bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of sleep disturbances in Chinese university students: a comprehensive meta‐analysis
Authors: Li Lu , Wang Yuan‐Yuan , Wang Shi‐Bin , Zhang Ling , Li Lin , Xu Dan‐Dan , Ng Chee H. , Ungvari Gabor S. , Cui Xiling , Liu Zhao‐Min , De Li Spencer , Jia Fu‐Jun , Xiang Yu‐Tao
Published: January 2018

This is a meta‐analysis of the pooled prevalence of sleep disturbances and its associated factors in Chinese university students. English (PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase) and Chinese (SinoMed, Wan Fang Database and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure) databases were systematically and independently searched from inception until 16 August 2016. The prevalence of sleep disturbances was pooled using random‐effects model. Altogether 76 studies involving 112 939 university students were included. The overall pooled prevalence of sleep disturbances was 25.7% (95% CI: 22.5–28.9%). When using the screening scales Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Athens Insomnia Scale and Self‐Rating Sleeping State Scale, and the diagnostic criteria of the Chinese Classification of Mental Disorders (Second Edition), the pooled prevalence of sleep disturbances was 24.1% (95% CI: 21.0–27.5%) and 18.1% (95% CI: 16.4–20.0%), respectively. The percentages of students dissatisfied with sleep quality and those suffering from insomnia symptoms were 20.3% (95% CI: 13.0–30.3%) and 23.6% (95% CI: 18.9–29.0%), respectively. Subgroup analyses revealed that medical students were more vulnerable to sleep disturbances than other student groups. There was no significant difference between males and females, and across geographic locations. Sleep disturbances are common in Chinese university students. Appropriate strategies for prevention and treatment of sleep disturbances in this population need greater attention.
A single night of sleep loss impairs objective but not subjective working memory performance in a sex‐dependent manner
Authors: Rångtell Frida H. , Karamchedu Swathy , Andersson Peter , Liethof Lisanne , Olaya Búcaro Marcela , Lampola Lauri , Schiöth Helgi B. , Cedernaes Jonathan , Benedict Christian
Published: January 2018

Acute sleep deprivation can lead to judgement errors and thereby increases the risk of accidents, possibly due to an impaired working memory. However, whether the adverse effects of acute sleep loss on working memory are modulated by auditory distraction in women and men are not known. Additionally, it is unknown whether sleep loss alters the way in which men and women perceive their working memory performance. Thus, 24 young adults (12 women using oral contraceptives at the time of investigation) participated in two experimental conditions: nocturnal sleep (scheduled between 22:30 and 06:30 hours) versus one night of total sleep loss. Participants were administered a digital working memory test in which eight‐digit sequences were learned and retrieved in the morning after each condition. Learning of digital sequences was accompanied by either silence or auditory distraction (equal distribution among trials). After sequence retrieval, each trial ended with a question regarding how certain participants were of the correctness of their response, as a self‐estimate of working memory performance. We found that sleep loss impaired objective but not self‐estimated working memory performance in women. In contrast, both measures remained unaffected by sleep loss in men. Auditory distraction impaired working memory performance, without modulation by sleep loss or sex. Being unaware of cognitive limitations when sleep‐deprived, as seen in our study, could lead to undesirable consequences in, for example, an occupational context. Our findings suggest that sleep‐deprived young women are at particular risk for overestimating their working memory performance.
Effects of fragmentation on the plant functional composition and diversity of remnant woodlands in a young and rapidly expanding city
Authors: Ramalho Cristina E. , Laliberté Etienne , Poot Pieter , Hobbs Richard
Published: January 2018

Questions

How do plant functional trait abundance and diversity in urban remnants of a rapidly urbanizing city change with fragmentation? Is there a delayed functional response to fragmentation?

Location

Thirty remnant Banksia woodlands, Perth, Australia.

Methods

We used GLMM to examine the effects of remnant age and area, and their interaction, on the relative abundance and functional diversity (FD) of five plant functional traits: growth form, pollination, seed dispersal, nutrient acquisition and regeneration strategies. We then used fourth‐corner analysis to examine the influence of a wider set of fragmentation‐related factors on trait abundances.

Results

The functional composition and diversity of Banksia woodlands changed with remnant age, particularly in the smaller remnants. Plants more prone to decline with remnant age were the growth form shrubs, root‐clustered trees, herbaceous obligate seeders and understorey species that are insect‐pollinated, have seeds dispersal internally by animals and have arbuscular or ericoid mycorrhizas. In contrast, plants more prone to persist were growth forms trees, sedges and rushes, ectomycorrhizal trees, herbaceous resprouters, wind‐pollinated and root‐clustered understorey species. FD increased with remnant age in the growth forms and overstorey, but declined among the herbaceous and shrub pollination and nutrient acquisition traits.

Conclusions

Functional traits that consistently signalled the plant community response to fragmentation were growth form, pollination and dispersal. This functional response was largely delayed, suggesting a ″functional extinction debt″, which will lead to a further decline of plants with vulnerable trait states in the future, especially in the small‐ and medium‐sized remnants. Our study illustrates the vulnerability of small remnants to changes in community assembly and ecosystem function due to fragmentation. Furthermore, it exemplifies how a functional trait approach is valuable to understand the impacts of urbanization on remnant plant communities, before local extinctions may occur. Finally, the study shows how cities’ fragmentation history and biogeographic settings provide an important context influencing plant functional responses to urbanization‐related processes.
Vector competence of Culex antennatus and Anopheles coustani mosquitoes for Rift Valley fever virus in Madagascar
Authors: NEPOMICHENE T. N. J. J. , RAHARIMALALA F. N. , ANDRIAMANDIMBY S. F. , RAVALOHERY J.‐P. , FAILLOUX A.‐B. , HERAUD J.‐M. , BOYER S.
Published: January 2018

Culex antennatus (Diptera: Culicidae), Anopheles coustani (Diptera: Culicidae) and Anopheles squamosus/cydippis were found to be infected with Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) during an epidemic that occurred in 2008 and 2009 in Madagascar. To understand the roles played by Cx. antennatus and An. coustani in virus maintenance and transmission, RVFV vector competence was assessed in each species. Mosquito body parts and saliva of mosquitoes that fed on RVFV‐infected blood were tested for RVFV using real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) assays. Overall, viral RNA was detected in body parts and saliva at 5 days post‐infection (d.p.i.) in both species. At 5 d.p.i., infection rates were 12.5% (3/24) and 15.8% (6/38), disseminated infection rates were 100% (3/3) and 100% (6/6), transmission rates were 33.3% (1/3) and 83.3% (5/6), and transmission efficiencies were 4.2% (1/24) and 13.2% (5/38) in Cx. antennatus and An. coustani, respectively. Although RVFV detected in saliva did not propagate on to Vero cells, these results support potential roles for these two mosquito species in the transmission of RVFV.
Preserving salivary gland physiology against genotoxic damage ‐ the Tousled way
Authors: Sunavala‐Dossabhoy G
Published: January 2018

Tousled and its homologs are evolutionarily conserved serine/threonine kinases present in plants and animals. Human Tousled‐like kinases, TLK1 and TLK2, are implicated in chromatin assembly during DNA replication, chromosome segregation during mitosis, as well as in DNA damage response and repair. They share a high degree of sequence similarity, but have few non‐redundant functions. Our laboratory has studied TLK1 and found that it increases the resistance of cells to ionizing radiation (IR) damage through expedited double‐strand break (DSB) repair. DSBs are life‐threatening lesions which when repaired restore DNA integrity and promote cell survival. A major focus in our laboratory is to dissect TLK1′s role in DSB response and repair and study its usefulness in averting salivary gland hypofunction, a condition that invariably afflicts patients undergoing regional radiotherapy. The identification of anti‐silencing factor 1 (ASF1), histone H3, and Rad9 as substrates of TLK1 links the protein to chromatin organization and DNA damage response and repair. However, recent findings of new interacting partners that include NEK1 suggest that TLK1 may play a broader role in DSB repair. This review provides a brief overview of the DNA damage response and DSB repair, and it highlights our current understanding of TLK1 in the process.
Predicted accommodative response from image quality in young eyes fitted with different dual‐focus designs
Authors: Faria‐Ribeiro Miguel , Amorim‐de‐Sousa Ana , González‐Méijome José M.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

To investigate the separated and combined influences of inner zone (IZ) diameter and effective add power of dual‐focus contact lenses (CL) in the image quality at distance and near viewing, in a functional accommodating model eye.

Methods

Computational wave‐optics methods were used to define zonal bifocal pupil functions, representing the optic zones of nine dual‐focus centre‐distance CLs. The dual‐focus pupil functions were defined having IZ diameters of 2.10 mm, 3.36 mm and 4.00 mm, with add powers of 1.5 D, 2.0 D and 2.5 D (dioptres), for each design, that resulted in a ratio of 64%/36% between the distance and treatment zone areas, bounded by a 6 mm entrance pupil. A through‐focus routine was implemented in MATLAB to simulate the changes in image quality, calculated from the Visual Strehl ratio, as the eye with the dual‐focus accommodates, from 0 to −3.00 D target vergences. Accommodative responses were defined as the changes in the defocus coefficient, combined with a change in fourth and sixth order spherical aberration, which produced a peak in image quality at each target vergence.

Results

Distance viewing image quality was marginally affected by IZ diameter but not by add power. Near image quality obtained when focussing the image formed by the near optics was only higher by a small amount compared to the other two IZ diameters. The mean ± standard deviation values obtained with the three adds were 0.28 ± 0.02, 0.23 ± 0.02 and 0.22 ± 0.02, for the small, medium and larger IZ diameters, respectively. On the other hand, near image quality predicted by focussing the image formed by the distance optics was considerably lower relatively to the other two IZ diameters. The mean ± standard deviation values obtained with the three adds were 0.15 ± 0.01, 0.38 ± 0.00 and 0.54 ± 0.01, for the small, medium and larger IZ diameters, respectively.

Conclusions

During near viewing through dual‐focus CLs, image quality depends on the diameter of the most inner zone of the CL, while add power only affects the range of clear focus when focussing the image formed by the CL near optics. When only image quality gain is taken into consideration, medium and large IZ diameters designs are most likely to promote normal accommodative responses driven by the CL distance optics, while a smaller IZ diameter design is most likely to promote a reduced accommodative response driven by the dual‐focus CL near optics.
Plasma membrane proteome analysis identifies a role of barley membrane steroid binding protein in root architecture response to salinity
Authors: Witzel Katja , Matros Andrea , Møller Anders L.B. , Ramireddy Eswarayya , Finnie Christine , Peukert Manuela , Rutten Twan , Herzog Andreas , Kunze Gotthard , Melzer Michael , Kaspar‐Schoenefeld Stephanie , Schmülling Thomas , Svensson Birte , Mock Hans‐Peter
Published: January 2018

Although the physiological consequences of plant growth under saline conditions have been well described, understanding the core mechanisms conferring plant salt adaptation has only started. We target the root plasma membrane proteomes of two barley varieties, cvs. Steptoe and Morex, with contrasting salinity tolerance. In total, 588 plasma membrane proteins were identified by mass spectrometry, of which 182 were either cultivar or salinity stress responsive. Three candidate proteins with increased abundance in the tolerant cv. Morex were involved either in sterol binding (a GTPase‐activating protein for the adenosine diphosphate ribosylation factor [ZIGA2], and a membrane steroid binding protein [MSBP]) or in phospholipid synthesis (phosphoethanolamine methyltransferase [PEAMT]). Overexpression of barley MSBP conferred salinity tolerance to yeast cells, whereas the knock‐out of the heterologous AtMSBP1 increased salt sensitivity in Arabidopsis. Atmsbp1 plants showed a reduced number of lateral roots under salinity, and root‐tip‐specific expression of barley MSBP in Atmsbp1 complemented this phenotype. In barley, an increased abundance of MSBP correlates with reduced root length and lateral root formation as well as increased levels of auxin under salinity being stronger in the tolerant cv. Morex. Hence, we concluded the involvement of MSBP in phytohormone‐directed adaptation of root architecture in response to salinity.
Effects of two freezing methods and two cryopreservation media on post‐thaw quality of stallion spermatozoa
Authors: Macedo S , Bliebernicht M , Carvalheira J , Costa A , Ribeiro F , Rocha A
Published: January 2018

Contents

Glycerol‐based extenders are widely utilized for freezing equine semen, but media combining methylformamide may better preserve sperm motility and mitochondrial function. Semen is cryopreserved utilizing either a Styrofoam box filled with liquid nitrogen or an automatic freezer. The objective of this experiment was to compare the post‐thaw characteristics of the same ejaculates cryopreserved in a Styrofoam box or in an automatic freezer, utilizing a glycerol‐based extender (Gent) and an extender that combines methylformamide and glycerol (BotuCrio®). For that, one ejaculate from 30 stallions collected in two different centres was used. For data analysis, a mixed linear model with laboratory, medium and freezing method and respective interactions as fixed effects was used. Stallion was taken into account as a random effect. There was no influence (p > .05) of laboratory, while stallion effect was marked. Semen frozen in BotuCrio® in the automatic freezer had higher (p < .001) VCL than semen cryopreserved in Gent using the Styrofoam box. VCL was also higher (p = .068) for semen frozen in BotuCrio® in the Styrofoam box than for semen cryopreserved in Gent using the same method. The difference between percentage of sperm with intact plasma membrane frozen in Gent using the Styrofoam box (44.43% ± 2.44%) compared to spermatozoa cryopreserved in BotuCrio® using the same method (40.78% ± 2.42%) approached significance (p = .0507). The percentage of sperm with intact acrosome membrane was higher (p < .05) in semen frozen in BotuCrio® (79.08% ± 1.79%) than semen frozen in Gent (75.15% ± 1.80%). A higher (p = .0125) percentage (32.24% ± 2.18%) of semen extended in Gent and cryopreserved in the Styrofoam box had high mitochondrial membrane potential than semen frozen in BotuCrio® using the same method (26.02% ± 2.15%). Fertility studies are warranted to assess whether differences found have any effect on the fertility of inseminated mares.
Effects of the supplementation with an high‐polyphenols extra‐virgin olive oil on kinetic sperm features and seminal plasma oxidative status in healthy dogs
Authors: Tufarelli V , Rizzo A , Lacalandra GM , Guaricci AC , Laudadio V , Valentini L
Published: January 2018

Contents

The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of the supplementation of two extra‐virgin olive oils (EVOO) having different polyphenols content, on canine spermatozoa kinetic parameters and seminal plasma oxidative status. The study was conducted on 12 clinically healthy dogs of different breeds (2–7 years, 5–48 kg of body weight) divided into two groups: an experimental group supplemented with EVOO (Coratina cultivar) high in polyphenols (H‐P) and a control group fed EVOO (Cima di Bitonto cultivar) low in polyphenols (L‐P). The oil was daily administered per os (1 ml/3 kg BW) before meal. Semen collection was made twice at 15 days distance (D01 and D02) and then at 30 (D30), 60 (D60) and 90 (D90) days. Semen concentration and kinetic parameters were measured using computer‐assisted sperm analysis (CASA) system to evaluate: sperm total count, sperm motile (MOT%), progressive motility (PROGR%) and its fractions, straight‐line velocity (VSL, μm/s), curvilinear velocity (VCL, μm/s), average path velocity (VAP, μm/s), amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH, μm), beat cross frequency (BCF, Hz), straightness (STR%) and linearity (LIN%). On seminal plasma, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and biological antioxidant potential (BAP) were tested. From findings, no differences were found for sperm MOT, VSL, VCL, VAP, ALH, BCF, STR, LIN and BAP. A gradual enhancement of PROGR% was observed in H‐P group (p < .01). The ROS levels were higher in dogs H‐P compared to the other group (p < .05). In conclusion, our results highlight the positive effects of EVOO polyphenols on sperm PROGR% in healthy dogs.
‘Our Hielandmen’: Scots in Court Entertainments at home and abroad 1507–1616
Authors: Mickel Lesley
Published: January 2018

This article pays attention to the ways in which Highland identity was coopted and constructed through Renaissance court entertainments both at home and further afield in Europe. Analysis of the Tournament of the Wild Knight and Black Lady staged by James IV (1507/8) reveals the tropes of wildness and blackness to underpin a particular representation of Highland identity that is appropriated and adapted by the Stewart Crown. These associations are shown to be enduring, and championed by the Scottish Crown to negate a long‐established negative discourse of Northerness, albeit these pejorative resonances continue to resonate and are eventually displaced onto depiction of Irish national identity in court culture. Pitscottie's description of the temporary hunting lodge constructed by the Earl of Atholl to host James V and the papal ambassador (1529), and Mary Stuart's festival at Stirling Castle (1566) to celebrate the christening of her son, show the Scottish Crown's deliberate evocation of the Highland characteristics of wildness to proclaim indigenous Stoic and martial virtues justifying Scottish imperial ambition to the North and South of the border.
Mitigating Litigating: An Examination of Psychosocial Impacts of Compensation Processes Associated with the 2010 BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill
Authors: Ritchie Liesel A. , Gill Duane A. , Long Michael A.
Published: January 2018

During the past four decades, a number of social science scholars have conceptualized technological disasters as a social problem. More specifically, research in this arena has identified individual and collective stress as a secondary trauma of processes intended to provide compensation and economic relief from disasters in general and, more specifically, technological disasters. Based on data from a 2013 household telephone survey of 1,216 residents of coastal Alabama, this article examines the relationship between psychosocial stress and compensation processes related to the 2010 BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill. We examine involvement with claims, settlement, and litigation activities; vulnerability and exposure to the spill; ties to resources; resource loss and gain; perceptions of risk and recreancy; and intrusive stress and avoidance behaviors as measured by the impact of event scale. Regression analysis reveals that the strongest contributors to intrusive stress were being part of the compensation process, resource loss, concerns about air quality, and income. Although being involved with compensation processes was a significant predictor of avoidance behaviors, the strongest contributors to avoidance behaviors were resource loss, air quality concern, income, being male, minority status, and community attachment. Beliefs that the compensation process was as distressing as the oil spill also significantly contributed to intrusive stress and avoidance behaviors. This research represents a step toward filling a gap in empirical evidence regarding the extent to which protracted compensation processes exacerbate adverse psychosocial impacts of disasters and hinder community recovery.
A method of evaluating facial pores using optical 2D images and analysis of age‐dependent changes in facial pores in Koreans
Authors: Jang S. I. , Kim E. J. , Lee H. K.
Published: January 2018

Background

Enlarged facial pores and changes in pore area are of concern for cosmetic reasons. To evaluate pores, measuring tools based on 3D methodology are used. Yet, these methods are limited by their measuring ranges. In this study, we performed pore analysis by measuring the whole face using 2D optical images. We further sought to understand how the pores of Korean women change with age.

Materials and Methods

One hundred sixteen Korean female subjects aged 20‐60 years were recruited for this study. Facial images were taken using the VISIA‐CR® adjusted light source. Images were processed using Image‐Pro Plus 9.2. Statistical significance was assumed when P < .05.

Results

The pore area, as indicated by pixel count, gradually increased in patients through their 40s, but decreased through their 50s and 60s. Facial pores generally exhibited directionality through the patients’ 30s, but this isotropic feature was more prominent in their 50s. Pore elongation increased stepwise. The first increase occurred during the transition from patients’ 30s to their 40s and the second increase occurred during the transition from patients’ 50s to their 60s. This indicated that the pores deformed from a circular shape to a long elliptic shape over time.

Conclusion

A new evaluation method using 2D optical images facilitates the analysis of pore distribution and elongation throughout the entire cheek. This is an improvement over an analysis of pores over a narrow region of interest.
Erythema‐directed digital photography for the enhanced evaluation of topical treatments for acne vulgaris
Authors: Micali G. , Dall'Oglio F. , Tedeschi A. , Lacarrubba F.
Published: January 2018

Background

Erythema‐directed digital photography is a novel method for evaluating the efficacy and tolerability of topical acne treatments. Here, we describe three case reports in which erythema‐directed digital photography was used to evaluate acne before and after up to 12 weeks of treatment with clindamycin 1%/tretinoin 0.025% (Clin‐RA).

Materials and methods

Erythema‐directed digital photography was used to evaluate acne in three patients with mild‐to‐moderate facial acne, two of whom had refused to continue previous topical acne treatment (benzoyl peroxide 5% and clindamycin 1%/benzoyl peroxide 5%) due to persistent irritation. Acne lesions and erythema were evaluated using standard clinical photography and erythema‐directed digital photography (VISIA‐CR™ system) before and after 8‐12 weeks of treatment with Clin‐RA.

Results

Erythema‐directed digital photography revealed background erythema from previous topical acne treatments that was not evident from standard clinical photographs and allowed a better visualization of both inflammatory and non‐inflammatory lesions. In all patients, there was a clear improvement in background erythema and a reduction in acne lesions following treatment with Clin‐RA.

Conclusion

This study has demonstrated for the first time that erythema‐directed digital photography can enhance the evaluation of the efficacy and tolerability of topical acne treatments. These cases show that Clin‐RA was associated with improved efficacy and tolerability vs previous treatments with topical monotherapy (benzoyl peroxide 5%) or a topical fixed‐dose combination (clindamycin 1%/benzoyl peroxide 5%).
Unraveling lipid metabolism in maize with time‐resolved multi‐omics data
Authors: de Abreu e Lima Francisco , Li Kun , Wen Weiwei , Yan Jianbing , Nikoloski Zoran , Willmitzer Lothar , Brotman Yariv
Published: January 2018

Maize is the cereal crop with the highest production worldwide, and its oil is a key energy resource. Improving the quantity and quality of maize oil requires a better understanding of lipid metabolism. To predict the function of maize genes involved in lipid biosynthesis, we assembled transcriptomic and lipidomic data sets from leaves of B73 and the high‐oil line By804 in two distinct time‐series experiments. The integrative analysis based on high‐dimensional regularized regression yielded lipid–transcript associations indirectly validated by Gene Ontology and promoter motif enrichment analyses. The co‐localization of lipid‐transcript associations using the genetic mapping of lipid traits in leaves and seedlings of a B73 × By804 recombinant inbred line population uncovered 323 genes involved in the metabolism of phospholipids, galactolipids, sulfolipids and glycerolipids. The resulting association network further supported the involvement of 50 gene candidates in modulating levels of representatives from multiple acyl‐lipid classes. Therefore, the proposed approach provides high‐confidence candidates for experimental testing in maize and model plant species.
The fate of ribosomal RNA genes in spontaneous polyploid dogrose hybrids [Rosa L. sect. Caninae (DC.) Ser.] exhibiting non‐symmetrical meiosis
Authors: Herklotz Veit , Kovařík Aleš , Lunerová Jana , Lippitsch Susan , Groth Marco , Ritz Christiane M.
Published: January 2018

Dogroses represent an exceptional system for studying the effects of genome doubling and hybridization: their asymmetrical meiosis enables recombination in bi‐parentally inherited chromosomes but prevents it in maternally inherited ones. We employed fluorescent in situ hybridization, genome skimming, amplicon sequencing of genomic and cDNA as well as conventional cloning of nuclear ribosomal DNA in two phylogenetically distinct pentaploid (2n = 5x = 35) species, Rosa canina and Rosa inodora, and their naturally occurring reciprocal hybrids, Rosa dumalis (5x) and Rosa agrestis (5x, 6x). Both progenitor species differed in composition, meiotic behaviour and expression of rDNA loci: R. canina (five 18S and 5–8 5S loci) was dominated by the Canina ribotypes, but R. inodora (four 18S loci and 7–8 5S loci) by the Rubiginosa ribotype. The co‐localized 5S/18S loci occurred on either bivalent‐forming (R. canina) or univalent‐forming (R. inodora) chromosomes. Ribosomal DNA loci were additively inherited; however, the Canina ribotypes were dominantly expressed, even in genotypes with relatively low copy number of these genes. Moreover, we observed rDNA homogenization towards the paternally transmitted Canina ribotype in 6x R. agrestis. The here‐observed variation in arrangement and composition of rDNA types between R. canina and R. inodora suggests the involvement of different genomes in bivalent formation. This results supports the hypothesis that the asymmetrical meiosis arose at least twice by independent ancient hybridization events.
Mechanisms of red blood cell transfusion‐related immunomodulation
Authors: Remy Kenneth E. , Hall Mark W. , Cholette Jill , Juffermans Nicole P. , Nicol Kathleen , Doctor Allan , Blumberg Neil , Spinella Philip C. , Norris Philip J. , Dahmer Mary K. , Muszynski Jennifer A. ,   for the Pediatric Critical Care Blood Research Network (Blood Net)
Published: January 2018

Red blood cell (RBC) transfusion is common in critically ill, postsurgical, and posttrauma patients in whom both systemic inflammation and immune suppression are associated with adverse outcomes. RBC products contain a multitude of immunomodulatory mediators that interact with and alter immune cell function. These interactions can lead to both proinflammatory and immunosuppressive effects. Defining clinical outcomes related to immunomodulatory effects of RBCs in transfused patients remains a challenge, likely due to complex interactions between individual blood product characteristics and patient‐specific risk factors. Unpacking these complexities requires an in‐depth understanding of the mechanisms of immunomodulatory effects of RBC products. In this review, we outline and classify potential mediators of RBC transfusion‐related immunomodulation and provide suggestions for future research directions.
Comparison of diode laser trans‐scleral cyclophotocoagulation versus implantation of a 350‐mm2Baerveldt glaucoma drainage device for the treatment of glaucoma in dogs (a retrospective study: 2010‐2016)
Authors: Graham Kathleen L. , Hall Evelyn J.S. , Caraguel Charles , White Andrew , Billson Francis A. , Billson F. Mark
Published: January 2018

Objective

To compare outcomes following trans‐scleral cyclophotocoagulation (TSCP) and 350‐mm2Baerveldt implantation in the treatment of canine refractory glaucoma.

Design

Retrospective case study.

Case selection

Client owned dogs undergoing surgical treatment of glaucoma within a veterinary referral hospital.

Procedures

Eighty‐six glaucoma surgeries were performed on 83 eyes (69 dogs) diagnosed with primary or secondary glaucoma. Medical records were retrieved, and baseline data, surgery, medications, intraocular pressures (IOPs), vision, and complications were extracted.

Results

Fifty‐four eyes (44 dogs) were treated withTSCPand placement of an anterior chamber suture shunt; 28 eyes (24 dogs) were implanted with a Baerveldt glaucoma drainage device (GDD); and four eyes (4 dogs) underwentGDDimplantation after failure ofTSCPto manageIOP. FollowingTSCP,IOPcontrol (<20 mmHg) and vision retention occurred in 81.5% and 42.6%, respectively, for 16.1 ± 1.36 months. FollowingGDDimplantation, 71.4% maintainedIOP<20 mmHg and 69.6% maintained vision for 11.0 ± 0.94 months.IOPcontrol without loss of vision was more likely following Baerveldt implantation (17/28; 60.7%) thanTSCP(19/54; 35.2%) (P =0.027). One eye had functional vision restored followingGDDplacement.IOPcontrol without adjunctive medications was more likely following Baerveldt implantation (P= 0.02).

Conclusions

In this study, eyes treated with BaerveldtGDDimplantation were more likely to maintainIOPcontrol and retain vision compared to eyes treated withTSCPand placement of an anterior chamber suture shunt. Lack of formal randomization, inconsistencies in surgical techniques andTSCPprotocols, and potential unmeasured confounders must be considered when extrapolating from this retrospective study.
How does the perceptual organization of a multi-tone mixture interact with partial and global loudness judgments?
Authors: Vannier Michaël , Misdariis Nicolas , Susini Patrick , Grimault Nicolas
Published: January 2018

Two experiments were conducted to investigate how the perceptual organization of a multi-tone mixture interacts with global and partial loudness judgments. Grouping (single-object) and segregating (two-object) conditions were created using frequency modulation by applying the same or different modulation frequencies to the odd- and even-rank harmonics. While in Experiment 1 (Exp. 1) the two objects had the same loudness, in Experiment 2 (Exp. 2), loudness level differences (LLD) were introduced (LLD = 6, 12, 18, or 24 phons). In the two-object condition, the loudness of each object was not affected by the mixture when LLD = 0 (Exp. 1), otherwise (Exp. 2), the loudness of the softest object was modulated by LLD, and the loudness of the loudest object was the same regardless of whether it was presented in or out of the mixture. In the single- and the two-object conditions, the global loudness of the mixture was close to the loudness of the loudest object. Taken together, these results suggest that while partial loudness judgments are dependent on the perceptual organization of the scene, global loudness is not. Yet, both partial and global loudness computations are governed by relative “saliences” between different auditory objects (in the segregating condition) or within a single object (in the grouping condition).
The Novel Fungal Cyp51 Inhibitor VT-1598 Is Efficacious in Experimental Models of Central Nervous System Coccidioidomycosis Caused by Coccidioides posadasii and Coccidioides immitis
Authors: Wiederhold Nathan P. , Shubitz Lisa F. , Najvar Laura K. , Jaramillo Rosie , Olivo Marcos , Catano Gabriel , Trinh Hien T. , Yates Christopher M. , Schotzinger Robert J. , Garvey Edward P. , Patterson Thomas F.
Published: January 2018

Coccidioidal meningitis can cause significant morbidity, and lifelong antifungal therapy is often required. VT-1598 is a fungus-specific Cyp51 inhibitor that has potent
in vitro
activity against
Coccidioides
species. We evaluated the
in vivo
efficacy of VT-1598 in murine models of central nervous system coccidioidomycosis caused by
C. posadasii
and
C. immitis
. Infection was introduced via intracranial inoculation, and therapy began 48 h postinoculation. Oral treatments consisted of vehicle control, VT-1598, and positive controls of fluconazole in the
C. immitis
study and VT-1161 in the
C. posadasii
study. Treatment continued for 7 and 14 days in the fungal-burden and survival studies, respectively. Fungal burden was assessed in brain tissue collected 24 to 48 h posttreatment in the fungal-burden studies, on the days the mice succumbed to infection, or at prespecified endpoints in the survival studies. VT-1598 plasma concentrations were also measured in the
C. posadasii
study. VT-1598 resulted in significant improvements in survival in mice infected with either species. In addition, the fungal burden was significantly reduced in the fungal-burden studies. Plasma concentrations 48 h after dosing stopped remained above the VT-1598 MIC against the
C. posadasii
isolate, although levels were undetectable in the survival study after a 4-week washout. Whereas fungal burden remained suppressed after a 2-week washout in the
C. immitis
model, a higher fungal burden was observed in the survival arm of the
C. posadasii
model. This
in vivo
efficacy supports human studies to establish the utility of VT-1598 for the treatment of coccidioidomycosis.
Draft Genome Sequences of 11
Salmonella enterica
Serovar Typhimurium Strains Isolated from Human Systemic and Nonsystemic Sites in Brazil
Authors: Panzenhagen Pedro Henrique N. , Paul Narayan C. , Conte Junior Carlos A. , Costa Renata G. , Rodrigues Dália P. , Shah Devendra H.
Published: January 2018

Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium strains isolated from systemic sites outside sub-Saharan Africa have been rarely sequenced. Here, we report the draft genome sequences of
S
. Typhimurium sequence type 19 (ST19) (
n
= 9), ST1649 (
n
= 1), and ST313 (
n
= 1) strains isolated from human systemic (e.g., blood) and nonsystemic (e.g., stool and wounds) sites in Brazil.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Monaibacterium marinum
C7
T
, Isolated from Seawater from the Menai Straits, Wales, United Kingdom
Authors: Chernikova Tatyana N. , Kyrpides Nikos , Bargiela Rafael , Woyke Tanja , Shapiro Nicole , Whitman William B. , Golyshin Peter N.
Published: January 2018

Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
Monaibacterium marinum
C7
T
, a strain that represents a new member of the
Roseobacter
clade of the family
Rhodobacteraceae
(
Alphaproteobacteria
). The genome size of
Monaibacterium marinum
C7
T
is 3.7 Mb (3,734,267 bp), with a G+C content of 58.86%.
Draft Genome Sequences of 42
Helicobacter pylori
Isolates from Rural Regions of South India
Authors: Shetty Vignesh , Lamichhane Binit , Chua Eng-Guan , Ballal Mamatha , Tay Chin-Yen
Published: January 2018

Helicobacter pylori
is a successful human gastric pathogen that is associated with the development of gastric cancer. The draft genome sequences of 42
H. pylori
clinical strains isolated from South Indian rural populations will provide further insights into the evolution and genetic makeup of Indian
H. pylori
strains.
Complete Genome Sequence of Cluster J Mycobacteriophage Superphikiman
Authors: Pradhan Pratik , Nako Sprikena , Tran Trinh , Aluri Lavanya S. , Anandarajan Dharman , Betini Niteesha , Bhatt Shivangi D. , Chengalvala Swetha , Cox Nicole E. , Delvadia Bela P. , Desai Aishwary S. , Devaney Andrew M. , Doyle Brenna K. , Edgerton Arden O. , Erlich Matthew C. , Fitzpatrick Kevin C. , Gajjar Esha A. , Ganguly Anjali , Gill Ramnik S. , Good Pauline M. , Gupta Nishtha , Haddad Leila M. , Han Esther J. , Jain Shelby , Jiang Andrew , Jurgielewicz Andrew D. , Kainth Devneet K. , Karam Jawhara M. , Kodavatiganti Mallika , Kriete Sinja J. , MacDonald Catherine E. , Maret Josh P. , Mathew Ashley E. , Natrajan Maanasa , Nishu Nusrat M. , Patel Nirali , Patel Pooja D. , Patel Shivani , Patra Kaustav , Rai Karima K. , Sarkar Arghyadeep , Shah Priyanka , Tata Ravi K. , Tawfik Andrew H. , Thuremella Bhavya T. , Toma Justina , Veera Shika , Vemulapalli Vamsee K. , Vidas Trevor V. , Vieira Katy S. , Vijayakumar Gayathri , Walor Tru A. , White Clara R. , Wong Brianna M. , Zhao Shu L. , Bollivar David W. , McDonald Matthew T. , Dalia Ritu R. , Smith Kevin P. W. , Little Joy L. , Gurney Susan M. R.
Published: January 2018

Mycobacteriophage Superphikiman is a cluster J bacteriophage which was isolated from soil collected in Philadelphia, PA. Superphikiman has a 109,799-bp genome with 239 predicted genes, including 2 tRNA genes.
Improved Draft Genome Sequence of
Microcystis aeruginosa
NIES-298, a Microcystin-Producing Cyanobacterium from Lake Kasumigaura, Japan
Authors: Yamaguchi Haruyo , Suzuki Shigekatsu , Kawachi Masanobu
Published: January 2018

Microcystis aeruginosa
is a globally well-known bloom-forming cyanobacterium. An improved draft whole-genome sequence of
M. aeruginosa
NIES-298, which is a microcystin-producing strain isolated from Lake Kasumigaura, Japan, is published here. The genome comprises approximately 5.0 Mbp, with an average G+C content of 42.6% and 4,537 predicted protein-coding genes.
Draft Genome Sequences of Eight
Staphylococcus aureus
Strains Isolated during Foodborne Outbreaks
Authors: Abaev Igor , Skryabin Yury , Kislichkina Angelina , Bogun Alexandr , Korobova Olga , Dyatlov Ivan
Published: January 2018

We report here the draft genome sequences of eight
Staphylococcus aureus
strains isolated during three large food poisoning outbreaks in the Russian Federation. The strains were collected from clinical specimens and various foodstuff samples.
Draft Genome Sequence of a Trimethylamine-Producing
Staphylococcus
Isolate from Blood of a Coronary Atherosclerotic Heart Disease Patient
Authors: Yu Xue , Kang Ying-Qian , Ji Fusui
Published: January 2018

Trimethylamine (TMA), which is produced by various bacteria, is associated with heart disease, but little information about the production of TMA in blood is available. We present here the genome sequence of a multidrug-resistant strain,
Staphylococcus epidermidis
bTMA-013, with a TMA synthesis pathway, which was isolated from the blood of a coronary atherosclerotic heart disease patient.
Complete Genome Sequence of
Xanthomonas citri
pv.
anacardii
Strain IBSBF2579 from Brazil
Authors: Silva Junior Wilson José , Farias Antonio Roberto Gomes , Lima Nelson Bernardi , Benko-Iseppon Ana Maria , Aburjaile Flávia , Balbino Valdir Queiroz , Falcão Raul Maia , Leitão Paiva Júnior Sérgio de Sa , Sousa-Paula Lucas Christian , Mariano Rosa Lima Ramos , Souza Elineide Barbosa , Gama Marco Aurélio Siqueira
Published: January 2018

The bacterium
Xanthomonas citri
pv.
anacardii
is the agent of angular leaf spot of the cashew tree (
Anacardium occidentale
L.). The complete genome sequencing of the strain IBSBF2579 was done on an Illumina HiSeq 2500 platform. The
de novo
assembly of the
X. citri
pv.
anacardii
strain IBSBF2579 genome yielded 133 contigs, with a size of 5,329,247 bp and a G+C content of 64.03%. The prediction was performed by GeneMarkS and the automatic annotation by Rapid Annotations using Subsystems Technology (RAST), with 4,406 identified genes.
Whole-Genome Sequence of Human Rhinovirus C47, Isolated from an Adult Respiratory Illness Outbreak in Butte County, California, 2017
Authors: Pan Chao-Yang , Padilla Tasha , Yagi Shigeo , Lewis Linda S. , Ng Terry Fei Fan , Marine Rachel L. , Nix William Allan , Wadford Debra A.
Published: January 2018

Here, we report the full coding sequence of rhinovirus C47 (RV-C47), obtained from a patient respiratory sample collected during an acute respiratory illness investigation in Butte County, California, in January 2017. This is the first whole-genome sequence of RV-C47 to be reported.
Cross-sectional epidemiology of hearing loss in Australian children aged 11–12 years old and 25-year secular trends
Authors: Wang Jing , le Clercq Carlijn M P , Sung Valerie , Carew Peter , Liu Richard S , Mensah Fiona K , Burt Rachel A , Gold Lisa , Wake Melissa
Published: January 2018

Objective

In a national study of Australian children aged 11–12 years old, we examined the (1) prevalence and characteristics of hearing loss, (2) its demographic risk factors and (3) evidence for secular increases since 1990.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional CheckPoint wave within the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children. 1485 children (49.8% retention; 49.7% boys) underwent air-conduction audiometry. Aim 1: hearing loss (≥16 decibels hearing level (dB HL)) was defined in four ways to enable prior/future comparisons: high Fletcher Index (mean of 1, 2 and 4 kHz; primary outcome relevant to speech perception), four-frequency (1, 2, 4 and 8 kHz), lower frequency (1 and 2 kHz) and higher frequency (4 and 8 kHz); aim 2: logistic regression of hearing loss by age, gender and disadvantage index; and aim 3: P for trend examining CheckPoint and reported prevalence in studies arranged by date since 1990.

Results

For high Fletcher Index, the prevalence of bilateral and unilateral hearing loss ≥16 dB HL was 9.3% and 13.3%, respectively. Slight losses (16–25 dB HL) were more prevalent than mild or greater (≥26 dB HL) losses (bilateral 8.5% vs 0.8%; unilateral 12.5% vs 0.9%), and lower frequency more prevalent than higher frequency losses (bilateral 11.0% vs 6.9%; unilateral 15.4% vs 11.5%). Demographic characteristics did not convincingly predict hearing loss. Prevalence of bilateral/unilateral lower and higher frequency losses ≥16 dB HL has risen since 1990 (all P for trend <0.001).

Conclusions and relevance

Childhood hearing loss is prevalent and has risen since 1990. Future research should investigate the causes, course and impact of these changes.
Understanding the informational needs of patients with IPF and their caregivers: ‘You get diagnosed, and you ask this question right away, what does this mean?’
Authors: Ramadurai Deepa , Corder Stephanie , Churney Tara , Graney Bridget , Harshman Andrea , Meadows Sarah , Swigris Jeffrey J
Published: January 2018

Background

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive, incurable lung disease whose intrusive symptoms rob patients of their quality of life. Patients with IPF rely on their caregivers for support and assistance in amounts that vary according to patients’ individual circumstances and disease severity. Knowledgeable and well-informed patients and caregivers are best suited to deal with life-altering conditions like IPF.

Methods

We conducted two hour-long focus groups with 13 patients with IPF and 4 caregivers of patients with IPF to better understand their informational needs and in what format such information should be delivered.

Results

Patients discussed the challenges IPF creates in their daily lives. They wanted information on how to live well despite having IPF, practical information on how they could remain active and travel and how they could preserve their quality of life despite living with a life-threatening disease like IPF. Caregivers wanted information on the general aspects of IPF, because it would help them understand what patients were going through. They also wanted specific information on how to give care to a patient with IPF, even when physical care may not be needed (as in earlier phases of the disease). Patients and caregivers both needed efficient information delivery from trustworthy sources, including the healthcare team involved in their care. They considered both spoken and written information valuable, and ease of access was critical.

Conclusion

This study provides valuable insight regarding the informational needs of IPF patients and their caregivers. It is hoped that identifying or creating sources of this information, and insuring that patients and caregivers have access to it, will improve well-being for patients with IPF and their caregivers.
Practical guide for the comparison of two next-generation sequencing systems for solid tumour analysis in a universal healthcare system
Authors: Maxwell Perry , Hynes Seán O , Fuchs Marc , Craig Stephanie , McGready Claire , McLean Fiona , McQuaid Stephen , James Jacqueline , Salto-Tellez Manuel
Published: January 2018

Aims

Although there have been excellent reports in the literature of validating next-generation sequencing, comparisons between two systems are not often published due to cost and time. We set out to establish that targetable mutations could be reliably detected with different gene panels and different chemistries using a common bioinformatics pipeline for meaningful comparisons to be made.

Methods

After running selected formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded samples through QPCR, Sanger sequencing and the 50 gene hotspot v2 panel from Life Technologies to determine standard-of-care variants, we compared the Oncomine panel from Life Technologies performed on a Personal Genome Machine (PGM) and the eight-gene actionable panel from Qiagen performed on a MiSeq platform. We used a common bioinformatics program following the creation of respective VCF files.

Results

Both panels were accurate to above 90%, the actionable panel workflow was easier to perform but the lowest effective starting DNA load was obtained on the Oncomine workflow at 4 ng. Such minimal DNA can help with samples where there is limited material such as those for lung cancer molecular studies. We also discuss gene panel content and propose that increasing the gene profile of a panel will not benefit clinical laboratories where standard-of-care testing is all that is required.

Conclusions

Once recognised, it may be cost-effective for such laboratories to begin validation with an appropriate bioinformatics pipeline for targeted multigene hotspot molecular testing.
Duchenne muscular dystrophy: genome editing gives new hope for treatment
Authors: Crispi Vassili , Matsakas Antonios
Published: January 2018

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive wasting disease of skeletal and cardiac muscles, representing one of the most common recessive fatal inherited genetic diseases with 1:3500–1:5000 in yearly incidence. It is caused by mutations in the DMD gene that encodes the membrane-associated dystrophin protein. Over the years, many have been the approaches to management of DMD, but despite all efforts, no effective treatment has yet been discovered. Hope for the development of potential therapeutics has followed the recent advances in genome editing and gene therapy. This review gives an overview to DMD and summarises current lines of evidence with regard to treatment and disease management alongside the appropriate considerations.