bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Population viability and harvest sustainability for Madagascar lemurs
Authors: Brook Cara E. , Herrera James P. , Borgerson Cortni , Fuller Emma C. , Andriamahazoarivosoa Pascal , Rasolofoniaina B. J. Rodolph , Randrianasolo J. L. Rado Ravoavy , Rakotondrafarasata Z. R. Eli , Randriamady Hervet J. , Dobson Andrew P. , Golden Christopher D.
Published: June 2018

Subsistence hunting presents a conservation challenge by which biodiversity preservation must be balanced with safeguarding of human livelihoods. Globally, subsistence hunting threatens primate populations, including Madagascar's endemic lemurs. We used population viability analysis to assess the sustainability of lemur hunting in Makira Natural Park, Madagascar. We identified trends in seasonal hunting of 11 Makira lemur species from household interview data, estimated local lemur densities in populations adjacent to focal villages via transect surveys, and quantified extinction vulnerability for these populations based on species‐specific demographic parameters and empirically derived hunting rates. We compared stage‐based Lefkovitch with periodic Leslie matrices to evaluate the impact of regional dispersal on persistence trajectories and explored the consequences of perturbations to the timing of peak hunting relative to the lemur birth pulse, under assumptions of density‐dependent reproductive compensation. Lemur hunting peaked during the fruit‐abundant wet season (March–June). Estimated local lemur densities were roughly inverse to body size across our study area. Life‐history modeling indicated that hunting most severely threatened the species with the largest bodies (i.e., Hapalemur occidentalis, Avahi laniger, Daubentonia madagascariensis, and Indri indi), characterized by late‐age reproductive onsets and long interbirth intervals. In model simulations, lemur dispersal within a regional metapopulation buffered extinction threats when a majority of local sites supported growth rates above the replacement level but drove regional extirpations when most local sites were overharvested. Hunt simulations were most detrimental when timed to overlap lemur births (a reality for D. madagascariensis and I. indri). In sum, Makira lemurs were overharvested. Regional extirpations, which may contribute to broad‐scale extinctions, will be likely if current hunting rates persist. Cessation of anthropogenic lemur harvest is a conservation priority, and development programs are needed to help communities switch from wildlife consumption to domestic protein alternatives.
Evidence of genetic structure in a wide‐ranging and highly mobile soaring scavenger, the Andean condor
Authors: Padró Julian , Lambertucci Sergio A. , Perrig Paula L. , Pauli Jonathan N.
Published: June 2018

Aim

Evaluating the patterns of genetic variation and population connectivity is fundamental to effectively designing and implementing conservation strategies for threatened species. However, connectivity patterns in highly mobile vertebrates, and especially in avian species, are often overlooked as it is generally assumed to be driven by demographic panmixia or isolation by distance. Herein, we investigated the genetic structure and patterns of connectivity across four biomes in a highly vagile bird, the Andean condor (Vultur gryphus).

Location

Four major Neotropical biomes of Argentina (>300,000 km2): Puna, Monte, Chaco and Patagonia.

Methods

We genotyped 13 polymorphic microsatellite loci plus one sex‐determining gene in 300 moulted feathers from 13 roosting sites in the core of species distributional range. We quantified levels of genetic differentiation, population structure, effective gene flow, genetic diversity and assessed sex‐biased dispersal events.

Results

We detected genetic structure with a moderate differentiation between the north (Puna and Chaco) and south (Patagonia) regions with a contact zone in the central area (Monte). We observed a spatial pattern of genetic patches with higher levels of gene flow along the Andes range. Although we found no indication of bottlenecks or inbreeding, we observed larger effective population sizes in the south compared to the northern region.

Main conclusions

Our study revealed that, despite the high dispersal potential of condors, demographic panmixia is not consolidated, even in the core of this species range. Our analyses further suggest that gene flow rate is modulated by topographic features, as condors may disperse more following the natural updrafts and lifts along the Andean mountains. Conservation initiatives should prioritize the protection of the Andean corridor to maintain connectivity between the apparent source from Patagonia to the northern biomes.
Slimy invasion: Climatic niche and current and future biogeography of Arion slug invaders
Authors: Zemanova Miriam A. , Broennimann Olivier , Guisan Antoine , Knop Eva , Heckel Gerald
Published: June 2018

Aim

The current volume of global trade has led to an unprecedented rate of biological invasions, causing severe problems to native ecosystems. The knowledge of species introduction routes and areas suitable for establishment is therefore an important step in preventing future invasions. The situation can be further exacerbated by climate change, which might alter the amount of environmentally suitable areas for establishment of invasive species. Here, we focus on three Arion slug species recently introduced to North America and Australia with potentially significant impact—A. ater, A. rufus and A. vulgaris.

Location

Worldwide.

Results

We combined interception records, molecular analyses and species distribution modelling to assess their introduction history and to predict which regions are at highest risk of future invasions. We found extensive sharing of mitochondrial haplotypes among continents in all three species. In concordance with the genetic analyses, interception records suggest that slugs were introduced to the USA and Australia primarily from France, the Netherlands and the UK, but also from other locations in North America. The models predicted climatically suitable regions for the three Arion species in several areas across the globe for which management actions can be targeted.

Main conclusions

While the amount of regions with climatic conditions that would be suitable for slug establishment is predicted to slightly decrease under future scenarios, new suitable areas will also emerge. We therefore recommend that prevention efforts to limit new introductions should continue in order to protect vulnerable native ecosystems.
Priming and de‐priming of neutrophil responses in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Vogt Katja L. , Summers Charlotte , Chilvers Edwin R. , Condliffe Alison M.
Published: June 2018

The activation status of neutrophils can cycle from basal through primed to fully activated (“green‐amber‐red”), and at least in vitro, primed cells can spontaneously revert to a near basal phenotype. This broad range of neutrophil responsiveness confers extensive functional flexibility, allowing neutrophils to respond rapidly and appropriately to varied and evolving threats throughout the body. Primed and activated cells display dramatically enhanced bactericidal capacity (including augmented respiratory burst activity, degranulation and longevity), but this enhancement also confers the capacity for significant unintended tissue injury. Neutrophil priming and its consequences have been associated with adverse outcomes in a range of disease states, hence understanding the signalling processes that regulate the transition between basal and primed states (and back again) may offer new opportunities for therapeutic intervention in pathological settings. A wide array of host‐ and pathogen‐derived molecules is able to modulate the functional status of these versatile cells. Reflecting this extensive repertoire of potential mediators, priming can be established by a range of signalling pathways (including mitogen‐activated protein kinases, phosphoinositide 3‐kinases, phospholipase D and calcium transients) and intracellular processes (including endocytosis, vesicle trafficking and the engagement of adhesion molecules). The signalling pathways engaged, and the exact cellular phenotype that results, vary according to the priming agent(s) to which the neutrophil is exposed and the precise environmental context. Herein we describe the signals that establish priming (in particular for enhanced respiratory burst, degranulation and prolonged lifespan) and describe the recently recognised process of de‐priming, correlating in vitro observations with in vivo significance.
Parent Education for Migrant Mothers of Left‐Behind Children in China: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: To Siu‐ming , Kwok Ching‐man , So Yuk‐yan , Yan Ming‐wai
Published: June 2018

Although numerous studies have indicated the significance of parental support and parent–child communication in alleviating the adverse effects of parental departure on left‐behind children, researchers have rarely addressed the impact of parent education on migrant parents. On the basis of the results of a pilot randomized controlled trial, the study reported here involved examining the possible outcomes and feasibility of a parent education program for rural‐to‐urban migrant mothers of left‐behind children in China. Informed by an existential–narrative approach to parent education, the program was composed of six 2.5‐hour sessions. The sample included 56 migrant mothers recruited from a social service center in Shenzhen, China, who were randomly assigned to either the immediate group (n = 28, M = 34.82 years, SD = 4.12, aged 23–43) or the waitlist control group (n = 28, M = 34.68 years, SD = 4.53, aged 28–43). The hypotheses of the trial were twofold: that the program would positively affect participants’ parental identity and that it would improve mother–child relationships and parenting practices. The results revealed no significant difference in parental identity between the intervention group and the waitlist control group at the post‐test assessment after ruling out the effects of pretest survey scores. However, significant differences did emerge in parent–child relationships and parenting practices. Overall, the results corroborate the feasibility of examining the current program for migrant mothers in China in a full trial. The findings also offer insights into developing empirically supported parent education programs for migrant parents.
Inland fish stock assessment: Applying data‐poor methods from marine systems
Authors: Fitzgerald Colm J. , Delanty Karen , Shephard Samuel
Published: June 2018

Inland fisheries can be diverse, local and highly seasonal. This complexity creates challenges for monitoring, and consequently, many inland fish stocks have few data and cannot be assessed using methods typically applied to industrial marine fisheries. In such situations, there may be a role for methods recently developed for assessment of data‐poor fish stocks. Herein, three established data‐poor assessment tools from marine systems are demonstrated to highlight their value to inland fisheries management. A case study application uses archived length, catch and catch‐per‐unit‐effort data to characterise the ecological status of an important recreational brown trout stock in an Irish lake. This case study is of specific use to management of freshwater sport fisheries, but the broader purpose of the paper was to provide a crossover between marine and inland fisheries science, and to highlight accessible data‐poor assessment approaches that may be applicable in diverse inland systems.
Helicobacter pylori antibiotic resistance in Portugal: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Lopo Inês , Libânio Diogo , Pita Inês , Dinis‐Ribeiro Mário , Pimentel‐Nunes Pedro
Published: June 2018

Background

Portugal presents both a high prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection and a high prevalence of antibiotic resistance. However, conclusive data on its magnitude are lacking. We aimed at summarizing the existing data.

Materials and Methods

A systematic review was conducted after searching in two databases (PubMed and SciELO). Meta‐analysis was performed, and comparison of resistance rates between children and adults and by type of resistance (primary and secondary) was made.

Results

Eight cross‐sectional studies assessing Hp resistance to antibiotics were included. Overall resistance rates were as follows: clarithromycin (CLA) 42% (95% CI: 30‐54), metronidazole (MTZ) 25% (95% CI: 15‐38), ciprofloxacin (CIP) 9% (95% CI: 3‐18), levofloxacin (LVX) 18% (95% CI: 2‐42), tetracycline (TTC) 0.2% (95% CI: 0‐1), and amoxicillin (AMX) 0.1% (95% CI: 0‐0.2). Multidrug resistance was also an important problem, with the following global resistance rates: CLA plus MTZ of 10% (adults 20% (95% CI: 15‐26) vs children 6% (95% CI: 4‐9)) and CLA plus CIP of 2% (primary resistance in children's group). High secondary resistance rates were found for all antibiotics. Resistance was higher among adults for all antibiotics, except CLA that had high resistance levels both among adults and children (42% 95% CI: 14‐71 and 40% 95% CI: 33‐47).

Conclusions

Hp resistance to the most widely used antibiotics is high in Portugal. Accordingly, our results suggest that the best therapeutic strategy for Hp in Portugal may be quadruple therapy with bismuth for adults and triple therapy including AMX plus MTZ or bismuth‐based therapy for children.
Improvement in the radio frequency method to pasteurise shell eggs by automation and cost reduction
Authors: Geveke David J. , Bigley Andrew B. W. , Brunkhorst Christopher D. , Jones Deana R. , Tilman Eric D.
Published: June 2018

The existing radio frequency (RF) shell egg pasteurisation method, while 60% faster than the industrial hot water method, requires manual rotation of the eggs and expensive deionised water. Therefore, the RF pasteurisation equipment was redesigned to automate egg rotation and use inexpensive tap water. A two‐step process heated eggs for 6 min with RF and then for 15 min with 56.7 °C water. The 21‐min combination process reduced Salmonella Typhimurium in eggs by 6.1 log without affecting the appearance of the albumen, whereas processing with 56.7 °C water alone required 60 min to reduce Salmonella by 5.0 log and clouded the albumen. Angel food cakes made from 21 min RF eggs had significantly greater volumes (P < 0.0001) than those from 60‐min hot water eggs. The improved RF process produced better eggs and cakes than those from the industrial hot water process and is now commercially feasible.
‘In some ways it all helps but in some ways it doesn't’: The complexities of service users’ experiences of inpatient mental health care in Australia
Authors: Isobel Sophie
Published: June 2018

Recovery‐oriented mental health care requires active involvement of service users in the evaluation of care. While experience of care surveys is routinely given out upon discharge, capturing the depth and detail of service users’ experiences in such a way to meaningfully improve services may require more in‐depth and targeted approaches. This study aimed to gather voluntary and involuntary service users’ experiences of care during hospitalization in two acute adult mental health inpatient units, through the collaborative completion of a purpose designed tool. The purpose of the study was to examine broad experiences of care and to identify the utility of proactive approaches to ongoing service evaluation. Overall, 67 participants were interviewed. Findings highlight the complexity of experiences of care including how an admission can seemingly facilitate clinical recovery while not being recovery‐oriented. The findings also detail areas for improvement in the way that care is delivered and evaluated. The implications are particularly pertinent for mental health nurses to consider how, within the existing constraints of their roles, they can provide therapeutic care to all service users.
Spatio‐temporal cladoceran (Branchiopoda) responses to climate change and UV radiation in subarctic ecotonal lakes
Authors: Nevalainen Liisa , Rantala Marttiina V. , Rautio Milla , Luoto Tomi P.
Published: June 2018

Aim

To understand modern and past aquatic community responses to climate‐induced shifts in productivity and ultraviolet radiation (UV) exposure.

Location

Tree line ecotone from north boreal forest to subarctic tundra in northeastern Finnish Lapland.

Taxon

Cladocera (Crustacea: Branchiopoda).

Methods

Thirty‐one small and shallow lakes were examined for summer epilimnetic communities (SEC) and surface sediment fossil integrative communities (FIC) of Cladocera for species distribution and their environmental correlations. A 700‐year down‐core sediment sequence from a tree line lake (Námmájávri) was analysed for FICs and cladoceran‐inferred UV absorbance (ABSUV, indicative of melanin pigmentation) for evidence of long‐term community and photoprotective responses and compared with records of palaeotemperature, solar intensity, and composite sediment biogeochemistry by variance partitioning analysis.

Results

The SECs were primarily correlated with specific UV absorbance (indicative of UV exposure) and total phosphorus and FICs by mean July air temperature and total nitrogen. The Námmájávri FICs showed subtle changes with a directional shift between the 19th and 21st centuries and were mostly explained by solar intensity. ABSUV exhibited increases during the 18th and 20th centuries, being related to variation in sediment biogeochemistry, which was indicative of changes in auto‐ versus allochthonous production.

Main conclusions

The ecotonal distribution of cladocerans is sensitive to temperature, nutrients, and allochthonous carbon, which is closely linked with UV exposure. The long‐term community shifts and photoprotection have been governed by solar intensity and biogeochemical shifts through lake water optics, attributable to direct UV impact or climate‐mediated intensification in photodegradation of allochthonous carbon. Estimations of the dual effects and mechanisms of increasing temperatures and UV on subarctic lakes and their biota remain challenging as their individual impacts on key species were partly contradictory.
Effect of Monochromatic Light on Circadian Rhythm of Clock Genes in Chick Pinealocytes
Authors: Ma Shuhui , Wang Zixu , Cao Jing , Dong Yulan , Chen Yaoxing
Published: June 2018

The avian circadian system is a complex of mutually coupled pacemakers residing in pineal gland, retina and suprachiasmatic nucleus. In this study, the self‐regulation mechanism of pineal circadian rhythm was investigated by culturing chick primary pinealocytes exposed to red light (RL), green light (GL), blue light (BL), white light (WL) and constant darkness (DD), respectively. All illuminations were set up with a photoperiod of 12 light: 12 dark. The 24‐h expression profiles of seven core clock genes (cBmal1/2, cClock, cCry1/2 and cPer2/3), cAanat and melatonin showed significant circadian oscillation in all groups, except for the loss of cCry1 rhythm in BL. Compared to WL, GL increased the amplitudes and mesors of positive elements (cClock and cBmal1/2) and reduced those of negative elements (cCry1/2 and cPer2/3), in contrast to RL. The temporal patterns of cAanatmRNA and melatonin secretion have always been consistent with the positive genes. Besides, GL advanced the acrophases of the positive elements, cAanat and melatonin, but RL and BL showed the opposite effect. Thereby, GL could promote the secretion of melatonin by enhancing the expressions of positive clock genes and repressing the expressions of negative clock genes.
Diagnosis of invasive mold diseases in patients with hematological malignancies using Aspergillus, Mucorales, and panfungal PCR in BAL
Authors: Wehrle‐Wieland Elisabeth , Affolter Kristina , Goldenberger Daniel , Tschudin Sutter Sarah , Halter Joerg , Passweg Jakob , Tamm Michael , Khanna Nina , Stolz Daiana
Published: June 2018

Background

Accurate diagnosis of invasive mold diseases (IMD) remains challenging. Here, the performance of panfungal PCR, Aspergillus and MucoralesPCR in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was evaluated.

Methods

We conducted a single‐center study including 167 hematologic patients at risk for IMD with BAL performed 2011‐2014. Diagnostic performance of single tests (Aspergillus‐, Mucorales‐, and panfungal PCR, galactomannan (GM)≥0.5 and ≥1, culture/cytology) or in combination was calculated for predicting IMD comparing proven/probable or proven/probable/possible IMD vs no IMD, respectively.

Results

IMD was classified as proven (n = 6), probable (n = 31), possible (n = 29) and no IMD (n = 101) according to EORTC/MSG criteria. GM ≥ 0.5 in BAL showed the highest sensitivity with 81% for diagnosing IMD whereas the other tests only 5%‐35%. By contrast, specificity was highest for panfungal PCR with 99% and GM ≥ 1, Mucorales and AspergillusPCR reached specificity ≥91%. When combining the tests, GM ≥ 0.5 and panfungal PCR show a sensitivity and specificity of 87% and 78% for IMD or with AspergillusPCR a sensitivity and specificity of 88% and 72% for invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, respectively. Including possible IMD patients did not improve the sensitivity of PCRs. In probable/proven IMD patients, the addition of panfungal PCR resulted further in detection of Fusarium species and Alternaria species, and the MucoralesPCR was positive in 2 probable IMD cases.

Conclusion

This study illustrates that the diagnosis of IMD is still very problematic and lacks objectivity. Together with GM in BAL, the PCRs may prove an addition to the current available diagnostic armamentarium in IMD because of their ability to identify molds on a species level.
Genotyping analysis of MNS blood group GP(B‐A‐B) hybrid glycophorins in the Chinese Southern Han population using a high‐resolution melting assay
Authors: Wei Ling , Lopez Genghis H. , Zhang Yang , Wen Jizhi , Wang Zhen , Fu Yongshui , Hyland Catherine A. , Flower Robert L. , Luo Guangping , Ji Yanli
Published: June 2018

BACKGROUND

MNS hybrid GP(B‐A‐B) glycophorins are more commonly found in Southeast Asians and alloantibodies to antigens they carry are clinically significant. Detection of hybrid glycophorins by serologic techniques is limited due to lack of commercial reagents. In this study, a genotyping method for GP(B‐A‐B) hybrid glycophorins based on high‐resolution melting (HRM) analysis was applied for genotyping analysis in the Chinese Southern Han population.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

DNA samples from 3104 Chinese Southern Han blood donors were collected. GYP(B‐A‐B) genotypes were analyzed by HRM assay. Parts of samples (n = 106) were also tested by multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification (MLPA) assay. Direct sequencing was conducted in samples with variant melting curve profiles.

RESULTS

A total of five GYP(B‐A‐B) genotypes (201/3104, 6.5%) were identified, which were GYP*Mur heterozygote (n = 194), GYP*Mur homozygote (n = 3), GYP*Bun heterozygote (n = 2), GYP*HF heterozygote (n = 1), and a novel GYP(B‐A‐B) hybrid allele (n = 1). Genotyping results for GYP*Mur and wild‐type GYPB samples obtained by HRM were consistent with MLPA, while GYP*Bun and GYP*HF heterozygote identified by HRM could only be identified to have one copy of 5′ inactive splice site of GYPB Pseudoexon 3 by MLPA. In addition, 10 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) including four known and six novel SNPs were identified in 31 samples. One sample was identified carrying both GYP*Mur and GYP*Sch alleles.

CONCLUSION

The HRM assay could distinguish the GYP(B‐A‐B) hybrid alleles successfully. Polymorphisms identified within the GYPB gene should be taken into consideration when developing GYP(B‐A‐B) genotyping kits for the Chinese population.
Does human leukocyte antigens sensitization matter for xenotransplantation?
Authors: Byrne Guerard W.
Published: June 2018

The major histocompatibility complex class I and class II human leukocyte antigens (HLA) play a central role in adaptive immunity but are also the dominant polymorphic proteins targeted in allograft rejection. Sensitized patients with high levels of panel‐reactive anti‐HLA antibody (PRA) are at risk of early allograft injury, rejection, reduced allograft survival and often experience prolonged waiting times prior to transplantation. Xenotransplantation, using genetically modified porcine organs, offers a unique source of donor organs for these highly sensitized patients if the anti‐HLA antibody, which places the allograft at risk, does not also enhance anti‐pig antibody reactivity responsible for xenograft rejection. Recent improvements in xenotransplantation efficacy have occurred due to improved immune suppression, identification of additional xenogeneic glycans, and continued improvements in donor pig genetic modification. Genetically engineered pig cells, devoid of the known xenogeneic glycans, minimize human antibody reactivity in 90% of human serum samples. For waitlisted patients, early comparisons of patient PRA and anti‐pig antibody reactivity found no correlation suggesting that patients with high PRA levels were not at increased risk of xenograft rejection. Subsequent studies have found that some, but not all, highly sensitized patients express anti‐HLA class I antibody which cross‐reacts with swine leukocyte antigen (SLA) class I proteins. Recent detailed antigen‐specific analysis suggests that porcine‐specific anti‐SLA antibody from sensitized patients binds cross‐reactive groups present in a limited subset of HLA antigens. This suggests that using modern genetic methods, a program to eliminate specific SLA alleles through donor genetic engineering or stringent donor selection is possible to minimize recipient antibody reactivity even for highly sensitized individuals.
The ethics of organ donation, donation after circulatory determination of death, and xenotransplantation from an Islamic perspective
Authors: Padela Aasim I. , Duivenbode Rosie
Published: June 2018

Donation after circulatory determination of death (DCDD) and xenotransplantation are advanced as possible solutions to the growing gap between the number of individuals in need of organ transplantation and the pool of donors. Investigating how various publics, including religious leaders, might view these “therapies” is essential for broad public and professional support and will be needed in order to make these solutions viable. This study, therefore, presents normative Islamic bioethical perspectives on donation after circulatory determination of death and xenotransplantation. First, we will discuss foundational Islamic ethico‐legal debates regarding organ donation. These debates can be grouped into three broad positions, those who consider organ donation categorically impermissible as a violation of human dignity (ḥurma and karāma), those who agree that organ donation is impermissible in principle, but allow it conditionally on the basis of dire necessity (ḍarūra), and those who permit organ donation based on notions of public interest (maṣlaḥa). Next, we will reflect upon the additional ethical dimensions DCDD and xenotransplantation add to these debates. We contend that the condition of minimal harm to the donor and the definition of death need to be accounted for within Islamic perspectives on DCDD. Xenotransplantation, on the other hand, highlights concerns about using pigs for therapeutic purposes. We conclude by commenting on additional questions that remain to be addressed in the Islamic bioethical debate over these practices and with recommendations for further research.
Powassan virus, a scoping review of the global evidence
Authors: Corrin Tricia , Greig Judy , Harding Shannon , Young Ian , Mascarenhas Mariola , Waddell Lisa A.
Published: June 2018

Background

Powassan virus (POWV), a flavivirus discovered in 1958, causes sporadic but severe cases of encephalitis in humans. Since 2007, the number of human Powassan cases diagnosed each year in the USA has steadily increased. This is in agreement with predictions that Powassan cases may increase in North America as a result of increased exposure to infected ticks. However, the increase may also reflect improved diagnostics and reporting among other factors.

Methods

A scoping review was prioritized to identify and characterize the global literature on POWV. Following an a priori developed protocol, a comprehensive search strategy was implemented. Two reviewers screened titles and abstracts for relevant research and the identified full papers were used to characterize the POWV literature using a predetermined data characterization tool.

Results

One hundred and seventy‐eight articles were included. The majority of the studies were conducted in North America (88.2%) between 1958 and 2017. Both genotypes of POWV (Powassan lineage 1 and Deer Tick virus) were isolated or studied in vitro, in vectors, nonhuman hosts and human populations. To date, POWV has been reported in 147 humans in North America. The virus has also been isolated from five tick species, and several animals have tested positive for exposure to the virus. The relevant articles identified in this review cover the following eight topics: epidemiology (123 studies), pathogenesis (66), surveillance (33), virus characterization (22), POWV transmission (8), diagnostic test accuracy (8), treatment (4) and mitigation strategies (3).

Conclusion

The literature on POWV is relatively small compared with other vector‐borne diseases, likely because POWV has not been prioritized due to the small number of severe sporadic human cases. With the projected impact of climate change on tick populations, increases in the number of human cases are expected. It is recommended that future research efforts focus on closing some of the important knowledge gaps identified in this scoping review.
Maghemite thin films prepared using atmospheric-pressure plasma annealing
Authors: Chen Hong-Ying , Yang Shun-Hsiang
Published: June 2018

This study reports the preparation of maghemite (γ-Fe2O3) thin films, using atmospheric-pressure plasma annealed with axial N2 (purity = 99.9%) for 3–25 min. The obtained γ-Fe2O3 thin film had three broad Raman active modes at 350, 500, and 700 cm−1. The surface had an irregular, rough, and faceted morphology when the γ-Fe2O3 phase was formed. Direct and indirect optical bandgaps of the γ-Fe2O3 thin film were 2.22–2.30 and 1.32–1.57 eV, respectively, and the resistivity was 4.6–369.9 Ω cm, significantly lower than previously reported. The thin-film carrier concentrations were from 9.13 × 1014 to 2.83 × 1019 cm−3. Thus, atmospheric-pressure plasma annealing offers an effective shortened annealing time to prepare γ-Fe2O3 thin films.
Global Proteomic Changes Induced by the Epstein-Barr Virus Oncoproteins Latent Membrane Protein 1 and 2A
Authors: DeKroon Robert M. , Gunawardena Harsha P. , Edwards Rachel , Raab-Traub Nancy
Published: June 2018

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) oncoproteins latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) and LMP2A constitutively activate multiple signaling pathways, and both have been shown to interact with cellular ubiquitin ligases and affect cellular ubiquitination. To detect the LMP1- and LMP2A-mediated effects on the global cellular proteome, epithelial cell lines expressing LMP1 or LMP2A were analyzed using label-free quantitative proteomics. To identify proteins whose ubiquitination is affected by the viral proteins, the cells were cultured in the presence and absence of deubiquitinase (DUB) and proteasome inhibitors. More than 7,700 proteins were identified with high confidence and considerably more proteins showed significant differences in expression in the presence of inhibitors. Few of the differentially expressed proteins with or without inhibitors were common between LMP1 and LMP2A, confirming that the viral proteins induce unique changes in cell expression and function. However, ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) of the data indicated that LMP1 and LMP2A modulate many of the same cellular regulatory pathways, including cell death and survival, cell movement, and actin filament dynamics. In addition, various proteasome subunits, ubiquitin-specific peptidases and conjugating enzymes, vesicle trafficking proteins, and NF-κB and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling proteins were affected by LMP1 or LMP2A. These findings suggest that LMP1 and LMP2A may commonly target critical cell pathways through effects on distinct genes, with many cellular proteins modified by ubiquitination and/or degradation.

IMPORTANCE
The Epstein-Barr virus proteins latent membrane protein 1 and 2 have potent effects on cell growth and signaling. Both proteins bind to specific ubiquitin ligases and likely modulate the cellular proteome through ubiquitin-mediated effects on stability and intracellular location. In this study, a comprehensive proteomic analysis of the effects of LMP1 and LMP2A revealed that both proteins affected proteasome subunits, ubiquitin-specific conjugases and peptidases, and vesical trafficking proteins. The data suggest that the effects of these proteins on the abundance and ubiquitination of cellular proteins are in part responsible for their effects on cell growth regulation.
CRISPR Screen Reveals that EHEC’s T3SS and Shiga Toxin Rely on Shared Host Factors for Infection
Authors: Pacheco Alline R. , Lazarus Jacob E. , Sit Brandon , Schmieder Stefanie , Lencer Wayne I. , Blondel Carlos J. , Doench John G. , Davis Brigid M. , Waldor Matthew K.
Published: June 2018

Enterohemorrhagic
Escherichia coli
(EHEC) has two critical virulence factors—a type III secretion system (T3SS) and Shiga toxins (Stxs)—that are required for the pathogen to colonize the intestine and cause diarrheal disease. Here, we carried out a genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats with Cas9) loss-of-function screen to identify host loci that facilitate EHEC infection of intestinal epithelial cells. Many of the guide RNAs identified targeted loci known to be associated with sphingolipid biosynthesis, particularly for production of globotriaosylceramide (Gb3), the Stx receptor. Two loci (TM9SF2 and LAPTM4A) with largely unknown functions were also targeted. Mutations in these loci not only rescued cells from Stx-mediated cell death, but also prevented cytotoxicity associated with the EHEC T3SS. These mutations interfered with early events associated with T3SS and Stx pathogenicity, markedly reducing entry of T3SS effectors into host cells and binding of Stx. The convergence of Stx and T3SS onto overlapping host targets provides guidance for design of new host-directed therapeutic agents to counter EHEC infection.

IMPORTANCE
Enterohemorrhagic
Escherichia coli
(EHEC) has two critical virulence factors—a type III secretion system (T3SS) and Shiga toxins (Stxs)—that are required for colonizing the intestine and causing diarrheal disease. We screened a genome-wide collection of CRISPR mutants derived from intestinal epithelial cells and identified mutants with enhanced survival following EHEC infection. Many had mutations that disrupted synthesis of a subset of lipids (sphingolipids) that includes the Stx receptor globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) and hence protect against Stx intoxication. Unexpectedly, we found that sphingolipids also mediate early events associated with T3SS pathogenicity. Since antibiotics are contraindicated for the treatment of EHEC, therapeutics targeting sphingolipid biosynthesis are a promising alternative, as they could provide protection against both of the pathogen’s key virulence factors.
The ICP27 Homology Domain of the Human Cytomegalovirus Protein UL69 Adopts a Dimer-of-Dimers Structure
Authors: Tunnicliffe Richard B. , Collins Richard F. , Ruiz Nivia Hilda D. , Sandri-Goldin Rozanne M. , Golovanov Alexander P.
Published: June 2018

The UL69 protein from human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a multifunctional regulatory protein and a member of the ICP27 protein family conserved throughout herpesviruses. UL69 plays many roles during productive infection, including the regulation of viral gene expression, nuclear export of intronless viral RNAs, and control of host cell cycle progression. Throughout the ICP27 protein family, an ability to self-associate is correlated with the functions of these proteins in transactivating certain viral genes. Here, we determined the domain boundaries of a globular ICP27 homology domain of UL69, which mediates self-association, and characterized the oligomeric state of the isolated domain. Size exclusion chromatography coupled with multiangle light scattering (SEC-MALS) revealed that residues 200 to 540 form a stable homo-tetramer, whereas a shorter region comprising residues 248 to 536 forms a homo-dimer. Structural analysis of the UL69 tetramer by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed a dimer-of-dimers three-dimensional envelope with bridge features likely from a region of the protein unique to betaherpesviruses. The data provide a structural template for tetramerization and improve our understanding of the structural diversity and features necessary for self-association within UL69 and the ICP27 family.

IMPORTANCE
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection is widespread in the human population but typically remains dormant in an asymptomatic latent state. HCMV causes disease in neonates and adults with suppressed or impaired immune function, as the virus is activated into a lytic state. All species of herpesvirus express a protein from the ICP27 family which functions as a posttranscriptional activator in the lytic state. In HCMV, this protein is called UL69. The region of sequence conservation in the ICP27 family is a folded domain that mediates protein interactions, including self-association and functions in transactivation. All members thus far analyzed homo-dimerize, with the exception of UL69, which forms higher-order oligomers. Here, we use biochemical and structural data to reveal that UL69 forms stable tetramers composed of a dimer of dimers and determine a region essential for cross-dimer stabilization.
“A kind of agonie in my thoughts”: writing puritan and non-conformist women’s pain in 17th-century England
Authors: Searle Alison
Published: June 2018

The relationship between pain as a physical and emotional experience and the concept of suffering as an essential aspect of sanctification for faithful believers was a paradoxical and pressing theological and phenomenological issue for puritan and non-conformist communities in 17th-century England. Pain allows the paradox of non-conformists’ valorisation and suppression of corporeality to be explored due to its simultaneous impact on the mind and body and its tendency to leak across boundaries separating an individual believer from other members of their family or faith community. The material world and the human body were celebrated as theatres for the display of God’s glory through the doctrines of creation and providence despite the fall. Pain as a concept and experience captures this tension as it was represented and communicated in a range of literary genres written by and about puritan and non-conformist women including manuscript letters, spiritual journals, biographies and commonplace books. For such women, targeted by state authorities for transgressing gender norms and the religion established by law, making sense of the pain they experienced was both a personal devotional duty and a political act. Three case studies comprise a microhistory of 17th-century English puritan and non-conformist women’s lived experience, interpretation and representation of pain, inscribed in a series of manuscripts designed to nurture the spiritual and political activism of their communities. This microhistory contributes to a better understanding of pain in early modern England through its excavation of the connections that such writers drew between the imperative to be visibly godly, their marginalised subject position as a proscribed religious minority and their interpretation of the pain they experienced as a result.
Stenting for intracranial stenosis: potential future for the prevention of disabling or fatal stroke
Authors: Yu Wengui , Jiang Wei-Jian
Published: June 2018

Intracranial stenosis is a common cause of ischaemic strokes, in particular, in the Asian, African and Hispanic populations. The randomised multicentre study Stenting and Aggressive Medical Management for the Prevention of Recurrent stroke in Intracranial Stenosis (SAMMPRIS) showed 14.7% risk of stroke or death in the stenting group versus 5.8% in the medical group at 30 days, and 23% in the stenting group versus 15% in the medical group at a median follow-up of 32.4 months. The results demonstrated superiority of medical management over stenting and have almost put the intracranial stenting to rest in recent years. Of note, 16 patients (7.1%) in the stenting group had disabling or fatal stroke within 30 days mostly due to periprocedural complications as compared with 4 patients (1.8%) in the medical group. In contrast, 5 patients (2.2%) in the stenting group and 14 patients (6.2%) in the medical group had a disabling or fatal stroke beyond 30 days, indicating significant benefit of stenting if periprocedural complications can be reduced. Recently, the results of the Chinese Angioplasty and Stenting for Symptomatic Intracranial Severe Stenosis trial and the Wingspan Stent System Post Market Surveillance Study (WEAVE trial) showed 2%–2.7% periprocedural complications. It is time to evaluate the role of intracranial stenting for the prevention of disabling or fatal stroke.
Successful multimodal treatment ofPaecilomyces lilacinusinfection in a dog
Authors: Espadale Eva , Buckley Laura , Borio Stefano , McEwan Neil , Schmidt Vanessa
Published: June 2018

A four‐year‐old English springer spaniel was presented with a nine‐month history of immune‐mediated thrombocytopenia and one‐month history of ulcerative skin lesions. Histopathology of the skin lesions identified intralesional fungal yeasts and hyphae. Definitive diagnosis was achieved via culture, which identified the organism asPaecilomyces lilacinus. This report describes the successful management of the first UK documented case of canineP lilacinusinfection following tapering of immunosuppressive treatment and combined antifungal therapy.
In-depth analysis of the emotional reactivity of American mink (Neovison vison) under behavioral tests
Authors: Zieliński D. , Ślaska B. , Rozempolska-Rucińska I. , Zoń A.
Published: June 2018

Currently, the importance of research into the behavior of farm animals is being highlighted. Monitoring animal temperament is a key aspect in improving their well-being. The aim of the study was to search for indicators facilitating classification of the emotional reactivity of mink (Neovison vison) using behavioral tests: glove and empathic tests. Both tests were applied to 760 mink in triplicate to assess their behavioral profile. Based on the obtained assessments, the animals subjected to the empathic test were classified into one of the four behavioral profiles: aggressive, curious, fearful, and neutral. The contact time of the mink with the new object in the empathic test clearly differentiates all four types of mink behavior. The significantly longest contact with the object was found for aggressive, and the shortest for neutral animals. The intensity and time of contact with the object may be an indicator of the behavioral profile of mink. Based on the results, it can be concluded that an additional predictor of the mink reactivity during behavioral tests should be taken into account, the intensity of contact with the object measured both by the intensity of direct contact and by the duration of this contact. The results shown in this study can be used as a selection indicator by including the temperament of farm mink in selection.
The coevolution of adult body mass and excretion rate between genetically size-divergent brook trout populations
Authors: Guernon Stéphanie , Yates Matthew C. , Fraser Dylan J. , Derry Alison M.
Published: June 2018

We tested if there was a difference in mass-specific excretion rate between two genetically size-divergent brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) populations that can be accounted for by genetic/maternal factors. We conducted laboratory-based common garden experimentation using F1 generation fish, with five to seven families per population at two ages (0.5 year juveniles and 1.5 years adults). We found that genetic/maternal differences in excretion rate on a per gram basis coevolve with genetic divergence in adult body mass between the populations. However, this coevolution has also resulted in no net difference in excretion rate between populations when differences in adult body mass were accounted for. Uncertainty in census estimates and variation in body mass distributions created substantial variation in extrapolated whole-population excretion estimates. No other studies to our knowledge have tested for genetic/maternal divergence in excretion rate between genetically size-divergent fish populations. Genetically based population divergence in body mass, energy allocation in reproduction, and mass-specific excretion rate in the brook trout was likely a result of selection associated with differences in the availability of overwintering habitat between streams.
Study of charged anisotropic spherical collapse in f(𝒢) gravity
Authors: Sharif M. , Naz Saba
Published: June 2018

This paper studies the gravitational collapse of charged anisotropic spherical stellar objects in [Formula: see text] gravity. For this purpose, we derive dynamical equations by considering Misner–Sharp mechanism and explore physical impact of charge, anisotropy and effective pressure on the rate of collapse. We establish the relationship between matter variables, Weyl tensor and the Gauss–Bonnet (GB) terms. For constant value of [Formula: see text], it turns out that conformal flatness condition is no longer valid due to the effect of anisotropic factor in the present scenario. To obtain conformally flat metric, we impose the condition of isotropic matter distribution which provides energy density homogeneity and conformal flatness of the metric. We conclude that GB terms lead to decrease in the collapse rate due to their anti-gravitational effects.
Crowdsourced Web Application Testing Under Real-Time Constraints
Authors: Guo Shikai , Chen Rong , Li Hui , Gao Jian , Liu Yaqing
Published: June 2018

Crowdsourcing carried out by cyber citizens instead of hired consultants and professionals has become increasingly an appealing solution to test the feature rich and interactive web. Despite having various online crowdsourcing testing services, the benefits of exposure to a wider audience and harnessing the collective efforts of individuals remain uncertain, especially when the quality control is problematic in an open environment. The objective of this paper is to propose a real-time collaborative testing approach (RCTA) to create a productive crowdsourced testing on a dynamic Internet. We implemented a prototype crowdsourcing system XTurk, and carried out a case study, to understand the crowdsourced testers behavior, the trustworthiness, the execution time of test cases and accuracy of feedback. Several experiments are carried out and experimental results validate the quality, efficiency and reliability of the present approach and the positive testing feedback is are shown to outperform the previous methods.