bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bacillus Calmette-Guérin Overexpressing an Endogenous Stimulator of Interferon Genes Agonist Provides Enhanced Protection Against Pulmonary Tuberculosis
Authors: Dey Ruchi Jain , Dey Bappaditya , Singh Alok Kumar , Praharaj Monali , Bishai William 
Published: March 2019

Abstract

Background
Stimulator of interferon genes (STING) is a key cytosolic receptor for small nucleotides and plays a key role in anticancer and antiviral immunity. Cyclic dinucleotide STING agonists may comprise a novel class of vaccine adjuvants capable of inducing cellular immune responses and protective efficacy against intracellular pathogens.

Methods
We generated a recombinant Bacillus Calmette-Guérin ([BCG] BCG-disA-OE) that overexpresses the endogenous mycobacterial diadenylate cyclase gene and releases high levels of the STING agonist bis-(3’-5’)-cyclic dimeric adenosine monophosphate (c-di-AMP). We used a 24-week guinea pig vaccination-Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb.) challenge model to test the protective efficacy of BCG-disA-OE versus wild-type BCG and measured lung weights, pathology scores, and M.tb. organ colony-forming unit (CFU) counts.

Results
BCG-disA-OE elicited significantly stronger tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, interferon (IFN) regulatory factor 3, and IFN-β levels than BCG-wild type (WT) in vitro in murine macrophages. In vivo in guinea pigs, we found that BCG-disA-OE reduced lung weights, pathology scores, and M.tb. CFU counts in lungs by 28% (P &lt; .05), 34%, and 2.0 log10 CFU units (P &lt; .05) compared with BCG-WT, respectively.

Conclusions
We report a strategy of delivering a STING agonist from within live BCG. Overproduction of the STING agonist c-di-AMP significantly enhanced the protective efficacy of BCG against pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis. Our findings support the development of BCG-vectored STING agonists as a tuberculosis vaccine strategy.
Application of the Droplet Digital Polymerase Chain Reaction (ddPCR) Platform for Detection and Quantification of Vertebrate Host DNA in Engorged Mosquitoes
Authors: Rice L M , Robb L L , Hartman D A , Anderson J R , Kading R C 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
Hematophagous arthropod bloodmeal identification has remained a challenge in the field of vector biology, but these studies are important to understand blood feeding patterns of arthropods, spatial, and temporal patterns in arbovirus transmission cycles, and risk of human and veterinary disease. We investigated the use of an existing vertebrate primer set for use on the droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) platform, to explore the use of this technology in the identification and quantification of vertebrate DNA in mosquito blood meals. Host DNA was detectable 48-h post-engorgement in some mosquitoes by ddPCR, compared with 24-h post-engorgement using traditional PCR. The capability of ddPCR for absolute quantification of template DNA offers unique potential applications of this new technology to field studies on the ecology of vector-borne diseases, but currently with limited scope.
Laboratory Evaluation of Larvicidal and Oviposition Deterrent Properties of Edible Plant Oils for Potential Management of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) in Drinking Water Containers
Authors: Njoroge Teresia M , Berenbaum May R 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) transmits several devastating arboviruses, including dengue, chikungunya, and Zika virus, making development of inexpensive and eco-friendly strategies for its control an urgent priority. We evaluated the lethality of 13 commonly used plant-derived edible oils against late-third instar Ae. aegypti and then tested the three most lethal oils for stage-specific differences in lethality. We also examined the effects of the most lethal (hempseed), moderately lethal (sunflower and peanut), and least lethal (olive) oils on survival to adulthood and oviposition behavior of gravid females. We hypothesized that the insecticidal activity of edible oils is a function of the content of their linoleic acid, a key fatty acid component with film-forming properties. Among the 13 oils tested, hempseed oil was the most lethal, with an LC50 of 348.25 ppm, followed by sesame (670.44 ppm) and pumpkinseed (826.91 ppm) oils. Oils with higher linoleic acid content were more lethal to larvae than those with low linoleic acid content. Furthermore, pure concentrated linoleic acid was more lethal to larvae compared to any edible oil. In comparison to early instars, late instars were more susceptible to hempseed, sunflower, peanut, and olive oils; these oils also acted as oviposition deterrents, with effective repellency ≥63%. The proportion of larvae surviving to adulthood was significantly reduced in hempseed, sunflower, peanut, and olive oil treatments relative to controls. Our results suggest that some edible plant oils have potential as effective, eco-friendly larvicides, and oviposition deterrents for controlling container-dwelling mosquitoes, especially in resource-limited settings.
Physical Functioning Among Patients Aging With Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Versus HIV Uninfected: Feasibility of Using the Short Physical Performance Battery in Clinical Care of People Living With HIV Aged 50 or Older
Authors: Crane Heidi M , Miller Michael E , Pierce June , Willig Amanda L , Case Michael Lloyd , Wilkin Aimee M , Brown Sharon , Asirot Mary Grace , Fredericksen Rob J , Saag Michael S , Landay Alan L , High Kevin P 
Published: March 2019

Abstract

Background
The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) is a well regarded physical functioning assessment including balance, gait speed, and chair-stand tests. Its use has not been widely assessed in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) care. We evaluated the feasibility of integrating the SPPB into care of aging people living with HIV (PLWH) and compared SPPB performance with aged HIV-uninfected individuals.

Methods
We enrolled PLWH aged ≥50 at 3 HIV clinics and compared their SPPB scores and subscores with older HIV-uninfected adults in the Health, Aging, and Body Composition (Health ABC) study. We conducted regression analyses on age stratified by sex and adjusting for site, and we calculated percentage variance explained by age among PLWH and HIV-uninfected adults.

Results
The SPPB was feasible to implement in clinical care and did not require licensed professionals; 176 PLWH completed it with a mean completion time of 7.0 minutes (standard deviation = 2.6). Overall mean SPPB score among PLWH was 10.3 (median 11.0, 25th percentile 9.0, 75th percentile 12.0). People living with HIV were younger than HIV-uninfected individuals (55 vs 74 years old). Mean SPPB scores and most subscores were similar among PLWH and older HIV-uninfected individuals despite the ~20-year age difference. Regression analyses of gait speed revealed similar slopes in PLWH and HIV-uninfected individuals; however, separate intercepts were needed for PLWH. Mean gait speeds were faster in older HIV-uninfected men and women (P &lt; .01), yet relationships with age within PLWH and HIV uninfected were similar.

Conclusions
The SPPB can be implemented into busy HIV clinics. Despite the ~20-year age difference, mean scores were similar among PLWH and older HIV-uninfected individuals, although gait speed was faster among HIV-uninfected individuals.
Transmission of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Among Children Under 5 Years in Households of Rural Communities, the Philippines
Authors: Otomaru Hirono , Kamigaki Taro , Tamaki Raita , Okamoto Michiko , Alday Portia Parian , Tan Alvin Gue , Manalo Joanna Ina , Segubre-Mercado Edelwisa , Inobaya Marianette Tawat , Tallo Veronica , Lupisan Socorro , Oshitani Hitoshi 
Published: March 2019

Abstract

Background
To develop a more effective vaccination strategy for reducing the impact of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection, especially in young infants (&lt;6 months old), it is necessary to understand the transmission dynamics of RSV.

Methods
We conducted a community-based prospective cohort study from 2014 to 2016 in Biliran Province, the Philippines, on children &lt;5 years old. We collected nasopharyngeal swabs from symptomatic children with acute respiratory infection (ARI) during household visits and at health facilities. In households (n = 181) with RSV-positive ARI cases (RSV-ARI), we also identified ARI episodes among other children &lt;5 years old in the same household. In addition, we determined the serial interval to estimate the basic reproduction number (R0), the average number of secondary cases generated by a single primary case.

Results
In the 181 households analyzed, we found 212 RSV-ARI in 152 households with a single case and 29 households with multiple cases, which included 29 1st RSV-ARI and 31 2nd RSV-ARI. We also found possible index cases among children &lt;5 years old in the same household for 29.0% (18 of 62) of young infants with RSV-ARI. The estimated mean serial interval was 3.2 days, and R0 was estimated to be 0.92–1.33 for RSV-A and 1.04–1.76 for RSV-B, which varied between different times (2014 and 2015) and places.

Conclusions
Young infants are likely to acquire RSV infection from older children in the same household. Therefore, vaccination targeting older children might protect infants from RSV infection.
Resection of Mesencephalic Cavernoma Using the “Half-and-Half” Approach: 2-Dimensional Operative Video
Authors: Munich Stephan A , Morcos Jacques J 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
Brainstem cavernous malformations present a particular challenge to neurosurgeons. Their deep location and proximity to critical brainstem nuclei and fiber tracts make surgical access challenging. Despite this, microsurgical resection of brainstem cavernomas has been associated with good long-term neurological outcome, albeit with notable (but temporary) perioperative morbidity.
Here, we demonstrate the microsurgical resection of a mesencephalic cavernoma via a “half-and-half” approach. Described as the temporopolar approach by Sano in 1980,
1
this approach centers on the oculomotor nerve and combines the transsylvian and pre-/subtemporal corridors. A wide opening of the Sylvian fissure and posterior mobilization of the temporal lobe permits access to the interpenducular cistern, mesencephalon and rostral pons. In this way, the “half-and-half” ideally suited for lesions of the anterior and antero-lateral brainstem. While temporary postoperative oculomotor nerve palsy is not uncommon, rapid resolution is expected.
Verbal consent was provided by the patient for reproduction and publication of her case.
Navigating health care systems for military-connected children with autism spectrum disorder: A qualitative study of military families experiencing mandatory relocation
Authors: Cramm Heidi , Smith Garth , Samdup Dawa , Williams Ashley , Rühland Lucia 
Published: March 2019

Abstract

Background
Most military families experience mandatory relocation, or posting, several times during the military career. For Canadian military families who must access provincial or territorial health care systems, maintaining reasonable continuity of care is a persistent issue. Such challenges may be amplified when a child in a military family has special needs within the health and educational systems.

Objective
The purpose of this qualitative study was to gain a better understanding of Canadian Armed Forces families’ experiences in navigating health care systems on behalf of a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the context of mandatory relocation.

Methods
Parents of children with ASD, where at least one parent serves in the Canadian Armed Forces and had faced military-related relocation, were recruited. Semi-structured interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed thematically.

Results
Twelve participants represented 12 families and 15 children with ASD. Participants discussed two primary themes. (1) High mobility inherent in the military lifestyle can create disruptions and discontinuities to service, including delays in diagnosis or intervention, losses and gains in available services determined by the direction of posting, and the need to start health care access processes over again when relocating. (2) Navigating health systems for children with ASD creates personal stress and frustration related to relocating, and has career implications for both parents.

Conclusions
Military-related relocation can create significant disruption in access to health and educational services for Canadian military families who have a child with ASD, and take a personal toll on these families.
Society of Behavior Medicine (SBM) Urges Congress to Ensure Affordable Care Act Coverage of Prostate Cancer Screening Support Services for High-Risk Men
Authors: Watson Karriem , Buscemi Joanna , Fitzgibbon Marian , Murray Marcus , Murphy Adam , Abern Michael , Gann Peter , Levi Josef Ben , Stinson James , Diefenbach Michael , Winn Robert A 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) disproportionately affects African American men. Early detection reduces risk of mortality. The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) issued an updated recommendation statement on serum Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA)-based screening for PCa. Specifically, in 2012, the USPSTF recommended against PSA-based screening due to risk for overdiagnosis and overtreatment. However, the updated 2018 guidelines recommend consideration of screening for certain at risk men and revised the recommendation rating from “D” to “C.” This new guideline recommends providers to educate high-risk men on the benefits and harms of PSA-based PCa screening so that they can make an informed decision. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) includes provisions of service coverage for patient navigators who can help patients decide whether screening is appropriate, given potential risks and benefits, and training of health care providers in shared-decision regarding screening/treatment. These services can be utilized to support health care providers to better adhere to the new guideline. However, recommendations that are given a C rating or lower are not consistently reimbursed through many plans, including those offered through the ACA marketplace. The Society of Behavioral Medicine (SBM) supports the USPSTF guideline for the consideration of prostate cancer screening for high-risk men between the ages of 55 and 69. SBM encourages policymakers to include provisions for coverage of patient navigation services in the ACA to facilitate shared decision-making between providers and patients regarding screening.
Drawing parallels in human–other interactions: a trans-disciplinary approach to developing human–robot interaction methodologies
Authors: Collins Emily C. 
Published: March 2019

This opinion paper discusses how human–robot interaction (HRI) methodologies can be robustly developed by drawing on insights from fields outside of HRI that explore human–other interactions. The paper presents a framework that draws parallels between HRIs, and human–human, human–animal and human–object interaction literature, by considering the morphology and use of a robot to aid the development of robust HRI methodologies. The paper then briefly presents some novel empirical work as proof of concept to exemplify how the framework can help researchers define the mechanism of effect taking place within specific HRIs. The empirical work draws on known mechanisms of effect in animal-assisted therapy, and behavioural observations of touch patterns and their relation to individual differences in caring and attachment styles, and details how this trans-disciplinary approach to HRI methodology development was used to explore how an interaction with an animal-like robot was impacting a user. In doing so, this opinion piece outlines how useful objective, psychological measures of social cognition can be for deepening our understanding of HRI, and developing richer HRI methodologies, which take us away from questions that simply ask ‘Is this a good robot?’, and closer towards questions that ask ‘What mechanism of effect is occurring here, through which effective HRI is being performed?’ This paper further proposes that in using trans-disciplinary methodologies, experimental HRI can also be used to study human social cognition in and of itself.
This article is part of the theme issue ‘From social brains to social robots: applying neurocognitive insights to human–robot interaction’.
Secondary ossification center induces and protects growth plate structure
Authors: Xie Meng , Gol’din Pavel , Herdina Anna Nele , Estefa Jordi , Medvedeva Ekaterina V , Li Lei , Newton Phillip T , Kotova Svetlana , Shavkuta Boris , Saxena Aditya , Shumate Lauren T , Metscher Brian , Großschmidt Karl , Nishimori Shigeki , Akovantseva Anastasia , Usanova Anna P , Kurenkova Anastasiia D , Kumar Anoop , Arregui Irene Linares , Tafforeau Paul , Fried Kaj , Carlström Mattias , Simon Andras , Gasser Christian , Kronenberg Henry M , Bastepe Murat , Cooper Kimberly L. , Timashev Peter , Sanchez Sophie , Adameyko Igor , Eriksson Anders , Chagin Andrei S 
Published: March 2019

AbstractGrowth plate and articular cartilage constitute a single anatomical entity early in development, but later separate into two distinct structures by the secondary ossification center (SOC). The reason for such separation remains unknown. We found that evolutionarily SOC appears in animals conquering the land - amniotes. Analysis of ossification pattern in mammals with specialized extremities (whales, bats, jerboa) revealed that SOC development correlates with the extent of mechanical loads. Mathematical modelling revealed that SOC reduces mechanical stress within the growth plate. Functional experiments revealed high vulnerability of hypertrophic chondrocytes to mechanical stress and showed that SOC protects these cells from apoptosis caused by extensive loading. Atomic force microscopy showed that hypertrophic chondrocytes are the least mechanically stiff cells within the growth plate. Altogether, these findings suggest that SOC has evolved to protect the hypertrophic chondrocytes from the high mechanical stress encountered in the terrestrial environment.
Regulation of CSF and brain tissue sodium levels by the blood-CSF and blood-brain barriers during migraine
Authors: Ghaffari Hamed , Grant Samuel C. , Petzold Linda R. , Harrington Michael G. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackgroundCerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and brain tissue sodium levels increase during migraine. However, little is known regarding the underlying mechanisms of sodium homeostasis disturbance in the brain during the onset and propagation of migraine. Exploring the cause of sodium dysregulation in the brain is important, since correction of the altered sodium homeostasis could potentially treat migraine. Under the hypothesis that disturbances in sodium transport mechanisms at the blood-CSF barrier (BCSFB) and/or the blood-brain barrier (BBB) are the underlying cause of the elevated CSF and brain tissue sodium levels during migraines, we developed a mechanistic, differential equation model of a rat’s brain to compare the significance of the BCSFB and the BBB in controlling CSF and brain tissue sodium levels. The model includes the ventricular system, subarachnoid space, brain tissue and blood. Sodium transport from blood to CSF across the BCSFB, and from blood to brain tissue across the BBB were modeled by influx permeability coefficientsPcpandPbc, respectively, while sodium movement from CSF into blood across the BCSFB, and from brain tissue to blood across the BBB were modeled by efflux permeability coefficientsand, respectively. We then performed a global sensitivity analysis to investigate the sensitivity of the ventricular CSF, subarachnoid CSF and brain tissue sodium concentrations to pathophysiological variations inand. Our results show that the ventricular CSF sodium concentration is highly influenced by perturbations ofPcp, and to a much lesser extent by perturbations of. Brain tissue and subarachnoid CSF sodium concentrations are more sensitive to pathophysiological variations ofPbcandthan variations ofPcpandwithin 30 minutes of the onset of the perturbations. However,Pcpis the most sensitive model parameter, followed byPbcand, in controlling brain tissue and subarachnoid CSF sodium levels within 2 hours of the perturbation onset.
Molecular properties and evolutionary origins of a parvovirus-derived myosin fusion gene in guinea pigs
Authors: Valencia-Herrera Ignacio , Cena-Ahumada Eduardo , Faunes Fernando , Ibarra-Karmy Rodrigo , Gifford Robert J. , Arriagada Gloria 
Published: March 2019

AbstractSequences derived from parvoviruses (familyParvoviridae) are relatively common in animal genomes, but the functional significance of these endogenous parvoviral element (EPV) sequences remains unclear. In this study we use a combination ofin silicoand molecular biological approaches to investigate a fusion gene encoded by guinea pigs (genusCavia) that is partially derived from an EPV. This gene, namedenRep-Myo9, encodes a predicted polypeptide gene product comprising a partialmyosin9 (Myo9)-like gene fused to a 3’ truncated, EPV- encoded replicase. We first examined the genomic and phylogenetic characteristics of the EPV locus that encodes the viral portions ofenRep-Myo9. We show that this locus, named enRep, is specific to guinea pigs and derives from an ancient representative of the parvoviral genusDependoparvovirusthat integrated into the guinea pig germline 22-35 million years ago. Despite these ancient origins, however, the regions of enRep that are incorporated into the coding sequence of theenRep-Myo9gene are conserved across multiple species in the family Caviidae (guinea pigs and cavies) consistent with purifying selection. Using molecular biological approaches, we further demonstrate that: (i)enRep-Myo9mRNA is broadly transcribed in guinea pig cells; (ii) the clonedenRep-Myo9transcript can express a protein of the expected size in guinea pig cellsin vitro, and; (iii) the expressed protein localizes to the cytosol. Our findings demonstrate that, consistent with a functional role, theenRep-Myo9fusion gene is evolutionarily conserved, broadly transcribed, and capable of expressing protein.ImportanceDNA from viruses has been ‘horizontally transferred’ to mammalian genomes during evolution, but the impact of this process on mammalian biology remains poorly understood. The findings of our study indicate that in guinea pigs a novel gene has evolved through fusion of host and virus genes.
Intense Pulsed Electric Fields Denature Urease Proteins
Authors: Urabe Gen , Katagiri Toshiaki , Katsuki Sunao 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThis paper describes the effects of nanosecond pulsed electric fields (nsPEFs) on the structure and enzyme activity of three kinds of proteins. Intense (up to 300 kV/cm), 5-ns-long electrical pulses were applied to solutions of lysozyme (14 kDa, monomer), albumin (67 kDa, monomer), and urease (480 kDa, hexamer). We analyzed the tertiary and quaternary structures of these proteins as well as their enzyme activity. The results indicated the deformation of both the quaternary and tertiary structures of urease upon exposure to an electric field of 250 kV/cm or more, whereas no structural changes were observed in lysozyme or albumin, even at 300 kV/cm. The enzyme activity of urease also decreased at field strengths of 250 kV/cm or more. Our experiments demonstrated that intense nsPEFs physically affect the conformation and function of some kinds of proteins. Such intense electric fields often occur on cell membranes when these are exposed to a moderate pulsed electric field.