bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Grafting on CM‐334 controls serrano chili wilting caused by Phytophthora capsici and changes phenology but does not affect fruit yield
Authors: Pintado‐López Luvia Marlen , Guzmán‐Plazola Remigio Anastacio , Ayala‐Escobar Victoria , Aguilar‐Rincón Víctor Heber
Published: May 2017

Grafting is an alternative method of plant propagation used to prevent soil‐borne diseases. This technique can improve the development of plants and therefore improve fruit yield and quality; however, several studies report that when a plant is grafted, there may be compatibility problems and changes in the phenological pattern of the crop and fruit yield and quality with respect to non‐grafted plants. There are no reports in the literature on the behaviour of serrano chilli grafted on varieties resistant to Phytophthora capsici. In this study, we evaluated the phenological behaviour and response to inoculation with P. capsici in commercial serrano chilli (Camino Real, Harris Moran) grafted or not on CM‐334 as a strategy to explore the possibility of incorporating the use of grafts in the production systems of serrano chilli. The plants were grafted at 55–60 days and maintained for 13 days in a curing chamber for the acclimatization process. At 36 and 43 days after transplantation, they were inoculated with the pathogen (300,000 zoospores/plant). None of plants grafted and inoculated with the pathogen showed wilt symptoms. All plants not grafted and inoculated with P. capsici died. There was a significant reduction in the production of leaves and flowers in the grafted plants, in relation to the non‐inoculated and non‐grafted plants, as well as a temporary delay in the beginning of fruit production with respect to the non‐grafted plants, but this delay did not affect the overall yield of the crop.
Adaptation of a scale to measure coping strategies in informal primary caregivers of psychiatric patients
Authors: Rosas‐Santiago F. J. , Marván M. L. , Lagunes‐Córdoba R.
Published: May 2017

Accessible summary

What is known on the subject?

Informal caregivers of psychiatric patients are vulnerable to many disturbances associated with the stress related to their activity.

Caregivers who show a coping style focused on problem‐solving report less psychological distress, and this approach positively influences the recovery process of the psychiatric patient.

There are some questionnaires to measure coping styles in caregivers of psychiatric patients, but most of them do not have the minimum psychometric properties that a scale must fulfil.

What this paper adds to existing knowledge?

The authors present an adapted and validated scale for measuring both active and passive coping strategies used by informal caregivers to face daily stressful situations with psychiatric patients.

The study is an example of how scales can be adapted to small samples (n < 200).

What are the implications for practice?

The scale could be helpful for generating strategies to support the family caregiver, as well as for measuring the results of interventions.

The scale could also be used to identify how coping styles of informal caregivers are related to recovery process of psychiatric patients.

Background

The recovery process of a psychiatric patient is related to his primary informal caregiver's style of coping with stress. There is insufficient literature on validations of instruments that measure coping styles in this population.

Objective

To adapt and validate a scale to measure coping strategies in primary informal caregivers.

Method

The adapted scale was based on the Extreme Coping Scale of López‐Vázquez and Marván. Items from that scale were adapted for application to informal caregivers. The scale was administered to 122 primary informal caregivers of patients from two psychiatric institutions in Mexico. Psychometric analyses were performed to determine the scale's properties.

Results

The scale was composed of 20 items (six less than in the original scale) and two factors: (i) active coping (Cronbach's alpha = .837) and (ii) passive coping (Cronbach's alpha = .718).

Discussion

The findings are discussed in the light of the importance of studying the relationship between coping styles and the well‐being of both informal caregivers and psychiatric patients.

Implications for practice

The scale could be used by health practitioners and researchers to generate strategies to support the family caregiver, as well as to measure the results of interventions.
Histiocytic sarcoma in 14 miniature schnauzers – a new breed predisposition?
Authors: Lenz J. A. , Furrow E. , Craig L. E. , Cannon C. M.
Published: May 2017

Objectives

To describe a series of miniature schnauzers diagnosed with histiocytic sarcoma and assess for possible breed predisposition.

Materials and Methods

Medical records of miniature schnauzers with a diagnosis of histiocytic sarcoma between January 2008 and April 2015 were reviewed. Data collected included signalment, body weight, presenting complaint, date of diagnosis, clinicopathologic and diagnostic imaging findings, treatment, therapeutic response, date of death or last follow‐up and necropsy findings. Breed predisposition was assessed with odds ratios, using breed‐matched dogs without histiocytic sarcoma admitted during the study period as controls. Pedigree analysis was performed for dogs with available registration information.

Results

Fourteen miniature schnauzers were diagnosed with histiocytic sarcoma during the study period, making them over‐represented among the hospital population (odds ratio=4·8, P=0·0009). Disease was considered localised in ten dogs and disseminated in four. Of the dogs with localised disease, nine were diagnosed with primary pulmonary histiocytic sarcoma based on the presence of a large pulmonary mass with (n=7) or without (n=2) evidence of intra‐thoracic metastasis, and one had gastric histiocytic sarcoma with nodal metastasis. Treatments varied, but an aggressive clinical course was found in most patients. Pedigree analysis revealed a recent common ancestor for a subset of the dogs assessed.

Clinical Significance

Miniature schnauzers were over‐represented among dogs with histiocytic sarcoma in this patient population. Pedigree analysis supports an inherited risk factor, which has not previously been suggested in the breed. Primary pulmonary involvement with or without intra‐thoracic metastasis was common in this cohort.
Loss of appendicular muscle mass in haemodialysis patients is associated with increased self‐reported depression, anxiety and lower general health scores
Authors: Alston Helen , Burns Aine , Davenport Andrew
Published: May 2017

Background

Previous reports have suggested an association between depression and nutritional status. To investigate whether there is an association with loss of muscle mass (sarcopenia), we screened HD patients for depression.

Methods

We screened for depressive symptoms using the Beck Depression Inventory‐II (BDI‐II), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and general health using the short form 36 (SF36), and additionally measured appendicular lean mass post‐dialysis with segmental bioimpedance.

Results

We studied 113 patients, 84 (74.3%) male, mean age 64.9 ± 14.9 years, median duration of haemodialysis 27.0 (15.7−61.0) months, body mass index post‐dialysis 25.2 (22.8−28.6) kg/m2, appendicular lean mass (ALM) index 6.98 (6.22−8.10) kg/m2. BDI‐II 11 (4−17), HADS 10 (5−16.5), and SF36 average 43.3(36.6−48.4). Lower ALM index was associated with greater BDI‐II and HADS depression scores (r = 0.29, p = 0.008; r = 0.27, p = 0.012) respectively, whereas higher ALM index was associated with increased SF36 physical functioning and general health (r = 0.34, p = 0.001; r = 0.26, p = 0.019), respectively on univariate analysis. On logistic regression, lower ALM index was independently associated with high HADS cut off ≥8 (standardised β−0.31, p = 0.007). There were no associations with weight, body mass index or fat index. Greater extracellular water both pre‐ and post‐dialysis was associated with reduced SF36 physical functioning (r = −0.24, p = 0.011, r = −0.22, p = 0.26), respectively.

Conclusion

We report an association between ALM index measured by segmental bioimpedance and increased self‐reported depression, anxiety and decreased general health. Whether treatment programs designed to improve muscle mass, can lead to reduced levels of depression, and anxiety and improved perceived general health, remains to be determined.
Classification of esophageal motor findings in gastro‐esophageal reflux disease: Conclusions from an international consensus group
Authors: Gyawali C. P. , Roman S. , Bredenoord A. J. , Fox M. , Keller J. , Pandolfino J. E. , Sifrim D. , Tatum R. , Yadlapati R. , Savarino E. ,   the International GERD Consensus Working Group
Published: May 2017

Background

High‐resolution manometry (HRM) has resulted in new revelations regarding the pathophysiology of gastro‐esophageal reflux disease (GERD). The impact of new HRM motor paradigms on reflux burden needs further definition, leading to a modern approach to motor testing in GERD.

Methods

Focused literature searches were conducted, evaluating pathophysiology of GERD with emphasis on HRM. The results were discussed with an international group of experts to develop a consensus on the role of HRM in GERD. A proposed classification system for esophageal motor abnormalities associated with GERD was generated.

Key Results

Physiologic gastro‐esophageal reflux is inherent in all humans, resulting from transient lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxations that allow venting of gastric air in the form of a belch. In pathological gastro‐esophageal reflux, transient LES relaxations are accompanied by reflux of gastric contents. Structural disruption of the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) barrier, and incomplete clearance of the refluxate can contribute to abnormally high esophageal reflux burden that defines GERD. Esophageal HRM localizes the LES for pH and pH‐impedance probe placement, and assesses esophageal body peristaltic performance prior to invasive antireflux therapies and antireflux surgery. Furthermore, HRM can assess EGJ and esophageal body mechanisms contributing to reflux, and exclude conditions that mimic GERD.

Conclusions & Inferences

Structural and motor EGJ and esophageal processes contribute to the pathophysiology of GERD. A classification scheme is proposed incorporating EGJ and esophageal motor findings, and contraction reserve on provocative tests during HRM.
Postreflux swallow‐induced peristaltic wave index and nocturnal baseline impedance can link PPI‐responsive heartburn to reflux better than acid exposure time
Authors: Frazzoni L. , Frazzoni M. , de Bortoli N. , Tolone S. , Furnari M. , Martinucci I. , Bertani H. , Marchi S. , Conigliaro R. , Fuccio L. , Savarino V. , Savarino E.
Published: May 2017

Background

Acid exposure time (AET) is considered the most useful parameter to predict response of reflux‐related heartburn to medical or surgical treatment. However, recent studies showed high rates of heartburn response to proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy in patients with normal AET.

We aimed to compare the efficacy of postreflux swallow‐induced peristaltic wave (PSPW) index and mean nocturnal baseline impedance (MNBI) with AET in linking PPI‐responsive heartburn to reflux.

Methods

Off‐therapy impedance‐pH tracings from 425 patients, 317 with PPI‐responsive and 108 with PPI‐refractory heartburn were blindly re‐analyzed. Demographic and endoscopic characteristics, conventional impedance‐pH variables, PSPW index, and MNBI were assessed with multivariate logistic regression to identify factors independently associated with PPI responsiveness. Prediction models were developed to assess the strength of reflux linkage with factors independently associated with PPI responsiveness by calculating the area under the curve (AUC) at receiver‐operating‐characteristic (ROC) analysis.

Key Results

At multivariate logistic regression analysis, AET, MNBI, and PSPW index were the only factors independently associated with PPI responsiveness, abnormal values found in 60%, 76%, and 92% of PPI‐responsive cases (P<.017). At ROC analysis, PSPW index (AUC:.794, P=.002) and MNBI (AUC: 0.742, P=.003), both separately and combined (AUC: 0.811, P<.001) linked reflux with PPI‐responsiveness better than AET (AUC: 0.687).

Conclusions & Inferences

AET, PSPW index, and MNBI are independently associated with PPI‐responsive heartburn. PSPW index and MNBI can link PPI‐responsive heartburn to reflux better than AET and should become part of the standard analysis of impedance‐pH tracings.
Exocytic trafficking pathways in plants: why and how they are redirected
Authors: Kanazawa Takehiko , Ueda Takashi
Published: May 2017

The membrane trafficking system is responsible for precise transportation and localization of proteins, lipids, and polysaccharides among single membrane‐bound organelles, the plasma membrane, and the extracellular space. While the exocytic trafficking pathway is considered to be a default transport pathway in many organisms, including land plants, research has shown that evolutionary processes led to an increase in the number of machinery components involved in the plant exocytic pathway. This study provides an overview of the diversification of exocytic trafficking pathways in plants, which mediate the formation and maintenance of cell polarity, interaction with symbiotic and pathogenic microbes, and cytokinesis. To fulfill these functions, distinct strategies have been employed to reroute secretory/exocytic transport during land plant evolution.
Screening for non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease in children: do guidelines provide enough guidance?
Authors: Koot B. G. P. , Nobili V.
Published: May 2017

Background

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease in the industrialized world in children. Its high prevalence and important health risks make NAFLD highly suitable for screening. In practice, screening is widely, albeit not consistently, performed.

Aim

To review the recommendations on screening for NAFLD in children.

Method

Recommendations on screening were reviewed from major paediatric obesity guidelines and NAFLD guidelines. A literature overview is provided on open questions and controversies.

Results

Screening for NAFLD is advocated in all obesity and most NAFLD guidelines. Guidelines are not uniform in whom to screen, and most guidelines do not specify how screening should be performed in practice. Screening for NAFLD remains controversial, due to lack of a highly accurate screening tool, limited knowledge to predict the natural course of NAFLD and limited data on its cost effectiveness.

Conclusions

Guidelines provide little guidance on how screening should be performed. Screening for NAFLD remains controversial because not all conditions for screening are fully met. Consensus is needed on the optimal use of currently available screening tools. Research should focus on new accurate screening tool, the natural history of NAFLD and the cost effectiveness of different screening strategies in children.
Impact of treatment crossovers on clinical outcomes in the rate and rhythm control strategies for atrial fibrillation: Insights from the AFFIRM (Atrial Fibrillation Follow‐up Investigation of Rhythm Management) trial
Authors: Maan Abhishek , Zhang Zheng , Qin Ziling , Wang Yanbing , Dudley Samuel , Dabhadakar Kaustubh , Refaat Marwan , Mansour Moussa , Ruskin Jeremy N. , Heist E. Kevin
Published: May 2017

We investigated the rates and reasons for crossover to alternative treatment strategies and its impact on mortality in patients who were enrolled in the Atrial Fibrillation Follow‐up Investigation of Rhythm Management (AFFIRM) trial. Over a mean follow‐up period of 3.5 years, 842 patients underwent crossover to the alternative treatment arms in AFFIRM. The rate of crossover from rhythm to rate control (594/2,033, 29.2%) was more frequent than the rate of crossover from rate to rhythm control (248/2,027, 12.2%, P < 0.0001). The leading reasons for crossover from rhythm to rate control were failure to achieve or maintain sinus rhythm (272/594, 45.8%) and intolerable adverse effects (122/594, 20.5%). In comparison, the major reasons for crossover from rate to rhythm control were failure to control atrial fibrillation symptoms (159/248, 64.1%) and intolerable adverse effects (9/248, 3.6%). This difference in crossover pattern was statistically significant (P < 0.0001). There was a significantly decreased risk of all‐cause mortality (adjusted HR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.48–0.78, P < 0.0001) and cardiac mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [HR]: 0.61, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.43–0.88, P = 0.008) in the subgroup of patients who crossed over from rhythm to rate control as compared to those who continued in rhythm control. There was a nonsignificant trend toward decreased all‐cause (adjusted HR: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.53–1.10, P = 0.14) and cardiac mortality (adjusted HR: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.42–1.18, P = 0.18) in patients who crossed over from rate to rhythm control as compared to those who continued rate control.
Procedural outcomes and long‐term survival following lead extraction in octogenarians
Authors: El‐Chami Mikhael F. , Sayegh Michael N. , Patel Adarsh , El‐Khalil Jad , Desai Yaanik , Leon Angel R. , Merchant Faisal M.
Published: May 2017

Background

Octogenarians account for a significant percentage of patients with indwelling pacemakers or defibrillators.

Objectives

To determine procedural outcomes and long‐term survival after lead extraction (LE) in octogenarians.

Methods

We retrospectively identified all patients who underwent defibrillator or pacemaker LE at our institution between January 1, 2007 and May 31, 2016. Patients were stratified based on age into two groups: <80 years old (Group 1, n = 674) or ≥80 (Group 2, n = 100). Outcomes were determined by medical records review and query of the Social Security Death Index.

Results

Patients in Group 2 were more likely to be hypertensive (77% vs 61%, P = 0.02), more like to have coronary artery disease (50% vs 39%, P = 0.049), and more likely to be extracted for infectious indications (47% vs 33%, P = .009). The number of leads extracted per procedure was 2.0 ± 0.8 and the mean dwell time of the oldest extracted lead was 5.6 ± 4.3 years, without significant differences between groups. Extraction procedure success (Group 1: 94.7%, Group 2: 96%, P = 0.808) and procedural deaths (Group 1: 0.9% vs Group 2: 0%, P = 1.0) were similar. There was no significant difference in survival up to 3 years following LE between groups.

Conclusion

At experienced centers, LE can be performed safely in octogenarians with procedural success rates and long‐term survival comparable to younger individuals.
Skepticism about Skepticism about Moral Responsibility
Authors: Robison John W.
Published: May 2017

This article rejects Gideon Rosen's skeptical argument that attributions of blameworthiness are never epistemically justified. Granting Rosen's controversial claim that an act is blameworthy only if it is either akratic or the causal upshot of some akratic act, I show that we can and should resist his skeptical conclusion. I show, first, that Rosen's argument is, at best, hostage to a much more global skepticism about attributions of praiseworthiness, doxastic justification, and other phenomena which essentially involve causal‐historical facts about mental states. I then show how, equipped with proper background knowledge, we can justifiedly attribute blameworthiness.
Metagenomic‐based impact study of transgenic grapevine rootstock on its associated virome and soil bacteriome
Authors: Hily Jean‐Michel , Demanèche Sandrine , Poulicard Nils , Tannières Mélanie , Djennane Samia , Beuve Monique , Vigne Emmanuelle , Demangeat Gérard , Komar Véronique , Gertz Claude , Marmonier Aurélie , Hemmer Caroline , Vigneron Sophie , Marais Armelle , Candresse Thierry , Simonet Pascal , Lemaire Olivier
Published: May 2017

For some crops, the only possible approach to gain a specific trait requires genome modification. The development of virus‐resistant transgenic plants based on the pathogen‐derived resistance strategy has been a success story for over three decades. However, potential risks associated with the technology, such as horizontal gene transfer (HGT) of any part of the transgene to an existing gene pool, have been raised. Here, we report no evidence of any undesirable impacts of genetically modified (GM) grapevine rootstock on its biotic environment. Using state of the art metagenomics, we analysed two compartments in depth, the targeted Grapevine fanleaf virus (GFLV) populations and nontargeted root‐associated microbiota. Our results reveal no statistically significant differences in the genetic diversity of bacteria that can be linked to the GM trait. In addition, no novel virus or bacteria recombinants of biosafety concern can be associated with transgenic grapevine rootstocks cultivated in commercial vineyard soil under greenhouse conditions for over 6 years.
Mitogen‐activated protein kinases and calcium‐dependent protein kinases are involved in wounding‐induced ethylene biosynthesis in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Li Sen , Han Xiaofei , Yang Liuyi , Deng Xiangxiong , Wu Hongjiao , Zhang Mengmeng , Liu Yidong , Zhang Shuqun , Xu Juan
Published: May 2017

Induction of ethylene biosynthesis in response to wounding or herbivores attack is an important part of plant defence response. Here, we identified four ACS isoforms, including ACS2, ACS6, ACS7 and ACS8, contribute to ethylene production in response to wounding. Two independent kinase signalling pathways, MPK3/MPK6 cascade and CPK5/CPK6, are involved in the wounding‐induced ethylene biosynthesis via differential regulation of these four ACS genes at transcriptional level.
Defence syndromes in lodgepole – whitebark pine ecosystems relate to degree of historical exposure to mountain pine beetles
Authors: Raffa Kenneth F. , Mason Charles J. , Bonello Pierluigi , Cook Stephen , Erbilgin Nadir , Keefover‐Ring Ken , Klutsch Jennifer G. , Villari Caterina , Townsend Philip A.
Published: May 2017

Warming climate is increasing the frequency at which a native tree‐killing insect can survive in ecologically fragile high‐elevation stands dominated by whitebark pine. We analysed a broad range of primary compounds, secondary compounds and minerals, under constitutive and experimentally induced conditions, to compare the defence syndromes of this keystone species with lodgepole pine, the major historical host. Lodgepole pines had higher concentrations of compounds known to be toxic to the mountain pine beetle and its predominant symbiotic fungus, and a chemical composition less conducive to beetles' likelihood of eliciting mass attack, but more conducive to host recognition. During induction, lodgepole pine showed higher concurrence of insecticidal, fungicidal and anti‐aggregant compounds, consistent with a more comprehensively evolved plant defence syndrome.
Perceptions and Practices Regarding Atopic Dermatitis: A Survey
Authors: Grey Katherine R. , Hook Kristen P. , Polcari Ingrid C. , Maguiness Sheilagh M.
Published: May 2017

Parents (N = 392) completed a survey at the Minnesota State Fair in August and September 2015 addressing knowledge regarding the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD), basic skin care practices, and the perceived role of infection and food allergies in AD. Of participating parents, 82% identified food allergy or sensitivity in AD pathogenesis, whereas only 42% identified bacterial infection as an important factor in AD severity. Participants most often received education on skin health from their pediatrician (49%), followed by Internet‐based sources (23%), rather than a dermatologist or pediatric dermatologist. Parents of children with AD overestimate the role of food allergies in this condition and are not as aware of the role of bacterial infection. Future educational directions from our specialty should focus on resources for pediatricians and families that emphasize these factors.
Fever and Multiple Eschars After an African Safari: Report of Three Cases
Authors: Albízuri Prado Fátima , Sánchez Alba , Feito Marta , Mayor Ander , Rodriguez Ana , de Lucas Raúl
Published: May 2017

African tick‐bite fever (ATBF), a tickborne disease endemic in rural areas of sub‐Saharan Africa and the West Indies caused by Rickettsia africae, has been recognized as an emerging health problem in recent years. ATBF has been reported as the second most commonly documented etiology of fever, after malaria, in travelers who return ill from sub‐Saharan Africa. Most cases reported in the literature occurred in middle‐aged adults, so the incidence of ATBF in children is unclear. We report a cluster of three cases of ATBF that occurred in children ages 7 to 16 years after returning from a game‐hunting safari in South Africa.
Congenital Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Infection Mimicking Congenital Erosive and Vesicular Dermatosis: Possible Pathogenic Insights
Authors: Swarbrick Andrew W. , Blyth Christopher C. , Halbert Anne R.
Published: May 2017

Congenital erosive and vesicular dermatosis (CEVD) is a rare entity of unknown etiology. We report a case of congenital herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 infection that healed with reticulated and supple scarring, similar to that seen in CEVD. Twenty percent of previously reported cases of CEVD had recurrent HSV infection throughout the first year of life. We postulate that at least some previous cases of CEVD may have been due to undiagnosed congenital HSV infection.
Cutaneous Granular Cell Tumors in Children: Case Series and Review of the Literature
Authors: Olayiwola Oluwatobi , Hook Kristen , Miller Daniel , Maguiness Sheilagh
Published: May 2017

Granular cell tumors (GCTs) are uncommon benign neoplasms thought to originate from Schwann cells. They most commonly present in adults as papules or nodules on mucosal sites. The clinical spectrum of GCT in children is not well delineated, although mucosal and cutaneous presentations have been reported. We present three children with cutaneous GCTs and review the literature in an attempt to further characterize this rare pediatric neoplasm.
Treatment of venous lake with multiwavelength 595 and 1064 nm lasers in Asian Fitzpatrick skin type IV patients
Authors: Yang Jing , Guo Xiaohong , Tong Xiaorong , Tao Juan
Published: May 2017

Background

Multiwavelength lasers are reportedly useful for treating venous lake (VL) in Caucasian patients. However, the same parameters may not be safe for Asian patients with Fitzpatrick skin type (FST) IV.

Purpose

Report experience with using multiwavelength laser for VL treatment in Asian patients with FST IV.

Methods

Seventeen episodes of VL in 15 Chinese patients with FST IV were treated. 595‐nm pulsed dye laser (PDL) followed by 1064‐nm neodymium‐doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser was administered. The treatment was performed with 7‐mm spot size at 7‐11.5 J/cm2, 2‐10 ms with PDL, followed with Nd:YAG at 35‐40 J/cm2, 15‐40 ms. The laser treatment was performed with a single pass without overlap.

Results

Complete resolution was observed in 14 lesions after 1‐2 treatment sessions, with 10 ms duration of PDL. The remaining three patients achieved 80%‐90% resolution after 1‐3 treatment sessions, with 2 ms duration of PDL. Only one case exhibited recurrence after 1 year.

Conclusion

Multiwavelength laser treatment for VL is highly effective and safe in Asians, although a much lower fluence of Nd:YAG is used, as compared to that used in Caucasians in the literature. Moreover, an appropriate PDL pulse duration (10 ms) ensures better outcomes.
Enhanced acquired antibodies to a chimeric Plasmodium falciparum antigen; UB05‐09 is associated with protective immunity against malaria
Authors: Dinga J. N. , Gamua S. D. , Titanji V. P. K.
Published: May 2017

It has been shown that covalently linking two antigens could enhance the immunogenicity of the chimeric construct. To prioritize such a chimera for malaria vaccine development, it is necessary to demonstrate that naturally acquired antibodies against the chimera are associated with protection from malaria. Here, we probe the ability of a chimeric construct of UB05 and UB09 antigens (UB05‐09) to better differentiate between acquired immune protection and susceptibility to malaria. In a cross‐sectional study, recombinant UB05‐09 chimera and the constituent antigens were used to probe for specific antibodies in the plasma from children and adults resident in a malaria‐endemic zone, using the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Anti‐UB05‐09 antibody levels doubled that of its constituent antigens, UB09 and UB05, and this correlated with protection against malaria. The presence of enhanced UB05‐09‐specific antibody correlated with the absence of fever and parasitaemia, which are the main symptoms of malaria infection. The chimera is more effective in detecting and distinguishing acquired protective immunity against malaria than any of its constituents taken alone. Online B‐cell epitope prediction tools confirmed the presence of B‐cell epitopes in the study antigens. UB05‐09 chimera is a marker of protective immunity against malaria that needs to be studied further.
Gestational Weight Gain in the First Two Pregnancies and Perinatal Outcomes in the Second Pregnancy
Authors: Tabet Maya , Harper Lorie M. , Flick Louise H. , Chang Jen Jen
Published: May 2017

Background

Gestational Weight Gain (GWG) below or above the Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommendations increases the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, it remains unknown whether the risk of adverse outcomes is affected by GWG in a previous pregnancy. We examined associations between GWG in the index (second) pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes, including preterm delivery and small for gestational age (SGA), while taking into consideration GWG in the first pregnancy.

Methods

In a population‐based cohort study (n = 210 564), using the Missouri maternally‐linked birth registry (1989–2005), we used multivariable Poisson regression with robust error variance stratified by prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) to evaluate associations between GWG in the index pregnancy and a composite indicator of GWG in the first and second pregnancies and our outcomes of interest, after controlling for sociodemographic and pregnancy‐related confounders.

Results

Associations between GWG in the index pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes were moderated by GWG in the first pregnancy. Despite having GWG within recommendations in the index pregnancy, women had increased risk of preterm delivery and SGA if they had suboptimal GWG in their first pregnancy. Also, women having suboptimal GWG in the index pregnancy had increased risk of preterm delivery only if their GWG in the first pregnancy was also suboptimal.

Conclusions

The observation that women who have GWG within recommendations in a current pregnancy may still have increased risk of adverse outcomes if they had suboptimal GWG in the first pregnancy has considerable clinical and public health implications.
Race and the Study of Public Administration
Authors: Anechiarico Frank
Published: May 2017

Related Content: Balfour (PAR July/August 2017)

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Grappling with the Long‐Term Consequences of Slavery: A Critical Examination of Woodrow Wilson's Efforts to Legitimate Racial Segregation
Authors: Jackson Karima A.
Published: May 2017

Related Content: Balfour (PAR July/August 2017)

Related Content: Anechiarico (PAR July/August 2017)

Related Content: Williams (PAR July/August 2017)

Related Content: Downey (PAR July/August 2017)
Detection and localization of regucalcin in spermatozoa of water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis): A calcium‐regulating multifunctional protein
Authors: Pillai H , Shende AM , Parmar MS , Thomas J , Kartha HS , Taru Sharma G , Ghosh SK , Bhure SK
Published: May 2017

Contents

Regucalcin (RGN) is a calcium‐regulating, anti‐apoptotic, antioxidative and antiproliferative multifunctional protein predominantly seen in liver and kidney. All these functions are very crucial during spermatogenesis and sperm maturation process until fertilization of the ovum. Although many studies have reported the wide distribution of regucalcin in the male reproductive tract of the rat, human and bovine, its presence in spermatozoa is yet to be demonstrated wherein calcium has a pivotal role in the transport, capacitation, acrosomal reaction and further fusion with ova. Here, we detected the expression of regucalcin mRNA and protein in buffalo spermatozoa using real‐time PCR and Western blot, respectively. The study detected two new regucalcin isoforms of 44 kDa and 48 kDa size along with the reported 34‐kDa, 28‐kDa and 24‐kDa isoforms, wherein the 34‐kDa isoform was found to be membrane associated in spermatozoa. Further, immunocytochemistry study localized the regucalcin protein in the acrosomal region of the caudal and ejaculated buffalo spermatozoa while it was detected in both cytoplasm and acrosomal region of testicular spermatozoa. This discovery of RGN in spermatozoa and localization in the acrosomal region will help to focus researchers to see its role in calcium‐related functions like capacitation, acrosomal reaction and membrane fusion. Overall, regucalcin may be a new fertility marker in buffalo and can be utilized for infertility treatments.
Modified GAP index for prediction of acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Kobayashi Haruki , Omori Shota , Nakashima Kazuhisa , Wakuda Kazushige , Ono Akira , Kenmotsu Hirotsugu , Naito Tateaki , Murakami Haruyasu , Endo Masahiro , Takahashi Toshiaki
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACT

Background and objective

Predicting the incidence rate of acute exacerbation (AE) of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and its prognosis in patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and IPF is difficult. The aim was to study the incidence of IPF‐AE during the clinical course of the disease and its prognosis in patients with both NSCLC and IPF.

Methods

In this retrospective study, we compared the incidence rate of AE during the clinical course of the disease as well as the 1‐year survival rate and overall survival (OS) of patients with NSCLC and IPF using a modified gender, age and physiology (mGAP) staging system based on gender, age and percent predicted forced vital capacity.

Results

Of 43 patients with NSCLC and IPF included in the final analysis, 17 patients (40%; 95% CI: 26–54%) experienced AE during the clinical course of the disease. One‐year survival and median OS were 41.9% (95% CI: 28–57%) and 9.4 months, respectively. Further analysis showed that the incidence of IPF‐AE gradually increased and that the 1‐year survival rate and median OS gradually decreased with increasing mGAP index score and stage.

Conclusion

Our study suggested that mGAP index score and cancer stage may predict IPF‐AE and its prognosis in patients with NSCLC and IPF.
Pleural infection: To drain or not to drain?
Authors: Fitzgerald Deirdre B. , Lee Y.C. Gary
Published: May 2017

See DOI: 10.1111/resp.13040
Severe asthma in children
Authors: Bush Andrew , Fleming Louise , Saglani Sejal
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACT

Most children with asthma have their disease easily controlled if low‐dose inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) are regularly and correctly administered. If a child presents with asthma which is apparently resistant to therapy with high‐dose ICS and other controllers, then they have problematic severe asthma. However, in light of the UK National Review of Asthma Deaths, definitions of severe asthma based solely on the levels of prescribed treatment are too narrow. A detailed assessment of all such children should be performed. First, the diagnosis of asthma should be confirmed, then co‐morbidities assessed. Next, a nurse‐led assessment further characterizes the problem, conventionally categorizing the child as either having difficult asthma or severe therapy‐resistant asthma. Here, we reassess in particular the interactions between, and management of, these two categories, highlighting that this dichotomous classification may need reconsideration. We use bronchoscopy and an intramuscular steroid injection to determine if the child has steroid‐resistant asthma, using a novel, multidomain approach because the adult definition does not apply to around half the children we see. Finally, we highlight some mechanistic data which have emerged from this protocol such as the absence of T‐helper 2 (TH2) cytokines even in eosinophilic severe asthma and the potential role of the innate epithelial cytokine IL‐33, novel data on lineage negative innate lymphoid cells, which we can measure in induced sputum, and demonstrating that intraepithelial neutrophils are associated with better, not worse asthma outcomes. Severe paediatric asthma is very different from severe asthma in adults, and approaches must not be uncritically extrapolated from adult disease to children.
Health and social care planning in collaboration in older persons’ homes: the perspectives of older persons, family members and professionals
Authors: Sundström Malin , Petersson Pia , Rämgård Margareta , Varland Linda , Blomqvist Kerstin
Published: May 2017

Providing health and social care to older persons is challenging, since older persons often have multiple diseases and a complex health situation. Hence many professions and organisations are involved. Lack of interprofessional and interorganisational collaboration leads to fragmented care. Care planning meetings before hospital discharge have long been used to overcome this fragmentation, but meetings conducted at the hospital have limitations in identifying long‐term needs at home. A new model for health and social care planning in collaboration (HSCPC) in older persons’ homes was introduced in two Swedish municipalities. The aim of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of the HSCPC‐meeting from the perspectives of older persons, family members, and professionals. Ten care planning meetings from two municipalities were consecutively included. Interviews in retrospect with ten older persons, eight family members, and ten groups of professionals who had attended the HSCPC‐meeting at home were analysed with a hermeneutic approach. Four themes emerged: unspoken agendas and unpreparedness, security and enhanced understanding, asymmetric relationships, and ambiguity about the mission and need for follow‐up. The comprehensive interpretation is that the professionals handled the HSCPC‐meeting mainly as a routine task, while the older persons and family members viewed it as part of their life course. Older persons are in an inferior institutional, cognitive and existential position. However, meeting together in the home partly reduced their inferior position. Findings from this study provide some general suggestions for how HSCPC‐meetings should be designed and developed: attention of power relations, the importance of meeting skills and follow‐up.
Validation of SenseWear Armband in children, adolescents, and adults
Authors: Lopez G. A. , Brønd J. C. , Andersen L. B. , Dencker M. , Arvidsson D.
Published: May 2017

SenseWear Armband (SW) is a multisensor monitor to assess physical activity and energy expenditure. Its prediction algorithms have been updated periodically. The aim was to validate SW in children, adolescents, and adults. The most recent SW algorithm 5.2 (SW5.2) and the previous version 2.2 (SW2.2) were evaluated for estimation of energy expenditure during semi‐structured activities in 35 children, 31 adolescents, and 36 adults with indirect calorimetry as reference. Energy expenditure estimated from waist‐worn ActiGraph GT3X+ data (AG) was used for comparison. Improvements in measurement errors were demonstrated with SW5.2 compared to SW2.2, especially in children and for biking. The overall mean absolute percent error with SW5.2 was 24% in children, 23% in adolescents, and 20% in adults. The error was larger for sitting and standing (23%‐32%) and for basketball and biking (19%‐35%), compared to walking and running (8%‐20%). The overall mean absolute error with AG was 28% in children, 22% in adolescents, and 28% in adults. The absolute percent error for biking was 32%‐74% with AG. In general, SW and AG underestimated energy expenditure. However, both methods demonstrated a proportional bias, with increasing underestimation for increasing energy expenditure level, in addition to the large individual error. SW provides measures of energy expenditure level with similar accuracy in children, adolescents, and adults with the improvements in the updated algorithms. Although SW captures biking better than AG, these methods share remaining measurements errors requiring further improvements for accurate measures of physical activity and energy expenditure in clinical and epidemiological research.
Phylogeny and reclassification of Cryptini (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae, Cryptinae), with implications for ichneumonid higher‐level classification
Authors: SANTOS BERNARDO F.
Published: May 2017

The first comprehensive phylogenetic study of the wasp tribe Cryptini (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae, Cryptinae) is presented, based on 109 morphological characters and molecular data from seven loci. The dataset includes 370 species, 308 of which are from Cryptini, covering 182 of its 250 genera. Results from parsimony and likelihood analyses are generally congruent. The topology has several implications for ichneumonid higher‐level classification. Previous definitions of the Ichneumoniformes clade are supported, though newly including the Microleptinae. The cryptine subtribe Ateleutina is consistently recovered outside of the Cryptini clade and should be treated as a separate subfamily, Ateleutinae stat.n. The tribe Phygadeuontini is shown to be polyphyletic: while most of the sampled taxa were recovered in a single clade, many of its members are more closely related to the Ichneumoninae, Ateleutinae or Cryptini. Pending a more detailed study, the group should be treated as a separate subfamily, Phygadeuontinae stat. rev. The former Hemigastrini are recovered as largely monophyletic but with important exceptions. Hemigaster Brullé is recovered as part of the Phygadeuontini and is transferred to that group. Echthrus Gravenhorst is consistently recovered as part of Cryptini, rendering Aptesini as the correct name for the tribe. The subfamily Cryptinae should be restricted to the tribes Aptesini and Cryptini. Within Cryptini, the results show little support for the current subtribal classification, with most subtribes recovered as polyphyletic. A number of relatively stable clades are identified and discussed, but the relationships among them are weakly supported. Most of these clades are morphologically heterogeneous and building a subtribal classification based on them would be ineffectual; they are therefore treated under the informal designation of genus groups. The results highlight the ubiquity of morphological homoplasy in Cryptini, and provide a framework from which to address further systematic and evolutionary questions on this hyperdiverse group of parasitic wasps.
Environmental controls on 10Be‐based catchment‐averaged denudation rates along the western margin of the Peruvian Andes
Authors: Reber Regina , Delunel Romain , Schlunegger Fritz , Litty Camille , Madella Andrea , Akçar Naki , Christl Marcus
Published: May 2017

We present 10Be‐based basin‐averaged denudation rates for the entire western margin of the Peruvian Andes. Denudation rates range from c. 9 mm ka−1 to 190 mm ka−1 and are related neither to the subduction of the Nazca plate nor to the current seismicity along the Pacific coast and the occurrence of raised Quaternary marine terraces. Therefore, we exclude a tectonic control on denudation on a millennial time‐scale. Instead, we explain >60% of the observed denudation rates with a model where erosion rates increase either with mean basin slope angles or with mean annual water discharge. These relationships suggest a strong environmental control on denudation.
An efficient data organization and scheduling strategy for accelerating large vector data rendering
Authors: Guo Mingqiang , Huang Ying , Guan Qingfeng , Xie Zhong , Wu Liang
Published: May 2017

Rendering large volumes of vector data is computationally intensive and therefore time consuming, leading to lower efficiency and poorer interactive experience. Graphics processing units (GPUs) are powerful tools in data parallel processing but lie idle most of the time. In this study, we propose an approach to improve the performance of vector data rendering by using the parallel computing capability of many‐core GPUs. Vertex transformation, largely a mathematical calculation that does not require communication with the host storage device, is a time‐consuming procedure because all coordinates of each vector feature need to be transformed to screen vertices. Use of a GPU enables optimization of a general‐purpose mathematical calculation, enabling the procedure to be executed in parallel on a many‐core GPU and optimized effectively. This study mainly focuses on: (1) an organization and storage strategy for vector data based on equal pitch alignment, which can adapt to the GPU's calculating characteristics; (2) a paging‐coalescing transfer and memory access strategy for vector data between the CPU and the GPU; and (3) a balancing allocation strategy to take full advantage of all processing cores of the GPU. Experimental results demonstrate that the approach proposed can significantly improve the efficiency of vector data rendering.
Sedentary behaviour is a key determinant of metabolic inflexibility
Authors: Rynders Corey A. , Blanc Stephane , DeJong Nathan , Bessesen Daniel H. , Bergouignan Audrey
Published: May 2017

Metabolic flexibility is defined as the ability to adapt substrate oxidation rates in response to changes in fuel availability. The inability to switch between the oxidation of lipid and carbohydrate appears to be an important feature of chronic disorders such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. Laboratory assessment of metabolic flexibility has traditionally involved measurement of the respiratory quotient (RQ) by indirect calorimetry during the fasted to fed transition (e.g. mixed meal challenge) or during a hyperinsulinaemic–euglycaemic clamp. Under these controlled experimental conditions, ‘metabolic inflexibility’ is characterized by lower fasting fat oxidation (higher fasting RQ) and/or an impaired ability to oxidize carbohydrate during feeding or insulin‐stimulated conditions (lower postprandial or clamp RQ). This experimental paradigm has provided fundamental information regarding the role of substrate oxidation in the development of obesity and insulin resistance. However, the key determinants of metabolic flexibility among relevant clinical populations remain unclear. Herein, we propose that habitual physical activity levels are a primary determinant of metabolic flexibility. We present evidence demonstrating that high levels of physical activity predict metabolic flexibility, while physical inactivity and sedentary behaviours trigger a state of metabolic ‘inflexibility’, even among individuals who meet physical activity recommendations. Furthermore, we describe alternative experimental approaches to studying the concept of metabolic flexibility across a range of activity and inactivity. Finally, we address the promising use of strategies that aim to reduce sedentary behaviours as therapy to improve metabolic flexibility and reduce weight gain risk.

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Lofty telescope will survey the cool universe
Authors: Schilling Govert
Published: May 2017

Perched at 5600 meters, CCAT-p will study star formation and cosmic origins
Science gets little love in Trump spending plan
Authors:   Science News Staff
Published: May 2017

2018 proposal calls for deep cuts at research agencies, but Congress will need to agree
Cleaning up coal—cost-effectively
Authors: Service Robert F.
Published: May 2017

Will carbon capture go mainstream?