bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Kumtag 016 L5 strewn field, Xinjiang Province, China
Authors: Zeng Xiaojia , Li Shijie , Leya Ingo , Wang Shijie , Smith Thomas , Li Yang , Wang Peng
Published: March 2018

The Kumtag 016 strewn field was found in the eastern part of the Kumtag desert, Xinjiang Province, China. In this study, 24 recovered meteorites have been characterized by a suite of different analytical techniques to investigate their petrography, mineralogy, bulk trace elements, noble gas isotopic composition, density, and porosity. We attribute to the strewn field 22 L5 chondrites with shock stage S4 and weathering grade W2–W3. Two different meteorites, Kumtag 021, an L4 chondrite and Kumtag 032, an L6 chondrite, were recognized within the strewn field area. Moreover, Kumtag 003, an H5 chondrite, was previously found in the same area. We infer that the Kumtag 016 strewn field most likely consists of at least four distinct meteorite falls. The effects of terrestrial weathering on the studied meteorites involve sulfide/metal alteration, chemical changes (Sr, Ba, Pb, and U enrichments and depletion in Cr, Co, Ni, and Cs abundances), and physical modifications (decrease of grain density and porosity). Measurements of the light noble gases indicate that the analyzed Kumtag L5 samples contain solar wind‐implanted noble gases with a 20Ne/22Ne ratio of ~12.345. The cosmic‐ray exposure (CRE) ages of the L5 chondrites are in a narrow range (3.6 ± 1.4 Ma to 5.2 ± 0.4 Ma). For L4 chondrite Kumtag 021 and L6 chondrite Kumtag 032, the CRE ages are 5.9 ± 0.4 Ma and 4.7 ± 0.8 Ma, respectively.
The potential for metal contamination during Apollo lunar sample curation
Authors: Day James M. D. , Maria‐Benavides Jennifer , McCubbin Francis M. , Zeigler Ryan A.
Published: March 2018

Curation and preparation of samples for chemical analysis can occasionally lead to significant contamination. This issue is of concern in the study of lunar samples, especially those from the Apollo sample collection, where available masses are finite. Here we present compositional data for stainless steels that have commonly been used in the processing of Apollo lunar samples at NASA Johnson Space Center, including a chisel and a vessel typically used to transfer Apollo samples to principal investigators. The Type 304 stainless steels are Cr‐rich, with high concentrations of Mn (4000–18,000 μg g−1), Cu (1000–22,900 μg g−1), Mo (1030–1120 μg g−1), and W (72–193 μg g−1). They have elevated highly siderophile element (HSE) concentrations (up to 92 ng g−1 Os), 187Os/188Os ranging from 0.1310 to 0.1336, and negligible lithophile element abundances. We find that, while metal contamination is possible, significant (≫0.01% by mass) addition of stainless steel is required to strongly affect the composition of the HSE, W, Mo, Cr, or Cu for most Apollo lunar samples. Nonetheless, careful appraisal on a case‐by‐case basis should take place to ensure contamination introduced through sample processing during curation is at acceptably low levels. A survey of lunar mare basalts and crustal rocks indicates that metal contamination plays a negligible role in the compositional variability of the HSE and W compositions preserved in these samples. Further work to constrain contamination for other properties of Apollo samples is required (e.g., organics, microbes, water, noble gases, and magnetics), but the effect of metal contamination can be well‐constrained for the Apollo lunar collection.
Unique cell tropism of HHV‐6B in an infantile autopsy case of primary HHV‐6B encephalitis
Authors: Miyahara Hiroaki , Miyakawa Kouki , Nishida Haruto , Yano Shinji , Sonoda Tomoko , Suenobu So‐ichi , Izumi Tatsuro , Daa Tsutomu , Ihara Kenji
Published: March 2018

Human herpes virus 6 (HHV‐6) is known to cause primary encephalitis in the frontal lobes/cerebral hemisphere or reactivated encephalitis in the hippocampus, but the pathogenesis remains unclear. HHV‐6B has also been detected in hippocampal samples in patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy. A 1 year and 3 months old female, who had been clinically diagnosed with exanthema subitum and febrile convulsion, was found dead on the third day after onset. Macroscopic findings showed massive brain edema. Microscopic examination revealed gemistocytic astrocytes and ballooned oligodendrocytes in the frontal white matter, along with neuronal cell death with microglial infiltration in the frontal cortex. Polymerase chain reaction detected HHV‐6B in the cerebrospinal fluid and necropsy brain samples. The hippocampus showed a 4–5‐fold increase in virus copy number of HHV‐6B compared to samples from other brain sites. Immunostaining indicated that HHV‐6B had infected vascular endothelial cells, neurons and oligodendrocytes but not astrocytes or microglia. Hippocampal neurons were infected with highly concentrated HHV‐6B, but the hippocampus had neither neuronal loss nor reactive glial response. Silent and abundant HHV‐6B infection in the hippocampus might be associated with latent infection, reactivation and some hippocampus‐oriented disorders, including mesial temporal lobe epilepsy.
Effects of locally administered rhBMP‐2 and bisphosphonate on bone regeneration in the rat fibula
Authors: Kwak E‐J , Cha I‐H , Nam W , Yook JI , Park Y‐B , Kim HJ
Published: March 2018

Objective

To evaluate the ability of xenogenic bone and absorbable collagen sponge to function as an rhBMP‐2 carrier and the osteoinductivity of bisphosphonate by comparison with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (rhBMP‐2).

Materials and Methods

Thirty‐two Sprague‐Dawley male rats were divided into four groups. Segmental ostectomy of both fibulae was performed, and the defect area was then treated with Rapiderm Pad (absorbable collagen sponge; COL_BMP) or CollaOss (xenogenic bone; XENO_BMP) with application of rhBMP‐2. Alternatively, both fibulae were grafted with xenogenic bone with different bisphosphonate concentrations (XENO_Low BP, XENO_High BP). After 4 or 8 weeks, animals were sacrificed, and radiographic, histological, histomorphometric, and immunohistochemical analyses were performed.

Results

Recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 promoted bone formation, regardless of the carrier, and exhibited continuity between the graft material and defect area. Moreover, the results showed that higher concentrations of bisphosphonate were associated with greater bone formation than lower concentrations of bisphosphonate.

Conclusion

Absorbable collagen sponges with rhBMP‐2 were advantageous in that there was no remaining graft material and that the bone was remodeled to resemble the existing fibula. The local application of bisphosphonate promoted new bone formation, particularly when used at high concentrations. High‐concentration bisphosphonate induced new bone formation comparable to rhBMP‐2 with lesser remaining bone material.
Mentalization‐based treatment or psychodynamic treatment programmes for patients with borderline personality disorder – the impact of clinical severity
Authors: Kvarstein Elfrida Hartveit , Pedersen Geir , Folmo Espen , Urnes Øyvind , Johansen Merete Selsbakk , Hummelen Benjamin , Wilberg Theresa , Karterud Sigmund
Published: March 2018

Objectives

Mentalization‐based treatment (MBT), originally designed for patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD), may be particularly indicated for severe conditions. However, there is limited documentation of how increasing severity of personality disorder (PD) effect outcomes of highly specialized treatments. This study aimed to investigate associations between clinical severity and outcomes for patients in MBT as compared to a psychodynamic group‐based treatment programme (PDT).

Design

A naturalistic, longitudinal, comparison study.

Methods

The sample included 345 patients with BPD (PDTn = 281, MBTn = 64). The number of diagnosed PDs, PD criteria, and symptom disorders were chosen as baseline indicators of clinical severity. Clinical outcomes (global functioning, symptom distress, interpersonal problems) were repeatedly assessed over three years. Therapists’ fidelity to MBT was satisfactory. Linear mixed models were the applied statistics.

Results

In PDT, greater clinical severity was associated with poorer improvement rates. Clinical severity was not associated with significant differences in outcomes for patients in MBT. Differences in outcomes for patients in MBT and PDT increased significantly with higher severity of disorder.

Conclusions

Supporting previous research, this study indicates that clinical benefits associated with MBT also apply for BPD patients with severe conditions. The results also suggest that increasing severity was a challenge in PDT.

Practitioner points

MBT may be particularly beneficial for severely disordered BPD patients

Differences between MBT and PDT were less pronounced in moderately disordered BPD patients.
Immune molecular profiling of whole blood drawn from a non‐human primate cardiac xenograft model treated with anti‐CD154 monoclonal antibodies
Authors: Ock Sun A , Oh Keon Bong , Hwang Seongsoo , Yun Ik Jin , Ahn Curie , Chee Hyun Ken , Kim Hwajung , Ullah Imran , Im Gi‐Sun , Park Eung Woo
Published: March 2018

Most studies of xenografts have been carried out with complex immunosuppressive regimens to prevent immune rejection; however, such treatments may be fatal owing to unknown causes. Here, we performed immune molecular profiling following anti‐CD154 monoclonal antibody (mAb) treatment in heterotopic abdominal cardiac xenografts from α‐1,3‐galactosyltransferase‐knockout pigs into cynomolgus monkeys to elucidate the mechanisms mediating the undesirable fatal side effects of immunosuppressive agents. Blood samples were collected from healthy monkeys as control and then at 2 days after xenograft transplantation and just before humane euthanasia; 94 genes related to the immune system were analyzed. The basic immunosuppressive regimen included cobra venom factor, anti‐thymocyte globulin, and rituximab, with and without anti‐CD154 mAbs. The maintenance therapy was followed with tacrolimus, MMF, and methylprednisolone. The number of upregulated genes was initially decreased on Day 2 (−/+ anti‐CD154 mAb, 22/13) and then increased before euthanasia in recipients treated with anti‐CD154 mAbs (−/+ anti‐CD154 mAb, 30/37). The number of downregulated genes was not affected by anti‐CD154 mAb treatment. Additionally, the number of upregulated genes increased over time for both groups. Interestingly, treatment with anti‐CD154 mAbs upregulated coagulation inducers (CCL2/IL6) before euthanasia. In conclusion, immunosuppressive regimens used for cardiac xenografting affected upregulation of 6 inflammation genes (CXCL10, MPO, MYD88, NLRP3, TNFα, and TLR1) and downregulation of 8 genes (CCR4, CCR6, CD40, CXCR3, FOXP3, GATA3, STAT4, and TBX21).
The Role of Social Self-Efficacy on Physical Activity: A Cross-Cultural Comparision
Authors: Alemdag Serdar
Published: March 2018

The purpose of this cross-cultural study exposes stages of change for exercise behavior (SCEB) in relation to perceived social self-efficacy (PSSE) between Turkey and England sport sciences students. The study group of the research consists of 168 (66 women and 102 men) students from Turkey and 217 (112 women and 105 men) students from England who completed a questionnaire package that included SCEB scale and The PSSE Scale. Descriptive statistics, t test, ANOVA, Chi-Square test were used as a statistical analysis. Results showed that the effect of PSSE on SCEB was significant between two counties and sport science students in Turkey have more PSSE than sport science students in England. Furthermore, it was found significant differences for the SCEB between Turkey and England and that sport science students living in England are significantly more physically active than sport science students living in Turkey. This result could explain that England has more sport neighborhood and facilities than Turkey.
Effects of Caffeinated Gum on a Battery of Soccer-Specific Tests in Trained University-Standard Male Soccer Players
Authors: Ranchordas Mayur K. , King George , Russell Mitchell , Lynn Anthony , Russell Mark
Published: March 2018

The purpose of this study was to determine whether caffeinated gum influenced performance in a battery of soccer-specific tests used in the assessment of performance in soccer players. In a double-blind, randomized, crossover design, 10 male university-standard soccer players (age: 19 ± 1 years, stature: 1.80 ± 0.10 m, body mass: 75.5 ± 4.8 kg) masticated a caffeinated (200 mg; caffeine) or control (0 mg; placebo) gum on two separate occasions. After a standardized warm-up, gum was chewed for 5 min and subsequently expectorated 5 min before players performed a maximal countermovement jump, a 20-m sprint test, and the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1. Performance on 20-m sprints was not different between trials (caffeine: 3.2 ± 0.3 s, placebo: 3.1 ± 0.3 s; p = .567; small effect size: d = 0.33), but caffeine did allow players to cover 2.0% more distance during Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (caffeine: 1,754 ± 156 m, placebo: 1,719 ± 139 m; p = .016; small effect size: d = 0.24) and increase maximal countermovement jump height by 2.2% (caffeine: 47.1 ± 3.4 cm, placebo: 46.1 ± 3.2 cm; p = .008; small effect size: d = 0.30). Performance on selected physical tests (Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 and countermovement jump) was improved by the chewing of caffeinated gum in the immediate period before testing in university-standard soccer players, but the sizes of such effects were small. Such findings may have implications for the recommendations made to soccer players about to engage with subsequent exercise performance.
Monitoring Training Load, Recovery, and Performance of Brazilian Professional Volleyball Players During a Season
Authors: Debien Paula B. , Mancini Marcelly , Coimbra Danilo R. , de Freitas Daniel G.S. , Miranda Renato , Bara Filho Maurício G.
Published: March 2018

Purpose: To describe and analyze the distribution of internal training load (ITL), recovery, and physical performance of professional volleyball players throughout 1 season. Methods: Fifteen male professional Brazilian volleyball players participated in this study. The session rating of perceived exertion (s-RPE) and Total Quality Recovery (TQR) score were collected daily for 36 wk. s-RPE was collected after each training session, and TQR, before the first session of the day. The sum of the ITL of each session during the week, training monotony, strain, acute∶chronic workload ratio, match difficulty score, and average of the TQR scores were recorded for the analysis. In addition, the athletes performed countermovement-jump (CMJ) tests with and without the use of the arms 4 times over the season. Results: The season mean weekly ITL was 3733 (1228) AU and the TQR was 15.02 (0.71). The ITL and recovery demonstrated undulating dynamics over the 36 wk, with higher weekly ITL in the preparatory periods (F = 50.32; P < .001) and worse recovery during the main competition (F = 6.47; P = .004). Negative correlations were found between TQR and ITL variables (P < .05). There was improvement and maintenance in CMJ tests without (F = 11.88; P < .001) and with (F = 16.02; P < .001) the use of the arms after the preparatory periods. Conclusions: The ITL variables, recovery, and physical performance changed significantly throughout a professional volleyball season. Despite the decrease in ITL during the main competitive period, the correct distribution of weekly ITL seems to be very important to guarantee the best recovery of athletes.
Perfectionism, Burnout, and Depression in Youth Soccer Players: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Smith Esmie P. , Hill Andrew P. , Hall Howard K.
Published: March 2018

The relationship between perfectionism, burnout and depression among youth soccer players is of interest due to the competitive academy environments that must be navigated in order to become a professional soccer player. Three alternative theoretical models have been proposed to explain the relationship between perfectionism, burnout and depression. These models state that perfectionism is (a) a vulnerability factor for burnout and depression (vulnerability model), (b) a consequence of burnout and depression (complication/scar model), or (c) that the relationships are reciprocal (reciprocal relations model). The purpose of this study was to test these three models in youth soccer players. One hundred and eight male soccer players (M = 16.15 years, SD = 1.84) from professional clubs completed measures of perfectionism, burnout symptoms, and depressive symptoms twice, three months apart. Cross-lagged panel analysis provided support for a reciprocal relations model for burnout symptoms and a complication/scar model for depressive symptoms.
Segregating the Distinct Effects of Sedentary Behavior and Physical Activity on Older Adults’ Cardiovascular Profile: Part 2—Isotemporal Substitution Approach
Authors: Ryan Declan J. , Wullems Jorgen A. , Stebbings Georgina K. , Morse Christopher I. , Stewart Claire E. , Onambele-Pearson Gladys L.
Published: March 2018

Background: The aim of the study was to provide an isotemporal substitution model to predict how changes in physical behavior may affect the cardiovascular parameters (CVPs) of older adults. Methods: Participants wore a thigh-mounted accelerometer for 7 days. Phenotype of the carotid, brachial, and popliteal artery was conducted using ultrasound. Isotemporal substitution was used to simulate the degree to which replacing 1 hour of physical behavior with another would affect CVP. Results: Substitution of sedentary behavior with Standing and sporadic moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA accumulated in bouts <10 min) would reduce resting heart rate [−6.20 beats per minute (−12.1 to −0.22) and −3.72 beats per minute (−7.01 to −0.44), respectively]. Substitution of sedentary behavior with light-intensity physical activity would reduce carotid artery diameter [−0.54 mm (−1.00 to −0.07)]. Substitution of Standing with sporadic MVPA would increase popliteal artery diameter [1.31 mm (0.11 to 2.51)]. Conclusions: Our modeling suggests that an accumulation of MVPA bouts that are shorter than the recommended 10-minute minimum may still improve CVP, with lower intensity physical activity also influencing CVP. Our findings are a promising avenue for lifestyle interventions in older adults to reduce the aging effects on CVP for those who cannot engage or sustain sufficient MVPA.
Rehabilitation Exercises for the Gluteus Minimus Muscle Segments: An Electromyography Study
Authors: Moore Damien , Semciw Adam I. , McClelland Jodie , Wajswelner Henry , Pizzari Tania
Published: March 2018

Context: The gluteus minimus (GMin) muscle consists of 2 uniquely oriented segments that have potential for independent function and have different responses to pathology and aging. For healthy young adults, it is unknown that which rehabilitation exercises specifically target the individual segments. Objective: To quantify segmental GMin activity for 6 common lower-limb rehabilitation exercises in healthy young adults and determine if significant differences exist in segmental activity levels between the exercises. Method: Six common lower-limb rehabilitation exercises were performed by 10 healthy young adults with fine-wire electromyography (EMG) electrodes inserted into the anterior and posterior segments of the GMin muscle. Main Outcome Measures: Electromyography signals were recorded, and median normalized exercise activity levels were reported and compared for each GMin segment across the 6 exercises. Results: High activity levels were generated in the anterior segment by the resisted hip abduction–extension exercise (51% maximum voluntary isometric contraction [MVIC]), whereas for the posterior segment, high activity levels were produced by the single-leg bridge (49% MVIC), the side-lie hip abduction (43% MVIC), the resisted hip abduction–extension exercise (43% MVIC), and the single-leg squat (40% MVIC). There were significant differences (P < .05) in the median electromyography activity levels for the anterior GMin segment but not for the posterior GMin segment across some of the exercises with large effect sizes. Conclusion: Targeted rehabilitation exercises graded by exercise intensity can be prescribed specifically for the anterior and posterior GMin segments to aid in restoration of hip function following injury or aging.
New connections: Healed by ROS
Authors: Wong Wei
Published: March 2018

ROS generated by Nox2 or mitochondria play critical roles in mammalian tissue repair pathways.
Role of Sca2 and RickA in the Dissemination of Rickettsia parkeri in Amblyomma maculatum
Authors: Harris Emma K. , Jirakanwisal Krit , Verhoeve Victoria I. , Fongsaran Chanida , Suwanbongkot Chanakan , Welch Matthew D. , Macaluso Kevin R.
Published: March 2018

The Gram-negative obligate intracellular bacterium
Rickettsia parkeri
is an emerging tick-borne human pathogen. Recently,
R. parkeri
Sca2 and RickA have been implicated in adherence and actin-based motility in vertebrate host cell infection models; however, the rickettsia-derived factors essential to tick infection are unknown. Using
R. parkeri
mutants lacking functional Sca2 or RickA to compare actin polymerization, replication, and cell-to-cell spread
in vitro
, similar phenotypes in tick and mammalian cells were observed. Specifically, actin polymerization in cultured tick cells is controlled by the two separate proteins in a time-dependent manner. To assess the role of Sca2 and RickA in dissemination in the tick host,
Rickettsia
-free
Amblyomma maculatum
, the natural vector of
R. parkeri
, was exposed to wild-type,
R. parkeri rickA
::
tn
, or
R. parkeri sca2
::
tn
bacteria, and individual tick tissues, including salivary glands, midguts, ovaries, and hemolymph, were analyzed at 12 h and after continued bloodmeal acquisition for 3 or 7 days postexposure. Initially, ticks exposed to wild-type
R. parkeri
had the highest rickettsial load across all organs; however, rickettsial loads decreased and wild-type rickettsiae were cleared from the ovaries at 7 days postexposure. In contrast, ticks exposed to
R. parkeri
rickA
::
tn
or
R. parkeri
sca2
::
tn
had comparatively lower rickettsial loads, but bacteria persisted in all organs for 7 days. These data suggest that while RickA and Sca2 function in actin polymerization in tick cells, the absence of these proteins did not change dissemination patterns within the tick vector.
Immunity against the Obligate Intracellular Bacterial Pathogen Rickettsia australis Requires a Functional Complement System
Authors: Riley Sean P. , Fish Abigail I. , Del Piero Fabio , Martinez Juan J.
Published: March 2018

The complement system has a well-defined role in deterring blood-borne infections. However, complement is not entirely efficacious, as several bacterial pathogens, including some obligate intracellular pathogens, have evolved mechanisms for resistance. It is presumed that obligate intracellular bacteria evade complement attack by residing within a host cell; however, recent studies have challenged this presumption. Here, we demonstrate that the complement system is activated during infection with the obligate intracellular bacteriumRickettsia australisand that genetic ablation of complement increases susceptibility to infection. Interaction ofRickettsia australiswith serum-borne complement leads to activation of the complement cascade, producing three effector mechanisms that could negatively influenceR. australis.The C9-dependent membrane attack complex can lead to deposition of a bacteriolytic membrane pore on the bacteria, but this system does not contribute to control of rickettsial infection. Similarly, complement receptor (CR1/2)-dependent opsonophagocytosis may lead to engulfment and killing of the bacteria, but this system is also dispensable for immunity. Nevertheless, intact complement is essential for naturally acquired and antibody-mediated immunity toRickettsiainfection. Comparison of infection in mice lacking the central complement protein C3 with infection in their wild-type counterparts demonstrated decreases in gamma interferon (IFN-γ) production, IgG secretion, and spleen hyperplasia in animals lacking complement. The correlation between loss of secondary immune functions and loss of complement indicates that the proinflammatory signaling components of the complement system, and not membrane attack complex or opsonophagocytosis, contribute to the immune response to this pathogen.
Within-Host Variations of Human Papillomavirus Reveal APOBEC Signature Mutagenesis in the Viral Genome
Authors: Hirose Yusuke , Onuki Mamiko , Tenjimbayashi Yuri , Mori Seiichiro , Ishii Yoshiyuki , Takeuchi Takamasa , Tasaka Nobutaka , Satoh Toyomi , Morisada Tohru , Iwata Takashi , Miyamoto Shingo , Matsumoto Koji , Sekizawa Akihiko , Kukimoto Iwao
Published: March 2018

Persistent infection with oncogenic human papillomaviruses (HPVs) causes cervical cancer, accompanied by the accumulation of somatic mutations into the host genome. There are concomitant genetic changes in the HPV genome during viral infection; however, their relevance to cervical carcinogenesis is poorly understood. Here, we explored within-host genetic diversity of HPV by performing deep-sequencing analyses of viral whole-genome sequences in clinical specimens. The whole genomes of HPV types 16, 52, and 58 were amplified by type-specific PCR from total cellular DNA of cervical exfoliated cells collected from patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and invasive cervical cancer (ICC) and were deep sequenced. After constructing a reference viral genome sequence for each specimen, nucleotide positions showing changes with >0.5% frequencies compared to the reference sequence were determined for individual samples. In total, 1,052 positions of nucleotide variations were detected in HPV genomes from 151 samples (CIN1,
n
= 56; CIN2/3,
n
= 68; ICC,
n
= 27), with various numbers per sample. Overall, C-to-T and C-to-A substitutions were the dominant changes observed across all histological grades. While C-to-T transitions were predominantly detected in CIN1, their prevalence was decreased in CIN2/3 and fell below that of C-to-A transversions in ICC. Analysis of the trinucleotide context encompassing substituted bases revealed that TpCpN, a preferred target sequence for cellular APOBEC cytosine deaminases, was a primary site for C-to-T substitutions in the HPV genome. These results strongly imply that the APOBEC proteins are drivers of HPV genome mutation, particularly in CIN1 lesions.

IMPORTANCE
HPVs exhibit surprisingly high levels of genetic diversity, including a large repertoire of minor genomic variants in each viral genotype. Here, by conducting deep-sequencing analyses, we show for the first time a comprehensive snapshot of the within-host genetic diversity of high-risk HPVs during cervical carcinogenesis. Quasispecies harboring minor nucleotide variations in viral whole-genome sequences were extensively observed across different grades of CIN and cervical cancer. Among the within-host variations, C-to-T transitions, a characteristic change mediated by cellular APOBEC cytosine deaminases, were predominantly detected throughout the whole viral genome, most strikingly in low-grade CIN lesions. The results strongly suggest that within-host variations of the HPV genome are primarily generated through the interaction with host cell DNA-editing enzymes and that such within-host variability is an evolutionary source of the genetic diversity of HPVs.
Kinetic Modeling of Virus Growth in Cells
Authors: Yin John , Redovich Jacob
Published: March 2018

When a virus infects a host cell, it hijacks the biosynthetic capacity of the cell to produce virus progeny, a process that may take less than an hour or more than a week. The overall time required for a virus to reproduce depends collectively on the rates of multiple steps in the infection process, including initial binding of the virus particle to the surface of the cell, virus internalization and release of the viral genome within the cell, decoding of the genome to make viral proteins, replication of the genome, assembly of progeny virus particles, and release of these particles into the extracellular environment. For a large number of virus types, much has been learned about the molecular mechanisms and rates of the various steps. However, in only relatively few cases during the last 50 years has an attempt been made—using mathematical modeling—to account for how the different steps contribute to the overall timing and productivity of the infection cycle in a cell. Here we review the initial case studies, which include studies of the one-step growth behavior of viruses that infect bacteria (Qβ, T7, and M13), human immunodeficiency virus, influenza A virus, poliovirus, vesicular stomatitis virus, baculovirus, hepatitis B and C viruses, and herpes simplex virus. Further, we consider how such models enable one to explore how cellular resources are utilized and how antiviral strategies might be designed to resist escape. Finally, we highlight challenges and opportunities at the frontiers of cell-level modeling of virus infections.
Investigating Colonization of the Healthy Adult Gastrointestinal Tract by Fungi
Authors: Auchtung Thomas A. , Fofanova Tatiana Y. , Stewart Christopher J. , Nash Andrea K. , Wong Matthew C. , Gesell Jonathan R. , Auchtung Jennifer M. , Ajami Nadim J. , Petrosino Joseph F.
Published: March 2018

We sought to identify the fungi that colonize healthy GI tracts and that have a sustained influence on the diverse functions of the gut microbiome. Instead, we found that all fungi in the stool of healthy volunteers could be explained by their presence in oral and dietary sources and that our results, together with those from other analyses, support the model that there is little or no gastrointestinal colonization by fungi. This may be due to Westernization, primate evolution, fungal ecology, and/or the strong defenses of a healthy immune system. Importantly, fungal colonization of the GI tract may often be indicative of disease. As fungi can cause serious infections in immunocompromised individuals and are found at increased abundance in multiple disorders of the GI tract, understanding normal fungal colonization is essential for proper treatment and prevention of fungal pathogenesis.
Construction and Use of a Recyclable Marker To Examine the Role of Major Facilitator Superfamily Protein Members in Candida glabrata Drug Resistance Phenotypes
Authors: Vu Bao G. , Moye-Rowley W. Scott
Published: March 2018

Export of drugs is a problem for chemotherapy of infectious organisms. A class of membrane proteins called the major facilitator superfamily contains a large number of proteins that often elevate drug resistance when overproduced but do not impact this phenotype when the gene is removed. We wondered if this absence of a phenotype for a disruption allele might be due to the redundancy of this group of membrane proteins. We describe the production of an easy-to-use recyclable marker cassette that will allow construction of strains lacking multiple members of the MFS family of transporter proteins.
Reproductive System Symbiotic Bacteria Are Conserved between Two Distinct Populations of
Euprymna scolopes
from Oahu, Hawaii
Authors: Kerwin Allison H. , Nyholm Spencer V.
Published: March 2018

In this study, we examined the reproductive ANG symbiosis found in two genetically isolated populations of the Hawaiian bobtail squid, Euprymna scolopes. The stability of the community reported here provides support for the hypothesis that this symbiosis is under strong selective pressure, while the observed differences suggest that some level of local adaptation may have occurred. These two host populations are frequently used interchangeably as source populations for research. Euprymna scolopes is an important model organism and offers the opportunity to examine the interplay between a binary and a consortial symbiosis in a single model host. Understanding the inherent natural variability of this association will aid in our understanding of the conservation, function, transmission, and development of the ANG symbiosis.
Delineating the trajectories of social and occupational functioning of young people attending early intervention mental health services in Australia: a longitudinal study
Authors: Iorfino Frank , Hermens Daniel F , Cross Shane, PM , Zmicerevska Natalia , Nichles Alissa , Badcock Caro-Anne , Groot Josine , Scott Elizabeth M , Hickie Ian B
Published: March 2018

Objectives

Mental disorders typically emerge during adolescence and young adulthood and put young people at risk for prolonged socioeconomic difficulties. This study describes the longitudinal course of social and occupational functioning of young people attending primary care-based, early intervention services.

Design

A longitudinal study of young people receiving mental healthcare.

Setting

Data were collected between January 2005 and August 2017 from a designated primary care-based mental health service.

Participants

554 young people (54% women) aged 12–32 years.

Measures

A systematic medical file audit collected clinical and functional information at predetermined time intervals (ie, 3 months to 5+ years) using a clinical pro forma. Group-based trajectory modelling (GBTM) was used to identify distinct trajectories of social and occupational functioning over time (median number of observations per person=4; median follow-up time=23 months).

Results

Between first clinical contact and time last seen, 15% of young people had reliably deteriorated, 23% improved and 62% did not demonstrate substantive change in function. Of the whole cohort, 69% had functional scores less than 70 at time last seen, indicative of ongoing and substantive impairment. GBTM identified six distinct functional trajectories whereby over 60% had moderate-to-serious functional impairment at entry and remained chronically impaired over time; 7% entered with serious impairment and deteriorated further; a quarter were mildly impaired at entry and functionally recovered and only a small minority (4%) presented with serious impairments and functionally improved over time. Not being in education, employment or training, previous hospitalisation and a younger age at baseline emerged as significant predictors of these functional trajectories.

Conclusion

Young people with emerging mental disorders have significant functional impairment at presentation for care, and for the majority, it persists over the course of clinical care. In addition to providing clinical care earlier in the course of illness, these data suggest that more sophisticated and more intensive individual-level and organisational strategies may be required to achieve significant and sustained functional improvements.
Flow cytometric minimal residual disease assessment of peripheral blood in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia patients has potential for early detection of relapsed extramedullary disease
Authors: Keegan Alissa , Charest Karry , Schmidt Ryan , Briggs Debra , Deangelo Daniel J , Li Betty , Morgan Elizabeth A , Pozdnyakova Olga
Published: March 2018

Objectives

To evaluate peripheral blood (PB) for minimal residual disease (MRD) assessment in adults with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL).

Methods

We analysed 76 matched bone marrow (BM) aspirate and PB specimens independently for the presence of ALL MRD by six-colour flow cytometry (FC).

Results

The overall rate of BM MRD-positivity was 24% (18/76) and PB was also MRD-positive in 22% (4/18) of BM-positive cases. We identified two cases with evidence of leukaemic cells in PB at the time of the extramedullary relapse that were interpreted as MRD-negative in BM.

Conclusions

The use of PB MRD as a non-invasive method for monitoring of systemic relapse may have added clinical and diagnostic value in patients with high risk of extramedullary disease.
Photodegraded dissolved organic matter from peak freshet river discharge as a substrate for bacterial production in a lake-rich great Arctic delta
Authors: Gareis Jolie A.L. , Lesack Lance F.W.
Published: March 2018

Lake-rich Arctic river deltas are recharged with terrigenous dissolved organic matter (DOM) during the yearly peak water period corresponding with the solstice (24 h day−1 solar irradiance). Bacteria-free DOM collected during peak Mackenzie River discharge was exposed to sunlight for up to 14 days in June 2010. As solar exposure increased, carbon and lignin concentrations declined (10% and 42%, respectively, after 14 days), as did DOM absorptivity (62% after 14 days), aromaticity, and molecular weight. Photochemical changes were on par with those normally observed in Mackenzie Delta lakes over the entire open-water season. When irradiated freshet DOM was provided as a substrate, no significant differences were observed in community-level metabolism among five bacterial communities from representative delta habitats. However, bacterial abundance was significantly greater when nonirradiated (0 day) rather than irradiated DOM (7 or 14 days) was provided, while cell-specific metabolic measures revealed that per-cell bacterial production and growth efficiency were significantly greater when communities were provided irradiated substrate. This complex response to rapid DOM photodegradation may result from the production of inhibitory reactive oxygen species (ROS), along with shifts in bacterial community composition to species that are better able to tolerate ROS, or metabolize the labile photodegraded DOM.
Paths to resilience: the walleye pollock fleet uses multiple fishing strategies to buffer against environmental change in the Bering Sea
Authors: Watson Jordan T. , Haynie Alan C.
Published: March 2018

Fishers seek to maximize profits, so when choosing where to fish, they must consider interactions among the environment, costs, and fish prices. We examined catcher vessels in the US Bering Sea fishery for walleye pollock (Gadus chalcogrammus) (2003–2015) to characterize fisher responses to environmental change (e.g., abundance and water temperature). When pollock were abundant and the water warm, the fleet fished in similar locations. When temperatures were cooler or pollock abundance declined, two fishing strategies emerged, depending on the processor where a vessel delivered. One vessel group, whose catches were more likely to become fillets, often made shorter trips, requiring less fuel and time at sea. A second vessel group, whose catches were more likely to become surimi, traveled farther from port to regions with higher catch rates but generally smaller fish. By fishing in different locations to satisfy different markets, the fleet sustained revenues and buffered against environmental change. We identify a suite of socioeconomic indicators of the impacts of ecosystem change and illustrate that a one-vessel-fits-all approach may be insufficient for assessing the resilience of fleets.
The pathogenicity ofAspergillus fumigatus, drug resistance, and nanoparticle delivery
Authors: Szalewski David A. , Hinrichs Victoria S. , Zinniel Denise K. , Barletta Raúl G.
Published: March 2018

The genus Aspergillus includes fungal species that cause major health issues of significant economic importance. These microorganisms are also the culprit for production of carcinogenic aflatoxins in grain storages, contaminating crops, and economically straining the production process. Aspergillus fumigatus is a very important pathogenic species, being responsible for high human morbidity and mortality on a global basis. The prevalence of these infections in immunosuppressed individuals is on the rise, and physicians struggle with the diagnosis of these deadly pathogens. Several virulence determinants facilitate fungal invasion and evasion of the host immune response. Metabolic functions are also important for virulence and drug resistance, since they allow fungi to obtain nutrients for their own survival and growth. Following a positive diagnostic identification, mortality rates remain high due, in part, to emerging resistance to frequently used antifungal drugs. In this review, we discuss the role of the main virulence, drug target, and drug resistance determinants. We conclude with the review of new technologies being developed to treat aspergillosis. In particular, microsphere and nanoparticle delivery systems are discussed in the context of improving drug bioavailability. Aspergillus will likely continue to cause problematic infections in immunocompromised patients, so it is imperative to improve treatment options.
The toxic effect of Vu-Defr, a defensin from Vigna unguiculata seeds, on Leishmania amazonensis is associated with reactive oxygen species production, mitochondrial dysfunction, and plasma membrane perturbation
Authors: Souza Géssika Silva , de Carvalho Lais Pessanha , de Melo Edésio José Tenório , Gomes Valdirene Moreira , Carvalho André de Oliveira
Published: March 2018

Plant defensins are plant antimicrobial peptides that present diverse biological activities in vitro, including the elimination of Leishmania amazonensis. Plant defensins are considered promising candidates for the development of new drugs. This protozoan genus has great epidemiological importance and the mechanism behind the protozoan death by defensins is unknown, thus, we chose L. amazonensis for this study. The aim of the work was to analyze the possible toxic mechanisms of Vu-Defr against L. amazonensis. For analyses, the antimicrobial assay was repeated as previously described, and after 24 h, an aliquot of the culture was tested for viability, membrane perturbation, mitochondrial membrane potential, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) inductions. The results of these analyses indicated that after interaction with L. amazonensis, the Vu-Defr causes elimination of promastigotes from culture, membrane perturbation, mitochondrial membrane collapse, and ROS induction. Our analysis demonstrated that NO is not produced after Vu-Defr and L. amazonensis interaction. In conclusion, our work strives to help to fill the gap relating to effects caused by plant defensins on protozoan and thus better understand the mechanism of action of this peptide against L. amazonensis.
Impacts of natural yield variances on wine composition and sensory attributes ofVitis viniferacultivars Riesling and Cabernet Franc
Authors: Reynolds Andrew G. , Baker Lee Thomas , Zhang Li , Jasinski Mary , Profio Frederick Di , Kögel Susanne , Pickering Gary J.
Published: March 2018

Impacts of naturally-varying yields on composition and sensory attributes of Ontario Riesling and Cabernet Franc wines were investigated. The sites investigated represented five Vintners Quality Alliance sub-appellations. A grid pattern of sentinel vines was established in each vineyard for data collection. Yields were divided into categories [low, medium, or high (LY, MY, HY)] at harvest (2010, 2011) and replicate wines were made from each. Wines were subjected to sensory sorting tasks to confirm differences between yield categories and sites, and were thereafter subjected to descriptive analysis. All HY vines had higher clusters/vine, berry weights, and Ravaz indices. The HY Cabernet Franc wines had lower colour, anthocyanins, and phenols. Sensory sorting revealed differences amongst wines and descriptive analysis demonstrated several aroma/flavour attributes between yield categories. The HY Riesling wines had less fruit and honey and higher mineral and floral attributes, whereas HY Cabernet Franc wines displayed higher bell pepper, vegetal, and herbaceous characteristics and less fruit attributes. Riesling wines from Lincoln Lakeshore North and Niagara Lakeshore sub-appellations had higher mineral or vegetal attributes, Four Mile Creek had more apple/pear, and St. Davids Bench, Beamsville Bench, and Lincoln Lakeshore South displayed higher fruit and citrus. Escarpment Bench and Four Mile Creek Cabernet Franc 2010 wines had the highest bell pepper aroma, Lincoln Lakeshore North displayed the most earthiness, and Lincoln Lakeshore South had the most cooked fruit. In 2011, cooler sites adjacent to Lake Ontario displayed higher vegetal attributes. Zones of differing yields, dependent upon magnitudes of yield differences, can result in substantially different wine sensory properties.
Exploiting intra-cultivar variation to select forBarley yellow dwarf virus-PAV(BYDV-PAV) resistance in barley
Authors: Ben Ghanem H. , Najar A. , Udupa S. , Kumari S.G. , Amri A. , Rezgui S. , El Felah M. , Tsivelikas A.L.
Published: March 2018

Selection within elite barley cultivars is assumed to be ineffective due to the belief that inbred cultivars are highly homogeneous. The objective of the present work was to evaluate a selection procedure (Honeycomb design) applied within five barley cultivars (Manel, Rihane, Kounouz, Lemsi, and Imen) and two Tunisian landraces (Ardhaoui and Djebali) under ultra-low plant density (1.2 plants m−2) towards selecting high-performance lines with resistance to Barley yellow dwarf virus-PAV (BYDV-PAV). Lines selected through this process were further field-evaluated in hill plots under artificial BYDV-PAV inoculation and uninoculated control conditions during the 2016–2017 cropping season. Artificial inoculation in the field caused a severe reduction in agronomic performance traits, with yield loss reaching around 60%. However, two lines (IH16-H1 and IH4-L0) originating from cultivar Imen were significantly superior over the mother variety in the control field, showing at the same time minimum yield loss after BYDV-PAV inoculation not exceeding 10%, similar to the resistant check. Genotyping of the lines for the Ryd2 and Ryd3 resistance genes and assessment of visual symptoms in the field associated with reduction in yield revealed an additive effect of the genes conferring resistance to BYDV-PAV. However, there were lines with genotypic patterns that did not match the patterns of the source material, providing insights for exploitable intra-cultivar diversity within the barley cultivars and landraces assessed.
DOES RESERVE ACCUMULATION LEAD TO ENDOGENOUS MONEY SUPPLY IN CHINA?
Authors: LI XIN , FAN JIAO-JIAO , SU CHI-WEI , PECULEA ADELINA DUMITRESCU
Published: March 2018

This study investigates the causality between reserve accumulation and money supply in China over the period of 2000:01–2016:11. The bootstrap Granger full-sample and sub-sample rolling window causality tests are utilized. The full-sample test supports that reserve accumulations lead to significant endogenous money supply. However, the sub-sample test suggests that the endogenous money supply caused by reserve accumulations mostly existed before 2007 when China implemented a compulsory exchange settlement system. Structural changes also exist as a result of the impacts of excess money supply and reserve accumulations, which suggests specific backgrounds should be taken into account when investigating this issue. The rolling window causality test provides a more accurate result when considering structural changes, which proves reserve accumulations are more likely to cause endogenous money supply in a compulsory exchange settlement system. The significant difference before and after 2007 suggests that the ending of the compulsory exchange settlement system is helpful to improve the monetary policy independence.