bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Attenuation of negative effects of senescence in human skin using an extract from Sphingomonas hydrophobicum: development of new skin care solution
Authors: Gervason S. , Napoli M. , Dreux‐Zhiga A. , Lazzarelli C. , Garcier S. , Briand A. , Albouy M. , Thepot A. , Berthon J. Y. , Filaire E.
Published: April 2019

Objective

Intrinsic skin ageing is mainly caused by cellular senescence. p16 and p21 are two important tumour suppressor proteins that play essential roles during cell proliferation and ageing through regulating the expression of several genes. Moreover, physical changes between the ages of 55 and 60 years affect one's physical and disrupt self‐esteem. The cosmetics industry has focused on bioactive substances derived from natural products such as plants, mushrooms and marine algae to counteract the deleterious effect on skin senescence. Besides these products, compounds produced by bacteria may decelerate individual senescence.

Methods

In order to evaluate the potential benefits of bacteria extract over skin ageing, we investigated whether a Sphingomonas hydrophobicum (SH) extract is able to protect our skin against senescence mechanisms. We used an ageing full‐thickness skin equivalent model, which was treated or not with the bacteria extract in a systemic way for 42 days. p21 and p16 and senescence‐associated galactosidase activity were used to detect cellular senescence with immunohistology. Using a psychobiological approach, we evaluated in vivo the effect of SH extract on self‐esteem, isotropy and suppleness.

Results

Sphingomonas extract significantly suppressed senescence associated with β‐galactosidase activation. It also significantly inhibited the expression of cell cycle inhibitors (p21 and p16). At the same time, the bacteria extract has a significant positive impact on the issue by increasing the expression of versican and fibrillin‐1. Significant improvements of self‐esteem were reported after 56 days of SH extract application. These psychological benefits were accompanied by a significant improvement in skin suppleness and isotropy.

Conclusion

Sphingomonas extract delays intrinsic skin ageing process by inhibiting cellular senescence, and has also the capability to restructure the skin. These beneficial physiological effects induced by SH extract have a positive influence on self‐esteem. Because skin ageing causes emotional distress, SH extract can serve as an anti‐ageing cosmeceutical agent and help to build a better psychological health, and help individuals to assume ageing.
Seasonal variation in susceptibility of the pear psyllid, Cacopsylla permixta (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) to selected insecticides
Authors: Esmaeily Mojtaba , Talebi Khalil , Hosseininaveh Vahid , Nozari Jamasb
Published: April 2019

Although Cacopsylla pyri Forster and Cacopsylla pyricola Linnaeus have long been considered as more significant pests of pear trees around the world, Cacopsylla permixta Burckhardt and Hodkinson is the most significant pest in some parts of Iran, especially in pear gardens of Karaj. Current control strategies against this pest in Iran generally involve five or six insecticide treatments each year, despite unsatisfactory results are reported at many localities. So, it is crucial to know the most susceptible generation of the pest to apply a good strategy for its control. The aim of this study was to explore the seasonal variation in susceptibility of C. permixta to four commonly used insecticides. The results showed that winter forms (February) were 2.71‐fold, 4.58‐fold, 3.26 fold and 3.38‐fold more tolerant to diazinon, imidacloprid, acetamiprid and abamectin, respectively, compared with summer forms. Also, Esterase, GST and P450 monooxygenase activity was highest during February. Moreover, the content of lipid, carbohydrate, glycogen and protein was significantly higher in February compared with other months. Based on these results, the best period for insecticide treatment for efficient control is treatment against the first generation, at the time when eggs are laid by females as well as during the egg hatching and the larvae appearance. At this time of year, psylla are more susceptible, which would likely lead to better results and the reduction in damage during the next summer. However, further studies are needed to test this in farm settings, and to whether this holds true for other psylla species.
The treatment dilemma of missing maxillary lateral incisors‐Part II: Implant restoration
Authors: Priest George
Published: April 2019

Objective

This second of a two‐part series reviews the single dental implant as the most current treatment alternative for replacement of a missing or lost maxillary lateral incisor. Assessments of dental maturity for implant placement, implant space requirements, surgical and restorative influence on soft tissue profiles, and implant success are reviewed.

Overview

Recent data indicates that implant success rates are high, and esthetics and soft tissue profiles appear to be stable for maxillary lateral incisor implants. Implant placement should be assessed by dental maturity of the specific patient as opposed to chronological age, and implant spacing should be developed and assessed by all team members.

Conclusions

Implant replacement of a missing lateral incisor is a predictable treatment mode if implant placement is deferred until dental maturity and then accurately placed in a well‐developed site. Treatment involves more complicated planning and execution from team members than other alternatives, but innovations in techniques and materials render it a favorable alternative for lateral incisor replacement.

Clinical significance

Implant restoration of a missing or lost maxillary lateral incisor is surgically and restoratively more complex than space closure or a resin‐bonded fixed dental prosthesis but demonstrates high success rates and high esthetic potential when team members follow strict treatment protocols.
Molecular Identity of Holomastigotes (Spirotrichonymphea, Parabasalia) with Descriptions of Holomastigotes flavipes n. sp. and Holomastigotes tibialis n. sp.
Authors: Taerum Stephen J. , Jasso‐Selles Daniel E. , Wilson Megan , Ware Jessica L. , Sillam‐Dussès David , Šobotník Jan , Gile Gillian H.
Published: April 2019

Holomastigotes is a protist genus (Parabasalia: Spirotrichonymphea) that resides in the hindguts of “lower” termites. It can be distinguished from other parabasalids by spiral flagellar bands that run along the entire length of the cell, an anterior nucleus, a reduced or absent axostyle, the presence of spherical vesicles inside the cells, and the absence of ingested wood particles. Eight species have been described based on their morphology so far, although no molecular data were available prior to this study. We determined the 18S rRNA gene sequences of Holomastigotes from the hindguts of Hodotermopsis sjostedti, Reticulitermes flavipes, Reticulitermes lucifugus, and Reticulitermes tibialis. Phylogenetic analyses placed all sequences in an exclusive and well‐supported clade with the type species, Holomastigotes elongatum from R. lucifugus. However, the phylogenetic position of Holomastigotes within the Spirotrichonymphea was not resolved. We describe two new species, Holomastigotes flavipes n. sp. and Holomastigotes tibialis n. sp., inhabiting the hindguts of R. flavipes and R. tibialis, respectively.
Role of broad‐spectrum sunscreen alone in the improvement of melasma area severity index (MASI) and Melasma Quality of Life Index in melasma
Authors: Sarkar Rashmi , Ghunawat Sneha , Narang Isha , Verma Sonali , Garg V.K , Dua Richa
Published: April 2019

Background

Sunscreens have long been an indispensable part in treating melasma as ancillary agents. None of previous studies have evaluated the role of sunscreens alone in the improvement of melasma.

Aims

Our objective was to study the role of broad‐spectrum sunscreen with sun protection factor 19 and PA+++ as the sole agent for improvement of melasma.

Methods

A total of 100 patients with melasma were included in the study. Following proper method of application of 3 mL sunscreen, thrice daily, Melasma Area Severity Score (MASI) and Hindi language version of the MELASQOL scale (Hi‐MELAQOL) was done at baseline and 12 weeks.

Results

The mean MASI in the study group at the beginning and at the end of the study was 12.38 ± 14.7 and 9.15 ± 4.7, respectively, whereas the mean value of Hi‐MELASQOL at the beginning and at the end of the study was 47.2 ± 14 and 38.1 ± 14.2, respectively. The differences of both were statistically significant. Spearman's correlation between MASI and Hi‐MELASQOL before and after the study was positive but insignificant.

Conclusion

There was both an objective and subjective improvement in melasma after 12 weeks of sunscreen use in terms of both MASI, showing an objective improvement of melasma after using sunscreens alone and also in Hi‐MELASQOL showing that use of sunscreens significantly improved quality of life of melasma patients. In our study, we have attempted to re‐instate the importance of sunscreens to patients and dermatologists who are inclining more toward various skin lightening agents for treatment of melasma, which have many side effects.
Job analysis ratings and criterion‐related validity: Are they related and can validity be used as a measure of accuracy?
Authors: Weekley Jeff A. , Labrador Jeffrey R. , Campion Michael A. , Frye Kathleen
Published: April 2019

Job analysis data are largely judgements from subject matter experts (SMEs), judgements with unknown accuracy. To date, accuracy has been inferred largely based on inter‐rater reliability or agreement between SMEs and without reference to an external criterion. The current research examined job analysis rating accuracy by comparing SME importance ratings of knowledge, skills, abilities, and other requirements (KSAOs) with the validity of measures of these same KSAOs in predicting job performance. We tested hypotheses about whether SME judgement accuracy is moderated by SME job tenure, industry experience, role, self‐reported knowledge of the job, and data scrubbing. Four independent tests involving 48 separate validation studies were conducted. In three of the four samples, there was a large (r = .50 range) relationship between trait importance and trait validity, showing that job analysis ratings can be directly related to test validities and serve as a measure of job analysis accuracy. Moderator analyses showed that the best results may come from supervisors, rather than incumbents, and those who know the job extremely well (there were no differences due to SME job tenure, industry experience, or deletion of outliers). Showing a direct relationship between SME judgements and actual criterion‐related validity provides a new lens for operationalizing accuracy in job analysis research.

Practitioner Points

This study demonstrates that test validities can serve as a measure of accuracy, providing a new avenue for job analysis research.

The most accurate job analysis ratings came from supervisors and those who reported knowing the job extremely well.
Evaluation of the effect of oleuropein on alveolar bone loss, inflammation, and apoptosis in experimental periodontitis
Authors: Taskan Mehmet Murat , Balci Yuce Hatice , Karatas Ozkan , Gevrek Fikret , Toker Hülya
Published: April 2019

The Objective

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of oleuropein on ligature‐induced alveolar bone loss. In this respect, osteoblastic activity, osteoclastic activity, inflammatory markers, and apoptosis were evaluated.

Background

Oleuropein is a flavonoid, which has potent anti‐inflammatory and bone‐protective effects.

Methods

Thirty‐two Wistar rats were divided into four experimental groups as following: control (C, n = 8) group; periodontitis (P, n = 8) group; periodontitis and low‐dose oleuropein group (12 mg/kg/day oleuropein, LDO group, n = 8); and periodontitis and high‐dose oleuropein group (24 mg/kg/day oleuropein, HDO group, n = 8). Periodontitis was induced via ligatures. Study period was 14 days, and animals were sacrificed at end of this period. Mandibles were examined via a stereomicroscope and underwent histological procedures. Osteoblast, tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)‐positive osteoclast, and inflammatory cell counts were determined in hematoxylin‐eosin stained sections. Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), bone morphogenetic protein‐4, the cluster of differentiation (CD)‐68, cysteine‐aspartic proteases‐3 (Caspase 3), and B‐cell lymphoma‐2 (Bcl‐2) expressions were evaluated via immunohistochemistry.

Results

Periodontitis group had highest alveolar bone loss, and these levels significantly decreased in LDO and HDO groups. Both 12 and 24 mg/kg oleuropein groups significantly increased osteoblast cell counts and decreased TRAP‐positive osteoclast and inflammatory cell counts. BMP‐4 and bcl‐2 expressions were elevated in oleuropein groups while caspase‐3 expressions decreased. iNOS and CD68 were higher in periodontitis group compared to control group, but there was no significant difference between other groups.

Conclusion

Oleuropein successfully decreased alveolar bone loss as a result of decreased osteoclastic activity, inflammation, and apoptosis and increased osteoblastic activity.
Integrative analysis identifies genetic variant modulating MICA expression and altering susceptibility to persistent HBV infection
Authors: Gong Yajie , Cheng Xiang , Tian Jianbo , Li Jiaoyuan , Zhu Ying , Yang Yang , Zou Danyi , Peng Xiating , Luo Jinzhuo , Zhao Lei , Mei Shufang , Wang Xiaoyang , Yang Nan , Ke Juntao , Gong Jing , Chang Jiang , Wang Ying , Zhong Rong
Published: April 2019

Background & Aims

Genome‐wide association studies have identified multiple genetic signals associated with the risk of persistent hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and HBV‐related hepatocellular carcinoma. However, the majority of the associated variants may only be markers of functional variants and the underlying biological mechanisms remain elusive. We hypothesized that the functional variants with modulating transcription factor (TF) binding affinity in genome‐wide association studies‐identified loci may influence the risk of persistent HBV infection in Chinese people.

Methods

A systematic bioinformatics approach was implemented to prioritize potential functional variants that may influence TF binding. A two‐stage case‐control study, including 1595 HBV‐persistent carriers and 1590 subjects with HBV natural clearance, was conducted to examine the associations between candidate variants and susceptibility to persistent HBV infection. Biological assays were carried out to elucidate the underlying mechanism of the associated genetic variants.

Results

Twelve candidate variants were identified, and rs2523454 G > A increased the risk of persistent HBV infection (dominant model: ORcombined = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.19‐1.58, P = 1.610 × 10−5). Functional assays indicated that the rs2523454 A allele significantly decreased transcriptional activity compared to the G allele by influencing TF‐binding affinity. In addition, expression quantitative trait loci analyses revealed that the A allele was associated with the reduced expression of MICA (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the germline G > A variation at rs2523454 may influence TF‐DNA interaction, downregulate the expression of MICA and play an important role in the development of persistent HBV infection in the Chinese population.
A monitoring system to provide feedback on student physical activity during physical education lessons
Authors: Hartwig Timothy B. , del Pozo‐Cruz Borja , White Rhiannon L. , Sanders Taren , Kirwan Morwenna , Parker Philip D. , Vasconcellos Diego , Lee Jane , Owen Katherine B. , Antczak Devan , Lubans David R. , Lonsdale Chris
Published: April 2019

School‐based physical education (PE) provides opportunities to accumulate moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA), but many students are insufficiently active during PE lessons. Providing teachers with feedback regarding their students’ physical activity may increase the effectiveness of PE for achieving MVPA goals, but existing physical activity monitoring technologies have limitations in class environments. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to develop and validate a system capable of providing feedback on PE lesson MVPA. Equations for translating step counts to %MVPA were derived from measures in 492 students who concurrently wore an ActiGraph GT3X+ (ActiGraph) and Yamax pedometer (Yamax) during a PE lesson. To enhance feedback availability during PE lessons, we then developed a bespoke monitoring system using wireless tri‐axial pedometers (HMM) and a smart device app. After developing and testing the monitoring system, we assessed its validity and reliability in 100 students during a PE lesson. There was a strong correlation of 0.896 between step counts and accelerometer‐determined %MVPA and quantile regression equations showed good validity for translating step counts to %MVPA with a mean absolute difference of 5.3 (95% CI, 4.4‐6.2). The physical activity monitoring system was effective at providing %MVPA during PE lessons with a mean difference of 1.6 ± 7.1 compared with accelerometer‐determined %MVPA (7% difference between the two measurement methods). Teachers and students can use a smart device app and wireless pedometers to conveniently obtain feedback during PE lessons. Future studies should determine whether such technologies help teachers to increase physical activity during PE lessons.
Compensatory Voting in Direct Legislation. Evidence from Switzerland
Authors: Gisiger Jasmin , Milic Thomas , Kübler Daniel
Published: April 2019

In elections, voters sometimes compensate for post‐election bargaining processes by electing parties that are more extreme than themselves. We investigate compensatory voting in direct democracy. Our goals are to develop and test a measure of compensatory voting in direct legislation and assess its extent of compensatory voting. Empirically, we draw on the case of Switzerland, a country with frequent popular votes. We operationalize compensatory voting as voting ‘yes’ on a popular initiative in spite of endorsing arguments that speak against this initiative, under the condition of being well‐informed about the initiative. Using data from post‐ballot surveys on 17'570 individuals having voted on 63 popular initiatives in the period 1993 to 2015, our analysis shows that compensatory voting has not significantly increased in Switzerland in this period.
Correlation between synovial fluid cytokine concentrations and limb function in normal dogs and in dogs with lameness from spontaneous osteoarthritis
Authors: Allen Philip I. , Conzemius Michael G. , Evans Richard B. , Kiefer Kristina
Published: April 2019

Objective

To determine the relationship between synovial biomarker concentrations and severity of lameness and to assess the ability to differentiate normal from osteoarthritic joints with synovial biomarker concentrations.

Study design

Prospective clinical study.

Sample population

Twelve hounds with no evidence of osteoarthritis (OA) and 27 client‐owned dogs with unilateral lameness and joint pain in a single joint from naturally occurring OA.

Methods

Enrollment in the OA group required a history of lameness, radiographic evidence of OA on orthogonal joint radiographs, and ≥6% gait asymmetry between contralateral limbs. The concentrations of 14 synovial OA biomarkers in synovial samples obtained after gait analysis were measured with enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays and compared between normal and OA joints.

Results

Concentrations of monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)‐1, substance P, interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐8, KC‐like, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐1, and MMP‐3 were greater (P ≤ .05) in OA than in normal joints. The concentrations of bradykinin and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase‐4 were decreased in OA compared with normal joints. Monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 was identified as the most accurate marker to distinguish OA from normal joints. No correlation was detected between any OA biomarker concentration, individually or in combination, and severity of gait asymmetry at the walk.

Conclusion

Differences in proinflammatory and anti‐inflammatory biomarkers were detected between OA and normal joints, but no relationship was identified between biomarker concentrations and gait asymmetry in dogs with OA.

Clinical impact

This information will help guide future studies to elucidate how factors such as disease chronicity, severity, and etiology affect these relationships.
First detection of Hepatitis E virus (Orthohepevirus C) in wild brown rats (Rattus norvegicus) from Great Britain
Authors: Murphy Ellen G. , Williams Nicola J. , Jennings Daisy , Chantrey Julian , Verin Ranieri , Grierson Sylvia , McElhinney Lorraine M. , Bennett Malcolm
Published: April 2019

In the United Kingdom, there has been an increase in the number of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infections in people annually since 2010. Most of these are thought to be indigenously acquired Orthohepevirus A genotype 3 (HEV G3), which has been linked to pork production and consumption. However, the dominant subgroup circulating in British pigs differs from that which is found in people; therefore, an alternative, potentially zoonotic, source is suspected as a possible cause of these infections. Rodents, brown rats (Rattus norvegicus) in particular, have been shown to carry HEV, both the swine HEV G3 genotype and Orthohepevirus C, genotype C1 (rat HEV). To investigate the prevalence of HEV in British rodents, liver tissue was taken from 307 rodents collected from pig farms (n = 12) and other locations (n = 10). The RNA from these samples was extracted and tested using a pan‐HEV nested RT‐PCR. Limited histopathology was also performed. In this study, 8/61 (13%, 95% CI, 5–21) of brown rat livers were positive for HEV RNA. Sequencing of amplicons demonstrated all infections to be rat HEV with 87%–92% nucleotide identity to other rat HEV sequences circulating within Europe and China (224 nt ORF‐1). Lesions and necrosis were observed histologically in 2/3 samples examined. No rat HEV RNA was detected in any other species, and no HEV G3 RNA was detected in any rodent in this study. This is the first reported detection of rat HEV in Great Britain. A human case of rat HEV infection has recently been reported in Asia, suggesting that rat HEV could pose a risk to public health.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Young James
Published: April 2019

International Journal of Social Science Studies (IJSSS) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether IJSSS publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 7, Number 3Ahmet Yıkmış, Abant Izzet Baysal Univeersity, TurkeyAmany Albert, Beni-Suef University, EgyptAmir Hossain, IBAIS University, BangladeshAnna Maria Mouza, Technological Educational Institution of Serres, GreeceAntónio Calha, Polytechnic Institute of Portalegre, PortugalAslan,Yasin, Sinop University, TurkeyBassam Yousef Ibrahim Banat, Al-Quds University, PalestineBegoña Montero-Fleta, Universitat Politécnica de València, SpainBo Li, St Ambrose University, USAChris Gilleard, University College London, UKEmanuele Achino, C. D. T. O., ItalyFernando Aragón-Durand, National Autonomous University of Mexico, MexicoGonzalo Capellan-Miguel, Spanish Minister of Education in United Kingdom, SpainHao Liu, Beijing Normal University, ChinaHenry Poduthas, West Texas A&M University, USAHyejin Lee, Tufts University, MA, USA and Konkuk University, Seoul, South Korea, USAJesster Pasule Eduardo, Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology, PhilippinesJulia M. Mack, Gannon University, USALaura Diaconu Maxim, "Alexandru Ioan Cuza University" of Iasi, RomaniaLing Wei, China Foreign Affairs University, ChinaMałgorzata Haładewicz, Opole University of Technology, PolandMasami Tsuji, Meiji University, JapanMei-Ling Lin, National Open University, TaiwanMickey Langlais, University of Nebraska – Kearney, USAMikiyasu Nakayama, the University of Tokyo, JapanMohamed Mehdi Jelassi, IHEC Carthage, TunisiaMohammad Naji Shah Mohammadi, Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaOzgur Demirtas, Inonu University, TurkeyRachita Shrivastava Roy, Department of Higher Education, Chhatisgarh-India, IndiaRakesh Arya, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India Raymond Chan, City University of Hong Kong, Hong KongRemigiusz Kijak, "University of Warsaw, PolandRenu, Central University of Haryana, India Riam Elmorshedy, South Valley University, EgyptRodrigo Cabrera Pertusatti, University of Buenos Aires, ArgentinaSana Ali, Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad, PakistanSandro Serpa, University of the Azores, PortugalSharif Alghazo, University of Jordan, JordanShariq aziz butt, Superior University Lahore, PakistanYanzhe Zhang, Jilin University, China
Greening Our Front Porch: Environmental Sustainability in Collegiate Athletics
Authors: Pelcher Jamee A. , McCullough Brian P.
Published: April 2019

Sport organizations have begun to widely implement environmental sustainability into their daily operations, but more needs to be done to properly plan and implement these initiatives to ensure their long-term success. Specifically, college athletic departments struggle to be proactive in their approach to environmental sustainability despite the vast resources available to leverage in order to deeply commit to being an environmentally sustainable department on campus. This case study examines the strategic planning of sustainability initiatives in the Smallville University Athletic Department. This case provides students with an opportunity to (a) explore the importance of sustainability in sport, (b) analyze the role of stakeholders in a sports organization, (c) investigate common barriers to implementing sustainability in college athletics, and (d) consider creative options for implementing sustainable initiatives.
Combining Plant Sterols With Walking Lowers Postprandial Triacylglycerol More Than Walking Only in Chinese Men With Elevated Body Mass Index
Authors: Lye Ching T. , Mukherjee Swarup , Burns Stephen F.
Published: April 2019

This study examined if plant sterols and walking reduce postprandial triacylglycerol (TAG) concentrations in Chinese men with elevated body mass index (≥ 23.5 kg/m2). Fifteen Chinese men (mean [SD]: age = 25 [3] years and body mass index = 26.2 [1.5] kg/m2] completed four 10-day trials in random order with a 7- to 10-day washout between trials: (a) daily consumption of a control margarine while sedentary (C-S), (b) daily consumption of margarine containing 2 g/day of plant sterols while sedentary (PS-S), (c) daily consumption of a control margarine with 30-min daily walking (C-W), and (d) daily consumption of margarine containing 2 g/day of plant sterols with 30-min daily walking (PS-W). On Day 11 of each trial, postprandial TAG was measured after a high-fat milkshake. The 5-hr total area under the TAG curve was 22%, 25%, and 12% lower on PS-W (mean [SD]: 8.9 [4.3] mmol·5 hr/L) than C-S (11.4 [4.5] mmol·5 hr/L; p = .005; d = 0.56), PS-S (11.9 [4.9] mmol·5 hr/L; p = .004; d = 0.67), and C-W (10.1 [4.4] mmol·5 hr/L; p = .044; d = 0.27) trials, respectively. Similarly, 5-hr incremental area for PS-W (4.5 [2.7] mmol·5 hr/L) was 31%, 32%, and 18% lower than C-S (6.6 [3.3] mmol·5 hr/L; p = .005; d = 0.62), PS-S (6.6 [3.4] mmol·5 hr/L; p = .004; d = 0.64), and C-W (5.5 [2.8] mmol·5 hr/L; p = .032; d = 0.29). Ten days of daily plant sterol intake combined with walking presents an intervention strategy to lower postprandial TAG in Chinese men with elevated body mass index.
Rapid Weight Loss Practices in Elite Kickboxers
Authors: Dugonjić Boris , Krstulović Saša , Kuvačić Goran
Published: April 2019

The aim of this observational cross-sectional survey was to determine the prevalence of rapid weight loss (RWL) in elite kickboxers. Kickboxers (61 males; age = 24.2 ± 4.6 years, weight = 73.9 ± 12.8 kg, and height = 179.2 ± 7.9 cm) from eight European countries completed a Rapid Weight Loss Questionnaire regarding prevalence, magnitude, and methods of RWL. All athletes (100%) were practicing RWL before the competition with a Rapid Weight Loss Questionnaire score of 52.4 ±12.9. Most kickboxers ‘usually lose between 2% and 5% of their body mass, whereas ∼30% lose between 6% and 8%. However, it is alarming that almost 30% reported cutting 10% of body weight or more sometime during their kickboxing career. Almost half of the athletes always practice gradual dieting (45.9%) and increased exercising (44.3%) to reduce body mass. Kickboxers usually reduce weight three to four times during a year, usually 7–15 days before a competition. More than a third (34.4%) started with RWL practice under the age of 17. There was no significant difference between weight divisions in weight management behaviors (p = .5, F = 0.6; η2 = .0) and no relation between the main characteristics of elite kickboxing athletes and the total RWL score. In conclusion, RWL practices in kickboxing athletes are somewhat specific and different when compared with other combat sports, which can be explained by greater number of weight classes and specific weigh-in protocol.
Gastrointestinal Effects of Exogenous Ketone Drinks are Infrequent, Mild, and Vary According to Ketone Compound and Dose
Authors: Stubbs Brianna J. , Cox Pete J. , Kirk Tom , Evans Rhys D. , Clarke Kieran
Published: April 2019

Exogenous ketone drinks may improve athletic performance and recovery, but information on their gastrointestinal tolerability is limited. Studies to date have used a simplistic reporting methodology that inadequately represents symptom type, frequency, and severity. Herein, gastrointestinal symptoms were recorded during three studies of exogenous ketone monoester (KME) and salt (KS) drinks. Study 1 compared low- and high-dose KME and KS drinks consumed at rest. Study 2 compared KME with isocaloric carbohydrate (CHO) consumed at rest either when fasted or after a standard meal. Study 3 compared KME+CHO with isocaloric CHO consumed before and during 3.25 hr of bicycle exercise. Participants reported symptom type and rated severity between 0 and 8 using a Likert scale at regular intervals. The number of visits with no symptoms reported after ketone drinks was n = 32/60 in Study 1, n = 9/32 in Study 2, and n = 20/42 in Study 3. Following KME and KS drinks, symptoms were acute but mild and were fully resolved by the end of the study. High-dose KS drinks caused greater total-visit symptom load than low-dose KS drinks (13.8 ± 4.3 vs. 2.0 ± 1.0; p < .05) and significantly greater time-point symptom load than KME drinks 1–2 hr postdrink. At rest, KME drinks caused greater total-visit symptom load than CHO drinks (5.0 ± 1.6 vs. 0.6 ± 0.4; p < .05). However, during exercise, there was no significant difference in total-visit symptom load between KME+CHO (4.2 ± 1.0) and CHO (7.2 ± 1.9) drinks. In summary, exogenous ketone drinks cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms that depend on time, the type and amount of compound consumed, and exercise.
No Effect of Partial-Body Cryotherapy on Restoration of Countermovement Jump or Well-Being Performance in Elite Rugby Union Players During the Competitive Phase of the Season
Authors: Grainger Adam , Comfort Paul , Heffernan Shane
Published: April 2019

Purpose:Partial body cryotherapy (PBC) has been shown to be beneficial for postexercise recovery; however, no study has demonstrated the effectiveness of PBC for recovery following elite rugby union training. Rugby union is a unique sport that involves high-velocity collisions and may induce greater performance decrements than other sports; thus, PBC could be beneficial. The application of PBC in “real world” has rarely been investigated during the competitive phase of a playing season and warranted investigation.Methods:In a counterbalanced sequential research design, professional rugby athletes (n = 18; age 25.4 [4.0] y; training age 7.2 [4.0] y; mass 99.8 [10.6] kg; height 188.3 [6.0] cm) were assigned to a 12-week PBC intervention, washout period (4 wk), and reassessed as their own controls. Self-reported well-being, muscle soreness, sleep quality, and countermovement jump height were assessed before and 40 hours after “real-world” training. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests and Cohendwere used for statistical analysis.Results:No differences were observed between PBC and control conditions (P > .05;d = 0.00–0.14) for well-being (−0.02% [0.08%] vs 0.01% [0.06%]), muscle soreness (−0.01% [0.11%] vs 0.01% [0.16%]), sleep quality (−0.03% [0.14%] vs 0.10% [0.29%]), or countermovement jump height (36.48–36.59 vs 38.13–37.52 cm;P = .54).Conclusions:These results suggest PBC is ineffective for the restoration of selected performance parameters during the performance maintenance phase of the competitive season. To ascertain the appropriation of its use, future investigations should seek to assess the use of cryotherapies at various phases of the elite rugby union competitive season.
Comparison of a Countermovement Jump Test and Submaximal Run Test to Quantify the Sensitivity for Detecting Practically Important Changes Within High-Performance Australian Rules Football
Authors: Garrett Joel M. , Graham Stuart R. , Eston Roger G. , Burgess Darren J. , Garrett Lachlan J. , Jakeman John , Norton Kevin
Published: April 2019

Purpose: To determine the typical variation of variables from a countermovement jump (CMJ) test and a submaximal run test (SRT), along with comparing the sensitivity of each test for the detection of practically important changes within high-performance Australian rules football players. Methods: A total of 23 professional and semiprofessional Australian rules football players performed 6 CMJs and three 8-second 50-m runs every 30 seconds (SRT), 7 days apart. Absolute and trial-to-trial reliability was represented as a coefficient of variation, CV (±90% confidence intervals). Test–retest reliability was examined using the magnitude of the difference (effect size [±90% confidence interval]) from week 1 to week 2. The smallest worthwhile change was calculated as 0.25 × SD. Results: Good reliability (CVs = 6.6%–9.3%) was determined for all variables except eccentric displacement (CV = 12.8%), with no clear changes observed in any variables between week 1 and week 2. All variables from the SRT possessed a CV less than smallest worthwhile change, indicating an ability to detect practically important changes in performance. Only peak velocity from the CMJ test possessed a CV less than smallest worthwhile change, exhibiting a limitation of this test in detecting practically meaningful changes within this environment. Conclusions: The results suggest that while all variables possess acceptable reliability, a SRT might offer to be a more sensitive monitoring tool than a CMJ test within high-performance Australian rules football, due to its greater ability for detecting practically important changes in performance.
Effects of Eccentric-Focused Versus Conventional Training on Lower Limb Muscular Strength in Older Adults: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis
Authors: Molinari Talita , Steffens Tainara , Roncada Cristian , Rodrigues Rodrigo , Dias Caroline P.
Published: April 2019

Eccentric-focused training promotes greater gains in muscle strength compared with other types of training in adults. However, for older adults, these findings are still not well understood. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed using manuscripts that performed eccentric-focused and conventional resistance training for at least 4 weeks and evaluated maximum muscle strength through tests of maximum repetitions in weight machine exercises (knee extension and leg press exercises). Five studies were included (n = 138). Increases in muscle strength were found in both resistance training groups, without a difference between them through meta-analysis. However, a large effect size has been observed only in eccentric-focused training. The findings suggest that resistance training protocols are similar for improving maximal strength in older adults, despite larger effect sizes for eccentric-focused training.
Binding of
Staphylococcus aureus
Protein A to von Willebrand Factor Is Regulated by Mechanical Force
Authors: Viela Felipe , Prystopiuk Valeria , Leprince Audrey , Mahillon Jacques , Speziale Pietro , Pietrocola Giampiero , Dufrêne Yves F.
Published: April 2019

Staphylococcus aureus
protein A (SpA) binds to von Willebrand factor (vWF) under flow. While vWF binding to SpA plays a role in
S. aureus
adherence to platelets and endothelial cells under shear stress, the molecular basis of this stress-dependent interaction has not yet been elucidated. Here we show that the SpA-vWF interaction is regulated by a new force-dependent mechanism. The results suggest that mechanical extension of vWF may lead to the exposure of a high-affinity cryptic SpA-binding site, consistent with the shear force-controlled functions of vWF. Moreover, strong binding may be promoted by force-induced structural changes in the SpA domains. This study highlights the role of mechanoregulation in controlling the adhesion of
S. aureus
and shows promise for the design of small inhibitors capable of blocking colonization under high shear stress.
Reiterative Synthesis by the Ribosome and Recognition of the N-Terminal Formyl Group by Biosynthetic Machinery Contribute to Evolutionary Conservation of the Length of Antibiotic Microcin C Peptide Precursor
Authors: Zukher Inna , Pavlov Michael , Tsibulskaya Darya , Kulikovsky Alexey , Zyubko Tatyana , Bikmetov Dmitry , Serebryakova Marina , Nair Satish K. , Ehrenberg Måns , Dubiley Svetlana , Severinov Konstantin
Published: April 2019

Escherichia coli
microcin C (McC) is a representative member of peptide-nucleotide antibiotics produced by diverse microorganisms. The vast majority of biosynthetic gene clusters responsible for McC-like compound production encode 7-amino-acid-long precursor peptides, which are C-terminally modified by dedicated biosynthetic enzymes with a nucleotide moiety to produce a bioactive compound. In contrast, the sequences of McC-like compound precursor peptides are not conserved. Here, we studied the consequences of
E. coli
McC precursor peptide length increase on antibiotic production and activity. We show that increasing the precursor peptide length strongly decreases McC production by affecting multiple biosynthetic steps, suggesting that the McC biosynthesis system has evolved under significant functional constraints to maintain the precursor peptide length.
Comprehensive Analysis of Aspergillus nidulans PKA Phosphorylome Identifies a Novel Mode of CreA Regulation
Authors: Ribeiro Liliane F. C. , Chelius Cynthia , Boppidi Karthik R. , Naik Nisha S. , Hossain Simin , Ramsey Jessica J. J. , Kumar Jyothi , Ribeiro Lucas F. , Ostermeier Marc , Tran Bao , Ah Goo Young , de Assis Leandro J. , Ulas Mevlut , Bayram Ozgur , Goldman Gustavo H. , Lincoln Stephen , Srivastava Ranjan , Harris Steven D. , Marten Mark R.
Published: April 2019

The cyclic AMP (cAMP)-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) signaling pathway is well conserved across eukaryotes, and previous work has shown that it plays an important role in regulating development, growth, and virulence in a number of fungi. PKA is activated in response to extracellular nutrients and acts to regulate metabolism and growth. While a number of components in the PKA pathway have been defined in filamentous fungi, current understanding does not provide a global perspective on PKA function. Thus, this work is significant in that it comprehensively identifies proteins and functional pathways regulated by PKA in a model filamentous fungus. This information enhances our understanding of PKA action and may provide information on how to manipulate it for specific purposes.
Intermittent Hypoxia and Hypercapnia Reproducibly Change the Gut Microbiome and Metabolome across Rodent Model Systems
Authors: Tripathi Anupriya , Xu Zhenjiang Zech , Xue Jin , Poulsen Orit , Gonzalez Antonio , Humphrey Gregory , Meehan Michael J. , Melnik Alexey V. , Ackermann Gail , Zhou Dan , Malhotra Atul , Haddad Gabriel G. , Dorrestein Pieter C. , Knight Rob
Published: April 2019

Reproducibility of microbiome research is a major topic of contemporary interest. Although it is often possible to distinguish individuals with specific diseases within a study, the differences are often inconsistent across cohorts, often due to systematic variation in analytical conditions. Here we study the same intervention in two different mouse models of cardiovascular disease (atherosclerosis) by profiling the microbiome and metabolome in stool specimens over time. We demonstrate that shared microbial and metabolic changes are involved in both models with the intervention. We then introduce a pipeline for finding similar results in other studies. This work will help find common features identified across different model systems that are most likely to apply in humans.
Hypereosinophilia and severe bone disease in an African child: an unexpected diagnosis
Authors: Bota Sofia , Alves Pedro , Constantino Claudia , Maia Raquel
Published: April 2019

Hypereosinophilic syndromes are rare in children. Sporadic, mild-severity FIP1L1-platelet-derived growth factor receptor α (PDGFRα) rearrangement cases have been reported, mainly in boys. We present the case of a 5-year-old girl referred from her African country of birth, due to severe constitutional symptoms, multifocal bone pain, headache, gastrointestinal complaints, cardiomyopathy and unexplained hypereosinophilia. She presented multiple end-organ diseases and striking bone involvement. Although she had a positive serology forStrongyloides stercoralis, extensive evaluation detected a FIP1L1-PDGFRA fusion gene. Systemic corticosteroids and low-dose imatinib were started and the child became asymptomatic. After 9 months of treatment, FIP1L1-PDGFRA was no longer detected.
Preoperative administration of propranolol reduced the surgical risks of PHACES syndrome in a 14-month-old girl
Authors: Rokugo Yuka , Ota Chiharu , Kimura Masato , Sasahara Yoji
Published: April 2019

PHACES syndrome is an uncommon neurocutaneous disorder first identified in 1996. Patients with PHACES syndrome often require surgical treatment for their anomalies, including intracranial vasculopathy, coarctation/interruption of the aorta, intracardiac defects, glaucoma/cataract and sternal defects. Risk factors associated with the symptoms of intraoperative/perioperative management include ischaemic stroke due to the cerebral vasculopathy, airway obstruction due to the subglottic/tracheal haemangiomas and massive bleeding due to the large haemangiomas. Recently, propranolol is considered as first-line therapy for patients with infantile haemangiomas (IHs). However, until now, there have been no reported cases of PHACES syndrome treated by propranolol to reduce the surgical risks associated with IH. In this report, we describe a case of a 14-month-old Japanese girl with PHACES syndrome treated by propranolol for IH before surgical closure of the ventricular septum defect. Oral administration of propranolol was effective in decreasing the size of IH, leading to the uneventful perioperative course.
OP TRENTON 3: An analysis of primary care presentations to a deployed role 1 in support of a United Nation peacekeeping operation
Authors: Bonham Christopher Thomas , Pallett S J C , Holland T J
Published: April 2019

Objectives

Health data of operational relevance from South Sudan are lacking, outdated and non-representative. This study sets out to record and analyse primary healthcare (PHC) presentations to a deployed UK Level 1 Primary Healthcare Centre (L1 PHC) facility in Bentiu, South Sudan, to inform on disease prevalence for UK Military Personnel in a sub-Saharan Operational environment.

Methods

A prospective single-centre cohort study was completed for all PHC presentations to a UK L1 PHC facility while deployed on the United Nations Mission to South Sudan from June 2017 to November 2017.

Results

861 episodes of clinical care were recorded at Bentiu Camp during the 6-month period. 82% were from disease; 18% non-battle injuries and no battle injuries were seen. As per EPINATO2 categorisation, the top three presentations were acute gastrointestinal disease, dermatological disease and routine clinical care. Differences were noted for June–August and September–November, as a proportion of total cases seen. It was noted that gastrointestinal illnesses were three times more likely in the first half of the operation and bites and sting almost twice as likely.

Conclusions

Gastrointestinal disease results in a significant burden on humanitarian operations where an extended Relief-in-Place is a key area of risk. The EPINATO2 reporting tool provides insufficient detail for planning purposes and an improved method of data collection is required. Targeting the diagnosis and management of infectious diseases during predeployment training should prepare L1 PHC for the most common cases encountered. Delivery of targeted Force Health Protection training for all personnel with early deployment of L1 PHC forward could improve support to commanders during the highest risk periods.
Cognitive Diversity: A Measurement of Dissimilarity Between Multiple Scoring Systems
Authors: HSU D. FRANK , KRISTAL BRUCE S. , HAO YUHAN , SCHWEIKERT CHRISTINA
Published: April 2019

In the context of computing and informatics, Cognitive Diversity (CD) has been proposed to characterize the degree of dissimilarity between multiple scoring systems (MSS). As such, CD serves a role in informatics analogous to that of Pearson’s Correlation in classical statistics. Here we review MSS and explore CD’s utility in relation to the notions of correlation and distance in machine learning, ensemble methods, rank aggregation, and combinatorial fusion in both parametric score space and non-parametric rank space. Finally, we survey applications of CD in combining MSS in a variety of domains in science, technology, society, business, and management. Our study provides a new data science framework for discovery in data-rich environments.
A Survey of Hub Location Problems
Authors: HSIEH SUN-YUAN , KAO SHIH-SHUN
Published: April 2019

Hub location problems originated in telecommunications and transportation systems. They combine various aspects of network issues, including location problems, network design problems and routing problems. The main theme of these problems is to route the services via a subset of hubs, rather than route each service with direct links between demand nodes. Therefore, solutions for hub location problems typically use sets of hubs to reroute the flow of the services and attempt to reduce the costs of building the service links. In this paper, we present a survey of hub location problems.
Forced Exception-Handling
Authors: Neville-Neil George
Published: April 2019

Yes, KV also reads "The Morning Paper," although he has to admit that he does not read everything that arrives in his inbox from that list. Of course, the paper you mention piqued my interest, and one of the things you don’t point out is that it’s actually a study of distributed systems failures. Now, how can we make programming harder? I know! Let’s take a problem on a single system and distribute it. Someday I would like to see a paper that tells us if problems in distributed systems increase along with the number of nodes, or the number of interconnections. Being an optimist, I can only imagine that it’s N(N + 1) / 2, or worse.
The Debugging Mindset
Authors: O'Dell Devon H.
Published: April 2019

Software developers spend 35-50 percent of their time validating and debugging software. The cost of debugging, testing, and verification is estimated to account for 50-75 percent of the total budget of software development projects, amounting to more than $100 billion annually. While tools, languages, and environments have reduced the time spent on individual debugging tasks, they have not significantly reduced the total time spent debugging, nor the cost of doing so. Therefore, a hyperfocus on elimination of bugs during development is counterproductive; programmers should instead embrace debugging as an exercise in problem solving.