bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the determinants of electricity power losses: empirics from Ghana
Authors: Kwakwa Paul Adjei
Published: April 2018

This paper empirically examines the determinants of electricity power losses (EPL) for the Ghanaian economy. Since 2001, EPL for the economy has been more than 20% of the total electricity generated which already is inadequate to meet growing electricity demand. The Fully Modified Ordinary Least Square was used to estimate the drivers of Ghana's EPL, using annual time series data from 1971 to 2013. The results showed that education, price of electricity, capital investment, income, manufacturing and population have significantly influenced the trend of Ghana's electricity losses over the years. The paper recommends the need to intensify capital investment in the power sector as well as public education to deal with EPL.
Safety of anesthesia for children with mucopolysaccharidoses: A retrospective analysis of 54 patients
Authors: Scaravilli Vittorio , Zanella Alberto , Ciceri Valentina , Bosatra Mariagrazia , Flandoli Claudia , La Bruna Alessia , Sosio Simone , Parini Rossella , Gasperini Serena , Pesenti Antonio , Moretto Alessandra
Published: April 2018

Background

Complications are common during anesthesia for patients with mucopolysaccharidoses. San Gerardo Hospital (Italy) is a reference center for mucopolysaccharidoses with a dedicated pediatric anesthesia service.

Aims

This study aims to evaluate the safety of anesthesia for mucopolysaccharidoses patients, describe their anesthetic management at our institution, and assess risk factors for complications.

Methods

The anesthetic charts of mucopolysaccharidoses patients admitted from January 1999 to December 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. We retrieved patients' demographics; location and type of the procedure; anesthetic approach airway management and occurrence of difficult intubation and complications and outcome at hospital discharge. A generalized linear mixed model was performed to assess risk factors for complications and difficult intubation.

Results

Fifty‐four consecutive children were included. The anesthetic charts of 232 procedures (52% radio‐diagnostics, 15% orthopedics, 15% ear‐nose‐throat surgery, 10% neurosurgery, and 8% general surgery) were analyzed. Each patient underwent a median of 4 (1‐6) procedures. The median age at the first procedure was 2 (1‐5), and overall age was 5 (2‐8) years old. One hundred and twenty‐five (54%) procedures were performed in remote locations. General anesthesia was utilized for 100 (43%) procedures. No death was recorded. Twenty‐one (9%) procedures had respiratory complications. Remote location anesthesia was associated with increased risk for complications (odds ratio 5.405 [1.355‐28.571], P = .016). All planned intubations (n = 65) were successful. Nineteen (29%) of those were defined difficult. All emergency intubations (n = 3) failed and were rescued by laryngeal mask airways. Older age was associated with an increased risk of difficult intubation (OR 1.200 [1.019‐1.436], P = .028).

Conclusion

Patients with mucopolysaccharidoses are at high risk for anesthesia‐related complications. Remote location anesthesia is associated with increased risk for complications, and older age is associated with increased risk for difficult intubation.
A polymeric immunoglobulin—antigen fusion protein strategy for enhancing vaccine immunogenicity
Authors: Webster Gina R. , van Dolleweerd Craig , Guerra Thais , Stelter Szymon , Hofmann Sven , Kim Mi‐Young , Teh Audrey Y‐H. , Diogo Gil Reynolds , Copland Alastair , Paul Mathew J. , Hart Peter , Reljic Rajko , Ma Julian K‐C.
Published: April 2018

In this study, a strategy based on polymeric immunoglobulin G scaffolds (PIGS) was used to produce a vaccine candidate for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. A genetic fusion construct comprising genes encoding the mycobacterial Ag85B antigen, an immunoglobulin γ‐chain fragment and the tailpiece from immunoglobulin μ chain was engineered. Expression was attempted in Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells and in Nicotiana benthamiana. The recombinant protein assembled into polymeric structures (TB‐PIGS) in N. benthamiana, similar in size to polymeric IgM. These complexes were subsequently shown to bind to the complement protein C1q and FcγRs with increased affinity. Modification of the N‐glycans linked to TB‐PIGS by removal of xylose and fucose residues that are normally found in plant glycosylated proteins also resulted in increased affinity for low‐affinity FcγRs. Immunization studies in mice indicated that TB‐PIGS are highly immunogenic with and without adjuvant. However, they did not improve protective efficacy in mice against challenge with M. tuberculosis compared to conventional vaccination with BCG, suggesting that additional or alternative antigens may be needed to protect against this disease. Nevertheless, these results establish a novel platform for producing polymeric antigen‐IgG γ‐chain molecules with inherent functional characteristics that are desirable in vaccines.
Engineering storage capacity for volatile sesquiterpenes in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves
Authors: Delatte Thierry L. , Scaiola Giulia , Molenaar Jamil , de Sousa Farias Katyuce , Alves Gomes Albertti Leticia , Busscher Jacqueline , Verstappen Francel , Carollo Carlos , Bouwmeester Harro , Beekwilder Jules
Published: April 2018

Plants store volatile compounds in specialized organs. The properties of these storage organs prevent precarious evaporation and protect neighbouring tissues from cytotoxicity. Metabolic engineering of plants is often carried out in tissues such as leaf mesophyll cells, which are abundant and easily accessible by engineering tools. However, these tissues are not suitable for the storage of volatile and hydrophobic compound such as sesquiterpenes and engineered volatiles are often lost into the headspace. In this study, we show that the seeds of Arabidopsis thaliana, which naturally contain lipid bodies, accumulate sesquiterpenes upon engineered expression. Subsequently, storage of volatile sesquiterpenes was achieved in Nicotiana benthamiana leaf tissue, by introducing oleosin‐coated lipid bodies through metabolic engineering. Hereto, different combinations of genes encoding diacylglycerol acyltransferases (DGATs), transcription factors (WRINKL1) and oleosins (OLE1), from the oil seed‐producing species castor bean (Ricinus communis) and Arabidopsis, were assessed for their suitability to promote lipid body formation. Co‐expression of α‐bisabolol synthase with Arabidopsis DGAT1 and WRINKL1 and OLE1 from castor bean promoted storage of α‐bisabolol in N. benthamiana mesophyll tissue more than 17‐fold. A clear correlation was found between neutral lipids and storage of sesquiterpenes, using synthases for α‐bisabolol, (E)‐β‐caryophyllene and α‐barbatene. The co‐localization of neutral lipids and α‐bisabolol was shown using microscopy. This work demonstrates that lipid bodies can be used as intracellular storage compartment for hydrophobic sesquiterpenes, also in the vegetative parts of plants, creating the possibility to improve yields of metabolic engineering strategies in plants.
Amygdala real‐time functional magnetic resonance imaging neurofeedback for major depressive disorder: A review
Authors: Young Kymberly D. , Zotev Vadim , Phillips Raquel , Misaki Masaya , Drevets Wayne C. , Bodurka Jerzy
Published: April 2018

Advances in imaging technologies have allowed for the analysis of functional magnetic resonance imaging data in real‐time (rtfMRI), leading to the development of neurofeedback (nf) training. This rtfMRI‐nf training utilizes functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) tomographic localization capacity to allow a person to see and regulate the localized hemodynamic signal from his or her own brain. In this review, we summarize the results of several studies that have developed and applied neurofeedback training to healthy and depressed individuals with the amygdala as the neurofeedback target and the goal to increase the hemodynamic response during positive autobiographical memory recall. We review these studies and highlight some of the challenges and advances in developing an rtfMRI‐nf paradigm for broader use in psychiatric populations. The work described focuses on our line of research aiming to develop the rtfMRI‐nf into an intervention, and includes a discussion of the selection of a region of interest for feedback, selecting a control condition, behavioral and cognitive effects of training, and predicting which participants are most likely to respond well to training. While the results of these studies are encouraging and suggest the clinical potential of amygdala rtfMRI‐nf in alleviating symptoms of major depressive disorder, larger studies are warranted to confirm its efficacy.
Cellular and molecular changes associated with fish oocyte ageing
Authors: Samarin Azin Mohagheghi , Samarin Azadeh Mohagheghi , Policar Tomas
Published: April 2018

Post‐ovulatory oocyte ageing in fish is associated with limited fertilization rate, poor embryo development, larval malformation, ploidy anomalies and various other offspring abnormalities. Many studies have focused on morphological, physiological, biochemical and histological changes that occur during oocyte ageing. However, little is known about molecular changes associated with this process. This review covers the cellular and molecular characteristics of ageing oocytes with special focus on age‐associated changes affected by oxidative damage. The contribution of oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, as well as new insights into oocyte ageing in higher vertebrates, is discussed to provide direction for future studies. Investigating the genomics and proteomics of oocyte ageing, including underlying molecular mechanisms, could contribute valuable information on determinants of egg quality. Such knowledge can be translated into practical applications in aquaculture, such as supplementation of oocyte culture media with antioxidants and other agents as a means to inhibit or delay development of the aged oocyte phenotype. Identification of cellular and molecular markers associated with the oocyte ageing process will benefit such developments.
Negative simulation, spectacle and the embodied geopolitics of tourism
Authors: Miller Jacob C. , Del Casino Vincent J.
Published: April 2018

This paper builds on recent work on the embodied geopolitics of tourism to investigate the Titan Missile Museum (TMM), a Cold War‐era underground nuclear missile silo and command bunker in the southwest USA. In examining how visitors are not only persuaded to adopt certain attitudes towards the weaponry, but are enrolled in an embodied experience that is active in the formation of subjectivity that emerges from such an encounter, the paper draws on the philosophy of Jean Baudrillard and other non‐representational theorists to argue that this tourism encounter is a negative simulation that can be informed by a better understanding of “hyperreal” spectacle. This spectacle, however, does not simply fall in the realm of representation but is one that engages affect and emotion as important for the emergence of geopolitical subjectivity. While the TMM works to produce what Baudrillard might call a “non‐event” out of nuclear geopolitics, it also takes the risk of getting too close to the bomb by simulating its launch. These dynamics are encapsulated in the highlight of the standard one‐hour tour: the simulation of a missile launch, something that never took place. Drawing on our experience at the TMM and visitor comments left online at Yelp.com, as well as the broader archive of journalism and scholarship on the site, we also sense the possibility of something else emerging out of the embodied and performative materialities that constitute this site of “dark tourism.”
Cultural proximity: A source of trade flow resilience?
Authors: Carrère Céline , Masood Maria
Published: April 2018

While the significant influence of cultural proximity on bilateral trade flows has been extensively documented in the literature, its possible role in times of crisis has not yet been raised. Relying on a panel estimation of a gravity model incorporating cultural proximity parameters, we evidence the existence of a significant surge in the impact of the different components of cultural proximity during economic recession. The trade resilience among countries sharing a cultural bond is not a pure composition effect as it also appears within product categories. To understand this unexpected effect, we discuss different mechanisms that emphasise the potential mitigating influence of cultural proximity on some determinants of the trade collapse, namely the uncertainty shock, the increased moral hazard and the emergence of ethnocentric preferences.
A pilot study of total and allergen‐specific IgE serum levels during anestrous, estrous and pregnancy in healthy female dogs
Authors: Tarpataki Noémi , Thuróczy Julianna , Fischer Nina , Jacquenet Sandrine , Rostaher Ana , Richard Christelle , Zwickl Lena , Olivry Thierry , Favrot Claude
Published: April 2018

Background

Allergen‐specific IgE serology is used for the determination of sensitization status in dogs with atopic dermatitis; the influence of the female reproductive cycle on the results of such methods has not been studied in dogs.

Objectives

To compare the total and allergen‐specific IgE of healthy bitches during anestrous, estrous and pregnancy.

Animals

Eight privately owned, healthy bitches.

Methods

Total and allergen‐specific IgE levels were determined in eight bitches at three different time‐points of their reproductive cycle: anestrous, estrous and pregnancy.

Results

Total IgE was significantly decreased (median: 74%) in female dogs during pregnancy when compared to anestrous. In 14 of 216 (6%), allergen‐specific IgE test results were variably positive and negative at different stages of the reproductive cycle. This variation, however, was not related to changes in total serum IgE levels.

Conclusions

Total IgE serum levels are reduced during pregnancy in female dogs. However, results of one allergen‐specific IgE test did not appear to be markedly altered by the reproductive cycle in healthy bitches.
Performance evaluation and validation of the animal trauma triage score and modified Glasgow Coma Scale with suggested category adjustment in dogs: A VetCOT registry study
Authors: Ash Kristian , Hayes Galina M. , Goggs Robert , Sumner Julia P.
Published: April 2018

Objective

To examine the animal trauma triage (ATT) and modified Glasgow Coma Scale (mGCS) scores as predictors of mortality outcome (death or euthanasia) in injured dogs.

Design

Observational cohort study conducted from September 2013 to March 2015 with follow‐up until death or hospital discharge.

Setting

Nine veterinary hospitals including private referral and veterinary teaching hospitals.

Animals

Consecutive sample of 3,599 dogs with complete data entries recruited into the Veterinary Committee on Trauma patient registry.

Interventions

None.

Measurements and Main Results

We compared the predictive power (area under receiver operating characteristic [AUROC]) and calibration of the ATT and mGCS scores to their components. Overall mortality risk was 7.3% (n = 264). Incidence of head trauma was 9.5% (n = 341). The ATT score showed a linear relationship with mortality risk. Discriminatory performance of the ATT score was excellent with AUROC = 0.92 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.91 to 0.94) and pseudo R2 = 0.42. Each ATT score increase of 1 point was associated with an increase in mortality odds of 2.07 (95% CI = 1.94–2.21, P < 0.001). The “eye/muscle/integument” category of the ATT showed poor discrimination (AUROC = 0.55). When this component together with the skeletal and cardiac components were omitted from calculation of the overall score, there was no loss in discriminatory capacity (AUROC = 0.92 vs 0.91, P = 0.09) compared with the full score. The mGCS showed good performance overall, but performance improved when restricted to head trauma patients (AUROC = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.79–0.90, n = 341 vs 0.82, 95% CI = 0.79–0.85, n = 3599). The motor component of the mGCS showed the best predictive performance (AUROC = 0.79 vs 0.66/0.69); however, the full score performed better than the motor component alone (P = 0.002). When assessment was restricted to patients with head injury (n = 341), the ATT score still performed better than the mGCS (AUROC = 0.90 vs 0.84, P = 0.04).

Conclusions

In external validation on a large, multicenter dataset, the ATT score showed excellent discrimination and calibration; however, a more parsimonious score calculated on only the perfusion, respiratory, and neurological categories showed equivalent performance.
Hounsfield units are a useful predictor of pleural effusion cytological type in dogs but not in cats
Authors: Woods Sarah J. , Spriet Mathieu , Safra Noa , Cissell Derek D. , Borjesson Dori L.
Published: April 2018

All categories of pleural effusion subjectively display as soft tissue opacity on computed tomography (CT). Quantitative measurement using Hounsfield units (HU) has the potential to bring additional information regarding the nature of the fluid in a noninvasive way. The purposes of this retrospective cross‐sectional analytical study were to compare Hounsfield units of different pleural effusion categories in dogs and cats, assess association between specific cytologic parameters and Hounsfield units, and evaluate the effect of dependent vs. nondependent aspect of the effusion pool on Hounsfield unit. A total of 111 patients (74 dogs and 37 cats) with pleural effusion, that underwent thoracic CT and diagnostic thoracocentesis, were included in the study. Effusions were cytologically categorized as exudate, transudate, modified transudate, hemorrhage, or chyle. Significant differences existed in Hounsfield units between categories in dogs (P < 0.0001) but not in cats (P = 0.334). Canine chylous effusion (6.1 ± 4.7 HU (mean ± standard deviation)) and transudate (5.6 ± 2.0) were significantly lower than exudate (20.3 ± 9.5) and hemorrhage (21.4 ± 9.2). No significant differences were found between modified transudate (13.6 ± 10.3) and other categories. Significant, weak linear correlation was identified in dogs between Hounsfield units and total protein (P = 0.018, R2 = 0.089), red blood cells (P = 0.021, R2 = 0.077), and total nucleated cells (P = 0.013, R2 = 0.089). The Hounsfield units of dependent effusion was not significantly higher than the nondependent effusion, except for canine chylous effusion (P = 0.008). Fourteen Hounsfield units was identified as the most clinically useful threshold: <14 HU identified transudate or chylous effusion with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 69%. A threshold >14 HU had a specificity of 100% and a sensitivity of 69% for identifying exudate, modified transudate, or hemorrhage.
The Role Stress Has on the Creative Process of Problem-Solving Projects: A Case Study of Individuals and Collaboration
Authors: Gomez-Lanier Lilia
Published: April 2018

This study examined interior design and fashion merchandising students because they creatively solve everyday consumer problems and employers competitively screen graduates for their creative and collaborative abilities. Students in these fields not only have to fulfill course requirements, but they also must exhibit a high level of creativity and be able to work with others. To examine the influence stress may have on the creative process of problem-solving, students working alone were compared to students working in teams. From this central focus, the study explored three research questions (RQ). RQ1 asked if stress is more likely to occur when students work alone as opposed to working in teams. RQ 2 pertained to what parts of the design process are stressful when working on a team as well as what parts are stressful when working alone. RQ3 dealt with how students deal with stress when working alone, and how do they deal with it when working on a team. The research study employed a mixed methods approach involving an online 29 questions survey developed by the researcher that asked students to rank their perceptions using a five-point Likert scale. At the end of the online survey students answered one open-ended question that captured students’ perceptions of stress. The outcomes indicated that individuals working alone and in teams had specific stress indicators at different points throughout the problem-solving assignments. Additionally, the study showed the value of social connectivity and freedom to select team members.
Essay Materials Development by Genre Based-Process Model
Authors: Pelenkahu Noldy
Published: April 2018

This study aims to investigate students’ essay writing skill improved by implementing appropriate teaching materials development and suitable approach model of instruction. Participants were students who attend essay writing subject matter. The research and development method implemented consist of survey method for identifying lecturer’s needs, content analysis method for finding out appropriate essay writing teaching materials development, expert review method for knowing appropriate level of essay writing teaching materials development, and experiment method for testing the effectivity of implementing essay writing teaching materials development and genre based-process approach model of instruction. The study results showed that a) the existing essay writing teaching materials development are not compatible with students’ and lecturer’s needs, especially in terms of input, text types, and the kinds of topics and activities; b) there is a need for developing a new set of essay writing teaching materials development based on genre based-process approach model of instruction; c) the new essay writing teaching materials development are considered adequate enough by the experts but they still needs some revisions; d) the new essay writing teaching materials development are effective enough in improving students’ essay writing skill; e) the final essay writing teaching materials development product must be students book, workbook, and lecturer manual. This new essay writing teaching materials development can be well implemented by using genre based-process approach model of instruction.
Evaluation of Laboratory Facilities for Engineering Technology Programs in Malaysian Technical Universities
Authors: Ismail Kamsiah Mohd , Salim Kamilah Radin , Haron Habibah Norehan , Hussain Noor Hamizah , Ali Rosmah , Abdullah Morina , Mohamed Zainai
Published: April 2018

Malaysia is consolidating and strengthening Engineering Technology (ET) programs to produce skilled human resources to spearhead economic growth and achieve the status of a developed nation by 2020. ET programs need to increase the students’ intake to fulfil the industry requirements for technical graduates. The Malaysian Technical University Network (MTUN) institutions and UniKL are among the higher education institutions in Malaysia that offer undergraduate ET programs to produce work-ready graduates. A key component of Engineering Technology curriculum is laboratory facilities. This article evaluated the laboratory facilities at MTUN institutions. We used mainly qualitative data methodology, comprising of focus group interviews, observations and document analysis. We also adopted the quantitative method using survey questionnaires to investigate students’ satisfaction on the laboratory facilities related to the practice-oriented learning at the institutions. The results indicate that the laboratory facilities provided by the selected MTUN institutions are adequate for the current number of students.
Differences in common psychoacoustical tasks by sex, menstrual cycle, and race
Authors: McFadden Dennis , Pasanen Edward G. , Maloney Mindy M. , Leshikar Erin M. , Pho Michelle H.
Published: April 2018

The psychoacoustical literature contains multiple reports about small differences in performance depending upon the sex and phase of the menstrual cycle of the subjects. In an attempt to verify these past reports, a large-scale study was implemented. After extensive training, the performance of about 75 listeners was measured on seven common psychoacoustical tasks. For most tasks, the signal was a 3.0-kHz tone. The initial data analyses failed to confirm some past outcomes. Additional analyses, incorporating the limited information available about the racial background of the listeners, did confirm some of the past reports, with the direction and magnitude of the differences often diverging for the White and Non-White listeners. Sex differences and race differences interacted for six of the seven tasks studied. These interactions suggest that racial background needs to be considered when making generalizations about human auditory performance, and when considering failures of reproducibility across studies. Menstrual differences were small, but generally larger for Whites than Non-Whites. Hormonal effects may be responsible for the sex and cycle differences that do exist, and differences in intra-cochlear melanocytes may account for the race differences.
Sprinting for the Win: Distribution of Power Output in Women’s Professional Cycling
Authors: Peiffer Jeremiah J. , Abbiss Chris R. , Haakonssen Eric C. , Menaspà Paolo
Published: April 2018

Purpose: To examine the power-output distribution and sprint characteristics of professional female road cyclists. Methods: A total of 31 race files, representing top 5 finishes, were collected from 7 professional female cyclists. Files were analyzed for sprint characteristics, including mean and peak power output, velocity, and duration. The final 20 min before the sprint was analyzed to determine the mean maximal power output (MMP) consistent with durations of 5, 15, 30, 60, 240, and 600 s. Throughout the race, the number of efforts for each duration exceeding 80% of its corresponding final 20-min MMP (MMP80) was determined. The number of 15-s efforts exceeding 80% of the mean final sprint power output (MSP80) was determined. Results: Sprint finishes lasted 21.8 (6.7) s with mean and peak power outputs of 679 (101) and 886 (91) W, respectively. Throughout the race, additional 5-, 15-, and 30-s efforts above MMP80 were completed in the 5th compared with the 1st–4th quintiles of the race. The 60-s efforts were greater during the 5th quintile compared with the 1st, 2nd, and 4th quintiles, and during the 3rd compared with the 4th quintile. More 240-s efforts were recorded during the 5th compared with the 1st and 4th quintiles. About 82% of the 15-s efforts above MSP80 were completed in the 2nd, 3rd, and 5th quintiles of the race. Conclusions: These data demonstrate the variable nature of women’s professional cycling and the physical demands necessary for success, thus providing information that could enhance in-race decision making and the development of race-specific training programs.
Eating Disturbances in Competitive Lightweight and Heavyweight Rowers
Authors: Kraus Uta , Holtmann Sophie Clara , Legenbauer Tanja
Published: April 2018

Disordered eating in athletes has been frequently studied with a particular emphasis on aesthetic sports. Lately, competitive rowing has come into the focus. It has been supposed that in competitive rowers eating disturbances occur more frequently compared to non-competitive rowers. The aim of the present study therefore is to investigate eating disturbances and mental health related issues in competitive and non-competitive rowers.N = 45 lightweight (LWR),n = 31 heavyweight (HWR) andn = 37 non-competitive rowers (NCR) participated in an online based survey during the beginning of the on-season asking for eating behaviour (SCOFF, EDI-2) and mental health problems (PHQ). Results showed that competitive rowers reported moreeating disturbancesandrisky attitudes/behaviourcompared to non-competitive rowers. LWR showed higherDrive for thinnesscompared to HWR. The regression analysis revealed thatDrive for thinnessandBulimiapredict eating disorder symptoms in rowers. These results emphasize the presence of serious eating disturbances in competitive rowing.
Tone it Down: How Fitness Instructors’ Motivational Comments Shape Women’s Body Satisfaction
Authors: Engeln Renee , Shavlik Margaret , Daly Colleen
Published: April 2018

Two-hundred and three college women participated in a 16-minute strength and conditioning group fitness class. Participants were randomly assigned to a class that featured either appearance-focused motivational comments by the instructor (e.g., “Blast that cellulite!”) or function-focused comments (e.g., “Think of how strong you are getting!”). Body satisfaction from pre-test to post-test increased overall, but those in the function-focused (as opposed to appearance-focused) condition experienced a significantly greater increase in body satisfaction. A similar pattern was observed for positive affect. Additionally, those in the function-focused condition described the class in more positive terms and reported experiencing less body surveillance during the class. These findings are consistent with research suggesting that exercise can improve mood and body satisfaction, but also suggest that a more function-focused class can lead to even greater improvements. The motivational comments fitness instructors use may have a notable impact on women’s mood, body satisfaction, and body surveillance.
Assessment of Athletes With Eating Disorders: Essentials for Best Practice
Authors: Conviser Jenny H. , Schlitzer Tierney Amanda , Nickols Riley
Published: April 2018

It is estimated that 1.6 million people in the United States are currently diagnosed with an eating disorder. Eating disorders (EDs) have high rates of morbidity and mortality and remain the most severe mental illness. Unfortunately, rates of EDs and disordered eating behaviors (DEBs) among athletes appear to be increasing. In this study, authors summarize ED-related risks that pose compromises in psychological and social functioning, medical health, and overall quality of life. The importance of early detection and formal evaluation in preserving the athlete’s health, well-being and sustaining successful sport participation, and performance are highlighted. Athlete-specific factors, which challenge the ease and accuracy of ED detection and assessment, are noted. The recommended components of effective ED assessment are identified, including use of self-report measures and clinical interviews conducted by ED certified and licensed professionals. The importance of being well informed in tenets of ED awareness, prevention and supporting early detection, and referral for formal ED assessment are noted. Conclusions reflect the vital roles that both the multidisciplinary sport personnel and the sport environment/culture play in reducing the serious health risks of DEBs and EDs. Each is needed to protect an athlete’s well-being while fostering safe and successful sport participation.
Essentials for Best Practice: Treatment Approaches for Athletes With Eating Disorders
Authors: Conviser Jenny H. , Schlitzer Tierney Amanda , Nickols Riley
Published: April 2018

Eating disorders (EDs) and disordered-eating behaviors (DEBs), pose a high risk of morbidity and mortality, threatening physical health, emotional health, and overall quality of life. Unfortunately, among athletes, prevalence rates continue to increase. This document summarizes the challenges of establishing and navigating the multidisciplinary care needed to effectively treat EDs and DEBs among athletes. The benefits of timely and frequent communication within the multidisciplinary treatment team (MDTT) are emphasized and discussed. Authors advise who should be selected as members of the MDTT and suggest that all personnel, including athletic coaches, athletic trainers, physical therapists, and certified fitness professionals be ED-informed and ED-sensitive. Vital components of care are noted including use of a variety of evidence-based psychotherapeutic modalities, interventions which target emotional regulation, and prioritize values based compassionate care. Authors caution that performance decrements and medical/physiological changes are not always easily observable in individuals with EDs and DEBs and therefore, attuned, consistent, and ongoing monitoring is needed. Consensus regarding previously established parameters for return to play and careful titration of physical activity throughout the ED recovery process are suggested as important for preserving health, preventing re-injury, or relapse and facilitating successful return to sport participation.
Strength and Power Improvements in Athlete and Non-Athletes During Intensive Eating Disorder Treatment
Authors: Fewell Laura K. , Nickols Riley , Schlitzer Tierney Amanda , Levinson Cheri A.
Published: April 2018

Understanding the unique needs of athletes who undergo eating disorder (ED) treatment is sorely needed. This study explores changes of strength and power in athlete (n = 21) and non-athlete (n = 36) patients from intake to discharge. Maximal oxygen consumption, vertical jump, push-ups, hand grip strength, and body mass index (in anorexia nervosa; AN) were measured among treatment center patients. The number of push-ups and hand grip strength were significantly improved upon discharge in the full sample (ps < .005) and in AN only (ps < .001). Body mass index was also significantly higher in AN (p < .001). Maximal oxygen consumption and vertical jump did not significantly improve between admission and discharge in either group (ps > .40). This study is the first to investigate measures of strength in athletes engaged in intensive eating disorder treatment and indicates the need to address the psychological mindset around physical activity using exercise education as part of a comprehensive program. Recommendations for incorporating exercise into an intensive ED treatment center are also provided.
Athlete Identity and Eating Pathology in Distance Runners: When Compulsive Exercise Matters
Authors: Gorrell Sasha , Anderson Drew A.
Published: April 2018

Purpose: The current study evaluated associations between exercise identity (Exercise Identity Scale; EIS), compulsive exercise (Compulsive Exercise Test; CET), and their association with Eating Disorder Examination – Questionnaire (EDE-Q) scores among adult runners registered for mid- and long-distance races (N = 282, 48.2% male). Methods: Runners of half and full marathon races completed the EIS, CET, and EDE-Q. Results: Regression analyses indicated that increased EIS, b = −.21, and CET, b = −3.25, scores contribute to decreased eating pathology amongst half-marathon runners; a significant interaction effect emerged for EIS × CET scores, b = .08, such that relations between EIS and EDEQ scores were significant among runners reporting either lower or higher CET scores. These associations were not demonstrated in marathon runners. Conclusions: Results suggest that it is beneficial to consider running status when addressing the effect that exercise identity and compulsive exercise may have on eating pathology in competitive runners.
Jak-TGFβ cross-talk links transient adipose tissue inflammation to beige adipogenesis
Authors: Babaei Rohollah , Schuster Maximilian , Meln Irina , Lerch Sarah , Ghandour Rayane A. , Pisani Didier F. , Bayindir-Buchhalter Irem , Marx Julia , Wu Shuang , Schoiswohl Gabriele , Billeter Adrian T. , Krunic Damir , Mauer Jan , Lee Yun-Hee , Granneman James G. , Fischer Lars , Müller-Stich Beat P. , Amri Ez-Zoubir , Kershaw Erin E. , Heikenwälder Mathias , Herzig Stephan , Vegiopoulos Alexandros
Published: April 2018

Transient inflammation in adipose tissue triggers Jak-TGFβ signaling to promote beige adipocyte differentiation.
A defect in KCa3.1 channel activity limits the ability of CD8
+
T cells from cancer patients to infiltrate an adenosine-rich microenvironment
Authors: Chimote Ameet A. , Balajthy Andras , Arnold Michael J. , Newton Hannah S. , Hajdu Peter , Qualtieri Julianne , Wise-Draper Trisha , Conforti Laura
Published: April 2018

Adenosine strongly inhibits the migration of T cells from cancer patients due to reduced KCa3.1 K
+
channel activity.
Transient inflammatory signaling promotes beige adipogenesis
Authors: Sun Kai , Gao Zhanguo , Kolonin Mikhail G.
Published: April 2018

Beige adipogenesis triggered by β3-adrenergic–induced lipolysis requires Jak signaling to suppress TGFβ signaling (Babaeiet al., in 24 April 2018 issue).
Antimicrobial Activity of Murepavadin Tested against Clinical Isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from the United States, Europe, and China
Authors: Sader Helio S. , Dale Glenn E. , Rhomberg Paul R. , Flamm Robert K.
Published: April 2018

Murepavadin (formerly POL7080), a 14-amino-acid cyclic peptide, and comparators were tested by the broth microdilution method against 1,219
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
isolates from 112 medical centers. Murepavadin (MIC
50/90
, 0.12/0.12 mg/liter) was 4- to 8-fold more active than colistin (MIC
50/90
, 1/1 mg/liter) and polymyxin B (MIC
50/90
, 0.5/1 mg/liter) and inhibited 99.1% of isolates at ≤0.5 mg/liter. Only 4 isolates (0.3%) exhibited murepavadin MICs of >2 mg/liter. Murepavadin was equally active against isolates from Europe, the United States, and China.
Regulation of the Synthesis and Secretion of the Iron Chelator Cyclodipeptide Pulcherriminic Acid in Bacillus licheniformis
Authors: Wang Dong , Zhan Yangyang , Cai Dongbo , Li Xiaoyun , Wang Qin , Chen Shouwen
Published: April 2018

The cyclodipeptide pulcherriminic acid synthesized by
Bacillus licheniformis
is an iron chelator that antagonizes certain pathogens by removing iron from the environment. But since the insoluble iron-pulcherriminic acid complex cannot act as an iron carrier as siderophores do, excessive synthesized pulcherriminic acid causes iron starvation for the producer cells. At present, the regulation of pulcherriminic acid synthesis and the mechanism by which
B. licheniformis
strikes a balance between biocontrol and self-protection from excessive iron removal remain unclear. This study provides insights into the regulatory network and explains the mechanism of pulcherriminic acid biosynthesis. The
yvmC-cypX
synthetic gene cluster was directly negatively regulated by three regulators: AbrB, YvnA, and YvmB. Within the regulatory network, YvnA expression was repressed not only by AbrB but also by iron-limiting environments, while YvmB expression was repressed by YvnA. The transporter gene
yvmA
is repressed by YvmB and is required for pulcherriminic acid secretion. The biosynthesis window is determined by the combined concentration of the three regulators in an iron-rich environment. Under iron-limiting conditions, cells close the pulcherriminic acid synthesis pathway by downregulating YvnA expression.

IMPORTANCE
The cyclodipeptides are widespread in nature and exhibit a broad variety of biological and pharmacological activities. The cyclodipeptide scaffold is synthesized by nonribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs) and cyclodipeptide synthases (CDPSs). At present, it is clear that CDPSs use aminoacyl tRNAs as substrates to synthesize the two peptide bonds, and the pulcherriminic acid synthase YvmC is a member of the eight identified CDPSs. However, little is known about the regulation of cyclodipeptide synthesis and secretion. In this study, we show that AbrB, which is considered to be the main regulator of NRPS-dependent pathways, is also involved in the regulation of CDPS genes. However, AbrB is not the decisive factor for pulcherriminic acid synthesis, as the expression of YvnA determines the fate of pulcherriminic acid synthesis. With this information on how CDPS gene transcription is regulated, a clearer understanding of cyclodipeptide synthesis can be developed for
B. licheniformis
. Similar approaches may be used to augment our knowledge on CDPSs in other bacteria.
The Two-Component Signaling System VraSR
ss
Is Critical for Multidrug Resistance and Full Virulence in Streptococcus suis Serotype 2
Authors: Zhong Xiaojun , Zhang Yue , Zhu Yinchu , Dong Wenyang , Ma Jiale , Pan Zihao , Roy Shipra , Lu Chengping , Yao Huochun
Published: April 2018

Streptococcus suis
has received increasing attention for its involvement in severe human infections worldwide as well as in multidrug resistance. Two-component signaling systems (TCSSs) play important roles in bacterial adaptation to various environmental stimuli. In this study, we identified a novel TCSS located in
S. suis
serotype 2 (SS2), designated VraSR
SS
, which is involved in bacterial pathogenicity and susceptibility to antimicrobials. Our data demonstrated that the

yvqF
SS

gene, located upstream of

vraSR
SS

, shared the same promoter with the TCSS genes, which was directly regulated by VraSR
SS
, as shown in electrophoretic mobility shift assays. Notably, YvqF
SS
and VraSR
SS
constitute a novel multidrug resistance module of SS2 that participates in resistance to certain groups of antimicrobials. Further analyses showed that VraSR
SS
inactivation significantly attenuated bacterial virulence in animal models, which, coupled with the significant activation of VraSR
SS
expression observed in host blood, strongly suggested that VraSR
SS
is an important regulator of SS2 pathogenicity. Indeed, RNA-sequencing analyses identified 106 genes that were differentially expressed between the wild-type and Δ

vraSR
SS

strains, including genes involved in capsular polysaccharide (CPS) biosynthesis. Subsequent studies confirmed that VraSR
SS
indirectly regulated the transcription of CPS gene clusters and, thus, controlled the CPS thickness shown by transmission electron microscopy. Decreased CPS biosynthesis caused by

vraSR
SS

deletion subsequently increased bacterial adhesion to epithelial cells and attenuated antiphagocytosis against macrophages, which partially clarified the pathogenic mechanism mediated by VraSR
SS
. Taken together, our data suggest that the novel TCSS, VraSR
SS
, plays critical roles for multidrug resistance and full virulence in SS2.
Detection of Influenza A and B Viruses and Respiratory Syncytial Virus by Use of Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA)-Waived Point-of-Care Assays: a Paradigm Shift to Molecular Tests
Authors: Azar Marwan M. , Landry Marie L.
Published: April 2018

An accurate laboratory diagnosis of influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and other respiratory viruses can help to guide patient management, antiviral therapy, infection prevention strategies, and epidemiologic monitoring. Influenza has been the primary driver of rapid laboratory testing due to its morbidity and mortality across all ages, the availability of antiviral therapy, which must be given early to have an effect, and the constant threat of new pandemic strains. Over the past 30 years, there has been an evolution in viral diagnostic testing, from viral culture to rapid antigen detection, and more recently, to highly sensitive nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT), as well as a trend to testing at the point of care (POC). Simple rapid antigen immunoassays have long been the mainstay for POC testing for influenza A and B viruses and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) but have been faulted for low sensitivity. In 2015, the first POC NAAT for the detection of influenza was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), ushering in a new era. In 2017, the FDA reclassified rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs) from class I to class II devices with new minimum performance standards and a requirement for annual reactivity testing. Consequently, many previously available RIDTs can no longer be purchased in the United States. In this review, recent developments in Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA)-waived testing for respiratory virus infections will be presented, with the focus on currently available FDA-cleared rapid antigen and molecular tests primarily for influenza A and B viruses and RSV.
Mapping and Engineering Functional Domains of the Assembly-Activating Protein of Adeno-associated Viruses
Authors: Tse Longping V. , Moller-Tank Sven , Meganck Rita M. , Asokan Aravind
Published: April 2018

Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) encode a unique assembly-activating protein (AAP) within their genomes that is essential for capsid assembly. Studies to date have focused on establishing the role of AAP as a chaperone that mediates the stability, nucleolar transport, and assembly of AAV capsid proteins. Here, we map structure-function correlates of AAP using secondary structure analysis, followed by deletion and substitutional mutagenesis of specific domains, namely, the N-terminal hydrophobic region (HR), conserved core (CC), proline-rich region (PRR), threonine/serine-rich region (T/S), and basic region (BR). First, we establish that the centrally located PRR and T/S are flexible linker domains that can either be deleted completely or replaced by heterologous functional domains that enable ancillary functions such as fluorescent imaging or increased AAP stability. We also demonstrate that the C-terminal BR domains can be substituted with heterologous nuclear or nucleolar localization sequences that display various abilities to support AAV capsid assembly. Further, by replacing the BR domain with immunoglobulin (IgG) Fc domains, we assessed AAP complexation with AAV capsid subunits and demonstrate that the hydrophobic region (HR) and the conserved core (CC) in the AAP N terminus are the sole determinants for viral protein (VP) recognition. However, VP recognition alone is not sufficient for capsid assembly. Our study sheds light on the modular structure-function correlates of AAP and provides multiple approaches to engineer AAP that might prove useful toward understanding and controlling AAV capsid assembly.

IMPORTANCE
Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) encode a unique assembly-activating protein (AAP) within their genomes that is essential for capsid assembly. Understanding how AAP acts as a chaperone for viral assembly could help improve efficiency and potentially control this process. Our studies reveal that AAP has a modular architecture, with each module playing a distinct role and can be engineered for carrying out new functions.
Interlaboratory Comparison of the Pneumococcal Multiplex Opsonophagocytic Assays and Their Level of Agreement for Determination of Antibody Function in Pediatric Sera
Authors: Balloch A. , Roalfe L. , Ekstrom N. , Nguyen C. D. , Spry L. , Marimla R. A. , Licciardi P. V. , Goldblatt D. , Mulholland E. K.
Published: April 2018

When measuring a functional antibody response to pneumococcal immunization, it is imperative that a specific, reproducible, accurate, and standardized assay with acceptable inter- and intra-assay variation be advocated internationally to allow for meaningful comparison of results between laboratories. We report here the results of a collaboration between 3 international laboratories testing 30 pediatric samples against the 13 serotypes in Prevenar13.