bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identified OAS3 gene variants associated with coexistence of HBsAg and anti‐HBs in chronic HBV infection
Authors: Wang S. , Wang J. , Fan M‐J. , Li T‐Y. , Pan H. , Wang X. , Liu H‐K. , Lin Q‐F. , Zhang J‐G. , Guan L‐P. , Zhernakova D. V. , O’Brien S. J. , Feng Z‐R. , Chang L. , Dai E‐H. , Lu J‐H. , Xi H‐L. , Zeng Z. , Yu Y‐Y. , Wang B‐B. 
Published: March 2018

SummaryThe underlying mechanism of coexistence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B surface antigen antibody (anti‐HBs) is still controversial. To identify the host genetic factors related to this unusual clinical phenomenon, a two‐stage study was conducted in the Chinese Han population. In the first stage, we performed a case‐control (1:1) age‐ and gender‐matched study of 101 cases with concurrent HBsAg and anti‐HBs and 102 controls with negative HBsAg and positive anti‐HBs using whole exome sequencing. In the second validation stage, we directly sequence the 16 exons on the OAS3 gene in two dependent cohorts of 48 cases and 200 controls. Although, in the first stage, a genome‐wide association study of 58,563 polymorphism variants in 101 cases and 102 controls found no significant loci (P‐value ≤ .05/58563), and neither locus achieved a conservative genome‐wide significance threshold (P‐value ≤ 5e‐08), gene‐based burden analysis showed that OAS3 gene rare variants were associated with the coexistence of HBsAg and anti‐HBs. (P‐value = 4.127e‐06 ≤ 0.05/6994). A total of 16 rare variants were screened out from 21 cases and 3 controls. In the second validation stage, one case with a stop‐gained rare variant was identified. Fisher’s exact test of all 149 cases and 302 controls showed that the rare coding sequence mutations were more frequent in cases vs controls (P‐value = 7.299e‐09, OR = 17.27, 95% CI [5.01‐58.72]). Protein‐coding rare variations on the OAS3 gene are associated with the coexistence of HBsAg and anti‐HBs in patients with chronic HBV infection in Chinese Han population.
The Kumtag 016 L5 strewn field, Xinjiang Province, China
Authors: Zeng Xiaojia , Li Shijie , Leya Ingo , Wang Shijie , Smith Thomas , Li Yang , Wang Peng 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe Kumtag 016 strewn field was found in the eastern part of the Kumtag desert, Xinjiang Province, China. In this study, 24 recovered meteorites have been characterized by a suite of different analytical techniques to investigate their petrography, mineralogy, bulk trace elements, noble gas isotopic composition, density, and porosity. We attribute to the strewn field 22 L5 chondrites with shock stage S4 and weathering grade W2–W3. Two different meteorites, Kumtag 021, an L4 chondrite and Kumtag 032, an L6 chondrite, were recognized within the strewn field area. Moreover, Kumtag 003, an H5 chondrite, was previously found in the same area. We infer that the Kumtag 016 strewn field most likely consists of at least four distinct meteorite falls. The effects of terrestrial weathering on the studied meteorites involve sulfide/metal alteration, chemical changes (Sr, Ba, Pb, and U enrichments and depletion in Cr, Co, Ni, and Cs abundances), and physical modifications (decrease of grain density and porosity). Measurements of the light noble gases indicate that the analyzed Kumtag L5 samples contain solar wind‐implanted noble gases with a 20Ne/22Ne ratio of ~12.345. The cosmic‐ray exposure (CRE) ages of the L5 chondrites are in a narrow range (3.6 ± 1.4 Ma to 5.2 ± 0.4 Ma). For L4 chondrite Kumtag 021 and L6 chondrite Kumtag 032, the CRE ages are 5.9 ± 0.4 Ma and 4.7 ± 0.8 Ma, respectively.
The potential for metal contamination during Apollo lunar sample curation
Authors: Day James M. D. , Maria‐Benavides Jennifer , McCubbin Francis M. , Zeigler Ryan A. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractCuration and preparation of samples for chemical analysis can occasionally lead to significant contamination. This issue is of concern in the study of lunar samples, especially those from the Apollo sample collection, where available masses are finite. Here we present compositional data for stainless steels that have commonly been used in the processing of Apollo lunar samples at NASA Johnson Space Center, including a chisel and a vessel typically used to transfer Apollo samples to principal investigators. The Type 304 stainless steels are Cr‐rich, with high concentrations of Mn (4000–18,000 μg g−1), Cu (1000–22,900 μg g−1), Mo (1030–1120 μg g−1), and W (72–193 μg g−1). They have elevated highly siderophile element (HSE) concentrations (up to 92 ng g−1 Os), 187Os/188Os ranging from 0.1310 to 0.1336, and negligible lithophile element abundances. We find that, while metal contamination is possible, significant (≫0.01% by mass) addition of stainless steel is required to strongly affect the composition of the HSE, W, Mo, Cr, or Cu for most Apollo lunar samples. Nonetheless, careful appraisal on a case‐by‐case basis should take place to ensure contamination introduced through sample processing during curation is at acceptably low levels. A survey of lunar mare basalts and crustal rocks indicates that metal contamination plays a negligible role in the compositional variability of the HSE and W compositions preserved in these samples. Further work to constrain contamination for other properties of Apollo samples is required (e.g., organics, microbes, water, noble gases, and magnetics), but the effect of metal contamination can be well‐constrained for the Apollo lunar collection.
Effects of locally administered rhBMP‐2 and bisphosphonate on bone regeneration in the rat fibula
Authors: Kwak E‐J , Cha I‐H , Nam W , Yook JI , Park Y‐B , Kim HJ 
Published: March 2018

ObjectiveTo evaluate the ability of xenogenic bone and absorbable collagen sponge to function as an rhBMP‐2 carrier and the osteoinductivity of bisphosphonate by comparison with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (rhBMP‐2).Materials and MethodsThirty‐two Sprague‐Dawley male rats were divided into four groups. Segmental ostectomy of both fibulae was performed, and the defect area was then treated with Rapiderm Pad (absorbable collagen sponge; COL_BMP) or CollaOss (xenogenic bone; XENO_BMP) with application of rhBMP‐2. Alternatively, both fibulae were grafted with xenogenic bone with different bisphosphonate concentrations (XENO_Low BP, XENO_High BP). After 4 or 8 weeks, animals were sacrificed, and radiographic, histological, histomorphometric, and immunohistochemical analyses were performed.ResultsRecombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 promoted bone formation, regardless of the carrier, and exhibited continuity between the graft material and defect area. Moreover, the results showed that higher concentrations of bisphosphonate were associated with greater bone formation than lower concentrations of bisphosphonate.ConclusionAbsorbable collagen sponges with rhBMP‐2 were advantageous in that there was no remaining graft material and that the bone was remodeled to resemble the existing fibula. The local application of bisphosphonate promoted new bone formation, particularly when used at high concentrations. High‐concentration bisphosphonate induced new bone formation comparable to rhBMP‐2 with lesser remaining bone material.
Mentalization‐based treatment or psychodynamic treatment programmes for patients with borderline personality disorder – the impact of clinical severity
Authors: Kvarstein Elfrida Hartveit , Pedersen Geir , Folmo Espen , Urnes Øyvind , Johansen Merete Selsbakk , Hummelen Benjamin , Wilberg Theresa , Karterud Sigmund 
Published: March 2018

ObjectivesMentalization‐based treatment (MBT), originally designed for patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD), may be particularly indicated for severe conditions. However, there is limited documentation of how increasing severity of personality disorder (PD) effect outcomes of highly specialized treatments. This study aimed to investigate associations between clinical severity and outcomes for patients in MBT as compared to a psychodynamic group‐based treatment programme (PDT).DesignA naturalistic, longitudinal, comparison study.MethodsThe sample included 345 patients with BPD (PDTn = 281, MBTn = 64). The number of diagnosed PDs, PD criteria, and symptom disorders were chosen as baseline indicators of clinical severity. Clinical outcomes (global functioning, symptom distress, interpersonal problems) were repeatedly assessed over three years. Therapists’ fidelity to MBT was satisfactory. Linear mixed models were the applied statistics.ResultsIn PDT, greater clinical severity was associated with poorer improvement rates. Clinical severity was not associated with significant differences in outcomes for patients in MBT. Differences in outcomes for patients in MBT and PDT increased significantly with higher severity of disorder.ConclusionsSupporting previous research, this study indicates that clinical benefits associated with MBT also apply for BPD patients with severe conditions. The results also suggest that increasing severity was a challenge in PDT.Practitioner points

MBT may be particularly beneficial for severely disordered BPD patients

Differences between MBT and PDT were less pronounced in moderately disordered BPD patients.
Immune molecular profiling of whole blood drawn from a non‐human primate cardiac xenograft model treated with anti‐CD154 monoclonal antibodies
Authors: Ock Sun A , Oh Keon Bong , Hwang Seongsoo , Yun Ik Jin , Ahn Curie , Chee Hyun Ken , Kim Hwajung , Ullah Imran , Im Gi‐Sun , Park Eung Woo 
Published: March 2018

AbstractMost studies of xenografts have been carried out with complex immunosuppressive regimens to prevent immune rejection; however, such treatments may be fatal owing to unknown causes. Here, we performed immune molecular profiling following anti‐CD154 monoclonal antibody (mAb) treatment in heterotopic abdominal cardiac xenografts from α‐1,3‐galactosyltransferase‐knockout pigs into cynomolgus monkeys to elucidate the mechanisms mediating the undesirable fatal side effects of immunosuppressive agents. Blood samples were collected from healthy monkeys as control and then at 2 days after xenograft transplantation and just before humane euthanasia; 94 genes related to the immune system were analyzed. The basic immunosuppressive regimen included cobra venom factor, anti‐thymocyte globulin, and rituximab, with and without anti‐CD154 mAbs. The maintenance therapy was followed with tacrolimus, MMF, and methylprednisolone. The number of upregulated genes was initially decreased on Day 2 (−/+ anti‐CD154 mAb, 22/13) and then increased before euthanasia in recipients treated with anti‐CD154 mAbs (−/+ anti‐CD154 mAb, 30/37). The number of downregulated genes was not affected by anti‐CD154 mAb treatment. Additionally, the number of upregulated genes increased over time for both groups. Interestingly, treatment with anti‐CD154 mAbs upregulated coagulation inducers (CCL2/IL6) before euthanasia. In conclusion, immunosuppressive regimens used for cardiac xenografting affected upregulation of 6 inflammation genes (CXCL10, MPO, MYD88, NLRP3, TNFα, and TLR1) and downregulation of 8 genes (CCR4, CCR6, CD40, CXCR3, FOXP3, GATA3, STAT4, and TBX21).
Effects of Caffeinated Gum on a Battery of Soccer-Specific Tests in Trained University-Standard Male Soccer Players
Authors: Ranchordas Mayur K. , King George , Russell Mitchell , Lynn Anthony , Russell Mark 
Published: March 2018

The purpose of this study was to determine whether caffeinated gum influenced performance in a battery of soccer-specific tests used in the assessment of performance in soccer players. In a double-blind, randomized, crossover design, 10 male university-standard soccer players (age: 19 ± 1 years, stature: 1.80 ± 0.10 m, body mass: 75.5 ± 4.8 kg) masticated a caffeinated (200 mg; caffeine) or control (0 mg; placebo) gum on two separate occasions. After a standardized warm-up, gum was chewed for 5 min and subsequently expectorated 5 min before players performed a maximal countermovement jump, a 20-m sprint test, and the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1. Performance on 20-m sprints was not different between trials (caffeine: 3.2 ± 0.3 s, placebo: 3.1 ± 0.3 s; p = .567; small effect size: d = 0.33), but caffeine did allow players to cover 2.0% more distance during Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (caffeine: 1,754 ± 156 m, placebo: 1,719 ± 139 m; p = .016; small effect size: d = 0.24) and increase maximal countermovement jump height by 2.2% (caffeine: 47.1 ± 3.4 cm, placebo: 46.1 ± 3.2 cm; p = .008; small effect size: d = 0.30). Performance on selected physical tests (Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 and countermovement jump) was improved by the chewing of caffeinated gum in the immediate period before testing in university-standard soccer players, but the sizes of such effects were small. Such findings may have implications for the recommendations made to soccer players about to engage with subsequent exercise performance.
Monitoring Training Load, Recovery, and Performance of Brazilian Professional Volleyball Players During a Season
Authors: Debien Paula B. , Mancini Marcelly , Coimbra Danilo R. , de Freitas Daniel G.S. , Miranda Renato , Bara Filho Maurício G. 
Published: March 2018

Purpose: To describe and analyze the distribution of internal training load (ITL), recovery, and physical performance of professional volleyball players throughout 1 season. Methods: Fifteen male professional Brazilian volleyball players participated in this study. The session rating of perceived exertion (s-RPE) and Total Quality Recovery (TQR) score were collected daily for 36 wk. s-RPE was collected after each training session, and TQR, before the first session of the day. The sum of the ITL of each session during the week, training monotony, strain, acute∶chronic workload ratio, match difficulty score, and average of the TQR scores were recorded for the analysis. In addition, the athletes performed countermovement-jump (CMJ) tests with and without the use of the arms 4 times over the season. Results: The season mean weekly ITL was 3733 (1228) AU and the TQR was 15.02 (0.71). The ITL and recovery demonstrated undulating dynamics over the 36 wk, with higher weekly ITL in the preparatory periods (F = 50.32; P < .001) and worse recovery during the main competition (F = 6.47; P = .004). Negative correlations were found between TQR and ITL variables (P < .05). There was improvement and maintenance in CMJ tests without (F = 11.88; P < .001) and with (F = 16.02; P < .001) the use of the arms after the preparatory periods. Conclusions: The ITL variables, recovery, and physical performance changed significantly throughout a professional volleyball season. Despite the decrease in ITL during the main competitive period, the correct distribution of weekly ITL seems to be very important to guarantee the best recovery of athletes.
Perfectionism, Burnout, and Depression in Youth Soccer Players: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Smith Esmie P. , Hill Andrew P. , Hall Howard K. 
Published: March 2018

The relationship between perfectionism, burnout and depression among youth soccer players is of interest due to the competitive academy environments that must be navigated in order to become a professional soccer player. Three alternative theoretical models have been proposed to explain the relationship between perfectionism, burnout and depression. These models state that perfectionism is (a) a vulnerability factor for burnout and depression (vulnerability model), (b) a consequence of burnout and depression (complication/scar model), or (c) that the relationships are reciprocal (reciprocal relations model). The purpose of this study was to test these three models in youth soccer players. One hundred and eight male soccer players (M = 16.15 years, SD = 1.84) from professional clubs completed measures of perfectionism, burnout symptoms, and depressive symptoms twice, three months apart. Cross-lagged panel analysis provided support for a reciprocal relations model for burnout symptoms and a complication/scar model for depressive symptoms.
Segregating the Distinct Effects of Sedentary Behavior and Physical Activity on Older Adults’ Cardiovascular Profile: Part 2—Isotemporal Substitution Approach
Authors: Ryan Declan J. , Wullems Jorgen A. , Stebbings Georgina K. , Morse Christopher I. , Stewart Claire E. , Onambele-Pearson Gladys L. 
Published: March 2018

Background: The aim of the study was to provide an isotemporal substitution model to predict how changes in physical behavior may affect the cardiovascular parameters (CVPs) of older adults. Methods: Participants wore a thigh-mounted accelerometer for 7 days. Phenotype of the carotid, brachial, and popliteal artery was conducted using ultrasound. Isotemporal substitution was used to simulate the degree to which replacing 1 hour of physical behavior with another would affect CVP. Results: Substitution of sedentary behavior with Standing and sporadic moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA accumulated in bouts <10 min) would reduce resting heart rate [−6.20 beats per minute (−12.1 to −0.22) and −3.72 beats per minute (−7.01 to −0.44), respectively]. Substitution of sedentary behavior with light-intensity physical activity would reduce carotid artery diameter [−0.54 mm (−1.00 to −0.07)]. Substitution of Standing with sporadic MVPA would increase popliteal artery diameter [1.31 mm (0.11 to 2.51)]. Conclusions: Our modeling suggests that an accumulation of MVPA bouts that are shorter than the recommended 10-minute minimum may still improve CVP, with lower intensity physical activity also influencing CVP. Our findings are a promising avenue for lifestyle interventions in older adults to reduce the aging effects on CVP for those who cannot engage or sustain sufficient MVPA.
Role of Sca2 and RickA in the Dissemination of Rickettsia parkeri in Amblyomma maculatum
Authors: Harris Emma K. , Jirakanwisal Krit , Verhoeve Victoria I. , Fongsaran Chanida , Suwanbongkot Chanakan , Welch Matthew D. , Macaluso Kevin R. 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACT

The Gram-negative obligate intracellular bacterium
Rickettsia parkeri
is an emerging tick-borne human pathogen. Recently,
R. parkeri
Sca2 and RickA have been implicated in adherence and actin-based motility in vertebrate host cell infection models; however, the rickettsia-derived factors essential to tick infection are unknown. Using
R. parkeri
mutants lacking functional Sca2 or RickA to compare actin polymerization, replication, and cell-to-cell spread
in vitro
, similar phenotypes in tick and mammalian cells were observed. Specifically, actin polymerization in cultured tick cells is controlled by the two separate proteins in a time-dependent manner. To assess the role of Sca2 and RickA in dissemination in the tick host,
Rickettsia
-free
Amblyomma maculatum
, the natural vector of
R. parkeri
, was exposed to wild-type,
R. parkeri rickA
::
tn
, or
R. parkeri sca2
::
tn
bacteria, and individual tick tissues, including salivary glands, midguts, ovaries, and hemolymph, were analyzed at 12 h and after continued bloodmeal acquisition for 3 or 7 days postexposure. Initially, ticks exposed to wild-type
R. parkeri
had the highest rickettsial load across all organs; however, rickettsial loads decreased and wild-type rickettsiae were cleared from the ovaries at 7 days postexposure. In contrast, ticks exposed to
R. parkeri
rickA
::
tn
or
R. parkeri
sca2
::
tn
had comparatively lower rickettsial loads, but bacteria persisted in all organs for 7 days. These data suggest that while RickA and Sca2 function in actin polymerization in tick cells, the absence of these proteins did not change dissemination patterns within the tick vector.
Immunity against the Obligate Intracellular Bacterial Pathogen Rickettsia australis Requires a Functional Complement System
Authors: Riley Sean P. , Fish Abigail I. , Del Piero Fabio , Martinez Juan J. 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACTThe complement system has a well-defined role in deterring blood-borne infections. However, complement is not entirely efficacious, as several bacterial pathogens, including some obligate intracellular pathogens, have evolved mechanisms for resistance. It is presumed that obligate intracellular bacteria evade complement attack by residing within a host cell; however, recent studies have challenged this presumption. Here, we demonstrate that the complement system is activated during infection with the obligate intracellular bacteriumRickettsia australisand that genetic ablation of complement increases susceptibility to infection. Interaction ofRickettsia australiswith serum-borne complement leads to activation of the complement cascade, producing three effector mechanisms that could negatively influenceR. australis.The C9-dependent membrane attack complex can lead to deposition of a bacteriolytic membrane pore on the bacteria, but this system does not contribute to control of rickettsial infection. Similarly, complement receptor (CR1/2)-dependent opsonophagocytosis may lead to engulfment and killing of the bacteria, but this system is also dispensable for immunity. Nevertheless, intact complement is essential for naturally acquired and antibody-mediated immunity toRickettsiainfection. Comparison of infection in mice lacking the central complement protein C3 with infection in their wild-type counterparts demonstrated decreases in gamma interferon (IFN-γ) production, IgG secretion, and spleen hyperplasia in animals lacking complement. The correlation between loss of secondary immune functions and loss of complement indicates that the proinflammatory signaling components of the complement system, and not membrane attack complex or opsonophagocytosis, contribute to the immune response to this pathogen.