bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Are foetal ultrasonographic and maternal blood progesterone measurements near parturition reliable predictors of the time of birth in the domestic cat?
Authors: Keiser R , Reichler IM , Balogh O
Published: February 2017

Contents

In cats, accuracy of parturition day prediction by ultrasonographic measurement of foetal structures is decreasing towards the end of gestation. Foetal measurements during the last days of pregnancy are scarce. We determined foetal biparietal, abdominal and eye diameter (BPD, AD and ED, respectively) by ultrasonography as well as maternal blood progesterone (P4) within five days of delivery to predict parturition date and calculate accuracy of prediction. Foetal BPD at birth was compared with newborn kitten head diameter (HD). Kitten HD, crown‐rump length (CRL) and body weight were compared by breed and gender. Ultrasonography measurements were carried out on the day of parturition in 14 queens, and on days 62–63 after the first mating and repeated 24–72 hr later in ten other cats. Accuracy of parturition day prediction using BPD and AD was determined based on the equations of Beccaglia et al. (2008) Veterinary Research Communications, 32(Suppl 1), S99 and Garcia Mitacek et al. (2015) Theriogenology, 84, 1131. Progesterone was measured at the time of presentation and repeated 24–72 hr later if parturition did not occur. Data were analysed with linear regression, t test, Mann–Whitney U test, one‐way anova and Kruskal–Wallis test. There was a moderate relationship between BPD, days before birth (DBB) and litter size. AD and DBB had a low agreement, and ED was not associated with DBB. BPD at birth was significantly related to HD. The accuracy of parturition day prediction using BPD and AD was 27–53% and 17–35%, respectively. Kitten HD was associated with body weight, and both were inversely related to litter size. Newborn biometric measurements differed by breed but not by gender. Progesterone decreased towards parturition and reached 3.18 ± 1.68 ng/ml on the day of delivery. In conclusion, close to birth, the combination of foetal ultrasonography and maternal blood P4 rather than each as a sole predictor of parturition is recommended.
The migration of professionals within the EU: Any barriers left?
Authors: Capuano Stella , Migali Silvia
Published: February 2017

As shown by the intense legislative effort at the European Union level, the mutual recognition of professional qualifications represents an important step towards the completion of the single EU labor market. In this paper we provide the first empirical evidence on the link between intra‐EU mobility and mutual recognition of professional qualifications. Our results show that bilateral EU migration is positively affected by the destination country's rate of recognition of professional qualifications obtained in another EU member state.
On‐field prediction vs monitoring of aerobic capacity markers using submaximal lactate and heart rate measures
Authors: Garcia‐Tabar I. , Izquierdo M. , Gorostiaga E. M.
Published: February 2017

This study aimed to validate the use of a single blood lactate concentration measurement taken following a 5‐minute running bout at 10 km·h−1 (BLC10) and the speed associated with 90% of maximal heart rate (S90) to predict and monitor fixed blood lactate concentration (FBLC) thresholds in athletes. Three complementary studies were undertaken. Study I: A cross‐sectional study examining the associations of BLC10 and S90 with running speeds at FBLC of 3 (S3mM) and 4 mmol·L−1 (S4mM) in 100 athletes. Study II: A cross‐validation study assessing the predictive capacity of BLC10 and S90 to estimate FBLC thresholds in real practice. Study III: A longitudinal study examining whether training‐induced changes in FBLC thresholds could be monitored using BLC10 and S90 in 80 athletes tested before and after an intensified training period. Study I: BLC10 (r=−.87 to −.89) and S90 (r=.73‐.79) were very largely (P<.001) related to FBLC thresholds. Study II: Predictive models yielded robust correlations between estimated and measured FBLC thresholds (r=.75‐.91; P<.001). The limits of agreements, however, revealed that prediction of FBLC thresholds could be biased up to 9%‐15%. Study III: BLC10 was very largely related to training‐induced changes in FBLC thresholds (r=−.72 to −.76; P<.001). Increases in S90 were associated with improvements in FBLC thresholds, but decreases in S90 led to unclear changes in FBLC thresholds. This study supports the use of BLC10 as a simple, low‐cost, non‐fatiguing, and time‐efficient functional variable to monitor, but not predict, FBLC thresholds in athletes. The present results also question the use of S90 to detect declines in endurance performance.
Voting “Ford” or Against: Understanding Strategic Voting in the 2014 Toronto Municipal Election
Authors: Caruana Carla M. N. , McGregor R. Michael , Moore Aaron A. , Stephenson Laura B.
Published: February 2017

Objective

We investigate the phenomenon of municipal‐level strategic voting in a high‐profile mayoral election with a nonpartisan ballot. The rate of strategic voting is calculated, and we investigate whether different types of anti‐candidate attitudes (based on policy or personality) affect strategic behavior.

Methods

We use survey data from the 2014 Toronto Election Study.

Results

The estimated rate of strategic voting was 1.3 percent. Among those who did cast a strategic ballot, we find that anti‐candidate attitudes did not affect the likelihood of voting strategically—until the source of the dislike is considered, at which point electors who dislike a candidate on the basis of personality are shown to be more likely to cast their ballots strategically.

Conclusions

Strategic voting was minimal, and did not affect the election outcome. The type of dislike toward a candidate (either on the basis of policy or personality) affects strategic behavior.
Impact of Online Education on Nurses’ Delivery of Smoking Cessation Interventions With Implications for Evidence‐Based Practice
Authors: Bialous Stella A. , Sarna Linda , Wells Marjorie J. , Brook Jenny K. , Kralikova Eva , Pankova Alexandra , Zatoński Witold , Przewozniak Krzysztof
Published: February 2017

Background

Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable disease and death in Europe and worldwide. Nurses, if properly educated, can contribute to decreasing the burden of tobacco use in the region by helping smokers quit smoking.

Aims

To assess: (a) the feasibility of an online program to educate nurses in Czech Republic and Poland on evidence‐based smoking cessation interventions for patients and (b) self‐reported changes in practices related to consistently (usually or always) providing smoking cessation interventions to smokers, before and 3 months after participation in the program.

Methods

A prospective single‐group pre‐post design.

Results

A total of 280 nurses from Czech Republic and 156 from Poland completed baseline and follow‐up surveys. At 3 months, nurses were significantly more likely to provide smoking cessation interventions to patients who smoke and refer patients for cessation services (p < .01). Nurses significantly improved their views about the importance of nursing involvement in tobacco control.

Implications for Practice

Education about tobacco control can make a difference in clinical practice, but ongoing support is needed to maintain these changes. Health system changes can also facilitate the expectation that delivering evidence‐based smoking cessation interventions should be routine nursing care.

Linking Evidence to Action

Educating nurses on cessation interventions and tobacco control is pivotal to decrease tobacco‐related disparities, disease, and death. Online methods provide an accessible way to reach a large number of nurses.
Calcium‐mediated cellular triggered activity in atrial fibrillation
Authors: Dobrev Dobromir , Wehrens Xander H. T.
Published: February 2017

Although atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most commonly encountered cardiac arrhythmia, the basic mechanisms underlying this disorder remain incompletely understood. During the past decade or so, it has become clear that alterations in intracellular Ca2+ handling may play a role in the pathogenesis of AF. Studies in small and large animal models, as well as atrial samples from patients with different forms of AF, have implicated ryanodine receptor type 2 (RyR2) dysfunction and enhanced spontaneous Ca2+ release events from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) as a potential cause of proarrhythmic cellular ectopic (triggered) activity in AF. The molecular mechanisms leading to RyR2 dysfunction and SR Ca2+ leak depend on the clinical stage of AF or specific animal model studied. This review focuses on the mechanisms and role of calcium‐mediated cellular triggered activity in AF, and addresses some of the current controversies in the field.

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Imputación de culpa entre personas con desorden del desarrollo
Authors: Elizabeth Morales Guadalupe , Rogé Bernadette
Published: February 2017

We synthesize the main findings from two studies that examined moral judgement abilities in people with autism, and in people with Down syndrome. In both studies, the way these people mentally combine information about the intent of a harmful act and the severity of its consequences when attributing blame to an offender was compared with that of typically developing controls. Adolescents and adults with autism or with Down syndrome were, practically to the same extent as controls, able to take into account both information pieces for attributing blame. It would be an exaggeration to imply that adolescents and adults with either autism or Down syndrome are severely immature in moral judgement based on the fact that they are usually not able to explain or justify their judgements with sophisticated philosophical arguments. By contrast, children with autism blame attribution appeared to be essentially based on consequence information. The finding that adolescents and adults with autism or Down syndrome are able to make moral judgements in a way that is not very different from adolescents and adults of the same age could influence the way these people are perceived, cared for, and attributed basic rights.
La empatía como un pie en la puerta inter-étnica: facilitación de la percepción bilateral positiva entre los estudiantes judíos y árabes en Israel
Authors: Yehuda Limor , Wolf Yuval
Published: February 2017

A heavy load of blame, hostility, and violence typifies the relationships between Jews and Arabs in Israel for nearly two centuries in a row. The present study is an exploratory experimental attempt, within the framework of Functional Measurement, to examine the viability of empathy as a means to facilitate a positive shift in functional cognitive schemata of helping. The participants, 143 Jewish and Arab (57 and 86, respectively) female students, were sampled from an Israeli academic college, where the Jews-Arabs ratio is nearly 50-50. Each Participant met individually 4-8 times, once a week, with a same sex and same age experimenter (another student). Each experimental session included a conversation where the experimenter approached the participant empathetically for approximately 15-20 minutes and asked her repeatedly to imagine a series of meetings between two female students (Jews and Arabs in all combinations) where one such protagonist attempts to receive form the other (Jew or Arab) lesson notes. This manipulation was arranged within the framework of a bi-factorial model, that isi.e., the level of needs of both protagonists (3 x 3). In each such encounter the participant was asked to estimate the likelihood that the imagined request will be fulfilled. The results show that serial exposure to empathy affected positively mainly Jewish students. The relevance of the findings to the notion of 'functional social cognition' and to the body of knowledge which deals with majority-minority relations is pointed at.
Mapeando las reacciones de agresión de los jugadores de balonmano durante un evento deportivo
Authors: Fruchart Eric , Rulence-Pâques Patricia
Published: February 2017

During sporting events, players’ reactions to opponents’ aggression vary in widely different ways. Some players are able to exert strong selfcontrol. Other players immediately react to the first aggressive act. Still other players adopt middle-ground behaviors. We examined whether it was possible to find empirical support for these qualitatively different ways to react to aggression. Handball playing was chosen because it involves a lot of physical/social interactions. Fifty amateur players were presented with a set of scenarios containing information about: the number and kind of previous aggressive acts that have affected the player; the current team’s score; the coach’s attitude to aggressive behavior among players; and the risk of being sanctioned in case of retaliation. They were asked to rate, separately, the level of anger they would experience in each case and the probability that they retaliate. Through cluster analysis, three qualitatively different ways to react to aggressive behavior during sport events were found; they were called Self-Control (44%), Depending on Circumstances (30%), and High Reactivity (14%). Implications for coaches and referees are discussed.
Eriophyidae mites from Cupania trees (Sapindaceae) from the Atlantic Forest in Brazil: three new genera and five new species
Authors: Duarte Mercia Elias , Silva Edmilson Santos , Navia Denise
Published: February 2017

Eight new taxa of Eriophyidae mites associated with native trees in the Cupania genus—C. oblongifolia Mart. and C. impressinervia Acev (Sapindaceae)—from the Atlantic Forest in Brazil, are described and illustrated. They include two new genera and two new species of Nothopodinae, Colopodacini (Setibia domatiagena   gen. nov., sp. nov. and Aricolopodos alagoensis gen. nov., sp. nov.), one new genus and two new species of Cecidophyinae, Colomerini (Euryslobos keronidos gen. nov., sp. nov. and Gammaphytoptus cupanius sp. nov.), and one new species of Phyllocoptinae, Tegonotini (Shevtchenkella caboata sp. nov.).
Wet-cleaning of MgO(001): Modification of surface chemistry and effects on thin film growth investigated by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy
Authors: Le Febvrier Arnaud , Jensen Jens , Eklund Per
Published: February 2017

The effect of the wet-cleaning process using solvents and detergent on the surface chemistry of MgO(001) substrate for film deposition was investigated. Six different wet-cleaning processes using solvent and detergent were compared. The effect on film growth was studied by the example system ScN. The surface chemistry of the cleaned surface was studied by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and the film/substrate interface after film growth was investigated by time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy. The surface composition is dependent on the wet-cleaning process. Sonication in a detergent before the solvents yield a pure oxide surface compared to hydroxide/carbonate contaminated surface for all the other processes. An annealing step is efficient for the removal of carbon contamination as well as most of the hydroxide or carbonates. The study of the film/substrate interface revealed that the wet-cleaning process significantly affects the final interface and film quality. The substrate cleaned with detergent followed by solvent cleaning exhibited the cleanest surface of the substrate before annealing, after annealing, in addition to the sharpest film/substrate interface.
Process development for high resolution hydrogen silsesquioxane patterning using a commercial scanner for extreme ultraviolet lithography
Authors: Desai Vishal , Mellish Mac , Bennett Stephen , Cady Nathaniel C.
Published: February 2017

The semiconductor industry is transitioning toward the use of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography as a next generation patterning technology. There are currently only a limited number of high resolution EUV photoresists reported with EUV patterning capabilities, and those are generally tested using EUV-interference lithography. One such resist is the more commonly known electron beam resist, hydrogen silsesquioxane (HSQ), which is also sensitive to EUV exposure. In the present work, high resolution, dense, subdense patterning of HSQ resist on 300 mm wafers was demonstrated using ASML's NXE 3300B scanner. The critical dimensions analyzed ranged from 18 to 10 nm. Resolution down to 10.0 on 21.0 nm spacing was achieved with 6.5 nm line width roughness. This demonstration of high resolution EUV patterning of HSQ on a commercial scanner makes this process potentially viable for high volume manufacturing.
Effect of growth conditions on interface stability and thermophysical properties of sputtered Cu films on Si with and without WTi barrier layers
Authors: Souli Imane , Terziyska Velislava L. , Keckes Jozef , Robl Werner , Zechner Johannes , Mitterer Christian
Published: February 2017

Direct current magnetron sputter deposited Cu films have been grown on Si substrates without and with WTi barrier layers. The combined impact of thermal and kinetic energy activation of film growth on promoting Cu-Si interdiffusion and enhancing Cu3Si formation is illuminated. In addition, the effect of the formed Cu3Si phase on the properties of Cu films in terms of microstructure, residual stress, electrical resistivity, and roughness is highlighted. Finally, the time-dependent self-annealing behavior of residual stresses within Cu films grown at different substrate temperatures is presented and discussed. The formation of a Cu3Si layer at room temperature already during film deposition and the subsequent formation of an additional SiO2 layer deteriorate the long-term stability of residual stresses and electrical resistivity of Cu films directly grown on Si substrates. WTi barrier layers of 100 nm thickness widely prevent such undesired interfacial reactions; however, the first onset of interdiffusion of Cu and Si atoms has been observed at substrate temperatures as low as 474 K.
Oh Captain, My Captain! Using Social Network Analysis to Help Coaching Staff Identify the Leadership of a National Sports Team
Authors: Naraine Michael , Kerwin Shannon , Parent Milena M.
Published: February 2017

This case study explores the issue of team leadership among players who have been selected to play for their national team in an international tournament. After the coaching staff had solidified the roster, a total of 12 (fictional) players were chosen to represent Canada Basketball on the senior women’s development team. With some players having known their teammates for only 2 weeks, the coaching staff has asked the team’s analytics specialist to gather data regarding the network of players within the team and present potential captains of the team to the coaching staff. Students will take on the role of the analytics specialist and provide the summary of the analysis to the coaching staff. Specifically, using a social network analysis approach, students will use the team’s network of players to determine which individual players are involved in the team’s leadership structure as captains. The primary objective of this case study is to afford students an opportunity to be acquainted with social network analysis in a sport management setting.
Confirming the Value of Swimming-Performance Models for Adolescents
Authors: Dormehl Shilo J. , Robertson Samuel J. , Barker Alan R. , Williams Craig A.
Published: February 2017

Purpose:

To evaluate the efficacy of existing performance models to assess the progression of male and female adolescent swimmers through a quantitative and qualitative mixed-methods approach.

Methods:

Fourteen published models were tested using retrospective data from an independent sample of Dutch junior national-level swimmers from when they were 12–18 y of age (n = 13). The degree of association by Pearson correlations was compared between the calculated differences from the models and quadratic functions derived from the Dutch junior national qualifying times. Swimmers were grouped based on their differences from the models and compared with their swimming histories that were extracted from questionnaires and follow-up interviews.

Results:

Correlations of the deviations from both the models and quadratic functions derived from the Dutch qualifying times were all significant except for the 100-m breaststroke and butterfly and the 200-m freestyle for females (P < .05). In addition, the 100-m freestyle and backstroke for males and 200-m freestyle for males and females were almost directly proportional. In general, deviations from the models were accounted for by the swimmers’ training histories. Higher levels of retrospective motivation appeared to be synonymous with higher-level career performance.

Conclusion:

This mixed-methods approach helped confirm the validity of the models that were found to be applicable to adolescent swimmers at all levels, allowing coaches to track performance and set goals. The value of the models in being able to account for the expected performance gains during adolescence enables quantification of peripheral factors that could affect performance.
Factors Affecting Match Running Performance in Professional Australian Football
Authors: Ryan Samuel , Coutts Aaron J. , Hocking Joel , Kempton Thomas
Published: February 2017

Purpose:

To examine the influence of a range of individual player characteristics and match-related factors on activity profiles during professional Australian football matches.

Methods:

Global positioning system (GPS) profiles were collected from 34 professional Australian football players from the same club over 15 competition matches. GPS data were classified into relative total and high-speed running (HSR; >20 km/h) distances. Individual player aerobic fitness was determined from a 2-km time trial conducted during the preseason. Each match was classified according to match location, season phase, recovery length, opposition strength, and match outcome. The total number of stoppages during the match was obtained from a commercial statistics provider. A linear mixed model was constructed to examine the influence of player characteristics and match-related factors on both relative total and HSR outputs.

Results:

Player aerobic fitness had a large effect on relative total and HSR distances. Away matches and matches lost produced only small reductions in relative HSR distances, while the number of rotations also had a small positive effect. Matches won, more player rotations, and playing against strong opposition all resulted in small to moderate increases in relative total distance, while early season phase, increased number of stoppages, and away matches resulted in small to moderate reductions in relative total distance.

Conclusions:

There is a likely interplay of factors that influence running performance during Australian football matches. The results highlight the need to consider a variety of contextual factors when interpreting physical output from matches.
Do Glucose and Caffeine Nasal Sprays Influence Exercise or Cognitive Performance?
Authors: De Pauw Kevin , Roelands Bart , Van Cutsem Jeroen , Decroix Lieselot , Valente Angelica , Taehee Kim , Lettan Robert B. , Carrillo Andres E. , Meeusen Romain
Published: February 2017

Introduction:

Nasal spray (NAS) containing caffeine (CAF) or glucose (GLUC) activates sensory(motor) cortices.

Purpose:

To investigate the influence of CAF or GLUC NAS on exercise and cognitive performance.

Methods:

Eleven male subjects (age 22 ± 2 y) performed a maximal cycle test and 2 familiarization and 3 experimental trials. Each trial included a 30-s Wingate test and a 30-min time-trial (TT) performance test interspersed by 15 min of rest. Before and after each exercise test a Stroop task was conducted. Placebo NAS with or without CAF or GLUC was provided before each exercise session and at each completed 25% of the TT. Exercise-performance, physiological, and cognitive measures were obtained. Magnitude-based inferences determined the likelihood that NAS solutions would be beneficial, trivial, or negative to exercise-performance measures based on the smallest worthwhile effect. Physiological and cognitive measures were analyzed using (non)parametric tests (P < .05).

Results:

GLUC NAS substantially increased the average power output during the TT (very likely beneficial: 98%). No further worthwhile exercise-performance enhancements were found for both substances. In addition, no significant differences in physiological and cognitive measures were observed. In line with mouth rinsing, GLUC was shown to substantially enhance endurance performance, probably due to the activation of the olfactory pathway and/or extra-oral sweet-taste receptors.

Conclusion:

GLUC NAS enhances endurance performance, which indicates a novel administration route. The higher activity in sensory brain cortices probably elicited the ergogenic effect. However, no further physiological and cognitive changes occurred, indicating that higher doses of substrates might be required.
Effect of Different Types of Physical Activity on Activities of Daily Living in Older Adults: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Roberts Christine E. , Phillips Louise H. , Cooper Clare L. , Gray Stuart , Allan Julia L.
Published: February 2017

Physical activity is associated with greater independence in old age. However, little is known about the effect of physical activity level and activity type on activities of daily living (ADL). This review systematically analyzed the effects of physical activity level and activity type on ADL in older adults (mean age, 60+). Electronic search methods (up to March 2015) identified 47 relevant, randomized controlled trials. Random effects meta-analyses revealed significant, beneficial effects of physical activity on ADL physical performance (SMD = 0.72, 95% CI [0.45, 1.00]; p < .01), with the largest effects found for moderate physical activity levels, and for activity types with high levels of mental (e.g., memory, attention), physical (e.g., coordination, balance) and social (e.g., social interaction) demands. Inconsistent effects were observed on self-reported ADL measures. Interventions that include moderate physical activity levels with high mental, physical, and social demands may produce the greatest benefits on ADL physical performance.
Relationships of Functional Tests Following ACL Reconstruction: Exploratory Factor Analyses of the Lower Extremity Assessment Protocol
Authors: DiFabio Melissa , Slater Lindsay V. , Norte Grant , Goetschius John , Hart Joseph M. , Hertel Jay
Published: February 2017

Context:After ACL reconstruction (ACLR), deficits are often assessed using a variety of functional tests, which can be time consuming. It is unknown whether these tests provide redundant or unique information.Objective:To explore relationships between components of a battery of functional tests, the Lower Extremity Assessment Protocol (LEAP) was created to aid in developing the most informative, concise battery of tests for evaluating ACLR patients.Design:Descriptive, cross-sectional.Setting:Laboratory.Participants:76 ACLR patients (6.86±3.07 months postoperative) and 54 healthy participants.Intervention:Isokinetic knee flexion and extension at 90 and 180 degrees/second, maximal voluntary isometric contraction for knee extension and flexion, single leg balance, 4 hopping tasks (single, triple, crossover, and 6-meter timed hop), and a bilateral drop vertical jump that was scored with the Landing Error Scoring System (LESS).Main Outcome Measures:Peak torque, average torque, average power, total work, fatigue indices, center of pressure area and velocity, hop distance and time, and LESS score. A series of factor analyses were conducted to assess grouping of functional tests on the LEAP for each limb in the ACLR and healthy groups and limb symmetry indices (LSI) for both groups. Correlations were run between measures that loaded on retained factors.Results:Isokinetic and isometric strength tests for knee flexion and extension, hopping, balance, and fatigue index were identified as unique factors for all limbs. The LESS score loaded with various factors across the different limbs. The healthy group LSI analysis produced more factors than the ACLR LSI analysis. Individual measures within each factor had moderate to strong correlations. Isokinetic and isometric strength, hopping, balance, and fatigue index provided unique information.Conclusions:Within each category of measures, not all tests may need to be included for a comprehensive functional assessment of ACLR patients due to the high amount of shared variance between them.
Habitat diversity and ecosystem multifunctionality—The importance of direct and indirect effects
Authors: Alsterberg Christian , Roger Fabian , Sundbäck Kristina , Juhanson Jaanis , Hulth Stefan , Hallin Sara , Gamfeldt Lars
Published: February 2017

Both habitat diversity and species diversity are important factors in ecosystem productivity and nutrient cycling.
Determination of band offsets, hybridization, and exciton binding in 2D semiconductor heterostructures
Authors: Wilson Neil R. , Nguyen Paul V. , Seyler Kyle , Rivera Pasqual , Marsden Alexander J. , Laker Zachary P. L. , Constantinescu Gabriel C. , Kandyba Viktor , Barinov Alexei , Hine Nicholas D. M. , Xu Xiaodong , Cobden David H.
Published: February 2017

Photoemission measurements on exfoliated 2D heterostructures reveal detailed electronic structure and hybridization effects.
Coordinated infraslow neural and cardiac oscillations mark fragility and offline periods in mammalian sleep
Authors: Lecci Sandro , Fernandez Laura M. J. , Weber Frederik D. , Cardis Romain , Chatton Jean-Yves , Born Jan , Lüthi Anita
Published: February 2017

Mammalian sleep alternates between sensory-responsive and protected offline periods via coordinated neural and cardiac rhythms.
The Human Immune Response to Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection
Authors: Russell Clark D. , Unger Stefan A. , Walton Marc , Schwarze Jürgen
Published: February 2017

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is an important etiological agent of respiratory infections, particularly in children. Much information regarding the immune response to RSV comes from animal models andin vitrostudies. Here, we provide a comprehensive description of the human immune response to RSV infection, based on a systematic literature review of research on infected humans. There is an initial strong neutrophil response to RSV infection in humans, which is positively correlated with disease severity and mediated by interleukin-8 (IL-8). Dendritic cells migrate to the lungs as the primary antigen-presenting cell. An initial systemic T-cell lymphopenia is followed by a pulmonary CD8+T-cell response, mediating viral clearance. Humoral immunity to reinfection is incomplete, but RSV IgG and IgA are protective. B-cell-stimulating factors derived from airway epithelium play a major role in protective antibody generation. Gamma interferon (IFN-γ) has a strongly protective role, and a Th2-biased response may be deleterious. Other cytokines (particularly IL-17A), chemokines (particularly CCL-5 and CCL-3), and local innate immune factors (including cathelicidins and IFN-λ) contribute to pathogenesis. In summary, neutrophilic inflammation is incriminated as a harmful response, whereas CD8+T cells and IFN-γ have protective roles. These may represent important therapeutic targets to modulate the immunopathogenesis of RSV infection.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Cerebrospinal Fluid Procalcitonin in Bacterial Meningitis Patients with Empiric Antibiotic Pretreatment
Authors: Li Wen , Sun Xiaolong , Yuan Fang , Gao Qiong , Ma Yue , Jiang Yongli , Yang Xiai , Yang Fang , Ma Lei , Jiang Wen
Published: February 2017

Accurate diagnosis of bacterial meningitis (BM) relies on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Gram staining and bacterial culture, which often present high false-negative rates because of antibiotic abuse. Thus, a novel and reliable diagnostic biomarker is required. Procalcitonin (PCT) has been well demonstrated to be specifically produced from peripheral tissues by bacterial infection, which makes it a potential diagnostic biomarker candidate. Here, we performed a prospective clinical study comprising a total of 143 patients to investigate the diagnostic value of CSF PCT, serum PCT, and other conventional biomarkers for BM. Patients were assigned to the BM (
n
= 49), tuberculous meningitis (TBM) (
n
= 25), viral meningitis/encephalitis (VM/E) (
n
= 34), autoimmune encephalitis (AIE) (
n
= 15), or noninflammatory nervous system diseases (NINSD) group (
n
= 20). Empirical antibiotic pretreatment was not an exclusion criterion. Our results show that the CSF PCT level was significantly (
P
< 0.01) higher in patients with BM (median, 0.22 ng/ml; range, 0.13 to 0.54 ng/ml) than in those with TBM (median, 0.12 ng/ml; range, 0.07 to 0.16 ng/ml), VM/E (median, 0.09 ng/ml; range, 0.07 to 0.11 ng/ml), AIE (median, 0.06 ng/ml; range, 0.05 to 0.10 ng/ml), or NINSD (median, 0.07 ng/ml; range, 0.06 to 0.08 ng/ml). Among the assessed biomarkers, CSF PCT exhibited the largest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (0.881; 95% confidence interval, 0.810 to 0.932; cutoff value, 0.15 ng/ml; sensitivity, 69.39%; specificity, 91.49%). Our study sheds light upon the diagnostic dilemma of BM due to antibiotic abuse. (This study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under registration no. NCT02278016.)
Online Databases for Taxonomy and Identification of Pathogenic Fungi and Proposal for a Cloud-Based Dynamic Data Network Platform
Authors: Prakash Peralam Yegneswaran , Irinyi Laszlo , Halliday Catriona , Chen Sharon , Robert Vincent , Meyer Wieland
Published: February 2017

The increase in public online databases dedicated to fungal identification is noteworthy. This can be attributed to improved access to molecular approaches to characterize fungi, as well as to delineate species within specific fungal groups in the last 2 decades, leading to an ever-increasing complexity of taxonomic assortments and nomenclatural reassignments. Thus, well-curated fungal databases with substantial accurate sequence data play a pivotal role for further research and diagnostics in the field of mycology. This minireview aims to provide an overview of currently available online databases for the taxonomy and identification of human and animal-pathogenic fungi and calls for the establishment of a cloud-based dynamic data network platform.
Impaired STING Pathway in Human Osteosarcoma U2OS Cells Contributes to the Growth of ICP0-Null Mutant Herpes Simplex Virus
Authors: Deschamps Thibaut , Kalamvoki Maria
Published: February 2017

Human herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) is a widespread pathogen, with 80% of the population being latently infected. To successfully evade the host, the virus has evolved strategies to counteract antiviral responses, including the gene-silencing and innate immunity machineries. The immediately early protein of the virus, infected cell protein 0 (ICP0), plays a central role in these processes. ICP0 blocks innate immunity, and one mechanism is by degrading hostile factors with its intrinsic E3 ligase activity. ICP0 also functions as a promiscuous transactivator, and it blocks repressor complexes to enable viral gene transcription. For these reasons, the growth of a ΔICP0 virus is impaired in most cells, except cells of the human osteosarcoma cell line U2OS, and it is only partially impaired in cells of the human osteosarcoma cell line Saos-2. We found that the two human osteosarcoma cell lines that supported the growth of the ΔICP0 virus failed to activate innate immune responses upon treatment with 2′3′-cyclic GAMP (2′3′-cGAMP), the natural agonist of STING (i.e., stimulator of interferon genes) or after infection with the ΔICP0 mutant virus. Innate immune responses were restored in these cells by transient expression of the STING protein but not after overexpression of interferon-inducible protein 16 (IFI16). Restoration of STING expression resulted in suppression of ΔICP0 virus gene expression and a decrease in viral yields. Overexpression of IFI16 also suppressed ΔICP0 virus gene expression, albeit to a lesser extent than STING. These data suggest that the susceptibility of U2OS and Saos-2 cells to the ΔICP0 HSV-1 is in part due to an impaired STING pathway.

IMPORTANCE
The DNA sensor STING plays pivotal role in controlling HSV-1 infection both in cell culture and in mice. The HSV-1 genome encodes numerous proteins that are dedicated to combat host antiviral responses. The immediate early protein of the virus ICP0 plays major role in this process as it targets hostile host proteins for degradation with its E3 ligase activity, and it disrupts repressor complexes via protein-protein interaction to enable viral gene transcription. Therefore, the ΔICP0 HSV-1 virus is defective for growth in most cells, except the human osteosarcoma cell lines U2OS and Saos-2. We found that both cell lines that support ΔICP0 virus infection have defects in the STING DNA-sensing pathway, which partially accounts for the rescue of the ΔICP0 virus growth. Restoration of STING expression in these cells rescued innate immunity and suppressed ΔICP0 virus infection. This study underscores the importance of STING in the control of HSV-1.
Identification of Novel Functions for Hepatitis C Virus Envelope Glycoprotein E1 in Virus Entry and Assembly
Authors: Haddad Juliano G. , Rouillé Yves , Hanoulle Xavier , Descamps Véronique , Hamze Monzer , Dabboussi Fouad , Baumert Thomas F. , Duverlie Gilles , Lavie Muriel , Dubuisson Jean
Published: February 2017

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) envelope glycoprotein complex is composed of E1 and E2 subunits. E2 is the receptor-binding protein as well as the major target of neutralizing antibodies, whereas the functions of E1 remain poorly defined. Here, we took advantage of the recently published structure of the N-terminal region of the E1 ectodomain to interrogate the functions of this glycoprotein by mutating residues within this 79-amino-acid region in the context of an infectious clone. The phenotypes of the mutants were characterized to determine the effects of the mutations on virus entry, replication, and assembly. Furthermore, biochemical approaches were also used to characterize the folding and assembly of E1E2 heterodimers. Thirteen out of 19 mutations led to viral attenuation or inactivation. Interestingly, two attenuated mutants, T213A and I262A, were less dependent on claudin-1 for cellular entry in Huh-7 cells. Instead, these viruses relied on claudin-6, indicating a shift in receptor dependence for these two mutants in the target cell line. An unexpected phenotype was also observed for mutant D263A which was no longer infectious but still showed a good level of core protein secretion. Furthermore, genomic RNA was absent from these noninfectious viral particles, indicating that the D263A mutation leads to the assembly and release of viral particles devoid of genomic RNA. Finally, a change in subcellular colocalization between HCV RNA and E1 was observed for the D263A mutant. This unique observation highlights for the first time cross talk between HCV glycoprotein E1 and the genomic RNA during HCV morphogenesis.

IMPORTANCE
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major public health problem worldwide. It encodes two envelope proteins, E1 and E2, which play a major role in the life cycle of this virus. E2 has been extensively characterized, whereas E1 remains poorly understood. Here, we investigated E1 functions by using site-directed mutagenesis in the context of the viral life cycle. Our results identify unique phenotypes. Unexpectedly, two mutants clearly showed a shift in receptor dependence for cell entry, highlighting a role for E1 in modulating HCV particle interaction with a cellular receptor(s). More importantly, another mutant led to the assembly and release of viral particles devoid of genomic RNA. This unique phenotype was further characterized, and we observed a change in subcellular colocalization between HCV RNA and E1. This unique observation highlights for the first time cross talk between a viral envelope protein and genomic RNA during morphogenesis.
HIV-Specific Granzyme B-Secreting but Not Gamma Interferon-Secreting T Cells Are Associated with Reduced Viral Reservoirs in Early HIV Infection
Authors: Yue Feng Yun , Cohen Jared C. , Ho Mu , Rahman A. K. M. Nur-ur , Liu Jun , Mujib Shariq , Saiyed Aamir , Hundal Sabrina , Khozin Alexandra , Bonner Phil , Liu Daheng , Benko Erika , Kovacs Colin , Ostrowski Mario
Published: February 2017

A major barrier to a human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection cure is the establishment of a viral reservoir in spite of combined antiretroviral therapy (cART). It is unclear how HIV-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) influence the size of the reservoir in early HIV infection. Twenty-eight subjects with early HIV infection were recruited to receive cART and followed for 48 weeks. HIV reservoirs in peripheral CD4
+
T cells measured by cell-associated proviral DNA and viral outgrowth cultures were determined at baseline and after 48 weeks of cART. At baseline, granzyme B and gamma interferon (IFN-γ) enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot (ELISpot) assays were performed with peptides spanning the HIV proteome. All subjects had detectable HIV-specific granzyme B and IFN-γ responses at baseline. The quantity and specificity of granzyme B responses did not correlate with IFN-γ responses. For granzyme B, Tat/Rev was the most dominant whereas for IFN-γ, Gag predominated. HIV-specific granzyme B T cell responses negatively correlated with HIV proviral loads at baseline and at 48 weeks and with replication-competent viral infectious units per million (IUPM) CD4
+
T cells at baseline but not significantly at 48 weeks. Tat/Rev-, Env-, Gag-, and Vif-specific granzyme B responses correlated most strongly with reservoir control. There was no correlation of HIV-specific IFN-γ responses with reservoir size at baseline or at 48 weeks. The majority of granzyme B responses were contributed by CD8
+
T cells. Thus, our findings suggest that the induction of potent granzyme B-producing CTLs to Tat, Rev, Env, Gag, and Vif during early infection may be able to prevent the establishment of a large viral reservoir, thereby facilitating a reduced HIV burden.

IMPORTANCE
A major barrier to the cure of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection is the establishment of a viral reservoir that must be significantly reduced or eradicated entirely to enable a cure. Combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) alone is unable to clear this viral reservoir. It has been shown that CD8
+
cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) are important in controlling early HIV infection by reducing plasma viremia. However, it is not known if these HIV-specific CTLs influence the establishment of the viral reservoir in early HIV infection. We show that HIV-specific granzyme B responses targeting HIV Tat/Rev, Env, Gag, and Vif, but not IFN-γ responses, are associated with reduced virus reservoirs at baseline and at 48 weeks of cART. These findings shed light on the nature of the effector CTL response that might limit reservoir size with implications for cure research and HIV vaccines.
Bladder calculus leading to acute renal failure in a girl child: a rare cause
Authors: Patodia Madhusudan , Sharma Kuldeep , Sankhwar Satyanarayan , Goel Apul
Published: February 2017

A 10-year-old girl presented with acute renal failure (ARF) with a serum creatinine of 7.5 mg/dL. Imaging showed bilateral hydroureteronephrosis and a large bladder stone (75×55 mm). The large bladder stone was probably the aetiology of bilateral hydronephroureter and ARF as no other cause could be found. An open cystolithotomy was performed. Ten days after the surgery, serum creatinine decreased to 0.7 mg/dL. In this report, we highlight an unusual cause of renal failure.
Medial tibial stress syndrome can be diagnosed reliably using history and physical examination
Authors: Winters M , Bakker E W P , Moen M H , Barten C C , Teeuwen R , Weir A
Published: February 2017

Background

The majority of sporting injuries are clinically diagnosed using history and physical examination as the cornerstone. There are no studies supporting the reliability of making a clinical diagnosis of medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS).

Aim

Our aim was to assess if MTSS can be diagnosed reliably, using history and physical examination. We also investigated if clinicians were able to reliably identify concurrent lower leg injuries.

Methods

A clinical reliability study was performed at multiple sports medicine sites in The Netherlands. Athletes with non-traumatic lower leg pain were assessed for having MTSS by two clinicians, who were blinded to each others’ diagnoses. We calculated the prevalence, percentage of agreement, observed percentage of positive agreement (Ppos), observed percentage of negative agreement (Pneg) and Kappa-statistic with 95%CI.

Results

Forty-nine athletes participated in this study, of whom 46 completed both assessments. The prevalence of MTSS was 74%. The percentage of agreement was 96%, with Ppos and Pneg of 97% and 92%, respectively. The inter-rater reliability was almost perfect; k=0.89 (95% CI 0.74 to 1.00), p<0.000001. Of the 34 athletes with MTSS, 11 (32%) had a concurrent lower leg injury, which was reliably noted by our clinicians, k=0.73, 95% CI 0.48 to 0.98, p<0.0001.

Conclusion

Our findings show that MTSS can be reliably diagnosed clinically using history and physical examination, in clinical practice and research settings. We also found that concurrent lower leg injuries are common in athletes with MTSS.
The effects of the lower ignition propensity cigarettes standard in Estonia: time-series analysis
Authors: Saar Indrek
Published: February 2017

Background

In 2011, the lower ignition propensity (LIP) standard for cigarettes was implemented in the European Union. Evidence about the impact of that safety measure is scarce.

Objective

The aim of this paper is to examine the effects of the LIP standard on fire safety in Estonia.

Methods

The absolute level of smoking-related fire incidents and related deaths was modelled using dynamic time-series regression analysis. The data about house fire incidents for the 2007–2013 period were obtained from the Estonian Rescue Board.

Results

Implementation of the LIP standard has reduced the monthly level of smoking-related fires by 6.2 (p<0.01, SE=1.95) incidents and by 26% (p<0.01, SE=9%) when estimated on the log scale. Slightly weaker evidence was found about the fatality reduction effects of the LIP regulation. All results were confirmed through counterfactual models for non-smoking-related fire incidents and deaths.

Conclusions

This paper indicates that implementation of the LIP cigarettes standard has improved fire safety in Estonia.
Association between large artery atherosclerosis and cerebral microbleeds: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ding Lingling , Hong Yuehui , Peng Bin
Published: February 2017

Objective

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to provide evidence that biomarkers of large artery atherosclerosis, including arterial stenosis and greater carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), may serve as clinical markers of subclinical haemorrhage-prone cerebral small vessel disease, reflected by cerebral microbleeds (CMBs).

Methods

We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library to identify relevant studies published before 1 July 2016. The association between arterial stenosis and CMBs was estimated by the OR and 95% CI. The association of cIMT and CMBs was calculated using the standardised mean difference (SMD). Heterogeneity and publication bias were explored.

Results

8 studies including a total of 7160 participants were pooled in the meta-analysis. 6 of the included studies were cross-sectional, except that 2 were prospective. We found a significant association between arterial stenosis >50% and the presence of CMBs (OR 1.95, 95% CI 1.13 to 3.36, I2=56.1%). A fixed-effects model suggested that patients with CMBs were more likely to have a greater cIMT (SMD 0.20, 95% CI 0.11 to 0.28, I2=24.7%).

Conclusions

This systematic review and meta-analysis found that there is a relationship between large artery atherosclerosis and CMBs. Future studies are needed to confirm the impact of atherosclerosis on the CMBs, which may have potential therapeutic implications.