bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Menopause is associated with decreased postprandial ghrelin, whereas a history of anorexia nervosa is associated with increased total ghrelin
Authors: Stojiljkovic‐Drobnjak Suzana , Fischer Susanne , Arnold Myrtha , Langhans Wolfgang , Ehlert Ulrike 
Published: November 2018

Middle age has been linked with various dysfunctional eating patterns in women. The hormone ghrelin is related to food intake, with plasma levels rising before eating and decreasing immediately afterwards. Animal research has shown that oestradiol is an antagonist of ghrelin. Given that both menopause and anorexia nervosa (AN) are states characterised by reduced oestradiol, the present study aimed to investigate for the first time whether menopausal status and a history of AN are linked with altered ghrelin levels in middle‐aged women. Based on previous research, we hypothesised that (i) post‐menopausal women would demonstrate comparably increased ghrelin after food intake and (ii) women with a history of AN would exhibit increased total ghrelin levels. Healthy, middle‐aged women (n = 57) were recruited. Of the women, 31 were post‐menopausal and 27 had a history of AN. Plasma ghrelin was repeatedly collected before and after a meal standardised in terms of caloric content. Areas under the curves were calculated to indicate total (AUCg) and postprandial ghrelin (AUCi). Menopausal status was linked with postprandial ghrelin (AUCi −1.6 ± 2.2 vs −2.9 ± 2.6; P = 0.058), whereas a history of AN was linked with total ghrelin (AUCg 36.2 ± 5.6 vs 39.0 ± 3.7; P = 0.050). There were no interaction effects (both P > 0.466). A closer examination of the effects revealed that post‐menopausal women showed marginally greater decreases in ghrelin immediately after food intake (P = 0.064) and marginally greater re‐increases after 60 minutes (P = 0.084) compared to pre‐menopausal women. Women with a history of AN had significantly higher total ghrelin compared to women without a history of AN (P = 0.042). Post‐menopause was linked with higher sensitivity of ghrelin to food intake (trend), whereas a history of AN was related to greater total ghrelin. Future research should investigate to what extent the observed alterations in ghrelin may affect dysfunctional eating behaviour during middle age.
The fate of genes that cross species boundaries after a major hybridization event in a natural mosquito population
Authors: Hanemaaijer Mark J. , Collier Travis C. , Chang Allison , Shott Chloe C. , Houston Parker D. , Schmidt Hanno , Main Bradley J. , Cornel Anthony J. , Lee Yoosook , Lanzaro Gregory C. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractAnimal species are able to acquire new genetic material via hybridization and subsequent introgression. However, little is known about how foreign genomic material is incorporated into a population over time and what genes are susceptible to introgression. Here, we follow the closely related mosquito sister speciesAnopheles coluzziiandAnopheles gambiaein a sympatric natural population in Mali at multiple time points spanning a period of 25 years. During this period, we observed the temporary breakdown of mating barriers, which allowed us to explore the fate of alleles that crossed the species boundary in a natural population. Whole genome sequencing of 74 individuals revealed introgression within only 34 genes (0.26% of total genes) fromA. gambiaetoA. coluzzii, the majority contained within a 4 Mb region on the 2L chromosome which includes the insecticide resistance gene (AGAP004707). We designed a genotyping assay to follow 25 of the 34 introgressed alleles over time and found that allA. gambiaealleles, except four, reached a frequency of 50% in theA. coluzziipopulation within 4 years (~50 generations) and increased to ~80% within 6 years (~75 generations). However, the frequency of all introgressed alleles, except three, decreased to ~60% in 2016. This suggests an ongoing process of purifying selection in the population against DNA of foreign ancestry, except for alleles that are under positive selection, resulting in a complex genomic landscape.This study shows that stable introgression is limited to only specific genes even within closely related species.
The biotroph Agrobacterium tumefaciens thrives in tumors by exploiting a wide spectrum of plant host metabolites
Authors: Gonzalez‐Mula Almudena , Lachat Joy , Mathias Léo , Naquin Delphine , Lamouche Florian , Mergaert Peter , Faure Denis 
Published: November 2018

Summary

Agrobacterium tumefaciens is a niche‐constructing biotroph that exploits host plant metabolites.

We combined metabolomics, transposon‐sequencing (Tn‐seq), transcriptomics, and reverse genetics to characterize A. tumefaciens pathways involved in the exploitation of resources from the Solanum lycopersicum host plant.

Metabolomics of healthy stems and plant tumors revealed the common (e.g. sucrose, glutamate) and enriched (e.g. opines, γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA), γ‐hydroxybutyric acid (GHB), pyruvate) metabolites that A. tumefaciens could use as nutrients. Tn‐seq and transcriptomics pinpointed the genes that are crucial and/or upregulated when the pathogen grew on either sucrose (pgi, kdgA, pycA, cisY) or GHB (blcAB, pckA, eno, gpsA) as a carbon source. While sucrose assimilation involved the Entner–Doudoroff and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) pathways, GHB degradation required the blc genes, TCA cycle, and gluconeogenesis. The tumor‐enriched metabolite pyruvate is at the node connecting these pathways. Using reverse genetics, we showed that the blc, pckA, and pycA loci were important for aggressiveness (tumor weight), proliferation (bacterial charge), and/or fitness (competition between the constructed mutants and wild‐type) of A. tumefaciens in plant tumors.

This work highlighted how a biotroph mobilizes its central metabolism for exploiting a wide diversity of resources in a plant host. It further shows the complementarity of functional genome‐wide scans by transcriptomics and Tn‐seq to decipher the lifestyle of a plant pathogen.
BK polyomavirus viremia and antibody responses of pediatric kidney transplant recipients in Finland
Authors: Miettinen Jenni , Lautenschlager Irmeli , Weissbach Fabian , Wernli Marion , Auvinen Eeva , Mannonen Laura , Lauronen Jouni , Hirsch Hans H. , Jalanko Hannu 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundBKPyV is an important cause of premature graft failure after KT. Most clinical studies describe BKPyV infection in adult KT patients. We studied the prevalence of post‐transplant BKPyV viremia, serology, and graft function in pediatric KT recipients.MethodsForty‐six pediatric patients transplanted between 2009 and 2014 were followed up for BKPyV DNAemia by plasma PCR for median 2.3 (range: 1‐6) years. BKPyV‐specific antibodies were retrospectively analyzed using virus‐like particle ELISA. GFR was measured annually by 51Cr‐EDTA clearance, and serum samples were screened for DSAs by Luminex assay.ResultsBKPyV viremia was demonstrated in nine patients at a median of 6 months post‐KT. Early BKPyV viremia at 3 months post‐KT associated with decreased concomitant GFR and tendency for decreased subsequent graft function. Three of nine patients with BKPyV viremia developed DSA, all against class II antigens. PyVAN developed to four patients and responded to judicious reduction in IS. One graft was lost later due to ABMR. BKPyV‐IgG was found in 18 of 31 patients (58%) tested at transplantation, and seven recipients seroconverted after transplantation with a significant increase in IgG levels with IgM. Finally, BKPyV‐IgG was detectable in 31 of 40 patients (78%) at the end of the study.ConclusionsPost‐transplant BKPyV viremia in pediatric KT patients may alter graft function and contribute to progression of chronic allograft injury. BKPyV‐IgG predicts past exposure. Low or absent BKPyV‐specific antibody levels were seen pretransplant in 42% of tested patients, but were not predictive of prolonged replication or poor outcome.
Frequent human‐poultry interactions and low prevalence of Salmonella in backyard chicken flocks in Massachusetts
Authors: McDonagh Alyssa , Leibler Jessica H. , Mukherjee Jean , Thachil Anil , Goodman Laura B. , Riekofski Cassidy , Nee Amanda , Smyth Khrysti , Forrester Janet , Rosenbaum Marieke H. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe backyard chicken (BYC) movement in the USA has increased human contact with poultry and subsequently, human contact with the pathogen Salmonella. However, to date, there have been few studies assessing prevalence of Salmonella in backyard flocks, despite the known public health risk this zoonotic bacterium poses. The objective of this study was to characterize human‐BYC interactions and assess the prevalence of Salmonella among BYC flocks. We interviewed 50 BYC owners using a structured questionnaire to determine flock and household characteristics that facilitate contact with BYC and that may be associated with Salmonella in the BYC environment. Composite faecal material, cloacal swabs and dust samples from 53 flocks housed on 50 residential properties in the Greater Boston, Massachusetts area were tested for Salmonella using standard culture techniques and confirmed using Matrix‐Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization‐Time of Flight Mass Spectrometer. Microbroth dilution and whole genome sequencing were used to determine phenotypic and genotypic resistance profiles, respectively, and sequence results were used to determine multilocus sequencing type. No owners self‐reported a diagnosis of salmonellosis in the household. Over 75% of a subset of owners reported that they and their children consider BYC pets. This perception is evident in how owners reported interacting with their birds. Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serotype Kentucky ST152 (serogroup C)—a strain not commonly associated with human infection—was confirmed in one flock, or 2% of tested flocks, and demonstrated resistance to tetracycline and streptomycin. We detected Salmonella at low prevalence in BYC. Further study of the health effects of exposure to zoonotic gastrointestinal pathogens such as Salmonella among families with BYC is warranted.
Frameworks for evaluation of community health centers’ services and outcomes: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Nagel Daniel A. , Keeping-Burke Lisa , Pyrke Ryan J.L. , Pyrke Courtney L.B. , Goudreau Alex , Luke Alison , Wilbur Kimberly A. , Waycott Loretta , Hamilton Catherine 
Published: November 2018

Review objectives/question:
The objective of this scoping review is to identify and map the frameworks used to evaluate services and outcomes of community health centers within the broader context of primary health care.
The primary question for this scoping review is: what are the frameworks used to evaluate services and outcomes of community health centers?
Secondary questions for this review are:
Benefits and challenges of serial sports training risk assessment and counselling in kids: the T.R.A.C.K. randomised intervention study
Authors: Kliethermes Stephanie A , Dugas Lara R , LaBella Cynthia R , Alawad Noor , Pasulka Jacqueline , Jayanthi Neeru 
Published: November 2018

BackgroundPublished training recommendations exist for youth athletes aimed at reducing injury risk. No studies have assessed the impact of counselling interventions using training recommendations on risk of injury in young athletes.ObjectivesTo determine if online training counselling regarding safe sport participation can reduce injury risk in youth athletes and to assess recommendation compliance, including barriers to compliance.MethodsA multicentre randomised intervention trial was performed at two Midwestern academic institutions with expertise in treating young athletes. Enrolled subjects ages 8–17 completed a baseline risk assessment survey and were randomised to a control or intervention group. Both groups completed exposure surveys every 3 months for 1 year. The intervention group also received online training counselling on safe sport participation every 3 months. Training characteristics including training volume, degree of specialisation and adherence to recommendations were captured. Differences in self-reported injury between groups, compliance to recommendations and barriers to compliance were evaluated.ResultsAt baseline, n=357 subjects were enrolled (n=172 control and n=185 intervention). Controls were nearly twice as likely to be injured during the intervention period after controlling for age, sex, baseline injury and level of specialisation. No improvement in recommendation compliance was detected among intervention subjects. Primary barriers to compliance were no prior knowledge of recommendations, personal choice and following coaches’ recommendations.ConclusionsIn this convenience sample of youth athletes, electronic training counselling surrounding safe sports participation was not determined to affect injury risk. Lack of knowledge and adherence to appropriate training recommendations is evident and barriers to compliance exist.
Does test-based prescription of evidence-based treatment for malaria improve treatment seeking and satisfaction? Findings of repeated cross-sectional surveys in Papua New Guinea
Authors: Pulford Justin , Saweri Olga P M , Jeffery Caroline , Siba Peter M , Mueller Ivo , Hetzel Manuel W 
Published: November 2018

IntroductionThe presumptive treatment of febrile illness with antimalarial medication is becoming less common in low-income and middle-income countries as access to reliable diagnostic tests improves. We explore whether the shift towards test-based antimalarial prescription, and the introduction of highly efficacious artemisinin combination therapies (ACTs), reduces critical delays in seeking treatment for febrile illness or increases patient satisfaction.MethodsWe conducted countrywide repeat, cross-sectional surveys in 118 randomly selected primary healthcare services in Papua New Guinea. The clinical case management of 1765 consecutively presenting febrile patients was observed and exit interviews were completed at discharge. This was done prior to implementation of test-based ACT prescription (2011) and at 12 (2012) and 60  months (2016) postimplementation. We conducted multiple logistic regressions. Treatment response time was dichotomised as <24  hours from symptom onset vs 24+ hours. Satisfaction was dichotomised as a ‘high’ vs ‘low’ rating based on participant response to a visual, 7-point Likert-type scale.Results62% (322/517) of febrile patients reported seeking treatment within 24  hours of symptom onset in 2011 compared with 53% (230/434) in 2012 and 42% (339/814) in 2016. Adjusted ORs for reporting a treatment response time <24  hours in the postimplementation surveys were 0.77 (95% CI 0.48 to 1.26) and 0.45 (95% CI 0.31 to 0.65), respectively when compared with the preimplementation period. 53% (230/533) of febrile patients reported ‘high’ satisfaction with the service received in 2011 compared with 32% (143/449) in 2012 and 35% (278/803) in 2016. Adjusted ORs for reporting high satisfaction in the postimplementation surveys were 0.52 (95% CI 0.32 to 0.85) and 0.65 (95% CI 0.39 to 1.10), respectively when compared with the preimplementation period.ConclusionNationwide implementation of test-based ACT prescription in Papua New Guinea has increased the likelihood of critical treatment seeking delays and decreased patient satisfaction with the service received.
Ophthalmic phenotype of TCIRG1 gene mutations in Chinese infantile malignant osteopetrosis
Authors: Cao Wenhong , Wei Wenbin , Wu Qian 
Published: November 2018

ObjectiveTo evaluate the ophthalmic phenotypes associated with T-cell immune regulator 1 (TCIRG1) mutations in Chinese patients with infantile malignant osteopetrosis (IMO).Methods and analysis27 Chinese TCIRG1-related osteoporosis infants were enrolled using direct DNA sequencing of PCR-amplified exons. 12 cases had frameshift mutation (the frameshift mutation group, group F), and 15 cases had point mutation (the point mutation group, group P). The clinical features of the two groups were compared, including age at onset, gaze qualities, optic atrophy, optic canal stenosis and waveforms of Flash visual-evoked potential (FVEP).ResultsThe clinical signs, except age at onset and FVEP, showed statistically significant differences between the two groups. The mean age at onset was 1.8 months in group F and 4.3 months in group P; 22 eyes (92%) with frameshift mutation and 16 (53%) with point mutation had poor gaze qualities, such as nystagmus and/or strabismus; optic atrophy was found in 16 eyes (67%) in group F and 6 (20%) in group P; the average optic canal diameter was 1.45  mm in the frameshift mutation cases, 1.87  mm in other cases; FVEP indicated that the waveforms in 10 eyes (42%) were not elicited in group F, yet five eyes (17%) in group P.ConclusionIn Chinese TCIRG1-related patients of IMO, the optic canal stenosis and optic atrophy were more serious in cases with frameshift mutations. However, no differences in the conduction block of optic nerve were found between the two groups.
Statin use and reduced risk of biliary tract cancers in the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink
Authors: Liu Zhiwei , Alsaggaf Rotana , McGlynn Katherine A , Anderson Lesley A , Tsai Huei-Ting , Zhu Bin , Zhu Yue , Mbulaiteye Sam M , Gadalla Shahinaz M , Koshiol Jill 
Published: November 2018

ObjectiveTo evaluate the association between statin use and risk of biliary tract cancers (BTC).DesignThis is a nested case–control study conducted in the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink. We included cases diagnosed with incident primary BTCs, including cancers of the gall bladder, bile duct (ie, both intrahepatic and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma), ampulla of Vater and mixed type, between 1990 and 2017. For each case, we selected five controls who did not develop BTCs at the time of case diagnosis, matched by sex, year of birth, calendar time and years of enrolment in the general practice using incidence density sampling. Exposures were defined as two or more prescription records of statins 1 year prior to BTC diagnosis or control selection. ORs and 95% CIs for associations between statins and BTC overall and by subtypes were estimated using conditional logistic regression, adjusted for relevant confounders.ResultsWe included 3118 BTC cases and 15 519 cancer-free controls. Current statin use versus non-use was associated with a reduced risk of all BTCs combined (adjusted OR=0.88, 95% CI 0.79 to 0.98). The reduced risks were most pronounced among long-term users, as indicated by increasing number of prescriptions (ptrend=0.016) and cumulative dose of statins (ptrend=0.008). The magnitude of association was similar for statin use and risk of individual types of BTCs. The reduced risk of BTCs associated with a record of current statin use versus non-use was more pronounced among persons with diabetes (adjusted OR=0.72, 95% CI 0.57 to 0.91). Among non-diabetics, the adjusted OR for current statin use versus non-use was 0.91 (95% CI 0.81 to 1.03, pheterogeneity=0.007).ConclusionCompared with non-use of statins, current statin use is associated with 12% lower risk of BTCs; no association found with former statin use. If replicated, particularly in countries with a high incidence of BTCs, our findings could pave the way for evaluating the value of statins for BTC chemoprevention.
Medialization Laryngoplasty in Pediatric Patients With Unilateral Vocal Fold Immobility: A Case Series
Authors: Wolter Nikolaus E. , Ayele Nohamin , Kawai Kosuke , Hseu Anne , Nuss Roger 
Published: November 2018

Objectives: The aims of this study were to describe the impact of laryngoplasty in pediatric unilateral vocal fold immobility (UVFI) and to determine the impact of etiology and technique on voice and swallowing. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of all children with UVFI undergoing medialization laryngoplasty at a pediatric hospital (2010-2017). Data including demographics, etiology, subjective voice quality, and swallowing function were collected. Results: The median age at first surgery among 25 patients with UVFI was 11 years (range, 1.2-25 years). The causes of UVFI were iatrogenic (76%), congenital (16%), and idiopathic (8%). A total of 38 laryngoplasties (24 injections, 11 Silastic implants, 3 Gore-Tex) were performed. Postoperatively, 78% of patients reported improvements in voice and 81% in swallowing. The median duration of voice improvement was 1.0 years (range, 0.1-10 years), with no significant difference by etiology or laryngoplasty technique. Patients who were ⩾10 years of age at surgery reported voice improvement significantly more often than patients <10 years of age at surgery (94% vs 61%, P = .04). Conclusions: UVFI has a significant impact on health and quality of life. In this study we found that laryngoplasty is an effective way to address both voice and swallowing in pediatric UVFI. A greater proportion of children with improved voice quality were older at injection. Surprisingly, there was no difference in duration of voice improvement between permanent and absorbable materials. Although this duration would be considered acceptable for many injectable materials, the limited duration in permanent implantation techniques may represent the challenges of managing UVFI in the growing larynx of the pediatric population. Injection laryngoplasty with absorbable materials may serve as an adequate method of addressing UVFI in this population.