bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accuracy of self‐reported hypertension in Brazilian adolescents: Analysis of the Study of Cardiovascular Risk in Adolescents
Authors: Gonçalves Vivian S. S. , Galvão Taís F. , Silva Marcus T. , Kuschnir Maria C. , Dutra Eliane S. , Carvalho Kênia M. B.
Published: February 2018

Given the high prevalence of hypertension in adolescents, it is important to investigate alternatives for estimating the magnitude of the disease. Our objective was to investigate the accuracy of self‐reported hypertension. The study assessed participants of the Study of Cardiovascular Risk in Adolescents (ERICA). The following were calculated: sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV). The associations between inaccurate self‐reporting and socioeconomic factors were investigated. The accuracy of self‐reported hypertension had a sensitivity of 7.5% (95% CI, 6.9‐8.2), a specificity of 96.6% (95% CI, 96.5‐96.7), a PPV of 18.9% (95% CI, 17.4‐20.5), and a NPV of 90.8% (95% CI, 90.6‐91.0). The prevalence of inaccurate self‐reported hypertension was smaller among girls (PR 0.68; 95% CI, 0.55‐0.83) and younger boys (PR 0.68; 95% CI, 0.54‐0.86) who were attending private schools. The use of self‐reported hypertension was not a good strategy for investigating the hypertension in adolescents.
Deficient invariant natural killer T cells had impaired regulation on osteoclastogenesis in myeloma bone disease
Authors: Jiang Fengjuan , Liu Hui , Liu Zhaoyun , Yan Siyang , Chen Jin , Shao Qing , Li Lijuan , Song Jia , Wang Guojin , Shao Zonghong , Fu Rong
Published: February 2018

Recent research showed that invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells take part in the regulation of osteoclastogenesis. While the role of iNKT cells in myeloma bone disease (MBD) remains unclear. In our study, the quantity of iNKT cells and the levels of cytokines produced by them were measured by flow cytometry. iNKT cells and osteoclasts were induced from peripheral blood mononuclear cells after activation by α‐GalCer or RANKL in vitro. Then, gene expressions and the levels of cytokines were determined by RT‐PCR and ELISA, respectively. The results showed that the quantity of iNKT and production of IFN‐γ by iNKT cells were significantly decreased in newly diagnosed MM (NDMM), and both negatively related with severity of bone disease. Then, the osteoclasts from healthy controls were cultured in vitro and were found to be down‐regulated after α‐GalCer‐stimulated, while there was no significant change with or without α‐GalCer in NDMM patients, indicating that the regulation of osteoclastogenesis by iNKT cells was impaired. Furthermore, the inhibition of osteoclastogenesis by iNKT cells was regulated by IFN‐γ production, which down‐regulated osteoclast‐associated genes. In conclusion, the role of α‐GalCer‐stimulated iNKT cells in regulation of osteoclastogenesis was impaired in MBD, as a result of iNKT cell dysfunction.
Detection of tilapia lake virus (TiLV) infection by PCR in farmed and wild Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) from Lake Victoria
Authors: Mugimba K K , Chengula A A , Wamala S , Mwega E D , Kasanga C J , Byarugaba D K , Mdegela R H , Tal S , Bornstein B , Dishon A , Mutoloki S , David L , Evensen Ø , Munang'andu H M
Published: February 2018

Tilapia lake virus disease (TiLVD) has emerged to be an important viral disease of farmed Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) having the potential to impede expansion of aquaculture production. There is a need for rapid diagnostic tools to identify infected fish to limit the spread in individual farms. We report the first detection of TiLV infection by PCR in farmed and wild Nile tilapia from Lake Victoria. There was no difference in prevalence between farmed and wild fish samples (p = .65), and of the 442 samples examined from 191 fish, 28 were positive for TiLV by PCR. In terms of tissue distribution, the head kidney (7.69%, N = 65) and spleen (10.99%, N = 191), samples had the highest prevalence (p < .0028) followed by heart samples (3.45%, N = 29). Conversely, the prevalence was low in the liver (0.71%, N = 140) and absent in brain samples (0.0%, N = 17), which have previously been shown to be target organs during acute infections. Phylogenetic analysis showed homology between our sequences and those from recent outbreaks in Israel and Thailand. Given that these findings were based on nucleic acid detection by PCR, future studies should seek to isolate the virus from fish in Lake Victoria and show its ability to cause disease and virulence in susceptible fish.
Potential virulence factors of bacteria associated with tail fan necrosis in the spiny lobster, Jasus edwardsii
Authors: Zha H , Jeffs A , Dong Y , Lewis G
Published: February 2018

Tail fan necrosis (TFN) is a common condition found in commercially exploited spiny lobsters that greatly diminishes their commercial value. Bacteria possessing proteolytic, chitinolytic and lipolytic capabilities were associated with TFN in spiny lobsters, Jasus edwardsii. In this study, 69 bacterial isolates exhibiting all the three enzymatic capabilities from the haemolymph and tail fans of J. edwardsii with and without TFN were further characterized and compared, including morphology, biofilm formation, antimicrobial activity, antimicrobial resistance, and production of siderophores, melanin and ammonia. The genomic patterns of the most common Vibrio crassostreae isolates were also compared between TFN‐affected and unaffected lobsters. Biofilm formation was stronger in bacterial isolates from both haemolymph and tail fans of TFN‐affected lobsters compared to those from the unaffected lobsters, while melanin production and siderophore production were stronger in the isolates from tail fans of lobsters with TFN. By contrast, the other characteristics of isolates were similar in lobsters with and without TFN. The Vib. crassostreae isolates from the affected lobsters had similar genomic patterns. Overall, the results indicate that in addition to proteolytic, chitinolytic and lipolytic activities, the bacteria associated with TFN commonly have enhanced activity of important virulence factors, including biofilm formation, melanin production and siderophore production.
Association of Mac‐2‐binding protein glycosylation isomer level with nutritional status in chronic liver disease
Authors: Eso Yuji , Takai Atsushi , Taura Kojiro , Takahashi Ken , Ueda Yoshihide , Marusawa Hiroyuki , Seno Hiroshi
Published: February 2018

Background and Aim

Mac‐2‐binding protein glycosylation isomer (M2BPGi) was recently identified as a serum glycobiomarker for liver fibrosis. However, the relationship between M2BPGi and malnutrition in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) is unknown. We aimed to evaluate whether M2BPGi could be a surrogate marker for malnutrition in patients with CLD.

Methods

In total, 338 outpatients with CLD were enrolled (median age: 67 years). We evaluated the associations among liver fibrosis markers (M2BPGi, fibrosis‐4 index, and aspartate aminotransferase‐to‐platelet count ratio index), Child–Pugh stages, and nutritional status markers.

Results

The median value (range) of serum M2BPGi levels was 0.94 cut‐off index (COI) (0.22–11.57) in chronic hepatitis and Child–Pugh A (n = 274), 4.775 COI (1.32–16.68) in Child–Pugh B (n = 46), and 11.37 COI (6.03–18.33) in Child–Pugh C (n = 18) (overall significance, P < 0.001). Serum M2BPGi levels showed a strong correlation with serum albumin concentration and controlling nutritional status score (rs = −0.649, P < 0.001 and rs = 0.671, P < 0.001, respectively). The correlations between M2BPGi and nutritional status markers were especially high in patients with hepatitis C virus infection and non‐B non‐C hepatitis and patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Among the three fibrosis markers, M2BPGi yielded the highest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (0.920) for predicting hypoalbuminemia at an optimal cut‐off value of 2.41 (sensitivity, 87.3%; specificity, 87.6%; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Serum M2BPGi levels are correlated with nutritional status markers in patients with CLD and could be a useful clinical marker of malnutrition.
Core Outcome Set for Trials Aimed at Improving the Appropriateness of Polypharmacy in Older People in Primary Care
Authors: Rankin Audrey , Cadogan Cathal A. , ın Ryan Crist_ , Clyne Barbara , Smith Susan M. , Hughes Carmel M.
Published: February 2018

OBJECTIVES

To develop a core outcome set (COS) for use in effectiveness trials of interventions aiming to improve the appropriateness of polypharmacy in older people in primary care.

DESIGN

Standard COS development methodology was followed, comprising identification of outcomes of studies from an update of a Cochrane systematic review and previously collected qualitative data and an online Delphi consensus exercise involving three rounds.

PARTICIPANTS

An international panel of 160 stakeholders comprising 120 healthcare experts and a public participant panel of 40 older people.

MEASUREMENTS: Outcomes identified from studies included in the Cochrane review and secondary analysis of previously collected qualitative data were scored on a 9‐point Likert scale using the GRADE scoring system anchored at 1 (not important) and 9 (critical). Consensus criteria for the COS were defined as 70% or more of participants scoring the outcome as critical and 15% or fewer scoring the outcome as not important.

RESULTS

Twenty‐nine outcomes identified from the Cochrane review and existing qualitative data were included in the Delphi exercise. The final COS comprised 16 outcomes. The 7 highest‐ranked outcomes were serious adverse drug reactions, medication appropriateness, falls, medication regimen complexity, quality of life, mortality, and medication side effects.

CONCLUSION

A COS for interventions aiming to improve the appropriateness of polypharmacy for older people in primary care has been developed. Future work will focus on identifying appropriate tools to measure
Design and Validation of a Radio‐Frequency Identification‐Based Device for Routinely Assessing Gait Speed in a Geriatrics Clinic
Authors: Barry Lisa C. , Hatchman Laura , Fan Zhaoyan , Guralnik Jack M. , Gao Robert X. , Kuchel George A.
Published: February 2018

Objectives

To evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and validity of a radio‐frequency identification (RFID)‐based system to measure gait speed in a clinical setting as a first step to using unobtrusive gait speed assessment in routine clinical care.

Design

Feasibility study comparing gait speed assessed using an RFID‐based system with gait speed assessed using handheld stopwatch, the criterion standard.

Setting

Outpatient geriatrics clinic at a Connecticut‐based academic medical center.

Participants

Clinic attendees who could walk independently with or without an assistive device (N=50) and healthcare providers (N=9).

Measurements

Gait speed was measured in twice using 2 methods each time before participants entered an examination room. Participants walked at their usual pace while gait speed was recorded simultaneously using the RFID‐based system and a handheld stopwatch operated by a trained study investigator. After 2 trials, participants completed a brief survey regarding their experience. At the end of the study period, clinic healthcare providers completed a separate survey.

Results

Test‐retest reliability of the RFID‐based system was high (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.953). The mean difference ± standard deviation in gait speed between the RFID‐based system and the stopwatch was –0.003±0.035 m/s (p=.53) and did not differ significantly according to age, sex, or use of an assistive walking aid. Acceptability of the device was high, and 8 of 9 providers indicated that measuring gait speed using the RFID‐based system should be a part of routine clinical care.

Conclusion

RFID technology may offer a practical means of overcoming barriers to routine measurement of gait speed in real‐world outpatient clinical settings.
eHealth readiness of dietitians
Authors: Maunder K. , Walton K. , Williams P. , Ferguson M. , Beck E.
Published: February 2018

Background

The present study aimed to determine the eHealth readiness and changes over time of dietitians in Australia.

Methods

Two cross‐sectional analyses of Australian dietitians were conducted in 2013 and 2016, using a survey adapted from one conducted in 2011 by the US Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The survey encompassed 30 questions on eHealth readiness across five dimensions: access, standards, attitude, aptitude and advocacy. Descriptive statistics, independent t‐tests, chi‐squared tests and Z‐tests were computed to compare responses from the 2013 and 2016 surveys.

Results

The survey completion rate represented 14.5% (747) of the Dietitians Association of Australia members in 2013 and 8% (417) in 2016. The survey responses in relation to access and standards suggest that dietitians are well positioned for eHealth. For attitude and aptitude, there is a moderate level of preparedness, with minor improvements over time. Although showing significant improvement (P < 0.05), advocacy highlights the area requiring the most development because the majority of dietitians (61%) reported ‘no role’ in eHealth solutions.

Conclusions

Dietitians are progressing in relation to access, attitudinal and aptitudinal readiness for eHealth, although they rate poorly with respect to advocacy readiness. It was concluded that dietitians are not yet ready, and also that valuable opportunities to achieve the benefits that eHealth can deliver will be missed, if dietitians do not take the lead in guiding the development, selection and implementation of nutrition‐related technologies. Strengthening the dimension of advocacy and ensuring collaboration across the profession, drawing on the varying expertise demonstrated across the practice areas and by the different generations, will be central to improving dietitian eHealth readiness.
Fermentable short chain carbohydrate (FODMAP) content of common plant‐based foods and processed foods suitable for vegetarian‐ and vegan‐based eating patterns
Authors: Tuck C. , Ly E. , Bogatyrev A. , Costetsou I. , Gibson P. , Barrett J. , Muir J.
Published: February 2018

Background

The low FODMAP (fermentable, oligo‐, di‐, mono‐saccharides and polyols) diet is an effective strategy to improve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. However, combining the low FODMAP diet with another dietary restriction such as vegetarianism/veganism is challenging. Greater knowledge about the FODMAP composition of plant‐based foods and food processing practices common to vegetarian/vegan eating patterns would assist in the implementation of the diet in this patient population. The present study aimed to quantify the FODMAP content of plant‐based foods common in vegetarian/vegan diets and to investigate whether food processing can impact FODMAP levels.

Methods

Total FODMAP content was quantified in 35 foods, including fructose‐in‐excess‐of‐glucose, lactose, sorbitol, mannitol, galacto‐oligosaccharide and total fructan, using high‐performance‐liquid‐chromatography and enzymatic assays. The effects of cooking, sprouting, pickling, fermentation, activation and canning on FODMAP content were assessed. The Monash University criteria to classify foods as low FODMAP was used.

Results

Of the 35 foods, 20 were classified as low FODMAP, including canned coconut milk (0.24 g serve–1), dulse (0.02 serve–1), nutritional yeast (0.01 serve–1), soy cheese (0.03 serve–1), tempeh (0.26 serve–1), wheat gluten (0.13 serve–1) and wheat grass (0.05 serve–1). No FODMAPs were detected in agar‐agar, egg replacer, vegan egg yolk, kelp noodles and spirulina. Food processing techniques that produced the greatest reduction in FODMAP content included pickling and canning.

Conclusions

The present study provides a greater FODMAP composition knowledge of plant‐based foods that can now be applied to the dietetic management of vegetarians/vegans requiring a low FODMAP diet. Food processing lowered the FODMAP content of foods, thereby increasing options for patients following a low FODMAP diet.
Community‐based lymphedema risk reduction programs for cancer survivors: An Internet survey of public health nurses
Authors: Tsuchiya Miyako , Mori Miki , Takahashi Miyako , Masujima Mariko
Published: February 2018

Aim

Currently, there is no provision for continuous care to monitor lymphedema risk‐reduction behavior for survivors of cancer. The aim was to explore the possibility of community‐based lymphedema education programs by investigating the knowledge, training needs, and intention to organize such programs and barriers among government‐employed public health nurses.

Methods

A cross‐sectional Internet survey was conducted among government‐employed public health nurses in Japan. The participants were recruited from 2841 health center and community health centers.

Results

The final sample included 641 government‐employed public health nurses. The participants’ knowledge about lymphedema risk‐reduction strategies was relatively good, especially on the importance of observation, detection of early signs, and referral to lymphedema clinics. A small proportion of participants indicated an intention to organize community‐based lymphedema education programs. Three determinants for this intention were identified: a general interest in lymphedema education, past experience of undertaking training in lymphedema risk‐reduction strategies, and the perceived difficulty in organizing community‐based lymphedema education programs. The participants’ perceptions of difficulty included not knowing the needs for lymphedema education in their community with survivors of cancer.

Conclusions

The results suggest that working collaboratively with government‐employed public health nurses to organize community‐based lymphedema education programs is possible. Achieving this requires further investigation of the needs of survivors of cancer in the community, communicating these needs to governmental agencies, and organizing and delivering comprehensive training programs about lymphedema risk‐reduction strategies for government‐employed public health nurses.
Structural basis for PDZ domain interactions in the post‐synaptic density scaffolding protein Shank3
Authors: Ponna Srinivas Kumar , Ruskamo Salla , Myllykoski Matti , Keller Corinna , Boeckers Tobias M. , Kursula Petri
Published: February 2018

The Shank proteins are crucial scaffolding elements of the post‐synaptic density (PSD). One of the best‐characterized domains in Shank is the PDZ domain, which binds to C‐terminal segments of several other PSD proteins. We carried out a detailed structural analysis of Shank3 PDZ domain‐peptide complexes, to understand determinants of binding affinity towards different ligand proteins. Ligand peptides from four different proteins were cocrystallized with the Shank3 PDZ domain, and binding affinities were determined calorimetrically. In addition to conserved class I interactions between the first and third C‐terminal peptide residue and Shank3, side chain interactions of other residues in the peptide with the PDZ domain are important factors in defining affinity. Structural conservation suggests that the binding specificities of the PDZ domains from different Shanks are similar. Two conserved buried water molecules in PDZ domains may affect correct local folding of ligand recognition determinants. The solution structure of a tandem Shank3 construct containing the SH3 and PDZ domains showed that the two domains are close to each other, which could be of relevance, when recognizing and binding full target proteins. The SH3 domain did not affect the affinity of the PDZ domain towards short target peptides, and the schizophrenia‐linked Shank3 mutation R536W in the linker between the domains had no effect on the structure or peptide interactions of the Shank3 SH3‐PDZ unit. Our data show the spatial arrangement of two adjacent Shank domains and pinpoint affinity determinants for short PDZ domain ligands with limited sequence homology.

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Polymer‐free drug‐eluting stents for coronary artery disease
Authors: Baquet Moritz , Jochheim David , Mehilli Julinda
Published: February 2018

Polymer‐free drug‐eluting stents (PF‐DES) were designed with the expectation of avoiding late restenosis and thrombosis related to the polymer used in traditional DES platforms. Furthermore, due to similarities with bare metal stents after drug elution, PF‐DES has been considered as particularly suitable for patients at high bleeding risk. A variety of PF‐DES platforms have been clinically tested. Despite their theoretical advantages, PF platforms showed comparable clinical outcomes with modern permanent‐ or biodegradable polymer‐based DES up to 5 years after implantation. Use of more biocompatible polymers on the modern DES platforms is one of the reasons therefore. Their improved safety profile allows already less intensive antithrombotic regimes after DES. Hence, nowadays PF‐DES platforms can be considered as one of many DES options for percutaneous treatment of coronary artery disease.
The ageing pancreas: a systematic review of the evidence and analysis of the consequences
Authors: Löhr J.‐M. , Panic N. , Vujasinovic M. , Verbeke C. S.
Published: February 2018

Senior people constitute the fastest growing segment of the population. The elderly are at risk for malnutrition, thought to be caused by reduced food intake or involution of the physiological capacity of the GI tract. Age‐related changes are well known in other secretory organs such as liver, kidney and intestine. The pancreas, representing a metabolically active organ with uptake and breakdown of essential nutritional components, changes its morphology and function with age. During childhood, the volume of the pancreas increases, reaching a plateau between 20 and 60 years, and declines thereafter. This decline involves the pancreatic parenchyma and is associated with decreased perfusion, fibrosis and atrophy. As a consequence of these changes, pancreatic exocrine function is impaired in healthy older individuals without any gastrointestinal disease. Five per cent of people older than 70 years and ten per cent older than 80 years have pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI) with a faecal elastase‐1 below 200 μg g−1 stool, and 5% have severe PEI with faecal elastase‐1 below 100 μg g−1 stool. This may lead to maldigestion and malnutrition. Patients may have few symptoms, for example steatorrhoea, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and weight loss. Malnutrition consists of deficits of fat‐soluble vitamins and is affecting both patients with PEI and the elderly. Secondary consequences may include decreased bone mineral density and results from impaired absorption of fat‐soluble vitamin D due to impaired pancreatic exocrine function. The unanswered question is whether this age‐related decrease in pancreatic function warrants therapy. Therapeutic intervention, which may consist of supplementation of pancreatic enzymes and/or vitamins in aged individuals with proven exocrine pancreas insufficiency, could contribute to healthy ageing.
Pharmacokinetics of multiple doses of transdermal flunixin meglumine in adult Holstein dairy cows
Authors: Kleinhenz M. D. , Gorden P. J. , Smith J. S. , Schleining J. A. , Kleinhenz K. E. , Wulf L. L. , Sidhu P. K. , Rea D. , Coetzee J. F.
Published: February 2018

A transdermal formulation of the nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug, flunixin meglumine, has been approved in the United States and Canada for single‐dose administration. Transdermal flunixin meglumine was administered to 10 adult Holstein cows in their second or third lactation at the label dose of 3.33 mg/kg every 24 hr for three total treatments. Plasma flunixin concentrations were determined using high‐pressure liquid chromatography with mass spectroscopy (HPLC‐MS). Pharmacokinetic analysis was completed on each individual animal with noncompartmental methods using computer software. The time to maximum drug concentration (Tmax) was 2.81 hr, and the maximum drug concentration was 1.08 μg/ml. The mean terminal half‐life (T½) was determined to be 5.20 hr. Clearance per fraction absorbed (Cl/F) was calculated to be 0.294 L/hr kg−1, and volume of distribution of fraction (Vz/F) absorbed was 2.20 L/kg. The mean accumulation factor was 1.10 after three doses. This indicates changes in dosing may not be required when giving multiple doses of flunixin transdermal. Further work is required to investigate the clinical efficacy of transdermal flunixin after multiple daily doses.
Personalized management of patients with very early hypovascular hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Cucchetti Alessandro , Vitale Alessandro
Published: February 2018

See Article on Page 484
Northwest Africa 6232: Visible–near infrared reflectance spectra variability of an olivine diogenite
Authors: Carli Cristian , Pratesi Giovanni , Moggi‐Cecchi Vanni , Zambon Francesca , Capaccioni Fabrizio , Santoro Simone
Published: February 2018

Visible and near‐infrared (VNIR) reflectance is an important spectroscopic technique to identify minerals, and their associations, on planetary body surfaces. Howardites, eucrites, and diogenites (HED) are a class of igneous‐like meteorites whose genetic connection with asteroid 4 Vesta has since long been inferred and recently confirmed by Dawn mission results. Pyroxene and olivine are the two major mafic minerals present in HED which can be identified with VNIR reflectance measurements. Thus, studying the compositional variability of those phases and their mixtures by means of laboratory spectroscopic measurements on different diogenitic or eucritic samples is one of the prime methods to better understand the evolution of 4 Vesta's crust. Here, we report the VNIR reflectance spectral analysis of a harzburgitic olivine diogenite, Northwest Africa 6232 (probably paired with Northwest Africa 5480), containing variable amounts of olivine as small grains or aggregates. We found that the olivine diogenite spectral parameters (e.g., band position) of powdered samples and polished slabs are in agreement. Moreover, the olivine diogenite band position shifts from synthetic orthopyroxene in accordance with the presence of olivine and chromite. In particular, the presence of a large olivine clast permits us to determine a linear variation of the band position from synthetic orthopyroxene and olivine, but underestimates the presence of olivine in the olivine diogenite spot.
Elevated seawater temperature disrupts the microbiome of an ecologically important bioeroding sponge
Authors: Ramsby Blake D. , Hoogenboom Mia O. , Whalan Steve , Webster Nicole S.
Published: February 2018

Bioeroding sponges break down calcium carbonate substratum, including coral skeleton, and their capacity for reef erosion is expected to increase in warmer and more acidic oceans. However, elevated temperature can disrupt the functionally important microbial symbionts of some sponge species, often with adverse consequences for host health. Here, we provide the first detailed description of the microbial community of the bioeroding spongeCliona orientalisand assess how the community responds to seawater temperatures incrementally increasing from 23°C to 32°C. The microbiome, identified using 16SrRNAgene sequencing, was dominated byAlphaproteobacteria, including a single operational taxonomic unit (OTU;Rhodothalassiumsp.) that represented 21% of all sequences. The “core” microbial community (taxa present in >80% of samples) included putative nitrogen fixers and ammonia oxidizers, suggesting that symbiotic nitrogen metabolism may be a key function of theC. orientalisholobiont. TheC. orientalismicrobiome was generally stable at temperatures up to 27°C; however, a community shift occurred at 29°C, including changes in the relative abundance and turnover of microbialOTUs. Notably, this microbial shift occurred at a lower temperature than the 32°C threshold that induced sponge bleaching, indicating that changes in the microbiome may play a role in the destabilization of theC. orientalisholobiont.C. orientalisfailed to regainSymbiodiniumor restore its baseline microbial community following bleaching, suggesting that the sponge has limited ability to recover from extreme thermal exposure, at least under aquarium conditions.
Genes affecting progression of bacteriophage P22 infection in Salmonella identified by transposon and single gene deletion screens
Authors: Bohm Kaitlynne , Porwollik Steffen , Chu Weiping , Dover John A. , Gilcrease Eddie B. , Casjens Sherwood R. , McClelland Michael , Parent Kristin N.
Published: February 2018

Bacteriophages rely on their hosts for replication, and many host genes critically determine either viral progeny production or host success via phage resistance. A random insertion transposon library of 240,000 mutants in Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium was used to monitor effects of individual bacterial gene disruptions on bacteriophage P22 lytic infection. These experiments revealed candidate host genes that alter the timing of phage P22 propagation. Using a False Discovery Rate of < 0.1, mutations in 235 host genes either blocked or delayed progression of P22 lytic infection, including many genes for which this role was previously unknown. Mutations in 77 genes reduced the survival time of host DNA after infection, including mutations in genes for enterobacterial common antigen (ECA) synthesis and osmoregulated periplasmic glucan (OPG). We also screened over 2000 Salmonella single gene deletion mutants to identify genes that impacted either plaque formation or culture growth rates. The gene encoding the periplasmic membrane protein YajC was newly found to be essential for P22 infection. Targeted mutagenesis of yajC shows that an essentially full‐length protein is required for function, and potassium efflux measurements demonstrated that YajC is critical for phage DNA ejection across the cytoplasmic membrane.
Electron cryotomography of Mycoplasma pneumoniae mutants correlates terminal organelle architectural features and function
Authors: Krause Duncan C. , Chen Songye , Shi Jian , Jensen Ashley J. , Sheppard Edward S. , Jensen Grant J.
Published: February 2018

The Mycoplasma pneumoniae terminal organelle functions in adherence and gliding motility and is comprised of at least eleven substructures. We used electron cryotomography to correlate impaired gliding and adherence function with changes in architecture in diverse terminal organelle mutants. All eleven substructures were accounted for in the prkC, prpC and P200 mutants, and variably so for the HMW3 mutant. Conversely, no terminal organelle substructures were evident in HMW1 and HMW2 mutants. The P41 mutant exhibits a terminal organelle detachment phenotype and lacked the bowl element normally present at the terminal organelle base. Complementation restored this substructure, establishing P41 as either a component of the bowl element or required for its assembly or stability, and that this bowl element is essential to anchor the terminal organelle but not for leverage in gliding. Mutants II‐3, III‐4 and topJ exhibited a visibly lower density of protein knobs on the terminal organelle surface. Mutants II‐3 and III‐4 lack accessory proteins required for a functional adhesin complex, while the topJ mutant lacks a DnaJ‐like co‐chaperone essential for its assembly. Taken together, these observations expand our understanding of the roles of certain terminal organelle proteins in the architecture and function of this complex structure.
Waking the neighbours: disruption of H‐NS repression by overlapping transcription
Authors: Wade Joseph T. , Grainger David C.
Published: February 2018

The histone‐like nucleoid structuring (H‐NS) protein and its analogues bind large stretches of horizontally acquired AT‐rich DNA in a broad range of bacterial species. Binding by H‐NS silences the promoters within such DNA that would otherwise deplete the cellular pool of RNA polymerase. Selective de‐repression can occur when sequence‐specific DNA‐binding proteins locally disrupt H‐NS function; this mechanism is important for the regulation of many virulence genes. In this issue of Molecular Microbiology, Rangarajan and Schnetz show that when transcription from a neighbouring region invades an H‐NS‐bound locus, it can disrupt local H‐NS repression. Moreover, they show that de‐repression occurs in a dose‐dependent manner, and they demonstrate a natural example of this in Escherichia coli. This finding has important implications for H‐NS function and its impact on genome evolution.
Textually mediated discourses in Canadian news stories: Situating nurses’ salaries as the problem
Authors: Urban Ann‐Marie
Published: February 2018

The aim of this article is to elucidate how nurses are positioned in Canadian news stories regarding their salaries. While the image of nursing in mass media has been widely studied, few studies explore how nurses are constructed in news stories. Drawing on ideas from institutional ethnography together with discourse analysis, this discussion highlights public textual discourses about nurses’ salaries in Canadian news stories. The media discourse was found to distort the issues by focusing attention on nurses. Recognizing how these textual distortions mediate and construct messages is important in understanding how nurses and their work are constructed in the media. This discussion seeks to inform readers about how nurses are situated within commonly circulated discourses in the media. It also seeks to contribute to the literature about the nurse's image and how nurses and their work are portrayed in the public realm. It concludes by recommending increased awareness about how nurses are talked about in mass communication and the need to disrupt these messages and their underlying assumptions.
Phenolic root exudate and tissue compounds vary widely among temperate forest tree species and have contrasting effects on soil microbial respiration
Authors: Zwetsloot Marie J. , Kessler André , Bauerle Taryn L.
Published: February 2018

Root–soil interactions fundamentally affect the terrestrial carbon (C) cycle and thereby ecosystem feedbacks to climate change. This study addressed the question of whether the secondary metabolism of different temperate forest tree species can affect soil microbial respiration. We hypothesized that phenolics can both increase and decrease respiration depending on their function as food source, mobilizer of other soil resources, signaling compound, or toxin.

We analyzed the phenolic compounds from root exudates and root tissue extracts of six tree species grown in a glasshouse using high‐performance liquid chromatography. We then tested the effect of individual phenolic compounds, representing the major identified phenylpropanoid compound classes, on microbial respiration through a 5‐d soil incubation.

Phenolic root profiles were highly species‐specific. Of the eight classes identified, flavonoids were the most abundant, with flavanols being the predominating sub‐class. Phenolic effects on microbial respiration ranged from a 26% decrease to a 46% increase, with reduced respiration occurring in the presence of compounds possessing a catechol ring.

Tree species variation in root phenolic composition influences the magnitude and direction of root effects on microbial respiration. Our data support the hypothesis that functional group rather than biosynthetic class determines the root phenolic effect on soil C cycling.
Coordination and trade‐offs among hydraulic safety, efficiency and drought avoidance traits in Amazonian rainforest canopy tree species
Authors: Santiago Louis S. , De Guzman Mark E. , Baraloto Christopher , Vogenberg Jacob E. , Brodie Max , Hérault Bruno , Fortunel Claire , Bonal Damien
Published: February 2018

Predicting responses of tropical forests to climate change‐type drought is challenging because of high species diversity. Detailed characterization of tropical tree hydraulic physiology is necessary to evaluate community drought vulnerability and improve model parameterization.

Here, we measured xylem hydraulic conductivity (hydraulic efficiency), xylem vulnerability curves (hydraulic safety), sapwood pressure–volume curves (drought avoidance) and wood density on emergent branches of 14 common species of Eastern Amazonian canopy trees in Paracou, French Guiana across species with the densest and lightest wood in the plot. Our objectives were to evaluate relationships among hydraulic traits to identify strategies and test the ability of easy‐to‐measure traits as proxies for hard‐to‐measure hydraulic traits.

Xylem efficiency was related to capacitance, sapwood water content and turgor loss point, and other drought avoidance traits, but not to xylem safety (P50). Wood density was correlated (r = −0.57 to −0.97) with sapwood pressure–volume traits, forming an axis of hydraulic strategy variation.

In contrast to drier sites where hydraulic safety plays a greater role, tropical trees in this humid tropical site varied along an axis with low wood density, high xylem efficiency and high capacitance at one end of the spectrum, and high wood density and low turgor loss point at the other.
The potent pro‐oxidant activity of rhododendrol–eumelanin is enhanced by ultraviolet A radiation
Authors: Ito Shosuke , Agata Misa , Okochi Kotono , Wakamatsu Kazumasa
Published: February 2018

RS‐4‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)‐2‐butanol (rhododendrol, RD), a skin‐whitening agent, is known to induce leukoderma in some consumers. To explore the mechanism underlying this effect, we previously showed that the oxidation of RD with mushroom or human tyrosinase produces cytotoxic quinone oxidation products and RD–eumelanin exerts a potent pro‐oxidant activity. Cellular antioxidants were oxidized by RD–eumelanin with a concomitant production of H2O2. In this study, we examined whether this pro‐oxidant activity of RD–eumelanin is enhanced by ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation because most RD–induced leukoderma lesions are found in sun‐exposed areas. Exposure to a physiological level of UVA (3.5 mW/cm2) induced a two to fourfold increase in the rates of oxidation of GSH, cysteine, ascorbic acid, and NADH. This oxidation was oxygen‐dependent and was accompanied by the production of H2O2. These results suggest that RD–eumelanin is cytotoxic to melanocytes through its potent pro‐oxidant activity that is enhanced by UVA radiation.
Demographic, psychosocial, and behavioral associations with cancer screening among a homeless population
Authors: Williams Lovoria B. , McCall Amber , Looney Stephen W. , Joshua Thomas , Tingen Martha S.
Published: February 2018

Background

Although cancer incidence and mortality is declining, cancer remains among the leading causes of death in the United States. Research shows that cancer morbidity and mortality can be reduced by early detection. Yet, both cancer risks and screening behavior remain understudied in the homeless population.

Methods

Researchers conducted a cross‐sectional survey of homeless individuals (n = 201). The analysis describes the demographic, psychosocial, and behavioral associations with cancer screenings and knowledge of the lung cancer screening recommendation.

Results

Participants’ mean age was 51.7 years (SD 13.6); the group was largely African American (77.3%) and male (67.9%). Among women, the breast and cervical cancer screening rates were 46.5% and 85.1%. Among men the prostate cancer screening rate was 34.2%. Among all participants, the colon cancer screening rate was 44%. Cancer risk behaviors were high. Lung cancer screening knowledge was low (23.0%). Some cancer screening behaviors were associated with age, income, health status, obesity, tobacco use, and physical activity.

Discussion

Despite higher cancer risk behaviors, knowledge and general participation rates for cancer screenings were below national benchmarks.

Conclusion

To improve cancer survival among disparate populations, sustained community outreach is necessary to increase awareness of screening recommendations, identify high‐risk individuals, and navigate them to resources.
Alternative Th17 and CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ cell frequencies increase and correlate with worse cardiac function in Chagas cardiomyopathy
Authors: Almeida M. S. , Lorena V. M. B. , Medeiros C. de A. , Junior W. O. , Cavalcanti M. da G. A. M. , Martins S. M. , de Morais C. N. L.
Published: February 2018

Immune homeostasis has been suggested to play an important role in the clinical evolution of chronic Chagas disease; however, the immunopathologic factors involved have not been fully elucidated. Therefore, our study aimed to analyse the frequency of CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ cells, classic Th17 cells, alternative Th17 cells and IL‐17+ B cells from peripheral blood of chronic cardiac patients after in vitro stimulation with Trypanosoma cruzi soluble EPI antigen. Patients were selected and classified according to clinical evaluation of cardiac involvement: mild, B1 (CARD1) (n = 20) and severe, C (CARD2) (n = 11). Patients with the indeterminate form of CD were included as the control group A (IND) (n = 17). Blood samples were collected and cultured in the presence of EPI antigen. Cells frequency and median fluorescence intensity (MFI) were obtained by flow cytometry. Our results showed that only CD4+CD25+FoxP3+, CD4+CD25highFoxP3+, CD4+IL‐17+IFN‐γ− and CD4+IL‐17+IFN‐γ+ cells are more frequent in patients with severe cardiac disease and correlate with worse global cardiac function. However, while indeterminate patients demonstrated a positive correlation between CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ and CD4+IL‐17+IFN‐γ− Th17 cells, this relationship was not observed in cardiac patients. IL‐17 expression by Th17 cells and B cells correlated with disease progression. Altogether our results suggest that the clinical progression of Chagas cardiomyopathy involves worsening of inflammation and impairment of immunoregulatory mechanisms.
Assessing a portable, real‐time display handheld meter with UV‐A and UV‐B sensors for potential application in personal sun exposure studies
Authors: du Preez D. J. , du Plessis J. L. , Wright C. Y.
Published: February 2018

Background

Observing accurate real‐time measurements of solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) levels is important since personal excess sun exposure is associated with skin cancers. Handheld measurement devices may be helpful but their accuracy is unknown. We compare a portable, science‐grade solar UVR monitoring device against two fixed, science‐grade solar UVR instruments.

Methods

Instruments were (1) a fixed Solar Light 501 UV‐B biometer to measure UV‐B; (2) a fixed Kipp and Zonen radiometer used to measure UV‐A and UV‐B; and (3) Goldilux ultraviolet probes which are commercially available portable devices. Two different probes were used, one measured UV‐A and the other UV‐B radiation. The Goldilux probes were levelled and secured next to the UV‐B biometer. Between 10:00 and 14:40 UTC+2, the UV‐B biometer was set to record at 10‐minute intervals and measurements by the Goldilux probes were manually taken simultaneously. Results were compared for all data and by solar zenith angle (SZA) ranges.

Results

The Goldilux UV‐B probe measured UV‐B relatively well in its diurnal pattern, however, its readings were ~77% higher than those made by the UV‐B biometer. While UV‐A measurements from the Goldilux UV‐A probe and those from the radiometer were in relatively good agreement in pattern, the radiometer read ~47% higher than the Goldilux UV‐A probe. UV‐B data from Goldilux UV‐B probe had a moderately strong correlation with UV‐B biometer data for small SZAs; conversely, for UV‐A, the Goldilux UV‐A probe had a strong correlation with the UV‐A radiometer data for large SZAs.

Conclusion

Handheld devices may be useful to provide real‐time readings of solar UVR patterns, however, to achieve synchronicity in the magnitude of readings to those made by science‐grade fixed instruments, devices may need to be used during certain times of the day and in clear‐sky conditions which may not be practical in personal exposure studies.
Cognitive Deliberation, Electoral Decision Making, and Democratic Health*
Authors: Barker David C.
Published: February 2018

Objective

I examine the democratic consequences (on turnout, vote quality, and representation) of being encouraged to think more deliberately about political preferences.

Methods

A nationally representative survey experiment randomly exposes some respondents to a treatment designed to encourage greater cognitive deliberation; I observe the treatment effects on (1) a measure of the ideological consistency of candidate preferences, (2) preference certainty, and (3) intentions to turn out, dividing the sample according to age, gender, and political knowledge in order to observe hypothesized conditional effects.

Results

The treatment tended to reduce voting incentives among those who tend to be less engaged—women, the young, and low‐knowledge citizens. It did not, however, predict preference consistency significantly.

Conclusion

Encouraging greater cognitive deliberation may not only shrink the electorate, but may produce a more biased one as well, a normatively undesirable outcome that does not appear to be counterbalanced by any increase in “correct voting.”
Application of one‐step method to parameter estimation in ODE models
Authors: Dattner Itai , Gugushvili Shota
Published: February 2018

In this paper, we study application of Le Cam's one‐step method to parameter estimation in ordinary differential equation models. This computationally simple technique can serve as an alternative to numerical evaluation of the popular non‐linear least squares estimator, which typically requires the use of a multistep iterative algorithm and repetitive numerical integration of the ordinary differential equation system. The one‐step method starts from a preliminary
‐consistent estimator of the parameter of interest and next turns it into an asymptotic (as the sample size n→∞) equivalent of the least squares estimator through a numerically straightforward procedure. We demonstrate performance of the one‐step estimator via extensive simulations and real data examples. The method enables the researcher to obtain both point and interval estimates. The preliminary
‐consistent estimator that we use depends on non‐parametric smoothing, and we provide a data‐driven methodology for choosing its tuning parameter and support it by theory. An easy implementation scheme of the one‐step method for practical use is pointed out.
Promoting collaboration in emergency medicine
Authors: Nagraj Shobhana , Harrison Juliet , Hill Lawrence , Bowker Lesley , Lindqvist Susanne
Published: February 2018

Background

Collaborative practice between paramedics and medical staff is essential for ensuring the safe handover of patients. Handover of care is a critical time in the patient journey, when effective communication and collaborative practice are central to promoting patient safety and to avoiding medical error. To encourage effective collaboration between paramedic and medical students, an innovative, practice‐based simulation exercise, known as interprofessional clinical skills (ICS) was developed at the University of East Anglia, UK. Emphasising patient safety, effective handover of care and teamwork, within the context of emergency medicine, the ICS promotes collaborative practice amongst health care students through the use of high‐ and low‐fidelity simulation, human factors and values‐based practice.

Methods

A total of 123 undergraduate students from paramedic (60) and medical backgrounds (63) took part in the ICS. Evaluation data were collected from all students through the completion of an internal feedback/satisfaction questionnaire with 13 statements and one open‐ended comment box.

Results

The response rate for the questionnaire was 100%. Of the 123 students from paramedic and medical disciplines, 99% agreed or strongly agreed with the statement ‘I enjoyed this session’. Students also felt that the ICS helped them to build mutual respect (98%), enhance understanding of roles (94%) and develop as collaborative practitioners (92%).

Collaborative practice between paramedics and medical staff is essential

Conclusion

The ICS is an innovative, enjoyable and meaningful intervention for promoting interprofessional collaborative practice between paramedic and medical students in a simulated practice setting. It encourages students to gain core training in clinical skills and patient safety, within a safe, supervised environment.