bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A high‐resolution einkorn (Triticum monococcum L.) linkage map involving wild, domesticated and feral einkorn genotypes
Authors: Marino Rosanna , Volante Andrea , Brandolini Andrea , Heun Manfred
Published: September 2018

A high‐resolution consensus linkage map of Triticum monococcum was assembled from two separate maps involving domesticated, feral and wild einkorn wheat accessions. The genotyping‐by‐sequencing (GBS) approach based on DArTseq markers yielded overstretched maps. Deleting all markers with missing data and then converting dubious singletons to missing data produced two maps of about 1,380 cM, close to the published genome size. The consensus map spanned 1,562 cM, had one bin mapped every 0.92 cM and showed only one gap > 10 cM. Chromosome length varied between 151 cM (chromosome 4) and 270 cM (chromosome 7). The consensus map was compared to other A‐genome maps, and the sequences of genetically mapped DArTseq were used to anchor contigs of the T. monococcum, T. urartu and T. aestivum draft genomes based on sequence homology to assess colinearity and to assign mapped markers to the seven chromosomes of the bread wheat A‐genome. Finally, an in silico functional characterization of the sequences was performed. This high‐resolution map will facilitate QTL and association analysis and assist the genome assembly of the einkorn genome.
Solar Ultraviolet Radiation Exposure and Sun Protection Behaviors and Knowledge Among a High‐Risk and Overlooked Group of Outdoor Workers in South Africa
Authors: Nkogatse Mahlako Malesele , Ramotsehoa Motsehoa Cynthia , Eloff Frederick Christofel , Wright Caradee Yael
Published: September 2018

The exposure of outdoor car guards to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR), the majority with deeply pigmented skin, to solar UVR was measured for five consecutive days during early spring (September 2017) in South Africa using electronic UVR dosimeters attached to the upper arm of each participant. The exposure of the nape of the neck, forehead, nose, cheek and hand was extrapolated from the measurements. The onsite ambient solar UVR on a flat, horizontal, unshaded surface was measured concurrently. The sun‐related knowledge, behavior and attitudes of the car guards were evaluated using questionnaires. Total personal daily solar UVR exposure as a percentage of the ambient solar UVR exposure was 24%. The exposure of car guards on several body sites was in excess of the occupational threshold limit value. Sleeved shirts and hats were the most commonly used sun protection measures (worn by 70% and 80%, respectively). Considering the high levels of solar UVR reported on most days throughout the year in South Africa, more studies quantifying the personal exposure of outdoor workers in both the informal and formal sectors are necessary.
The hidden patient: chronic physical morbidity, psychological distress, and quality of life in caregivers of older adults
Authors: Sambasivam Rajeswari , Liu Jianlin , Vaingankar Janhavi A. , Ong Hui L. , Tan Min‐En , Fauziana Restria , Picco Louisa , Chong Siow Ann , Subramaniam Mythily
Published: September 2018

Aim

Increasing demands for care provision to older adults require good physical and mental health among caregivers. Few studies have examined the health status and correlates of quality of life among caregivers of older adults. The present study therefore sought to examine the prevalence of chronic physical conditions, psychological distress, and correlates of physical and mental quality of life among caregivers of older adults (≥60 years) in Singapore.

Methods

Participants were 285 informal caregivers who were providing care to an older relative. Participants were recruited at the Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, and they completed self‐report measures on chronic physical morbidity, psychological distress, and physical and mental quality of life. Multiple regression models were constructed to examine correlates of physical and mental quality of life.

Results

More than half of the caregivers had at least one chronic physical condition (58.6%) and psychological distress (52.6%). Chronic physical morbidity, psychological distress, and secondary education status were associated with lower physical quality of life. Psychological distress, younger age, primary education status, and more time spent caregiving were associated with lower mental quality of life.

Conclusion

Poor physical and mental health among caregivers may impair their ability to provide adequate care to older adults with progressive medical needs. It is important for medical practitioners not to neglect the physical and mental health of caregivers through continued assessment of chronic physical morbidity, psychological distress, and quality of life.
A Dynamic Inhomogeneous Latent State Model for Measuring Material Deprivation
Authors: Dotto Francesco , Farcomeni Alessio , Pittau Maria Grazia , Zelli Roberto
Published: September 2018

Material deprivation can be used to assess poverty in a society. The status of poverty is not directly observable, but it can be measured with error for instance through a list of deprivation items. Given two unobservable classes, corresponding to poor and not poor, we develop a time inhomogeneous latent Markov model which enables us to classify households according to their current and intertemporal poverty status, and to identify transitions between classes that may occur year by year. Households are grouped by estimating their posterior probability of belonging to the latent status of poverty. We then estimate an optimal weighting scheme, associated with the list of items, to obtain an optimal deprivation score. Our score is arguably better at predicting the poverty status than simple item counting (equal weighting). We use the longitudinal component of the European Union statistics Survey on Income and Living Conditions for evaluating poverty patterns over the period 2010–2013 in Greece, Italy and the UK.
A pharmacist‐driven antimicrobial stewardship intervention targeting cytomegalovirus viremia in ambulatory solid organ transplant recipients
Authors: Wang Nan , Athans Vasilios , Neuner Elizabeth , Bollinger Jessica , Spinner Michael , Brizendine Kyle
Published: September 2018

Background

There is a growing need for robust antimicrobial stewardship interventions in both ambulatory and solid organ transplant (SOT) populations.

Methods

A retrospective quasi‐experiment was conducted to evaluate the impact of a pharmacist‐driven antimicrobial stewardship intervention targeting cytomegalovirus (CMV) viremia in ambulatory SOT recipients. The intervention consisted of (a) real‐time CMV DNA surveillance and result notification conducted by the pharmacist and (b) recommendations for the optimization of drug therapy provided at the time of result notification. The intervention period was compared to a pre‐intervention period of usual care. Of 431 adult SOT recipients who had an initial quantifiable CMV viral load in the ambulatory setting, 185 received antiviral induction therapy and were included for analysis.

Results

Significantly fewer patients in the intervention period reached a CMV viral load >10 000 IU/mL immediately prior to treatment (10.6% vs 27.3%; P = 0.004), and a significantly greater proportion of patients in the intervention period achieved CMV eradication at 21 days (84.5% vs 71.7%; P = 0.038). Additional differences favoring the intervention period were antiviral initiation within 5 days of the first quantifiable CMV DNA (62.4% vs 55.0%; P = 0.02) and time‐to‐CMV eradication (25.5 vs 28.9 days; P = 0.003). Although not significant, there were also numerical reductions in CMV‐related hospital admissions (11.9% vs 19.0%; P = 0.188) and CMV disease (5.9% vs 12.0%; P = 0.151) during the intervention period, as well as fewer episodes of CMV resistance at 1‐year (2.3% vs 4.0%; P = 0.689).

Conclusion

Together, these findings suggest a potential role for pharmacist involvement in CMV surveillance and treatment optimization in ambulatory SOT recipients.
Impact of antiretroviral regimen on renal transplant outcomes in HIV‐infected recipients
Authors: Sparkes Tracy , Manitpisitkul Wana , Masters Brian , Bartlett Stephen T. , Davis Charles , Husson Jennifer , Amoroso Anthony , Haririan Abdolreza
Published: September 2018

Background

Protease inhibitors (PI) pose a challenge post‐transplant due to significant drug interactions with calcineurin inhibitors, prompting many clinicians to convert patients to non‐interacting regimens prior to transplant. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of PI‐based regimens on graft outcomes in HIV‐infected renal transplant recipients.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, 50 HIV‐infected renal allograft recipients (27 receiving a PI regimen, 23 receiving a non‐PI regimen) transplanted between 2003‐2015 were analyzed.

Results

Cumulative rejection rates at 12 and 36 months were 41% and 54% in the PI group vs 52% and 86% in the non‐PI group. At last follow‐up, the overall risk of acute rejection in the PI group was 46% lower compared with the non‐PI cohort (P = 0.12). Patients who received a PI‐based regimen had significantly reduced graft failure rates (P = 0.027). There was no difference between groups in the degree of interstitial fibrosis/tubular atrophy, arteriolar hyalinosis, arterial sclerosis, or glomerular sclerosis on available biopsies, despite longer follow‐up time in the PI group.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that PI‐based antiretroviral therapy regimens are associated with improved graft survival and that patients can achieve adequate outcomes on a PI‐based regimen when necessary. Due to study limitations, further studies are needed to determine the optimal immunosuppression/antiretroviral therapy regimen post‐transplant.
How Culture and Biology Interact to Shape Language and the Language Faculty
Authors: Smith Kenny
Published: September 2018

Recent work suggests that linguistic structure develops through cultural evolution, as a consequence of the repeated cycle of learning and use by which languages persist. This work has important implications for our understanding of the evolution of the cognitive basis for language; in particular, human language and the cognitive capacities underpinning it are likely to have been shaped by co‐evolutionary processes, where the cultural evolution of linguistic systems is shaped by and in turn shapes the biological evolution of the capacities underpinning language learning. I review several models of this co‐evolutionary process, which suggest that the precise relationship between evolved biases in individuals and the structure of linguistic systems depends on the extent to which cultural evolution masks or unmasks individual‐level cognitive biases from selection. I finish by discussing how these co‐evolutionary models might be extended to cases where the biases involved in learning are themselves shaped by experience, as is the case for language.
Sustained vasomotor control of skin microcirculation in Sherpas versus altitude‐naive lowlanders: Experimental evidence from Xtreme Everest 2
Authors: Davies Thomas , Gilbert‐Kawai Edward , Wythe Stephen , Meale Paula , Mythen Monty , Levett Denny , Mitchell Kay , Grocott Michael , Clough Geraldine , Martin Daniel ,   for the Xtreme Everest 2 Research Group
Published: September 2018

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Do Sherpa highlanders, when exposed to graded hypobaric hypoxia, exhibit enhanced vasomotor and neurovascular control to maintain microcirculatory flux, and thus tissue oxygenation, when compared with altitude‐naive lowlanders?

What is the main finding and its importance?

Sherpas, when exposed to hypobaric hypoxia at high altitude, demonstrated superior preservation of their peripheral microcirculatory perfusion, a greater oxygen unloading rate and sustained microvascular reactivity with enhanced vasomotion, when compared with altitude‐naive lowlanders. These differences have not been reported previously and may improve our understanding of the multifactorial responses to sustained environmental hypoxia.

Enhanced oxygen delivery, consequent to an increased microvascular perfusion, has been postulated to play a key role in the physiological adaptation of Tibetan highlanders to the hypobaric hypoxia encountered at high altitude. We tested the hypothesis that Sherpas, when exposed to graded hypobaric hypoxia, demonstrate enhanced vasomotor and neurovascular control to maintain microcirculatory flux, and thus tissue oxygenation, when compared with altitude‐naive lowlanders. Eighty‐three lowlanders [39 men and 44 women, 38.8 (13.1) years old; mean (SD)] and 61 Sherpas [28 men and 33 women, 27.9 (6.9) years old] were studied on ascent to Everest Base Camp over 11 days. Skin blood flux and tissue oxygen saturation were measured simultaneously using combined laser Doppler fluximetry and white light spectroscopy at baseline, 3500 and 5300 m. In both cohorts, ascent resulted in a decline in the sympathetically mediated microvascular constrictor response (P < 0.001), which was more marked in lowlanders than in Sherpas (P < 0.001). The microvascular dilator response evaluated by postocclusive reactive hyperaemia was significantly greater in Sherpas than in lowlanders at all sites (P < 0.002). Spectral analysis of the blood flux signals revealed enhanced myogenic (vasomotion) activity in Sherpas, which was unaffected by ascent to 5300 m. Although skin tissue oxygenation was lower in Sherpas than in lowlanders, the oxygen unloading rate was faster, and deoxyhaemoglobin levels higher, at all altitudes. Together, these data suggest that Sherpas, when exposed to hypobaric hypoxia, demonstrated superior preservation of peripheral microcirculatory perfusion compared with altitude‐naive lowlanders. The physiological differences in local microvasculature vasomotor and neurovascular control may play a key role in Sherpa adaptation to high‐altitude hypobaric hypoxia by sustaining local perfusion and tissue oxygenation.
Effect of different geographic altitudes on the performance of a conventional solar still with arsenic and boron removal efficiency in an arid zone
Authors: Chavez Yavara Wladimir Antonio , Torres Betzabé Andrea Paiva , Zambra Carlos Enrique Sazo
Published: September 2018

Objectives: Report the exploratory study results of the performance of a conventional solar still prototype using seawater and brackish water (river and well) at three locations in northern Chile at different geographical heights. Materials and methods: A solar still with an effective distillation area of 0.54 m2 was used. Three tests were performed with seawater, 1 with river water and 1 with well water.  The temperatures and environmental parameters were measured every 10 minutes for 36 continuous hours. The efficiency was evaluated in terms of seawater and the capacity to remove natural contaminants from brackish water. Results and discussion: The productivity in the three selected areas was 3 and 4 L/m2 for seawater and brackish water, respectively. The removal of boron and arsenic complies with the regulations of the country. Conclusion: The results obtained are of exploratory character for the zones, where the geographic height and the total dissolved solids are factors that determine the performance of a passive solar still, which is higher when water is used with low concentrations of solids.
Surface treatments of ti-alloy based bone implant manufactured by electrical discharge machining
Authors: Qosim Nanang , Supriadi Sugeng , Saragih Agung Shamsuddin , Whulanza Yudan
Published: September 2018

Objective: This research aims to observe the extent to which several surface treatment techniques increase the surface roughness of titanium alloy implants which was manufactured via electrical discharge machining (EDM). The effects of these techniques were also observed to decrease the Cu content on the implant surface. Materials and Methods: In this research, ultrasonic cleaning, rotary tumbler polishing, and brushing were employed as techniques to increase the roughness of a titanium implant which was manufactured via EDM, to the moderately rough category, and to reduce the contaminant element deposited on its surface. An MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay test was also used to observe the effect of these engineered specimens with respect to mesenchymal stem cells’ proliferation. Results and Discussion: The results show that ultrasonic cleaning and rotary tumbler polishing created a significant increase (90% and 67%, respectively) in the surface roughness. On the other hand, brushing was shown to be the best benchmark for reducing the contamination of Copper (Cu). Furthermore, rotary tumbler polishing and brushing can increase the percentage of living cells compared to the original surface EDM specimens. Conclusion: All micro-finishing methods that were employed are able to increase the surface roughness of Ti alloy based-implant to moderately rough category.
Abundance and diversity of black flies (Diptera: Simuliidae) in rivers of the Andean Eastern Hills of Bogotá (Colombia),
Authors: Buitrago-Guacaneme Alexandra , Sotelo-Londoño Aura , Pinilla-Agudelo Gabriel A. , García-García Alexander , Moncada Ligia I , Adler Peter H
Published: September 2018

Black flies are abundant benthic organisms in well-oxygenated running water and are considered effective bioindicators of water quality. Information on the ecology of these organisms at the species level is important, since up to now information has mainly been available on a family level. The aim of this study was to evaluate the composition of black flies and their relationships to a group of physical and chemical factors in four small rivers of the Eastern Hills around Bogotá, Colombia. These headwaters are protected by the Empresa de Acueducto y Alcantarillado de Bogotá. Black fly larvae and pupae were collected during four sampling periods during the dry season to the early rainy season of 2012. Multivariate methods were used to determine the presence of each species in relation to dissolved oxygen, nitrates, pH, temperature, and water velocity. PCA ordination revealed a physicochemical environment with a tendency towards a certain homogeneity in the fourrivers studied. The DCA ordination confirmed that in La Vieja River the G. ortizi complex dominated while S. muiscorum was dominant in the other three rivers. Similarly, according to the NMDS, the composition of black flies in Arzobispo and Chorro de Padilla rivers was similar, while that of El Delirio and La Vieja rivers were different, especially in this last river. The rivers hadlow species richness (four species and one species complex). Simulium muiscorum was negatively correlated with dissolved oxygen, temperature and current velocity while S. ignescens was associated with slightly more oxygenated waters and S. furcilatum with fastercurrents.The low species diversity and richness for the four rivers is consistent with previous report sof low Neotropical diversity of black flies. Results showed that simuliid species could possibly be good indicators of the environmental conditions of Eastern Hills rivers around Bogotá.
Mass of Spiral Galaxies by Means of a Maximum Disc Model
Authors: Reina-Medrano Jerson Ivan , López-Suspes Framsol , González Guillermo A
Published: September 2018

Maximum disc mass models for a set of spiral galaxies from the Ursa Major Cluster are presented. We construct the models using the Hunther method and the particular solutions are chosen in such away that the circular velocities are adjusted very accurately to the observed rotation curves of some specific spiral galaxies. Under the maximum disc hypothesis, we consider that the rotation curves of the analyzed galaxies can be modeled with only the contribution of the disc. This implies that it is not necessary to consider the contribution of the dark matter halo in the inner part of the spiral. In this way, the models reproduce the global behavior of the rotation curves in the great majority of galaxies. Producing good adjustments to calculate the total mass of these galaxies, and yielding values of the order of 1010M0. Based on the verticalstability criterion presented by Viera & Ramos-Caro(2016), we find that all the galaxies analyzed present a vertically stable behavior.On the other hand, from the analysis of the epicyclic frequency we find that al lthe models exhibit mainly a radial stable behaviour except at the edge of the disc.
Dealing with image shifting in 3D ToF-SIMS depth profiles
Authors: Graham Daniel J. , Gamble Lara J.
Published: September 2018

The high sputter efficiency and low damage of gas cluster ion beams have enabled depth profiling to greater depths within organic samples using time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS). Due to the typically fixed geometry of the ion sources used in ToF-SIMS, as one digs into a surface, the position sampled by ion beams shifts laterally. This causes a lateral shift in the resulting images that can become quite significant when profiling down more than one micron. Here, three methods to compensate for this image shifting are presented in order to more accurately stack the images to present a 3D representation. These methods include (1) using software to correct the image shifts post-acquisition, (2) correcting the sample height during acquisition, and (3) adjusting the beam position during acquisition. The advantages and disadvantages of these methods are discussed. It was found that all three methods were successful in compensating for image shifting in ToF-SIMS depth profiles resulting in a more accurate display of the 3D data. Features from spherical objects that were ellipsoidal prior to shifting were seen to be spherical after correction. Software shifting is convenient as it can be applied after data acquisition. However, when using software shifting, one must take into account the scan size and the size of the features of interest as image shifts can be significant and can result in cropping of features of interest. For depth profiles deeper than a few microns, hardware methods should be used as they preserve features of interest within the field of view regardless of the profile depth. Software shifting can also be used to correct for small shifts not accounted for by hardware methods. A combination of hardware and software shift correction can enable correction for a wide range of samples and profiling depths. The scripts required for the software shifting demonstrated herein are provided along with tutorials in the supplementary material.
Hypercapnia increases airway smooth muscle contractility via caspase-7–mediated miR-133a–RhoA signaling
Authors: Shigemura Masahiko , Lecuona Emilia , Angulo Martín , Homma Tetsuya , Rodríguez Diego A. , Gonzalez-Gonzalez Francisco J. , Welch Lynn C. , Amarelle Luciano , Kim Seok-Jo , Kaminski Naftali , Budinger G. R. Scott , Solway Julian , Sznajder Jacob I.
Published: September 2018

Elevated carbon dioxide (hypercapnia) activates complex signaling pathways in airway smooth muscle cells, resulting in airway constriction.
Pharmacodynamic Evaluation of Rezafungin (CD101) against Candida auris in the Neutropenic Mouse Invasive Candidiasis Model
Authors: Lepak Alexander J. , Zhao Miao , Andes David R.
Published: September 2018

Rezafungin (CD101) is a novel echinocandin under development for once-weekly intravenous (i.v.) dosing. We evaluated the pharmacodynamics (PD) of rezafungin against 4
Candida auris
strains, using the neutropenic mouse invasive candidiasis model.
IdeR, a DtxR Family Iron Response Regulator, Controls Iron Homeostasis, Morphological Differentiation, Secondary Metabolism, and the Oxidative Stress Response in Streptomyces avermitilis
Authors: Cheng Yaqing , Yang Renjun , Lyu Mengya , Wang Shiwei , Liu Xingchao , Wen Ying , Song Yuan , Li Jilun , Chen Zhi
Published: September 2018

Iron is essential to almost all organisms, but in the presence of oxygen, iron is both poorly available and potentially toxic.
Streptomyces
species are predominantly present in soil where the environment is complex and fluctuating. So far, the mechanism of iron homeostasis in
Streptomyces
spp. remains to be elucidated. Here, we characterized the regulatory role of IdeR in the avermectin-producing organism
S. avermitilis
. IdeR maintains intracellular iron levels by regulating genes involved in iron absorption and storage. IdeR also directly regulates morphological differentiation, secondary metabolism, and central metabolism.
ideR
is under the positive control of OxyR and is indispensable for an efficient response to oxidative stress. This investigation uncovered that IdeR acts as a global regulator coordinating iron homeostasis, morphological differentiation, secondary metabolism, and oxidative stress response in
Streptomyces
species. Elucidation of the pleiotropic regulation function of IdeR provides new insights into the mechanisms of how
Streptomyces
spp. adapt to the complex environment.
Exchange Proteins Directly Activated by cAMP and Their Roles in Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection
Authors: Choi Eun-Jin , Ren Yuping , Chen Yu , Liu Shengxuan , Wu Wenzhe , Ren Junping , Wang Pingyuan , Garofalo Roberto P. , Zhou Jia , Bao Xiaoyong
Published: September 2018

RSV is a serious public health problem, as it is associated with bronchiolitis, pneumonia, and asthma exacerbations. Currently no effective treatment or vaccine is available, and many molecular mechanisms regarding RSV-induced lung disease are still significantly unknown. This project aims to elucidate an important and novel function of a protein, called EPAC2, in RSV replication and innate inflammatory responses. Our results should provide an important insight into the development of new pharmacologic strategies against RSV infection, thereby reducing RSV-associated morbidity and mortality.
Removal of a Membrane Anchor Reveals the Opposing Regulatory Functions of Vibrio cholerae Glucose-Specific Enzyme IIA in Biofilms and the Mammalian Intestine
Authors: Vijayakumar Vidhya , Vanhove Audrey S. , Pickering Bradley S. , Liao Julie , Tierney Braden T. , Asara John M. , Bronson Roderick , Watnick Paula I.
Published: September 2018

The
V. cholerae
phosphoenolpyruvate phosphotransferase system (PTS) is a well-conserved, multicomponent phosphotransfer cascade that regulates cellular physiology and virulence in response to nutritional signals. Glucose-specific enzyme IIA (EIIA
Glc
), a component of the PTS, is a master regulator that coordinates bacterial metabolism, nutrient uptake, and behavior by direct interactions with protein partners. We show that an amphipathic helix (AH) at the N terminus of
V. cholerae
EIIA
Glc
serves as a membrane association domain that is dispensable for interactions with cytoplasmic partners but essential for regulation of integral membrane protein partners. By removing this amphipathic helix, hidden, opposing roles for cytoplasmic partners of EIIA
Glc
in both biofilm formation and metabolism within the mammalian intestine are revealed. This study defines a novel paradigm for AH function in integrating opposing regulatory functions in the cytoplasm and at the bacterial cell membrane and highlights the PTS as a target for metabolic modulation of the intestinal environment.
Phase Transitions Drive the Formation of Vesicular Stomatitis Virus Replication Compartments
Authors: Heinrich Bianca S. , Maliga Zoltan , Stein David A. , Hyman Anthony A. , Whelan Sean P. J.
Published: September 2018

RNA viruses compartmentalize their replication machinery to evade detection by host pattern recognition receptors and concentrate the machinery of RNA synthesis. For positive-strand RNA viruses, RNA replication occurs in a virus-induced membrane-associated replication organelle. For NNS RNA viruses, the replication compartment is a cytoplasmic inclusion that is not circumscribed by a cellular membrane. Such structures were first observed in the cell bodies of neurons from humans infected with rabies virus and were termed Negri bodies. How the replication machinery that forms this inclusion remains associated in the absence of a membrane has been an enduring mystery. In this article, we present evidence that the VSV replication compartments form through phase separation. Phase separation is increasingly recognized as responsible for cellular structures as diverse as processing bodies (P-bodies) and nucleoli and was recently demonstrated for rabies virus. This article further links the fields of host-pathogen interaction with that of phase separation.
Draft Genome Sequence of Mycoplasma wenyonii, a Second Hemotropic Mycoplasma Species Identified in Mexican Bovine Cattle
Authors: Quiroz-Castañeda Rosa Estela , Martínez-Ocampo Fernando , Dantán-González Edgar
Published: September 2018

The hemotropic mycoplasma (hemoplasma)
Mycoplasma wenyonii
is an animal pathogen that affects bovine cattle health. Here, we present the draft genome sequence of the hemoplasma
M. wenyonii
strain INIFAP02 found in cattle from Mexico.
Patterns and correlates of use of evidence-based interventions to control diabetes by local health departments across the USA
Authors: Tabak Rachel G , Parks Renee G , Allen Peg , Jacob Rebekah R , Mazzucca Stephanie , Stamatakis Katherine A , Poehler Allison R , Chin Marshall H , Dobbins Maureen , Dekker Debra , Brownson Ross C
Published: September 2018

Objective

The nearly 3000 local health departments (LHDs) nationwide are the front line of public health and are positioned to implement evidence-based interventions (EBIs) for diabetes control. Yet little is currently known about use of diabetes-related EBIs among LHDs. This study used a national online survey to determine the patterns and correlates of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Community Guide-recommended EBIs for diabetes control in LHDs.

Research design and methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted to survey a stratified random sample of LHDs regarding department characteristics, respondent characteristics, evidence-based decision making within the LHD, and delivery of EBIs (directly or in collaboration) within five categories (diabetes-related, nutrition, physical activity, obesity, and tobacco). Associations between delivering EBIs and respondent and LHD characteristics and evidence-based decision making were explored using logistic regression models.

Results

Among 240 LHDs there was considerable variation among the EBIs delivered. Diabetes prevalence in the state was positively associated with offering the Diabetes Prevention Program (OR=1.28 (95% CI 1.02 to 1.62)), diabetes self-management education (OR=1.32 (95% CI 1.04 to 1.67)), and identifying patients and determining treatment (OR=1.27 (95% CI 1.05 to 1.54)). Although all organizational supports for evidence-based decision making factors were related in a positive direction, the only significant association was between evaluation capacity and identifying patients with diabetes and determining effective treatment (OR=1.54 (95% CI 1.08 to 2.19)).

Conclusion

Supporting evidence-based decision making and increasing the implementation of these EBIs by more LHDs can help control diabetes nationwide.
Longitudinal body weight and sputum conversion in patients with tuberculosis, Southwest Ethiopia: a retrospective follow-up study
Authors: Filate Mersha , Mehari Zelalem , Alemu Yihun Mulugeta
Published: September 2018

Objectives

To describe the association between change in body weight and sputum smear conversion and to identify factors linked with body weight and sputum smear conversion in Jimma University Specialized Hospital, Southwest Ethiopia.

Design

A retrospective follow-up study.

Setting

Teaching hospital in Southwest Ethiopia.

Participants

A total of 450 patients with tuberculosis (TB) were included in the follow-up between 2011 and 2013.

Main outcome measures

The association between body weight and sputum conversion was measured using joint modelling.

Results

The association between change in body weight and change in sputum conversion was −0.698 (p<0.001). A strong inverse association between change in body weight and change in sputum conversion was observed. The study variables sex, age, type of TB, HIV status, dose of anti-TB drug and length of enrolment to TB treatment were significantly associated with change in body weight of patients with TB. The study variables age, type of TB, dose of anti-TB drug and length of enrolment were significantly associated with change in sputum status of patients with TB.

Conclusions

Among patients with TB who were on anti-TB treatment, increase in body weight and positive sputum status were inversely related over time. TB prevention and control strategies should give emphasis on factors such as female sex, older age, non-pulmonary positive type of TB, HIV-positive, lower dose of anti-TB drug and length of enrolment to TB treatment during monitoring of trends in body weight and sputum status.
Identifying important health system factors that influence primary care practitioners’ referrals for cancer suspicion: a European cross-sectional survey
Authors: Harris Michael , Vedsted Peter , Esteva Magdalena , Murchie Peter , Aubin-Auger Isabelle , Azuri Joseph , Brekke Mette , Buczkowski Krzysztof , Buono Nicola , Costiug Emiliana , Dinant Geert-Jan , Foreva Gergana , Gašparović Babić Svjetlana , Hoffman Robert , Jakob Eva , Koskela Tuomas H , Marzo-Castillejo Mercè , Neves Ana Luísa , Petek Davorina , Petek Ster Marija , Sawicka-Powierza Jolanta , Schneider Antonius , Smyrnakis Emmanouil , Streit Sven , Thulesius Hans , Weltermann Birgitta , Taylor Gordon
Published: September 2018

Objectives

Cancer survival and stage of disease at diagnosis and treatment vary widely across Europe. These differences may be partly due to variations in access to investigations and specialists. However, evidence to explain how different national health systems influence primary care practitioners’ (PCPs’) referral decisions is lacking.

This study analyses health system factors potentially influencing PCPs’ referral decision-making when consulting with patients who may have cancer, and how these vary between European countries.

Design

Based on a content-validity consensus, a list of 45 items relating to a PCP’s decisions to refer patients with potential cancer symptoms for further investigation was reduced to 20 items. An online questionnaire with the 20 items was answered by PCPs on a five-point Likert scale, indicating how much each item affected their own decision-making in patients that could have cancer. An exploratory factor analysis identified the factors underlying PCPs’ referral decision-making.

Setting

A primary care study; 25 participating centres in 20 European countries.

Participants

1830 PCPs completed the survey. The median response rate for participating centres was 20.7%.

Outcome measures

The factors derived from items related to PCPs’ referral decision-making. Mean factor scores were produced for each country, allowing comparisons.

Results

Factor analysis identified five underlying factors: PCPs’ ability to refer; degree of direct patient access to secondary care; PCPs’ perceptions of being under pressure; expectations of PCPs’ role; and extent to which PCPs believe that quality comes before cost in their health systems. These accounted for 47.4% of the observed variance between individual responses.

Conclusions

Five healthcare system factors influencing PCPs’ referral decision-making in 20 European countries were identified. The factors varied considerably between European countries. Knowledge of these factors could assist development of health service policies to produce better cancer outcomes, and inform future research to compare national cancer diagnostic pathways and outcomes.
Electronic healthcare databases in Europe: descriptive analysis of characteristics and potential for use in medicines regulation
Authors: Pacurariu Alexandra , Plueschke Kelly , McGettigan Patricia , Morales Daniel R , Slattery Jim , Vogl Dagmar , Goedecke Thomas , Kurz Xavier , Cave Alison
Published: September 2018

Objective

Electronic healthcare databases (EHDs) are useful tools for drug development and safety evaluation but their heterogeneity of structure, validity and access across Europe complicates the conduct of multidatabase studies. In this paper, we provide insight into available EHDs to support regulatory decisions on medicines.

Methods

EHDs were identified from publicly available information from the European Network of Centres for Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacovigilance resources database, textbooks and web-based searches. Databases were selected using criteria related to accessibility, longitudinal dimension, recording of exposure and outcomes, and generalisability. Extracted information was verified with the database owners.

Results

A total of 34 EHDs were selected after applying key criteria relevant for regulatory purposes. The most represented regions were Northern, Central and Western Europe. The most frequent types of data source were electronic medical records (44.1%) and record linkage systems (29.4%). The median number of patients registered in the 34 data sources was 5 million (range 0.07–15 million) while the median time covered by a database was 18.5 years. Paediatric patients were included in 32 databases (94%). Completeness of information on drug exposure was variable. Published validation studies were found for only 17 databases (50%). Some level of access exists for 25 databases (73.5%), and 23 databases (67.6%) can be linked through a personal identification number to other databases with parent–child linkage possible in 7 (21%) databases. Eight databases (23.5%) were already transformed or were in the process of being transformed into a common data model that could facilitate multidatabase studies.

Conclusion

A Few European databases meet minimal regulatory requirements and are readily available to be used in a regulatory context. Accessibility and validity information of the included information needs to be improved. This study confirmed the fragmentation, heterogeneity and lack of transparency existing in many European EHDs.
The Derivative of the Conjugacy Between Skew Tent Maps
Authors: Plakhotnyk Makar
Published: September 2018

We consider in this article the properties of topological conjugacy of the tent-like maps [Formula: see text], which are piecewise linear and whose graph consists of straight line segments, extending from [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is a parameter. For any point [Formula: see text], we reduce the calculation of the derivative of the conjugacy [Formula: see text] of functions [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] to the limit of a recurrently defined sequence, which is defined by [Formula: see text]. In the case [Formula: see text], this result is reduced to a study of some properties of the binary expansion of [Formula: see text].
Bifurcation Analysis of an Age Structured HIV Infection Model with Both Virus-to-Cell and Cell-to-Cell Transmissions
Authors: Zhang Xiangming , Liu Zhihua
Published: September 2018

We make a mathematical analysis of an age structured HIV infection model with both virus-to-cell and cell-to-cell transmissions to understand the dynamical behavior of HIV infection in vivo. In the model, we consider the proliferation of uninfected CD[Formula: see text] T cells by a logistic function and the infected CD[Formula: see text] T cells are assumed to have an infection-age structure. Our main results concern the Hopf bifurcation of the model by using the theory of integrated semigroup and the Hopf bifurcation theory for semilinear equations with nondense domain. Bifurcation analysis indicates that there exist some parameter values such that this HIV infection model has a nontrivial periodic solution which bifurcates from the positive equilibrium. The numerical simulations are also carried out.
Cryptanalysis of Chaos-Based Cryptosystem from the Hardware Perspective
Authors: Luo Yuling , Zhang Dezheng , Liu Junxiu , Liu Yunqi , Cao Yi , Ding Xuemei
Published: September 2018

Chaos has been used in cryptography for years and many chaotic cryptographic systems have been proposed. Their securities are often evaluated by conducting conventional statistical tests, however few studies have referred to the security issue of the chaotic hardware cryptographic systems. This paper evaluates the security of the chaotic cryptographic system from a hardware perspective by using the side channel analysis attack. First, a chaotic block cryptosystem is designed and implemented based on an Atmel microcontroller. Then the conventional statistical security tests, including SP 800-22 test, characters frequency test, avalanche test, are used to verify its security performance. In the meantime, the correlation power analysis attack is carried out for the security evaluation. Experimental results demonstrate that even though the chaotic cryptographic system can pass the conventional statistical tests, it still has the probability to be attacked from a hardware perspective using the leaked side channel information such as execution time and power consumption. This paper proposes another way to analyze the security of the chaotic cryptosystem, which can aid designing mechanisms to enhance the security of the hardware cryptosystems in the future.
Genetic Control of Early Cell Lineages in the Mammalian Embryo
Authors: Rossant Janet
Published: September 2018

Establishing the different lineages of the early mammalian embryo takes place over several days and several rounds of cell divisions from the fertilized egg. The resulting blastocyst contains the pluripotent cells of the epiblast, from which embryonic stem cells can be derived, as well as the extraembryonic lineages required for a mammalian embryo to survive in the uterine environment. The dynamics of the cellular and genetic interactions controlling the initiation and maintenance of these lineages in the mouse embryo are increasingly well understood through application of the tools of single-cell genomics, gene editing, and in vivo imaging. Exploring the similarities and differences between mouse and human development will be essential for translation of these findings into new insights into human biology, derivation of stem cells, and improvements in fertility treatments.
Evolved changes in breathing and CO2sensitivity in deer mice native to high altitudes
Authors: Ivy Catherine M. , Scott Graham R.
Published: September 2018

We examined the control of breathing by O2and CO2in deer mice native to high altitude to help uncover the physiological specializations used to cope with hypoxia in high-altitude environments. Highland deer mice ( Peromyscus maniculatus) and lowland white-footed mice ( P. leucopus) were bred in captivity at sea level. The first and second generation progeny of each population was raised to adulthood and then acclimated to normoxia or hypobaric hypoxia (12 kPa O2, simulating hypoxia at ~4,300 m) for 6–8 wk. Ventilatory responses to poikilocapnic hypoxia (stepwise reductions in inspired O2) and hypercapnia (stepwise increases in inspired CO2) were then compared between groups. Both generations of lowlanders appeared to exhibit ventilatory acclimatization to hypoxia (VAH), in which hypoxia acclimation enhanced the hypoxic ventilatory response and/or made the breathing pattern more effective (higher tidal volumes and lower breathing frequencies at a given total ventilation). In contrast, hypoxia acclimation had no effect on breathing in either generation of highlanders, and breathing was generally similar to hypoxia-acclimated lowlanders. Therefore, attenuation of VAH may be an evolved feature of highlanders that persists for multiple generations in captivity. Hypoxia acclimation increased CO2sensitivity of breathing, but in this case, the effect of hypoxia acclimation was similar in highlanders and lowlanders. Our results suggest that highland deer mice have evolved high rates of alveolar ventilation that are unaltered by exposure to chronic hypoxia, but they have preserved ventilatory sensitivity to CO2.
Vitamin D Postpartum Concentrations: Relationship with Nutritional Condition and Morbidities during Pregnancy
Authors: Martins Maria Eliana Pierre , Esmeraldo Carmem Ulisses Peixoto , Sabiá João Paulo Duarte , Carvalho João Hallisson Lemos , Suano-Souza Fabíola Isabel , Sarni Roseli Oselka Saccardo
Published: September 2018

Objective. To evaluate postpartum vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency and to relate it to pregestational BMI, gestational weight gain, and sociodemographic variables. Methods. This is a cross-sectional study with 225 full-term pregnant women. Data collected are as follows: maternal health, socioeconomic status, pregestational body mass index (BMI), and gestational weight gain. Laboratory evaluation included vitamin D [25(OH)D], calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and alkaline phosphatase. Results. The mean age of women was 25.6±6.6 years. Dark skin color, low education, and work in the urban region were predominant. Regular sun exposure, photoprotection, and vitamin D supplementation were reported by 144 (64.0%), 44 (19.6%), and 5 (2.2%) women, respectively. The mean plasma concentrations of 25(OH)D were 26.0±6.8 ng/mL. Levels compatible with deficiency (<20 ng/mL) and insufficiency (20-30 ng/mL) were observed in 43 (19.1%) and 124 (55.1%) women, respectively. The increase of 1 ng/mL in 25(OH)D concentrations was associated with an increase of 0.16 mg/dL (95%CI 0.19 to 2.02; p=0.018) for calcium. There were no associations with 25(OH)D concentrations with pregestational BMI and with gestational weight gain. Conclusions. The high frequency of postpartum vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency in women with a full-term pregnancy in a region with a large and permanent sun exposure reminds us of the need for intervention policies aimed at preventing vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy.
A Note on Finsler Version of Calabi-Yau Theorem
Authors: Yin Songting , Wang Ruixin , Zhang Pan
Published: September 2018

We generalize Calabi-Yau’s linear volume growth theorem to Finsler manifold with the weighted Ricci curvature bounded below by a negative function and show that such a manifold must have infinite volume.
A First-Principles Study on Hydrogen Sensing Properties of Pristine and Mo-Doped Graphene
Authors: Yang Shulin , Lan Zhigao , Xu Huoxi , Lei Gui , Xie Wei , Gu Qibin
Published: September 2018

The adsorption of H2 on the pristine and Mo-doped graphene was investigated by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The structural and electronic properties of H2-graphene systems were studied to understand the interaction between H2 molecule and graphene-based material. Our calculation results showed the pristine graphene was not an ideal sensing material to detect H2 molecule as it ran far away from the pristine graphene surface. Different with pristine graphene, the Mo-doped graphene presented much higher affinities to the H2 molecule. It was found that the placed H2 molecules could stably be chemisorbed on the Mo-doped graphene with high binding energy. The electronic property of Mo-doped graphene was significantly affected by the strong interaction and orbital hybridization between H2 and Mo-doped graphene sheet. The H2 molecule would capture more charges from the doped graphene than the pristine system, indicating the higher sensitivity for the graphene doped with Mo.