bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Childhood high‐frequency EEG activity during sleep is associated with incident insomnia symptoms in adolescence
Authors: Fernandez‐Mendoza Julio , Li Yun , Fang Jidong , Calhoun Susan L. , Vgontzas Alexandros N. , Liao Duanping , Bixler Edward O.
Published: July 2018

Background

Insomnia has been associated in cross‐sectional studies with increased beta (15–35 Hz) electroencephalogram (EEG) power during nonrapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, an index of cortical hyperarousal. However, it is unknown whether this cortical hyperarousal is present before individuals with insomnia develop the disorder. To fill this gap, we examined the association of childhood sleep high‐frequency EEG activity with incident insomnia symptoms (i.e., absence of insomnia symptoms in childhood but presence in adolescence).

Methods

We studied a case–control subsample of 45 children (6–11 years) from the Penn State Child Cohort, a population‐based random sample of 421 children, who were followed up after 8 years as adolescents (13–20 years). We examined low‐beta (15–25 Hz) and high‐beta (25–35 Hz) relative power at central EEG derivations during NREM sleep and, in secondary analyses, during sleep onset latency, sleep onset, and REM sleep. Incident insomnia symptoms were defined as the absence of parent‐reported difficulty falling and/or staying asleep during childhood and a self‐report of these insomnia symptoms during adolescence.

Results

Childhood high‐beta power during NREM sleep was significantly increased in children who developed insomnia symptoms in adolescence (n = 25) as compared to normal sleeping controls (n = 20;p = .03). Multivariable‐adjusted logistic regression models showed that increased childhood high‐beta EEG power during NREM sleep was associated with a threefold increased odds (95% CI = 1.12–7.98) of incident insomnia symptoms in adolescence. No other significant relationships were observed for other sleep/wake states or EEG frequency bands.

Conclusions

Increased childhood high‐frequency EEG power during NREM sleep is associated with incident insomnia symptoms in adolescence. This study indicates that cortical hyperarousal during sleep may be a premorbid neurophysiological sign of insomnia, which may mediate the increased risk of psychiatric disorders associated with insomnia.
Novel murine model of congenital diabetes: The insulin hyposecretion mouse
Authors: Nakano Kenta , Yanobu‐Takanashi Rieko , Takahashi Yuki , Sasaki Hayato , Shimizu Yukiko , Okamura Tadashi , Sasaki Nobuya
Published: July 2018

Aims/Introduction

Diabetic animal models have made an enormous contribution to our understanding of the etiology of diabetes and the development of new medications. The aim of the present study was to develop and characterize a novel, non‐obese murine strain with spontaneous diabetes – the insulin hyposecretion (ihs) mouse.

Materials and Methods

During the development of the ICGN.B6‐Tns2WT strain as the control for the ICGN‐Tns2nph congenital nephrotic strain, diabetic mice were discovered and named ihs mice. Intraperitoneal insulin tolerance test, oral glucose tolerance test and an insulin secretion experiment by the pancreas perfusion system were carried out on ihs mice. The pancreatic islets were examined histologically, and the mRNA expression of pancreatic β‐cell‐specific genes or genes associated with monogenic diabetes was examined by RT‐qPCR.

Results

The ihs mice showed several distinctive diabetes‐related characteristics: (i) the onset of diabetes was observed only in the male mice; (ii) there were no differences in insulin content between the ihs and control mice; (iii) impaired insulin secretion was elicited by glucose, potassium chloride and sulfonylureas; (iv) there was a significant reduction of relative β‐cell volume with no signs of inflammation or fibrosis; (v) they showed a normal glycemic response to exogenous insulin; and (vi) the mice were not obese.

Conclusions

The ihs mouse provides a novel murine model of congenital diabetes that shows insulin secretion failure. This model allows not only an analysis of the progression of diabetes, but also the identification of unknown genes involved in insulin secretion.
Multifactors accelerated aging of sterilized acidic pudding determined by traditional and fluorescence techniques
Authors: Moufle Anne‐Laure , Jamet Julie , Karoui Romdhane
Published: July 2018

The aim of this study was to reproduce quality changes occurring in shelf‐stable pudding over 368 days, in less than 100 days by using one or more accelerating factors. The effect of headspace volume, packaging permeability, combination of packaging permeability and light, iron, and heat treatment on the evolution of pudding quality during storage was studied at the molecular and macroscopic levels. For control samples, an increase in the consistency, apparent viscosity, hysteresis area, G'‐G" crossover and yellowness was observed throughout storage. The rheology, pH, and colorimetric measurements failed to discriminate samples subjected to different accelerating factors from the control ones. Regarding the shapes of tryptophan and riboflavin emission spectra, samples with high permeability to oxygen and exposed to light were the most deteriorated, followed by those supplemented with iron or subjected to high heat treatment. However, iron and heat treatment trials were found to be the most suitable parameters to accelerate aging of pudding. Finally, both, headspace volume or packaging permeability did not affect the aging of acidic pudding samples.

Practical applications

Severe heat treatment or the addition of iron in the pudding recipe could be used as suitable parameters to accelerate shelf‐stable acidic pudding aging. Fluorescence spectroscopy technique showed a high discrimination power and can be applied for online monitoring of shelf‐stable dairy desserts quality, as it requires no preparation of the sample.
Managing clinical uncertainty: An ethnographic study of the impact of critical care outreach on end‐of‐life transitions in ward‐based critically ill patients with a life‐limiting illness
Authors: Pattison Natalie , Mclellan Jude , Roskelly Lara , McLeod Kirsty , Wiseman Theresa
Published: July 2018

Rapid response teams, such as critical care outreach teams, have prominent roles in managing end‐of‐life transitions in critical illness, often questioning appropriateness of treatment escalation. Clinical uncertainty presents clinicians with dilemmas in how and when to escalate or de‐escalate treatment.

Aims and objectives

To explore how critical care outreach team decision‐making processes affect the management of transition points for critically ill, ward‐based patients with a life‐limiting illness.

Methods

An ethnographic study across two hospitals observed transition points and decisions to de‐escalate treatment, through the lens of critical care outreach. In‐depth interviews were carried out to elucidate rationales for practices witnessed in observations. Detailed field notes were taken and placed in a descriptive account. Ethnographic data were analysed, categorised and organised into themes using thematic analysis.

Findings

Data were collected over 74 weeks, encompassing 32 observation periods with 20 staff, totalling more than 150 hr. Ten formal staff interviews and 20 informal staff interviews were undertaken. Three main themes emerged: early decision‐making and the role of critical care outreach; communicating end‐of‐life transitions; end‐of‐life care and the input of critical care outreach. Findings suggest there is a negotiation to achieve smooth transitions for individual patients, between critical care outreach, and parent or ward medical teams. This process of negotiation is subject to many factors that either hinder or facilitate timely transitions.

Conclusions

Critical care outreach teams have an important role in shared decision‐making. Associated emotional costs relate to conflict with parent medical teams, and working as lone practitioners. The cultural contexts in which teams work have a significant effect on their interactions and agency.

Relevance to practice

There needs to be a cultural shift towards early and open discussion of treatment goals and limitations of medical treatment, particularly when facing serious illness. With training and competencies, outreach nurses are well placed to facilitate these discussions.
Effectiveness of the proximal optimization technique for longitudinal stent elongation caused by post‐balloon dilatation
Authors: Matsuda Yuji , Ashikaga Takashi , Sasaoka Taro , Hatano Yu , Umemoto Tomoyuki , Yamamoto Takanobu , Maejima Yasuhiro , Hirao Kenzo
Published: July 2018

Objectives

To evaluate the effectiveness of the proximal optimization technique (POT) to prevent longitudinal stent elongation.

Background

The mechanism of stent elongation, which occurs after post‐balloon dilation, is still unclear.

Methods

A total of 103 lesions treated with optical coherence tomography guided coronary intervention between May 2013 and November 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. Lesions were divided according to the circumferential degree of malapposition at the stent edge immediately after deployment into well‐apposed group (<180°) and malapposed group (≥180°). Post‐dilation was performed from distal to proximal within the stent until August 2016 (non‐POT cohort), and POT was applied thereafter (POT cohort). In the POT cohort, post‐dilation was done at the proximal portion of the stent with sufficiently large balloon to minimize malapposition followed by distal dilatations. Stent elongation length was defined as the change in stent length from stent deployment to after post‐dilatation.

Results

In the non‐POT cohort, 72 lesions, including 54 lesions in the well‐apposed group and 18 in the malapposed group were analyzed. Stent elongation length was significantly longer in the malapposed group than in the well‐apposed group (1.51 ± 1.34 mm vs 0.13 ± 0.84 mm, P < 0.01). In the POT cohort, 31 lesions including 21 in the well‐apposed group and 10 in the malapposed group were analyzed. Stent elongation length was not significantly different between the groups (−0.09 ± 0.91 mm vs 0.30 ± 0.99 mm, P = 0.29).

Conclusions

Malapposition of the stent edge is responsible for longitudinal stent elongation caused by post‐dilatation. POT appeared to effectively prevent longitudinal stent elongation.
Staphylococcus aureus haem biosynthesis and acquisition pathways are linked through haem monooxygenase IsdG
Authors: Videira, Marco A. M. , Lobo, Susana A. L. , Silva, Liliana S. O. , Palmer, David J. , Warren, Martin J. , Prieto, Manuel , Coutinho, Ana , Sousa, Filipa L. , Fernandes Fábio , Saraiva Lígia M.
Published: July 2018

Haem is an essential cofactor in central metabolic pathways in the vast majority of living systems. Prokaryotes acquire haem via haem biosynthesis pathways, and some also utilize haem uptake systems, yet it remains unclear how they balance haem requirements with the paradox that free haem is toxic. Here, using the model pathogen Staphylococcus aureus, we report that IsdG, one of two haem oxygenase enzymes in the haem uptake system, inhibits the formation of haem via the internal haem biosynthesis route. More specifically, we show that IsdG decreases the activity of ferrochelatase and that the two proteins interact both in vitro and in vivo. Further, a bioinformatics analysis reveals that a significant number of haem biosynthesis pathway containing organisms possess an IsdG‐homologue and that those with both biosynthesis and uptake systems have at least two haem oxygenases. We conclude that IsdG‐like proteins control intracellular haem levels by coupling the two pathways. IsdG is thus a target for the treatment of S. aureusinfections.
Speedy stomata, photosynthesis and plant water use efficiency
Authors: Lawson Tracy , Vialet‐Chabrand Silvère
Published: July 2018

Contents

Summary
93

I.
Introduction
93

II.
Influence of the speed of gs responses on A and Wi
93

III.
Determinants of the rapidity of gs responses
95

IV.
Conclusion
97

Acknowledgements
97

References
97

Stomatal movements control CO2 uptake for photosynthesis and water loss through transpiration, and therefore play a key role in plant productivity and water use efficiency. The predicted doubling of global water usage by 2030 mean that stomatal behaviour is central to current efforts to increase photosynthesis and crop yields, particularly under conditions of reduced water availability. In the field, slow stomatal responses to dynamic environmental conditions add a temporal dimension to gaseous fluxes between the leaf and atmosphere. Here, we review recent work on the rapidity of stomatal responses and present some of the possible anatomical and biochemical mechanisms that influence the rapidity of stomatal movements.
Significance of leukocytosis prior to cardiac device implantation
Authors: Kumar Darpan S. , Tompkins Christine M. , Veenhuyzen George D. , Henrikson Charles A.
Published: July 2018

Introduction

Infection remains a dreaded complication after cardiac implanted electronic device (CIED) placement. The prognostic value of the preoperative white blood cell (WBC) count, in the absence of other signs of infection, at time of CIED placement as a predictor of postoperative infection, has not been previously examined.

Methods

The study population included 1,247 consecutive device implantations over a 4‐year period that met inclusion criteria. The association between preoperative WBC count and resultant infection postoperatively was examined. Early infection was defined as definite infection of the pocket or lead system or development of systemic infection identified <60 days after implantation. Preoperative WBC counts were obtained within 48 hours of the procedure.

Results

Baseline characteristics of the population studied were mean age of 65 years, 66% men, and 72% Caucasian. Pacemakers, implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), and biventricular ICDs were implanted in 41%, 44%, and 15%, respectively. Average procedure time was 174 minutes ± 80. Of 1,247 device implantations, there were 10 infections (0.8%). Mean preprocedure WBC count in those diagnosed with infection was 8.1 × 103/uL (range 5–11.7) and in those without infection was 7.8 × 10^3/uL (range 2.3–29) (P = 0.73). Cases resulting in infection demonstrated minimal change in WBC count (mean +5.5 ± 26.5%). There was no statistically significant difference in preprocedure WBC count between the two groups (P = 0.7). Regardless of preprocedural WBC, no patients had other signs and symptoms of infection at time of device implantation.

Conclusion

As an isolated finding, an elevated preprocedure WBC should not delay the implantation of an indicated device.
Evaluation of left ventricular false tendons in children with idiopathic left ventricular tachycardia
Authors: Merlocco Anthony , Brown David W. , Gauvreau Kimberlee , Mah Douglas Y. , Triedman John K. , Alexander Mark E. , Walsh Edward P.
Published: July 2018

Background

Left ventricular false tendons (FT) traverse the ventricular cavity and are thought to have some association with idiopathic left ventricular tachycardia (ILVT). However, reported prevalence of FT varies widely, making correlation difficult. Superior echocardiographic windows of pediatric patients may permit better analysis of FT in ILVT. Our study describes the relationship between FT and ILVT in young patients.

Methods

Retrospective case‐control study of 30 ILVT patients with 98 controls compared for FT. Diagnosis of ILVT was made by electrocardiogram and clinical history, and for 25 patients was further confirmed by electrophysiology study (EPS). Presence of FT was identified by one blinded observer and verified by a second blinded observer. Presence of FT was then compared between ILVT patients and controls using Fisher's exact test.

Results

Presence of FT did not differ significantly between patients and controls (53% vs 43%, P  =  0.40). Twelve FT patients (19%) had multiple FTs detected, though the incidence of ILVT was no higher in the setting of multiple FTs. A total of 25 patients with ILVT underwent EPS for intended ablation therapy, with ultimate success in 22/25 (88%) after one or more ablation sessions. Of the 25 EPS patients, FTs were present in 11, but precise correlation between successful ablation location and FT location was not possible since intraprocedural echocardiography was not performed in this patient group.

Conclusions

Presence of FTs did not differ between ILVT patients and controls. While FTs are not absolutely required for ILVT, they may still play a role in some cases.
Efficacy of ivabradine to control ventricular arrhythmias in catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia
Authors: Vaksmann Guy , Klug Didier
Published: July 2018

Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) is a potentially lethal hereditary disease characterized by complex ventricular arrhythmias provoked by exercise or emotional stress and by a high mortality rate in young individuals. Nadolol alone or in combination with flecainide is the most effective therapy. However, compliance to treatment is often low due to side effects.

We report two patients with CPVT in whom side effects of treatment prompted discontinuation of flecainide or nadolol and in whom ivabradine was successfully added to therapy. In these two patients, ivabradine in combination with nadolol or flecainide was well tolerated and successfully suppressed nonsustained polymorphic ventricular tachycardia and couplets. Thus, ivabradine could limit the use of implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators or left cardiac sympathetic denervation in CPVT patients with uncontrollable ventricular arrhythmias.
Physical comorbidities in older adults receiving antidepressants in Asia
Authors: Zhong Xiao‐Mei , Dong Min , Wang Fei , Zhang Qinge , Ungvari Gabor S. , Ng Chee H. , Chiu Helen F.K. , Si Tian‐Mei , Sim Kang , Avasthi Ajit , Grover Sandeep , Chong Mian‐Yoon , Chee Kok‐Yoon , Kanba Shigenobu , Lee Min‐Soo , Yang Shu‐Yu , Udomratn Pichet , Kallivayalil Roy A. , Tanra Andi J. , Maramis Margarita M. , Shen Winston W. , Sartorius Norman , Mahendran Rathi , Tan Chay‐Hoon , Shinfuku Naotaka , Xiang Yu‐Tao
Published: July 2018

Background

The present study explored the patterns of physical comorbidities and their associated demographic and clinical factors in older psychiatric patients prescribed with antidepressants in Asia.

Methods

Demographic and clinical information of 955 older adults were extracted from the database of the Research on Asian Psychotropic Prescription Patterns for Antidepressants (REAP‐AD) project. Standardized data collection procedure was used to record demographic and clinical data.

Results

Proportion of physical comorbidities in this cohort was 44%. Multiple logistic regression analyses showed that older age (OR = 1.7, P < 0.001), higher number of depressive symptoms (OR = 1.09, P = 0.016), being treated in psychiatric hospital (OR = 0.5, P = 0.002), living in high income countries/territories (OR = 2.4, P = 0.002), use of benzodiazepines (OR = 1.4, P = 0.013) and diagnosis of ‘other psychiatric disorders’ (except mood, anxiety disorders and schizophrenia) (OR = 2.7, P < 0.001) were significantly associated with physical comorbidities.

Conclusions

Physical comorbidities in older patients prescribed with antidepressants were common in Asia. Integrating physical care into the treatment of older psychiatric patients should be urgently considered.
Caregivers’ education decreases depression symptoms and burden in caregivers of patients with dementia
Authors: Terayama Hideyuki , Sakurai Hirofumi , Namioka Nayuta , Jaime Rieko , Otakeguchi Koko , Fukasawa Raita , Sato Tomohiko , Hirao Kentaro , Kanetaka Hidekazu , Shimizu Soichiro , Umahara Takahiko , Hanyu Haruo
Published: July 2018

Objective

To determine whether providing education to caregivers of patients with dementia decreases their depression symptoms and burden.

Methods

Eighty‐three outpatients with dementia being treated at the Memory Clinic of Tokyo Medical University Hospital and their caregivers were enrolled. Forty‐seven caregivers were enrolled in the caregivers’ education (EDU) group and 36 were enrolled in the control (CTL) group. Caregivers were assessed for depression, burden, and quality of life (QoL). Patients were assessed for cognition, psychological symptoms, and QoL. Assessments were carried out at baseline and at 3 months (3M). Caregivers in the EDU group received lectures on symptoms and progression of dementia, management of symptoms, use of social resources etc.

Results

At 3M, prevalence of depression symptoms in the EDU group significantly decreased from 36% to 17%, whereas it significantly increased from 22% to 50% in the CTL group. Depression and burden were significantly improved at 3M in the EDU group, whereas they significantly worsened in the CTL group. Psychological symptoms showed a lower tendency at 3M for the EDU group. No significant changes in QoL of caregivers and patients were found in either group.

Conclusions

Providing education to caregivers of patients with dementia improves their depression symptoms and sense of burden, and tends to improve the behaviour and psychological symptoms of dementia in the patients. Providing education to caregivers of dementia patients may hence result in beneficial effects for both the patients and their caregivers, and should be widely used in dementia care.
Interdisciplinary Approaches to Examining Postdisaster School Recovery
Authors: Esnard Ann‐Margaret , Lai Betty
Published: July 2018

This perspectives article uses a postdisaster school recovery research domain to examine two tenets of interdisciplinary research (IDR): integrative problem formulation and synthesis. Advancing interdisciplinary knowledge requires a “roadmap” of commonalities between disciplinary domains and outcomes of interest. Four school recovery domains—child trauma, educational learning outcomes, school safety, and household and community recovery—are presented to highlight common frameworks for IDR. A case study is also used to illustrate the value of interdisciplinary research and mixed‐methods approaches, including statistics, geospatial analysis, and spatial statistics, for answering questions regarding how school contexts and location influence school recovery patterns.
Risk factors for peripartum blood transfusion in South Africa: a case‐control study
Authors: Bloch Evan M. , Ingram Charlotte , Hull Jennifer , Fawcus Susan , Anthony John , Green‐Thompson Randolph , Crookes Robert L. , Ngcobo Solomuzi , V. Creel Darryl , Courtney Lauren , Bellairs Greg R.M. , Murphy Edward L. ,   for the South Africa Program of the NHLBI Recipient Epidemiology and Donor Evaluation Study‐III (REDS‐III)
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

Obstetric hemorrhage (OH) and access to peripartum blood transfusion remains a global health challenge. The rates of peripartum transfusion in South Africa exceed those in high‐income countries despite comparable rates of OH. We sought to evaluate factors associated with peripartum transfusion.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

A case‐control study was conducted at four large South African hospitals. Transfused peripartum women (cases) and nontransfused controls were stratum matched 1:2 by hospital and delivery date. Data on obstetric, transfusion, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) history were abstracted from medical records. Blood was obtained for laboratory evaluation. We calculated unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for transfusion using logistic regression.

RESULTS

A total of 1200 transfused cases and 2434 controls were evaluated. Antepartum hemorrhage (OR, 197.95; 95% confidence interval [CI], 104.27‐375.78), hemorrhage with vaginal delivery (OR, 136.46; 95% CI, 75.87‐245.18), prenatal anemia (OR, 22.76; 95% CI, 12.34‐41.93 for prenatal hemoglobin level < 7 g/dL), and failed access to prenatal care (OR, 6.71; 95% CI, 4.32‐10.42) were the major risk factors for transfusion. Platelet (PLT) count (ORs, 4.10, 2.66, and 1.77 for ≤50 × 109, 51 × 109‐100 × 109, and 101 × 109‐150 × 109 cells/L, respectively), HIV infection (OR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.02‐1.62), and admitting hospital (twofold variation) were also associated with transfusion. Mode of delivery, race, age category, gravidity, parity, gestational age, and birthweight were not independently associated with transfusion.

CONCLUSION

Major risk factors of peripartum transfusion in South Africa, namely, prenatal anemia and access to prenatal care, may be amenable to intervention. HIV infection and moderately low PLT count are novel risk factors that merit further investigation.
Determining the Perceptions of Female Mathematics Teachers Concerning the Concept of “Female Mathematician” Through Metaphors
Authors: Yildiz Cemalettin
Published: July 2018

The aim of this study is to analyze the perceptions of female mathematics teachers concerning the concept of “female mathematician” through metaphors. In the study, phenomenology method was used. The participants consisted of 98 female mathematics teachers who work at secondary schools. The data was obtained through the statement “Female mathematicians are like ... because ...” completed by female mathematics teachers. The teachers were asked to write a metaphor in the first blank concerning the concept of female mathematician and they wrote their reasons of writing that metaphor in the second blank. The data was analyzed through content analysis method. At the end of the study, it was determined that the teachers had formed 71 different metaphors concerning female mathematicians. The first three concepts occurring to the minds of mathematics teachers concerning the concept of female mathematician were found as “male mathematician”, “mother” and “equation”. Additionally, it was determined that the metaphors of the teachers were collected under six different categories. Among these categories, the category of “female mathematician as a person who has desired qualities and is needed” was observed to be emphasized more distinctly. It was also seen that explanations of the teachers were collected under 34 features and among these features; the codes of “scarcity” and “incomprehensibility” were emphasized more distinctly. Finally, it was determined that metaphors, categories and features concerning female mathematicians had a positive meaning in general. It is recommended to enhance the living and working conditions of female mathematics teachers and increase their number.
Redox‐regulation of haemostasis in hypoxic exercising humans: a randomised double‐blind placebo‐controlled antioxidant study
Authors: Fall Lewis , Brugniaux Julien V. , Davis Danielle , Marley Christopher J. , Davies Bruce , New Karl J. , McEneny Jane , Young Ian S. , Bailey Damian M.
Published: July 2018

Key points

In vitro evidence has identified that coagulation is activated by increased oxidative stress, though the link and underlying mechanism in humans have yet to be established.

We conducted the first randomised controlled trial in healthy participants to examine if oral antioxidant prophylaxis alters the haemostatic responses to hypoxia and exercise given their synergistic capacity to promote free radical formation.

Systemic free radical formation was shown to increase during hypoxia and was further compounded by exercise, responses that were attenuated by antioxidant prophylaxis.

In contrast, antioxidant prophylaxis increased thrombin generation at rest in normoxia, and this was normalised only in the face of prevailing oxidation.

Collectively, these findings suggest that human free radical formation is an adaptive phenomenon that serves to maintain vascular haemostasis.

In vitro evidence suggests that blood coagulation is activated by increased oxidative stress although the link and underlying mechanism in humans have yet to be established. We conducted the first randomised controlled trial to examine if oral antioxidant prophylaxis alters the haemostatic responses to hypoxia and exercise. Healthy males were randomly assigned double‐blind to either an antioxidant (n = 20) or placebo group (n = 16). The antioxidant group ingested two capsules/day that each contained 500 mg of l‐ascorbic acid and 450 international units (IU) of dl‐α‐tocopherol acetate for 8 weeks. The placebo group ingested capsules of identical external appearance, taste and smell (cellulose). Both groups were subsequently exposed to acute hypoxia and maximal physical exercise with venous blood sampled pre‐supplementation (normoxia), post‐supplementation at rest (normoxia and hypoxia) and following maximal exercise (hypoxia). Systemic free radical formation (electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopic detection of the ascorbate radical (A•−)) increased during hypoxia (15,152 ± 1193 AU vs. 14,076 ± 810 AU at rest, P < 0.05) and was further compounded by exercise (16,569 ± 1616 AU vs. rest, P < 0.05), responses that were attenuated by antioxidant prophylaxis. In contrast, antioxidant prophylaxis increased thrombin generation as measured by thrombin–antithrombin complex, at rest in normoxia (28.7 ± 6.4 vs. 4.3 ± 0.2 μg mL−1 pre‐intervention, P < 0.05) and was restored but only in the face of prevailing oxidation. Collectively, these findings are the first to suggest that human free radical formation likely reflects an adaptive response that serves to maintain vascular haemostasis.
Database of proteinogenic amino acid reference spectra for Bismuth-cluster ToF-SIMS. I. Negative polarity
Authors: Kawecki Maciej , Bernard Laetitia
Published: July 2018

The number of time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry studies on biological tissues and cells strongly increased since the development of primary ion sources that allow not only elemental but also molecular analysis. Still, substantial fragmentation during ionic bombardment results in a large amount of peaks, rendering data analysis complex. Complete and trustable sets of reference spectra for the main biological building blocks such as proteins, sugars and lipids are required. Here, the authors provide a database of reference spectra for the 21 proteinogenic amino acids + glycine for bismuth instruments. Paper I of this two-part article series contains the negative polarity spectra and Paper II the positive polarity spectra. These reference spectra were obtained with the primary ion Bi3+ and spectra for the primary ions Bi1+ and Bi3++ are contained in the supplementary material as ASCII files.
Core-level spectra of powdered tungsten disulfide, WS2
Authors: Morgan David J.
Published: July 2018

Core level spectra, generated by monochromatic Al Kα x-rays for a commercial, powdered tungsten disulfide (WS2) specimen, have been recorded and presented. The x-ray photoelectron spectra of WS2 obtained include a survey scan, high-resolution spectra of W 4f, S 2p, S 2s, W 4d, W 4p, O 1s, W 4s, S LMM, and the valence band. Quantitative analysis has been achieved using a two-parameter Tougaard background and line shapes indicated for fitting; using these methods a surface composition of WS2 is found.
Gut Microbiota Composition Is Related to Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Healthy Young Adults
Authors: Durk Ryan P. , Castillo Esperanza , Márquez-Magaña Leticia , Grosicki Gregory J. , Bolter Nicole D. , Lee C. Matthew , Bagley James R.
Published: July 2018

Bacteria residing in the human gastrointestinal tract has a symbiotic relationship with its host. Animal models have demonstrated a relationship between exercise and gut microbiota composition. This was the first study to explore the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness (maximal oxygen consumption, VO2max) and relative gut microbiota composition (Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio [F/B]) in healthy young adults in a free-living environment. Twenty males and 17 females (25.7 ± 2.2 years), who did not take antibiotics in the last 6 months, volunteered for this study. VO2max was measured using a symptom-limited graded treadmill test. Relative microbiota composition was determined by analyzing DNA extracted from stool samples using a quantitative polymerase chain reaction that specifically measured the quantity of a target gene (16S rRNA) found in Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. Relationships between F/B and potentially related dietary, anthropometric, and fitness variables were assessed using correlation analyses with an appropriate Bonferroni adjustment (p < .004). The average F/B ratio in all participants was 0.94 ± 0.03. The F/B ratio was significantly correlated to VO2max (r = .48, p < .003), but no other fitness, nutritional intake, or anthropometric variables (p > .004). VO2max explained ∼22% of the variance of an individual’s relative gut bacteria as determined by the F/B ratio. These data support animal findings, demonstrating a relationship between relative human gut microbiota composition and cardiorespiratory fitness in healthy young adults. Gastrointestinal bacteria is integral in regulating a myriad of physiological processes, and greater insight regarding ramifications of exercise and nutrition on gut microbial composition may help guide therapies to promote human health.
Standing Versus Stepping—Exploring the Relationships Between Postural Steadiness and Dynamic Reactive Balance Control
Authors: Tanel Michelle R. , Weaver Tyler B. , Laing Andrew C.
Published: July 2018

While the literature has characterized balance control during quasi-static and/or dynamic tasks, comparatively few studies have examined relationships across paradigms. This study investigated whether quiet-stance postural steadiness metrics were associated with reactive control parameters (during both stepping and restabilization phases) following a lean-and-release perturbation. A total of 40 older adults participated. Postural steadiness (center of the pressure range, root mean square, velocity, and frequency) was evaluated in “feet together” and “tandem stance” positions. During the reactive control trials, the step length, step width, movement time, and reaction time were measured, in addition to the postural steadiness variables measured during the restabilization phase following the stepping response. Out of 64 comparisons, only 10 moderate correlations were observed between postural steadiness and reactive spatio-temporal stepping parameters (P ≤ .05,r = −.312 to −.534). However, postural steadiness metrics were associated with the center of pressure velocity and frequency during the restabilization phase of the reactive control trials (P ≤ .02,r = .383 to .775 for velocity andP ≤ .01,r = .386 to .550 for frequency). Although some elements of quasi-static center of pressure control demonstrated moderate associations with dynamic stepping responses, relationships were stronger for restabilization phase dynamics after foot-contact. Future work should examine the potential association between restabilization phase control and older adult fall-risk.
Effect of Cumulative Intravenous Voriconazole Dose on Renal Function in Hematological Patients
Authors: Yasu Takeo , Konuma Takaaki , Kuroda Seiichiro , Takahashi Satoshi , Tojo Arinobu
Published: July 2018

Intravenous voriconazole (VRC) is formulated by the incorporation of sulfobutylether-β-cyclodextrin (SBECD), which may accumulate to adversely affect renal function. However, the effect of long-term use of intravenous VRC on renal function is unclear.
Results of a Multicenter Population Pharmacokinetic Study of Ciprofloxacin in Children with Complicated Urinary Tract Infection
Authors: Meesters Kevin , Michelet Robin , Mauel Reiner , Raes Ann , Van Bocxlaer Jan , Vande Walle Johan , Vermeulen An
Published: July 2018

Resistance rates for ciprofloxacin, which is labeled for treating complicated urinary tract infections in children, are rapidly rising. As there is limited knowledge on developmental pharmacology of ciprofloxacin, the primary aim of this study was to develop a population pharmacokinetic model for ciprofloxacin in children treated for complicated urinary tract infections.
Neospora caninum Dense Granule Protein 7 Regulates the Pathogenesis of Neosporosis by Modulating Host Immune Response
Authors: Nishikawa Yoshifumi , Shimoda Naomi , Fereig Ragab M. , Moritaka Tomoya , Umeda Kousuke , Nishimura Maki , Ihara Fumiaki , Kobayashi Kaoru , Himori Yuu , Suzuki Yutaka , Furuoka Hidefumi
Published: July 2018

Neospora caninum
invades and replicates in a broad range of host species and cells within those hosts. The effector proteins exported by
Neospora
induce its pathogenesis by modulating the host immunity. We show that most of the transcriptomic effects in
N. caninum
-infected cells depend upon the activity of NcGRA7. A deficiency in NcGRA7 reduced the virulence of the parasite in mice. This study demonstrates the importance of NcGRA7 in the pathogenesis of neosporosis.
Periplasmic Chaperones and Prolyl Isomerases
Authors: Stull Frederick , Betton Jean-Michel , Bardwell James C.A.
Published: July 2018

The biogenesis of periplasmic and outer membrane proteins (OMPs) in
Escherichia coli
is assisted by a variety of processes that help with their folding and transport to their final destination in the cellular envelope. Chaperones are macromolecules, usually proteins, that facilitate the folding of proteins or prevent their aggregation without becoming part of the protein’s final structure. Because chaperones often bind to folding intermediates, they often (but not always) act to slow protein folding. Protein folding catalysts, on the other hand, act to accelerate specific steps in the protein folding pathway, including disulfide bond formation and peptidyl prolyl isomerization. This review is primarily concerned with
E. coli
and
Salmonella
periplasmic and cellular envelope chaperones; it also discusses periplasmic proline isomerization.
Molecular Detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from Stools in Young Children by Use of a Novel Centrifugation-Free Processing Method
Authors: Walters Elisabetta , Scott Lesley , Nabeta Pamela , Demers Anne-Marie , Reubenson Gary , Bosch Corné , David Anura , van der Zalm Marieke , Havumaki Joshua , Palmer Megan , Hesseling Anneke C. , Ncayiyana Jabulani , Stevens Wendy , Alland David , Denkinger Claudia , Banada Padmapriya
Published: July 2018

The microbiological diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) in children is challenging, as it relies on the collection of relatively invasive specimens by trained health care workers, which is not feasible in many settings.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
is detectable from the stools of children using molecular methods, but processing stool specimens is resource intensive.
Transduction with Lentiviral Vectors Altered the Expression Profile of Host MicroRNAs
Authors: Huang He , Zhang Chongyang , Wang Bei , Wang Fei , Pei Bin , Cheng Chaofei , Yang Wei , Zhao Zhendong
Published: July 2018

We found that stable transduction with lentiviral shRNA was able to nonspecifically inhibit HCV infection by the dysregulation of host miRNAs. Previous studies showed that the overexpression of shRNAs oversaturated the host miRNA pathways to inhibit HCV infection. In contrast, the miRNA machinery was not affected in our study. Knockout studies suggested that the nonspecific effect was independent of the transcription of shRNAs. The lentiviral vector itself and the integration sites in the host genome determined the changes in miRNAs. Stable transduction with lentiviral vectors was able to increase the expression of JUN, which in turn upregulated miR-216a-5p, miR-216b-5p, and miR-217. miR-216a-5p and miR-216b-5p might inhibit HCV by suppressing the host autophagic machinery. Our study suggested a novel nonspecific effect of lentiviral vectors, and this side effect should be considered when transduction with lentiviral vectors is performed for other purposes, especially in therapy.
Gateway Entry Vector Library of Wolbachia pipientis Candidate Effectors from Strain
w
Mel
Authors: Newton Irene L. G. , Sheehan Kathy B.
Published: July 2018

Wolbachia pipientis
is an intracellular symbiont that modifies host biology using a type IV secretion system to inject bacterial effectors into the host cytoplasm. We utilized a bioinformatics approach to predict
Wolbachia
effectors and cloned the candidates into an entry vector, which can be utilized for subsequent analyses.
Draft Genome Sequence of Vibrio vulnificus 86573B, a Bacterium Isolated from Diseased Tilapia in Taiwan
Authors: Cho Shu-Ting , Tsai Yi-Ming , Chen Chun-Yao , Kuo Chih-Horng
Published: July 2018

Vibrio vulnificus
86573B is a biotype 1 strain isolated from a moribund tilapia collected in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, during an outbreak early in 1997. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of this bacterium to facilitate the investigation of its biology and future comparative genomic analysis.
Genome Sequence of Kurthia Type Species Kurthia zopfii Strain ATCC 33403
T
Authors: Goen Abigail E. , MacLea Kyle S.
Published: July 2018

The genome of the type strain of the
Kurthia
genus,
Kurthia zopfii
ATCC 33403, was sequenced. Nonpathogenic
K. zopfii
has been isolated from intestinal contents, fecal material, meats, meat products, milk, water, and air, including air at high altitudes.
Transcriptome Assembly and Profiling of
Candida auris
Reveals Novel Insights into Biofilm-Mediated Resistance
Authors: Kean Ryan , Delaney Christopher , Sherry Leighann , Borman Andrew , Johnson Elizabeth M. , Richardson Malcolm D. , Rautemaa-Richardson Riina , Williams Craig , Ramage Gordon
Published: July 2018

Fungal infections represent an important cause of human morbidity and mortality, particularly if the fungi adhere to and grow on both biological and inanimate surfaces as communities of cells (biofilms). Recently, a previously unrecognized yeast,
Candida auris
, has emerged globally that has led to widespread concern due to the difficulty in treating it with existing antifungal agents. Alarmingly, it is also able to grow as a biofilm that is highly resistant to antifungal agents, yet we are unclear about how it does this. Here, we used a molecular approach to investigate the genes that are important in causing the cells to be resistant within the biofilm. The work provides significant insights into the importance of efflux pumps, which actively pump out toxic antifungal drugs and therefore enhance fungal survival within a variety of harsh environments.
Emergency volunteering willingness and participation: a cross-sectional survey of residents in northern China
Authors: Shi Mengli , Xu Wei , Gao Lijun , Kang Zheng , Ning Ning , Liu Chaojie , Liang Chao , Sun Hong , Jiao Mingli , Liang Libo , Li Ye , Cui Yu , Zhao Xiaowen , Fei Jie , Wei Qiuyu , Yi Ming , Hao Yanhua , Wu Qunhong
Published: July 2018

Objectives

This study aimed to identify factors that influence people’s willingness to volunteer and participation in emergency volunteering in northern China.

Design/Setting

This study was conducted in Heilongjiang province in September and October 2014 using a mixed methods approach, which included a cross-sectional questionnaire survey on community residents and in–depth interviews with community residents and relevant organisational managers and officials in relation to emergency responses. A stratified cluster sampling strategy was employed to select questionnaire respondents.

Participants

2686 respondents completed the questionnaire survey; 19 key informants were interviewed.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Willingness to volunteer was the major concern of this study. Self-reported past experience of the participants in emergency volunteering served as a secondary outcome.

Results

65.7% of respondents were willing to volunteer in emergencies. 24.3% of respondents had participated in emergency actions. Higher levels of willingness to volunteer and participation in volunteering were found in those who resided in rural areas (OR=1.308 (1.064 to 1.608) for willingness; OR=1.518 (1.208 to 1.908) for participation), had stronger community attachment (OR=1.720 (1.429 to 2.069) for willingness; OR=1.547 (1.266 to 1.890) for participation), had higher recognition of responsibility (OR=1.981 (1.498 to 2.619) for willingness; OR=1.517 (1.177 to 1.955) for participation), demonstrated preparedness behaviour (OR=1.714 (1.424 to 2.064) for willingness; OR=1.391 (1.151 to 1.681) for participation) and were covered by injury insurance (OR=1.335 (1.102 to 1.619) for willingness; OR=1.822 (1.500 to 2.214) for participation). The in-depth interviews revealed that an inappropriate policy environment and poor volunteer organisational management were major barriers for converting willingness into actions.

Conclusion

A relatively high level of willingness to volunteer in emergencies in northern China is associated with a range of individual, community and institutional factors. Efforts should be made to translate willingness into effective contributions to the emergency response system. This can be done through improving policies, regulations, coordination mechanisms and volunteer training and support.
Detecting concurrent mood in daily contact networks: an online participatory cohort study with a diary approach
Authors: Chan Ta-Chien , Yen Tso-Jung , Hu Tsuey-Hwa , Fu Yang-chih , Hwang Jing-Shiang
Published: July 2018

Objectives

This paper examines how people express personal mood concurrently with those connected with them by one or two degrees of separation.

Design

Participatory cohort study.

Setting

Online contact diary.

Participants

133 participants kept online diaries for 7 months in 2014, which included 127 455 contacts with 12 070 persons.

Main outcome measures

Diary keepers rated a contacted person’s mood during each specific contact, as well as the strength of ties between any pairs of such contacted persons. Such rich information about ties and contacts enable us to construct a complete contact network for each diary keeper, along with the network members’ mood and tie strength. We calculate one’s overall mood by that person’s average mood score during the study period and take the shortest path between any given pair of contacted persons as the degree of separation. We further assume that two connecting persons in a contact network have made contact with each other during the study period, which allows us to examine whether and how personal moods occur concurrently within these contact networks.

Results

Using mixed-effects models while controlling for covariates at individual, tie and contact levels, we show that personal mood score positively and significantly correlates with the average mood among those directly tied to the person. The same effect remains positive and significant for those connected to the person by two degrees, although the effect size is reduced by about one-half. The mood of anyone separated by more than two degrees is statistically irrelevant.

Conclusions

Applying network perspectives and rich data at both tie and contact levels to inquiries about subjective well-being, the current study sheds new light on how an improved diary approach can help explain the sophisticated ways in which individuals express their personal moods concurrently during social interactions in everyday life, contact by contact.