bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The labs (learning as behaviors) framework for higher-order learning
Authors: Rigolizzo Michele
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to greater conceptual clarity on the topic of higher-order learning, and to enable its potential empirical measurement. It includes a framework to show how this ability is developed by engaging in specific learning behaviors, each of which constitutes its own level of learning.

Design/methodology/approach

Three criteria are used to develop the framework. Each learning behavior should lead to a change in long-term memory, should have empirical support for leading to a defined learning outcome, and should be applicable to workplace learning.

Findings

The Learning As Behaviors (LABS) framework presents three novel propositions. Four key learning behaviors of taking on a challenge, attending to information, forming meaningful connections, and practicing with feedback are required to engage in higher-order learning. There is an optimal order to the learning behaviors. Any one individual is unlikely to be motivated to engage in all four learning behaviors.

Research limitations/implications

The clear definitions and elaborated LABS framework provide a potential new means for empirical research. The learning behaviors provided are directly observable behaviors, each with its own measurable learning outcome.

Originality/value

Historically, engaging in higher-order learning has been presented as a choice that is plagued by psychological forces of self-defense, ego and image management. This paper extends that view by presenting higher-order learning as a domain-specific ability to derive fundamental principles and patterns through critical reflection. It also develops three novel propositions that lend insight into the barriers that employees face as they engage in workplace learning.
Tensions in collaborative innovation projects and higher-level learning
Authors: Marcandella Elise , Guèye Khoudia
Published: April 2018

Purpose

Ensuring collaboration between partners involved in a collaborative innovation project is a challenge for project managers. This paper aims to highlight how taking a high-level learning approach can represent a managerial lever. In addition, it analyzes the impact of learning tensions in a partnership context.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper focuses on an explorative, longitudinal and in-depth analysis of the Innovative Solutions in Urban Systems project via a qualitative single-case study. The research is inductive and based on data from the field rather than a deductive application of theory.

Findings

Collaborative innovation projects represent a high-level learning case. Activity theory is suited to studying the dynamics of learning in collaborative innovation projects. Tensions can fertilize the front-end of collaborative innovation projects.

Research limitations/implications

Because of the chosen research approach, the research results may be difficult to generalize. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to test the conceptual framework further.

Practical implications

This article provides a framework for managing tensions in collaborative innovation projects. The results provide also a process to implement all criteria of sustainable development in these projects.

Social implications

This article highlights to what extent collaborative relations can be developed between participants through a questionnaire with social responsibility attributes. The questionnaire allows to foster participants’ trust.

Originality/value

This approach is original because the authors consider that situations exist that, by definition, belong to “higher-order learning”. Through a case study, they propose a framework to manage this situation.
Cutis laxa in a patient with 1p36 deletion syndrome
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Wang Jian , li Niu , Yao Ruen , Chen Ji
Published: April 2018

Chromosome 1p36 deletion is the most common subtelomeric deletion syndrome characterized by variable features including unique facial appearance, intellectual disability, developmental delay, cardiac defects, seizures and hypotonia. Here, we report a patient with developmental delay, dilated cardiomyopathy, seizures, hirsutism and cutis laxa who was diagnosed with 1p36 deletion syndrome by chromosome microarray analysis. This patient is the first reported case of 1p36 deletion syndrome associated with cutis laxa and our results suggest that the 1p36 region contains one or more genes relevant to cutis laxa. This case also indicates the importance of considering chromosome abnormalities (microdeletion/microduplication syndromes) in patients presenting skin disorders combined with unexplained developmental delay, intellectual disability or multiple congenital abnormalities.
Histamine catabolism in Pseudomonas putida U: identification of the genes, catabolic enzymes and regulators
Authors: de la Torre Manuel , Gómez‐Botrán José L. , Olivera Elías R. , Bermejo Francisco , Rodríguez‐Morán Joaquín , Luengo José M.
Published: April 2018

In this study, the catabolic pathway required for the degradation of the biogenic amine histamine (Hin) was genetically and biochemically characterized in Pseudomonas putida U. The 11 proteins (HinABCDGHFLIJK) that participate in this pathway are encoded by genes belonging to three loci hin1, hin2 and hin3 and by the gene hinK. The enzymes HinABCD catalyze the transport and oxidative deamination of histamine to 4‐imidazoleacetic acid (ImAA). This reaction is coupled to those of other well‐known enzymatic systems (DadXAR and CoxBA‐C) that ensure both the recovery of the pyruvate required for Hin deamination and the genesis of the energy needed for Hin uptake. The proteins HinGHFLKIJ catalyze the sequential transformation of ImAA to fumaric acid via N2‐formylisoasparagine, formylaspartic acid and aspartic acid. The identified Hin pathway encompasses all the genes and proteins (transporters, energizing systems, catabolic enzymes and regulators) needed for the biological degradation of Hin. Our work was facilitated by the design and isolation of genetically engineered strains that degrade Hin or ImAA and of mutants that accumulate Ala, Asp and Hin catabolites. The implications of this research with respect to potential biotechnological applications are discussed.
Plant potassium nutrition in ectomycorrhizal symbiosis: properties and roles of the three fungal TOK potassium channels inHebeloma cylindrosporum
Authors: Guerrero‐Galán Carmen , Delteil Amandine , Garcia Kevin , Houdinet Gabriella , Conéjéro Geneviève , Gaillard Isabelle , Sentenac Hervé , Zimmermann Sabine Dagmar
Published: April 2018

Ectomycorrhizal fungi play an essential role in the ecology of boreal and temperate forests through the improvement of tree mineral nutrition. Potassium (K+) is an essential nutrient for plants and is needed in high amounts. We recently demonstrated that the ectomycorrhizal fungusHebeloma cylindrosporumimproves the K+nutrition ofPinus pinasterunder shortage conditions. Part of the transport systems involved in K+uptake by the fungus has been deciphered, while the molecular players responsible for the transfer of this cation towards the plant remain totally unknown. Analysis of the genome ofH. cylindrosporumrevealed the presence of three putative tandem‐pore outward‐rectifying K+(TOK) channels that could contribute to this transfer. Here, we report the functional characterization of these three channels through two‐electrode voltage‐clamp experiments in oocytes and yeast complementation assays. The expression pattern and physiological role of these channels were analysed in symbiotic interaction withP. pinaster. Pine seedlings colonized by fungal transformants overexpressing two of them displayed a larger accumulation of K+in shoots. This study revealed that TOK channels have distinctive properties and functions in axenic and symbiotic conditions and suggested thatHcTOK2.2 is implicated in the symbiotic transfer of K+from the fungus towards the plant.
NovelKdrmutations (K964R and A943V) in pyrethroid‐resistant populations ofTriatoma mazzottiiandTriatoma longipennisfrom Mexico and detoxifying enzymes
Authors: Davila‐Barboza Jesus , Villanueva‐Segura O. Karina , Lopez‐Monroy Beatriz , Ponce‐Garcia Gustavo , Bobadilla‐Utrera Cristina , Montes‐Rincon Mayela , Molina‐Garza Zinnia J. , Arredondo‐Jimenez Juan I. , Rodriguez‐Sanchez Iram P. , Manrique‐Saide Pablo C. , Flores Adriana E.
Published: April 2018

Although having five different ways of transmission the vector‐borne is the principal way of transmission of Chagas disease, which involves insects of the subfamily Triatominae (Hemiptera: Reduviidae). Nineteen of the 31 species that occur in Mexico are associated with humans, and all are capable of transmitting the disease. Pyrethroids are the insecticides recommended for the control of these vectors in Mexico. We determined the susceptibility to the pyrethroids deltamethrin and permethrin of peridomestic populations ofTriatoma mazzottiiUsinger and two populations ofTriatoma longipennisUsinger in comparison with a reference strain for each species. Bioassays were performed for the determination of the LD50for both field populations and reference strains. A maximum of 27 fold resistance to deltamethrin was observed inT. mazzottii, meanwhile, for permethrin,T. longipennisfrom Jalisco show the highest value of 3.19 fold. There was significantly increased activity of esterases in field populations in comparison with their corresponding reference strain. The results of the search ofkdrmutations related to the resistance to deltamethrin and permethrin in the evaluated species show the presence of mutations in the field populations, as is the case with individuals ofT. mazzottii, for which the mutation was found A943V, and for the two populations ofT. longipennisincluded in this study, we report the presence of thekdrmutation K964R. Evaluation of the various mechanisms involved in resistance to pyrethroids in triatomines from Mexico could guide us to the real justification for insecticide resistance monitoring.
Influence of large joint involvement on patient–physician discordance in global assessment of rheumatoid arthritis disease activity analyzed by a novel joint index
Authors: Tago Mayu , Sawada Tetsuji , Nishiyama Susumu , Tahara Koichiro , Kato Eri , Hayashi Haeru , Mori Hiroaki , Nishino Jinju , Matsui Toshihiro , Tohma Shigeto
Published: April 2018

Objectives

The discordance between patient global assessment (PGA) and physician global assessment (PhGA) of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease activity may be problematic in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to identify determinants of this discordance using a nationwide RA database in Japan (NinJa) with special attention to large joint involvement.

Methods

We investigated 12 043 adults with RA and used a discordance cutoff of 3 cm. Large joint involvement was investigated using novel joint indices (x, y, z), where x and y were the indices for upper and lower joints, respectively, and z was for large joint predominance. Predictors of PGA‐PhGA discordance and determinants of PGA and PhGA were analyzed by multivariate logistic and linear regression models, respectively.

Results

Multivariate logistic regression identified age, pain and high modified Health Assessment Questionnaire score as predictors of positive discordance (PGA ≥ PhGA), whereas parameters of disease activity in RA (C‐reactive protein, x and y), class 3–4 functional status, and z were found to predict against positive discordance. Linear regression analysis revealed that PGA was mainly determined by pain, whereas PhGA was determined by various other factors.

Conclusions

RA care providers should focus on pain and functional disability to decrease PGA‐PhGA discordance. High disease activity and large joint involvement decreased PGA‐PhGA discordance, indicating that the number and distribution of affected joints influenced the perception of disease activity by patients with RA and their physicians.
‘An ant against an elephant’: Retirement village residents’ experiences of disputes and dispute resolution
Authors: Malta Sue , Williams Susan B , Batchelor Frances A
Published: April 2018

Objective

To record Victorian retirement village residents’ experiences of dispute management and satisfaction levels related to dispute resolution processes.

Methods

Survey distributed to 6500 retirement village residents.

Results

Surveys returned from 1876 residents (29% return rate). Most residents rated life in retirement villages as positive (mean 7.9/10), with an association between life satisfaction and management's ability to resolve disputes (rs = 0.44, P < 0.01). Almost 70% of respondents reported issues of concern to management were resolved satisfactorily; 38% were not resolved to residents’ satisfaction. One‐fifth reported contacting regional managers or higher personnel regarding issues affecting them, with two‐thirds of these respondents reporting a negative outcome. Over 30% did not know if their village had dispute resolution processes in place.

Conclusion

Despite finding retirement village life positive, residents of retirement villages found disputes and dispute resolution processes unsatisfactory and desired change to address these concerns.
“Many Seasons Ago”: Slavery and Its Rejection among Foragers on the Pacific Coast of North America
Authors: Wengrow David , Graeber David
Published: April 2018

Anthropologists have traditionally classified foragers on the Pacific coast of North America into two major culture areas, characterized by strikingly different social and ethical systems. These are “California” and the adjacent “Northwest Coast.” Foragers in the northern part of California exhibit many elements of Weber's “Protestant ethic,” such as the moral injunction for community leaders to work hard, seek spiritual purpose by introspection, and pursue monetary wealth while avoiding material excess. By contrast, the social organization of Northwest Coast foragers bears comparison with that of courtly estates in medieval Europe, where a leisured class of nobles achieved status through hereditary ranking, competitive banquets, dazzling aesthetic displays, and the retention of household slaves captured in war. Remarkably, the coexistence of two such clearly opposed value systems among foragers inhabiting adjacent parts of the Pacific littoral has excited little interest in anthropologists, historians, or archaeologists to date. We consider the implications, which cast doubt on some key orthodoxies concerning the nature of culture areas, modes of subsistence, and political evolution. We argue that the political creativity of foraging peoples has been severely underrated. [hunter‐gatherers, slavery, schizmogenesis, culture areas, North America]
Echocardiography and cardiovascular MRI entwined within the imaging domain; uniting the two. A compendium for the echocardiographer
Authors: Shah Moneal B. , Doyle Mark , Farah Victor , Biederman Robert W. W.
Published: April 2018

A review of the unique and complementary roles echocardiography and cardiovascular MRI provide to the clinician. A focus on the physics of each modality as well as imaging of the left ventricle.
Inhibitory effect of Thai propolis on human osteoclastogenesis
Authors: Wimolsantirungsri Nattaporn , Makeudom Anupong , Louwakul Phumisak , Sastraruji Thanapat , Chailertvanitkul Pattama , Supanchart Chayarop , Krisanaprakornkit Suttichai
Published: April 2018

Background/Aim

Avulsed teeth should be immediately replanted into the socket or otherwise kept in a physiologic storage medium to maintain periodontal ligament cell viability. A previous study has demonstrated that Thai propolis extract can maintain viability of human periodontal ligament cells. However, root resorption by osteoclasts often occurs when the avulsed teeth are replanted. The aim of this study was to determine the inhibitory effect of Thai propolis extract on human osteoclastogenesis in vitro.

Materials and methods

Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated for osteoclast precursors and cultured in the presence or absence of various non‐toxic concentrations of propolis extract, as determined by the alamarBlue® assay, during in vitro induction of osteoclastogenesis. Osteoclast formation was examined by tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase staining, actin ring formation, and real‐time polymerase chain reaction. The resorption pit assay was performed to determine osteoclast function.

Results

Non‐toxic concentrations of propolis extract suppressed osteoclast formation by significantly decreasing the percentages of tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase‐positive multinuclear cells and the ratios of cells with F‐actin ring formation (P < .01) in a dose‐dependent fashion. Expression of several osteoclast‐specific genes was significantly downregulated by propolis in a dose‐dependent manner (P < .05). The percentages of resorption areas on dentin slices were significantly decreased by propolis (P < .05).

Conclusions

Thai propolis can inhibit human osteoclast formation and function, which may be beneficial for prevention of root resorption following replantation of avulsed teeth.
The energetics of fish growth and how it constrains food‐web trophic structure
Authors: Barneche Diego R. , Allen Andrew P.
Published: April 2018

The allocation of metabolic energy to growth fundamentally influences all levels of biological organisation. Here we use a first‐principles theoretical model to characterise the energetics of fish growth at distinct ontogenetic stages and in distinct thermal regimes. Empirically, we show that the mass scaling of growth rates follows that of metabolic rate, and is somewhat steeper at earlier ontogenetic stages. We also demonstrate that the cost of growth, Em, varies substantially among fishes, and that it may increase with temperature, trophic level and level of activity. Theoretically, we show that Em is a primary determinant of the efficiency of energy transfer across trophic levels, and that energy is transferred more efficiently between trophic levels if the prey are young and sedentary. Overall, our study demonstrates the importance of characterising the energetics of individual growth in order to understand constraints on the structure of food webs and ecosystems.
Effect of chitosan on the preservation quality of sugarcane silage
Authors: Del Valle T. A. , Zenatti T. F. , Antonio G. , Campana M. , Gandra J. R. , Zilio E. M. C. , de Mattos L. F. A. , de Morais J. G. P.
Published: April 2018

We aimed to evaluate the effects of chitosan and microbial inoculant addition to sugarcane silage fermentation, gas and effluent losses, chemical composition, in situ dry matter (DM), neutral detergent fibre (NDF) degradation and aerobic stability. A completely randomized design with four treatments (n = 40) was performed. It was arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial scheme with chitosan [0 and 6 g/kg of sugarcane DM—1.66 g/kg of natural matter (NM)] and microbial inoculant (0 and 8 mg/kg on NM). Each g of inoculant contained 3.9 × 1010 UFC/g of Pediococcus acidilactici and 3.75 × 1010 UFC/g of Propionibacterium acidicipropionici. The addition of microbial inoculant increased lactic acid concentration in silos treated with chitosan. Furthermore, chitosan increased pH and tended to increase acetic acid of silage. In contrast, the inoculant decreased pH and acetic acid, besides increasing ethanol concentration. As chitosan addition increased DM recovery, inoculant addition decreased it. Chitosan decreased NDF and acid detergent fibre (ADF) level and increased DM degradation, while inoculant decreased DM content, DM and NDF degradation. In addition, chitosan improved the aerobic stability only in non‐inoculated silos. Thus, chitosan has a positive effect on silage fermentation, reducing fermentative losses, and improving silage chemical composition and degradation. Conversely, the addition of microbial inoculant negatively affected silage DM recovery, chemical composition, and its association with chitosan decreased the aerobic stability when compared to the exclusive use of chitosan.
Lactobacillus casei starter culture improves vitamin content, increases acidity and decreases nitrite concentration during sauerkraut fermentation
Authors: Du Renpeng , Song Gang , Zhao Dan , Sun Jian , Ping Wenxiang , Ge Jingping
Published: April 2018

To investigate the effects of Lactobacillus casei on Chinese sauerkraut fermentation, L. casei 11MZ‐5‐1 was inoculated into Chinese sauerkraut. Physicochemical indexes were measured, and the microbial dynamics during the fermentation were analysed by quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR) and polymerase chain reaction‐denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR‐DGGE). The result showed that inoculation with L. casei 11MZ‐5‐1 lowered the pH of the fermentation system more rapidly than in the control model (CK). The content of vitamin C (VC) (44.64 ± 2.12 mg kg−1) was higher and nitrite (under 0.76 mg kg−1) was lower than CK (P < 0.05). The numbers of 16S rRNA gene copies in the experimental model (BA) were lower than in CK at the end fermentation time. According to the PCR‐DGGE analyses, 22 and 17 specific bands were detected in CK and BA, respectively. L. paracasei and L. casei were predominant during the fermentation in BA. The relative abundance and diversity indices of bacteria in BA were 8.23 ± 0.25 and 2.01 ± 0.06, respectively, lower than in the CK (P < 0.05). So, the L. casei 11MZ‐5‐1 inoculations could effectively inhibit the microbial diversity in the fermentation system. The fermented cabbage with L. casei 11MZ‐5‐1 was more favourably estimated by consumers in terms of colour, crispness, sourness, aroma, bitterness, stink, stale flavour and overall acceptability.
IFNβ inhibits the development of allergen tolerance and is conducive to the development of asthma on subsequent allergen exposure
Authors: Fear Vanessa S , Poh Wee Peng , Gorman Shelley , Waithman Jason C , Fear Mark W
Published: April 2018

Asthma is a chronic disease affecting up to 10% of the Australian population for which medical treatment is solely aimed at relief of symptoms rather than prevention of disease. Evidence from animal and human studies demonstrates a strong link between viral respiratory infections, atopy and the development of asthma. Type I IFNs include IFNα and IFNβ, with subtype expression tailored toward the specific viral infection. We hypothesized that exposure to type I IFNs and allergen may interfere with the healthy response to innocuous airway antigen exposure. In this study, we use an ovalbumin (OVA)‐induced BALB/c model of experimental allergic airways disease, where pre‐exposure of the airways to OVA is protective against allergen sensitization, leading to allergen tolerance. We investigated airways pre‐exposure with OVA and type I IFNs on development of allergic airways disease. We demonstrate restoration of allergic airways disease on pre‐exposure with allergen and IFNβ, and not IFNα. Dysfunction in tolerance led to changes in dendritic cell antigen capture/traffic, T‐cell and B‐cell responses. Furthermore, exposure to IFNβ with ongoing allergen exposure led to the development of hallmark asthma features, including OVA‐specific IgE and airways eosinophilia. Data indicate a role for IFNβ in linking viral infection and allergy.
Free‐moving artificial eggs containing temperature loggers reveal remarkable within‐clutch variance in incubation temperature
Authors: Hope Sydney F. , DuRant Sarah E. , Hallagan John J. , Beck Michelle L. , Kennamer Robert A. , Hopkins William A.
Published: April 2018

Incubation is a crucial aspect of avian parental care and measuring incubation temperature in the wild can improve our understanding of life history tradeoffs and inform conservation efforts. However, there are challenges associated with measuring the temperature of eggs in natural nests. Most studies to date have measured incubation temperature by using a single, stationary logger in each nest. However, real eggs are rotated and moved throughout the nest by the parent during the incubation period, and thus, a stationary logger may not accurately represent the temperature experienced by individual eggs within the entire clutch. We recorded incubation temperature in nests by using multiple, mobile artificial egg temperature loggers. We installed six mobile loggers and one stationary logger in wood duck Aix sponsa nests to compare the two logger types in the field. We found that at a given ambient temperature, mobile loggers recorded lower average and more variable temperatures than stationary loggers. Further, temperatures recorded by stationary loggers showed no relationship with clutch size, while mobile loggers captured temperatures that were lower and more variable as clutch size increased. Also, the multiple mobile loggers revealed that eggs within a nest experienced a substantial range of temperatures throughout the incubation period. We discuss potential limitations of this method, but believe that it is a promising way to collect biologically‐relevant incubation temperature data and provides an opportunity to advance our understanding of incubation temperature as a parental effect.
An experimental test of the effect of food and antioxidants on blue‐green eggshell coloration in mountain bluebirds Sialia currucoides
Authors: Randall Jeannine A. , Dawson Russell D.
Published: April 2018

Evolutionary biologists have long debated the functional relevance of the ornamental traits that occur in many animal taxa, and yet, female ornaments have received relatively little attention compared to those produced by males. A greater understanding of these traits, particularly those that are unique to females, may shed light on the potential for sexual selection to shape female phenotypes. Recently, blue‐green eggshell colour, derived from the antioxidant pigment biliverdin, has been proposed as a candidate trait that advertises female quality to males in species of birds with biparental care. However, studies have been equivocal in their support for blue‐green eggshell colour being an informative signal, and correlations between eggshell colour and other female characteristics have been inconsistent. We conducted a supplementation experiment to test if improving the access of female birds to food resources and micronutrients, thereby improving their condition prior to egg laying, would intensify the blue‐green colouration of the eggs they laid. We provided mountain bluebirds Sialia currucoides with food and carotenoids during nest building and egg laying in two breeding seasons, and assessed both within‐ and among‐clutch variation in colour. Supplementation did not affect patterns of within‐clutch variation, but did result in differences in colour among clutches. Specifically, we found that food, but not carotenoids, resulted in higher colour saturation, and decreased the brightness of blue‐green eggshells. Although this trend was observed in both years, the effect was statistically significant only in one year. Our results suggest that food supplementation influences eggshell colour, but that conditions, such as weather and natural food availability, which can vary annually, may also determine how female birds allocate pigment to eggshells.
Self‐report assessment of severe periodontitis: Periodontal screening score development
Authors: Carra Maria Clotilde , Gueguen Alice , Thomas Frédérique , Pannier Bruno , Caligiuri Giuseppina , Steg Philippe Gabriel , Zins Marie , Bouchard Philippe
Published: April 2018

Aim

To derive from a validated questionnaire a periodontal screening score (PESS), intended as a user‐friendly tool to identify individuals at risk of periodontitis in epidemiological studies.

Methods

A French 12‐item self‐reported questionnaire was developed by translating English questions previously used for periodontitis screening and surveillance. After a cognitive evaluation, the questionnaire was validated in a sample of 232 individuals (mean age: 46.1 ± 12.6 years) receiving full‐mouth periodontal examination, including probing pocket depth and clinical attachment level recordings. Case definition was based on the American Academy of Periodontology/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria. Logistic regression analyses and C‐statistics were used to assess the validity and accuracy of the questionnaire and to develop the PESS.

Results

The sample was constituted of 109 individuals with severe periodontitis, who were compared with 123 individuals with no/moderate periodontitis. The questionnaire had moderate‐to‐high accuracy in identifying severe cases; the PESS (calculated on five self‐report items, age, and smoking) showed a sensitivity of 78.9% and a specificity of 74.8%, with an area under the receiver operating characteristics curve of 0.821.

Conclusion

The PESS represents a valuable and accurate tool to screen for severe periodontitis at the population level.
Selected bio‐physical factors affecting the efficiency of Bifidobacterium animalis lactis and Lactobacillus delbrueckii bulgaricus to degrade aflatoxin M1 in artificially contaminated milk
Authors: Namvar Rad Maryam , Razavilar Vadood , Anvar Seyed Amir Ali , Akbari‐Adergani Behrouz
Published: April 2018

This study investigated the ability of Bifidobacterium animalis lactis and Lactobacillus delbrueckii bulgaricus at concentrations of 108 and 109 cfu/ml to detoxify skim milk that was contaminated with 0.25 ng/ml, 0.5 mg/ml, and 0.75 mg/ml aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) at 30 min, 60 min, 120 min, and 24 hr, and at 4 and 37 °C. The maximum level of AFM1 binding to 1 × 108 cfu/ml of L. bulgaricus was 57.5 ± 5.2% at 37 °C. Both strains showed the degrading potential to reduce AFM1 concentrations and, thus, could be used as starter cultures to detoxify milk. Furthermore, the temperature, bacteria concentration, and vitality have more significant influence on AFM1 binding in contaminated milk than other indices. The results indicated that Bifidobacterium lactis and Lactobacillus bulgaricus could be used as beneficial probiotics to decrease the destructive properties of AFM1 to consumers exposed to AFM1‐contaminated milk.

Practical applications

The upcoming demands are to embrace probiotic strains that have documented beneficial health effects for the consumer. Bifidobacterium animalis lactis and Lactobacillus delbrueckii bulgaricus can be used as probiotic to bind selected dietary contaminants particularly AFM1 in milk by binding the toxin or enzymatic detoxification. The optimum results will be gained while the probiotic will be added to the milk at 4 °C and early stage of the exposure especially at 30 min.
Health‐related correlates of psychological well‐being among girls and boys 6–8 years of age: The Physical Activity and Nutrition in Children study
Authors: Ikävalko Tiina , Lehto Soili , Lintu Niina , Väistö Juuso , Eloranta Aino‐Maija , Haapala Eero A , Vierola Anu , Myllykangas Riitta , Tuomilehto Henri , Brage Soren , Pahkala Riitta , Närhi Matti , Lakka Timo A
Published: April 2018

Aim

Due to limited knowledge on the differences in the correlates of psychological well‐being (PSWB) between girls and boys, we compared the correlates of PSWB between primary school girls and boys.

Methods

A population sample of 412 children participated in the Physical Activity and Nutrition in Children study. Parents completed a questionnaire that included 19 questions on the components of PSWB, and a PSWB score was computed. We assessed correlates of PSWB, including physical activity, sedentary behaviour, cardiorespiratory fitness, diet quality, body fat content, sleep duration, sleep disordered breathing, prevalent diseases and parental characteristics. We used logistic regression to analyse the risk of being in the lowest third of the PSWB scores.

Results

Low parental education was associated with increased risk (odds ratio (OR) 2.34, P = 0.039) and high cardiorespiratory fitness with decreased risk (OR 0.26, P = 0.006) of poor PSWB in girls. At least 2 h of screen‐based sedentary behaviour per day (OR 1.93, P = 0.037), daily parental smoking (OR 2.10, P = 0.034) and sleep disordered breathing (OR 4.24, P = 0.003) were related to increased risk of poor PSWB in boys.

Conclusions

There are large differences in the correlates of PSWB between girls and boys. Most of these correlates are modifiable and related to the health behaviour of children and their parents.
Mapping the spatial disparities in urban health care services using taxi trajectories data
Authors: Chen Yimin , Wang Beibei , Liu Xiaoping , Li Xia
Published: April 2018

The understanding of spatial inequality in health care services is critical for reasonable policy‐making and management. In this study, we present a novel approach to analyze the demand–supply of health care services using taxi data. Taxi data provide observations of individual travel activities, and hence can be used to characterize the actual demand–supply of health care services. We apply the proposed approach in Guangzhou, China to carry out a case study. The results show the spatial disparities in health care service access. About 21.05% of the total population has high hospital accessibility, while the remaining 78.95% has relatively low hospital accessibility (i.e., roughly an “80/20” distribution). It is found that 6.29% of the population lives in high‐density suburban communities but has relatively low hospital accessibility. Most of the hospitals serve a population that is compatible with their capacity. One hospital is found to have a small capacity but to serve a large population, while two hospitals have relatively high capacities but serve small populations. These findings can help improve our understanding of spatial inequalities in public service provision, and may also provide useful information to address the health care problems of an aging population in contemporary, rapidly urbanizing China.
HEAT GENERATION AND ABSORPTION IN MHD FLOW OF CASSON FLUID PAST A STRETCHING WEDGE WITH VISCOUS DISSIPATION AND NEWTONIAN HEATING
Authors: Ullah Imran , Shafie Sharidan , Khan Ilyas
Published: April 2018

The dissipative flow of Casson fluid in the presence of heat generation and absorption is investigated. The flow is induced due to stretching wedge. The similarity transformations were used to to transformed the governing equations into ordinary differential equations. The transformed equations are solved numerically via Keller-box method. Numerical results for skin friction coefficient are compared and found in excellent agreement with published results. The effects of pertinent parameters on velocity and temperature profiles as well as skin friction and heat transfer rate are graphically displayed and analyzed. It is noticed that fluid velocity drops with the increase of Casson fluid and magnetic parameters when the wedge is stretching faster than free stream. It is also noted that the heat transfer rate at wedge surface reduces with the increase of Eckert number, whereas the reverse trend is noted in the case of Casson and radiation parameters. Moreover, with increasing of heat generation or absorption parameter the fluid temperature rises.
Lower-Extremity Kinematics Differed Between a Controlled Drop-Jump and Volleyball-Takeoffs
Authors: Beardt Bradley S. , McCollum Myranda R. , Hinshaw Taylour J. , Layer Jacob S. , Wilson Margaret A. , Zhu Qin , Dai Boyi
Published: April 2018

Previous studies utilizing jump-landing biomechanics to predict anterior cruciate ligament injuries have shown inconsistent findings. The purpose of this study was to quantify the differences and correlations in jump-landing kinematics between a drop-jump, a controlled volleyball-takeoff, and a simulated-game volleyball-takeoff. Seventeen female volleyball players performed these 3 tasks on a volleyball court, while 3-dimensional kinematic data were collected by 3 calibrated camcorders. Participants demonstrated significantly increased jump height, shorter stance time, increased time differences in initial contact between 2 feet, increased knee and hip flexion at initial contact and decreased peak knee and hip flexion for both left and right legs, and decreased knee–ankle distance ratio at the lowest height of midhip for the 2 volleyball-takeoffs compared with the drop-jump (P < .05, Cohen’s dz ≥ 0.8). Significant correlations were observed for all variables between the 2 volleyball-takeoffs (P < .05, ρ ≥ .6) but were not observed for most variables between the drop-jump and 2 volleyball-takeoffs. Controlled drop-jump kinematics may not represent jump-landing kinematics exhibited during volleyball competition. Jump-landing mechanics during sports-specific tasks may better represent those exhibited during sports competition and their associated risk of anterior cruciate ligament injury compared with the drop-jump.
Domain Specific Life Satisfaction in the Dual Careers of Junior Elite Football Players: The Impact of Role Strain
Authors: van Rens Fleur E.C.A. , Borkoles Erika , Farrow Damian , Polman Remco C.J.
Published: April 2018

Using a holistic perspective on athlete talent development, this study examines the impact of role strain on the life satisfaction in various life domains of junior elite Australian Rules Football players. One hundred and twelve talent-identified male Australian Rules Football players (Mage = 16.8; SD = .71) completed measures of role strain and multidimensional life satisfaction. The results indicated that role strain explained twelve to twenty-four percent of the variance in life satisfaction in the players’ life domains. Experiences of role strain related to the players’ dual careers were associated with decreased life satisfaction in sport, friendships, family, yourself, and global life satisfaction domains. Situations in which the players perceived that their abilities were underutilized were also negatively associated with life satisfaction across various life domains. This study thus evidences the importance of a domain specific, holistic approach to investigate the life satisfaction in junior athletes’ dual careers.
Flotation REST as a Stress Reduction Method: The Effects on Anxiety, Muscle Tension, and Performance
Authors: Börjesson Marcus , Lundqvist Carolina , Gustafsson Henrik , Davis Paul
Published: April 2018

The purpose of the study was to investigate the influence of flotation REST upon skilled and less skilled golfers’ anxiety in terms of physiological indicators of stress, self-rated anxiety scores, muscle tension, and the effect on golf putting. Prior to performing the putting task participants underwent a treatment of flotation REST or a period of resting in an armchair. Participants completed both treatments in a randomized order with a two-week interval. The results showed that both flotation REST and the armchair treatment reduced systolic blood pressure and heart rate, with no differences between treatments or athlete skill levels. No significant differences between treatments were revealed regarding self-ratings, level of muscle tension or putting precision. The results indicate that flotation REST may be useful for reducing negative symptoms related to stress and anxiety in general; however, no support for direct positive effects on golf performance were found.
A School-Based Physical Activity and Motor Development Program for Low-Fit Adolescent Females: The Sport4Fun Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Andruschko Jodie , Okely Anthony D. , Pearson Phil
Published: April 2018

This study examined the feasibility and potential efficacy of a multi-faceted secondary school–based intervention among low-fit adolescent females. The Sport4Fun program was designed to promote physical activity participation, fundamental movement skill proficiency, perceived physical competence, and enjoyment of physical activity in secondary school students. The intervention consisted of three components including two practical components—weekly movement skill activities for 90 min during compulsory school sport and sports-based activities for 60 min after school (non-compulsory) for 6 months—and one theoretical component—three 15-min theory sessions completed during homeroom (or roll call) time per week. The control group participated in their regular school activities. Compared with females in the control group, those in the intervention group showed a greater increase in total weekday accelerometer counts per min (adjusted difference, 77.49; 95% CI, 8.21–132.77; p = .03; Cohen’s d = 1.26). The difference in total fundamental movement skill components mastered favored the intervention group but was not statistically significant (adjusted difference, 1.48; 95% CI, −1.21–4.17; p = .26, Cohen’s d = 0.48). Targeting fundamental movement skills may be a potentially novel and motivating way to promote activity among low-fit adolescent girls; however, challenges in recruitment and implementation warrant further investigation before adopting this approach more broadly.
New connections: Cytokines learn to share
Authors: Foley John F.
Published: April 2018

Computational modeling provides insights into the consequences for T cells of having a shared receptor subunit for different cytokines.
Systematic Review, Meta-analysis, and Network Meta-analysis of the Cardiovascular Safety of Macrolides
Authors: Gorelik Einat , Masarwa Reem , Perlman Amichai , Rotshild Victoria , Muszkat Mordechai , Matok Ilan
Published: April 2018

Studies reporting an increased risk for cardiac toxicities with macrolide antibiotics have raised concern regarding their cardiovascular safety. We sought to assess the cardiac safety of macrolide antibiotics as a class and of the individual agents by conducting a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched up to February 2018 for studies reporting on cardiovascular outcomes with macrolides. We followed the PRISMA 2009 guidelines for data selection and extraction. Outcomes were pooled using random-effects models and odds ratios (OR), and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for arrhythmia, cardiovascular death, and myocardial infarction (MI). A total of 33 studies and data on 22,601,032 subjects were retrieved and included in the current meta-analyses. Macrolide use was not associated with the risk of arrhythmia or cardiovascular mortality. In the primary analysis, macrolide use was associated with a small but statistically significant 15% increase in risk for MI (OR = 1.15 [95% CI, 1.01 to 1.30]). In indirect network meta-analysis, erythromycin and clarithromycin were ranked considerably more likely to be associated with a higher risk for MI and significantly associated with increased risk of MI compared to azithromycin (OR = 1.58 [95% CI, 1.18 to 2.11] and OR = 1.41 [95% CI, 1.11 to 1.81], respectively). Our findings indicate that macrolide antibiotics as a group are associated with a significant risk for MI but not for arrhythmia and cardiovascular mortality. Among the macrolides, erythromycin and clarithromycin were associated with a greater risk of MI. However, it is possible that the association between macrolide use and risk of MI is the result of residual confounding.
Avibactam Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Targets
Authors: Nichols Wright W. , Newell Paul , Critchley Ian A. , Riccobene Todd , Das Shampa
Published: April 2018

Avibactam is a novel non-β-lactam β-lactamase inhibitor that has been approved in the United States and Europe for use in combination with ceftazidime. Combinations of avibactam with aztreonam or ceftaroline fosamil have also been clinically evaluated. Until recently, there has been very little precedence of which pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) indices and magnitudes are appropriate to use for β-lactamase inhibitors in population PK modeling for analyzing potential doses and susceptibility breakpoints. For avibactam, several preclinical studies using different
in vitro
and
in vivo
models have been conducted to identify the PK/PD index of avibactam and the magnitude of exposure necessary for effect in combination with ceftazidime, aztreonam, or ceftaroline fosamil. The PD driver of avibactam critical for restoring the activity of all three partner β-lactams was found to be time dependent rather than concentration dependent and was defined as the time that the concentration of avibactam exceeded a critical concentration threshold (%
f
T>C
T
). The magnitude of the C
T
and the time that this threshold needed to be exceeded to elicit particular PD endpoints varied depending on the model and the partner β-lactam. This review describes the preclinical studies used to determine the avibactam PK/PD target in combination with its β-lactam partners.
The Geographic Structure of Viruses in the Cuatro Ciénegas Basin, a Unique Oasis in Northern Mexico, Reveals a Highly Diverse Population on a Small Geographic Scale
Authors: Taboada B. , Isa P. , Gutiérrez-Escolano A. L. , del Ángel R. M. , Ludert J. E. , Vázquez N. , Tapia-Palacios M. A. , Chávez P. , Garrido E. , Espinosa A. C. , Eguiarte L. E. , López S. , Souza V. , Arias C. F.
Published: April 2018

The Cuatro Ciénegas Basin (CCB) is located in the Chihuahuan desert in the Mexican state of Coahuila; it has been characterized as a site with high biological diversity despite its extreme oligotrophic conditions. It has the greatest number of endemic species in North America, containing abundant living microbialites (including stromatolites and microbial mats) and diverse microbial communities. With the hypothesis that this high biodiversity and the geographic structure should be reflected in the virome, the viral communities in 11 different locations of three drainage systems, Churince, La Becerra, and Pozas Rojas, and in the intestinal contents of 3 different fish species, were analyzed for both eukaryotic and prokaryotic RNA and DNA viruses using next-generation sequencing methods. Double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) virus families were the most abundant (72.5% of reads), followed by single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) viruses (2.9%) and ssRNA and dsRNA virus families (0.5%). Thirteen families had dsDNA genomes, five had ssDNA, three had dsRNA, and 16 had ssRNA. A highly diverse viral community was found, with an ample range of hosts and a strong geographical structure, with very even distributions and signals of endemicity in the phylogenetic trees from several different virus families. The majority of viruses found were bacteriophages but eukaryotic viruses were also frequent, and the large diversity of viruses related to algae were a surprise, since algae are not evident in the previously analyzed aquatic systems of this ecosystem. Animal viruses were also frequently found, showing the large diversity of aquatic animals in this oasis, where plants, protozoa, and archaea are rare.

IMPORTANCE
In this study, we tested whether the high biodiversity and geographic structure of CCB is reflected in its virome. CCB is an extraordinarily biodiverse oasis in the Chihuahuan desert, where a previous virome study suggested that viruses had followed the marine ancestry of the marine bacteria and, as a result of their long isolation, became endemic to the site. In this study, which includes a larger sequencing coverage and water samples from other sites within the valley, we confirmed the high virus biodiversity and uniqueness as well as the strong biogeographical diversification of the CCB. In addition, we also analyzed fish intestinal contents, finding that each fish species eats different prey and, as a result, presents different viral compositions even if they coexist in the same pond. These facts highlight the high and novel virus diversity of CCB and its “lost world” status.