bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Morphological and genetic characterization of Hysterothylacium Ward & Magath, 1917 (Nematoda: Raphidascarididae) larvae in horse mackerel, blue whiting and anchovy from Spanish Atlantic and Mediterranean waters
Authors: Roca‐Geronès Xavier , Montoliu Isabel , Godínez‐González Carla , Fisa Roser , Shamsi Shokoofeh 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe presence of zoonotic Hysterothylacium larvae in fish from Spanish Atlantic and Mediterranean waters, which can cause economic losses for commercial fisheries, has been reported in several studies; however, little is known about species identity in this region. The aim of this study was to identify at species level the Hysterothylacium morphotypes detected in three commonly consumed fish: horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus), blue whiting (Micromesistius poutassou) and anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus). Third‐ and fourth‐stage Hysterothylacium larvae, as well as adults obtained from larval in vitro culture, were morphologically and molecularly identified by ITS1/ITS2 rDNA sequencing. Four Hysterothylacium morphotypes were detected. Genetic analysis showed that morphotypes VIII and IX were different larval stages of Hysterothylacium aduncum, which was supported by cultured adult species identification. Morphotypes III and IV were found to correspond to different developmental stages of another species of Hysterothylacium. As all larval types detected were morphologically indistinguishable from others previously reported yet showed clear genetic differences, they are referred here as new genotypes. This is the first time that ITS‐sequence data of various developmental stages of the same species, including adults, have been studied and compared, providing crucial knowledge for future studies on Hysterothylacium identification and biology.
Applications and efficacy of platelet‐rich plasma in dermatology: A clinical review
Authors: Zhang Meijie , Park Gajin , Zhou Bingrong , Luo Dan 
Published: July 2018

SummaryThe platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) has been studied in bone‐related applications for accelerating healing, and the proliferation and regeneration of tissue. Now the dermatological indications increase rapidly in recent years. We have reviewed clinical trials, comparative trials, and meta‐analysis of PRP on dermatology through key words and reorganized them into facial rejuvenation, hair, scar, vitiligo, and synergistic effect with fractional CO2, with a conclusion that PRP has significant improvements in dermatology. But the lack of RCTs and the limit of samples cannot provide sufficient enough evidence for general clinical applications. More RCTs are needed for the increasing demand of new dermatologic therapeutics, and we need adequate samples urgently to make the results more persuasive.
Prevalence and vaccination coverage of Hepatitis B among healthcare workers in Cameroon: A national seroprevalence survey
Authors: Bilounga Ndongo Chanceline , Eteki Lucrèce , Siedner Mark , Mbaye Rose , Chen Jennifer , Ntone Rodrigue , Donfack Olivier , Bongwong Brian , Essaka Evoue Rachel , Zeh Florence , Njouom Richard , Nguefack‐Tsague Georges , Etoundi Mballa Georges Alain , Biwole Sida Magloire , Boum Yap 
Published: July 2018

AbstractHepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is hyperendemic in Cameroon, and healthcare workers (HCWs) are at high risk of infection. We aimed to assess prevalence, risk factors and vaccine coverage of HBV infection among HCWs in Cameroon. We conducted a cross‐sectional study in 16 hospitals across all regions of Cameroon. HCWs were tested for HBV using rapid diagnostic tests (RDT). We collected data on socio‐demographics and HBV vaccination status. We estimated prevalence of HBV and used Poisson regression models with robust standard errors to model the prevalence ratios of HBV positivity between covariates. We enrolled 1824 of 1836 eligible HCWs (97.5%). The mean age was 34 (SD: 10) years, 65.3% (n = 1787) were women, and 11.4% (n = 1747) had three or more doses of the HBV vaccine. Overall, we found a HBV prevalence of 8.7% (95% CI: 5.2%‐14.3%). Patient transporters had the highest crude prevalence (14.3%; 95%CI: 5.4%‐32.9%), whereas medical doctors had the lowest (3.2%; 95%CI: 0.8%‐12.1%). The Far North Region had the highest prevalence of HBV (24.0%; 95%CI: 18.3%‐30.8%). HBV prevalence decreased with increasing doses of the HBV vaccine (10.3% for no doses vs 3.5% for three or more doses; P < 0.001). In conclusion, approximately 1 in 12 HCWs in Cameroon have evidence of HBV infection, yet fewer than 1 in 6 have been fully vaccinated. Our results illustrate the urgent need to scale up systematic HBV screening and targeted vaccination of HCWs in the region.
Eliminating hepatitis C: The importance of frequent testing of people who inject drugs in high‐prevalence settings
Authors: Scott Nick , Sacks‐Davis Rachel , Pedrana Alisa , Doyle Joseph , Thompson Alexander , Hellard Margaret 
Published: July 2018

SummaryModelling suggests that more frequent screening of people who inject drugs (PWID) and an improved care cascade are required to achieve the WHO hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination target of an 80% reduction in incidence by 2030. We determined the testing frequencies (2‐yearly, annually, 6‐monthly and 3‐monthly) and retention in care required among PWID to achieve the HCV incidence reduction target through treatment as prevention in low (25%), medium (50%) and high (75%) chronic HCV prevalence settings. Mathematical modelling of HCV transmission among PWID, capturing testing, treatment and other features of the care cascade were employed. In low‐prevalence settings, 2‐yearly antibody testing of PWID was estimated to reach the elimination target by 2027‐2030 depending on retention in care, with annual testing reducing the time by up to 3 years. In medium‐prevalence settings, if close to 90% testing coverage were achieved, then annual antibody testing of PWID would be sufficient. If testing coverage were lower (80%), 6‐monthly antibody testing with at least 70% retention in care or annual HCV RNA/cAg testing would be required. In high‐prevalence settings, even 3‐monthly HCV RNA/cAg testing of PWID was unable to achieve the incidence reduction target. Thus, for geographical areas or subpopulations with high prevalence, WHO incidence targets are unlikely to be met without 3‐monthly RNA/cAg testing accompanied by other prevention measures. Novel testing strategies, such as rapid point‐of‐care antibody testing or replacing antibody testing with RNA/cAg tests as a screening tool, can provide additional population‐level impacts to compensate for imperfect follow‐up or testing coverage.
Commentary: A review of risk of hepatitis B and C transmission through biting or spitting
Authors: Pintilie Hannah , Brook Gary 
Published: July 2018

AbstractA draft UK Parliamentary Bill sought to criminalize assaults on emergency workers through biting and spitting. This seemed to be based on a fear of bloodborne virus transmission. We undertook a literature search to clarify the risk of hepatitis infection from such exposures. We identified 245 possible papers and then reduced these to those relevant to HBV and HCV transmission through biting or spitting and the scientific plausibility. Nine papers were identified, reporting 16 possible cases of HBV (15 bites, 1 spitting) and 2 of HCV transmission (both bites). Only 3 HBV transmissions by bites and 1 by spitting and both HCV transmissions were felt to be plausible. Although both HBV DNA and HCV RNA can be found in the saliva of infected patients, it seems unlikely that there is enough to transmit infection unless there is blood contamination. In conclusion, the risk of acquiring HCV through spitting is negligible and is very low for HBV. The risk is also low for acquiring HBV and HCV through biting, especially if no blood is apparent in the saliva.
Estimating the impact of early hepatitis C virus clearance on hepatocellular carcinoma risk
Authors: Darvishian Maryam , Janjua Naveed Z. , Chong Mei , Cook Darrel , Samji Hasina , Butt Zahid A. , Yu Amanda , Alvarez Maria , Yoshida Eric , Ramji Alnoor , Wong Jason , Woods Ryan , Tyndall Mark , Krajden Mel 
Published: July 2018

SummaryAlthough achieving sustained virological response (SVR) through antiviral therapy could reduce the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) attributable to hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, the impact of early viral clearance on HCC is not well defined. In this study, we compared the risk of HCC among individuals who spontaneously cleared HCV (SC), the referent population, with the risk in untreated chronic HCV (UCHC), those achieved SVR, and those who failed interferon‐based treatment (TF). The BC Hepatitis Testers Cohort (BC‐HTC) includes individuals tested for HCV between 1990‐2013, integrated with medical visits, hospitalizations, cancers, prescription drugs and mortality data. This analysis included all HCV‐positive patients with at least one valid HCV RNA by PCR on or after HCV diagnosis. Of 46 666 HCV‐infected individuals, there were 12 527 (26.8%) SC; 24 794 (53.1%) UCHC; 5355 (11.5%) SVR and 3990 (8.5%) TF. HCC incidence was lowest (0.3/1000 person‐years (PY)) in the SC group and highest in the TF group (7.7/1000 PY). In a multivariable model, compared to SC, TF had the highest HCC risk (hazard ratio (HR):14.52, 95% confidence interval (CI): 9.83‐21.47), followed by UCHC (HR: 5.85; 95% CI: 4.07‐8.41). Earlier treatment‐based viral clearance similar to SC could decrease HCC incidence by 69.4% (95% CI: 57.5‐78.0), 30% (95% CI: 10.8‐45.1) and 77.5% (95% CI: 69.4‐83.5) among UCHC, SVR and TF patients, respectively. In conclusion, using SC as a real‐world comparator group, it showed that substantial reduction in HCC risk could be achieved with earlier treatment initiation. These analyses should be replicated in patients who have been treated with direct acting antiviral therapies.
Beavers affect carbon biogeochemistry: both short‐term and long‐term processes are involved
Authors: Nummi Petri , Vehkaoja Mia , Pumpanen Jukka , Ojala Anne 
Published: July 2018

Abstract

With the recent population increase in beavers (Castor spp.), a considerable amount of new riparian habitat has been created in the Holarctic. We evaluated how beaver‐induced floods affect carbon (C) dynamics in the beaver ponds and in the water‐atmosphere and riparian zone interfaces.

Beaver disturbance affects soil organic C storage by decreasing or increasing it, resulting in a redistribution of C. Upon flooding, the concentration of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) increases in the water. This C can be released into the atmosphere, it can settle down to the bottom sediments, it can be sequestered by vegetation, or it can be transported downstream. The carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions vary between 0.14 and 11.2 g CO2 m−2 day−1, averaging 4.9 CO2 g m−2 day−1. The methane (CH4) emissions vary too, from 27 mg m−2 day−1 to 919 mg m−2 day−1, averaging 222 mg CH4 m−2 day−1. Globally, C emission from beaver ponds in the form of CH4 and CO2 may be 3.33–4.62 Tg (teragram, 1012 g) year−1.

The yearly short‐term sedimentation rates in beaver ponds vary between 0.4 and 47 cm year−1, and individual ponds contain 9–6355 m3 of sediment. The approximate global estimate for yearly C sedimentation is 3.8 Tg C; beaver ponds globally contain 380 Tg sedimented C. After being formed, beaver pond deposits can remain for millennia.

Both C sequestration and CO2 and CH4 emissions in ponds of various ages should be taken into account when considering the net effect of beavers on the C dynamics. With present estimates, beaver ponds globally range from a sink (−0.47 Tg year−1) to a source (0.82 Tg year−1) of C. More research is needed with continuous flux measurements and from ponds of different ages. Likewise, there is a need for more studies in Eurasia to understand the effect of beaver on C biogeochemistry.
Prevalence and predictors of overweight and obesity among Cameroonian women in a national survey and relationships with waist circumference and inflammation in Yaoundé and Douala
Authors: Engle‐Stone Reina , Nankap Martin , Ndjebayi Alex O. , Friedman Avital , Tarini Ann , Brown Kenneth H. , Kaiser Lucia 
Published: July 2018

AbstractInformation on the distribution and predictors of obesity in Africa is needed to identify populations at risk and explore intervention options. Our objectives were to (a) examine the prevalence and geographic distribution of overweight and obesity among Cameroonian women; (b) evaluate change in anthropometric indicators among urban women between 2009 and 2012; (c) examine associations between household and individual characteristics and overweight and obesity; and (d) examine relationships between body mass index (BMI), abdominal obesity, and inflammation. We analysed data from a nationally representative survey conducted in 3 geographic strata (North, South, and Yaoundé/Douala) in Cameroon in 2009 and a survey in Yaoundé/Douala in 2012. Participants selected for this analysis were nonpregnant women, ages 15–49 years (n = 704 in 2009; n = 243 in 2012). In 2009, ~8% of women were underweight (BMI < 18.5) and 32% overweight or obese (BMI ≥ 25.0). Underweight was most common in the North (19%) and overweight and obesity in the South (40%) and Yaoundé/Douala (49%). Prevalence of BMI ≥ 25.0 in Yaoundé/Douala did not differ in 2012 compared with 2009 (55.5% vs. 48.7%; P = 0.16). Residence in urban areas, greater maternal age, and TV ownership were independently related to overweight and obesity in national and stratified analyses. In Yaoundé/Douala in 2012, 48% (waist‐to‐hip ratio > 0.85) to 73% (waist circumference > 80 cm) had abdominal obesity. Body mass index was positively associated with abdominal obesity and inflammation. Though causal inferences cannot be drawn, these findings indicate population subgroups at greatest risk for overweight and associated health consequences in Cameroon.
Silencing PsKPP4, a MAP kinase kinase kinase gene, reduces pathogenicity of the stripe rust fungus
Authors: Zhu Xiaoguo , Guo Jia , He Fuxin , Zhang Yang , Tan Chenglong , Yang Qian , Huang Chuanming , Kang Zhensheng , Guo Jun 
Published: July 2018

SummaryMany obligately parasitic pathogens absorb nutrients from host plants via specialized infection structures, called haustoria and infection hyphae, to further colonization and growth in the host plant. In the wheat (Triticum aestivum) stripe rust fungus, Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), the mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase (MAPKK) PsFUZ7 is involved in the regulation of haustorium formation and invasive growth. Here, we functionally characterized PsKPP4 of Pst, which is homologous to the yeast MAPKKK STE11. Similar to the silencing of PsFUZ7, the knockdown of PsKPP4 was detected in the vegetative hyphae and haustoria, resulting in the reduced pathogenicity of Pst. Pst urediniospores treated with the STE11 MAPKKK activation inhibitor produced deformed germ tubes. In addition, overexpression of PsKPP4 in fission yeast resulted in the production of fusiform cells and increased tolerance of yeast cells to oxidative stress. The transformation of PsKPP4 into the mst11 mutant of Magnaporthe oryzae partially restored mst11 function. The PsKPP4 protein contains a sterile alpha motif (SAM), Ras association (RA) and kinase domains, similar to its homologues in other fungi. Yeast two‐hybrid assays revealed that the SAM domain is essential for the interaction between PsKPP4 and PsUBC2, a homologue of Ustilago maydis UBC2, known to interact with KPP4, which is associated with the regulation of the Fus3 cascade. Host‐induced gene silencing of PsUBC2 reduced the pathogenicity of Pst slightly, indicating that PsUBC2 also plays a minor role in the regulation of the infection pathway of Pst. These observations indicate that PsKPP4, interacting with PsUBC2, may play an important role in the regulation of infection‐related morphogenesis in Pst.
Fungal attack and host defence pathways unveiled in near‐avirulent interactions of Penicillium expansum creA mutants on apples
Authors: Tannous Joanna , Kumar Dilip , Sela Noa , Sionov Edward , Prusky Dov , Keller Nancy P. 
Published: July 2018

SummaryAmongst the universal diseases affecting apples, blue mould caused by Penicillium expansum is a major concern, resulting in yield and quality losses as a result of the production of the mycotoxin patulin. Despite the characterization of the patulin biosynthetic gene cluster at both the molecular and chemical levels, the underlying regulation of patulin biosynthesis in P. expansum and the mechanisms of apple colonization remain largely obscure. Recent work has indicated that sucrose, a carbon catabolite repressive metabolite, is a critical factor in the regulation of patulin synthesis. Here, CreA, the global carbon catabolite regulator, was assessed for virulence both in vitro and in vivo. We showed that loss‐of‐function creA strains were nearly avirulent and did not produce patulin in apples. On the basis of RNA‐sequencing (RNA‐seq) analysis and physiological experimentation, these mutants were unable to successfully colonize apples for a multitude of potential mechanisms including, on the pathogen side, a decreased ability to produce proteolytic enzymes and to acidify the environment and impaired carbon/nitrogen metabolism and, on the host side, an increase in the oxidative defence pathways. Our study defines CreA and its downstream signalling pathways as promising targets for the development of strategies to fight against the development and virulence of this post‐harvest pathogen.
Small‐scale indirect plant responses to insect herbivory could have major impacts on canopy photosynthesis and isoprene emission
Authors: Visakorpi Kristiina , Gripenberg Sofia , Malhi Yadvinder , Bolas Conor , Oliveras Imma , Harris Neil , Rifai Sami , Riutta Terhi 
Published: July 2018

Summary

Insect herbivores cause substantial changes in the leaves they attack, but their effects on the ecophysiology of neighbouring, nondamaged leaves have never been quantified in natural canopies. We studied how winter moth (Operophtera brumata), a common herbivore in temperate forests, affects the photosynthetic and isoprene emission rates of its host plant, the pedunculate oak (Quercus robur).

Through a manipulative experiment, we measured leaves on shoots damaged by caterpillars or mechanically by cutting, or left completely intact. To quantify the effects at the canopy scale, we surveyed the extent and patterns of leaf area loss in the canopy.

Herbivory reduced photosynthesis both in damaged leaves and in their intact neighbours. Isoprene emission rates significantly increased after mechanical leaf damage. When scaled up to canopy‐level, herbivory reduced photosynthesis by 48 ± 10%.

The indirect effects of herbivory on photosynthesis in undamaged leaves (40%) were much more important than the direct effects of leaf area loss (6%). If widespread across other plant–herbivore systems, these findings suggest that insect herbivory has major and previously underappreciated influences in modifying ecosystem carbon cycling, with potential effects on atmospheric chemistry.
Body fatness at a young age and risks of eight types of cancer: systematic review and meta‐analysis of observational studies
Authors: Hidayat K. , Du X. , Shi B.‐M. 
Published: July 2018

SummaryThe associations between body fatness at a young age (childhood, adolescence and young adulthood; age ≤ 30 years) and diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL), oesophageal adenocarcinoma, gastric cardia cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, multiple myeloma, pancreatic cancer, renal cell cancer and thyroid cancer remain inconclusive. We performed a comprehensive systematic literature review and meta‐analysis of observational studies to clarify the associations between body fatness at a young age and the risks of these cancers. PubMed and Web of Science databases were searched for relevant observational studies. Fifty‐six articles yielded data on 27,559 cancer cases, including 3,170 DLBCL, 1,491 oesophageal adenocarcinoma, 1,103 gastric cardia cancer, 1,067 hepatocellular carcinoma, 3,090 multiple myeloma, 7,220 pancreatic cancer, 6,212 renal cell cancer and 4,206 thyroid cancer cases. Each 5 kg m−2increase in body mass index at a young age was positively associated with DLBCL (relative risk [RR] 1.21, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.09, 1.35), oesophageal adenocarcinoma (RR 1.88, 95% CI 1.37, 2.57), gastric cardia cancer (RR 1.59, 95% CI 1.15, 2.21), hepatocellular carcinoma (RR 1.31, 95% CI 1.13, 1.51), multiple myeloma (RR 1.23, 95% CI 1.15, 1.30), pancreatic cancer (RR 1.17, 95% CI 1.11, 1.24), renal cell cancer (RR 1.22, 95% CI 1.16, 1.28) and thyroid cancer (RR 1.12, 95% CI 1.07, 1.17). In summary, higher body fatness at a young age increases the risks of developing various types of cancer later in life. Prevention of overweight and obesity in children, adolescents and young adults should therefore be emphasized to reverse the obesity epidemic and thereby avoid further increases in the burden of cancer attributed to excess body fatness.
Work‐related psychosocial factors and metabolic syndrome onset among workers: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Watanabe K. , Sakuraya A. , Kawakami N. , Imamura K. , Ando E. , Asai Y. , Eguchi H. , Kobayashi Y. , Nishida N. , Arima H. , Shimazu A. , Tsutsumi A. 
Published: July 2018

SummaryBackgroundWork‐related psychosocial factors have been associated with metabolic syndrome. However, no systematic reviews or meta‐analyses have evaluated this association.MethodsA systematic literature search was conducted, using PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES and the Japan Medical Abstracts Society. Eligible studies included those that examined the previously mentioned association; had a longitudinal or prospective cohort design; were conducted among workers; provided sufficient data for calculating odds ratios, relative risks or hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals; were original articles in English or Japanese; and were published no later than 2016. Study characteristics, exposure and outcome variables and association measures of studies were extracted by the investigators independently.ResultsAmong 4,664 identified studies, 8 were eligible for review and meta‐analysis. The pooled risk of adverse work‐related stress on metabolic syndrome onset was significant and positive (RR = 1.47; 95% CI, 1.22–1.78). Sensitivity analyses limiting only the effects of job strain and shift work also indicated a significant positive relationship (RR = 1.75; 95% CI, 1.09–2.79; and RR = 1.59; 95% CI, 1.00–2.54, P = 0.049 respectively).ConclusionThis study reveals a strong positive association between work‐related psychosocial factors and an elevated risk of metabolic syndrome onset. The effects of job strain and shift work on metabolic syndrome appear to be significant.