bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Waterborne outbreak of gastroenteritis on the KwaZulu-Natal Coast, South Africa, December 2016/January 2017
Authors: Sekwadi P. G. , Ravhuhali K. G. , Mosam A. , Essel V. , Ntshoe G. M. , Shonhiwa A. M. , McCarthy K. , Mans J. , Taylor M. B. , Page N. A. , Govender N. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractAn unexpected increase in gastroenteritis cases was reported by healthcare workers on the KwaZulu-Natal Coast, South Africa, January 2017 with >600 cases seen over a 3-week period. A case–control study was conducted to identify the source and risk factors associated with the outbreak so as to recommend control and prevention measures. Record review identified cases and controls and structured-telephonic interviews were conducted to obtain exposure history. Stool specimens were collected from 20 cases along with environmental samples and both screened for enteric pathogens. A total of 126 cases and 62 controls were included in the analysis. The odds of developing gastroenteritis were 6.0 times greater among holiday makers than residents (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.0–17.7). Swimming in the lagoon increased the odds of developing gastroenteritis by 3.3 times (95% CI 1.06–10.38). Lagoon water samples tested positive for norovirus (NoV) GI.6, GII.3 and GII.6, astrovirus and rotavirus. Eleven (55%) stool specimens were positive for NoV with eight genotyped as GI.1 (n = 2), GI.5 (n = 3), GI.6 (n = 2), and GI.7 (n = 1). A reported sewage contamination event impacting the lagoon was the likely source with person-to-person spread perpetuating the outbreak. Restriction to swimming in the lagoon was apparently ineffective at preventing the outbreak, possibly due to inadequate enforcement, communication and signage strategies.
The risk of rabies spread in Japan: a mathematical modelling assessment
Authors: Kadowaki H. , Hampson K. , Tojinbara K. , Yamada A. , Makita K. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractRabies was eliminated from Japan in 1957. In the 60 years since elimination, vaccination coverage has declined and dog ownership habits have changed. The purpose of this study was to assess the current risk of rabies spread in Japan. A spatially explicit transmission model was developed at the 1 km2 grid scale for Hokkaido and Ibaraki Prefectures. Parameters associated with dog movement and bite injuries were estimated using historical records from Japan, and were used with previously published epidemiological parameters. The final epidemic size, efficacy of rabies contingency plans and the influence of dog owner responses to incursions were assessed by the model. Average outbreak sizes for dog rabies were 3.1 and 4.7 dogs in Hokkaido and Ibaraki Prefectures, respectively. Average number of bite injury cases were 4.4 and 6.7 persons in Hokkaido and Ibaraki Prefectures, respectively. Discontinuation of mandatory vaccination increased outbreak sizes in these prefectures. Sensitivity analyses showed that higher chance of unintentional release of rabid dogs by their owners (from 0.5 to 0.9 probability) increased outbreak size twofolds. Our model outputs suggested that at present, incursions of rabies into Japan are very unlikely to cause large outbreaks. Critically, the reaction of dog owners to their dogs developing rabies considerably impacts the course of outbreaks. Contingency measures should therefore include sensitisation of dog owners.
Review analysis and impact of co-circulating H5N1 and H9N2 avian influenza viruses in Bangladesh
Authors: Parvin Rokshana , Begum Jahan Ara , Nooruzzaman Mohammed , Chowdhury Emdadul Haque , Islam Mohammad Rafiqul , Vahlenkamp Thomas W. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractAlmost the full range of 16 haemagglutinin (HA) and nine neuraminidase subtypes of avian influenza viruses (AIVs) has been detected either in waterfowl, land-based poultry or in the environment in Bangladesh. AIV infections in Bangladesh affected a wide range of host species of terrestrial poultry. The highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI) H5N1 and low pathogenic AI H9N2 were found to co-circulate and be well entrenched in the poultry population, which has caused serious damage to the poultry industry since 2007. By reviewing the available scientific literature, the overall situation of AIVs in Bangladesh is discussed. All Bangladeshi (BD) H5N1 and H9N2 AIV sequences available at GenBank were downloaded along with other representative sequences to analyse the genetic diversity among the circulating AIVs in Bangladesh and to compare with the global situation. Three different H5N1 clades, 2.2.2, 2.3.2.1 and 2.3.4.2, have been detected in Bangladesh. Only 2.3.2.1a is still present. The BD LP H9N2 viruses mostly belonged to the H9 G1 lineage but segregated into many branches, and some of these shared internal genes with HP viruses of subtypes H7N3 and H5N1. However, these reassortment events might have taken place before introduction to Bangladesh. Currently, H9N2 viruses continue to evolve their HA cleavage, receptor binding and glycosylation sites. Multiple mutations in the HA gene associated with adaptation to mammalian hosts were also observed. Strict biosecurity at farms and gradual phasing out of live-bird markets could be the key measures to better control AIVs, whereas stamping out is not a practicable option in Bangladesh. Vaccination also could be an additional tool, which however, requires careful planning. Continuous monitoring of AIVs through systematic surveillance and genetic characterisation of the viruses remains a hallmark of AI control.
Retrieval of large Occlutech Figula Flex septal defect occluders using a commercially available bioptome: proof of concept
Authors: Georgiev Stanimir , Tanase Daniel , Genz Thomas , Ewert Peter , Naumann Susanne , Pozza Robert Dalla , Eicken Andreas 
Published: May 2018

AbstractObjectivesThis study aimed to develop a method for retrieval of the new meshed nitinol atrial septal defect occluders – Ceraflex and Occlutech.BackgroundThe newly developed atrial septal defect occluders have potential benefits considering implantation, but concerns regarding their removal in case of embolisation have been raised.MethodsOver 21 years, 1449 patients underwent interventional atrial septal defect occlusion in our institution. We reviewed the cases of embolisation of the device, developed a strategy for device removal, and tested it on the benchside and in animal tests.ResultsIn 11 patients (0.8%), the intended atrial septal defect occlusion was complicated by an embolisation of the device. In contrast to the Amplatzer septal occluders, retrieval of Occlutech devices larger than 16 mm with snare techniques was impossible. In benchside tests, this was confirmed and a new method for removal of large meshed devices was developed. This involved the commercially available Maslanka® biopsy forceps. The feasibility of this technique in vivo was tested in a pig model. During animal tests, using the Maslanka biopsy forceps it was possible to interventionally retrieve embolised Ceraflex and Occlutech devices of different sizes – 10, 16, 30, and 40 mm – into a 12-F sheath.ConclusionIt was impossible to retrieve Occlutech and Ceraflex devices larger than 16 mm into a large sheath in vivo and during benchside tests. However, this was feasible on the bench and in vivo using the Maslanka biopsy forceps even with the largest available devices.
Association of dietary patterns of American adults with bone mineral density and fracture
Authors: Mazidi Mohsen , Kengne Andre Pascal , Vatanparast Hassan 
Published: May 2018

AbstractObjectiveIn a representative sample of US adults, we investigated the associations of nutrient patterns (NP) with bone mineral density (BMD) and fractures.DesignCross-sectional.SettingUS community-based National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).SubjectsParticipants with measured data on dietary intake and BMD from 2005 to 2010 were included. Principal components analysis was used to identify NP. BMD was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. ANCOVA, adjusted logistic and linear regression models were employed, accounting for the complex survey design and sample weights.ResultsWe included a total of 18 318 participants, with 47·0 % (n 8607) being men. The mean age was 45·8 years with no sex difference. Three NP emerged, explaining 55·9 % of the variance in nutrient consumption. Multivariable-adjusted linear regressions revealed significant inverse associations between the ‘high-energy’ NP (rich in carbohydrates and sugar, total fat and saturated fat) and total femur, femoral neck, trochanter and intertrochanter BMD (β coefficient: −0·029, −0·025, −0·034 and −0·021, respectively, all P<0·001), while there were significant associations between the ‘nutrient-dense’ NP (rich in vitamins, minerals and fibre) and ‘healthy fat’ NP (high dietary PUFA and MUFA) and BMD at total femur, femoral neck, trochanter and intertrochanter (all P<0·001). In adjusted logistic regression models, the odds of hip, wrist or spine fractures did not vary significantly across NP quartiles.ConclusionsNutrient-dense and healthy fat NP are associated with higher BMD at various bone sites, while the high-energy NP is inversely associated with BMD measures.
Closed-form model to determine the co-axial probe reactance of an equilateral triangular patch antenna
Authors: Biswas Manotosh , Dam Mihir 
Published: May 2018

AbstractA simple closed-form analytical formula is proposed to compute the probe reactance of an equilateral triangular patch antenna. The variation of the probe reactance with the variation of antenna dimension, substrate electrical parameters, and probe location is examined thoroughly. The computed values employing the present model show excellent agreement with experimental and simulation results.
Commitment to Political Ideology is a Luxury Only Students Can Afford: A Distributive Justice Experiment
Authors: Demel Simona , Barr Abigail , Miller Luis , Ubeda Paloma 
Published: May 2018

AbstractUsing a political-frame-free, lab-in-the-field experiment, we investigate the associations between employment status, self-reported political ideology, and preferences for redistribution. The experiment consists of a real-effort task, followed by a four-player dictator game. In one treatment, dictator game initial endowments depend on participants’ performance in the real-effort task, i.e., they are earned, in the other, they are randomly determined. We find that being employed or unemployed is associated with revealed redistributive preferences, while the political ideology of the employed and unemployed is not. In contrast, the revealed redistributive preferences of students are strongly associated with their political ideologies. The employed and right-leaning students redistribute earnings less than windfalls, the unemployed, and left-leaning students make no such distinction.
Rough Ocean Surface Effects on Evaporative Duct Atmospheric Refractivity Inversions Using Genetic Algorithms
Authors: Penton S. E. , Hackett E. E. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractRadar performance is impacted by variations in atmospheric refractivity because it changes the direction of electromagnetic wave propagation. Because direct measurement and simulation of atmospheric refractivity at high resolution over large distances is challenging, inversion techniques have developed to address this knowledge gap in predicting refractivity. Here we use synthetic radar data to solve refractivity inversion problems, focusing on evaporation ducts. Unlike most prior “refractivity from clutter” studies, this study examines inversions based on point‐to‐point propagation rather than sea clutter. This approach removes complexities associated with uncertainties in surface reflection coefficients; however, the sea surface still plays a role in the forward scattering and reflection (multipath) of electromagnetic waves. Using synthetic data that permit quantitative evaluation of inverse solution accuracy and detailed knowledge regarding the sea state conditions used to produce the data, we evaluate the impact various representations of the sea surface have on the accuracy of refractivity inversions. These representations include neglect of the sea surface, use of the same phase‐resolved surface, and use of a statistically equivalent sea surface. Results show that neglect of the sea surface and use of a statistically equivalent sea surface significantly decreases the accuracy of inverse solutions, and this decrease primarily results from discrepancies in the multipath pattern that generate larger variations in the propagation than does the refractivity. We show that averaging propagation over several different phases of the sea surface aids in washing out the multipath pattern to increase sensitivity of the inversion to the features of the refractivity profile.
The Ion Composition of Saturn's Equatorial Ionosphere as Observed by Cassini
Authors: Cravens T. E. , Moore L. , Waite J. H. , Perryman R. , Perry M. , Wahlund J.‐E. , Persoon A. , Kurth W. S. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe Cassini Orbiter made the first in situ measurements of the upper atmosphere and ionosphere of Saturn in 2017. The Ion and Neutral Mass Spectrometer (INMS) found molecular hydrogen and helium as well as minor species including water, methane, ammonia, and organics. INMS ion mode measurements of light ion species (H+, H2+, H3+, and He+) and Radio and Plasma Wave Science instrument measurements of electron densities are presented. A photochemical analysis of the INMS and Radio and Plasma Wave Science data indicates that the major ion species near the ionospheric peak must be heavy and molecular with a short chemical lifetime. A quantitative explanation of measured H+ and H3+ densities requires that they chemically react with one or more heavy neutral molecular species that have mixing ratios of about 100 ppm.
Intense Storms Increase the Stability of Tidal Bays
Authors: Castagno Katherine A. , Jiménez‐Robles Alfonso M. , Donnelly Jeffrey P. , Wiberg Patricia L. , Fenster Michael S. , Fagherazzi Sergio 
Published: May 2018

AbstractCoastal bays and, specifically, back‐barrier tidal basins host productive ecosystems, coastal communities, and critical infrastructure. As sea level continues to rise and tropical cyclones increase in intensity, these coastal systems are increasingly at risk. Developing a sediment budget is imperative to understanding how storm events affect the system's resilience, where net import of sediment indicates growth and resilience against sea level rise, and net export of sediment indicates deterioration. Using high‐resolution numerical simulations, we show that intense storms import sediment into a system of bays in Virginia, USA. Duration and magnitude of storm surge are among the most important factors in sediment import, suggesting that intense storms increase the stability of tidal bays by providing the sediment necessary to counteract sea level rise. Since climate models project that tropical cyclones will increase in intensity in coming decades, our results have significant implications for the resilience of tidal bays and the future of coastal communities worldwide.
Nitrogen Isotope Variations in the Northern South China Sea Since Marine Isotopic Stage 3: Reconstructed From Foraminifera‐Bound and Bulk Sedimentary Nitrogen
Authors: Wang Tingting , Ravelo Ana Christina , Ren Haojia , Dang Haowen , Jin Haiyan , Liu Jingjing , Jian Zhimin 
Published: May 2018

AbstractWe report the differences between δ15N of organic nitrogen bound in foraminifera tests (foraminifera‐bound δ15N, or FB‐δ15N), which is considered an effective recorder of thermocline nitrate δ15N in the oligotrophic areas, and bulk sedimentary δ15N (δ15Nbulk) of core MD12‐3433, located in the northern South China Sea (SCS) to explore possible causes of the offset between these two proxies in the SCS. The offset can be best explained by the influence of the terrigenous input on δ15Nbulk, as evidenced by its general correlation with sea level changes, C:N ratios, and inorganic nitrogen contribution to total nitrogen. Moreover, our new record is compared to six previously published δ15Nbulk records of the SCS based on their geographical proximity to the mainland or large rivers, which all show being influenced by terrigenous input. The effect of changes in vertical mixing is evaluated and believed to play a minor role on the general pattern of FB‐δ15N, while N2 fixation is the most important impact on FB‐δ15N records in the SCS as previously studies revealed. A deeper mixed layer during the last glacial period could result in nitrate with higher δ15N from the subsurface being mixed into the euphotic zone. FB‐δ15N of Orbulina universa have higher values than Globigerinoides ruber and Globigerinoides sacculifer, with a maximum difference in the last glacial maximum, which could be accounted for by its deeper habitat where it is sensitive to changes in the contributions of vertically mixed subsurface nitrate relative to nitrate from N2 fixation.
Plant sterols lower LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides in dyslipidemic individuals with or at risk of developing type 2 diabetes; a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
Authors: Trautwein Elke A. , Koppenol Wieneke P. , de Jong Arienne , Hiemstra Harry , Vermeer Mario A. , Noakes Manny , Luscombe-Marsh Natalie D. 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Background
Managing cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, e.g., dyslipidemia in type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is critically important as CVD is the most common cause of death in T2DM patients. This study aimed to investigate the effect of plant sterols (PS) on lowering both elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglycerides (TG).

Methods
In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel study, 161 individuals at increased risk of and with established T2DM, consumed low-fat spreads without or with added PS (2 g/d) for 6 weeks after a 2-week run-in period. Increased risk of developing T2DM was defined by the Australian T2DM Risk Assessment Tool (AUSDRISK). Fasting serum/plasma total cholesterol (TC), LDL-C, TG, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), glucose and insulin were measured at baseline and after 6 weeks. Effects on acute and chronic postprandial blood lipids, glucose and insulin were measured over 4-h in 39 individuals with T2DM following a mixed meal challenge without and with added 2 g/d PS at week 6. The study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02288585).

Results
Hundred fifty-one individuals completed the study and 138 (57% men, 43% women; 44 with and 94 at risk of T2DM) were included in per protocol analysis. Baseline LDL-C and TG were 3.8 ± 1.0 and 2.5 ± 0.8 mmol/l, respectively. PS intake significantly lowered fasting LDL-C (−4.6%, 95%CI −1.2; −8.0; p = 0.009), TC (−4.2%, 95%CI −1.2; −7.1; p = 0.006) and TG (−8.3%, 95% −1.1, −15.0; p = 0.024) with no significant changes in HDL-C, glucose or insulin. Postprandial lipid (TG, TC, LDL-C, HDL-C, remnant cholesterol), glucose and insulin responses did not differ.

Conclusions
In individuals at risk of and with established T2DM and with elevated TG and LDL-C, 2 g/d of PS results in dual LDL-C plus TG lowering. Postprandial lipid or glycemic responses did not differ between PS and control treatment.
Constitutive interferon signaling maintains critical threshold of MLKL expression to license necroptosis
Authors: Sarhan Joseph , Liu Beiyun C. , Muendlein Hayley I. , Weindel Chi G. , Smirnova Irina , Tang Amy Y. , Ilyukha Vladimir , Sorokin Maxim , Buzdin Anton , Fitzgerald Katherine A. , Poltorak Alexander 
Published: May 2018

AbstractInterferons (IFNs) are critical determinants in immune-competence and autoimmunity, and are endogenously regulated by a low-level constitutive feedback loop. However, little is known about the functions and origins of constitutive IFN. Recently, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced IFN was implicated as a driver of necroptosis, a necrotic form of cell death downstream of receptor-interacting protein (RIP) kinase activation and executed by mixed lineage kinase like-domain (MLKL) protein. We found that the pre-established IFN status of the cell, instead of LPS-induced IFN, is critical for the early initiation of necroptosis in macrophages. This pre-established IFN signature stems from cytosolic DNA sensing via cGAS/STING, and maintains the expression of MLKL and one or more unknown effectors above a critical threshold to allow for MLKL oligomerization and cell death. Finally, we found that elevated IFN-signaling in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) augments necroptosis, providing a link between pathological IFN and tissue damage during autoimmunity.
Novel peptide GX1 inhibits angiogenesis by specifically binding to transglutaminase-2 in the tumorous endothelial cells of gastric cancer
Authors: Lei Zhijie , Chai Na , Tian Miaomiao , Zhang Ying , Wang Guodong , Liu Jian , Tian Zuhong , Yi Xiaofang , Chen Di , Li Xiaowei , Yu Pengfei , Hu Hao , Xu Bing , Jian Chao , Bian Zhenyuan , Guo Hao , Wang Jinpeng , Peng Shiming , Nie Yongzhan , Huang Niu , Hu Sijun , Wu Kaichun 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe clinical application of GX1, an optimal gastric cancer (GC) targeting peptide, is greatly limited because its receptor in the GC vasculature is unknown. In this study, we screened the candidate receptor of GX1, transglutaminase-2(TGM2), by co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) combined with mass spectrometry. We found that TGM2 was up-regulated in GC vascular endothelial cells and that GX1 receptor expression was suppressed correspondingly after TGM2 downregulation. A highly consistent co-localization of GX1 receptor and TGM2 was detected at both the cellular and tissue levels. High TGM2 expression was evident in GC tissues from patients with poor prognosis. After TGM2 downregulation, the GX1-mediated inhibition of proliferation and migration and the induction of the apoptosis of GC vascular endothelial cells were weakened or even reversed. Finally, we observed that GX1 could inhibit the GTP-binding activity of TGM2 by reducing its intracellular distribution and downregulating its downstream molecular targets (nuclear factor-kappa B, NF-κB; hypoxia-inducible factor 1-α, HIF1α) in GC vascular endothelial cells. Our study confirms that peptide GX1 can inhibit angiogenesis by directly binding to TGM2, subsequently reducing the GTP-binding activity of TGM2 and thereby suppressing its downstream pathway(NF-κB/HIF1α). Our conclusions suggest that GX1/TGM2 may provide a new target for the diagnosis and treatment of GC.
Myelodysplastic syndrome in an infant with constitutional pure duplication 1q41-qter
Authors: Morokawa Hirokazu , Kamiya Motoko , Wakui Keiko , Kobayashi Mikiko , Kurata Takashi , Matsuda Kazuyuki , Kawamura Rie , Kanno Hiroyuki , Fukushima Yoshimitsu , Nakazawa Yozo , Kosho Tomoki 
Published: May 2018

AbstractWe report on a Japanese female infant as the fourth patient with the constitutional pure duplication 1q41-qter confirmed by chromosomal microarray and as the first who developed myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) among those with the constitutional 1q duplication. Common clinical features of the constitutional pure duplication 1q41-qter include developmental delay, craniofacial characteristics, foot malformation, hypertrichosis, and respiratory insufficiency. The association between MDS and the duplication of the genes in the 1q41-qter region remains unknown.