bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychophysiological Stress Responses to Bicultural and Biracial Identity Denial
Authors: Albuja Analia F. , Gaither Sarah E. , Sanchez Diana T. , Straka Brenda , Cipollina Rebecca
Published: August 2019

Bicultural and biracial individuals (those who identify either with two cultures or two races) are often denied membership in the groups with which they identify, an experience referred to as identity denial. The present studies used an experimental design to test the effects of identity denial on physiological and self‐reported stress, and naturalistic behavioral responses in a controlled laboratory setting for both bicultural (Study 1; N = 126) and biracial (Study 2; N = 119) individuals. The results suggest that compared to an identity‐irrelevant denial, bicultural participants who were denied their American identity and Minority/White biracial individuals who were denied their White identity reported greater stress and were more likely to verbally reassert their identity. Bicultural participants also demonstrated slower cortisol recovery compared to those in the identity‐irrelevant denial condition. The results are the first to highlight the negative physical health consequences of identity denial using an experimental design for both bicultural and biracial populations, underscoring the necessity to promote belongingness and acceptance.
Health‐Risk Behaviors and Protective Factors Among Adolescents in Rural British Columbia
Authors: Géczy István , Saewyc Elizabeth M. , Poon Colleen S. , Homma Yuko
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This study explores the relationship between rural residency, selected protective factors (family and school connectedness along with prosocial peer attitudes), and health‐compromising behaviors (alcohol and tobacco use and nonuse of seatbelt) among adolescents.

Methods

A subsample of adolescents residing in remote areas was extracted from a province‐wide, school‐based survey in British Columbia (BC), Canada (weighted N = 2,999). We employed χ2 statistic to test rural‐urban differences separately by gender. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between protective factors and behaviors compromising health.

Findings

In boys, rural residency was associated with multiple problem behaviors (binge drinking, smokeless tobacco use, and nonuse of seatbelt), whereas for girls it was linked to riding without a seatbelt. The final logistic regression models confirmed that rural environment was a significant risk factor for not wearing a seatbelt among both boys and girls, and smokeless tobacco among boys (adjusted odds ratio between 1.44 and 3.05). Rurality, on the other hand, did not predict binge drinking. Logistic regression analyses also revealed that both school connectedness and prosocial peer attitude protected boys against binge drinking and smokeless tobacco, but the results were not as robust for girls.

Conclusions

These findings could provide information for location‐based intervention efforts promoting adolescent health, highlighting the protective role of the school atmosphere and prosocial peer relationships, especially among boys.
Changes in the oxidative stress factors and inflammatory proteins following the treatment of BPH‐induced dogs with an anti‐proliferative agent called tadalafil
Authors: Dearakhshandeh Nooshin , Mogheiseh Asghar , Nazifi Saeed , Ahrari Khafi Mohammad Saeed , Abbaszadeh Hasiri Mohammad , Golchin‐Rad Kamran
Published: August 2019

Background

Finding a medical treatment which can combat cell proliferation and relax smooth muscles in canine benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) appears to be imperative.

Aims

This study aimed to evaluate the oxidative stress and inflammatory proteins following the treatment of dogs induced for BPH with an anti‐proliferative agent called tadalafil.

Materials and Methods

Twenty‐five adult intact male dogs were randomly designated into five groups (n = 5): Control group was not induced for BPH and not treated with tadalafil; dogs induced for BPH by testosterone enanthate and estradiol benzoate and treated with tadalafil (5 mg/day P.O.); dogs which received tadalafil (5 mg/day P.O.); dogs induced for BPH and treated with castration; and dogs induced for BPH. Oxidative stress factors (glutathione peroxidase [GPX], superoxide dismutase [SOD], catalase) and inflammatory proteins (haptoglobin, serum amyloid A [SAA], malondialdehyde [MDA]) were measured in the blood serum for four sequential weeks.

Results

Glutathione peroxidase and SOD serum levels declined in dogs in the BPH‐induced group compared to those in the control group. Those levels diminished in BPH‐induced castrated and tadalafil‐treated groups. The changes in the GPX and SOD serum concentrations were not significant between the BPH‐induced castrated group and BPH‐induced tadalafil‐treated group. Moreover, MDA concentration increased slightly in groups with BPH and groups which were castrated. Generally, however, there were no significant differences in the MDA serum concentrations between other groups. Haptoglobin and SAA concentrations increased in BPH‐castrated group. Also, the differences in haptoglobin and SAA were not significant between the groups.

Conclusion

Tadalafil could not control oxidative stress and inflammatory mediators which happened during BPH in dogs.
Competition among functional groups increases asynchrony of their temporal fluctuations in a temperate grassland
Authors: Lepš Jan , Šmilauerová Marie , Šmilauer Petr
Published: August 2019

Questions

We asked whether the competition among community components (a) destabilizes individual components; (b) increases the asynchrony of their fluctuations; and (c) stabilizes the total community biomass.

Location

Seminatural meadow in South Bohemia, Czech Republic.

Methods

We used biomass fluctuation data from a 13‐year removal experiment. The plots used for this study contained, following experimental removal of other species, either mycorrhizal grasses only, mycorrhizal forbs only, or their mixture (grass “monocultures”, forb “monocultures”, and mixtures, respectively). Yearly peak aboveground biomass was available from ten blocks; biomass of the mixture plots was sorted into forbs and grasses. Temporal variability was characterized by coefficient of variation (CV) and synchrony by correlation coefficient, both calculated from the time series data.

Results

The variability of grass monocultures was higher than the variability of forb monocultures, which was slightly lower than the variability of mixtures. The variability of both grasses and forbs was higher in the mixture, where they are in competition with the other group, than in each of their respective monocultures. The correlation coefficients between the biomass of grass and forb monocultures within blocks were mostly positive, indicating that both groups tend to have similar physiological responses to weather fluctuations. The average correlation coefficient between the forbs and grasses in the mixture plots was significantly negative, thus reflecting the effect of competition between these two community components. The CV of the sum of forb and grass monocultures was similar to the CV of mixture plots.

Conclusions

Only competition between grasses and forbs leads to their negative mutual correlation, i.e., to compensatory dynamics. Our results support the hypothesis that competition has a destabilizing effect on individual community components (functional groups in our case) and increases asynchrony of their fluctuations. We have not found its stabilizing effect on the total biomass.
Questioning the Stereotype of the “Malingering Bureaucrat”: Absence from Work in the Public and Private Sector in Germany
Authors: Prümer Stephanie , Schnabel Claus
Published: August 2019

Public sector employees are often said to have excessive rates of absence from work. Using representative survey data for Germany, we indeed find absenteeism of employees to be higher in the public than the private sector. The differences in the incidence and days of absence showing up in descriptive statistics are substantially reduced and partly disappear in our estimates of hurdle regression models controlling for individuals’ socio‐demographic characteristics, health status, professional activities, and for many workplace‐related factors. Nevertheless, the probability of staying home sick at least once a year is still 5.6 percentage points higher in the public sector, ceteris paribus. This finding refutes popular assertions that differences in absence rates between the sectors are mainly due to structural factors like different compositions of the workforce. We show that the same observable factors play a role for absenteeism in the public and private sector, but we cannot rule out that shirking may play a more important role in the public sector. Nevertheless, we conclude that the stereotype of the “malingering bureaucrat” seems to be an exaggeration, at least for Germany.
Access to local books: the effects of Read Malawi from a children's rights perspective
Authors: Shin Jaran , Sailors Misty , McClung Nicola , Hoffman James V. , Pearson P. David , Kaambankadzanja Davie , Mwale Liveness
Published: August 2019

Children in low‐income, postcolonial countries such as Malawi have few opportunities with quality reading materials that promote independence as readers. In this study, we argue that access to locally produced text relevant to linguistic and cultural contexts is a fundamental human right for children throughout the world. Situating this study within the intersection of research on children's rights and complementary reading materials, we analyse data from a project in Malawi. We consider the ways in which a respect for children's educational rights – specifically, their rights to access information via children's books – can help them develop their biliteracy. Additionally, we examine how the Read Malawi program contributes to Malawian children's literacy development in both national and official languages. Our findings suggest not only a humanistic need for quality complementary books, but also the empirical justification for books in the hands of children; in particular, an interconnected relationship between borrowing books from school and engagement with Read Malawi was found, especially when we explore children's English proficiency. Through Read Malawi, this study exemplifies what a quality literacy intervention can do in supporting children's Chichewa and English proficiency and improving their rights to quality education.
Effect of sitagliptin on tubulointerstitial Wnt/β‐catenin signalling in diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Ren Xiaojun , Zhu Ruifang , Liu Gaohong , Xue Fuping , Wang Yanhong , Xu Jia , Zhang Wan , Yu Weimin , Li Rongshan
Published: August 2019

Aim

To investigate the effect of sitagliptin on Wnt/β‐catenin signalling in the tubulointerstitium of diabetic nephropathy.

Methods

Forty male Wistar rats were divided into normal control (NC), diabetic model (DM), low and high‐dose sitagliptin intervention groups (ST1 and ST2, respectively). Changes in the biochemical parameters and tubulointerstitial fibrosis index were observed. The levels of protein and gene expression of different indicators were detected via immunohistochemistry and real‐time polymerase chain reaction. NRK‐52E cells were divided into the normal control group, mannitol control group, high glucose group (HG), high glucose plus sitagliptin intervention group (HG + ST) and high glucose plus Wnt/β‐catenin inhibitor group (HG + XAV939). The relevant indicators were examined by Western blot or enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Compared with the NC group, the blood glucose, glycosylated haemoglobin, 24 h urinary albumin, creatinine clearance and tubulointerstitial fibrosis index were significantly increased in the DM group. These parameters were decreased in the ST1 and ST2 groups compared to the DM group. Compared with the NC group, the levels of Wnt4, β‐catenin, dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 and α‐smooth muscle actin were higher and E‐cadherin was lower in the DM group. Sitagliptin treatment reversed these changes. In the high glucose‐stimulated NRK‐52E cells, sitagliptin and XAV939 inhibited the elevated expression of Wnt4, β‐catenin, dipeptidyl peptidase‐4, α‐smooth muscle actin, transforming growth factor‐β and fibronectin and restored E‐cadherin activity.

Conclusion

Sitagliptin may inhibit the tubulointerstitial Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway in diabetic nephropathy and provide renal protection by alleviatinge renal tubulointerstitial transdifferentiation and fibrosis.
The intersection of nationalism, Confucian familism, and queer in Katherine Hui‐ling Chou's He's My Wife, He's My Mother
Authors: Chen Chang
Published: August 2019

This article examines the transnational and cross‐cultural imagination in Katherine Hui‐ling Chou's 2009 play Shaonian Jinchai Nanmengmu (He's My Wife, He's My Mother), which adapts the seventeenth‐century Chinese writer Li Yu's homoerotic short story “Nanmengmu Jiaohe Sanqian” (A Male Mencius's Mother Educated His Son and Moved Three Times) while also referencing Caryl Churchill's 1979 archetypical queer play Cloud Nine. He's My Wife, He's My Mother epitomizes the layered complexities of the intersection of nationalism, Confucian familism, and Western queer epistemology. This intersection not only rearticulates Chinese transnational history and reinterprets Chinese cultural resources by absorbing the fruition of Western queer paradigm. It also seeks to transfigure the horizon of queer studies currently limited by the individualization thesis, by deploying the Confucian idea of qing as an originary human affect to emphasize the significance of connectedness and care. Chou's literary vision thus offers both a fresh angle to grasp the cultural discourses in transnational circulation and a reflective perspective to spot the limits and conceivable transformations for the theoretical formation and political praxis concerning queer and Confucianism.
Punched‐out erosions with scalloped borders: Group A Streptococcal pustulosis
Authors: Shayegan Leila H. , Richards Lindsey E. , Morel Kimberly D. , Levin Laura E.
Published: August 2019

We present a case of an infant with severe atopic dermatitis infected with Streptococcus pyogenes who presented with pustules, honey‐colored crusts, and punched‐out erosions with scalloped borders mimicking eczema herpeticum or eczema coxsackium. We draw attention to this case to highlight the similar clinical appearance between bacterial and viral infections in the setting of atopic dermatitis and the importance of a broad workup and coverage while awaiting results.
Congenital eccrine angiomatous hamartoma: Expanding the morphologic presentation and a review of the literature
Authors: Smith Sean D. , DiCaudo David J. , Price Harper N. , Andrews Israel D.
Published: August 2019

Eccrine angiomatous hamartoma (EAH) is a rare benign vascular hamartoma characterized histologically by an increased size and number of mature eccrine glands associated with multiple foci of dilated capillaries in the dermis and subcutis. EAH typically presents in children as discrete, solitary nodules, or plaques most commonly located on the extremities. Some cases of EAH have an agminated distribution involving classic locations, or present as solitary lesions in less common locations such as the face, scalp, or trunk. We report the case of congenital EAH in a child with atypical morphological features and pattern of distribution further expanding on the range of presentations classically described.
Sun exposure and protection practices in children after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: A Survey‐Based Cross‐Sectional Cohort Study
Authors: Li Edward B. , Song Johanna S. , Huang Jennifer T. , Hawryluk Elena B. , London Wendy B. , Guo Dongjing , Sridharan Madhumitha , Fisher David E. , Rea Corinna J. , Lehmann Leslie E. , Duncan Christine N.
Published: August 2019

Background/Objective

Pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) patients are at an increased risk for skin cancers. Sun exposure is a significant modifiable environmental risk factor. While patient education on sun protection and avoidance behaviors with regular dermatology evaluations are crucial for pediatric HSCT patients, the real‐life practice of these sun‐protection recommendations in this patient population compared to their peers is unknown.

Methods

A survey‐based cross‐sectional cohort study was performed in pediatric HSCT patients seen at the Dana‐Farber Cancer Institute and Boston Children's Hospital over a 1.5‐year period compared with age/sex/Fitzpatrick skin phototype‐matched healthy controls. Study participants were surveyed using the validated Glanz survey for pediatric sun protection behavioral research.

Results

Eighty‐five pediatric HSCT patients and 85 controls completed the study. Pediatric HSCT patients more frequently used sunscreen, hats, umbrellas, and sunglasses and obtained full‐body skin exams compared to controls. No difference was observed in sun exposure during hours of peak sun intensity, frequency of purposeful tanning, tanning bed use, and the number of painful sunburns received between pediatric HSCT patients and controls.

Conclusions

Although pediatric HSCT patients practice more sun protection behaviors, they experienced harmful sunburns and intentional tanning behaviors at the same rate as their peers. Patient‐directed counseling and strategies to improve patient adherence to optimal sun protection behaviors could have a significant impact on the dermatology quality of life in pediatric HSCT patients.
A paradigm shift in the intention‐to‐transplant children with biliary atresia: Outcomes of 101 cases and a review of the literature
Authors: de Ville de Goyet Prof. Jean , Grimaldi Chiara , Tuzzolino Fabio , di Francesco Fabrizio
Published: August 2019

For children with BA who do not benefit from Kasai surgery, the only therapeutic option is liver replacement and transplantation. The very decision to proceed for transplantation is a crucial point in time because it is the first step toward the preparation for the transplantation. The former time point is defined in this analysis as “intent‐to‐transplant” care pathway. In the life of every BA candidate for liver replacement, this point in time varies and mostly depends on the decision of their primary caring teams—about when to switch from supportive care to transplant, and thus to refer to a transplant center. This intent‐to‐transplant analysis of a series of 101 consecutive infants that were referred to a single transplant team showed that excellent overall outcome (97% survival) has been achieved overall. However, three deaths occurred that were clearly related to a late referral. This analysis and recent observations from other centers strongly support that the timing for referring these children to a transplant center and/or deciding to list them on the waiting list is currently too late and should be anticipated to what it is currently. This paradigm shift in the intention‐to‐transplant children is likely necessary for giving a better chance to an increased number of children and impacts positively on the general outcome. Networking and defining new tools for a rapid recognition of the infants who need early transplantation are necessary; centralization of these children may be helpful to achieve better outcomes than currently observed.
Big Data in sleep apnoea: Opportunities and challenges
Authors: Pépin Jean‐Louis , Bailly Sébastien , Tamisier Renaud
Published: August 2019

Sleep apnoea is now regarded as a highly prevalent systemic, multimorbid, chronic disease requiring a combination of long‐term home‐based treatments. Optimization of personalized treatment strategies requires accurate patient phenotyping. Data to describe the broad variety of phenotypes can come from electronic health records, health insurance claims, socio‐economic administrative databases, environmental monitoring, social media, etc. Connected devices in and outside homes collect vast amount of data amassed in databases. All this contributes to ‘Big Data’ that, if used appropriately, has great potential for the benefit of health, well‐being and therapeutics. Sleep apnoea is particularly well placed with regards to Big Data because the primary treatment is positive airway pressure (PAP). PAP devices, used every night over long periods by millions of patients across the world, generate an enormous amount of data. In this review, we discuss how different types of Big Data have, and could be, used to improve our understanding of sleep‐disordered breathing, to identify undiagnosed sleep apnoea, to personalize treatment and to adapt health policies and better allocate resources. We discuss some of the challenges of Big Data including the need for appropriate data management, compilation and analysis techniques employing innovative statistical approaches alongside machine learning/artificial intelligence; closer collaboration between data scientists and physicians; and respect of the ethical and regulatory constraints of collecting and using Big Data. Lastly, we consider how Big Data can be used to overcome the limitations of randomized clinical trials and advance real‐life evidence‐based medicine for sleep apnoea.
EFFECTS OF THE 2011 GREAT EAST JAPAN EARTHQUAKE ON ELECTRICITY LOAD DEMAND: STRUCTURAL CHANGES DURING RECOVERY PERIODS
Authors: Elamin Niematallah , Fukushige Mototsugu
Published: August 2019

In response to the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant's severe crisis, the Tokyo Electric Power Company planned rolling blackouts, and the Japanese government encouraged companies and residents to conserve electricity by adopting self‐restriction plans. We examine the structural changes caused by the disaster in Japan and the effects of the power blackouts and self‐restriction plans on the magnitude and pattern of load demand. The results show that the total demand decreased after the disaster and changed from weekdays to weekends and holidays. In addition, the effect of temperature on load demand changed after the disaster.
Cellular and viral miRNA expression in polyomavirus BK infection
Authors: Zeng Gang , Wang Zijie , Huang Yuchen , Abedin Zahidur , Liu Yang , Randhawa Parmjeet
Published: August 2019

Polyomavirus BK (BKV) is an important pathogen in kidney transplant patients. Regulation of BKV encoded microRNAs (miRNAs) is not well understood. Therefore, tubular epithelial cells infected with BKV were examined for changes in small RNA expression. The observed changes were further evaluated by real‐time PCR and RNA‐seq analysis of renal allograft biopsies. BKV‐miR‐B1‐5p and BKV‐miR‐B1‐3p showed a 1000‐fold increase over 12 days but did not prevent cell lysis. Downregulation of host miR‐10b and miR‐30a could be confirmed on all three platforms evaluated. Whereas, the BKV genome expressed more 3p than 5p miRNA species, the reverse was true for the human genome. Decreased expression of TP53INP2, and increased expression of BCL2A1, IL‐6, IL8 and other proinflammatory cytokines were shown in biopsies with BKV nephropathy. No change in expression was seen in miR‐10a dependent expression of NKG2D ligands ULBP3, MICA, or MICB. In conclusion, BKV infection results in regulation of cellular genes regulated by and possibly amenable to therapies targeting miR‐10 and miR‐30.
PMR5, an acetylation protein at the intersection of pectin biosynthesis and defense against fungal pathogens
Authors: Chiniquy Dawn , Underwood William , Corwin Jason , Ryan Andrew , Szemenyei Heidi , Lim Candice C. , Stonebloom Solomon H. , Birdseye Devon S. , Vogel John , Kliebenstein Daniel , Scheller Henrik V. , Somerville Shauna
Published: August 2019

Powdery mildew (Golovinomyces cichoracearum), one of the most prolific obligate biotrophic fungal pathogens worldwide, infects its host by penetrating the plant cell wall without activating the plant's innate immune system. The Arabidopsis mutant powdery mildew resistant 5 (pmr5) carries a mutation in a putative pectin acetyltransferase gene that confers enhanced resistance to powdery mildew. Here, we show that heterologously expressed PMR5 protein transfers acetyl groups from [14C]‐acetyl‐CoA to oligogalacturonides. Through site‐directed mutagenesis, we show that three amino acids within a highly conserved esterase domain in putative PMR5 orthologs are necessary for PMR5 function. A suppressor screen of mutagenized pmr5 seed selecting for increased powdery mildew susceptibility identified two previously characterized genes affecting the acetylation of plant cell wall polysaccharides, RWA2 and TBR. The rwa2 and tbr mutants also suppress powdery mildew disease resistance in pmr6, a mutant defective in a putative pectate lyase gene. Cell wall analysis of pmr5 and pmr6, and their rwa2 and tbr suppressor mutants, demonstrates minor shifts in cellulose and pectin composition. In direct contrast to their increased powdery mildew resistance, both pmr5 and pmr6 plants are highly susceptibile to multiple strains of the generalist necrotroph Botrytis cinerea, and have decreased camalexin production upon infection with B. cinerea. These results illustrate that cell wall composition is intimately connected to fungal disease resistance and outline a potential route for engineering powdery mildew resistance into susceptible crop species.
Diversification of mitogenomes in three sympatric Altica flea beetles (Insecta, Chrysomelidae)
Authors: Nie Rui‐E , Wei Jing , Zhang Shou‐Ke , Vogler Alfried P. , Wu Ling , Konstantinov Alexander S. , Li Wen‐Zhu , Yang Xing‐Ke , Xue Huai‐Jun
Published: August 2019

The Asian flea beetles Altica cirsicola, Altica fragariae and Altica viridicyanea are broadly sympatric and morphologically highly similar but feed on distantly related host plants. They have been suggested as a model for ecological speciation studies. However, their phylogeny and species limits remain uncertain. In this study, we added mitochondrial genomes from multiple individuals of each species to the growing database. Phylogenetic analyses based on 15 genes showed clear interspecific divergences of A. fragariae from the other species, but A. cirsicola and A. viridicyanea were not distinguishable by distance‐based or tree‐based methods of species delimitation due to non‐monophyly of mitogenomes relative to the morphologically defined entities, possibly affected by interspecific introgression. This was confirmed by wider sampling of mitochondrial COX1 (58 individuals) and the second internal transcribed spacer of nuclear ribosomal RNA cluster (ITS2; 68 individuals), which showed that ITS2, but not COX1, coincided with the morphological species limits. The full mitochondrial genomes are not able to shed further light on the species status, even with the most sensitive approach based on diagnostic characters, yet the whole mitogenome is useful to get improved estimates of intra‐ and interspecific variation, not affected by the stochastic error seen in individual genes.
UBC‐Nepal Expedition: Haemoconcentration underlies the reductions in cerebral blood flow observed during acclimatization to high altitude
Authors: Howe Connor A. , Ainslie Philip N. , Tremblay Joshua C. , Carter Howard H. , Patrician Alex , Stembridge Mike , Williams Alex , Drane Aimee L. , Delorme Eric , Rieger Mathew G. , Tymko Michael M. , Gasho Chris , Santoro Antoinette , MacLeod David B. , Hoiland Ryan L.
Published: August 2019

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

The aim was to evaluate the degree to which increases in haematocrit alter cerebral blood flow and cerebral oxygen delivery during acclimatization to high altitude.

What is the main finding and its importance?

Through haemodilution, we determined that, after 1 week of acclimatization, the primary mechanism contributing to the cerebral blood flow response during acclimatization is an increase in haemoglobin and haematocrit. The remaining contribution to the cerebral blood flow response during acclimatization is likely to be attributable to ventilatory acclimatization.

At high altitude, an increase in haematocrit (Hct) is achieved through altitude‐induced diuresis and erythropoiesis, both of which result in increased arterial oxygen content. Given the impact of alterations in Hct on oxygen content, haemoconcentration has been hypothesized to mediate, in part, the attenuation of the initial elevation in cerebral blood flow (CBF) at high altitude. To test this hypothesis, healthy men (n = 13) ascended to 5050 m over 9 days without the aid of prophylactic acclimatization medications. After 1 week of acclimatization at 5050 m, participants were haemodiluted by rapid saline infusion (2.10 ± 0.28 l) to return Hct towards pre‐acclimatization values. Arterial blood gases, Hct, global CBF (duplex ultrasound) and haemodynamic variables were measured after initial arrival at 5050 m and after 1 week of acclimatization at high altitude, before and after the haemodilution protocol. After 1 week at 5050 m, the Hct increased from 42.5 ± 2.5 to 49.6 ± 2.5% (P < 0.001), and it was subsequently reduced to 45.6 ± 2.3% (P < 0.001) after haemodilution. Global CBF decreased from 844 ± 160 to 619 ± 136 ml min−1 (P = 0.033) after 1 week of acclimatization and increased to 714 ± 204 ml min −1 (P = 0.045) after haemodilution. Despite the significant changes in Hct, and thus oxygen content, cerebral oxygen delivery was unchanged at all time points. Furthermore, these observations occurred in the absence of any changes in mean arterial blood pressure, cardiac output, arterial blood pH or oxygen saturation pre‐ and posthaemodilution. These data highlight the influence of Hct in the regulation of CBF and are the first to demonstrate experimentally that haemoconcentration contributes to the reduction in CBF during acclimatization to altitude.
Wind turbine audibility and noise annoyance in a national U.S. survey: Individual perception and influencing factors
Authors: Haac T. Ryan , Kaliski Kenneth , Landis Matthew , Hoen Ben , Rand Joseph , Firestone Jeremy , Elliott Debi , Hübner Gundula , Pohl Johannes
Published: August 2019

With results from a nationwide survey sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, factors that affect outdoor audibility and noise annoyance of wind turbines were evaluated. Wind turbine and summer daytime median background sound levels were estimated for 1043 respondents. Wind turbine sound level was the most robust predictor of audibility yet only a weak, albeit significant, predictor of noise annoyance. For each 1 dB increase in wind turbine sound level (L1h-max), the odds of hearing a wind turbine on one's property increased by 31% [odds ratio (OR): 1.31; 95% CI (confidence interval): 1.25–1.38] and the odds of moving to the next level of annoyance increased by 9% (OR: 1.09; 95% CI: 1.02–1.16). While audibility was overwhelmingly dependent on turbine sound level, noise annoyance was best explained by visual disapproval (OR: 11.0; 95% CI: 4.8–25.4). The final models correctly predict audibility and annoyance level for 80% and 62% of individuals, respectively. The results demonstrate that among community members not receiving personal benefits from wind projects, the Community Tolerance Level of wind turbine noise for the U.S. aligns with the international average, further supporting observations that communities are less tolerant of wind turbine noise than other common environmental noise sources at equivalent A-weighted sound levels.
Phylogeography of Lassa Virus in Nigeria
Authors: Ehichioya Deborah U. , Dellicour Simon , Pahlmann Meike , Rieger Toni , Oestereich Lisa , Becker-Ziaja Beate , Cadar Daniel , Ighodalo Yemisi , Olokor Thomas , Omomoh Emmanuel , Oyakhilome Jennifer , Omiunu Racheal , Agbukor Jacqueline , Ebo Benevolence , Aiyepada John , Ebhodaghe Paulson , Osiemi Blessing , Ehikhametalor Solomon , Akhilomen Patience , Airende Michael , Esumeh Rita , Muoebonam Ekene , Giwa Rosemary , Ekanem Anieno , Igenegbale Ganiyu , Odigie George , Okonofua Grace , Enigbe Racheal , Omonegho Yerumoh Edna , Pallasch Elisa , Bockholt Sabrina , Kafetzopoulou Liana E. , Duraffour Sophie , Okokhere Peter O. , Akpede George O. , Okogbenin Sylvanus A. , Odia Ikponmwosa , Aire Chris , Akpede Nosa , Tobin Ekaete , Ogbaini-Emovon Ephraim , Lemey Philippe , Adomeh Donatus I. , Asogun Danny A. , Günther Stephan
Published: August 2019

Lassa virus is the causative agent of Lassa fever, a viral hemorrhagic fever with a case fatality rate of approximately 30% in Africa. Previous studies disclosed a geographical pattern in the distribution of Lassa virus strains and a westward movement of the virus across West Africa during evolution. Our study provides a deeper understanding of the geography of genetic lineages and sublineages of the virus in Nigeria. In addition, we modeled how the virus spread in the country. This knowledge allows us to predict into which geographical areas the virus might spread in the future and prioritize areas for Lassa fever surveillance. Our study not only aimed to generate Lassa virus sequences from across Nigeria but also to isolate and conserve the respective viruses for future research. Both isolates and sequences are important for the development and evaluation of medical countermeasures to treat and prevent Lassa fever, such as diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines.
Improved Reference Genome Sequence of
Coccidioides immitis
Strain WA_211, Isolated in Washington State
Authors: Teixeira Marcus de Melo , Barker Bridget Marie , Stajich Jason E.
Published: August 2019

Coccidioides
fungi are widely distributed in the American continents, with an expanding western range documented by a recently discovered cryptic population of
Coccidioides immitis
in Washington State. The assembled and annotated reference genome sequence of the soil-derived
C. immitis
strain WA_211 will support population and functional genomics studies.
Draft Genome Sequence of Bacillus thuringiensis DPC6431, Producer of the Bacteriocin Thuricin CD
Authors: Arbulu Sara , Murphy Kiera , O’Sullivan Orla , Rea Mary C. , Hill Colin , Ross R. Paul
Published: August 2019

We report the draft genome sequence of
Bacillus thuringiensis
DPC6431, a producer of the anticlostridial bacteriocin thuricin CD and isolated from a human fecal sample. The assembly comprises 96 contigs for a total of 5,581,839 bp, with 32.5% G+C content.
Complete Genome Sequence of Enterococcus faecalis Strain SGAir0397, Isolated from a Tropical Air Sample Collected in Singapore
Authors: Purbojati Rikky W. , Drautz-Moses Daniela I. , Uchida Akira , Wong Anthony , Clare Megan E. , Kushwaha Kavita K. , Putra Alexander , Premkrishnan Balakrishnan N. V. , Heinle Cassie E. , Aung Ngu War , Vettath Vineeth Kodengil , Junqueira Ana Carolina M. , Schuster Stephan C.
Published: August 2019

Enterococcus faecalis
strain SGAir0397 was isolated from a tropical air sample collected in Singapore. Its genome was assembled using single-molecule real-time sequencing data and comprises one circular chromosome with a length of 2.69 Mbp. The genome contains 2,595 protein-coding genes, 59 tRNAs, and 12 rRNAs.
Whole-Genome Sequences of Eight Clinical Isolates of Burkholderia pseudomallei from Melioidosis Patients in Eastern Sri Lanka
Authors: Jayasinghearachchi Himali S. , Corea Enoka M. , Krishnananthasivam Shivankari , Sathkumara Harindra D. , Francis Vaithehi R. , Abeysekere Thimirangi R. , De Silva Aruna Dharshan
Published: August 2019

Here, we report whole-genome sequences (WGS) of eight clinical isolates of
Burkholderia pseudomallei
obtained from melioidosis patients with sepsis in eastern Sri Lanka.
Genome Sequence of
Pseudomonas
Phage UMP151, Isolated from the Female Bladder Microbiota
Authors: Johnson Genevieve , Putonti Catherine
Published: August 2019

A temperate bacteriophage, designated UMP151, was isolated from a
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
strain from a catheterized urine sample of a woman with overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms. The 41,303-bp genome sequence of
Pseudomonas
phage UMP151 exhibits sequence similarity to prophage and lytic phage sequences isolated from other areas of the human body.
Draft Genome Sequence of Bifidobacterium longum ZJ1, Isolated from a Centenarian in Anhui, China
Authors: Jin Zeyu , Li Wei , Wang Wei , Sun Baolin
Published: August 2019

Here, we present the complete genome sequence of a
Bifidobacterium longum
isolate, that of strain ZJ1, and this strain showed a cholesterol degradation ability that is greater than that of five strains we chose for comparison (
Bifidobacterium longum
536,
B. infantis
1912,
B. longum
1941,
B. breve
ATCC 15698,
B. infantis
ATCC 17930). The draft genome of strain ZJ1 consists of 2,414,672 bp, with 2,042 protein-coding genes, 69 noncoding RNA genes, and 60.16% G+C content.
Whole-Genome Sequencing of a Brucella melitensis Strain (BMWS93) Isolated from a Bank Clerk and Exhibiting Complete Resistance to Rifampin
Authors: Liu Zhi-guo , Cao Xiao-an , Wang Miao , Piao Dong-ri , Zhao Hong-yan , Cui Bu-yun , Jiang Hai , Li Zhen-jun
Published: August 2019

Human brucellosis has become the most severe public health problem in the Ulanqab region of Inner Mongolia, China.
Brucella melitensis
BMWS93 was obtained from a blood sample taken from a bank clerk in the Ulanqab region of Inner Mongolia, China, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing
in vitro
showed no zone of inhibition, which confirmed resistance to rifampin. Therefore, whole-genome sequencing of this isolate was performed to better understand the mechanism of this resistance.
Herpes simplex virus encephalitis in a patient receiving ustekinumab associated with extensive cerebral oedema and brainshift successfully treated by immunosuppression with dexamethasone
Authors: Van Den Tooren Harriet Kay , Bharambe Viraj , Silver Nicholas , Michael Benedict D
Published: August 2019

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) encephalitis affects 2–4 people per million/year. Immunocompomised patients can have atypical presentations of HSV encephalitis, including a lack of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pleocytosis. We present the case of a patient who was receiving ustekinumab therapy for psoriasis which inhibits interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-23 signalling pathways. The initial presentation was suggestive of encephalitis, but he was discharged prior to the reporting of HSV positivity due to the lack of CSF pleocytosis. On representation, he had worsening symptoms and imaging showed midline shift, indicating cerebral oedema despite the immunosupressant effects of ustekinumab. He required intensive care unit support and treatment with high dose aciclovir and dexamethasone; after a month of treatment he made a good recovery. This case is the first to report a link between ustekinumab and HSV encephalitis, and also emphasises that imunocompromised patients can lack CSF pleocytosis and develop significant cerebral oedema which responds to immune suppression.
Hip arthrodiastasis combined with core decompression and diamond concept for postcollapse femoral head avascular necrosis
Authors: Papachristos Ioannis V , Rankine James , Giannoudis Peter V
Published: August 2019

In postcollapse hip avascular necrosis (AVN), the femoral head cannot be salvaged, necessitating total hip replacement. We report a case of a 39-year-old woman who developed idiopathic femoral head AVN with marked symptoms and radiological evidence of articular surface collapse. We treated her with core decompression combined with the ‘diamond concept’ (implantation of bone marrow concentrate, a growth factor and bone graft substitute) and distracted the hip joint with external fixator. Four years postoperatively the articular surface has been restored and the patient reports excellent quality of life. Hip arthrodiastasis with core decompression and ‘diamond concept’ regeneration could be considered a treatment option in advanced AVN of the femoral head.
Synthesis, characterization and structural computational investigation of novel Zn(II) phthalocyanines containing peripheral anthracene moieties
Authors: Kabay Nilgün , Bozer Burak Doğan , Kiraz Aslı Öztürk , Baygu Yasemin , Kara İzzet , Gök Yaşar
Published: August 2019

New zinc(II) phthalocyanines (ZnPc-I and ZnPc-II) containing four peripheral anthracene pendant groups were synthesized by cyclotetramerization of (E)-4-(3-(4-((anthracen-9-yl-methylene)amino)phenoxy)propoxy)phthalonitrile and 4-(3-(4-((anthracen-9-ylmethyl)amino)phenoxy)propoxy)phthalonitrile. All compounds were characterized using a combination of analytical and spectroscopic techniques such 1H, [Formula: see text]C NMR, FT-IR, UV-vis and MS spectral data. The molecular geometry and gauge including atomic orbital (GIAO) 1H and [Formula: see text]C chemical shift values of the compounds in the ground state have also been calculated using B3LYP with the 6–31G([Formula: see text] basis set. The chemical shift of the optimized molecular structure is compared with the experimental chemical shift values.
Catching Them Red-Handed
Authors: Han Xu , Yaraghi Niam , Gopal Ram
Published: August 2019

The Centers for Medicare 8 Medicaid Services (CMS) launched its nursing home rating system in 2008, which has been widely used among patients, doctors, and insurance companies since then. The system rates nursing homes based on a combination of CMS's inspection results and nursing homes’ self-reported measures. Prior research has shown that the rating system is subject to inflation in the self-reporting procedure, leading to biased overall ratings. Given the limited resources CMS has, it is important to optimize the
inspection
process and develop an effective
audit
process to detect and deter inflation.

We first examine if the domain that CMS currently inspects is the best choice in terms of minimizing the population of nursing homes that can inflate and minimizing the difficulty of detecting such inflators. To do this, we formulate the problem mathematically and test the model by using publicly available CMS data on nursing home ratings. We show that CMS's current choice of inspection domain is not optimal if it intends to minimize the number of nursing homes that can inflate their reports, and CMS will be better off if it inspects the staffing domain instead. We also show that CMS's current choice of inspection domain is only optimal had there been an audit system in place to complement it. We then design an audit system for CMS which will be coupled with its current inspection strategy to either minimize the initial budget required to conduct the audits or to maximize the efficiency of the audit process. To design the audit system, we consider nursing homes’ reactions to different audit policies, and conduct a detailed simulation study on the optimal audit parameter settings. Our result suggests that CMS should use a moderate audit policy in order to carefully balance the tradeoff between audit net budget and audit efficiency.
Optogenetic analysis of neuromuscular transmission in the colon of ChAT-ChR2-YFP BAC transgenic mice
Authors: Perez-Medina Alberto L. , Galligan James J.
Published: August 2019

Propulsion of luminal content along the gut requires coordinated contractions and relaxations of gastrointestinal smooth muscles controlled by the enteric nervous system. Activation of excitatory motor neurons (EMNs) causes muscle contractions, whereas inhibitory motor neuron (IMN) activation causes muscle relaxation. EMNs release acetylcholine (ACh), which acts at muscarinic receptors on smooth muscle cells and adjacent interstitial cells of Cajal, causing excitatory junction potentials (EJPs). IMNs release ATP (or another purine) and nitric oxide to cause inhibitory junction potentials (IJPs) and muscle relaxation. We used commercially available choline acetyltransferase (ChAT)-channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2)-yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) transgenic mice, which express ChR2 in cholinergic neurons, to study cholinergic neuromuscular transmission in the colon. Intracellular microelectrodes were used to record IJPs and EJPs from circular muscle cells. We used blue light stimulation (BLS, 470 nm, 20 mW/mm2) and electrical field stimulation (EFS) to activate myenteric neurons. EFS evoked IJPs only, whereas BLS evoked EJPs and IJPs. Mecamylamine (10 µM, nicotinic cholinergic receptor antagonist) reduced BLS-evoked IJPs by 50% but had no effect on electrically evoked IJPs. MRS 2179 (10 µM, a P2Y1 receptor antagonist) blocked BLS-evoked IJPs. MRS 2179 and Nω-nitro-l-arginine (100 µM, nitric oxide synthase inhibitor) isolated the EJP, which was blocked by scopolamine (1 µM, muscarinic ACh receptor antagonist). Immunohistochemistry revealed ChAT expression in ~88% of enhanced YFP (eYFP)-expressing neurons, whereas 12% of eYFP neurons expressed nitric oxide synthase. These data show that cholinergic interneurons synapse with EMNs and IMNs to cause contraction and relaxation of colonic smooth muscle.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Electrical stimulation of interganglionic connectives has been used widely to study synaptic transmission in the enteric nervous system. However, electrical stimulation will activate many types of neurons and nerve fibers, which complicates data interpretation. Optogenetic activation of enteric neurons using genetically modified mice expressing channelrhodopsin-2 in cholinergic neurons offers a new approach that provides more specificity for nerve stimulation when studying myenteric plexus nerve circuitry.
Pathogenic role of innate immunity in a model of chronic NO inhibition associated with salt overload
Authors: Zambom Fernanda Florencia Fregnan , Oliveira Karin Carneiro , Foresto-Neto Orestes , Faustino Viviane Dias , Ávila Victor Ferreira , Albino Amanda Helen , Arias Simone Costa Alarcon , Volpini Rildo Aparecido , Malheiros Denise Maria Avancini Costa , Saraiva Camara Niels Olsen , Zatz Roberto , Fujihara Clarice Kazue
Published: August 2019

Nitric oxide inhibition with Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME), along with salt overload, leads to hypertension, albuminuria, glomerulosclerosis, glomerular ischemia, and interstitial fibrosis, characterizing a chronic kidney disease (CKD) model. Previous findings of this laboratory and elsewhere have suggested that activation of at least two pathways of innate immunity, Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/NF-κB and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain, leucine-rich repeat, and pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome/IL-1β, occurs in several experimental models of CKD and that progression of renal injury can be slowed with inhibition of these pathways. In the present study, we investigated whether activation of innate immunity, through either the TLR4/NF-κB or NLRP3/IL-1β pathway, is involved in the pathogenesis of renal injury in chronic nitric oxide inhibition with the salt-overload model. Adult male Munich-Wistar rats that received l-NAME in drinking water with salt overload (HS + N group) were treated with allopurinol (ALLO) as an NLRP3 inhibitor (HS + N + ALLO group) or pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) as an NF-κB inhibitor (HS + N + PDTC group). After 4 wk, HS + N rats developed hypertension, albuminuria, and renal injury along with renal inflammation, oxidative stress, and activation of both the NLRP3/IL-1β and TLR4/NF-κB pathways. ALLO lowered renal uric acid and inhibited the NLRP3 pathway. These effects were associated with amelioration of hypertension, albuminuria, and interstitial inflammation/fibrosis but not glomerular injury. PDTC inhibited the renal NF-κB system and lowered the number of interstitial cells staining positively for NLRP3. PDTC also reduced renal xanthine oxidase activity and uric acid. Overall, PDTC promoted a more efficient anti-inflammatory and nephroprotective effect than ALLO. The NLRP3/IL-1β and TLR4/NF-κB pathways act in parallel to promote renal injury/inflammation and must be simultaneously inhibited for best nephroprotection.