bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of early‐stage dementia on community‐dwelling care recipient/carer dyads’ capacity to self‐manage
Authors: Stockwell‐Smith Gillian , Moyle Wendy , Kellett Ursula
Published: September 2018

Aims and objectives

To explore the impact of early‐stage dementia on care recipient/carer dyads’ confidence or belief in their capacity to manage the behavioural and functional changes associated with dementia and to access appropriate support networks.

Background

Living with dementia has predominantly been explored from the carer perspective and focused on the stress and burden of supporting a person with dementia. There has been a shift towards a more positive discourse to accommodate the role of self‐efficacy in supporting self‐management by people living with dementia. However, little has been reported on the dyadic experience of self‐efficacy in managing life with dementia.

Design

A qualitative study using an interpretive descriptive approach. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 13 dyads in the early stages of dementia. The collected data underwent a process of thematic analysis. The study followed the COnsolidated criteria for REporting Qualitative research (COREQ) checklist.

Results

Dyadic adjustment to dementia was dynamic, involving shifts between loss and adaptation. Threats to self‐efficacy, declining autonomy and stigma, were significant causes of concern for both members of the dyad. Dyadic self‐efficacy was demonstrated through recognition of and adaptation to dementia‐related changes and development of coping strategies to integrate impairment into everyday life.

Conclusions

Solution‐focused approaches that improve knowledge and skills enable the dyad to adjust. The considerable impact of stigma on self‐efficacy indicates that supportive disclosure strategies developed in mental health may also have a role to play in dementia interventions.

Relevance to clinical practice

Nurses play a significant role in advising and supporting care recipient/carer dyads with dementia, and a better understanding of the dyadic perspective provides them with essential information to support self‐management. A proactive approach including information and support, offered at the beginning of the condition/care trajectory, may have the potential to delay progression into more dependent stages.
Symptoms of apathy and passivity in dementia: A simultaneous concept analysis
Authors: Gilmore‐Bykovskyi Andrea , Block Laura , Johnson Rachel , Goris Emilie Dykstra
Published: September 2018

Aims and objectives

The objective of this analysis was to clarify the concepts of apathy and passivity in the context of dementia by identifying distinguishing and overlapping attributes for both concepts simultaneously.

Background

Apathy is among the most common and persistent symptoms in dementia. The concept of apathy is often used interchangeably with passivity. Understanding similarities and differences between these concepts is of critical importance in clarifying clinical diagnostic criteria, developing consistent measurement in research and translating research evidence into nursing practice.

Design

A systematic literature search of multiple databases identified relevant articles for review. A modified combination of Haase et al.'s simultaneous concept analysis method and Morses’ principle‐based concept analysis using qualitative content and thematic analysis procedures was applied to identify overlapping and distinguishing attributes.

Methods

A search of PubMed, CINAHL and PsycINFO databases identified 176 articles meeting inclusion criteria. The concepts of apathy and passivity were characterised using a standardised manual to identify attributes of definitions (conceptual and operational), related conditions, functional, behavioural and neurobiological correlates, antecedents and consequences. Thematic analysis identified common themes across each category which were tabulated and entered into comparative matrices to identify overlapping and distinguishing features.

Results

There is considerable overlap across attributes of apathy and passivity. Apathy is distinguished as a clinical syndrome characterised by loss of motivation not due to emotional distress or cognitive impairment. Passivity is distinguished as a lack of interaction between the individual and environment in the context of cognitive impairment.

Conclusion

In contrast to passivity, apathy is a more robustly defined concept focused on motivational limitations within the individual associated with specific neuroanatomical deficits.

Relevance to clinical practice

The identification of key distinguishing features of apathy and passivity in dementia is a critical first step in ensuring consistent measurement of each concept.
Pharmacological evaluation of Convolvulus pluricaulis as hypolipidaemic agent in Triton WR-1339-induced hyperlipidaemia in rats
Authors: Garg Gaurav , Patil Amol , Singh Jagjit , Kaushik Nutan , Praksah Ajay , Pal Arnab , Chakrabarti Amitava
Published: September 2018

Objective

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of Convolvulus pluricaulis (CP; C. pluricaulis) methanolic extract on Triton WR-1339-induced hyperlipidaemia in rats.

Methods

The study comprised of six groups namely normal control, experimental control and treatment groups (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg of C. pluricaulis, and 65 mg/kg of Fenofibrate). Hyperlipidaemia was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of Triton WR-1339 400 mg/kg in rats. Parameters such as lipid profile, oxidative stress, histological analysis and atherogenic index were evaluated. The plant extract was further studied by HPLC and LCMS, for analyses of active phytochemicals.

Key findings

The result of the study showed that C. pluricaulis significantly decreased total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-c, MDA levels and atherogenic index while the levels of HDL-c and GSH were found to be raised. Plant extract at the dose of 400 mg had a consistent effect on all lipid profile parameters. Lower doses (100 and 200 mg) did not produce a statistically significant reduction in LDL-c. In addition, the protective effect of C. pluricaulis was confirmed by histological analysis. Further, the findings of the study were found to be comparable with fenofibrate.

Conclusions

Therefore, the present study suggests that C. pluricaulis has the potential for the treatment of hyperlipidaemia.
Caregiving Roles of Siblings of Adults With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lee Chung eun , Burke Meghan M.
Published: September 2018

As individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) grow older, many siblings anticipate becoming caregivers for their brothers and sisters with I/DD. However, there is little extant research about the caregiving roles of siblings. The purpose of this review was to extend the literature by conducting a systematic literature review about sibling caregiving. To better understand this population, a systematic literature review was conducted about adult siblings of individuals with I/DD to examine the definition of caregiving, sibling caregiving experiences, and correlates of sibling caregiving. In total, 29 relevant studies were identified. Results indicate that there is no consistent definition of sibling caregiving. Further, adult sibling caregivers reported caregiving benefits and challenges. The literature is also mixed with respect to the correlates of sibling caregiving. It is necessary to conduct additional research to understand sibling caregiving for individuals with I/DD. Implications for future research, policy, and practice are discussed.
Predictive variables of spontaneous micturition recovery after acute urinary retention in men with benign prostatic enlargement: An observational prospective study
Authors: Vella Marco , Abrate Alberto , Costanzo Angela , D'Amato Francesco , Tarantino Maria L. , Simonato Alchiede
Published: September 2018

Objective

Acute urinary retention (AUR) is the sudden and painful inability to urinate spontaneously. AUR is one of the most significant complications of benign prostatic enlargement. The management of AUR is based on transurethral catheterization. Subsequent therapy is uncertain, but AUR seems to benefit from the use of alpha‐blockers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the variables that could predict which patients would recover spontaneous micturition after trial without catheter.

Methods

The present prospective observational study included men with AUR in an Italian tertiary care institute in 2016. Patients were catheterized and treated orally with fluoroquinolones, alpha‐blockers, and Serenoa repens extracts. Preoperative variables as age, C‐reactive protein (CRP), previous prostate‐specific antigen values, urinary retention volume, prostate volume, and scores on a modified International Prostate Symptom Score questionnaire (IPSS‐4), were investigated in relation to spontaneous micturition recovery.

Results

Mean (±SD) age was 68.4 ± 7.1 years. Spontaneous and valid micturition recovery was observed in 11 patients (29.7%), whereas 26 (70.3%) needed to be catheterized again. The IPSS‐4 score was significantly lower (9 vs 17; P < .001) and CRP values were significantly higher (43.00 vs 1.00 mg/dL; P < .001) in patients who recovered spontaneous micturition. The IPSS‐4 scores and CRP showed an area under the curve of 0.85 and 0.87, respectively. for the prediction of spontaneous and valid micturition recovery.

Conclusion

CRP and IPSS‐4 could be useful tools to predict spontaneous micturition recovery after catheterization associated with medical therapy for AUR.
Breastfeeding, schooling, and income: Insights from the Indonesian Family Life Survey
Authors: Lutter Randall , Ruhm Christopher , Lin Dajun , Liu Siying
Published: September 2018

Recent research has highlighted associations of breastfeeding with IQ, schooling, and income, but uncertainty about such links remains. The Indonesian Family Life Survey, representative of 83% of the Indonesian population, provides data on breastfeeding, parents' years of schooling, wealth, and other family characteristics in 1993–1994, as well as schooling and income in 2014–2015 for 5,421 children of those families. Using linear regressions and controlling for village or neighbourhood, as well as propensity score matching, we analysed breastfeeding associations for boys and girls separately, when regularly fed foods/beverages other than breast milk is significantly associated with years of schooling in 2014–2015 for girls, but not for boys, after controlling for the village or neighbourhood of residence in 1993–1994. For girls, ages 1 to 1.9, 2 to 2.9, 3 to 3.9, and >4 months, relative to ages <1 month, are associated with an additional 0.41 to 0.46 years of schooling, with p values of 0.086, 0.071, 0.043, and 0.026, respectively. No comparable estimate for boys attains statistical significance. Using propensity score matching yields similar results. Associations with annual income in 2014–2015 are not statistically significant, either for all children, or for either sex. Our finding suggests that delaying regular feeding of foods/beverages other than breast milk beyond 1 month may help girls' schooling but has no observable association with annual income, perhaps because of lower labour force participation by women. Also, the inclusion of controls for village or neighbourhood of residence reduces confounding.
Isolation and expression analysis of cadmium‐induced genes from Cd/Mn hyperaccumulator Phytolacca americana in response to high Cd exposure
Authors: Zhao H. , Wei Y. , Wang J. , Chai T.
Published: September 2018

Phytolacca americana is recognised as a hyperaccumulator that accumulates cadmium (Cd) and manganese (Mn). Although most studies have provided abundant physiological evidence, little is known about the molecular mechanisms of Cd accumulation in P. americana.

In this study, Cd‐induced genes were isolated using suppression subtractive hybridisation (SSH) library construction, and gene expression patterns under Cd stress were quantified using real‐time quantitative PCR. The functions of PaGST, PaMT and PaFe‐SOD were confirmed in transformant yeast. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation and cell death in root tips were detected, and SOD and POD activities in leaf tissue were also analysed.

There were about 447 expressed sequence tags (ESTs) identified and confirmed. GO analysis showed those genes were mainly involved in metabolism, cell stress and defence, transcription and translation, signal transduction, transport, energy and ion transport, which formed the basis for a molecular understanding of P. americana Cd tolerance mechanisms. Cd also stimulated ROS formation and modified the antioxidant systems.

Taken together, our results indicate that ROS formation and Cd‐induced gene expression favour P. americana tolerance by activating the defence system and permitting subsequent adaptation to Cd toxicity.
Successful treatment of giant condyloma in a pediatric heart transplant recipient with topical cidofovir
Authors: Das Bibhuti B. , Anton Kristin , Knox Leah , Jarin Jason , Sue Paul K.
Published: September 2018

We report a case of giant condyloma that developed in a pediatric heart transplant recipient. This infection progressed for several months despite reduction in immunosuppression, topical treatment, and oral cimetidine therapy. Complete resolution was observed following 7 months of topical cidofovir, without evidence of systemic toxicity or rejection.
Designing the blood supply chain: how much, how and where?
Authors: Osorio Andres F. , Brailsford Sally C. , Smith Honora K. , Blake John
Published: September 2018

Background

The topology of the blood supply chain network can take different forms in different settings, depending on geography, politics, costs, etc. Many developed countries are moving towards centralized networks. The goal for all blood distribution networks, regardless of topology, remains the same: to satisfy demand at minimal cost and minimal wastage.

Study Design and Methods

Mathematically, the blood supply system design can be viewed as a location‐allocation problem, where the aim is to find the optimal location of collection and production facilities and to assign hospitals to them to minimize total system cost. However, most location‐allocation models in the blood supply chain literature omit several important aspects of the problem, such as selecting amongst differing methods of collection and production. In this paper, we present a location‐allocation model that takes these factors into account to support strategic decision‐making at different levels of centralization.

Results

Our approach is illustrated by a case study (Colombia) to redesign the national blood supply chain under a range of realistic travel time limitations. For each scenario, an optimal supply chain configuration is obtained, together with optimal collection and production strategies. We show that the total costs for the most centralized scenario are around 40% of the costs for the least centralized scenario.

Conclusion

Centralized systems are more efficient than decentralized systems. However, the latter may be preferred for political or geographical reasons. Our model allows decision‐makers to redesign the supply network per local circumstances and determine optimal collection and production strategies that minimize total costs.
NONE TOO S.M.A.LL: the global challenge of severe malarial anaemia and its transfusion support
Authors: Cserti‐Gazdewich Christine
Published: September 2018

In endemic areas, the burden of malaria and anaemia converge together upon children, with severe malarial anaemia (SMA) accounting disproportionately for demands on limited blood supplies. The attributable morbidity and mortality from SMA remain high, and improved outcomes hinge in part on the timeliness, sufficiency and safety of transfusion support. The pathogenesis of SMA is complex, and depreciation kinetics (towards syndrome‐defining haemoglobin levels of <50 g/l) occur acutely or insidiously, and in relation to the parasite burden and host response. Beyond haemolysis of parasitized erythrocytes, mechanisms of bystander loss and reduced erythropoiesis figure prominently, with parallels to hyperhaemolysis syndrome. Involuntarily undertransfused children with SMA in low‐income countries (LIC) differ from those adults in high‐income countries (HIC) who deliberately renounce transfusion. Despite youth‐related advantages in the power to adapt to anaemia, critical reductions in oxygen‐carrying capacity illustrate the hierarchical impacts of organ anoxia, be it in terminal cardiorespiratory events or irreversible neurocognitive impairments in survivors. When resources permit, the dynamics of restored oxygen delivery by transfusion are particularly observable in SMA, as the triggers to transfuse are so much lower (and the odds of corresponding lactic acidosis are so much higher) than in HICs. Questions on the best haemotherapy approaches to SMA remain, be these in dosage, infusion rate, component preparation or matching options; these fundamental concerns now transcend those related to storage duration. As a persisting global scourge, SMA therefore keeps driving and facing the mandate to bank life‐preserving blood for those with the most to gain (and otherwise lose).
Language education for glocal interaction: English and Tatar
Authors: Gilmetdinova Alsu , Malova Irina
Published: September 2018

This article adopts Seargeant's theory of language ideologies to conceptualize, review, and problematize various perspectives on language education for glocal interaction in Tatarstan. Tatarstan is an autonomous republic in the Volga region of Russia which in 1992 has succeeded in obtaining two official languages, Russian and Tatar. It houses the second biggest ethnicity in the country – Tatars. Along with the local language, English has gained much attention in recent decades; its earlier ambiguous position in the Soviet Union echoed that of Tatar. This article focuses on how Tatar and English languages are regulated within the context of education in Russia, and how languages are differentiated and conceptualized, both linguistically and ideologically. The analysis is based on language policy documents as well as methodological approaches for the study of language. It highlights the dangers of assuming a universal language approach, be it English or Russian, and extends the Seargeant framework. It also highlights ways the global can meet the local to facilitate a more contextualized process of language regulation in a multilingual setting.
Emerging Threats to Liberal Values
Authors: Meintjes Albertus Jacobus
Published: September 2018

The values of individual security and the responsibilities of states as laid down in the 1994 UNDP human development report have changed the face of social and political interactions in the 21st century, as liberal movements and shared norms pave the way for understanding while diplomacy and economic development keep the peace. These new liberal values have created a new paradigm that establishes the needs of the individual as a basis for peace. However, threats have emerged to challenge this new paradigm. These threats range from emerging populist leaders to the rigid nature of bureaucratic institutions unable to shift along with developing social and political norms. This paper examines the importance this new liberal paradigm and its link to human security, theorising why human security has become an important concept in political theory and real politick, and examines why the threats are a dangerous precedent.
Niobium carbide coatings produced on tool steels via thermo-reactive diffusion
Authors: Orjuela Guerrero Fredy Alejandro , Olaya Florez John Jairo , Alfonso Orjuela José Edgar
Published: September 2018

Objective: In this work, niobium carbide (NbC) coatings were deposited on substrates of the tool steels AISI H13 and AISI D2 using thermo-reactive deposition/diffusion (TRD) in order to analyze their behavior against corrosion in a saline environment. Materials and methods: The niobium carbides were obtained using salt baths composed of borax pentahydrate, aluminum and ferroniobium. This mixture was heated at 1050 °C for 4 hours. The chemical composition was determined by X-ray fluorescence (XRF). The coatings were morphologically characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the crystal structure was analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), and the electrochemical behavior was studied using potentiodynamic polarization curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Results and discussion: The XRF analysis indicated that the coatings contained 87.476 wt% Nb and 51.943 wt% Nb for the D2-substrate and the H13-substrate, respectively. The SEM images revealed that the morphology of the surface of the coatings was homogeneous. The XRD analysis established that the coatings were polycrystalline, and the electrochemical tests established that the corrosion resistance increased slightly in the covered substrates with respect to the uncoated steels, with the best results being obtained in the layers of niobium carbide deposited on AISI D2 steel. Conclusions: The analysis of corrosion resistance revealed that the coatings prepared on D2 steel have a higher corrosion resistance because they have fewer surface imperfections, which causes the coating to exhibit a dielectric behavior.
Controlling the morphology of ultrathin MoS2/MoO2 nanosheets grown by chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Guo Zongliang , Xiao Zhiming , Wei Aixiang , Zhao Yu , Liu Jun
Published: September 2018

The morphology of MoS2 plays an important role in its properties and applications, such as electronics and catalysis. Herein, the morphology of as-grown MoS2/MoO2 freestanding nanosheets and 2D MoS2, as synthesized by chemical vapor deposition using S and MoO3 powders as reactants, was studied by tuning the distances between the MoO3 source and the substrate and between the S and MoO3 powder sources. The distance between the MoO3 source and the substrate was deliberately reduced to obtain a sharp gradient of MoO3 precursor concentration on the growth substrate, and the position of S was changed to obtain various sulfur concentrations and initial reaction temperatures. As a result, morphology evolution, including 2D MoS2 and MoS2/MoO2 freestanding nanosheets was observed. A mechanism was proposed to explain the morphology transformation between horizontal 2D flakes and freestanding nanosheets. Based on this mechanism, synthesis methods to produce dense, ultrathin, large-sized MoS2 freestanding nanosheets were proposed. These results may be further generalized to create novel nanostructured devices.
Coaching Behaviors That Enhance Confidence in Athletes and Teams
Authors: Forlenza Samuel T. , Pierce Scott , Vealey Robin S. , Mackersie John
Published: September 2018

Confidence is a well-known psychological quality that is relevant for performing at one’s best. Previous literature examined sources from which athletes derive their confidence, what behaviors coaches perceive to be the most effective at building confidence, and the level of congruence between athletes’ and coaches’ perceptions on confidence-building techniques. However, research has rarely asked athletes what they believe are the most important behaviors coaches can do to build confidence in both individuals and teams. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to explore athletes’ perceptions of what coaches can do to build confidence from the perspective of athletes. Collegiate student-athletes (n = 264) completed two open-ended questions regarding specific behaviors that coaches do to build confidence in athletes and teams. A total of 649 interpretable meaning units were analyzed into 13 lower-order themes and 5 higher-order categories. Results revealed that creating a nurturing positive environment, responding to athletes productively, developing effective practices for training, developing interpersonal relationships with athletes, and possessing effective intrapersonal qualities themselves are all behaviors identified as important for building confidence. Many of the behaviors were common to building confidence in both athletes and teams, though there were confidence-building behaviors unique to either group.
Lower Limb Flexibility in Children With Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: Effects on Functional Performance
Authors: Akkurt Lütfiye , Alemdaroğlu Gürbüz İpek , Karaduman Ayşe , Tunca Yilmaz Öznur
Published: September 2018

Objective: To investigate the effects of lower limb flexibility on the functional performance of children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Methods: Thirty children, whose functional levels were at 1 or 2 according to the Brooke Lower Extremity Functional Classification Scale, were included in this study. The flexibilities of the hamstrings, hip flexors, tensor fascia latae, and gastrocnemius muscles were evaluated in the children’s dominant lower limbs. The children’s functional performance was assessed using 6-minute walk tests and timed performance tests. The correlations between the flexibilities of the lower limb muscles and the performance tests were examined. Results: The flexibilities of the lower extremity muscles were found to be correlated to the 6-minute walk tests and the timed performance tests. The flexibility of the hamstrings (r = −.825), the gastrocnemius muscles (r = .545), the hip flexors (r = .481), and the tensor fascia latae (r = .445) were found to be correlated with functional performance as measured by the 6-minute walk tests (P < .05). Discussion: The results of the current study indicate that the flexibility of the lower limbs has an effect on functional performance in the early stages of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. More research is needed to determine the functional effects of flexibility on performance by adding long-term flexibility exercises to the physiotherapy programs of children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Eosinophils increase airway sensory nerve density in mice and in human asthma
Authors: Drake Matthew G. , Scott Gregory D. , Blum Emily D. , Lebold Katherine M. , Nie Zhenying , Lee James J. , Fryer Allison D. , Costello Richard W. , Jacoby David B.
Published: September 2018

Eosinophils increase airway sensory nerve density in humans with asthma and in mice, which promotes airway hyperresponsiveness.
Transcriptional Studies on a
Streptomyces clavuligerus oppA2
Deletion Mutant:
N
-Acetylglycyl-Clavaminic Acid Is an Intermediate of Clavulanic Acid Biosynthesis
Authors: Álvarez-Álvarez R. , Rodríguez-García A. , Martínez-Burgo Y. , Martín J. F. , Liras P.
Published: September 2018

The
oppa2
gene encodes an oligopeptide permease essential for the production of clavulanic acid. A transcriptomic analysis of
S. clavuligerus
Δ
oppA2
::
aac
in comparison to the parental strain
S. clavuligerus
ATCC 27064 is reported. The lack of OppA2 results in different expression of 233 genes, including genes for proteases and genes for transport systems. The expression of the clavulanic acid genes in the
oppA2
mutant is not significantly affected, but the genes for holomycin biosynthesis are strongly upregulated, in agreement with the higher holomycin production by this strain. The
oppA2
-mutant is known to release
N
-acetylglycyl-clavaminic acid to the broth. Cosynthesis assays using non-clavulanic acid-producing mutants showed that the addition of pure
N
-acetylglycyl-clavaminic acid to mutants in which clavulanic acid formation was blocked resulted in the recovery of clavulanic acid production, but only in mutants blocked in the early steps of the pathway. This suggests that
N
-acetylglycyl-clavaminic acid is a previously unknown late intermediate of the clavulanic acid pathway.
Large-Scale Synonymous Substitutions in Cucumber Mosaic Virus RNA 3 Facilitate Amino Acid Mutations in the Coat Protein
Authors: Mochizuki Tomofumi , Ohara Rie , Roossinck Marilyn J.
Published: September 2018

Recently, it has been known that synonymous substitutions in RNA virus genes affect viral pathogenicity and competitive fitness by alteration of global or local RNA secondary structure of the viral genome. We confirmed that large-scale synonymous substitutions in the CP gene of CMV resulted in decreased viral RNA titer. Importantly, when viral evolution was stimulated by serial-passage inoculation, viral RNA titer was rapidly restored, concurrent with a few amino acid changes in the CP. This novel finding indicates that the deleterious effects of large-scale nucleic acid mutations on viral RNA secondary structure are readily tolerated by structural changes in the CP, demonstrating a novel part of the adaptive evolution of an RNA viral genome. In addition, our experimental system for serial inoculation of large-scale synonymous mutants could uncover a role for new amino acid residues in the viral protein that have not been observed in the wild-type virus strains.
Qualitative Differences in Capsidless L-Particles Released as a By-Product of Bovine Herpesvirus 1 and Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Infections
Authors: Russell Tiffany , Bleasdale Ben , Hollinshead Michael , Elliott Gillian
Published: September 2018

The alphaherpesvirus family includes viruses that infect humans and animals. Hence, not only do they have a significant impact on human health, but they also have a substantial economic impact on the farming industry. While the pathogenic manifestations of the individual viruses differ from host to host, their relative genetic compositions suggest similarity at the molecular level. This study provides a side-by-side comparison of the particle outputs from the major human pathogen HSV-1 and the veterinary pathogen BoHV-1. Ultrastructural and proteomic analyses have revealed that both viruses have broadly similar morphogenesis profiles and infectious virus compositions. However, the demonstration that BoHV-1 has the capacity to generate vast numbers of capsidless enveloped particles that differ from those produced by HSV-1 in composition implies a divergence in the cell biology of these viruses that impacts our general understanding of alphaherpesvirus morphogenesis.
Development of a Pan-H1 Influenza Vaccine
Authors: Darricarrère Nicole , Pougatcheva Svetlana , Duan Xiaochu , Rudicell Rebecca S. , Chou Te-Hui , DiNapoli Joshua , Ross Ted M. , Alefantis Tim , Vogel Thorsten U. , Kleanthous Harry , Wei Chih-Jen , Nabel Gary J.
Published: September 2018

Seasonal influenza vaccines elicit strain-specific immune responses designed to protect against circulating viruses. Because these vaccines often show limited efficacy, the search for a broadly protective seasonal vaccine remains a priority. Among different influenza virus subtypes, H1N1 has long been circulating in humans and has caused pandemic outbreaks. In order to assess the potential of a multivalent HA combination vaccine to improve the breadth of protection against divergent H1N1 viruses, HA-ferritin nanoparticles were made and evaluated in mice against a panel of historical and contemporary influenza virus strains. Trivalent combinations of H1 nanoparticles improved the breadth of immunity against divergent H1 influenza viruses.
New Variant of Multidrug-Resistant
Salmonella enterica
Serovar Typhimurium Associated with Invasive Disease in Immunocompromised Patients in Vietnam
Authors: Mather Alison E. , Phuong Tu Le Thi , Gao Yunfeng , Clare Simon , Mukhopadhyay Subhankar , Goulding David A. , Hoang Nhu Tran Do , Tuyen Ha Thanh , Lan Nguyen Phu Huong , Thompson Corinne N. , Trang Nguyen Hoang Thu , Carrique-Mas Juan , Tue Ngo Tri , Campbell James I. , Rabaa Maia A. , Thanh Duy Pham , Harcourt Katherine , Hoa Ngo Thi , Trung Nguyen Vinh , Schultsz Constance , Perron Gabriel G. , Coia John E. , Brown Derek J. , Okoro Chinyere , Parkhill Julian , Thomson Nicholas R. , Chau Nguyen Van Vinh , Thwaites Guy E. , Maskell Duncan J. , Dougan Gordon , Kenney Linda J. , Baker Stephen
Published: September 2018

Salmonella
Typhimurium is a major diarrheal pathogen and associated with invasive nontyphoid
Salmonella
(iNTS) disease in vulnerable populations. We present the first characterization of iNTS organisms in Southeast Asia and describe a different evolutionary trajectory from that of organisms causing iNTS in sub-Saharan Africa. In Vietnam, the globally distributed monophasic variant of
Salmonella
Typhimurium, the serovar I:4,[5],12:i:− ST34 clone, has reacquired a phase 2 flagellum and gained a multidrug-resistant plasmid to become associated with iNTS disease in HIV-infected patients. We document distinct communities of
S
. Typhimurium and I:4,[5],12:i:− in animals and humans in Vietnam, despite the greater mixing of these host populations here. These data highlight the importance of whole-genome sequencing surveillance in a One Health context in understanding the evolution and spread of resistant bacterial infections.
Selective Pressure for Biofilm Formation in Bacillus subtilis: Differential Effect of Mutations in the Master Regulator SinR on Bistability
Authors: Kampf Jan , Gerwig Jan , Kruse Kerstin , Cleverley Robert , Dormeyer Miriam , Grünberger Alexander , Kohlheyer Dietrich , Commichau Fabian M. , Lewis Richard J. , Stülke Jörg
Published: September 2018

Many bacteria are able to choose between two mutually exclusive lifestyles: biofilm formation and motility. In the model bacterium
Bacillus subtilis
, this choice is made by each individual cell rather than at the population level. The transcriptional repressor SinR is the master regulator in this decision-making process. The regulation of SinR activity involves complex control of its own expression and of its interaction with antagonist proteins. We show that the YmdB phosphodiesterase is required to allow the expression of SinR-repressed genes in a subpopulation of cells and that such subpopulations can switch between different SinR activity states. Suppressor analyses revealed that
ymdB
mutants readily acquire mutations affecting SinR, thus restoring biofilm formation. These findings suggest that
B. subtilis
cells experience selective pressure to form the extracellular matrix that is characteristic of biofilms and that YmdB is required for the homeostasis of SinR and/or its antagonists.
Draft Whole-Genome Sequence of Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis Presenting Leishmania RNA Virus 1, from Western Amazon, Brazil
Authors: Krauze Andonai , Falcão Raul Maia , Custódio Marlon Grégori Flores , Pimentel Iasmin Ferreira , Cantanhêde Lilian Motta , Ferreira Gabriel Eduardo Melim , Cupolillo Elisa , Ferreira Ricardo de Godoi Mattos
Published: September 2018

Leishmania
(
Viannia
)
braziliensis
is the main etiological agent of tegumentary leishmaniasis in the neotropics. Here, we report a draft genome sequence (31.2 Mb) of an
L. braziliensis
strain from the western Amazon region of Brazil.
Genome Sequence of the Mycotoxigenic Crop Pathogen
Fusarium proliferatum
Strain ITEM 2341 from Date Palm
Authors: Almiman Bandar F. , Shittu Taiwo A. , Muthumeenakshi Sreenivasaprasad , Baroncelli Riccardo , Sreenivasaprasad Surapareddy
Published: September 2018

Fusarium proliferatum
is a widely distributed fungal pathogen associated with more than 26 crop species important in global food security. Its strong mycotoxigenic capability with potential impacts on human and animal health is well recognized.
Draft Genome Sequence of Faecalimonas umbilicata JCM 30896
T
, an Acetate-Producing Bacterium Isolated from Human Feces
Authors: Sakamoto Mitsuo , Ikeyama Nao , Yuki Masahiro , Ohkuma Moriya
Published: September 2018

Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
Faecalimonas umbilicata
JCM 30896
T
, an acetate-producing bacterium isolated from human feces. The genomic analysis reveals genes for acetate and vitamin B
12
synthesis and will facilitate the study of the role of this strain in the human gut.
Perceptions of cigarette pack inserts promoting cessation and dissuasive cigarettes among young adult smokers in the UK: a cross-sectional online survey
Authors: Moodie Crawford S , Hiscock Rosemary , Thrasher Jim , Reid Garth
Published: September 2018

Objectives

To explore young adult smokers’ perceptions of cigarette pack inserts promoting cessation and cigarettes designed to be dissuasive.

Design

Cross-sectional online survey.

Setting

UK.

Participants

The final sample was 1766 young adult smokers, with 50.3% male and 71.6% white British. To meet the inclusion criteria, participants had to be 16–34 years old and smoke factory-made cigarettes.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Salience of inserts, perceptions of inserts as information provision, perceptions of inserts on quitting, support for inserts and perceived appeal, harm and trial of three cigarettes (a standard cigarette, a standard cigarette displaying the warning ‘Smoking kills’ and a green cigarette).

Results

Half the sample indicated that they would read inserts with three-fifths indicating that they are a good way to provide information about quitting (61%). Just over half indicated that inserts would make them think more about quitting (53%), help if they decided to quit (52%), are an effective way of encouraging smokers to quit (53%) and supported having them in all packs (55%). Participants who smoked factory-made cigarettes and other tobacco products (compared with exclusive factory-made cigarette smokers), had made a quit attempt within the last 6 months (compared with those that had never made a quit attempt) or were likely to make a successful quit attempt in the next 6 months (compared with those unlikely to make a quit attempt in the next 6 months) were more likely to indicate that inserts could assist with cessation. Multivariable logistic regression modelling suggested that compared with the standard cigarette, the cigarette with warning (adjusted OR=17.71; 95% CI 13.75 to 22.80) and green cigarette (adjusted OR=30.88; 95% CI 23.98 to 39.76) were much less desirable (less appealing, more harmful and less likely to be tried).

Conclusions

Inserts and dissuasive cigarettes offer policy makers additional ways of using the pack to reduce smoking.
Prevalence of age-specific and sex-specific overweight and obesity in Ontario and Quebec, Canada: a cross-sectional study using direct measures of height and weight
Authors: Thielman Justin , Harrington Daniel , Rosella Laura C , Manson Heather
Published: September 2018

Objective

To evaluate whether combining three cycles of the Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) produces provincially representative and valid estimates of overweight and obesity in Ontario and Quebec.

Setting

An ongoing, nationally representative health survey in Canada, with data released every 2 years. Objective measures of height and weight were taken at mobile examination centres located within 100 km of participants’ residences. To increase sample size, we combined three cycles completed during 2007–2013.

Participants

5740 Ontario residents and 3980 Quebec residents aged 6–79, with birth dates and directly measured height and weight recorded in the CHMS. Pregnant females were excluded. Sociodemographic characteristics of the Ontario and Quebec portions of the CHMS appeared similar to characteristics from the 2006 Canada Census.

Primary outcome measures

Objectively measured overweight and obesity prevalence overall and among males and females in the following age groups: 6–11, 12–19, 20–39, 40–59 and 60–79. We compared these with provincially representative and objectively measured estimates from the 2015 Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS)-Nutrition.

Results

57.1% (95% CI 52.8% to 61.4%) of Ontarians were classified overweight or obese and 24.0% (95% CI 20.3% to 27.6%) obese, while Quebec’s corresponding percentages were 56.2% (95% CI 51.3% to 61.1%) and 24.4% (95% CI 20.6% to 28.3%). Generally, overweight and obesity combined was higher in older age groups and males. Comparisons with the CCHS-Nutrition did not yield unexplainable differences between surveys.

Conclusions

Combining three CHMS cycles can produce estimates of overweight and obesity in populations representative of Ontario and Quebec. As new CHMS data are collected, these estimates can be updated and used to evaluate trends.
Study protocol for a single-blind, randomised controlled, non-inferiority trial of internet-based versus face-to-face cognitive behaviour therapy for obsessive–compulsive disorder
Authors: Rück Christian , Lundström Lina , Flygare Oskar , Enander Jesper , Bottai Matteo , Mataix-Cols David , Andersson Erik
Published: September 2018

Introduction

Expert guidelines recommend cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) as a first-line treatment for obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD), but the majority of patients with OCD do not have access to CBT. Internet-delivered CBT (ICBT) has the potential to make this evidence-based treatment more accessible while requiring less therapist time than traditional face-to-face (f2f) CBT. Data from six clinical trials suggest that ICBT for OCD is both efficacious and cost-effective, but whether ICBT is non-inferior to traditional f2f CBT for OCD is yet unknown.

Methods and analysis

A single-blind, randomised, controlled, non-inferiority trial comparing therapist-guided ICBT, unguided ICBT and individual (f2f) CBT for adult OCD patients. The primary objective is to investigate whether ICBT is non-inferior to gold standard f2f CBT. Secondary objectives are to investigate if ICBT is equally effective when delivered unguided, to establish the cost-effectiveness of ICBT and to investigate if the treatment outcome differs between self-referred and clinically referred patients. Participants will be recruited at two specialist OCD clinics in Stockholm and also through online self-referral. Participants will be randomised to one of three treatment conditions: F2f CBT, ICBT with therapist support or unguided ICBT. The total number of participants will be 120, and masked assessments will be administered at baseline, biweekly during treatment, at post-treatment and at 3-month and 12-month follow-ups. The main outcome measure is the clinician-rated Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) at 3-month follow-up. The margin of non-inferiority is set to 3 points on the Y-BOCS using a 90% CI.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been approved by the Regional Ethics Board of Stockholm (REPN 2015/1099-31/2) and registered at Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02541968). The study will be reported in accordance with the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials statement for non-pharmacological trials. The results will be published in peer-reviewed academic journals and disseminated to patient organisations and media.

Trial registration number

NCT02541968; Pre-results.
Perspectives on involvement in the peer-review process: surveys of patient and public reviewers at two journals
Authors: Schroter Sara , Price Amy , Flemyng Ella , Demaine Andrew , Elliot Jim , Harmston Rebecca R , Richards Tessa , Staniszewska Sophie , Stephens Richard
Published: September 2018

Objective

In 2014/2015,The BMJandResearch Involvement and Engagement(RIE) became the first journals to routinely include patients and the public in the peer review process of journal articles. This survey explores the perspectives and early experiences of these reviewers.

Design

A cross-sectional survey.

Setting and participants

Patient and public reviewers forThe BMJandRIEwho have been invited to review.

Results

The response rate was 69% (157/227) for those who had previously reviewed and 31% (67/217) for those who had not yet reviewed. Reviewers described being motivated to review by the opportunity to include the patient voice in the research process, influence the quality of the biomedical literature and ensure it meets the needs of patients. Of the 157 who had reviewed, 127 (81%) would recommend being a reviewer to other patients and carers. 144 (92%) thought more journals should adopt patient and public review. Few reviewers (16/224, 7%) reported concerns about doing open review. Annual acknowledgement on the journals’ websites was welcomed as was free access to journal information. Participants were keen to have access to more online resources and training to improve their reviewing skills. Suggestions on how to improve the reviewing experience included: allowing more time to review; better and more frequent communication; a more user-friendly process; improving guidance on how to review including videos; improving the matching of papers to reviewers’ experience; providing more varied sample reviews and brief feedback on the usefulness of reviews; developing a sense of community among reviewers; and publicising of the contribution that patient and public review brings.

Conclusions

Patient and public reviewers shared practical ideas to improve the reviewing experience and these will be reviewed to enhance the guidance and support given to them.
Improving the sustainability of hospital-based interventions: a study protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Cowie Julie , Campbell Pauline , Dimova Elena , Nicoll Avril , Duncan Edward A S
Published: September 2018

Introduction

Sustaining effective interventions in hospital environments is essential to improving health outcomes, and reducing research waste. Current evidence suggests many interventions are not sustained beyond their initial delivery. The reason for this failure remains unclear. Increasingly research is employing theoretical frameworks and models to identify critical factors that influence the implementation of interventions. However, little is known about the value of these frameworks on sustainability. The aim of this review is to examine the evidence regarding the use of theoretical frameworks to maximise effective intervention sustainability in hospital-based settings in order to better understand their role in supporting long-term intervention use.

Methods and analysis

Systematic review. We will systematically search the following databases: Medline, AMED, CINAHL, Embase and Cochrane Library (CENTRAL, CDSR, DARE, HTA). We will also hand search relevant journals and will check the bibliographies of all included studies. Language and date limitations will be applied. We will include empirical studies that have used a theoretical framework (or model) and have explicitly reported the sustainability of an intervention (or programme). One reviewer will remove obviously irrelevant titles. The remaining abstracts and full-text articles will be screened by two independent reviewers to determine their eligibility for inclusion. Disagreements will be resolved by discussion, and may involve a third reviewer if required. Key study characteristics will be extracted (study design, population demographics, setting, evidence of sustained change, use of theoretical frameworks and any barriers or facilitators data reported) by one reviewer and cross-checked by another reviewer. Descriptive data will be tabulated within evidence tables, and key findings will be brought together within a narrative synthesis.

Ethics and dissemination

Formal ethical approval is not required as no primary data will be collected. Dissemination of results will be through peer-reviewed journal publications, presentation at an international conference and social media.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42017081992.