bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Flagellar incorporation of proteins follows at least two different routes in trypanosomes
Authors: Vincensini Laetitia , Blisnick Thierry , Bertiaux Eloïse , Hutchinson Sebastian , Georgikou Christina , Ooi Cher‐Pheng , Bastin Philippe 
Published: November 2017

Background InformationEukaryotic cilia and flagella are sophisticated organelles composed of several hundreds of proteins that need to be incorporated at the right time and the right place during assembly.ResultsTwo methods were used to investigate this process in the model protist Trypanosoma brucei: inducible expression of epitope‐tagged labelled proteins and fluorescence recovery after photobleaching of fluorescent fusion proteins. This revealed that skeletal components of the radial spokes (RSP3), the central pair (PF16) and the outer dynein arms (DNAI1) are incorporated at the distal end of the growing flagellum. They display low or even no visible turnover in mature flagella, a finding further confirmed by monitoring a heavy chain of the outer dynein arm. In contrast, the membrane‐associated protein arginine kinase 3 (AK3) showed rapid turnover in both growing and mature flagella, without particular polarity and independently of intraflagellar transport.ConclusionThese results demonstrate different modes of incorporation for structural and membrane‐associated proteins in flagella.SignificanceThe existence of two distinct modes for incorporation of proteins in growing flagella suggests the existence of different targeting machineries. Moreover, the absence of turnover of structural elements supports the view that the length of the mature flagellum in trypanosomes is not modified after assembly.
Taxonomic and functional ant diversity along a secondary successional gradient in a tropical forest
Authors: Rocha‐Ortega Maya , Arnan Xavier , Ribeiro‐Neto José Domingos , Leal Inara R. , Favila Mario E. , Martínez‐Ramos Miguel 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe taxonomic diversity (TD) of tropical flora and fauna tends to increase during secondary succession. This increase may be accompanied by changes in functional diversity (FD), although the relationship between TD and FD is not well understood. To explore this relationship, we examined the correlations between the TD and FD of ants and forest age in secondary forests at the α‐ and β‐diversity levels using single‐ and multi‐trait‐based approaches. Our objectives were to understand ant diversity patterns and to evaluate the role of secondary forests in the conservation of biodiversity and in the resilience of tropical forests. Ant assemblages were sampled across a chronosequence in the Lacandon region, Mexico. All species were characterized according to 12 functional ecomorphological traits relevant to their feeding behavior. We found that TD and FD were related to forest age at the alpha level, but not at the beta level. α‐functional richness and divergence increased linearly with species richness and diversity, respectively. Also, the relationship between taxonomic and functional turnover was linear and positive. Our results indicated that functional traits were complementary across the chronosequence. The increase in FD was mainly driven by the addition of rare species with relevant traits. The older secondary forests did not recover all of the functions of old growth forest but did show a tendency to recovery. Because older successional stages support more TD and FD, we suggest developing agriculture and forestry management practices that facilitate rapid post‐agricultural succession and thereby better preserve the functionality of tropical forests.
Contextual and individual determinants of periodontal disease: Multilevel analysis based on Andersen's model
Authors: Valente Maria I. B. , Vettore Mario V. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractAimTo investigate the relationship of contextual and individual factors with periodontal disease in dentate adults and older people using the Andersen's behavioural model.MethodsSecondary individual data from 6011 adults and 2369 older people from the Brazilian Oral Health Survey (2010) were combined with contextual data for 27 cities. Attachment loss (AL) categories for each sextant were coded and summed to obtain the periodontal disease measure. The association of predisposing, enabling and need characteristics at city and individual level with periodontal disease was assessed using an adapted version of the Andersen's behavioural model. Multilevel Poisson regression was used to estimate rate ratios (RR) and 95% CIs.ResultsPeriodontal disease was associated with contextual predisposing (RR 0.93; 95% CI = 0.87‐0.99) and enabling factors (RR 0.99; 95% CI = 0.98‐0.99) in adults. Contextual predisposing was also associated with periodontal disease in older people (RR 0.82; 95% CI = 0.73‐0.92). Individual predisposing (age, sex and schooling) and need characteristics (perceived treatment need) were common predictors of periodontal disease in adults and older people. Periodontal disease was also associated with behaviours in the latter age group.ConclusionContextual predisposing factors and individual characteristics influenced periodontal disease experience in adults and older people. Contextual enabling factors were also meaningful determinants of periodontal disease in the former age group.
Soluble TAM receptor tyrosine kinases in rheumatoid arthritis: correlation with disease activity and bone destruction
Authors: Xu L , Hu F , Zhu H , Liu X , Shi L , Li Y , Zhong H , Su Y 
Published: November 2017

SummaryThe TAM receptor tyrosine kinases (TAM RTK) are a subfamily of receptor tyrosine kinases, the role of which in autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus has been well explored, while their functions in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remain largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the role of soluble TAM receptor tyrosine kinases (sAxl/sMer/sTyro3) in patients with RA. A total of 306 RA patients, 100 osteoarthritis (OA) patients and 120 healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled into this study. The serum concentrations of sAxl/sMer/sTyro3 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), then the associations between sAxl/sMer/sTyro3 levels and clinical features of RA patients were analysed. We also investigated whether sTyro3 could promote osteoclast differentiation in vitro in RA patients. The results showed that compared with healthy controls (HCs), sTyro3 levels in the serum of RA patients were elevated remarkably and sMer levels were decreased significantly, whereas there was no difference between HCs and RA patients on sAxl levels. The sTyro3 levels were correlated weakly but positively with white blood cells (WBC), immunoglobulin (Ig)M, rheumatoid factor (RF), swollen joint counts, tender joint counts, total sharp scores and joint erosion scores. Conversely, there were no significant correlations between sMer levels and the above indices. Moreover, RA patients with high disease activity also showed higher sTyro3 levels. In-vitro osteoclast differentiation assay showed further that tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)+ osteoclasts were increased significantly in the presence of sTyro3. Collectively, our study indicated that serum sTyro3 levels were elevated in RA patients and correlated positively with disease activity and bone destruction, which may serve as an important participant in RA pathogenesis.
High‐priced drugs for multiple sclerosis and the medical economy in Japan
Authors: Shimizu Yuko 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe high cost of medicines used to treat neurological diseases has received considerable attention in recent years. Disease‐modifying drugs for multiple sclerosis are expensive, and the cost‐effectiveness of these drugs has been discussed in the USA and the European Union. In Japan, the cost of multiple sclerosis therapies has increased gradually.
Peri‐implant parameters and C‐reactive protein levels among patients with different obesity levels
Authors: Vohra Fahim , Alkhudhairy Fahad , Al‐Kheraif Abdulaziz A. , Akram Zohaib , Javed Fawad 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackgroundIt is hypothesized that peri‐implant conditions are worse with increasing severity of obesity, because systemic low‐grade inflammatory marker (C‐reactive protein [CRP]) is higher in severe form of obese individuals.PurposeThe aim of the cross‐sectional retrospective study was to compare clinical and radiographic peri‐implant inflammatory parameters in patients with different levels of obesity and correlate these parameters with CRP levels.Materials and MethodsEighty‐four patients who participated in this study were divided into 4 groups: class I obese (group 1), class II obese (group 2), class III obese (group 3), and nonobese individuals (group 4) were included. Clinical (plaque index [PI], bleeding on probing [BOP], probing depth [PD]) and radiographic (marginal bone loss [MBL]) peri‐implant parameters were recorded. Serum CRP were quantified using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Clinical peri‐implant parameters and serum CRP concentrations were analyzed using 1‐way analysis of variance. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to analyze correlations of CRP levels with any of the clinical and radiographic parameters assessed.ResultsPeri‐implant PI, BOP, PD, and MBL were significantly higher in group‐1, ‐2, and ‐3 patients as compared to nonobese individuals (P < .05). Peri‐implant PI, BOP, PD, and MBL were significantly higher in obese patients of group‐2 and group‐3 as compared to obese patients in group‐1 (P < .01). Mean PI, BOP, PD, and MBL were comparable between group‐2 and group‐3 patients (P > .05). A significant positive correlations were found between CRP levels and BOP (P = .0148) and PD (P = .0425); and significant negative correlation was found for MBL in group 3, respectively (P = .0212).ConclusionClinical and radiographic peri‐implant inflammatory parameters and serum CRP were significantly high in patients with severe form of obesity. Serum CRP levels correlated with peri‐implant bleeding in obese patients. These findings are preliminary and long‐term controlled trials are recommended to support these outcomes.
Clinical patterns of Compositae dermatitis in Danish monosensitized patients
Authors: Paulsen Evy , Andersen Klaus E. 
Published: November 2017

SummaryBackgroundCompositae dermatitis was originally described as airborne contact dermatitis. More recent studies have reported a wider clinical spectrum, but often in polysensitized patients.ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical features of patients sensitized to Compositae only.Patients/MethodsConsecutive Compositae‐sensitive eczema patients, tested between 1990 and 2015, who, at the patch testing session diagnosing their Compositae allergy, were found to be sensitized only to the plant family, were included.ResultsAltogether, 529 of 13 139 patients tested (4.0%) were sensitized to Compositae, and 95 (18% of these) were monosensitized. The majority had hand eczema, and 39 (44%) had a vesicular volar pattern. Eighty‐one patients were classified into one of three groups of similar size: localized eczema, eczema of exposed skin, and localized eczema turning into widespread eczema.ConclusionsThe prevalence of Compositae sensitization is continuously high in consecutive eczema patients. Sensitization may occur at any age. Clinical features in monosensitized patients vary, but, with continuing exposure, the patients may develop more widespread dermatitis similar to classic Compositae dermatitis. Avoidance may clear the exogenous part, but not endogenous aetiological factors such as vesicular hand eczema or possible photosensitivity. Thorough clinical assessment and patient education are important in reducing the impact of Compositae contact allergy.
Integrating conservation biology into the development of automated vehicle technology to reduce animal–vehicle collisions
Authors: Niehaus Amanda C. , Wilson Robbie S. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractEvery year, hundreds of millions of animals die in collisions with cars. For some species, road strikes are a major cause of population declines, and reducing collisions is a conservation priority. We suggest that the emergence of automated vehicles will provide new opportunities for the use of computerized animal warning systems and variable speed zones in areas (and times) of high collision risk—but only if conservation biologists play a role in the development and implementation of these vehicles on the road.
Reliability, validity and minimal detectable change of computerized respiratory sounds in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Oliveira Ana , Lage Susan , Rodrigues João , Marques Alda 
Published: November 2017

AbstractIntroductionComputerized respiratory sounds (CRS) are closely related to the movement of air within the tracheobronchial tree and are promising outcome measures in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, CRS measurement properties have been poorly tested.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess the reliability, validity and the minimal detectable changes (MDC) of CRS in patients with stable COPD.MethodsFifty patients (36♂, 67.26 ± 9.31y, FEV1 49.52 ± 19.67%predicted) were enrolled. CRS were recorded simultaneously at seven anatomic locations (trachea; right and left anterior, lateral and posterior chest). The number of crackles, wheeze occupation rate, median frequency (F50) and maximum intensity (Imax) were processed using validated algorithms. Within‐day and between‐days reliability, criterion and construct validity, validity to predict exacerbations and MDC were established.ResultsCRS presented moderate‐to‐excellent within‐day reliability (ICC1,3 ≥ 0.51; P < .05) and moderate‐to‐good between‐days reliability (ICC1,2 ≥ 0.47; P < .05) for most locations. Negligible‐to‐moderate correlations with FEV1%predicted were found (–0.53 < rs < –0.28; P < .05), and the inspiratory number of crackles were the best discriminator between mild‐to‐moderate and severe‐to‐very severe airflow limitations (area under the curve >0.78). CRS correlated poorly with patient‐reported outcomes (rs < 0.48; P < .05) and did not predict exacerbations. Inspiratory number of crackles at posterior right chest, inspiratory F50 at trachea and anterior left chest and expiratory Imax at anterior right chest were simultaneously reliable and valid, and their MDC were 2.41, 55.27, 29.55 and 3.98, respectively.ConclusionCRS are reliable and valid. Their use, integrated with other clinical and patient‐reported measures, may fill the gap of assessing small airways and contribute toward a patient's comprehensive evaluation.
Interest in tanning beds and sunscreen in German‐speaking countries
Authors: Kirchberger Michael C. , Kirchberger Laura F. , Eigentler Thomas K. , Reinhard Raphael , Berking Carola , Schuler Gerold , Heinzerling Lucie , Heppt Markus V. 
Published: November 2017

SummaryBackgroundThe growing incidence of nearly all types of skin cancer can be attributed to increased exposure to natural or artificial ultraviolet (UV) radiation. However, there is a scarcity of statistical data on risk behavior or sunscreen use, which would be important for any prevention efforts.MethodsUsing the search engine Google®, we analyzed search patterns for the terms Solarium (tanning bed), Sonnencreme (sunscreen), and Sonnenschutz (sun protection) in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland between 2004 and 2016, and compared it to search patterns worldwide. For this purpose, “normalized search volumes” (NSVs) were calculated for the various search queries. The corresponding polynomial functions were then compared with each other over the course of time.ResultsSince 2001, there has been a marked worldwide decrease in the search queries for tanning bed, whereas those for sunscreen have steadily increased. In German‐speaking countries, on the other hand, there have – for years – consistently been more search queries for tanning bed than for sunscreen. There is an annual periodicity of the queries, with the highest NSVs for tanning bed between March and May and those for sunscreen in the summer months around June. In Germany, the city‐states of Hamburg and Berlin have particularly high NSVs for tanning bed.ConclusionsCompared to the rest of the world, German‐speaking countries show a strikingly unfavorable search pattern. There is still great need for education and prevention with respect to sunscreen use and avoidance of artificial UV exposure.
Global significance of seagrass fishery activity
Authors: Nordlund Lina M , Unsworth Richard K F , Gullström Martin , Cullen‐Unsworth Leanne C 
Published: November 2017

AbstractSeagrass meadows support fisheries through provision of nursery areas and trophic subsidies to adjacent habitats. As shallow coastal habitats, they also provide key fishing grounds; however, the nature and extent of such exploitation are poorly understood. These productive meadows are being degraded globally at rapid rates. For degradation to cease, there needs to be better appreciation for the value of these habitats in supporting global fisheries. Here, we provide the first global scale study demonstrating the extent, importance and nature of fisheries exploitation of seagrass meadows. Due to a paucity of available data, the study used a global expert survey to demonstrate the widespread significance of seagrass‐based fishing activity. Our study finds that seagrass‐based fisheries are globally important and present virtually wherever seagrass exists, supporting subsistence, commercial and recreational activity. A wide range of fishing methods and gear is used reflecting the spatial distribution patterns of seagrass meadows, and their depth ranges from intertidal (accessible by foot) to relatively deep water (where commercial trawls can operate). Seagrass meadows are multispecies fishing grounds targeted by fishers for any fish or invertebrate species that can be eaten, sold or used as bait. In the coastal communities of developing countries, the importance of the nearshore seagrass fishery for livelihoods and well‐being is irrefutable. In developed countries, the seagrass fishery is often recreational and/or more target species specific. Regardless of location, this study is the first to highlight collectively the indiscriminate nature and global scale of seagrass fisheries and the diversity of exploitative methods employed to extract seagrass‐associated resources. Evidence presented emphasizes the need for targeted management to support continued viability of seagrass meadows as a global ecosystem service provider.
Defect sensitivity of highly deformable polymeric materials with different intrinsic qualities at various strain rates
Authors: Brighenti R. , Carpinteri A. , Artoni F. , Domenichelli I. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractHighly deformable materials, such as elastomers and gels, can withstand very large deformation without failure, and this response is usually insensitive to the presence of macroscopic defects. These polymer‐based materials, different from the traditional ones which are usually characterized by an enthalpic elasticity, show a mechanical response which is governed by the state of internal entropy of their molecular network. If fracture energy is large, the noticeable ability of soft materials to rearrange their network at the microscale, to display large deformation and to dissipate energy thanks to their viscoelasticity, allows the minimization of the local detrimental effect of existing flaws. In the present paper, the mechanical behavior of silicone‐based edge cracked plates with different crack sizes and severity of the intrinsic flaws embedded in the material is examined by taking into account the time‐dependent effects. Experimental and theoretical aspects are discussed to explain the defect tolerance of such materials. The detrimental effect of intrinsic voids is quantified, and the beneficial effect due to strain at low rates is analysed. The critical distance is related to the ultimate stretch value, the quality of the material, and the crack size.
Geophysical Assessment of Groundwater Potential: A Case Study from Mian Channu Area, Pakistan
Authors: Hasan Muhammad , Shang Yanjun , Akhter Gulraiz , Jin Weijun 
Published: November 2017

AbstractAn integrated study using geophysical method in combination with pumping tests and geochemical method was carried out to delineate groundwater potential zones in Mian Channu area of Pakistan. Vertical electrical soundings (VES) using Schlumberger configuration with maximum current electrode spacing (AB/2 = 200 m) were conducted at 50 stations and 10 pumping tests at borehole sites were performed in close proximity to 10 of the VES stations. The aim of this study is to establish a correlation between the hydraulic parameters obtained from geophysical method and pumping tests so that the aquifer potential can be estimated from the geoelectrical surface measurements where no pumping tests exist. The aquifer parameters, namely, transmissivity and hydraulic conductivity were estimated from Dar Zarrouyk parameters by interpreting the layer parameters such as true resistivities and thicknesses. Geoelectrical succession of five‐layer strata (i.e., topsoil, clay, clay sand, sand, and sand gravel) with sand as a dominant lithology was found in the study area. Physicochemical parameters interpreted by World Health Organization and Food and Agriculture Organization were well correlated with the aquifer parameters obtained by geoelectrical method and pumping tests. The aquifer potential zones identified by modeled resistivity, Dar Zarrouk parameters, pumped aquifer parameters, and physicochemical parameters reveal that sand and gravel sand with high values of transmissivity and hydraulic conductivity are highly promising water bearing layers in northwest of the study area. Strong correlation between estimated and pumped aquifer parameters suggest that, in case of sparse well data, geophysical technique is useful to estimate the hydraulic potential of the aquifer with varying lithology.
Influence of medical insurance schemes and charity assistance projects on regular prophylaxis treatment of the boys with severe haemophilia A in China
Authors: Li Z. , Wu J. , Zhao Y. , Liu R. , Li K. , Zhou Y. , Wu R. , Yang R. , Zhang X. , Lian S. , Hu Q. , Li X. , Gu J. , Zhou R. , Sun J. , Li C. , Xu W. , Poon M.‐C. , Xiao J. 
Published: November 2017

ObjectiveTo explore the influence of medical insurance policy and charity assistance projects on the uptake and discontinuation of regular prophylaxis treatment in Chinese severe haemophilia A children.MethodologyThis retrospective study was conducted on children with severe haemophilia A, who received FVIII prophylaxis treatment at 12 haemophilia centres in China from 1 November 2007 to 31 May 2013.ResultsThe average duration of prophylaxis treatment received by haemophilia children significantly increased from 16.7 weeks in 2008 to 32.8 weeks in 2012 (P < .001). The main reason for prophylaxis acceptance included dissatisfaction with previous “on‐demand” regimens, availability of improved local medical insurance policies and patient/family awareness of haemophilia. The main reason for subsequent discontinuation of prophylaxis was economic instability. The upper limit of insurance was up to RMB 150 000/y (~USD: 22 000/y) for 80.1% of the insured patients and would be sufficient to cover the continuous low‐dose prophylaxis regimen. However, for many patients the burden of out‐of‐pocket copayment cost represented a risk for poor adherence to regular prophylaxis. In about two third of the patients, the annual out‐of‐pocket copayment cost amounted to >50% of their average annual disposable income. Many patients therefore required assistance from the charity assistance projects, but nonadherence remained prevalent.ConclusionMedical insurance policy and charity assistance projects helped haemophilia children to accept and continue prophylaxis regimens. It was the proportion of the out‐of‐pocket copayment cost rather than the upper limit of insurance reimbursement that restricted long‐term regular low‐dose prophylaxis in China.