bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Meta‐analysis of digital game and study characteristics eliciting physiological stress responses
Authors: van der Vijgh Benny , Beun Robbert‐Jan , Van Rood Maarten , Werkhoven Peter
Published: May 2015

Digital games have been used as stressors in a range of disciplines for decades. Nonetheless, the underlying characteristics of these stressors and the study in which the stressor was applied are generally not recognized for their moderating effect on the measured physiological stress responses. We have therefore conducted a meta‐analysis that analyzes the effects of characteristics of digital game stressors and study design on heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, in studies carried out from 1976 to 2012. In order to assess the differing quality between study designs, a new scale is developed and presented, coined reliability of effect size. The results show specific and consistent moderating functions of both game and study characteristics, on average accounting for around 43%, and in certain cases up to 57% of the variance found in physiological stress responses. Possible cognitive and physiological processes underlying these moderating functions are discussed, and a new model integrating these processes with the moderating functions is presented. These findings indicate that a digital game stressor does not act as a stressor by virtue of being a game, but rather derives its stressor function from its characteristics and the methodology in which it is used. This finding, together with the size of the associated moderations, indicates the need for a standardization of digital game stressors.
Effects of environmental and farm stress on abalone physiology: perspectives for abalone aquaculture in the face of global climate change
Authors: Morash Andrea J. , Alter Katharina
Published: May 2015

Many abalone farms are reliant on coastal water inputs which are subject to fluctuations in environmental variables such as temperature, oxygen, CO2 and salinity. Near future climate change scenarios predict that there will be more frequent extreme weather events which can exacerbate these fluctuations and potentially be deleterious to farmed abalone where these variables remain largely uncontrolled. In this review, we have taken an in depth examination of current literature on the effects of environmental stress on abalone physiology and metabolism and how this affects their health and growth. In conjunction, we have also reviewed the effects of farm‐specific stressors such as ammonia, stocking density, handling, nutrition and disease and the synergistic effects of these and environmental stressors on abalone physiology. We have identified currents gaps in our knowledge of this under‐studied species and have made predictions on the effects of climate change on future abalone production with suggestions for future research. In summary, it is expected that abalone will show reduced growth rates as more energy is invested in combating stresses rather than growth. Furthermore, disease outbreaks may become more frequent with greater fluctuations in temperature and salinity, both of which have large‐scale effects on immunity. The current body of knowledge is mainly on whole animal effects of stresses, but we know very little of their mechanistic foundation. Research in this area as well as investments in infrastructure will be pivotal in identifying and implementing strategic interventions to maintain a sustainable abalone industry in Australia.
“The Dose Makes the Poison”: Informing Consumers About the Scientific Risk Assessment of Food Additives
Authors: Bearth Angela , Cousin Marie‐Eve , Siegrist Michael
Published: May 2015

Intensive risk assessment is required before the approval of food additives. During this process, based on the toxicological principle of “the dose makes the poison,ˮ maximum usage doses are assessed. However, most consumers are not aware of these efforts to ensure the safety of food additives and are therefore sceptical, even though food additives bring certain benefits to consumers. This study investigated the effect of a short video, which explains the scientific risk assessment and regulation of food additives, on consumers’ perceptions and acceptance of food additives. The primary goal of this study was to inform consumers and enable them to construct their own risk‐benefit assessment and make informed decisions about food additives. The secondary goal was to investigate whether people have different perceptions of food additives of artificial (i.e., aspartame) or natural origin (i.e., steviolglycoside). To attain these research goals, an online experiment was conducted on 185 Swiss consumers. Participants were randomly assigned to either the experimental group, which was shown a video about the scientific risk assessment of food additives, or the control group, which was shown a video about a topic irrelevant to the study. After watching the video, the respondents knew significantly more, expressed more positive thoughts and feelings, had less risk perception, and more acceptance than prior to watching the video. Thus, it appears that informing consumers about complex food safety topics, such as the scientific risk assessment of food additives, is possible, and using a carefully developed information video is a successful strategy for informing consumers.
Chondroitin Sulfate Accelerates Trans‐Golgi‐to‐Surface Transport of Proteoglycan Amyloid Precursor Protein
Authors: Mihov Deyan , Raja Eva , Spiess Martin
Published: May 2015

The amyloid precursor protein (APP) is a membrane protein implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. APP is a part‐time proteoglycan, as splice variants lacking exon 15 are modified by a chondroitin sulfate glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chain. Investigating the effect of the GAG chain on the trafficking of APP in non‐polarized cells, we found it to increase the steady‐state surface‐to‐intracellular distribution, to reduce the rate of endocytosis and to accelerate transport kinetics from the trans‐Golgi network (TGN) to the plasma membrane. Deletion of the cytosolic domain resulted in delayed surface arrival of GAG‐free APP, but did not affect the rapid export kinetics of the proteoglycan form. Protein‐free GAG chains showed the same TGN‐to‐cell surface transport kinetics as proteoglycan APP. Endosome ablation experiments were performed to distinguish between indirect endosomal and direct pathways to the cell surface. Surprisingly, TGN‐to‐cell surface transport of both GAG‐free and proteoglycan APP was found to be indirect via transferrin‐positive endosomes. Our results show that GAGs act as alternative sorting determinants in cellular APP transport that are dominant over cytoplasmic signals and involve distinct sorting mechanisms.
Automated isolation of primary antigen‐specific T cells from donor lymphocyte concentrates: results of a feasibility exercise
Authors: Bunos M. , Hümmer C. , Wingenfeld E. , Sorg N. , Pfirrmann V. , Bader P. , Seifried E. , Bönig H.
Published: May 2015

Background

The safety and clinical efficacy of adoptive transfer of prospectively isolated antigen‐specific T cells are well established. Several competing selection methods are available, one of which is based on immunomagnetic enrichment of T cells secreting IFNγ after incubation with the relevant antigen. The proprietary, GMP‐conforming selection technology, called ‘cytokine capture system’ (CCS) is established in many laboratories for the CliniMACS Plus system. It is robust and efficient, but labour‐intensive and incompatible with a single‐shift working schedule. An automatic immunomagnetic cell processing system, CliniMACS Prodigy (‘Prodigy’), including a protocol for fully automatic CCS execution was recently released.

Material and methods

Feasibility of clinical‐scale CMV‐specific T‐cell selection using Prodigy was evaluated using leukoapheresis products from five healthy CMV sero‐positive volunteers. Clinical reagents and consumables were used throughout.

Results

The process required no operator input beyond set‐up and QC‐sample collection, that is, feasibility was given. An IFNγ‐secreting target T‐cell population was detectable after stimulation, and >2 log‐scale relative depletion of not CMV‐reactive T cells in the target population was achieved. Purity, that is the frequency of CMV‐reactive T cells among all CD3+ cells ranged between 64 and 93%.

Conclusion

The CCS protocol on Prodigy is unrestrictedly functional. It runs fully automatically beyond set‐up and thus markedly reduces labour. The quality of the products generated is similar to products generated with CliniMACS Plus. The automatic system is thus suitable for routine clinical application.
Groundwater salinisation on atoll islands after storm‐surge flooding: modelling the influence of central topographic depressions
Authors: Chui Ting Fong May , Terry James P.
Published: May 2015

Fresh groundwater lenses (FGLs) are of utmost importance for human survival on small and isolated atolls. This article examines saline damage to atoll FGLs from wave washover caused by storm surge and studies the particular influence of central topographic depressions (CTDs). We model storm surge over atoll islets of contrasting widths (400 and 800 m), both with and without CTDs of various sizes. Three key findings emerge. First, under equilibrium undisturbed conditions, the CTD slightly reduces the size of the FGL compared to atoll islets without this feature. Second, during marine flooding, prior saturated conditions at the base of a CTD impede seawater infiltration into the substrate, thereby limiting saline damage in that location. Third and most crucial, however, the amount of salt accumulated within the CTD is significant, ranging from 2 to 10 times higher than the net subsurface infiltration during the period of the storm inundation.
Experimental hepatocyte xenotransplantation—a comprehensive review of the literature
Authors: Zhou Huidong , Liu Hong , Ezzelarab Mohamed , Schmelzer Eva , Wang Yi , Gerlach Jörg , Gridelli Bruno , Cooper David K. C.
Published: May 2015

Hepatocyte transplantation (Tx) is a potential therapy for certain diseases of the liver, including hepatic failure. However, there is a limited supply of human livers as a source of cells and, after isolation, human hepatocytes can be difficult to expand in culture, limiting the number available for Tx. Hepatocytes from other species, for example, the pig, have therefore emerged as a potential alternative source. We searched the literature through the end of 2014 to assess the current status of experimental research into hepatocyte xenoTx. The literature search identified 51 reports of in vivo cross‐species Tx of hepatocytes in a variety of experimental models. Most studies investigated the Tx of human (n = 23) or pig (n = 19) hepatocytes. No studies explored hepatocytes from genetically engineered pigs. The spleen was the most common site of Tx (n = 23), followed by the liver (through the portal vein [n = 6]) and peritoneal cavity (n = 19). In 47 studies (92%), there was evidence of hepatocyte engraftment and function across a species barrier. The data provided by this literature search strengthen the hypothesis that xenoTx of hepatocytes is feasible and potentially successful as a clinical therapy for certain liver diseases, including hepatic failure. By excluding vascular structures, hepatocytes isolated from genetically engineered pig livers may address some of the immunological problems of xenoTx.
Investigation of Impact Profile and Isolation Effect in Automated Impact Device Design and Control for Operational Modal Analysis
Authors: Ong Z. C. , Lee C. C.
Published: May 2015

A novel modal analysis technique called impact-synchronous modal analysis (ISMA) was introduced in previous research. With the utilization of impact-synchronous time averaging (ISTA), this modal analysis can be performed in presence of ambient forces whereas the conventional analysis method requires machines to be totally shut down. However, lack of information of phase angles with respect to impact in ISMA has caused it to be labor-intensive and time-consuming. An automated impact device (AID) is introduced in this study in the effort to replace the manually operated impact hammer and prepare it to be used in the current practice of ISMA on the purpose of enhancing its effectiveness and practicability. Impact profile and isolation effect are noted to be the contributing parameters in this study. This paper devoted on calibrating and controlling of the AID which gives the desired impact profiles as compared to the manual impact hammer. The AID is found effective in the determination of dynamic characteristics when the device is isolated from the boundary condition of the test structure.
Initialization of Identification of Fractional Model by Output-Error Technique
Authors: Khadhraoui Abir , Jelassi Khaled , Trigeassou Jean-Claude , Melchior Pierre
Published: May 2015

A bad initialization of output-error (OE) technique can lead to an inappropriate identification results. In this paper, we introduce a solution to this problem; the basic idea is to estimate the parameters and the fractional order of the noninteger system by a new approach of least-squares (LS) method based on repeated fractional integration to initialize OE technique. It will be shown that LS method offers a good initialization to OE algorithm and leads to acceptable identification results. The performance of the proposed method is shown through numerical simulation examples.
Reliability of Force Application to Instrumented Climbing Holds in Elite Climbers
Authors: Donath Lars , Wolf Peter
Published: May 2015

Multiaxial force sensors were applied to measure interaction forces during dynamic movements, such as climbing. When interaction forces are interpreted, minimal detectable changes, typical errors, and coefficients of variation of related performance metrics should be quantified. Thus, the presented study evaluated absolute and relative between-trial reliability with and without previous familiarization trials. Eleven Swiss elite climbers (5 females, 6 males) were tested during 2 repetitive climbing sequences (including 4 instrumented holds: 2 crimps, 1 undercling, 1 sloper). To ensure comparable relative intensity, females climbed at 20°, 25°, 30°, 25°, and 20° wall inclination, while males climbed at 25°, 30°, 35°, 30°, and 25°. Contact time, maximal resultant force, mean resultant force, impulse, and the number of load changes were analyzed at the lowest inclination. Acceptable to good between-trial reliability was found for nearly all holds and performance metrics. Performance analyses after 5 minutes of familiarization on the unknown boulder, which equals up to 3 trials, yielded to higher variability compared with performance analyses after several familiarization trials. Accordingly, the majority of absolute and relative reliability data improved after familiarization trails. Thus, to be detectable, interventional changes have to exceed higher biological variability during on-sight conditions than during red-point conditions.
Associations Between Reasons to Go Outdoors and Objectively-Measured Walking Activity in Various Life-Space Areas Among Older People
Authors: Tsai Li-Tang , Rantakokko Merja , Viljanen Anne , Saajanaho Milla , Eronen Johanna , Rantanen Taina , Portegijs Erja
Published: May 2015

This cross-sectional study investigated associations between reasons to go outdoors and objectively-measured walking activity in various life-space areas among older people. During the study, 174 community-dwelling older people aged 75–90 from central Finland wore an accelerometer over seven days and recorded their reasons to go outdoors in an activity diary. The most common reasons for going outdoors were shopping, walking for exercise, social visits, and running errands. Activities done in multiple life-space areas contributed more to daily step counts than those done in the neighborhood or town and beyond. Those who went shopping or walked for exercise accumulated higher daily step counts than those who did not go outdoors for these reasons. These results show that shopping and walking for exercise are common reasons to go outdoors for community-dwelling older people and may facilitate walking activity in older age. Future studies on how individual trips contribute to the accumulation of steps are warranted.
Soil and human security in the 21st century
Authors: Amundson Ronald , Berhe Asmeret Asefaw , Hopmans Jan W. , Olson Carolyn , Sztein A. Ester , Sparks Donald L.
Published: May 2015

Global soil resources under stress

The future of humanity is intertwined with the future of Earth's soil resources. Soil provides for agriculture, improves water quality, and buffers greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Yet human activities, including agricultural soil erosion, are rapidly degrading soil faster than it is naturally replenished. At this rate, human security over the next century will be severely threatened by unsustainable soil management practices. Amundson
et al.
review recent advances in understanding global soil resources, including how carbon stored in soil responds to anthropogenic warming. Translating this knowledge into practice is the biggest challenge remaining.

Science
, this issue
10.1126/science.1261071
Japan's ‘NIH’ starts with modest funding but high ambitions
Authors: Normile Dennis
Published: May 2015

Key priority is filling nation's sparse drug pipeline.
When modern birds took flight
Authors: Balter Michael
Published: May 2015

Feathered fossils from China show that modern birds could fly and wade earlier than expected.
Italy's olives under siege
Authors: Stokstad Erik
Published: May 2015

Blight alarms officials across Europe.
Saving California's calves
Authors: Chen Ingfei
Published: May 2015

After a half-century of research, scientists find a promising solution to mysterious abortions in beef cattle.
Advancing the promise of genomic medicine
Authors: MacArthur Daniel , Van Allen Eliezer
Published: May 2015

Genomic technologies present powerful tools with the potential to diagnose, treat, and elucidate the underpinnings of human disease. Technological advances have allowed researchers and clinicians to apply novel approaches and gain statistical power to delve more deeply and broadly into our genomes than ever before, enabling them to discover associations between genomic variants and disease phenotypes that were previously beyond our reach. In this webinar, we will explore how genomics is currently being applied to characterize rare disease and cancer, highlight recent advances in these respective areas, and look toward the future to predict what is needed to positively impact human health.

View the Webinar
44
Ti gamma-ray emission lines from SN1987A reveal an asymmetric explosion
Authors: Boggs S. E. , Harrison F. A. , Miyasaka H. , Grefenstette B. W. , Zoglauer A. , Fryer C. L. , Reynolds S. P. , Alexander D. M. , An H. , Barret D. , Christensen F. E. , Craig W. W. , Forster K. , Giommi P. , Hailey C. J. , Hornstrup A. , Kitaguchi T. , Koglin J. E. , Madsen K. K. , Mao P. H. , Mori K. , Perri M. , Pivovaroff M. J. , Puccetti S. , Rana V. , Stern D. , Westergaard N. J. , Zhang W. W.
Published: May 2015

Stellar metals shine toward our eyes only

Taking a different look at a familiar star may still yield surprises. Boggs
et al.
trained the x-ray vision of the NuSTAR observatory on the well-studied supernova 1987A. Core-collapse explosions such as SN 1987A produce a titanium isotope,
44
Ti, whose radioactive decay yields hard x-ray emission lines. All the emission associated with 44Ti appears to be from material moving toward us, with none moving away. This implies that the explosion was not symmetric. These findings help to explain the mechanics of SN 1987A and of core-collapse supernovae in general.

Science
, this issue p.
670
Engineering of a light-gated potassium channel
Authors: Cosentino Cristian , Alberio Laura , Gazzarrini Sabrina , Aquila Marco , Romano Edoardo , Cermenati Solei , Zuccolini Paolo , Petersen Jan , Beltrame Monica , Van Etten James L. , Christie John M. , Thiel Gerhard , Moroni Anna
Published: May 2015

An optogenetic tool to silence neurons

Potassium channels in the cell membrane open and close in response to molecular signals to alter the local membrane potential. Cosentino
et al.
linked a light-responsive module to the pore of a potassium channel to build a genetically encoded channel called BLINK1 that is closed in the dark and opens in response to low doses of blue light. Zebrafish embryos expressing BLINK1 in their neurons changed their behavior in response to blue light.

Science
, this issue p.
707
Long-term measles-induced immunomodulation increases overall childhood infectious disease mortality
Authors: Mina Michael J. , Metcalf C. Jessica E. , de Swart Rik L. , Osterhaus A. D. M. E. , Grenfell Bryan T.
Published: May 2015

Extra dividends from measles vaccine

Vaccination against measles has many benefits, not only lifelong protection against this potentially serious virus. Mina
et al.
analyzed data collected since mass vaccination began in high-income countries when measles was common. Measles vaccination is associated with less mortality from other childhood infections. Measles is known to cause transient immunosuppression, but close inspection of the mortality data suggests that it disables immune memory for 2 to 3 years. Vaccination thus does more than safeguard children against measles; it also stops other infections taking advantage of measles-induced immune damage.

Science
, this issue p.
694
Adhesion and friction in mesoscopic graphite contacts
Authors: Koren Elad , Lörtscher Emanuel , Rawlings Colin , Knoll Armin W. , Duerig Urs
Published: May 2015

Using friction to guide fabrication

Ultralow friction found in certain layered materials such as graphite is important in the construction of nanomechanical devices. Korenet al.combined measurements and modeling to characterize the interaction of sliding graphite planes (see the Perspective by Liechti). This helped them to make small graphite devices that featured rotational pivots and multiple locking positions.

Science, this issue p.679
A synthetic Mn
4
Ca-cluster mimicking the oxygen-evolving center of photosynthesis
Authors: Zhang Chunxi , Chen Changhui , Dong Hongxing , Shen Jian-Ren , Dau Holger , Zhao Jingquan
Published: May 2015

Mimicking the oxygen evolution center

Making a synthetic analog of plant photosynthesis is a key goal for exploiting solar energy and replacing fossil fuels. Zhang
et al.
synthesized a manganese-calcium cluster that looks and acts like the oxygen evolution center in photosystem II (see the Perspective by Sun). The mimic structurally resembles the biological complex, with the notable exception of bridging protein ligands and water-binding sites on a dangling Mn atom. Functionally, however, the cluster's metal center readily undergoes four redox transitions, which contribute to splitting water into oxygen. This and other synthetic mimics will pave the way for developing more efficient catalysts for artificial photosynthesis.

Science
, this issue p.
690
; see also p.
635
Creating and probing electron whispering-gallery modes in graphene
Authors: Zhao Yue , Wyrick Jonathan , Natterer Fabian D. , Rodriguez-Nieva Joaquin F. , Lewandowski Cyprian , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Levitov Leonid S. , Zhitenev Nikolai B. , Stroscio Joseph A.
Published: May 2015

A circular route to confine electrons

Physical barriers are used to confine waves. Whether it is harbor walls for sea waves, a glass disk for light, or the “whispering gallery” circular chamber walls in St. Paul's Cathedral for sound, the principle of confinement—reflection—is the same. Zhao
et al.
used that same principle to confine electrons in a nanoscale circular cavity in graphene. Periodic patterns within the cavity were associated with an electronic wave version of whispering gallery modes. The tunability of the cavity size may provide a route for the manipulation of electrons in graphene and similar materials.

Science
, this issue p.
672
Cross-Reactivity, Epitope Spreading, andDe NovoImmune Stimulation Are Possible Mechanisms of Cross-Protection of Nonvaccine Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Types in Recipients of HPV Therapeutic Vaccines
Authors: Nakagawa Mayumi , Greenfield William , Moerman-Herzog Andrea , Coleman Hannah N.
Published: May 2015

Numerous versions of human papillomavirus (HPV) therapeutic vaccines designed to treat individuals with established HPV infection, including those with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), are in development because approved prophylactic vaccines are not effective once HPV infection is established. As human papillomavirus 16 (HPV-16) is the most commonly detected type worldwide, all versions of HPV therapeutic vaccines contain HPV-16, and some also contain HPV-18. While these two HPV types are responsible for approximately 70% of cervical cancer cases, there are other high-risk HPV types known to cause malignancy. Therefore, it would be of interest to assess whether these HPV therapeutic vaccines may confer cross-protection against other high-risk HPV types. Data available from a few clinical trials that enrolled subjects with CINs regardless of the HPV type(s) present demonstrated clinical responses, as measured by CIN regression, in subjects with both vaccine-matched and nonvaccine HPV types. The currently available evidence demonstrating cross-reactivity, epitope spreading, andde novoimmune stimulation as possible mechanisms of cross-protection conferred by investigational HPV therapeutic vaccines is discussed.
Regulation of Latent Membrane Protein 1 Signaling through Interaction with Cytoskeletal Proteins
Authors: Holthusen Kirsten , Talaty Pooja , Everly David N.
Published: May 2015

Latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) induces constitutive signaling in EBV-infected cells to ensure the survival of the latently infected cells. LMP1 is localized to lipid raft domains to induce signaling. In the present study, a genome-wide screen based on bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) was performed to identify LMP1-binding proteins. Several actin cytoskeleton-associated proteins were identified in the screen. Overexpression of these proteins affected LMP1-induced signaling. BiFC between the identified proteins and LMP1 was localized to lipid raft domains and was dependent on LMP1-induced signaling. Proximity biotinylation assays with LMP1 induced biotinylation of the actin-associated proteins, which were shifted in molecular mass. Together, the findings of this study suggest that the association of LMP1 with lipid rafts is mediated at least in part through interactions with the actin cytoskeleton.

IMPORTANCE
LMP1 signaling requires oligomerization, lipid raft partitioning, and binding to cellular adaptors. The current study utilized a genome-wide screen to identify several actin-associated proteins as candidate LMP1-binding proteins. The interaction between LMP1 and these proteins was localized to lipid rafts and dependent on LMP1 signaling. This suggests that the association of LMP1 with lipid rafts is mediated through interactions with actin-associated proteins.
The possibility of lifestyle and biological risk markers to predict morbidity and mortality in a cohort of young men after 26 years follow-up
Authors: Persson Lars-Göran , Lingfors Hans , Nilsson Mats , Mölstad Sigvard
Published: May 2015

Objectives

To study the association between lifestyle and biological risk markers measured at one occasion, morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer, and morbidity from diabetes approximately 26 years later.

Design

A follow-up study of a cohort of men, 33–42 years old at baseline.

Setting

Primary healthcare centre in Sweden.

Participants

All 757 men, living in the community of Habo in Sweden in 1985, and all 652 of these participating in a health examination in 1985–1987.

Interventions

Health profile and a health dialogue with a nurse. A doctor invited the high-risk group to further dialogue and examination. Intervention programmes were carried out in the primary healthcare centre and in cooperation with local associations.

Main outcome measures

CVD and cancer diagnoses from the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare. Data from pharmacy registers of sold drugs concerning diabetes mellitus.

Results

The participants were divided in three groups based on summarised risk points from lifestyle (smoking, physical activity, alcohol consumption) and biological risk markers (body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, serum cholesterol) selected from the health profile. Comparisons were done between these groups. The group with the lowest summarised total risk points had a significantly lower risk for CVD and cancer compared with the group with the highest summarised risk points. The group with the lowest risk points concerning lifestyle had a significantly lower risk for CVD, and the group with lowest risk points for biological risk markers had a significantly lower risk for both CVD and cancer compared with the groups with the highest risk points. Smoking and serum cholesterol were the most important risk factors. In association to diabetes, BMI and smoking were the most important risk factors.

Conclusions

Risk factors measured on one occasion seemed to be able to predict CVD, cancer and diabetes 26 years later.
Are two youth-focused interventions sufficient to empower youth with chronic health conditions in their transition to adult healthcare: a mixed-methods longitudinal prospective cohort study
Authors: Gorter Jan Willem , Stewart Deb , Cohen Eyal , Hlyva Oksana , Morrison Andrea , Galuppi Barb , Nguyen Tram , Amaria Khush , Punthakee Zubin
Published: May 2015

Objectives

To assess use, utility and impact of transition interventions designed to support and empower self-management in youth with chronic health conditions during transition into adult healthcare.

Design

A 4-year mixed-method prospective cohort study.

Setting

2 academic paediatric hospitals (13 clinics) in Canada.

Participants

50 adolescents (42% male; mean age 17.9±0.9 years; 20 underlying diagnoses) with transfer to adult care planned within 1 year.

Interventions

The Youth KIT (an organisational tool that includes goal setting activities); an online transition mentor.

Main outcome measures

Frequency of use, utility and impact of the transition interventions; goal achievement; post-transfer qualitative interviews with youth.

Results

50 participants were enrolled during their last year of paediatric care; 36 (72%) were followed into adult care. All participants had access to the transition interventions from enrolment until the end of the study (exposure time: 12–47 months). Most youth (85%) reported using the medical/health section of the Youth KIT at least once; 20 (40%) participants engaged in chats with the mentor. The overall perceived utility of both interventions was modest; the Youth KIT received the highest ratings for ‘help with goal setting’: (mean (SD): 4.2 (2.3)) on a 7-point Likert scale. 45 (90%) participants set 294 transition goals. Goal achievement performance and satisfaction increased over time (p≤0.001). The qualitative evidence revealed reasons behind the variability in use and utility of the interventions, the interconnectedness of life-course and healthcare transitions, and the need for stronger partnerships between paediatric and adult healthcare systems.

Conclusions

Participants’ perceptions about the utility of the Youth KIT and the online mentor were modest. Transition supports need to be carefully tailored, timed and integrated into healthcare systems. Individualised goal setting may be an important ‘active ingredient’ in optimising transition supports and outcomes. Interventions that focus on youth only are insufficient for empowering self-management.
Patients with overlap autoimmune disease differ from those with ‘pure’ disease
Authors: Lockshin Michael D , Levine Alana B , Erkan Doruk
Published: May 2015

Objective

To determine frequency, demographic and treatment characteristics of patients with an overlapping second autoimmune illness (2nd AI).

Methods

We analysed two cohorts containing 897 patients with ‘pure’ systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Sjögren's syndrome or antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and 424 patients with one of these diagnoses plus at least one 2nd AI.

Results

A 2nd AI occurred in 38% of all patients diagnosed as having SLE (with or without a 2nd AI), 30% with RA, 52% with Sjögren's syndrome and 43% with APS. Compared to those without 2nd AI, patients with 2nd AI differ in age, sex, race and treatment at last visit.

Intepretation

These differences may have important implications for understanding treatments, outcomes and mechanisms of SLE and related diseases.
The Trevo XP 3×20 mm retriever (‘Baby Trevo’) for the treatment of distal intracranial occlusions
Authors: Haussen Diogo C , Lima Andrey , Nogueira Raul G
Published: May 2015

Objective

To report our single-center initial experience using the Trevo XP ProVue Retriever 3×20 mm (‘Baby Trevo’) for distal intracranial occlusions.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of our interventional database for consecutive patients who underwent treatment for acute ischemic stroke with the Baby Trevo device between February and December 2014.

Results

Of 134 patients treated during the study period, 8 underwent treatment with the Baby Trevo for distal occlusions. Their mean age was 51±20 years, 5 (62.5%) were male, mean baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale was 19±5. The mean interval between the time the patient was last-known normal to groin puncture was 527±285 min, and the overall procedural length was 110±26 min. Intra-arterial tissue plasminogen activator was used in 5 (62.5%) cases. The device was used for a total of 10 branches: five middle cerebral artery (four superior M3 and one inferior M3), three anterior cerebral arteries (two pericallosal and one callosomarginal), and two posterior cerebral arteries (one P2 and one P3) occlusions. All patients achieved complete recanalization of the artery targeted by the Baby Trevo (arterial occlusive lesion 3). Good capillary reperfusion (TICI 2b–3) was noted in 6 (75%) cases. One pass was performed in 7 vessels and 2 passes in three branches. Vasospasm was noted in 5 (62.5%) of the vessels and fully responded to intra-arterial vasodilator infusion. Follow-up MRI revealed no infarct within the territory vascularized by the artery targeted by the Baby Trevo in 4 cases, partial infarct in 5, and complete infarct in 1. Two patients had parenchymal hematomas (one PH1 and one PH2). No vessel perforations, dissections, or subarachnoid hemorrhage were noted.

Conclusions

Our initial data suggest that treatment of distal cerebrovascular occlusions with the Trevo XP 3×20 mm Retriever is feasible. Although this device emerges as a promising technology for small and tortuous distal intracranial vessels, larger studies are still necessary to establish its safety and clinical benefit.
Mechanical dyssynchrony is additive to ECG criteria and independently associated with reverse remodelling and clinical response to cardiac resynchronisation therapy in patients with advanced heart failure
Authors: Bank Alan J , Gage Ryan M , Marek Josef J , Onishi Toshinari , Burns Kevin V , Schwartzman David , Saba Samir , Gorcsan John
Published: May 2015

Background

QRS duration and morphology are known established predictors of cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) response, whereas mechanical dyssynchrony is not. Our aim was to determine if mechanical dyssynchrony provides independent prognostic information on CRT response.

Methods

We studied 369 consecutive patients with heart failure (HF) with low ejection fraction (EF) and widened QRS receiving CRT. Radial dyssynchrony (septal-posterior radial peak strain delay ≥130 ms by speckle tracking) assessment was possible in 318 patients (86%). Associations with left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV) changes were examined using linear regression, and clinical outcomes analysed using Cox regression adjusted for multiple established outcome correlates.

Results

Patients with radial dyssynchrony before CRT (64%) had greater improvements in EF (8.8±9.4 vs 6.1±9.7 units, p=0.04) and LVESV (−30±41 vs −10±30 mL, p<0.01). Radial dyssynchrony was independently associated with reduction in LVESV (regression coefficient −10.5 mL, 95% CI −20.5 to −0.5, p=0.040) as was left bundle-branch block (−17.7 mL, −27.6 to −7.7, p=0.001). Patients with radial dyssynchrony had a 46% lower incidence of death, transplant or implantation of a left ventricular assist device (adjusted HR 0.54, 95% CI 0.31 to 0.92, p=0.02) and a 39% lower incidence of death or HF hospitalisation (0.61, 0.40 to 0.93, p=0.02) over 2 years.

Conclusions

Radial dyssynchrony was associated with significant improvements in LVESV and clinical outcomes following CRT and is independent of QRS duration or morphology, and additive to current ECG selection criteria to predict response to CRT.
Clinical profile of childhood-onset psoriasis and prevalence of HLA-Cw6: a hospital-based study from India
Authors: Sathishkumar Dharshini , George Renu , Daniel Dolly , Peter John Victor
Published: May 2015

Background

Childhood-onset psoriasis (COP), a distinct clinical entity, may be associated with HLA-Cw6 positivity and metabolic and cardiovascular complications. There is some evidence that HLA-Cw6 positivity is associated with more extensive or severe disease and that positivity is lower in Asian patients than in Caucasians. We describe the clinical profile, prevalence of the HLA-Cw6 allele, metabolic syndrome (MetS) and vitamin D deficiency in Indian patients with COP.

Methods

In this cross-sectional hospital-based study over 15 months (June 2010–August 2011), 108 consecutive patients with disease onset ≤16 years were enrolled. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data were collected. Patients were categorised as children with COP (CCOP; n=69) or adults with COP (ACOP; n=39). Disease severity was assessed using body surface area (BSA) involved and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score.

Results

The most common morphological type was chronic plaque psoriasis; follicular psoriasis was seen only in children. Adults with disease onset in childhood, when compared with CCOP, had later disease onset (11.0±4.0 vs 6.9±3.8 (mean±SD) years; p<0.0001) of greater severity (p=0.021) based on BSA involved. PASI scores were, however, similar in ACOP and CCOP. Body mass index was not associated with disease severity. Of the 83 who underwent HLA-C typing, 46 (55.4%) were positive; positivity was associated with guttate lesions (p=0.031), scalp involvement (p=0.004), greater BSA involvement (p=0.002) and higher PASI scores (p=0.013). Vitamin D deficiency, obesity and MetS were present in 77.4%, 10.7% and 14.5% of patients, respectively.

Conclusions

Among Indian patients, CCOP have earlier disease onset than ACOP. HLA-Cw6 was associated with guttate psoriasis, scalp involvement and disease severity. Vitamin D deficiency was common.
Repellent effect of topical deltamethrin on blood feeding by Culicoides on horses
Authors: Robin M. , Archer D. , McGowan C. , Garros C. , Gardès L. , Baylis M.
Published: May 2015

African horse sickness (AHS) is a vectorborne disease spread by Culicoides biting midges. The UK's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs currently suggests using topical deltamethrin for AHS control; however, no data are available regarding its efficacy in the horse. The aims of this study were to investigate the effect of topical deltamethrin on blood feeding by Culicoides on horses and to investigate which Culicoides species blood fed on horses. Three pairs of horses were placed in partially enclosed cages that allowed samples representing the Culicoides interacting with individual horses to be sampled. Four data collection sessions were completed before one horse from each pair was topically treated with 10 ml of 1 per cent deltamethrin solution and another four sessions were then carried out. Collected Culicoides were identified and each biting midge examined to see if it had blood fed. The most abundant species collected were C. chiopterus, C. dewulfi, C. obsoletus and C. scoticus (44.3 per cent) and either C. pulicaris or C. punctatus (34.7 per cent). These species were also more likely to have blood fed than other species, supporting their potential role as AHS vectors if the virus were to reach the UK. There was no significant effect of treatment on blood feeding by Culicoides. The results do not support the use of topical deltamethrin to prevent blood feeding by Culicoides on individual horses; however, the study does not investigate the effect that the widespread use of topical deltamethrin might have on vector numbers or disease transmission from viraemic individuals during an outbreak of AHS.
One Health: a concept led by Africa, with global benefits
Authors: Kamani Titus Mlengeya , Kazwala Rudovick , Mfinanga Sayoki , Haydon Dan , Keyyu Julius , Lankester Felix , Buza Joram
Published: May 2015

Titus Mlengeya Kamani and others argue that Africa is well positioned and equipped to conduct and benefit from an integrated approach
When is a fishery sustainable?
Authors: Hilborn Ray , Fulton Elizabeth A. , Green Bridget S. , Hartmann Klaas , Tracey Sean R. , Watson Reg A.
Published: May 2015

Despite the many scientific and public discussions on the sustainability of fisheries, there are still great differences in both perception and definition of the concept. Most authors now suggest that sustainability is best defined as the ability to sustain goods and services to human society, with social and economic factors to be considered along with environmental impacts. The result has been that each group (scientists, economists, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), etc.) defines “sustainable seafood” using whatever criteria it considers most important, and the same fish product may be deemed sustainable by one group and totally unsustainable by another one. We contend, however, that there is now extensive evidence that an ecological focus alone does not guarantee long-term sustainability of any form and that seafood sustainability must consistently take on a socio-ecological perspective if it is to be effective across cultures and in the future. The sustainability of seafood production depends not on the abundance of a fish stock, but on the ability of the fishery management system to adjust fishing pressure to appropriate levels. While there are scientific standards to judge the sustainability of food production, once we examine ecological, social, and economic aspects of sustainability, there is no unique scientific standard.
Selection of roosting habitat by male Myotis bats in a boreal forest
Authors: Fabianek François , Simard Marie Anouk , Racine Etienne B. , Desrochers André
Published: May 2015

Male little brown bats (Myotis lucifugus (Le Conte, 1831)) and northern long-eared bats (Myotis septentrionalis (Trouessart, 1897)) often roost under exfoliating bark, within trunks, and within cavities of trees during summer. Current lack of knowledge about the roosting ecology of these species in boreal forest limits our understanding of how they may be affected by logging. The main objective was to identify tree and forest stand features that were selected by bats for roosting within a balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.) – paper birch (Betula papyrifera Marshall) forest of Quebec, Canada. Over 3 years, we captured and fitted radio transmitters to 22 individual bats to locate their roost trees for 7–14 days following release. We measured tree and forest stand features in the field and using light detection and ranging (LiDAR) technology. Roost trees were compared with random trees using generalized linear mixed models. Male Myotis bats selected larger and taller snags, within stands containing a higher proportion of canopy gaps and a larger number of snags compared with random trees. Vegetation clumps of 0.1 ha containing a minimum of 10 snags with a diameter at breast height (DBH) ≥ 10 cm should be maintained to preserve roosting habitat that is used by male Myotis bats in balsam fir – paper birch forests.
Shape of wing wear fails to affect load lifting in common eastern bumble bees (Bombus impatiens) with experimental wing wear
Authors: Roberts Jordan C. , Cartar Ralph V.
Published: May 2015

Wing wear reflects the accumulation of irreversible damage to an insect’s wings over its lifetime and this damage should influence flight performance. In the case of bumble bees, flight seems robust to variation in wing-area asymmetry and air pressure, but not to loss of wing area. However, how the pattern of wing wear affects flight performance remains unstudied. In nature, wing wear typically occurs in a ragged and haphazard pattern along the wing’s trailing margin, a shape strikingly different from the straight cut applied in past studies. In this study, we test if shape of wing wear (implemented as four distinct treatments plus a control) affects maximum load-lifting capabilities and wingbeat frequency of worker common eastern bumble bees (Bombus impatiens Cresson, 1863). We found that shape of wing wear of 171 mg bees had no detectable effect on maximum load-lifting capability (detectable effect size = 18 mg) or on wingbeat frequency (detectable effect size = 15 Hz), but that loss of wing area reduced load-lifting capability and increased wingbeat frequency. The importance of wing area in explaining the load-lifting ability of bumble bees is reinforced in this study. But, paradoxically, shape of wing wear did not detectably affect lift generation, which is determined by unsteady aerodynamic forces in these lift-reliant insects.
Ontogenetic shifts in ambush-site selection of a sit-and-wait predator, the Chacoan Horned Frog (Ceratophrys cranwelli)
Authors: Schalk C.M. , Fitzgerald L.A.
Published: May 2015

Ontogenetic shifts in habitat use are widespread among vertebrates. These niche shifts are often attributed to age-specific patterns of resource use, which are correlated with changes in morphology, diet, and habitat. We examined the ontogeny of ambush-site selection in a sit-and-wait predator, the Chacoan Horned Frog (Ceratophrys cranwelli Barrio, 1980), in the Gran Chaco ecoregion of Bolivia. We quantified covariation in microhabitat and morphological variables and tested for microhabitat selection against randomly selected points. We identified an ontogenetic shift in ambush-site selection between adult and metamorph frogs. When compared with random points, metamorphs selected a subset of available habitat, whereas adult frogs did not appear to select ambush sites. Metamorphs, compared with adults, selected ambush sites farther from a pond’s edge with a greater proportion of dry mud. The metamorph of C. cranwelli may have selected ambush sites based on spatial distribution of certain size classes of prey. Alternatively, metamorphs could have selected sites to minimize asymmetric agonistic intraspecific interactions with adults. These mechanisms are not mutually exclusive and probably occur in concert. Habitat selection and ontogenetic niche shifts by these organisms provide insights to the trade-offs between foraging strategy and mortality risk.