bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Commensal bacterial sharing does not predict host social associations in kangaroos
Authors: Proboste Tatiana , Corvalan Paloma , Clark Nicholas , Beyer Hawthorne L. , Goldizen Anne W. , Seddon Jennifer M. 
Published: July 2019

Abstract

Social network analysis has been postulated as a tool to study potential pathogen transmission in wildlife but is resource‐intensive to quantify. Networks based on bacterial genotypes have been proposed as a cost‐effective method for estimating social or transmission network based on the assumption that individuals in close contact will share commensal bacteria. However, the use of network analysis to study wild populations requires critical evaluation of the assumptions and parameters these models are founded on.

We test (a) whether networks of commensal bacterial sharing are related to hosts’ social associations and hence could act as a proxy for estimating transmission networks, (b) how the parameters chosen to define host associations and delineate bacterial genotypes impact inference and (c) whether these relationships change across time. We use stochastic simulations to evaluate how uncertainty in parameter choice affects network structure.

We focused on a well‐studied population of eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus), from Sundown National Park, Australia. Using natural markings, each individual was identified and its associations with other kangaroos recorded through direct field observations over 2 years to construct social networks. Faecal samples were collected, Escherichia coli was cultured and genotyped using BOX‐PCR, and bacterial networks were constructed. Two individuals were connected in the bacterial network if they shared at least one E. coli genotype. We determined the capacity of bacterial networks to predict the observed social network structure in each year.

We found little support for a relationship between social association and dyadic commensal bacterial similarity. Thresholds to determine host associations and similarity cut‐off values used to define E. coli genotypes had important ramifications for inferring links between individuals. In fact, we found that inferences can show opposite patterns based on the chosen thresholds. Moreover, no similarity in overall bacterial network structure was detected between years.

Although empirical disease transmission data are often unavailable in wildlife populations, both bacterial networks and social networks have limitations in representing the mode of transmission of a pathogen. Our results suggest that caution is needed when designing such studies and interpreting results.
Highly variable mRNA half‐life time within marine bacterial taxa and functional genes
Authors: Steiner Paul A. , De Corte Daniele , Geijo Javier , Mena Catalina , Yokokawa Taichi , Rattei Thomas , Herndl Gerhard J. , Sintes Eva 
Published: July 2019

SummaryMessenger RNA can provide valuable insights into the variability of metabolic processes of microorganisms. However, due to uncertainties that include the stability of RNA, its application for activity profiling of environmental samples is questionable. We explored different factors affecting the decay rate of transcripts of three marine bacterial isolates using qPCR and determined mRNA half‐life time of specific bacterial taxa and of functional genes by metatranscriptomics of a coastal environmental prokaryotic community. The half‐life time of transcripts from 11 genes from bacterial isolates ranged from 1 to 46 min. About 80% of the analysed transcripts exhibited half‐live times shorter than 10 min. Significant differences were found in the half‐life time between mRNA and rRNA. The half‐life time of mRNA obtained from a coastal metatranscriptome ranged from 9 to 400 min. The shortest half‐life times of the metatranscriptome corresponded to transcripts from the same clusters of orthologous groups (COGs) in all bacterial classes. The prevalence of short mRNA half‐life time in genes related to defence mechanisms and motility indicate a tight connection of RNA decay rate to environmental stressors. The short half‐life time of RNA and its high variability needs to be considered when assessing metatranscriptomes especially in environmental samples.
Probiotic yoghurt functionalised with microalgae and Zedo gum: chemical, microbiological, rheological and sensory characteristics
Authors: Alizadeh Khaledabad Mohammad , Ghasempour Zahra , Moghaddas Kia Ehsan , Rezazad Bari Mahmoud , Zarrin Rasoul 
Published: July 2019

In this study, using a central composite design, the effects of addition of Spirulina platensis and Zedo gum to plain and probiotic yoghurt samples were investigated during storage. Lactobacillus paracasei proliferation was directly dependent on the addition of microalgae and was inversely affected by storage time. Probiotic samples containing S. platensis showed the highest antioxidative activity. Maximum stability was obtained at higher amounts of Zedo gum, while organoleptic and rheological attributes improved at 0.25% Zedo gum. Given the importance of probiotic viability, supplementation of probiotic yoghurt with Zedo gum/S. platensis may be consideredas a novel nutraceutical formulation.
Fate and Behavior of Gunshot Residue: Recreational Shooter Vehicle Distribution
Authors: Blakey Lauren , Sharples George P. , Chana Kal , Birkett Jason W. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe susceptibility for recreational shooters to transfer gunshot residue (GSR) to both the interior and exterior of a vehicle is investigated. A comprehensive sampling protocol was used to assess the most likely areas of GSR transfer from recreational shooter contact, such as the steering wheel and the area, the firearms were stored (the trunk). Up to 315 characteristic GSR, particles were found in several locations throughout the interior of a vehicle. As many as 876 characteristic particles were found throughout a single vehicle. The data indicate that vehicles frequently occupied by firearms users are a potential source for inadvertent transfer of GSR to persons unrelated to firearm activity. In criminal cases where vehicles have been used, such transfer processes for GSR need to be considered within the context of any case interpretation. The implications for subsequent contamination and transfer processes from such vehicles require further investigation.
Occludin endocytosis is involved in the disruption of the intestinal epithelial barrier in a mouse model of alcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Wang Hong Yan , Chi Cheng , Xu You Qing , Wang Chen , Wang Tian Yi , Lv Dong , Li Xin 
Published: July 2019

ObjectiveWe aimed to investigate the involvement of the endocytosis of occludin, a key component of tight junction (TJ), in the ethanol‐induced disassembly of TJ in a model of alcoholic steatohepatitis.MethodsWild‐type mice were fed an ethanol‐containing or isocaloric liquid diet for 8 weeks and then assessed for liver injury (histopathology and measurement of serum enzymes), gut permeability (in vivo lactulose/mannitol and ex vivo dye leakage assays), intestinal epithelium ultrastructure (transmission electron microscopy), and intestinal occludin localization (immunofluorescence microscopy). The human intestinal epithelial cell line Caco‐2 was also analyzed in vitro for the effects of ethanol on the barrier function (transepithelial electrical resistance), occludin localization (immunofluorescence microscopy and Western blotting), and endocytosis pathways (double‐labeling immunofluorescence microscopy with selective pathway inhibitors).ResultsThe ethanol‐fed mice developed steatohepatitis and displayed intestinal barrier dysfunction, the disruption of intestinal TJ, and enhanced intestinal endocytosis of occluding compared with the control mice. In the Caco‐2 monolayers, ethanol treatment decreased transepithelial electrical resistance, disrupted TJ formation, and enhanced occludin endocytosis in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. These deleterious events were reversed by pretreating the Caco‐2 cells with a selective pharmacological inhibitor of macropinocytosis, but not with the inhibitors of clathrin or caveolin‐mediated endocytic pathways.ConclusionChronic ethanol exposure may increase intestinal permeability by inducing the micropinocytosis of occludin, resulting in the disruption of intestinal TJ.
Equity risk versus retirement adequacy: asset allocation solutions for KiwiSaver
Authors: MacDonald Kirsten L. , Bianchi Robert J. , Drew Michael E. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractNew Zealand's KiwiSaver superannuation system operates with a conservatively low asset allocation towards equity investments. Evidence suggests ‘conservative’ portfolios are riskier than portfolios holding more growth assets when considering shortfall risk. This study employs stochastic simulation to determine the optimal asset allocation to improve the balance of probabilities for retirement adequacy. The findings show that KiwiSaver default funds are excessively conservative, preventing investors from reaching their retirement goals. Increasing the asset allocation to equities across the range of available KiwiSaver funds is the only solution to significantly improve retirement adequacy in New Zealand given the low contribution rates observed.
Maladaptive neurovisceral interactions in patients with Internet gaming disorder: A study of heart rate variability and functional neural connectivity using the graph theory approach
Authors: Park Su Mi , Lee Ji Yoon , Choi A Ruem , Kim Bo Mi , Chung Sun Ju , Park Minkyung , Kim In Young , Park Jinsick , Choi Jeongbong , Hong Sung Jun , Choi Jung‐Seok 
Published: July 2019

AbstractHeart rate variability (HRV) can be used to represent the regulatory adaptive system and is a proxy for neurovisceral integration. Consistent with the view that, like other addictions, Internet gaming disorder (IGD) involves disrupted regulatory function, the present study hypothesized that IGD patients would show (a) decreased HRV, (b) ineffective functional neural connectivity, and (c) differential patterns of association between HRV and functional neural connectivity relative to healthy controls (HCs). The present study included 111 young adults (53 IGD patients and 58 age‐ and sex‐matched HCs) who underwent simultaneous recordings with an electrocardiogram and electroencephalogram during a resting state. Heart rate (HR), HRV, and functional neural connectivity were calculated using the graph theory approach. Compared with the HCs, the IGD patients exhibited elevated HR and decreased HRV based on the high frequency (HF), which reflects suppression of parasympathetic and/or vagal tone. The IGD patients also exhibited a heightened theta band characteristic path length (CPL) compared with HCs, indicating decreased efficacy of the functional network. Furthermore, IGD patients exhibited negative correlations between the standard deviation of the normal‐to‐normal interval index (SDNNi) and theta and delta CPL values, which were not observed in HCs. In conclusion, the present findings suggest that IGD patients might have maladaptive brain‐body integration features involving disruptions of the autonomic nervous system and brain function.
A non‐synonymous SNP in exon 3 of the KIT gene is responsible for the classic grey phenotype in alpacas (Vicugna pacos)
Authors: Jones M. , Sergeant C. , Richardson M. , Groth D. , Brooks S. , Munyard K. 
Published: July 2019

SummaryThe alpaca classic grey phenotype is of particular interest to the industry. Until now, there were only indirect data suggesting that the KIT gene was involved in the classic grey phenotype. All exons of KIT in three black and three classic silvergrey alpacas were sequenced. Five non‐synonymous SNPs were observed. There was only one SNP found that was present only in the silvergrey alpacas, and this was also the only SNP predicted to be damaging. This variant results in a change of a glycine (Gly) to an arginine (Arg) at amino acid position 126 (c.376G>A), occurring in the second Ig‐like domain of the extracellular domain of KIT. Basic protein modelling predicted that this variant is likely destabilising. Therefore, an additional 488 alpacas were genotyped for this SNP using the tetra‐primer amplification refractory mutation system PCR (Tetra‐primer ARMS‐PCR). All classic grey alpacas were observed to be heterozygous, and 99.3% of non‐grey dark base colour alpacas were found to be homozygous for the wildtype allele in this position. These results confirm that the classic grey phenotype in alpacas is the result of a c.376G>A (p.Gly126Arg) SNP in exon 3 of KIT. These data also support the hypothesis that the grey phenotype is autosomal dominant and that the mutation is most likely homozygous lethal.
Low circulating levels of vitamin D may contribute to the occurrence of preeclampsia through deregulation of Treg /Th17 cell ratio
Authors: Muyayalo Kahindo P. , Huang Xiao‐Bo , Qian Zhu , Li Zhi‐Hui , Mor Gil , Liao Ai‐Hua 
Published: July 2019

AbstractProblemStudies assessing the association between vitamin D deficiency and preeclampsia (PE) have not reached a consensus. The study aimed to investigate the role of vitamin D in the occurrence of PE through its immune‐modulatory effects on Treg/Th17 cell ratio.Method of studyThis is a case‐control study of third‐trimester pregnant women. Peripheral blood 25(OH)D, TGF‐β1, IL‐6, and Treg/Th17 cells were analyzed.ResultsOne hundred and sixty‐three pregnant women were recruited, and 100 women (59 with a normal pregnancy (NP) and 41 with PE) were included in the study. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 69.3%. Vitamin D‐deficient pregnant women (25(OH) D < 20 ng/mL) had fivefold higher risk to develop PE than those with 25(OH)D level ≥20 ng/mL (OR = 5.29, CI 95% = 1.81‐15.41). PE patients had lower circulating levels of 25(OH)D (12.83 ± 5.37 ng/mL vs 20.76 ± 9.63 ng/mL, P < .0001) and Treg/Th17 cell ratio (1.61 ± 0.71% vs 2.94 ± 1.35%, P < .0001), compared to women with NP. In patients with PE, 25(OH)D level correlated negatively with IL‐6 levels (r = −.60, P < .0001) and positively with Treg/Th17 cell ratio (r = .89, P < .0001). We also observed a negative relationship between IL‐6 levels and Treg/Th17 cell ratio (r = −.54, P = .0002).ConclusionOur study demonstrated the correlation between low plasma vitamin D level and altered immune parameters in PE. We propose that, through its effects on Treg/Th17 cell ratio, vitamin D might influence the occurrence of PE.
Change in serum albumin level predicts short‐term complications in patients with normal preoperative serum albumin after gastrectomy of gastric cancer
Authors: Ai Shichao , Sun Feng , Liu Zhijian , Yang Zhengyang , Wang Jiafeng , Zhu Zhouting , Du Shangce , Guan Wenxian 
Published: July 2019

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlation between serum albumin level change (ΔALB) and post‐operative complications in patients with normal preoperative serum albumin after gastrectomy of gastric cancer.MethodsA total of 193 patients undergoing curative (R0) gastrectomy from September 2015 to May 2017 were enrolled in this study. The risk factors for predicting post‐operative complications were identified by univariate and multivariate analysis. The cut‐off value and diagnostic accuracy of ΔALB were measured by receiver operating characteristic curves. ΔALB was defined as: (albumin level before surgery − albumin on post‐operative day (POD) 1)/albumin level before surgery × 100%.ResultsA total of 60 patients (31.0%) had post‐operative complications. Our results showed that the cut‐off value of ΔALB was 19.0%. Using a cut‐off value of 19.0%, multivariate analysis identified that ΔALB was able to predict post‐operative complications as an independent factor (odds ratio 13.98, 95% confidence interval 6.048–32.32, P < 0.001). In addition, the area under the curve of ΔALB is higher than C‐reactive protein on POD 3 (0.773 versus 0633). Compared with patients with ΔALB <19.0%, patients with ΔALB ≥19.0% have higher risk of post‐operative complications suffered (62.3 versus 13.7%, P < 0.001) and longer post‐operative stay (22.1 ± 13.5 versus 17.5 ± 4.2, P < 0.001).ConclusionΔALB acted as an independent predictor in short‐term complications for patients with normal preoperative serum albumin and its diagnostic accuracy was higher than C‐reactive protein on POD 3. It is promising to be a precise and straight predictor for incidence of post‐operative complications to patients with normal preoperative serum albumin.
Infant cholesterol and glycated haemoglobin concentrations vary widely—Associations with breastfeeding, infant diet and maternal biomarkers
Authors: Øyri Linn K. L. , Bogsrud Martin P. , Kristiansen Anne Lene , Myhre Jannicke B. , Retterstøl Kjetil , Brekke Hilde K. , Gundersen Thomas E. , Andersen Lene F. , Holven Kirsten B. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAimElevated total cholesterol (TC) and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) are risk factors for cardiovascular disease; however, little is known about their determinants in infants. We aimed to describe TC and HbA1c concentrations in infants aged 8‐14 months and explore the relation between infant TC, HbA1c, breastfeeding, infant diet, and maternal TC and HbA1c.MethodsIn this cross‐sectional pilot study, mothers of infants aged 6 and 12 months were invited to complete a food frequency questionnaire and to take home‐based dried blood spot samples from themselves and their infants.ResultsAmong the 143 included infants, the mean (SD, range) concentration was 4.1 (0.8, 2.3‐6.6) mmol/L for TC and 4.9 (0.4, 3.7‐6.0)% for HbA1c. There was no significant difference between age groups and sexes. There was a positive relation between TC concentrations of all infants and mothers (B = 0.30 unadjusted, B = 0.32 adjusted, P < .001 for both) and a negative relation between infant TC and intake of unsaturated fatty acids in the oldest age group (B = −0.09, P = .03 unadjusted, B = −0.08, P = .06 adjusted). Infant HbA1c was not significantly related to diet or maternal HbA1c.ConclusionTC and HbA1c concentrations varied widely among infants aged 8‐14 months. Infant TC was associated with macronutrient intake and maternal TC.
An easy and reliable method to close Petersen's defect using barbed suture to prevent internal hernia from developing after gastrectomy with Roux‐en‐Y reconstruction
Authors: Hara Kentaro , Hayashi Tsutomu , Nakazono Masato , Nagasawa Shinsuke , Shimoda Yota , Kumazu Yuta , Yamada Takanobu , Yamamoto Naoto , Shiozawa Manabu , Morinaga Soichiro , Yoshikawa Takaki , Rino Yasushi , Masuda Munetaka , Ogata Takashi , Oshima Takashi 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIntroductionWe propose a novel technique to close Petersen's defect using barbed sutures and evaluate the safety and usefulness of this technique by assessing postoperative complications and measuring the time required to close Petersen's defect.Materials and Surgical TechniquePetersen's defect was closed laparoscopically with running non‐absorbable barbed sutures (V‐loc®) after a nodal dissection and reconstruction procedure. First, the transverse colon was elevated cranially, making the dorsal side of the transverse mesocolon a flattened surface. The intersection of the transverse mesocolon and Roux limb mesentery was then identified, and closure was started from this point. We continued to sew the transverse mesocolon and Roux limb mesentery toward the transverse colon with a running suture. At the end of suturing, we placed one or two stitches in the fatty appendices of the transverse colon and cut the free tail of thread as short as possible.DiscussionWe investigated postoperative complications and measured the time required to close Petersen's defect in 64 patients who underwent this technique. The results showed that this closure technique could be performed promptly and safely regardless of the patient, surgical procedure, and the experience of the operator.
Enhanced agonist residence time, internalization rate and signalling of the GIP receptor variant [E354Q] facilitate receptor desensitization and long‐term impairment of the GIP system
Authors: Gabe Maria Buur Nordskov , van der Velden Wijnand J. C. , Gadgaard Sarina , Smit Florent Xavier , Hartmann Bolette , Bräuner‐Osborne Hans , Rosenkilde Mette Marie 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIn patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), the insulinotropic action of the GIP system is desensitized, whereas this is not the case for the GLP‐1 system. This has raised an interesting discussion of whether GIP agonists or antagonists are most suitable for future treatment of T2DM together with GLP‐1‐based therapies. Homozygous carriers of the GIP receptor (GIPR) variant, [E354Q], display lower bone mineral density, increased bone fracture risk and slightly increased blood glucose. Here, we present an in‐depth molecular pharmacological phenotyping of GIPR‐[E354Q]. In silico modelling suggested similar interaction of the endogenous agonist GIP(1‐42) to [E354Q] as to GIPR wt. This was supported by homologous competition binding in COS‐7 cells revealing GIPR wt‐like affinities of GIP(1‐42) with Kd values of ~2 nmol/L and wt‐like agonist association rates (Kon). In contrast, the dissociation rates (Koff) were slower, resulting in 25% higher agonist residence time for GIPR‐[E354Q]. Moreover, in Gαs signalling (cAMP production) GIP(1‐42) was ~2‐fold more potent and more efficacious on GIPR‐[E354Q] compared to wt with 17.5% higher basal activity. No difference from GIPR wt was found in the recruitment of β‐arrestin 2, whereas the agonist‐induced internalization rate was 2.1‐ to 2.3‐fold faster for [E354Q]. Together with the previously described impaired recycling of [E354Q], our findings with enhanced signalling and internalization rate possibly explained by an altered ligand‐binding kinetics will lead to receptor desensitization and down‐regulation. This could explain the long‐term functional impairment of the GIP system in bone metabolism and blood sugar maintenance for [E354Q] carriers and may shed light on the desensitization of the insulinotropic action of GIP in patients with T2DM.
Labor patterns in Asian American women with vaginal birth and normal perinatal outcomes
Authors: Lu Danni , Zhang Lin , Duan Tao , Zhang Jun 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe pattern of normal labor progression can help to define prolonged labor and dystocia. Several studies had tried to establish the process of normal labor in different races. Previous findings in Asian women were limited and often incomparable. Our aim was to examine labor patterns in Asian American women.Study designA total of 3079 women with singleton term gestation, vertex presentation, vaginal delivery, and a normal perinatal outcome were extracted from the Consortium on Safe Labor study. A repeated measure analysis and an interval‐censored regression were applied to depict the average labor curves and estimate the time interval of cervical dilation by 1 cm, respectively. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to assess the impact of oxytocin augmentation. The cumulative duration of the 1st stage of labor was calculated to draw a partograph.ResultsIt took an average of 5.2 hours for nulliparous Asian women with spontaneous labor onset to complete the 1st stage of labor, and the 95th centile was 14.4 hours. Labor progressed at a similar rate between nulliparous and multiparous women before 6 cm. Afterward, multiparous women progressed noticeably faster than nulliparous women. The differences in labor duration between women with and without oxytocin augmentation were <0.5 hour for both nulliparous and multiparous women.ConclusionsA new partograph that restricted the diagnosis of dystocia to the slowest 5% of nulliparous women with normal perinatal outcomes was proposed. The labor pattern in Asian American women was similar to that of the overall United States population.