bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Host‐pathogen kinetics during influenza infection and coinfection: insights from predictive modeling
Authors: Smith Amber M
Published: August 2018

Influenza virus infections are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. This is due in part to the continual emergence of new viral variants and to synergistic interactions with other viruses and bacteria. There is a lack of understanding about how host responses work to control the infection and how other pathogens capitalize on the altered immune state. The complexity of multi‐pathogen infections makes dissecting contributing mechanisms, which may be non‐linear and occur on different time scales, challenging. Fortunately, mathematical models have been able to uncover infection control mechanisms, establish regulatory feedbacks, connect mechanisms across time scales, and determine the processes that dictate different disease outcomes. These models have tested existing hypotheses and generated new hypotheses, some of which have been subsequently tested and validated in the laboratory. They have been particularly a key in studying influenza‐bacteria coinfections and will be undoubtedly be useful in examining the interplay between influenza virus and other viruses. Here, I review recent advances in modeling influenza‐related infections, the novel biological insight that has been gained through modeling, the importance of model‐driven experimental design, and future directions of the field.
Current best estimates for the average lifespans of mouse and human leukocytes: reviewing two decades of deuterium‐labeling experiments
Authors: Borghans José A. M. , Tesselaar Kiki , de Boer Rob J.
Published: August 2018

Deuterium is a non‐toxic, stable isotope that can safely be administered to humans and mice to study their cellular turnover rates in vivo. It is incorporated into newly synthesized DNA strands during cell division, without interference with the kinetics of cells, and the accumulation and loss of deuterium in the DNA of sorted (sub‐)populations of leukocytes can be used to estimate their cellular production rates and lifespans. In the past two decades, this powerful technology has been used to estimate the turnover rates of various types of leukocytes. Although it is the most reliable technique currently available to study leukocyte turnover, there are remarkable differences between the cellular turnover rates estimated by some of these studies. We have recently established that part of this variation is due to (a) difficulties in estimating deuterium availability in some deuterium‐labeling studies, and (b) assumptions made by the mathematical models employed to fit the data. Being aware of these two problems, we here aim to approach a consensus on the life expectancies of different types of T cells, B cells, monocytes, and neutrophils in mice and men. We address remaining outstanding problems whenever appropriate and discuss for which immune subpopulations we currently have too little information to draw firm conclusions about their turnover.
The natural history of naive T cells from birth to maturity
Authors: Seddon Benedict , Yates Andrew J.
Published: August 2018

Generating and maintaining a diverse repertoire of naive T cells is essential for protection against pathogens, and developing a mechanistic and quantitative description of the processes involved lies at the heart of our understanding of vertebrate immunity. Here, we review the biology of naive T cells from birth to maturity and outline how the integration of mathematical models and experiments has helped us to develop a full picture of their life histories.
Some deterministic and stochastic mathematical models of naïve T‐cell homeostasis
Authors: Lythe Grant , Molina‐París Carmen
Published: August 2018

Humans live for decades, whereas mice live for months. Over these long timescales, naïve T cells die or divide infrequently enough that it makes sense to approximate death and division as instantaneous events. The population of T cells in the body is naturally divided into clonotypes; a clonotype is the set of cells that have identical T‐cell receptors. While total numbers of cells, such as naïve CD4+ T cells, are large enough that ordinary differential equations are an appropriate starting point for mathematical models, the numbers of cells per clonotype are not. Here, we review a number of basic mathematical models of the maintenance of clonal diversity. As well as deterministic models, we discuss stochastic models that explicitly track the integer number of naïve T cells in many competing clonotypes over the lifetime of a mouse or human, including the effect of waning thymic production. Experimental evaluation of clonal diversity by bulk high‐throughput sequencing has many difficulties, but the use of single‐cell sequencing is restricted to numbers of cells many orders of magnitude smaller than the total number of T cells in the body. Mathematical questions associated with extrapolating from small samples are therefore key to advances in understanding the diversity of the repertoire of T cells. We conclude with some mathematical models on how to advance in this area.
Within‐host modeling of blood‐stage malaria
Authors: Khoury David S. , Aogo Rosemary , Randriafanomezantsoa‐Radohery Georges , McCaw James M. , Simpson Julie A. , McCarthy James S. , Haque Ashraful , Cromer Deborah , Davenport Miles P.
Published: August 2018

Malaria infection continues to be a major health problem worldwide and drug resistance in the major human parasite species,Plasmodium falciparum, is increasing in South East Asia. Control measures including novel drugs and vaccines are in development, and contributions to the rational design and optimal usage of these interventions are urgently needed. Infection involves the complex interaction of parasite dynamics, host immunity, and drug effects. The long life cycle (48 hours in the common human species) and synchronized replication cycle of the parasite population present significant challenges to modeling the dynamics ofPlasmodiuminfection. Coupled with these, variation in immune recognition and drug action at different life cycle stages leads to further complexity. We review the development and progress of “within‐host” models ofPlasmodiuminfection, and how these have been applied to understanding and interpreting human infection and animal models of infection.
Antiviral interferon response at single‐cell resolution
Authors: Talemi Soheil Rastgou , Höfer Thomas
Published: August 2018

Experimental studies of the innate immune response of mammalian cells to viruses reveal pervasive heterogeneity at the level of single cells. Interferons are induced only in a fraction of virus‐infected cells; subsequently a fraction of cells exposed to interferons upregulate interferon‐stimulated genes. Nevertheless, quantitative experiments and linked mathematical models show that the interferon response can be effective in curbing viral spread through two distinct mechanisms. First, paracrine interferon signals from scattered source cells can protect many uninfected cells, and the self‐amplification of interferon production might serve to calibrate response amplitude to strength of viral infection. Second, models of the tug‐of‐war between viral replication and the innate interferon response imply a pivotal role of interferon action on already infected cells in curbing viral spread, through effectively lowering virus replication rate. This finding is in line with the observation that several pathogenic viruses selectively abrogate interferon action on infected cells. Thus, interferons may delay viral spread in acute infections by acting as sentinels, warning uninfected cells of imminent danger, or as negative feedback regulators of virus replication in infected cells. The timing of the interferon response relative to the onset of viral replication is critical for its effectiveness in curbing viral spread.
Synthesis, structure, and dielectric properties of a new binary antiferroelectric solid solution: (1−x)Pb(Mg1/2W1/2)O3–xPbHfO3
Authors: Gao Pan , Liu Zenghui , Wu Hua , Ren Wei , Ye Zuo‐Guang
Published: August 2018

Dielectric ceramics are one of the most important electrical insulators because of their excellent electrical stability and nonconducting properties. In this work, new complex perovskite solid solutions, (1−x)Pb(Mg1/2W1/2)O3–xPbHfO3 [(1−x) PMW–xPHf] (0.00 ≤ x ≤ 0.04), were successfully synthesized in the form of ceramics by the solid‐state reaction method and sintering process. The X‐ray diffraction results indicate that a single perovskite phase with antiferroelectric (AFE) orthorhombic Pmcn symmetry is formed for x < 0.04 which corresponds to the PMW‐type solid solution (SS‐PMW). For the composition x = 0.04, however, a small amount (about 1%) of ferroelectric orthorhombic C2mm phase that arises from the PHf‐type solid solution (SS‐PHf) was found to coexist with the Pmcn phase (99%). The dielectric measurements show that the AFE‐paraelectric phase transition temperature TC of the (1−x)PMW–xPHf ceramics increases from 38.2°C (x = 0) to 40.1°C (x = 0.03) with the increasing PHf content, indicating a slightly enhanced AFE ordering degree. The studied materials show a relatively low dielectric constant (~102), a low dielectric loss (~10−2), a high breakdown field strength (~140 kV/cm), and a linear electric field dependence of polarization at room temperature, which make them a new candidate for potential applications as ceramic insulators.
Obtaining complex‐shaped oxide ceramic composites via ionotropic gelation
Authors: Almeida Renato S. M. , Pereira Tamires F. S. , Tushtev Kamen , Rezwan Kurosch
Published: August 2018

In this communication, we present a new processing method for obtaining oxide ceramic composites based on the ionotropic gelation technique. Nextel 610 fiber fabrics were infiltrated by an alumina‐zirconia suspension with a total solid content of 50 vol% and alginate as the binder. Subsequently, the suspension was slowly cross‐linked by adding Al3+ cations and transferred to a gel state. The gelled fabric layers could be easily cut, stacked and shaped, as well as joined to other ceramic materials and composites. Furthermore, the fiber content could be adjusted by pressing the layers together. In summary, the composites produced with this technique presented a very good fiber bundle infiltration, matrix with fine porosity and excellent mechanical properties. Nextel 610/alumina‐zirconia composites sintered at 1200°C for 1 hour showed bending strength of 306 MPa, interlaminar shear strength of 9.8 MPa and nominal fracture toughness of 13.6 MPa m0.5.
Synthesis, densification, microstructure, and mechanical properties of samarium hexaboride ceramic
Authors: Feng Lun , Fahrenholtz William G. , Hilmas Gregory E. , Hor Yew S.
Published: August 2018

Samarium hexaboride (SmB6) powders were synthesized by boro/carbothermal reduction of Sm2O3 with B4C. Nominally pure SmB6 powder had a mean particle size of about 400 nm and an oxygen content of 0.12 wt%. SmBO3 formed as an intermediate phase during the synthesis. The synthesized powder was hot pressed at 1950°C to produce SmB6 ceramics with relative densities >99.6% and a mean grain size of 4.4 μm. Vickers’ hardness was 20.1 ± 0.7 GPa. Young's modulus measured by bending and ultrasonic methods was 271 and 244 GPa, respectively. The flexure strength was 253 ± 79 MPa and fracture toughness was 2.1 ± 0.1 MPa m1/2. These are the first reported results of the microstructure and bulk mechanical behavior of SmB6 ceramics.
Biotic interactions in species distribution models enhance model performance and shed light on natural history of rare birds: a case study using the straight‐billed reedhaunter Limnoctites rectirostris
Authors: Palacio Facundo X. , Girini Juan M.
Published: August 2018

Species distribution models (SDMs) have become a workhorse to explain, understand and predict distributions of birds. However, SDMs at broad scales are typically built using climatic variables, while ignoring the effects of biotic interactions. Although its role still remains controversial, the inclusion of biotic interactions into SDMs could confirm and/or provide new ecological insights of poorly‐known species. We modeled the distribution of the rare South American straight‐billed reedhaunter Limnoctites rectirostris (Furnariidae), a specialist of marshy areas linked to the spiny herb eryngo (Eryngium spp., Apiaceae), which provides the main food and nest resources. To do this, we first modeled the distribution of three eryngo species considered as the main biotic interactors (E. eburneum, E. horridum and E. pandanifolium) and included them into the straight‐billed reedhaunter SDM. Second, we analyzed niche overlap between the straight‐billed reedhaunter and eryngos in terms of environmental variables using dynamic range boxes, a novel approach to quantify size of n‐dimensional hypervolumes. The inclusion of biotic interactions improved model performance relative to a model with climatic variables only. Climatic suitability of E. eburneum and mean temperature of wettest quarter were the most important predictors. By contrast, E horridum and E. pandanifolium resulted in poor predictors, suggesting that the straight‐billed reedhaunter's relative dependence on each eryngo species is different. The three eryngo environmental spaces largely covered the environmental space of the straight‐billed reedhaunter, but the opposite was not true. Our findings suggest that biotic interactions play an important role in explaining and predicting the distribution of a rare bird at macro‐scales, and that the assessment of niche overlap between interactors may confirm or improve the autoecological understanding of rare and cryptic birds. We advocate the use of an integrative modeling approach including climate and biotic interactions into SDMs to enhance ecological knowledge on poorly‐known bird species.
On the importance of having a good mother: maternal investment affects duckling mortality risk in wood ducks
Authors: Sedinger Benjamin S. , Stewart Kelly M. , Nicolai Christopher A.
Published: August 2018

Most avian populations experience more variation in recruitment than adult survival, and this drives much of the change in population growth rates from year to year. In duck species, the probability of duckling survival is an important component of recruitment into the breeding population. We investigated how variation in maternal investment in offspring by nesting female wood duck Aix sponsa affected duckling mortality (1‐survival) to 60 days of age using capture‐mark‐recapture techniques. Our primary sample consisted of 3035 ducklings, from 545 nests, that were marked with uniquely coded webtags on the day of hatch over nine nesting seasons (2008–2016). We also included 4437 hatch‐year and after‐hatch‐year individuals to increase precision on parameter estimates because some ducklings were not recaptured until after fledging. Duckling mortality was greatest during the first week of life and approached zero by the second week after hatching. We observed a quadratic effect of hatch date on duckling mortality suggesting that successful females improve fitness by nesting early in the year, but not too early (15 days before mean hatch). Increased egg volume and duckling mass reduced the probability of ducking mortality. Our results suggest that risk of mortality for ducklings is influenced, at least in part, by maternal effects, which are manifested through energy allocation and behavior during the breeding season. As such, individual heterogeneity among breeding females affects duckling mortality risk and likely the recruitment process for wood ducks.
Evidence for distinct evolutionary optima in the morphology of migratory and resident birds
Authors: Phillips Anna G. , Töpfer Till , Böhning‐Gaese Katrin , Fritz Susanne A.
Published: August 2018

Seasonal migration is prevalent in approximately one fifth of all bird species. Due to the high energetic costs of migration, consistent morphological patterns can be observed across migratory species. These include longer, more pointed wings and shorter tails in comparison to resident species. While evidence for distinct morphological adaptations of migratory species is well‐established, little is known about evolutionary trajectories of these morphological adaptations within groups of related species, and whether the evolution of these traits is consistent across different bird families. Here we apply a macroevolutionary approach to address this knowledge gap by comparing morphological traits and their evolution in migratory and resident species across eight families of passerine birds. We find a significant relationship of wing shape and tail length with migratory distance. When testing the evolution of wing shape and tail length in migratory and resident species, we find that a model with two distinct optima for migratory and resident species better explains the evolution of each morphological trait than a model with one evolutionary optimum. Thus, our results suggest consistent adaptive peaks in the evolution of these traits, and consistent selective pressures which improve the efficiency of long‐distance flight in migratory species and the efficiency of foraging flight in resident species. Our data provide a novel insight into the general patterns of morphological trait evolution in birds, thereby expanding the existing knowledge to a macroevolutionary scale in a field that has previously been dominated by species‐ or genera‐ specific studies.
Self‐reported oral health predicts tooth loss after five and ten years in a population‐based study
Authors: Meisel Peter , Holtfreter Birte , Völzke Henry , Kocher Thomas
Published: August 2018

Aim

To assess the suitability of self‐reported oral health status to predict 5‐ and 10‐year tooth loss without involvement of any clinical measures.

Materials and Methods

Within the population Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP), 2,776 subjects with 5‐year follow‐up data and 2,016 subjects with 10‐year follow‐up examination data were studied. Self‐rated oral health was assessed at baseline and related to 5‐ and 10‐year tooth loss. Odds ratios and probability of loss were estimated.

Results

Five‐ and 10‐year tooth loss was significantly associated with baseline self‐rated oral health. The predictive value of oral health ratings for tooth loss was comparable to that of the CDC/AAP case definition or caries and periodontitis diagnostics. In regression analyses including age, sex, smoking, education, income, and further items collected from questionnaires, odds ratios for dichotomous tooth loss associated with rating of oral health as poor were 3.04 (95% CI: 2.43–3.82) and 2.80 (2.11–3.71) after 5 and 10 years, respectively. Prediction with cut‐off probability at 0.25 resulted in sensitivity 85.8% and specificity 44.2% for 5 years, and that with cut‐off probability at 0.40 resulted in sensitivity 83.5% and specificity 46.5% for 10 years.

Conclusion

Self‐reported oral health provides reliable predictions of tooth loss comparable to those assessed by clinical diagnostics.
Biologically guided flap stability: the role of flap thickness including periosteum retention on the performance of the coronally advanced flap–A double‐blind randomized clinical trial
Authors: Clementini Marco , Discepoli Nicola , Danesi Carlotta , de Sanctis Massimo
Published: August 2018

Aim

To evaluate the possible benefit on wound healing and flap stability of periosteum inclusion, comparing a “split–full–split” thickness flap elevation versus a “split” thickness approach performed during CAF for the treatment of isolated‐type gingival recessions in the upper jaw.

Material and Methods

Forty patients were randomized, 20 were treated with “split–full–split” (test group) and 20 with a “split” approach (control group). Analysed parameters at 1 year were CRC, percentage of recession coverage (RC), keratinized tissue (KT) gain and patient‐related outcome measurements.

Results

After 12 months, CRC was 80% in the test group and 35% in the control group. Percentages of RC and KT gain were higher in the test group, and a significant association between CRC and the thickness of the flap after elevation was found. Patient‐related outcomes measurements were better for the test group.

Conclusions

Flap thickness preservation and the presence of the periosteum in part of the flap may play a fundamental role in obtaining CRC.
Verification of Kumamoto Declaration 2013 and Glycemic Targets for Elderly Patients with Diabetes in Japan for prevention of diabetic complications: A retrospective longitudinal study using outpatient clinical data
Authors: Nakanishi Shuhei , Hirukawa Hidenori , Shimoda Masashi , Tatsumi Fuminori , Kohara Kenji , Obata Atsushi , Kimura Tomohiko , Okauchi Seizo , Kinoshita Tomoe , Sanada Junpei , Fushimi Yoshiro , Nishioka Momoyo , Mizoguchi Akiko , Mune Tomoatsu , Kaku Kohei , Kaneto Hideaki
Published: August 2018

Aims/Introduction

The present study examined the association between the onset of micro‐ and macroangiopathy in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and levels of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) described in the Evidence‐based Practice Guideline for the Treatment for Diabetes in Japan 2013 or those indicated in the Japan Diabetes Society and the Japan Geriatrics Society Joint Committee on Improving Care for Elderly Patients with Diabetes.

Materials and Methods

Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who visited the outpatient clinic at Kawasaki Medical School Hospital between 2000 and 2016 and received follow up for >2 years were eligible for the present study. Two datasets, comprising 2,424 or 3,316 patients without micro‐ or macroangiopathy at the start of follow up, were used, respectively. The Cox model was used in two categories of patients, younger and elderly, with the dividing line set at the age of 65 years.

Results

For the prevention of microangiopathy, in all patients, there was found to be no advantage in controlling HbA1c at a level of <6.0% based on the categories in the Evidence‐based Practice Guideline for the Treatment for Diabetes in Japan 2013, and there was found to be a disadvantage in maintaining HbA1c ≥8.5% based on the categories in the Japan Diabetes Society and the Japan Geriatrics Society Joint Committee on Improving Care for Elderly Patients with Diabetes guideline. For the prevention of macroangiopathy in younger patients, there seemed to be an advantage in maintaining HbA1c within the range of 6.0–6.9% and <7.0% based on the Evidence‐based Practice Guideline for the Treatment for Diabetes in Japan 2013 and the Japan Diabetes Society and the Japan Geriatrics Society Joint Committee on Improving Care for Elderly Patients with Diabetes, respectively.

Conclusions

In all type 2 diabetes mellitus patients, average HbA1c should be maintained <7.0% to prevent microangiopathy. However, in elderly patients, no optimal target for preventing macroangiopathy was found, in contrast to the younger patients in the present study.
Safety and tolerability of empagliflozin in East Asian patients with type 2 diabetes: Pooled analysis of phase I–III clinical trials
Authors: Yabe Daisuke , Yasui Atsutaka , Ji Linong , Lee Moon‐Kyu , Ma Ronald Ching Wan , Chang Tien‐Jyun , Okamura Tomoo , Zeller Cordula , Kaspers Stefan , Lee Jisoo , Kohler Sven , Seino Yutaka
Published: August 2018

Aims/Introduction

We investigated the safety and tolerability of empagliflozin (EMPA) in East Asian patients with type 2 diabetes.

Materials and Methods

Data were pooled from participants with type 2 diabetes evenly randomized to a placebo, EMPA 10 mg or EMPA 25 mg in 15 phase I–III trials. Adverse events (AEs) were analyzed in the subgroup of trial participants from East Asian countries/regions.

Results

In total, 709, 724 and 708 East Asian trial participants with type 2 diabetes received a placebo, EMPA 10 mg and EMPA 25 mg, respectively; total exposure was 953, 1,072, and 1,033 patient‐years in these groups, respectively. The EMPA and placebo groups had similar incidences of severe AEs, serious AEs and AEs leading to discontinuation. Incidences of hypoglycemia differed according to anti‐diabetes medication used at baseline. Higher rates of events consistent with genital infection were observed with EMPA (EMPA 1.5–1.7/100, placebo 0.2/100 patient‐years). Rates of AEs consistent with volume depletion were comparable among treatment groups (0.8–1.4/100 patient‐years), but in trial participants aged ≥65 years, the rate was greater with EMPA 25 mg (EMPA 25 mg 3.5/100, placebo 2.0/100 patient‐years). Incidences of events consistent with urinary tract infection, thromboembolic events, renal events, hepatic AEs, diabetic ketoacidosis, fractures and lower limb amputation were similar between EMPA and the placebo.

Conclusions

In the present pooled analysis, EMPA was well tolerated in East Asian type 2 diabetes patients based on >2,100 patient‐years’ exposure, consistent with results from the overall analysis population.
Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists for type 2 diabetes: A rational drug development
Authors: Ahrén Bo
Published: August 2018

Today, glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) receptor agonists are established glucose‐lowering drugs used in the management of type 2 diabetes. Their development emerged from the understanding that a combined islet dysfunction comprising of impaired insulin secretion and exaggerated glucagon secretion is the key defect of hyperglycemia. GLP‐1 was shown to target these defects, and after the discovery that dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inactivates native GLP‐1, several different dipeptidyl peptidase‐4‐resistant GLP‐1 receptor agonists have been developed. They are administered subcutaneously, but show differences in molecular structure, molecular size and pharmacokinetics, the latter allowing twice‐daily, once‐daily or once‐weekly administration. They have been shown to be efficient in reducing both glycated hemoglobin and bodyweight, and to be safe and highly tolerable. Cardiovascular outcomes trials have shown them to be neutral or beneficial. GLP‐1 receptor agonists are positioned as add‐ons to metformin alone or in combination with oral agents in the clinical paradigm. They are also efficient when combined with insulin, and fixed dose combinations with long‐acting insulin have been developed. Recent development includes a very long administration schedule and oral availability. The research from the first demonstration of the antidiabetic action of GLP‐1 in the early 1990s to the enormously accumulated data today represents a successful and rational development, which has been characterized by focused perseverance to establish this therapy in the management of type 2 diabetes.
Ecological sorting and character displacement contribute to the structure of communities ofClarkiaspecies
Authors: Eisen Katherine E. , Geber Monica A.
Published: August 2018

Despite long‐standing interest in the evolutionary ecology of plants that share pollinators, few studies have explored how these interactions may affect communities during both community assembly (ecological sorting) and through ongoing,in situevolution (character displacement), and how the effects of these interactions may change with community context. To determine if communities display patterns consistent with ecological sorting, we assessed the frequency of co‐occurrence of four species ofClarkiain the southern Sierra foothills (Kern County,CA,USA). To investigate potential character displacement, we measured pollination‐related traits on plants grown in a greenhouse common garden from seed collected in communities with one, two or fourClarkiaspecies. Among the four species ofClarkiain this region, the two species that are often found in multi‐species communities also co‐occur with one another more frequently than expected under a null model. This pattern is consistent with ecological sorting, although further investigation is needed to determine the role of pollinators in shaping community assembly. Patterns of trait variation in a common garden suggest that these two species have diverged in floral traits and converged in flowering time where they co‐occur, which is consistent with character displacement. Trait variation across community types also suggests that the process and outcome of character displacement may vary with community context. Because community context appears to affect both the direction and magnitude of character displacement, change in more species‐rich communities may not be predictable from patterns of change in simpler communities.
Cytochemical Localization of Polyphenol Oxidase Activity in K2‐Bodies of Saprolegnia ferax Secondary Zoospores
Authors: Lehnen Larry P. , Powell Martha J. , Letcher Peter M.
Published: August 2018

Zoospores of the oomycete Saprolegnia ferax release adhesive material from K‐bodies at the onset of attachment to substrates. To understand more fully how K‐bodies function in adhesion, enzyme activity was investigated cytochemically in secondary zoospores. Presence of catalase, a marker enzyme for microbodies, was explored in the diaminobenzidine (DAB) reaction. Although pH 9.2 DAB‐staining characteristic of catalase activity was detected in the granular matrix regions of K‐bodies, reaction controls indicated that the reaction was due to oxidative enzyme activity other than catalase. Because polyphenol oxidase (PPO) is another metal‐containing enzyme capable of oxidizing DAB, activity of this enzyme was tested with a more specific substrate, dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA). In the DOPA procedure, reaction product was exclusively localized within K‐bodies, indicating the presence of PPO. Results with three methods of reaction controls (elimination of substrate, addition of a PPO enzyme inhibitor, and heat‐inactivation of enzymes) all supported the presence of PPO in K‐bodies. This study highlights potential roles for K‐body PPO in stabilization of adhesion bodies by: cross‐linking matrix phenolic proteins or glycoproteins as K‐bodies discharge adhesives onto substrates, or polymerizing phenolics protective against microbial attacks of the adhesion pad.
Redescription of a Hymenostome Ciliate, Tetrahymena setosa (Protozoa, Ciliophora) Notes on its Molecular Phylogeny
Authors: Pan Mengmeng , Wang Yurui , Yin Haiwei , Pan Xuyue , Mu Weijie , Al‐Rasheid Khaled A. S. , Fan Xinpeng , Pan Xuming
Published: August 2018

In recent years, Tetrahymena species have been used as model organisms for research in a wide range of fields, highlighting the need for a fuller understanding of the taxonomy of this group. It is in this context that this paper uses living observation and silver staining methods to investigate the morphology and infraciliature of one Tetrahymena species, T. setosa (Schewiakoff 1892 Verh. Naturh. Med. Ver. Heidelb., 4:544) McCoy (1975) Acta Protozool., 14:253; the senior subjective synonym of T. setifera Holz and Corliss (1956) J. Protozool., 3:112; isolated from a freshwater pond in Harbin, north‐eastern China. This organism can be distinguished from other described Tetrahymena species mainly by its single caudal cilium, which is about twice the length of the somatic ciliature. While the Harbin isolate appears similar to the population described by Holz and Corliss (1956) J. Protozool., 3:112, an improved diagnosis for T. setosa is given based on the previous descriptions and the Harbin population. In summary, this species can be recognized mainly by the combination of the following characters: body in vivo approximately 40 μm × 25 μm, 21–26 somatic kineties, one to four contractile vacuole pores associated with meridians 6–11 and a single caudal cilium. The small subunit ribosomal (SSU) rRNA gene and the cox1 gene sequences of Harbin population are also characterized in order to corroborate that the isolated species branches in phylogenetic trees as a T. setosa species. The phylogenetic analysis also indicated that sequences of populations of Tetrahymena species should be published with detailed morphological identifications.
Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors: Start Low or Risk Going Slow?
Authors: Holmes Holly M. , Aparasu Rajender R.
Published: August 2018

This editorial comments on the articles by Isik et al and Rochon et al.
A fast curtain‐removal method for 3D FIB‐SEM images of heterogeneous minerals
Authors: LIU S. , SUN L. , GAO J. , LI K.
Published: August 2018

The focused ion beam‐scanning electron microscope (FIB‐SEM) system plays a crucial role in the research of shale reservoirs. It enables visualise nano‐scale pores and helps characterise unconventional reservoirs. In this system, FIB removes a thin layer and SEM generates a high‐resolution grey‐scale image of this fresh surface. By iteratively using FIB and SEM, we can create a series of 2D images. Through stacking these images, a 3D model of a rock sample is generated.

However, curtain noise of varying intensity often appears in FIB‐SEM data. Its presence can cause a severe effect on estimation of rock properties, such as porosity and permeability, and lead to incorrect interpretation of the FIB‐SEM image. Because curtain noise can be falsely identified as needle‐shaped pore throats based on grey‐scale image segmentation. Thus it is imperative to decrease curtain noise before segmentation in order to obtain a better understanding of a rock sample. In this paper, we propose a novel approach considering mineral density to decrease curtain noise and compare its results with several conventional used methods.

Lay description

The focused ion beam‐scanning electron microscope (FIB‐SEM) system plays a crucial role in the research of shale reservoirs. It enables visualise nano‐scale pores and helps characterise unconventional reservoirs. In this system, FIB removes a thin layer and SEM generates a high‐resolution grey‐scale image of this fresh surface. By iteratively using FIB and SEM, we can create a series of 2D images. Through stacking these images, a 3D model of a rock sample is generated.

However, curtain noise of varying intensity often appears in FIB‐SEM data. Its presence can cause a severe effect on estimation of rock properties, such as porosity and permeability, and lead to incorrect interpretation of the FIB‐SEM image. Because curtain noise can be falsely identified as needle‐shaped pore throats based on grey‐scale image segmentation. Thus it is imperative to decrease curtain noise before segmentation in order to obtain a better understanding of a rock sample. In this paper, we propose a novel approach considering mineral density to decrease curtain noise and compare its results with several conventional used methods.
What's Race Got to Do With It? Racial Socialization's Contribution to Black Adolescent Coping
Authors: Anderson Riana Elyse , Jones Shawn , Anyiwo Nkemka , McKenny Monique , Gaylord‐Harden Noni
Published: August 2018

While youth generally experience stressors from developmental milestones, Black youth also face racialized stressors. Racial socialization has been found to help Black youth cope with racialized stressors, but research has yet to show its contribution to coping beyond general socialization practices. This study examines how racial socialization contributes beyond that of general coping socialization to coping behaviors. Fifty‐eight third–eighth‐grade (Mage = 11.3, SD = 1.54) youth reported general coping socialization and racial socialization practices and coping behaviors. Results indicate that for engagement coping, racial socialization messages contributed significantly to parent‐provided engaged socialization strategies. Implications are considered for the ways in which Black youth experience stress and require culturally specific practices for successful coping with frequently encountered stressors.
School Wellness Committees Are Associated With Lower Body Mass Index Z‐Scores and Improved Dietary Intakes in US Children: The Healthy Communities Study
Authors: Au Lauren E. , Crawford Patricia B. , Woodward‐Lopez Gail , Gurzo Klara , Kao Janice , Webb Karen L. , Ritchie Lorrene D.
Published: August 2018

BACKGROUND

Our objective was to examine the association between school wellness committees and implementation of nutrition wellness policies and children's weight status and obesity‐related dietary outcomes.

METHODS

A cross‐sectional study was conducted of 4790 children aged 4‐15 years recruited from 130 communities in the Healthy Communities Study. Multilevel statistical models assessed associations between school wellness policies and anthropometric (body mass index z‐score [BMIz]) and nutrition measures, adjusting for child and community‐level covariates.

RESULTS

Children had lower BMI z‐scores (−0.11, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.19, −0.03) and ate breakfast more frequently (0.14 days/week, 95% CI: 0.02‐0.25) if attending a school with a wellness committee that met once or more in the past year compared to attending a school with a wellness committee that did not meet/did not exist. Children had lower added sugar (p < .0001), lower energy‐dense foods (p = .0004), lower sugar intake from sugar‐sweetened beverages (p = .0002), and lower dairy consumption (p = .001) if attending a school with similar or stronger implementation of the nutrition components of the school wellness policies compared to other schools in the district.

CONCLUSIONS

A more active wellness committee was associated with lower BMI z‐scores in US schoolchildren. Active school engagement in wellness policy implementation appears to play a positive role in efforts to reduce childhood obesity.
Variation in Nutritional Quality of School Lunches With Implementation of National School Lunch Program Guidelines
Authors: Joyce Jillian M. , Rosenkranz Richard R. , Rosenkranz Sara K.
Published: August 2018

BACKGROUND

School lunches must meet National School Lunch Program (NSLP) requirements to receive reimbursement. In this study, we sought to determine whether there are significant differences in nutrient content and nutritional quality between 2 menus meeting NSLP requirements.

METHODS

A cross‐sectional content analysis compared 6 weeks of a typical school lunch menu (TM) from an actual school district to a best practice school lunch menu (BPM) created by a registered dietitian based on Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) best practices and Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) healthy meal pattern recommendations. Daily nutrient content was determined using nutrient analysis software. Nutritional quality was computed using Healthy Eating Index (HEI) 2010.

RESULTS

For nutrients required for analysis, the BPM was lower in calories, saturated fat, and sodium and higher in protein, carbohydrate, and fiber (ps < .01). For other nutrients of concern, the BPM was higher in vitamin A, vitamin D, phosphorus, and magnesium (ps < .01). The BPM had higher HEI scores for nutritional quality (p < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Results indicate the possibility for significant variation in nutritional quality of NSLP‐qualifying lunches. Using CACFP best practices and DGA recommendations may significantly impact school lunch dietary quality.
Longitudinal Evaluation of Aerobic Fitness and Academic Achievement Among Schoolchildren
Authors: Bartee Roderick T. , Heelan Kate A. , Dority Bree L.
Published: August 2018

BACKGROUND

Research is emerging suggesting that fitness not only improves health, but enhances academic achievement in children. Many studies have found the strongest correlation with academic achievement to be aerobic fitness. The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of aerobic fitness and academic ranking on the association between improvements in students' aerobic fitness and their academic achievement.

METHODS

Data were collected from 1152 second‐ through fifth‐grade students enrolled in 10 Midwestern schools. School‐fixed effects models were used to estimate the impact of improved aerobic fitness from the fall to the spring semester on students' spring percentile rankings in math and reading.

RESULTS

Students whose progressive aerobic cardiovascular endurance run improved from the fall to spring semester moved up the national spring math percentile rankings by 2.71 percentiles (p < .001) for all students, 4.77 (p < .001) for less‐fit students, and 3.53 (p < .05) for lower performing math students. No statistically significant relationship was found between improved aerobic fitness and reading achievement.

CONCLUSIONS

Improving fitness could potentially have the greatest academic benefit for those elementary students who need it the most—the less fit and the lower academic performers.
School Factors Associated With the Implementation of Integrated Pest Management‐Related Policies and Practices
Authors: Everett Jones Sherry , Glick Sherry
Published: August 2018

BACKGROUND

Schools are particularly vulnerable to pests, but integrated pest management (IPM) can address pest problems. This study describes IPM policies and practices and the extent to which they are associated with school characteristics.

METHODS

We analyzed data from the 2014 School Health Policies and Practices Study, a nationally representative survey of schools in the United States (N = 568, response rate = 69%). Pairwise comparisons assessed differences in pest prevention strategies by school characteristics.

RESULTS

Nationwide, 55.3% of schools conducted campus‐wide inspections for pests at least monthly; 35.6% of schools notified staff, students, and families prior to each application of pesticides; and 56.1% of schools required custodial or maintenance staff to receive training on pest management practices that limit the use of pesticides. During the 12 months before the study, 46.5% of schools almost always or always used spot treatments and baiting rather than widespread applications of pesticides, and 36.8% of schools almost always or always marked indoor and outdoor areas that had been treated with pesticides. No clear pattern emerged for school characteristics associated with IPM policies and practices.

CONCLUSIONS

The variation in implementation of IPM‐related policies and practices suggest opportunities for targeted education among school staff about IPM principles.
Parent Perspectives on Health and Functioning of School‐Aged Adolescents With Disabilities
Authors: Colquitt Gavin , Walker Ashley D. , Alfonso Moya L. , Olivas Maria , Ugwu Bethrand , Dipita Theophile
Published: August 2018

BACKGROUND

Youth living with disabilities are at risk of experiencing poor health outcomes. Coordinated school health programs have an opportunity to help youth with disabilities and their families through health education, health services, and community engagement. The World Health Organization developed the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) as a framework to analyze factors related to health conditions. We used the ICF to examine parental perceptions of health and function among students with disabilities living in rural and urban areas.

METHODS

We surveyed parents (N = 71) using the parent‐report versions of the Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument and Child Health and Illness Profile. From this group, parents were asked to volunteer to participate in in‐depth, individual interviews (N = 18). The interviews were audio‐recorded and transcribed verbatim. Researchers used the ICF linking rules to analyze and code the transcriptions. Emergent themes were assigned numerical ICF codes.

RESULTS

There were more similarities than differences among rural and urban families. Children living with disabilities face significant environmental barriers regardless of context.

CONCLUSIONS

Schools can facilitate education to improve the quality of life of parents and families of children with disabilities. School authorities should consider the many environmental barriers both urban and rural these families face in the community. The ICF can be used as a framework for program planning for community‐based, health education for this population.
Enhancing Educator Engagement in School Mental Health Care Through Digital Simulation Professional Development
Authors: Long Michael W. , Albright Glenn , McMillan Jeremiah , Shockley Kristen M. , Price Olga Acosta
Published: August 2018

BACKGROUND

Despite the critical role of educators as gatekeepers for school mental health services, they receive limited training to support student mental health. We report findings from a trial of an online mental health role‐play simulation for elementary school teachers on changes in attitudes and self‐reported helping behaviors for students experiencing psychological distress.

METHODS

We randomly assigned 18,896 elementary school teachers to wait‐list control or intervention conditions in which they received the 45‐ to 90‐minute online role‐play simulation. We administered a version of the validated Gatekeeper Behavior Scale at baseline and postintervention, which measures attitudinal dimensions shown to predict teacher helping behavior change. Self‐reported helping behaviors were collected at baseline and 3‐month follow‐up. Outcomes were compared between the intervention follow‐up and control group baseline measures.

RESULTS

The intervention group posttraining scores were significantly higher (p < .001) than the control group for all the preparedness, likelihood, and self‐efficacy Gatekeeper Behavior subscales. All 5 helping behaviors were significantly higher among the intervention group at follow‐up compared to the control group at baseline.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that a brief online role‐play simulation was an effective strategy for improving teacher attitudes and behaviors needed to perform a positive mental health gatekeeper role in schools.
The 3‐Year Longitudinal Impact of Sedentary Behavior on the Academic Achievement of Secondary School Students
Authors: Hunter Stephen , Leatherdale Scott T. , Carson Valerie
Published: August 2018

BACKGROUND

Sedentary behavior is linked to many adverse health outcomes; however, its relationship with academic achievement is less understood. We examined sedentary behavior's impact on academic achievement over 3 years in 4408 adolescents from the COMPASS study.

METHODS

Sedentary behavior (screen‐based: watching/streaming television shows/movies, video/computer games, surfing the internet; communication‐based: texting/messaging/emailing, talking on the phone; and doing homework) and academic achievement (overall math and English marks) were self‐reported.

RESULTS

Holding time fixed, moving from the lowest quartile (Q1) to Q2, Q3, or Q4 of watching/streaming television shows/movies (Q2: OR = 0.90; 95%CI: 0.84‐0.97, Q3: OR = 0.85; 95%CI: 0.74‐0.98, Q4: OR = 0.74; 95%CI: 0.64‐0.85) or to Q2 of surfing the internet (Q2: OR = 0.87; 95%CI: 0.78‐0.97) decreased the likelihood of surpassing English standards. Moving from Q1 to Q2 of communication‐based sedentary behavior (OR = 0.90; 95%CI: 0.82‐0.99) decreased the likelihood of surpassing math standards. Moving from Q1 to Q4 (OR = 1.31; 95%CI: 1.15‐1.50) of watching/streaming television shows/movies increased the likelihood of surpassing math standards. Moving from Q1 to Q4 of doing homework (OR = 1.16; 95%CI: 1.02‐1.31) increased the likelihood of surpassing English standards.

CONCLUSIONS

Predicting academic achievement from total sedentary behavior is challenging. Targeting specific types of sedentary behavior should be considered for improving math and English achievement.