bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of a 2‐ to 6‐year physical education intervention on scholastic performance: The CHAMPS study‐DK
Authors: Bugge Anna , Möller Sören , Tarp Jakob , Hillman Charles H. , Lima Rodrigo Antunes , Gejl Anne Kær , Klakk Heidi , Wedderkopp Niels
Published: April 2017

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of a school‐based intervention with a tripling of physical education (PE) lessons from two (90 minutes) to six lessons per week (270 minutes) on scholastic performance. This study is part of the CHAMPS study‐DK, a quasi‐experimental study that began in 2008. The intervention group consisted of six schools, and the control group consisted of four matched schools (mean age at baseline=8.4 years, kindergarten class fourth grade). Academic performance was extracted from the national test system from 2010 to 2014 (Math and Danish were measured at third and sixth, and second, fourth and sixth grades, respectively). Participants included 1888 students participating in at least one scholastic performance test. Linear mixed models were applied to test for differences between groups and adjusted for known confounders. No significant differences were observed between groups in the academic performance tests (control group reference); Danish second grade β=−1.34 (95% CI −9.90, 7.22), fourth grade β=0.22 (95% CI −6.12, 6.56), sixth grade β=1.03 (95% CI −5.02, 7.08), and all grades combined β=0.28 (95% CI −5.74, 6.31) and Math third grade β=−2.87 (95% CI −9.65, 3.90), sixth grade β=0.99 (95% CI −7.36, 9.34) and combined β=−1.20 (95% CI −8.10, 5.71). In conclusion, no significant differences were observed between intervention and control schools for scholastic performance. Importantly, there were no negative effects of additional PE on scholastic outcomes, despite more PE and longer school days for intervention children.
Incident rate and risk factors for tuberculosis among patients with type 2 diabetes: retrospective cohort study in Shanghai, China
Authors: Qiu Hanbo , Shi Yan , Li Yanyun , Shen Xin , Li Rui , Yang Qundi , Pan Qichao , Yan Fei
Published: April 2017

Objective

To examine the incident rate of tuberculosis (TB) and its associates among adults with type 2 diabetes in Shanghai, China.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study among 170 399 patients with type 2 diabetes aged ≥18 years who were registered in Shanghai community‐based diabetes management system between 2004 and 2009. Their TB status was tracked until 31 December 2014. Cox regression was performed to identify the risk factors for TB.

Results

We documented 785 new TB cases during 654 977 person‐years of follow‐up. The incident rate of TB was 224.20 (206.69, 243.16) per 100 000 person‐years among men and 51.34 (44.75, 58.92) per 100 000 person‐years among women. A 1‐unit increase of BMI was associated with a risk reduction in 16% (P < 0.01) for men and a 14% (P < 0.01) reduction for women. TB cases were more likely to be insulin‐dependent [men: hazard ratio = 2.13 (1.29, 3.53); women: 3.28 (1.28, 8.39)] and had a poor glucose level initially [men: 1.21 (1.15, 1.27); women: 1.27 (1.18, 1.37)]. The risk factor for TB specific to men was a young age at diagnosis of diabetes, and the protective factor specific to women was actively engaging in physical activity.

Conclusions

TB incident rate among patients with type 2 diabetes was substantially higher among men than among women. The risk of TB was reversely associated with initial BMI. The severity of poor glucose control among patients with diabetes was also linearly associated with the risk of TB.
Screening, diagnosis and management of human cysticercosis and Taenia solium taeniasis: technical recommendations by the COHEMI project study group
Authors: Zammarchi Lorenzo , Bonati Maurizio , Strohmeyer Marianne , Albonico Marco , Requena‐Méndez Ana , Bisoffi Zeno , Nicoletti Alessandra , García Hector H. , Bartoloni Alessandro ,   The COHEMI Project Study Group
Published: April 2017

Neurocysticercosis, the central nervous system's localised form of cysticercosis, is considered to be the leading cause of epilepsy in the developing world. In Europe, the disease is mainly imported and affects both immigrants and travellers. However, autochthonous cases of cysticercosis in low‐endemic countries could also originate from Taenia solium carriers (migrants or travellers) who acquired taeniasis overseas. Management of cysticercosis is a challenge for European healthcare providers as they are often hardly aware of this infection and have little familiarity in managing this disease. This study provides a summary of recommendations concerning screening, diagnosis and management of cysticercosis and T. solium taeniasis in Europe drawn up by nine experts in migrant health and imported diseases with experience in cysticercosis and T. solium taeniasis.
Linkage to HIV care after home‐based HIV counselling and testing in sub‐Saharan Africa: a systematic review
Authors: Ruzagira Eugene , Baisley Kathy , Kamali Anatoli , Biraro Samuel , Grosskurth Heiner ,   the Working Group on Linkage to HIV Care
Published: April 2017

Background

Home‐based HIV counselling and testing (HBHCT) has the potential to increase HIV testing uptake in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA), but data on linkage to HIV care after HBHCT are scarce. We conducted a systematic review of linkage to care after HBHCT in SSA.

Methods

Five databases were searched for studies published between 1st January 2000 and 19th August 2016 that reported on linkage to care among adults newly identified with HIV infection through HBHCT. Eligible studies were reviewed, assessed for risk of bias and findings summarised using the PRISMA guidelines.

Results

A total of 14 studies from six countries met the eligibility criteria; nine used specific strategies (point‐of‐care CD4 count testing, follow‐up counselling, provision of transport funds to clinic and counsellor facilitation of HIV clinic visit) in addition to routine referral to facilitate linkage to care. Time intervals for ascertaining linkage ranged from 1 week to 12 months post‐HBHCT. Linkage ranged from 8.2% [95% confidence interval (CI), 6.8–9.8%] to 99.1% (95% CI, 96.9–99.9%). Linkage was generally lower (<33%) if HBHCT was followed by referral only, and higher (>80%) if additional strategies were used. Only one study assessed linkage by means of a randomised trial. Five studies had data on cotrimoxazole (CTX) prophylaxis and 12 on ART eligibility and initiation. CTX uptake among those eligible ranged from 0% to 100%. The proportion of persons eligible for ART ranged from 16.5% (95% CI, 12.1–21.8) to 77.8% (95% CI, 40.0–97.2). ART initiation among those eligible ranged from 14.3% (95% CI, 0.36–57.9%) to 94.9% (95% CI, 91.3–97.4%). Additional linkage strategies, whilst seeming to increase linkage, were not associated with higher uptake of CTX and/or ART. Most of the studies were susceptible to risk of outcome ascertainment bias. A pooled analysis was not performed because of heterogeneity across studies with regard to design, setting and the key variable definitions.

Conclusion

Only few studies from SSA investigated linkage to care among adults newly diagnosed with HIV through HBHCT. Linkage was often low after routine referral but higher if additional interventions were used to facilitate it. The effectiveness of linkage strategies should be confirmed through randomised controlled trials.
Simplified mathematical modelling for a solar humidification compression desalination system
Authors: Ghalavand Younes
Published: April 2017

The performance of a solar humidification‐dehumidification desalination where dehumidification is carried out by compression is studied. The mathematical models are developed to assess the effect of operating condition on desalination system. Two models are developed for solar heater and humidifier tower and after solving the models, the obtained results are compared with the experimental data for model verification. The results indicate a good conformity between the model and experimental data. There exist a 1.9–13.3% error between experimental data and modelling. The lowest error is assigned to water temperature in the humidifier and the highest to air temperature in the solar heater.
A Novel Implementation Strategy in Residential Care Settings to Promote EBP: Direct Care Provider Perceptions and Development of a Conceptual Framework
Authors: Slaughter Susan E. , Bampton Erin , Erin Daniel F. , Ickert Carla , Jones C. Allyson , Estabrooks Carole A.
Published: April 2017

Background

Innovative approaches are required to facilitate the adoption and sustainability of evidence‐based care practices. We propose a novel implementation strategy, a peer reminder role, which involves offering a brief formal reminder to peers during structured unit meetings.

Aims

This study aims to (a) identify healthcare aide (HCA) perceptions of a peer reminder role for HCAs, and (b) develop a conceptual framework for the role based on these perceptions.

Methods

In 2013, a qualitative focus group study was conducted in five purposively sampled residential care facilities in western Canada. A convenience sample of 24 HCAs agreed to participate in five focus groups. Concurrent with data collection, two researchers coded the transcripts and identified themes by consensus. They jointly determined when saturation was achieved and took steps to optimize the trustworthiness of the findings. Five HCAs from the original focus groups commented on the resulting conceptual framework.

Results

HCAs were cautious about accepting a role that might alienate them from their co‐workers. They emphasized feeling comfortable with the peer reminder role and identified circumstances that would optimize their comfort including: effective implementation strategies, perceptions of the role, role credibility and a supportive context. These intersecting themes formed a peer reminder conceptual framework.

Linking Evidence to Action

We identified HCAs’ perspectives of a new peer reminder role designed specifically for them. Based on their perceptions, a conceptual framework was developed to guide the implementation of a peer reminder role for HCAs. This role may be a strategic implementation strategy to optimize the sustainability of new practices in residential care settings, and the related framework could offer guidance on how to implement this role.
A Case Study on the Problems and Suggestions in Foreign Language Teaching and Learning at Higher Education
Authors: Unal Menderes , Ilhan Elif
Published: April 2017

This study explores and identifies some reasons for the problems of foreign language learning (English) and teaching from the perspective of instructors and learners using the case study model. The data of the study was gathered by a semi-structured interview form, and the study group of the research was composed of English language instructors and graduate students at Ahi Evran University. Random sampling method was used to determine 15 instructors and 20 graduate students to face-to-face interview, and the data of the study was analysed by content analysis method, which the students and instructors agreed on students who have been problematic in language learning process. In addition to students, examination systems, instructional programs, language teachers’ qualifications and learning environments have been considered as barriers to language learning. On the other hand, students and instructors suggested starting learning/teaching English earlier, much more practice and exams on all four skills; elective courses; more practice and communication; revisions in teacher training system, considering individual differences; motivating and encouraging students; and designing well equipped language environment and teaching materials.
Bone morphogenetic protein signalling in pulmonary hypertension: advances and therapeutic implications
Authors: Yang Kai , Wang Jian , Lu Wenju
Published: April 2017

New Findings

What is the topic of this review?

This review covers recent evidence highlighting the crucial pathophysiological roles and molecular mechanisms of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signalling pathway during the progression of pulmonary hypertension (PH) and discusses targeting of BMP signalling as a new treatment option against PH.

What advances does it highlight?

A series of breakthrough findings have greatly enriched our understanding about the mechanism of action of BMP signalling in PH and proved the feasibility of BMP targeting strategies in experimental PH models. This review collects these ideas and discusses the frontiers of BMP signalling‐targeted PH therapy at different steps of the signal transduction.

The bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)‐mediated signalling pathway plays crucial roles in the development and progression of pulmonary hypertension (PH). Typical BMP signalling involves BMP ligands, specific transmembrane serine/threonine kinase receptors, cellular responsive kinases and secreted antagonists. As more and more studies have been conducted, the specific protective or pathogenic roles of these molecules within all these subgroups of BMP signalling have been continuously uncovered. Based on this evidence, specific strategies have been designed by targeting these factors as a new treatment approach to PH. In this review, we have collected recent advances in the exciting findings that link BMP signalling with the pathogenesis of PH and we discuss the potential future frontiers in therapeutic design.
Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis of the Transient Cooling of the Boiling Surface at Bubble Departure
Authors: Giustini Giovanni , Walker S. P. , Sato Yohei , Niceno Bojan
Published: April 2017

Component-scale computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling of boiling via heat flux partitioning relies upon empirical and semimechanistic representations of the modes of heat transfer believed to be important. One such mode, “quenching,” refers to the bringing of cool water to the vicinity of the heated wall to refill the volume occupied by a departing vapor bubble. This is modeled in classical heat flux partitioning approaches using a semimechanistic treatment based on idealized transient heat conduction into liquid from a perfectly conducting substrate. In this paper, we apply a modern interface tracking CFD approach to simulate steam bubble growth and departure, in an attempt to assess mechanistically (within the limitations of the CFD model) the single-phase heat transfer associated with bubble departure. This is in the spirit of one of the main motivations for such mechanistic modeling, the development of insight, and the provision of quantification, to improve the necessarily more empirical component scale modeling. The computations indicate that the long-standing “quench” model used in essentially all heat flux partitioning treatments embodies a significant overestimate of this part of the heat transfer, by a factor of perhaps ∼30. It is of course the case that the collection of individual models in heat flux partitioning treatments has been refined and tuned in aggregate, and it is not particularly surprising that an individual submodel is not numerically correct. In practice, there is much cancelation between inaccuracies in the various submodels, which in aggregate perform surprisingly well. We suggest ways in which this more soundly based quantification of “quenching heat transfer” might be taken into account in component scale modeling.
Lattice Boltzmann Simulations of Macro/Microscale Effects on Saturated Pool Boiling Curves for Heated Horizontal Surfaces
Authors: Cheng Ping , Zhang Chaoyang , Gong Shuai
Published: April 2017

Results of lattice Boltzmann (LB) simulations of macroscale effects (heating modes, heater size, and saturation temperature) as well as microscale effects (wettability and roughness) on saturated pool boiling from superheated horizontal surfaces are summarized in this paper. These effects on pool boiling curves from natural convection through nucleate boiling to critical heat flux (CHF) and from transition boiling to film boiling are illustrated. It is found that macroscale effects have negligible influence on nucleate boiling heat transfer, and Rohsenow's correlation equation fits well with the simulated nucleate boiling heat transfer on smooth hydrophilic and hydrophobic horizontal surfaces. Both macroscale and microscale effects have important influence on critical heat flux and transition boiling heat transfer.
Reaction of aqueous ammonium sulfide on SiGe 25%
Authors: Heslop Stacy L. , Peckler Lauren , Muscat Anthony J.
Published: April 2017

SiGe 25% substrates were treated with aqueous solutions of ammonium sulfide with and without added acid to understand the adsorption of sulfur on the surface. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed no sulfide layer was deposited from aqueous (NH4)2S alone and instead both Si and Ge oxides formed during immersion in the sulfur solution. The addition of hydrofluoric and hydrochloric acids dropped the pH from 10 to 8 and deposited sulfides, yet increased the oxide coverage on the surface and preferentially formed Ge oxides. The sulfur coverage grew with increasing concentrations of acid in the aqueous (NH4)2S. The simultaneous deposition of O and S is suspected to be the result of oxidized sulfur species in solution. Metal-insulator-semiconductor capacitor (MISCAP) devices were fabricated to test the electrical consequences of aqueous ammonium sulfide wet chemistries on SiGe. MISCAPs treated with acidic ammonium sulfide solutions contained fewer interface defects in the valence band region. The defect density (Dit) was on the order of 10+12 cm–2 eV−1. The flat band voltage shift was lower after the acidic ammonium sulfide treatment, despite the presence of surface oxides. Adsorption of S and potentially O improved the stability of the surface and made it less electrically active.
Controlling the boron-to-titanium ratio in magnetron-sputter-deposited TiBx thin films
Authors: Petrov Ivan , Hall Allen , Mei Antonio B. , Nedfors Nils , Zhirkov Igor , Rosen Johanna , Reed Amber , Howe Brandon , Greczynski Grzegorz , Birch Jens , Hultman Lars , Greene J. E.
Published: April 2017

Magnetron sputter-deposited TiBx films grown from TiB2 targets are typically highly overstoichiometric with x ranging from 3.5 to 2.4 due to differences in Ti and B preferential ejection angles and gas-phase scattering during transport between the target and the substrate. The authors show that the use of highly magnetically unbalanced magnetron sputtering leads to selective ionization of sputter-ejected Ti atoms which are steered via an external magnetic field to the film, thus establishing control of the B/Ti ratio with the ability to obtain stoichiometric TiB2 films over a wide range in Ar sputtering pressures.
Surface passivation of aluminum hydride particles via atomic layer deposition
Authors: Chen Rong , Duan Chen-Long , Liu Xiao , Qu Kai , Tang Gen , Xu Xing-Xing , Shan Bin
Published: April 2017

Aluminum hydride (AlH3), with gravimetric hydrogen capacity exceeding 10 wt. %, has shown a great potential as an alternative energy storage material. Due to its high reactivity, the practical utilization of AlH3 relies on its safe storage, handling, and transportation. During its storage, hydrogen would be slowly released through the reaction with moisture and oxygen under ambient conditions. When mixed with other fuels during transportation, the heat generated from interparticle friction may lead to a temperature rise, resulting in rapid hydrogen release and may even trigger explosion. Thus, it is imperative to passivate the AlH3 particles to prevent its reactions with moisture and oxygen and insulate them from friction heat. In this paper, microscale α-AlH3 particles were passivated by nanometer Al2O3 layers via atomic layer deposition. Conformal amorphous Al2O3 films were coated around the crystalline α-AlH3 particles, serving as physical barriers to prevent reactions. Through hydrothermal aging tests, the retained hydrogen capacity of passivated particles was four times higher than the untreated sample. At the same time, alumina films prevented the transfer of friction heat to inner cores, reducing the potential risks associated with handling or transportation. The overall hydrogen capacity reduction was as less as 5%, primarily due to the mass gain of Al2O3 encapsulation layers. The dehydrogenation speed of passivated AlH3 particles was about the same as that of untreated samples, indicating that this is a feasible technique to stabilize AlH3 without sacrificing its energy release capacity.
Quantum imaging of current flow in graphene
Authors: Tetienne Jean-Philippe , Dontschuk Nikolai , Broadway David A. , Stacey Alastair , Simpson David A. , Hollenberg Lloyd C. L.
Published: April 2017

We demonstrate diamond-based quantum imaging of the current flow in graphene structures with submicrometer resolution.
Private fusion machines aim to beat massive globaleffort
Authors: Clery Daniel
Published: April 2017

Startups avoid ITER's path with new prototype reactors.
DNA from cave soil reveals ancient human occupants
Authors: Wade Lizzie
Published: April 2017

Technique may help open a new era in paleoanthropology.
The science of persuasion
Authors: Kupferschmidt Kai
Published: April 2017

Vaccines save lives. But what is the most effective way to convince worried parents?
RETINOBLASTOMA RELATED1 mediates germline entry in
Arabidopsis
Authors: Zhao Xin’Ai , Bramsiepe Jonathan , Van Durme Matthias , Komaki Shinichiro , Prusicki Maria Ada , Maruyama Daisuke , Forner Joachim , Medzihradszky Anna , Wijnker Erik , Harashima Hirofumi , Lu You , Schmidt Anja , Guthörl Daniela , Logroño Rosa Sahún , Guan Yonsheng , Pochon Gaetan , Grossniklaus Ueli , Laux Thomas , Higashiyama Tetsuya , Lohmann Jan U. , Nowack Moritz K. , Schnittger Arp
Published: April 2017

Germ cells on demand

Unlike animals, plants do not set aside a germline. Instead, germ cells are developed on demand from somatic lineages. Zhao
et al.
examined the regulatory pathways that manage the transition from somatic to germ cell development in the small plant
Arabidopsis
(see the Perspective by Vielle-Calzada). The transcription factor WUSCHEL (WUS) was needed early on for development of ovules. Soon after, a trio of inhibitors that work through a cyclin-dependent kinase allowed a transcriptional repressor to down-regulate WUS. This opened the door to meiosis, while restricting the number of reproductive units per seed to one.

Science
, this issue p.
eaaf6532
; see also p.
378
Measurement of the small-scale structure of the intergalactic medium using close quasar pairs
Authors: Rorai Alberto , Hennawi Joseph F. , Oñorbe Jose , White Martin , Prochaska J. Xavier , Kulkarni Girish , Walther Michael , Lukić Zarija , Lee Khee-Gan
Published: April 2017

Using quasar pairs to measure smoothness

Space between galaxies is filled with a tenuous gas known as the intergalactic medium (IGM). The presence of hydrogen atoms in the IGM at different redshifts imprints a series of absorption lines in the spectra of background quasars. Rorai
et al.
studied pairs of closely spaced quasars and quantified how similar their absorption lines are as a function of transverse separation and redshift. They thus assessed the smoothness of the IGM on relatively small scales—several times the size of a galaxy. The results constrain interactions between galaxies and the IGM, such as heating by ultraviolet photons.

Science
, this issue p.
418
Direction-specific van der Waals attraction between rutile TiO
2
nanocrystals
Authors: Zhang Xin , He Yang , Sushko Maria L. , Liu Jia , Luo Langli , De Yoreo James J. , Mao Scott X. , Wang Chongmin , Rosso Kevin M.
Published: April 2017

When forces depend on orientation

In oriented attachment, small nuclei or crystals come together to make a larger crystal, but only when complementary facets approach each other. Does this mean that there is an orientational dependence of the force between two nanocrystals? Zhang
et al.
report a delicate method to measure the van der Waals attraction between rutile TiO
2
nanocrystals. They imaged the contact point in situ with environmental transmission electron microscopy, which allowed the interparticle distances to be measured accurately. This elucidated the relationship between the nanocrystals' orientations, surface hydrations, and interactions. The results suggest that there is enough force to generate a torque between the crystals to ensure a complementary interaction.

Science
, this issue p.
434
Ancient genomic changes associated with domestication of the horse
Authors: Librado Pablo , Gamba Cristina , Gaunitz Charleen , Der Sarkissian Clio , Pruvost Mélanie , Albrechtsen Anders , Fages Antoine , Khan Naveed , Schubert Mikkel , Jagannathan Vidhya , Serres-Armero Aitor , Kuderna Lukas F. K. , Povolotskaya Inna S. , Seguin-Orlando Andaine , Lepetz Sébastien , Neuditschko Markus , Thèves Catherine , Alquraishi Saleh , Alfarhan Ahmed H. , Al-Rasheid Khaled , Rieder Stefan , Samashev Zainolla , Francfort Henri-Paul , Benecke Norbert , Hofreiter Michael , Ludwig Arne , Keyser Christine , Marques-Bonet Tomas , Ludes Bertrand , Crubézy Eric , Leeb Tosso , Willerslev Eske , Orlando Ludovic
Published: April 2017

Ancient genomics of horse domestication

The domestication of the horse was a seminal event in human cultural evolution. Libradoet al.obtained genome sequences from 14 horses from the Bronze and Iron Ages, about 2000 to 4000 years ago, soon after domestication. They identified variants determining coat color and genes selected during the domestication process. They could also see evidence of admixture with archaic horses and the demography of the domestication process, which included the accumulation of deleterious variants. The horse appears to have undergone a different type of domestication process than animals that were domesticated simply for food.

Science, this issue p.442
A state of denial
Behind the Carbon Curtain: The Energy Industry, Political Censorship, and Free Speech
Jeffrey A. Lockwood
University of New Mexico Press, 2017. 300 pp.
Authors: Wong-Parodi Gabrielle
Published: April 2017

Case studies of climate censorship in Wyoming reveal the insidious nature of modern science suppression
The natural capital of city trees
Authors: Willis Katherine J. , Petrokofsky Gillian
Published: April 2017

City trees can help to reduce pollution and improve human health
Syria, slums, and health security
Authors: Berkley Seth
Published: April 2017

The Syrian conflict has been described as a new kind of world war: local conflicts with resounding global consequences. It has accelerated the rise of the terrorist group ISIS, destabilized Europe's open border agreement, and led to the single largest refugee crisis in decades. These factors contribute to an emerging fragility that compounds the humanitarian crisis in Syria but also threatens global health.
Susceptibility Testing of Medically Important Parasites
Authors: Genetu Bayih Abebe , Debnath Anjan , Mitre Edward , Huston Christopher D. , Laleu Benoît , Leroy Didier , Blasco Benjamin , Campo Brice , Wells Timothy N. C. , Willis Paul A. , Sjö Peter , Van Voorhis Wesley C. , Pillai Dylan R.
Published: April 2017

In the last 2 decades, renewed attention to neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) has spurred the development of antiparasitic agents, especially in light of emerging drug resistance. The need for new drugs has required
in vitro
screening methods using parasite culture. Furthermore, clinical laboratories sought to correlate
in vitro
susceptibility methods with treatment outcomes, most notably with malaria. Parasites with their various life cycles present greater complexity than bacteria, for which standardized susceptibility methods exist. This review catalogs the state-of-the-art methodologies used to evaluate the effects of drugs on key human parasites from the point of view of drug discovery as well as the need for laboratory methods that correlate with clinical outcomes.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Potassium Feldspar-Solubilizing Bacterium Ensifer adhaerens L18
Authors: Peng Qingjing , Yi Langbo , Peng Qingzhong , Peng Yuyuan
Published: April 2017

Ensifer adhaerens
L18, isolated from potassium feldspar mining area soil, was found to be capable of solubilizing K from an insoluble K-bearing mineral source. Here, we report the draft genome sequence and annotation of the feldspar-solubilizing bacterium
Ensifer adhaerens
L18. These data provide the basis to investigate the relative impact of bacteria in feldspar solubilizing and the molecular mechanism of the potassium feldspar’s dissolution.
Prevalence and Outcomes of Achromobacter Species Infections in Adults with Cystic Fibrosis: a North American Cohort Study
Authors: Edwards B. D. , Greysson-Wong J. , Somayaji R. , Waddell B. , Whelan F. J. , Storey D. G. , Rabin H. R. , Surette M. G. , Parkins M. D.
Published: April 2017

Achromobacter
species are increasingly being detected in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients, with an unclear epidemiology and impact. We studied a cohort of patients attending a Canadian adult CF clinic who had positive sputum cultures for
Achromobacter
species in the period from 1984 to 2013. Infection was categorized as transient or persistent (≥50% positive cultures for 1 year). Those with persistent infection were matched 2:1 with age-, sex-, and time-matched controls without a history of
Achromobacter
infection, and mixed-effects models were used to assess pulmonary exacerbation (PEx) frequency and lung function decline. Isolates from a biobank were retrospectively assessed, identified to the species level by
nrdA
sequencing, and genotyped using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Thirty-four patients (11% of those in our clinic), with a median age of 24 years (interquartile range [IQR], 20.3 to 29.8 years), developed
Achromobacter
infection. Ten patients (29%) developed persistent infection. Persistence did not denote permanence, as most patients ultimately cleared infection, often after years. Patients were more likely to experience PEx at incident isolation than at prior or subsequent visits (odds ratio [OR], 2.7 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.2 to 6.7];
P
= 0.03). Following persistent infection, there was no difference in annual lung function decline (−1.08% [95% CI, −2.73 to 0.57%] versus −2.74% [95% CI, −4.02 to 1.46%];
P
= 0.12) or the odds of PEx (OR, 1.21 [95% CI, 0.45 to 3.28];
P
= 0.70). Differential virulence among
Achromobacter
species was not observed, and no cases of transmission occurred. We demonstrated that incident
Achromobacter
infection was associated with a greater risk of PEx; however, neither transient nor chronic infection was associated with a worsened long-term prognosis. Large, multicenter studies are needed to clarify the clinical impact, natural history, and transmissibility of
Achromobacter
.
Differential Involvement during Latent Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Infection of the Superior and Inferior Divisions of the Vestibular Ganglia: Implications for Vestibular Neuritis
Authors: Himmelein Susanne , Lindemann Anja , Sinicina Inga , Horn Anja K. E. , Brandt Thomas , Strupp Michael , Hüfner Katharina
Published: April 2017

Controversy still surrounds both the etiology and pathophysiology of vestibular neuritis (VN). Especially uncertain is why the superior vestibular nerve (SVN) is more frequently affected than the inferior vestibular nerve (IVN), which is partially or totally spared. To address this question, we developed an improved method for preparing human vestibular ganglia (VG) and nerve. Subsequently, macro- and microanatomical as well as PCR studies were performed on 38 human ganglia from 38 individuals. The SVN was 2.4 mm longer than the IVN, and in 65% of the cases, the IVN ran in two separate bony canals, which was not the case for the SVN. Anastomoses between the facial and cochlear nerves were more common for the SVN (14/38 and 9/38, respectively) than for the IVN (7/38 and 2/38, respectively). Using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), we found only a few latently herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1)-infected VG (18.4%). In cases of two separate neuronal fields, infected neurons were located in the superior part only. In summary, these PCR and micro- and macroanatomical studies provide possible explanations for the high frequency of SVN infection in vestibular neuritis.

IMPORTANCEVestibular neuritis is known to affect the superior part of the vestibular nerve more frequently than the inferior part. The reason for this clinical phenomenon remains unclear. Anatomical differences may play a role, or if latent HSV-1 infection is assumed, the etiology may be due to the different distribution of the infection. To shed further light on this subject, we conducted different macro- and microanatomical studies. We also assessed the presence of HSV-1 in VG and in different sections of the VG. Our findings add new information on the macro- and microanatomy of the VG as well as the pathophysiology of vestibular neuritis. We also show that latent HSV-1 infection of VG neurons is less frequent than previously reported.
Variable Inhibition of Zika Virus Replication by Different Wolbachia Strains in Mosquito Cell Cultures
Authors: Schultz Michaela J. , Isern Sharon , Michael Scott F. , Corley Ronald B. , Connor John H. , Frydman Horacio M.
Published: April 2017

Mosquito-borne arboviruses are a major source of human disease. One strategy to reduce arbovirus disease is to reduce the mosquito's ability to transmit virus. Mosquito infection with the bacterial endosymbiont
Wolbachia pipientis w
Mel is a novel strategy to reduce
Aedes
mosquito competency for flavivirus infection. However, experiments investigating cyclic environmental temperatures have shown a reduction in maternal transmission of
w
Mel, potentially weakening the integration of this strain into a mosquito population relative to that of other
Wolbachia
strains. Consequently, it is important to investigate additional
Wolbachia
strains. All Zika virus (ZIKV) suppression studies are limited to the
w
Mel
Wolbachia
strain. Here we show ZIKV inhibition by two different
Wolbachia
strains:
w
AlbB (isolated from
Aedes albopictus
mosquitoes) and
w
Stri (isolated from the planthopper
Laodelphax striatellus
) in mosquito cells.
Wolbachia
strain
w
Stri inhibited ZIKV most effectively. Single-cycle infection experiments showed that ZIKV RNA replication and nonstructural protein 5 translation were reduced below the limits of detection in
w
Stri-containing cells, demonstrating early inhibition of virus replication. ZIKV replication was rescued when
Wolbachia
was inhibited with a bacteriostatic antibiotic. We observed a partial rescue of ZIKV growth when
Wolbachia
-infected cells were supplemented with cholesterol-lipid concentrate, suggesting competition for nutrients as one of the possible mechanisms of
Wolbachia
inhibition of ZIKV. Our data show that
w
AlbB and
w
Stri infection causes inhibition of ZIKV, making them attractive candidates for further
in vitro
mechanistic and
in vivo
studies and future vector-centered approaches to limit ZIKV infection and spread.

IMPORTANCE
Zika virus (ZIKV) has swiftly spread throughout most of the Western Hemisphere. This is due in large part to its replication in and spread by a mosquito vector host. There is an urgent need for approaches that limit ZIKV replication in mosquitoes. One exciting approach for this is to use a bacterial endosymbiont called
Wolbachia
that can populate mosquito cells and inhibit ZIKV replication. Here we show that two different strains of
Wolbachia
,
w
AlbB and
w
Stri, are effective at repressing ZIKV in mosquito cell lines. Repression of virus growth is through the inhibition of an early stage of infection and requires actively replicating
Wolbachia
. Our findings further the understanding of
Wolbachia
viral inhibition and provide novel tools that can be used in an effort to limit ZIKV replication in the mosquito vector, thereby interrupting the transmission and spread of the virus.
Grass Carp Reovirus VP41 Targets Fish MITA To Abrogate the Interferon Response
Authors: Lu Long-Feng , Li Shun , Wang Zhao-Xi , Du Si-Qi , Chen Dan-Dan , Nie Pin , Zhang Yong-An
Published: April 2017

Although fish possess an efficient interferon (IFN) system to defend against aquatic virus infection, grass carp reovirus (GCRV) still causes hemorrhagic disease in grass carp. To date, GCRV's strategy for evading the fish IFN response is still unknown. Here, we report that GCRV VP41 inhibits fish IFN production by suppressing the phosphorylation of mediator of IFN regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) activation (MITA). First, the activation of the IFN promoter (IFNpro) stimulated by mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein (MAVS) and MITA was decreased by the overexpression of VP41, whereas such activation induced by TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) was not affected. Second, VP41 was colocalized in the cellular endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and associated with MITA. Furthermore, as a phosphorylation substrate of TBK1, VP41 significantly decreased the phosphorylation of MITA. Truncation assays indicated that the transmembrane (TM) region of VP41 was indispensable for the suppression of IFNpro activity. Finally, after infection with GCRV, VP41 blunted the transcription of host IFN and facilitated viral RNA synthesis. Taken together, our findings suggest that GCRV VP41 prevents the fish IFN response by attenuating the phosphorylation of MITA for viral evasion.

IMPORTANCE
MITA is thought to act as an adaptor protein to facilitate the phosphorylation of IRF3 by TBK1 upon viral infection, and it plays a critical role in innate antiviral responses. Here, we report that GCRV VP41 colocalizes with MITA at the ER and reduces MITA phosphorylation by acting as a decoy substrate of TBK1, thus inhibiting IFN production. These findings reveal GCRV's strategy for evading the host IFN response for the first time.
Nonstructural Protein L* Species Specificity Supports a Mouse Origin for Vilyuisk Human Encephalitis Virus
Authors: Drappier Melissa , Opperdoes Fred R. , Michiels Thomas
Published: April 2017

Vilyuisk human encephalitis virus (VHEV) is a picornavirus related to Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV). VHEV was isolated from human material passaged in mice. Whether this VHEV is of human or mouse origin is therefore unclear. We took advantage of the species-specific activity of the nonstructural L* protein of theiloviruses to track the origin of TMEV isolates. TMEV L* inhibits RNase L, the effector enzyme of the interferon pathway. By using coimmunoprecipitation and functional RNase L assays, the species specificity of RNase L antagonism was tested for L* from mouse (DA) and rat (RTV-1) TMEV strains as well as for VHEV. Coimmunoprecipitation and functional assay data confirmed the species specificity of L* activity and showed that L* from rat strain RTV-1 inhibited rat but not mouse or human RNase L. Next, we showed that the VHEV L* protein was phylogenetically related to L* of mouse viruses and that it failed to inhibit human RNase L but readily antagonized mouse RNase L, unambiguously showing the mouse origin of VHEV.

IMPORTANCE
Defining the natural host of a virus can be a thorny issue, especially when the virus was isolated only once or when the isolation story is complex. The species
Theilovirus
includes Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV), infecting mice and rats, and Saffold virus (SAFV), infecting humans. One TMEV strain, Vilyuisk human encephalitis virus (VHEV), however, was isolated from mice that were inoculated with cerebrospinal fluid of a patient presenting with chronic encephalitis. It is therefore unclear whether VHEV was derived from the human sample or from the inoculated mouse. The L* protein encoded by TMEV inhibits RNase L, a cellular enzyme involved in innate immunity, in a species-specific manner. Using binding and functional assays, we show that this species specificity even allows discrimination between TMEV strains of mouse and of rat origins. The VHEV L* protein clearly inhibited mouse but not human RNase L, indicating that this virus originates from mice.
Salivary Blockade Protects the Lower Respiratory Tract of Mice from Lethal Influenza Virus Infection
Authors: Ivinson Karen , Deliyannis Georgia , McNabb Leanne , Grollo Lara , Gilbertson Brad , Jackson David , Brown Lorena E.
Published: April 2017

It is possible to model the progression of influenza virus from the upper respiratory tract to the lower respiratory tract in the mouse using viral inoculum delivered in a restricted manner to the nose. In this model, infection with the A/Udorn/307/72 (Udorn) strain of virus results ultimately in high viral titers in both the trachea and lungs. In contrast, the A/Puerto Rico/8/34 (PR8) strain causes an infection that is almost entirely limited to the nasal passages. The factors that govern the progression of virus down the respiratory tract are not well understood. Here, we show that, while PR8 virus grows to high titers in the nose, an inhibitor present in the saliva blocks further progression of infection to the trachea and lungs and renders an otherwise lethal dose of virus completely asymptomatic.In vitro, the salivary inhibitor was capable of potent neutralization of PR8 virus and an additional 20 strains of type A virus and two type B strains that were tested. The exceptions were Udorn virus and the closely related H3N2 strains A/Port Chalmers/1/73 and A/Victoria/3/75. Characterization of the salivary inhibitor showed it to be independent of sialic acid and other carbohydrates for its function. This and other biochemical properties, together with its virus strain specificity andin vivofunction, indicate that the mouse salivary inhibitor is a previously undescribed innate inhibitory molecule that may have evolved to provide pulmonary protection of the species from fatal influenza virus infection.

IMPORTANCEInfluenza A virus occasionally jumps from aquatic birds, its natural host, into mammals to cause outbreaks of varying severity, including pandemics in humans. Despite the laboratory mouse being used as a model to study influenza virus pathogenesis, natural outbreaks of influenza have not been reported in the species. Here, we shed light on one mechanism that might allow mice to be protected from influenza in the wild. We show that virus deposited in the mouse upper respiratory tract will not progress to the lower respiratory tract due to the presence of a potent inhibitor of the virus in saliva. Containing inhibitor-sensitive virus to the upper respiratory tract renders an otherwise lethal infection subclinical. This knowledge sheds light on how natural inhibitors may have evolved to improve survival in this species.
Central Nervous System Infection with Borna Disease Virus Causes Kynurenine Pathway Dysregulation and Neurotoxic Quinolinic Acid Production
Authors: Formisano Simone , Hornig Mady , Yaddanapudi Kavitha , Vasishtha Mansi , Parsons Loren H. , Briese Thomas , Lipkin W. Ian , Williams Brent L.
Published: April 2017

Central nervous system infection of neonatal and adult rats with Borna disease virus (BDV) results in neuronal destruction and behavioral abnormalities with differential immune-mediated involvement. Neuroactive metabolites generated from the kynurenine pathway of tryptophan degradation have been implicated in several human neurodegenerative disorders. Here, we report that brain expression of key enzymes in the kynurenine pathway are significantly, but differentially, altered in neonatal and adult rats with BDV infection. Gene expression analysis of rat brains following neonatal infection showed increased expression of kynurenine amino transferase II (KATII) and kynurenine-3-monooxygenase (KMO) enzymes. Additionally, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) expression was only modestly increased in a brain region- and time-dependent manner in neonatally infected rats; however, its expression was highly increased in adult infected rats. The most dramatic impact on gene expression was seen for KMO, whose activity promotes the production of neurotoxic quinolinic acid. KMO expression was persistently elevated in brain regions of both newborn and adult BDV-infected rats, with increases reaching up to 86-fold. KMO protein levels were increased in neonatally infected rats and colocalized with neurons, the primary target cells of BDV infection. Furthermore, quinolinic acid was elevated in neonatally infected rat brains. We further demonstrate increased expression of KATII and KMO, but not IDO,
in vitro
in BDV-infected C6 astroglioma cells. Our results suggest that BDV directly impacts the kynurenine pathway, an effect that may be exacerbated by inflammatory responses in immunocompetent hosts. Thus, experimental models of BDV infection may provide new tools for discriminating virus-mediated from immune-mediated impacts on the kynurenine pathway and their relative contribution to neurodegeneration.

IMPORTANCE
BDV causes persistent, noncytopathic infection
in vitro
yet still elicits widespread neurodegeneration of infected neurons in both immunoincompetent and immunocompetent hosts. Here, we show that BDV infection induces expression of key enzymes of the kynurenine pathway in brains of newborn and adult infected rats and cultured astroglioma cells, shunting tryptophan degradation toward the production of neurotoxic quinolinic acid. Thus, our findings newly implicate this metabolic pathway in BDV-induced neurodegeneration. Given the importance of the kynurenine pathway in a wide range of human infections and neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders, animal models of BDV infection may serve as important tools for contrasting direct viral and indirect antiviral immune-mediated impacts on kynurenine pathway dysregulation and the ensuing neurodevelopmental and neuropathological consequences.
The economic burden of physical inactivity: a systematic review and critical appraisal
Authors: Ding Ding , Kolbe-Alexander Tracy , Nguyen Binh , Katzmarzyk Peter T , Pratt Michael , Lawson Kenny D
Published: April 2017

Objective

To summarise the literature on the economic burden of physical inactivity in populations, with emphases on appraising the methodologies and providing recommendations for future studies.

Design

Systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines (PROSPERO registration number CRD42016047705).

Data sources

Electronic databases for peer-reviewed and grey literature were systematically searched, followed by reference searching and consultation with experts.

Eligibility criteria

Studies that examined the economic consequences of physical inactivity in a population/population-based sample, with clearly stated methodologies and at least an abstract/summary written in English.

Results

Of the 40 eligible studies, 27 focused on direct healthcare costs only, 13 also estimated indirect costs and one study additionally estimated household costs. For direct costs, 23 studies used a population attributable fraction (PAF) approach with estimated healthcare costs attributable to physical inactivity ranging from 0.3% to 4.6% of national healthcare expenditure; 17 studies used an econometric approach, which tended to yield higher estimates than those using a PAF approach. For indirect costs, 10 studies used a human capital approach, two used a friction cost approach and one used a value of a statistical life approach. Overall, estimates varied substantially, even within the same country, depending on analytical approaches, time frame and other methodological considerations.

Conclusion

Estimating the economic burden of physical inactivity is an area of increasing importance that requires further development. There is a marked lack of consistency in methodological approaches and transparency of reporting. Future studies could benefit from cross-disciplinary collaborations involving economists and physical activity experts, taking a societal perspective and following best practices in conducting and reporting analysis, including accounting for potential confounding, reverse causality and comorbidity, applying discounting and sensitivity analysis, and reporting assumptions, limitations and justifications for approaches taken. We have adapted the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards checklist as a guide for future estimates of the economic burden of physical inactivity and other risk factors.