (140.3 ±3.4 Ma). Therefore, the Haobugao deposit formed in the Early Cretaceous, and it is the product of a magmatic hydrothermal system.
Politics and Processes of Nation‐Building During and After Empire: A Review of the Irish Case through an Examination of School Textbooks
Authors: O'Connell Judith
Published: August 2018

The purpose of this paper is to examine how the nation is taught, and retaught (with an emphasis on changing narratives of the nation), through the education system. Developments such as the printing press, modern communication methods, and a national education system are vital to this process. Therefore, an analysis of state‐provided education garners insights into how nationalism is partially driven or motivated. By focusing on the Irish case it is possible to discern contrasting examples from colonial and post‐colonial timeframes. Consequently, we are provided with instances of adjusting nationalist rhetoric, delivering evidence of how past events are narrated in accordance with present concerns. This will be achieved through a comparison of historical depictions in textbooks in Ireland whilst under the control of the British Empire and directly post‐independence. Accordingly, two topics have been highlighted for this analysis. The first is the matter of empire and how it is viewed firstly under British rule and then under the Irish Free State. The second focus is the Irish Famine, and its depictions across the same two timeframes. These two subjects have been chosen for scrutiny as they are matters which lie at the very core of Irish national identity, both historically and to the present day.
Psychological momentum: The phenomenology of goal pursuit
Authors: Briki Walid , Markman Keith D.
Published: August 2018

Psychological momentum (PM) is thought to be a force that influences judgment, emotion, and performance. Based on a review of the extant literature, we elucidate two distinct approaches that researchers have adopted in their study of PM: the input‐centered approach and the output‐centered approach. Consistent with the input‐centered approach, we conceptualize PM as a process whereby temporal and contextual PM‐like stimuli (i.e., perceptual velocity, perceptual mass, perceptual historicity, and perceptually interconnected timescales)—initially perceived as an impetus—are extrapolated to imagined future outcomes through mental simulation. In turn, and consistent with the output‐centered approach, we posit that mental simulation elicits experiential (e.g., perceptual, cognitive, emotional) and behavioral states that govern goal pursuit, and that the pursuit of goals further influences perceptions of self, environment, and action quality. In all, we suggest that PM is interdependently linked to perceptions and behaviors in the sense that PM both influences and is influenced by changes in self‐perceptions, environmental perceptions, and behavior, and we conclude by linking the PM construct to recent work on prospection.
Methodology for payment for ecosystem services based on the concept of land use and management capability
Authors: Monteiro L. I. B. , Pruski F. F. , Calegario A. T. , Oliveira A. N. G. , Pereira S. B.
Published: August 2018

Global population growth drives the increase in demand for water and food. Consequently, there is a build‐up of pressure for land use for agricultural production, creating the necessity of sacrificing areas previously occupied by the native land cover to create production areas. However, globally, the possibilities of agricultural frontier expansion are limited, and agricultural expansion activities conducted without adequate planning can accelerate the erosive processes that decrease the potential land production capability. In an attempt to attenuate environmental imbalances, payment for ecosystem services (PES) programmes have been created, highlighting the possibility of their being applied in the agricultural sector. This study developed a methodology for PES that follows the basic principles of the land use capability classification system proposed by the United States Department of Agriculture. However, the study aimed to make the classification process operational in a way that notes the conditions in which a rural property maintains its production capability without jeopardizing its environmental role. In this way, it is possible to evaluate whether a rural property is suitable to receive PES. To detail the steps for applying the methodology, a case study was conducted on a rural property in the town of Itabira, Minas Gerais State, Brazil.
Association of HIV status with infection by multiple HPV types
Authors: Camargo Milena , Del Río‐Ospina Luisa , Soto‐De León Sara Cecilia , Sánchez Ricardo , Pineda‐Peña Andrea Clemencia , Sussmann Otto , Patarroyo Manuel Elkin , Patarroyo Manuel Alfonso
Published: August 2018

Objectives

To identify the clinical and demographic characteristics of HIV‐positive and HIV‐negative women infected by multiple HPV types.

Methods

1399 women participated in the study (240 HIV‐positive and 1159 HIV‐negative women). Samples were provided for Pap tests and for HPV detection and typing by PCR. Data were collected on HPV infection, frequency of multiple infection, and HPV type distribution. Odds ratios were reported from logistic regression models.

Results

Compared with HIV‐negative women, HIV‐positive women had higher frequencies of cervical abnormality (30% vs. 20.8%), higher HPV prevalence (68.3% vs. 51.3%) and were more commonly infected with multiple HPV types (78.7% vs. 44.3%). HPV‐16 was the most common type detected in the study population, with other types showing variable associations with HIV status. Positive associations were observed between infection by multiple HPV types and HIV status, cervical abnormality and having had more than three pregnancies. The odds of multiple infection by HPV types were higher in HIV‐positive women who used an intrauterine device, who had a history of abortions and who had HIV viral loads >100 000 copies/ml, whilst the odds were lower in women with >500 CD4 cells/mm3.

Conclusions

HIV immunosuppression favours infection by multiple high‐risk HPV types, mainly in women affected by low‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions. Antiretroviral therapy had no effect on infection by multiple HPV types. Risk factors related to progressive damage to the cervix were positively associated with infection by multiple HPV types in women living with HIV.
Retrospective evaluation of feline rodenticide exposure and gastrointestinal decontamination: 146 cases (2000–2010)
Authors: Walton Karie L. , Otto Cynthia M.
Published: August 2018

Objective

To determine the prevalence of rodenticide exposure in cats, describe the use of gastrointestinal decontamination (GID) after rodenticide exposure, and examine the efficacy of GID following exposure to anticoagulant rodenticides (ACR).

Design

Retrospective study from 2000–2010.

Setting

Emergency service of an urban university teaching hospital.

Animals

One hundred forty‐six cats presented for rodenticide exposure.

Main Results

Annually, the number of cats that were presented for rodenticide exposure averaged 13 of 3,336 (0.39%) and totaled 146 cases over 11 years. Cats that had been exposed to rodenticide were significantly more likely to be young (P< 0.001), sexually intact (P< 0.001), and presented in the fall season (P= 0.002). The majority of cats lived indoors (67.6%). The type of rodenticide involved in the exposure was unknown in 50% (71/142) of cases. Of the known types, ACRs were most common (59/142, 41.5%) followed by cholecalciferol (7/142, 4.9%) and bromethalin (5/142, 3.5%). Gastrointestinal decontamination was attempted in 21/36 (58%) cats with exposure to a known ACR. Emesis was attempted in 17/21 (81%) and charcoal administered in 14/21 (67%) cats that underwent GID. This study did not detect an effect of GID efforts on prothrombin time (PT) prolongation 48 hours after exposure to a known ACR.

Conclusions

Cats consume rodenticides. Due to the lack of evidence of altered outcome associated with GID in cats exposed to ACRs, a PT should be evaluated 48 hours after first exposure regardless of whether GID is performed. Treatment should be based on the results of the PT. Gastrointestinal decontamination should be performed at the clinician's discretion based on history, risks, calculated toxic dose, low prevalence of ACR toxicosis in cats, general resistance of cats to ACR toxicosis, and treatment options.
Specialized mechanoreceptor systems in rodent glabrous skin
Authors: Walcher Jan , Ojeda‐Alonso Julia , Haseleu Julia , Oosthuizen Maria K. , Rowe Ashlee H. , Bennett Nigel C. , Lewin Gary R.
Published: August 2018

Key points

An ex vivo preparation was developed to record from single sensory fibres innervating the glabrous skin of the mouse forepaw.

The density of mechanoreceptor innervation of the forepaw glabrous skin was found to be three times higher than that of hindpaw glabrous skin.

Rapidly adapting mechanoreceptors that innervate Meissner's corpuscles were severalfold more responsive to slowly moving stimuli in the forepaw compared to those innervating hindpaw skin.

We found a distinct group of small hairs in the centre of the mouse hindpaw glabrous skin that were exclusively innervated by directionally sensitive D‐hair receptors.

The directional sensitivity, but not the end‐organ anatomy, were the opposite to D‐hair receptors in the hairy skin.

Glabrous skin hairs in the hindpaw are not ubiquitous in rodents, but occur in African and North American species that diverged more than 65 million years ago.

Rodents use their forepaws to actively interact with their tactile environment. Studies on the physiology and anatomy of glabrous skin that makes up the majority of the forepaw are almost non‐existent in the mouse. Here we developed a preparation to record from single sensory fibres of the forepaw and compared anatomical and physiological receptor properties to those of the hindpaw glabrous and hairy skin. We found that the mouse forepaw skin is equipped with a very high density of mechanoreceptors; >3 times more than hindpaw glabrous skin. In addition, rapidly adapting mechanoreceptors that innervate Meissner's corpuscles of the forepaw were severalfold more sensitive to slowly moving mechanical stimuli compared to their counterparts in the hindpaw glabrous skin. All other mechanoreceptor types as well as myelinated nociceptors had physiological properties that were invariant regardless of which skin area they occupied. We discovered a novel D‐hair receptor innervating a small group of hairs in the middle of the hindpaw glabrous skin in mice. These glabrous skin D‐hair receptors were direction sensitive albeit with an orientation sensitivity opposite to that described for hairy skin D‐hair receptors. Glabrous skin hairs do not occur in all rodents, but are present in North American and African rodent species that diverged more than 65 million years ago. The function of these specialized hairs is unknown, but they are nevertheless evolutionarily very ancient. Our study reveals novel physiological specializations of mechanoreceptors in the glabrous skin that likely evolved to facilitate tactile exploration.
Acute hydrocortisone administration reduces cardiovagal baroreflex sensitivity and heart rate variability in young men
Authors: Adlan Ahmed M. , Veldhuijzen van Zanten Jet J. C. S. , Lip Gregory Y. H. , Paton Julian F. R. , Kitas George D. , Fisher James P.
Published: August 2018

Key points

A surge in cortisol during acute physiological and pathophysiological stress may precipitate ventricular arrhythmia and myocardial infarction.

Reduced cardiovagal baroreflex sensitivity and heart rate variability are observed during acute stress and are associated with an increased risk of acute cardiac events.

In the present study, healthy young men received either a singleivbolus of saline (placebo) or hydrocortisone, 1 week apart, in accordance with a randomized, placebo‐controlled, cross‐over study design.

Hydrocortisone acutely increased heart rate and blood pressure and reduced cardiovagal baroreflex sensitivity and heart rate variability in young men.

These findings suggest that, by reducing cardiovagal baroreflex sensitivity and heart rate variability, acute surges in cortisol facilitate a pro‐arrhythmic milieu and provide an important mechanistic link between stress and acute cardiac events

Surges in cortisol concentration during acute stress may increase cardiovascular risk. To better understand the interactions between cortisol and the autonomic nervous system, we determined the acute effects of hydrocortisone administration on cardiovagal baroreflex sensitivity (BRS), heart rate variability (HRV) and cardiovascular reactivity. In a randomized, placebo‐controlled, single‐blinded cross‐over study, 10 healthy males received either a singleivbolus of saline (placebo) or 200 mg of hydrocortisone, 1 week apart. Heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP) and limb blood flow were monitored 3 h later, at rest and during the sequential infusion of sodium nitroprusside and phenylephrine (modified Oxford Technique), a cold pressor test and a mental arithmetic stress task. HRV was assessed using the square root of the mean of the sum of the squares of differences between successive R‐R intervals (rMSSD). Hydrocortisone markedly increased serum cortisol 3 h following infusion and also compared to placebo. In addition, hydrocortisone elevated resting HR (+7 ± 4 beats min−1;P < 0.001) and systolic BP (+5 ± 5 mmHg;P = 0.008); lowered cardiovagal BRS [geometric mean (95% confidence interval) 15.6 (11.1–22.1) ms/mmHgvs. 26.2 (17.4––39.5) ms/mmHg,P = 0.011] and HRV (rMSSD 59 ± 29 msvs. 84 ± 38 ms,P = 0.004) and increased leg vasoconstrictor responses to cold pressor test (Δ leg vascular conductance −45 ± 20%vs. −23 ± 26%;P = 0.023). In young men, an acute cortisol surge is accompanied by increases in HR and BP, as well as reductions in cardiovagal BRS and HRV, potentially providing a pro‐arrhythmic milieu that may precipitate ventricular arrhythmia or myocardial infarction and increase cardiovascular risk.
Physiologically motivated individual loudness model for normal hearing and hearing impaired listeners
Authors: Pieper Iko , Mauermann Manfred , Oetting Dirk , Kollmeier Birger , Ewert Stephan D.
Published: August 2018

A loudness model with a central gain is suggested to improve individualized predictions of loudness scaling data from normal hearing and hearing impaired listeners. The current approach is based on the loudness model of Pieper et al. [(2016). J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 139, 2896], which simulated the nonlinear inner ear mechanics as transmission-line model in a physical and physiological plausible way. Individual hearing thresholds were simulated by a cochlear gain reduction in the transmission-line model and linear attenuation (damage of inner hair cells) prior to an internal threshold. This and similar approaches of current loudness models that characterize the individual hearing loss were shown to be insufficient to account for individual loudness perception, in particular at high stimulus levels close to the uncomfortable level. An additional parameter, termed “post gain,” was introduced to improve upon the previous models. The post gain parameter amplifies the signal parts above the internal threshold and can better account for individual variations in the overall steepness of loudness functions and for variations in the uncomfortable level which are independent of the hearing loss. The post gain can be interpreted as a central gain occurring at higher stages as a result of peripheral deafferentation.
A keystone microbial enzyme for nitrogen control of soil carbon storage
Authors: Chen Ji , Luo Yiqi , van Groenigen Kees Jan , Hungate Bruce A. , Cao Junji , Zhou Xuhui , Wang Rui-wu
Published: August 2018

Nitrogen-induced suppression of lignin-modifying enzyme activity contributes to soil carbon sequestration.
Nighttime light data reveal how flood protection shapes human proximity to rivers
Authors: Mård Johanna , Di Baldassarre Giuliano , Mazzoleni Maurizio
Published: August 2018

Catastrophic flood events can trigger human resettlement away from rivers.
Regulated nuclear accumulation of a histone methyltransferase times the onset of heterochromatin formation in
C. elegans
embryos
Authors: Mutlu Beste , Chen Huei-Mei , Moresco James J. , Orelo Barbara D. , Yang Bing , Gaspar John M. , Keppler-Ross Sabine , Yates John R. , Hall David H. , Maine Eleanor M. , Mango Susan E.
Published: August 2018

MET-2/SETDB1 and interactors LIN-65/ATF7IP and ARLE-14/ARL14EP initiate heterochromatin formation during embryogenesis.
Estimation of the maximum annual number of North Atlantic tropical cyclones using climate models
Authors: Lavender Sally L. , Walsh Kevin J. E. , Caron Louis-Philippe , King Malcolm , Monkiewicz Sam , Guishard Mark , Zhang Qiong , Hunt Barrie
Published: August 2018

Millennia-long climate model simulations suggest that the 2005 North Atlantic hurricane season produced close to the maximum number of tropical cyclones that this basin can sustain in a given year under current climate conditions.
Reading socially: Transforming the in-home reading experience with a learning-companion robot
Authors: Michaelis Joseph E. , Mutlu Bilge
Published: August 2018

Social robots can transform in-home reading activity into a social experience to benefit learning and interest in reading.
Measures of incentives and confidence in using a social robot
Authors: Robinson Nicole L. , Connolly Jennifer , Johnson Genevieve M. , Kim Yejee , Hides Leanne , Kavanagh David J.
Published: August 2018

Measures of incentives and confidence in using a social robot were stable, predictive, and sensitive to changes in robot behaviors.
Improving social skills in children with ASD using a long-term, in-home social robot
Authors: Scassellati Brian , Boccanfuso Laura , Huang Chien-Ming , Mademtzi Marilena , Qin Meiying , Salomons Nicole , Ventola Pamela , Shic Frederick
Published: August 2018

Children with ASD show improved joint attention after 1 month of in-home social skills training with an autonomous robot.
Social robotics—Trust, learning, and social interaction
Authors: Yang Guang-Zhong , Dario Paolo , Kragic Danica
Published: August 2018

Social robotics studies what it really means for humans and robots to interact and the implications of those interactions.
An extracellular matrix fragment drives epithelial remodeling and airway hyperresponsiveness
Authors: Patel Dhiren F. , Peiró Teresa , Shoemark Amelia , Akthar Samia , Walker Simone A. , Grabiec Aleksander M. , Jackson Patricia L. , Hussell Tracy , Gaggar Amit , Xu Xin , Trevor Jennifer L. , Li Jindong , Steele Chad , Tavernier Gael , Blalock J. Edwin , Niven Robert M. , Gregory Lisa G. , Simpson Angela , Lloyd Clare M. , Snelgrove Robert J.
Published: August 2018

The matrikine PGP is a mediator of pathological epithelial remodeling in asthma.
Evaluation of MEDI8852, an Anti-Influenza A Monoclonal Antibody, in Treating Acute Uncomplicated Influenza
Authors: Ali S. Omar , Takas Therese , Nyborg Andrew , Shoemaker Kathryn , Kallewaard Nicole L. , Chiong Rafael , Dubovsky Filip , Mallory Raburn M.
Published: August 2018

We evaluated MEDI8852, a human IgG1 monoclonal antibody that binds a highly conserved influenza A hemagglutinin stalk epitope, in outpatients with uncomplicated influenza A infection. A total of 126 subjects aged 18 to 65 years were enrolled during the 2015 to 2016 Northern and 2016 Southern Hemisphere seasons.
Screening for Th17-Dependent Pneumococcal Vaccine Antigens: Comparison of Murine and Human Cellular Immune Responses
Authors: Lu Ying-Jie , Oliver Elizabeth , Zhang Fan , Pope Caroline , Finn Adam , Malley Richard
Published: August 2018

Conjugate vaccines against
Streptococcus pneumoniae
have significantly reduced the incidence of diseases caused by the serotypes included in those vaccines; however, there is still a need for vaccines that confer serotype-independent protection. In the current study, we have constructed a library of conserved surface proteins from
S. pneumoniae
and have screened for IL-17A and IL-22 production in human immune cells obtained from adenoidal/tonsillar tissues of children and IL-17A production in splenocytes from mice that had been immunized with a killed whole-cell vaccine or previously exposed to pneumococcus.
Complementary Mutations in the N and L Proteins for Restoration of Viral RNA Synthesis
Authors: Li Weike , Gumpper Ryan H. , Uddin Yusuf , Schmidt-Krey Ingeborg , Luo Ming
Published: August 2018

During viral RNA synthesis of a negative-strand RNA virus, the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (vRdRp) must gain access to the sequestered RNA in the nucleocapsid to use it as the template, but at the same time may not disrupt the nucleocapsid assembly. Our structural and mutagenesis studies showed that a flexible structural motif acts as a potential access gate to the sequestered RNA and plays an essential role in viral RNA synthesis. Interactions of this structural motif within the vRdRp may be required for unveiling the sequestered RNA. This mechanism of action allows the sequestered RNA to be released locally without disrupting the overall structure of the nucleocapsid. Since this flexible structural motif is present in the N proteins of many NSVs, release of the sequestered RNA genome by local conformational changes in the N protein may be a general mechanism in NSV viral RNA synthesis.
Near-Complete Genome Sequences of Streptomyces sp. Strains AC1-42T and AC1-42W, Isolated from Bat Guano from Cabalyorisa Cave, Mabini, Pangasinan, Philippines
Authors: De Leon Marian P. , Park A-young , Montecillo Andrew D. , Siringan Maria Auxilia T. , Rosana Albert Remus R. , Kim Song-Gun
Published: August 2018

Streptomyces
sp. strains AC1-42T and AC1-42W, isolated from bat guano from Cabalyorisa Cave, Mabini, Pangasinan, Philippines, are active against
Bacillus subtilis
subsp.
subtilis
KCTC 3135
T
.
Early postnatal growth failure in preterm infants is not inevitable
Authors: Andrews Edward Thomas , Ashton James John , Pearson Freya , Beattie R Mark , Johnson Mark John
Published: August 2018

Background

Previously published data have demonstrated that preterm infants experience a fall across marked centile lines for weight in early life with early poor head growth also reported. This study describes a single neonatal unit’s experience of longitudinal change in weight, head circumference (HC) and length in a cohort of preterm infants born <32 weeks’ gestation.

Methods

Data were collected from a single neonatal unit between July 2012 and June 2017. This period followed the introduction of improved nutritional guidelines. Patients were grouped according to their gestational age at birth. Growth lines were constructed for weight, HC and length in each gestational age group from the median measures and compared with reference centile lines.

Results

Data were analysed from 396 patients consisting of 2808, 1991 and 2004 measures for weight, HC and length, respectively. Longitudinal growth plots did not show an initial absolute weight loss in any of the subgroups. Across all groups, the mean change in SD score between birth and 36 weeks was −0.27 (95% CI −0.39 to −0.15).

Conclusions

This description of longitudinal growth in a cohort of preterm infants demonstrates that early postnatal growth failure is not inevitable, with most infants growing along a trajectory close to their birth centile. There is no evidence of a 2 marked centile line weight decrease or weight loss. These data provide evidence to suggest that extrauterine weight gain tracking centile lines can be achieved.
Process improvement for a complex dual medical procedure
Authors: Weigel Wade Anthony , Gluck Michael , Ross Andrew S , Lin Otto S , Williams Barbara L , Blackmore Craig C
Published: August 2018

Pancreatic extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy followed by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is accepted worldwide as a treatment for a large, symptomatic, obstructing pancreatic stones. However, timely completion of the combined process requires coordination of equipment and personnel from two different complex procedures.

We used Lean management tools in a week-long event to redesign the process around the patient. Using idea-generated Plan Do Study Act cycles to refine the process, from scheduling to postprocedure recovery, equipment and personnel were aligned to allow these two procedures to occur in immediate succession.

The redesigned process resulted in all patients receiving both procedures without delay. This eliminated over 8 hours of wait time. Standard work and a newly created complex scheduler improved flow. We reduced the number of anaesthetics for patients without prolonging the procedure length.
Notes on substantance in orthodox theory: a reply to Badano
Authors: Smith William R
Published: August 2018

Gabriele Badano offers three criticisms of my challenge to the orthodox family of theories of legitimacy in bioethics. First, I assumed an ‘oversimplified version of the orthodoxy’. Second, I failed to appreciate its domain of application. Third, I only addressed the ways in which orthodox theorists incorporate substance as an ‘afterthought’—and, even then, only by rehashing Gopal Sreenivasan’s argument. Here, I respond to each, taking up the first and third before ending with reflections on the second. The first underestimates the insight that criticism of the simplified version provides to that of the more complex relatives. The third misunderstands the relationship between my view and Sreenivasan’s and neglects an entire argument of my paper. The second fails in light of these two, but raises interesting questions about how the method I suggest might be extended to other domains.
Can power Doppler ultrasound of the entheses help in classifying recent axial spondyloarthritis? Data from the DESIR cohort
Authors: Poulain Cecile , D'Agostino Maria Antonietta , Thibault Severine , Daures Jean Pierre , Ferkal Salah , Le Corvoisier Philippe , Rahmouni Alain , Loeuille Damien , Dougados Maxime , Claudepierre Pascal
Published: August 2018

Early diagnosis of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) remains a challenge due to the lack of specificity of clinical symptoms and variable prevalence of axial imaging findings permitting a definite diagnosis. Power Doppler ultrasonography (PDUS) of the entheses has demonstrated to be a potential useful tool for the classification and diagnostic management of early SpA independently of the phenotype.

Objectives

To assess the classification value (sensitivity and specificity) of PDUS-defined enthesitis for identifying patients fulfilling Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society (ASAS) classification criteria for axSpA (ASAS+) in patients with recent inflammatory back pain (IBP) (the DESIR (DEvenir des Spondylarthropathies Indifférenciées Récentes) cohort).

Methods

Baseline PDUS was performed at eight entheseal sites, and PDUS enthesitis was defined by the presence of vascularisation at entheseal insertion.

Results

402 patients from the DESIR cohort underwent a PDUS evaluation. PDUS enthesitis was detected in 58 (14.4%) patients of whom 40 (14.2%) belonged to the ASAS+ patients and 18 (17%) to the ASAS- patients. The sensitivity of PDUS enthesitis was 13.9% and the specificity was 83.5%, with a positive predictive value of 69% and 26.8% of negative predictive value for meeting ASAS criteria for axSpA. Of the 18 ASAS- patients with positive PDUS, 59% fulfilled Amor’s criteria, 88% European Spondyloarthropathy Study Group criteria and 59% both.

Conclusions

In a cohort of patients with recent IBP, the prevalence of PDUS enthesitis was low (14.4%); however, its specificity for classifying patients as axSpA according to ASAS criteria was high (83.5%). PDUS enthesitis might be of additional value for classifying as patients with axSpA IBP who do not fulfil ASAS criteria.
Sputum microbiota is predictive of long-term clinical outcomes in young adults with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Acosta Nicole , Heirali Alya , Somayaji Ranjani , Surette Michael G , Workentine Matthew L , Sibley Christopher D , Rabin Harvey R , Parkins Michael D
Published: August 2018

Background

Complex polymicrobial communities infect cystic fibrosis (CF) lower airways. Generally, communities with low diversity, dominated by classical CF pathogens, associate with worsened patient status at sample collection. However, it is not known if the microbiome can predict future outcomes. We sought to determine if the microbiome could be adapted as a biomarker for patient prognostication.

Methods

We retrospectively assessed prospectively collected sputum from a cohort of 104 individuals aged 18–22 to determine factors associated with progression to early end-stage lung disease (eESLD; death/transplantation <25 years) and rapid pulmonary function decline (>−3%/year FEV1over the ensuing 5 years). Illumina MiSeq paired-end sequencing of the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA was used to define the airway microbiome.

Results

Based on the primary outcome analysed, 17 individuals (16%) subsequently progressed to eESLD. They were more likely to have sputum with low alpha diversity, dominated by specific pathogens includingPseudomonas. Communities with abundantStreptococcuswere observed to be protective. Microbial communities clustered together by baseline lung disease stage and subsequent progression to eESLD. Multivariable analysis identified baseline lung function and alpha diversity as independent predictors of eESLD. For the secondary outcomes, 58 and 47 patients were classified as rapid progressors based on absolute and relative definitions of lung function decline, respectively. Patients with low alpha diversity were similarly more likely to be classified as experiencing rapid lung function decline over the ensuing 5 years when adjusted for baseline lung function.

Conclusions

We observed that the diversity of microbial communities in CF airways is predictive of progression to eESLD and disproportionate lung function decline and may therefore represent a novel biomarker.
Tobacco industry data on illicit tobacco trade: a systematic review of existing assessments
Authors: Gallagher Allen W A , Evans-Reeves Karen A , Hatchard Jenny L , Gilmore Anna B
Published: August 2018

Objective

To examine the quality of tobacco industry-funded data on the illicit tobacco trade (ITT) through a systematic review of existing assessments of industry-funded data on ITT.

Data sources

Papers and reports assessing tobacco industry-funded data on ITT were obtained via searches of 8 academic databases, Google searches and correspondence with ITT experts.

Study selection

Inclusion criteria identified 35 English-language papers containing an original assessment of tobacco industry-funded data.

Data extraction

Using a coding framework, information was extracted from the assessments regarding the quality of tobacco industry data. Documents were second-coded, achieving 94% intercoder reliability with all disagreements resolved.

Data synthesis

Of the 35 assessments reviewed, 31 argued that tobacco industry estimates were higher than independent estimates. Criticisms identified problems with data collection (29), analytical methods (22) and presentation of results (21), which resulted in inflated ITT estimates or data on ITT that were presented in a misleading manner. Lack of transparency from data collection right through to presentation of findings was a key issue with insufficient information to allow replication of the findings frequently cited.

Conclusions

Tobacco industry data on ITT are not reliable. At present, the tobacco industry continues to fund and disseminate ITT research through initiatives such as PMI IMPACT. If industry data on ITT cannot meet the standards of accuracy and transparency set by high-quality research publications, a solution may be to tax tobacco companies and administer the resulting funds to experts, independent of the tobacco industry, who use previously developed reliable models for measuring ITT.
Candida tropicalis induces pro-inflammatory cytokine production, NF-κB and MAPKs pathways regulation, and dectin-1 activation
Authors: Duan Zhimin , Chen Qing , Zeng Rong , Du Leilei , Liu Caixia , Chen Xu , Li Min
Published: August 2018

The prevalence of Candida infection induced by non-albicans Candida (NAC) species is increasing. However, as a common NAC species, C. tropicalis has received much less study in terms of host immunity than C. albicans has. In this study, we evaluated the pro-inflammatory cytokine responses evoked by C. tropicalis and determined whether dectin-1 and downstream NF-κB and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) signaling pathways played roles in inflammation in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and THP-1 macrophage-like cells. Exposure of PBMCs and THP-1 macrophage-like cells to C. tropicalis led to the enhanced gene expression and secretion of TNF-α and IL-6 in a time- and dose-dependent manner. THP-1 macrophage-like cells being challenged by C. tropicalis resulted in the activation of the NF-κB, p38, and ERK1/2 MAPK signaling pathways. We also found that the expression of dectin-1 was increased with C. tropicalis treatment. These data reveal that dectin-1 may play a role in sensing the inflammation response induced by C. tropicalis and that NF-κB and MAPK are involved in the downstream signaling pathways in macrophages.
Annual cycle of White-winged Scoters (Melanitta fusca) in eastern North America: migratory phenology, population delineation, and connectivity
Authors: Meattey D.E. , McWilliams S.R. , Paton P.W.C. , Lepage C. , Gilliland S.G. , Savoy L. , Olsen G.H. , Osenkowski J.E.
Published: August 2018

Understanding full annual cycle movements of long-distance migrants is essential for delineating populations, assessing connectivity, evaluating crossover effects between life stages, and informing management strategies for vulnerable or declining species. We used implanted satellite transmitters to track up to 2 years of annual cycle movements of 52 adult female White-winged Scoters (Melanitta fusca (Linnaeus, 1758)) captured in the eastern United States and Canada. We used these data to document annual cycle phenology; delineate migration routes; identify primary areas used during winter, stopover, breeding, and molt; and assess the strength of migratory connectivity and spatial population structure. Most White-winged Scoters wintered along the Atlantic coast from Nova Scotia to southern New England, with some on Lake Ontario. White-winged Scoters followed four migration routes to breeding areas from Quebec to the Northwest Territories. Principal postbreeding molting areas were in James Bay and the St. Lawrence River estuary. Migration phenology was synchronous regardless of winter or breeding origin. Cluster analyses delineated two primary breeding areas: one molting area and one wintering area. White-winged Scoters demonstrated overall weak to moderate connectivity among life stages, with molting to wintering connectivity the strongest. Thus, White-winged Scoters that winter in eastern North America appear to constitute a single continuous population.
Development of DNA markers for Slmlo1.1, a new mutant allele of the powdery mildew resistance gene SlMlo1 in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)
Authors: Kim Daeun , Jin Bingkui , Je Byoung Il , Choi Youngmi , Kim Byung Sup , Jung Hee-Jeong , Nou Ill-Sup , Park Younghoon
Published: August 2018

Reductions in growth and quality due to powdery mildew (PM) disease cause significant economic losses in tomato production. Oidium neolycopersici was identified as the fungal species responsible for tomato PM disease in South Korea in the present study, based on morphological and internal transcribed spacer DNA sequence analyses of PM samples collected from two remote regions (Muju and Miryang). The genes involved in resistance to this pathogen in the tomato accession ‘KNU-12’ (Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme) were evaluated, and the inheritance of PM resistance in ‘KNU-12’ was found to be conferred via simple Mendelian inheritance of a mutant allele of the PM susceptibility locus Ol-2 (SlMlo1). Full-length cDNA analysis of this newly identified mutant allele (Slmlo1.1) showed that a 1-bp deletion in its coding region led to a frameshift mutation possibly resulting in SlMlo1 loss-of-function. An alternatively spliced transcript of Slmlo1.1 was observed in the cDNA sequences of ‘KNU-12’, but its direct influence on PM resistance is unclear. A derived cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence (dCAPS) and a high-resolution melting (HRM) marker were developed based on the 1-bp deletion in Slmlo1.1, and could be used for efficient marker-assisted selection (MAS) using ‘KNU-12’ as the source for durable and broad-spectrum resistance to PM.
Recent Application of the Various Nanomaterials and Nanocatalysts for the Heavy Metals’ Removal from Wastewater
Authors: Khaligh Nader Ghaffari , Johan Mohd Rafie
Published: August 2018

The pollution of water due to the release of heavy metals are particularly problematic and supplies of clean water have become a major problem worldwide. The heavy metal ions can cause toxicities and serious side effects toward human health; therefore, these metal ions should be removed from water and wastewater. A variety of strategies have been developed for efficient heavy metal removal from waters. Adsorption/ion exchange strategy play a great important role in removing heavy metal ions due to their advantages. Nanomaterials are excellent adsorbents and extensive studies have been performed to remove heavy metals from wastewater by developing and using various nanomaterials. Recent developments for the heavy metals removal by various nanomaterials, mainly including carbon-based nanomaterials, iron-based nanomaterials and photocatalytic nanomaterials in batch and flow systems are described in this review.
Synthesis of Carbon Dots from PEG6000 and Papain for Fluorescent and Doxycycline Sensing
Authors: Feng Yuanjiao , Tan Lihong , Tang Qian , Zhong Wenwu , Yang Xiaoming
Published: August 2018

Herein, a simple-green road for preparing carbon dots (CDs) from the mixture of PEG6000 and papain with approving fluorescence has been successfully developed for the first time. Meanwhile, the current CDs were characterized by analytical means such as fluorescence, UV visible spectrophotometer, HR-TEM, XPS and FTIR and so on. Afterwards, this kind of CDs were employed for analyzing doxycycline (DC) relying on the mechanism that the functional group of DC had interactions with CDs, hence, leading to the fluorescence quenching. Also, this DC analytical method mentioned here permitted in a linear range of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]mol/L-[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]mol/L as well as a detection limit of 18[Formula: see text]nM at a signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) of 3. More importantly, the CDs prepared here were still explored for milk real samples, indicating their potential for broadening avenues towards other various applications.