bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Molecular Characterization and Immunity Identification of Rhoptry Protein 22 of Toxoplasma gondii as a DNA Vaccine Candidate Against Toxoplasmosis
Authors: Zhang Zhenchao , Li Yuhua , Xie Qing , Li Pengju , Nan Xiaoxu , Kong Lingmin , Zeng Dapeng , Ding Zhifang , Wang Shuai 
Published: June 2018

AbstractToxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) rhoptry proteins (TgROPs) have been considered main targets and indicator molecules for immune diagnosis and prophylaxis since they initially present during the process of invasion. In this study, the effect of intramuscularly injecting the genetic vaccine pVAX‐ROP22 was evaluated, made by inserting the TgROP22 sequence into the eukaryotic expression vector of pVAX I, into BALB/c mice. The levels of IgG, IgG1, and IgG2a in pVAX‐ROP22 vaccinated animals were integrally increased. It was uncovered by cytokine profile analyses that the levels of IFN‐γ and IL‐2 were significantly increased, while no significant changes were detected in IL‐4 and IL‐10 levels. In addition, we found that immunization with pVAX‐ROP22 significantly prolonged the survival time (13.80 ± 1.75 d) of mice after challenge infection with the virulent T. gondii RH strain, in comparison with those of control animals (died within 10 d). Moreover, the number of brain cysts (1,406 ± 277) in the animals subjected to pVAX‐TgROP22 vaccination decreased remarkably (P < 0.05) compared with the blank control mice (2,333 ± 473), and the size of brain cysts in pVAX‐TgROP22 group was significantly smaller than the groups of blank, PBS and pVAXI. These results suggested that TgROP22 as DNA vaccine could trigger strong humoral and cellular responses and induce partial protection against toxoplasmosis.
Description of Armaparvus languidus n. gen. n. sp. Confirms Ultrastructural Unity of Cutosea (Amoebozoa, Evosea)
Authors: Schuler Gabriel A. , Brown Matthew W. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) PRA‐29 isolate has a publicly available transcriptome, which has led to its inclusion in recent phylogenomic analyses. The ATCC PRA‐29 isolate was originally identified and deposited as “Pessonella sp.” This taxon branches robustly within the recently discovered clade Cutosea, very distantly related to the clade in which the genus Pessonella is believed to branch based on morphological data. Using detailed light and electron microscopy, we studied the morphology and ultrastructure of ATCC PRA‐29 as well as other cutosean amoebae to better elucidate the morphological affinity of ATCC PRA‐29 to other amoebozoans. Here, we show that ATCC PRA‐29 was misidentified by the original depositor as Pessonella and name it Armaparvus languidus n. gen. n. sp. We show that a cell coat of microscales separated from the cell membrane is a unique trait found in all known cutosean amoebae. As Cutosea represents a clade at the deepest bifurcation in the amoebozoan group Evosea and because this clade is currently taxon‐poor, but likely represents a major understudied group it will be important to isolate and describe more cutosean amoebae in the future.
Cost‐effectiveness of generic pan‐genotypic sofosbuvir/velpatasvir versus genotype‐dependent direct‐acting antivirals for hepatitis C treatment
Authors: Goel Amit , Chen Qiushi , Chhatwal Jagpreet , Aggarwal Rakesh 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBackground and AimTreatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection with low‐cost generic direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs) available in India and other developing countries needs determination of HCV genotype (“genotype‐dependent” regimens). Generic velpatasvir, a DAA that obviates the need for genotype determination (“pan‐genotypic” regimen), recently became available but is costlier. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of genotype‐dependent versus pan‐genotypic DAA treatments in India.MethodsA previously validated microsimulation model, adapted to Indian population, was used to compare the costs and long‐term outcomes of three scenarios: no treatment, treatment with genotype‐dependent regimens, and treatment with pan‐genotypic regimen. Input parameters were derived from literature. Using a payer's perspective and lifetime time horizon, quality‐adjusted life‐years (QALYs), total costs, and incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio were calculated. Both deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were also conducted.ResultsAt the current price ($US223 for 4 weeks), pan‐genotypic regimen was cost‐saving compared with no treatment. Compared with genotype‐dependent regimens, it increased QALYs by 0.92 and increased costs by $US107 but was deemed cost‐effective with an incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio of $US242 per QALY gained. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis also supported the cost‐effectiveness of pan‐genotypic regimen. At the reduced price of $US188 for 4 weeks, the pan‐genotypic regimen will become cost‐neutral to genotype‐dependent regimens (current price: $US100 for 4 weeks).ConclusionsAt current prices, velpatasvir‐based pan‐genotypic regimen is cost‐effective for HCV treatment in India where generic drugs are available. A reduction in the prices of pan‐genotypic regimen has the potential to make its use cost‐saving while simplifying treatment in community‐level programs aimed at HCV elimination.
Plagioclase disequilibrium induced during fluid‐absent biotite‐breakdown melting in metapelites
Authors: Madlakana Nonkuselo , Stevens Gary 
Published: June 2018

AbstractIn the Bandelierkop Quarry (South Marginal Zone of the Limpopo belt), two generations of leucosome contain peritectic garnet produced by incongruent melting of biotite‐bearing assemblages, either in the presence or absence of sillimanite, respectively. This study focuses on mineral inclusions in large garnet crystals from both leucosome generations, which, in rare cases, host an abundance of euhedral plagioclase inclusions with variable compositions. Plagioclase in the residuum adjacent to the leucosomes ranges from An32to An39, while the euhedral plagioclase inclusions are considerably more calcic with compositions that range from An50to An83. These grains are also significantly zoned, with inclusions displaying both Na‐ and Ca‐enriched rims. Garnet zoning directly adjacent to the inclusions demonstrates that the Ca‐rich nature of the inclusions is not a consequence of Ca‐uptake from garnet. The euhedral plagioclase inclusions are interpreted to reflect disequilibrium during anatexis due to slow diffusion in plagioclase. Thus, the kinetic pathway followed by the incongruent melting reaction appears to be one where only the outer portions of the reactant plagioclase grains were involved, via dissolution, not diffusion, and with the precipitation of new Ca‐rich peritectic plagioclase as a consequence. This is predictable, as the coupled substitutions involved in plagioclase solid solution result in very slow intracrystalline diffusion of the major elements, while plagioclase dissolution in granitic melt is faster by several orders of magnitude. Phase equilibrium modelling demonstrates that the Ca‐content of the peritectic plagioclase is inversely proportional to the amount of plagioclase that participates in the fluid‐absent incongruent melting reaction in biotite‐bearing metapelites, with the specific compositions of the peritectic grains, reflecting local variations in effective bulk composition as the melting reaction progressed. The variation in composition and zoning patterns within plagioclase inclusions from individual garnet grains is interpreted to reflect melt segregation and flow simultaneously with garnet growth, allowing individual garnet grains to trap euhedral peritectic plagioclase grains that had formed within a range of effective bulk compositions. The preservation of this unusual garnet, which was most likely due to rapid and efficient melt loss from the residual source, as well as rapid cooling, provides a rare insight into the details of the anatectic process.
Use of a Model Wellness Policy May Not Increase the Strength and Comprehensiveness of Written School Wellness Policies
Authors: Eggert Erin , Overby Hilary , McCormack Lacey , Meendering Jessica 
Published: June 2018

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDMany state agencies have developed model wellness policies (MWPs) to serve as examples for schools when writing their own school wellness policy (SWP). The purpose of this study was to evaluate if a MWP aids schools in writing stronger, more comprehensive SWPs.METHODSFor this cross‐sectional study, 91 school districts submitted their current SWP and completed a survey that classified districts into either districts that utilized the state MWP (N = 56; 61.5%) or those that did not (NMWP, N =35; 38.5%). The Wellness School Assessment Tool (WellSAT) was used to assess the strength, comprehensiveness, total overall score, and subsection scores of each policy. Dependent variables were compared between groups using t tests. Statistical significance was set at p ≤ .05. Data are presented as mean ±SD.RESULTSNo significant differences were found between groups in total overall (MWP 76.8 ± 37.9; NMWP 62.1 ± 34.3), strength (MWP 25.3 ± 17.6; NMWP 19.1 ± 12.8), or comprehensiveness scores (MWP 51.5 ± 21.2; NMWP 43.0 ± 22.1). The only subsection score difference identified between groups was the Nutrition Standards comprehension score (p = .02).CONCLUSIONSThese data suggest MWPs may not improve the quality of written SWPs. Further research is needed to better understand the needs of school districts in SWP development.
Socio‐economic composition of low‐acuity paediatric presentation at a regional hospital emergency department
Authors: Alele Faith O , Callander Emily J , Emeto Theophilus I , Mills Jane , Watt Kerrianne 
Published: June 2018

AimDespite increasing rates of emergency department (ED) utilisation, little is known about low‐acuity presentations in children ≤5 years. The aims of the study were to estimate the proportion and cost of low‐acuity presentations in children ≤5 years presenting to the ED and to determine the relative effect of socio‐economic status (SES) on paediatric low‐acuity presentations at the ED.MethodsThis is a retrospective observational study of children ≤5 years presenting to the Cairns Hospital ED over 4 years. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to assess the association between SES and low‐acuity presentations. Cost of low‐acuity presentations was calculated based on triage score and admission status, using costs obtained from the National Hospital Cost Data Collection.ResultsA total of 23 086 children were included in the study, of whom 56.7% were male (mean age = 1.85 ± 1.63 years). Approximately one‐third of ED visits were low‐acuity presentations (32.4%), and low‐acuity presentations increased progressively with SES. In multivariate analysis, children from families with very high SES were twice as likely to have a low‐acuity presentation (odds ratio 2.17; 95% confidence interval, 1.66–2.85). Low‐acuity ED presentations cost the health‐care system in excess of A$895 000–A$1 110 000 per year.ConclusionsThese findings demonstrate that a significant proportion of paediatric ED visits are of low acuity and that these visits yield a substantial cost to the health system. Further research is required regarding care givers' rationale and potentially other reasons underlying these low‐acuity ED presentations.
No association between month of birth and biliary atresia in a country with tropical climate
Authors: Tanpowpong Pornthep , Lertudomphonwanit Chatmanee , Phuapradit Pornpimol , Treepongkaruna Suporn 
Published: June 2018

AimChildren with biliary atresia (BA) born in countries with temperate climate showed month‐of‐birth (MoB) predilection during cooler months. To date, no study on the MoB–BA association has been performed in a tropical country. Our aim was to define MoB variation in children with BA in a tropical country.MethodsWe studied 150 children diagnosed with BA between January 1996 and April 2015 at a teaching hospital. MoB was defined by two categories based on the precipitation: rain and dry, and three categories based on the air temperature: high, average and low. We applied the country's population data on the number of births in each period as the expected proportions of birth.ResultsA slightly higher proportion of BA children was born in the rainy months (52.7%); however, the difference was not significant compared to the general population's birth (P = 0.87). For the MoB based on the air temperature, no statistically significant difference was noted. Males with BA seemed to have a greater MoB variation compared to females, but this did not reach statistical significance.ConclusionWe could not find an association between MoB and BA in a tropical country. Multinational studies may aid in understanding the MoB–BA association in the tropical countries.
Genetic and virulence variation in Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cepae causing root and basal rot of common onion in Iran
Authors: Nasr Esfahani Mehdi 
Published: June 2018

AbstractRoot and basal rot of common onion (Allium cepae L.) caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cepae is one of the most important diseases causing tremendous losses in onion‐growing areas worldwide. In this study, random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD), intersimple sequence repeats (ISSR) and virulence studies were conducted to analyse 26 F. oxysporum f. sp. cepae isolates obtained from the main onion‐growing regions of Iran, including Fars, Azerbaijan and Isfahan states. Cluster analysis using UPGMA method for both RAPD and ISSR markers revealed no clear grouping of the isolates obtained from different geographical regions, and the isolates were observed to derive probably from the same clonal lineage. Pathogenicity test indicated that all F. oxysporum f. sp. cepae isolates were pathogenic on onion; however, virulence variability was observed among the isolates. The grouping based on virulence variability was not correlated with the results of RAPD and ISSR analyses.
Guilt Signals a Crisis of Rejection: Two Types of Individual Differences Related to Social Rejection Have Dissimilar Effects on Guilt and Compensatory Behavior
Authors: Furukawa Yoshiya , Nakashima Ken'ichiro , Morinaga Yasuko 
Published: June 2018

AbstractWe investigated whether feelings of guilt, which signal crises in interpersonal relationships (Baumeister, Stillwell, & Heatherton, 1994), are differently evoked by two types of individual differences in social rejection: rejection detection capability (Kawamoto, Nittono, & Ura, 2015) and rejection sensitivity (Downey & Feldman, 1996). Using the hypothetical scenario method, we found that in situations with a potential risk of being rejected as a consequence of causing another person harm (i.e., harm‐present condition), participants with higher rejection detection capability felt more guilt and engaged in more compensatory behavior towards the victims. In addition, guilt mediated the relationship between rejection detection capability and compensatory behavior. Conversely, in situations with no potential risk of being rejected (i.e., harm‐absent condition), participants with higher rejection sensitivity felt more guilt but did not engage in much compensatory behavior. These results suggest that individual differences in social rejection foster different responses to specific threats.
L‐PRF for increasing the width of keratinized mucosa around implants: A split‐mouth, randomized, controlled pilot clinical trial
Authors: Temmerman A. , Cleeren G. J. , Castro A. B. , Teughels W. , Quirynen M. 
Published: June 2018

BackgroundThis study aims to evaluate the use of the leukocyte‐ and platelet‐rich fibrin (L‐PRF) membranes in increasing the width of the keratinized mucosa (KM) around implants.Material and methodsEight patients in need for bilateral widening of the KM around implants in the lower jaw were recruited for a spit‐mouth randomized controlled trial. At the control site, a free gingival graft (FGG) was used, whereas at the other side (test), L‐PRF membranes were applied. The primary outcome was the increase in width of KM around the implants. As secondary outcomes, the postoperative pain and surgical time were assessed. The follow‐up period was 6 weeks.ResultsA significant increase in the total bucco‐lingual width of KM in both groups was observed, with 1.3 mm ± 0.9 extra gain (P < .05) for the FGG sites. Shrinkage of the widened areas in this period was 32.1% at the test site and 23.6% at the control site. All values of the postoperative pain scores at the control site were higher than at the test site. The mean surgery time in the test and control group was 29.1 ± 4.8 and 48.1 ± 7.7 minutes, respectively.ConclusionWithin the limitations of this randomized controlled trial with split mouth design, it can be concluded that L‐PRF can increase the width of KM around implants. Furthermore, the use of L‐PRF results in a lower surgical time with less postoperative discomfort and pain for the patients in comparison to the FGG.
Locally delivered metformin as adjunct to scaling and root planing in the treatment of periodontal defects: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Akram Z. , Vohra F. , Javed F. 
Published: June 2018

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of metformin as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) in the treatment of chronic periodontitis. Electronic searches were conducted in databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Cochrane Oral Health Group Trials Register databases) up to August 2017. Randomized clinical trials with data in comparison between adjunctive locally delivered metformin use to SRP and placebo in each group and a follow‐up period of at least 6 months, were included. Primary outcomes included clinical attachment level, while secondary outcomes were bone defect (BD) fill and reduction in probing depth. The weighted mean differences (WMD) of outcomes and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for each variable were calculated using the random effects model. Five clinical studies were included in the qualitative synthesis and 3 studies were included for meta‐analysis. All the included studies showed significant BD fill, probing depth reduction and clinical attachment level gain with adjunctive locally delivered metformin compared to SRP alone. Considering the effects of adjunctive metformin as compared to SRP, a high degree of heterogeneity for BD fill (Q value = 7.03, P = .02, I2 = 71.55%) was noticed among both the groups. Meta‐analysis showed a statistically significant clinical attachment level gain (WMD = −2.83, 95% CI = −3.32 to −2.34, P < .001), BD fill (WMD = −2.96, 95% CI = −3.99 to −1.93, P < .001) and probing depth reduction (WMD = −3.11, 95% CI = −3.63 to −2.59, P < .001) for SRP + metformin treatment vs SRP. Adjunctive use of metformin delivery in periodontal treatment appears to be effective in BD fill, reducing probing depth and gain in clinical attachment level. Further multicentered randomized clinical trials are warranted in future to prove additional benefits of metformin as an adjunct to SRP in the treatment of chronic periodontitis.
Why God Has Left the Netherlands: Explanations for the Decline of Institutional Christianity in the Netherlands Between 1966 and 2015
Authors: Kregting Joris , Scheepers Peer , Vermeer Paul , Hermans Chris 
Published: June 2018

AbstractWhy has the Netherlands witnessed such a strong process of secularization? This article examines this process very extensively. Based on modernization theory, it follows several social cultural developments in Dutch society over the last 50 years and distinguishes between effects on the individual level as well as on the level of society. We are able to do so because of rich data availability, derived from micro‐level longitudinal surveys (God in the Netherlands, Social and Cultural Developments in the Netherlands) enriched with macro‐level statistics (Statistics Netherlands). With this integrated approach, we provide explanatory insights into the transition of the Netherlands from a predominant Christian nation to a predominant secular nation. Our analysis clearly shows that macro‐level educational expansion has affected this process of secularization in the Netherlands, supplemented with the increase in social security, as a so‐called cohort effect. Moreover, the long‐term effect of Christian socialization is waning; Dutch people who were raised in a religious way increasingly lapse later in their life.
Climate, landscape, habitat, and woodland management associations with hazel dormouse Muscardinus avellanarius population status
Authors: Goodwin Cecily E. D. , Suggitt Andrew J. , Bennie Jonathan , Silk Matthew J. , Duffy James P. , Al‐Fulaij Nida , Bailey Sallie , Hodgson David J. , McDonald Robbie A. 
Published: June 2018

Abstract

Although strictly protected, populations of the hazel dormouse Muscardinus avellanarius in the UK declined by 72% from 1993 to 2014. Using National Dormouse Monitoring Programme data from 300 sites throughout England and Wales, we investigated variation in hazel dormouse population status (expressed as Indices of Abundance, Breeding, and population Trend) in relation to climate, landscape, habitat, and woodland management.

Dormice were more abundant and produced more litters on sites with warmer, sunnier springs, summers, and autumns. Dormouse abundance was also higher on sites with consistently cold local climate in winter. Habitat connectivity, woodland species composition, and active site management were all correlated with greater dormouse abundance and breeding. Abundances were also higher on sites with successional habitats, whereas the abundance of early successional bramble Rubus fruticosus habitat, woodland area, and landscape connectivity were important for population stability.

Diversity in the structure of woodlands in Europe has decreased over the last 100 years, and the habitats we found to be associated with more favourable dormouse status have also been in decline. The conservation status of the hazel dormouse, and that of woodland birds and butterflies, may benefit from reinstatement or increased frequency of management practices, such as coppicing and glade management, that maintain successional and diverse habitats within woodland.
Synthesis and secretion of volatile short‐chain fatty acids in Triatoma infestans infected with Beauveria bassiana
Authors: Lobo L. S. , Girotti J. R. , Mijailovsky S. J. , Fernandes É. K. K. , Luz C. , Pedrini N. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractPhysically disturbed Triatoma infestans (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) adults, as well as adults of other Chagas' disease vectors, secrete a mix of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with alarm and possible sexual and defence functions. The aim of the present research was to test whether infection with the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana (Ascomycota: Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) has an effect on VOC secretion in disturbed T. infestans and on the expression of two genes (Ti‐brnq and Ti‐bckdc) potentially involved in VOC biosynthesis. The volatiles released by insects at different time periods after fungal treatment were identified and their relative amounts measured. Isobutyric acid was the most abundant volatile found in both healthy and fungus‐infected insects and underwent no significant relative changes through the infection process. The secretion of propionic acid, however, was significantly higher at 1–4 days post‐infection (d.p. i.) compared with that in controls. A slight induction of both Ti‐brnq and Ti‐bckdc genes was found by real‐time polymerase chain reaction at 4 d.p. i., with expression values reaching up to three‐fold those in controls. The early stages of fungal infection seem to affect the composition of the alarm pheromone by changing the expression pattern of both genes analysed. These results help to elucidate the impact of fungal infections on the chemical ecology of triatomine bugs.