bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lineage‐Specific and Highly Derived Gene Sequences Among Amoebozoa, Revealed by the Comparative Analysis of Transcriptomes from Twelve Amoebozoan Species
Authors: Bondarenko Natalya I. , Bondarenko Anton S. , Smirnov Alexey V.
Published: February 2017

Amoebozoa represent a difficult group for traditional morphology‐based taxonomy. Molecular approaches, such as gene sequencing andDNAbarcoding have greatly enhanced our knowledge of the diversity of these organisms. However, metagenomic studies of Amoebozoa still did not provide as impressive results as they did among some other groups of protists. In environmentalDNAsurveys done on fragments ofSSU rDNAgene and other traditionalDNAbarcodes, Amoebozoa genes normally constitute a minor part of the total gene diversity and represent only the most abundant lineages. A potential way to resolve this problem is the usage ofDNAbarcodes based on genes, which are unique or highly derived in this group of organisms. In the present study, we attempted to find such genes and gene families with a low level of paralogy, potentially appropriate as Amoebozoa‐specificDNAbarcodes. For this we re‐assembled transcriptomes of 12 amoebozoan species available from the public databases and performed gene annotation and identification of orthologous genes. In our analysis Amoebozoa‐specific and highly derived sequences formed 53,182 clusters of orthologs, containing from 2 to 299 proteins each. Some of these genes may be a potential target forDNAbarcoding of Amoebozoa.
Morphology and Morphogenesis of a Novel Saline Soil Hypotrichous Ciliate, Gonostomum sinicum nov. spec. (Ciliophora, Hypotrichia, Gonostomatidae), Including a Report on the Small Subunit rDNA Sequence
Authors: Lu Xiaoteng , Huang Jie , Shao Chen , Al‐Farraj Saleh A. , Gao Shan
Published: February 2017

Morphology, cirral pattern, and morphogenesis of the new saline soil hypotrich, Gonostomum sinicum nov. spec. collected from Longfeng Wetland in Daqing, north China, were studied, using detailed live observations and protargol‐stained specimens. The new species is characterized as follows: (i) a size in vivo of 100–125 × 30–40 μm, (ii) colorless cortical granules, 0.5 μm across, arranged in short rows, (iii) an adoral zone composed of 28–33 membranelles, (iv) three or four frontoventral rows, one of which extends onto the postoral area, (v) left and right marginal rows composed of 18–27 and 21–35, cirri, respectively, and (vi) usually two transverse cirri. Morphogenesis is as usual for the genus Gonostomum, i.e. the cirral primordia II–VI are primary primordia which split into two sets for proter and opisthe in division middle stages, except for anlage I which develops independently. However, the number of frontoventral transverse anlagen is either five or six not only in different individuals but even in proter and opisthe of the same divider. The phylogenetic analyses based on SSU rDNA sequences showed that the genus Gonostomum is nonmonophyletic, indicating that the patterns of cirri and dorsal kineties are homoplasious characters. The new species G. sinicum nov. spec. is perhaps closely related to Cotterillia bromelicola and two congeners.
Experimental Comparison of Efficacy for Three Handfeeding Techniques in Dementia
Authors: Batchelor‐Murphy Melissa K. , McConnell Eleanor S. , Amella Elaine J. , Anderson Ruth A. , Bales Connie W. , Silva Susan , Barnes Angel , Beck Cornelia , Colon‐Emeric Cathleen S.
Published: February 2017

Background

Nursing home (NH) residents who require assistance during mealtimes are at risk for malnutrition. Supportive handfeeding is recommended, yet there is limited evidence supporting use of a specific handfeeding technique to increase meal intake.

Objectives

To compare efficacy of three handfeeding techniques for assisting NH residents with dementia with meals: Direct Hand (DH), Over Hand (OH), and Under Hand (UH).

Design

A prospective pilot study using a within‐subjects experimental Latin square design with randomization to one of three handfeeding technique sequences.

Setting and Participants

30 residents living with advanced dementia in 11 U.S. NHs.

Measurements

Time required for assistance; meal intake (% eaten); and feeding behaviors, measured by the Edinburgh Feeding Evaluation in Dementia (EdFED) scale.

Intervention

Research Assistants provided feeding assistance for 18 video‐recorded meals per resident (N = 540 meals). Residents were assisted with one designated technique for 6 consecutive meals, changing technique every 2 days.

Results

Mean time spent providing meal assistance did not differ significantly between techniques. Mean meal intake was greater for DH (67 ± 15.2%) and UH (65 ± 15.0%) with both significantly greater than OH (60 ± 15.1%). Feeding behaviors were more frequent with OH (8.3 ± 1.8%), relative to DH (8.0 ± 1.8) and UH (7.7 ± 1.8).

Conclusion

All three techniques are time neutral. UH and DH are viable options to increase meal intake among NH residents with advanced dementia and reduce feeding behaviors relative to OH feeding.
Oral Health and Incident Depressive Symptoms: JAGES Project Longitudinal Study in Older Japanese
Authors: Yamamoto Tatsuo , Aida Jun , Kondo Katsunori , Fuchida Shinya , Tani Yukako , Saito Masashige , Sasaki Yuri
Published: February 2017

Objectives

To determine whether oral health status predicts depressive symptoms in older Japanese people.

Design

Longitudinal study.

Setting

Twenty‐four municipalities in Japan.

Participants

Community‐dwelling individuals aged 65 years and older who responded to mail surveys performed by the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study in 2010 and 2013 (N = 14,279).

Measurements

Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Multiple imputations were used to deal with missing data. After excluding participants with depressive symptoms (GDS ≥ 5) at baseline, odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for incident depressive symptoms in 2013 were estimated using logistic regression models.

Results

After adjusting for sex, age, educational attainment, equivalized household income, marital status, present illness, exercise, frequency of going out, and visits for dental treatment, the following ORs (95% CIs) were observed in simultaneously added oral health variables: 10–19 teeth (OR 1.16, 95% CI 0.99–1.37, reference: ≥20 teeth); 1–9 teeth (1.14, 0.94–1.38, reference: ≥20 teeth); no teeth (1.28, 1.03–1.60, reference: ≥20 teeth); more difficulty chewing tough foods now than 6 months ago (1.24, 1.04–1.47); choking when drinking tea or soup (1.02, 0.84–1.23); feelings of thirst (1.17, 0.99–1.40); difficulty eating food (0.98, 0.80–1.21), difficulty speaking clearly (1.19, 0.89–1.60); problems with smiling (1.24, 0.94–1.65); problems with emotional stability (1.32, 0.86–2.04); and problems enjoying oneself around family, friends, or other people (0.86, 0.42–1.78).

Conclusion

These findings suggest that having no teeth and oral health problems may play a role in the development or worsening of depressive symptoms.
Outcomes of Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery Versus Drug‐Eluting Stents in Older Adults
Authors: Chang Mineok , Lee Cheol Whan , Ahn Jung‐Min , Cavalcante Rafael , Sotomi Yohei , Onuma Yoshinobu , Park Duk‐Woo , Kang Soo‐Jin , Lee Seung‐Whan , Kim Young‐Hak , Park Seong‐Wook , Serruys Patrick W. , Park Seung‐Jung
Published: February 2017

Objectives

Little data are available to compare coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) vs percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug‐eluting stents (DES) in older adults. We evaluate the long‐term outcomes of CABG vs PCI with DES in older adults with left main or multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD).

Design

Individual patient‐level meta‐analysis.

Settings

Databases from the BEST, PRECOMBAT, and SYNTAX trials were combined.

Participants

A total 1,079 adults aged 70 to 89 years were pooled.

Measurements

The primary outcome was a composite of death from any causes, myocardial infarction, stroke, or repeat revascularization.

Results

During a total of 6.3 (median, 4.9) years of follow‐up, the primary composite outcome of all‐cause mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke, or repeat revascularization occurred in 26% (141/550) and 34% (179/529) of patients in the CABG and PCI groups, respectively (hazard ratio (HR), 0.75; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.60–0.94; P = .012). CABG was associated with fewer myocardial infarction (4% vs 8% for PCI; HR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.29–0.80; P = .037); and repeat revascularizations (8% vs 17% for PCI; HR, 044; 95% CI, 0.31–0.64; P < .001), but had little association with all‐cause mortality or stroke.

Conclusion

Older adults age 70 to 89 years with left main or multivessel CAD who participated in the BEST, PRECOMBAT, and SYNTAX trials; compared to PCI, CABG was associated with lower risk of primary outcome which was mostly driven by lower risk of myocardial infarction.
There is nothing wrong with being a nurse: The experiences of male nursing students in Taiwan
Authors: Yang Cheng‐I , Yu Hsing‐Yi , Chin Yen‐Fan , Lee Li‐Hung
Published: February 2017

Aim

Male nurses are reported to experience role strain. Fear of gender stereotyping can be stressful and frustrating for male nursing students, which could make them feel isolated and excluded. The aim of this qualitative study was to investigate how male nursing students in Taiwan perceive the barriers to their experience as nursing students and how they manage these barriers in their study environment and social life.

Methods

A qualitative research approach was used in this study. Data were collected during 2014 from 24 male nursing students from three nursing educational institutes in Taiwan who participated in order to share their experiences by using a semistructured interview. All the interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed by thematic analysis.

Results

The main theme that described the experiences of the male nursing students in Taiwan was: “There is nothing wrong with being a male nurse.” Contrary to other studies, role strain for the participants was minimal. The students experienced some barriers because of being a male nursing student, both at school and in their social life. Most of these students tended to manage the barriers by developing positive thinking and coping strategies.

Conclusion

Nursing educators are encouraged to use the findings from this study to provide appropriate support for male nursing students.
Monocytes, microglia, and CD200‐CD200R1 signaling are essential in the transmission of inflammation from the periphery to the central nervous system
Authors: Xie Xin , Luo Xiaoguang , Liu Na , Li Xiaohong , Lou Fan , Zheng Yumin , Ren Yan
Published: February 2017

Peripheral inflammation is known to trigger neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative disease. However, the key components during the propagation of inflammation from the periphery to the central nervous system (CNS) remain unclear. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was administered to Sprague–Dawley rats to induce peripheral inflammation. An intravenous injection and an intranigral injection of clodronate liposomes were given to deplete monocytes and microglia, respectively. Recombinant CD200 fusion protein (CD200Fc) or an anti‐CD200R1 antibody was injected into the substantia nigra to manipulate the involvement of CD200 and CD200R1. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining were used to measure microglial activation and dopaminergic neuronal loss. The expression of brain pro‐inflammatory cytokines (i.e., tumor necrosis factor alpha, IL‐1β) and CD200‐CD200R1 signaling were measured by quantitative RT‐PCR. Our data showed that the peripheral LPS injection activated the microglia and induced an increase in the levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines (i.e., tumor necrosis factor alpha, IL‐1β). The depletion of either monocytes or microglia suppressed these inflammatory effects that were induced by peripheral LPS administration. The peripheral LPS injection increased the expression of CD200 and CD200R1 in the substantia nigra. Dopaminergic neuronal loss induced by the peripheral LPS injection was accelerated by the blockade of CD200‐CD200R1 signaling with an anti‐CD200R1 antibody and attenuated by intensifying the signaling with CD200Fc. These results highlight the importance of monocytes, microglia, and CD200‐CD200R1 signaling in the transmission of inflammation from the periphery to the CNS.

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Distinguishing Attachment and Affiliation in Early Adolescents’ Narrative Descriptions of Their Best Friendship
Authors: Martin Meredith J. , Davies Patrick T. , Cummings E. Mark
Published: February 2017

This study was designed to test for specificity in the relationship between individual friendship provisions and adjustment across early adolescence. Using a narrative procedure, attachment (i.e., accessing care) and affiliation (i.e., forming cooperative partnerships) were found to be distinct functional themes organizing 293 adolescents’ (Mage = 13) internal representations of their best friendship across three annual measurement occasions. Longitudinal, cross‐lag analyses revealed a unique transactional relationship between friendship affiliation and greater social competence over time, controlling for friendship stability, maternal relationship quality, socioeconomic status, and gender. By contrast, friendship attachment predicted fewer subsequent internalizing symptoms from ages 14 to 15. Together, findings point to the importance of understanding individual differences in the content of adolescents’ internal representations of friendship.
The ERECTA and ERECTA‐like genes control a developmental shift during xylem formation in Arabidopsis
Authors: Fischer Urs , Teichmann Thomas
Published: February 2017

This article is a Commentary on Ikematsu et al., 213: 1697–1709.
What Darwin only divined: unraveling the hierarchy of signaling events upon prey catch in carnivorous sundew plants
Authors: Mithöfer Axel
Published: February 2017

This article is a Commentary on Krausko et al., 213: 1818–1835.
Role of sleep and circadian disruption on energy expenditure and in metabolic predisposition to human obesity and metabolic disease
Authors: McHill A. W. , Wright K. P.
Published: February 2017

Weight gain, obesity and diabetes have reached alarming levels in the developed world. Traditional risk factors such as over‐eating, poor nutritional choices and lack of exercise cannot fully account for the high prevalence of metabolic disease. This review paper examines the scientific evidence on two novel risk factors that contribute to dys‐regulated metabolic physiology: sleep disruption and circadian misalignment. Specifically, fundamental relationships between energy metabolism and sleep and circadian rhythms and the impact of sleep and circadian disruption on metabolic physiology are examined. Millions of individuals worldwide do not obtain sufficient sleep for healthy metabolic function, and many participate in shift work and social activities at times when the internal physiological clock is promoting sleep. These behaviours predispose an individual for poor metabolic health by promoting excess caloric intake in response to reduced sleep, food intake at internal biological times when metabolic physiology is not prepared, decreased energy expenditure when wakefulness and sleep are initiated at incorrect internal biological times, and disrupted glucose metabolism during short sleep and circadian misalignment. In addition to the traditional risk factors of poor diet and exercise, disturbed sleep and circadian rhythms represent modifiable risk factors for prevention and treatment of metabolic disease and for promotion of healthy metabolism.
Tackling obesity at the community level by integrating healthy diet, movement and non‐movement behaviours
Authors: Tremblay A. , Lachance É.
Published: February 2017

The increase in obesity prevalence over the last decades has generally been attributed to suboptimal macronutrient diet composition and insufficient physical activities. However, recent literature has revealed that other environmental factors contribute to the positive energy balance that underlies body‐weight gain and should be considered in efforts to tackle obesity. As discussed in this paper, it also appears that successful obesity management could not happen without actions at a community level that would ultimately impact energy balance. These measures generally include a better use of the school environment to promote healthy behaviours. Furthermore, in a foreseeable future, communities will probably have to consider sustainable development in their list of criteria deserving attention in the global management of obesity.
Smart approaches for assessing free‐living energy expenditure following identification of types of physical activity
Authors: Plasqui G.
Published: February 2017

Accurate assessment of physical activity and energy expenditure has been a research focus for many decades. A variety of wearable sensors have been developed to objectively capture physical activity patterns in daily life. These sensors have evolved from simple pedometers to tri‐axial accelerometers, and multi sensor devices measuring different physiological constructs. The current review focuses on how activity recognition may help to improve daily life energy expenditure assessment. A brief overview is given about how different sensors have evolved over time to pave the way for recognition of different activity types. Once the activity is recognized together with the intensity of the activity, an energetic value can be attributed. This concept can then be tested in daily life using the independent reference technique doubly labeled water. So far, many studies have been performed to accurately identify activity types, and some of those studies have also successfully translated this into energy expenditure estimates. Most of these studies have been performed under standardized conditions, and the true applicability in daily life has rarely been addressed. The results so far however are highly promising, and technological advancements together with newly developed algorithms based on physiological constructs will further expand this field of research.
Nutrition, movement and sleep behaviours: their interactions in pathways to obesity and cardiometabolic diseases
Authors: Dulloo A. G. , Miles‐Chan J. L. , Montani J.‐P.
Published: February 2017

Among the multitude of dietary and lifestyle behaviours that have been proposed to contribute to the obesity epidemic, those that have generated considerable research scrutiny in the past decade are centred upon sleep behaviours, sedentary behaviours (sitting or lying while awake) and diminished low‐level physical activities of everyday life, with each category of behaviours apparently presenting an independent risk for obesity and/or cardiometabolic diseases. These behaviours are highly complex, operate in synergy with each other, disrupt the link between regulation of the circadian clock and metabolic physiology and impact on various components of daily energy expenditure and feeding behaviours to promote obesity and hinder the outcome of obesity therapy. As such, this behavioural triad (nutrition, movement and sleep) presents plenty of scope for intervention and optimization in the context of body weight regulation and lifestyle‐related disease prevention. It is against this background that recent advances relevant to the theme of ‘Nutrition, Movement & Sleep Behaviors: their interactions in pathways to obesity and cardiometabolic diseases’ are addressed in this overview and the nine review articles in this supplement reporting the proceedings of the 8th Fribourg Obesity Research Conference.
Tomato photorespiratory glycolate‐oxidase‐derived H2O2 production contributes to basal defence against Pseudomonas syringae
Authors: Ahammed Golam Jalal , Li Xin , Zhang Guanqun , Zhang Huan , Shi Junying , Pan Caizhe , Yu Jingquan , Shi Kai
Published: February 2017

Despite being essential for C3 plants, photorespiration is believed to cause a significant crop yield loss even under future climates. However, how photorespiration affects plant basal defence still remains largely unknown. Here, we studied the involvement of photorespiration in tomato–Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 interaction focusing on three photorespiratory genes. Inoculation with P. syringae increased photorespiration rate (Pr) and expression of glycolate oxidase (GOX2), serine glyoxylate aminotransferase (SGT) and serine hydroxyl methyltransferase (SHMT1); however, inhibition of photorespiration by isonicotinic acid hydrazide decreased tomato basal defence against P. syringae. Furthermore, silencing of GOX2, SGT or SHMT1 genes in tomato decreased Pr but increased susceptibility to P. syringae, whereas transient overexpression of GOX2, SGT or SHMT1 in tobacco increased basal defence. Further study revealed that salicylic acid (SA) signalling is involved in GOX2‐mediated, SGT‐mediated and SHMT1‐mediated defence. Moreover, H2O2 pretreatment remarkably alleviated the GOX2 silencing‐induced depression in basal defence and SA signalling, whereas it had no effect on that of SGT‐silenced and SHMT1‐silenced plants. Taken together, these results suggest that H2O2 is critical for GOX2‐modulated but not SGT‐modulated or SHMT1‐modulated SA signalling and subsequent basal defence against P. syringae. This work deepens the understanding of photorespiration‐involved defence responses to bacterial attack in plants.
What Causes Unethical Behavior? A Meta‐Analysis to Set an Agenda for Public Administration Research
Authors: Belle Nicola , Cantarelli Paola
Published: February 2017

This article uses meta‐analysis to synthesize 137 experiments in 73 articles on the causes of unethical behavior. Results show that exposure to in‐group members who misbehave or to others who benefit from unethical actions, greed, egocentrism, self‐justification, exposure to incremental dishonesty, loss aversion, challenging performance goals, or time pressure increase unethical behavior. In contrast, monitoring of employees, moral reminders, and individuals’ willingness to maintain a positive self‐view decrease unethical conduct. Findings on the effect of self‐control depletion on unethical behavior are mixed. Results also present subgroup analyses and several measures of study heterogeneity and likelihood of publication bias. The implications are of interest to both scholars and practitioners. The article concludes by discussing which of the factors analyzed should gain prominence in public administration research and uncovering several unexplored causes of unethical behavior.
From a Pluralism of Grounds to Proto‐Legal Relations: Accounting for the Grounds of Obligations of Justice
Authors: Pavlakos George
Published: February 2017

In this paper I discuss critically Mathias Risse's paper “Responsibility and Global Justice.” First, I argue that for Risse's pluralist account of the grounds of justice to hold together, there is need to presuppose a monist standpoint which ultimately contributes to grounding principles of justice. Second, I point out that Risse's understanding of obligations of accountability and justification is rather narrow in that it functions as an addendum to obligations of justice. Conversely, I will suggest that the obligation of accountability plays a deeper role: The conditions that ground it feature at the same time among the grounds of obligations of justice. Accordingly, the kind of relation that gives rise to a duty among agents to account for their actions must be in place when obligations of justice obtain. Following on from these remarks I will adumbrate an alternative account of the relation which grounds (enforceable) obligations of justice.
Using management to address vegetation stress related to land‐use and climate change
Authors: Middleton Beth A. , Boudell Jere , Fisichelli Nicholas A.
Published: February 2017

While disturbances such as fire, cutting, and grazing can be an important part of the conservation of natural lands, some adjustments to management designed to mimic natural disturbance may be necessary with ongoing and projected climate change. Stressed vegetation that is incapable of regeneration will be difficult to maintain if adults are experiencing mortality, and/or if their early life‐history stages depend on disturbance. A variety of active management strategies employing disturbance are suggested, including resisting, accommodating, or directing vegetation change by manipulating management intensity and frequency. Particularly if land‐use change is the main cause of vegetation stress, amelioration of these problems using management may help vegetation resist change (e.g. strategic timing of water release if a water control structure is available). Managers could direct succession by using management to push vegetation toward a new state. Despite the historical effects of management, some vegetation change will not be controllable as climates shift, and managers may have to accept some of these changes. Nevertheless, proactive measures may help managers achieve important conservation goals in the future.
Temporal and environmental significance of microbial lamination: Insights from Recent fluvial stromatolites in the River Piedra, Spain
Authors: Arenas Concha , Jones Brian
Published: February 2017

Despite extensive research, the environmental and temporal significance of microbial lamination is still ambiguous because of the complexity of the parameters that control its development. A 13 year monitored record of modern fast‐accreting calcite stromatolites (mean 14 mm year−1) from artificial substrates installed in rapid flow in the River Piedra (north‐east Spain) allows comparison of the sedimentological attributes of successive six‐month depositional packages with the known climatic, hydrophysical and hydrochemical parameters of the depositional system. The stromatolites are formed of dense, porous and macrocrystalline composite laminae. The dense and porous composite laminae, which are composed of two to eight laminae consisting largely of calcified cyanobacteria, are characterized by: (i) dense composite laminae, up to 15 mm thick, mostly with successive dense laminae and minor alternating dense and porous laminae; and (ii) porous composite laminae, up to 12 mm thick, consisting mainly of porous laminae alternating with thinner dense laminae. Most of the dense composite laminae formed during the warm periods (April to September), whereas most of the porous composite laminae developed in the cool periods (October to March). Each dense and porous composite lamina represents up to or slightly longer than six months. The alternation of these two types of composite laminae parallels seasonal changes in temperature. The dense and porous laminae result from shorter (for example, intraseasonal) variations in temperature, insolation and hydrological conditions. The macrocrystalline laminae, with crystals >100 μm long, occur isolated and grouped into composite laminae up to 1·7 mm thick. Their occurrence suggests the absence or poor development of microbial mats over periods of weeks to several months. Thus, stromatolite lamination can record different‐order, periodic and non‐periodic changes in the magnitude of environmental parameters over a single year. These results hold important implications for the temporal and environmental interpretation of lamination in microbial structures.
The variable impact of ENSO events on regional dengue/DHF in Indonesia
Authors: Arcari Paula , Tapper Nigel
Published: February 2017

Although studies have demonstrated significant associations between ENSO events and dengue fever, few have explored regional impacts on dengue fever of separate events. This study explores the impacts of two ENSO events on regional patterns of dengue/ dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF) incidence in Indonesia. Data consist of monthly cases of dengue/DHF from 1992 to 2001 for each of Indonesia's 27 provinces, and monthly figures for rainfall, rainfall anomalies, temperature, relative humidity and the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI). We conducted Pearson correlation analyses for each independent variable against dengue/DHF incidence, using a direct month‐by‐month correlation and applying a lag of between one and six months to each variable with respect to dengue/DHF incidence. Based on the SOI value, we identified two ENSO events between 1992 and 2001. To explore each event, we created two dummy variables and in regression analyses for eight provinces. The variance of between 12.9 per cent and 24.5 per cent in provincial dengue/DHF incidence is explained by two or three climate variables in each of the provinces (p < 0.01 to 0.1). During the 1997/98 event, the explained variance increased by between 7 per cent and 15 per cent in provinces whose climate regimes were most affected by this event. This study demonstrates that indicators of ENSO such as the SOI may assist in the forecast of potential dengue/DHF incidence and distribution in Indonesia.
Effects of nitrate supplementation in trained and untrained muscle are modest with initial high plasma nitrite levels
Authors: Christensen P. M. , Petersen N. K. , Friis S. N. , Weitzberg E. , Nybo L.
Published: February 2017

Nitrate () supplementation resulting in higher plasma nitrite () is reported to lower resting mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) and oxygen uptake (VO2) during submaximal exercise in non‐athletic populations, whereas effects in general are absent in endurance‐trained individuals. To test whether physiologic effects of supplementation depend on local muscular training status or cardiovascular fitness, male endurance‐trained cyclists (CYC, n=9, VO2‐max: 64±3 mL/min/kg; mean±SD) and recreational active subjects serving as a control group (CON, n=8, 46±3 mL/min/kg), acutely consumed nitrate‐rich beetroot juice ([] ~9 mmol) (NIT) or placebo (PLA) with assessment of resting MAP and energy expenditure during moderate intensity (~50% VO2‐max) and incremental leg cycling (LEG‐ex) and arm‐cranking exercise (ARM‐ex). NIT increased (P<.001) resting plasma by ~1200% relative to PLA. Plasma increased ~25% (P<.01) with a significant change only in CYC. LEG‐ex VO2 (~2.60 L/min), ARM‐ex VO2 (~1.14 L/min), and resting MAP (~87 mm Hg) remained unchanged for CYC, and similarly for CON, no changes were observed for LEG‐ex VO2 (~2.03 L/min), ARM‐ex VO2 (~1.06 L/min), or resting MAP (~85 mm Hg). VO2‐max was not affected by supplementation, but incremental test peak power was higher (P<.05) in LEG‐ex for CYC in NIT relative to PLA (418±47 vs 407±46 W). In both CYC and CON, high initial baseline values and small increases in plasma after NIT may have lowered the effect of the intervention implying that muscular and cardiovascular training status is likely not the only factors that influence the physiologic effects of supplementation.
Motor competence and cardiorespiratory fitness have greater influence on body fatness than physical activity across time
Authors: Lima R. A. , Pfeiffer K. A. , Bugge A. , Møller N. C. , Andersen L. B. , Stodden D. F.
Published: February 2017

We investigated the longitudinal associations among physical activity (PA), motor competence (MC), cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2peak), and body fatness across 7 years, and also analyzed the possible mediation effects of PA, MC, and VO2peak on the relationships with body fatness. This was a seven‐year longitudinal study with three measuring points (mean ages [in years] and respective sample size: 6.75±0.37, n=696; 9.59±1.07, n=617; 13.35±0.34, n=513). PA (moderate‐to‐vigorous PA—MVPA and vigorous PA—VPA) was monitored using accelerometers. MC was assessed by the “Körperkoordinationstest für Kinder—KTK” test battery. VO2peak was evaluated using a continuous running protocol until exhaustion. Body fatness was determined by the sum of four skinfolds. Structural equation modeling was performed to evaluate the longitudinal associations among PA, MC, VO2peak, and body fatness and the potential mediation effects of PA, MC, and VO2peak. All coefficients presented were standardized (z‐scores). MC and VO2peak directly influenced the development of body fatness, and VO2peak mediated the associations between MVPA, VPA, MC, and body fatness. MC also mediated the associations between MVPA, VPA, and body fatness. In addition, VO2peak had the largest total association with body fatness (β=−0.431; P<.05), followed by MC (β=−0.369; P<.05) and VPA (β=−0.112; P<.05). As PA, MC, and VO2peak exhibited longitudinal association with body fatness, it seems logical that interventions should strive to promote the development of fitness and MC through developmentally appropriate physical activities, as the synergistic interactions of all three variables impacted body fatness.
Placing ‘Home’ and ‘Family’ in Rural Residential Mobilities
Authors: Scott Mark , Murphy Enda , Gkartzios Menelaos
Published: February 2017

This article aims to examine rural population/residential movements through a mobilities perspective to provide an inclusive analysis of the diverse processes of movement that (re)produce rural places beyond the dominant counter urbanisation narrative. We seek to contribute to the literature in two ways. Firstly, we examine a sample of rural residents who have moved house within a 10 year period to examine the full range of actually existing residential mobilities, including counter urbanisation, lateral in‐migration and local mobility within an Irish context. We suggest that counter urbanisation provides only a partial explanation of rural mobility accounting for 44 per cent of our recent movers – moreover, within the counter urbanisation group, approximately a half of this group were originally from a rural context suggesting a more nuanced ‘return‐to‐roots’ movement rather than a stereotypical urban‐rural movement. Secondly, we explore two relatively new dimensions of rural mobilities – the importance of the actual house characteristics to where respondents moved to and the pull of family networks as key mobility factors. In the Irish context explored in this article, we argue that rather than a search for greenspace and idyllic landscapes, decision‐making is often driven by a desire for more private space (internal and external) and the presence of existing family networks.
Multidrug‐resistant tuberculosis in transplant recipients: Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Huaman Moises A. , Brawley Robert , Ashkin David
Published: February 2017

Transplant recipients are at increased risk of tuberculosis (TB). We describe a case of pulmonary and vertebral multidrug‐resistant TB (MDR‐TB) in a kidney transplant patient who required neurosurgical intervention and unfortunately developed fatal nosocomial complications. Thirteen transplant recipients with MDR‐TB were previously reported in the literature (one hematopoietic cell transplant, one heart transplant, one lung transplant, one heart‐lung transplant, and nine kidney transplant recipients). Extrapulmonary disease, severe treatment complications, and deaths were observed in patients who developed MDR‐TB after transplantation.
Structural and functional impacts of amino acid substitutions that create blood group antigens: implications for immunogenicity
Authors: Howe John G. , Stack Gary
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND

The immunogenicities of polypeptide blood group antigens vary widely. One possible determinant of immunogenicity is antigenic foreignness. The goal was to employ alternative ways of assessing foreignness and determine whether foreignness was related to immunogenicity.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Foreignness was assessed as the extent of protein functional disruption caused by the exofacial amino acid (AA) substitutions that create blood group antigens, using AA substitution prediction algorithms such as Meta‐SNP and according to whether those substitutions were radical or conservative.

RESULTS

AA substitutions that create the most immunogenic antigens had the highest Meta‐SNP scores, predictive of greater protein structure and function changes. Four of the 11 exofacial AAs that distinguish the most immunogenic antigen, RhD, from RhCE, and substitutions creating four of the five next most immunogenic antigens had the highest Meta‐SNP scores (0.293‐0.649). Excluding the outlier Jka, the mean Meta‐SNP score of the four most immunogenic non‐RhD antigens (K, Lua, E, c) was 3.7‐fold higher than the mean of the four least immunogenic (M, Fya, C, S), 0.459 versus 0.123 (p = 0.0026). Regression analysis revealed a relationship between immunogenicity and Meta‐SNP score (R2 = 0.953). Actual protein functional disruption was predicted for the AA substitution creating the E antigen. An AA cluster at Positions 350, 353, and 354 of RhD was unique, containing radical substitutions according to two classification schemes and relatively high Meta‐SNP scores (0.351‐0.432).

CONCLUSION

The immunogenicity of blood group antigens was related to the functional disruption caused by the AA substitutions that create the antigens, as measured by Meta‐SNP score.
Amustaline (S‐303) treatment inactivates high levels of Zika virus in red blood cell components
Authors: Laughhunn Andrew , Santa Maria Felicia , Broult Julien , Lanteri Marion C. , Stassinopoulos Adonis , Musso Didier , Aubry Maite
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND

The potential for Zika virus (ZIKV) transfusion‐transmission (TT) has been demonstrated in French Polynesia and Brazil. Pathogen inactivation (PI) of blood products is a proactive strategy to inactivate TT pathogens including arboviruses. Inactivation of West Nile, dengue, Zika, and chikungunya viruses was previously demonstrated by photochemical treatment with amotosalen and ultraviolet A (UVA) illumination. In this study, we evaluated ZIKV inactivation in red blood cell (RBC) components by a chemical approach that uses amustaline (S‐303) and glutathione (GSH).

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

RBC components were spiked with a high titer of ZIKV. Viral titers (infectivity) and ZIKV RNA loads (reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction) were measured in spiked RBCs before and after S‐303 and GSH treatment and confirmed using repetitive passages in cell culture. A mock‐treated arm validated the approach by demonstrating stability of the virus (infectivity and RNA load) during the process.

RESULTS

The mean ZIKV infectivity titer and RNA load in RBCs were 5.99 ± 0.2 log 50% tissue culture infectious dose (TCID50)/mL and 7.75 ± 0.16 log genomic equivalents/mL before inactivation. No infectivity was detected immediately after S‐303 and GSH treatment and after five serial passages in cell culture.

CONCLUSION

Complete ZIKV inactivation of more than 5.99 log TCID50/mL in RBCs was achieved using S‐303 and GSH at levels higher than those found in asymptomatic ZIKV‐infected blood donors. Therefore, the S‐303 and GSH PI system is promising for mitigating the risk of ZIKV TT.
Single‐unit transfusions and hemoglobin trigger: relative impact on red cell utilization
Authors: Yang William W. , Thakkar Rajiv N. , Gehrie Eric A. , Chen Weiyun , Frank Steven M.
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND

Patient blood management (PBM) programs can reduce unnecessary transfusions, but the optimal methods used to achieve this effect are unclear. We tested the hypothesis that encouraging single‐unit red blood cell (RBC) transfusions in stable patients would have a greater impact on blood use than compliance with a specific hemoglobin (Hb) transfusion trigger alone.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

We analyzed blood utilization data at three community hospitals without previous PBM efforts before and after implementing a PBM program. Data were analyzed at monthly intervals to determine the relative impact of a “Why give 2 when 1 will do?” campaign promoting single‐unit RBC transfusions and simultaneous efforts to promote evidence‐based Hb triggers of 7 or 8 g/dL. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify independent effects of these two interventions on overall RBC utilization.

RESULTS

Univariate analysis revealed that both the increase in single‐unit transfusions (from 38.0% to 70.9%; p < 0.0001) and the decrease in RBC orders with an Hb trigger of at least 8 g/dL (from 45.7% to 25.0%; p < 0.0001) were associated with decreasing RBC utilization. Multivariate analysis showed that the increase in single‐unit transfusions was an independent predictor of decreased RBC utilization, but the Hb triggers of both 7 and 8 g/dL were not. Overall, our PBM efforts decreased RBC utilization from 0.254 to 0.185 units/patient (27.2%) across all three hospitals (p = 0.0009).

CONCLUSIONS

A campaign promoting single‐unit RBC transfusions had a greater impact on RBC utilization than did encouraging a restrictive transfusion trigger.
Risk of exposure to blood products during pregnancy: guidance for Zika and other donor deferral policies
Authors: Murphy Malia S.Q. , Shehata Nadine , Colas Jo Ann , Chassé Michaël , Fergusson Dean A. , O'Brien Sheila F. , Goldman Mindy , Tinmouth Alan , Forster Alan J. , Wilson Kumanan
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND

Exposure to blood products during pregnancy carries a potential risk of transfusion transmission of infectious agents. Blood agencies have historically sought optimal deferral and testing strategies to protect blood supplies in part to ensure the protection of pregnant women and their unborn infants. The Zika virus outbreak of 2016 has heightened attention to these concerns. In the current context of the recent Zika outbreak, and also more broadly, data are needed to shed light on the likelihood of exposure to blood products throughout pregnancy to inform policy.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Hospital administrative data from a large tertiary care center were examined for outpatient and nondelivery inpatient transfusion events in pregnant women between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2013. Those pregnancies resulting in miscarriage were excluded from analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 45,179 pregnancies resulting in delivery of a live or stillborn infant were documented at The Ottawa Hospital during the study period. Our findings indicate that 0.124%, or 1240 in 1,000,000, expectant mothers received transfusion at some point during their pregnancies with 0.04%, or 400 per 1,000,000, expectant mothers receiving a transfusion in the first trimester.

CONCLUSION

Data from a large tertiary care center suggest that the risk of maternal and fetal exposure to blood products by transfusion during any stage of pregnancy is very low. Such a low likelihood of transfusion should be taken into consideration when developing donor deferral policies designed to protect women against transfusion‐associated infection transmission during pregnancy and could inform evaluations of the risk of prenatal transfusion transmission of the Zika virus.
Renal biochemistry variables and ultrasonographic imaging in healthy Squirrel monkeys (Saimiri collinsi)
Authors: Lins e Lins Fernanda Luiza de Miranda , Mayor Pedro , Silva Filho Ednaldo , Imbeloni Aline Amaral , Bandeira da Silva Wellington , Monteiro Maria Vivina Barros , Nunes‐Pinheiro Diana Célia Sousa , Monteiro Frederico Ozanan Barros
Published: February 2017

Background

The combined use of renal biochemistry and ultrasonographic imaging may improve the correct management of renal disease. Although renal disease is frequently observed in nonhuman primates, renal function markers have not yet been studied in Squirrel monkeys (Saimiri collinsi).

Objectives

The aim of this study was to establish normal renal biochemistry variables and ultrasonographic features in Squirrel monkeys.

Material and Methods

Renal biochemistry variables and ultrasonographic images were documented in 29 healthy Squirrel monkeys (15 males and 14 females). Urea, serum creatinine (SCr), and uric acid (UA) concentrations were measured by kinetic assay. Cystatin C (CysC) was analyzed by immunonephelometry. A multiple frequency linear array probe (5–12 MHz) was used for ultrasonographic imaging. The studied indicators of renal function were related to sex, age, and body mass.

Results

Serum creatinine was influenced by sex and body mass. Serum concentration of urea, UA, and CysC were not influenced by sex, age, and body mass. Ultrasonographic images provided accurate and comprehensive data for making clinical decisions for Squirrel monkeys. The total renal volume was only influenced by the body mass nested in sex and was positively correlated to body mass. Right renal volume was bigger than the left one.

Conclusion

Normative standards for the renal evaluation, including biochemistry and ultrasonography, in the Squirrel monkey have been established correlated to age, sex, and body mass.
Prevalence of house dust mites in the homes of atopic dogs in Finland
Authors: Schildt Kirsti J. M. , Seppänen Riitta T. K. , Hielm‐Björkman Anna K. , Saijonmaa‐Koulumies Leena E. , Belova Svetlana
Published: February 2017

Background

The house dust mites (HDM) Dermatophagoides farinae and D. pteronyssinus are important environmental allergens implicated in the pathogenesis of human and canine atopic dermatitis. Sensitization to HDM measured by allergen‐specific IgE is common in Finnish atopic dogs. Studies on HDM prevalence in Finland are few but suggest that HDM are scarce.

Objective

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of HDM in the home environments of atopic dogs in Finland.

Methods

Dust samples were obtained from the homes of 50 atopic dogs. Samples were collected by vacuuming the owners’ mattresses and each dog's bed. In each case, an area of 21 × 30 cm was vacuumed for 2 min. Samples weighing 100 mg or more were considered sufficient for determination of HDM allergen concentrations (Der f 1 and Der p 1) using standardized ELISA. Samples sufficient for further analysis were also examined by direct microscopy for the presence of mites and by multiplex PCR for HDM DNA.

Results

Eighty one samples were sufficient for analysis by ELISA, 59 by PCR and 29 by direct microscopy. A single sample was analysed from four homes in which the dog shared the owner's bed. Der f 1 was detected in three samples (3.7%). Der p 1 was not detected in any sample. No mites were identified on microscopy. Five samples were positive for HDM on multiplex PCR (8.4%).

Conclusion

House dust mites seem to be uncommon in the home environment of atopic dogs in Finland despite reported frequent allergen‐specific IgE antibodies.
Skin depigmentation associated with toceranib phosphate in a dog
Authors: Cavalcanti Jacqueline V. J. , Hasbach Andrea , Barnes Katie , Dange Rahul B. , Patterson Jon , Saavedra Paulo Vilar
Published: February 2017

Background

Drug‐induced depigmentation is frequently observed in humans undergoing tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy, whereas it is not reported in dogs. The skin depigmentation can occur after the first week of treatment and it is reversible within a few weeks after drug discontinuation.

Objectives

To report the clinical and histopathological features of an episode of cutaneous adverse drug reaction associated with short term administration of toceranib phosphate.

Case report

An 11‐year‐old intact male Bernese mountain dog was presented for investigation of a subcutaneous mast cell tumour (MCT) including treatment options. The major abnormality on physical examination was a 7.5 × 10 cm subcutaneous mass located cranial to the left shoulder joint consistent with a MCT. Toceranib phosphate therapy was initiated. Fourteen days after initiating treatment, the dog presented with skin erosions near the lateral canthus of the left eye. Three weeks later there were multiple skin lesions characterized by alopecia and depigmentation involving left and right eyelids; leukotrichia of the periorbital areas and depigmentation of the nasal planum and all paw pads. Histopathological findings were nonspecific; they were supportive of vitiligo. Resolution of skin lesions was observed after stopping the toceranib phosphate therapy.

Conclusion and clinical importance

Based on the gross lesions, histopathological features before and after tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy, and Naranjo score, this case was considered to be consistent with cutaneous adverse drug effects. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report describing the clinical and histopathological features of presumed drug‐induced skin depigmentation in a dog receiving toceranib phosphate.