bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Primary role of barrier dysfunction in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis
Authors: Elias Peter M.
Published: May 2018

Based upon the efficacy of recently developed biologics, the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD) is being attributed once again to the prominent inflammation that occurs in this disorder. Yet, molecular genetics has clearly shown that the aetiology of AD can be attributed to mutations in stratum corneum structural proteins that impact epidermal barrier function, while inflammation instead emerges as a downstream consequence of a sustained, barrier‐driven cytokine cascade. Although several different mutations that compromise barrier function are associated with AD, all of these mutations compromise either the contents or secretion of epidermal lamellar bodies. Therapies directed at specific immune participants, though effective temporarily, inevitably are followed by “rebound flares,” just as occur following glucocorticoid therapy. While occlusive moisturizers dampen inflammation, they do not address the underlying lipid biochemical abnormality in AD, which can be corrected more specifically with topical, physiologic lipid‐based forms of barrier repair therapy (BRT). Accordingly, BRT has been shown to be as effective as topical, mid‐potency steroids for the treatment of moderate‐to‐severe paediatric AD.
Origins and structural properties of novel andde novoprotein domains during insect evolution
Authors: Klasberg Steffen , Bitard‐Feildel Tristan , Callebaut Isabelle , Bornberg‐Bauer Erich
Published: May 2018

Over long time scales, protein evolution is characterized by modular rearrangements of protein domains. Such rearrangements are mainly caused by gene duplication, fusion and terminal losses. To better understand domain emergence mechanisms we investigated 32 insect genomes covering a speciation gradient ranging from ~ 2 to ~ 390 mya. We use established domain models and foldable domains delineated by hydrophobic cluster analysis (HCA), which does not require homologous sequences, to also identify domains which have likely arisende novo, that is, from previously noncodingDNA. Our results indicate that most novel domains emerge terminally as they originate fromORFextensions while fewer arise in middle arrangements, resulting from exonization of intronic or intergenic regions. Many novel domains rapidly migrate between terminal or middle positions and single‐ and multidomain arrangements. Young domains, such as mostHCA‐defined domains, are under strong selection pressure as they show signals of purifying selection.De novodomains, linked to ancient domains or defined byHCA, have higher degrees of intrinsic disorder and disorder‐to‐order transition upon binding than ancient domains. However, the correspondingDNAsequences of the novel domains ofde novoorigins could only rarely be found in sister genomes. We conclude that novel domains are often recruited by other proteins and undergo important structural modifications shortly after their emergence, but evolve too fast to be characterized by cross‐species comparisons alone.
ER stress and unfolded protein response in ocular health and disease
Authors: Kroeger Heike , Chiang Wei‐Chieh , Felden Julia , Nguyen Amanda , Lin Jonathan H.
Published: May 2018

The human eye is the organ that is able to react to light in order to provide sharp three‐dimensional and colored images. Unfortunately, the health of the eye can be impacted by various stimuli that can lead to vision loss, such as environmental changes, genetic mutations, or aging. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and unfolded protein response (UPR) signaling have been detected in many diverse ocular diseases, and chemical and genetic approaches to modulate ER stress and specific UPR regulatory molecules have shown beneficial effects in animal models of eye disease. This review highlights specific eye diseases associated with ER stress and UPR activity, based on a recent symposia exploring this theme.
An empirical mode decomposition‐based frequency‐domain approach for the fatigue analysis of nonstationary processes
Authors: Niu Qian , Yang Shi‐xi , Li Xing‐lin
Published: May 2018

Mechanical structures in service are often subjected to irregular loads, which are typically idealized as stationary random processes. However, the service loads in real applications are often nonstationary ones, in which case conventional frequency‐domain methods are no longer applicable. Here, a novel frequency‐domain approach based on empirical mode decomposition is developed for the fatigue analysis of nonstationary processes. A simplified approach is introduced to calculate the rainflow cycle distributions of non‐Gaussian intrinsic mode functions. Two typical nonstationary processes in engineering practice are simulated numerically to validate the proposed method. The proposed method is applied to fatigue life estimation of a dynamical structure under nonstationary excitations. Reliable life estimations are obtained within much less computation time than the time‐domain method. The results verify the applicability and effectiveness of the proposed method for the fatigue analysis of nonstationary processes.
Tree diversity mitigates defoliation after a drought‐induced tipping point
Authors: Sousa‐Silva Rita , Verheyen Kris , Ponette Quentin , Bay Elodie , Sioen Geert , Titeux Hugues , Van de Peer Thomas , Van Meerbeek Koenraad , Muys Bart
Published: May 2018

Understanding the processes that underlie drought‐related tree vitality loss is essential for anticipating future forest dynamics, and for developing management plans aiming at increasing the resilience of forests to climate change. Forest vitality has been continuously monitored in Europe since the acid rain alert in the 1980s, and the intensive monitoring plots of ICP Forests offer the opportunity to investigate the effects of air pollution and climate change on forest condition. By making use of over 100 long‐term monitoring plots, where crown defoliation has been assessed extensively since 1990, we discovered a progressive shift from a negative to a positive effect of species richness on forest health. The observed tipping point in the balance of net interactions, from competition to facilitation, has never been reported from real ecosystems outside experimental conditions; and the strong temporal consistency of our observations with increasing drought stress emphasizes its climate change relevance. Furthermore, we show that higher species diversity has reduced the severity of defoliation in the long term. Our results confirm the greater resilience of diverse forests to future climate change‐induced stress. More generally, they add to an accumulating body of evidence on the large potential of tree species mixtures to face manifold disturbances in a changing world.
Projected timing of perceivable changes in climate extremes for terrestrial and marine ecosystems
Authors: Tan Xuezhi , Gan Thian Yew , Horton Daniel E.
Published: May 2018

Human and natural systems have adapted to and evolved within historical climatic conditions. Anthropogenic climate change has the potential to alter these conditions such that onset of unprecedented climatic extremes will outpace evolutionary and adaptive capabilities. To assess whether and when future climate extremes exceed their historical windows of variability within impact‐relevant socioeconomic, geopolitical, and ecological domains, we investigate the timing of perceivable changes (time of emergence; TOE) for 18 magnitude‐, frequency‐, and severity‐based extreme temperature (10) and precipitation (8) indices using both multimodel and single‐model multirealization ensembles. Under a high‐emission scenario, we find that the signal of frequency‐ and severity‐based temperature extremes is projected to rise above historical noise earliest in midlatitudes, whereas magnitude‐based temperature extremes emerge first in low and high latitudes. Precipitation extremes demonstrate different emergence patterns, with severity‐based indices first emerging over midlatitudes, and magnitude‐ and frequency‐based indices emerging earliest in low and high latitudes. Applied to impact‐relevant domains, simulated TOE patterns suggest (a) unprecedented consecutive dry day occurrence in >50% of 14 terrestrial biomes and 12 marine realms prior to 2100, (b) earlier perceivable changes in climate extremes in countries with lower per capita GDP, and (c) emergence of severe and frequent heat extremes well‐before 2030 for the 590 most populous urban centers. Elucidating extreme‐metric and domain‐type TOE heterogeneities highlights the challenges adaptation planners face in confronting the consequences of elevated twenty‐first century radiative forcing.
Red Ear: Syndrome or Symptom?
Authors: de Amorim Isabel Loução , Kauppila Linda Azevedo , Martins Isabel Pavão
Published: May 2018

Red ear syndrome (RES) is a rare disorder characterized by attacks of unilateral ear pain during which the ear becomes red. Episodes can occur spontaneously, or be triggered, in most cases, by rubbing or touching the ear. Both duration and frequency are variable. RES has been explained by a dysfunction of cervical spinal nerves (C3 root) and a dysregulation with disinhibition of brainstem trigemino‐autonomic circuits, leading to sympathetic inhibition and parasympathetic hyperactivity producing vasodilation. We describe 6 new cases of RES with different characteristics. Although all presented the cardinal symptom of red ear, the headache patterns were suggestive of other primary headaches (migraine or cluster headache). Therapeutic response was obtained when directed to the associated primary headache phenotype, suggesting that RES may be a phenomena associated with different headaches, rather than a syndrome in itself.
Behavioral Approaches for Primary Headaches: Recent Advances
Authors: Raggi Alberto , Grignani Eleonora , Leonardi Matilde , Andrasik Frank , Sansone Emanuela , Grazzi Licia , D'Amico Domenico
Published: May 2018

Background

Behavioral treatments in the management of primary headache disorders in adults and children are increasingly being recognized as effective; however, the level and durability of their effectiveness is still a matter of debate. This review aims to provide more updated information on the effects of behavioral therapies in adults and adolescents with primary headache disorders, with a special focus on new and emerging behavioral treatments.

Methods

We searched SCOPUS for peer‐reviewed papers that reported randomized controlled trial or observational studies addressing behavioral treatment for headache disorders published in the period January 2010 to October 2017.

Results

A total of 22 publications, in which 2110 participants were recruited, were included in the review. Most of the studies referred to cognitive behavioral therapies, and a reduction of headache frequency higher than 35% was generally reported irrespective of the approach. In addition, valuable impact disability and quality of life was observed, as well as improvements in depression, anxiety, self‐efficacy, and intake of medications.

Conclusions

Behavioral approaches are effective and less prone to produce side or harmful effects, which makes them a valid option particularly for women who are pregnant or nursing, people with other chronic conditions requiring pharmacological treatments putting them at risk for drug‐drug interactions, and children.
NIR photoluminescence and radioluminescence characteristics of Nd3+ doped BaTa2O6 phosphor
Authors: İlhan Mustafa , Keskin İlker Çetin , Çatalgöl Zarif , Samur Ramazan
Published: May 2018

Barium tantalate phosphors activated with different concentrations of Nd3+ ion were synthesized via conventional solid state reaction method. The synthesized ceramic powders were characterized by X–ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy‐energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM‐EDS), laser diode (LD) excited near infrared (NIR) photoluminescence and X‐ray induced radioluminescence (RL) analyses. In XRD results, Nd3+ doped BaTa2O6 structure with tetragonal tungsten bronze (TTB) symmetry was observed to continue up to 10 mol%. In the examination of ceramic powders by SEM, grain size decreased with the increasing doping concentration. By using laser diode excited NIR photoluminescence of BaTa2O6:Nd3+ phosphor exhibited characteristic emissions at 877, 1080, and 1376 nm wavelengths due to 4F3/2 → 4I11/2, 4F3/2 → 4I11/2, and 4F3/2 → 4I11/2 band transitions respectively. Scintillation properties of Nd3+ doped samples from UV to near‐IR spectral region were carried out by the radioluminescence analysis. NIR and scintillation emissions initially increased by the doping concentration, and then decreased due to concentration quenching effect.
Syringes versus Chinese cups in harvesting suction‐induced blister graft: a randomized split‐body study
Authors: Anbar Tag S. , Moftah Nayera H. , El‐Khayyat Mohammad A.M. , El‐Fakahany Hasan M. , Abdel‐Rahman Amal T. , Saad Enas K.
Published: May 2018

Background

Suction blister grafting (SBG) is a technique where the pigmented epidermis is harvested from the donor site by induction of a blister using different suction methods as syringes, Chinese cups, suction device, etc. However, pain, time consumption, incomplete blister formation, and failure of blister development are the main limitations.

Objective

To compare between cups and syringes of similar diameter in inducing suction blisters.

Patients and methods

In 30 patients with stable nonsegmental vitiligo, 2‐cm‐diameter (20 ml) syringe was applied on the anterolateral aspect of one thigh and a 2‐cm‐diameter cup on the corresponding site of the other thigh where right and left sides were chosen randomly. Patients were observed untill complete blister development or for a maximum of 3 hours. Suction blister induction time (SBIT) and the blister diameter were recorded for each patient. Pain during the process of induction was evaluated.

Results

Incomplete blister development was noted in 9 out of 30 (30%) with 2 cm syringes and 6 out of 30 (20%) with the similar diameter cups with no significant difference (P = 0.49). No significant difference was found between SBIT induced by the 2 cm syringes and the similar size cups (101.17 ± 68.14 minutes, 98 ± 56.84 minutes, respectively) (P = 0.85). Meanwhile, blister diameter induced by either syringe or cup was not significantly different (P = 0.37). Anesthesia was for short duration with xylocaine, and pain was intolerable in both sides in the first seven patients. A combination of xylocaine and bupivacaine was used with prolonged loss of pain in 17 of the remaining 23 patients and tolerable pain in six patients similarly in both sides.

Conclusion

According to present results, the differences in SIBT, diameter of blisters, and number of complete blister formation induced by either syringes or cups of similar size were not significant. Therefore, whatever the available and feasible technique for the surgeon will be the ideal choice. A combination of xylocaine and bupivacaine is recommended to overcome the accompanying pain of the procedure.
Utility of next‐generation sequencing methods to identify the novel HLA alleles in potential stem cell donors from Chinese Marrow Donor Program
Authors: Qi Jun , Wang Tian‐Ju , Chen Li‐Ping , Wang Xiao‐Fang , Wang Man‐Ni , Wu Jun‐Hua
Published: May 2018

The human leucocyte antigen (HLA) is the most polymorphic region of the human genome. Compared with Sanger‐sequencing‐based typing (SBT) methods, next‐generation sequencing (NGS) has significantly higher throughput and depth sequencing characteristics, having dramatic impacts on HLA typing in clinical settings. Here, we performed NGS technology with Ion Torrent S5 platform to evaluate the potential four novel HLA alleles detected in five donors from Chinese Marrow Donor Program (CMDP, Shaanxi Province) during routine Sanger SBT testing. We also predicted the highest estimated relative frequency novel allele‐bearing haplotypes according to their phenotypes and HaploStats database. NGS assays, as it provided the phase‐defined and complete sequencing information, undoubtedly increase novel allele identification which will greatly enrich HLA database and provide more information for donor selection.
Three chemosensory proteins from the rice leaf folder Cnaphalocrocis medinalis involved in host volatile and sex pheromone reception
Authors: Zeng F.‐F. , Liu H. , Zhang A. , Lu Z.‐X. , Leal W. S. , Abdelnabby H. , Wang M.‐Q.
Published: May 2018

Chemosensory proteins (CSPs) have been considered to play a key role in chemoreception in insects. As stated in our earlier study, three CSP genes from rice leaf folder Cnaphalocrocis medinalis have been identified and showed potential physiological functions in olfaction. Here, we conducted western blot, immunolocalization, competitive binding assay and knockdown assay by RNA interference both in vitro and in vivo to reveal the functions of these three CSPs in C. medinalis. Results showed that both CmedCSP1 and CmedCSP2 are housed in sensilla basiconica and showed high binding affinities to a wide range of host‐related semiochemicals. On the other hand, CmedCSP3 is highly expressed in sensilla trichodea of males and sensilla basiconica of females. It showed binding affinities to plant volatiles, especially terpenoids, as well as two of the C. medinalis sex pheromone components, Z11‐16:Ac and Z11‐16:Al. The transcript expression level of the three CSP genes significantly decreased after injecting target double‐stranded RNAs and resulted in remarkably down‐regulation on electroantennogram responses evoked by host‐related semiochemicals and one sex pheromone compound, which have high binding affinities with CmedCSPs. In conclusion, the three CmedCSPs tested are involved in C. medinalis reception of semiochemicals, including host attractants and sex pheromones.
Efficiency, effectiveness, and impacts assessment in the rail transport sector: a state‐of‐the‐art critical analysis of current research
Authors: Catalano Giuseppe , Daraio Cinzia , Diana Marco , Gregori Martina , Matteucci Giorgio
Published: May 2018

This paper aims at being a comprehensive reference for stakeholders, policy makers, and scholars interested in analyzing the problem of efficiency, effectiveness, and impacts of rail transport systems in a sound empirical way, paying specific attention to passenger transport services. The paper combines different analytical frameworks (engineering, economics, impacts), systematic review techniques, and advanced mappings. Framing economic efficiency studies into a transport planning perspective permits to move from efficiency to effectiveness issues. In addition, including impacts offers a critical discussion of the existing empirical studies, relating them to the main methodological approaches used. This analysis can be useful for those interested in developing new techniques for the evaluation of this sector. The critical analysis developed in this paper provides a catalog of inputs, outputs, external factors, possible impacts to account for, data, and approaches, which allows us to identify areas in which new methodological developments, new approaches, are needed to address the relevant societal challenges of the rail transport sector.
Graph fragmentation problem: analysis and synthesis
Authors: Aprile Manuel , Castro Natalia , Ferreira Graciela , Piccini Juan , Robledo Franco , Romero Pablo
Published: May 2018

Vulnerability metrics play a key role in the understanding of cascading failures and target/random attacks to a network. The graph fragmentation problem (GFP) is the result of a worst‐case analysis of a random attack. We can choose a fixed number of individuals for protection, and a nonprotected target node immediately destroys all reachable nodes. The goal is to minimize the expected number of destroyed nodes in the network. In this paper, we address the GFP by several approaches: metaheuristics, approximation algorithms, polytime methods for specific instances, and exact methods for small instances. The computational complexity of the GFP is included in our analysis, where we formally prove that the corresponding decision version of the problem is ‐complete. Furthermore, a strong inapproximability result holds: there is no polynomial approximation algorithm with factor lower than 5/3, unless . This promotes the study of specific instances of the problem for tractability and/or exact methods in exponential time. As a synthesis, we propose new vulnerability/connectivity metrics and an interplay with game theory using a closely related combinatorial problem called component order connectivity.
Enhanced photoresponse and photocatalytic activities of graphene quantum dots sensitized Ag/TiO2 thin film
Authors: Wang Wenhao , Wang Shun , Lv Jianguo , Zhao Min , Zhang Miao , He Gang , Fang Chenxu , Li Lele , Sun Zhaoqi
Published: May 2018

TiO2 thin films were fabricated through hydrothermal method. Silver nanoparticles were loaded on TiO2 thin films via photoreduction technique. Subsequently, the graphene quantum dots (GQDs) were spin‐coated on the Ag/TiO2 nanocomposites thin films. The crystal structure, surface morphology and UV‐vis absorbance were tested by XRD, SEM and ultraviolet‐visible spectrophotometer. These results indicated that Ag nanoparticles and GQDs are anchored on the TiO2 nanorods. Absorbance of Ag/TiO2 and GQDs/Ag/TiO2 nanocomposite thin films have been extended into the visible region. Visible‐light response of the samples were investigated by electrochemical workstation. The photoresponse of the sample can be enhanced by sensitization of the Ag nanoparticles and GQDs. The enhanced visible‐light response may be due to the surface plasmon resonance of silver nanoparticles and visible absorbance of GQDs. The highest photocatalytic activity has been observed in the 9‐GQDs/Ag/TiO2 composite thin film. The efficient charge separation and transportation can be achieved by introducing the Ag nanoparticles and GQDs in the TiO2 thin film.
An investigation of metal ion diffusion in ceria‐based solid oxide fuel cell with barium‐containing anode
Authors: Cao Jiafeng , Ji Yuexia , Zhou Xuejun , Cao Chunxiang , He Xianmei , Liu Wei
Published: May 2018

Metal ion diffusion is an effective strategy to suppress the internal electronic short circuit in ceria‐based solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). This could be achieved by fabricating an electron‐blocking layer between the barium‐containing anode and ceria‐based electrolyte. In this paper, a 0.6NiO‐0.4BaZr0.1Ce0.7Y0.2O3‐δ (NiO‐BZCY) anode‐supported cell based on Gd0.1Ce0.9O2‐δ (GDC) electrolyte was employed to evaluate the internal metal ion diffusion behavior. The high open circuit voltages of about 1 V obtained at 550‐700°C can be attributed to in situ formation of an electron‐blocking interlayer between NiO‐BZCY and GDC. Microstructural analyses of the interlayer grains obtained by traditional solid‐state reaction were carried out. Phase identification demonstrated that the electron‐blocking interlayer had a perovskite structure. SEM and TEM analyses indicated formation of a new compound in the interlayer, of which the composition was determined as Zr, Y, and Ni co‐doped BaCe0.9Gd0.1O3 with orthorhombic structure.
Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 activation ameliorates CCl4‐induced chronic liver fibrosis in mice by up‐regulating Nrf2/HO‐1 antioxidant pathway
Authors: Ma Xin , Luo Qin , Zhu Hong , Liu Xuejing , Dong Zhen , Zhang Kaili , Zou Yunzeng , Wu Jian , Ge Junbo , Sun Aijun
Published: May 2018

Mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) is critical in the pathogenesis of alcoholic liver cirrhosis. However, the effect of ALHD2 on liver fibrosis remains to be further elucidated. This study aimed to demonstrate whether ALDH2 regulates carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)‐induced liver fibrosis and to investigate the efficacy of Alda‐1, a specific activator of ALDH2, on attenuating liver fibrosis. ALDH2 expression was increased after chronic CCl4 exposure. ALDH2 deficiency accentuated CCl4‐induced liver fibrosis in mice, accompanied by increased expression of collagen 1α1, α‐SMA and TIMP‐1. Moreover, ALDH2 knockout triggered more ROS generation, hepatocyte apoptosis and impaired mitophagy after CCl4 treatment. In cultured HSC‐T6 cells, ALDH2 knockdown by transfecting with lentivirus vector increased ROS generation and α‐SMA expression in an in vitro hepatocyte fibrosis model using TGF‐β1. ALDH2 overexpression by lentivirus or activation by Alda‐1 administration partly reversed the effect of TGF‐β1, whereas ALDH2 knockdown totally blocked the protective effect of Alda‐1. Furthermore, Alda‐1 administration protected against liver fibrosis in vivo, which might be mediated through up‐regulation of Nrf2/HO‐1 cascade and activation of Parkin‐related mitophagy. These findings indicate that ALDH2 deficiency aggravated CCl4‐induced hepatic fibrosis through ROS overproduction, increased apoptosis and mitochondrial damage, whereas ALDH2 activation through Alda‐1 administration alleviated hepatic fibrosis partly through activation of the Nrf2/HO‐1 antioxidant pathway and Parkin‐related mitophagy, which indicate ALDH2 as a promising anti‐fibrotic target and Alda‐1 as a potential therapeutic agent in treating CCl4‐induced liver fibrosis.
Interacting effects of predation risk and resource level on escape speed of amphibian larvae along a latitudinal gradient
Authors: Lindgren Beatrice , Orizaola Germán , Laurila Anssi
Published: May 2018

Fast‐growing genotypes living in time‐constrained environments are often more prone to predation, suggesting that growth‐predation risk trade‐offs are important factors maintaining variation in growth along climatic gradients. However, the mechanisms underlying how fast growth increases predation‐mediated mortality are not well understood. Here, we investigated if slow‐growing, low‐latitude individuals have faster escape swimming speed than fast‐growing high‐latitude individuals using common frog (Rana temporaria) tadpoles from eight populations collected along a 1500 km latitudinal gradient. We measured escape speed in terms of burst and endurance speeds in tadpoles raised in the laboratory at two food levels and in the presence and absence of a predator (Aeshna dragonfly larvae). We did not find any latitudinal trend in escape speed performance. In low food treatments, burst speed was higher in tadpoles reared with predators but did not differ between high‐food treatments. Endurance speed, on the contrary, was lower in high‐food tadpoles reared with predators and did not differ between treatments at low food levels. Tadpoles reared with predators showed inducible morphology (increased relative body size and tail depth), which had positive effects on speed endurance at low but not at high food levels. Burst speed was positively affected by tail length and tail muscle size in the absence of predators. Our results suggest that escape speed does not trade‐off with fast growth along the latitudinal gradient in R. temporaria tadpoles. Instead, escape speed is a plastic trait and strongly influenced by the interaction between resource level and predation risk.
Efficacy and Tolerability of Direct‐Acting Antivirals for Hepatitis C in Older Adults
Authors: Mazzarelli Chiara , Considine Aisling , Childs Kate , Carey Ivana , Manini Matteo Angelo , Suddle Abid , Dusheiko Geoffrey , Agarwal Kosh , Cannon Mary D.
Published: May 2018

Objectives

To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) therapy in individuals aged 65 and older.

Design

Retrospective review between June 2014 and January 2017.

Setting

Viral hepatitis outpatient clinic.

Participants

Individuals aged 65 and older treated with DAA therapy for hepatitis C virus (HCV) during the study period (N=113) divided into 2 cohorts: aged 65 to 74 (n=88) and aged 75 and older (n=25).

Measurements

Drug‐drug interactions (DDIs), adverse events (AEs), and rates of sustained virologic response with DAA therapy were assessed.

Results

Sustained virologic response rate was 97.7% in individuals aged 65 to 74 and 95.8% in those aged 75 and older. Individuals aged 75 and older were more likely to be taking more than 2 medications per day for chronic conditions (84% vs 62%, p=.02) and more likely to have clinically significant DDIs necessitating cessation or adjustment of medications before commencement of DAA therapy (80% vs 36%, p=.001). Moreover, individuals aged 75 and older were more likely to experience an AE during therapy (50% vs 26%, p=.03) and were more susceptible to developing anemia secondary to ribavirin (60% vs 20%, p=.02).

Conclusion

DAA therapy is highly efficacious for the treatment of HCV in older adults, but those aged 75 and older are more likely to have clinically significant pretreatment DDIs and experience AEs, including ribavirin‐induced anemia, during therapy.
Adherence to Canada's Food Guide recommendations among Alberta's multi‐ethnic youths is a major concern: findings from the WHY ACT NOW project
Authors: Kolahdooz F. , Nader F. , Daemi M. , Jang S. L. , Johnston N. , Sharma S.
Published: May 2018

Background

Dietary habits formed during youth may result in the development of obesity and chronic diseases in adulthood. We aimed to determine the frequency of the consumption of foods and beverages and the degree of adherence to Canada's Food Guide recommendations among multi‐ethnic youths.

Methods

Participants were recruited from 12 schools in the Edmonton, Alberta area by use of posters, school newsletters and advertisements. A 30‐item food frequency questionnaire was administered by a trained interviewer to assess dietary intake in a convenience sample of 557 (328 females and 229 males) youths aged 11–23 years; for the purpose of the present study, only the 14–18 years age group was considered in the analysis. Participants were divided by sex and self‐identified ethnicity into four groups [Indigenous, African & Middle Eastern (AME), Asian, and European]. Statistical analysis of the data was undertaken using t‐tests, Welch's analysis of variance and Games‐Howell tests. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Vegetables and Fruit recommendations were the least likely to be followed, with 90.7–96.8% of participants in all groups not consuming the recommended number of servings day–1. The mean frequency of fruit consumption was lower among Indigenous youths compared to Asian youths (0.90 versus 1.37 times day–1). A greater proportion of males than females (55.9% versus 44.3%) did not meet the minimum recommendations for Meat and Alternatives (P = 0.016). The percentage of youths not adhering to recommendations for Milk and Alternatives was 81.7% for Indigenous, 73.3% for AME, 78.6% for Asian and 63.5% for European youths. Indigenous youths more frequently consumed potato chips and soft drinks compared to other ethnic youths. The most frequently consumed beverage was milk (1.25 times day–1).

Conclusions

The majority of youths did not consume minimum daily recommended servings of Vegetables and Fruit, Milk and Alternatives, and/or Meat and Alternatives food groups. Evidence‐based dietary interventions and public health strategies are needed.
Non‐pharmacological interventions for adults with intellectual disabilities and depression: a systematic review
Authors: Hamers P. C. M. , Festen D. A. M. , Hermans H.
Published: May 2018

Background

Although high rates of depression symptoms are reported in adults with intellectual disabilities (IDs), there is a lack of knowledge about non‐pharmacological treatment options for depression in this population. The first research question of this paper is: Which non‐pharmacological interventions have been studied in adults with ID and depression? The second research question is: What were the results of these non‐pharmacological interventions?

Method

Systematic review of the literature with an electronic search in six databases has been completed with hand searches. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analyses guidelines have been followed. Selected studies met predefined inclusion criteria.

Results

Literature search resulted in 4267 papers of which 15 met the inclusion criteria. Five different types of non‐pharmacological interventions have been studied: cognitive behavioural therapy, behavioural therapy, exercise intervention, social problem‐solving skills programme and bright light therapy.

Conclusion

There are only a few studies of good quality evaluating non‐pharmacological interventions for adults with ID and depression. Some of these studies, especially studies on cognitive behavioural therapy, show good results in decreasing depressive symptoms. High‐quality randomised controlled trials evaluating non‐pharmacological interventions with follow‐up are needed.
Monkey viral pathology in the Sukhum colony and modeling human viral infections
Authors: Lapin Boris A. , Shevtsova Zinaida V.
Published: May 2018

The data characterizing spontaneous infections of Old World monkeys: measles, poliomyelitis, hepatitis A (HPA), encephalomyocarditis, coronavirus infection, simian hemorrhagic fever (SHF), are presented. The experimental infections were reproduced with the isolated pathogens. On these models, pathogenesis and epidemiology of these diseases were studied. The efficiency of poliomyelitis, measles and HPA vaccines is shown. The priority of data on the discovery of earlier unknown disease—SHF and “Sukhumi” virus—are emphasized. Several important pathogenic mechanisms common for various hemorrhagic fevers were studied on experimental SHF of macaques. This model is uniquely safe and adequate for the assessment of therapy of hemorrhagic fevers dangerous for humans.
Is genetic drift to blame for testicular dysgenesis syndrome in Semliki chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii)?
Authors: Rich Alicia M. , Wasserman Michael D. , Deimel Caroline , Breeden Scott K. , Kaestle Frederika , Hunt Kevin D.
Published: May 2018

Background

We present 3 likely cases of testicular dysgenesis syndrome (TDS) within a community of chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii). We tested whether genetic drift may be the culprit, as a genetic cause has been suspected to account for TDS among other wildlife.

Methods

We successfully sequenced a 367‐bp segment spanning the first hypervariable region within the D‐loop of the mitochondrial genome for 78 DNA samples.

Results

We found 24 polymorphic sequence sites consisting of 7 singletons and 17 parsimony informative sites. This sample contained 9 haplotypes with a diversity index of 0.78 (SD = 0.03). All tests against the null hypothesis of neutral polymorphisms were non‐significant (P > .10). The mismatch distribution of pairwise differences does not fit a Poisson's curve (raggedness index = 0.166; SSD = 0.12; P = 1).

Conclusions

Thus, we found no significant signs of genetic isolation, population expansion, or genetic bottleneck. Alternative causes of TDS and how they might pertain to this population are discussed.
Oral Histories of Nurse‐Midwives in Georgia, 1970‐1989: Blazing Trails, Building Fences, Raising Towers
Authors: Thrower Eileen J. B.
Published: May 2018

Introduction

This article provides an account of the establishment and development of the contemporary nurse‐midwifery profession in Georgia, which was previously undocumented. Oral history interviews with nurse‐midwives who were in clinical and educational practice in Georgia during the 1970s and 1980s were collected and analyzed to identify factors that affected the establishment of nurse‐midwifery in this state.

Methods

This study relied on historical methodology. Oral history interviews provided primary sources for analysis. Secondary sources included archives belonging to the narrators’ nurse‐midwifery services as well as scholarly and professional publications from 1923 to the present. Data were analyzed using Miller‐Rosser and colleagues’ method.

Results

In‐depth interviews were conducted with 14 nurse‐midwives who worked in clinical practice or education in Georgia in the 1970s and 1980s. The narrators’ testimonies revealed facilitators for the establishment of nurse‐midwifery in Georgia, including increasing access to care, providing woman‐centered care, interprofessional relationships, and the support of peers. Resistance from the medical profession, financial constraints, and public misconceptions were identified as barriers for the profession.

Discussion

Oral histories in this study provided insight into the experiences of nurse‐midwives in Georgia as they practiced and taught in the 1970s and 1980s. Interprofessional connections and cooperation supported the nurse‐midwifery profession, and relationships with peers anchored the nurse‐midwives. Mentoring relationships and interprofessional collaboration supported the nurse‐midwives as they adapted and evolved to meet the needs of women in Georgia.
Effects of alcohol and psychostimulants on the vasopressin system: Behavioural implications
Authors: Godino A. , Renard G. M.
Published: May 2018

Drug addiction is a chronic brain disease characterised by a compulsion to seek drugs, a loss of control with respect to drug consumption and negative emotional states, including increased anxiety and irritability during withdrawal. Central vasopressin (AVP) and its receptors are involved in controlling social behaviour, anxiety and reward, all of which are altered by drugs of abuse. Hypothalamic AVP neurones influence the stress response by modulating the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis. The extrahypothalamic AVP system, however, is commonly associated with social recognition, motivational and anxiety responses. The specific relationship between AVP and drugs of abuse has been rarely reviewed. Here, we provide an overview of the interaction between the brain AVP system and psychostimulants and alcohol. We focus on the effects of alcohol and psychostimulants on AVP regulation of the HPA axis, their effect on the brain AVP system and their behavioural implications, the influence of the AVP system on addictive behaviours, and the organisational effects of AVP on the brain and consequently on behaviour. In addition, we highlight clinical studies on the relationship between the AVP system and drug addiction. Finally, we discuss the data aiming to address areas that need further research with respect to supporting clinical trials and preventing drug‐related disorders.
Change in weight and central obesity by positive airway pressure treatment in obstructive sleep apnea patients: longitudinal data from the ESADA cohort
Authors: Basoglu Ozen K. , Zou Ding , Tasbakan Mehmet S. , Hedner Jan , Ryan Silke , Verbraecken Johan , Escourrou Pierre , Antalainen Ulla , Kvamme John A. , Bonsignore Maria R. , Schiza Sofia , Grote Ludger ,   ESADA Study Group
Published: May 2018

The effect of positive airway pressure treatment on weight and markers of central obesity in patients with obstructive sleep apnea remains unclear. We studied the change in body weight and anthropometric measures following positive airway pressure treatment in a large clinical cohort. Patients with obstructive sleep apnea with positive airway pressure treatment from the European Sleep Apnea Database registry (n = 1,415, 77% male, age 54 ± 11 [mean ± SD] years, body mass index 31.7 ± 6.4 kg/m2, apnea–hypopnea index 37 ± 24 n per hr, Epworth Sleepiness Scale 10.2 ± 5.0) were selected. Changes in body mass index and neck/waist/hip circumferences at baseline and at follow‐up visit were analysed. Overall, body mass index (0.0 [95% confidence interval, −0.1 to 0.2] kg/m2) and neck circumference (0.0 (95% confidence interval, −0.1 to 0.1] cm) were unchanged after positive airway pressure treatment compared with baseline (follow‐up duration 1.1 ± 1.0 years and compliance 5.2 ± 2.1 hr per day). However, in non‐obese (body mass index <30 kg/m2) patients, positive airway pressure treatment was associated with an increased body mass index and waist circumference (0.4 [0.3–0.5] kg/m2 and 0.8 [0.4–1.2] cm, respectively, all p < 0.05), and weight gain was significantly associated with higher positive airway pressure compliance and longer positive airway pressure treatment duration. In the obese subgroup, body mass index was reduced after positive airway pressure treatment (−0.3 [−0.5 to −0.1] kg/m2, p < 0.05) mainly in patients with a strong reduction in Epworth Sleepiness Scale. In conclusion, positive airway pressure therapy was not found to systematically change body mass index in the European Sleep Apnea Database cohort, but the response was heterogeneous. Our findings suggest that weight gain may be restricted to an obstructive sleep apnea phenotype without established obesity. Lifestyle intervention needs to be considered in both lean and obese patients with obstructive sleep apnea receiving positive airway pressure treatment.
Rapid genetic adaptation to a novel environment despite a genome‐wide reduction in genetic diversity
Authors: Willoughby Janna R. , Harder Avril M. , Tennessen Jacob A. , Scribner Kim T. , Christie Mark R.
Published: May 2018

Introduced species often colonize regions that have vastly different ecological and environmental conditions than those found in their native range. As such, species introductions can provide a deeper understanding into the process of adaptive evolution. In the 1880s, steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) from California were introduced into Lake Michigan (Laurentian Great Lakes, North America) where they established naturally reproducing populations. In their native range, steelhead hatch in rivers, migrate to the ocean and return to freshwater to spawn. Steelhead in Lake Michigan continue to swim up rivers to spawn, but now treat the freshwater environment of the Great Lakes as a surrogate ocean. To examine the effects of this introduction, we sequenced the genomes of 264 fish. By comparing steelhead from Lake Michigan to steelhead from their ancestral range, we determined that the introduction led to consistent reductions in genetic diversity across all 29 chromosomes. Despite this reduction in genetic diversity, three chromosomal regions were associated with rapid genetic adaptation to the novel environment. The first region contained functional changes to ceramide kinase, which likely altered metabolic and wound‐healing rates in Lake Michigan steelhead. The second and third regions encoded carbonic anhydrases and a solute carrier protein, both of which are critical for osmoregulation, and demonstrate how steelhead physiologically adapted to freshwater. Furthermore, the contemporary release of diverse hatchery strains into the lake increased genetic diversity but reduced the signature of genetic adaptation. This study illustrates that species can rapidly adapt to novel environments despite genome‐wide reductions in genetic diversity.
Synthesizing the role of epigenetics in the response and adaptation of species to climate change in freshwater ecosystems
Authors: Jeremias Guilherme , Barbosa João , Marques Sérgio M. , Asselman Jana , Gonçalves Fernando J. M. , Pereira Joana L.
Published: May 2018

Freshwater ecosystems are amongst the most threatened ecosystems on Earth. Currently, climate change is one of the most important drivers of freshwater transformation and its effects include changes in the composition, biodiversity and functioning of freshwater ecosystems. Understanding the capacity of freshwater species to tolerate the environmental fluctuations induced by climate change is critical to the development of effective conservation strategies. In the last few years, epigenetic mechanisms were increasingly put forward in this context because of their pivotal role in gene–environment interactions. In addition, the evolutionary role of epigenetically inherited phenotypes is a relatively recent but promising field. Here, we examine and synthesize the impacts of climate change on freshwater ecosystems, exploring the potential role of epigenetic mechanisms in both short‐ and long‐term adaptation of species. Following this wrapping‐up of current evidence, we particularly focused on bringing together the most promising future research avenues towards a better understanding of the effects of climate change on freshwater biodiversity, specifically highlighting potential molecular targets and the most suitable freshwater species for future epigenetic studies in this context.
Functional variation in the gut microbiome of wild Drosophila populations
Authors: Bost Alyssa , Martinson Vincent G. , Franzenburg Soeren , Adair Karen L. , Albasi Alice , Wells Martin T. , Douglas Angela E.
Published: May 2018

Most of the evidence that the gut microbiome of animals is functionally variable, with consequences for the health and fitness of the animal host, is based on laboratory studies, often using inbred animals under tightly controlled conditions. It is largely unknown whether these microbiome effects would be evident in outbred animal populations under natural conditions. In this study, we quantified the functional traits of the gut microbiota (metagenome) and host (gut transcriptome) and the taxonomic composition of the gut microorganisms (16S rRNA gene sequence) in natural populations of three mycophagous Drosophila species. Variation in microbiome function and composition was driven principally by the period of sample collection, while host function varied mostly with Drosophila species, indicating that variation in microbiome traits is determined largely by environmental factors, and not host taxonomy. Despite this, significant correlations between microbiome and host functional traits were obtained. In particular, microbiome functions dominated by metabolism were positively associated with host functions relating to gut epithelial turnover. Much of the functional variation in the microbiome could be attributed to variation in abundance of Bacteroidetes, rather than the two other abundant groups, the γ‐Proteobacteria or Lactobacillales. We conclude that functional variation in the interactions between animals and their gut microbiome can be detectable in natural populations, and, in mycophagous Drosophila, this variation relates primarily to metabolism and homeostasis of the gut epithelium.
Notes from a snail island: Littorinid evolution and adaptation
Authors: Ravinet Mark
Published: May 2018

The most successful study systems are built on a foundation of decades of research on the basic biology, ecology and life history of the organisms in question. Combined with new technologies, this can provide a formidable means to address important issues in evolutionary biology and molecular ecology. Littorinid marine snails are a good example of this, with a rich literature on their taxonomy, speciation, thermal tolerance and behavioural adaptations. In August 2017, an international meeting on Littorinid evolution was held at the Tjärnö Marine Research Laboratory in Western Sweden. In this meeting review, I provide a summary of some of the exciting work on parallel evolution, sexual selection and adaptation to environmental stress presented there. I argue that newly available genomic resources present an opportunity for integrating the traditionally divergent fields of speciation and environmental adaptation in Littorinid research.