bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mechanisms of resistance in Brassica carinata, B. napus and B. juncea to Pseudocercosporella capsellae
Authors: Gunasinghe N. , You M. P. , Clode P. L. , Barbetti M. J. 
Published: November 2015

Studies were undertaken to compare susceptible and resistant host responses to Pseudocercosporella capsellae in cotyledons of Brassica carinata, B. juncea and B. napus in order to define the mechanisms of resistance in these three species. On both resistant and susceptible hosts, hyphal penetration was always through stomatal openings and without infection pegs or appressoria. On resistant B. carinata ATC94129P, up to 72% of spores disintegrated and, generally, germination (<22%) and germ tube lengths (<25 μm) were comparatively low. Resistant B. napus Hyola 42 had the lowest germination (8%) and susceptible B. carinata UWA#012 had the highest (51%). On resistant B. carinata ATC94129P, germ tube extension was impeded across 24–60 h post‐inoculation (hpi) and percentage stomatal penetration lower (4%) at 60 hpi compared with susceptible B. carinata UWA#012 (26%). Stomatal densities (stomata/14 757 μm2) on resistant B. juncea Dune (2·12) and B. napus Hyola 42 (1·62) were lower than for susceptible B. juncea Vardan (2·40) and B. napus Trilogy (2·03). Resistant B. carinata ATC94129P had greater stomatal density (1·89) than susceptible B. carinata UWA#012 (1·58). Overall, B. juncea had greater stomatal density (2·26) compared with B. napus (1·83) and B. carinata (1·74). In resistant B. carinata ATC94129P, P. capsellae induced 28% stomata to close, while in susceptible B. carinata UWA#012 no such closure was induced. Epicuticular wax crystalloids were present only on resistant B. carinata ATC94129P and probably also contribute towards resistance.
Influence of Post‐Mortem Sperm Recovery Method and Extender on Unstored and Refrigerated Rooster Sperm Variables
Authors: Villaverde‐Morcillo S , Esteso MC , Castaño C , Santiago‐Moreno J 
Published: November 2015

ContentsMany post‐mortem sperm collection techniques have been described for mammalian species, but their use in birds is scarce. This paper compares the efficacy of two post‐mortem sperm retrieval techniques ‐ the flushing and float‐out methods ‐ in the collection of rooster sperm, in conjunction with the use of two extenders, i.e., L&R‐84 medium and Lake 7.1 medium. To determine whether the protective effects of these extenders against refrigeration are different for post‐mortem and ejaculated sperm, pooled ejaculated samples (procured via the massage technique) were also diluted in the above extenders. Post‐mortem and ejaculated sperm variables were assessed immediately at room temperature (0 h), and after refrigeration at 5°C for 24 and 48 h. The flushing method retrieved more sperm than the float‐out method (596.5 ± 75.4 million sperm vs 341.0 ± 87.6 million sperm; p < 0.05); indeed, the number retrieved by the former method was similar to that obtained by massage‐induced ejaculation (630.3 ± 78.2 million sperm). For sperm collected by all methods, the L&R‐84 medium provided an advantage in terms of sperm motility variables at 0 h. In the refrigerated sperm samples, however, the Lake 7.1 medium was associated with higher percentages of viable sperm, and had a greater protective effect (p < 0.05) with respect to most motility variables. In conclusion, the flushing method is recommended for collecting sperm from dead birds. If this sperm needs to be refrigerated at 5°C until analysis, Lake 7.1 medium is recommended as an extender.
Papain‐Based Vaccination Modulates Schistosoma mansoni Infection‐Induced Cytokine Signals
Authors: Abdel Aziz N. , Tallima H. , Hafez E. A. , El Ridi R. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractWe have previously shown that immunization of outbred rodents with cysteine peptidases‐based vaccine elicited type 2‐biased immune responses associated with consistent and reproducible protection against challenge Schistosoma mansoni. We herein start to elucidate the molecular basis of C57BL/6 mouse resistance to S. mansoni following treatment with the cysteine peptidase, papain. We evaluated the early cytokine signals delivered by epidermal, dermal, and draining lymph node cells of naïve, and S. mansoni ‐infected mice treated 1 day earlier with 0 or 50 μg papain, or immunized twice with papain only (10 μg/mouse), papain‐free recombinant S. mansoni glyceraldehyde 3‐phosphate dehydrogenase and 2‐Cys peroxiredoxin peptide (10 and 15 μg/mouse, respectively = antigen Mix), or papain‐adjuvanted antigen Mix. Schistosoma mansoni infection induced epidermal and lymph node cells to release type 1, type 2 and type 17 cytokines, known to counteract each other. Expectedly, humoral immune responses were negligible until patency. Papain pretreatment or papain‐based vaccination diminished or shut off S. mansoni infection early induction of type 1, type 17 and type 2 cytokines except for thymic stromal lymphopoietin and programmed the immune system towards a polarized type 2 immune milieu, associated with highly significant (P < 0.005 – <0.0001) resistance to S. mansoni infection.
Exploring the Downside of Social Embeddedness: Evidence from a Cross‐National Study*
Authors: Hyun‐soo Kim Harris 
Published: November 2015

ObjectiveThe interdisciplinary literature on social capital has given relatively little attention to the potential downside of social embeddedness. Based on a cross‐national data set (International Social Survey Programme), this study examines how and to what extent social ties and organizational membership are associated with experiencing “too many demands” from close contacts.MethodsHierarchical general linear models are estimated to analyze the linkage between several social capital indicators and the precarious nature of being connected.ResultsFindings from multilevel analysis indicate that frequency of interaction with friends and relatives, as well as level of involvement in voluntary organizations, are significantly related to feeling burdened because of network‐mediated demands.ConclusionThis study suggests that network ties may be viewed as a double‐edged sword. Interpersonal and organizational embeddedness not only produces benefits of social capital but also requires from individual members the necessary obligations and responsibilities associated with it.
Retrospective review of intravenous pentamidine for Pneumocystis pneumonia prophylaxis in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Diri R. , Anwer F. , Yeager A. , Krishnadasan R. , McBride A. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractBackgroundPatients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT) are at risk of numerous opportunistic infections. Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) is a potentially life‐threatening infection that can develop in immunocompromised individuals. Current prophylaxis for PJP includes trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole (TMP‐SMX), dapsone, atovaquone, or inhaled pentamidine (PEN), often with varying breakthrough rates. The use of intravenous (IV) PEN for PJP prophylaxis has been evaluated in pediatric patients.MethodsA single‐institution retrospective review of electronic medical records was conducted for patients who underwent allo‐HSCT between January 2001 and May 2013 and who had received at least 1 dose of IV PEN for PJP prophylaxis. Data collected included patient demographics, diagnosis, previous chemotherapy, pre‐transplant conditioning regimen, other medications, microbiology test results, and clinical outcomes.ResultsA total of 113 patients were included in the study. The median number of PEN doses administered per patient was 3 (range 1–23). IV PEN was primary PJP prophylaxis in 74 of the patients (65%) and second‐line prophylaxis in 39 (35%) post transplant, with the majority switching from oral TMP‐SMX. Side effects of IV PEN administration were minimal. No patients who received IV PEN prophylaxis developed PJP infection. No case of PJP was seen in patients who received other agents for PJP prophylaxis.ConclusionThis retrospective study showed that IV PEN is very effective and well‐tolerated prophylaxis for PJP; IV PEN can be considered a favorable alternative for PJP in situations where other agents might be contraindicated. Our findings provide strong support for prospective studies of IV PEN for PJP prophylaxis in adult HSCT recipients.
Evolutionary Selection on Barrier Activity: Bar1 Is an Aspartyl Protease with Novel Substrate Specificity
Authors: Jones Stephen K. , Clarke Starlynn C. , Craik Charles S. , Bennett Richard J. 
Published: November 2015

ABSTRACT

Peptide-based pheromones are used throughout the fungal kingdom for coordinating sexual responses between mating partners. Here, we address the properties and function of Bar1, an aspartyl protease that acts as a “barrier” and antagonist to pheromone signaling in multiple species.
Candida albicans
Bar1 was purified and shown to exhibit preferential cleavage of native α pheromone over pheromones from related fungal species. This result establishes that protease substrate specificity coevolved along with changes in its pheromone target. Pheromone cleavage by Bar1 occurred between residues Thr-5 and Asn-6 in the middle of the tridecapeptide sequence. Surprisingly, proteolytic activity was independent of the amino acid residues present at the scissile bond and instead relied on residues at the C terminus of α pheromone. Unlike most aspartyl proteases, Bar1 also exhibited a near-neutral pH optimum and was resistant to the class-wide inhibitor pepstatin A. In addition, genetic analysis was performed on
C. albicans
BAR1
and demonstrated that the protease not only regulates endogenous pheromone signaling but also can limit interspecies pheromone signaling. We discuss these findings and propose that the unusual substrate specificity of Bar1 is a consequence of its coevolution with the α pheromone receptor Ste2 for their shared peptide target.

IMPORTANCE
Pheromones are important for intraspecies communication across the tree of life. In the fungal kingdom, extracellular proteases play a key role in antagonizing pheromone signaling in multiple species. This study examines the properties and function of
Candida albicans
Bar1, an aspartyl protease that cleaves and thereby inactivates α pheromone. We demonstrate that Bar1 plays important roles in regulating both intra- and interspecies pheromone signaling. The fungal protease shows preferential activity on the endogenous pheromone, but, surprisingly, cleavage activity is dependent on amino acid residues distal to the scissile bond. We propose that the unusual substrate specificity of Bar1 is a direct result of coevolution with Ste2, the receptor for α pheromone, for recognition of the same peptide target. The novel specificity of Bar1 reveals the complex forces shaping the evolution of mating pathways in fungi and uncovers a protease with potentially important applications in the biotechnology industry.
Bone mineral density and fracture risk with long-term use of inhaled corticosteroids in patients with asthma: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Loke Yoon K , Gilbert Daniel , Thavarajah Menaka , Blanco Patricia , Wilson Andrew M 
Published: November 2015

ObjectivesWe aimed to assess the association between long-term use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and bone adverse effects in patients with asthma.DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis of fracture risk and changes in bone mineral density with long-term ICS use in asthma.MethodsWe initially searched MEDLINE and EMBASE in July 2013, and performed an updated PubMed search in December 2014. We selected randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and controlled observational studies of any ICS (duration at least 12 months) compared to non-ICS use in patients with asthma. We conducted meta-analysis of ORs for fractures, and mean differences in bone mineral density. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2statistic.ResultsWe included 18 studies (7 RCTs and 11 observational studies) in the systematic review. Meta-analysis of observational studies did not demonstrate any significant association between ICS and fractures in children (pooled OR 1.02, 95% CI 0.94 to 1.10, two studies), or adults (pooled OR 1.09, 95% CI 0.45 to 2.62, four studies). Three RCTs and three observational studies in children reported on bone mineral density at the lumbar spine, and our meta-analysis did not show significant reductions with ICS use. Three RCTs and four observational studies in adults reported on ICS use and bone mineral density at the lumbar spine and femur, with no significant reductions found in the meta-analysis compared to control.ConclusionsICS use for ≥12 months in adults or children with asthma was not significantly associated with harmful effects on fractures or bone mineral density.
Neighbourhood walkability, daily steps and utilitarian walking in Canadian adults
Authors: Hajna Samantha , Ross Nancy A , Joseph Lawrence , Harper Sam , Dasgupta Kaberi 
Published: November 2015

ObjectivesTo estimate the associations of neighbourhood walkability (based on Geographic Information System (GIS)-derived measures of street connectivity, land use mix, and population density and the Walk Score) with self-reported utilitarian walking and accelerometer-assessed daily steps in Canadian adults.DesignA cross-sectional analysis of data collected as part of the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2007–2009).SettingHome neighbourhoods (500 m polygonal street network buffers around the centroid of the participant's postal code) located in Atlantic Canada, Québec, Ontario, the Prairies and British Columbia.Participants5605 individuals participated in the survey. 3727 adults (≥18 years) completed a computer-assisted interview and attended a mobile clinic assessment. Analyses were based on those who had complete exposure, outcome and covariate data (n=2949).Main exposure measuresGIS-derived walkability (based on land use mix, street connectivity and population density); Walk Score.Main outcome measuresSelf-reported utilitarian walking; accelerometer-assessed daily steps.ResultsNo important relationship was observed between neighbourhood walkability and daily steps. Participants who reported more utilitarian walking, however, accumulated more steps (<1 h/week: 6613 steps/day, 95% CI 6251 to 6975; 1 to 5 h/week: 6768 steps/day, 95% CI 6420 to 7117; ≥6 h/week: 7391 steps/day, 95% CI 6972 to 7811). There was a positive graded association between walkability and odds of walking ≥1 h/week for utilitarian purposes (eg, Q4 vs Q1 of GIS-derived walkability: OR=1.66, 95% CI 1.31 to 2.11; Q3 vs Q1: OR=1.41, 95% CI 1.14 to 1.76; Q2 vs Q1: OR=1.13, 95% CI 0.91 to 1.39) independent of age, sex, body mass index, married/common law status, annual household income, having children in the household, immigrant status, mood disorder, perceived health, ever smoker and season.ConclusionsContrary to expectations, living in more walkable Canadian neighbourhoods was not associated with more total walking. Utilitarian walking and daily steps were, however, correlated and walkability demonstrated a positive graded relationship with utilitarian walking.
The PROblem Gambling RESearch Study (PROGRESS) research protocol: a pragmatic randomised controlled trial of psychological interventions for problem gambling
Authors: Thomas Shane A , Merkouris Stephanie S , Browning Colette J , Radermacher Harriet , Feldman Susan , Enticott Joanne , Jackson Alun C 
Published: November 2015

IntroductionInternational prevalence rates for problem gambling are estimated at 2.3%. Problem gambling is a serious global public health concern due to adverse personal and social consequences. Previous research evaluating the effectiveness of psychological interventions for the treatment of problem gambling has been compromised by methodological limitations, including small sample sizes and the use of waitlist control groups. This article describes the study protocol for a pragmatic randomised controlled trial (RCT) evaluating the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), behaviour therapy (BT), motivational interviewing (MI) against a non-directive supportive therapy (NDST) control, in treating problem gambling.Methods and analysisThis study was a mixed-methods design, with a parallel group, pragmatic RCT as the primary component, and embedded qualitative studies conducted alongside. A total of 297 participants were recruited from the community in Victoria, Australia. Individuals aged 18 years and over, could communicate in English and wished to receive treatment for a gambling problem were eligible. Participants were randomly allocated in to 1 of the 4 psychological interventions: CBT, BT, MI and NDST. Repeated measures were conducted at pretreatment and post-treatment, and 6 and 12 months post-treatment. The statistical analysis will use an intention-to-treat approach. Multilevel mixed modelling will be used to examine changes in the primary outcome measures: gambling symptom severity, using the Gambling Symptom Assessment Scale, and gambling behaviours (frequency, time and expenditure). Secondary outcomes are depression, anxiety, stress and alcohol use. Individual semistructured qualitative interviews were conducted at pretreatment and post-treatment and 12 months post-treatment for a subset of participants (n=66).Ethics and disseminationThis study was approved by the Victorian Department of Justice, Monash University and the University of Melbourne Human Research Ethics Committees. Findings will be reported in a government report, peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.Trial registration numberCurrent Controlled TrialsISRCTN01629698.
Global health training in US obstetrics and gynaecology residency programmes: perspectives of students, residents and programme directors
Authors: Nathan Lisa M , Banks Erika H , Conroy Erin M , McGinn Aileen P , Ghartey Jeny P , Wagner Sarah A , Merkatz Irwin R 
Published: November 2015

ABSTRACT

Background
Benefits of exposure to global health training during medical education are well documented and residents’ demand for this training is increasing. Despite this, it is offered by few US obstetrics and gynaecology (OBGYN) residency training programmes.

Objectives
To evaluate interest, perceived importance, predictors of global health interest and barriers to offering global health training among prospective OBGYN residents, current OBGYN residents and US OGBYN residency directors.

Methods
We designed two questionnaires using Likert scale questions to assess perceived importance of global health training. The first was distributed to current and prospective OBGYN residents interviewing at a US residency programme during 2012–2013. The second questionnaire distributed to US OBGYN programme directors assessed for existing global health programmes and global health training barriers. A composite Global Health Interest/Importance score was tabulated from the Likert scores. Multivariable linear regression was performed to assess for predictors of Global Health Interest/Importance.

Results
A total of 159 trainees (77%; 129 prospective OBGYN residents and 30 residents) and 69 (28%) programme directors completed the questionnaires. Median Global Health Interest/Importance score was 7 (IQR 4–9). Prior volunteer experience was predictive of a 5-point increase in Global Health Interest/Importance score (95% CI −0.19 to 9.85; p=0.02). The most commonly cited barriers were cost and time.

Conclusion
Interest and perceived importance of global health training in US OBGYN residency programmes is evident among trainees and programme directors; however, significant financial and time barriers prevent many programmes from offering opportunities to their trainees. Prior volunteer experience predicts global health interest.
Clinical and diagnostic findings in patients with elevated cerebrospinal bilirubin
Authors: McCarron Mark O , Lynch Mark , McCarron Peter , McCluskey Gavin , McKee Jacqueline , McVerry Ferghal , O'Kane Maurice J 
Published: November 2015

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) spectroscopy can identify subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) when CT is negative in patients presenting with acute severe headache. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical use and usefulness of CSF spectrophotometry. Secondary objectives were to identify other causes of elevated CSF bilirubin, to analyse headache descriptions and to compare clinical features in patients with an elevated CSF bilirubin among those with and without an intracranial vascular cause of SAH (avSAH).

Methods
Consecutive patients admitted to two hospitals in Enniskillen and Londonderry between 1 January 2004 and 30 September 2014 with CSF spectroscopy bilirubin results were identified from a clinical chemistry laboratory dataset. Patients with elevated CSF bilirubin were studied. Clinical demographics, delays to investigation and final diagnoses were recorded. Patients with avSAH were compared with patients without avSAH.

Results
Among 1813 patients with CSF spectrophotometry results, requests increased more than threefold during the study (p&lt;0.001). Fifty-six patients had elevated CSF bilirubin. Ten (17.9%) had avSAH, of which 8 (14.3%) had aneurysmal SAH. Non-vascular causes of elevated CSF bilirubin included meningitis, spontaneous intracranial hypotension and carcinomatous meningitis. Headache descriptions varied. Time from headache onset to admission, CT scan and lumbar puncture did not differ significantly for patients with avSAH and non-avSAH. CSF red cell counts were higher among patients with avSAH than patients with non-avSAH (p=0.005).

Conclusions
CSF bilirubin measurement has an important role in identifying avSAH in CT-negative patients presenting with a thunderclap headache. Better clinical selection of patients is required as CSF spectrophotometry, although sensitive, is not specific for SAH.
Collecting Fecal Samples for Microbiome Analyses in Epidemiology Studies
Authors: Sinha Rashmi , Chen Jun , Amir Amnon , Vogtmann Emily , Shi Jianxin , Inman Kristin S. , Flores Roberto , Sampson Joshua , Knight Rob , Chia Nicholas 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
Background: The need to develop valid methods for sampling and analyzing fecal specimens for microbiome studies is increasingly important, especially for large population studies.
Methods: Some of the most important attributes of any sampling method are reproducibility, stability, and accuracy. We compared seven fecal sampling methods [no additive, RNAlater, 70% ethanol, EDTA, dry swab, and pre/post development fecal occult blood test (FOBT)] using 16S rRNA microbiome profiling in two laboratories. We evaluated nine commonly used microbiome metrics: abundance of three phyla, two alpha-diversities, and four beta-diversities. We determined the technical reproducibility, stability at ambient temperature, and accuracy.
Results: Although microbiome profiles showed systematic biases according to sample method and time at ambient temperature, the highest source of variation was between individuals. All collection methods showed high reproducibility. FOBT and RNAlater resulted in the highest stability without freezing for 4 days. In comparison with no-additive samples, swab, FOBT, and 70% ethanol exhibited the greatest accuracy when immediately frozen.
Conclusions: Overall, optimal stability and reproducibility were achieved using FOBT, making this a reasonable sample collection method for 16S analysis.
Impact: Having standardized method of collecting and storing stable fecal samples will allow future investigations into the role of gut microbiota in chronic disease etiology in large population studies. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 25(2); 407–16. ©2015 AACR.