bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
First national iodine survey in Madagascar demonstrates iodine deficiency
Authors: Randremanana Rindra Vatosoa , Bastaraud Alexandra , Rabarijaona Leon Paul , Piola Patrice , Rakotonirina Delphin , Razafinimanana Jean Olivier , Ramangakoto Mamy Hanitra , Andriantsarafara Lalaharizaka , Randriamasiarijaona Harinelina , Tucker‐Brown Amal , Harimanana Aina , Namana Simeon 
Published: October 2018

AbstractUniversal salt iodization (USI) was adopted in Madagascar in 1995 within the framework of a worldwide policy to eliminate iodine deficiency disorders. Despite early USI adoption, there are no representative data on the iodine status of the Malagasy population. The aims of this study were to determine the iodine status of the Malagasy population and to assess the use of adequately iodized salt among households. We randomly sampled women of reproductive age (WRA) using a national, two‐stage, stratified cross‐sectional survey in 2014. Casual urine from WRA and salt samples from the household containing WRA were collected to measure urinary iodine concentration (UIC) and to assess household salt iodine content. Data from 1,721 WRA in 1,128 households were collected and analysed. The national median UIC was 46 μg L−1 (interquartile range [IQR]: 13–98 μg L−1), indicating a moderate iodine deficiency. The median UIC was 53 μg L−1 (IQR: 9–89 μg L−1) in pregnant women and 46 μg L−1 (IQR: 13–98 μg L−1) in non‐pregnant women. The national median iodine concentration of household salt was 10 mg kg−1 (IQR: 6.3–15.8 mg kg−1) and 26.2% (95% CI [22.1, 31.0]) of households containing WRA used adequately iodized salt (≥15 mg kg−1). Women living in households with adequately iodized salt had higher median UIC (72 vs. 50 μg L−1). Iodine status was significantly lower among women from low socio‐economic households. Madagascar's USI program needs to be revitalized. Implementing strategies to provide adequately iodized salt and enhancing iodized salt legislation to prevent severe complications resulting from iodine deficiency in the Malagasy population are essential.
The RES domain toxins of RES‐Xre toxin‐antitoxin modules induce cell stasis by degrading NAD+
Authors: Skjerning Ragnhild Bager , Senissar Meriem , Winther Kristoffer S. , Gerdes Kenn , Brodersen Ditlev E. 
Published: October 2018

SummaryType II toxin‐antitoxin (TA) modules, which are important cellular regulators in prokaryotes, usually encode two proteins, a toxin that inhibits cell growth and a nontoxic and labile inhibitor (antitoxin) that binds to and neutralizes the toxin. Here, we demonstrate that the res‐xre locus from Photorhabdus luminescens and other bacterial species function as bona fide TA modules in Escherichia coli. The 2.2 Å crystal structure of the intact Pseudomonas putida RES‐Xre TA complex reveals an unusual 2:4 stoichiometry in which a central RES toxin dimer binds two Xre antitoxin dimers. The antitoxin dimers each expose two helix‐turn‐helix DNA‐binding domains of the Cro repressor type, suggesting the TA complex is capable of binding the upstream promoter sequence on DNA. The toxin core domain shows structural similarity to ADP‐ribosylating enzymes such as diphtheria toxin but has an atypical NAD+‐binding pocket suggesting an alternative function. We show that activation of the toxin in vivo causes a depletion of intracellular NAD+ levels eventually leading to inhibition of cell growth in E. coli and inhibition of global macromolecular biosynthesis. Both structure and activity are unprecedented among bacterial TA systems, suggesting the functional scope of bacterial TA toxins is much wider than previously appreciated.
Species distribution modelling and cpSSR reveal population history of the Neotropical annual herb Tithonia rotundifolia (Asteraceae)
Authors: López‐Caamal A. , Ferrufino‐Acosta L. F. , Díaz‐Maradiaga R. F. , Rodríguez‐Delcid D. , Mussali‐Galante P. , Tovar‐Sánchez E. 
Published: October 2018

Abstract

The impacts of the historical geologic and climatic events on the diversity and genetic structure of Neotropical taxa have recently become a subject of study. However, annual plants associated with tropical dry forests remain under‐studied. The exploration of additional taxa in contrasting environments will improve the current understanding of responses of the Neotropical biota to these events. Here, we explore the species distribution and geographic structure of the annual herb Tithonia rotundifolia.

We sampled 175 individuals from 19 populations of T. rotundifolia. Species distribution modelling and six microsatellite chloroplast loci were used to infer its population history. We identified areas of historical climate suitability and then tested if there is genetic structuring among these areas.

Haplotypes showed strong phylogeographic structure. Historical climatic suitability areas were found along the Pacific coast; however, a gap was found at the Isthmus of Tehuantepec (IT). Although Bayesian analysis showed population structuring, amova revealed that the IT is not its main driver. Instead, a subdivision into a higher number of regions had higher FCT values. Also, populations to the east of the IT showed evidence of recent population expansion and migration in a south–north direction.

Pleistocene climate fluctuations partially explain the geographic structure of T. rotundifolia. However, life‐history characteristics such as limited seed dispersal and the patchy distribution of suitable habitats explain the high haplotype diversity and population sub‐structuring and diversity. Lastly, the absence of geographic structure of some haplotypes may indicate long‐distance dispersal, or hybridisation with the closely related T. tubaeformis.
Biological control of potato soft rot caused by Dickeya solani and the survival of bacterial antagonists under cold storage conditions
Authors: Hadizadeh I. , Peivastegan B. , Hannukkala A. , van der Wolf J. M. , Nissinen R. , Pirhonen M. 
Published: October 2018

Dickeya and Pectobacterium are responsible for causing blackleg of plants and soft rot of tubers in storage and in the field, giving rise to losses in seed potato production. In an attempt to improve potato health, biocontrol activity of known and putative antagonists was screened using in vitro and in planta assays, followed by analysis of their persistence at various storage temperatures. Most antagonists had low survival on potato tuber surfaces at 4 °C. The population dynamics of the best low‐temperature tolerant strain and also the most efficient antagonist, Serratia plymuthica A30, along with Dickeya solani as target pathogen, was studied with TaqMan real‐time PCR throughout the storage period. Tubers of three potato cultivars were treated in the autumn with the antagonist and then inoculated with D. solani. Although the cell densities of both strains decreased during the storage period in inoculated tubers, the pathogen population was always lower in the presence of the antagonist. The treated tubers were planted in the field the following growing season to evaluate the efficiency of the bacterial antagonist for controlling disease incidence. The potato endophyte S. plymuthica A30 protected potato plants by reducing blackleg development on average by 58.5% and transmission to tuber progeny as latent infection by 47–75%. These results suggest that treatment of potato tubers with biocontrol agents after harvest can reduce the severity of soft rot disease during storage and affect the transmission of soft rot bacteria from mother tubers to progeny tubers during field cultivation.
Omics approaches to investigate host–pathogen interactions in mass mortality outbreaks of Crassostrea gigas
Authors: Nguyen Thao V. , Alfaro Andrea C. , Merien Fabrice 
Published: October 2018

AbstractMass mortality events are routinely reported in bivalve cultivation practices worldwide with significant economic consequences for the global aquaculture industry. Major contributors of these bivalve losses are infections caused by viruses and bacteria whose molecular action mechanisms are still not fully understood. This major bottleneck for shellfish cultivation presents an opportunity for fundamental research that can generate practical tools for reliable health assessments. To this end, newly developed omics approaches are likely to facilitate knowledge acquisition, especially if applied in conjunction with established and emergent immunological techniques. In recent years, various omics technologies (e.g. genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics) have been used to study the Pacific oyster mortality events associated with detection of ostreid herpesvirus type 1 (OsHV‐1) and Vibrio bacteria. These new approaches, especially when used in combination have significantly improved our understanding of this syndrome and associated diseases. In this paper, we review the current omics technologies that have been employed to investigate the interactions between Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas and pathogens (e.g. OsHV‐1 and Vibrio sp.), infection mechanisms, host susceptibility and resistance. Herein, we also highlight some of the current challenges and future directions of omics approaches in shellfish health research, including disease detection, diagnosis and treatment.
Transcriptomics in aquaculture: current status and applications
Authors: Chandhini Sathyajith , Rejish Kumar Vattiringal Jayadradhan 
Published: October 2018

AbstractTranscriptomics is the analysis of total RNA transcript in a cell, which gives a broad idea of cellular processes that are active and dormant. Recent advancement in next‐generation sequencing technologies like high‐throughput mRNA sequencing (RNA‐seq) facilitates in deciphering the functional complexity of the whole transcriptome of an organism. In the recent past, transcriptome profiling has been widely used in aquaculture for effective identification and expression analysis of candidate genes involved in growth, reproduction, development, immunity, disease, stress and toxicology. On the paucity of a comprehensive genome sequence, transcriptomics enables the detection of molecular markers such as simple sequence repeats and single‐nucleotide polymorphism associated with the trait of interest. This review summarizes the process of transcriptome analysis and the current state of transcriptomics in aquaculture related to diseases and immunity, reproduction and development, growth and nutrition, toxicology and stress. Further, this review highlights the application of transcriptomics, including generation of genetic resources, differential gene expression, analysis of molecular pathways and development of molecular markers.
Crocin supplementation during oocyte maturation enhances antioxidant defence and subsequent cleavage rate
Authors: Chen Xuan , Xuan Biao , Xu Da , Wang Qiuyue , Cheng Mimi , Jin Yi 
Published: October 2018

ContentsThe purpose of the present study was to assess the effect of crocin supplementation during oocyte maturation on the antioxidant defence and anti‐apoptotic ability and subsequent developmental competence of porcine oocytes. Oocytes were cultured in media containing 0, 300, 400 or 500 µg/ml of crocin. Upon maturation, the maturation rates, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and glutathione (GSH) levels, mRNA expression of genes (SOD, CAT, GPx, Bcl‐2, BAX and Caspase3), expression of cleaved caspase3 and subsequent embryo cleavage rates were measured. Results indicated that the maturation rate of the 400 µg/ml group was 86.80% (p < 0.01). The ROS concentration of the 500 µg/ml group was the lowest (p < 0.01). The GSH concentration of the 400 µg/ml group was the highest (p < 0.01). The SOD, CAT and GPx mRNA expression levels were the highest in the 300, 400 and 500 µg/ml groups, respectively, with the expression levels of all genes being significantly higher than that of the control group (p < 0.01). The Bcl‐2/BAX mRNA expression ratio in 400 and 500 µg/ml groups significantly higher than other groups and significantly decreased caspase3 expression level (p < 0.01). The expression level of cleaved caspase3 in the 500 µg/ml treatment group was the lowest, significantly lower than that of the control group (p < 0.01). The cleavage rate of the 400 µg/ml group was 62.50% (p < 0.01). These experimental results show that the supplementation of in vitro culture medium with 400 µg/ml of crocin significantly enhanced the antioxidant defence and anti‐apoptotic ability and subsequent cleavage rate of porcine embryo.
The exploration of economic crises: parameter uncertainty and predictive ability
Authors: Inekwe John Nkwoma 
Published: October 2018

AbstractOver a long horizon, this paper examines joint economic crises and determines the power of 49 variables in predicting such episodes. While incorporating dynamism in the prediction, we generate the predictive power of various specifications and model the uncertainty in the parameters of interest. The results reveal that growth of real gross domestic product per capita, regulation, bank non‐performing loans, interest rate and inflation rate are the most significant variables in predicting the joint economic crises. These variables predict economic crises with about 93% accuracy and can predict joint economic crises in developing countries and recent joint crises.
Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn after fetomaternal hemorrhage
Authors: Gijtenbeek Manon , Lopriore Enrico , Steggerda Sylke J. , Te Pas Arjan B. , Oepkes Dick , Haak Monique C. 
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUNDNewborns with anemia are at increased risk of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN), yet reports on the association between fetomaternal hemorrhage (FMH) and PPHN are rare. To optimize care for pregnancies complicated by FMH, clinicians should be aware of the risks of FMH and the possible diagnostic and therapeutic options. To increase the current knowledge, the incidence of PPHN and short‐term neurologic injury in FMH cases were studied.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSWe included all FMH cases (≥30 mL fetal blood transfused into the maternal circulation) admitted to our neonatal unit between 2006 and 2018. First, we evaluated the incidence of PPHN and short‐term neurologic injury. Second, we studied the potential effect of intrauterine transfusion (IUT).RESULTSPPHN occurred in 37.9% of newborns (11 of 29), respectively, 14.3% (one of seven) and 45.5% (10 of 22) in the IUT group and no‐IUT group (p = 0.20). The mortality rate was 13.8% (4 of 29). Severe brain injury occurred in 34.5% (10 of 29), respectively, and 14.3% (one of seven) and 40.9% (nine of 22) in the IUT group and no‐IUT group (p = 0.37).CONCLUSIONAwareness should be raised among perinatologists and neonatologists about the possible life‐threatening consequences of FMH, as more than one‐third of neonates with anemia due to FMH experience PPHN and suffer from severe brain injury. Antenatal treatment with IUT seems to reduce these risks. Specialists should therefore always consider fetal anemia in FMH cases and refer patients to a fetal therapy center. If anemia is present at birth, it should be corrected promptly and neonatologists should be aware of signs of PPHN.
Evidence supporting wound care end points relevant to clinical practice and patients’ lives. Part 2. Literature survey
Authors: Driver Vickie R. , Gould Lisa J. , Dotson Peggy , Allen Latricia L. , Carter Marissa J. , Bolton Laura L. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractPatients with wounds bear significant clinical, personal, and economic burdens yet complete wound healing is the only United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognized primary clinical trial end point. The overall goal of this project is to work with FDA to expand the list of acceptable primary end points, recognizing that new and innovative treatments, devices, and drugs may not have complete healing as the focus. Part 1 of the project surveyed 628 wound care experts who identified and content‐validated 15 end points most relevant to clinical practice and benefitting patients’ lives as primary outcomes in clinical trials. Part 2 is focused on critical appraisal of the evidence in the wound care literature supporting FDA criteria to qualify these 15 end points as primary end points in clinical trials. Further research involved systematic review of the literature regarding the most promising end points. Forty volunteer, interdisciplinary, wound healing experts in fields related to the end points compiled evidence from systematic MEDLINE searches and society databases supporting the FDA criteria of reliability, clinical construct validity, capacity to detect concurrent or longitudinal change, and responder analysis. The search revealed 485 references involving over 462,000 subjects supporting FDA‐required parameters for all 15 end points More than 50 references supported FDA‐required parameters qualifying the following outcomes for use in clinical trials supporting interventions for FDA clearance: Pain reduction, Physical function and ambulation, Infection reduction, Time to heal, and Percent wound area reduction in 4–8 weeks. Among these, only Time to heal is currently recognized by the FDA as a primary wound outcome in clinical trials. These results suggest that wound science is already serving patients and professionals by improving these content‐validated outcomes that merit regulatory consideration.
Screening for coeliac disease in 1624 mainly asymptomatic children with type 1 diabetes: is genotyping for coeliac-specific human leucocyte antigen the right approach?
Authors: Binder Elisabeth , Rohrer Tilmann , Denzer Christian , Marg Wolfgang , Ohlenschläger Ute , Schenk-Huber Heike , Schierloh Ulrike , Skopnik Heino , Fröhlich-Reiterer Elke Elisabeth , Holl Reinhard W , Prinz Nicole 
Published: October 2018

Objectives
To investigate the frequency of coeliac disease (CD)-specific human leucocyte antigen (HLA) genotypes in paediatric patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D), who are known to have a higher prevalence of CD than the general population, and to evaluate whether HLA genotyping is a suitable first-line screening method for CD.

Study design
The study was a multicentre observational analysis of patients with T1D aged <20 years of whom a subgroup had undergone HLA genotyping. Patient data were retrieved from the Diabetes Prospective Follow-up database, a large diabetes follow-up registry. The present analysis included data from 439 centres throughout Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Luxembourg.

Results
In March 2017, the database contained 75 202 patients with T1D (53% male, mean age (SD) 14.6 (4.1) years, mean age at diagnosis 8.8 (4.3) years and mean diabetes duration 5.8 (4.3) years). 1624 patients had undergone coeliac-specific HLA genotyping, of whom 1344 (82.8%) were positive for HLA-DQ2, HLA-DQ8 or both, while 17.2% had no coeliac-specific HLA-markers. 26.6% of at-risk patients had a clinical suspected diagnosis of CD, and 3.6% had biopsy-proven CD.

Conclusions
Genotyping for HLA-DQ2, HLA-DQ8 or both is positive in the vast majority (>80%) of patients with T1D. Therefore, screening for coeliac-specific HLA genotypes as a first-line test is not a suitable method to exclude CD in T1D. Regular screening for coeliac-specific antibodies in T1D is still recommended.
How do specialist trainee doctors acquire skills to practice patient-centred care? A qualitative exploration
Authors: Patel Veena , Buchanan Heather , Hui Michelle , Patel Prashanth , Gupta Pankaj , Kinder Alison , Thomas Hywel 
Published: October 2018

ObjectivesThe importance of patient-centred care (PCC) has been increasingly recognised. However, there is limited work exploring what doctors actually understand by PCC, and how they perceive they acquire PCC skills in the workplace. The objectives of our study were to explore (1) what UK doctors, in specialist training, perceive to be the essential components of PCC, (2) if/how they acquire these skills, (3) any facilitators/barriers for engaging in PCC and (4) views on their PCC training.DesignQualitative study using in-depth individual semi-structured interviews with UK specialist trainees. Interview transcripts were thematically analysed.Setting and participantsThirty-one specialist trainee doctors, with at least 4 years postgraduate experience, were interviewed. Participants worked in various medical specialities within the Medical Directorate of an acute hospital in the East Midlands of England.ResultsInterview data were transcribed verbatim and categorised into three main themes. The first theme was ‘Understanding PCC’ where the doctors gave varied perspectives on what they understood by PCC. Although many were able to highlight key components of PCC, there were also some accounts which demonstrated a lack of understanding. The second theme was ‘Learning PCC skills: A work in progress’. Learning to be patient-centred was perceived to be an ongoing process. Within this, trainee doctors reported ‘on-the-job’ learning as the main means of acquiring PCC skills, but they also saw a place for formal training (eg, educational sessions focussing on PCC, role play). ‘Delivering PCC: Beyond the physician’ referred to the many influences the doctors reported in learning and delivering PCC including patients, the organisation and colleagues. Observing consultants taking a patient-centred approach was cited as an important learning tool.ConclusionsOur findings may assist clinical educators in understanding how trainee doctors perceive PCC, and the factors that influence their learning, thereby helping them shape PCC skills training.
‘Lock to Live’: development of a firearm storage decision aid to enhance lethal means counselling and prevent suicide
Authors: Betz Marian E , Knoepke Christopher E , Siry Bonnie , Clement Ashley , Azrael Deborah , Ernestus Stephanie , Matlock Daniel D 
Published: October 2018

ObjectivesWe sought to (1) clarify decision needs among suicidal adults with home firearm access; (2) identify accurate, unbiased and acceptable approaches for content and messaging; and (3) develop a tablet-delivered decision aid for firearm storage options.MethodsFollowing international standards, we used stakeholder interviews to develop a decision aid for the decision, ‘what option(s) to choose to reduce home access to firearms for an adult at risk of suicide’. Participants were adults with personal or family history of suicidal ideation or behaviours, firearm ownership or employment in a firearm range or store, involvement in suicide prevention field, or work as emergency department or other healthcare provider.ResultsThrough 64 interviews, we created the ‘Lock to Live’ decision aid, which includes (1) introduction specifying the decision, (2) clarification of preferences and logistics, (3) table of storage options and (4) summary with specific next steps. The final tool had high user acceptability.ConclusionsShould the ‘Lock to Live’ decision aid prove useful in a pilot feasibility trial and subsequent testing, it could enhance lethal means counselling and help prevent firearm suicide.