bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Behavior problems and dysfunctional parenting: Cross‐sectional study in Japan
Authors: Suzuki Hiromi , Yoda Takeshi , Kanda Kanae , Nishimoto Naoki , Miyatake Nobuyuki , Konishi Yukihiko , Nishida Tomoko , Yokoyama Katsunori , Kusaka Takashi , Hirao Tomohiro
Published: July 2019

Background

The Japanese government has established a law encouraging early detection and treatment of developmental disorders in children. Child behavior problems (CBP) tend to be recognized at school as a result of developmental disorders. The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with CBP in Japan. We hypothesized that factors other than developmental disorders are important in explaining CBP.

Methods

The study was conducted between February and March 2015. Parents of 3,515 children aged 2–5 years attending one of 34 public nursery schools in Takamatsu, Kagawa, Japan received self‐administered questionnaires addressing parental socioeconomic factors, mental health, parenting style (i.e. hostile, overreactive, or lax), developmental disorders in children, and CBP. A multiple regression analysis was applied to explore associations between CBP and possible factors.

Results

Overall, 1,410 mothers were eligible to participate in the study. Children diagnosed with developmental disorders accounted for 7.8% of the sample, while on the Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory 17% of children had behavior problems needing clinical intervention. After adjustment for confounding factors, as well as for the diagnosis of developmental disorders, poor mental status and all three dysfunctional parenting styles had strong associations with CBP, and hostile, overreactive, and lax parenting had standardized β‐values (β) of 0.29, 0.28, and 0.15, respectively (P < 0.01). A problematic relationship between the parents was also significantly associated with CBP (β = −0.29, P < 0.01).

Conclusion

When CBP are identified, parenting skills, mental health status and parental relationships should be considered along with the possibility of developmental disorders in the development of interventions.
A learning health network for pediatric liver transplantation: Inaugural meeting report from the Starzl Network for Excellence in Pediatric Transplantation
Authors: Squires James E. , Logan Beth , Lorts Angela , Haskell Henrisa , Sisaithong Kristen , Pillari Tony , Szolna Jonathan , Dodd Darcy , Gonzalez‐Peralta Regino P. , Hsu Evelyn , Kelly Beau , Kosmach‐Park Beverly , Lobritto Steven , Ng Vicky L. , Perito Emily , Rasmussen Sara , Romero Rene , Shemesh Eyal , Karolak Hannah , Mazariegos George V.
Published: July 2019

Learning Health Networks (LHN) improve the well‐being of populations by aligning clinical care specialists, technology experts, patients and patient advocates, and other thought leaders for continuous improvement and seamless care delivery. A novel LHN focused on pediatric transplantation, the Starzl Network for Excellence in Pediatric Transplantation (SNEPT), convened its inaugural meeting in September 2018. Clinical care team representatives, patients, and patient families/advocates partnered to take part in educational sessions, pain point exercises, and project identification workshops. Participants discussed the global impact of transplant from both a population and individual perspective, identifying challenges and opportunities where the Starzl Network could work to improve outcomes at scale across a variety of transplant‐related conditions.
Unusual venous collateral pathways allow for reperfusion of the intrahepatic portal venous system in children with portal vein thrombosis after split liver transplantation: Clinical relevance and management implications
Authors: Mamone Giuseppe , Caruso Settimo , di Francesco Fabrizio , Miraglia Roberto , de Ville de Goyet Jean
Published: July 2019

PVT is the most frequent vascular complication after LT in small children, and a higher incidence has been observed in those transplanted for biliary atresia or with a LLSG. Thrombosis of the PV causes extrahepatic portal hypertension and is associated with splenomegaly and the development of venous neo‐collaterals, including gastro‐oesophageal varices and splenorenal shunts. It has also been incidentally suggested in the literature that patients who have had a Roux‐en‐Y loop for a biliary reconstruction may present with a cavernomatous transformation of the distal portion of the loop. In this study, 13 children with CEPH caused by thrombosis of the PV after LT were analysed. The study evidenced the development of two types of hepatopetal venous networks: (a) a large cavernoma along the Roux loop and around the biliary anastomosis, and (b) a network of neo‐collaterals in the gastro‐duodeno‐pancreatic area that connected to the intrahepatic portal branches directly through the liver capsule. These hepatopetal venous networks between the venous system of the surrounding organs or the omentum and the intrahepatic portal branches can be identified by radiologists. The relevance for the transplanting physician and the transplant surgeon is discussed.
Current challenges and opportunities to providing sexually transmitted disease services in STD clinics: A public health leadership perspective
Authors: Kovar Cheryl L. , Fazzone Patricia , Bynum Susan
Published: July 2019

Objective

To assess leaders’ perceptions of challenges and opportunities to providing sexually transmitted disease (STD) services in public health departments.

Design and Sample

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted in 2017 with health directors and other designated leaders in 19 public health departments who have an STD clinic. Purposive sampling accounted for geographical differences, providing balanced representation of urban, suburban, and rural agencies in North Carolina.

Measurement

Audiotaped interviews were transcribed verbatim. All transcripts were independently coded, with cross comparison and agreement between researchers. Rigorous thematic and content analyses were performed.

Results

Perceived stigma, funding constraints, and client‐centered issues were identified as the greatest challenges to providing services. Opportunities to improve these services were offering comprehensive screening methods, quality improvement, and public health accreditation. Focused training on revenue and billing practices for staff was acknowledged as the most needed technical assistance. A “culture of free services”, perceived by clients and staff, was revealed throughout several themes.

Conclusions

Leaders in publicly funded STD clinics face many challenges and opportunities to providing clinical services. Health directors often serve as change agents and improving the sexual health of communities remains a priority. Results of this study will assist in crafting future policy and practice for STD clinics in the public health sector.
Empathetic Understanding and Deliberative Democracy
Authors: Hannon Michael
Published: July 2019

Epistemic democracy is standardly characterized in terms of “aiming at truth”. This presupposes a veritistic conception of epistemic value, according to which truth is the fundamental epistemic goal. I will raise an objection to the standard (veritistic) account of epistemic democracy, focusing specifically on deliberative democracy. I then propose a version of deliberative democracy that is grounded in non‐veritistic epistemic goals. In particular, I argue that deliberation is valuable because it facilitatesempathetic understanding. I claim that empathetic understanding is an epistemic good that doesn't have truth as its primary goal.
Feeling Religion (As a Matter of Method): Historical Meaning and Affective Engagement in the Study of Religion
Authors: Trein Lorenz
Published: July 2019

Contemporary debates about the renewed significance of emotions and affects in the study of religion perpetuate the disciplinary work of analyzing religion vis‐à‐vis contested approaches to the history of religions. The article takes a comparative and historio‐theoretical approach to the burgeoning field of religious emotions and affects in order to ask how specific arguments about methodology resonate with contested scholarly ideas and narratives of history. Furthermore, the article aims to bring different areas of contemporary scholarship on religious emotions and affects into conversation which have not been treated as interdependent. The materials under consideration are taken from sub‐fields in the discipline such as history of religions, affect theory, and material religion, as well as from closely related debates about theory of practice, presence, and the impact of hermeneutics on the field of religion.
Four Decades of Transformation in Decision Analytic Practice for Societal Risk Management
Authors: McDaniels Timothy
Published: July 2019

The formal mathematical structure for decision making under uncertainty was first expressed in Savage's axioms over 60 years ago. But while the underlyingnormativeconcepts for decision making under uncertainty remain constant, thepracticeof applying these concepts in real‐world settings, as conducted by decision analysis (DA) specialists working with agencies and interested parties, has seen a major transformation in recent decades. The purpose of this article is to provide perspectives that characterize and interpret how DA practice for societal risk management questions has grown and is being transformed over the last 40 years. It addresses a series of themes for parsing changes in how DA has evolved toward more flexible approaches, moving beyond strict theoretical assumptions and constrained settings, and addresses multiple interested parties to provide insights rather than a single correct answer. The article clarifies the path from the initial DA formulation as a set of normative axioms, through gradual change into what is now the most flexible and least restrictive form of policy analysis. The article shows how the practice of DA for societal risks has become more attuned to a wide array of interests and perspectives, more behaviorally informed, more creative, and more informative for governance process. It addresses the following themes: the evolution in the basic orientation of DA, the increasingly important role of stakeholders in DA practice, the importance and value of key problem‐structuring techniques, and evolution in approaches for eliciting values and technical judgments.
Identification of the novel HLA‐A*03:351 allele in two Brazilian candidates for related bone marrow donation
Authors: Stelet Vinicius N. , Romero Matilde , Abdelhay Eliana , Mendes Maristela F. , Cita Rafael F.
Published: July 2019

Identification of the novel HLA‐A*03:351 allele that differs from HLA‐A*03:01:01:01 in exon 1.
Directions for surgical capacity developments in Nepal: a population‐based assessment
Authors: Knulst Arjan J. , Gupta Shailvi , Groen Reinou S. , Maharjan Dipak , Kapendra Amatya S. , Dankelman Jenny , Kushner Adam L.
Published: July 2019

Objectives

Lack of access to safe surgery is seen as a major issue that needs to be addressed. The aim of this study was to understand which combinations of factors relate to high occurrences of unmet needs and disability in Nepal, and consequently, how to focus future work to maximise impact in this country.

Methods

A large population‐based survey was conducted in Nepal in 2014 to evaluate the unmet surgical needs that result in disability. Recorded factors included diseased anatomical areas, disease specifics, disease locations, injury types, reasons for having an unmet need and the types of disability.

Results

Included in the study were 2695 individuals. The anatomical areas facing the highest disabling unmet surgical need were Head (3.9% of population), Groin/Genitalia (2.2% of population) and Extremities (3.6% of population). Four focus areas could be defined. Increase affordability, availability and acceptability of surgical care to non‐traumatic disabling conditions of (i) the eye, and (ii) extremities, and (iii) to traumatic disabling conditions of extremities and finally (iv) increase acceptability of having surgical care for non‐traumatic conditions in the groin and genital area. For the latter, fear/no trust was the main reason for receiving no surgical care despite the resulting shame.

Conclusions

This study defined four focus areas that showed the largest unmet needs that resulted in a perceived disability. For those areas, affordability, availability and acceptability of surgical need to be addressed through technical developments, capacity building and raising awareness.
Epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition and keratinocyte differentiation in equine experimental body and limb wounds healing by second intention
Authors: Jørgensen Elin , Pirone Andrea , Jacobsen Stine , Miragliotta Vincenzo
Published: July 2019

Background

The re‐epithelialization process in equine wound healing is incompletely described. For epithelial cells to migrate during embryogenesis they undergo epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT); this phenotypic transition occurs during wound healing in humans and rodents, but it has not been investigated in horses.

Hypothesis/objectives

To investigate keratinocyte differentiation and EMT in equine experimental excisional limb and body wounds healing by second intention.

Animals

Six adult research horses.

Methods and materials

Immunohistochemical analysis was used to detect expression of the differentiation markers cytokeratin (CK)10, CK14, loricrin and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor alpha (PPAR‐α), and of the EMT markers E‐cadherin and N‐cadherin in normal limb and body skin, and biopsies from limb and body wounds.

Results

Loricrin and CK10 were expressed in normal skin and periwound skin but not in migrating epithelium of body and limb wounds. However, they reappeared at the migrating epithelial tip of body wounds only. CK14 and PPAR‐α had uniform distribution throughout the migrating epithelium. N‐cadherin was not expressed in normal unwounded skin but was detected in periwound skin adjacent to the wound margin. E‐cadherin expression decreased at the wound margin.

Conclusions and clinical importance

Presence of N‐cadherin suggests that cadherin switching occurred during wound healing, this may be an indication that EMT occurs in horses. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this has never been described in horses before and warrants further investigation to assess the clinical implications. The tip of the migrating epithelium in body wounds appeared more differentiated than limb wounds, which could be part of the explanation for the superior healing of body wounds.
Change‐of‐Shift Nursing Handoff Interruptions: Implications for Evidence‐Based Practice
Authors: Rhudy Lori M. , Johnson Maren R. , Krecke Catherine A. , Keigley Danielle S. , Schnell Sarah J. , Maxson Pamela M. , McGill Sharon M. , Warfield Karen T.
Published: July 2019

Background

The importance of change‐of‐shift handoffs in maintaining patient safety has been well demonstrated. Change‐of‐shift handoff is an important source of data used in surveillance, a nursing intervention aimed at identifying and preventing complications. Surveillance requires the nurse to acquire, process, and synthesize information (cues) encountered during patient care. Interruptions in handoff have been observed but there is a gap in the evidence concerning how interruptions during nurse‐to‐nurse handoff impact the change‐of‐shift handoff process.

Aims

To describe registered nurses’ perceptions of interruptions experienced during change‐of‐shift handoff at the bedside in critical care units and analyze the number, type, and source of interruptions during change‐of‐shift handoff at the bedside.

Methods

An exploratory descriptive design was used. One hundred nurse‐to‐nurse handoffs were observed, and four focus groups were conducted. Observation data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and quantitative content analysis. Focus group data were analyzed with qualitative content analysis.

Results and Findings

Of the 1,196 interruptions observed, 800 occurred in the communication between the two nurses involved in the handoff. Over 80% (645) of these interruptions were from the nurse receiving handoff and included questions or clarification of information received. About half of the nurses reported that interruptions occurred during handoff. Focus group findings revealed that whether or not something is an interruption is determined by the individual nurse’s appraisal of value added to their knowledge of the patient and/or plan of care at the time of handoff.

Linking Evidence to Action

Interruptions during handoff are evaluated as useful or disruptive based on the value to the nurse at the time. Strict structuring or mandating of handoff elements may limit nurses’ ability to communicate information deemed most relevant to the care of a specific unique patient.
The discovery of NeotropicalLepidosira(Collembola, Entomobryidae) and its systematic position
Authors: Nunes Rudy C. , Godeiro Nerivânia N. , Pacheco George , Liu Shanlin , Gilbert Marcus Thomas P. , Alvarez‐Valin Fernando , Zhang Feng , Bellini Bruno C.
Published: July 2019

We herein present the first reliable record ofLepidosirafrom Neotropical Region.Lepidosira neotropicalissp. n. from Brazil is described and illustrated in detail, including its complete mitochondrial genome. We perform a Bayesian phylogenetic analysis to place the new species within the Entomobryidae, and at the same time to test previous contrasting hypotheses onLepidosiraposition within the Entomobryinae versus Seirinae for the first time. Phylogenetic analyses were based on one mitochondrial and two nuclear genes, Cytochrome Oxidase subunit I, 18S ribosomal RNA and 28S ribosomal RNA, respectively.Lepidosira neotropicalissp. n. resemblesL. sundanaYoshii and Suhardjono andL. nigropunctata(Nguyen) in dorsal chaetotaxy of abdominal segments I and II, but differs from all other species by the combination of head (dorsally and ventrally) and dorsal trunk chaetotaxy, plus empodial complex morphology. Our phylogenetic analyses support the placement ofLepidosirawithin Entomobryinae, as the sister group ofLepidocyrtoides. Overall, our revision enables a more objective diagnosis toLepidosiraand suggests that the genus is in need of a full revision due to its variable morphology, and lack of data needed to evaluate its monophyly. Finally, we provide an identification key for Neotropical genera of Entomobryinae.
Charging Station Optimization Project Based on the Matrix Flexible Charging Reactor
Authors: Liang Z.Y. , Li Weihua , Wu L.B. , She Jiajun , Chen Jiahan , Guo Xucheng
Published: July 2019

In accordance with the Principle of "scientific planning, moderate advancement, rational layout, and classification implementation", the genetic algorithm based on real coding will be improved in this paper for the "Hard to Charge" problem of electric vehicles and urban bus replacement project. Aiming at minimum construction, operation and maintenance, network loss, queuing and other costs, a model is established and an innovative layout of electric bus charging facilities based on Matrix Flexible Charging Reactors is proposed to make full use of resources and improve the "Hard to Charge" situation. Taking Zhuhai as an example, by predicting the number of electric buses in Zhuhai in the planning year, the different locations and capacities of the bus charging stations with smaller average annual comprehensive cost in the regions are realized. And the comprehensive cost of the charging station with Matrix Flexible Charging Reactors as the construction subject is compared with the charging piles’. The analysis shows that this optimization proposal can better meet the future charging demand of urban electric buses, and proves that the charging station with Matrix Flexible Charging Reactors as the main subject of construction is more cost-effective. It provides new ideas for charging facilities planning in other cities, which is conducive to creating a healthier and more orderly environment for electric vehicle charging facilities industry.
Pump Grooved Seals: A Computational Fluid Dynamics Approach to Improve Bulk-Flow Model Predictions
Authors: Wu Tingcheng , San Andrés Luis
Published: July 2019

In multiple stage centrifugal pumps, balance pistons, often comprising a grooved annular seal, equilibrate the full pressure rise across the pump. Grooves in the stator break the evolution of fluid swirl and increase mechanical energy dissipation; hence, a grooved seal offers a lesser leakage and lower cross-coupled stiffness than a similar size uniform clearance seal. To date, bulk-flow modelbulk-flow models (BFMs) expediently predict leakage and rotor dynamic force coefficients of grooved seals; however, they lack accuracy for any other geometry besides rectangular. Note that scalloped and triangular (serrated) groove seals are not uncommon. In these cases, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models seals of complex shape to produce leakage and force coefficients. Alas, CFD is not yet ready for routine engineer practice. Hence, an intermediate procedure presently takes an accurate two-dimensional (2D) CFD model of a smaller flow region, namely a single groove and adjacent land, to produce stator and rotor surface wall friction factors, expressed as functions of the Reynolds numbers, for integration into an existing BFM and ready prediction of seal leakage and force coefficients. The selected groove-land section is well within the seal length and far away from the effects of the inlet condition. The analysis takes three water lubricated seals with distinct groove shapes: rectangular, scalloped, and triangular. Each seal, with length/diameter L/D = 0.4, has 44 grooves of shallow depth dg ∼ clearance Cr and operates at a rotor speed equal to 5,588 rpm (78 m/s surface speed) and with a pressure drop of 14.9 MPa. The method validity is asserted when 2D (single groove-land) and three-dimensional (3D) (whole seal) predictions for pressure and velocity fields are compared against each other. The CFD predictions, 2D and 3D, show that the triangular groove seal has the largest leakage, 41% greater than the rectangular groove seal does, albeit producing the smallest cross-coupled stiffnesses and whirl frequency ratio (WFR). On the other hand, the triangular groove seal has the largest direct stiffness and damping coefficients. The scalloped groove seal shows similar rotordynamic force coefficients as the rectangular groove seal but leaks 13% more. For the three seal groove types, the modified BFM predicts leakage that is less than 6% away from that delivered by CFD, whereas the seal stiffnesses (both direct and cross-coupled) differ by 13%, the direct damping coefficients by 18%, and the added mass coefficients are within 30%. The procedure introduced extends the applicability of a BFM to predict the dynamic performance of grooved seals with distinctive shapes.
Validation of a Numerical Quasi-One-Dimensional Model for Wave Rotor Turbines With Curved Channels
Authors: Tüchler Stefan , Copeland Colin D.
Published: July 2019

A wave rotor is a shock-driven pressure exchange device that, while relatively rarely studied or indeed, employed, offers significant potential efficiency gains in a variety of applications including refrigeration and gas turbine topping cycles. This paper introduces a quasi-one-dimensional (Q1D) wave action model implemented in matlab for the computation of the unsteady flow field and performance characteristics of wave rotors of straight or cambered channel profiles. The purpose here is to introduce and validate a rapid but reliable method of modeling the performance of a power-generating wave rotor where little such insight exists in open literature. The model numerically solves the laminar one-dimensional (1D) Navier–Stokes equations using a two-step Richtmyer time variation diminishing (TVD) scheme with minmod flux limiter. Additional source terms account for viscous losses, wall heat transfer, flow leakage between rotor and stator endplates as well as torque generation through momentum change. Model validation was conducted in two steps. First of all, unsteady and steady predictive capabilities were tested on three-port pressure divider rotors from open literature. The results show that both steady port flow conditions as well as the wave action within the rotor can be predicted with good agreement. Further validation was done on an in-house developed and experimentally tested four-port, three-cycle, throughflow microwave rotor turbine featuring symmetrically cambered passage walls aimed at delivering approximately 500 W of shaft power. The numerical results depict trends for pressure ratio, shaft power, and outlet temperature reasonably well. However, the results also highlight the need to accurately measure leakage gaps when the machine is running in thermal equilibrium.
Quenching Vibration by Imposing Nodes on a Plate Subjected to Multiple Harmonics With Distinct Excitation Frequencies
Authors: Shen Yichang , Cha Philip D. , Zhou Xiang
Published: July 2019

In this paper, a simple and efficient method to enforce nodes, or points of zero vibration, on an arbitrarily supported rectangular plate subjected to multiple harmonics with distinct excitation frequencies is developed. This vibration suppression is achieved by attaching a chain of properly tuned oscillators, configured in series, to the host plate. The governing equations of the combined system are first obtained using the assumed-modes method. Enforcing the node conditions for the given excitation frequencies, a set of constraint equations are formulated, from which the sprung mass parameters can be determined. Two special cases are considered: when the attachment and node locations coincide (or collocated) and when they do not (or non-collocated). For the former case, determining the required oscillator parameters requires one to solve an inverse eigenvalue problem, and for the latter case, it requires one to use a generic optimization algorithm. Procedures to tune the parameters of the oscillator chains are outlined in detail, and numerical experiments validate the proposed method of enforcing nodes to mitigate excess vibration when the plate is subjected to multiple harmonic excitations.
Frequency-modulated up-chirp stimuli enhance the auditory brainstem response of the killer whale (Orcinus orca)
Authors: Houser Dorian S. , Mulsow Jason , Almunia Javier , Finneran James J.
Published: July 2019

Previous studies suggested that frequency-modulated tonal stimuli where the frequency sweeps upward (up-chirps) may enhance auditory brainstem response (ABR) amplitudes in mammals. In this study, ABRs were measured in response to up-chirps in three killer whales (Orcinus orca) and compared to ABRs evoked by broadband clicks. Chirp durations ranged from 125 − 2000 μs. Chirp spectral content was either “uncompensated,” meaning the spectrum paralleled the transmitting response of the piezoelectric transducer, or “compensated,” where the spectral density level was flat (+/−4 dB) across the stimulus bandwidth (10 − 130 kHz). Compensated up-chirps consistently produced higher amplitude ABRs than uncompensated clicks with the same peak equivalent sound pressure level. ABR amplitude increased with up-chirp duration up to 1400 μs, although there was considerable variability between individuals. Results suggest that compensating stimuli for the response of transducers can have a dramatic effect on broadband ABRs, and that compensated up-chirps might be useful for testing whale species where large size makes far-field recording of ABRs at the skin surface difficult.
Complete Nucleotide Sequences of
mcr-4.3
-Carrying Plasmids in Acinetobacter baumannii Sequence Type 345 of Human and Food Origin from the Czech Republic, the First Case in Europe
Authors: Bitar Ibrahim , Medvecky Matej , Gelbicova Tereza , Jakubu Vladislav , Hrabak Jaroslav , Zemlickova Helena , Karpiskova Renata , Dolejska Monika
Published: July 2019

Here, we describe two plasmids carrying
mcr-4.3
in two
Acinetobacter baumannii
strains isolated from imported food and a clinical sample. The comparative analysis of these plasmids, with two other plasmids reported in the NCBI database, highlighted the common origin of the plasmidic structure carrying
mcr-4.3
. This is the first case of the
mcr-4.3
gene in a
A. baumannii
strain isolated from a clinical case in Europe. We hypothesize that food import is initiating the spread in Czech Republic.
Incompatibility of Vibrio fischeri Strains during Symbiosis Establishment Depends on Two Functionally Redundant
hcp
Genes
Authors: Guckes Kirsten R. , Cecere Andrew G. , Wasilko Nathan P. , Williams Amanda L. , Bultman Katherine M. , Mandel Mark J. , Miyashiro Tim
Published: July 2019

Different bacterial strains compete to occupy the same niche. The outcome of such competition can be affected by the type VI secretion system (T6SS), an intercellular killing mechanism of bacteria. Here an animal-bacterial symbiosis is used as a platform for study of the genetic factors that promote the T6SS-mediated killing of one strain by another. Identification of the molecular determinants of T6SS function
in vivo
contributes to the understanding of how different strains interact within a host.
Glutathione Synthesis Contributes to Virulence of
Streptococcus agalactiae
in a Murine Model of Sepsis
Authors: Walker Elizabeth A. , Port Gary C. , Caparon Michael G. , Janowiak Blythe E.
Published: July 2019

Approximately 10 to 30% of women are naturally and asymptomatically colonized by
Streptococcus agalactiae
. However, transmission of
S. agalactiae
from mother to newborn during vaginal birth is a leading cause of neonatal meningitis. Although colonized mothers who are at risk for transmission to the newborn are treated with antibiotics prior to delivery,
S. agalactiae
is becoming increasingly resistant to current antibiotic therapies, and new treatments are needed. This research reveals a critical stress resistance pathway, glutathione synthesis, that is utilized by
S. agalactiae
and contributes to its pathogenesis. Understanding the role of this unique bifunctional glutathione synthesis enzyme in
S. agalactiae
during sepsis may help elucidate why
S. agalactiae
produces such an abundance of glutathione compared to other bacteria.
Protein Vaccination Directs the CD4
+
T Cell Response toward Shared Protective Epitopes That Can Be Recalled after Influenza Virus Infection
Authors: Rattan Ajitanuj , Richards Katherine A. , Knowlden Zackery A. G. , Sant Andrea J.
Published: July 2019

Most current and new influenza vaccine candidates consist of a single influenza virus protein or combinations of influenza virus proteins. For these vaccines to elicit CD4
+
T cells that can be recalled after infection, the peptide epitopes should be shared between the two modes of confrontation. Recently, questions regarding the relatedness of epitope selection by influenza virus infection and protein vaccination have been raised. However, the studies reported here show that the specificity of CD4
+
T cells elicited by protein-based vaccines overlaps that of T cells elicited by infection and that CD4
+
T cells primed by protein vaccines are recalled and contribute to protection of the host from a future infection.
Chronic Wasting Disease in Cervids: Implications for Prion Transmission to Humans and Other Animal Species
Authors: Osterholm Michael T. , Anderson Cory J. , Zabel Mark D. , Scheftel Joni M. , Moore Kristine A. , Appleby Brian S.
Published: July 2019

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a prion-related transmissible spongiform encephalopathy of cervids, including deer, elk, reindeer, sika deer, and moose. CWD has been confirmed in at least 26 U.S. states, three Canadian provinces, South Korea, Finland, Norway, and Sweden, with a notable increase in the past 5 years. The continued geographic spread of this disease increases the frequency of exposure to CWD prions among cervids, humans, and other animal species.
Identification of Dephospho-Coenzyme A (Dephospho-CoA) Kinase in Thermococcus kodakarensis and Elucidation of the Entire CoA Biosynthesis Pathway in Archaea
Authors: Shimosaka Takahiro , Makarova Kira S. , Koonin Eugene V. , Atomi Haruyuki
Published: July 2019

CoA is utilized in a wide range of metabolic pathways, and its biosynthesis is essential for all life. Pathways for CoA biosynthesis in bacteria and eukaryotes have been established. In archaea, however, the enzyme that catalyzes the final step in CoA biosynthesis, dephospho-CoA kinase (DPCK), had not been identified. In the present study, bioinformatic analyses identified a candidate for the DPCK in archaea, which was biochemically and genetically confirmed in the hyperthermophilic archaeon
Thermococcus kodakarensis
. Genetic analyses on genes presumed to encode bifunctional phosphopantothenoylcysteine synthetase-phosphopantothenoylcysteine decarboxylase and phosphopantetheine adenylyltransferase confirmed their involvement in CoA biosynthesis. Taken together with previous studies, the results reveal the entire pathway for CoA biosynthesis in a single archaeon and provide insight into the different mechanisms of CoA biosynthesis and their distribution in nature.
Selection of Cyanobacterial (
Synechococcus
sp. Strain PCC 6301) RubisCO Variants with Improved Functional Properties That Confer Enhanced CO
2
-Dependent Growth of Rhodobacter capsulatus, a Photosynthetic Bacterium
Authors: Satagopan Sriram , Huening Katherine A. , Tabita F. Robert
Published: July 2019

RubisCO catalysis has a significant impact on mitigating greenhouse gas accumulation and CO
2
conversion to food, fuel, and other organic compounds required to sustain life. Because RubisCO-dependent CO
2
fixation is severely compromised by oxygen inhibition and other physiological constraints, improving RubisCO’s kinetic properties to enhance growth in the presence of atmospheric O
2
levels has been a longstanding goal. In this study, RubisCO variants with superior structure-functional properties were selected which resulted in enhanced growth of an autotrophic host organism (
R. capsulatus
), indicating that RubisCO function was indeed growth limiting. It is evident from these results that genetically engineered RubisCO with kinetically enhanced properties can positively impact growth rates in primary producers.
Brucella abortus Infection of Placental Trophoblasts Triggers Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-Mediated Cell Death and Fetal Loss via Type IV Secretion System-Dependent Activation of CHOP
Authors: Byndloss Mariana X. , Tsai April Y. , Walker Gregory T. , Miller Cheryl N. , Young Briana M. , English Bevin C. , Seyffert Núbia , Kerrinnes Tobias , de Jong Maarten F. , Atluri Vidya L. , Winter Maria G. , Celli Jean , Tsolis Renée M.
Published: July 2019

Brucella abortus
infects the placenta of pregnant cows, where it replicates to high levels and triggers abortion of the calf. The aborted material is highly infectious and transmits infection to both cows and humans, but very little is known about how
B. abortus
causes abortion. By studying this infection in pregnant mice, we discovered that
B. abortus
kills trophoblasts, which are important cells for maintaining pregnancy. This killing required an injected bacterial protein (VceC) that triggered an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response in the trophoblast. By inhibiting ER stress or infecting mice that lack CHOP, a protein induced by ER stress, we could prevent death of trophoblasts, reduce inflammation, and increase the viability of the pups. Our results suggest that
B. abortus
injects VceC into placental trophoblasts to promote its transmission by abortion.
Genomic Evidence for Simultaneous Optimization of Transcription and Translation through Codon Variants in the
pmoCAB
Operon of Type Ia Methanotrophs
Authors: Villada Juan C. , Duran Maria F. , Lee Patrick K. H.
Published: July 2019

Microbial methane oxidation plays a fundamental role in the biogeochemical cycle of Earth’s system. Recent reports have provided evidence for the acquisition of methane monooxygenases by horizontal gene transfer in methane-oxidizing bacteria from different environments, but how evolution has shaped the coding sequences to execute methanotrophy efficiently remains unexplored. In this work, we provide genomic evidence that among the different types of methanotrophs, type Ia methanotrophs possess a unique coding sequence of the
pmoCAB
operon that is under positive selection for optimal resource allocation and efficient synthesis of transcripts and proteins. This adaptive trait possibly enables type Ia methanotrophs to respond robustly to fluctuating methane availability and explains their global prevalence.
Closure of bronchopleural fistula by a septal occluder device: a case for close collaboration between heart and lung specialists
Authors: Domingues Célia Marques , Matos Vitor , Ferreira António , Jorge Elisabete , Bernardo João , Gonçalves Lino
Published: July 2019

We present the case of a 66-year-old woman who underwent right inferior lobectomy for pulmonary carcinoma and developed persistent bronchopleural fistula (BPF) that was not amenable to surgical intervention (two surgical failures). The patient presented with a persistent cough and dyspnoea, which was treated with a hybrid procedure using fluoroscopy and bronchoscopy. A 7 mm Amplatzer septal occluder device (ASOD) was successfully inserted into the BPF. Two weeks after the procedure, a small fistula developed, which was treated by endoscopically guided biologic glue embolisation. At 2-month, 6-month and 12-month follow-up visits, clinical examinations and endoscopic imaging confirmed the complete occlusion of the BPF. Obvious migration of the ASOD was not apparent, and the patient has remained asymptomatic. The success of an endoscopic BPF closure with the use of hybrid techniques was achieved because of a collaborative effort by a multidisciplinary team.
Meta-analysis of cognitive function in Chinese first-episode schizophrenia: MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB) profile of impairment
Authors: Zhang Huijuan , Wang Yao , Hu Yuliang , Zhu Yikang , Zhang Tianhong , Wang Jijun , Ma Ke , Shi Chuan , Yu Xin , Li Chunbo
Published: July 2019

Background

Compromised neurocognition is a core feature of schizophrenia. With increasing studies researching cognitive function of Chinese patients with first-episode schizophrenia (FES) using MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB), it is not clear about the level and pattern of cognitive impairment among this population.

Aim

To provide a meta-analysis systematically analysing studies of neurocognitive function using MCCB in Chinese patients with FES.

Methods

An independent literature search of both Chinese and English databases up to 13 March 2019 was conducted by two reviewers. Standardised mean difference (SMD) was calculated using the random effects model to evaluate the effect size.

Results

56 studies (FES=3167, healthy controls (HC)=3017) were included and analysed. No study was rated as ‘high quality’ according to Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology. Compared with HCs, Chinese patients with FES showed impairment with large effect size in overall cognition (SMD=−1.60, 95% CI −1.82 to −1.38, I2=67%) and all seven cognitive domains, with the SMD ranging from −0.87 to −1.41. In nine MCCB subtests, patients with FES showed significant difference in Symbol Coding (SMD=−1.90), Trail Making Test (TMT) (SMD=−1.36), Continuous Performance Test-Identical Pairs (SMD=−1.33), Hopkins Verbal Learning Test (SMD=−1.24), Brief Visuospatial Memory Test (SMD=−1.18), Mazes (SMD=−1.16), Category Fluency (SMD=−1.01), Spatial Span (SMD=−0.69) and Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test (SMD=−0.38).

Conclusions

Our meta-analysis demonstrates that Chinese patients with FES show neurocognitive deficits across all seven MCCB cognitive domains and all nine subtests, particularly in two neurocognitive domains: speed of processing and attention/vigilance, with the least impairment shown in social cognition. Symbol Coding and TMT may be the most sensitive tests to detect cognitive deficit in Chinese patients with FES.
‘Inglan is a bitch’: hostile NHS charging regulations contravene the ethical principles of the medical profession
Authors: Reynolds Josephine Mary Katharine , Mitchell Caroline
Published: July 2019

Following the recent condemnation of the National Health Service charging regulations by medical colleges and the UK Faculty of Public Health, we demonstrate that through enactment of this policy, the medical profession is betraying its core ethical principles. Through dissection of the policy using Beauchamp and Childress’ framework, a disrespect for autonomy becomes evident in the operationalisation of the charging regulations, just as a disregard for confidentiality was apparent in the data sharing Memorandum of Understanding. Negative consequences of the regulations are documented to highlight their importance for clinical decision makers under the principles of beneficence and non-maleficence. Exploration of the principle of justice illuminates the core differentiation between the border-bound duties of the State and borderless duties of the clinician, exposing a fundamental tension.
Effects of breathing exercises using home-based positive pressure in the expiratory phase in patients with COPD
Authors: Lin Qibin , Zhuo Leying , Wu Zhenjie , Li Chengye , Zhou Meixi , Cai Chang
Published: July 2019

Background

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) commonly have higher intrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEPi). A breathing exercise programme strategy employing an appropriate PEEP may improve their pulmonary functional capacity, exercise tolerance and health-related quality of life. Breathing with an expiratory resistive load, which is a method of modulating spontaneous breathing against PEEPi, has not been fully studied in patients with COPD. The objective of this study was to investigate the role of changing spontaneous breathing in home-based conditions and regulating spontaneous breathing with breathing exercises in patients with COPD.

Methods

This was a prospective randomised trial including 64 patients with a diagnosis of stage III or IV COPD. Patients were randomised into two groups: standard treatment and standard treatment combined with breathing exercise rehabilitation. The effects of the treatments on the COPD assessment test (CAT) score, 6-minute walk test (6MWT) results and pulmonary function were compared at 0, 6, 12 and 18 months within and between the two groups.

Results

All outcomes showed no significant differences between the two groups at the beginning of the study, while the 6MWT and CAT scores exhibited clinically and statistically significant improvements (p<0.001) by the end of the study. At month 18, the change in the predicted percentage of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1%pred) differed between the two groups (p<0.05). In addition, there were statistically significant differences in the 6MWT results, CAT scores and FEV1%pred values between the baseline and month 18 (p<0.0001) in the intervention group.

Conclusions

Improvements in 6MWT results, pulmonary function and CAT scores are associated with a successful response to breathing against PEEPi in patients with COPD.

Trial registration

This trial was registered at research registry.com (identifier research registry 4816).
A potential role of microvesicle-containing miR-223/142 in lung inflammation
Authors: Zhang Duo , Lee Heedoo , Wang Xiaoyun , Groot Michael , Sharma Lokesh , Dela Cruz Charles S , Jin Yang
Published: July 2019

Background

Uncontrolled lung inflammation is one of the prominent features in the pathogenesis of lung infection- associated acute lung injury (ALI). Microvesicles (MVs) are extracellular nanovesicles that are generated via direct membrane budding.

Methods

Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples were collected from mice with or without intratracheal lipopolysaccharide (LPS) instillation. BALF MVs were characterised and MV-containing microRNA (miRNA) profiles were assessed and confirmed. Secretion and function of MV-containing miR-223/142 (MV-miR-223/142) were analysed in vivo.

Results

In BALF, MVs are mainly derived from macrophages in response to LPS. After intratracheal instillation (i.t.) of LPS orKlebsiella pneumoniae, MV-containing miR-223/142 are dramatically induced in both BALF and serum. Mechanistically, miRNA 3′ end uridylation mediates the packing of miR-223/142 into MVs. To investigate the functional role of MV-miR-223/142, we loaded miR-223/142 mimics into unstimulated MVs and delivered them into the murine lungs via i.t. The miR-223/142 mimics-enriched MVs selectively targeted lung macrophages and suppressed the inflammatory lung responses that were triggered by LPS orK. pneumoniae. Mechanistically, miR-223 and miR-142 synergistically suppress Nlrp3 inflammasome activation in macrophages via inhibition of Nlrp3 and Asc, respectively.

Conclusions

In the pathogenesis of lung macrophage-mediated inflammatory responses, MV-miR-223/142 secretion is robustly enhanced and detectable in BALF and serum. Furthermore, restoration of intracellular miR-223/142 via vesicle-mediated delivery suppresses macrophage activation and lung inflammation via inhibition of Nlrp3 inflammasome activation.
Study of first principles on anisotropy and elastic constants of YAl3 compound
Authors: Özer Tahsin
Published: July 2019

Using the density functional theory (DFT) calculations, the structural optimization of the YAl3 compound was performed on the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) with quantum ESPRESSO (QE) software. Elastic constants were calculated after the optimization process. Polycrystalline quantities, such as bulk and shear modulus, Young’s modulus, and Poisson’s ratio, were determined using calculated elastic constants. The anisotropy of the compound was studied in detail. As a result of the calculations made, it was observed that the YAl3 compound exhibited mechanically stable structure and anisotropic behavior. In the ht2-YAl3 phase, the effect of pressure on physical properties was investigated in detail. The obtained results were compared with the existing experimental and other theoretical data.
Role of Brd4 in the production of inflammatory cytokines in mouse macrophages treated with titanium particles
Authors: Ren Yuanzhong , Zhang Yongtao , Wang Ze , Wang Changyao , Zhang Haining , Wang Yingzhen , Zhao Zhiping
Published: July 2019

Brd4 protein is an important epigenetic regulator involved in the process of inflammatory cytokine production in many diseases. However, whether and how Brd4 participates in the process of wear-particle-induced inflammation remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the potential role of Brd4 in titanium (Ti) particle-induced inflammatory cytokine production in mouse macrophage RAW264.7 cells. Our experiment detected Brd4 expressed in both normal synovium and periprosthetic osteolysis interface membrane, but the expression increased in the interface membrane as compared with that in normal synovium. Treatment with Ti particles significantly increased TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β production in RAW264.7 cells, which was inhibited by JQ1 or Brd4-siRNA. Ti particles enhanced the expression of Brd4, which was abrogated by JQ1. Ti particles enhanced NF-κB p65 and IKK phosphorylation and attenuated IκBα protein expression, which were abrogated by JQ1. Co-immunoprecipitation analysis indicated that Ti particles promoted the binding of Brd4 to acetylated NF-κB p65 (lysine-310), which was also abrogated in JQ1-treated RAW264.7 cells. In conclusion, Brd4 expression increases in interface membrane and Brd4 participates in the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines induced by Ti particles via promoting the activation of NF-κB signaling and binding to acetylated NF-κB p65 (lysine-310) in mouse macrophages.