bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Zoonotic disease transmission associated with feral cats in a metropolitan area: A geospatial analysis
Authors: Taetzsch S. J. , Bertke Andrea S. , Gruszynski K. R. 
Published: February 2018

SummaryFeral cats raise public health concerns due to their large population numbers and ability to harbour pathogens that cause disease in people, pets, and wildlife. Information regarding the potential for feral cats to intersect with areas frequented by humans is lacking. This study examined the potential for feral cats and human territories to overlap in the Richmond metropolitan area of Central Virginia. Feral cats (n = 275) were trapped for monthly trap‐neuter‐release (TNR) clinics from July to November 2016. A geographic information system (GIS) was used to map feral cat trapping locations, elementary and preschools, public parks, and community gardens, and to evaluate the potential for cat interaction with these areas, presuming a maximum habitat radius of 0.44 miles. We found that 8.0% of feral cats in the Richmond metropolitan area had potential to range onto public elementary or preschool property, and 81.5% of feral cats trapped in Richmond City had potential to roam into one or more places of interest, including elementary and preschool grounds, public parks, and community gardens. This provides public health, veterinary, and human health professionals with important information that can be used to focus resources in an effort to reduce zoonosis associated with feral cat populations.
Calcium signalling in the acinar environment of the exocrine pancreas: physiology and pathophysiology
Authors: Gryshchenko Oleksiy , Gerasimenko Julia V. , Peng Shuang , Gerasimenko Oleg V. , Petersen Ole H. 
Published: February 2018

Key points
Ca2+ signalling in different cell types in exocrine pancreatic lobules was monitored simultaneously and signalling responses to various stimuli were directly compared.
Ca2+ signals evoked by K+‐induced depolarization were recorded from pancreatic nerve cells. Nerve cell stimulation evoked Ca2+ signals in acinar but not in stellate cells.
Stellate cells are not electrically excitable as they, like acinar cells, did not generate Ca2+ signals in response to membrane depolarization.
The responsiveness of the stellate cells to bradykinin was markedly reduced in experimental alcohol‐related acute pancreatitis, but they became sensitive to stimulation with trypsin.
Our results provide fresh evidence for an important role of stellate cells in acute pancreatitis. They seem to be a critical element in a vicious circle promoting necrotic acinar cell death. Initial trypsin release from a few dying acinar cells generates Ca2+ signals in the stellate cells, which then in turn damage more acinar cells causing further trypsin liberation.
AbstractPhysiological Ca2+ signals in pancreatic acinar cells control fluid and enzyme secretion, whereas excessive Ca2+ signals induced by pathological agents induce destructive processes leading to acute pancreatitis. Ca2+ signals in the peri‐acinar stellate cells may also play a role in the development of acute pancreatitis. In this study, we explored Ca2+ signalling in the different cell types in the acinar environment of the pancreatic tissue. We have, for the first time, recorded depolarization‐evoked Ca2+ signals in pancreatic nerves and shown that whereas acinar cells receive a functional cholinergic innervation, there is no evidence for functional innervation of the stellate cells. The stellate, like the acinar, cells are not electrically excitable as they do not generate Ca2+ signals in response to membrane depolarization. The principal agent evoking Ca2+ signals in the stellate cells is bradykinin, but in experimental alcohol‐related acute pancreatitis, these cells become much less responsive to bradykinin and then acquire sensitivity to trypsin. Our new findings have implications for our understanding of the development of acute pancreatitis and we propose a scheme in which Ca2+ signals in stellate cells provide an amplification loop promoting acinar cell death. Initial release of the proteases kallikrein and trypsin from dying acinar cells can, via bradykinin generation and protease‐activated receptors, induce Ca2+ signals in stellate cells which can then, possibly via nitric oxide generation, damage more acinar cells and thereby cause additional release of proteases, generating a vicious circle.
Phylogenetic Evidence for the Existence of Multiple Strains of Rickettsia parkeri in the New World
Authors: Nieri-Bastos Fernanda A. , Marcili Arlei , De Sousa Rita , Paddock Christopher D. , Labruna Marcelo B. 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACT

The bacterium
Rickettsia parkeri
has been reported to infect ticks of the “
Amblyomma maculatum
species complex” in the New World, where it causes spotted fever illness in humans. In South America, three additional rickettsial strains, namely, Atlantic rainforest, NOD, and Parvitarsum, have been isolated from the ticks
Amblyomma ovale
,
Amblyomma nodosum
, and
Amblyomma parvitarsum
, respectively. These three strains are phylogenetically closely related to
R. parkeri
,
Rickettsia africae
, and
Rickettsia sibirica
. Herein, we performed a robust phylogenetic analysis encompassing 5 genes (
gltA
,
ompA
,
virB4
,
dnaA
, and
dnaK
) and 3 intergenic spacers (
mppE-pur
,
rrl-rrf
-ITS, and
rpmE
-tRNA
fMet
) from 41 rickettsial isolates, including different isolates of
R. parkeri
,
R. africae
,
R. sibirica
,
Rickettsia conorii
, and strains Atlantic rainforest, NOD, and Parvitarsum. In our phylogenetic analyses, all New World isolates grouped in a major clade distinct from the Old World
Rickettsia
species (
R. conorii
,
R. sibirica
, and
R. africae
). This New World clade was subdivided into the following 4 clades: the
R. parkeri
sensu stricto
clade, comprising the type strain Maculatum 20 and all other isolates of
R. parkeri
from North and South America, associated with ticks of the
A. maculatum
species complex; the strain NOD clade, comprising two South American isolates from
A. nodosum
ticks; the Parvitarsum clade, comprising two South American isolates from
A. parvitarsum
ticks; and the strain Atlantic rainforest clade, comprising six South American isolates from the
A. ovale
species complex (
A. ovale
or
Amblyomma aureolatum
). Under such evidences, we propose that strains Atlantic rainforest, NOD, and Parvitarsum are South American strains of
R. parkeri
.

IMPORTANCE
Since the description of
Rickettsia parkeri
infecting ticks of the “
Amblyomma maculatum
species complex” and humans in the New World, three novel phylogenetic close-related rickettsial isolates were reported in South America. Herein, we provide genetic evidence that these novel isolates, namely, strains Atlantic rainforest, NOD, and Parvitarsum, are South American strains of
R. parkeri.
Interestingly, each of these
R. parkeri
strains seems to be primarily associated with a tick species group, namely,
R. parkeri
sensu stricto
with the “
Amblyomma maculatum
species group,”
R. parkeri
strain NOD with
Amblyomma nodosum
,
R. parkeri
strain Parvitarsum with
Amblyomma parvitarsum
, and
R. parkeri
strain Atlantic rainforest with the “
Amblyomma ovale
species group.” Such rickettsial strain-tick species specificity suggests a coevolution of each tick-strain association. Finally, because
R. parkeri
sensu stricto
and
R. parkeri
strain Atlantic rainforest are human pathogens, the potential of
R. parkeri
strains NOD and Parvitarsum to be human pathogens cannot be discarded.
Factors predicting the success of trabeculectomy bleb enhancement with needling
Authors: Than Jonathan Y-X L , Al-Mugheiry Toby S , Gale Jesse , Martin Keith R 
Published: February 2018

BackgroundBleb needling is widely used to restore flow and lower intraocular pressure (IOP) in a failing trabeculectomy. We aimed to measure the safety and efficacy of needling in a large cohort and identify factors that were associated with success and failure.MethodsThis retrospective audit included all patients who underwent needling at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge over a 10-year period. Data were available on 91 patients (98% of patients identified), including 191 needlings on 96 eyes. Success was defined as IOP below 21 mm Hg or 16 mm Hg or 13 mm Hg consistently, without reoperation or glaucoma medication. Risk factors for failure were assessed by Cox proportional hazard regression and Kaplan-Meier curves.ResultsSuccess defined as IOP <16 mm Hg was 66.6% at 12 months and 53% at 3 years and success defined as IOP <21 mm Hg was 77.1% at 12 months and 73.1% at 3 years. Failure after needling was most common in the first 6 months. Factors that predicted failure were flat or fibrotic blebs (non-functional) and no longer injected, while success was predicted by achieving a low IOP immediately after needling. No significant complications were identified.ConclusionNeedling was most successful soon after trabeculectomy, but resuscitation of a long-failed trabeculectomy had lower likelihood of success. The safety and efficacy compare favourably with alternative treatment approaches.
Prevalence of Mycoplasma genitalium in different population groups: systematic review andmeta-analysis
Authors: Baumann Lukas , Cina Manuel , Egli-Gany Dianne , Goutaki Myrofora , Halbeisen Florian S , Lohrer Gian-Reto , Ali Hammad , Scott Pippa , Low Nicola 
Published: February 2018

BackgroundMycoplasma genitalium is a common cause of non-gonococcal non-chlamydial urethritis and cervicitis. Testing of asymptomatic populations has been proposed, but prevalence in asymptomatic populations is not well established. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of M. genitalium in the general population, pregnant women, men who have sex with men (MSM), commercial sex workers (CSWs) and clinic-based samples,MethodsWe searched Embase, Medline, IndMED, African Index Medicus and LILACS from 1 January 1991 to 12 July 2016 without language restrictions. We included studies with 500 participants or more. Two reviewers independently screened and selected studies and extracted data. We examined forest plots and conducted random-effects meta-analysis to estimate prevalence, if appropriate. Between-study heterogeneity was examined using the I2 statistic and meta-regression.ResultsOf 3316 screened records, 63 were included. In randomly selected samples from the general population, the summary prevalence was 1.3% (95% CI 1.0% to 1.8%, I2 41.5%, three studies, 9091 people) in countries with higher levels of development and 3.9% (95% CI 2.2 to 6.7, I2 89.2%, three studies, 3809 people) in countries with lower levels. Prevalence was similar in women and men (P=0.47). In clinic based samples, prevalence estimates were higher, except in asymptomatic patients (0.8%, 95% CI 0.4 to 1.4, I2 0.0%, three studies, 2889 people). Summary prevalence estimates were, in the following groups: pregnant women 0.9% (95% CI 0.6% to 1.4%, I2 0%, four studies, 3472 people), MSM in the community 3.2% (95% CI 2.1 to 5.1, I2 78.3%, five studies, 3012 people) and female CSWs in the community 15.9% (95% CI 13.5 to 18.9, I2 79.9%, four studies, 4006 people).DiscussionThis systematic review can inform testing guidelines for M. genitalium. The low estimated prevalence of M. genitalium in the general population, pregnant women and asymptomatic attenders at clinics does not support expansion of testing to these groups.Registration numbersPROSPERO: CRD42015020420
Coronary microvascular dysfunction in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Dryer Kathryn , Gajjar Mark , Narang Nikhil , Lee Margaret , Paul Jonathan , Shah Atman P. , Nathan Sandeep , Butler Javed , Davidson Charles J. , Fearon William F. , Shah Sanjiv J. , Blair John E. A. 
Published: February 2018

There are multiple proposed mechanisms for the pathophysiology of heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). We hypothesized that coronary microvascular dysfunction is common in these patients. In a prospective, observational study, patients undergoing cardiac catheterization with HFpEF [left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction ≥ 50% and with clinical HF] were compared with similar patients without HFpEF. Patients with ≥50% stenosis were excluded, and coronary flow reserve (CFR) and the index of microvascular resistance (IMR) were measured after adenosine administration using a guidewire, with CFR ≤ 2 and IMR ≥ 23 being abnormal. Baseline characteristics and CFR and IMR were compared in 30 HFpEF patients and 14 control subjects. Compared with control subjects, HFpEF patients were older (65.4 ± 9.6 vs. 55.1 ± 3.1 yr, P < 0.01), had higher numbers of comorbidities (4.4 ± 1.5 vs. 2.6 ± 1.9, P = 0.002), had higher median B-type natriuretic peptide [161 (interquartile range: 75–511) pg/dl vs. 37 (interquartile range: 18.5–111) pg/dl, P < 0.01], and had higher LV end-diastolic pressure (17.8 ± 4.2 vs. 8.4 ± 4.2, P < 0.01). HFpEF patients had lower CFR (2.55 ± 1.60 vs. 3.84 ± 1.89, P = 0.024) and higher IMR (26.7 ± 10.3 vs. 19.7 ± 9.7 units, P = 0.037) than control subjects. Most (71.4%) control subjects had normal coronary physiology, whereas 36.7% of HFpEF patients had both abnormal CFR and IMR and another 36.7% had either abnormal CFR or IMR. In conclusion, this is the first study that has reported invasively determined CFR and IMR in HFpEF patients. We demonstrated the presence of four distinct coronary physiology groups in HFpEF patients. Investigation into the potential mechanisms for these findings is needed. NEW & NOTEWORTHY In this prospective observational study of patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), we found that patients with HFpEF had more abnormalities of coronary flow and resistance than asymptomatic control patients, indicating that coronary microvascular dysfunction may play a role in the HFpEF disease process.
Mitotic Phosphorylation of SENP3 Regulates DeSUMOylation of Chromosome-Associated Proteins and Chromosome Stability
Authors: Wei Bo , Huang Chao , Liu Bin , Wang Yang , Xia Nansong , Fan Qiuju , Chen Guo-Qiang , Cheng Jinke 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Progression of mitotic cell cycle and chromosome condensation and segregation are controlled by posttranslational protein modifications such as phosphorylation and SUMOylation. However, how SUMO isopeptidases (SENP) regulate cell mitotic procession is largely unknown. Here, we demonstrate that precise phosphorylation of SENP3 during mitosis suppresses SENP3 deSUMOylation activity towards chromosome-associated proteins, including topoisomerase IIα (TopoIIα). Cyclin B-dependent kinases 1 and protein phosphatase 1α were identified as the kinase and phosphatase in control of mitotic SENP3 phosphorylation, respectively. SENP3 phosphorylation decreased its interaction with TopoIIα, resulting in reduced SENP3 deSUMOylation activity on TopoIIα. Furthermore, we observed mitotic arrest, increased chromosome instability, and promotion of tumorigenesis in cells expressing a nonphosphorylatable SENP3 mutant. These data show that SENP3 phosphorylation plays a crucial role in regulating the SUMOylation of chromosome-associated proteins and chromosome stability in mitosis.
Significance: Phosphorylation of SENP3 regulates SUMOylation of chromosome-associated proteins to maintain genomic stability during mitosis. Cancer Res; 78(9); 2171–8. ©2018 AACR.
First record of the genus Sakia Khan, 1964 (Nematoda: Tylenchidae) from Iran, with proposal of Sakia arboris n. sp.
Authors: Panahandeh Yousef , Pourjam Ebrahim , Roshan-Bakhsh Ali , Pedram Majid 
Published: February 2018

Summary
The genus Sakia is recorded from Iran for the first time and Sakia arboris n. sp., recovered from two geographical points in northern Iran, is described. The new species is characterised by its smooth cuticle under light microscopy (LM), absence of lateral fields, head continuous with body contour, flattened lip region, 9.3 (9.0-10.0) μm long stylet, vulva at 60.2 (59.3-61.3)%, bilobed spermatheca, 117 (102-128) μm long tail, and 14.3 (14-15) μm long spicules. By lacking lateral fields, the new species comes close to three known species of the genus, namely: S. alii, S. castori and S. indica. Molecular phylogenetic analyses using sequences of the near full-length fragment of the small subunit of ribosomal DNA (18S rDNA) and the D2-D3 expansion segments of the large subunit ribosomal DNA (28S rDNA) were performed using Bayesian inference (BI) and maximum likelihood (ML) methods. In the reconstructed Bayesian tree using the 18S rDNA sequence of the type population, the new species occupied a position in a clade including two isolates of Sakia sp. and some species of Lelenchus, with maximal BPP and high ML BS values (1.00/99%). In the reconstructed 28S rDNA phylogenetic tree, two newly sequenced isolates of S. arboris n. sp. formed a well-supported clade with Lelenchus spp.
Female Monarchal Succession in Hellenistic and Jewish Society in Antiquity: Parallels and Contrasts
Authors: Liebowitz Etka 
Published: February 2018

AbstractStarting with the Macedonian and Seleucid queens and continuing with the line of sovereign queens during the last 150 years of the Ptolemaic dynasty, the paradigm of a royal woman wielding power and even ascending to the throne was known and accepted in Hellenistic society. The reign of Queen Alexandra, which represents the only (successful) case of female monarchal succession to the throne in Jewish society in Antiquity, was undoubtedly influenced by this Hellenistic tradition. Based upon an analysis of Josephus’s writings and other sources, along with a critical feminist historiographical approach, this paper investigates how Jewish and Hellenistic queens resembled and differed from one another in their roles and characteristics.
Managing Giant Clams in the South China Sea
Authors: Lyons Youna , Cheong Denise , Neo Mei Lin , Wong Hiu Fung 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Tridacna gigas, the world’s largest living bivalve, could once be found on shallow coral reefs across the Indo-Pacific Region where its presence can be traced back to around 10 million years. However, following several local extinctions throughout its geographic range, its SCS population appears to have also been the subject of unprecedented overharvesting. This article discusses the obligations of littoral States of the SCS to protect and preserve this threatened resource and its habitat, to cooperate and consult with each other to that effect and act with due diligence. Given these obligations and the risk of irreversible harm and species’ extinction in the SCS, it proposes that littoral States should proceed to list the SCS population of T. gigas in the CITES Appendix I, impose an immediate ban on further harvesting pending (re-)assessment of the population, and adopt a management plan to ensure its survival and sustainable use.
Measurement of soluble CD59 in CSF in demyelinating disease: Evidence for an intrathecal source of soluble CD59
Authors: Zelek Wioleta M , Watkins Lewis M , Howell Owain W , Evans Rhian , Loveless Sam , Robertson Neil P , Beenes Marijke , Willems Loek , Brandwijk Ricardo , Morgan B Paul 
Published: February 2018

Background: CD59, a broadly expressed glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored protein, is the principal cell inhibitor of complement membrane attack on cells. In the demyelinating disorders, multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), elevated complement protein levels, including soluble CD59 (sCD59), were reported in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Objectives: We compared sCD59 levels in CSF and matched plasma in controls and patients with MS, NMOSD and clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) and investigated the source of CSF sCD59 and whether it was microparticle associated. Methods: sCD59 was quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA; Hycult; HK374-02). Patient and control CSF was subjected to western blotting to characterise anti-CD59-reactive materials. CD59 was localised by immunostaining and in situ hybridisation. Results: CSF sCD59 levels were double those in plasma (CSF, 30.2 ng/mL; plasma, 16.3 ng/mL). Plasma but not CSF sCD59 levels differentiated MS from NMOSD, MS from CIS and NMOSD/CIS from controls. Elimination of microparticles confirmed that CSF sCD59 was not membrane anchored. Conclusion: CSF levels of sCD59 are not a biomarker of demyelinating diseases. High levels of sCD59 in CSF relative to plasma suggest an intrathecal source; CD59 expression in brain parenchyma was low, but expression was strong on choroid plexus (CP) epithelium, immediately adjacent the CSF, suggesting that this is the likely source.
Increased plasma FGF21 level as an early biomarker for insulin resistance and metabolic disturbance in obese insulin-resistant rats
Authors: Tanajak Pongpan , Pongkan Wanpitak , Chattipakorn Siriporn C , Chattipakorn Nipon 
Published: February 2018

Propose: To investigate the temporal relationship between plasma fibroblast growth factor 21 levels, insulin resistance, metabolic dysfunction and cardiac fibroblast growth factor 21 resistance in long-term high-fat diet–induced obese rats. Methods: In total, 36 male Wistar rats were fed with either a normal diet or high-fat diet for 12 weeks. Blood was collected from the tail tip, and plasma was used to determine metabolic profiles and fibroblast growth factor 21 levels. Rats were sacrificed at weeks 4, 8 and 12, and the hearts were rapidly removed for the determination of cardiac fibroblast growth factor 21 signalling pathways. Results: Body weight and plasma fibroblast growth factor 21 levels were increased after 4 weeks of consumption of a high-fat diet. At weeks 8 and 12, high-fat diet rats had significantly increased body weight and plasma fibroblast growth factor 21 levels, together with increased plasma insulin, HOMA index, area under the curve of glucose, plasma total cholesterol, plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, serum malondialdehyde and cardiac malondialdehyde levels. However, plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and cardiac fibroblast growth factor 21 signalling proteins (p-FGFR1 Tyr154, p-ERK1/2 Thr202/Tyr204 and p-Akt Ser473) were decreased, compared with normal diet rats. Conclusion: These findings suggest that plasma fibroblast growth factor 21 levels could be an early predictive biomarker prior to the development of insulin resistance, metabolic disturbance and cardiac fibroblast growth factor 21 resistance.