bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular epidemiology and in vitro antifungal susceptibility of Trichophyton schoenleinii, agent of tinea capitis favosa
Authors: Gao Yangmin , Zhan Ping , Hagen Ferry , Menken Steph B. J. , Sun Jiufeng , Rezaei‐Matehkolaei Ali , de Hoog Sybren 
Published: December 2018

SummaryTrichophyton schoenleinii is an anthropophilic dermatophyte usually causing tinea favosa. Only few studies have provided data on molecular epidemiology and antifungal profiles of this fungus due to its limited prevalence after 1950s. Forty‐nine strains from Asia (n = 27), Africa (n = 10), Europe (n = 10) and from unknown regions (n = 2) were analysed with amplified fragment length polymorphism fingerprinting (AFLP) to reveal intraspecific genetic diversity in this dataset. Amplified fragment length polymorphism fingerprinting genotyping revealed five clusters which did not correspond to geographic origins or clinical characteristics. Additionally, in vitro antifungal susceptibility to seven antifungals was provided for all strains. Terbinafine, ketoconazole, miconazole and itraconazole proved to be the most effective drugs, followed by griseofulvin. No correlation between genotypes and differences in antifungal susceptibility was observed. It is concluded that the AFLP groups are lineages within a single species.
Who Creates Stable Jobs? Evidence from Brazil
Authors: Brummund Peter , Connolly Laura 
Published: December 2018

AbstractRecent research shows that start‐ups are important for job creation, but these firms are also inherently volatile. We use linked employer–employee data to examine the relative importance of firm age and firm size for job creation and destruction in Brazil. Firm age is a more important determinant of job creation in Brazil than firm size; young firms and start‐ups create a relatively high number of jobs. However, young firms are also more likely to exit the market and have higher levels of employment volatility. We, therefore, condition the job creation analysis on job stability. Young firms and large firms create relatively more stable jobs in Brazil.
Refill Port Identification of Intrathecal Drug Delivery System Devices With a Raised Fill Port
Authors: Maino Paolo , van Kuijk Sander M. J. , Koetsier Eva 
Published: December 2018

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of the manual identification of the reservoir fill port (RFP) for refill of intrathecal drug delivery systems (IDDSs) with a raised RFP on the pump surface (raised‐RFP‐IDDSs), and compare this to previously reported data of patients with IDDSs with a recessed RFP (recessed‐RFP‐IDDSs).MethodsNineteen patients underwent 2 IDDS refills for the treatment of noncancer pain or spasticity. The primary endpoint of this prospective observational study was the deviation between the needle insertion point and the RFP center, quantified by fluoroscopic visualization. A distance surpassing that between the center and the margin of the RFP of 4 mm was considered a clinically relevant deviation. The results were compared with previously reported data of a patient cohort with recessed‐RFP‐IDDSs, and the differences were tested using Student's t‐test.ResultsThe mean deviation from the RFP center was 4.9 mm (standard deviation = 3.7). The RFP identification accuracy deviated more than the clinically relevant difference in 17 out of 35 instances (48.6%). The number of attempts and median procedural time was significantly correlated to the needle deviation. The mean deviations in the raised‐RFP‐IDDS cohort were consistently lower compared to the recessed‐RFP‐IDDS cohort (first refill procedure 4.0 vs. 8.5, P < 0.001; second procedure 5.9 vs. 8.1, P = 0.074).ConclusionThe results of this study suggest that the manual localization of the RFP for raised‐RFP‐IDDSs is moderately accurate, and more accurate if compared to previously published accuracy of the template‐guided technique for recessed‐RFP‐IDDSs.
CKB1 regulates expression of ribosomal protein L10 family gene and plays a role in UV‐B response
Authors: Zhang C. , Li H. , Yuan C. , Liu S. , Li M. , Zhu J. , Lin X. , Lu Y. , Guo X. 
Published: December 2018

Abstract

Plastid casein kinase 2 (CK2), which is a major Ser/Thr‐specific enzyme in higher organisms, plays an essential role in plant development and diverse abiotic stresses. CKB1 is a regulatory subunit beta of CK2. To expand our understand of functions of the CKB1 gene in Arabidopsis thaliana, protein changes among wild‐type (WT) and CKB1 gain‐ and loss‐of‐function mutants were compared.

Proteins extracted from the CKB1 knockout mutant and overexpressing mutant were compared with Col‐0 plants using 2D‐PAGE. Proteins regulated by CKB1 were identified with matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionisation time‐of‐flight/time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF/TOF), and its transcript was verified by qRT‐PCR. Bioinformatics analysis, including gene ontology and protein–protein interaction analysis, were employed.

The results of mass spectra and bioinformatics analysis suggest that CKB1 may have functions in regulation of the ribosomal protein L10 (RPL10) family and is involved in ultraviolet‐B (UV‐B) response. Furthermore, qRT‐PCR verification showed CKB1 expression was up‐regulated by UV‐B stress. The expression levels of five genes in the RPL10 family were reduced in the ckb1 T‐DNA insertion mutants, whereas they increased in the CKB1 overexpressing mutants under both normal conditions and UV‐B treatment.

In conclusion, CKB1 has important functions in UV‐B radiation stress. Our study implies that CKB1 positively regulates UV‐B radiation stress signalling, possibly through modulating expression of the RPL10 family.
A new molecular screening tool for the detection of chromosomal abnormalities in donkeys
Authors: Poyato‐Bonilla Julia , Anaya‐Calvo Gabriel , Molina Antonio , Valera Mercedes , Moreno‐Millán Miguel , Dorado Jesús , Demyda‐Peyrás Sebastián 
Published: December 2018

ContentsChromosomal abnormalities are a major cause of infertility and reproductive problems in equids. Nowadays, their detection is rising due to the use of new diagnostic tools based on molecular markers instead of karyotyping. Reports of this kind of genetic aberrations in domestic donkeys (Equus asinus) are extremely scarce, despite their importance in human activities. In the present study, we analysed the implementation of a short‐tandem‐repeat (STR)‐based molecular method initially developed for horses, as a diagnostic tool to detect chromosomal abnormalities in donkeys. The frequency of five X‐linked (LEX003, LEX026, TKY38, TKY270 and UCEDQ502) and one Y‐linked (ECAYM2) molecular markers and one Y‐linked gene (sex‐determining region Y, SRY) was characterized in 121 donkeys from two diverse breeds, the Spanish Andalusian and the African Moroccan breeds. The molecular panel showed 100% sensitivity and 99.67% specificity in detecting 10 different chromosomal abnormalities in the species. In conclusion, this methodology is a valid, rapid and low‐cost tool for the detection and characterization of chromosomal abnormalities in domestic donkeys.
Masticatory function and oral sensorimotor ability in Parkinson's disease: Levodopa on versus off periods
Authors: Rodrigues Ribeiro Giselle , Heitor Campos Camila , Barbosa Câmara‐Souza Mariana , Fraga do Amaral Camilla , Rodrigues Garcia Renata Cunha Matheus 
Published: December 2018

AbstractAimsTo evaluate masticatory function and oral sensorimotor ability (OSA) in elders with Parkinson's disease (PD) during the levodopa on and off‐periods.Methods and resultsParticipants were 11 partially and completely edentulous elders with PD. Masticatory function was evaluated by mandibular movements, maximum bite force (MBF), and masticatory performance (MP). Mandibular movements reflecting jaw range of motion (ROM) and jaw movements while chewing silicone test material (Optocal), were evaluated using a kinesiograph. MBF was assessed by strain sensors, and MP was determined using the median Optocal particle size (X50) after 40 masticatory cycles. OSA was evaluated using oral stereognosis test scores and response time. Evaluations were carried out 30 min before levodopa intake (off‐period) and within a 3‐day interval 1 h after levodopa intake (on‐period). Data were analyzed by Student's t‐test, considering a significance level of 5%. During the levodopa off‐period, elders showed decreased ROM during protrusion and lateral movements, while no difference was found in maximum opening and mandibular movements during chewing. MBF was lower and X50 was higher during the off‐period, indicating worse mastication. However, OSA did not differ between the evaluated times.ConclusionElders with PD had impaired mastication during the levodopa off‐period, although OSA was not altered.
The P1 histo‐blood group antigen is present on human red blood cell glycoproteins
Authors: Stenfelt Linn , Westman Julia S. , Hellberg Åsa , Olsson Martin L. 
Published: December 2018

BACKGROUNDThe P1 antigen was first described in 1927 and belongs to the P1PK histo‐blood group system, together with Pk and NOR. The A4GALT‐encoded 4‐α‐galactosyltransferase synthesizes these antigens and has been considered to extend glycolipids exclusively. However, contradicting studies have been published regarding the presence of P1 on human glycoproteins. In other species, P1 occurs on glycoproteins. Furthermore, human ABH antigens occur on both glycolipids and glycoproteins and are biochemically related to P1. Thus, we hypothesized that P1 is present on RBC glycoproteins in humans.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSRBCs of known P1/P2 status (phenotype and rs8138197 genotype) were used. The RBC surface glycans were modified with α‐galactosidases, papain, and/or peptide‐N‐glycosidase F. RBC membrane proteins were analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis/immunoblot. A new P
1/P
2‐allelic discrimination assay based on rs5751348 was validated.RESULTSP1 occurs on various glycoproteins, seen as smearlike patterns in anti‐P1‐stained immunoblots with RBC membranes of P1 but not P2 or p phenotype. There was a significant difference between the staining of P
1‐homozygous and P
1‐heterozygous RBCs (P
1P
1 > P
1P
2), as well as intragenotypic variation. Immunoblotting banding patterns show major carriers at approximately 50 and 100 kDa. P1 staining was lost after treatment of RBCs with α‐galactosidase of broad Galα‐1,3/4/6‐specificity. Peptide‐N‐glycosidase F treatment reduced the P1 signal, while papain or α‐1,3‐specific galactosidase did not. P
1/P
2 status was confirmed by a new rs5751348 assay.CONCLUSIONOur data indicate that the P1 antigen can reside on human RBC glycoproteins. Glycosidase studies suggest that at least part of the epitopes occur on N‐glycans.
Ischaemic and hypoxic conditioning: potential for protection of vital organs
Authors: Sprick Justin D. , Mallet Robert T. , Przyklenk Karin , Rickards Caroline A. 
Published: December 2018

New Findings
What is the topic of this review?
Remote ischaemic preconditioning (RIPC) and hypoxic preconditioning as novel therapeutic approaches for cardiac and neuroprotection.

What advances does it highlight?
There is improved understanding of mechanisms and signalling pathways associated with ischaemic and hypoxic preconditioning, and potential pitfalls with application of these therapies to clinical trials have been identified. Novel adaptations of preconditioning paradigms have also been developed, including intermittent hypoxia training, RIPC training and RIPC–exercise, extending their utility to chronic settings.

AbstractMyocardial infarction and stroke remain leading causes of death worldwide, despite extensive resources directed towards developing effective treatments. In this Symposium Report we highlight the potential applications of intermittent ischaemic and hypoxic conditioning protocols to combat the deleterious consequences of heart and brain ischaemia. Insights into mechanisms underlying the protective effects of intermittent hypoxia training are discussed, including the activation of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1 and Nrf2 transcription factors, synthesis of antioxidant and ATP‐generating enzymes, and a shift in microglia from pro‐ to anti‐inflammatory phenotypes. Although there is little argument regarding the efficacy of remote ischaemic preconditioning (RIPC) in pre‐clinical models, this strategy has not consistently translated into the clinical arena. This lack of translation may be related to the patient populations targeted thus far, and the anaesthetic regimen used in two of the major RIPC clinical trials. Additionally, we do not fully understand the mechanism through which RIPC protects the vital organs, and co‐morbidities (e.g. hypercholesterolemia, diabetes) may interfere with its efficacy. Finally, novel adaptations have been made to extend RIPC to more chronic settings. One adaptation is RIPC–exercise (RIPC‐X), an innovative paradigm that applies cyclical RIPC to blood flow restriction exercise (BFRE). Recent findings suggest that this novel exercise modality attenuates the exaggerated haemodynamic responses that may limit the use of conventional BFRE in some clinical settings. Collectively, intermittent ischaemic and hypoxic conditioning paradigms remain an exciting frontier for the protection against ischaemic injuries.
Using qualitative comparative analysis and theory of change to unravel the effects of a mental health intervention on service utilisation in Nepal
Authors: Breuer Erica , Subba Prasansa , Luitel Nagendra , Jordans Mark , De Silva Mary , Marchal Bruno , Lund Crick 
Published: December 2018

BackgroundThe integration of mental health services into primary care is essential to improve the coverage of mental health services in low resource settings, but the evaluation of this remains challenging. We used a programme’s Theory of Change (ToC) as a conceptual framework to determine what combination(s) of conditions at facility and community level influenced the mental health service utilisation as a result of a district mental healthcare plan (MHCP) implemented in Chitwan, Nepal. In addition, we show how qualitative comparative analysis can be used to provide an integrated analysis of data from a ToC.MethodsWe conducted a longitudinal case study of 10 health facilities where the MHCP was implemented. We collected data from all facilities at baseline (October to December 2013) and quarterly following the implementation of the intervention (March 2014 to November 2016). The data were analysed using pooled qualitative comparative analysis in fsQCA V.2.5.ResultsThe following conditions were necessary for high mental health service utilisation: presence of basic and advanced psychosocial care, evidence-based identification and treatment guidelines (WHO mhGAP), referral to tertiary services and the presence of trained female community health volunteers . Two additional combinations of conditions were also identified as sufficient for a high mental health service utilisation: high medication supply, trained facility staff and either the use of a community informant detection tool or having a larger proportion of the community attend community awareness activities.ConclusionsBoth supply-side interventions (formalised approaches to health worker detection and treatment, training of health workers, supervision) and demand-side interventions (community awareness and case finding) are important to integrate mental health in primary care. ToC can be used to provide an integrated analysis of data from a ToC, therefore helping to shed light on the black box of complex multilevel interventions.
Rationale and design of TransplantLines: a prospective cohort study and biobank of solid organ transplant recipients
Authors: Eisenga Michele F , Gomes-Neto Antonio W , van Londen Marco , Ziengs Aaltje L , Douwes Rianne M , Stam Suzanne P , Osté Maryse C J , Knobbe Tim J , Hessels Niek R , Buunk Anne M , Annema Coby , Siebelink Marion J , Racz Emoke , Spikman Jacoba M , Bodewes Frank A J A , Pol Robert A , Berger Stefan P , Drost Gea , Porte Robert J , Leuvenink Henri G D , Damman Kevin , Verschuuren Erik A M , de Meijer Vincent E , Blokzijl Hans , Bakker Stephan J L 
Published: December 2018

IntroductionIn the past decades, short-term results after solid organ transplantation have markedly improved. Disappointingly, this has not been accompanied by parallel improvements in long-term outcomes after transplantation. To improve graft and recipient outcomes, identification of potentially modifiable risk factors and development of biomarkers are required. We provide the rationale and design of a large prospective cohort study of solid organ transplant recipients (TransplantLines).Methods and analysisTransplantLines is designed as a single-centre, prospective cohort study and biobank including all different types of solid organ transplant recipients as well as living organ donors. Data will be collected from transplant candidates before transplantation, during transplantation, at 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years and 5 years, and subsequently every 5 years after transplantation. Data from living organ donors will be collected before donation, during donation, at 3 months, 1 year and 5 years after donation, and subsequently every 5 years. The primary outcomes are mortality and graft failure. The secondary outcomes will be cause-specific mortality, cause-specific graft failure and rejection. The tertiary outcomes will be other health problems, including diabetes, obesity, hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia and cardiovascular disease, and disturbances that relate to quality of life, that is, physical and psychological functioning, including quality of sleep, and neurological problems such as tremor and polyneuropathy.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval has been obtained from the relevant local ethics committee. The TransplantLines cohort study is designed to deliver pioneering insights into transplantation and donation outcomes. The study design allows comprehensive data collection on perioperative care, nutrition, social and psychological functioning, and biochemical parameters. This may provide a rationale for future intervention strategies to more individualised, patient-centred transplant care and individualisation of treatment.Trial registration numberNCT03272841.
Qualitative study of patient views on a ‘telephone-first’ approach in general practice in England: speaking to the GP by telephone before making face-to-face appointments
Authors: Ball Sarah L , Newbould Jennifer , Corbett Jennie , Exley Josephine , Pitchforth Emma , Roland Martin 
Published: December 2018

ObjectiveTo understand patients’ views on a ‘telephone-first’ approach, in which all appointment requests in general practice are followed by a telephone call from the general practitioner (GP).DesignQualitative interviews with patients and carers.SettingTwelve general practices in England.Participants43 patients, including 30 women, nine aged over 75 years, four parents of young children, five carers, five patients with hearing impairment and two whose first language was not English.ResultsPatients expressed varied views, often strongly held, ranging from enthusiasm for to hostility towards the ‘telephone-first’ approach. The new system suited some patients, avoiding the need to come into the surgery but was problematic for others, for example, when it was difficult for someone working in an open plan office to take a call-back. A substantial proportion of negative comments were about the operation of the scheme itself rather than the principles behind it, for example, difficulty getting through on the phone or being unable to schedule when the GP would phone back. Some practices were able to operate the scheme in a way that met their patients’ needs better than others and practices varied significantly in how they had implemented the approach.ConclusionsThe ‘telephone-first’ approach appears to work well for some patients, but others find it much less acceptable. Some of the reported problems related to how the approach had been implemented rather than the ‘telephone-first’ approach in principle and suggests there may be potential for some of the challenges experienced by patients to be overcome.
A nationwide follow-up study of occupational organic dust exposure and risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Authors: Vested Anne , Basinas Ioannis , Burdorf Alex , Elholm Grethe , Heederik Dick J J , Jacobsen Gitte H , Kolstad Henrik A , Kromhout Hans , Omland Øyvind , Sigsgaard Torben , Thulstrup Ane M , Toft Gunnar , Vestergaard Jesper M , Wouters Inge M , Schlünssen Vivi 
Published: December 2018

ObjectivesTo study exposure-response relations between cumulative organic dust exposure and incident chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) among subjects employed in the Danish farming and wood industry.MethodsWe studied exposure-response relations between cumulative organic dust exposure and incident COPD (1997–2013) among individuals born during 1950–1977 in Denmark ever employed in the farming or wood industry (n=1 75 409). Industry-specific employment history (1964–2007), combined with time-dependent farming and wood industry-specific exposure matrices defined cumulative exposure. We used logistic regression analysis with discrete survival function adjusting for age, sex and calendar year. Adjustment for smoking status was explored in a subgroup of 4023 with smoking information available.ResultsCumulative organic dust exposure was inversely associated with COPD (adjusted rate ratios (RRadj (95% CIs) of 0.90 (0.82 to 0.99), 0.76 (0.69 to 0.84) and 0.52 (0.47 to 0.58) for intermediate-low, intermediate-high and high exposure quartiles, respectively, compared with the lowest exposure quartile). Lagging exposure 10 years was not consistently suggestive of an association between cumulative exposure and COPD; RRadj (95% CI): 1.05 (0.94 to 1.16), 0.92 (0.83 to 1.02) and 0.63 (0.56 to 0.70). Additional stratification by duration of employment showed no clear association between organic dust exposure and COPD except for the longer exposed (15–40 years) where an inverse association was indicated. Subgroup analyses showed that smoking had no impact on exposure-response estimates.ConclusionsOur findings show no increased risk of COPD with increasing occupational exposure to organic dust in the farming or wood industry. Potential residual confounding by smoking can, however, not be ruled out.
Association of Serum Calcium and Insulin Resistance With Hypertension Risk: A Prospective Population‐Based Study
Authors: Wu Xiaoyan , Han Tianshu , Gao Jian , Zhang Yunlong , Zhao Shengnan , Sun Rongbo , Sun Changhao , Niu Yucun , Li Ying 
Published: December 2018

Background
The temporal sequence between serum calcium and insulin resistance (IR) and their effects on hypertension are unclear. We studied the association between serum calcium and IR, with risk of hypertension events in a longitudinal cohort conducted in China.

Methods and Results

Data from 8653 subjects aged 20 to 74 years with an average follow‐up of 5.3 years were analyzed. Serum calcium, and fasting and 2‐hour serum glucose and insulin were measured at baseline and follow‐up. Cross‐lagged panel and mediation analysis were used to examine the temporal relationship between serum calcium and IR and its impact on hypertension incidence. The conjoint effects of serum calcium and IR at baseline on hypertension at follow‐up were observed (
P
=0.029 for HOMA_IR [hepatic IR] and
P
=0.009 for Gutt index [peripheral IR]). The cross‐lagged path coefficient (β
2
) from baseline serum calcium to follow‐up peripheral IR were significantly greater than path coefficient (β
1
) from baseline peripheral insulin resistance to follow‐up serum calcium (β
2
=−0.354 versus β
1
=−0.005;
P
=0.027). However, no directional relationships were observed in the serum calcium↔hepatic IR analysis. The mediation effect of peripheral IR on the association of serum calcium at baseline with hypertension at follow‐up was estimated at 16.4% (
P
<0.001).

Conclusions
Our findings demonstrate that higher serum calcium levels probably precede peripheral IR, and this 1‐directional relation plays a role in the development of hypertension.