bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thirty‐day outcomes in Indigenous Australians following coronary artery bypass grafting
Authors: O'Brien Jessica , Saxena Akshat , Reid Christopher M. , Tran Lavinia , Baker Robert A. , Newcomb Andrew , Smith Julian , Huq Molla M. , Duffy Stephen J.
Published: March 2018

Background

Indigenous Australians have higher rates of cardiovascular disease and comorbidities compared to their non‐indigenous counterparts.

Aims

We sought to evaluate whether indigenous status per se portends a worse prognosis following isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

Methods

The outcomes of 778 Indigenous Australians (55 ± 10 years; 32% female) enrolled in the Australian and New Zealand Society of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons registry were compared to 36 124 non‐Indigenous Australians (66 ± 10 years; 21% female) following isolated CABG. In a secondary analysis, patients were propensity‐matched by age, sex, renal function, diabetes and ejection fraction (778 individuals in each group).

Results

Indigenous Australians were younger and more likely to be female and current smokers and to have diabetes, hypertension, renal impairment, heart failure and previous CABG (all P < 0.04). Indigenous patients had fewer bypasses with arterial conduits (including less internal mammary artery use) and a higher number of distal vein anastomoses (P < 0.001). Postoperative bleeding rates were higher in indigenous patients (P = 0.001). However, in‐hospital and 30‐day all‐cause mortality and rates of 30‐day readmission were similar between both groups, although cardiac mortality was higher in the indigenous cohort (1.5% vs 0.8%, P = 0.02). With propensity‐matching, rates of postoperative complications were similar among the two groups, with the exception of bleeding, which remained higher in Indigenous Australians (P = 0.03).

Conclusions

Despite procedural differences and higher rates of baseline comorbidities, Indigenous Australians do not have worse short‐term outcomes following isolated CABG. Given the higher rates of baseline comorbidities and lower rates of arterial conduit use, it will be essential to determine long‐term outcomes.
Inflammation in CNS neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Stephenson Jodie , Nutma Erik , van der Valk Paul , Amor Sandra
Published: March 2018

Neurodegenerative diseases, the leading cause of morbidity and disability, are gaining increased attention as they impose a considerable socioeconomic impact, due in part to the ageing community. Neuronal damage is a pathological hallmark of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disease, spinocerebellar ataxia and multiple sclerosis, although such damage is also observed following neurotropic viral infections, stroke, genetic white matter diseases and paraneoplastic disorders. Despite the different aetiologies, for example, infections, genetic mutations, trauma and protein aggregations, neuronal damage is frequently associated with chronic activation of an innate immune response in the CNS. The growing awareness that the immune system is inextricably involved in shaping the brain during development as well as mediating damage, but also regeneration and repair, has stimulated therapeutic approaches to modulate the immune system in neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we review the current understanding of how astrocytes and microglia, as well as neurons and oligodendrocytes, shape the neuroimmune response during development, and how aberrant responses that arise due to genetic or environmental triggers may predispose the CNS to neurodegenerative diseases. We discuss the known interactions between the peripheral immune system and the brain, and review the current concepts on how immune cells enter and leave the CNS. A better understanding of neuroimmune interactions during development and disease will be key to further manipulating these responses and the development of effective therapies to improve quality of life, and reduce the impact of neuroinflammatory and degenerative diseases.
Increased salt exposure affects both lymphoid and myeloid effector functions, influencing innate‐associated disease but not T‐cell‐associated autoimmunity
Authors: Vaartjes Daniëlle , Nandakumar Kutty‐Selva , Holmdahl Rikard , Raposo Bruno
Published: March 2018

High salt consumption has since long been associated with elevated blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. Recently, mouse studies suggested that a high dietary salt intake exacerbates the clinical manifestations of autoimmunity. Using naïve cells ex vivo after pre‐exposure of mice to high salt intake, we showed that increased salt exposure affects the viability and effector functions of immune cells. CD4+ T‐cells evidenced a pro‐inflammatory phenotype characterized by increased secretion of IFNγ and IL‐17A, when exposed to high salt concentrations in vitro. Interestingly, this phenotype was associated with osmotic pressure, as replacing salt for d‐mannitol resulted in similar observations. However, high salt intake did not alter the development of T‐cell‐dependent autoimmunity. Instead, recruitment of peritoneal macrophages was increased in mice pre‐exposed to high salt concentrations. These cells had an increased production of both TNFα and IL‐10, suggesting that salt stimulates expansion and differentiation of different subsets of macrophages. Moreover, mice pre‐exposed to high salt intake developed exacerbated symptoms of colitis, when induced by dextran sulphate sodium. The aggravated colitis in salt‐exposed animals was associated with a higher frequency of CD4+ T‐cells and CD11b+ CD64+ macrophages producing TNFα. These phenotypes correlated with elevated titres of faecal IgA and higher lymphocytic cellularity in the colon, mesenteric lymph nodes and spleen. In conclusion, we report here that high salt intake affects both lymphoid and myeloid cells ex vivo. However, the effects of high salt intake in vivo seem less pronounced in terms of CD4+ T‐cell responses, whereas macrophage‐dependent pathologies are significantly influenced.
Nucleolin mediated pro‐angiogenic role of Hydroxysafflor Yellow A in ischaemic cardiac dysfunction: Post‐transcriptional regulation of VEGF‐A and MMP‐9
Authors: Zou Jiang , Wang Nian , Liu Manting , Bai Yongping , Wang Hao , Liu Ke , Zhang Huali , Xiao Xianzhong , Wang Kangkai
Published: March 2018

Hydroxysafflor Yellow A (HSYA), a most representative ingredient of Carthamus tinctorius L., had long been used in treating ischaemic cardiovascular diseases in China and exhibited prominently anticoagulant and pro‐angiogenic activities, but the underlying mechanisms remained largely unknown. This study aimed to further elucidate the pro‐angiogenic effect and mechanism of HSYA on ischaemic cardiac dysfunction. A C57 mouse model of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) was firstly established, and 25 mg/kg HSYA was intraperitoneally injected immediately after operation and given once, respectively, each morning and evening for 2 weeks. It was found that HSYA significantly improved ischaemia‐induced cardiac haemodynamics, enhanced the survival rate, alleviated the myocardial injury and increased the expressions of CD31, vascular endothelial growth factor‐A (VEGF‐A) and nucleolin in the ischaemic myocardium. In addition, HSYA promoted the migration and tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), enhanced the expressions of nucleolin, VEGF‐A and matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. However, down‐regulation of nucleolin expression sharply abrogated the effect mentioned above of HSYA. Further protein‐RNA coimmunoprecipitation and immunoprecipitation‐RT‐PCR assay showed that nucleolin binded to VEGF‐A and MMP‐9 mRNA and overexpression of nucleolin up‐regulated the mRNA expressions of VEGF‐A and MMP‐9 in the HUVECs through enhancing the stability of VEGF‐A and MMP‐9 mRNA. Furthermore, HSYA increased the mRNA expressions of VEGF‐A and MMP‐9 in the extract of antinucleolin antibody‐precipitated protein from the heart of AMI mice. Our data revealed that nucleolin mediated the pro‐angiogenic effect of HSYA through post‐transcriptional regulation of VEGF‐A and MMP‐9 expression, which contributed to the protective effect of HSYA on ischaemic cardiac dysfunction.
FGF1 improves functional recovery through inducing PRDX1 to regulate autophagy and anti‐ROS after spinal cord injury
Authors: Li Jiawei , Wang Qingqing , Cai Hanxiao , He Zili , Wang Haoli , Chen Jian , Zheng Zengming , Yin Jiayu , Liao Zhiyong , Xu Huazi , Xiao Jian , Gong Fanghua
Published: March 2018

Fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF1) is thought to exert protective and regenerative effects on neurons following spinal cord injury (SCI), although the mechanism of these effects is not well understood. The use of FGF1 as a therapeutic agent is limited by its lack of physicochemical stability and its limited capacity to cross the blood‐spinal cord barrier. Here, we demonstrated that overexpression of FGF1 in spinal cord following SCI significantly reduced tissue loss, protected neurons in the ventricornu, ameliorated pathological morphology of the lesion, dramatically improved tissue recovery via neuroprotection, and promoted axonal regeneration and remyelination both in vivo and in vivo. In addition, the autophagy and the expression levels of PRDX1 (an antioxidant protein) were induced by AAV‐FGF1 in PC12 cells after H2O2 treatment. Furthermore, the autophagy levels were not changed in PRDX1‐suppressing cells that were treated by AAV‐FGF1. Taken together, these results suggest that FGF1 improves functional recovery mainly through inducing PRDX1 expression to increase autophagy and anti‐ROS activity after SCI.
MicroRNA‐216a induces endothelial senescence and inflammation via Smad3/IκBα pathway
Authors: Yang Shujun , Mi Xuenan , Chen Yu , Feng Congrui , Hou Zhihui , Hui Rutai , Zhang Weili
Published: March 2018

Vascular endothelial senescence contributes to atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease (CAD), but the mechanisms are yet to be clarified. We identified that microRNA‐216a (miR‐216a) significantly increased in senescent endothelial cells. The replicative senescence model of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was established to explore the role of miR‐216a in endothelial ageing and dysfunction. Luciferase assay indicated that Smad3 was a direct target of miR‐216a. Stable expression of miR‐216a induced a premature senescence‐like phenotype in HUVECs with an impairment in proliferation and migration and led to an increased adhesion to monocytes by inhibiting Smad3 expression and thereafter modulating the degradation of NF‐κB inhibitor alpha (IκBα) and activation of adhesion molecules. Conversely, inhibition of endogenous miR‐216a in senescent HUVECs rescued Smad3 and IκBα expression and inhibited monocytes attachment. Plasma miR‐216a was significantly higher in old CAD patients (>50 years) and associated with increased 31% risk for CAD (odds ratio 1.31, 95% confidence interval 1.03‐1.66; P = .03) compared with the matched healthy controls (>50 years). Taken together, our data suggested that miR‐216a promotes endothelial senescence and inflammation as an endogenous inhibitor of Smad3/IκBα pathway, which might serve as a novel target for ageing‐related atherosclerotic diseases.
Role of hepatitis B surface antigen in hepatitis B virus relapse after entecavir or tenofovir prophylaxis in patients undergoing cancer chemotherapy
Authors: Kuo Ming‐Te , Tseng Po‐Lin , Chou Yeh‐Pin , Chang Kuo‐Chin , Tsai Ming‐Chao , Kuo Yuan‐Hung , Hu Tsung‐Hui , Hung Chao‐Hung , Wang Jing‐Houng , Lu Sheng‐Nan , Chen Chien‐Hung
Published: March 2018

Background and Aim

This study investigated whether hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) could predict hepatitis B virus (HBV) relapse after cessation of entecavir or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) prophylaxis for chronic hepatitis B cancer patients who are undergoing chemotherapy.

Methods

The study enrolled 122 hepatitis B e‐antigen‐negative cancer patients who underwent chemotherapy with entecavir or TDF for antiviral prophylaxis and posttreatment follow‐up for at least 6 months.

Results

Of the 122 patients, 52 and 18 experienced virological and clinical relapse, which had 3‐year cumulative incidences of 46.6% and 18.6%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that end‐of‐treatment HBsAg levels and baseline HBV‐DNA ≥ 2000 IU/mL were independent predictors of virological relapse. The best HBsAg cutoff value was 500 IU/mL. An end‐of‐treatment HBsAg of 500 IU/mL was useful for predicting virological relapse in patients with baseline HBV‐DNA < 2000 IU/mL (3‐year rate: 21.3% vs 46.4%, P = 0.038, in patients with HBsAg < 500 and ≥ 500 IU/mL, respectively), but not in patients with baseline HBV‐DNA ≥ 2000 IU/mL. Of the 52 patients who experienced virological relapse, 13 experienced transient virological relapse. Patients with baseline HBV‐DNA level < 2000 IU/mL experienced a higher rate of transient virological relapse (42.1% vs 15.2%, P = 0.031). Three patients experienced hepatic decompensation upon alanine aminotransferase flares, and no patient died after timely retreatment. Ten patients experienced posttreatment HBsAg loss, and the 3‐year HBsAg loss rate was 30.7% in patients with end‐of‐treatment HBsAg < 100 IU/mL.

Conclusions

The baseline HBV‐DNA and end‐of‐treatment HBsAg levels could predict virological relapse after withdrawal of entecavir and TDF prophylaxis for chemotherapy.
Discursive Research and Clinical Realities, or the Eye of the Beholder
Authors: Bertrando Paolo
Published: March 2018

The comparison of four discursive and conversational analysis studies performed on the same couple consultation session, held by Tom Andersen, show a diversity of results. It can be argued the results are so varied that they constitute different realities, often incompatible with each other. This, far from being a shortcoming of these studies, can be seen as the true richness they can offer to the practicing therapist, who can use research to investigate the different perspectives we can adopt in viewing our clinical activity. The comparison of the four studies raises questions about the role of the therapist in such process. Clinical implications of this are also discussed.
Marking Ownership on Ainu Objects: Three Museum Collections in the United States
Authors: Lowman Christopher B.
Published: March 2018

Ainu ethnographic objects in U.S. museums exist in collections mediated by collectors during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Marks and modifications on these objects provide insight into Indigenous uses and meanings that were not always present in ethnographers' accounts. This is particularly important when considering trade items, because they encompass evidence of changes in meaning as they moved through differing cultural contexts. Trade items can be hard to find in collections that were made using the paradigm of salvage ethnography. However, Japanese historical records, Ainu poetry, and Ainu language all suggest that trade goods were an important part of Ainu religious practice. Using these sources, along with an examination of Ainu‐inscribed marks of ownership, I compare collections made by Western collectors specifically for museums and reassemble their contents with a focus on Ainu understandings of the objects' meanings. [Ainu, Japan, collecting]
Collecting and Curating in Liberia and the United States: William Siegmann and Liberian Material Culture at the Fair and in the Museum
Authors: Beck Cohen Stephanie
Published: March 2018

Museums mediate diverse and sometimes contentious cultural and political histories. For Liberian collections, museum work negotiates Indigenous and trans‐Atlantic material cultures. Inspired by the Liberian collections at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History and the 2014 exhibit Visions from the Forests: The Art of Liberia and Sierra Leone, this article considers the curatorial work of the Brooklyn Museum's William Siegmann, who shaped the exhibition of Liberian art in the second half of the twentieth century. Siegmann's work reflected an interdisciplinary spirit; his exhibitions between 1974 and 1987 adapted to different contexts and audiences, yielding distinctions in how Liberian art was presented in museums during a period of political and cultural turmoil. Examining Siegmann's curatorial projects through collections in Liberia and Washington, D.C., together with archival documents from the Siegmann collections at Indiana University, illustrates how one scholar‐collector influenced knowledge development about Liberian material culture. [national museums, West Africa, Liberia, material culture]
Nitrogen deposition increases root production and turnover but slows root decomposition in Pinus elliottii plantations
Authors: Kou Liang , Jiang Lei , Fu Xiaoli , Dai Xiaoqin , Wang Huimin , Li Shenggong
Published: March 2018

Fine roots of woody plants comprise multiple root orders, which can be functionally partitioned into two pools: absorptive fine roots (AFRs, orders 1, 2) and transport fine roots (TFRs, orders 3–5). However, the function‐based fine‐root dynamics and especially their responses to increased nitrogen (N) availability remain unclear.

We explored dynamic responses of both AFRs and TFRs of Pinus elliottii to N addition in subtropical China based on a 4‐yr minirhizotron experiment and a two‐stage – early (0.5 yr) vs late (4 yr) – decomposition experiment.

N addition increased the production, mortality, and turnover of AFRs but not TFRs. High rates of N persistently inhibited AFR decomposition but affected TFR decomposition differentially at the early (no effect) and late (negative effect) stages. The increased production of AFRs was driven by N‐induced decrease in foliar and soil phosphorus (P) concentrations. The decreased decomposition of AFRs might be due to the increased acid‐unhydrolyzable residues in decomposing roots.

AFRs are the resource‐acquiring module, the increased carbon allocation to AFRs may represent a P‐acquiring strategy when N no longer limits growth of P. elliottii. Our results suggest that AFRs and TFRs respond differently to N deposition, both in terms of production, mortality, and turnover and in terms of decomposition.
Photocycle of Sensory Rhodopsin II from Halobacterium salinarum (HsSRII): Mutation of D103 Accelerates M Decay and Changes the Decay Pathway of a 13‐cis O‐like Species
Authors: Dai Gang , Geng Xiong , Chaoluomeng  , Tamogami Jun , Kikukawa Takashi , Demura Makoto , Kamo Naoki , Iwasa Tatsuo
Published: March 2018

Aspartic acid 103 (D103) of sensory rhodopsin II from Halobacterium salinarum (HsSRII, or also called phoborhodopsin) corresponds to D115 of bacteriorhodopsin (BR). This amino acid residue is functionally important in BR. This work reveals that a substitution of D103 with asparagine (D103N) or glutamic acid (D103E) can cause large changes in HsSRII photocycle. These changes include (1) shortened lifetime of the M intermediate in the following order: the wild‐type > D103N > D103E; (2) altered decay pathway of a 13‐cis O‐like species. The 13‐cis O‐like species, tentatively named Px, was detected in HsSRII photocycle. Px appeared to undergo branched reactions at 0°C, leading to a recovery of the unphotolyzed state and formation of a metastable intermediate, named P370, that slowly decayed to the unphotolyzed state at room temperature. In wild‐type HsSRII at 0°C, Px mainly decayed to the unphotolyzed state, and the decay reaction toward P370 was negligible. In mutant D103E at 0°C, Px decayed to P370, while the recovery of the unphotolyzed state became unobservable. In mutant D103N, the two reactions proceeded at comparable rates. Thus, D103 of HsSRII may play an important role in regulation of the photocycle of HsSRII.
Mannose receptor (MR) and Toll‐like receptor 2 (TLR2) influence phagosome maturation during Leishmania infection
Authors: Polando R. E. , Jones B. C. , Ricardo C. , Whitcomb J. , Ballhorn W. , McDowell M. A.
Published: March 2018

Leishmania enter macrophages through receptor‐mediated phagocytosis and survive the harsh environment of a phagolysosome. Here, we investigated the interaction between mannose receptor (MR), Toll‐like receptor 2 (TLR2), and Leishmania, and the subsequent impact on phagosome maturation. Leishmania parasites are able to delay phagosome maturation, not reaching full maturation until 5 hours post‐engulfment. Here, maturation of Leishmania major‐ and Leishmania donovani‐containing phagosomes proceeded as expected in the WT macrophages becoming LAMP1 positive by 6 hours. Interestingly, MR−/− macrophages become LAMP1 positive by ~2 hours and ~4 hours post‐infection Leishmania‐containing phagosomes lost LAMP1 expression and gained the early marker EEA1. LAMP1 expression was again observed by 6 hours. Leishmania LPG was essential for the delay in both WT and MR−/− macrophages but was not essential for the early maturation (2 hours) observed in MR−/− macrophages. Serum opsonization of Leishmania prior to infection induced identical phagosome maturation patterns in WT and MR−/− macrophages. In the absence of MyD88 or TLR2 on macrophages, Leishmania phagosomes matured significantly faster, becoming LAMP1 positive by ~1‐2 hours. These studies add to the knowledge that phagosome maturation is influenced by multiple receptor‐ligand interactions and signalling pathways
Suicide Among Health Care Practitioners and Technicians in Colorado: An Epidemiological Study
Authors: Mintz Sasha , Jamison Ethan , Bol Kirk
Published: March 2018

Suicide is a public health concern with risks that vary between occupation groups. Many suicide victims with a health care occupation die by poisoning, but few studies have epidemiologically studied this association. The objective of this study was to quantify the increased risk of suicide death by poisoning among health care professionals in Colorado. Eleven years (2004–2014, N = 8,753) of suicide deaths in Colorado were compiled from the Colorado Violent Death Reporting System. A retrospective cohort study using multivariate logistic regression was conducted to examine the risk associated with having a health care occupation and eventual suicide death by poisoning, compared independently to firearm and hanging methods. Suicide victims with a health care occupation were more likely to die by poisoning rather than by hanging (RR 1.54, 95% CI: 1.41–1.68) or firearm (RR 1.79, 95% CI: 1.60–2.01), when compared to suicide victims without a health care occupation. The association between health care occupation and suicide method was significantly (p = .032) modified by gender. The results show that health care workers who die by suicide have an increased risk of eventual suicide death by poisoning rather than by firearm or hanging. These results can be used to inform tailored suicide prevention efforts in health care professionals.
Validation of 3D skin imaging for objective repeatable quantification of severity of atrophic acne scarring
Authors: Petit L. , Zugaj D. , Bettoli V. , Dreno B. , Kang S. , Tan J. , Torres V. , Layton A. M. , Martel P.
Published: March 2018

Background

One major sequelae of acne is atrophic scarring, yet objective tools to assess scars are lacking. Neither depth nor volume of atrophic scars is readily evaluable clinically and standard 2D photography is significantly affected by lighting and shadows. The aim of our study was to define and evaluate parameters of 3D imaging that can be used to assess severity of atrophic acne scarring.

Methods

Single center study of 31 patients with acne scarring. A target area of 3 × 3 cm was defined on the face. The global severity of atrophic acne scarring in the target area was evaluated by 5 dermatologists and scars were counted and categorized by size (scars < 2 mm, 2‐4 mm, and > 4 mm in diameter). Three dimensional images of the target area were acquired with the LifeViz Micro® system and analysis was performed using MountainsMaps® software. An algorithm was developed to quantify the scar volume loss: shape removal step, with an order 5 polynomial, and to calculate the Valley void volume 80% (Vvv 80%) defined in the ISO‐25178 standard for 3D surface texture.

Results

Correlation coefficient of the Vvv parameter to mean global severity at the target area rating was 0.77. The volume of scars evaluated with the Vvv parameter was mainly impacted by scars > 2 mm. The evaluations demonstrated good repeatability (with an intra‐class correlation coefficient ICC = 0.98).

Conclusions

We demonstrate convergent validation to clinical assessment and repeatability of 3D skin imaging in atrophic acne scarring. Image analysis is straightforward and can be integrated into an automated workflow.
Screening recipients of increased risk donor organs: A multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Ison Michael G. , Rana Meenakshi M. , Brizendine Kyle D. , Chimienti Sonia , Le Jade , Kfoury Rosette , Mohazabnia Parvin , Theodoropoulos Nicole
Published: March 2018

Organ Procurement & Transplantation Network policy requires post‐transplant screening of recipients of organs from donors at increased risk for transmission of HIV, hepatitis B virus, and hepatitis C virus. Available data suggest that follow‐up testing of recipients is not routinely conducted. Data on increased risk donors and recipients of their organs from 2008 to 2012 were retrospectively collected from 6 transplant centers after IRB approval. Descriptive statistics were performed. About 363 (60%) recipients were screened for transmission of HIV, HBV, and/or HCV at some time point; 257 (70.8%) within 90 days of transplant. The type of test used to screen for infection was variable with many recipients (25%‐43%) screened with serology alone. Our results reveal that post‐transplant screening for HIV, HBV, and HCV in recipients of increased risk donor organs did not universally occur and testing methods were variable.
Seroresponses and safety of 13‐valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccination in kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Dendle Claire , Stuart Rhonda L. , Polkinghorne Kevan R. , Balloch Anne , Kanellis John , Ling Johnathan , Kummrow Megan , Moore Chelsea , Thursky Karin , Buttery Jim , Mulholland Kim , Gan Poh‐Yi , Holdsworth Stephen , Mulley William R.
Published: March 2018

Background

Conjugated pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for kidney transplant recipients, however, their immunogenicity and potential to trigger allograft rejection though generation of de novo anti‐human leukocyte antigen antibodies has not been well studied.

Methods

Clinically stable kidney transplant recipients participated in a prospective cohort study and received a single dose of 13‐valent conjugate pneumococcal vaccine. Anti‐pneumococcal IgG was measured for the 13 vaccine serotypes pre and post vaccination and functional anti‐pneumococcal IgG for 4 serotypes post vaccination. Anti‐human leukocyte antigen antibodies antibodies were measured before and after vaccination. Kidney transplant recipients were followed clinically for 12 months for episodes of allograft rejection or invasive pneumococcal disease.

Results

Forty‐five kidney transplant recipients participated. Median days between pre and post vaccination serology was 27 (range 21‐59). Post vaccination, there was a median 1.1 to 1.7‐fold increase in anti‐pneumococcal IgG antibody concentrations for all 13 serotypes. Kidney transplant recipients displayed a functional antibody titer ≥1:8 for a median of 3 of the 4 serotypes. Post vaccination, there were no de novo anti‐human leukocyte antigen antibodies, no episodes of biopsy proven rejection or invasive pneumococcal disease.

Conclusion

A single dose of 13‐valent conjugate pneumococcal vaccine elicits increased titers and breadth of functional anti‐pneumococcal antibodies in kidney transplant recipients without stimulating rejection or donor‐specific antibodies.
A 61‐year‐old man with erythematous forearm papules three months after liver transplantation
Authors: Ayrapetyan Mesrop , Googe Paul B. , Jolly Puneet , Levinson Kara , Popowitch Elena , Lachiewicz Anne M.
Published: March 2018

A 61‐year‐old Caucasian man presented with papules on his left forearm and hand three months after liver transplantation: images from physical exam, pathology, and microbiology are presented. Skin biopsy confirmed the presence of fungal elements within the hair shaft, which is consistent with Majocchi granuloma, also known as nodular granulomatous perifolliculitis. A combination of fungal culture, microscopic morphology, and gene sequencing was used to identify the causative organism. The patient recovered with appropriate systemic antifungal therapy.
A randomized, placebo‐controlled phase I trial of live, attenuated herpes zoster vaccine in subjects with end‐stage renal disease immunized prior to renal transplantation
Authors: Miller Geraldine , Schaefer Heidi , Yoder Sandra , Miller Rachel , Winokur Patricia , Kotloff Karen , Klassen David , Wierzbicki Michael , Amegashie Cyrille , Edwards Kathryn
Published: March 2018

Background

Solid organ transplant recipients are at increased risk for reactivation of herpes zoster, or shingles, and have a higher frequency of serious complications including post‐herpetic neuralgia. A live, attenuated shingles vaccine is effective and approved for individuals 50 years and older. The vaccine is contraindicated following transplantation, but may be used in patients with renal failure. Utilization of the vaccine has been poor in patients with end‐stage renal disease, including those awaiting transplant, owing to concerns for safety, efficacy, and potential sensitization prior to transplant.

Methods

We conducted a phase I, randomized, placebo‐controlled study of the safety and immunogenicity of live, attenuated Oka strain shingles vaccine in subjects prior to or awaiting renal transplant at 3 US centers. Subjects received vaccine a minimum of 4 weeks prior to transplant.

Results

The vaccine was safe and well‐tolerated. There were no cases of herpes zoster or rash illness. There was no change in donor‐specific antibody or calculated panel reactive antibody after vaccination during the follow‐up period. There were no rejection episodes. There was a significant 2.1‐fold rise in geometric mean titer of anti‐VZV antibody at 5 weeks post‐vaccine.

Conclusions

The data suggest that the shingles vaccine is safe in subjects with ESRD awaiting transplant. Antibody responses were similar to those seen previously in adults >50 years of age and are consistent with a protective response.
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy after allogeneic stem cell transplantation: Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Yuan Cai , Deberardinis Candace , Patel Rushang , Shroff Seema M. , Messina Steven A. , Goldstein Steven , Mori Shahram
Published: March 2018

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a rare, yet typically fatal complication of allogeneic stem cell transplantation. It is caused by reactivation of the John Cunningham (JC) virus in an immunocompromised host. This report describes an unfortunate case of PML in a recipient of an allogeneic stem cell transplant for acute myelogenous leukemia. The JC virus was undetectable in the patient's cerebrospinal fluid by polymerase chain reaction (PCR); however, a positive diagnosis was made after a brain biopsy. This and other published cases demonstrate that recipients of allogeneic stem cells can develop PML. Moreover, early diagnosis of the disease is often difficult and, as demonstrated in this case, screening with PCR does not appear to have strong diagnostic significance. With no effective treatment presently available, restoration of immune function is the only intervention that can affect prognosis. Further prospective studies are needed to understand the pathophysiology and treatment of this disease.
Changes in chromatin accessibility between Arabidopsis stem cells and mesophyll cells illuminate cell type‐specific transcription factor networks
Authors: Sijacic Paja , Bajic Marko , McKinney Elizabeth C. , Meagher Richard B. , Deal Roger B.
Published: March 2018

Cell differentiation is driven by changes in the activity of transcription factors (TFs) and subsequent alterations in transcription. To study this process, differences in TF binding between cell types can be deduced by probing chromatin accessibility. We used cell type‐specific nuclear purification followed by the assay for transposase‐accessible chromatin (ATAC‐seq) to delineate differences in chromatin accessibility and TF regulatory networks between stem cells of the shoot apical meristem (SAM) and differentiated leaf mesophyll cells in Arabidopsis thaliana. Chromatin accessibility profiles of SAM stem cells and leaf mesophyll cells were very similar at a qualitative level, yet thousands of regions having quantitatively different chromatin accessibility were also identified. Analysis of the genomic regions preferentially accessible in each cell type identified hundreds of overrepresented TF‐binding motifs, highlighting sets of TFs that are probably important for each cell type. Within these sets, we found evidence for extensive co‐regulation of target genes by multiple TFs that are preferentially expressed in each cell type. Interestingly, the TFs within each of these cell type‐enriched sets also showed evidence of extensively co‐regulating each other. We further found that preferentially accessible chromatin regions in mesophyll cells tended to also be substantially accessible in the stem cells, whereas the converse was not true. This observation suggests that the generally higher accessibility of regulatory elements in stem cells might contribute to their developmental plasticity. This work demonstrates the utility of cell type‐specific chromatin accessibility profiling for the rapid development of testable models of regulatory control differences between cell types.
The Effect of Creative Drama as a Method on Skills: A Meta-analysis Study
Authors: Ulubey Özgür
Published: March 2018

The aim of the current study was to synthesize the findings of experimental studies addressing the effect of the creative drama method on the skills of students. Research data were derived from ProQuest Citations, Web of Science, Google Academic, National Thesis Center, EBSCO, ERIC, Taylor & Francis Online, and ScienceDirect databases using keywords such as drama, and skill. A total of 63 research studies including twenty articles, thirty-four master’s and nine doctoral theses, which met the inclusion criteria of meta-analysis, formed the data source of the current study. The collected data were analyzed by using the Comprehensive Meta Analysis program. To address the heterogeneity of the studies, the random effects model were employed to calculate the effect size. The results of the research showed that creative drama method positively affected the skills of students. In experimental studies, the differences in the effect created by the creative drama on students' skills were examined in terms of moderator variables. While the effect size of creative drama on students’ skills was found to be significantly varying depending on the moderator variables including the duration of experimental application, the level of schooling and the publication type, it was found that the effect size was not significantly varying depending on the moderator variables of practitioner and types of skills.
Metaphors of Social Studies Teacher Candidates on Museum Concept
Authors: Tural Ayşegül
Published: March 2018

In recent years, the concept of museum has attracted attention in teaching of social studies which is an interdisciplinary course that attaches importance to in-school and out-of-school processes. Metaphor is to express perceptions on a particular subject figuratively. In this research, it is aimed to reveal perceptions of social studies teacher candidates about museum concept through metaphors. For this purpose, 128 social studies teacher candidates are consulted. The research has been done by phenomenology method which is one of the qualitative research methods and the data is analyzed by content analysis. In this respect, research is a descriptive study. As a result of research, the result is obtained that teacher candidates have developed 36 valid metaphors. While teacher candidates are building metaphors for the museum; they have used mostly book, journey to history, history and life simulations.
Investigation on the Effects of 12 Days Intensive Competition on Some Blood Parameters of Basketball Players
Authors: Gencer Yildirim Gokhan , Coskun Funda , Sarikaya Mucahit , Kaplan Seyhmus
Published: March 2018

The aim of this study is  to investigate the effect of intensive basketball competitions (10 official basketball games in 12 days intensive competition period) on blood parameters of basketball players. Blood samples were taken from the basketball players of the university team. The players were training regularly and they had no regular health problems. The average age of the players was 22,80 ± 3,20 years and the average height was 185,83 ± 7,57 cm. This study was performed on 10 volunteer basketball players. Blood samples were taken before (24 hours), after (24 hours) and during the intensive competitions. Descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) were applied to the data, Wilcoxon two realized sample test was used to compare the values before and after the competition period. When comparing the blood values before and after the competition period, there was significant increase in prevalence of Fe, albumin, AST, ALT, LDL, HDL, MCH, MCHC and the values of UIBC, creatinine, HCT and MPV were significantly low before the competition; (P <0.05).The findings show that the physiological characteristics of basketball players are influenced by intensive competitions. In the literature, the physiological effects of regular and single-session exercises have been investigated in many studies. However, the data about the physiological effects of intensive competition periods are rather limited. A better understanding of these influences will guide the event organizers and coaches to plan the competitions and it will facilitate the preparation of the sportsmen for this intensive competition periods.
Examining the Internet Addiction Levels of High School Senior Students
Authors: Aydemir Hasan
Published: March 2018

In the present study, the internet addiction status of high school senior students in Yeşilyurt county of Malatya was analyzed and examined in terms of gender variable. The study population consisted of 3442 senior students who were studying at 37 high schools in state schools in Yeşilyurt County of the city of Malatya in 2016-2017 academic year. The sampling of the study consisted of 606 students selected with the Random Sampling Method from among 17 high schools. The model of the study was the Survey Model. For the purpose of determining the internet addiction levels of the students, the “Internet Addiction Scale”, which was developed by Gunuc (2009) was used. This scale consists of sub-dimensions like “Deprivation”, “Difficulty in Control”, “Disruption in Functionality”, and “Social Isolation”. In analyzing the data of the study, arithmetic average ( , frequency (f), standard deviation (sd), k-means clustering method and t-test were used. In brief, the following results were received in the present study: out of the 606 senior high school students, 85 (14,1%) were in the Addicted Group, 258 (42,6%) were in the Risk Group and 262 (43,3%) were in the Non-Addicted Group. When these results were analyzed it was determined that the majority of the students who constituted the sampling group of the study were in the Non-Addicted Group (43,3%). A significant differentiation was detected between the internet addiction scores of the students according to the gender variable in favor of the male students.
Draft Genome Sequences of Three Virulent Streptococcus thermophilus Bacteriophages Isolated from the Dairy Environment in the Veneto Region of Italy
Authors: da Silva Duarte Vinícius , Giaretta Sabrina , Treu Laura , Campanaro Stefano , Pereira Vidigal Pedro M. , Tarrah Armin , Giacomini Alessio , Corich Viviana
Published: March 2018

Streptococcus thermophilus
, a very important dairy species, is constantly threatened by phage infection. We report the genome sequences of three
S. thermophilus
bacteriophages isolated from a dairy environment in the Veneto region of Italy. These sequences will be used for the development of new strategies to detect and control phages in dairy environments.
Draft Genome Sequences of Six Vibrio diazotrophicus Strains Isolated from Deep Subsurface Sediments of the Baltic Sea
Authors: Castillo Daniel , Vandieken Verona , Engelen Bert , Engelhardt Tim , Middelboe Mathias
Published: March 2018

We present here the draft genome sequences of six
Vibrio diazotrophicus
strains, which were isolated from deep subseafloor sediments of the Baltic Sea. The genomic sequences contained several virulence and antibiotic resistance genes. These genome sequences provide insights into the genetic composition and evolution of the genus
Vibrio
in marine environments.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Nontypeable GII Norovirus Detected in Peru
Authors: Tohma Kentaro , Saito Mayuko , Mayta Holger , Zimic Mirko , Lepore Cara J. , Ford-Siltz Lauren A. , Gilman Robert H. , Parra Gabriel I.
Published: March 2018

Norovirus, a leading cause of acute gastroenteritis in humans, is a highly diverse virus. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of a nontypeable genogroup II (GII) norovirus that was detected in a symptomatic Peruvian child in 2008. This virus showed low nucleotide sequence identities (≤82%) against all known genotypes.
Whole-Genome Sequence of Phage-Resistant Strain Escherichia coli DH5α
Authors: Chen Jingchao , Li Yi , Zhang Kun , Wang Hailei
Published: March 2018

The genomes of many strains of
Escherichia coli
have been sequenced, as this organism is a classic model bacterium. Here, we report the genome sequence of
Escherichia coli
DH5α, which is resistant to a T4 bacteriophage (CCTCC AB 2015375), while its other homologous
E. coli
strains, such as
E. coli
BL21, DH10B, and MG1655, are not resistant to phage invasions. Thus, understanding of the genome of the DH5α strain, along with comparative analysis of its genome sequence along with other sequences of
E. coli
strains, may help to reveal the bacteriophage resistance mechanism of
E. coli
.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Marinomonas fungiae
Strain AN44
T
(JCM 18476
T
), Isolated from the Coral
Fungia echinata
from the Andaman Sea
Authors: Kumari Prabla , Badhai Jhasketan , Das Subrata K.
Published: March 2018

Marinomonas fungiae
strain AN44
T
was isolated from mucus of the coral
Fungia echinata
. Optimum growth occurs at 3 to 5% NaCl. The draft genome is 4.2 Mb, with 3,776 protein-coding genes. It harbors genes for the degradation of aromatic compounds, such as quinate, ferulate,
p
-coumarate, protocatechuate, and
p
-hydroxyphenylacetate.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Biocontrol Agent Yeast Rhodotorula kratochvilovae Strain LS11
Authors: Miccoli Cecilia , Palmieri Davide , De Curtis Filippo , Lima Giuseppe , Ianiri Giuseppe , Castoria Raffaello
Published: March 2018

Rhodotorula kratochvilovae
strain LS11 is a biocontrol agent (BCA) selected for its antagonistic activity against several plant pathogens both in the field and postharvest. Genome assembly includes 62 contigs for a total of 22.56 Mbp and a G+C content of 66.6%. Genome annotation predicts 7,642 protein-encoding genes.
Draft Genome Sequence and Annotation of the Phytopathogenic Ralstonia pickettii (Previously Burkholderia glumae) Strain ICMP-8657
Authors: Paterson Julia , Gross Harald
Published: March 2018

Strain ICMP-8657 was formerly taxonomically classified as
Burkholderia glumae
and reported to be the producer of an antibacterial pyrazole derivative. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of ICMP-8657, which failed to demonstrate the biosynthetic capacity to produce the stated antibacterial compound, leading to its taxonomic reclassification as
Ralstonia pickettii
ICMP-8657.
Draft Genome Sequence of Lactobacillus helveticus Strain Lh 12 Isolated from Natural Whey Starter
Authors: Bertani Gaia , Bassi Daniela , Gatti Monica , Cocconcelli Pier Sandro , Neviani Erasmo
Published: March 2018

Lactobacillus helveticus
is a lactic acid bacterium widely used in cheese-making and for the production of bioactive peptides from milk proteins. Here, we describe the draft genome sequence and annotation of
L. helveticus
strain Lh 12 isolated from natural whey starter used in the production of Grana Padano cheese.
Complete Genome Sequences of 13 Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Subgroup A Strains of Genotypes NA1 and ON1 Isolated in the Philippines
Authors: Malasao Rungnapa , Furuse Yuki , Okamoto Michiko , Dapat Clyde , Saito Mayuko , Saito-Obata Mariko , Tamaki Raita , Segubre-Mercado Edelwisa , Lupisan Socorro , Oshitani Hitoshi
Published: March 2018

Complete genome sequences of 13 human respiratory syncytial virus strains were determined from samples obtained from children hospitalized in the Philippines between 2012 and 2013 because of acute respiratory infection. We identified amino acid polymorphisms between the NA1 and ON1 genotypes in the P, G, F, and L proteins.
mHealth text and voice communication for monitoring people with chronic diseases in low-resource settings: a realist review
Authors: Anstey Watkins Jocelyn , Goudge Jane , Gómez-Olivé Francesc Xavier , Huxley Caroline , Dodd Katherine , Griffiths Frances
Published: March 2018

Background

Routine monitoring by patients and healthcare providers to manage chronic disease is vital, though this can be challenging in low-resourced health systems. Mobile health (mHealth) has been proposed as one way to improve management of chronic diseases. Past mHealth reviews have proposed the need for a greater understanding around how the theoretical constructs in mHealth interventions actually work. In response, we synthesised evidence from primary studies on monitoring of chronic diseases using two-way digital text or voice communication between a patient and health worker. We did this in order to understand the important considerations for the design of mHealth interventions.

Method

Articles retrieved were systematically screened and analysed to elicit explanations of mHealth monitoring interventions. These explanations were consolidated into programme theory and compared with existing theory and frameworks. We identified variation in outcomes to understand how context moderates the outcome.

Results

Four articles were identified—monitoring of hypertension and HIV/AIDS from: Kenya, Pakistan, Honduras and Mexico and South Africa. Six components were found in all four interventions: reminders, patient observation of health state, motivational education/advice, provision of support communication, targeted actions and praise and encouragement. Intervention components were mapped to existing frameworks and theory. Variation in outcome identified in subgroup analysis suggests greater impact is achieved with certain patient groups, such as those with low literacy, those with stressful life events or those early in the disease trajectory. There was no other evidence in the included studies of the effect of context on the intervention and outcome.

Conclusion

mHealth interventions for monitoring chronic disease in low-resource settings, based on existing frameworks and theory, can be effective. A match between what the intervention provides and the needs or social factors relevant to specific patient group increases the effect. It was not possible to understand the impact of context on intervention and outcome beyond these patient-level measures as no evidence was provided in the study reports.