bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel regulator controls Clostridium difficile sporulation, motility and toxin production
Authors: Edwards Adrianne N. , Tamayo Rita , McBride Shonna M.
Published: February 2016

Clostridium difficile is an anaerobic pathogen that forms spores which promote survival in the environment and transmission to new hosts. The regulatory pathways by which C. difficile initiates spore formation are poorly understood. We identified two factors with limited similarity to the Rap sporulation proteins of other spore‐forming bacteria. In this study, we show that disruption of the gene CD3668 reduces sporulation and increases toxin production and motility. This mutant was more virulent and exhibited increased toxin gene expression in the hamster model of infection. Based on these phenotypes, we have renamed this locus rstA, for regulator of sporulation and toxins. Our data demonstrate that RstA is a bifunctional protein that upregulates sporulation through an unidentified pathway and represses motility and toxin production by influencing sigD transcription. Conserved RstA orthologs are present in other pathogenic and industrial Clostridium species and may represent a key regulatory protein controlling clostridial sporulation.
Function of the genetic element ‘Mona’ associated with fungicide resistance in Monilinia fructicola
Authors: Chen Shuning , Yuan Nannan , Schnabel Guido , Luo Chaoxi
Published: February 2016

The genetic element ‘Mona’ has been shown previously to be associated with resistance to demethylation inhibitors (DMIs) in Monilinia fructicola. In this study, the promoter activity of the ‘Mona’ element was demonstrated genetically and the activity was narrowed down to a 20‐bp active region through a series of deletions. ‘Mona’ knockout transformants (ΔMona) were generated from DMI‐resistant isolate Bmpc7, and EC50 values and expression of the MfCYP51 gene were found to be reduced in transformants compared with the parental isolate. When the ‘Mona’ element was inserted into the upstream region of the MfCYP51 gene of the DMI‐sensitive isolate HG3, the EC50 values and expression of the MfCYP51 gene increased in the transformants compared with the parental sensitive isolate. These results indicate that the ‘Mona’ element determines the DMI fungicide resistance through the up‐regulation of the expression of the downstream MfCYP51 gene. No fitness penalty was observed in knockout and insertion transformants, i.e. transformants showed similar mycelial growth rate, sporulation and ability to cause lesions on fruit compared with their parental isolates, suggesting that the ‘Mona’ element does not affect basal life activities.
Chaos, Language, and Logos: How the Poet Participates in the Creating Activity of the Word in the Thought of Andrey Bely
Authors: Paretsky Albert
Published: February 2016

Andrey Bely was an important member of the Russian symbolist movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This essay presents a summary of the development of his ideas regarding the origins of image and symbol in poetic language. For Bely language organizes chaos. The poet finds images in the internal world of dreams. Music has an organizing power beyond that of language, which language attempts to imitate. Under the influence of Vladimir Solovyov he looked to the union of Divine Wisdom or Sophia with the Eternal Logos as the principle behind symbolic images. Later, under the spell of Rudolf Steiner, he found the source of inspiration in the eternal dwelling of the Logos from which the human ego descends into flesh. The task of the poet is to recover the memory of the time before he left the realm of the Logos and to return to that realm by participating in Christ's ascent to the Cross. The autobiographical novel Kotik Letaev gives an account of recovering memory from before birth and the need to be joined with Christ crucified.
Prevalence of celiac disease and related antibodies in patients diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome according to the Rome III criteria. A case–control study
Authors: Sánchez‐Vargas L. A. , Thomas‐Dupont P. , Torres‐Aguilera M. , Azamar‐Jacome A. A. , Ramírez‐Ceervanes K. L. , Aedo‐Garcés M. R. , Meixueiro‐Daza A. , Roesch‐Dietlen F. , Grube‐Pagola P. , Vivanco‐Cid H. , Remes‐Troche J. M.
Published: February 2016

Background

The cost‐effectiveness for screening for celiac disease (CD) in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), specifically in the diarrhea (IBS‐D) subtype, is beneficial if the prevalence is >1%. However, recent studies have shown controversial results. In this large case–control study, our aim was to determine the prevalence of CD and a panel of related antibodies in patients diagnosed with IBS.

Materials and methods

Four hundred IBS patients (Rome III) and 400 asymptomatic healthy controls were prospectively evaluated using antihuman tissue transglutaminase (h‐tTG IgA) and deamidated gliadin peptide antibodies (DGP II IgA and DGP II IgG). Duodenal biopsy was performed on the patients that were positive for the h‐tTG IgA and/or DGP II IgG antibodies.

Results

The mean age of the population was 44.47 ± 18.01 years and 335 (82%) of the subjects were women. Twenty‐one patients and six controls had at least one positive test for CD (5.25% VS 1.5%, p = 0.003, OR 3.63 [95% CI 1.4–9.11]). Eighteen patients were positive for h‐tTG and/or DGP‐II IgG. Histologic confirmation of CD was 2.5% in the IBS patients vs 0.5% in the controls (p = 0.04, OR 5.21). The IBS‐D subtype had the highest prevalence for serological positivity (12.7%).

Conclusions

Up to 5.2% of the patients with IBS according to the Rome III criteria were positive for at least one of the CD‐related antibodies and 2.5% had biopsy‐confirmed CD. Therefore, in our population, screening for CD in subjects with IBS appears to be a reasonable strategy, especially in the IBS‐D subgroup.
Nitric oxide and S‐nitrosoglutathione function additively during plant immunity
Authors: Yun Byung‐Wook , Skelly Michael J. , Yin Minghui , Yu Manda , Mun Bong‐Gyu , Lee Sang‐Uk , Hussain Adil , Spoel Steven H. , Loake Gary J.
Published: February 2016

Nitric oxide (NO) is emerging as a key regulator of diverse plant cellular processes. A major route for the transfer of NO bioactivity is S‐nitrosylation, the addition of an NO moiety to a protein cysteine thiol forming an S‐nitrosothiol (SNO). Total cellular levels of protein S‐nitrosylation are controlled predominantly by S‐nitrosoglutathione reductase 1 (GSNOR1) which turns over the natural NO donor, S‐nitrosoglutathione (GSNO). In the absence of GSNOR1 function, GSNO accumulates, leading to dysregulation of total cellular S‐nitrosylation.

Here we show that endogenous NO accumulation in Arabidopsis, resulting from loss‐of‐function mutations in NO Overexpression 1 (NOX1), led to disabled Resistance (R) gene‐mediated protection, basal resistance and defence against nonadapted pathogens. In nox1 plants both salicylic acid (SA) synthesis and signalling were suppressed, reducing SA‐dependent defence gene expression.

Significantly, expression of a GSNOR1 transgene complemented the SNO‐dependent phenotypes of paraquat resistant 2‐1 (par2‐1) plants but not the NO‐related characters of the nox1‐1 line. Furthermore, atgsnor1‐3 nox1‐1 double mutants supported greater bacterial titres than either of the corresponding single mutants.

Our findings imply that GSNO and NO, two pivotal redox signalling molecules, exhibit additive functions and, by extension, may have distinct or overlapping molecular targets during both immunity and development.
Chromatin looping as a target for altering erythroid gene expression
Authors: Krivega Ivan , Dean Ann
Published: February 2016

The β‐hemoglobinopathies are the most common monogenic disorders in humans, with symptoms arising after birth when the fetal γ‐globin genes are silenced and the adult β‐globin gene is activated. There is a growing appreciation that genome organization and the folding of chromosomes are key determinants of gene transcription. Underlying this function is the activity of transcriptional enhancers that increase the transcription of target genes over long linear distances. To accomplish this, enhancers engage in close physical contact with target promoters through chromosome folding or looping that is orchestrated by protein complexes that bind to both sites and stabilize their interaction. We find that enhancer activity can be redirected with concomitant changes in gene transcription. Both targeting the β‐globin locus control region (LCR) to the γ‐globin gene in adult erythroid cells by tethering and epigenetic unmasking of a silenced γ‐globin gene lead to increased frequency of LCR/γ‐globin contacts and reduced LCR/β‐globin contacts. The outcome of these manipulations is robust, pancellular γ‐globin transcription activation with a concomitant reduction in β‐globin transcription. These examples show that chromosome looping may be considered a therapeutic target for gene activation in β‐thalassemia and sickle cell disease.
In vivo photodynamic inactivation of Candida albicans using chloro‐aluminum phthalocyanine
Authors: Carmello JC , Alves F , Ribeiro APD , Basso FG , de Souza Costa CA , Tedesco AC , Primo FL , Mima EG , Pavarina AC
Published: February 2016

This study evaluated the photoinactivation of Candida albicans in a murine model of oral candidiasis using chloro‐aluminum phthalocyanine (ClAlP) encapsulated in cationic nanoemulsions (NE) and chloro‐aluminum phthalocyanine (ClAlP) diluted in DMSO (DMSO) as photosensitizer (PS). Seventy‐five 6‐week‐old female Swiss mice were immunosuppressed and inoculated with C. albicans to induce oral candidiasis. PDT was performed on the tongue by the application of the photosensitizers and LED light (100 J cm−2–660 nm). Twenty‐four hours and 7 days after treatments, microbiological evaluation was carried out by recovering C. albicans from the tongue of animals (CFU ml−1). Then, mice were sacrificed and the tongues were surgically removed for histological and biomolecular analysis of pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines. Data were analyzed by ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc test. ClAlP‐NE‐mediated PDT reduced 2.26 log10 of C. albicans recovered from the tongue when compared with the control group (P−L−) (P < 0.05). PDT did not promote adverse effects on the tongue tissue. Seven days after treatment, all animals were completely healthy. In summary, PDT mediated by chloro‐aluminum phthalocyanine entrapped in cationic nanoemulsions was effective in reducing C. albicans recovered from the oral lesions of immunocompromised mice.
Pharmacological targeting of histamine H4 receptor in periodontal disease
Authors: Prestifilippo JP , Fernández‐Solari J , Martinel Lamas DJ , Rios CE , Mohn C , Perazzo JC , Rivera ES , Elverdin JC , Medina VA
Published: February 2016

Objective

The objective of this study was to investigate whether histamine H4 receptor (H4R) antagonists could prevent experimental periodontitis (EP)‐induced histological, functional and inflammatory alterations in submandibular gland (SMG), periodontal bone and gingiva.

Methods

Bilateral EP was induced for 2 weeks in anaesthetized male rats. The effect of systemic and local administration of H4R antagonists (JNJ7777120, JNJ10191584) on histopathology and functionality of SMG, bone loss and gingival inflammation was evaluated.

Results

The subcutaneous administration of JNJ7777120 prevented periodontitis‐induced SMG histological injury, reducing vacuolization and apoptosis and additionally reversed the increased prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels in SMG while it partially reversed the methacholine‐induced salivation reduction produced by periodontitis. JNJ7777120 attenuated bone loss and the increased PGE2 levels and inflammatory infiltration in gingival tissue of rats with periodontitis. Finally, local administration of JNJ7777120 and JNJ10191584 was also beneficial for improving periodontal parameters.

Conclusions

H4 receptor antagonists are able to ameliorate periodontitis‐induced injury on SMG, gingival tissue and bone structure, suggesting that pharmacological targeting of H4R could be an attractive strategy to improve periodontal health.
Health education programmes to improve foot self‐care practices and foot problems among older people with diabetes: a systematic review
Authors: Ahmad Sharoni Siti Khuzaimah , Minhat Halimatus Sakdiah , Mohd Zulkefli Nor Afiah , Baharom Anisah
Published: February 2016

Aims and objectives

To assess the effectiveness of health education programmes to improve foot self‐care practices and foot problems among older people with diabetes.

Background

The complications of diabetes among older people are a major health concern. Foot problems such as neuropathy, ulcer and ultimately amputation are a great burden on older people with diabetes. Diabetes foot education programmes can influence the behaviour of older people in practising foot self‐care and controlling the foot problems. However, the educational approaches used by the educators are different. Therefore, it is important to assess the education programmes from various evidence‐based practices.

Design

Six databases, EBSCOhost medical collections (MEDLINE, CINAHL, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection), SAGE, Wiley Online Library, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink and Web of Science, were used to search for articles published from January 2000 to March 2015. The search was based on the inclusion criteria and keywords including ‘foot’, ‘care’ and ‘diabetes’. Fourteen studies were assessed and reviewed in the final stage.

Conclusions

Health education programmes varied according to their design, setting, approach, outcome measured and results. Foot assessment, verbal and written instructions and discussion were proved to improve the foot self‐care and foot problems. Subsequent follow‐ups and evaluations had a significant effect. An improvement was observed in foot self‐care scores and foot problems (such as neuropathy, foot disability, lesion, ulcer, tinea pedis and callus grade) after implementation of the health education programme.

Implications for practice

The findings of this study support the claim that a health education programme increases the foot self‐care scores and reduces the foot problems. However, there were certain methodological concerns in the reviewed articles, indicating the need for further evaluation. In future, researchers and practitioners must implement a vigorous education programme focusing on diabetes foot self‐care among the older population.
Abnormal Pain Response to Visual Feedback During Cervical Movements in Chronic Whiplash: An Experimental Study
Authors: De Kooning Margot , Daenen Liesbeth , Verhelpen Sam , Don Sanneke , Voogt Lennard , Roussel Nathalie , Ickmans Kelly , Van Loo Michel , Cras Patrick , Nijs Jo
Published: February 2016

Background

Whiplash‐associated disorders (WAD) are a debilitating condition. In chronic WAD, sensorimotor incongruence exacerbates symptoms. Sensorimotor incongruence occurs when somatosensory input and predicted motor output are in conflict, which can trigger pain. On the other hand, there is evidence that visual feedback can decrease pain in certain chronic pain conditions. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the effect of visual feedback and sensorimotor incongruence on pain thresholds in chronic WAD.

Methods

Sixty‐four participants (healthy controls and patients with chronic WAD) were subjected to six experimental conditions. Participants watched correct real‐time or modified visual feedback of the neck or hand (without movement as well as during repetitive neck lateroflexion). Sensorimotor incongruence was induced by manipulating visual feedback. Pressure pain thresholds were measured at baseline and during each condition.

Results

Marked between‐group differences were observed. Visual feedback of the neck—correct or modified—did not influence pain thresholds in chronic WAD. In contrast, healthy controls had significantly higher pain thresholds when provided with the correct or modified visual feedback. When a movement of the neck was added during visual feedback, patients with chronic WAD showed no significant difference in pain thresholds, while an increase in pain thresholds was found in the healthy control group.

Conclusion

In contrast to the healthy controls, visual feedback and sensorimotor incongruence did not alter pain thresholds in patients with chronic WAD. These findings suggest an abnormal pain response to visual feedback and somatosensory incongruence as well as failing mechanisms of pain inhibition in chronic WAD.
Fast‐forward genetics by radiation hybrids to saturate the locus regulating nuclear–cytoplasmic compatibility in Triticum
Authors: Bassi Filippo M. , Ghavami Farhad , Hayden Matthew J. , Wang Yi , Forrest Kerrie L. , Kong Stephan , Dizon Rhoderissa , Michalak de Jimenez Monika K. , Meinhardt Steven W. , Mergoum Mohamed , Gu Yong Q. , Kianian Shahryar F.
Published: February 2016

The nuclear‐encoded species cytoplasm specific (scs) genes control nuclear–cytoplasmic compatibility in wheat (genus Triticum). Alloplasmic cells, which have nucleus and cytoplasm derived from different species, produce vigorous and vital organisms only when the correct version of scs is present in their nucleus. In this study, bulks of in vivo radiation hybrids segregating for the scs phenotype have been genotyped by sequencing with over 1.9 million markers. The high marker saturation obtained for a critical region of chromosome 1D allowed identification of 3318 reads that mapped in close proximity of the scs. A novel in silico approach was deployed to extend these short reads to sequences of up to 70 Kb in length and identify candidate open reading frames (ORFs). Markers were developed to anchor the short contigs containing ORFs to a radiation hybrid map of 650 individuals with resolution of 288 Kb. The region containing the scs locus was narrowed to a single Bacterial Artificial Chromosome (BAC) contig of Aegilops tauschii. Its sequencing and assembly by nano‐mapping allowed rapid identification of a rhomboid gene as the only ORF existing within the refined scs locus. Resequencing of this gene from multiple germplasm sources identified a single nucleotide mutation, which gives rise to a functional amino acid change. Gene expression characterization revealed that an active copy of this rhomboid exists on all homoeologous chromosomes of wheat, and depending on the specific cytoplasm each copy is preferentially expressed. Therefore, a new methodology was applied to unique genetic stocks to rapidly identify a strong candidate gene for the control of nuclear–cytoplasmic compatibility in wheat.
Evolution of risk assessment strategies for food and feed uses of stacked GM events
Authors: Kramer Catherine , Brune Phil , McDonald Justin , Nesbitt Monique , Sauve Alaina , Storck‐Weyhermueller Sabine
Published: February 2016

Data requirements are not harmonized globally for the regulation of food and feed derived from stacked genetically modified (GM) events, produced by combining individual GM events through conventional breeding. The data required by some regulatory agencies have increased despite the absence of substantiated adverse effects to animals or humans from the consumption of GM crops. Data from studies conducted over a 15‐year period for several stacked GM event maize (Zea mays L.) products (Bt11 ×  GA21, Bt11 ×  MIR604, MIR604 ×  GA21, Bt11 ×  MIR604 ×  GA21, Bt11 ×  MIR162 ×  GA21 and Bt11 ×  MIR604 ×  MIR162 ×  GA21), together with their component single events, are presented. These data provide evidence that no substantial changes in composition, protein expression or insert stability have occurred after combining the single events through conventional breeding. An alternative food and feed risk assessment strategy for stacked GM events is suggested based on a problem formulation approach that utilizes (i) the outcome of the single event risk assessments, and (ii) the potential for interactions in the stack, based on an understanding of the mode of action of the transgenes and their products.
The secretion of the bacterial phytase PHY‐US417 by Arabidopsis roots reveals its potential for increasing phosphate acquisition and biomass production during co‐growth
Authors: Belgaroui Nibras , Berthomieu Pierre , Rouached Hatem , Hanin Moez
Published: February 2016

Phytic acid (PA) is a major source of inorganic phosphate (Pi) in the soil; however, the plant lacks the capacity to utilize it for Pi nutrition and growth. Microbial phytases constitute a group of enzymes that are able to remobilize Pi from PA. Thus, the use of these phytases to increase the capacity of higher plants to remobilize Pi from PA is of agronomical interest. In the current study, we generate transgenic Arabidopsis lines (ePHY) overexpressing an extracellular form of the phytase PHY‐US417 of Bacillus subtilis, which are characterized by high levels of secreted phytase activity. In the presence of PA as sole source of Pi, while the wild‐type plants show hallmark of Pi deficiency phenotypes, including the induction of the expression of Pi starvation‐induced genes (PSI, e.g. PHT1;4) and the inhibition of growth capacity, the ePHY overexpressing lines show a higher biomass production and no PSI induction. Interestingly, when co‐cultured with ePHY overexpressors, wild‐type Arabidopsis plants (or tobacco) show repression of the PSI genes, improvement of Pi content and increases in biomass production. In line with these results, mutants in the high‐affinity Pi transporters, namely pht1;1 and pht1;1‐1;4, both fail to accumulate Pi and to grow when co‐cultured with ePHY overexpressors. Taken together, these data demonstrate the potential of secreted phytases in improving the Pi content and enhancing growth of not only the transgenic lines but also the neighbouring plants.
Targeting insect mitochondrial complex I for plant protection
Authors: Wu Xiu‐Ming , Yang Chang‐Qing , Mao Ying‐Bo , Wang Ling‐Jian , Shangguan Xiao‐Xia , Chen Xiao‐Ya
Published: February 2016

Plant engineered to express double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) can target the herbivorous insect gene for silencing. Although mounting evidence has emerged to support feasibility of this new pest control technology, field application is slow largely due to lack of potent targets. Here, we show that suppression of the gene encoding NDUFV2, a subunit of mitochondrial complex I that catalyses NADH dehydrogenation in respiratory chain, was highly lethal to insects. Feeding cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera) larvae with transgenic cotton tissues expressing NDUFV2 dsRNA led to mortality up to 80% within 5 days, and almost no larvae survived after 7 days of feeding, due to the altered mitochondrial structure and activity. Transcriptome comparisons showed a drastic repression of dopa decarboxylase genes. Reciprocal assays with Asian corn borer (Ostrinia furnacalis), another lepidopteran species, revealed the sequence‐specific effect of NDUFV2 suppression. Furthermore, the hemipteran lugus Apolygus lucorum was also liable to NDUFV2 repression. These data demonstrate that the mitochondrial complex I is a promising target with both sequence specificity and wide applicability for the development of new‐generation insect‐proof crops.
Recommendations from a European Roundtable Meeting on Best Practice Healthy Infant Skin Care
Authors: Blume‐Peytavi Ulrike , Lavender Tina , Jenerowicz Dorota , Ryumina Irina , Stalder Jean‐Francois , Torrelo Antonio , Cork Michael J.
Published: February 2016

Background

European roundtable meeting recommendations on bathing and cleansing of infants were published in 2009; a second meeting was held to update and expand these recommendations in light of new evidence and the continued need to address uncertainty surrounding this aspect of routine care.

Methods

The previous roundtable recommendations concerning infant cleansing, bathing, and use of liquid cleansers were critically reviewed and updated and the quality of evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation system. New recommendations were developed to provide guidance on diaper care and the use of emollients. A series of recommendations was formulated to characterize the attributes of ideal liquid cleansers, wipes, and emollients.

Results

Newborn bathing can be performed without harming the infant, provided basic safety procedures are followed. Water alone or appropriately designed liquid cleansers can be used during bathing without impairing the skin maturation process. The diaper area should be kept clean and dry; from birth, the diaper area may be gently cleansed with cotton balls/squares and water or by using appropriately designed wipes. Appropriately formulated emollients can be used to maintain and enhance skin barrier function. Appropriately formulated baby oils can be applied for physiologic (transitory) skin dryness and in small quantities to the bath. Baby products that are left on should be formulated to buffer and maintain babies’ skin surface at approximatelypH5.5, and the formulations and their constituent ingredients should have undergone an extensive program of safety testing. Formulations should be effectively preserved; products containing harsh surfactants, such as sodium lauryl sulfate, should be avoided.

Conclusion

Health care professionals can use these recommendations as the basis of their advice to parents.
Orthotopic liver transplant for multifocal lymphangioendotheliomatosis with thrombocytopenia
Authors: Yang Christine H. , Zhou Shengmei , Alexopoulos Sophoclis , Wang Larry , Baron Howard I. , Genyk Yuri , Kerkar Nanda
Published: February 2016

An eight‐yr‐old female with a history of multifocal lymphangioendotheliomatosis and thrombocytopenia presented for MVT. The patient had multiple vascular lesions in the skin and stomach in infancy. Although her cutaneous lesions resolved with vincristine and methylprednisolone, her gastric lesions persisted. Eight yr later, she was diagnosed with portal hypertension and decompensating liver function despite therapy with bevacizumab, propranolol, furosemide, and spironolactone. Upon presentation, she was found to have a Kasabach–Merritt‐like coagulopathy in association with multiple lesions in her GI tract and persistent gastric lesions. Although treatment with methylprednisolone and sirolimus normalized her coagulation factors and d‐dimer levels, she never developed sustained improvement in her thrombocytopenia. Her liver function continued to deteriorate and she developed hepatorenal syndrome. Given better outcomes after OLT in comparison with MVT, she underwent OLT, with the plan to manage her GI lesions with APC post‐transplant. Post‐transplant, her liver function and coagulopathy normalized, and GI tract lesions disappeared upon screening with capsule endoscopy. The patient is doing well, without recurrence of either GI lesions or thrombocytopenia, at 18 months after transplantation.
Application of the Extended Health Control Belief Model to Predict Hepatitis A and B Vaccinations
Authors: Reynolds Grace L. , Nguyen Hannah H. , Singh‐Carlson Savitri , Fisher Dennis G. , Odell Anne , Xandre Pamela
Published: February 2016

Background

Adult vaccination compliance rates vary according to sample and type of vaccine administered (influenza, pneumococcal). This study looked at vaccination of a community sample of low‐income, minority adults.

Methods

Nurses offered free vaccination for hepatitis A and B in the form of the combined Twinrix vaccine to adults on a walk‐in basis. In addition to dosing information, participants completed the Risk Behavior Assessment, the Coping Strategies Indicator and the Cardiovascular Risk Assessment. Skaff's extended Health Belief Model was used as the theoretical framework. Count regression was used to model receipt of one, two, or three doses.

Results

The majority of participants were male with a mean age of 40 years. The distribution of doses was: 173 individuals (27.6%) received one dose only, 261 (41.7%) received two doses, and 191 (30.5%) received three doses of vaccine. The multivariate count regression model including being male, having previously been told by a health care provider that one has syphilis, having severe negative emotions, and perceived social support were associated with participants' receiving fewer doses of hepatitis vaccine. A greater problem‐solving score was associated with a higher number of vaccine doses received.

Conclusion

Despite free vaccinations offered in an easily accessible community setting, the majority of participants failed to complete the hepatitis vaccine series. More effort is needed to get adult men to participate in hepatitis vaccination clinics. Additional research is necessary to understand barriers other than cost to adults receiving vaccination.
Challenges of Integrating an Evidence‐based Intervention in Health Departments to Prevent Excessive Gestational Weight Gain among Low‐income Women
Authors: Yeo SeonAe , Samuel‐Hodge Carmen D. , Smith Rachael , Leeman Jennifer , Ferraro Amanda M. , Asafu‐Adjei Josephine K.
Published: February 2016

Objective

To examine health departments' (HD) capacity to adapt and implement an intervention to prevent excessive gestational weight gain.

Design and Sample

Seventy‐seven stakeholders (nurses, nutritionists, social workers, health educators, health directors, and multilingual service providers) in nine HDs participated. A descriptive mixed methods approach was used to collect data at workshops held onsite to introduce the evidence‐based intervention (EBI) and discuss its adaptation.

Measures

A survey was administered to assess the intervention's fit with the HDs context. Generalized logit mixed models were used to analyze the survey data. The discussions of adaptation were audiotaped and thematically analyzed to identify factors influencing implementation.

Results

The majority of stakeholders desired to participate in the training portion of the EBI, but they were reluctant to adopt it, and noted a lack of adequate resources. From the audiotaped narratives, three themes emerged: (1) Patient needs and resources, (2) Perception about adaptability of the EBI, and (3) The complexity of the EBI for pregnant populations.

Conclusion

Although the EBI was effective for low‐income nonpregnant populations in southeastern regions, pregnancy and complex antenatal services make this intervention unrealistic to be adapted as a part of prenatal care at HDs.
Do Politicians Take Risks Like the Rest of Us? An Experimental Test of Prospect Theory Under MPs
Authors: Linde Jona , Vis Barbara
Published: February 2016

Political psychologists have been quick to use prospect theory in their work, realizing its potential for explaining decisions under risk. Applying prospect theory to political decision‐making is not without problems, though, and here we address two of these: (1) Does prospect theory actually apply to political decision‐makers, or are politicians unlike the rest of us? (2) Which dimension do politicians use as their reference point when there are multiple dimensions (e.g., votes and policy)? We address both problems in an experiment with a unique sample of Dutch members of parliament as participants. We use well‐known (incentivized) decision situations and newly developed hypothetical political decision‐making scenarios. Our results indicate that politicians’ deviate from expected utility theory in the direction predicted by prospect theory but that these deviations are somewhat smaller than those of other people. Votes appear to be a more important determinant of politicians’ reference point than is policy.
Umbilical Cord Serum 25‐Hydroxyvitamin D Concentrations and Relation to Birthweight, Head Circumference and Infant Length at Age 14 Days
Authors: Dalgård Christine , Petersen Maria Skaalum , Steuerwald Ulrike , Weihe Pál , Grandjean Philippe
Published: February 2016

Background

Insufficient supply of vitamin D during early development may negatively affect offspring growth.

Methods

We examined the association between umbilical cord (UC) serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations and infant size in a study of two Faroese birth cohorts of 1038 singleton infants. In the third trimester, the pregnant women completed questionnaires, and clinical examination included birthweight, head circumference, and infant length at age 14 days.

Results

Fifty‐three percent of the newborn population had UC 25(OH)D < 25 nmol/L as determined by LC‐MS/MS. Using multiple linear regression models with adjustment for pre‐pregnancy BMI, sex, parity, gestational age, or infant age at examination, season of birth, smoking, gestational diabetes, examiner, and cohort identity, we found no relationship between birthweight or head circumference and UC 25(OH)D. However, infants with vitamin D status <12 nmol/L had a 0.49 (95% confidence interval 0.05, 0.93) cm lower length than infants with vitamin D status >50 nmol/L in models further adjusted for birthweight.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that umbilical cord serum 25(OH)D concentrations are positively associated with infant length but not with birthweight and head circumference. Although the paediatric relevance of the observed association is unclear, the possible long‐term consequences of late‐pregnancy hypovitaminosis D deserve attention.
Application of machine vision systems in aquaculture with emphasis on fish: state‐of‐the‐art and key issues
Authors: Saberioon Mohammadmehdi , Gholizadeh Asa , Cisar Petr , Pautsina Aliaksandr , Urban Jan
Published: February 2016

Demands of aquatic products are increasing dramatically during past decades. Also quality assurance has gradually received more attention by both producers and consumers. Thus, fish producers are exploring all possible approaches for improving the productivity and profitability. Monitoring of fish state and behaviour during cultivation may help to improve profitability for producers and also reduce the threat of severe loss because of disease and stress incidents. It is necessary to evaluate and measure quality of fish products in accurate, fast and objective way for meeting the different demands of the fish‐processing industry after harvesting. Traditional methods are usually time‐consuming, expensive, laborious and invasive. Using rapid, inexpensive and noninvasive methods is therefore important and desirable. Optical sensors and machine vision system provide the possibility of developing faster, cheaper and noninvasive methods for in situ and after harvesting monitoring of quality in aquaculture. This review describes the most recent technologies and the suitability of different optical sensors for the fish farming management and also assessment, measurement and prediction of fish products quality. Two major areas of optical sensors applications in aquaculture are discussed in this review: (i) preharvesting and during cultivation; and (ii) post‐harvesting. Finally, accuracy and uncertainty of optical sensors applications in aquaculture are discussed. This review showed that MVSs and optical sensors have found real‐world application based on tremendous possibility offered by digital camera development and increasing the speed of computer‐based processing; however, still new algorithms, methods and re‐engineered sensors need to be developed to meet real‐world requirements.
Cryopreservation and vitrification of fish semen: a review with special emphasis on marine species
Authors: Magnotti Caio , Cerqueira Vinicius , Lee‐Estevez Manuel , Farias Jorge G. , Valdebenito Iván , Figueroa Elías
Published: February 2016

Semen conservation methods have been extensively studied for fish species over the last 60 years. Cryopreservation techniques can be divided into two types: one with slow cooling rates like traditional freezing and the other with ultrarapid rates as used in vitrification. These protocols increase the time over which semen samples can be used for reproduction or sperm quality analysis. Marine fish possess greater resistance than freshwater species to variations in osmolality. This favours the application of these methods, which produce better results after thawing and offer high biotechnological potential for aquaculture. In the last 15 years, sperm cryopreservation studies have been carried out in 32 marine species, but there are few analyses of the effects of freezing on the morphology and physiology of sperm cells. The object of this review was to provide recent data on semen cryopreservation in marine fish species and to suggest variables which may be applied in future research.
Application of zeolites in aquaculture industry: a review
Authors: Ghasemi Zahra , Sourinejad Iman , Kazemian Hossein , Rohani Sohrab
Published: February 2016

Zeolites are microporous crystalline hydrated aluminosilicates, which have found various applications because of their very unique physicochemical characteristics such as ion exchange and adsorption–desorption properties. Significant progress has been made in recent years on applications of these inorganic adsorbents in different industries including agriculture, aquaculture, water and wastewater treatment, air purification and petrochemicals. This review article intends to summarize the published reports on the applications of natural, synthetic and modified zeolites in aquaculture industry. Application of zeolitic materials for water quality improvement of fish farms and fish transportation tanks by selective capturing of ammonia and toxic heavy metals and zeolite application as feed additive to enhance fish growth and promote their health and nutritional parameters are the most important discussed areas. According to the technical data that are discussed in this review, natural and synthetic zeolites should be considered as materials with tremendous potential of applications in the aquaculture industry. Considerable amounts of research works are under way to explore other opportunities for application of zeolites to benefit aquaculture industry.
Systematic review and meta‐analysis of respiratory viral coinfections in children
Authors: Lim Faye Janice , de Klerk Nicholas , Blyth Christopher C. , Fathima Parveen , Moore Hannah C.
Published: February 2016

Respiratory infections are a common cause of paediatric morbidity. Clinical outcomes in children hospitalized with single respiratory virus infection are compared with those with two or more viral–viral coinfection. Studies were restricted to those reporting on children aged less than 5 years (PROSPERO CRD#42014009133). Published data to calculate risk ratios (RR) comparing children with single viral infections to coinfection using a random effects model were used. Similar analyses by pathogen pairs and by excluding children with comorbidities were performed. Of 4443 articles reviewed, 19 were included. Overall, no differences in the risk of fever, admission to an intensive care unit (ICU), oxygen use, mechanical ventilation and abnormal radiographs between children with single infection and those with coinfection were found. When analysing only children without comorbidities, the risk of fever (RR = 1.16 to RR = 1.24, 95% confidence intervals (CI) = 1.00–1.55) and ICU admission (RR = 1.08 to RR = 1.31, 95% CI = 0.93–1.83) increased but remained non‐significant. Point estimates suggested an increased risk of ICU admission in those coinfected with either respiratory syncytial virus or human metapneumovirus compared with those with single infection but was non‐significant. Our findings suggest that coinfection is not associated with increased clinical severity, but further investigations by pathogen pairs are warranted.
Knowledge, Risk Perceptions, and Xenophobic Attitudes: Evidence from Italy During the Ebola Outbreak
Authors: Prati Gabriele , Pietrantoni Luca
Published: February 2016

The purposes of the current study were twofold: (1) to investigate affective and cognitive responses and social‐contextual factors related to Ebola and their intercorrelations in a developed country without widespread Ebola transmission; and (2) to examine the relationships among risk perception of Ebola, levels of knowledge about Ebola, and (blatant and subtle) prejudice toward African immigrants. Between January 2015 and March 2015, an anonymous cross‐sectional survey was conducted among a convenience sample of 486 Italian adults. Results showed that most participants were not particularly concerned about Ebola and did not feel at risk of acquiring the virus. Cognitive dimensions of risk perception of Ebola (i.e., perceived severity of illness, perceived personal impact, perceived coping efficacy, and likelihood of infection), affective response (or worry) to Ebola, and social‐contextual factors (i.e., perceived preparedness of institutions, family members’ and friends’ levels of worry) were interrelated. Prejudice toward African immigrants was positively related to risk perception of Ebola and negatively related to levels of knowledge about Ebola even when controlling for sociodemographic variables including political preference.
Laplace Deconvolution on the Basis of Time Domain Data and its Application to Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Imaging
Authors: Comte Fabienne , Cuenod Charles-A. , Pensky Marianna , Rozenholc Yves
Published: February 2016

We consider the problem of Laplace deconvolution with noisy discrete non-equally spaced observations on a finite time interval. We propose a new method for Laplace deconvolution which is based on expansions of the convolution kernel, the unknown function and the observed signal over a Laguerre functions basis (which acts as a surrogate eigenfunction basis of the Laplace convolution operator) using a regression setting. The expansion results in a small system of linear equations with the matrix of the system being triangular and Toeplitz. Because of this triangular structure, there is a common number m of terms in the function expansions to control, which is realized via a complexity penalty. The advantage of this methodology is that it leads to very fast computations, produces no boundary effects due to extension at zero and cut-off at T and provides an estimator with the risk within a logarithmic factor of m of the oracle risk. We emphasize that we consider the true observational model with possibly non-equispaced observations which are available on a finite interval of length T which appears in many different contexts, and we account for the bias associated with this model (which is not present in the case T → ∞). The study is motivated by perfusion imaging using a short injection of contrast agent, a procedure which is applied for medical assessment of microcirculation within tissues such as cancerous tumours. The presence of a tuning parameter a allows the choice of the most advantageous time units, so that both the kernel and the unknown right-hand side of the equation are well represented for the deconvolution. The methodology is illustrated by an extensive simulation study and a real data example which confirms that the technique proposed is fast, efficient, accurate, usable from a practical point of view and very competitive.
Estimation of Extreme Depth-Based Quantile Regions
Authors: He Yi , Einmahl John H. J.
Published: February 2016

Consider the extreme quantile region induced by the half-space depth function HD of the form Q={x∈Rd:HD(x,P)⩽β}, such that PQ=p for a given, very small p > 0. Since this involves extrapolation outside the data cloud, this region can hardly be estimated through a fully non-parametric procedure. Using extreme value theory we construct a natural semiparametric estimator of this quantile region and prove a refined consistency result. A simulation study clearly demonstrates the good performance of our estimator. We use the procedure for risk management by applying it to stock market returns.
Intrapersonal self‐transcendence, meaning‐in‐life and nurse–patient interaction: powerful assets for quality of life in cognitively intact nursing‐home patients
Authors: Haugan Gørill , Moksnes Unni Karin , Løhre Audhild
Published: February 2016

Background

Spirituality has demonstrated a significant impact on quality of life in nursing‐home patients. Likewise, as essential aspects of spirituality, hope, self‐transcendence, and meaning are found to be vital resources to nursing‐home patients' global well‐being. Further, nurse–patient interaction has demonstrated a powerful influence on patient's hope, self‐transcendence, and meaning‐in‐life, as well as on anxiety and depression.

Aim

The present study investigated the associations of hope, self‐transcendence, meaning, and perceived nurse–patient interaction with quality of life.

Design and method

In a cross‐sectional design, a sample of 202 cognitively intact nursing‐home patients in Mid‐Norway responded to the Herth Hope Index, the Self‐Transcendence scale, the Purpose‐in‐Life test, the Nurse‐Patient Interaction scale, and a one‐item overall measure on quality of life. Using SPSS ordinal regression, bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted with quality of life as dependent variable.

Results

Controlling for gender, age, and residential time, all the scales were significantly related to quality of life in the bivariate analyses. Intrapersonal self‐transcendence showed an exceptional position presenting a very high odds ratio in the bivariate analysis, and also the strongest association with quality of life in multivariate analyses. Meaning and nurse–patient interaction also showed independent and significant associations with quality of life.

Conclusion

The associations found encourage the idea that intrapersonal self‐transcendence, meaning‐in‐life, and nurse–patient interaction are powerful health‐promoting factors that significantly influence on nursing‐home patients' quality of life. Therefore, pedagogical approaches for advancing caregivers' presence and confidence in health‐promoting interaction should be upgraded and matured. Proper educational programs for developing interacting skills including assessing and supporting patients' intrapersonal self‐transcendence and meaning‐in‐life should be utilised and their effectiveness evaluated.
Studying the Determinants of Student‐Athlete Grade Point Average: The Roles of Identity, Context, and Academic Interests*
Authors: Beron Kurt J. , Piquero Alex R.
Published: February 2016

Objective

The relationship between academic achievement, especially grade point average (GPA), and college athletics is often focused on “big‐time” (National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I (NCAA DI)) colleges. This study examines athletic and academic identity correlates with student‐athlete (SA) GPA for not only DI but also DII and DIII SAs, separately by sex.

Methods

The GPAs of over 19,000 SAs across divisions are analyzed using OLS with covariates including athletic and academic indicators. The analysis pools SAs, separates by division, and separates by division and sex. Additional analyses were conducted for the revenue‐producing sports.

Results

SAs’ GPA is directly influenced by their athletic versus academic identity, the athletic context including the coach's influence, and the seriousness with which they view academics. Cross‐equation joint testing found no statistical differences in athletic or academic identity across division and sex.

Conclusions

Two beliefs are widely presumed: that DI SAs' focus on athletics more than SAs in the “less competitive” divisions leads them to worse academic outcomes, and that the athletic identity of male SAs has a greater impact on academic performance than female SAs. Our results provide no evidence for either presumption.