bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Examining Key Stakeholder and Community Residents’ Understanding of Environmental Influences to Inform Place‐Based Interventions to Reduce Obesity in Rural Communities, Kentucky 2015
Authors: Gustafson Alison , McGladrey Margaret , Liu Emily , Peritore Nicole , Webber Kelly , Butterworth Brooke , Vail Ann 
Published: July 2017

AbstractPurposeRural residents report high rates of obesity, physical inactivity, and poor eating habits. The objectives of this study were to (1) use the collective impact model to guide efforts to elicit community members’ perceptions of county‐specific factors influencing high obesity rates; (2) determine the association between utilization of food retail venues and concern about obesity and healthy eating; and (3) determine community members’ utilization of physical activity infrastructure and concern about physical inactivity.MethodsThe study was conducted in 6 rural counties in Kentucky with adult obesity prevalence rates >40%. Community stakeholders met to assess counties’ needs and assets in implementing interventions to reduce obesity in their communities. A random‐digit dial survey (n = 756) also was conducted to examine awareness and availability of community resources for healthy eating and physical activity.FindingsStakeholders identified lack of access to fruits and vegetables and poor physical activity infrastructure as contributors to obesity. Reporting moderate and serious concern about obesity and healthy eating was associated with higher odds of shopping at a supercenter compared with those expressing little concern. Reported access to information about physical activity opportunities was associated with higher odds of reporting the availability of safe places for physical activity, sidewalks, and trails compared with those who reported that information was difficult to obtain.ConclusionsThis study elicits community‐identified barriers to healthy behaviors and provides foundational data to inform future place‐based obesity reduction interventions.
Body Mass Index Category Moderates the Relationship Between Depressive Symptoms and Diet Quality in Overweight and Obese Rural‐Dwelling Adults
Authors: Abshire Demetrius A. , Lennie Terry A. , Chung Misook L. , Biddle Martha J. , Barbosa‐Leiker Celestina , Moser Debra K. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractPurposeThis study was conducted to (1) compare diet quality among depressed and nondepressed overweight and obese rural‐dwelling adults and (2) determine whether body mass index (BMI) category moderates the relationship between depressive symptoms and overall diet quality.MethodsRural adults in Kentucky (n = 907) completed the 9‐item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ‐9) that assessed depressive symptoms and a food frequency questionnaire that generated 2005 Healthy Eating Index (HEI) scores. Participants were grouped into overweight (BMI 25‐29.9 kg/m2) and obese (≥30 kg/m2), and nondepressed (PHQ‐9 < 10) and depressed (PHQ‐9 ≥ 10) groups. Bootstrapped ANCOVAs were used to compare diet quality among the 4 groups. Ordinary least‐squares regression using PROCESS was used to determine whether BMI category (overweight vs obese) moderated the association between depressive symptoms and overall diet quality.ResultsOverall diet quality was poorer in the obese depressed group than in the obese nondepressed group. Intake of fruit and dark green/orange vegetables and legumes was lower in the obese depressed group than in the overweight nondepressed group. Depressive symptoms predicted poor overall diet quality (B = −0.287, P < .001) and the relationship was moderated by BMI category (coefficient of BMI category*depressive symptom interaction term = 0.355, P < .049). A significant inverse relationship between depressive symptoms and overall diet quality was observed in the overweight group but not in the obese group.ConclusionComponents of diet quality vary according to BMI category and depressive symptom status. The relationship between depressive symptoms and diet quality is influenced by BMI category.
Association of single nucleotide polymorphisms in microRNAs with susceptibility to hepatitis B virus infection and HBV‐related liver complications: A study in a Saudi Arabian population
Authors: Al‐Qahtani A. A. , Al‐Anazi M. R. , Nazir N. , Wani K. , Abdo A. A. , Sanai F. M. , Khan M. Q. , Al‐Ashgar H. I. , Albenmousa A. , Al‐hamoudi W. K. , Alswat K. A. , Al‐Ahdal M. N. 
Published: July 2017

SummaryThe aim of this study was to evaluate the association of 10 SNPs in different microRNAs (miRNAs) with susceptibility to hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, HBV clearance, persistence of chronic HBV infection, and progression to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Patients were categorized into the following groups: inactive HBV carrier, active HBV carrier, HBV‐cleared subject and cirrhosis+HCC. Samples were analysed for 10 SNPs in microRNAs using either PCR‐based genotyping or the TaqMan assay. We found that rs1358379 was associated with susceptibility to HBV infection, HBV clearance, persistent chronic HBV infection and liver cirrhosis+HCC. In addition, we found that rs2292832 and rs11614913 were associated with risk of HBV infection, viral clearance and cirrhosis+HCC, whereas rs2910164 was associated with proneness to HBV infection, and ability to clear the virus. There was evidence of associations between rs6505162 and HBV clearance and the development of liver disease, whereas a single association was found between rs2289030 and HBV clearance. Similarly, rs7372209 and rs4919510 were specifically associated with the development of HBV‐induced liver complications. SNPs in miRNAs affect the susceptibility, clearance and progression of HBV infection in Saudi Arabian patients. We found, using Gene Ontology or pathway analyses, that these genes may contribute to the pathophysiology of HBV infection and related liver complications. However, differences in the association of examined SNPs with various clinical stages indicate variations in the respective functional roles of these polymorphisms and their miRNAs, and thus, further investigation to fully explore their therapeutic potential is warranted.
Three regulators of G protein signaling differentially affect mating, morphology and virulence in the smut fungus Ustilago maydis
Authors: Moretti Marino , Wang Lei , Grognet Pierre , Lanver Daniel , Link Hannes , Kahmann Regine 
Published: July 2017

SummaryRegulators of G protein signaling (RGS) proteins modulate heterotrimeric G protein signaling negatively. To broaden an understanding of the roles of RGS proteins in fungal pathogens, we functionally characterized the three RGS protein‐encoding genes (rgs1, rgs2 and rgs3) in the phytopathogenic fungus Ustilago maydis. It was found that RGS proteins played distinct roles in the regulation of development and virulence. rgs1 had a minor role in virulence when deleted in a solopathogenic strain. In crosses, rgs1 was dispensable for mating and filamentation, but was required for teliospore production. Haploid rgs2 mutants were affected in cell morphology, growth, mating and were unable to cause disease symptoms in crosses. However, virulence was unaffected when rgs2 was deleted in a solopathogenic strain, suggesting an exclusive involvement in pre‐fusion events. These rgs2 phenotypes are likely connected to elevated intracellular cAMP levels. rgs3 mutants were severely attenuated in mating, in their response to pheromone, virulence and formation of mature teliospores. The mating defect could be traced back to reduced expression of the transcription factor rop1. It was speculated that the distinct roles of the three U. maydis RGS proteins were achieved by direct modulation of the Gα subunit‐activated signaling pathways as well as through Gα‐independent functions.
Can habitat characteristics shape vertebral morphology in dolphins? An example of two phylogenetically related species from southern South America
Authors: Marchesi María Constanza , Mora Matías Sebastián , Pimper Lida Elena , Crespo Enrique Alberto , Goodall Rae Natalie Prosser 
Published: July 2017

AbstractFast swimming pelagic cetacean species have osteological characteristics that promote a more stable spine in comparison to that of coastal species. The Peale's dolphin (Lagenorhynchus australis) and the hourglass dolphin (Lagenorhynchus cruciger) have a close phylogenetic relationship and are found in coastal and pelagic waters in the Southern Hemisphere, respectively. The aim of this work was to study the relationship between the vertebral column's morphology and its flexibility, across these species of contrasting habitats. Vertebral counts and multiple measurements of each vertebra were used to infer intervertebral flexibility. Bivariate plots and discriminant multivariate analyses were employed to compare each functional region along the vertebral column. Both species displayed a regionalization of the column into three stable regions and two flexible areas, which statistically differ in the proportion of the skeleton occupied in each species. While the Peale's dolphin has rounder vertebrae, associated with higher flexibility, the hourglass dolphin has disk‐shaped vertebrae and strongly inclined processes related to high stability. Although the species are closely related phylogenetically, vertebral morphology is influenced by a diverse set of ecological and behavioral factors, reflecting a high degree of vertebral plasticity within the genus.
The first cases of Candida auris candidaemia in Oman
Authors: Mohsin Jalila , Hagen Ferry , Al‐Balushi Zainab A. M. , de Hoog G. Sybren , Chowdhary Anuradha , Meis Jacques F. , Al‐Hatmi Abdullah M. S. 
Published: July 2017

SummaryCandida auris has been recognised as a problematic healthcare‐associated emerging yeast which is often misidentified as Candida haemulonii by commercial systems. Correct early identification of C. auris is important for appropriate antifungal treatment and implementing effective infection control measures. Here we report emergence of the first C. auris cases in Oman, initially misidentified as C. haemulonii.
What can the treatment of Parkinson's disease learn from dementia care; applying a bio‐psycho‐social approach to Parkinson's disease
Authors: Gibson Grant 
Published: July 2017

BackgroundWithin contemporary medical practice, Parkinson's disease (PD) is treated using a biomedical, neurological approach, which although bringing numerous benefits can struggle to engage with how people with PD experience the disease. A bio‐psycho‐social approach has not yet been established in PD; however, bio‐psycho‐social approaches adopted within dementia care practice could bring significant benefit to PD care.MethodsThis paper summarises existing bio‐psycho‐social models of dementia care and explores how these models could also usefully be applied to care for PD. Specifically, this paper adapts the bio‐psycho‐social model for dementia developed by Spector and Orrell (), to suggest a bio‐psycho‐social model, which could be used to inform routine care in PD.ResultsDrawing on the biopsychosocial model of Dementia put forward by Spector and Orrell (), this paper explores the application of a bio‐psycho‐social model of PD. This model conceptualises PD as a trajectory, in which several interrelated fixed and tractable factors influence both PD's symptomology and the various biological and psychosocial challenges individuals will face as their disease progresses. Using an individual case study, this paper then illustrates how such a model can assist clinicians in identifying suitable interventions for people living with PD.ConclusionThis model concludes by discussing how a bio‐psycho‐social model could be used as a tool in PD's routine care. The model also encourages the development of a theoretical and practical framework for the future development of the role of the PD specialist nurse within routine practice.Implications for practiceA biopsychosocial approach to Parkinson's Disease provides an opportunity to move towards a holistic model of care practice which addresses a wider range of factors affecting people living with PD. The paper puts forward a framework through which PD care practice can move towards a biopsychosocial perspective. PD specialist nurses are particularly well placed to adopt such a model within routine clinical practice, and should therefore be encouraged within PD services.
Transcriptome analysis of the brain under diapause and nondiapause conditions in the blowfly Protophormia terraenovae
Authors: Hase Hiroaki , Koukai Mayu , Hamanaka Yoshitaka , Goto Shin G. , Tachibana Shin‐Ichiro , Shiga Sakiko 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe blow fly Protophormia terraenovae responds to photoperiod and temperature to control reproductive diapause. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the brain are investigated under diapause‐inducing and diapause‐averting conditions in search of potential genes for diapause induction. Total RNA is extracted from female brains 1–2.5 days after adult emergence under an LD 18 : 6 h photocycle at 25 °C as nondiapause samples and 3, 3.5, 7 and 7.5 days after adult emergence under an LD 12 : 12 h photocycle at 20 °C as diapause samples. From our transcriptome analysis, 626 350 654 reads are assembled into 126 231 contigs, from which 46 844 contigs (37.1% of the total) are annotated as protein‐coding genes. Among them, the expression levels in 549 contigs are specifically up‐regulated under diapause‐inducing (44.1%) or diapause‐averting (55.9%) conditions. Using quantitative real‐time reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction analysis, higher expression levels under diapause‐inducing conditions are found in a contig encoding angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE). Expression levels of the contig significantly increase 3 days after changing the photoperiod to diapause‐inducing short days. Rabbit antisera against 17 amino acid peptides included in P. terraenovae‐ACE stain one pair of cells lateral to the oesophageal foramen. These results suggest that the expression of a small number of genes is associated with the regulation of diapause in response to photoperiod and temperature, and ACE in the immunoreactive cells might respond to short days, which is why it is involved in diapause induction.
Transmission of China's Shocks to the BRIS Countries
Authors: Çakir Mustafa , Kabundi Alain 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThis paper investigates the effects of China on the BRIS countries, namely Brazil, Russia, India and South Africa. We identify Chinese supply and demand shocks and assess their transmission to BRIS in a structural dynamic factor model framework estimated over the period 1995Q2‐2009Q4. The findings show that Chinese supply shocks are more important than its demand shocks. Supply shocks produce positive and significant output responses in all BRIS countries. And while these supply shocks have a permanent impact on the BRIS countries, the effects of demand shocks are short‐lived. Both supply and demand shocks are transmitted through trade rather than financial linkages. However, the responses of the BRIS countries are heterogeneous and therefore require country‐specific policy responses.
Suction blister lesions and epithelialization monitored by optical coherence tomography
Authors: Ahlström M.G. , Gjerdrum L.M.R. , Larsen H.F. , Fuchs C. , Sørensen A.L. , Forman J.L. , Ågren M.S. , Mogensen M. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBackground/purposeOur objective was to assess epithelialization of suction blister lesions by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and benchmark it to histology using epidermal thickness (ET) as the primary outcome.MethodsThirty‐two healthy volunteers were recruited to Study 1 and 2. One 10‐mm suction blister was raised on each buttock, and the blister roof was excised. Lesions were covered with moisture‐retaining dressing. In Study 1, the lesions were OCT‐scanned on day 0 (D0), D2 and D4 and excised for histological examination. In Study 2, the progress of epithelialization and skin barrier function were monitored to D14.ResultsET increased from D0 to D2 by 46 μm (P<.001) and from D2 to D4 by 19 μm (P=.004). Compared with histology, OCT overestimated the presence of the epithelium (P<.0001) and ET on D4. Reliable measurements were obtained when the ET of the lesions reached the ET of the normal epidermis from D5‐D7 and onwards. The ET development was reflected in decreased transepidermal water loss.ConclusionWe found that the OCT technique was poorly discriminative with respect to the neoepithelium and the moist lesion surface material in the early postinjury period. In the later stages, OCT seemed valuable for estimating the advancement of epithelialization.
Human genetic factors in tuberculosis: an update
Authors: van Tong Hoang , Velavan Thirumalaisamy P. , Thye Thorsten , Meyer Christian G. 
Published: July 2017

SummaryTuberculosis (TB) is a major threat to human health, especially in many developing countries. Human genetic variability has been recognised to be of great relevance in host responses to Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection and in regulating both the establishment and the progression of the disease. An increasing number of candidate gene and genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) have focused on human genetic factors contributing to susceptibility or resistance to TB. To update previous reviews on human genetic factors in TB we searched the MEDLINE database and PubMed for articles from 1 January 2014 through 31 March 2017 and reviewed the role of human genetic variability in TB. Search terms applied in various combinations were ‘tuberculosis’, ‘human genetics’, ‘candidate gene studies’, ‘genome‐wide association studies’ and ‘Mycobacterium tuberculosis’. Articles in English retrieved and relevant references cited in these articles were reviewed. Abstracts and reports from meetings were also included. This review provides a recent summary of associations of polymorphisms of human genes with susceptibility/resistance to TB.
Recreational sandboxes for children and dogs can be a source of epidemic ribotypes of Clostridium difficile
Authors: Orden Cristina , Neila Carlos , Blanco José L. , Álvarez‐Pérez Sergio , Harmanus Celine , Kuijper Ed J. , García Marta E. 
Published: July 2017

SummaryDifferent studies have suggested that the sand of public playgrounds could have a role in the transmission of infections, particularly in children. Furthermore, free access of pets and other animals to the playgrounds might increase such a risk. We studied the presence of Clostridium difficile in 20 pairs of sandboxes for children and dogs located in different playgrounds within the Madrid region (Spain). Clostridium difficile isolation was performed by enrichment and selective culture procedures. The genetic (ribotype and amplified fragment length polymorphism [AFLP]) diversity and antibiotic susceptibility of isolates was also studied. Overall, 52.5% (21/40) of samples were positive for the presence of C. difficile. Eight of the 20 available isolates belonged to the toxigenic ribotypes 014 (n = 5) and 106 (n = 2), both regarded as epidemic, and CD047 (n = 1). The other 12 isolates were non‐toxigenic, and belonged to ribotypes 009 (n = 5), 039 (n = 4), and 067, 151 and CD048 (one isolate each). Nevertheless, all isolates (even those of a same ribotype) were classified into different AFLP genotypes indicating non‐relatedness. In conclusion, our results revealed the presence of epidemic ribotypes of C. difficile in children's and dog's sandboxes located nearby, which constitutes a major health risk.
Draft Genome Sequence of Enterococcus faecalis ATCC BAA-2128
Authors: Putonti Catherine , Kalesinskas Laurynas , Cudone Evan , Engelbrecht Kathleen C. , Koenig David W. , Wolfe Alan J. 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT

While a part of the native gut microflora, the Gram-positive bacterium
Enterococcus faecalis
can lead to serious infections elsewhere in the body. The draft genome of
E. faecalis
strain ATCC BAA-2128, isolated from piglet feces, was examined. This draft genome consists of 42 contigs, 12 of which exhibit homology to annotated plasmids.
Isolated insulin-derived amyloidoma of the breast
Authors: Mayhew Jonathan Mark , Alan Tanya , Kalidindi Venu , Gandamihardja Tasha A K 
Published: July 2017

Isolated amyloidomas derived from insulin are extremely rare, and there is only one reported case to date of insulin-derived amyloidoma in the breast.We present the case of a 36-year-old woman reporting a lump in the right breast. It was clinically assessed as a probable fibroadenoma but was removed surgically given the size of the lesion. On histological analysis, the lesion had features consistent with amyloid. Further investigations showed the amyloid to be derived from insulin. The lump was removed in its entirety, and the patient made a full recovery.
Reliance Communications Ltd.: A House of Cards?
Authors: Vishwanath S. R. , Narapareddy Vijaya 
Published: July 2017

Reliance Communications Ltd., a large, Indian telecom company has experienced severe financial difficulties brought on by poor management practices, an ill-conceived capital expenditure of more than $6 billion, a debt load of $5.8 billion, and changing industry dynamics. Interestingly, two analysts at a Canadian Investment Research firm gave a “sell” recommendation on the stock with a target price of INR 15 when the stock was trading at INR 93. The analysts also pointed out a possible rip-off of minority shareholders by the firm’s founders. The company’s stock price fell from a high of INR 844 in 2008 to INR 46 in 2012. The company is in the process of restructuring its assets and liabilities. The case considers the economics of the business from the perspective of shareholders. Students are required to assess the company’s performance and decide whether they would invest in the company’s shares. The first half of the case describes the company’s constituent businesses and the strategy followed by the wireless division. This gives students an opportunity to critique RCL’s marketing strategy and pricing of its services. The second half describes the company’s financial strategy, the instruments it issued and its restructuring initiatives. The case allows students to examine problems associated with high leverage and the challenges to restructuring in emerging markets.