bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trade policy and health implication for Pacific island countries
Authors: ‘Ofa Siope Vakataki , Gani Azmat
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of trade policy pertaining to imported processed food on poorer health outcomes of people’s in the Pacific island countries.

Design/methodology/approach

Using an extended gravity model, the paper adopts the OLS time varying importer/exporter effects method and a Pseudo Poisson maximum likelihood estimator on a cross-sectional panel data set of 215 countries and territories. The estimation procedure controlled for 11 Pacific island countries between 2003 and 2013.

Findings

The empirical findings revealed a positive and statistically significant relationship between trade liberalisation and increased processed food imports in the Pacific island countries. The findings also reveal that the access ratio (kg/person) to selected imported processed food high in salt to Pacific island countries has increased significantly over time.

Originality/value

While much of the trade literature reveals positive impact of trade on the prosperity of nations, this study makes a new contribution in terms of supporting a negative impact of trade liberalisation policy on people’s health in small island developing states.
Friction and wear behavior of hydrogenated diamond-like carbon coating against titanium alloys under large normal load and variable velocity
Authors: Liu Jun , Zhang Zhinan , Ji Zhe , Xie Youbai
Published: May 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the effects of reciprocating frequency, large normal load on friction and wear behavior of hydrogenated diamond-like carbon (H-DLC) coating against Ti-6Al-4V ball under dry and lubricated conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

The friction and wear mechanisms are analyzed by scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy.

Findings

The results show that as reciprocating frequency increases under lubricated conditions, the friction coefficient decreases first and then increases. When the reciprocating frequency is 2.54 Hz, the value of friction coefficient reaches the minimum. The friction reduction is because of the transformation from sp3 to sp2, the formation of transfer layer on Ti-6Al-4V ball and the reduction in viscous friction, whereas the increase of friction coefficient is related to wear. In dry conditions, the friction coefficient is between 0.06 and 0.1. And, the service life of H-DLC coating decreases with the increase in reciprocating frequency and normal load.

Research limitations/implications

It is confirmed that adding the lubricant could prolong the service life of H-DLC coating and reduce friction and wear efficiently. And, the wear mechanisms under dry and lubricated conditions encompass abrasive wear and adhesive wear.

Originality/value

The results are helpful for application of diamond-like carbon coating.
Affirmative action policy in admissions system of higher education of post-Soviet Georgia
Authors: Tabatadze Shalva , Gorgadze Natia
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore affirmative action policy in higher education (HE) admissions in post-Soviet Georgia.

Design/methodology/approach

The study analyzed the effectiveness of the quota system from the perspective of the “minority rights protection” and “diversity” paradigms. The study used content analysis, focus group discussions, and interviews research methods.

Findings

Research revealed several important patterns: the problems of minority education are associated with academic achievements as well as social integration; although the importance of diversity is evident in the Government of Georgia, the benefits of diversity are not realized fully through affirmative action policies in institutions of HE. The authors have argued that the shift from the “minority rights protection” to the “diversity” paradigm is necessary to solve minority students’ existing problems and to benefit from the positive effects of diversity on academic and democratic outcomes for all students.

Practical implications

The findings of this study have practical importance. They can be used for the implementation of the affirmative action policy in HE admissions system of Georgia.

Originality/value

The paper is based on original research conducted in Georgia and the study contributes to the development of the field of multicultural and minority education in Georgia.
Team political skill and team performance
Authors: Semrau Thorsten , Steigenberger Norbert , Wilhelm Hendrik
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relation between team political skill, i.e., the mean level of political skill among team members, and team performance. Specifically, it proposes that the link between team political skill and team performance is ambiguous and contingent upon a common professional background as well as collective team commitment within the team.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from 45 service teams with 295 team members and their supervisors were analyzed. Hypotheses were tested using OLS regression.

Findings

The results show that a common professional background and collective team commitment serve as crucial contingencies for the relationship between team political skill and team performance.

Research limitations/implications

This study complements previous individual-level research demonstrating a positive relation between political skill and relevant outcomes by highlighting that the link between team political skill and team performance is ambiguous and contingent upon other team characteristics.

Practical implications

To enhance team performance, managers should carefully consider the interplay between team political skill and other team characteristics when making staffing decisions.

Originality/value

The study highlights the relation of political skill with team performance and points to a potential downside of political skill in organizations.
Social change design: disrupting the benchmark template
Authors: Fry Marie-Louise , Previte Josephine , Brennan Linda
Published: May 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a new ecological systems-driven framework, underpinned by a relational marketplace lens, for social marketing practitioners to consider when planning and designing programs. The authors contend that behavioural change does not occur in a vacuum and, as such, point to an ecology in which the individual is but one participant in a broader scope of social change activities.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is conceptual and presents the Indicators for Social Change Framework.

Findings

The Indicators for Social Change Framework puts forward a series of “must-have” indicators to consider when designing and planning social marketing programmes. Across identified indicators, the Framework delineates types of marketing actions to consider when planning for individual-oriented change and those required for wider systems-oriented change.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the broadening and deepening of the social marketing argument that reliance on individual behaviour change perspectives is not sufficient to resolve complex social problems that are inherently influenced by wider social forces. In transforming social change design, this paper transitions towards a logic view of social marketing that encourages and supports social change planners to be inclusive of interactions, processes and outcomes of value creation across the wider social marketing system.
A fiber-reinforced thermoelastic medium with an internal heat source due to hydrostatic initial stress and gravity for the three-phase-lag model
Authors: Said Samia M.
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of a hydrostatic initial stress and the gravity field on a fiber-reinforced thermoelastic medium with an internal heat source that is moving with a constant speed.

Design/methodology/approach

A general model of the equations of the formulation in the context of the three-phase-lag model and Green-Naghdi theory without energy dissipation.

Findings

The exact expressions for the displacement components, force stresses, and the thermal temperature for the thermal shock problem obtained by using normal mode analysis.

Originality/value

A comparison made between the results of the two models for different values of a hydrostatic initial stress as well as an internal heat source. Comparisons also made with the results of the two models in the absence and presence of the gravity field as well as the reinforcement.
Association Between Maternal Comorbidities and Emergency Department Use Among a National Sample of Commercially Insured Pregnant Women
Authors: Cunningham Shayna D. , Magriples Urania , Thomas Jordan L. , Kozhimannil Katy B. , Herrera Carolina , Barrette Eric , Shebl Fatma M. , Ickovics Jeannette R.
Published: May 2017

Objectives

Evidence suggests that, despite routine engagement with the health system, pregnant women commonly seek emergency care. The objectives of this study were to examine the association between maternal comorbidities and emergency department (ED) use among a national sample of commercially insured pregnant women.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using multipayer medical claims data maintained by the Health Care Cost Institute for women ages 18 to 44 years with a live singleton birth in 2011 (N = 157,786). The association between common maternal comorbidities (e.g., hypertension, gestational diabetes) and ED use during pregnancy was examined using multilevel models, while controlling for age, region, and residential zip code.

Results

Twenty percent (n = 31,413) of pregnant women had one or more ED visit (mean ± SD = 1.52 ± 1.15). Among those who used the ED, 29% had two or more visits, and 11% had three or more visits. Emergency care seekers were significantly more likely to have one or more comorbid condition compared to those with no emergency care: 30% versus 21%, respectively (p < 0.001). Pregnant women with asthma had 2.5 times the likelihood of having had any ED visit (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.46, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.32–2.62). There was a significant increase in the probability (approximately 50%) of ED use among pregnant women with diabetes (AOR = 1.47, 95% CI = 1.33–1.63) or hypertension (AOR = 1.49, 95% CI = 1.43–1.55) or who were obese (AOR = 1.55, 95% CI = 1.47–1.64). Increased odds associated with gestational diabetes were more modest, resulting in a 13% increased odds of using the ED (AOR = 1.13, 95% CI = 1.07–1.18). Less than 0.6% of pregnant women (n = 177) received emergency care that resulted in a hospital admission. The admission rate was 0.4% (189 admissions/47,608 ED visits).

Conclusions

Among pregnant women, comorbidity burden was associated with more ED utilization. Efforts to reduce acute unscheduled care and improve care coordination during pregnancy should target interventions to patient comorbidity.
But I'm Just an Artist!? Intersections, Identity, Meaning, and Context
Authors: Luger Jason D.
Published: May 2017

This article revisits the complex intersections of identity and meaning in the context of a world in which cosmopolitanism is increasingly questioned. The role of the artist with regard to activism and cosmopolitan flows becomes difficult to navigate but important to probe. Findings drawn from fieldwork indicate that the artist is highly conflicted; often ephemerally aligned with various social movements that may or may not be related; and in a constant state of self‐negotiation and identity formation that are highly dependent on local context. Intersectionality may be a useful frame to reconceptualize the artist as a relationally connected set of constantly shifting identities rather than an assumed category, as sometimes portrayed. Key to this is an appreciation of the role of the observer in this process. Singapore is envisioned as a place of intersecting identity; so, too, are the artists within it, caught between local context and global currents.
Metformin and daclatasvir: absence of a pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic drug interaction in healthy volunteers
Authors: Smolders Elise J. , Colbers Angela , de Kanter Clara T. M. M. , Velthoven‐Graafland Kirsten , Wolberink Leonie T. , van Ewijk‐Beneken Kolmer Noor , Drenth Joost P. H. , Aarnoutse Rob E. , Tack Cees J. , Burger David M.
Published: May 2017

AIM

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of the proposed organic cation transporter (OCT) inhibitor daclatasvir on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the OCT substrate metformin.

METHODS

This was an open‐label, two‐period, randomized, crossover trial in 20 healthy subjects. Treatment A consisted of metformin and treatment B consisted of metformin + daclatasvir. Pharmacokinetic curves were recorded at steady‐state. Geometric mean ratios (GMRs) with 90% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for metformin area under the concentration–time curve from 0 h to 12 h (AUC0–12), maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) and final plasma concentration (Clast). An oral glucose tolerance test was performed, measuring insulin, glucose and lactate levels.

RESULTS

The GMRs (90% CI) of metformin AUC0–12, Cmax and Clast (B vs. A) were 109% (102–116%), 108% (101–116%) and 112% (103–122%). The geometric mean AUC0–2 for insulin, glucose and lactate during treatments A and B were 84 h.mEl–1 and 90 h.mEl–1, 13.6 h.mmol l–1 and 13.4 h.mmol l–1, and 3.4 h.mmol l–1 and 3.5 h.mmol l–1, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Bioequivalence analysis showed that daclatasvir does not influence the pharmacokinetics of metformin in healthy subjects. Pharmacodynamic parameters were also comparable between treatments.
How I manage patients with Fanconi anaemia
Authors: Dufour Carlo
Published: May 2017

Fanconi Anaemia is a rare, genetic heterogeneous multisystem disease that is the most common congenital syndrome of marrow failure. Twenty genes have been reported to cause the disease. Remarkable progress has been made over the last 20 years in the understanding of the genetic and pathophysiological mechanisms. Unfortunately, these advances have not been completely paralleled by advances in medical treatment, where the most important component remains stem cell transplantation. This therapy, although contributing to long‐term negative effects, such as increased occurrence of late malignancies, is the only current option capable of prolonging the survival of patients. In spite of relevant recent progress in matched unrelated donor transplants, the largest studies with longer follow‐up still show a superiority of matched sibling donor transplants with a success rate, in selected cohorts, of over 90%. This article reviews different aspects of the disease, including genetics, diagnosis and treatment options, with special focus on stem cell transplantation, comprehensive post‐diagnosis management, decision‐making processes and long‐term follow‐up.
What actually is Vriesea? A total evidence approach in a polyphyletic genus of Tillandsioideae (Bromeliaceae, Poales)
Authors: Gomes‐da‐Silva Janaína , Souza‐Chies Tatiana T.
Published: May 2017

The taxonomic delimitation of Vriesea is challenging because several diagnostic traits of the genus are shared with other genera in Tillandsioideae. The genus has no unique morphological features that distinguish it from other taxa. Earlier phylogenetic studies suggested a polyphyletic status of this genus, but taxon sampling was limited, and tests of congruence for morphological characters have not yet been performed. Here we used a total evidence approach and a more comprehensive Brazilian taxon sampling to help circumscribe Vriesea s.s. (the lineage that contains the type species). We concatenated morphological and molecular datasets for the first time to reconstruct phylogenetic hypotheses. We used 99 morphological characters and ~4 kb of plastid data (psbA‐trnH, trnK5′‐rps16, matK, trnL‐trnF) for 172 terminals, including nine genera of Tillandsioideae. We analysed datasets by parsimony analyses, with several weighting schemes considered for character‐state changes (equal weights and an implied weighting scheme that we used as a sensitivity analysis). The concatenated data resulted in a well‐resolved phylogenetic inference that provided strong evidence that the genus is not monophyletic as traditionally circumscribed. Given the congruence between morphological, molecular and geographical sources of data, we separated Vriesea into distinct lineages, and proposed a new circumscription that includes only species of Vriesea s.s. found in the Chacoan and Parana subregions.
Influence of cholangitis after preoperative endoscopic biliary drainage on postoperative pancreatic fistula in patients with middle and lower malignant biliary strictures
Authors: Kaneko Toru , Imaizumi Hiroshi , Kida Mitsuhiro , Miyata Eiji , Yamauchi Hiroshi , Okuwaki Kosuke , Iwai Tomohisa , Koizumi Wasaburo
Published: May 2017

Background and Aim

Preoperative cholangitis after preoperative drainage has been reported to increase postoperative complications, particularly pancreatic fistula. We therefore examined the effects of cholangitis after preoperative endoscopic biliary drainage (EBD) on postoperative pancreatic fistula in patients with middle and lower malignant biliary strictures.

Methods

The study group comprised 102 patients who underwent EBD among patients who underwent surgery.

Results

Of the 102 patients, 33 (32%) had postoperative pancreatic fistulas, and 56 (55%) had preoperative cholangitis after preoperative drainage. Analysis of risk factors for preoperative cholangitis showed that a total bilirubin level of 2.9 mg/dL or higher (hazard ratio [HR], 2.95; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.223–7.130; P = 0.016) and a surgical waiting time of 29 days or longer (HR, 4.23; 95% CI, 1.681–10.637; P = 0.02) were independent risk factors for cholangitis. Patients with preoperative cholangitis had a significantly higher incidence of pancreatic fistula than did patients without preoperative cholangitis (78.8 vs 21.2%; P = 0.001). Patients with biliary cancer had a significantly higher incidence of pancreatic fistula than did those with pancreatic cancer (72.7 vs 27.2%; P = 0.005). Multivariate analysis showed that preoperative cholangitis (HR, 4.8; 95% CI, 1.785–12.992; P = 0.001) and biliary cancer (HR, 3.5; 95% CI, 1.335–8.942; P = 0.006) were significant independent risk factors for postoperative pancreatic fistula.

Conclusion

Prevention of preoperative cholangitis, a risk factor for postoperative pancreatic fistula, is likely to decrease the incidence of postoperative pancreatic fistula.
Connexin36 localization to pinealocytes in the pineal gland of mouse and rat
Authors: Wang S. G. , Tsao D. D. , Vanderpool K. G. , Yasumura T. , Rash J. E. , Nagy J. I.
Published: May 2017

Several cell types in the pineal gland are known to establish intercellular gap junctions, but the connexin constituents of those junctions have not been fully characterized. Specifically, the expression of connexin36 (Cx36) protein andmRNAhas been examined in the pineal, but the identity of cells that produce Cx36 and that form Cx36‐containing gap junctions has not been determined. We used immunofluorescence and freeze fracture replica immunogold labelling (FRIL) of Cx36 to investigate the cellular and subcellular localization of Cx36 in the pineal gland of adult mouse and rat. Immunofluorescence labelling of Cx36 was visualized exclusively as puncta or short immunopositive strands that were distributed throughout the pineal, and which were absent in pineal sections from Cx36 null mice. By double immunofluorescence labelling, Cx36 was localized to tryptophan hydroxylase‐positive and 5‐hydroxytryptamine‐positive pinealocyte cell bodies and their large initial processes, including at intersections of those processes and at sites displaying a confluence of processes. Labelling for the cell junction marker zonula occludens‐1 (ZO‐1) either overlapped or was closely associated with labelling for Cx36. Pinealocytes thus form Cx36‐containing gap junctions that also incorporate the scaffolding protein ZO‐1. FRIL revealed labelling of Cx36 at ultrastructurally defined gap junctions between pinealocytes, most of which was at gap junctions having reticular, ribbon or string configurations. The results suggest that the endocrine functions of pinealocytes and their secretion of melatonin is supported by their intercellular communication via Cx36‐containing gap junctions, which may now be tested by the use of Cx36 null mice.
Clinical efficacy of subgingivally‐delivered 0.75% boric acid gel as an adjunct to mechanotherapy in chronic periodontitis: A randomized, controlled clinical trial
Authors: Kanoriya Dharmendra , Singhal Sandeep , Garg Vibhuti , Pradeep Avani R. , Garg Shruti , Kumar Amit
Published: May 2017

Aim

Borinic acid quinoline esters are a recently‐identified class of new antibacterial and anti‐inflammatory compounds known to inhibit osteoclastic bone resorption. They have proposed to have osteostimulative properties by causing osteoblast differentiation in vivo and in vitro. The purpose of this double‐masked, randomized, controlled clinical trial was to evaluate the effects of the subgingival delivery of boric acid gel as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) on clinical and radiographic parameters, and compare this method with SRP plus placebo gel alone in chronic periodontitis (CP) patients.

Methods

Thirty‐nine systemically‐healthy patients with CP were included in the present study. They were divided into two groups: (a) SRP + 0.75% boric acid gel (BA group); and (b) SRP + placebo gel (placebo group). At baseline, 3 and 6 months after treatment, clinical measurements, including plaque index, modified sulcus bleeding index, probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), intrabony defect depth, and percentage change in radiographic defect depth reduction (DDR%) as radiographic parameters were assessed.

Results

The mean PD reduction and mean CAL gain were greater in the BA group than the placebo group at 3 and 6 months. A significantly greater mean percentage of radiographic DDR% was found in the BA group (36.97±3.47%) compared to the placebo group (2.88±0.89%) after 6 months.

Conclusion

BA as an adjunct to SRP can provide a new insight into therapeutic strategies for the management of CP, but further clinical evaluations are needed.
Oral versus intravenous hypertonic saline for exercise‐associated hyponatraemia
Authors: Berger Israel
Published: May 2017

Exercise‐associated hyponatraemia is a potentially serious acute condition that may present early as asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic. Standard treatment is intravenous hypertonic saline, which can be challenging and carries some risk. An alternative may be oral therapy. We undertook a review of existing literature to assess whether paediatric populations should receive oral or intravenous hypertonic saline solutions. One study addressed our question but was aimed at a presumably adult population of runners. That study found that intravenous and oral solutions provide similar effects on biochemistry, but intravenous hypertonic saline provides superior effects on subjective relief and plasma volume.
A reticulated erythema of the lower limbs
Authors: Correia Joana , Machado Susana , Selores Manuela
Published: May 2017

See Answer
Patient‐reported outcomes in patients co‐infected with hepatitis C virus and human immunodeficiency virus treated with sofosbuvir and velpatasvir: The ASTRAL‐5 study
Authors: Younossi Zobair M. , Stepanova Maria , Sulkowski Mark , Wyles David , Kottilil Shyam , Hunt Sharon
Published: May 2017

Background & Aim

The fixed‐dose combination of sofosbuvir and velpatasvir (SOF/VEL) is a ribavirin‐free pan‐genotypic regimen with high efficacy. We assessed the impact of SOF/VEL on patient‐reported outcomes (PRO) of HIV‐HCV co‐infected patients.

Methods

HIV‐HCV co‐infected patients were treated with 12 weeks of SOF/VEL (400 mg/100 mg daily). All subjects completed four PRO questionnaires [CLDQ‐HCV, SF‐36, FACIT‐F and WPAI:SHP] before, during and post‐treatment.

Results

ASTRAL‐5 enrolled 106 HIV‐HCV co‐infected patients on stable antiretroviral therapy (age: 54.2±0.9 years, cirrhosis: 17.9%, HCV genotype 1: 73.6%). SVR‐12 was achieved by 95.3% of subjects. By week 4 of treatment, PRO scores improved from the baselines levels in 12 out of 26 calculated PRO domains (on average, +1.9 to +7.4 points on a universal 0‐100 PRO scale, all P<.05). By the end of treatment, improvements were seen in 20/26 PRO domains (+2.5% to +11.9%, P<.03). There were no significant decrements in any PRO domains during treatment. By follow‐up week 12, patients who achieved SVR‐12 experienced significant improvement in 19/26 of their PRO domains (+3.2% to +13.3%, P<.05). After controlling for baseline psychiatric co‐morbidities, improvements in PRO scores during treatment with SOF/VEL were similar to those seen in matched HCV‐mono‐infected patients treated with the same regimen (ASTRAL‐1 study). In multivariate analysis, pre‐treatment anxiety and concomitant use of opioids were the most consistent significant (P<.05) predictors of PRO impairment in HIV‐HCV patients.

Conclusions

Patients with HIV‐HCV treated with SOF/VEL experience very high efficacy accompanied by early and sustained improvement of patient‐reported outcomes covering all aspects of patients’ experience.
Pollen–ovule ratios are strongly correlated with floral reciprocity, in addition to sexual system, in Mussaenda (Rubiaceae)
Authors: Yuan Shuai , Chen Shi , Deng Xiaofang , Duan Tingting , Luo Zhonglai , Zhang Dianxiang
Published: May 2017

Heterostyly is a floral polymorphism that increase inter‐morph pollen transfer and promote disassortative mating. Breakdown of heterostyly has happened many times, either leading to dioecy or monomorphism. Mussaenda is a genus with diverse sexual systems including distyly, dioecy, floral monomorphism, and homostyly, making it an ideal system to study the evolution of floral traits and their relationship with sexual system shifts. Here, floral traits and pollen–ovule (P/O) ratios were estimated and used to test hypotheses about the relationships among P/O ratios, floral trait evolution, and sexual system shifts. Our results revealed that there is no significant difference of reciprocity in upper level sexual organs between species with different sexual systems. The reciprocity indices of the lower level sexual organs, however, are smaller in species with functional dioecy than in those with distyly. P/O ratios in dimorphic Mussaenda species were relatively lower than in monomorphic outcrossing species, but did not differ significantly between species with distyly and functional dioecy. Populational P/O ratios were negatively correlated with reciprocity index in the dimorphic species. We suggest that the loss of function in lower level organs in species with functional dioecy has resulted from less strict reciprocity. The relationship between P/O ratios and reciprocity indices strongly support that efficient disassortative pollination of distylus flowers may have promoted evolution towards low P/O ratios.
Second Law Analysis of Boundary Layer Flow With Variable Fluid Properties
Authors: Afridi M. I. , Qasim M. , Makinde O. D.
Published: May 2017

An entropy generation analysis of steady boundary layer flow of viscous fluid with variable properties over an exponentially stretching sheet is presented. The basic nonlinear partial differential equations that govern the flow are reduced to ordinary differential equations by using appropriate transformations. Numerical solutions are obtained by using shooting technique along with Runge–Kutta method. Expressions for the dimensionless volumetric entropy generation rate (NG) and Bejan number are also obtained. The effects of different dimensionless emerging parameters on entropy generation number (NG) and Bejan number (Be) are investigated graphically in detail.
Inflammation by way of macrophage metabolism
Authors: Kabat Agnieszka M. , Pearce Edward J.
Published: May 2017

IL-10 controls macrophage inflammatory function by reprogramming metabolism
Genome Sequence of Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus Serotype O Lineage Ind-2001d Collected in Vietnam in 2015
Authors: Arzt Jonathan , Brito Barbara , Pauszek Steven J. , Hartwig Ethan J. , Smoliga George R. , Vu Le T. , Vu Pham P. , Stenfeldt Carolina , Rodriguez Luis L. , Long Ngo T. , Dung Do H.
Published: May 2017

In 2015, foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) virus lineage Ind-2001 was detected for the first time in Southeast Asia. This report contains the first near-complete genome sequence of a viral isolate from this lineage collected from an outbreak in Vietnam. This novel incursion has substantial implications for regional FMD control measures.
Complete Coding Genome Sequence for Mogiana Tick Virus, a Jingmenvirus Isolated from Ticks in Brazil
Authors: Villa Erika C. , Maruyama Sandra R. , de Miranda-Santos Isabel K. F. , Palacios Gustavo , Ladner Jason T.
Published: May 2017

Mogiana tick virus (MGTV) is a segmented jingmenvirus isolated in 2011 from cattle ticks in Brazil. Here, we present a complete coding genome sequence for MGTV isolate MGTV/V4/11, including all four segments. MGTV is evolutionarily related to the Jingmen tick virus isolates SY84 and RC27.
Complete Genome Sequence of Dolosigranulum pigrum from a Patient with Interstitial Lung Disease Using Single-Molecule Real-Time Sequencing Technology
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Rituparna , Joaquin Joselita , Hogue Robin , Fitzgerald Susan , Jospin Guillaume , Mars Kristin , Eisen Jonathan A. , Chaturvedi Vishnu
Published: May 2017

The whole genome sequence of
Dolosigranulum pigrum
isolated from the blood of a patient with interstitial lung disease was sequenced with the Pacific Biosciences RS II platform. The genome size is 2.1 Mb with 2,127 annotated coding sequences; it contained two clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated proteins (Cas) systems.
Stabilization of Telomere G-Quadruplexes Interferes with Human Herpesvirus 6A Chromosomal Integration
Authors: Gilbert-Girard Shella , Gravel Annie , Artusi Sara , Richter Sara N. , Wallaschek Nina , Kaufer Benedikt B. , Flamand Louis
Published: May 2017

Human herpesviruses 6A and 6B (HHV-6A/B) can integrate their genomes into the telomeres of human chromosomes using a mechanism that remains poorly understood. To achieve a better understanding of the HHV-6A/B integration mechanism, we made use of BRACO-19, a compound that stabilizes G-quadruplex secondary structures and prevents telomere elongation by the telomerase complex. First, we analyzed the folding of telomeric sequences into G-quadruplex structures and their binding to BRACO-19 using G-quadruplex-specific antibodies and surface plasmon resonance. Circular dichroism studies indicate that BRACO-19 modifies the conformation and greatly stabilizes the G-quadruplexes formed in G-rich telomeric DNA. Subsequently we assessed the effects of BRACO-19 on the HHV-6A initial phase of infection. Our results indicate that BRACO-19 does not affect entry of HHV-6A DNA into cells. We next investigated if stabilization of G-quadruplexes by BRACO-19 affected HHV-6A's ability to integrate its genome into host chromosomes. Incubation of telomerase-expressing cells with BRACO-19, such as HeLa and MCF-7, caused a significant reduction in the HHV-6A integration frequency (P< 0.002); in contrast, BRACO-19 had no effect on HHV-6 integration frequency in U2OS cells that lack telomerase activity and elongate their telomeres through alternative lengthening mechanisms. Our data suggest that the fluidity of telomeres is important for efficient chromosomal integration of HHV-6A and that interference with telomerase activity negatively affects the generation of cellular clones containing integrated HHV-6A.

IMPORTANCEHHV-6A/B can integrate their genomes into the telomeres of infected cells. Telomeres consist of repeated hexanucleotides (TTAGGG) of various lengths (up to several kilobases) and end with a single-stranded 3′ extension. To avoid recognition and induce a DNA damage response, the single-stranded overhang folds back on itself and forms a telomeric loop (T-loop) or adopts a tertiary structure, referred to as a G-quadruplex. In the current study, we have examined the effects of a G-quadruplex binding and stabilizing agent, BRACO-19, on HHV-6A chromosomal integration. By stabilizing G-quadruplex structures, BRACO-19 affects the ability of the telomerase complex to elongate telomeres. Our results indicate that BRACO-19 reduces the number of clones harboring integrated HHV-6A. This study is the first of its kind and suggests that telomerase activity is essential to restore a functional telomere of adequate length following HHV-6A integration.
pH-Mediated Microbial and Metabolic Interactions in Fecal Enrichment Cultures
Authors: Ilhan Zehra Esra , Marcus Andrew K. , Kang Dae-Wook , Rittmann Bruce E. , Krajmalnik-Brown Rosa
Published: May 2017

The human gut is a dynamic environment in which microorganisms consistently interact with the host via their metabolic products. Some of the most important microbial metabolic products are fermentation products such as short-chain fatty acids. Production of these fermentation products and the prevalence of fermenting microbiota depend on pH, alkalinity, and available dietary sugars, but details about their metabolic interactions are unknown. Here, we show that, for
in vitro
conditions, pH was the strongest driver of microbial community structure and function and microbial and metabolic interactions among pH-sensitive fermentative species. The balance between bicarbonate alkalinity and formation of fatty acids by fermentation determined the pH, which controlled microbial community structure. Our results underscore the influence of pH balance on microbial function in diverse microbial ecosystems such as the human gut.
Why are there discrepancies between depressed patients’ Global Rating of Change and scores on the Patient Health Questionnaire depression module? A qualitative study of primary care in England
Authors: Robinson Jude , Khan Naila , Fusco Louise , Malpass Alice , Lewis Glyn , Dowrick Christopher
Published: May 2017

Objectives

Our aims were to investigate discrepancies between depressed patients’ GlobalRating of Change (GRC) and scores on the Patient Health Questionnaire depression module (PHQ-9). Our objectives were to ascertain patients’ views on the source and meaning of mismatches and assess their clinical significance.

Design

Qualitative study nested within a cohort, in a programme investigating the indications for prescribing antidepressants that will lead to a clinical benefit.

Setting

Primary care practices in north-west England.

Participants

We invited 32 adults with a recent diagnosis of depression and evidence of mismatch between GRC and PHQ-9 Scores to participate. Of these, 29 completed our interviews; most were women, identified as white British, had high school education or higher, were employed or retired and had been depressed for a long time.

Main measures

We conducted semistructured interviews with a topic guide, focusing on experiences of depression; treatment experiences and expectations; effectiveness of the questionnaires; reasons for the mismatch; and social factors. Interviews were transcribed and subjected to interpretative phenomenological analysis.

Results

We identified four themes as explanations for mismatch between GRC and PHQ-9: perceptions that GRC provided a more accurate assessment of current mental state than PHQ-9; impact of recent negative or positive life events on either measure; personal understanding of depression as normally fluctuating, and tendency to underscore on PHQ-9 as a means of self-motivation; and lack of recall.

Conclusions

The combined used of the PHQ-9 and a more open question better captures the patient’s unique experiences of mental health. This approach ascertains the relevance of symptoms to the individual’s experience and influences treatment decisions.

Study registration

This study was an element of NIHR Programme Grant RP-PG 0610 10048.
Final‐year student seminar is 30 years old
Authors:   Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons
Published: May 2017

Did you learn something vital at the Lancaster final‐year students’ seminar? Or did someone you met have an impact on your career? If so, the Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons wants to hear from you.
Soil restraints on buried pipelines subjected to reverse-fault displacement
Authors: Wijewickreme Dharma , Monroy Manuel , Honegger Douglas G. , Nyman Douglas J.
Published: May 2017

The interaction between a buried pipeline and surrounding soil during large ground displacements is typically simulated using numerical nonlinear soil-restraint springs aligned with the longitudinal axis of the pipeline and in the two directions orthogonal to it. There are only very limited experimental data available to characterize the soil springs for simulating pipelines crossing reverse faults where large oblique soil displacements relative to the pipe could occur. Full-scale model testing was undertaken to evaluate this complex soil–pipe interaction problem. The tests simulated the performance of ∼400 mm diameter (nominal pipe size, NPS 16) pipe specimens buried in moist sand and crushed limestone trench backfill. The peak normalized oblique soil restraint (Nθ) values for oblique pipe movement angles (θ), when θ = 0° (horizontal movement) and θ = 90° (vertical movement), estimated based on state-of-practice approaches, were in agreement with those from full-scale testing. The value of Nθwas found to depend significantly on the peak friction angle of soil ([Formula: see text]) when θ was closer to 0°, whereas Nθwas less sensitive to [Formula: see text] when θ was beyond about 35°. The theoretical values of Nθbased on limit-equilibrium approaches compared well with the experimental findings.
Vitex rotundifolia Fruit Extract Induces Apoptosis Through the Downregulation of ATF3-Mediated Bcl-2 Expression in Human Colorectal Cancer Cells
Authors: Song Hun Min , Park Gwang Hun , Koo Jin Suk , Jeong Hyung Jin , Jeong Jin Boo
Published: May 2017

Fruit from Vitex rotundifolia L. (VF) has been reported to initiate apoptosis in human colorectal cancer cells through the accumulation of reactive oxygen species. Since various regulatory factors are involved in the apoptotic pathway, further study of the potential mechanisms of VF associated with the induction of apoptosis may be important despite the fact that the molecular target of VF for apoptosis has already been elucidated. In this study, we showed a new potential mechanism for the relationship between VF-mediated ATF3 expression and apoptosis to better understand the apoptotic mechanism of VF in human colorectal cancer cells. VF reduced the cell viability and induced apoptosis in human colorectal cancer cells. VF treatment increased both the protein and mRNA level of ATF3 and upregulated ATF3 promoter activity. The cis-element responsible for ATF3 transcriptional activation by VF was CREB which is located between [Formula: see text]147 to [Formula: see text]85 of ATF3 promoter. Inhibitions of ERK1/2, p38, JNK and GSK3[Formula: see text] blocked VF-mediated ATF3 expression. ATF3 knockdown by ATF3 siRNA attenuated the cleavage of PARP by VF, while ATF3 overexpression increased VF-mediated cleaved PARP. ATF3 knockdown also attenuated VF-mediated cell viability and cell death. In addition, VF downregulated Bcl-2 expression at both protein and mRNA level. ATF3 knockdown by ATF3 siRNA blocked VF-mediated downregulation of Bcl-2. In conclusion, VF may activate ATF3 expression through transcriptional regulation and subsequently suppress Bcl-2 expression as an anti-apoptotic protein, which may result in the induction of apoptosis in human colorectal cancer cells.
Supersymmetric versus SO(10) models of dark matter
Authors: Olive Keith A.
Published: May 2017

After the results of Run I, can we still “guarantee” the discovery of supersymmetry at the LHC? It is shown that viable dark matter candidates in CMSSM-like models tend to lie in strips (coannihilation, funnel, focus point) in parameter space. The role of grand unification in constructing supersymmetric models is discussed and it is argued that nonsupersymmetric GUTs such as SO(10) may provide alternative solutions to many of the standard problems addressed by supersymmetry.
The effect of biased plates on transport of vacuum arc plasma through rectangular curved magnetic filter
Authors: Bi W. Y. , Li L. H. , Liu H. T. , Zhao G.
Published: May 2017

Filtered cathode vacuum arc deposition can remove the macroparticles produced from the cathode. Positively biasing the whole filter or inserting a biased plate in the filter can increase the plasma transport efficiency. We developed a curved magnetic filter with rectangular cross-section to improve the coating efficiency. In this study, the effect of biased plates at outer-wall and inner-wall on the transport efficiency of vacuum arc plasma through rectangular curved magnetic filter was investigated. A Langmuir probe system is used to measure the distribution properties of the filtered plasma at 15 places in the outlet plane of the filter. The results showed that a positively biased plate at inner-wall would increase the output ion current density and make the plasma concentrate to the middle of the outlet plane.
Deformational history and thermochronology of Wrangel Island, East Siberian Shelf and coastal Chukotka, Arctic Russia
Authors: Miller Elizabeth L. , Akinin V. V. , Dumitru T. A. , Gottlieb E. S. , Grove M. , Meisling K. , Seward G.
Published: May 2017

In Arctic Russia, south of Wrangel Island, Jura–Cretaceous fold belt structures are cut by
c.
108–100 Ma plutonic rocks and a
c.
103 Ma migmatitic complex (U–Pb, zircon) that cooled by
c.
96 Ma (
40
Ar/
39
Ar biotite); the structures are unconformably overlain by
c.
88 Ma and younger (U–Pb, zircon) volcanic rocks. Wrangel Island, with a similar stratigraphy and added exposure of Neoproterozoic basement rocks, was thought to represent the westwards continuation of the Jura–Cretaceous Brookian thrust belt of Alaska. A penetrative, high-strain, S-dipping foliation formed during north–south stretching in Triassic and older rocks, with stretched pebble aspect ratios of
c.
2:1:0.5 to 10:1:0.1. Deformation was at greenschist facies (chlorite+white mica; biotite at depth; temperature
c.
300–450°C). Microstructures suggest deformation mostly by pure shear and north–south stretching; the quartz textures and lattice preferred orientations suggest temperatures of
c.
300–450°C.
40
Ar/
39
Ar K-feldspar spectra (
n
=1) and muscovite (
n
=3) (total gas ages
c.
611–514 Ma) in Neoproterozoic basement rocks are consistent with a short thermal pulse during deformation at 105–100 Ma. Apatite fission track ages (
n
=7) indicate cooling to near-surface conditions at
c.
95 Ma. The shared thermal histories of Wrangel Island and Chukotka suggest that Wrangel deformation is related to post-shortening, north–south extension, not to fold–thrust belt deformation. Seismic data (line AR-5) indicate a sharp Moho and strong sub-horizontal reflectivity in the lower and middle crust beneath the region. Wrangel Island probably represents a crustal-scale extensional boudin between the North Chukchi and Longa basins.
Amino Acid Medical Foods Provide a High Dietary Acid Load and Increase Urinary Excretion of Renal Net Acid, Calcium, and Magnesium Compared with Glycomacropeptide Medical Foods in Phenylketonuria
Authors: Stroup Bridget M. , Sawin Emily A. , Murali Sangita G. , Binkley Neil , Hansen Karen E. , Ney Denise M.
Published: May 2017

Background. Skeletal fragility is a complication of phenylketonuria (PKU). A diet containing amino acids compared with glycomacropeptide reduces bone size and strength in mice. Objective. We tested the hypothesis that amino acid medical foods (AA-MF) provide a high dietary acid load, subsequently increasing urinary excretion of renal net acid, calcium, and magnesium, compared to glycomacropeptide medical foods (GMP-MF). Design. In a crossover design, 8 participants with PKU (16–35 y) provided food records and 24-hr urine samples after consuming a low-Phe diet in combination with AA-MF and GMP-MF for 1–3 wks. We calculated potential renal acid load (PRAL) of AA-MF and GMP-MF and determined bone mineral density (BMD) measurements using dual X-ray absorptiometry. Results. AA-MF provided 1.5–2.5-fold higher PRAL and resulted in 3-fold greater renal net acid excretion compared to GMP-MF (p=0.002). Dietary protein, calcium, and magnesium intake were similar. GMP-MF significantly reduced urinary excretion of calcium by 40% (p=0.012) and magnesium by 30% (p=0.029). Two participants had low BMD-for-age and trabecular bone scores, indicating microarchitectural degradation. Urinary calcium with AA-MF negatively correlated with L1–L4 BMD. Conclusion. Compared to GMP-MF, AA-MF increase dietary acid load, subsequently increasing urinary calcium and magnesium excretion, and likely contributing to skeletal fragility in PKU. The trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01428258.
Effects of Medicare Coverage of a “Welcome-to-Medicare” Visit on Use of Preventive Services among New Medicare Enrollees
Authors: Ng Boon Peng , Jensen Gail A. , Fritz Heather
Published: May 2017

In January 2005, Medicare began covering a one-time initial preventive physical examination (IPPE), also called a “Welcome-to-Medicare” visit, during a beneficiary’s first 6 months under Part B. This paper examines the effects of offering Medicare IPPE coverage on the use of mammograms, breast self-exams, Pap smears, prostate cancer screenings, cholesterol screenings, and flu vaccines among beneficiaries new to Part B. We adopt a difference-in-difference estimator and estimate a set of multivariate logit models to quantify the effects of introducing Medicare IPPE coverage on the use of preventive services. Models are estimated separately for men and women. Data for the analysis come from the 1996–2008 Health and Retirement Study. Among both men and women, having coverage for a one-time IPPE under Medicare had no effects on the utilization of any of the preventive services listed above. In this study, we find that offering coverage for a one-time IPPE under Medicare was insufficient to spur greater use of preventive services among new Medicare beneficiaries. These findings are important and suggest that policy-makers may need to consider other approaches to increase the use of recommended preventive services.
Monoamine Oxidases, Oxidative Stress, and Altered Mitochondrial Dynamics in Cardiac Ageing
Authors: Maggiorani Damien , Manzella Nicola , Edmondson Dale E. , Mattevi Andrea , Parini Angelo , Binda Claudia , Mialet-Perez Jeanne
Published: May 2017

The advances in healthcare over the past several decades have resulted in populations now living longer. With this increase in longevity, a wider prevalence of cardiovascular diseases is more common and known to be a major factor in rising healthcare costs. A wealth of scientific evidence has implicated cell senescence as an important component in the etiology of these age‐dependent pathologies. A number of studies indicate that an excess of reactive oxygen species (ROS) contributes to trigger and accelerate the cardiac senescence processes, and a new role of monoamine oxidases, MAO‐A and MAO‐B, is emerging in this context. These mitochondrial enzymes regulate the level of catecholamines and serotonin by catalyzing their oxidative deamination in the heart. MAOs’ expression substantially increases with ageing (6‐fold MAO‐A in the heart and 4‐fold MAO‐B in neuronal tissue), and their involvement in cardiac diseases is supposedly related to the formation of ROS, via the hydrogen peroxide produced during the substrate degradation. Here, we will review the most recent advances in this field and describe why MAOs could be effective targets in order to prevent age‐associated cardiovascular disease.