bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation of clinicopathological characteristics and direct immunofluorescence studies in oral lichenoid lesion in Thai patients
Authors: Tikkhanarak Kittiphoj , Wangboo Daras , Sookviboonpol Nichakorn , Thongprasom Kobkan
Published: June 2019

Aim

To investigate the correlation between the clinicopathological characteristics, serum antinuclear antibody (ANA) and direct immunofluorescence (DIF) findings in oral lichen planus (OLP) and oral lichenoid lesion (OLL).

Methods

Fifty three Thai patients with red and white lesions were divided into 3 groups: 17 cases of OLP, 19 cases of OLL and 17 cases of oral lichenoid drug reaction (OLDR), respectively. The medical records, photographs, histopathological evaluation and laboratory ANA and DIF results were analyzed.

Results

Atrophic pattern was the most commonly found pattern in the OLDR, OLP and OLL groups. In the OLP group, the DIF interpretation confirmed only 41.2% of cases as OLP, with 23.5% each as lichen planus (LP)/lupus erythematosus (LE) or negative findings. In the OLL group, the most common DIF interpretation (31.6% each) was LP/LE or non‐specific finding. In the OLDR group, DIF interpretation was OLP or LP/LE (23.5% each), with 5.9% each of immune complex‐mediated disease, compatible with OLP, and mixed connective tissue disease. Interestingly, 1 case in the OLDR group demonstrated mild to moderate dysplasia. There were no significant differences in ANA positivity or patterns between the 3 groups.

Conclusion

An OLP‐like lesion could be diagnosed as OLP, OLP/LE, chronic ulcerative‐like lesion, immune‐mediated disease or dysplasia.
Hematological and serum biochemistry data on southern brown howler monkeys (Alouatta guariba clamitans) in captivity in Brazil
Authors: Gonçalves Gustavo Henrique Pereira , de Souza Junior Julio César , Pitz Heloisa da Silva , Peruchi Amanda Rezende , Branco Fernanda Schmidt , Hirano Zelinda Maria Braga
Published: June 2019

Background

Physiological values reflect the health condition and responses of individuals to handling in captivity. The aim of this study was to establish hematological and serum biochemistry parameters of clinically healthy animals of the Alouatta guariba clamitans subspecies.

Methods

We collected blood samples from adult males and females kept at the Center for Biological Research of Indaial after chemical containment with 3.9 mg/kg of tiletamine hydrochloride and zolazepam.

Results

Significant differences between males and females were found in the levels of erythrocytes, hemoglobin, hematocrit, lymphocytes, neutrophils, platelets, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and gamma‐glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT).

Conclusions

Our results suggest the existence of sexual dimorphism in some physiological parameters of A guariba clamitans. The parameters reported herein can be used as reference values for other populations kept under similar conditions.
The anatomical society core embryology syllabus for undergraduate medicine
Authors: Holland Jane C. , Smith Claire , O'Shea Marié , Stewart Jane , Ockleford Colin , Finn Gabrielle M.
Published: June 2019

A modified Delphi methodology was used to develop a consensus regarding a series of learning outcome statements to act as the foundation of an undergraduate medical core embryology syllabus. A Delphi panel was formed by recruiting stakeholders with experience in leading undergraduate teaching of medical students. The panel (n = 18), including anatomists, embryologists and practising clinicians, were nominated by members of Council and/or the Education Committee of the Anatomical Society. Following development of an a priori set of learning outcome statements (n = 62) by the authors, panel members were asked in the first of a two‐stage process to ‘accept’, ‘reject’ or ‘modify’ each learning outcome, to propose additional outcomes if desired. In the second stage, the panel was asked to either accept or reject 16 statements which had either been modified, or had failed to reach consensus, during the first Delphi round. Overall, 61 of 62 learning outcome statements, each linked to examples of clinical conditions to provide context, achieved an 80% level of agreement following the modified Delphi process and were therefore deemed accepted for inclusion within the syllabus. The proposed syllabus allows for flexibility within individual curricula, while still prioritising and focusing on the core level of knowledge of embryological processes by presenting the essential elements to all newly qualified doctors, regardless of their subsequent chosen specialty.
Persuasion in Corporate Idea Contests: The Moderating Role of Content Scarcity on Decision‐Making
Authors: Kruft Tobias , Tilsner Christoph , Schindler Andreas , Kock Alexander
Published: June 2019

Organizations increasingly use corporate online ideation platforms to foster individual innovativeness. Recent research, however, has shown the downside of such contests—the selection of ideas is not entirely rational. Analyzing the impact of content scarcity, which occurs when ideators provide very little issue‐relevant information when submitting ideas, contributes to this new literature stream. The main argument is that evaluators increasingly rely on heuristics based on issue‐irrelevant information when content scarcity obstructs reflective decision‐making. The default‐interventionist model of decision‐making in combination with the Yale attitude change approach allows us to examine the mechanisms evaluators apply when content scarcity occurs. The hypotheses are tested on an extensive data set of 3025 ideas. The results show that content scarcity affects the evaluators' decision‐making process by preventing them from intervening their first intuitive decision. The scarcer the content of the submitted idea, the stronger the persuasiveness of issue‐irrelevant aspects that affect idea selection: aspects of the ideator, message, and community.
Learning the words AND knowing the concepts: an in‐depth study of one expert teacher's use of language as a cultural tool to support inquiry
Authors: Hayden Emily , Baird Michelle Eades , Singh Anupma
Published: June 2019

This research explored the practices of one science teacher, expert in her field, as she worked to enact science discourse that incorporated language in naturalistic and rigorous ways. Difficulties in mastering the language of science contribute to troubling and persistent achievement gaps across demographic and gender groups. Science learning is based in discourse, with knowledge built by asking questions, exploring, revising views and asking new questions. But all too often students are not able to participate fully in these opportunities for discourse that is engaging and exploration due to the difficulty of science language. Qualitative analysis of this teacher's use of science discourse to establish clear links between essential science language and concepts and pre/post analysis of a science language assessment reveal important ways that teachers and researchers can work together to design and deliver instruction and assessment that supports students' mastery of sophisticated language and concepts. Results have implications for theory regarding science discourse; language learning, and conceptual development; and provide a model for teacher–researcher partnerships exploring important problems of teaching practice.
Expanding Personhood beyond Remembered Selves: The Sociality of Memory at an Alzheimer's Center in Poland
Authors: Robbins Jessica C.
Published: June 2019

Examining the social and processual dimensions of personhood can transform ethnographic and clinical understandings of “person‐centered care” in dementia care specifically and in medicine more generally. Ethnographic research among people with early‐stage Alzheimer's disease in a day center in Poznań, Poland, shows that practices of remembering involving collective memory can sustain personhood and foster ties of relatedness among people with dementia, defying some expectations about the destructive effects of dementia on personhood. This apparent paradox between people with dementia's loss of memory and their capacity to build social relations based on remembering can be resolved through expanding understandings of personhood to include practices of remembering involving collective pasts—in this case, through shared national frameworks and embodied practices of sociality. Attending to these two dimensions of collective memory reveals unexpected aspects of personhood among people with dementia.
Mitochondrial dynamics and mitophagy are necessary for proper invasive growth in rice blast
Authors: Kou Yanjun , He Yunlong , Qiu Jiehua , Shu Yazhou , Yang Fan , Deng YiZhen , Naqvi Naweed I.
Published: June 2019

Magnaporthe oryzae causes blast disease, which is one of the most devastating infections in rice and several important cereal crops. Magnaporthe oryzae needs to coordinate gene regulation, morphological changes, nutrient acquisition and host evasion in order to invade and proliferate within the plant tissues. Thus far, the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of invasive growth in planta have remained largely unknown. We identified a precise filamentous‐punctate‐filamentous cycle in mitochondrial morphology during Magnaporthe–rice interaction. Interestingly, disruption of such mitochondrial dynamics by deletion of genes regulating either the mitochondrial fusion (MoFzo1) or fission (MoDnm1) machinery, or inhibition of mitochondrial fission using Mdivi‐1 caused significant reduction in M. oryzae pathogenicity. Furthermore, exogenous carbon source(s) but not antioxidant treatment delayed such mitochondrial dynamics/transition during invasive growth. In contrast, carbon starvation induced the breakdown of the mitochondrial network and led to more punctate mitochondria in vitro. Such nutrient‐based regulation of organellar dynamics preceded MoAtg24‐mediated mitophagy, which was found to be essential for proper biotrophic development and invasive growth in planta. We propose that precise mitochondrial dynamics and mitophagy occur during the transition from biotrophy to necrotrophy and are required for proper induction and establishment of the blast disease in rice.
Homologues of the RNA binding protein RsmA in Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 exhibit distinct binding affinities with non‐coding small RNAs and have distinct roles in virulence
Authors: Ge Yixin , Lee Jae Hoon , Liu Jun , Yang Ho‐wen , Tian Yanli , Hu Baishi , Zhao Youfu
Published: June 2019

Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 (PstDC3000) contains five RsmA protein homologues. In this study, four were functionally characterized, with a focus on RsmA2, RsmA3 and RsmA4. RNA electrophoretic mobility shift assays demonstrated that RsmA1 and RsmA4 exhibited similar low binding affinities to non‐coding small RNAs (ncsRNAs), whereas RsmA2 and RsmA3 exhibited similar, but much higher, binding affinities to ncsRNAs. Our results showed that both RsmA2 and RsmA3 were required for disease symptom development and bacterial growth in planta by significantly affecting virulence gene expression. All four RsmA proteins, especially RsmA2 and RsmA3, influenced γ‐amino butyric acid utilization and pyoverdine production to some degree, whereas RsmA2, RsmA3 and RsmA4 influenced protease activities. A single RsmA, RsmA3, played a dominant role in regulating motility. Furthermore, reverse transcription quantitative real‐time PCR and western blot results showed that RsmA proteins, especially RsmA2 and RsmA3, regulated target genes and possibly other RsmA proteins at both transcriptional and translational levels. These results indicate that RsmA proteins in PstDC3000 exhibit distinct binding affinities to ncsRNAs and have distinct roles in virulence. Our results also suggest that RsmA proteins in PstDC3000 interact with each other, where RsmA2 and RsmA3 play a major role in regulating various functions in a complex manner.
The effect of early mobilization in critically ill patients: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Zang Kui , Chen Beibei , Wang Min , Chen Doudou , Hui Liangliang , Guo Shiguang , Ji Ting , Shang Futai
Published: June 2019

Background

The aim of this meta‐analysis was to assess if early mobilization and rehabilitation in the intensive care unit (ICU) could reduce ICU‐acquired weakness (ICU‐AW), improve functional recovery, improve muscle strength, shorten the length of ICU and hospital stays, and reduce the mortality rate.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, SinoMed (Chinese BioMedical Literature Service System, China), and National Knowledge Infrastructure, China (CNKI) was performed. Results were expressed as a risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) or weight mean difference (WMD) with 95% CIs. Pooled estimates were calculated using a fixed‐effects or random‐effects model according to the heterogeneity among studies.

Results

Fifteen randomized controlled trials involving a total of 1941 patients were included in this meta‐analysis. Pooled estimates suggested that early mobilization significantly reduced the incidence of ICU‐AW (RR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.26, 0.91; P = .025), shortened the length of ICU (WMD = −1.82 days, 95% CI: −2.88, −0.76; P = .001) and hospital (WMD = −3.90 days, 95% CI: −5.94, −1.85; P < .001) stays, and improved the Medical Research Council score (WMD = 4.47, 95% CI: 1.43, 7.52; P = .004) and Barthel Index score at hospital discharge (WMD = 21.44, 95% CI: 10.97, 31.91; P < .001). Moreover, early mobilization also decreased complications such as deep vein thrombosis (RR = 0.16, 95% CI: 0.04, 0.59; P = .006), ventilator‐associated pneumonia (RR = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.11, 0.63; P = .003), and pressure sores (RR = 0.14, 95% CI: 0.04, 0.44; P = .001). However, early mobilization did not reduce the ICU mortality rate (RR = 1.31, 95% CI: 0.97, 1.76; P = .074), improve the handgrip strength (WMD = 4.03 kg, 95% CI: −0.68, 8.74; P = .094), and shorten the duration of mechanical ventilation (WMD = 0.20 days, 95% CI: −0.10, 0.50; P = .194).

Conclusion

This study indicated that early mobilization was effective in preventing the occurrence of ICU‐AW, shortening the length of ICU and hospital stay, and improving the functional mobility. However, it had no effect on the ICU mortality rate and ventilator‐free days.

Relevance to clinical practice

ICU‐AW is a common neuromuscular complication of critical illness, and it is predictive of adverse outcomes. Early mobilization of critically ill patients is a candidate intervention to reduce the incidence and severity of ICU‐AW. Some clinical studies have demonstrated this, whereas others found opposite results. The aim of our study is to assess if early mobilization and rehabilitation in the ICU could reduce the ICU‐AW, improve functional recovery, improve muscle strength, shorten length of ICU and hospital stay, and reduce the mortality rate.
Iron acquisition strategies in land plants: not so different after all
Authors: Grillet Louis , Schmidt Wolfgang
Published: June 2019

Due to its ability to accept and donate electrons, iron (Fe) is an indispensable component of electron transport chains and a cofactor in many vital enzymes. Except for waterlogged conditions, under which the lack of oxygen prevents oxidation and precipitation of iron as Fe3+ hydroxides, the availability of iron in soils is generally far below the plant's demand for optimal growth. Plants have evolved two phylogenetically separated and elaborately regulated strategies to mobilize iron from the soil, featuring mechanisms which are thought to be mutually exclusive. However, recent studies uncovered several shared components of the two strategies, questioning the validity of the concept of mutual exclusivity. Here, we use publicly available data obtained from the model species rice (Oryza sativa) to unveil similarities and incongruities between co‐expression networks derived from transcriptomic profiling of iron‐deficient rice and Arabidopsis plants. This approach revealed striking similarities in the topographies of the resulting co‐expression networks with relatively minor deviations in the molecular attributes of the comprised genes, which nonetheless lead to different physiological functions. The analysis also discovered several novel players that are possibly involved in the regulation plant adaptation to iron deficiency.
Unstable Diffusion Indexes: With an Application to Bond Risk Premia
Authors: Massacci Daniele
Published: June 2019

This paper studies the empirically relevant problem of estimation and inference in diffusion index forecasting models with structural instability. Factor model and factor augmented regression both experience a structural change with different unknown break dates. In the factor model, we estimate factors and loadings by principal components. We consider least squares estimation of the factor augmented regression and propose a break test. The empirical application uncovers instabilities in the linkages between bond risk premia and macroeconomic factors.
Ultrasound‐Guided Percutaneous Peripheral Nerve Stimulation for the Treatment of Lower Extremity Pain: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Ferreira‐Dos‐Santos Guilherme , Hurdle Mark Friedrich B. , Gupta Sahil , Clendenen Steven R.
Published: June 2019

Objective

This case report presents an application of percutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation to the right superficial peroneal nerve to treat a patient with chronic intractable L5–S1 radiculopathy pain that conventional treatment failed to ameliorate.

Methods

The patient underwent an uneventful implantation of a percutaneous peripheral nerve stimulator. The implanted lead (15 cm in length and 1.2 mm in diameter) containing the receiver coil and 3 stimulation electrodes (Bioness Stimrouter®, Valencia, CA, U.S.A.) was implanted parallel with the trajectory of the right superficial peroneal nerve.

Results

Two weeks after implantation of the percutaneous peripheral nerve stimulator, the patient experienced excellent pain relief and reported a significant increase in mobility. At the 3‐month follow‐up consultation, the patient reported maintenance of the reduction of pain in his right lower extremity as well as improved performance in his daily activities.

Conclusion

Percutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation offers an alternative treatment option for intractable pain associated with chronic radiculopathy, especially for patients in whom conventional treatment options have been exhausted. Further clinical series involving larger numbers of patients are warranted in order to assess the definitive role of percutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation for the treatment of chronic intractable radiculopathy pain.
Alveolar soft‐part sarcoma: Case demonstrating principles for uncommon vascular lesions
Authors: Leszczynska Maria , Jodeh Diana S , Reed Damon , Lynskey Elisa M , Bittles Mark A , Mayer Jennifer LR , Rottgers S Alex
Published: June 2019

Background

Alveolar soft‐part sarcoma (ASPS) is an uncommon malignancy that may present in a manner similar to benign vascular tumors.

Methods

A 6‐year‐old boy with autism spectrum disorder was referred to the Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital vascular anomalies clinic for the evaluation of a tongue mass.

Results

Prior to the presentation, at 5 years of age, neck computed tomography (CT) was performed. This showed a well circumscribed, enhancing mass at the anterior aspect of the tongue. The radiologic impression was that this lesion was most likely a hemangioma. Two years later, the patient was evaluated in the vascular anomalies clinic. At that examination a 2–3 cm swelling was noted on the dorsal aspect of the tongue. The mass was fleshy and firm with discrete borders. Handheld Doppler examination indicated a high‐flow lesion. The patient underwent an excisional biopsy. The lesion was identified as an alveolar soft‐part sarcoma based on pathologic characteristics.

Conclusion

Familiarity with common vascular tumors and malformations allows providers to diagnose the majority of these lesions on a combination of clinical history and physical examination. Atypical and combined lesions do benefit from imaging to help characterize and aid in the differential diagnosis. Biopsy enables definitive diagnosis but is necessary in the minority of cases. When in doubt, referral to a specialized, multidisciplinary vascular anomalies clinic will ensure that these patients receive management for this challenging collection of conditions.
Acceleration of object tracking in high‐speed videogrammetry using a parallel OpenMP and SIMD strategy
Authors: Tong Xiaohua , Zheng Shouzhu , Gao Sa , Liu Sicong , Chen Peng , Guo Chengcheng , Liu Shijie , Xie Huan , Jin Yanmin , Ye Zhen , Xu Xiong , Wei Chao , Hu Lintao
Published: June 2019

High‐speed cameras are able to effectively and efficiently obtain the location of moving objects over time in many practical applications. In order to meet the requirement for fast computing and processing in the object‐tracking process, this paper adopts parallel computing to process multiple video‐image sequences by using open multi‐processing (OpenMP) and single‐instruction multiple data (SIMD) simultaneously, combined with a coarse‐to‐fine matching method. Experimental results showed that the proposed method: (1) has a high accuracy compared with other methods; (2) demonstrates a higher computational efficiency than other methods; and (3) has an efficiency running on a laptop equivalent to other methods running on a computer workstation.
Factoring restoration practitioner perceptions into future design of mechanical direct seeders for native seeds
Authors: Masarei Monte , Guzzomi Andrew L. , Merritt David J. , Erickson Todd E.
Published: June 2019

The methods used to distribute seeds influence the success of a restoration project. We surveyed 183 restoration practitioners from across the globe with the aim of identifying common limitations to the effective use of mechanical direct seeding in large‐scale restoration practice to highlight avenues for design improvement to mechanized seeding equipment. Results from this survey show that direct seeding methods are commonly used for ecological restoration and agree with other studies that suggest the method can achieve results much quicker and cheaper than the alternative of distributing nursery‐grown tube stock. However, this study indicates that current mechanical direct seeding methods lack adequate control of seed sowing depth and spatial distribution and highlight that the inability to sow seeds of varying morphology over complex topography are common limitations to direct seeding. To improve restoration success, engineering improvements to mechanical direct seeders used in large‐scale restoration should focus in particular on addressing issues of precision of delivery for diverse seed types and landscapes.
Gene editing of the wheat homologs of TONNEAU1‐recruiting motif encoding gene affects grain shape and weight in wheat
Authors: Wang Wei , Pan Qianli , Tian Bin , He Fei , Chen Yueying , Bai Guihua , Akhunova Alina , Trick Harold N. , Akhunov Eduard
Published: June 2019

Grain size and weight are important components of a suite of yield‐related traits in crops. Here, we showed that the CRISPR‐Cas9 gene editing of TaGW7, a homolog of rice OsGW7 encoding a TONNEAU1‐recruiting motif (TRM) protein, affects grain shape and weight in allohexaploid wheat. By editing the TaGW7 homoeologs in the B and D genomes, we showed that mutations in either of the two or both genomes increased the grain width and weight but reduced the grain length. The effect sizes of mutations in the TaGW7 gene homoeologs coincided with the relative levels of their expression in the B and D genomes. The effects of gene editing on grain morphology and weight traits were dosage dependent with the double‐copy mutant showing larger effect than the respective single copy mutants. The TaGW7‐centered gene co‐expression network indicated that this gene is involved in the pathways regulating cell division and organ growth, also confirmed by the cellular co‐localization of TaGW7 with α‐ and β‐tubulin proteins, the building blocks of microtubule arrays. The analyses of exome capture data in tetraploid domesticated and wild emmer, and hexaploid wheat revealed the loss of diversity around TaGW7‐associated with domestication selection, suggesting that TaGW7 is likely to play an important role in the evolution of yield component traits in wheat. Our study showed how integrating CRISPR‐Cas9 system with cross‐species comparison can help to uncover the function of a gene fixed in wheat for allelic variants targeted by domestication selection and select targets for engineering new gene variants for crop improvement.
Effective ways to retain first‐time blood donors: a field‐trial study
Authors: Hashemi Shirin , Maghsudlu Mahtab , Nasizadeh Soheila , Esmaielifar Gilda , Pourfathollah Ali Akbar
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND

Regular blood donors are the cornerstone of blood safety. Understanding the donors' behavior to donate blood improves blood donor retention programs. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the return rate of first‐time blood donors following different interventions to identify effective ways to retain first‐time donors.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

The study was conducted on 1356 first‐time blood donors at four main blood centers in Iran. The donors were randomly assigned based on different interventions (phone calls, educational letter, emotional letter, incentive, motivational meeting, and no intervention) to six groups. The return rate of donors was defined as a second attempt to donate within 6 months after the first donation. Return rate and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated and compared among different groups.

RESULTS

A total of 394 (29%) donors returned within 6 months for a second donation (95% CI, 0.26‐0.31). The return rate in the emotional letter group, educational letter, phone reminder, incentives, motivational meeting, and control groups was 36% (95% CI, 0.31‐0.42), 33.2% (95% CI, 0.27‐0.38), 31.5% (95% CI, 0.25‐0.37), 30% (95% CI, 0.22‐0.38), 22% (95% CI, 0.17‐0.27) and 22.1% (95% CI, 0.17‐0.27), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides evidence supporting the fact that more first‐time blood donors can be motivated to donate again by implementing targeted interventions. It demonstrates that emotional letters, educational letters, and phone reminders were effective in improving the return rate of first‐time donors.
Iron supplementation by blood donors: demographics, patterns of use, and motivation
Authors: Cable Ritchard G. , Spencer Bryan R.
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND

Iron supplements reduce the risk of iron depletion in blood donors. Recent initiatives have sought to increase use of donor iron supplementation (IS), but a baseline description of blood donor supplement practices is needed.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Presenting blood donors received a questionnaire inquiring about IS beginning in December 2015. Responses were linked to operational donor information and analyzed by multivariable statistics.

RESULTS

During the first 6 months, 53,989 evaluable responses were obtained from 80% of presenting donors. Overall, donors of 21.4% of units reported taking iron as a multivitamin (14.6%), in a separate iron supplement (4.1%), or both (2.6%). IS use was associated with female sex (27% vs. 16% in males), increasing age (30% of donors 60+ vs. 8% in 17‐ to 25‐year‐olds), and more frequent previous donations (33% in those with 6+ units donated vs. 7% in first‐time donors). Multivariable logistic regression models stratified by sex indicated that donation frequency was most strongly associated with IS in females, and age most strongly associated with IS in males. Motivation for IS varied by type, with more than 75% of donors taking multivitamins with iron naming “General health and wellness,” while donors taking a separate iron supplement predominantly listed motivations related to blood donation.

CONCLUSIONS

A strong majority of blood donors report not using supplemental iron. Most donors with IS used multivitamins with iron and listed support of general health rather than blood donation as their motivation for taking iron. Effective communication of the importance of iron for blood donation is needed.
Viral networks and detection of potential zoonotic viruses in bats and rodents: A worldwide analysis
Authors: Nieto‐Rabiela Fabiola , Wiratsudakul Anuwat , Suzán Gerardo , Rico‐Chávez Oscar
Published: June 2019

Bats and rodents are recognized to host a great diversity of viruses and several important viral zoonoses, but how this viral diversity is structured and how viruses are connected, shared and distributed among host networks is not well understood. To address this gap in knowledge, we compared the associative capacity of the host–virus networks in rodents and bats with the identification of those viruses with zoonotic potential. A virus database, detected by molecular methods, was constructed in the two taxonomic groups. We compiled 5,484 records: 825 in rodents and 4,659 in bats. We identified a total of 173 and 166 viruses, of which 53 and 40 are zoonotic viruses, in rodents and bats, respectively. Based on a network theory, a non‐directed bipartite host–virus network was built for each group. Subsequently, the networks were collapsed to represent the connections among hosts and viruses. We identified both discrete and connected communities. We observed a greater degree of connectivity in bat viruses and more discrete communities in rodents. The Coronaviridae recorded in bats have the highest values of degree, betweenness and closeness centralities. In rodents, higher degree positions were distributed homogeneously between viruses and hosts. At least in our database, a higher proportion of rodent viruses were zoonotic. Rodents should thus not be underestimated as important reservoirs of zoonotic disease. We found that viruses were more frequently shared among bats than in rodents. Network theory can reveal some macroecological patterns and identify risks that were previously unrecognized. For example, we found that parvovirus in megabats and Gbagroube virus in rodents may represent a zoonotic risk due to the proximity to humans and other zoonotic viruses. We propose that epidemiological surveillance programmes should consider the connectivity of network actors as a measure of the risks of dispersion and transmission.
Purification Effect of Oysters Based on the Analysis of Environmental Parameters
Authors: Dong Hanjiang , Yan Dongsong , Deng Liangyu , Guo Hongfei , Wang Keshan , Wu Mengfan , Yu Bingjie , Wang Jian , Fan Haodong
Published: June 2019

With the development of coastal industries, marine pollution has intensified, and more and more shellfish in marine areas have been polluted to varying degrees. People's health can be compromised when eating contaminated shellfish. In the actual purification process of the shellfish purification plant project, there is no in-depth exploration of the parameters of the purification pond. Based on supplementing the basic research for the development of the oyster purification industry at different temperatures, salinities, pH, ultraviolet lamp power, irradiation time, and water flow rate, we find the best environmental conditions are a temperature of 30 °C, a pH of 8, a salinity of 32%, an ultraviolet lamp illumination power of 9w, an ultraviolet lamp irradiation time of 12h, and a water body flow rate of 0.5m/s. We supplement basic research related to bioengineering in China. We hope that our results can provide reference for further research and contribute to the sustainable development of the oyster purification industry. Create economic benefits for society.
Mutant power resolves protein shapes
Authors: Service Robert F.
Published: June 2019

Clever calculations on mutated proteins reveal spatial arrangement of amino acids.
Civic honesty around the globe
Authors: Cohn Alain , Maréchal Michel André , Tannenbaum David , Zünd Christian Lukas
Published: June 2019

Honesty and selfishness across cultures

Rationalist approaches to economics assume that people value their own interests over the interests of strangers. Cohn
et al.
wanted to examine the trade-off between material self-interest and more altruistic behaviors (see the Perspective by Shalvi). They distributed more than 17,000 wallets containing various sums of money in 355 cities across 40 countries. In contrast to what rationalist theories of economics predict, citizens were more likely to return wallets that contained more money. The findings also reveal a high level of civic honesty across nations.

Science
, this issue p.
70
; see also p.
29
Ruminants: Evolutionary past and future impact
Authors: Ker Dai Fei Elmer , Yang Yunzhi Peter
Published: June 2019

The genomes of ruminant animals promise advances for agriculture, conservation, and biomedicine
Salmonella enterica
Effectors SifA, SpvB, SseF, SseJ, and SteA Contribute to Type III Secretion System 1-Independent Inflammation in a Streptomycin-Pretreated Mouse Model of Colitis
Authors: Matsuda Shigeki , Haneda Takeshi , Saito Hiyori , Miki Tsuyoshi , Okada Nobuhiko
Published: June 2019

Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium (
S.
Typhimurium) induces inflammatory changes in the ceca of streptomycin-pretreated mice. In this mouse model of colitis, the type III secretion system 1 (T3SS-1) has been shown to induce rapid inflammatory change in the cecum at early points, 10 to 24 h after infection. Five proteins, SipA, SopA, SopB, SopD, and SopE2, have been identified as effectors involved in eliciting intestinal inflammation within this time range.
The BvgS PAS Domain, an Independent Sensory Perception Module in the
Bordetella bronchiseptica
BvgAS Phosphorelay
Authors: Sobran M. Ashley , Cotter Peggy A.
Published: June 2019

Despite high rates of vaccination, pertussis, a severe, highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the bacterium
Bordetella pertussis
, has reemerged as a significant health threat. In
Bordetella pertussis
and the closely related species
Bordetella bronchiseptica
, activity of the BvgAS two-component regulatory system is critical for colonization of the mammalian respiratory tract. We show here that the cytoplasmic PAS domain of BvgS can function as an independent signal perception domain that influences BvgS activity in response to environmental conditions. Our work is significant because it reveals a critical, yet previously unrecognized, role for the PAS domain in the BvgAS phosphorelay and provides a greater understanding of virulence regulation in
Bordetella
.
Evaluation of LDBio
Aspergillus
ICT Lateral Flow Assay for IgG and IgM Antibody Detection in Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis
Authors: Stucky Hunter Elizabeth , Richardson Malcolm D. , Denning David W.
Published: June 2019

Detecting
Aspergillus
-specific IgG is critical to diagnosing chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA). Existing assays are often cost- and resource-intensive and not compatible with resource-constrained laboratory settings. LDBio Diagnostics has recently commercialized a lateral flow assay based on immunochromatographic technology (ICT) that detects
Aspergillus
antibodies (IgG and IgM) in less than 30 min, requiring minimal laboratory equipment.
Optimization of Turnaround Time for Group A
Streptococcus
PCR
Authors: Durant Thomas J. S. , Merwede Jacob , Reynolds Jesse , Peaper David R.
Published: June 2019

The use of some nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) for the diagnosis of group A
Streptococcus
(GAS) pharyngitis allows laboratories to adopt single-tiered testing without reflex culture. However, centralization may delay the delivery of actionable information to the bedside, particularly in the outpatient setting. We describe two novel workflows at our institution and their effect on in-lab turnaround time (TAT) at a tertiary care microbiology lab.
Design and Use of Chikungunya Virus Replication Templates Utilizing Mammalian and Mosquito RNA Polymerase I-Mediated Transcription
Authors: Utt Age , Rausalu Kai , Jakobson Madis , Männik Andres , Alphey Luke , Fragkoudis Rennos , Merits Andres
Published: June 2019

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a medically important pathogen responsible for recent large-scale epidemics. The development of efficient therapies against CHIKV has been hampered by gaps in our understanding of how nonstructural proteins (nsPs) function to form the viral replicase and replicate virus RNA. Here we describe an extremely sensitive assay to analyze the effects of mutations on the virus RNA synthesis machinery in cells of both mammalian (host) and mosquito (vector) origin. Using this system, several lethal mutations in CHIKV nsP1 were shown to reduce but not completely block the ability of its replicase to synthesize viral RNAs. However, in contrast to related alphaviruses, CHIKV replicase was completely inactivated by mutations preventing palmitoylation of nsP1. These data can be used to develop novel, virus-specific antiviral treatments.
Setting goals can help people with early stage dementia improve function
Authors: Cook Rob , Lamont Tara , Martin Rosie
Published: June 2019

The study

Clare L, Kudlicka A, Oyebode J R, et al. Goal-oriented cognitive rehabilitation for early-stage Alzheimer’s and related dementias: the GREAT RCT. Health Technol Assess 2019;23:1-242.

The trial was funded by the NIHR Health Technology Assessment Programme (project number11/15/04).

To read the full NIHR Signal, go to: https://discover.dc.nihr.ac.uk/content/signal-000767/goal-setting-in-early-stage-dementia-can-improve-function
Delphi study to identify key features of community-based child and adolescent mental health services in the East of England
Authors: Howarth Emma , Vainre Maris , Humphrey Ayla , Lombardo Chiara , Hanafiah Ainul Nadhirah , Anderson Joanna K , Jones Peter B
Published: June 2019

Objective

To identify priorities for the delivery of community-based Child and Adolescent Mental health Services (CAMHS).

Design

(1) Qualitative methods to gather public and professional opinions regarding the key principles and components of effective service delivery. (2) Two-round, two-panel adapted Delphi study. The Delphi method was adapted so professionals received additional feedback about the public panel scores. Descriptive statistics were computed. Items rated 8–10 on a scale of importance by ≥80% of both panels were identified as shared priorities.

Setting

Eastern region of England.

Participants

(1) 53 members of the public; 95 professionals from the children’s workforce. (2) Two panels. Public panel: round 1,n=23; round 2,n=16. Professional panel: round 1,n=44; round 2,n=33.

Results

51 items met the criterion for between group consensus. Thematic grouping of these items revealed three key findings: the perceived importance of schools in mental health promotion and prevention of mental illness; an emphasis onhowspecialist mental health services are delivered rather thanwhatis delivered (ie, specific treatments/programmes), and the need to monitor and evaluate service impact against shared outcomes that reflect well-being and function, in addition to the mere absence of mental health symptoms or disorders.

Conclusions

Areas of consensus represent shared priorities for service provision in the East of England. These findings help to operationalise high level plans for service transformation in line with the goals and needs of those using and working in the local system and may be particularly useful for identifying gaps in ongoing transformation efforts. More broadly, the method used here offers a blueprint that could be replicated by other areas to support the ongoing transformation of CAMHS.
Text messaging support for patients with diabetes or coronary artery disease (SupportMe): protocol for a pragmatic randomised controlled trial
Authors: Cheung Ngai Wah , Redfern Julie , Thiagalingam Aravinda , Hng Tien-Ming , Islam Sheikh Mohammed Shariful , Haider Rabbia , Faruquie Sonia , Chow Clara
Published: June 2019

Introduction

Low-cost interventions providing self-management support are needed for people with coronary artery disease (CAD) and diabetes. Mobile phone text messaging provides a potential vehicle for this. The SupportMe Trial aims to assess the feasibility of embedding a text messaging programme into routine clinical practice and will determine if this improves cardiovascular risk factor and diabetes control among patients with CAD or type 2 diabetes.

Methods and analysis

SupportMe is a randomised controlled trial to be conducted within the framework of a health district-wide integrated care programme for people with CAD or type 2 diabetes mellitus. One thousand subjects will be recruited, with at least 500 in each group. Intervention subjects will receive four text messages a week for 6 months, which provide advice, motivation, information and support for disease management and healthy behaviour. The primary outcome is systolic blood pressure at 6 months. Secondary outcomes include body mass index, waist circumference, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, physical activity levels, dietary intake, quality of life, mood and smoking cessation, and for subjects with diabetes, glycosylated haemoglobin and fasting serum glucose. A process and economic evaluation will also be conducted.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been approved by the Western Sydney Local Health District Human Research Ethics Committee (AU RED HREC/16/WMEAD/331). Results will be disseminated via the scientific forums including peer-reviewed publications and presentations at national and international conferences.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12616001689460.
Randomised controlled trial of a financial incentive for increasing the number of daily walking steps: study protocol
Authors: Tomata Yasutake , Tanji Fumiya , Nurrika Dieta , Liu Yingxu , Abe Saho , Matsumoto Koichi , Zhang Shu , Kotaki Yumika , Matsuyama Sanae , Lu Yukai , Sugawara Yumi , Bando Shino , Yamazaki Teiichiro , Otsuka Tatsui , Sone Toshimasa , Tsuji Ichiro
Published: June 2019

Introduction

Physical activity is one of the major modifiable factors for promotion of public health. Although it has been reported that financial incentives would be effective for promoting health behaviours such as smoking cessation or attendance for cancer screening, few randomised controlled trials (RCTs) have examined the effect of financial incentives for increasing the number of daily steps among individuals in a community setting. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of financial incentives for increasing the number of daily steps among community-dwelling adults in Japan.

Methods and analysis

This study will be a two-arm, parallel-group RCT. We will recruit community-dwelling adults who are physically inactive in a suburban area (Nakayama) of Sendai city, Japan, using leaflets and posters. Participants that meet the inclusion criteria will be randomly allocated to an intervention group or a waitlist control group. The intervention group will be offered a financial incentive (a chance to get shopping points) if participants increase their daily steps from their baseline. The primary outcome will be the average increase in the number of daily steps (at 4–6 weeks and 7–9 weeks) relative to the average number of daily steps at the baseline (1–3 weeks). For the sample size calculation, we assumed that the difference of primary outcome would be 1302 steps.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been ethically approved by the research ethics committee of Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan (No. 2018-1-171). The results will be submitted and published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.

Trial registration number

UMIN000033276; Pre-results.
Outcome domains and outcome measures used in studies assessing the effectiveness of interventions to manage non-respiratory sleep disturbances in children with neurodisabilities: a systematic review
Authors: McDaid Catriona , Parker Adwoa , Scantlebury Arabella , Fairhurst Caroline , Dawson Vicky , Elphick Heather , Hewitt Catherine , Spiers Gemma , Thomas Megan , Beresford Bryony
Published: June 2019

Objectives

To assess whether a core outcome set is required for studies evaluating the effectiveness of interventions for non-respiratory sleep disturbances in children with neurodisabilities.

Design

Survey of outcome measures used in primary studies identified by a systematic review.

Data sources

ASSIA, CENTRAL, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Conference Proceedings Citation Index, CINAHL, DARE, Embase, HMIC, MEDLINE, MEDLINE In-Process, PsycINFO, Science Citation Index, Social Care Online, Social Policy & Practice, ClinicalTrials.gov, WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform and the UK Clinical Trials Gateway were searched up to February 2017.

Eligibility criteria

Studies evaluating pharmacological or non-pharmacological interventions for children (≤18 years old) with a neurodisability and experiencing non-respiratory sleep disturbance.

Data extraction and synthesis

Outcome measures were listed from each study and categorised into domains.

Results

Thirty-nine studies assessed five core outcome areas: child sleep, other child outcomes, parent outcomes, adverse events and process measures. There were 54 different measures of child sleep across five domains: global measures; sleep initiation; maintenance; scheduling; and other outcomes. Fifteen non-pharmacological (58%) and four pharmacological studies (31%) reported child outcomes other than sleep using 29 different measures.

One pharmacological and 14 non-pharmacological (54%) studies reported parent outcomes (17 different measures). Eleven melatonin studies (85%) recorded adverse events, with variation in how data were collected and reported. One non-pharmacological study reported an explicit method of collecting on adverse events. Several process measures were reported, related to adherence, feasibility of delivery, acceptability and experiences of receiving the intervention.

Conclusions

There is a lack of consistency between studies in the outcome measures used to assess the effectiveness of interventions for non-respiratory sleep disturbances in children with neurodisabilities. A minimum core outcome set, with international consensus, should be developed in consultation with parents, children and young people, and those involved in supporting families.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42016034067