bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genomewide miRNA profiling of oral lichenoid disorders and oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Setién‐Olarra A , Bediaga NG , Acha‐Sagredo A , Marichalar‐Mendia X , de Pancorbo MM , Aguirre‐Urizar JM
Published: July 2016

Objective

To dissect the aberrant microRNA profile of oral lichenoid disorders (OLD) by analyzing the larger set of OLD samples tested so far.

Materials and methods

MicroRNA expression profiles were assessed using TLDA card in 32 samples (16 OLD, 8 OSCC, and 8 control). The findings were validated using RT‐qPCR in an independent cohort of 91 samples.

Results

We identified 20 differentially expressed microRNAs in OLD, of which several are functionally related to cell proliferation, response to organic substances, or immune processes. Further validation of the top‐ranked microRNAs revealed that they were all aberrantly expressed in OLD.

Conclusion

We have identified a new microRNA signature associated with OLD that may provide a meaningful basis for better understanding the physiopathology of the disease. In addition, we validated seven microRNAs whose expression was shown to be higher in OLD tissue in comparison with the control and OSCC tissues.
Stomatal acclimation to vapour pressure deficit doubles transpiration of small tree seedlings with warming
Authors: Marchin Renée M. , Broadhead Alice A. , Bostic Laura E. , Dunn Robert R. , Hoffmann William A.
Published: July 2016

Future climate change is expected to increase temperature (T) and atmospheric vapour pressure deficit (VPD) in many regions, but the effect of persistent warming on plant stomatal behaviour is highly uncertain. We investigated the effect of experimental warming of 1.9–5.1 °C and increased VPD of 0.5–1.3 kPa on transpiration and stomatal conductance (gs) of tree seedlings in the temperate forest understory (Duke Forest, North Carolina, USA). We observed peaked responses of transpiration to VPD in all seedlings, and the optimum VPD for transpiration (Dopt) shifted proportionally with increasing chamber VPD. Warming increased mean water use of Carya by 140% and Quercus by 150%, but had no significant effect on water use of Acer. Increased water use of ring‐porous species was attributed to (1) higher air T and (2) stomatal acclimation to VPD resulting in higher gs and more sensitive stomata, and thereby less efficient water use. Stomatal acclimation maintained homeostasis of leaf T and carbon gain despite increased VPD, revealing that short‐term stomatal responses to VPD may not be representative of long‐term exposure. Acclimation responses differ from expectations of decreasing gs with increasing VPD and may necessitate revision of current models based on this assumption.
Leaf vein fraction influences the Péclet effect and 18O enrichment in leaf water
Authors: Holloway‐Phillips Meisha , Cernusak Lucas A. , Barbour Margaret , Song Xin , Cheesman Alexander , Munksgaard Niels , Stuart‐Williams Hilary , Farquhar Graham D.
Published: July 2016

The process of evaporation results in the fractionation of water isotopes such that the lighter 16O isotope preferentially escapes the gas phase leaving the heavier 18O isotope to accumulate at the sites of evaporation. This applies to transpiration from a leaf with the degree of fractionation dependent on a number of environmental and physiological factors that are well understood. Nevertheless, the 18O enrichment of bulk leaf water is often less than that predicted for the sites of evaporation. The advection of less enriched water in the transpiration stream has been suggested to limit the back diffusion of enriched evaporative site water (Péclet effect); however, evidence for this effect has been varied. In sampling across a range of species with different vein densities and saturated water contents, we demonstrate the importance of accounting for the relative ‘pool’ sizes of the vascular and mesophyll water for the interpretation of a Péclet effect. Further, we provide strong evidence for a Péclet signal within the xylem that if unaccounted for can lead to confounding of the estimated enrichment within the mesophyll water. This has important implications for understanding variation in the effective path length of the mesophyll and hence potentially the δ18O of organic matter.
Recurrent pyloric stenosis
Authors: Al‐Ansari Amani , Altokhais Tariq I.
Published: July 2016

Infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis is the most commonly encountered surgical disease among pediatric patients. Incomplete pyloromyotomy is not uncommon complication of pyloromyotomy. However, recurrent pyloric stenosis is extremely rare. Up until now, there are only five cases reported in the English literature. We report a child with recurrent pyloric stenosis who was managed by redo pyloromyotomy.
Pediatric autopsy case of asphyxia due to salmon egg (ikura) aspiration
Authors: Takamiya Masataka , Niitsu Hisae , Saigusa Kiyoshi , Dewa Koji
Published: July 2016

Here we report an autopsy case of asphyxia due to aspiration of a salmon egg (ikura) into the airway. The patient was a 19‐month‐old girl. During breakfast, she put salmon eggs into her mouth, and began to walk. She slipped, fell down, and collapsed. She was pronounced dead following 2 h of resuscitation. The body was autopsied 28 h after death. The gastric contents consisted of rice, orange sections, and white salmon eggs. The lungs were deeply congested and over‐inflated. In the right lung, areas of atelectasis in the upper and middle lobes were seen. A yellow salmon egg (8 mm in diameter) was found in the trachea. Although fish eggs are consumed throughout the world, reports of this sort are limited. The aspiration of fish eggs is under‐acknowledged and underreported. The importance of preventive measures needs to be emphasized to parents and caregivers.
Ultraweak Photon Emission from the Seed Coat in Response to Temperature and Humidity—A Potential Mechanism for Environmental Signal Transduction in the Soil Seed Bank
Authors: Footitt Steven , Palleschi Simonetta , Fazio Eugenio , Palomba Raffaele , Finch‐Savage William E. , Silvestroni Leopoldo
Published: July 2016

Seeds beneath the soil sense the changing environment to time germination and seedling emergence with the optimum time of year for survival. Environmental signals first impact with the seed at the seed coat. To investigate whether seed coats have a role in environmental sensing we investigated their ultraweak photon emission (UPE) under the variable temperature, relative humidity and oxygen conditions they could experience in the soil seed bank. Using a custom‐built luminometer we measured UPE intensity and spectra (300–700 nm) from Phaseolus vulgaris seeds, seed coats and cotyledons. UPE was greatest from the internal surface of the seed coat. Seed coat UPE increased concomitantly with both increasing temperature and decreasing relative humidity. Emission was oxygen dependent and it was abolished by treatment with dinitrophenylhydrazine, demonstrating the key role of seed coat carbonyls in the phenomenon. We hypothesize that beneath the soil surface the attenuation of light (virtual darkness: low background noise) enables seeds to exploit UPE for transducing key environmental variables in the soil (temperature, humidity and oxygen) to inform them of seasonal and local temperature patterns. Overall, seed coats were found to have potential as effective transducers of key fluctuating environmental variables in the soil.
Immunogenomics of gastrointestinal nematode infection in ruminants – breeding for resistance to produce food sustainably and safely
Authors: Sweeney T. , Hanrahan J. P. , Ryan M. T. , Good B.
Published: July 2016

Gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infection of ruminants represents a major health and welfare challenge for livestock producers worldwide. The emergence of anthelmintic resistance in important GIN species and the associated animal welfare concerns have stimulated interest in the development of alternative and more sustainable strategies aimed at the effective management of the impact of GINs. These integrative strategies include selective breeding using genetic/genomic tools, grazing management, biological control, nutritional supplementation, vaccination and targeted selective treatment. In this review, the logic of selecting for “resistance” to GIN infection as opposed to “resilience” or “tolerance” is discussed. This is followed by a review of the potential application of immunogenomics to genetic selection for animals that have the capacity to withstand the impact of GIN infection. Advances in relevant genomic technologies are highlighted together with how these tools can be advanced to support the integration of immunogenomic information into ruminant breeding programmes.
Innate and adaptive immune molecules of striped murrel Channa striatus
Authors: Palanisamy Rajesh , Bhatt Prasanth , Kumaresan Venkatesh , Pasupuleti Mukesh , Arockiaraj Jesu
Published: July 2016

Channa striatus, also called snakehead murrel, is an important freshwater teleost fish which has been widely cultured for its tasty flesh along with nutritional and medicinal values. The growth of both cultured and wild murrels is affected by various physical, chemical and biological factors. As a teleost fish, C. striatus is an intermediate organism between invertebrates and vertebrates. They have a well‐developed innate immune system than invertebrates and a primitive adaptive immune system compared to that of higher vertebrates, thus an interesting unique immune structure to explore. Studies have identified that a few external stimulants do instigate the immune system to fight against the pathogens at the time of infection in C. striatus. This review discusses the physicochemical and biological stress factors, immune system and immune molecules of C. striatus which are potentially involved in combating the stress factors.
Renaming restoration: conceptualizing and justifying the activity as a restoration of lost moral value rather than a return to a previous state
Authors: Rohwer Yasha , Marris Emma
Published: July 2016

A significant percentage of contemporary restoration work, while informed by history, aims for a novel state rather than an exact simulacrum of any particular historical state. However, the lay definition of “restoration” is to return something to its original state, and this influences public perceptions—and perhaps perceptions inside the field—about what the goals of restoration are. Relying on history to justify the proposed end state of a restoration project is problematic because of climate change, knowledge gaps, and the fact that ecosystems are dynamic and have no single historical state. Restorationists should be open to discussing whether the name of their field is inaccurate and considering alternatives. The process productively forces them to think about, articulate, and justify their values. One possible outcome of this process is a redefinition of “restoration” to mean a restoration of moral value rather than a restoration of a historical state. Restorationists will need to be comfortable talking about choices, intentions, values, and justifications in a world where historical fidelity no longer reigns supreme.
Conservation Management of EU Priority Habitats after Collapse of Traditional Pastoralism: Navigating Socioecological Transitions in Mountain Rangeland
Authors: Honrado João Pradinho , Lomba Angela , Alves Paulo , Aguiar Carlos , Monteiro‐Henriques Tiago , Cerqueira Yvonne , Monteiro Paulo , Barreto Caldas Francisco
Published: July 2016

Agricultural abandonment is a major driver of change in rural landscapes. Assumed to provide beneficial results to the environment and the conservation of biota, rural abandonment triggers landscape and biotic homogenization and loss of valuable species and habitats. This article focuses on the ecological effects and conservation challenges of shifts in extensive grazing regimes on marginal pastureland of Mediterranean mountains. We conceptualize a navigated socioecological transition toward conservation‐oriented management after the collapse of historical land systems. The article provides examples from the LIFE+ project “Higro,” developed in mountainous protected areas in Portugal, of how management for conservation could sustain disturbance‐dependent habitats. We argue that actively and regularly managing large habitat areas should be envisaged as a short‐term approach to limit the immediate effects of rural abandonment. A gradual integration of conservation targets with other activities in changing rural economies is necessary to foster long‐term conservation of species and habitats, building on the link between conservation‐oriented habitat management and ecosystem services in rural landscapes. Conservation goals should run alongside recovery of social systems and innovation applied to traditional sources of income. This parallel development would contribute to building up social‐ecological resilience by maintaining a diversity of social and ecological capital in rural areas.
Contemplating Bretscher's View that the Tritope Model is ‘Implausible’
Authors: Cohn M.
Published: July 2016

There is, at present, only two models of the TCR structure–function relationship. These are referred to here as the Standard (Centric) model and the Tritope model. While I have argued that the Standard model is untenable and proposed the Tritope to replace it, Bretscher has argued that the Tritope model is ‘implausible’ and throws his support for the Standard model. This essay analyses the implausibility argument concluding that it is unfounded.
Soil chemical and biological characteristics influence mineralization processes in different stands of a tropical wetland
Authors: Boulogne I. , Ozier‐Lafontaine H. , Merciris P. , Vaillant J. , Labonte L. , Loranger‐Merciris G.
Published: July 2016

In the Caribbean, Pterocarpus officinalis swamp forest, a coastal freshwater wetland, has been locally transformed by human activities into Colocasia esculenta monoculture (under the swamp forest) or pasture (where deforestation has occurred). The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of three land uses of this tropical wetland (swamp forest, C. esculenta monoculture and pasture) on soil abiotic and biological features. We hypothesized that increasing the level of ecosystem alteration by agricultural intensification would negatively impact soil chemical characteristics, soil fauna diversity and carbon mineralization. As expected, land use significantly affected soil characteristics and changes followed the increasing intensity of land use. The ‘undisturbed system’, that is swamp forest, was characterized by a large soil organic matter content, a high level of soil moisture, a small phosphorus content and a slightly lower pH. These characteristics were correlated with a small faunal abundance and diversity and slow carbon (C) mineralization. The ‘low disturbance system’, that is C. esculenta monoculture, was the closest to swamp forest characteristics and changes between the both systems principally concerned a very slight decrease in organic matter content and very small increase in C mineralization and Coleoptera diversity. By contrast, all parameters (soil chemical characteristics, C mineralization and faunal abundance and diversity) were impacted in the most intensive land‐use, pasture. Our study confirmed that agricultural practices have an influence on soil fauna and C mineralization processes in wetlands. Moreover, our study suggested that a C. esculenta traditional agroecosystem under swamp forest cover could be considered as an ‘eco‐friendly’ agricultural practice.
The Paediatric Admission Quality of Care (PAQC) score: designing a tool to measure the quality of early inpatient paediatric care in a low‐income setting
Authors: Opondo Charles , Allen Elizabeth , Todd Jim , English Mike
Published: July 2016

Background

Evaluating clinician compliance with recommended steps in clinical guidelines provides one measure of quality of process of care but can result in a multiplicity of indicators across illnesses, making it problematic to produce any summative picture of process quality, information that may be most useful to policy‐makers and managers.

Objective

We set out to develop a clinically logical summative measure of the quality of care provided to children admitted to hospital in Kenya spanning the three diagnoses present in 60% or more of admissions that would provide a patient‐level measure of quality of care in the face of comorbidity.

Methods

We developed a conceptual model of care based on three domains: assessment, diagnosis and treatment of illnesses. Individual items within domains correspond to recommended processes of care within national clinical practice guidelines. Summative scores were created to reduce redundancy and enable aggregation across illnesses while maintaining a clear link to clinical domains and our conceptual model. The potential application of the score was explored using data from more than 12 000 children from eight hospitals included in a prior intervention study in Kenya.

Results

Summative scores obtained from items representing discrete clinical decision points reduced redundancy, aided balance of score contribution across domains and enabled direct comparison of disease‐specific scores and the calculation of scores for children with comorbidity.

Conclusion

This work describes the development of a summative Paediatric Admission Quality of Care score measured at the patient level that spans three common diseases. The score may be an efficient tool for assessing quality with an ability to adjust for case mix or other patient‐level factors if needed. The score principles may have applicability to multiple illnesses and settings. Future analysis will be needed to validate the score.
A case of giant cell tumor of soft parts in a horse
Authors: Cian Francesco , Whiteoak Sarah , Stewart Jennifer
Published: July 2016

A 12‐year‐old British Warmblood mare was examined by the referring veterinarian for evaluation of a cutaneous lesion on the dorsal thorax to the right of the midline. Cytologic examination of fine‐needle aspirates from the mass was supportive of a giant cell tumor of soft parts (GCTSP). Laser surgical excision and postoperative methyl aminolevulinate (MAL) photodynamic therapy (PDT) were performed. Histologic examination of the mass confirmed the cytologic diagnosis. At 8 months from surgery, no evidence of recurrence has been observed. Giant cell tumors of soft parts are rare cutaneous neoplasms, observed in several domestic species, including the horse where they commonly appear as superficial cutaneous lesions without aggressive biologic behavior. Previously classified as giant cell variant of malignant fibrous histiocytoma, these superficial tumors have now been designated as giant cell tumors of soft tissue or giant cell tumors of low malignant potential within the category of fibrohistiocytic neoplasms.
Effect of prewarming EDTA blood samples to 37°C on platelet count measured by Sysmex XT‐2000iV in dogs, cats, and horses
Authors: Williams Tim L. , Archer Joy
Published: July 2016

Background

Pseudothrombocytopenia secondary to platelet clumping is a common cause of preanalytic error for platelet counts in dogs, cats, and horses. In human beings, it is suggested that prewarming blood samples to 37°C prior to hematology analysis will reduce platelet clumping.

Objectives

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effect of prewarming EDTA blood samples to 37°C on measured platelet counts and other hematologic variables.

Methods

The EDTA blood samples from dogs, cats and horses submitted to the clinical pathology laboratory at the University of Cambridge were included. Complete blood cell counts performed using a Sysmex XT‐2000iV hematology analyzer were done on samples at room temperature (approximately 22°C) and following warming of the samples to 37°C in a water bath. The Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to compare hematologic variables, including platelet count, before and after sample warming to 37°C. Data are presented as median (25th, 75th percentile) increase.

Results

Blood samples from 39 dogs, 19 cats, and 10 horses were included. Sample warming to 37°C resulted in a statistically significant increase in platelet counts in dogs (11 [−2, 30] ×109/L), cats (36 [14, 84] ×109/L), and horses (42 [31, 79] ×109/L). Sample warming did not significantly affect other hematologic variables.

Conclusions

Prewarming EDTA blood samples to 37°C prior to hematologic analysis increased platelet counts overall in canine, feline, and equine blood, but did not abrogate platelet clumping and pseudothrombocytopenia fully in some cases. Furthermore, true pseudothrombocytopenia was not confirmed in these animals.
Jewish ethics and xenotransplantation
Authors: Mathieu Richard
Published: July 2016

Background

Although exclusively secular approaches to xenotransplantation are methodologically necessary to establish a fundamental verdict on its theoretical ethical acceptability, it is nevertheless pragmatically appropriate to take into account specifically religious positions, as religion is a factor relevant to societal acceptability. Apart from the aspect of societal acceptability, Jewish bioethics, like other religiously embedded ethics, may enrich the broader ethical discourse on xenotransplantation, as some of its principles—pikuach nefesh being the most prominent one—are plausible even in the framework of secular ethics.

Methods

This paper first explores concepts of normativity in Jewish ethics before identifying specific ethical issues in Jewish bioethics and possible resolutions offered within the framework of Jewish ethics, and then finally examine the implications for the broader debate on xenotransplantation.

Results

Religions in general and Judaism in specific cannot and should not be systematically excluded from ethical debates, not only because they may provide helpful input, but also because religion, religiousness and the affiliation to a religion can be crucial factors regarding the societal acceptability of specific medical technologies and procedures as they may be important aspects of an individual's identity. The principles of Jewish bioethics may be compelling to those who do not necessarily share the specifically religious prerequisites on which Jewish ethics is established. Among these rather cogent concepts is the status of natural law and naturalness, which is far more open to medical technologies and procedures deemed as unnatural and thus morally wrong by other religious parties in public discourse.

Conclusions

Jewish ethics has strong tendencies toward supporting xenotransplantation given a certain criteria is met. No categorical bans on xenotransplantation can be established on the grounds of Halacha.
Development-less deep ultraviolet positive tone photolithography with polymethyl methacrylate
Authors: Carbaugh Daniel J. , Wright Jason T. , Rajan Parthiban , Kaya Savas , Rahman Faiz
Published: July 2016

The authors describe a new lithography technique that relies on spatially thinning down a polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) film through ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure. Patterns on chrome-on-quartz mask plates or shadow masks can be transferred to an underlying PMMA film as UV light at 254 nm is projected through the mask. This work made use of cheap and easily available low pressure hot filament mercury discharge tubes as the UV radiation source. UV irradiation causes chain scission in PMMA followed by the removal of chain fragments. The process is synergistically aided by heating the PMMA-covered sample. This process thins down the PMMA wherever it receives UV irradiation, creating a topographic pattern in the polymer film. With sufficient irradiation dose, PMMA can be completely removed, all the way down to the substrate. The UV-induced decomposition of PMMA is shown to be aided by a secondary exposure from photoelectrically generated electrons ejected from the substrate. Subsequently, both additive and subtractive processes can be performed on the patterned resist to fabricate desired structures. This novel process works with even several microns thick PMMA films and benefits from the unparalleled transparency and high resolution capability of PMMA. The authors also show some example structures fabricated using this technique.
Structural and electronic properties of InN epitaxial layer grown on c-plane sapphire by chemical vapor deposition technique
Authors: Barick Barun Kumar , Prasad Nivedita , Saroj Rajendra Kumar , Dhar Subhabrata
Published: July 2016

Growth of InN epilayers on c-plane sapphire substrate by chemical vapor deposition technique using pure indium metal and ammonia as precursors has been systematically explored. It has been found that [0001] oriented indium nitride epitaxial layers with smooth surface morphology can be grown on c-plane sapphire substrates by optimizing the growth conditions. Bandgap of the film is observed to be Burstein–Moss shifted likely to be due to high background electron concentration. It has been found that the concentration of this unintentional doping decreases with the increase in the growth temperature and the ammonia flux. Epitaxial quality on the other hand deteriorates as the growth temperature increases. Moreover, the morphology of the deposited layer has been found to change from flat top islands to faceted mounds as the flow rate of ammonia increases. This phenomenon is expected to be related to the difference in surface termination character at low and high ammonia flow rates.
Correction method for averaging slowly time-variant room impulse response measurements
Authors: Postma Barteld N. J. , Katz Brian F. G.
Published: July 2016

Various methods exist for room acoustic measurements. To increase the signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR), averaging of repeated room impulse responses (RIR) can be performed under the assumption of time-invariant systems. Associated with a study of the Paris Notre Dame cathedral, time-variances due to minute temperature changes were observed which confounded results of averaged RIRs, producing significantly shorter reverberation times. A correction method for such time-variance of the acoustic system is proposed, based on time-stretching. Following correction, reverberation times of averaged RIRs were comparable to expected tolerance ranges for measurements, well within one just noticeable difference, while also exhibiting a mid-frequency SNR gain of 8 dB.
Energy Expenditure for 70 Activities in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Sasaki Jeffer Eidi , Howe Cheryl A. , John Dinesh , Hickey Amanda , Steeves Jeremy , Conger Scott , Lyden Kate , Kozey-Keadle Sarah , Burkart Sarah , Alhassan Sofiya , Bassett David , Freedson Patty S.
Published: July 2016

Background:

Thirty-five percent of the activities assigned MET values in the Compendium of Energy Expenditures for Youth were obtained from direct measurement of energy expenditure (EE). The aim of this study was to provide directly measured EE for several different activities in youth.

Methods:

Resting metabolic rate (RMR) of 178 youths (80 females, 98 males) was first measured. Participants then performed structured activity bouts while wearing a portable metabolic system to directly measure EE. Steady-state oxygen consumption data were used to compute activity METstandard (activity VO2/3.5) and METmeasured (activity VO2/measured RMR) for the different activities.

Results:

Rates of EE were measured for 70 different activities and ranged from 1.9 to 12.0 METstandard and 1.5 to 10.0 METmeasured.

Conclusion:

This study provides directly measured energy cost values for 70 activities in children and adolescents. It contributes empirical data to support the expansion of the Compendium of Energy Expenditures for Youth.
Comparison of Energy Expenditure of Youth Playing Tennis During Practice and Match Settings
Authors: Ondrak Kristin S. , McMurray Robert G.
Published: July 2016

Background:

Researchers have investigated the energy expenditure of tennis practice and match play in adults but not youth.

Methods:

VO2 was recorded for 36 youth, ages 9 to 18, during 10-minute bouts of tennis practice and match play. A GLM was used to compare VO2 between practice and match play and among age groups (9–12 years, 13–15 years, and 16–18 years); also to compare the difference in adult and child-derived MET values (ΔMET).

Results:

VO2 was higher for tennis match play vs. practice (P < .05) and there was a trend for 16 to 18 year olds having lower VO2 than 9 to 12 year olds (P = .055). ΔMET did not differ between settings but varied by age group (P = .004); it was highest in 9- to 12-year-olds and lowest in 16- to 18-year-olds.

Conclusions:

Youth expend more energy while playing a tennis match than practice, regardless of age. Child-derived MET values equaled those of adults once youth reached ages 16 to 18.
Predictive Validity of a Thigh-Worn Accelerometer METs Algorithm in 5- to 12-Year-old Children
Authors: van Loo Christiana M.T. , Okely Anthony D. , Batterham Marijka , Hinkley Tina , Ekelund Ulf , Brage Soren , Reilly John J. , Peoples Gregory E. , Jones Rachel , Janssen Xanne , Cliff Dylan P.
Published: July 2016

Background:

To validate the activPAL3 algorithm for predicting metabolic equivalents (TAMETs) and classifying MVPA in 5- to 12-year-old children.

Methods:

Fifty-seven children (9.2 ± 2.3y, 49.1% boys) completed 14 activities including sedentary behaviors (SB), light (LPA) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activities (MVPA). Indirect calorimetry (IC) was used as the criterion measure. Analyses included equivalence testing, Bland-Altman procedures and area under the receiver operating curve (ROC-AUC).

Results:

At the group level, TAMETs were significantly equivalent to IC for handheld e-game, writing/coloring, and standing class activity (P < .05). Overall, TAMETs were overestimated for SB (7.9 ± 6.7%) and LPA (1.9 ± 20.2%) and underestimated for MVPA (27.7 ± 26.6%); however, classification accuracy of MVPA was good (ROC-AUC = 0.86). Limits of agreement were wide for all activities, indicating large individual error (SB: −27.6% to 44.7%; LPA: −47.1% to 51.0%; MVPA: −88.8% to 33.9%).

Conclusions:

TAMETs were accurate for some SB and standing, but were overestimated for overall SB and LPA, and underestimated for MVPA. Accuracy for classifying MVPA was, however, acceptable.
Youth Energy Expenditure During Common Free-Living Activities and Treadmill Walking
Authors: Schuna John M. , Barreira Tiago V. , Hsia Daniel S. , Johnson William D. , Tudor-Locke Catrine
Published: July 2016

Background:

Energy expenditure (EE) estimates for a broad age range of youth performing a variety of activities are needed.

Methods:

106 participants (6–18 years) completed 6 free-living activities (seated rest, movie watching, coloring, stair climbing, basketball dribbling, jumping jacks) and up to 9 treadmill walking bouts (13.4 to 120.7 m/min; 13.4 m/min increments). Breath-by-breath oxygen uptake (VO2) was measured using the COSMED K4b2 and EE was quantified as youth metabolic equivalents (METy1:VO2/measured resting VO2, METy2:VO2/estimated resting VO2). Age trends were evaluated with ANOVA.

Results:

Seated movie watching produced the lowest mean METy1 (6- to 9-year-olds: 0.94 ± 0.13) and METy2 values (13- to 15-year-olds: 1.10 ± 0.19), and jumping jacks produced the highest mean METy1 (13- to 15-year-olds: 6.89 ± 1.47) and METy2 values (16- to 18-year-olds: 8.61 ± 2.03). Significant age-related variability in METy1 and METy2 were noted for 8 and 2 of the 15 evaluated activities, respectively.

Conclusions:

Descriptive EE data presented herein will augment the Youth Compendium of Physical Activities.
Crystal structure of Zika virus NS2B-NS3 protease in complex with a boronate inhibitor
Authors: Lei Jian , Hansen Guido , Nitsche Christoph , Klein Christian D. , Zhang Linlin , Hilgenfeld Rolf
Published: July 2016

Zooming in on the Zika virus protease

The lack of a vaccine or antiviral drugs to combat the Zika virus has scientists scrambling to identify and better characterize potential drug targets. One attractive candidate is the NS2B/NS3 viral protease, which, together with host cell proteases, cleaves the viral polyprotein into the individual proteins required for viral replication. Lei
et al.
report the crystal structure of this protease bound to a peptido-mimetic inhibitor. The structure reveals key interactions that probably contribute to the high catalytic efficiency of this enzyme relative to other flaviviruses, indicating promising starting points for drug design.

Science
, this issue p.
503
Complete Genome Sequences of 61 Mycobacteriophages
Authors: Hatfull Graham F. ,   Science Education Alliance Phage Hunters Advancing Genomics and Evolutionary Science (SEA-PHAGES) Program,   KwaZulu-Natal Research Institute for Tuberculosis and HIV (K-RITH) Mycobacterial Genetics Course,   University of California–Los Angeles Research Immersion Laboratory in Virology,   Phage Hunters Integrating Research and Education (PHIRE) Program
Published: July 2016

Mycobacteriophages—viruses of mycobacteria—provide insights into viral diversity and evolution as well as numerous tools for genetic dissection of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
. Here we report the complete genome sequences of 61 mycobacteriophages newly isolated from environmental samples using
Mycobacterium smegmatis
mc
2
155 that expand our understanding of phage diversity.
Complete Genome Sequences of 11
Haemophilus ducreyi
Isolates from Children with Cutaneous Lesions in Vanuatu and Ghana
Authors: Pillay Allan , Katz Samantha S. , Abrams A. Jeanine , Ballard Ronald C. , Simpson Shirley V. , Taleo Fasihah , Lahra Monica M. , Batra Dhwani , Rowe Lori , Trees David L. , Asiedu Kingsley , Chen Cheng-Yen
Published: July 2016

Haemophilus ducreyi
causes chancroid and has recently been shown to be a significant cause of cutaneous lesions in tropical or subtropical regions where yaws is endemic. Here, we report the draft genome assemblies for 11 cutaneous strains of
Haemophilus ducreyi
, isolated from children in Vanuatu and Ghana.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Paecilomyces hepiali
, Isolated from
Cordyceps sinensis
Authors: Yu Yi , Wang Wenting , Wang Linping , Pang Fang , Guo Lanping , Song Lai , Liu Guiming , Feng Chengqiang
Published: July 2016

Paecilomyces hepiali
is an endoparasitic fungus that commonly exists in the natural
Cordyceps sinensis
. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
P. hepiali
, which will facilitate the exploitation of medicinal compounds produced by the fungus.
Complete Genome Sequence of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus from an Outbreak in a Vaccinated Farm in Shandong, China
Authors: Gao Xiang , Li Dongliang , Zhao Jingyi , Xu Farong , Ge Xinna , Guo Xin , Han Jun , Yang Hanchun , Zhou Lei
Published: July 2016

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus, a member of the family
Coronaviridae
, is an economically important pathogen that causes severe enteritis, vomiting, dehydration, and a high mortality rate, especially among suckling piglets. Here, we report the complete genome sequence (28,036 nucleotides [nt]) of a porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) strain isolated in a novel outbreak in Shandong, China.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Burkholderia
sp. Strain CCA53, Isolated from Leaf Soil
Authors: Akita Hironaga , Kimura Zen-ichiro , Yusoff Mohd Zulkhairi Mohd , Nakashima Nobutaka , Hoshino Tamotsu
Published: July 2016

Burkholderia
sp. strain CCA53 was isolated from leaf soil collected in Higashi-Hiroshima City in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. Here, we present a draft genome sequence of this strain, which consists of a total of 4 contigs containing 6,647,893 bp, with a G+C content of 67.0% and comprising 9,329 predicted coding sequences.
Permanent Draft Genome Sequence for
Frankia
sp
.
Strain EI5c, a Single-Spore Isolate of a Nitrogen-Fixing Actinobacterium, Isolated from the Root Nodules of
Elaeagnus angustifolia
Authors: D'Angelo Timothy , Oshone Rediet , Abebe-Akele Feseha , Simpson Stephen , Morris Krystalynne , Thomas W. Kelley , Tisa Louis S.
Published: July 2016

Frankia
sp. strain EI5c is a member of
Frankia
lineage III, which is able to reinfect plants of the
Eleagnaceae
,
Rhamnaceae
,
Myricaceae
, and
Gymnostoma
, as well as the genus
Alnus
. Here, we report the 6.6-Mbp draft genome sequence of
Frankia
sp. strain EI5c with a G+C content of 72.14 % and 5,458 candidate protein-encoding genes.
Draft Genome Sequence for the Type Strain of
Corynebacterium afermentans
LCDC 88-0199
T
, Isolated from a Human Blood Culture
Authors: Bernier Anne-Marie , Bernard Kathryn
Published: July 2016

A draft genome for
Corynebacterium afermentans
LCDC 88-0199
T
was investigated. The size of the genome was 2,345,615 bp with an observed G+C content of 64.85%. Annotation revealed 2 rRNA sequences, 54 tRNA genes, and 2,164 coding sequences. Genome coverage was 85× and consisted of 24 contigs with an
N
50
of 187,988 bp.
Terrorist attack of 15 January 2016 in Ouagadougou: how resilient was Burkina Faso's health system?
Authors: Ridde Valéry , Lechat Lucie , Meda Ivlabehire Bertrand
Published: July 2016

In Africa, health systems are often not very responsive. Their resilience is often tested by health or geopolitical crises. The Ebola epidemic, for instance, exposed the fragility of health systems, and recent terrorist attacks have required countries to respond to urgent situations. Up until 2014, Burkina Faso's health system strongly resisted these pressures and reforms had always been minor. However, since late 2014, Burkina Faso has had to contend with several unprecedented crises. In October 2014, there was a popular insurrection. Then, in September 2015, the Security Regiment of the deposed president attempted a coup d’état. Finally, on 15 January 2016, a terrorist attack occurred in the capital, Ouagadougou. These events involved significant human injury and casualties. In these crises, the Burkinabè health system was sorely tried, testing its responsiveness, resiliency and adaptability. We describe the management of the recent terrorist attack from the standpoint of health system resilience. It would appear that the multiple crises that had occurred within the previous 2 years led to appropriate management of that terrorist attack thanks to the rapid mobilisation of personnel and good communication between centres. For example, the health system had put in place a committee and an emergency response plan, adapted blood bank services and psychology services, and made healthcare free for victims. Nevertheless, the system encountered several challenges, including the development of framework documents for resources (financial, material and human) and their use and coordination in crisis situations.
What can we learn on public accountability from non-health disciplines: a meta-narrative review
Authors: Van Belle Sara , Mayhew Susannah H
Published: July 2016

Objective

In health, accountability has since long been acknowledged as a central issue, but it remains an elusive concept. The literature on accountability spans various disciplines and research traditions, with differing interpretations. There has been little transfer of ideas and concepts from other disciplines to public health and global health. In the frame of a study of accountability of (international) non-governmental organisations in local health systems, we carried out a meta-narrative review to address this gap. Our research questions were: (1) What are the main approaches to accountability in the selected research traditions? (2) How is accountability defined? (3) Which current accountability approaches are relevant for the organisation and regulation of local health systems and its multiple actors?

Setting

The search covered peer-reviewed journals, monographs and readers published between 1992 and 2012 from political science, public administration, organisational sociology, ethics and development studies. 34 papers were selected and analysed.

Results

Our review confirms the wide range of approaches to the conceptualisation of accountability. The definition of accountability used by the authors allows the categorisation of these approaches into four groups: the institutionalist, rights-based, individual choice and collective action group. These four approaches can be considered to be complementary.

Conclusions

We argue that in order to effectively achieve public accountability, accountability strategies are to be complementary and synergistic.
Review of 99 self-report measures for assessing well-being in adults: exploring dimensions of well-being and developments over time
Authors: Linton Myles-Jay , Dieppe Paul , Medina-Lara Antonieta
Published: July 2016

Objective

Investigators within many disciplines are using measures of well-being, but it is not always clear what they are measuring, or which instruments may best meet their objectives. The aims of this review were to: systematically identify well-being instruments, explore the variety of well-being dimensions within instruments and describe how the production of instruments has developed over time.

Design

Systematic searches, thematic analysis and narrative synthesis were undertaken.

Data sources

MEDLINE, EMBASE, EconLit, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library and CINAHL from 1993 to 2014 complemented by web searches and expert consultations through 2015.

Eligibility criteria

Instruments were selected for review if they were designed for adults (≥18 years old), generic (ie, non-disease or context specific) and available in an English version.

Results

A total of 99 measures of well-being were included, and 196 dimensions of well-being were identified within them. Dimensions clustered around 6 key thematic domains: mental well-being, social well-being, physical well-being, spiritual well-being, activities and functioning, and personal circumstances. Authors were rarely explicit about how existing theories had influenced the design of their tools; however, the 2 most referenced theories were Diener's model of subjective well-being and the WHO definition of health. The period between 1990 and 1999 produced the greatest number of newly developed well-being instruments (n=27). An illustration of the dimensions identified and the instruments that measure them is provided within a thematic framework of well-being.

Conclusions

This review provides researchers with an organised toolkit of instruments, dimensions and an accompanying glossary. The striking variability between instruments supports the need to pay close attention to what is being assessed under the umbrella of ‘well-being’ measurement.
Association of common mental disorder symptoms with health and healthcare factors among women in rural western India: results of a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Soni Apurv , Fahey Nisha , Byatt Nancy , Prabhakaran Anusha , Moore Simas Tiffany A , Vankar Jagdish , Phatak Ajay , O'Keefe Eileen , Allison Jeroan , Nimbalkar Somashekhar
Published: July 2016

Objectives

Information about common mental disorders (CMD) is needed to guide policy and clinical interventions in low-income and middle-income countries. This study's purpose was to characterise the association of CMD symptoms with 3 inter-related health and healthcare factors among women from rural western India based on a representative, cross-sectional survey.

Setting

Surveys were conducted in the waiting area of various outpatient clinics at a tertiary care hospital and in 16 rural villages in the Anand district of Gujarat, India.

Participants

700 Gujarati-speaking women between the ages of 18–45 years who resided in the Anand district of Gujarat, India, were recruited in a quasi-randomised manner.

Primary and secondary outcomes measures

CMD symptoms, ascertained using WHO's Self-Reporting Questionnaire-20 (SRQ-20), were associated with self-reported (1) number of healthcare visits in the prior year; (2) health status and (3) portion of yearly income expended on healthcare.

Results

Data from 658 participants were used in this analysis; 19 surveys were excluded due to incompleteness, 18 surveys were excluded because the participants were visiting hospitalised patients and 5 surveys were classified as outliers. Overall, 155 (22·8%) participants screened positive for CMD symptoms (SRQ-20 score ≥8) with most (81.9%) not previously diagnosed despite contact with healthcare provider in the prior year. On adjusted analyses, screening positive for CMD symptoms was associated with worse category in self-reported health status (cumulative OR=9.39; 95% CI 5·97 to 14·76), higher portion of household income expended on healthcare (cumulative OR=2·31; 95% CL 1·52 to 3.52) and increased healthcare visits in the prior year (incidence rate ratio=1·24; 95% CI 1·07 to 1·44).

Conclusions

The high prevalence of potential CMD among women in rural India that is unrecognised and associated with adverse health and financial indicators highlights the individual and public health burden of CMD.
Prospective assessment of neurodevelopment in children following a pregnancy complicated by severe pre-eclampsia
Authors: Warshafsky Chelsie , Pudwell Jessica , Walker Mark , Wen Shi-Wu , Smith Graeme N
Published: July 2016

Objective

To prospectively examine whether children of women with a pregnancy affected by severe pre-eclampsia (PE), compared to children of women without a PE-affected pregnancy, have differences in neurodevelopmental performance up to 5 years of age.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Tertiary care centre.

Participants

Women were recruited following a PE-affected pregnancy. After each PE participant was recruited, the next normotensive woman without a prior history of PE and matched by parity, maternal age and race was invited to participate. Women with a history of chronic hypertension, diabetes or renal disease were excluded. Total enrolment included 129 PE-affected and 140 normotensive mothers.

Outcome measures

The primary outcome measure was failure of the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ). The ASQ was completed yearly, until age 5.

Results

A significant difference was found in the proportion of ASQ categories failed in year 3 (p<0.05), and this approached significance in years 1 and 4 (p<0.10 and p<0.15, respectively). At year 1, the number of ASQ categories failed was significantly greater among children born to PE mothers. A subgroup analysis revealed that a significant proportion of PE children born preterm (<37 weeks) failed the ASQ in years 3 and 4 (p<0.05), and when failed, those who were preterm failed significantly more categories (p<0.05). A trend towards increased failure in the gross motor category was found. There was a significant positive correlation between maternal lifetime CVD risk score and number of ASQ categories failed at years 1 and 3 (p<0.05).

Conclusions

Severe PE is associated with other adverse pregnancy outcomes, including intrauterine growth restriction and preterm birth, all of which are associated with increased neurodevelopment delays. Thus, PE indicates a need for early screening and intervention at the neurodevelopmental level to improve children's long-term health, with larger studies required to tease out contributing factors.