bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of polyphenol-rich sources on acute postprandial glycaemia: a systematic review
Authors: Coe S. , Ryan L.
Published: June 2016

Increasingly, evidence suggests a role for polyphenols in blood glucose control. The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the effect of polyphenol-rich sources in combination with carbohydrate sources on resulting postprandial glycaemic and insulin responses. A literature search was conducted using Medline, CINHAL and Web of Science databases. Selected studies included randomised controlled trials in which the association of polyphenol-containing food or beverage consumption with a carbohydrate source and effect on acute postprandial glycaemia and/or insulin was reported. A total of thirteen full articles were included in the review. Polyphenol sources included coffee, black tea, fruit juice, plant extracts, berries and different rye breads, and carbohydrate sources included bread, pancakes and simple sugars such as sucrose, glucose and fructose. Although glycaemic and insulin responses differed depending on the polyphenol–carbohydrate combination, overall, polyphenol sources were shown to reduce the peak and early-phase glycaemic response and maintain the glycaemic response in the later stages of digestion. To a lesser extent, polyphenol sources were also shown to reduce peak insulin response and sustain the insulin response, especially when consumed with bread. This review supports epidemiological data suggesting that polyphenols in foods and beverages may have a beneficial effect on reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. However, the extent of this effect is variable depending on the polyphenol and carbohydrate source.
The G allele in IL-10-1082 G/A may have a role in lowering the susceptibility to panic disorder in female patients
Authors: Kim Han-Joon , Kim Yong-Ku
Published: June 2016

Background

Immune system activation is involved in the pathophysiology of panic disorder (PD). We investigated INF-γ+874 A/T, TNF-α-308 G/A, and IL-10-1082 G/A single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to determine their association with PD.

Method

This study enroled 135 PD patients and 135 healthy controls. INF-γ+874 A/T (rs2430561), TNF-α-308 G/A (rs1800629), and IL-10-1082 G/A (rs1800896) were genotyped.

Results

There were no differences in genotypes or allele frequencies between the patient and control groups, regardless of accompanying agoraphobia. However, for female patients, the G allele frequency in IL-10 SNP was higher in the control group than in the patient group. Additionally, the female control group had a higher frequency of the A/G and G/G genotype in the IL-10 SNP than the female patient group.

Conclusion

We suggest that the G allele in IL-10-1082 G/A might have a role in reducing the manifestations of PD in female patients. Further studies are needed to extend and confirm our findings.
Fatality Thresholds, Causal Heterogeneity, and Civil War Research: Reconsidering the Link Between Narcotics and Conflict
Authors: Anderson Noel , Worsnop Alec
Published: June 2016

Determining the appropriate fatality threshold criteria for case selection in the civil war literature has proven contentious. Yet, despite continued debate, our survey of the literature finds that scholars rarely examine their findings across multiple thresholds. Of those that did evaluate their findings in this way, nearly half found that their results changed at different thresholds. Because minor and major conflicts often exhibit different causal patterns, scholars should explore their empirical findings across a range of theoretically motivated thresholds. To illustrate the utility of this approach, we demonstrate that the relationship between narcotics and conflict intensity varies across thresholds. We then introduce a dynamic theory that emphasizes the endogeneity of rebel groups’ decisions to turn to drug cultivation during civil war.
Association between dietary fibre intake and fruit, vegetable or whole-grain consumption and the risk of CVD: results from the PREvención con DIeta MEDiterránea (PREDIMED) trial
Authors: Buil-Cosiales Pilar , Toledo Estefania , Salas-Salvadó Jordi , Zazpe Itziar , Farràs Marta , Basterra-Gortari Francisco Javier , Diez-Espino Javier , Estruch Ramon , Corella Dolores , Ros Emilio , Marti Amelia , Gómez-Gracia Enrique , Ortega-Calvo Manuel , Arós Fernando , Moñino Manuel , Serra-Majem Lluis , Pintó Xavier , Lamuela-Raventós Rosa Maria , Babio Nancy , Gonzalez Jose I. , Fitó Montserrat , Martínez-González Miguel A. ,   for the PREDIMED investigators
Published: June 2016

Prospective studies assessing the association between fibre intake or fibre-rich food consumption and the risk of CVD have often been limited by baseline assessment of diet. Thus far, no study has used yearly repeated measurements of dietary changes during follow-up. Moreover, previous studies included healthy and selected participants who did not represent subjects at high cardiovascular risk. We used yearly repeated measurements of diet to investigate the association between fibre intake and CVD in a Mediterranean cohort of elderly adults at high cardiovascular risk. We followed-up 7216 men (55–80 years) and women (60–80 years) initially free of CVD for up to 7 years in the PREvención con DIeta MEDiterránea study (registered as ISRCTN35739639). A 137-item validated FFQ was repeated yearly to assess diet. The primary end point, confirmed by a blinded ad hoc Event Adjudication Committee, was a composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction and stroke. Time-dependent Cox’s regression models were used to estimate the risk of CVD according to baseline dietary exposures and to their yearly updated changes. We found a significant inverse association for fibre (Pfor trend=0·020) and fruits (Pfor trend=0·024) in age-sex adjusted models, but the statistical significance was lost in fully adjusted models. However, we found a significant inverse association with CVD incidence for the sum of fruit and vegetable consumption. Participants who consumed in total nine or more servings/d of fruits plus vegetables had a hazard ratio 0·60 (95 % CI 0·40, 0·96) of CVD in comparison with those consuming <5 servings/d.
The effect of under-reporting of energy intake on dietary patterns and on the associations between dietary patterns and self-reported chronic disease in women aged 50–69 years
Authors: Markussen Marianne S. , Veierød Marit B. , Ursin Giske , Andersen Lene F.
Published: June 2016

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate whether under-reporting of energy intake affects derived dietary patterns and the association between dietary patterns and self-reported chronic disease. Diets of 6204 women aged 50–69 years participating in the Norwegian Breast Cancer Screening Program were assessed using a 253-item FFQ. We identified dietary patterns using principal component analysis. According to the revised Goldberg cut-off method, women with a ratio of reported energy intake:estimated BMR<1·10 were classified as low energy reporters (n 1133, 18 %). We examined the associations between dietary patterns and self-reported chronic diseases by log-binomial regression, and the results are presented as prevalence ratios (PR) and CI. ‘Prudent’, ‘Western’ and ‘Continental’ dietary patterns were identified among all reporters and plausible reporters. The PR expressing the associations between the ‘Western’ and ‘Prudent’ dietary pattern scores and self-reported chronic diseases were consistently highest among plausible reporters except for joint/muscle/skeletal disorders. The largest difference in PR among plausible v. all reporters was found for the association between the ‘Prudent’ pattern and diabetes (PR for highest v. lowest tertile: PRall reporters 2·16; 95 % CI 1·50, 3·13; Ptrend<0·001; PRplausible reporters 2·86; 95 % CI 1·81, 4·51; Ptrend<0·001). In conclusion, our results suggest that under-reporting can result in systematic error that can affect the association between dietary pattern and disease. In studies of dietary patterns, investigators ought to consider reporting effect estimates both for all individuals and for plausible reporters.
TheMalum prohibitum—Malum in seDistinction and the Wrongfulness Constraint on Criminalization
Authors: DIMOCK SUSAN
Published: June 2016

The criminal law distinction between conductmalum in seandmalum prohibitumis five centuries old in common law jurisdictions and yet both its meaning and its usefulness remain matters of debate. I join the fray, arguing (a) that the terms cannot be interpreted literally, but that (b) there is a way of drawing the distinction that is both plausible and useful. Conductmala in seis conduct thatmustbe prohibited in any just polity, whilemala prohibitaconductmay but need not becriminalized. I employ concepts from social contract theory in the explanation.
Exome sequencing identified a novelde novo OPA1mutation in a consanguineous family presenting with optic atrophy
Authors: COHEN LIOR , TZUR SHAY , GOLDENBERG-COHEN NITZA , BORMANS CONCETTA , BEHAR DORON M. , REINSTEIN EYAL
Published: June 2016

Inherited optic neuropathies are a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by mild to severe visual loss, colour vision deficit, central or paracentral visual field defects and optic disc pallor. Optic atrophies can be classified into isolated or non-syndromic and syndromic forms. While multiple modes of inheritance have been reported, autosomal dominant optic atrophy and mitochondrial inherited Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy are the most common forms. Optic atrophy type 1, caused by mutations in theOPA1gene is believed to be the most common hereditary optic neuropathy, and most patients inherit a mutation from an affected parent. In this study we used whole-exome sequencing to investigate the genetic aetiology in a patient affected with isolated optic atrophy. Since the proband was the only affected individual in his extended family, and was a product of consanguineous marriage, homozygosity mapping followed by whole-exome sequencing were pursued. Exome results identified a novelde novo OPA1mutation in the proband. We conclude, that thoughde novo OPA1mutations are uncommon, testing of common optic atrophy-associated genes such as mitochondrial mutations andOPA1gene sequencing should be performed first in single individuals presenting with optic neuropathy, even when dominant inheritance is not apparent.
Richness and distribution of tropical oyster parasites in two oceans
Authors: PAGENKOPP LOHAN KATRINA M. , HILL-SPANIK KRISTINA M. , TORCHIN MARK E. , AGUIRRE-MACEDO LEOPOLDINA , FLEISCHER ROBERT C. , RUIZ GREGORY M.
Published: June 2016

Parasites can exert strong effects on population to ecosystem level processes, but data on parasites are limited for many global regions, especially tropical marine systems. Characterizing parasite diversity and distributions are the first steps towards understanding the potential impacts of parasites. The Panama Canal serves as an interesting location to examine tropical parasite diversity and distribution, as it is a conduit between two oceans and a hub for international trade. We examined metazoan and protistan parasites associated with ten oyster species collected from both Panamanian coasts, including the Panama Canal and Bocas del Toro. We found multiple metazoan taxa (pea crabs,Stylochusspp.,Urastoma cyrinae). Our molecular screening for protistan parasites detected four species ofPerkinsus(Perkinsus marinus, Perkinsus chesapeaki, Perkinsus olseni, Perkinsus beihaiensis) and several haplosporidians, including two genera (Minchinia, Haplosporidium). Species richness was higher for the protistan parasites than for the metazoans, with haplosporidian richness being higher thanPerkinsusrichness.Perkinsusspecies were the most frequently detected and most geographically widespread among parasite groups. Parasite richness and overlap differed between regions, locations and oyster hosts. These results have important implications for tropical parasite richness and the dispersal of parasites due to shipping associated with the Panama Canal.
CHANGE POINT TESTS FOR THE TAIL INDEX OFβ-MIXING RANDOM VARIABLES
Authors: Hoga Yannick
Published: June 2016

The tail index as a measure of tail thickness provides information that is not captured by standard volatility measures. It may however change over time. Currently available procedures for detecting those changes for dependent data (e.g., Quintoset al., 2001) are all based on comparing Hill (1975) estimates from different subsamples. We derive tests for a wide class of other tail index estimators. The limiting distribution of the test statistics is shown not to depend on the particular choice of the estimator, while the assumptions on the dependence structure allow for sufficient generality in applications. A simulation study investigates empirical sizes and powers of the tests in finite samples.
Mapping Global Shipping Density from AIS Data
Authors: Wu Lin , Xu Yongjun , Wang Qi , Wang Fei , Xu Zhiwei
Published: June 2016

Mapping global shipping density, including vessel density and traffic density, is important to reveal the distribution of ships and traffic. The Automatic Identification System (AIS) is an automatic reporting system widely installed on ships initially for collision avoidance by reporting their kinematic and identity information continuously. An algorithm was created to account for errors in the data when ship tracks seem to ‘jump’ large distances, an artefact resulting from the use of duplicate identities. The shipping density maps, including the vessel and traffic density maps, as well as AIS receiving frequency maps, were derived based on around 20 billion distinct records during the period from August 2012 to April 2015. Map outputs were created in three different spatial resolutions: 1° latitude by 1° longitude, 10 minutes latitude by 10 minutes longitude, and 1 minute latitude by 1 minute longitude. The results show that it takes only 56 hours to process these records to derive the density maps, 1·7 hours per month on average, including data retrieval, computation and updating of the database.
Assessing the efficiency of protected areas to represent biodiversity: a small island case study
Authors: VERGÍLIO MARTA , FONSECA CATARINA , CALADO HELENA , BORGES PAULO A.V. , ELIAS RUI BENTO , GABRIEL ROSALINA , MARTINS ANTÓNIO , AZEVEDO EDUARDO , CARDOSO PEDRO
Published: June 2016

Protected areas (PAs) have been selected using either subjective or objective criteria applied to an extremely limited subset of biodiversity. Improved availability of species distribution data, better statistical tools to predict species distributions and algorithms to optimize spatial conservation planning allow many impediments to be overcome, particularly on small islands. This study analyses whether 219 species are adequately protected by PAs on Pico Island (the Azores, Portugal), and if they are as efficient as possible, maximizing species protection while minimizing costs. We performed distribution modelling of species’ potential distributions, proposed individual conservation targets (considering the context of each species in the archipelago and their current conservation status) to determine the efficiency of current PAs in meeting such targets and identify alternative or complementary areas relevant for conservation. Results showed that current PAs do not cover all taxa, leaving out important areas for conservation. We demonstrate that by using optimization algorithms it is possible to include most species groups in spatial conservation planning in the Azores with the current resources. With increasing availability of data and methods, this approach could be readily extended to other islands and regions with high endemism levels.
Thermal properties of Antarctic soils: wetting controls subsurface thermal state
Authors: Levy Joseph S. , Schmidt Logan M.
Published: June 2016

Mineral soils in the McMurdo Dry Valleys (MDV), Antarctica, are commonly considered to be dry, and therefore to be good insulators with low thermal diffusivity values (~0.2 mm2s-1). However, field measurements of soil moisture profiles with depth, coupled with observations of rapid ground ice melt, suggest that the thermal characteristics of MDV soils, and thus their resistance to thaw, may be spatially variable and strongly controlled by soil moisture content. The thermal conductivity, heat capacity and thermal diffusivity of 17 MDV soils were measured over a range of soil moisture conditions from dry to saturated. We found that thermal diffusivity varied by a factor of eight for these soils, despite the fact that they consist of members of only two soil groups. The thermal diffusivity of the soils increased in all cases with increasing soil moisture content, suggesting that permafrost and ground ice thaw in mineral soils may generate a positive thawing feedback in which wet soils conduct additional heat to depth, enhancing rates of permafrost thaw and thermokarst formation.
Neurocognitive Correlates of Successful Treatment of PTSD in Female Veterans
Authors: Haaland Kathleen Y. , Sadek Joseph R. , Keller Jenna E. , Castillo Diane T.
Published: June 2016

Background:The influence of psychotherapy on neurocognition in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has not been examined methodically. This is despite evidence that pre-treatment learning and memory has been associated with treatment success and that executive function theories emphasize weak executive functions (especially inhibition/switching) are associated with PTSD.Objectives:To determine (1) if higher pre-treatment learning/memory, inhibition/switching, or both predict treatment success; and (2) if treatment success is associated with specific improvement in inhibition/switching and not learning/memory or working memory, another aspect of executive function.Methods:Pre-treatment neurocognition and neurocognitive changes (inhibition/switching, learning/memory, working memory) were examined in female veterans with PTSD. They were evaluated before and after 16-weeks of group psychotherapy for PTSD that included three counterbalanced modules (cognitive restructuring therapy, exposure therapy, skills training) with fidelity checks for therapist adherence.Results:Only pre-treatment learning/memory predicted better treatment outcome. Treatment success was associated with improvement in inhibition/switching only, even after controlling for mild traumatic brain injury, and changes in depressive symptoms, working memory, and learning/memory.Conclusions:Our finding that learning/memory predicted treatment success is consistent with previous studies. We extended these studies by showing that the effect was restricted to learning/memory, which is contrary to the executive function theory of PTSD. In contrast, the fact that only inhibition/switching significantly improved with better treatment success is consistent with its potential importance in maintaining PTSD symptoms. Future research should determine whether inhibition/switching abilities are a risk for development and maintenance of PTSD or whether such abilities have a broader reciprocal relationship with PTSD symptom change. (JINS, 2016,22, 643–651)
Chronic Effects of Blast-Related TBI on Subcortical Functional Connectivity in Veterans
Authors: Newsome Mary R. , Mayer Andrew R. , Lin Xiaodi , Troyanskaya Maya , Jackson George R. , Scheibel Randall S. , Walder Annette , Sathiyaraj Ajithraj , Wilde Elisabeth A. , Mukhi Shalini , Taylor Brian A. , Levin Harvey S.
Published: June 2016

Objectives: Blast explosions are the most frequent mechanism of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in recent wars, but little is known about their long-term effects. Methods: Functional connectivity (FC) was measured in 17 veterans an average of 5.46 years after their most serious blast related TBI, and in 15 demographically similar veterans without TBI or blast exposure. Subcortical FC was measured in bilateral caudate, putamen, and globus pallidus. The default mode and fronto-parietal networks were also investigated. Results: In subcortical regions, between-groups t tests revealed altered FC from the right putamen and right globus pallidus. However, following analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) with age, depression (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale), and posttraumatic stress disorder symptom (PTSD Checklist – Civilian version) measures, significant findings remained only for the right globus pallidus with anticorrelation in bilateral temporal occipital fusiform cortex, occipital fusiform gyrus, lingual gyrus, and cerebellum, as well as the right occipital pole. No group differences were found for the default mode network. Although reduced FC was found in the fronto-parietal network in the TBI group, between-group differences were nonsignificant after the ANCOVA. Conclusions: FC of the globus pallidus is altered years after exposure to blast related TBI. Future studies are necessary to explore the trajectory of changes in FC in subcortical regions after blast TBI, the effects of isolated versus repetitive blast-related TBI, and the relation to long-term outcomes in veterans. (JINS, 2016, 22, 631–642)
Accuracy of Self-report as a Method of Screening for Lifetime Occurrence of Traumatic Brain Injury Events that Resulted in Hospitalization
Authors: McKinlay Audrey , Horwood L. John , Fergusson David M.
Published: June 2016

Background

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs frequently during child and early adulthood, and is associated with negative outcomes including increased risk of drug abuse, mental health disorders and criminal offending. Identification of previous TBI for at-risk populations in clinical settings often relies on self-report, despite little information regarding self-report accuracy. This study examines the accuracy of adult self-report of hospitalized TBI events and the factors that enhance recall.

Methods

The Christchurch Health and Development Study is a birth cohort of 1265 children born in Christchurch, New Zealand, in 1977. A history of TBI events was prospectively gathered at each follow-up (yearly intervals 0–16, 18, 21, 25 years) using parental/self-report, verified using hospital records.

Results

At 25 years, 1003 cohort members were available, with 59/101 of all hospitalized TBI events being recalled. Recall varied depending on the age at injury and injury severity, with 10/11 of moderate/severe TBI being recalled. Logistic regression analysis indicated that a model using recorded loss of consciousness, age at injury, and injury severity, could accurately classify whether or not TBI would be reported in over 74% of cases.

Conclusions

This research demonstrates that, even when individuals are carefully cued, many instances of TBI will not recalled in adulthood despite the injury having required a period of hospitalization. Therefore, screening for TBI may require a combination of self-report and review of hospital files to ensure that all cases are identified. (JINS, 2016,22, 717–723)
The Older Worker: Identifying a Critical Research Agenda
Authors: Taylor Philip , Loretto Wendy , Marshall Victor , Earl Catherine , Phillipson Christopher
Published: June 2016

The roles that older workers play in labour markets has received a great deal of policy and academic scrutiny in response to economic crises and demographic change. As a starting point, this focus has paradoxically resulted in insufficient attention to older workers themselves. The article is thus concerned with refocusing the agenda for research onto the older worker. Building on an extensive literature review, four gaps in knowledge are identified: who might be researched; what the focus of that research might be; the role of theory informing the research; and how the research might be conducted. The article identifies a particular need for research on ‘work’ as opposed to ‘retirement’ and how the changing nature of work may influence future patterns of later life labour market engagement and retirement. It is argued that better public policy will result from more critical and socially embedded research that recognises the heterogeneity of ‘older workers’ and their motivations.
The ‘Haircut’ of Public Creditors under EU Law
Authors: Steinbach Armin
Published: June 2016

Haircut of public creditors as next step in the escalation of the euro debt crisis? – Exploring the boundaries set by the EU Treaty on debt restructuring – Limitations imposed by no-bailout clause and prohibition of monetary state financing – Standards set inPringleandGauweiler– Haircut on nominal debt infringes no-bailout clause – Active involvement by European Central Bank violates ban on monetary state financing – Other forms of ‘soft haircuts’ may be compatible with EU law
Chemical parameters and bacterial communities associated with larval habitats of Anopheles, Culex and Aedes mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in western Kenya
Authors: Onchuru Thomas Ogao , Ajamma Yvonne Ukamaka , Burugu Marion , Kaltenpoth Martin , Masiga Daniel , Villinger Jandouwe
Published: June 2016

Aquatic larval habitat conditions influence the development, fitness and vectorial capacity of mosquitoes. In turn, human activities can influence these conditions and shape mosquito vector distribution, thus affecting pathogen circulation and transmission. We measured environmental factors (chemical and microbial) in mosquito larval habitats and evaluated their potential as predictors for the occurrence of different mosquito species in an arbovirus and malaria endemic region of western Kenya. We found significantly greater proportions ofAedes aegyptimosquito larvae in ammonium and phosphate rich habitats, suggesting that fertilizer usage could potentially increase aquatic habitat suitability andAedesvectored disease transmission.Anopheles gambiaelarval habitats correlated significantly with higher temperatures. However, none of theCulexspecies’ habitats correlated with investigated variables, indicating greater larval plasticity compared toAedesorAnopheles. Profiling of bacterial communities by 16S rRNA pyrosequencing revealed Proteobacteria, Bacterioidetes and Firmicutes as the major bacteria phyla present in mosquito aquatic microhabitats. Although there were no correlations between microbiota composition or diversity and larval species abundance, the dominant genera of microbes detected in larval habitats were reported in larval and adult mid-guts, suggesting that bacteria acquired from the larval habitats are transmitted to adult stages. This study identified the chemical and bacterial composition of aquatic microhabitats that are conducive to the development of different mosquito vectors in western Kenya. This information can inform potential vector control strategies by assessing management of breeding sites based on likely exposure to fertilizer, light and bacterial fauna.
Host plant-based variation in fitness traits and major detoxifying enzymes activity in Scirtothrips dorsalis (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), an emerging sucking pest of tea
Authors: Saha Dhiraj
Published: June 2016

Scirtothrips dorsalisHood is a polyphagous species and an important sucking pest of tea (Camellia sinensis) (Theaceae). The fitness traits ofS. dorsalison two alternative host plants:Capsicum annuumL. (chilli) (Solanaceae) andRicinus communis(castor oil plant) (Euphorbiaceae) and onC. sinensisand corresponding levels of defence enzymes was studied. The study revealed thatC. sinensisis the more suitable host ofS. dorsalisbased on faster development (13.6 days) compared to the alternative hosts,C. annuum(15.5 days) andR. communis(16.7 days), a higher fecundity (C. sinensis: 11.4 eggs;C. annuum: 9.7 eggs;R. communis: 8.6 eggs), and superior egg hatchability (C. sinensis, 92.6%;C. annuum: 82.5%; andR. communis: 74.6%). The host-based variation in the fitness traits ofS. dorsaliscorroborated in light of differential activity of three major detoxifying enzymes, such as the general esterases (GEs), glutathioneS-transferases (GSTs), and cytochrome P450 mediated monooxygenases (CYPs). Densitometric analysis of GEs showed five esterase isozymes (EST I–V) with retardation factor (Rf) values of 0.17, 0.22, 0.27, 0.35 and 0.52, respectively. The pixel density, and accordingly the profile height, varied in different host-specificS. dorsalis. A significant variation of the quantity of these enzymes was also apparent in the insect when reared on the three hosts. A 2.4 and 2.7, 1.6 and 2.0, and 2.0 and 2.3-fold higher GEs, GSTs and CYPs activity on the two non-tea hosts possibly signify a predisposition of the species for higher tolerance to insecticides, enabling the pest to switch to tea where synthetic insecticides are routinely used.
Varizellen und Herpes Zoster
Authors: Eckert Nadine , Masserey Spicher Virginie
Published: June 2016

Zusammenfassung. Für Erwachsene, Schwangere, Frühgeborene und Personen mit Immundefizienz ist das Komplikationsrisiko bei einer Varizellenerkrankung deutlich erhöht. Deshalb bestehen in der Schweiz seit 2005 Impfempfehlungen für 11 – 15-jährige Jugendliche, welche die Krankheit noch nicht durchgemacht haben sowie für Risikogruppen. Ziel beider Empfehlungen ist die Vermeidung von Varizellenkomplikationen bei Menschen mit erhöhtem Komplikationsrisiko. Die Impfung ist in der Schweiz nicht generell für alle Kleinkinder empfohlen, obschon dies in einigen anderen Ländern wie etwa den USA der Fall ist. Die Vor- und Nachteile der verschiedenen Strategien und die möglichen Auswirkungen auf Herpes Zoster-Erkrankungen werden dabei in Betracht gezogen. In den Vereinigten Staaten ging die Inzidenz von Varizellen und der varizellenbedingten Hospitalisationen zurück, die Inzidenz von Herpes Zoster ist zur gleichen Zeit gestiegen. Schliesslich werden aus einer Public Health Perspektive Aspekte zu Herpes Zoster, der postherpetischen Neuralgie und mögliche Impfstrategien erläutert.
Die Vorteile überwiegen
Authors: Burkhardt Tobias
Published: June 2016

Zusammenfassung. Der Durchimpfungsgrad in der Schweiz ist noch immer deutlich zu niedrig. Die offiziellen Impfempfehlungen werden immer komplexer und es gelangen regelmässig neue Impfstoffe auf den Markt. Seit 2011 existiert die Webseite www.meineimpfungen.ch mit dem Ziel, den Durchimpfungsgrad in der Schweizer Bevölkerung zu erhöhen. Die Kontoerstellung für den Arzt bei www.meineimpfungen.ch ist einfach und für Schweizer Ärzte und Apotheker kostenlos. Mithilfe der webbasierten Software können die Impfbüchlein schnell im Patientendossier erfasst werden. Anschliessend erhält der Arzt einen detaillierten Nachimpfungsplan basierend auf den aktualisierten Empfehlungen der Eidgenössischen Kommission für Impffragen des Bundesamts für Gesundheit. Der Autor hat innerhalb von drei Jahren 1446 Patientendossiers erfasst. Durch das konsequente Erfassen der Impfdaten sämtlicher Patienten in seiner Hausarztpraxis konnte er so die Impflücken aufdecken und entsprechend schliessen. Durchschnittlich fehlten bei jedem Patienten 3.03 Impfungen. Die Rate bei sämtlichen durchgeführten Impfungen stieg dramatisch an (Faktor 2.1 bis 41.5). Die Akzeptanz bei den Patienten ist sehr hoch – der Aufwand wird geschätzt und der Arzt wird als modern wahrgenommen. Er entwickelt sich so zum eigentlichen Impfprofi. Der Autor empfiehlt allen Grundversorgern in der Schweiz die Benutzung der Webseite www.meineimpfungen.ch.
Class I HDAC inhibitor mocetinostat induces apoptosis by activation of miR-31 expression and suppression of E2F6
Authors: Zhang Q , Sun M , Zhou S , Guo B
Published: June 2016

The class I selective inhibitor of the histone deacetylases, mocetinostat, has promising antitumor activities in both preclinical studies and the clinical trials. To understand how mocetinostat induces apoptosis, we examined the effects of mocetinostat on miR-31, a proapoptotic microRNA that was previously found to be epigenetically silenced in prostate cancer. We found that miR-31 was significantly upregulated by mocetinostat in prostate cancer cells. Antiapoptotic protein E2F6, the target of miR-31, was decreased by mocetinostat treatment. When miR-31 was blocked with an inhibitor, the ability of mocetinostat to induce apoptosis was reduced. We further demonstrated that mocetinostat enhanced the activity of docetaxel in apoptosis induction. While siRNA knockdown of E2F6 sensitized cancer cells to mocetinostat-induced apoptosis, overexpression of E2F6 blocked mocetinostat-induced apoptosis. In an orthotopic xenograft model, we demonstrated that mocetinostat activated miR-31, decreased E2F6, induced apoptosis, and significantly reduced prostate cancer growth. Importantly, we found that mocetinostat also increased miR-31 expression, decreased E2F6, and induced apoptosis in the primary prostate cancer stem cells. Thus, activation of miR-31 and downregulation of E2F6 constitute an important mechanism in mocetinostat-induced apoptosis in prostate cancer.
Involvement of human ribosomal proteins in nucleolar structure and p53-dependent nucleolar stress
Authors: Nicolas Emilien , Parisot Pascaline , Pinto-Monteiro Celina , de Walque Roxane , De Vleeschouwer Christophe , Lafontaine Denis L. J.
Published: June 2016

The nucleolus is a potent disease biomarker and a target in cancer therapy. Ribosome biogenesis is initiated in the nucleolus where most ribosomal (r-) proteins assemble onto precursor rRNAs. Here we systematically investigate how depletion of each of the 80 human r-proteins affects nucleolar structure, pre-rRNA processing, mature rRNA accumulation and p53 steady-state level. We developed an image-processing programme for qualitative and quantitative discrimination of normal from altered nucleolar morphology. Remarkably, we find that uL5 (formerly RPL11) and uL18 (RPL5) are the strongest contributors to nucleolar integrity. Together with the 5S rRNA, they form the late-assembling central protuberance on mature 60S subunits, and act as an Hdm2 trap and p53 stabilizer. Other major contributors to p53 homeostasis are also strictly late-assembling large subunit r-proteins essential to nucleolar structure. The identification of the r-proteins that specifically contribute to maintaining nucleolar structure and p53 steady-state level provides insights into fundamental aspects of cell and cancer biology.
Identification of ETV6-RUNX1-like and DUX4-rearranged subtypes in paediatric B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Authors: Lilljebjörn Henrik , Henningsson Rasmus , Hyrenius-Wittsten Axel , Olsson Linda , Orsmark-Pietras Christina , von Palffy Sofia , Askmyr Maria , Rissler Marianne , Schrappe Martin , Cario Gunnar , Castor Anders , Pronk Cornelis J. H. , Behrendtz Mikael , Mitelman Felix , Johansson Bertil , Paulsson Kajsa , Andersson Anna K. , Fontes Magnus , Fioretos Thoas
Published: June 2016

Fusion genes are potent driver mutations in cancer. In this study, we delineate the fusion gene landscape in a consecutive series of 195 paediatric B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (BCP ALL). Using RNA sequencing, we find in-frame fusion genes in 127 (65%) cases, including 27 novel fusions. We describe a subtype characterized by recurrent IGH-DUX4 or ERG-DUX4 fusions, representing 4% of cases, leading to overexpression of DUX4 and frequently co-occurring with intragenic ERG deletions. Furthermore, we identify a subtype characterized by an ETV6-RUNX1-like gene-expression profile and coexisting ETV6 and IKZF1 alterations. Thus, this study provides a detailed overview of fusion genes in paediatric BCP ALL and adds new pathogenetic insights, which may improve risk stratification and provide therapeutic options for this disease.
Avoiding short circuits from zinc metal dendrites in anode by backside-plating configuration
Authors: Higashi Shougo , Lee Seok Woo , Lee Jang Soo , Takechi Kensuke , Cui Yi
Published: June 2016

Portable power sources and grid-scale storage both require batteries combining high energy density and low cost. Zinc metal battery systems are attractive due to the low cost of zinc and its high charge-storage capacity. However, under repeated plating and stripping, zinc metal anodes undergo a well-known problem, zinc dendrite formation, causing internal shorting. Here we show a backside-plating configuration that enables long-term cycling of zinc metal batteries without shorting. We demonstrate 800 stable cycles of nickel–zinc batteries with good power rate (20 mA cm−2, 20 C rate for our anodes). Such a backside-plating method can be applied to not only zinc metal systems but also other metal-based electrodes suffering from internal short circuits.
Controlling thermal emission with refractory epsilon-near-zero metamaterials via topological transitions
Authors: Dyachenko P. N. , Molesky S. , Petrov A. Yu , Störmer M. , Krekeler T. , Lang S. , Ritter M. , Jacob Z. , Eich M.
Published: June 2016

Control of thermal radiation at high temperatures is vital for waste heat recovery and for high-efficiency thermophotovoltaic (TPV) conversion. Previously, structural resonances utilizing gratings, thin film resonances, metasurfaces and photonic crystals were used to spectrally control thermal emission, often requiring lithographic structuring of the surface and causing significant angle dependence. In contrast, here, we demonstrate a refractory W-HfO2 metamaterial, which controls thermal emission through an engineered dielectric response function. The epsilon-near-zero frequency of a metamaterial and the connected optical topological transition (OTT) are adjusted to selectively enhance and suppress the thermal emission in the near-infrared spectrum, crucial for improved TPV efficiency. The near-omnidirectional and spectrally selective emitter is obtained as the emission changes due to material properties and not due to resonances or interference effects, marking a paradigm shift in thermal engineering approaches. We experimentally demonstrate the OTT in a thermally stable metamaterial at high temperatures of 1,000 °C.
Correction: Corrigendum: The solvation of electrons by an atmospheric-pressure plasma
Authors: Rumbach Paul , Bartels David M. , Sankaran R. Mohan , Go David B.
Published: June 2016

Nature Communications 6 Article number:7248 (2015); Published: 19 June 2015; Updated 6 June 2016. We have discovered an error in the original data analysis of our publication, which significantly impacts the model parameters derived from experiment. Specifically, the correction changes our estimations of the average penetration depth l and scavenging rate constants, but these new estimates do not change the overall physics conveyed in the Article.
High resolution, week-long, locomotion time series from Japanese quail in a home-box environment
Authors: Guzmán Diego A. , Pellegrini Stefania , Flesia Ana G. , Aon Miguel A. , Marin Raúl H. , Kembro Jackelyn M.
Published: June 2016

Temporal and spatial patterns of locomotion reflect both resting periods and the movement from one place to another to satisfy physiological and behavioural needs. Locomotion is studied in diverse areas of biology such as chronobiology and physiology, as well as in biomathematics. Herein, the locomotion of 24 visually-isolated Japanese quails in their home-box environment was recorded continuously over a 6.5 days at a 0.5 s sampling rate. Three time series are presented for each bird: (1) locomotor activity, (2) distance ambulated, and (3) zone of the box where the bird is located. These high resolution, week-long, time series consisting of 1.07×106 data points represent, to our knowledge, a unique data set in animal behavior, and are publically available on FigShare. The data obtained can be used for analyzing dynamic changes of daily or several day locomotion patterns, or for comparison with existing or future data sets or mathematical models across different taxa.
X-ray computed tomography datasets for forensic analysis of vertebrate fossils
Authors: Rowe Timothy B. , Luo Zhe-Xi , Ketcham Richard A. , Maisano Jessica A. , Colbert Matthew W.
Published: June 2016

We describe X-ray computed tomography (CT) datasets from three specimens recovered from Early Cretaceous lakebeds of China that illustrate the forensic interpretation of CT imagery for paleontology. Fossil vertebrates from thinly bedded sediments often shatter upon discovery and are commonly repaired as amalgamated mosaics grouted to a solid backing slab of rock or plaster. Such methods are prone to inadvertent error and willful forgery, and once required potentially destructive methods to identify mistakes in reconstruction. CT is an efficient, nondestructive alternative that can disclose many clues about how a specimen was handled and repaired. These annotated datasets illustrate the power of CT in documenting specimen integrity and are intended as a reference in applying CT more broadly to evaluating the authenticity of comparable fossils.
A novel biomarker panel for irritable bowel syndrome and the application in the general population
Authors: Mujagic Zlatan , Tigchelaar Ettje F. , Zhernakova Alexandra , Ludwig Thomas , Ramiro-Garcia Javier , Baranska Agnieszka , Swertz Morris A. , Masclee Ad A. M. , Wijmenga Cisca , van Schooten Frederik J. , Smolinska Agnieszka , Jonkers Daisy M. A. E.
Published: June 2016

Biological markers that measure gut health and diagnose functional gastro-intestinal (GI) disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), are lacking. The objective was to identify and validate a biomarker panel associated with the pathophysiology of IBS that discriminates IBS from healthy controls (HC) and correlates with GI symptom severity. In a case-control design, various plasma and fecal markers were measured in a cohort of 196 clinical IBS patients and 160 HC without GI symptoms. A combination of biomarkers, which best discriminates between IBS and HC was identified and validated in an independent internal validation set and by permutation testing. The correlation between the biomarker panel and GI symptom severity was tested in IBS patients and in a general population cohort of 958 subjects. A set of 8 biomarker panel was identified to discriminate IBS from HC with high sensitivity (88.1%) and specificity (86.5%). The results for the IBS subtypes were comparable. Moreover, a moderate correlation was found between the biomarker panel and GI symptom scores in the IBS (r = 0.59,p < 0.001) and the general population cohorts (r = 0.51,p = 0.003). A novel multi-domain biomarker panel has been identified and validated, which correlated moderately to GI symptom severity in IBS and general population subjects.
Novel MRI Contrast Agent from Magnetotactic Bacteria Enables In Vivo Tracking of iPSC-derived Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Mahmoudi Morteza , Tachibana Atsushi , Goldstone Andrew B. , Woo Y. Joseph , Chakraborty Papia , Lee Kayla R. , Foote Chandler S. , Piecewicz Stephanie , Barrozo Joyce C. , Wakeel Abdul , Rice Bradley W. , Bell III Caleb B. , Yang Phillip C.
Published: June 2016

Therapeutic delivery of human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived cardiomyocytes (iCMs) represents a novel clinical approach to regenerate the injured myocardium. However, methods for robust and accurate in vivo monitoring of the iCMs are still lacking. Although superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIOs) are recognized as a promising tool for in vivo tracking of stem cells using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), their signal persists in the heart even weeks after the disappearance of the injected cells. This limitation highlights the inability of SPIOs to distinguish stem cell viability. In order to overcome this shortcoming, we demonstrate the use of a living contrast agent, magneto-endosymbionts (MEs) derived from magnetotactic bacteria for the labeling of iCMs. The ME-labeled iCMs were injected into the infarcted area of murine heart and probed by MRI and bioluminescence imaging (BLI). Our findings demonstrate that the MEs are robust and effective biological contrast agents to track iCMs in an in vivo murine model. We show that the MEs clear within one week of cell death whereas the SPIOs remain over 2 weeks after cell death. These findings will accelerate the clinical translation of in vivo MRI monitoring of transplanted stem cell at high spatial resolution and sensitivity.
The proteasome deubiquitinase inhibitor VLX1570 shows selectivity for ubiquitin-specific protease-14 and induces apoptosis of multiple myeloma cells
Authors: Wang Xin , Mazurkiewicz Magdalena , Hillert Ellin-Kristina , Olofsson Maria Hägg , Pierrou Stefan , Hillertz Per , Gullbo Joachim , Selvaraju Karthik , Paulus Aneel , Akhtar Sharoon , Bossler Felicitas , Khan Asher Chanan , Linder Stig , D’Arcy Padraig
Published: June 2016

Inhibition of deubiquitinase (DUB) activity is a promising strategy for cancer therapy. VLX1570 is an inhibitor of proteasome DUB activity currently in clinical trials for relapsed multiple myeloma. Here we show that VLX1570 binds to and inhibits the activity of ubiquitin-specific protease-14 (USP14) in vitro, with comparatively weaker inhibitory activity towards UCHL5 (ubiquitin-C-terminal hydrolase-5). Exposure of multiple myeloma cells to VLX1570 resulted in thermostabilization of USP14 at therapeutically relevant concentrations. Transient knockdown of USP14 or UCHL5 expression by electroporation of siRNA reduced the viability of multiple myeloma cells. Treatment of multiple myeloma cells with VLX1570 induced the accumulation of proteasome-bound high molecular weight polyubiquitin conjugates and an apoptotic response. Sensitivity to VLX1570 was moderately affected by altered drug uptake, but was unaffected by overexpression of BCL2-family proteins or inhibitors of caspase activity. Finally, treatment with VLX1570 was found to lead to extended survival in xenograft models of multiple myeloma. Our findings demonstrate promising antiproliferative activity of VLX1570 in multiple myeloma, primarily associated with inhibition of USP14 activity.
Homoeologue expression insights into the basis of growth heterosis at the intersection of ploidy and hybridity in Cyprinidae
Authors: Ren Li , Li Wuhui , Tao Min , Qin Qinbo , Luo Jing , Chai Jing , Tang Chenchen , Xiao Jun , Tang Xiaojun , Lin Guoliang , Zhang Chun , Duan Wei , Hong Yunhan , Liu Shaojun
Published: June 2016

Hybridization and polyploidization are considered important driving forces that form new epigenetic regulations. To study the changing patterns of expression accompanying hybridization and polyploidization, we used RNA-seq and qRT-PCR to investigate global expression and homoeologue expression in diploid and tetraploid hybrids of Carassius auratus red var. (♀) (R) and Cyprinus carpio (♂) (C). By comparing the relative expression levels between the hybrids and their parents, we defined the expression level dominance (ELD) and homoeologue expression bias (HEB) in liver tissue. The results showed that polyploidization contributed to the conversion of homoeologue ELD. In addition, hybridization had more effect on the change in HEB than polyploidization, while polyploidization had more effect on the change of global gene expression than hybridization. Meanwhile, similar expression patterns were found in growth-related genes. The results suggested that hybridization and polyploidization result in differential degrees of maternal HEB in three tissues (liver, muscle and ovary) tested. The results of this study will increase our understanding of the underlying regulation mechanism of rapid growth in diploid hybrids and allotetraploids. The differential degrees of global expression and homoeologue expression contribute to growth heterosis in newly formed hybrids, ensuring the on-going success of allotetraploid speciation.