bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of nonhomologous end joining to increase the specificity of CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing
Authors: Vartak Supriya V. , Raghavan Sathees C.
Published: August 2015

DNA repair, one of the fundamental processes occurring in a cell, safeguards the genome and maintains its integrity. Among various DNA lesions, double‐strand breaks are considered to be the most deleterious, as they can lead to potential loss of genetic information, if not repaired. Nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) and homologous recombination are two major double‐strand break repair pathways. SCR7, a DNA ligase IV inhibitor, was recently identified and characterized as a potential anticancer compound. Interestingly, SCR7 was shown to have several applications, owing to its unique property as an NHEJ inhibitor. Here, we focus on three main areas of research in which SCR7 is actively being used, and discuss one of the applications, i.e. genome editing via CRISPR/Cas, in detail. In the past year, different studies have shown that SCR7 significantly increases the efficiency of precise genome editing by inhibiting NHEJ, and favouring the error‐free homologous recombination pathway, both in vitro and in vivo. Overall, we discuss the current applications of SCR7 to shed light on the unique property of the small molecule of having distinct applications in normal and cancer cells, when used at different cellular concentrations.
Dps from Deinococcus radiodurans: oligomeric forms of Dps1 with distinct cellular functions and Dps2 involved in metal storage
Authors: Santos Sandra P. , Mitchell Edward P. , Franquelim Henri G. , Castanho Miguel A. R. B. , Abreu Isabel A. , Romão Célia V.
Published: August 2015

The DNA binding proteins from starved cells from Deinococcus radiodurans, Dps1‐DR2263 and Dps2‐DRB0092, have a common overall structure of hollow spherical dodecamers. Their involvement in the homeostasis of intracellular metal and DNA protection was addressed. Our results show that DrDps proteins are able to oxidize ferrous to ferric iron by oxygen or hydrogen peroxide. The iron stored inside the hollow sphere cavity is fully released. Furthermore, these proteins are able to store and release manganese, suggesting they can play a role in manganese homeostasis as well. The interaction of DrDps with DNA was also addressed. Even though DrDps1 binds both linear and coiled DNA, DrDps2 preferentially binds to coiled DNA, forming different protein–DNA complexes, as clearly shown by atomic force microscopy. DrDps1 (dimer and dodecamer) and DrDps2 can protect DNA against reactive oxygen species, although the protection occurs at different Fe to protein ratios. The difference between DrDps could be the result of the DrDps1 higher iron oxidation rate in the presence of hydrogen peroxide and its higher affinity to bind DNA than in DrDps2. Using cellular extracts obtained from D. radiodurans cultures, we showed that DrDps1 oligomers observed in in vitro conditions are also present in vivo. This indicates that DrDps1 has a structural dynamic plasticity that allows its oligomeric state to change between dimer, trimer and dodecamer. This in turn suggests the existence of a regulation mechanism that modulates the oligomer equilibrium and is dependent on growth stages and environmental conditions.
Effect of native vitamin D3 supplementation on refractory chronic hepatitis C patients in simeprevir with pegylated interferon/ribavirin
Authors: Atsukawa Masanori , Tsubota Akihito , Shimada Noritomo , Yoshizawa Kai , Abe Hiroshi , Asano Toru , Ohkubo Yusuke , Araki Masahiro , Ikegami Tadashi , Okubo Tomomi , Kondo Chisa , Osada Yuji , Nakatsuka Katsuhisa , Chuganji Yoshimichi , Matsuzaki Yasushi , Iwakiri Katsuhiko , Aizawa Yoshio
Published: August 2015

Aim

Protease inhibitors with pegylated interferon (PEG IFN)/ribavirin improve a sustained virological response (SVR) rate to approximately 90% in chronic hepatitis C genotype 1b patients with IL28B rs8099917 genotype TT, but yield only approximately 50% in those with the unfavorable non‐TT. Among such treatment‐refractory patients, serum vitamin D levels could influence the SVR rate. This randomized controlled trial was conducted to assess the effect of native vitamin D supplementation in simeprevir with PEG IFN/ribavirin for 1b patients with non‐TT.

Methods

Patients were randomly assigned to receive simeprevir (100 mg/day) for 12 weeks plus PEG IFN/ribavirin for 24 weeks (control group, n = 58), or vitamin D (2000 IU/day) for 16 weeks including a lead‐in phase plus PEG IFN/ribavirin for 24 weeks (vitamin D group, n = 57). The primary end‐point was sustainably undetectable viremia 24 weeks after the end of treatment (SVR).

Results

SVR rates were 37.9% in the control group and 70.2% in the vitamin D group. In subgroup analysis, SVR rates of prior null responders were 11.8% and 54.5%, respectively. SVR rates for advanced fibrosis were 28.6% and 65.4%. SVR rates for patients with vitamin D3 deficiency at the baseline were 25.0% in the control group and 66.7% in the vitamin D group. Overall, the SVR rate was significantly higher in patients with high serum 25(OH)D3 levels at the beginning of combination therapy than in those with low serum 25(OH)D3 levels.

Conclusion

Native vitamin D3 supplementation improved SVR rates in simeprevir with PEG IFN/ribavirin for chronic hepatitis C genotype 1b patients with refractory factors.
Going green to fit in – understanding the impact of social norms on pro‐environmental behaviour, a cross‐cultural approach
Authors: Culiberg Barbara , Elgaaied‐Gambier Leila
Published: August 2015

While most research on the determinants of pro‐environmental behaviour has focussed on individual predispositions, this article specifically addresses the role of social norms in the adoption of such behaviours. Our main assumption is that individual pro‐environmental behaviour is influenced by perceived descriptive and injunctive norms from relevant others (family and friends) which, in turn, are influenced by the perceived pro‐environmental norm at the country level (PNCL). This model was tested in two different cultural contexts: Slovenia (N=246) and France (N=215) using a moderated mediation approach. Our results confirm the mediator effect of relevant others’ norms in the relationship between the PNCL and individual behaviour for the whole sample. Yet it appears that the French subjects are less sensitive to the indirect effect of the norm at the country level. Implications for public authorities and companies are discussed.
Volunteer Experience May Not Bridge Gaps in Employment
Authors: Maurath Daniel T. , Wright Chris W. , Wittorp Danielle E. , Hardtke David
Published: August 2015

This study investigated whether volunteer experience compensates for a gap in employment that occurs either early or late in one's career. Recruiters (n = 82) evaluated resumes of fictitious applicants with either early or late employment gaps, plus one of three types of volunteer experience: career‐related, career‐unrelated, and none. For applicants with an employment gap, resumes with volunteer experience – regardless of its career‐relatedness – were not rated significantly higher than resumes without volunteer experience. Although not statistically significant, resumes with late employment gaps were rated highest when they had career‐related volunteer experience and lowest when they had no volunteer experience. In line with human capital theory, applicants late in their career were rated higher than applicants early in their career.
Association between diabetes mellitus and oncological outcomes in bladder cancer patients undergoing radical cystectomy
Authors: Oh Jong Jin , Kang Min Yong , Jo Jung Ki , Lee Hak Min , Byun Seok‐Soo , Lee Sang Eun , Lee Sangchul , Hong Sung Kyu
Published: August 2015

Objective

To determine the association between diabetes mellitus and oncological outcomes in urothelial bladder cancer patients undergoing radical cystectomy.

Methods

From January 2004 to December 2014, 200 non‐metastatic urothelial bladder cancer patients who underwent radical cystectomy were divided into two groups according to diabetes mellitus status at the time of surgery. Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression analysis were used to assess the association between diabetes mellitus and urothelial bladder cancer recurrence‐free, cancer‐specific and overall mortality.

Results

Of the 200 patients, 28 (14%) had diabetes mellitus and presented similar preoperative factors and pathological findings after radical cystectomy, including pathological stage, grade, lymph node invasion and positive surgical margin compared with non‐diabetes mellitus patients (n = 172). The 5‐year cancer‐specific survivals were 92.3% and 62.1% in the non‐diabetes mellitus and diabetes mellitus groups, respectively (P = 0.022). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that diabetes mellitus was a significant predictor for cancer‐specific mortality (hazard ratio 1.785, P = 0.038). The 5‐year overall survival rate was 92.1% and 59.4% in the non‐diabetes mellitus and diabetes mellitus groups, respectively (P = 0.014), and diabetes mellitus was a significant factor for overall mortality by multivariate Cox regression analysis (hazard ratio 1.281, P = 0.042).

Conclusions

Among bladder cancer patients who underwent radical cystectomy, the diabetes mellitus patients had worse cancer‐specific mortality and overall mortality outcomes than the non‐diabetes mellitus patients. The mechanism of association between diabetes mellitus and urothelial bladder cancer should be investigated to validate the present results in a future prospective study.
Adults with sickle cell disease may perform cognitive tests as well as controls when processing speed is taken into account: a preliminary case–control study
Authors: Crawford Regina D. , Jonassaint Charles R.
Published: August 2015

Aims

This study aimed to: (1) evaluate cognitive function among adults with sickle cell disease using a computer‐administered neuropsychological test; and (2) replicate previously identified differences in processing speed between patients with sickle cell disease and controls.

Background

Previous evidence suggests that, compared with controls, adult patients with sickle cell disease have poorer cognitive functioning across most domains but the most significant deficits appear to be in the area of processing speed.

Design

Cross‐sectional case–control study conducted from June 2008–June 2010.

Methods

Cognitive functioning was measured using computerized, self‐administered, neuropsychological tests among 31 patients with sickle cell disease and 17 controls matched for age, gender and race. The assessment averaged 30 minutes and scores were recorded for seven computerized tests: verbal and visual memory, finger tapping, symbol digit coding, Stroop test, shifting attention and continuous performance.

Results

Patients with sickle cell disease scored 10·76 points lower on the CNS Vital Signs processing speed domain than controls. Although non‐significant, patients scored 5·73 points lower on the full index than controls but after adjusting for processing speed, mean scores for patients were 3 points greater compared with controls. Differences in executive functioning and attention were not significant and memory did not differ between groups.

Conclusion

Using a brief, computer‐administered 30‐minute neuropsychological test, we were able to replicate previous findings showing a greater than 10‐point deficit in processing speed among patients with sickle cell disease. When differences in processing speed are taken into account, patients perform equally well or better than controls on cognitive tasks.
In vivo confocal microscopy of basal cell carcinoma: a systematic review of diagnostic accuracy
Authors: Kadouch D.J. , Schram M.E. , Leeflang M.M. , Limpens J. , Spuls P.I. , de Rie M.A.
Published: August 2015

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most prevalent type of skin cancer. Histologic analysis of punch biopsy or direct excision specimen is used to confirm clinical diagnosis. In vivo reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) is a non‐invasive imaging modality that could facilitate early diagnosis and minimize unnecessary invasive procedures. We systematically reviewed diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity and specificity) of RCM in diagnosing primary BCCs to judge its usefulness. Eligible studies were reviewed for methodological quality using the QUADAS‐2 tool. We used the bivariate random‐effects model to calculate summary estimates of sensitivity and specificity. Six studies met the selection criteria and were included for analysis. The meta‐analysis showed a summary estimate of sensitivity 0.97 (95% CI, 0.90–0.99) and specificity 0.93 (95% CI, 0.88–0.96). All but one of the QUADAS‐2 items showed a high or unclear risk of bias with regards to patient selection. RCM may be a promising diagnostic tool, but the limited number of available studies and potential risk of bias of included studies do not allow us to draw firm conclusions. Future accuracy studies should take these limitations into account.
Recognizing the impact of ambient air pollution on skin health
Authors: Mancebo S. E. , Wang S. Q.
Published: August 2015

Ambient air pollution is a known public health hazard that negatively impacts non‐cutaneous organs; however, our knowledge regarding the effects on skin remains limited. Current scientific evidence suggests there are four mechanisms by which ambient air pollutants cause adverse effects on skin health: (i) generation of free radicals, (ii) induction of inflammatory cascade and subsequent impairment of skin barrier, (iii) activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and (iv) alterations to skin microflora. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview on ambient air pollutants and their relevant sources, and highlight current evidence of the effects on skin.
Who Responds to U.S. News & World Report's Law School Rankings?
Authors: Stake Jeffrey Evans , Alexeev Michael
Published: August 2015

U.S. News & World Report (USN&WR) publishes annual rankings of ABA‐approved law schools. The popularity of these rankings raises the question of whether they influence the behavior of law teachers, lawyers and judges, law school applicants, employers, or law school administrators. This study explores some indicia of USN&WR influence. Using data purchased from USN&WR, we attempt to determine whether USN&WR might have influenced (1) law faculty members who respond to the USN&WR survey of law school quality, (2) lawyers who respond to USN&WR surveys, (3) law school applicants choosing a school, (4) employers who hire law school graduates, and (5) administrators who set tuition. We find significant effects on the first three groups, particularly with respect to lower‐rank schools. That is, there may be “echo effects” of USN&WR rankings that are folded back into subsequent rankings and tend to stabilize them. We also find that rankings may exert some influence on tuition at law schools outside the top 40. We do not find evidence that employers hiring law graduates respond to changes in USN&WR rankings, either in median salaries paid or in employment percentages reported by law schools.
Indicators based on registers and administrative data for breast cancer: routine evaluation of oncologic care pathway can be implemented
Authors: Andreano Anita , Anghinoni Emanuela , Autelitano Mariangela , Bellini Aldo , Bersani Maurizio , Bizzoco Sabrina , Cavalieri d'Oro Luca , Decarli Adriano , Lucchi Silvia , Mannino Salvatore , Panciroli Emerico , Rebora Paola , Rognoni Magda , Sampietro Giuseppe , Villa Marco , Zocchetti Carlo , Zucchi Alberto , Valsecchi Maria Grazia , Russo Antonio Giampiero ,   OSSERVA Working Group
Published: August 2015

Rationale, aims and objectives

Assuring the best standards of care – in a sustainable way – in chronic diseases as breast cancer is nowadays an important challenge for any health system. The aim of this study was to present the methodology used to define a set of quality indicators, computable from administrative data for the pathway of care of breast cancer, and its application at a population level.

Method

The cohort of 2007–2009 incident cases of breast cancer was identified through a network of six cancer registers in Northern Italy. Cases of sarcoma and lymphoma, patients with multiple primary cancers and those metastatic at diagnosis were excluded; 9614 women were retained for the analysis. For each indicator, the sub‐cohort of women eligible for the diagnostic/therapeutic procedures was identified and calculations were performed through record linkage between the cohort and sources of health information. Data on potential available confounders or prognostic factors were also collected.

Results

For a few indicators, such as cyto‐histological assessment before surgery (62%) and intensive follow‐up (79%), deviation from recommendations was evident. Younger patients (≤50 years) more frequently needed a short term re‐intervention, while older patients less frequently underwent reconstructive surgery and received palliative care. Several indicators had a great variability across hospitals. In some cases, this heterogeneity appeared to be related to the hospital size, with high‐volume hospitals being more compliant to guidelines.

Conclusion

It is possible to evaluate the quality of cancer care delivered in clinical practice in recent years, in order to implement interventions aimed to improve adherence to international standards of care.
Mating patterns of female Leon Springs pupfish Cyprinodon bovinus
Authors: Leiser J. K. , Gagliardi‐Seeley J. L. , Wisenden B. D. , Itzkowitz M.
Published: August 2015

In a field study of Leon Springs pupfish Cyprinodon bovinus, two questions about female promiscuity were investigated. First, were females selective in the males with whom they spawned or were they unselective, spawning randomly among males? Second, how promiscuous were the females, i.e. with how many males did they spawn? If simply spawning with many males maximized a female's reproductive success, then females might be expected to spawn randomly with as many males as possible. Alternatively, if females were selective but engaged in multiple mating, they would limit their spawning to preferred males. In the only wild population of this endangered fish, breeding males defend closely associated territories in the shallow margins of a single desert pool. No territories were observed elsewhere in the pool. Therefore, all territorial males were present simultaneously and females could survey all of them, depositing any number of eggs with one, a few or many males. Rather than spawning randomly, females surveyed many males first, visited relatively few males and ultimately spawned with a small fraction of those available males. With increasing numbers of spawns, however, females increased the number of different mates with whom they spawned. Thus, females showed a bet‐hedging tactic of having a narrow mate preference while also laying eggs in the territories of other males, possibly to reduce egg predation and to avoid inbreeding.
Effect of Nurse‐Implemented Transitional Care for Chinese Individuals with Chronic Heart Failure in Hong Kong: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Yu Doris S. F. , Lee Diana T. F. , Stewart Simon , Thompson David R. , Choi Kai‐Chow , Yu Cheuk‐Man
Published: August 2015

Objectives

To determine the effect of nurse‐implemented transitional care (TC) on readmission and mortality rates in Chinese individuals with chronic heart failure (CHF) in Hong Kong.

Design

Single‐center randomized controlled trial of TC versus usual care (UC).

Setting

University‐affiliated hospital in Hong Kong.

Participants

Hospitalized Chinese individuals with CHF (N = 178; aged 78.6 ± 6.9, 45% male).

Measurements: The TC group received a predischarge visit, two home visits, and then regular telephone calls over 9 months to provide self‐care education and support, optimized health surveillance, and facilitation in use of community services. Primary endpoints were event‐free survival, all‐cause hospital readmission, and mortality during the 9‐month follow‐up. Secondary endpoints were length of hospital stay, self‐care, and health‐related quality of life (HRQL). Data were analyzed using survival analysis and generalized estimating equations, following an intention‐to‐treat principle.

Results

Survival analysis indicated no significant differences in event‐free survival, hospital readmission, or mortality between the TC and UC groups, although the TC group had a lower hospital readmission rate at 6 weeks (8.1% vs 16.3%, P = .048) and lower mortality at 9 months (4.1% vs 13.8%, P = .03). The TC group also had a shorter hospital stay (P = .006) and significantly better self‐care and HRQL. Because of attrition, sensitivity analyses were conducted to examine whether the intention‐to‐treat assumption affected the results. Per‐protocol population analyses (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.40, 95% confidence interval (CI)  = 0.17–0.93) and worst‐case‐scenario analysis (HR = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.25–0.77) suggested a lower mortality risk in the TC group.

Conclusion

The translation of individual‐centered nurse‐implemented TC to the Chinese culture and healthcare context of Hong Kong appears beneficial.
Effect of Active Music Therapy and Individualized Listening to Music on Dementia: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Raglio Alfredo , Bellandi Daniele , Baiardi Paola , Gianotti Marta , Ubezio Maria Chiara , Zanacchi Elisa , Granieri Enrico , Imbriani Marcello , Stramba‐Badiale Marco
Published: August 2015

Objectives

To assess the effects of active music therapy (MT) and individualized listening to music (LtM) on behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSDs) in persons with dementia (PWDs).

Design

Randomized controlled trial.

Setting

Nine Italian institutions.

Participants

Persons with moderate to severe dementia and BPSDs (N = 120) were randomized to one of three treatments.

Interventions

All groups received standard care (SC), and two groups attended 20 individualized MT or LtM sessions, twice a week, in addition to SC.

Measurements

The Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI), Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia (CSDD), and Cornell‐Brown Scale for Quality of Life in Dementia (CBS‐QoL) were administered before treatment, after treatment, and at follow‐up to evaluate behavioral and psychological outcomes. A specific coding scheme (Music Therapy Check List—Dementia) was used to evaluate the MT process.

Results

Behavioral assessment did not show significant differences between groups. All groups showed a reduction over time in NPI global score (P ≤ .001), CSDD (P = .001), and CBS‐QoL (P = .01). The NPI global score fell 28% in the MT group, 12% in the LtM group, and 21% in the SC group at the end of treatment. An exploratory post hoc analysis showed similar within‐group improvements for the NPI Delusion, Anxiety, and Disinhibition subscales. In the MT group, communication and relationships between the music therapists and PWDs showed a positive albeit nonsignificant trend during treatment.

Conclusion

The addition of MT or LtM to standard care did not have a significant effect on BPSDs in PWDs. Further studies on the effects of the integration of standard care with different types of music interventions on BPSD in PWD are warranted.
Prescription Opioids and Risk of Dementia or Cognitive Decline: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Dublin Sascha , Walker Rod L. , Gray Shelly L. , Hubbard Rebecca A. , Anderson Melissa L. , Yu Onchee , Crane Paul K. , Larson Eric B.
Published: August 2015

Objectives

To determine whether prescription opioid use is associated with higher dementia risk or greater cognitive decline.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Group Health, an integrated healthcare delivery system.

Participants

Community‐dwelling individuals aged 65 and older without dementia with at least 10 years of Group Health enrollment at baseline (N = 3,434; median age 74).

Measurements

The Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument (CASI) was administered every 2 years. Low scores triggered detailed evaluation, and a multidisciplinary committee assigned dementia diagnoses. From computerized pharmacy data, cumulative opioid exposure was defined as total standardized doses (TSDs) dispensed over 10 years (excluding the most recent year because of possible prodromal symptoms). For comparison, use of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), characterized similarly, was examined. Dementia risk was analyzed using Cox proportional hazards models and CASI trajectory using linear regression models and generalized estimating equations.

Results

Seven hundred ninety‐seven participants (23%) developed dementia over a mean follow‐up of 7.3 years; 637 (19%) had possible or probable Alzheimer's disease. For cumulative opioid use, the hazard ratios (HRs) for dementia were 1.06 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.88–1.26) for 11 to 30 TSDs, 0.88 (95% CI = 0.70–1.09) for 31 to 90 TSDs, and 1.29 (95% CI = 1.02–1.62) for 91 or more TSDs, versus 0 to 10 TSDs. A similar pattern was seen for NSAID use. Heavier opioid use was not associated with more‐rapid cognitive decline.

Conclusion

People with the heaviest opioid or NSAID use had slightly higher dementia risk than people with little or no use. These results may reflect an effect of chronic pain on cognition or residual confounding. Although opioids have other risks, little evidence of long‐term cognitive harm specific to opioids was found.
Image signal‐to‐noise ratio estimation using adaptive slope nearest‐neighbourhood model
Authors: SIM K.S. , TEH V.
Published: August 2015

A new technique based on nearest neighbourhood method is proposed. In this paper, considering the noise as Gaussian additive white noise, new technique single‐image‐based estimator is proposed. The performance of this new technique such as adaptive slope nearest neighbourhood is compared with three of the existing method which are original nearest neighbourhood (simple method), first‐order interpolation method and shape‐preserving piecewise cubic hermite autoregressive moving average. In a few cases involving images with different brightness and edges, this adaptive slope nearest neighbourhood is found to deliver an optimum solution for signal‐to‐noise ratio estimation problems. For different values of noise variance, the adaptive slope nearest neighbourhood has highest accuracy and less percentage estimation error. Being more robust with white noise, the new proposed technique estimator has efficiency that is significantly greater than those of the three methods.
AN INVESTIGATIONOF MARKET CONCENTRATIONAND FINANCIAL STABILITYIN PROPERTY–LIABILITY INSURANCE INDUSTRY
Authors: Shim Jeungbo
Published: August 2015

The article investigates whether the market concentration is associated with an insurer's financial stability in the U.S. property–liability insurance industry over the period 1992–2010. We employ two‐stage least squares techniques with instrumental variables to address likely endogeneity problems. The results show that higher market concentration is associated with lower financial stability of insurance firms, consistent with the “concentration‐fragility” view. Our results indicate that firm‐specific characteristics including firm size, underwriting leverage, organizational form, product and geographical diversification, along with the exposure to natural catastrophes and macroeconomic conditions are important determinants in ensuring a safe and sound insurance system. Robustness tests using various estimation methods and alternative measures of financial stability present consistent results.
Interleukin‐4 polymorphism is associated with severity of respiratory syncytial virus infection
Authors: Zhang Mingzhi , Lu Yong , Zhang Xiaobo , Lu Aizhen , Wang Libo , Chen Chao
Published: August 2015

Aim

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is a major health problem in young children. This study aimed to investigate whether the interleukin (IL)‐4 −590C/T and −33 C/T polymorphisms were associated with the susceptibility to RSV infection in Chinese Han children and with the severity of the infection.

Methods

The IL‐4 −590C/T and −33 C/T SNPs were evaluated in 218 inpatients with RSV bronchiolitis and 303 healthy controls. The severity of RSV bronchiolitis was evaluated using a respiratory scoring system.

Results

The frequencies of IL‐4 −590 CC, CT and TT in the 218 RSV bronchiolitis patients versus the 303 controls were 1.4% versus 1.7%, 21.1% versus 34% and 77.5% versus 64.4%, respectively. The frequencies of IL‐4 −33 CC, CT and TT were 1.4%, 20.6% and 78%, respectively, in RSV bronchiolitis patients and 2.3%, 35.6% and 62%, respectively, in the controls. The frequencies of the IL‐4 −590C/T and −33 C/T polymorphisms were significantly different between the two groups. There was a significant difference in the frequency of the T‐T haplotype formed by −590C/T and −33C/T between the two groups. The respiratory score of the RSV bronchiolitis cases with −590TT was 3.02 ± 0.44, which was significantly higher than those with −590CT (2.80 ± 0.44). The score for patients with −33TT was 3.03 ± 0.43, which was significantly higher than the score of 2.78 ± 0.46 for patients with −33CT.

Conclusions

In Chinese Han children, the IL‐4 −590C/T and −33 C/T polymorphisms were associated with the susceptibility to RSV and the severity of the infection.
Occurrence of Six Begomoviruses Infecting Tomato Fields in Venezuela and Genetic Characterization of Potato Yellow Mosaic Virus Isolates
Authors: Geraud‐Pouey Francis , Chirinos Dorys T. , Galindo‐Castro Iván , Franco María A. , Santana María A. , Gillis Annika , Romay Gustavo
Published: August 2015

Begomoviruses are one of the major pathogens in tomato crops worldwide. In Venezuela, six begomovirus species have been described infecting tomato: Potato yellow mosaic virus (PYMV), Euphorbia mosaic Venezuela virus (EuMVV), Merremia mosaic virus (MeMV), Tomato chlorotic leaf distortion virus (ToCLDV), Tomato yellow margin leaf curl virus (TYMLCV) and Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV). In this study, the occurrence of these viruses was analysed by PCR in 338 tomato plants exhibiting virus‐like symptoms. Sixty‐three per cent of the plants were positive at least to one of the begomoviruses tested. PYMV and TYLCV were the most frequent viruses showing 39.6 and 23.7% occurrence, respectively. Phylogenetic analyses revealed two groups of PYMV isolates from several Caribbean Basin countries. The first group clustered isolates from several countries, including Venezuela, and the second group clustered only Colombian isolates. Due to the high prevalence of PYMV and TYLCV in Venezuela, it is suggested that the surveillance and control strategies currently applied in the country should be focused on these two begomoviruses.
Benefits of Customer Codevelopment of New Products: The Moderating Effects of Utilitarian and Hedonic Radicalness
Authors: Candi Marina , van den Ende Jan , Gemser Gerda
Published: August 2015

There is growing belief in the value of actively involving customers in innovation, commonly referred to as customer codevelopment or cocreation. These strategies are generally believed to be beneficial, although contingent views are prevalent. A widely espoused contingent view is that the positive contribution of customer codevelopment is dependent on the degree of radicalness (or innovativeness) of the products being developed. Some work argues that customer codevelopment is more useful for incremental innovation, whereas other work claims that customer codevelopment is more valuable when innovation is radical.

This research makes an important contribution to this discourse by making a distinction between utilitarian radicalness and hedonic radicalness. Utilitarian radicalness refers to the degree to which an innovation is novel in terms of technology and functionality, whereas hedonic radicalness refers to the degree to which an innovation is novel in terms of sensorial, emotional, or symbolic aspects. Hypotheses about the contribution of customer codevelopment to market success depending on levels of utilitarian and hedonic radicalness are tested using dual‐respondent data about a large sample of innovation projects. The findings suggest that the contribution of customer codevelopment to market success is positively moderated by utilitarian radicalness and negatively moderated by hedonic radicalness. This underlines the importance of taking not only the level, but also the nature, of radicalness into account when making decisions about customer codevelopment.
Exercise for adolescents with depression: valued aspects and perceived change
Authors: Carter T. , Morres I. , Repper J. , Callaghan P.
Published: August 2015

Accessible summary

What is known on the subject?

There is evidence suggesting that exercise may be effective at reducing depression in adults and young people; however, there is no research exploring how adolescents with depression experience exercise interventions.

What the paper adds to existing knowledge?

This study presents the experiences of 26 adolescents with depression who undertook an innovative preferred intensity exercise programme. Important insights relating to benefits and aspects of the preferred intensity exercise emerged. Specifically, the adolescents experienced feelings of improved mood, achievement and enjoyment, alongside numerous benefits.

What are the implications for practice?

Given that mental health nurses are in key positions to promote physical exercise for this target group, this paper suggests that when promoting exercise they should consider that preferred intensity exercise may provide a series of valuable mental health benefits without the need for fixed intensity training.

Introduction

Despite systematic reviews demonstrating an association between exercise participation and reduced depressive symptoms in young people, there is no qualitative research exploring the experience of depressed adolescents who have engaged in an exercise intervention.

Aims

To explore the experience of depressed adolescents who had recently engaged in a preferred intensity exercise intervention.

Method

The participants (n = 26) were recruited through health and social care services, were all in treatment for depression, and were purposefully sampled for interview following engagement in a preferred intensity exercise intervention, which was being evaluated via a pragmatic randomized controlled trial. A thematic approach was undertaken to analyse and organize the data.

Results

Numerous beneficial changes were reported by participants alongside specific aspects of the intervention that were valued.

Discussion and implications

The findings suggest that preferred intensity exercise can lead to feelings of improved mood, enjoyment and achievement, alongside benefits that transcend depressive symptom reduction. Considering mental health nurses are in key positions to promote exercise in this population, the current findings provide vital information for this purpose.
Association of Factor V Secretion with Protein Kinase B Signaling in Platelets from Horses with Atypical Equine Thrombasthenia
Authors: Norris J.W. , Pombo M. , Shirley E. , Blevins G. , Tablin F.
Published: August 2015

Background

Two congenital bleeding diatheses have been identified in Thoroughbred horses: Glanzmann thrombasthenia (GT) and a second, novel diathesis associated with abnormal platelet function in response to collagen and thrombin stimulation.

Hypothesis/Objectives

Platelet dysfunction in horses with this second thrombasthenia results from a secretory defect.

Animals

Two affected and 6 clinically normal horses.

Methods

Ex vivo study. Washed platelets were examined for (1) expression of the αIIb‐β3 integrin; (2) fibrinogen binding capacity in response to ADP and thrombin; (3) secretion of dense and α‐granules; (4) activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)‐protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway; and (5) cellular distribution of phosphatidylinositol‐4‐phosphate‐3‐kinase, class 2B (PIK3C2B) and SH2 containing inositol‐5′‐phosphatase 1 (SHIP1).

Results

Platelets from affected horses expressed normal amounts of αIIb‐β3 integrin and bound fibrinogen normally in response to ADP, but bound 80% less fibrinogen in response to thrombin. α‐granules only released 50% as much Factor V as control platelets, but dense granules released their contents normally. Protein kinase B (AKT) phosphorylation was reduced after thrombin activation, but mTOR Complex 2 (mTORC2) and phosphoinositide‐dependent kinase 1 (PDK1) signaling were normal. SH2‐containing inositol‐5'‐phosphatase 1 (SHIP1) did not localize to the cytoskeleton of affected platelets and was decreased overall consistent with reduced AKT phosphorylation.

Conclusions and clinical significance

Defects in fibrinogen binding, granule secretion, and signal transduction are unique to this thrombasthenia, which we designate as atypical equine thrombasthenia.
Infrared Thermography in Dogs with Mammary Tumors and Healthy Dogs
Authors: Pavelski M. , Silva D.M. , Leite N.C. , Junior D.A. , de Sousa R.S , Guérios S.D. , Dornbusch P.T.
Published: August 2015

Background

Infrared thermography is a painless, noninvasive, nonionizing diagnostic imaging exam used in human medicine as an auxiliary tool for breast cancer diagnosis in women.

Hypothesis/Objectives

Define thermographic mean temperatures of healthy mammary glands and compare these temperatures with those of mammary glands with tumors in dogs.

Animals

Fifty client‐owned female dogs were evaluated, including 20 with histopathologically confirmed mammary tumor and 30 clinically healthy (control).

Methods

A randomized study using infrared thermography analyzed each mammary gland of the animals from the control group and mammary glands with tumors from the tumor group, then the thermographic temperatures obtained were compared. Thermographic exam was performed in a temperature‐controlled room with a cooled thermographic camera—Flir E‐40 (Flir Systems®)

Results

There was significantly a higher temperature in the caudal abdominal and inguinal mammary glands than the other glands in the healthy group (P < .05). Dogs with mammary tumors had significantly higher thermographic temperature compared with unaffected glands regardless of the tumor size and the location (P < .05).

Conclusions and clinical importance

The technique seems to be able to assess for the presence of neoplasia within the mammary tissue in bitches. Further investigation is necessary to determine the impact of this technique when adopted clinically.
The effects of body size and climate on post‐weaning survival of elephant seals at Heard Island
Authors: McMahon C. R. , New L. F. , Fairley E. J. , Hindell M. A. , Burton H. R.
Published: August 2015

The population size of southern elephant seals in the southern Indian and Pacific Oceans decreased precipitously between the 1950s and 1990s. To investigate the reasons behind this, we studied the population of southern elephant seals at Heard Island between 1949 and 1954, using data collected by the early Australian National Antarctic Research Expeditions. Seals were marked and measured (lengths) as weaned pups, and resighted at Heard and Marion islands and in the Vestfold Hills, Antarctica in subsequent years. Bayesian state‐space mark‐recapture models were used to determine post‐weaning survival. Yearling survival was consistently lower (ϕy: 0.28–0.40) than sub‐adult survival (ϕs: 0.79–0.83). We found evidence for constant sub‐adult survival and time‐dependent resight probabilities. Weaning length was an important determinate of yearling survival, with the probability of survival increasing with individual length. There was some suggestion that the Southern Annular Mode influenced yearling survival but this evidence was not strong. Nonetheless, our results provide further support showing that size at independence affects yearling survival. Given the known sensitivity of southern elephant seal populations to survival early in life, it is possible that the decline in population size at Heard Island between the 1950s and 1990s like that at Macquarie Island was due to low yearling survival mediated through maternal ability to produce large pups and the dominant environmental conditions mothers experience during pregnancy.
Opisthotonic head displacement in the domestic chicken and its bearing on the ‘dead bird’ posture of non‐avialan dinosaurs
Authors: Russell A. P. , Bentley A. D.
Published: August 2015

The opisthotonic (‘dead bird’) posture encountered in non‐avialan dinosaurs and other fossilized archosaurs is characterized by extreme dorsal neck retraction and tail protraction. Extant birds have been used to study this and attention has focused on the neck (because modern avians lack a long, freely articulated series of caudal vertebrae). The opisthotonic posture has been largely discussed in relation to prevailing circumstances that may bring it about. Less attention has been paid to the actual patterns of excursion between vertebrae along the cervical series, and how this may influence the postures that are able to be adopted after death. We studied cervical intervertebral displacement throughout the full range of sagittal travel of the head, employing radiographic imagery. Our findings show that the head remains freely mobile on the cervical column in all positions of displacement, and the cervical vertebrae can be grouped into three functional clusters (posterior, intermediate and anterior), based on their patterns of intervertebral excursion along the sagittal displacement arc. The intervertebral joints at the junctions between these three regions, as well as the joint between the skull and the first cervical vertebra, exhibit the greatest ranges of excursion. Other joints in the cervical series exhibit relatively small levels of excursion. The mobility of the cervical joints in combination makes the neck prone to opisthotonic displacement, but there is no potential for an equivalent pattern of ventral movement and instead much of the cervical series becomes essentially locked when moved in this way. The S‐shaped curvature of the neck in the resting position, with its characteristic intervertebral angles, is contributory to the ability to assume the opisthotonic posture. Circumstances that lead to the adoption of this posture are likely varied.
Petrology of a nonindigenous microgranitic clast in polymict ureilite EET 87720: Evidence for formation of evolved melt on an unknown parent body
Authors: Beard A. D. , Downes H. , Chaussidon M.
Published: August 2015

EET 87720 is a polymict ureilite breccia known to contain numerous nonindigenous fragments. We have discovered a microgranitic clast in an interior chip of Elephant Moraine (EET) 87720. The clast consists of a granophyre‐like intergrowth of a pure SiO2 phase (tridymite) and albite, mantling a zoned oligoclase phenocryst. In the intergrowth, the tridymite occurs as thin elongate vermicular blebs within larger albite crystals. The granophyre‐like intergrowth and the oligoclase phenocryst share a common margin, suggesting that the clast was originally part of a larger fragment. An estimate of its bulk composition is equivalent to that of granite (77 wt% SiO2). Patches of high‐Si K‐bearing glass occur interstitially within the clast; they have high concentrations of SO3 (11–12 wt%) and contain Cl (0.6 wt%), suggesting that the clast formed on a volatile‐rich parent body perhaps resembling early Mars. The mean oxygen isotope composition of the feldspar and tridymite in the clast is very different from the oxygen isotope compositions of ureilites, and is similar to those of silicate inclusions in IIE and IVA irons. Thus, the clast is not indigenous to the ureilite parent body, but it provides evidence for the formation of evolved melts on an unknown parent body in the early solar system.
Variation in opsin genes correlates with signalling ecology in North American fireflies
Authors: Sander S. E. , Hall D. W.
Published: August 2015

Genes underlying signal reception should evolve to maximize signal detection in a particular environment. In animals, opsins, the protein component of visual pigments, are predicted to evolve according to this expectation. Fireflies are known for their bioluminescent mating signals. The eyes of nocturnal species are expected to maximize the detection of conspecific signal colours emitted in the typical low‐light environment. This is not expected for species that have transitioned to diurnal activity in bright daytime environments. Here, we test the hypothesis that opsin gene sequence plays a role in modifying firefly eye spectral sensitivity. We use genome and transcriptome sequencing in four firefly species, transcriptome sequencing in six additional species and targeted gene sequencing in 28 other species to identify all opsin genes present in North American fireflies and to elucidate amino acid sites under positive selection. We also determine whether amino acid substitutions in opsins are linked to evolutionary changes in signal mode, signal colour and light environment. We find only two opsins, one long wavelength and one ultraviolet, in all firefly species and identify 25 candidate sites that may be involved in determining spectral sensitivity. In addition, we find elevated rates of evolution at transitions to diurnal activity, and changes in selective constraint on long wavelength opsin associated with changes in light environment. Our results suggest that changes in eye spectral sensitivity are at least partially due to opsin sequence. Fireflies continue to be a promising system in which to investigate the evolution of signals, receptors and signalling environments.
Ecosystem productivity is associated with bacterial phylogenetic distance in surface marine waters
Authors: Galand Pierre E. , Salter Ian , Kalenitchenko Dimitri
Published: August 2015

Understanding the link between community diversity and ecosystem function is a fundamental aspect of ecology. Systematic losses in biodiversity are widely acknowledged but the impact this may exert on ecosystem functioning remains ambiguous. There is growing evidence of a positive relationship between species richness and ecosystem productivity for terrestrial macro‐organisms, but similar links for marine micro‐organisms, which help drive global climate, are unclear. Community manipulation experiments show both positive and negative relationships for microbes. These previous studies rely, however, on artificial communities and any links between the full diversity of active bacterial communities in the environment, their phylogenetic relatedness and ecosystem function remain hitherto unexplored. Here, we test the hypothesis that productivity is associated with diversity in the metabolically active fraction of microbial communities. We show in natural assemblages of active bacteria that communities containing more distantly related members were associated with higher bacterial production. The positive phylogenetic diversity–productivity relationship was independent of community diversity calculated as the Shannon index. From our long‐term (7‐year) survey of surface marine bacterial communities, we also found that similarly, productive communities had greater phylogenetic similarity to each other, further suggesting that the traits of active bacteria are an important predictor of ecosystem productivity. Our findings demonstrate that the evolutionary history of the active fraction of a microbial community is critical for understanding their role in ecosystem functioning.