bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The existential function of right‐wing authoritarianism
Authors: Womick Jake , Ward Sarah J. , Heintzelman Samantha J. , Woody Brendon , King Laura A. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractObjectiveFour studies tested the existential and existential buffering functions of right‐wing authoritarianism (RWA). We tested whether the facets of meaning mediated these functions.MethodAll studies measured RWA and meaning in life (MIL). Study 1, N = 2,319, also measured covariates, including Protestant Work Ethic and religiosity. Study 2, N = 505, examined RWA and meaning facets (purpose, coherence, and significance), and measured religiosity. Study 3, N = 971, measured psychological distress to test the existential buffering function of RWA. Study 4, N = 833, tested this hypothesis using meaning facets and tested for moderated mediation.ResultsIn all studies, RWA and MIL were positively correlated. In Study 1, Protestant Work Ethic and religiosity weakened this association. In Study 2, significance mediated the association between RWA and global MIL. Religiosity wiped out the relationship between RWA and meaning variables, except significance. Study 3 supported the existential buffering hypothesis: distress and global MIL were less strongly related among those high on RWA. Study 4 replicated this finding for MIL facets. Significance mediated the existential buffering function of RWA.ConclusionsFindings extend scientific knowledge by demonstrating that RWA contributes to MIL, particularly existential mattering, and especially for those experiencing distress. We discuss implications for our understanding of RWA and MIL.
Hepatitis E virus in Spanish donors and the necessity for screening
Authors: Rivero‐Juarez Antonio , Jarilla‐Fernandez María , Frias Mario , Madrigal‐Sanchez Elena , López‐López Pedro , Andújar‐Troncoso Giselle , Machuca Isabel , Camacho Angela , Muñoz‐Valbuena Pilar , Rivero Antonio 
Published: January 2019

SummaryHepatitis E virus (HEV) represents a major health problem worldwide. As the course of HEV cases is often subclinical, asymptomatic infections could represent an important source of viral spread and infection via routes such as blood donations. Before universal screening for HEV in blood donations can be implemented, studies evaluating the incidence of infection are needed to establish the potential risk of viral transmission. This is a prospective longitudinal study that included blood donors recruited at the Hospital de Ciudad Real Transfusion Service between October 2017 and January 2018. Pools of eight donations were tested for HEV viremia by PCR. Positive pools were individually evaluated following the same procedure. Positive samples were tested for anti‐HEV IgG and IgM. Recipients of blood transfusions obtained from HEV‐positive donors were retrospectively evaluated. The prevalence of HEV was calculated. A total of 11 313 healthy donors were analysed during the study period. Four blood donations from four different donors were HEV RNA‐reactive. The prevalence of HEV infection was 0.035% (95% CI: 0.01%‐0.09%), which meant a ratio of one positive donation per 2828 donations. All donors were negative for anti‐HEV IgM at the time of the donation. Five patients received transfusions from HEV‐positive blood donations, none of them showed an increase in alanine aminotransferase levels after transfusion. In conclusion, our study found a high prevalence of HEV infection in blood donors from south‐central Spain. In view of the prevalence, Spanish blood banks should carefully consider including screening for HEV.
Hepatitis D virus infection, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in The Gambia
Authors: Mahale Parag , Aka Peter , Chen Xiaohua , Pfeiffer Ruth M. , Liu Ping , Groover Sarah , Mendy Maimuna , Njie Ramou , Goedert James J. , Kirk Gregory D. , Glenn Jeffrey S. , O'Brien Thomas R. 
Published: January 2019

SummaryHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) incidence is high in The Gambia, and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the main cause. People coinfected with HBV and hepatitis D virus (HDV) have an even greater risk of HCC and cirrhosis. Using a new HDV quantitative microarray antibody capture (Q‐MAC) assay, we evaluated the association between HDV infection and HCC or cirrhosis among participants in The Gambia Liver Cancer Study. In this case‐control study, cases had HCC (n = 312) or cirrhosis (n = 119). Controls (n = 470) had no clinical evidence of liver disease and normal serum alpha‐foetoprotein. Participants were previously tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg); we tested HBsAg+ specimens by HDV Q‐MAC, western blot and RNA assays. We evaluated separate cut‐offs of the Q‐MAC assay for predicting anti‐HDV and RNA positivity. Q‐MAC correctly identified 29/29 subjects who were western blot‐positive (sensitivity = 100%, specificity = 99.4%) and 16/17 who were RNA‐positive (sensitivity = 94.1%, specificity = 100%). Compared to controls, cases more often had HBV monoinfection (HBsAg+/HDV RNA−; 54.1% vs 17.0%; odds ratio [OR] = 6.28; P < 0.001) or HBV‐HDV coinfection (HBsAg+/HDV RNA+; 3.9% vs 0%; P < 0.001). Risk estimates (for HCC or cirrhosis) based on HDV antibody status and adjusted for covariates (demographics, alcohol, smoking, body mass index, anti‐HCV and aflatoxin B1 exposure) yielded consistent results for both HBV monoinfection (adjusted OR = 8.29; 95% confidence interval = 5.74‐11.98) and HBV‐HDV coinfection (adjusted OR = 30.66; 95% confidence interval = 6.97‐134.95). In this Gambian population, HDV Q‐MAC had high sensitivity and specificity for both anti‐HDV and HDV RNA. HDV infection contributed to the high risk of HCC in The Gambia.
High rates of unprotected anal sex and use of generic direct‐acting antivirals in a cohort of MSM with acute HCV infection
Authors: Girometti Nicolò , Devitt Emma , Phillips Joe , Nelson Mark , Whitlock Gary 
Published: January 2019

SummaryThe role of condomless anal intercourse (CAI) as a driver for the epidemic of hepatitis C in MSM is still debated. Timely access to direct‐acting antivirals (DAA) could represent an essential strategy to tackle this. Case notes of MSM diagnosed with acute hepatitis C (AHC) between July 2016 and June 2017 in a sexual health clinic in London were included. Behavioural data on sexual practices and STI monitoring in the 6 months prior to AHC diagnosis were collected. DAA routes of access and timing from AHC diagnosis to start of treatment were analysed. A total of 60 individuals were enrolled (median age 39 years, IQR = 33‐46, 62% HIV co‐infected, 72% genotype 1a). CAI was reported by 97%, drug use prior to or during sex by 73%; 46% was diagnosed with a rectal STI and 29% with syphilis. About 37% did not report any HCV risk factors other than condomless anal sex. About 36% had a new rectal STI in the 6 months following AHC. About 82% accessed DAA treatment and median time from AHC to DAA start was 278 days for those following the NHS standard of care route, 132 days for those accessing DAA via participation in trials and 114 for those who had self‐sourced DAA online (P < 0.0011). SVR12 was achieved in 100% of the patients who received DAA treatment.In conclusion, CAI is a significant risk factor for HCV acquisition in MSM, irrespective of their HIV status. Rapid and wider access to treatment with DAA could represent a powerful strategy to reduce onward transmission and risk of reinfection in MSM.
Variation in pancreatic amylase gene copy number among Eurasian badgers (Carnivora, Mustelidae, Meles) and its relationship to diet
Authors: Abduriyim S. , Nishita Y. , Abramov A. V. , Solovyev V. A. , Saveljev A. P. , Kosintsev P. A. , Kryukov A. P. , Raichev E. , Väinölä R. , Kaneko Y. , Masuda R. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractOccurrence of copy number variation (CNV) of gene loci is important in the adaptation of species and populations to their environments. High copy numbers of mammalian genes encoding the digestive enzyme amylase, which plays a role in starch digestion, have been associated with adaptation to high‐starch foods. Here, we investigated CNV in the pancreatic amylase gene (AMY2) in Eurasian badgers (Meles species) and related taxa using real‐time quantitative PCR. We found that Meles anakuma and M. meles, as well as the other mustelids Mustela sibirica, Martes melampus and Martes zibellina, had only one copy of the AMY2 locus, whereas in Meles leucurus the copy number varied between one and four. The AMY2 copy number also varied significantly among M. leucurus populations. This suggests that M. leucurus is better adapted to a diet rich in starch and/or glycogen than its congeners. As Meles spp. are basically omnivorous but favor a carnivoran diet, for example, earthworms and amphibians, we speculate that the CNV is related to the dearth of animal food in the range of M. leucurus, which enforces a more vegetal diet. This in turn would favor more efficient digestion of dietary starch, which could be achieved by increasing the copy number of AMY2 .
Skull shape and Bergmann's rule in mammals: hints from Old World porcupines
Authors: Mori E. , Ancillotto L. , Lovari S. , Russo D. , Nerva L. , Mohamed W. F. , Motro Y. , Di Bari P. , Plebani M. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThe genus Hystrix includes eight species of porcupines distributed in Eurasia and Africa, across a broad latitudinal gradient. Our aim was to assess whether porcupine skulls: (1) allow for a reliable interspecific distinction; (2) change in size proportionally with body size; (3) follow the Bergmann's rule. We measured 235 Hystrix skulls from museums and private collections. We tested for differences in skull size and we assessed whether variability in skull shape allows species recognition through a multivariate approach. All Hystrix species considered could be reliably identified by skull shape. Skull size was correlated with body size and species differed in skull shape and size, with skulls of Hystrix javanica and Hystrix africaeaustralis being respectively the smallest and the largest ones. Within Hystrix cristata, the Mediterranean and the sub‐Saharan clades differed for both skull size and shape. Using skull size, we could distinguish among African, mainland Italian and Sicilian populations. Skull size of this species decreased in size for increasing latitude values, contrary to prediction by the Bergmann's rule. Such latitudinal pattern may depend on the adaption of H. cristata to Equatorial African conditions, where the species evolved. In Italy (where H. cristata was introduced in the VI Century AD) and in North Africa, a smaller body size may be due to the local climate, or to a ‘founder effect’.
Changes in melanocyte RNA and DNA methylation favour pheomelanin synthesis and may avoid systemic oxidative stress after dietary cysteine supplementation in birds
Authors: Rodríguez‐Martínez Sol , Márquez Rafael , Inácio Ângela , Galván Ismael 
Published: January 2019

AbstractCysteine plays essential biological roles, but excessive amounts produce cellular oxidative stress. Cysteine metabolism is mainly mediated by the enzymes cysteine dioxygenase and γ‐glutamylcysteine synthetase, respectively coded by the genes CDO1 and GCLC. Here we test a new hypothesis posing that the synthesis of the pigment pheomelanin also contributes to cysteine homeostasis in melanocytes, where cysteine can enter the pheomelanogenesis pathway. We conducted an experiment with the Eurasian nuthatch Sitta europaea, a bird producing large amounts of pheomelanin for feather pigmentation, to investigate if melanocytes show epigenetic lability under exposure to excess cysteine. We increased systemic cysteine levels in nuthatches by supplementing them with dietary cysteine during growth. In feather melanocytes this led to the downregulation of genes involved in intracellular cysteine metabolism (GCLC), cysteine transport to the cytosol from the extracellular medium (Slc7a11) and from melanosomes (CTNS), and regulation of tyrosinase activity (MC1R and ASIP). These changes were mediated by increases in DNA m5C in all genes except Slc7a11, which experienced RNA m6A depletion. Birds supplemented with cysteine synthesized more pheomelanin than controls, but did not suffer higher systemic oxidative stress. These results suggest that excess cysteine activates an epigenetic mechanism that favours pheomelanin synthesis and may protect against oxidative stress.
The cytochrome P450 CYP72A552 is key to production of hederagenin‐based saponins that mediate plant defense against herbivores
Authors: Liu Qing , Khakimov Bekzod , Cárdenas Pablo D. , Cozzi Federico , Olsen Carl Erik , Jensen Karen Rysbjerg , Hauser Thure Pavlo , Bak Søren 
Published: January 2019

Summary

Plants continuously evolve new defense compounds. One class of such compounds is triterpenoid saponins. A few species in the Barbarea genus produce saponins as the only ones in the large crucifer family. However, the molecular mechanism behind saponin biosynthesis and their role in plant defense remains unclear.

We used pathway reconstitution in planta, enzymatic production of saponins in vitro, insect feeding assays, and bioinformatics to identify a missing gene involved in saponin biosynthesis and saponin‐based herbivore defense.

A tandem repeat of eight CYP72A cytochromes P450 colocalise with a quantitative trait locus (QTL) for saponin accumulation and flea beetle resistance in Barbarea vulgaris. We found that CYP72A552 oxidises oleanolic acid at position C‐23 to hederagenin. In vitro‐produced hederagenin monoglucosides reduced larval feeding by up to 90% and caused 75% larval mortality of the major crucifer pest diamondback moth and the tobacco hornworm. Sequence analysis indicated that CYP72A552 evolved through gene duplication and has been under strong selection pressure.

In conclusion, CYP72A552 has evolved to catalyse the formation of hederagenin‐based saponins that mediate plant defense against herbivores. Our study highlights the evolution of chemical novelties by gene duplication and selection for enzyme innovations, and the importance of chemical modification in plant defense evolution.
Periodontal status and clinical outcomes in kidney transplant recipients: A systematic review
Authors: Nunes‐dos‐Santos Danila L. , Gomes Samira V. , Rodrigues Vandilson P. , Pereira Antonio L. A. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this systematic review was to identify clinical outcomes following kidney transplantation associated with periodontal status.Material and methodsA systematic review was conducted and included cross‐sectional, case–control, or cohort studies published until August 2018 from PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Science Direct, and CENTRAL. The research was carried out using the following descriptors: “kidney transplantation,” “chronic renal failure,” “periodontal diseases,” “periodontitis,” “chronic periodontitis,” “gingival hyperplasia,” and “gingivitis.” The outcomes comprised the clinical transplantation variables. Two independent reviewers extracted the data and assessed the quality of the studies using Newcastle–Ottawa scale.ResultsThe electronic search revealed 1,063 potentially relevant studies. We selected 114 articles for reading the full text. Therefore, six studies met the inclusion criteria: one case–control, three cross‐sectional, and two cohort studies. All studies showed low risk of bias. The findings suggest that the periodontal status may be associated with the largest left ventricular mass, greater carotid thickness, graft rejection, lower graft survival, and a higher mortality rate within 60 months among kidney transplant recipients.ConclusionThe findings of this systematic review indicate that there is an association between periodontal status and worsening of graft function and systemic health among kidney transplant recipients.
Purtscher‐like retinopathy: A rare presentation of hematopoietic stem cell transplant‐associated thrombotic microangiopathy
Authors: Castillo Paul , Voigt Katie , Crockett Charlene , Stout John Timothy , Krance Robert , Naik Swati 
Published: January 2019

AbstractHematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT)‐associated (TA) thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) is an acquired disorder and a potentially life‐threatening complication after allogeneic HSCT. TA‐TMA causes endothelial damage and results in micro‐thrombi in capillaries and arterioles. Early detection and treatment of complications associated with TA‐TMA might improve outcomes. Purtscher‐like retinopathy (PLR) is associated with micro‐thrombi that occlude the retinal arteries and cause retinal injury. PLR has been associated with multiple entities, including HUS and TTP, but has not previously been described in the setting of TA‐TMA. Here, we describe an 18‐year‐old male who underwent a mismatched unrelated donor HSCT for relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The patient was diagnosed with TA‐TMA based on standard defined criteria. He presented with acute onset of blurred vision with findings of multiple white retinal patches, retinal hemorrhages, and macular edema, thought initially to be hypertensive retinopathy. However, on further evaluation using fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography, the diagnosis was determined to be PLR. The patient was treated with intravitreal steroid injections (triamcinolone acetonide) with dramatic improvement of vision. The aim of this report is to make clinicians aware of PLR as a potential ocular complication associated with TA‐TMA and that prompt intervention might reverse visual impairment.
Medication adherence in pediatric renal transplant patients: The role of family functioning and parent health locus of control
Authors: Kraenbring Meghan Marie , Zelikovsky Nataliya , Meyers Kevin E. C. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractChildren and adolescents with renal disease experience daily social, emotional, and medical challenges. Renal transplantation can help to improve quality of life but requires a lifelong regimen of immunosuppressant medication to maintain health. Adherence to a daily complex regimen can be difficult, particularly for adolescents who are beginning to develop autonomy from caregivers and are faced with a unique set of socio‐emotional challenges. This study examines two factors that have shown to influence adherence in other pediatric populations, namely family functioning and parent health locus of control, from mothers’ perspectives, in predicting medication non‐adherence for adolescents (ages 12‐19 years) 1 year post‐transplant. Non‐adherence was defined as the percentage of missed doses and late doses of the weekly immunosuppressant doses prescribed. Regression results demonstrated that mothers’ perceptions of poorer overall family functioning predicted missed medication doses (ΔR2 = 0.383, F(7, 21) = 2.570, P = 0.044) with significant contributions in the domains of problem‐solving (β = −0.795, t(21) = −2.927, P = 0.008) and affective involvement (β = 0.872, t(21) = 3.370, P = 0.003). Moreover, mothers who perceived that their adolescent had control over his/her health also predicted more missed medication doses (ΔR2 = 0.133, F(1, 27) = 5.155, P = 0.031). Important implications for these findings include implementation of family‐based interventions that promote developmentally appropriate skills for adolescents and cultivate emotional involvement within the family.
Various initial presentations of Epstein‐Barr virus infection‐associated post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder in pediatric liver transplantation recipients: Case series and literature review
Authors: Simakachorn Lila , Tanpowpong Pornthep , Lertudomphonwanit Chatmanee , Anurathapan Usanarat , Pakakasama Samart , Hongeng Suradej , Treepongkaruna Suporn , Phuapradit Pornpimon 
Published: January 2019

AbstractPTLD is a rare but potentially life‐threatening condition, which shows a higher prevalence in children than in adults. From 129 children who underwent LT, we reported 5 cases with biopsy‐proven PTLD at a single teaching hospital. Four patients had shared clinical presentations including fever, lymphadenopathy, and splenomegaly. They were noted to be given a prolonged course of IS due to the management of comorbid complications such as acute cellular rejection or severe food allergy or eosinophilic gastrointestinal disease. The other one patient presented with upper gastrointestinal bleeding from gastric mass during an early post‐transplantation period. Notably, hypoalbuminemia was noted in all reported patients. Similar to previous studies, both EBV serology mismatch between the donor and recipient with high EBV viral load were noted in all except one case, whose EBV serology was unknown before LT. At least one episode of CMV reactivation was also observed in 3 of 5 patients prior to the PTLD diagnosis. The histopathology revealed 1 of 5 early PTLD, 1 of 5 polymorphic PTLD, and 3 of 5 monomorphic PTLD. The treatment included IS withdrawal, chemotherapy, and/or rituximab. One patient died of multiorgan dysfunction, one remains in complete remission, and three patients are either still on treatment or await response evaluation. Even though most of our reported PTLD cases had shared manifestations with fever, lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, EBV serology mismatch, and high EBV viral load, various initial presentations such as respiratory symptoms, hypoalbuminemia, and prolonged use of IS from other causes such as significant food allergy were noted.
Decoding Worker “Reliability”: Modern Agrarian Values and Immigrant Labor on New York Dairy Farms
Authors: Sexsmith Kathleen 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThis article examines the reasons offered by New York dairy farmers for hiring undocumented immigrant workers in their milking parlors, and connects those discourses to broader economic and cultural change in U.S. agrarian society. Based on interviews with 25 dairy farmers on 22 farms, this article examines farmers’ assessments of the Amish, white non‐Amish, Puerto Rican, and undocumented Latino labor pool. The analysis shows that farmers consider undocumented immigrants the most “reliable” workforce, and that their reliability stems from their deportability and from their separation from their families, which drives them to work long hours. I argue that farmer discourses about immigrant “reliability” must be understood in the context of economic pressure to adopt a more commercial orientation to dairying, and of modern agrarian values that prize urban middle‐class lifestyles. Ultimately, worker “reliability” is a euphemism for the transnational separation of workers from their families, and one that is operationalized by farmers to justify the pursuit of economic success and more leisure time off the farm.
Putative Null Pronominals In English: Causes and Consequences
Authors: Takahashi Shoichi 
Published: January 2019

AbstractA null pronominal has sometimes been posited in an extraction site of raising to subject that creates a remnant constituent in the literature. I argue that what has been recognized as a null pronominal should be viewed as a covert definite determiner. Counter‐cyclic merger of a restrictorNPwith a determiner and a procedure for interpreting movement dependencies conspire to produce this syntactic object. Considering also extraction from a certain kind of island, which shows the same traits as raising to subject mentioned above, I will characterize under what circumstances we perceive an effect of a putative null pronominal and why we do so under those circumstances. I conclude that the role of Case is particularly important in our understanding of this effect.