bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inflammasomes in stroke: a triggering role for acid‐sensing ion channels
Authors: Vats Kanchan , Sarmah Deepaneeta , Kaur Harpreet , Wanve Madhuri , Kalia Kiran , Borah Anupom , Dave Kunjan R. , Yavagal Dileep R. , Bhattacharya Pallab
Published: June 2018

Stroke is devastating and a major cause of morbidity and mortality around the world. The innate immune response plays an important role in various brain injuries, including stroke, and targeting it for therapeutic interventions would likely prove beneficial. The panoply of inflammatory cells, which induce various cellular, hormonal, and biochemical alterations, mediates the rapid progression of injury in stroke. The inflammasome, a multiprotein oligomer and a key component of specific innate immune responses, contributes toward the worsening of stroke outcomes by activating inflammatory cytokines. Acidotoxicity, mediated by acid‐sensing ion channels (ASICs), also contributes toward exacerbating the condition. A role for ASICs in stroke, through the activation of the inflammasome, is emerging, which opens new avenues for understanding and intervening in stroke. In this review, we describe the various types of inflammasomes and their mechanisms of activation in stroke. Furthermore, therapeutic approaches targeting the inflammasome and that may be helpful in improving stroke outcome are discussed.
Saliva on the oral mucosa and whole saliva in women diagnosed with burning mouth syndrome
Authors: Acharya Shikha , Hägglin Catharina , Jontell Mats , Wenneberg Bengt , Ekström Jörgen , Carlén Anette
Published: June 2018

Objective

The aim of the study was to examine mucosal saliva and unstimulated (UWS) and stimulated (SWS) whole saliva secretion rates and associated factors, in 56 female patients diagnosed with BMS and age‐matched control women.

Material and Methods

Mucosal saliva was assessed using the Periotron® method and blood flow using laser Doppler flowmetry. Diseases, drug usage and xerostomia were registered using questionnaires.

Results

The patients with BMS displayed less lingual and whole saliva, and more hyposalivation, xerostomia diseases/disorders and drug usage, compared to the controls. Only a low SWS and xerostomia differed after adjusting for drugs and systemic diseases. Regression analyses suggested an importance of saliva affecting drugs for saliva on the tongue and for SWS, and the total number of drugs used for UWS. Lingual saliva and UWS were also associated with systemic diseases in the patients. Xerostomia was significantly associated with drug use and whole saliva for all subjects but not in separate analyses of the groups.

Conclusion

Less saliva in patients with BMS could be related to more systemic diseases and medication and not to the syndrome per se. Xerostomia in the patients was not related to any of these factors.
Increased susceptibility to oral Trichuris muris infection in the specific absence of CXCR5+CD11c+ cells
Authors: Bradford Barry M. , Donaldson David S. , Forman Ruth , Else Kathryn J. , Mabbott Neil A.
Published: June 2018

Trichuris muris is a natural mouse helminth pathogen which establishes infection specifically in the caecum and proximal colon. The rapid expulsion of T. muris in resistant mouse strains is associated with the induction of a protective T helper cell type 2 (Th2)‐polarized immune response. Susceptible mouse strains, in contrast, mount an inappropriate Th1 response to T. muris infection. Expression of the chemokine CXCL13 by stromal follicular dendritic cells attracts CXCR5‐expressing cells towards the B‐cell follicles. Previous studies using a complex in vivo depletion model have suggested that CXCR5‐expressing conventional dendritic cells (cDC) help regulate the induction of Th2‐polarized responses. Here, transgenic mice with CXCR5 deficiency specifically restricted to CD11c+ cells were used to determine whether the specific absence CXCR5 on CD11c+ cells such as cDC would influence susceptibility to oral T. muris infection by affecting the Th1/Th2 balance. We show that in contrast to control mice, those which lacked CXCR5 expression on CD11c+ cells failed to clear T. muris infection and developed cytokine and antibody responses that suggested a disturbed Th1/Th2 balance with enhanced IFN‐γ expression. These data suggest an important role of CXCR5‐expressing CD11c+ cells such as cDC in immunity to oral T. muris infection.
Hospital readmission: Older married male patients’ experiences of life conditions and critical incidents affecting the course of care, a qualitative study
Authors: Pedersen Mona Kyndi , Mark Edith , Uhrenfeldt Lisbeth
Published: June 2018

Background

Despite the frequency of hospital readmissions, there is still a relatively incomplete understanding of the broader array of factors pertaining to readmission in older persons. Few studies have explored how older persons experience readmission and their perceptions of circumstances affecting the course of care. Research indicates that males experience poorer health outcomes and are at higher risk of readmission compared to women.

Aim

To explore life conditions and critical incidents pertained to hospital readmission from the perspective of older males.

Methods

The study used a qualitative explorative design using the Critical Incident Technique. A purposive sample of four males aged 65–75 were recruited from two internal medical wards. Data were collected through narrative double interviews. The study was registered by the North Denmark Region's joint notification of health research (ID 2008‐58‐0028).

Findings

The analysis revealed four themes of life conditions: ‘Ambiguity of ageing’, ‘Living with the burden of illness’, ‘Realisation of dependency’ and ‘Growing sense of vulnerability and mortality’. Critical incidents comprised four areas: ‘Balancing demands and resources in everyday life’, ‘Back home again – a period of recovery’, ‘Care interaction’ and ‘Navigating within and between healthcare system(s)’.

Conclusion

This study illustrated the interconnectedness, dynamics and complexity of life conditions and critical incidents that over time and across diverse healthcare sectors affected the course of care in older persons. Hospital readmissions seem related to a complex web of interacting life conditions and critical incidents rather than growing age or specific illnesses.
The epidemiology of tuberculosis in the rural Balimo region of Papua New Guinea
Authors: Diefenbach‐Elstob Tanya , Graves Patricia , Dowi Robert , Gula Bisato , Plummer David , McBryde Emma , Pelowa Daniel , Siba Peter , Pomat William , Warner Jeffrey
Published: June 2018

Objective

Papua New Guinea (PNG) has an emerging tuberculosis (TB) epidemic which has become a national public health priority. In Western Province, there are few data about TB outside Daru and the South Fly District. This study describes the epidemiology of TB diagnosed at Balimo District Hospital (BDH) in the Middle Fly District of Western Province, PNG.

Methods

All patients (n = 1614) diagnosed with TB at BDH from April 2013 to February 2017 were recorded. Incidence of reported new cases was calculated for the combined Balimo Urban and Gogodala Rural local level government areas. Analyses investigated patient demographic and clinical information, differences between pulmonary and extrapulmonary TB patients, and predictors of treatment failure.

Results

The average case notification rate (2014–2016) was 727 TB cases per 100 000 people per year. One‐quarter of TB cases were in children, and 77.1% of all cases had an extrapulmonary TB diagnosis. There was a 1:1.1 ratio of female to male TB cases. When comparing pulmonary and extrapulmonary TB patients, extrapulmonary TB was more likely in those aged up to 14 years and over 54 years. Extrapulmonary TB was more likely in new patients, and pulmonary TB more likely in previously treated patients. Residence in rural regions was associated with treatment failure.

Conclusion

There is a high burden of TB in the Balimo region, including a very high proportion of extrapulmonary TB. These factors emphasise the importance of BDH as the primary hospital for TB cases in the Balimo region and the Middle Fly District, and the need for resources and staff to manage both drug‐susceptible and drug‐resistant TB cases.
A guide to the RCOG Advanced Professional Module in Clinical Research
Authors: Anumba Dilly OC
Published: June 2018

Key content

The Advanced Professional Module (APM) in Clinical Research is the first to be produced by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) and approved by the General Medical Council.

Trainees, hospital consultants and career‐grade doctors aspiring to hold clinical posts with an active research portfolio are eligible to register.

Those who have taken the module can lead multicentre research studies in their hospitals.

The APM has been approved as one of the routes to fulfilling the research requirements of training in any of the subspecialties offered by the RCOG.

Learning objectives

To be familiar with the eligibility for the APM

To be familiar with the content of the APM

To understand how to register and complete the module.
An overview of assisted reproductive technology procedures
Authors: Bhandari Harish M , Choudhary Meenakshi K , Stewart Jane A
Published: June 2018

Key content

Assisted reproductive technology (ART) is an effective treatment option for couples and individuals with fertility problems.

A number of key steps, including pituitary downregulation, controlled ovarian stimulation, final follicular maturation trigger, oocyte retrieval, fertilisation, embryo transfer and luteal support constitute a conventional ART cycle.

Individualised treatment protocols according to each couple's specific characteristics may optimise treatment outcome and reduce safety concerns.

Multidisciplinary team management is essential when managing patients with complex medical and ethical issues.

Learning objectives

To learn what is meant by ART and the available evidence in managing various steps involved in an ART cycle.

To appreciate the need for pituitary downregulation and understand the various downregulation protocols.

To understand the importance of ovarian reserve assessment to determine the appropriate controlled ovarian stimulation protocol and to learn about the most accepted methods to monitor controlled ovarian stimulation.

To understand the use of hormonal agents for luteal phase support.
A Study on Competitiveness Assessment Indicators for Global Aviation Training Organizations
Authors: Yi Yong Ki , Yoo Kwang-Eui
Published: June 2018

This study aims to develop a competitiveness assessment index for global aviation training organizations. The study utilizes the four factors of the Diamond model developed by Michael Porter. To select candidate indices, expert consultations were made, and two stages of Delphi survey were conducted on 24 experts in the area of global aviation training and education. Finally, 19 indices were selected for analysis. In order to assess the reliability of the final indices and justify selection, an empirical study was conducted with 100 participants, yielding statistically significant results. The 19 indices were organized into a three-level hierarchy system, and an analytical hierarchy process (AHP) was conducted to evaluate the importance of each index. The results of the AHP indicated that ‘quality of instructors’ was the most important index, followed by ‘feedback from trainees for the course (level of satisfaction with the course)’ and ‘director’s management skills and leadership’. This study will contribute to enhancing the competitiveness of global aviation training organizations.
The impact of loading, unloading, ageing and injury on the human tendon
Authors: Magnusson S. Peter , Kjaer Michael
Published: June 2018

A tendon transfers force from the contracting muscle to the skeletal system to produce movement and is therefore a crucial component of the entire muscle‐tendon complex and its function. However, tendon research has for some time focused on mechanical properties without any major appreciation of potential cellular and molecular changes. At the same time, methodological developments have permitted determination of the mechanical properties of human tendonsin vivo, which was previously not possible. Here we review the current understanding of how tendons respond to loading, unloading, ageing and injury from cellular, molecular and mechanical points of view. A mechanistic understanding of tendon tissue adaptation will be vital for development of adequate guidelines in physical training and rehabilitation, as well as for optimal injury treatment.

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Sex‐specific activation of SK current by isoproterenol facilitates action potential triangulation and arrhythmogenesis in rabbit ventricles
Authors: Chen Mu , Yin Dechun , Guo Shuai , Xu Dong‐Zhu , Wang Zhuo , Chen Zhenhui , Rubart‐von der Lohe Michael , Lin Shien‐Fong , Everett, IV Thomas H. , Weiss James N. , Chen Peng‐Sheng
Published: June 2018

Key Points

It is unknown if a sex difference exists in cardiac apamin‐sensitive small conductance Ca2+‐activated K+ (SK) current (IKAS).

There is no sex difference in IKAS in the basal condition. However, there is larger IKAS in female rabbit ventricles than in male during isoproterenol infusion.

IKAS activation by isoproterenol leads to action potential triangulation in females, indicating its abundant activation at early phases of repolarization.

IKAS activation in females induces negative Ca2+–voltage coupling and promotes electromechanically discordant phase 2 repolarization alternans.

IKAS is important in the mechanisms of ventricular fibrillation in females during sympathetic stimulation.

Sex has a large influence on cardiac electrophysiological properties. Whether sex differences exist in apamin‐sensitive small conductance Ca2+‐activated K+ (SK) current (IKAS) remains unknown. We performed optical mapping, transmembrane potential, patch clamp, western blot and immunostaining in 62 normal rabbit ventricles, including 32 females and 30 males. IKAS blockade by apamin only minimally prolonged action potential (AP) duration (APD) in the basal condition for both sexes, but significantly prolonged APD in the presence of isoproterenol in females. Apamin prolonged APD at the level of 25% repolarization (APD25) more prominently than APD at the level of 80% repolarization (APD80), consequently reversing isoproterenol‐induced AP triangulation in females. In comparison, apamin prolonged APD to a significantly lesser extent in males and failed to restore the AP plateau during isoproterenol infusion. IKAS in males did not respond to the L‐type calcium current agonist BayK8644, but was amplified by the casein kinase 2 (CK2) inhibitor 4,5,6,7‐tetrabromobenzotriazole. In addition, whole‐cell outward IKAS densities in ventricular cardiomyocytes were significantly larger in females than in males. SK channel subtype 2 (SK2) protein expression was higher and the CK2/SK2 ratio was lower in females than in males. IKAS activation in females induced negative intracellular Ca2+–voltage coupling, promoted electromechanically discordant phase 2 repolarization alternans and facilitated ventricular fibrillation (VF). Apamin eliminated the negative Ca2+–voltage coupling, attenuated alternans and reduced VF inducibility, phase singularities and dominant frequencies in females, but not in males. We conclude that β‐adrenergic stimulation activates ventricular IKAS in females to a much greater extent than in males. IKAS activation plays an important role in ventricular arrhythmogenesis in females during sympathetic stimulation.
Mechanisms contributing to persistently activated cell phenotypes in pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Hu Cheng‐Jun , Zhang Hui , Laux Aya , Pullamsetti Soni S. , Stenmark Kurt R.
Published: June 2018

Chronic pulmonary hypertension (PH) is characterized by the accumulation of persistently activated cell types in the pulmonary vessel exhibiting aberrant expression of genes involved in apoptosis resistance, proliferation, inflammation and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling. Current therapies for PH, focusing on vasodilatation, do not normalize these activated phenotypes. Furthermore, current approaches to define additional therapeutic targets have focused on determining the initiating signals and their downstream effectors that are important in PH onset and development. Although these approaches have produced a large number of compelling PH treatment targets, many promising human drugs have failed in PH clinical trials. Herein, we propose that one contributing factor to these failures is that processes important in PH development may not be good treatment targets in the established phase of chronic PH. We hypothesize that this is due to alterations of chromatin structure in PH cells, resulting in functional differences between the same factor or pathway in normal or early PH cells versus cells in chronic PH. We propose that the high expression of genes involved in the persistently activated phenotype of PH vascular cells is perpetuated by an open chromatin structure and multiple transcription factors (TFs) via the recruitment of high levels of epigenetic regulators including the histone acetylases P300/CBP, histone acetylation readers including BRDs, the Mediator complex and the positive transcription elongation factor (Abstract figure). Thus, determining how gene expression is controlled by examining chromatin structure, TFs and epigenetic regulators associated with aberrantly expressed genes in pulmonary vascular cells in chronic PH, may uncover new PH therapeutic targets.

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PHD2 inactivation in Type I cells drives HIF‐2α‐dependent multilineage hyperplasia and the formation of paraganglioma‐like carotid bodies
Authors: Fielding James W. , Hodson Emma J. , Cheng Xiaotong , Ferguson David J. P. , Eckardt Luise , Adam Julie , Lip Philomena , Maton‐Howarth Matthew , Ratnayaka Indrika , Pugh Christopher W. , Buckler Keith J. , Ratcliffe Peter J. , Bishop Tammie
Published: June 2018

Key points

The carotid body is a peripheral arterial chemoreceptor that regulates ventilation in response to both acute and sustained hypoxia.

Type I cells in this organ respond to low oxygen both acutely by depolarization and dense core vesicle secretion and, over the longer term, via cellular proliferation and enhanced ventilatory responses.

Using lineage analysis, the present study shows that the Type I cell lineage itself proliferates and expands in response to sustained hypoxia.

Inactivation of HIF‐2α in Type I cells impairs the ventilatory, proliferative and cell intrinsic (dense core vesicle) responses to hypoxia.

Inactivation of PHD2 in Type I cells induces multilineage hyperplasia and ultrastructural changes in dense core vesicles to form paraganglioma‐like carotid bodies.

These changes, similar to those observed in hypoxia, are dependent on HIF‐2α.

Taken together, these findings demonstrate a key role for the PHD2–HIF‐2α couple in Type I cells with respect to the oxygen sensing functions of the carotid body.

The carotid body is a peripheral chemoreceptor that plays a central role in mammalian oxygen homeostasis. In response to sustained hypoxia, it manifests a rapid cellular proliferation and an associated increase in responsiveness to hypoxia. Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying these processes is of interest both to specialized chemoreceptive functions of that organ and, potentially, to the general physiology and pathophysiology of cellular hypoxia. We have combined cell lineage tracing technology and conditionally inactivated alleles in recombinant mice to examine the role of components of the HIF hydroxylase pathway in specific cell types within the carotid body. We show that exposure to sustained hypoxia (10% oxygen) drives rapid expansion of the Type I, tyrosine hydroxylase expressing cell lineage, with little transdifferentiation to (or from) that lineage. Inactivation of a specific HIF isoform, HIF‐2α, in the Type I cells was associated with a greatly reduced proliferation of Type I cells and hypoxic ventilatory responses, with ultrastructural evidence of an abnormality in the action of hypoxia on dense core secretory vesicles. We also show that inactivation of the principal HIF prolyl hydroxylase PHD2 within the Type I cell lineage is sufficient to cause multilineage expansion of the carotid body, with characteristics resembling paragangliomas. These morphological changes were dependent on the integrity of HIF‐2α. These findings implicate specific components of the HIF hydroxylase pathway (PHD2 and HIF‐2α) within Type I cells of the carotid body with respect to the oxygen sensing and adaptive functions of that organ.
Modulation of ClC‐3 gating and proton/anion exchange by internal and external protons and the anion selectivity filter
Authors: Rohrbough Jeffrey , Nguyen Hong‐Ngan , Lamb Fred S.
Published: June 2018

Key points

The ClC‐3 2Cl−/1H+ exchanger modulates endosome pH and Cl− concentration. We investigated the relationships between ClC‐3‐mediated ion transport (steady‐state transport current, ISS), gating charge (Q) and cytoplasmic alkalization.

ClC‐3 transport is functionally unidirectional. ClC‐5 and ClC‐3 display indistinguishable exchange ratios, but ClC‐3 cycling is less “efficient”, as reflected by a large Q/ISS. An M531A mutation predicted to increase water‐wire stability and cytoplasmic proton supply improves efficiency.

Protonation (pH 5.0) of the outer glutamate gate (Gluext; E224) reduces Q, inhibits transport, and weakens coupling.

Removal of the central tyrosine anion gate (Y572S) greatly increases uncoupled anion current. Tyrosine –OH removal (Y572F) alters anion selectivity and impairs coupling.

E224 and Y572 act as anion barriers, and contribute to gating. The Y572 side chain and –OH regulate Q movement kinetics and voltage dependence. E224 and Y572 interact to create a “closed” inner gate conformation that maintains coupling during cycling.

We utilized plasma membrane‐localized ClC‐3 to investigate relationships between steady‐state transport current (ISS), gating charge (Q) movement, and cytoplasmic alkalization rate. ClC‐3 exhibited lower transport efficiency than ClC‐5, as reflected by a larger Q/ISS ratio, but an indistinguishable Cl−/H+ coupling ratio. External SCN− reduced H+ transport rate and uncoupled anion/H+ exchange by 80–90%. Removal of the external gating glutamate (“Gluext”) (E224A mutation) reduced Q and abolished H+ transport. We hypothesized that Methionine 531 (M531) impedes “water wire” H+ transfer from the cytoplasm to E224. Accordingly, an M531A mutation decreased the Q/ISS ratio by 50% and enhanced H+ transport. External protons (pH 5.0) inhibited ISS and markedly reduced Q while shifting the Q–voltage (V) relationship positively. The Cl−/H+ coupling ratio at pH 5.0 was significantly increased, consistent with externally protonated Gluext adopting an outward/open position. Internal “anion gate” removal (Y572S) dramatically increased ISS and impaired coupling, without slowing H+ transport rate. Loss of both gates (Y572S/E224A) resulted in a large “open pore” conductance. Y572F (removing only the phenolic hydroxide) and Y572S shortened Q duration similarly, resulting in faster Q kinetics at all voltages. These data reveal a complex relationship between Q and ion transport. Q/ISS must be assessed together with coupling ratio to properly interpret efficiency. Coupling and transport rate are influenced by the anion, internal proton supply and external protons. Y572 regulates H+ coupling as well as anion selectivity, and interacts directly with E224. Disruption of this “closed gate” conformation by internal protons may represent a critical step in the ClC‐3 transport cycle.
Influence of anisotropic Si(111)-(4 × 1)-In surface on growth of nanoscale In islands
Authors: Chandola Sandhya , Esser Norbert
Published: June 2018

Reflectance anisotropy spectroscopy (RAS) and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) are used to study the growth of indium (In) on the anisotropic Si(111)−(4 × 1)−In surface at room temperature. RAS shows that epitaxial growth of In is accompanied by the disappearance of the surface optical anisotropy at 1.9 eV which is the fingerprint for the (4 × 1)-In surface reconstruction and the appearance of a large minimum at 1.4 eV which is at the same energy as interband transitions observed on bulk crystalline In. Subsequent spectra taken on the surface, over 3 h, show that this minimum decreases and eventually disappears along with the reappearance of the original RAS signature of the (4 × 1)-In surface. STM of this surface shows elongated, anisotropic In crystal islands on top of a (4 × 1)-In reconstructed surface. Upon annealing the surface to 720 K, the surface reconstruction changes with STM showing regions covered with a phase that resembles the (√7 × √3)-In reconstruction and RAS showing a large positive anisotropy at about 1.5 eV. The epitaxial In islands now show a hexagonal shape, unlike on the (4 × 1) surface. Thus, the growth morphology of the islands is shown to be dependent on the initial surface reconstruction. The authors attribute these findings to Ostwald ripening of the In islands mediated by diffusion, which is dependent on the structurally different In wetting layers on the Si substrate.
High temperature capacitors using AlN grown by MBE as the dielectric
Authors: Ghosh Pijush K. , Sarollahi Mirsaeid , Li Chen , White Thomas , Debu Desalegn T. , Yan Qigeng , Kuchuk Andrian , Kumar Rahul , Shetty Satish , Salamo Gregory J. , Ware Morgan E.
Published: June 2018

The authors present the use of epitaxial AlN as the dielectric in a chip level thin film capacitor for operation at high temperatures and high frequencies. They have performed capacitance measurements up to 600 K. The basic performance is modeled as a simple metal-insulator-semiconductor capacitor, which provides insight into the underlying mechanisms of accumulation, depletion, and inversion. Throughout the tested temperature range, the capacitance is highly stable with only a slight, linear, decrease with temperature. Additionally, at low frequencies, the capacitor exhibits very high capacitance with an expected decrease with increasing frequency.
Spherical aberration, coma, and the Abbe sine condition for physicists who don't design lenses
Authors: Small Alex
Published: June 2018

Treatments of lens aberrations tend to be either short and descriptive surveys or detailed theoretical treatments. In this article, we take an intermediate approach, showing that the mechanism of spherical aberration can be easily understood on a qualitative level by comparing a sphere with the ideal lens shape prescribed by the Principle of Least Time, and by using a similar argument to understand coma aberration. We also use a simple argument from radiant flux conservation to explain why aberration-free imaging of finite-sized flat objects (as opposed to discrete points or curves) is impossible with just a single thin lens, and we provide a simple explanation of the Abbe Sine Condition as a figure of merit in aberration correction.
A flexible positron spectrometer for the undergraduate laboratory
Authors: Engbrecht Jason , Hillson Nathaniel
Published: June 2018

Positron physics touches on a wide-ranging variety of fields from materials science to medical imaging to high energy physics. In this paper, we present the development of a flexible positron annihilation spectrometer appropriate for the undergraduate laboratory. Four NaI gamma-ray (γ-ray) detectors are connected to an oscilloscope-based data acquisition system. Coupled with the software we developed, these detectors allow students to explore a variety of positron and γ-ray phenomena. These include γ-ray energy spectroscopy, Compton scattering, PET scanning fundamentals, speed of light measurements with γ-rays, historically important polarimetry of annihilation radiation, 3-γ annihilation radiation observations, and positron lifetime spectroscopy of materials. We present the developed apparatus and examples of experiments it can perform here. A website, https://wp.stolaf.edu/physics/positron-laboratory-for-undergraduates/, has also been developed to present supplementary materials including apparatus drawings, laboratory write-ups, developed software, and an instructors' manual.
Association between Collegiate Recreational Sports Involvement and Undergraduate Student Retention
Authors: Forrester Scott A. , McAllister-Kenny Karen , Locker Megan
Published: June 2018

This study examined the association between collegiate recreational sports (CRS) involvement and undergraduate retention rates after 1, 2, and 3 years of study at a midsized Canadian university. Astin's theory of involvement and Tinto's inter-actionist theory of student departure provided the conceptual underpinnings for the study. The results of the study indicated a significant association between CRS employment, or participation in intramural sports, with retention when compared to the broader student population that were not participating in intramural sports nor employed by the CRS department. These findings will assist recreation directors and program staff to ensure that the value of recreational activities for all students and the leadership opportunities provided through staffing programs and recreational facilities with students continues to be seen as important to university administrators.
NIRSA Championship Series Volunteerism: The Perceived Impact on Professional Development
Authors: Tingle Jacob K. , Griffiths Randall J. , Hazlett Dan , Flint April
Published: June 2018

The National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA) Championship Series (Series) has developed into the primary organization for governing extramural/sport club collegiate recreational tournaments. As NIRSA professionals describe it, the Series has also evolved into a platform for professional development. To date, however, no study has attempted to link professional growth and advancement to volunteerism at Series events. As such, the purpose of this study was to examine skills and competencies that could be correlated with volunteering at Series events. Using Astin's Input-Environment-Outcome (I-E-O) model the research team explored the environmental impact of the volunteer experience by collecting data in two phases (prevolunteer experience and 3–4 months after the volunteer experience). Results indicated that campus recreation professionals do perceive themselves to be using effective leadership and communication behaviors and that there are no significant differences in professional development based on the NIRSA region of the tournament. Some gendered differences were uncovered, but it appears that a significant number of volunteers returned to work with higher levels of job-related competencies and important networking connections. Possible implications are discussed, including a Series training program based on NIRSA's core competencies, and areas for future research.
Inhibition of somatosensory mechanotransduction by annexin A6
Authors: Raouf Ramin , Lolignier Stéphane , Sexton Jane E. , Millet Queensta , Santana-Varela Sonia , Biller Anna , Fuller Alice M. , Pereira Vanessa , Choudhary Jyoti S. , Collins Mark O. , Moss Stephen E. , Lewis Richard , Tordo Julie , Henckaerts Els , Linden Michael , Wood John N.
Published: June 2018

The membrane-binding protein annexin A6 suppresses mechanically induced pain in a mouse model of osteoarthritis.
New connections: Engineering DNA repair vulnerability to treat cancer
Authors: Ferrarelli Leslie K.
Published: June 2018

Drugs that impair DNA repair broaden cancer sensitivity to common therapies.
Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Tolerability of Single and Multiple Doses of Relebactam, a β-Lactamase Inhibitor, in Combination with Imipenem and Cilastatin in Healthy Participants
Authors: Rhee Elizabeth G. , Rizk Matthew L. , Calder Nicole , Nefliu Marcela , Warrington Steven J. , Schwartz Michael S. , Mangin Eric , Boundy Keith , Bhagunde Pratik , Colon-Gonzalez Francheska , Jumes Patricia , Liu Yang , Butterton Joan R.
Published: June 2018

Relebactam is a novel class A and C β-lactamase inhibitor that is being developed in combination with imipenem-cilastatin for the treatment of serious infections with Gram-negative bacteria. Here we report on two phase 1 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability studies of relebactam administered with or without imipenem-cilastatin to healthy participants: (i) a single-dose (25 to 1,150 mg) and multiple-dose (50 to 625 mg every 6 h [q6h] for 7 to 14 days) escalation study with men and (ii) a single-dose (125 mg) study with women and elderly individuals.
Colistin Heteroresistance and Involvement of the PmrAB Regulatory System in Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Charretier Yannick , Diene Seydina M. , Baud Damien , Chatellier Sonia , Santiago-Allexant Emmanuelle , van Belkum Alex , Guigon Ghislaine , Schrenzel Jacques
Published: June 2018

Multidrug-resistant
Acinetobacter baumannii
infection has recently emerged as a worldwide clinical problem, and colistin is increasingly being used as a last-resort therapy. Despite its favorable bacterial killing, resistance and heteroresistance (HR) to colistin have been described.
New Locus of Drug Resistance in the Human Cytomegalovirus UL56 Gene Revealed by
In Vitro
Exposure to Letermovir and Ganciclovir
Authors: Chou Sunwen , Satterwhite L. Elizabeth , Ercolani Ronald J.
Published: June 2018

Letermovir is a human cytomegalovirus (CMV) terminase inhibitor recently approved as prophylaxis in stem cell transplant recipients. In further studies of emerging drug resistance, a baseline laboratory CMV strain was serially propagated in cell culture under a combination of letermovir and ganciclovir.
Platelets Enhance Dendritic Cell Responses against Staphylococcus aureus through CD40-CD40L
Authors: Nishat Sharmeen , Wuescher Leah M. , Worth Randall G.
Published: June 2018

Staphylococcus aureus
is a major human pathogen that can cause mild to severe life-threatening infections in many tissues and organs. Platelets are known to participate in protection against
S. aureus
by direct killing and by enhancing the activities of neutrophils and macrophages in clearing
S. aureus
infection.
Recurrent Loss of APOBEC3H Activity during Primate Evolution
Authors: Garcia Erin I. , Emerman Michael
Published: June 2018

Adaptation of viruses to their hosts is critical for viral transmission between different species. Previous studies had identified changes in a protein from the APOBEC3 family that influenced the species specificity of simian immunodeficiency viruses (SIVs) in African green monkeys. We studied the evolution of a related protein in the same system, APOBEC3H, which has experienced a loss of function in humans. This evolutionary approach revealed that recurrent loss of APOBEC3H activity has taken place during primate evolution, suggesting that APOBEC3H places a fitness cost on hosts. The variability of APOBEC3H activity between different primates highlights the differential selective pressures on the
APOBEC3
gene family.
The Methyltransferase-Like Domain of Chikungunya Virus nsP2 Inhibits the Interferon Response by Promoting the Nuclear Export of STAT1
Authors: Göertz Giel P. , McNally Kristin L. , Robertson Shelly J. , Best Sonja M. , Pijlman Gorben P. , Fros Jelke J.
Published: June 2018

Chikungunya virus is an emerging pathogen associated with large outbreaks on the African, Asian, European, and both American continents. In most patients, infection results in high fever, rash, and incapacitating (chronic) arthralgia. CHIKV effectively inhibits the first line of defense, the innate immune response. As a result, stimulation of the innate immune response with interferons (IFNs) is ineffective as a treatment for CHIKV disease. The IFN response requires an intact downstream signaling cascade called the JAK/STAT signaling pathway, which is effectively inhibited by CHIKV nonstructural protein 2 (nsP2) via an unknown mechanism. The research described here specifies where in the JAK/STAT signaling cascade the IFN response is inhibited and which protein domain of nsP2 is responsible for IFN inhibition. The results illuminate new aspects of antiviral defense and CHIKV counterdefense strategies and will direct the search for novel antiviral compounds.
Diagnosis, treatment and prevention of ankle sprains: update of an evidence-based clinical guideline
Authors: Vuurberg Gwendolyn , Hoorntje Alexander , Wink Lauren M , van der Doelen Brent F W , van den Bekerom Michel P , Dekker Rienk , van Dijk C Niek , Krips Rover , Loogman Masja C M , Ridderikhof Milan L , Smithuis Frank F , Stufkens Sjoerd A S , Verhagen Evert A L M , de Bie Rob A , Kerkhoffs Gino M M J
Published: June 2018

This guideline aimed to advance current understandings regarding the diagnosis, prevention and therapeutic interventions for ankle sprains by updating the existing guideline and incorporate new research. A secondary objective was to provide an update related to the cost-effectiveness of diagnostic procedures, therapeutic interventions and prevention strategies. It was posited that subsequent interaction of clinicians with this guideline could help reduce health impairments and patient burden associated with this prevalent musculoskeletal injury. The previous guideline provided evidence that the severity of ligament damage can be assessed most reliably by delayed physical examination (4–5 days post trauma). After correct diagnosis, it can be stated that even though a short time of immobilisation may be helpful in relieving pain and swelling, the patient with an acute lateral ankle ligament rupture benefits most from use of tape or a brace in combination with an exercise programme.

New in this update:Participation in certain sports is associated with a heightened risk of sustaining a lateral ankle sprain. Care should be taken with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) usage after an ankle sprain. They may be used to reduce pain and swelling, but usage is not without complications and NSAIDs may suppress the natural healing process. Concerning treatment, supervised exercise-based programmes preferred over passive modalities as it stimulates the recovery of functional joint stability. Surgery should be reserved for cases that do not respond to thorough and comprehensive exercise-based treatment. For the prevention of recurrent lateral ankle sprains, ankle braces should be considered as an efficacious option.
Is prevalence of e-cigarette and nicotine replacement therapy use among smokers associated with average cigarette consumption in England? A time-series analysis
Authors: Beard Emma , Brown Jamie , Michie Susan , West Robert
Published: June 2018

Objectives

Many smokers use e-cigarettes and licensed nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), often in an attempt to reduce their cigarette consumption. We estimated how far changes in prevalence of e-cigarette and NRT use while smoking were accompanied by changes in cigarette consumption at the population level.

Design

Repeated representative cross-sectional population surveys of adults aged 16+ years in England.

Methods

We used Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average with Exogeneous Input (ARIMAX) modelling of monthly data between 2006 and 2016 from the Smoking Toolkit Study. Prevalence of e-cigarette use and NRT use in current smokers, and specifically for smoking reduction and temporary abstinence, were input variables. Mean daily cigarette consumption was the dependent variable. Analyses involved adjustment for mass media expenditure and tobacco-control policies.

Results

No statistically significant associations were found between changes in use of e-cigarettes (β −0.012, 95% CI −0.026 to 0.002) or NRT (β 0.015, 95% CI −0.026 to 0.055) while smoking and daily cigarette consumption. Neither did we find clear evidence for an association between e-cigarette use (β −0.010, 95% CI −0.025 to 0.005 and β 0.011, 95%–0.027 to 0.004) or NRT use (β 0.006, 95%–0.030 to 0.043 and β 0.022, 95%–0.020 to 0.063) specifically for smoking reduction and temporary abstinence, respectively, and changes in daily cigarette consumption.

Conclusion

If use of e-cigarettes and licensed NRT while smoking acted to reduce cigarette consumption in England between 2006 and 2016, the effect was likely very small at a population level.
Cross-sectional study of cognitive stress appraisal and related factors among workers in metropolitan areas of Japan
Authors: Tohmiya Natsuka , Tadaka Etsuko , Arimoto Azusa
Published: June 2018

Objective

Stress has major socioeconomic implications for all spheres of employment. It is a trigger for depression, and affects absenteeism, turnover, productivity, morale and suicide. Positive or negative cognitive stress appraisal can be a self-care strategy that affects workers’ ability to cope with stress. This study examined cognitive stress appraisal among workers and identified related individual and environmental factors.

Design

Cross-sectional study using self-administered postal questionnaires.

Setting

Companies located in two metropolitan areas of Japan (Tokyo and Kanagawa prefectures).

Participants

2311 employees of 48 companies in metropolitan areas in Japan. In total, 341 questionnaires were returned (response rate: 14.8%), 337 of which were suitable for analysis (effective response rate: 98.8%).

Primary measures

Cognitive stress appraisal was assessed using the Japanese version of the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Potential variables related to stress appraisal included demographic, individual and environmental factors. Multiple regression analysis was used to identify factors related to cognitive stress appraisal.

Results

Participants’ mean±SD age was 42.8±11.7 years, and two-thirds were male. The mean±SD PSS score was 25.8±6.2. The multiple regression analysis controlled for age, sex and depression showed that those with poorer economic status (β=0.171, p<0.001), lower electronic health (eHealth) literacy (β=−0.113, p=0.012), higher traditional organisational climate (β=0.131, p=0.004) and lower perceived social support (β=−0.205, p<0.001) experienced significantly higher levels of negatively perceived stress.

Conclusions

The results show individual and environmental factors related to cognitive stress appraisal among workers. An effective strategy to improve mental health among workers may involve an interprofessional approach by public health nurses and health practitioners that includes enhanced self-coping skills using individual workers’ eHealth literacy, improvement of organisational climates in workplaces and community-based social support.
Marital status and risk of cardiovascular diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wong Chun Wai , Kwok Chun Shing , Narain Aditya , Gulati Martha , Mihalidou Anastasia S , Wu Pensee , Alasnag Mirvat , Myint Phyo Kyaw , Mamas Mamas A
Published: June 2018

Background

The influence of marital status on the incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and prognosis after CVD is inconclusive. We systematically reviewed the literature to determine how marital status influences CVD and prognosis after CVD.

Methods

A search of MEDLINE and Embase in January 2018 without language restriction was performed to identify studies that evaluated the association between marital status and risk of CVD. Search terms related to both marital status and CVD were used and included studies had to be prospective in design. The outcomes of interest were CVD, coronary heart disease (CHD) or stroke incidence and mortality. We performed random effects meta-analysis stratified by the types of population by calculating odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).

Results

Our analysis included 34 studies with more than two million participants. Compared with married participants, being unmarried (never married, divorced or widowed) was associated with increased odds of CVD (OR 1.42; 95% CI 1.00 to 2.01), CHD (OR 1.16,95% CI 1.04 to 1.28), CHD death (OR 1.43,95% CI 1.28 to 1.60) and stroke death (OR 1.55,95% 1.16 to 2.08). Being divorced was associated with increased odds of CHD (P<0.001) for both men and women while widowers were more likely to develop a stroke (P<0.001). Single men and women with myocardial infarction had increased mortality (OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.14 to 1.76) compared with married participants.

Conclusions

Marital status appears to influence CVD and prognosis after CVD. These findings may suggest that marital status should be considered in the risk assessment for CVD and outcomes of CVD based on marital status merits further investigation.
Social support and maternal mental health at 4 months and 1 year postpartum: analysis from the All Our Families cohort
Authors: Hetherington Erin , McDonald Sheila , Williamson Tyler , Patten Scott B , Tough Suzanne C
Published: June 2018

Background

Low social support is consistently associated with postpartum depression. Previous studies do not always control for previous mental health and do not consider what type of support (tangible, emotional, informational or positive social interaction) is most important. The objectives are: to examine if low social support contributes to subsequent risk of depressive or anxiety symptoms and to determine which type of support is most important.

Methods

Data from the All Our Families longitudinal pregnancy cohort were used (n=3057). Outcomes were depressive or anxiety symptoms at 4 months and 1 year postpartum. Exposures were social support during pregnancy and at 4 months postpartum. Log binomial models were used to calculate risk ratios (RRs) and absolute risk differences, controlling for past mental health.

Results

Low total social support during pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of depressive symptoms (RR 1.50, 95% CI 1.24 to 1.82) and anxiety symptoms (RR 1.63, 95% CI 1.38 to 1.93) at 4 months postpartum. Low total social support at 4 months was associated with an increased risk of anxiety symptoms (RR 1.65, 95% CI 1.31 to 2.09) at 1 year. Absolute risk differences were largest among women with previous mental health challenges resulting in a number needed to treat of 5 for some outcomes. Emotional/informational support was the most important type of support for postpartum anxiety.

Conclusion

Group prenatal care, prenatal education and peer support programmes have the potential to improve social support. Prenatal interventions studies are needed to confirm these findings in higher risk groups.
Effect of cultivar and agronomic management on feed barley production in Alberta environments
Authors: Thompson L.A. , Strydhorst S.M. , Hall L.M. , Yang R.C. , Pauly D. , Gill K.S. , Bowness R.
Published: June 2018

The area sown to barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) in Alberta, Canada, and the rate of yield increase relative to other major crops have declined in recent decades. Advanced agronomic management of feed barley may increase the seeded area and differentially influence cultivar performance. Field experiments were conducted from 2014 to 2016 at 11 rainfed and three irrigated environments in Alberta to evaluate the performance of 10 feed barley cultivars under standard and advanced agronomic management. Advanced management included supplemental postemergence N, the plant growth regulator chlormequat chloride, and two foliar fungicide applications. Cultivars responded similarly to management in the low disease pressure environments encountered in the study. The two-row cultivars CDC Austenson, Xena, and CDC Coalition were the highest yielding overall, while Champion had the greatest yields in moisture-limited environments. The feed grain quality of two-row cultivars was superior to six-row cultivars. Recently released six-row cultivars were among the lowest yielding. Negative or static yield increases were observed for all newer cultivars (2006–2013 registrations) compared with the older cultivar, Xena (2000 registration). In comparison, the overall 9.3% yield increase from advanced management was notable. Advanced management yield increases were greater (8%–18%) in environments with 251–502 mm of precipitation and smaller (1%–3%) in moisture-limited environments. Management had negligible effects on lodging and grain quality. Optimal yield and quality were achieved with the two-row cultivars, CDC Austenson, Xena, or CDC Coalition, and advanced management in high precipitation environments. In environments with less precipitation, optimal yields were achieved with Champion and standard management.