bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Condiciones ambientales en el uso de plantas medicinales en una comunidad otomí de México
Authors: Monroy Gómez Ricardo , Moctezuma Pérez Sergio , Chávez Mejía María Cristina , Bordi Ivonne Vizcarra
Published: October 2017

El objetivo del artículo es proporcionar información actual sobre el uso de plantas medicinales en una comunidad otomí, localizada en el Estado de México, dentro del altiplano central mexicano. Mediante el método etnográfico y etnobiológico se presenta el uso tradicional de las plantas medicinales, las formas en que las personas acceden a ellas y las innovaciones que se  realizan en torno a la curación con plantas y métodos alternativos. El artículo discute los procesos que originan los cambios en el sistema de salud-enfermedad entre los otomíes del Estado de México y la percepción de la población sobre dichos cambios. Por lo anterior, se concluye que el conocimiento de plantas medicinales en la comunidad se encuentra en un continuum entre lo tradicional, lo moderno y lo innovador.
Compromiso Ambiental Universitario. El caso de la Sede Bogotá de la Universidad Nacional de Colombia
Authors: Molano Sanabria Sandra Yaneth , Montoya Restrepo Ivan Alonso , Montoya Luz Alexandra
Published: October 2017

El fomento del compromiso ambiental universitario institucional hace de la educación centrada en el entorno y en los recursos naturales, un elemento vital para el crecimiento y desarrollo de los programas académicos superiores. Sin embargo, la gestión de una política sostenible en las instituciones de educación superior involucra múltiples desafíos. Este artículo analiza el caso de la Sede Bogotá de la Universidad Nacional de Colombia, dados su tamaño, importancia, posicionamiento estratégico, y puesto que es la primera institución de educación superior de Colombia en destacarse en el ranking UI Green Metric. Así pues, el estudio se efectúa a partir de la evaluación de diversos rankings universitarios, en especial el ranking UI Green Metric
Propuesta de corredores ecológicos y zonas de amortiguamiento como medidas para restaurar la conectividad del habitad de la especie Cuniculus paca en Ecuador
Authors: Cartaya Scarlet , Zurita Shirley , Eduarte Roddy Mantuano
Published: October 2017

En el presente estudio se propone el diseño de corredores ecológicos y zonas de amortiguamiento como medida para la ampliación y restauración de la conectividad del hábitat de la especie cinegética Cuniculus paca en el centronorte de la provincia de Manabí, situada al occidente del Ecuador. La metodología empleada, resultado de modificaciones de la propuesta de Bentrup (2008), se sustentó en el análisis de parámetros geográficos que definen zonas con la mejor aptitud territorial para el hábitat de la especie. Asimismo, el estudio se basa en un análisis de costo que, mediante un Sistema de Información Geográfica, permite definir la potencial ubicación de los conectores funcionales. De ese modo, el modelo proporciona información fehaciente que permite proponer con exactitud el trazado de los corredores y las zonas de amortiguamiento. Como se observará oportunamente, la metodología empleada puede ajustarse para otras especies.
El caso de Las Pavas: dinámicas de un conflicto socioambiental relacionado con los agrocombustibles en Colombia
Authors: Espinosa-Manrique Milena , Cuvi Nicolás
Published: October 2017

En este artículo se analizan las dinámicas de expansión del monocultivo de palma aceitera para la producción de agrocombustibles en la Hacienda Las Pavas; su influencia en la soberanía alimentaria local, y las expresiones de resistencia de la comunidad campesina ante el modelo de desarrollo implementado en la región. Se analiza de qué modos la siembra extensiva de palma aceitera desarrollada desde la década del 2000 intensificó e hizo más complejo el conflicto socioambiental existente en el territorio, lo que trajo como efectos múltiples daños ambientales, transformaciones del entorno y rupturas del tejido social. El estudio evidencia que los agrocombustibles ocasionan conflictos socioambientales que menoscaban la soberanía alimentaria de las comunidades locales, cuya respuesta es organizarse y resistir.
Predicción del calentamiento global mediante el desarrollo de un modelo de series de tiempo
Authors: Guerrero Escamilla Juan Bacilio , Rangel Martínez Yamile , López Pérez Sócrates
Published: October 2017

Las alteraciones en los ecosistemas debido al cambio climático han ocasionado que se hagan estudios globales sobre la temperatura promedio del planeta. Se desarrolla un modelo probabilístico de series de tiempo para observar la dinámica de la temperatura en el tiempo y determinar el calentamiento global. Se analiza un periodo de 165 años, desde 1850 a 2015, con base en los reportes de temperatura global de la APA de Estados Unidos, y se observa que desde 1963 esta se ha incrementado en 0.29º C. Sin embargo, es hasta 1996 cuando los efectos negativos sobre el planeta se hacen presentes, ya que la temperatura promedio oscila por arriba de los intervalos establecidos por el modelo. Por otro lado, se realiza una proyección al año 2030, producto de lo cual se obtiene un parámetro entre 14.55 y 16.33° C.
La denominación de origen protegida “Los Pedroches” como ruta gastronómica del jamón ibérico: análisis del perfil del visitante y evolución futura
Authors: Millán Vázquez de la Torre Maria Genoveva , Amador Hidalgo Luis , Arjona Fuentes Juan Manuel
Published: October 2017

Las denominaciones de origen tienen una larga historia en España y el caso del jamón no es una excepción. La denominación de origen protegida del jamón ibérico “Los Pedroches” constituye un ejemplo de simbiosis entre esta figura y la de las rutas gastronómicas. En este trabajo se ha realizado un análisis del perfil del visitante de la comarca en la que esta denominación se asienta, con el objetivo de recabar información que sirva para promover la mencionada denominación como ruta gastronómica y, de esta manera, incrementar las fuentes de ingresos y los niveles de renta y empleo de la población local, potenciando asimismo la multifuncionalidad del territorio rural de la zona.
Ser mujer microempresaria en el medio rural. Espacios, escalas y redes .
Authors: Soto Villagrán Paula , Fawaz Yissi María Julia
Published: October 2017

En el contexto de una nueva ruralidad más heterogénea, compleja y multidimensional la opción emprendedora constituye un camino para la subsistencia y sostenibilidad personal y familiar de una proporción cada vez más amplia de mujeres en el medio rural. El objetivo de este trabajo es comprender los efectos que estos microeprendimientos tienen en diferentes escalas espaciales. Ponemos énfasis en las formas de conciliar espacios personales, familiares y empresariales. Mediante una metodología cualitativa y en el contexto de tendencias estructurales del microemprendimiento femenino rural, se analizan las narrativas de cuatro microempresas lideradas por mujeres en la provincia de Ñuble, Chile.
Prácticas, conocimientos y percepciones que dificultan la conservación de la agrobiodiversidad. El caso del Cinturón Hortícola Platense, Argentina.
Authors: Blandi María Luz , Cavalcante Manhattan Sioux , Gargoloff Natalia Agustina , Sarandón Santiago Javier
Published: October 2017

Se analizaron y compararon, a través de indicadores, prácticas de manejo que impactan sobre la agrobiodiversidad en modelos de producción bajo invernáculo y al aire libre, de agricultores de diferentes orígenes del Cinturón Hortícola Platense. Se identificaron, con entrevistas en profundidad, conocimientos y percepciones sobre la agrobiodiversidad. Los agricultores que adoptaron el sistema de producción bajo invernáculo tienen manejos y visiones que tienden a disminuirla comparado con los que cultivan al aire libre. Dentro de estos grupos, existen variaciones asociadas al origen, que hacen que los de origen boliviano promuevan una mayor agrobiodiversidad en comparación con los de origen europeo.
Small-aperture array processing for passive multi-target angle of arrival estimation
Authors: Swanson D. C. , Culver R. L.
Published: October 2017

Small aperture arrays (size less than a wavelength) can be used for passive angle of arrival (AOA) estimation of both broadband and narrowband signals in the frequency domain. Phase differences across the array are measured in the frequency domain and can be spectrally averaged if desired for stationary source AOA and frequencies. The array is capable of measuring multiple target AOAs so long as each target produces unique frequencies or radiates in unique frequency bandwidths. Broadband and narrowband signals from targets can be collected from the fast Fourier transform (FFT) bins and summed by arrival angle in elevation and azimuth using a bearing histogram where the amplitude is displayed in dB. This provides a very useful and intuitive display of received signal levels. The Cramer–Rao lower bound (CRLB) for bearing accuracy is presented as a function of frequency, aperture, and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). The small aperture background noise includes any other coherent or incoherent signal other than the source of interest. Analysis of phase calibration requirements, nonstationary frequencies, and channel cross-talk are also presented, as well as a technique for generating broadband source signals with the fractional delays needed to simulate the correct AOA.
Adaptive social strategies in a solitary carnivore
Authors: Elbroch L. Mark , Levy Michael , Lubell Mark , Quigley Howard , Caragiulo Anthony
Published: October 2017

The puma, a solitary carnivore, exhibits reciprocity and social strategies like social animals but over longer time scales.
Efficient measurement and factorization of high-order drug interactions in
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Cokol Murat , Kuru Nurdan , Bicak Ece , Larkins-Ford Jonah , Aldridge Bree B.
Published: October 2017

Geometrically optimized sampling of drug-dose combinations enables systematic identification of high-order drug synergies.
Drug-resistant malaria advances in Mekong
Authors: Roberts Leslie
Published: October 2017

Dangerous strain has spread to Vietnam, but experts sharply dispute its risk to the world.
Publishers take academic networking site to court
Authors: Chawla Dalmeet Singh
Published: October 2017

Plaintiffs accuse site of massive copyright violation.
Stretchable surfaces with programmable 3D texture morphing for synthetic camouflaging skins
Authors: Pikul J. H. , Li S. , Bai H. , Hanlon R. T. , Cohen I. , Shepherd R. F.
Published: October 2017

3D texture morphing for camouflage

Some animals, such as cephalopods, use soft tissue to change shape reversibly for camouflage and object manipulation. Pikul
et al.
used fixed-length fiber mesh embedded in a silicone elastomer to transform a flat object into a 3D structure by inflating membranes (see the Perspective by Laschi). Painted models of rocks and plants were also created that could be morphed to fully blend into their surroundings.

Science
, this issue p.
210
; see also p.
169
Innovative scattering analysis shows that hydrophobic disordered proteins are expanded in water
Authors: Riback Joshua A. , Bowman Micayla A. , Zmyslowski Adam M. , Knoverek Catherine R. , Jumper John M. , Hinshaw James R. , Kaye Emily B. , Freed Karl F. , Clark Patricia L. , Sosnick Tobin R.
Published: October 2017

An expanded view of disordered proteins

Disordered proteins sample an ensemble of conformations, but it has remained unclear how compact these conformations are in water. Polymer physics relates the radius of gyration (
R
g
) to solvent quality, with more chain collapse occurring in poorer solvents. Riback
et al.
developed an analysis scheme that allows them to extract solvent quality and
R
g
from a single small-angle x-ray scattering measurement. Applying this method, they found that even disordered proteins with low net charge and high hydrophobicity remain expanded in water.

Science
, this issue p.
238
Comment on “Selective anaerobic oxidation of methane enables direct synthesis of methanol”
Authors: Periana Roy A.
Published: October 2017

Sushkevich
et al
. (Reports, 5 May 2017, p. 523) report on the use of water to oxidize methane to methanol. This seems problematic because the reaction of CH
4
and water to generate methanol and H
2
is highly unfavorable at any temperature (Δ
G
of reaction ≈ +28 kcal/mol at 200°C, equilibrium constant
K
≈ 10
−13
). Consequently, even if the reaction is separated into two steps, it seems inconceivable to carry out such a net reaction in a practical manner.
Reproductive health in culture wars crossfire
Authors: Crane Barbara B. , Daulaire Nils , Ezeh Alex C.
Published: October 2017

The “Gag Rule” is endangering health in Africa and globally
Helping robots blend into the background
Authors: Laschi Cecilia
Published: October 2017

The skin of soft inflatable robots is camouflaged by changing surface texture and color
Addressing supply issues for natural products in the clinic
Authors: Lanman Brian A.
Published: October 2017

An efficient chemical synthesis of scarce bryostatin 1 will enable wider clinical trials
Tracking today
Where the Animals Go
James Cheshire and Oliver Uberti
Norton, 2017. 174 pp.
Authors: Ginsberg Joshua R.
Published: October 2017

The art of observing animal movement has come a long way, thanks to advances in data science and technology
A direct look at halogen bonds
Authors: Neaton Jeffrey B.
Published: October 2017

High-resolution images of halogen-containing molecules reveal unusual bonding patterns
Atlas…t, patterns from every cell
Authors: Stadler Michael R. , Eisen Michael B.
Published: October 2017

Microfluidics and DNA sequencing meet to create the first atlas of an embryo at single-cell resolution
AEGIS autonomous targeting for ChemCam on Mars Science Laboratory: Deployment and results of initial science team use
Authors: Francis R. , Estlin T. , Doran G. , Johnstone S. , Gaines D. , Verma V. , Burl M. , Frydenvang J. , Montaño S. , Wiens R. C. , Schaffer S. , Gasnault O. , DeFlores L. , Blaney D. , Bornstein B.
Published: October 2017

Autonomous target selection and pointing refinement steer a remote geochemical LIBS instrument on Mars, increasing data return.
Inexpensive, small AUVs for studying ice-covered polar environments
Authors: Singh Hanumant , Maksym Ted , Wilkinson Jeremy , Williams Guy
Published: October 2017

Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) can collect robust data on sea-ice thickness and seasonal variability in polar regions.
Robotic space exploration agents
Authors: Chien Steve , Wagstaff Kiri L.
Published: October 2017

Robotic spacecraft that can make exploration decisions will enable scientific investigations far from Earth.
Review on space robotics: Toward top-level science through space exploration
Authors: Gao Yang , Chien Steve
Published: October 2017

Robotics and autonomous systems have been key to space exploration and science and will continue to be instrumental.
Measuring the
Plasmodium falciparum
HRP2 protein in blood from artesunate-treated malaria patients predicts post-artesunate delayed hemolysis
Authors: Ndour Papa Alioune , Larréché Sébastien , Mouri Oussama , Argy Nicolas , Gay Frédérick , Roussel Camille , Jauréguiberry Stéphane , Perillaud Claire , Langui Dominique , Biligui Sylvestre , Chartrel Nathalie , Mérens Audrey , Kendjo Eric , Ghose Aniruddha , Hassan Md. Mahtab Uddin , Hossain Md. Amir , Kingston Hugh W. F. , Plewes Katherine , Dondorp Arjen M. , Danis Martin , Houzé Sandrine , Bonnefoy Serge , Thellier Marc , Woodrow Charles J. , Buffet Pierre A. ,   French Artesunate Working Group
Published: October 2017

Previously parasitized erythrocytes in patients with severe malaria retain the parasite protein HRP2, which can be used to predict hemolysis induced by the drug artesunate.
Enduring scars of cocaine
Authors: Michopoulos Vasiliki
Published: October 2017

Long-lasting metabolic changes within the brain upon abstinence from cocaine self-administration may increase risk for relapse.
Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Phase 2 Trial Comparing the Reactogenicity and Immunogenicity of a Single Standard Dose to Those of a High Dose of CVD 103-HgR Live Attenuated Oral Cholera Vaccine, with Shanchol Inactivated Oral Vaccine as an Open-Label Immunologic Comparator
Authors: Sow Samba O. , Tapia Milagritos D. , Chen Wilbur H. , Haidara Fadima C. , Kotloff Karen L. , Pasetti Marcela F. , Blackwelder William C. , Traoré Awa , Tamboura Boubou , Doumbia Moussa , Diallo Fatoumata , Coulibaly Flanon , Onwuchekwa Uma , Kodio Mamoudou , Tennant Sharon M. , Reymann Mardi , Lam Diana F. , Gurwith Marc , Lock Michael , Yonker Thomas , Smith Jonathan , Simon Jakub K. , Levine Myron M.
Published: October 2017

Reactive immunization with a single-dose cholera vaccine that could rapidly (within days) protect immunologically naive individuals during virgin soil epidemics, when cholera reaches immunologically naive populations that have not experienced cholera for decades, would facilitate cholera control. One dose of attenuated
Vibrio cholerae
O1 classical Inaba vaccine CVD 103-HgR (Vaxchora) containing ≥2 × 10
8
CFU induces vibriocidal antibody seroconversion (a correlate of protection) in >90% of U.S. adults. A previous CVD 103-HgR commercial formulation required ≥2 × 10
9
CFU to elicit high levels of seroconversion in populations in developing countries. We compared the vibriocidal responses of Malians (individuals 18 to 45 years old) randomized to ingest a single ≥2 × 10
8
-CFU standard dose (
n
= 50) or a ≥2 × 10
9
-CFU high dose (
n
= 50) of PaxVax CVD 103-HgR with buffer or two doses (
n
= 50) of Shanchol inactivated cholera vaccine (the immunologic comparator). To maintain blinding, participants were dosed twice 2 weeks apart; CVD 103-HgR recipients ingested placebo 2 weeks before or after ingesting vaccine. Seroconversion (a ≥4-fold vibriocidal titer rise) between the baseline and 14 days after CVD 103-HgR ingestion and following the first and second doses of Shanchol were the main outcomes measured. By day 14 postvaccination, the rates of seroconversion after ingestion of a single standard dose and a high dose of CVD 103-HgR were 71.7% (33/46 participants) and 83.3% (40/48 participants), respectively. The rate of seroconversion following the first dose of Shanchol, 56.0% (28/50 participants), was significantly lower than that following the high dose of CVD 103-HgR (
P
= 0.003). The vibriocidal geometric mean titer (GMT) of the high dose of CVD 103-HgR exceeded the GMT of the standard dose at day 14 (214 versus 95,
P
= 0.045) and was ∼2-fold higher than the GMT on day 7 and day 14 following the first Shanchol dose (
P
> 0.05). High-dose CVD 103-HgR is recommended for accelerated evaluation in developing countries to assess its efficacy and practicality in field situations. (This study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under registration no. NCT02145377.)
A Single Intramuscular Dose of a Plant-Made Virus-Like Particle Vaccine Elicits a Balanced Humoral and Cellular Response and Protects Young and Aged Mice from Influenza H1N1 Virus Challenge despite a Modest/Absent Humoral Response
Authors: Hodgins Breanna , Yam Karen K. , Winter Kaitlin , Pillet Stephane , Landry Nathalie , Ward Brian J.
Published: October 2017

Virus-like-particle (VLP) influenza vaccines can be given intramuscularly (i.m.) or intranasally (i.n.) and may have advantages over split-virion formulations in the elderly. We tested a plant-made VLP vaccine candidate bearing the viral hemagglutinin (HA) delivered either i.m. or i.n. in young and aged mice. Young adult (5- to 8-week-old) and aged (16- to 20-month-old) female BALB/c mice received a single 3-μg dose based on the HA (A/California/07/2009 H1N1) content of a plant-made H1-VLP (i.m. or i.n.) split-virion vaccine (i.m.) or were left naive. After vaccination, humoral and splenocyte responses were assessed, and some mice were challenged. Both VLP and split vaccines given i.m. protected 100% of the young animals, but the VLP group lost the least weight and had stronger humoral and cellular responses. Compared to split-vaccine recipients, aged animals vaccinated i.m. with VLP were more likely to survive challenge (80% versus 60%). The lung viral load postchallenge was lowest in the VLP i.m. groups. Mice vaccinated with VLP i.n. had little detectable immune response, but survival was significantly increased. In both age groups, i.m. administration of the H1-VLP vaccine elicited more balanced humoral and cellular responses and provided better protection from homologous challenge than the split-virion vaccine.
Rapid Nanopore Sequencing of Plasmids and Resistance Gene Detection in Clinical Isolates
Authors: Lemon Jamie K. , Khil Pavel P. , Frank Karen M. , Dekker John P.
Published: October 2017

Recent advances in nanopore sequencing technology have led to a substantial increase in throughput and sequence quality. Together, these improvements may permit real-time benchtop genomic sequencing and antimicrobial resistance gene detection in clinical isolates. In this study, we evaluated workflows and turnaround times for a benchtop long-read sequencing approach in the clinical microbiology laboratory using the Oxford Nanopore Technologies MinION sequencer. We performed genomic and plasmid sequencing of three clinical isolates with both MinION and Illumina MiSeq, using different library preparation methods (2D and rapid 1D) with the goal of antimicrobial resistance gene detection. We specifically evaluated the advantages of using plasmid DNA for sequencing and the value of supplementing MinION sequences with MiSeq reads for increasing assembly accuracy. Resequencing of three plasmids in a reference
Klebsiella pneumoniae
isolate demonstrated ∼99% accuracy of draft MinION-only assembly and >99.9% accuracy of assembly polished with MiSeq reads. Plasmid DNA sequencing of previously uncharacterized clinical extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing
Escherichia coli
and
K. pneumoniae
isolates using MinION allowed successful identification of antimicrobial resistance genes in the draft assembly corresponding to all classes of observed plasmid-based phenotypic resistance. Importantly, use of plasmid DNA enabled lower depth sequencing, and assemblies sufficient for full antimicrobial resistance gene annotation were obtained with as few as 2,000 to 5,000 reads, which could be acquired in 20 min of sequencing. With a MinION-only workflow that balances accuracy against turnaround time, full annotation of plasmid resistance gene content could be obtained in under 6 h from a subcultured isolate, less time than traditional phenotypic susceptibility testing.
Characterization of the African Swine Fever Virus Decapping Enzyme during Infection
Authors: Quintas Ana , Pérez-Núñez Daniel , Sánchez Elena G. , Nogal Maria L. , Hentze Matthias W. , Castelló Alfredo , Revilla Yolanda
Published: October 2017

African swine fever virus (ASFV) infection is characterized by a progressive decrease in cellular protein synthesis with a concomitant increase in viral protein synthesis, though the mechanism by which the virus achieves this is still unknown. Decrease of cellular mRNA is observed during ASFV infection, suggesting that inhibition of cellular proteins is due to an active mRNA degradation process. ASFV carries a gene (Ba71V D250R/Malawi g5R) that encodes a decapping protein (ASFV-DP) that has a Nudix hydrolase motif and decapping activity
in vitro
. Here, we show that ASFV-DP was expressed from early times and accumulated throughout the infection with a subcellular localization typical of the endoplasmic reticulum, colocalizing with the cap structure and interacting with the ribosomal protein L23a. ASFV-DP was capable of interaction with poly(A) RNA in cultured cells, primarily mediated by the N-terminal region of the protein. ASFV-DP also interacted with viral and cellular RNAs in the context of infection, and its overexpression in infected cells resulted in decreased levels of both types of transcripts. This study points to ASFV-DP as a viral decapping enzyme involved in both the degradation of cellular mRNA and the regulation of viral transcripts.

IMPORTANCE
Virulent ASFV strains cause a highly infectious and lethal disease in domestic pigs for which there is no vaccine. Since 2007, an outbreak in the Caucasus region has spread to Russia, jeopardizing the European pig population and making it essential to deepen knowledge about the virus. Here, we demonstrate that ASFV-DP is a novel RNA-binding protein implicated in the regulation of mRNA metabolism during infection, making it a good target for vaccine development.
HIV-Exposed Infants Vaccinated with an MF59/Recombinant gp120 Vaccine Have Higher-Magnitude Anti-V1V2 IgG Responses than Adults Immunized with the Same Vaccine
Authors: McGuire Erin P. , Fong Youyi , Toote Christopher , Cunningham Coleen K. , McFarland Elizabeth J. , Borkowsky William , Barnett Susan , Itell Hannah L. , Kumar Amit , Gray Glenda , McElrath M. Julianna , Tomaras Georgia D. , Permar Sallie R. , Fouda Genevieve G.
Published: October 2017

In the RV144 vaccine trial, IgG responses against the HIV envelope variable loops 1 and 2 (V1V2) were associated with decreased HIV acquisition risk. We previously reported that infants immunized with an MF59-adjuvanted rgp120 vaccine developed higher-magnitude anti-V1V2 IgG responses than adult RV144 vaccinees. To determine whether the robust antibody response in infants is due to differences in vaccine regimens or to inherent differences between the adult and infant immune systems, we compared Env-specific IgG responses in adults and infants immunized with the same MF59- and alum-adjuvanted HIV envelope vaccines. At peak immunogenicity, the magnitudes of the gp120- and V1V2-specific IgG responses were comparable between adults and infants immunized with the alum/MNrgp120 vaccine (gp120 median fluorescence intensities [FIs] in infants = 7,118 and in adults = 11,510,P= 0.070; V1V2 median MFIs of 512 [infants] and 804 [adults],P= 0.50), whereas infants immunized with the MF59/SF-2 rgp120 vaccine had higher-magnitude antibody levels than adults (gp120 median FIs of 15,509 [infants] and 2,290 [adults],P< 0.001; V1V2 median FIs of 23,926 [infants] and 1,538 [adults];P< 0.001). Six months after peak immunogenicity, infants maintained higher levels Env-specific IgG than adults. Anti-V1V2 IgG3 antibodies that were associated with decreased HIV-1 risk in RV144 vaccinees were present in 43% of MF59/rgp120-vaccinated infants but only in 12% of the vaccinated adults (P= 0.0018). Finally, in contrast to the rare vaccine-elicited Env-specific IgA in infants, rgp120 vaccine-elicited Env-specific IgA was frequently detected in adults. Our results suggest that vaccine adjuvants differently modulate gp120-specific antibody responses in adults and infants and that infants can robustly respond to HIV Env immunization.

IMPORTANCEMore than 150,000 pediatric HIV infections occur yearly, despite the availability of antiretroviral prophylaxis. A pediatric HIV vaccine could reduce the number of these ongoing infant infections and also prime for long-term immunity prior to sexual debut. We previously reported that immunization of infants with an MF59-adjuvanted recombinant gp120 vaccine induced higher-magnitude, potentially protective anti-V1V2 IgG responses than in adult vaccinees receiving the moderately effective RV144 vaccine. In the present study, we demonstrate that the robust response observed in infants is not due to differences in vaccine regimen or vaccine dose between adults and infants. Our results suggest that HIV vaccine adjuvants may differentially modulate immune responses in adults and infants, highlighting the need to conduct vaccine trials in pediatric populations.
Quiescence Promotes Latent HIV Infection and Resistance to Reactivation from Latency with Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors
Authors: Painter Mark M. , Zaikos Thomas D. , Collins Kathleen L.
Published: October 2017

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) establishes transcriptionally silent latent infections in resting memory T cells and hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs), which allows the virus to persist in infected individuals despite antiretroviral therapy. Developing
in vitro
models of HIV-1 latency that recapitulate the characteristics of latently infected cells
in vivo
is crucial to identifying and developing effective latency-reversing therapies. HSPCs exist in a quiescent state
in vivo
, and quiescence is correlated with latent infections in T cells. However, current models for culturing HSPCs and for infecting T cells
in vitro
require that the cells be maintained in an actively proliferating state. Here we describe a novel culture system in which primary human HSPCs cultured under hypothermic conditions are maintained in a quiescent state. We show that these quiescent HSPCs are susceptible to predominantly latent infection with HIV-1, while actively proliferating and differentiating HSPCs obtain predominantly active infections. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the most primitive quiescent HSPCs are more resistant to spontaneous reactivation from latency than more differentiated HSPCs and that quiescent HSPCs are resistant to reactivation by histone deacetylase inhibitors or P-TEFb activation but are susceptible to reactivation by protein kinase C (PKC) agonists. We also demonstrate that inhibition of HSP90, a known regulator of HIV transcription, recapitulates the quiescence and latency phenotypes of hypothermia, suggesting that hypothermia and HSP90 inhibition may regulate these processes by similar mechanisms. In summary, these studies describe a novel model for studying HIV-1 latency in human primary cells maintained in a quiescent state.

IMPORTANCE
Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) establishes a persistent infection for which there remains no feasible cure. Current approaches are unable to clear the virus despite decades of therapy due to the existence of latent reservoirs of integrated HIV-1, which can reactivate and contribute to viral rebound following treatment interruption. Previous clinical attempts to reactivate the latent reservoirs in an individual so that they can be eliminated by the immune response or viral cytopathic effect have failed, indicating the need for a better understanding of the processes regulating HIV-1 latency. Here we characterize a novel
in vitro
model of HIV-1 latency in primary hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells isolated from human cord blood that may better recapitulate the behavior of latently infected cells
in vivo
. This model can be used to study mechanisms regulating latency and potential therapeutic approaches to reactivate latent infections in quiescent cells.
Stochastic Community Assembly: Does It Matter in Microbial Ecology?
Authors: Zhou Jizhong , Ning Daliang
Published: October 2017

Understanding the mechanisms controlling community diversity, functions, succession, and biogeography is a central, but poorly understood, topic in ecology, particularly in microbial ecology. Although stochastic processes are believed to play nonnegligible roles in shaping community structure, their importance relative to deterministic processes is hotly debated. The importance of ecological stochasticity in shaping microbial community structure is far less appreciated. Some of the main reasons for such heavy debates are the difficulty in defining stochasticity and the diverse methods used for delineating stochasticity. Here, we provide a critical review and synthesis of data from the most recent studies on stochastic community assembly in microbial ecology. We then describe both stochastic and deterministic components embedded in various ecological processes, including selection, dispersal, diversification, and drift. We also describe different approaches for inferring stochasticity from observational diversity patterns and highlight experimental approaches for delineating ecological stochasticity in microbial communities. In addition, we highlight research challenges, gaps, and future directions for microbial community assembly research.
Erdheim-Chester disease: atypical presentation of a rare disease
Authors: Calandra Cristian Ricardo , Bustos Ariel , Falcon Florencia , Arakaki Naomi
Published: October 2017

We report the clinical case of an adult patient referred to our hospital because of trismus due to a tumour in the right infratemporal and pterygomaxillary fossa. He referred hyporexia, weight loss and right trigeminal neuralgia. On physical examination, he had trismus and diplopia. On neuroimaging, the tumour invaded the central nervous system affecting the right temporal lobe and orbit, and the sellar region. Tumour biopsy revealed foamy histiocytes and isolated giant multinuclear cells immunoreactive to CD68 and negative to CD1a and S100. A diagnosis of Erdheim-Chester disease was made. Non-evidence of large bone involvement was found in neither plain radiographs nor Technetium 99 m bone scintigraphy. BRAFV600E mutation analysis was negative. Because of raised intracranial pressure, a debulking surgery of the intracranial histiocytic process was performed. The patient improved his symptoms and remains clinically stable after 12 months of treatment with pegylated interferon-α−2a 180 µg/weekly.
A unique case of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis from gadolinium exposure in a patient with normal eGFR
Authors: Lohani Sadichhya , Golenbiewski Jon , Swami Abhishek , Halalau Alexandra
Published: October 2017

A 57-year-old woman presented with swelling and thickening of the skin of the lower extremities. Three months prior to presentation, patient had MRI with gadolinium as part of an evaluation for suspected pancreatic malignancy. Creatinine levels at the time of gadolinium exposure were 0.9–1.2 mg/dL, with a corresponding estimated glomerular filtration rate of 64 mL/min/1.73m2by modification of diet in renal disease equation. Twenty-four-hour urine creatinine clearance was performed as an outpatient following development of symptoms. This revealed a creatinine clearance of 23 mL/min, suggestive of advanced chronic kidney disease despite an estimated glomerular filtration rate of 64 mL/min/1.73m2. Skin biopsy was positive for sclerosing dermopathy. These findings, in addition to the temporal association with gadolinium exposure, led to the diagnosis of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis.
Diurnal cortisol and mental well-being in middle and older age: evidence from four cohort studies
Authors: Stafford Mai , Ben-Shlomo Yoav , Cooper Cyrus , Gale Catharine , Gardner Michael P , Geoffroy Marie-Claude , Power Chris , Kuh Diana , Cooper Rachel
Published: October 2017

Objectives

We conducted an individual participant meta-analysis to test the hypothesis that cortisol patterns indicative of dysregulated hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis functioning would be prospectively associated with poorer well-being at follow-up.

Setting

Four large UK-based cohort studies.

Participants

Those providing valid salivary or serum cortisol samples (n=7515 for morning cortisol; n=1612 for cortisol awakening response) at baseline (age 44–82) and well-being data on the Warwick Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale at follow-up (0–8 years) were included.

Results

Well-being was not associated with morning cortisol, diurnal slope or awakening response though a borderline association with evening cortisol was found. Adjusting for sex and follow-up time, each 1 SD increase in evening cortisol was associated with a −0.47 (95% CI −1.00 to 0.05) point lower well-being. This was attenuated by adjustment for body mass index, smoking and socioeconomic position. Between-study heterogeneity was low.

Conclusions

This study does not support the hypothesis that diurnal cortisol is prospectively associated with well-being up to 8 years later. However, replication in prospective studies with cortisol samples over multiple days is required.
Randomised controlled pilot trial of an exercise plus behaviour change intervention in people with multiple sclerosis: the Step it Up study
Authors: Hayes Sara , Uszynski Marcin Kacper , Motl Robert W , Gallagher Stephen , Larkin Aidan , Newell John , Scarrott Carl , Coote Susan
Published: October 2017

Objective

To investigate feasibility of multiple sclerosis (MS) exercise guidelines for inactive people with MS (PwMS) and to examine preliminary efficacy for walking. To investigate effect of augmenting that intervention with education based on social cognitive theory (SCT).

Design

Pilot multicentre, double-blind, randomised, parallel, controlled trial.

Setting

Community-delivered programme.

Participants

Sixty-five physically inactive PwMS walked independently, scored 0–3 on the Patient Determined Disease Steps Scale, had no MS relapse or change in MS medication in 12 weeks.

Interventions

10-week exercise plus SCT education (SCT) compared with exercise plus attention control education (CON).

Outcome measures

Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), Timed Up and Go (TUG) test and Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale-12 (MSWS-12).

Results

174 expressed interest, 92 were eligible and 65 enrolled (SCT, n=32; CON, n=33). The intervention was feasible and delivered as intended. 68% of SCT group and 50% of control group met the exercise guidelines after intervention. Using linear mixed effects models, intention-to-treat basis, there was insufficient evidence for difference between the groups over the trial (6MWT, p=0.30; TUG, p=0.4; MSWS-12, p=0.8). Using secondary analysis of a cohort with data for≥3 assessments (SCT, n=21; CON, n=20), there was significant treatment effect favouring the intervention group (p=0.04) with mean effect for 6MWT 39.0 m (95% CI 2.26 to 75.73) at 12 weeks and 40.0 m (95% CI 2.3 to 77.8) at 36 weeks. Both groups improved significantly in 6MWT following 10-week intervention (SCT, mean ∆=83.02, SD=60.1, p≤0.01; CON, mean ∆=56.92, SD=73.5, p≤0.01), TUG (SCT, ∆=−0.70, SD=1.25, p≤0.01; CON, ∆=−0.54, SD=0.95, p≤0.01) and MSWS-12 (SCT, ∆=−8.03, SD=16.18, p=0.02; CON, ∆=−0.86, SD=18.74, p=0.81).

Conclusions

A 10-week exercise programme based on the MS exercise guidelines for improving walking in previously inactive PwMS was feasible. There is marginal evidence of a treatment effect in favour of the exercise plus SCT intervention at 12 and 36 weeks.

Trial registration number

NCT02301442; Results.
Assessment of potential predictors of calretinin and mesothelin to improve the diagnostic performance to detect malignant mesothelioma: results from a population-based cohort study
Authors: Casjens Swaantje , Weber Daniel G , Johnen Georg , Raiko Irina , Taeger Dirk , Meinig Carmen , Moebus Susanne , Jöckel Karl-Heinz , Brüning Thomas , Pesch Beate
Published: October 2017

Objectives

Mesothelin and calretinin are blood-based markers for malignant mesothelioma. The objective of this study was to analyse the markers in plasma samples from cancer-free men and to identify factors influencing their concentrations to minimise false-positive test results when using these markers for the early detection of malignant mesothelioma.

Setting

The present analyses used data and archived blood samples of the population-based Heinz Nixdorf Recall Study among elderly people collected from 2011 to 2014.

Participants

A total of 569 men (median age 70 years) without a malignant disease at the time of blood sampling were selected for these analyses.

Primary and secondary outcome

Mesothelin and calretinin concentration in plasma samples.

Results

We observed 24 mesothelin concentrations ≥1.5 nM (specificity 95.8%, 95% CI 93.8% to 97.2%) and 34 calretinin concentrations ≥1.0 ng/mL (specificity 94.0%, 95% CI 91.7% to 95.7%). Only five men had both markers above these cut-offs. Renal dysfunction and hypertension were major predictors of elevated mesothelin in addition to age. Regarding calretinin, the effect of renal dysfunction was slightly weaker and hypertension was not associated with increased concentrations. However, a diagnosis of cancer after blood collection and bronchial asthma were associated with positive calretinin results.

Conclusions

The combined determination of mesothelin and calretinin results in only few false-positive marker tests. Both markers are mainly influenced by renal dysfunction. The determination of cystatin C concentrations may be informative when interpreting the test results.
A county-level cross-sectional analysis of positive deviance to assess multiple population health outcomes in Indiana
Authors: Hendryx Michael , Guerra-Reyes Lucia , Holland Benjamin D , McGinnis Michael Dean , Meanwell Emily , Middlestadt Susan E , Yoder Karen M
Published: October 2017

Objective

To test a positive deviance method to identify counties that are performing better than statistical expectations on a set of population health indicators.

Design

Quantitative, cross-sectional county-level secondary analysis of risk variables and outcomes in Indiana. Data are analysed using multiple linear regression to identify counties performing better or worse than expected given traditional risk indicators, with a focus on ‘positive deviants’ or counties performing better than expected.

Participants

Counties in Indiana (n=92) constitute the unit of analysis.

Main outcome measures

Per cent adult obesity, per cent fair/poor health, low birth weight per cent, per cent with diabetes, years of potential life lost, colorectal cancer incidence rate and circulatory disease mortality rate.

Results

County performance that outperforms expectations is for the most part outcome specific. But there are a few counties that performed particularly well across most measures.

Conclusions

The positive deviance approach provides a means for state and local public health departments to identify places that show better health outcomes despite demographic, social, economic or behavioural disadvantage. These places may serve as case studies or models for subsequent investigations to uncover best practices in the face of adversity and generalise effective approaches to other areas.
Preparing the prescription: a review of the aim and measurement of social referral programmes
Authors: Rempel Emily S , Wilson Emma N , Durrant Hannah , Barnett Julie
Published: October 2017

Objective

Our aim is to review, and qualitatively evaluate, the aims and measures of social referral programmes. Our first objective is to identify the aims of social referral initiatives. Our second objective is to identify the measures used to evaluate whether the aims of social referral were met.

Design

Literature review.

Background

Social referral programmes, also called social prescribing and emergency case referral, link primary and secondary healthcare with community services, often under the guise of decreasing health system costs.

Method

Following the PRISMA guidelines, we undertook a literature review to address that aim. We searched in five academic online databases and in one online non-academic search engine, including both academic and grey literature, for articles referring to ‘social prescribing’ or ‘community referral’.

Results

We identified 41 relevant articles and reports. After extracting the aims, measures and type of study, we found that most social referral programmes aimed to address a wide variety of system and individual health problems. This included cost savings, resource reallocation and improved mental, physical and social well-being. Across the 41 studies and reports, there were 154 different kinds of measures or methods of evaluation identified. Of these, the most commonly used individual measure was the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale, used in nine studies and reports.

Conclusions

These inconsistencies in aims and measures used pose serious problems when social prescribing and other referral programmes are often advertised as a solution to health services-budgeting constraints, as well as a range of chronic mental and physical health conditions. We recommend researchers and local community organisers alike to critically evaluate for whom, where and why their social referral programmes ‘work’.
InvestigatingBordetella pertussiscolonisation and immunity: protocol for an inpatient controlled human infection model
Authors: de Graaf Hans , Gbesemete Diane , Gorringe Andrew R. , Diavatopoulos Dimitri A. , Kester Kent E. , Faust Saul N. , Read Robert C.
Published: October 2017

Introduction

We summarise an ethically approved protocol for the development of an experimental human challenge colonisation model. GloballyBordetella pertussisis one of the leading causes of vaccine-preventable death. Many countries have replaced whole cell vaccines with acellular vaccines over the last 20 years during which pertussis appears to be resurgent in a number of countries in the developed world that boast high immunisation coverage. The acellular vaccine provides relatively short-lived immunity and, in contrast to whole cell vaccines, may be less effective against colonisation and subsequent transmission. To improve vaccine strategies, a greater understanding of humanB. pertussiscolonisation is required. This article summarises a protocol and does not contain any results.

Methods and analysis

A controlled human colonisation model will be developed over two phases. In phase A, a low dose of the inoculum will be given intranasally to healthy participants. This dose will be escalated or de-escalated until colonisation is achieved in approximately 70% (95% CI 47% to 93%) of the exposed volunteers without causing disease. The colonisation period, shedding and exploratory immunology will be assessed during a 17-day inpatient stay and follow-up over 1 year. The dose of inoculum that achieves 70% colonisation will then be confirmed in phase B, comparing healthy participants exposed toB. pertussiswith a control group receiving a sham inoculum.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been approved by the ethical committee reference: 17/SC/0006, 24 February 2017. Findings will be published in peer-reviewed open access journals as soon as possible.
Descriptive study of female roller derby athletes' beliefs about risk factors for injury in roller derby
Authors: Cathorall Michelle L , Punches Megan
Published: October 2017

Objectives

To examine skaters’ beliefs about risk factors related to roller derby injuries.

Design

Qualitative study based on semistructured focus group discussions with female roller derby skaters.

Methods

Skaters with varying levels of experience and injury history were invited to participate in focus group discussions. Semistructured focus group discussions were based on the question ‘What factors do you believe contribute to roller derby injuries?’. Analysis of the data were organised into themes, summarised and interpreted, separated based on being an intrinsic or extrinsic factor and then reorganised by frequency of citation. Focus groups continued until no new themes were added to the data.

Results

The factors discussed by derby skaters were divided into intrinsic and extrinsic factors. The most common intrinsic factors cited were behavioural and psychological, ‘knowing one’s body’ and internal pressure related to ‘not letting team down’. The most cited extrinsic factors were ‘unmatched skill level’ and ‘poor quality’ equipment.

Conclusions

Female roller derby skaters contribute the greatest injury risk to new skaters not knowing their body and experienced skaters not considering new skaters skill levels. Knowing the factors that skaters perceive as increasing injury risk may contribute to interventions to decrease the frequency and severity of injuries. New findings include behavioural, psychological and social factors related to injury risk. Important considerations for healthcare providers treating roller derby skaters include the psychological and social factors that affect injury.