bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Blomia tropicalis allergen 5 (Blo t 5) T‐cell epitopes and their ability to suppress the allergic immune response
Authors: Wong Kenneth H. , Zhou Qian , Prabhu Nayana , Furuhashi Kazuki , Chua Yen Leong , Grotenbreg Gijsbert M. , Kemeny David M. 
Published: June 2017

SummaryBlomia tropicalis is the major asthma allergen in the tropics comparable to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. However, little is known about the B. tropicalis epitopes recognized by T cells. Our aim was to identify the T‐cell epitopes in the major B. tropicalis allergen, Blo t 5, and investigate the potential of the corresponding peptides to inhibit the allergic inflammatory lung response. C57BL/6 mice were immunized with plasmid DNA encoding Blo t 5 and T‐cell epitopes identified using the interferon‐γ ELISPOT assay with 15‐mer overlapping peptides. C57BL/6 mice were sensitized with bone‐marrow‐derived dendritic cells (BMDC) pulsed with Blo t 5 allergen followed by intranasal Blo t 5 challenge. Two H‐2b restricted epitopes (Bt576–90 and Bt5106–115) were recognized by CD4 T cells specific for Blo t 5, but no CD8 epitopes were identified. In mice sensitized with Blo t 5‐pulsed BMDC and challenged with intranasal Blo t 5 Bt576–90 and Bt5106–115, peptide‐specific CD4 T cells were found to secrete the T helper type 2 cytokines interleukin‐5 and interleukin‐13. Intradermal administration of synthetic peptides encoding the identified T‐cell epitopes suppressed allergic airway inflammation to further allergen challenges. Hence, we have identified novel CD4 T‐cell epitopes specific for Blo t 5 and demonstrated that these peptides could be employed therapeutically to suppress the T‐cell response in a murine model of allergic airway inflammation.
Effective size of density‐dependent two‐sex populations: the effect of mating systems
Authors: Myhre A. M. , Engen S. , SÆther B.‐E. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractDensity dependence in vital rates is a key feature affecting temporal fluctuations of natural populations. This has important implications for the rate of random genetic drift. Mating systems also greatly affect effective population sizes, but knowledge of how mating system and density regulation interact to affect random genetic drift is poor. Using theoretical models and simulations, we compare Ne in short‐lived, density‐dependent animal populations with different mating systems. We study the impact of a fluctuating, density‐dependent sex ratio and consider both a stable and a fluctuating environment. We find a negative relationship between annual Ne/N and adult population size N due to density dependence, suggesting that loss of genetic variation is reduced at small densities. The magnitude of this decrease was affected by mating system and life history. A male‐biased, density‐dependent sex ratio reduces the rate of genetic drift compared to an equal, density‐independent sex ratio, but a stochastic change towards male bias reduces the Ne/N ratio. Environmental stochasticity amplifies temporal fluctuations in population size and is thus vital to consider in estimation of effective population sizes over longer time periods. Our results on the reduced loss of genetic variation at small densities, particularly in polygamous populations, indicate that density regulation may facilitate adaptive evolution at small population sizes.
Age and P–T conditions of the Gridino‐type eclogite in the Belomorian Province, Russia
Authors: Yu H. L. , Zhang L. F. , Wei C. J. , Li X. L. , Guo J. H. 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACTAlthough eclogites in the Belomorian Province have been regarded as Archean in age and among the oldest in the world, there are also multiple studies that have proposed a Paleoproterozoic age. Here, we present new data for the Gridino‐type eclogites, which occur as boudins and metamorphosed dykes within tonalite–trondhjemite–granodiorite gneisses. Zircon from these eclogites has core and rim structures. The cores display high Th/U ratios (0.18–0.45), negative Eu anomalies and strong enrichment in HREE, and have Neoarchean U–Pb ages of c. 2.70 Ga; they are interpreted to be magmatic in origin. Zircon cores have δ18O of 5.64–6.07‰ suggesting the possibility of crystallization from evolved mantle‐derived magmas. In contrast, the rims, which include the eclogite facies minerals omphacite and garnet, are characterized by low Th/U ratios (<0.035) and flat HREE patterns, and yield U–Pb ages of c. 1.90 Ga; they are interpreted to be metamorphic in origin. Zircon rims have elevated δ18O of 6.23–6.80‰, which was acquired during eclogite facies metamorphism. Based on petrography and phase equilibria modelling, we recognize a prograde epidote amphibolite facies mineral assemblage, the peak eclogite facies mineral assemblage and a retrograde high‐P amphibolite facies mineral assemblage. The peak metamorphic conditions of 695–755°C at >18 kbar for the Gridino‐type eclogites suggest an apparent thermal gradient of <39–42°C/kbar for the Lapland–Kola collisional orogeny.
Knowledge acquisition and effective socialization: The role of the psychological contract
Authors: Woodrow Chris , Guest David E. 
Published: June 2017

Although studies reveal that acquiring knowledge about a new workplace during organizational socialization leads to better integration, the pathway through which this occurs is not well understood. Previous research has explored the psychological contract as an outcome of socialization. This study explores its role within the socialization process. A total of 161 organizational newcomers undertook surveys at months one and three of tenure, with data used to test a model within which four psychological contract dimensions mediate the relationship between knowledge acquisition and employee outcomes. At month one, organizational and employee promise strength mediated the relationship between knowledge and outcomes. At month three, organizational and employee promise fulfilment mediated this relationship. Findings confirm the role of the psychological contract in the socialization process and suggest that effective integration requires extensive knowledge provision and active employee knowledge acquisition.Practitioner points

Acquisition of knowledge about a new work environment during the very early stages of tenure can positively affect newcomers’ attitudes and perceived employment relationships.

Learning leads to mutual promises that are perceived to be stronger and more likely to be fulfilled, as well as reduced stress, greater commitment, and greater service quality behaviour.

Employers should provide newcomers with information about their role, team, and organization, whilst newcomers should be encouraged to ask questions.
Parent‐Implemented Language Interventions for Children with a Developmental Delay: A Systematic Review
Authors: Te Kaat‐van den Os Danielle J. A. , Jongmans Marian J. , Volman M(Chiel). J. M. , Lauteslager Peter E. M. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractBackground: Young children with a developmental delay (DD) show significant delays in communication and language development. Although several parent‐implemented language intervention programs have been developed to facilitate the communication and language abilities of children with a DD, no systematic review has examined the effects of these programs. Method: The literature search for this systematic review focused on parent‐implemented early language interventions for children with a DD age 1–5 years. Searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (search period 1974–2015). Level of evidence (levels I and II) as developed by the American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine (AACPDM) and study effectiveness were evaluated. Seven intervention studies met the inclusion criteria. Interventions comprised the Hanen Parent Program, Responsive Education/Prelinguistic Milieu Teaching, and Enhanced Milieu Teaching. A substantial proportion of children with a DD also had a diagnosis of Down syndrome (DS). Results: Five of the seven studies reported a significant effect of intervention on parent responsiveness, child communication, and aspects of language interactions (favoring intervention groups over control groups), but no studies reported significant effects of intervention on expressive language vocabulary. Conclusions: Intervention programs aimed at facilitating the communication and language development of children with a DD appear to improve a child's general communication abilities but have limited impact on expressive language development.
Inflorescence morphology and development in the basal rosid lineage Vitales
Authors: Gerrath Jean M. , Posluszny Usher , Ickert‐Bond Stefanie M. , Wen Jun 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThis review summarizes inflorescence developmental morphology in the grape order Vitales within a phylogenetic context. Inflorescences in the shrubby Leeaceae are terminal thyrses that appear leaf‐opposed once renewal growth begins. Plants of the Vitaceae are mainly tendrilled lianas and form five well‐defined clades. Inflorescences develop from the unique, non‐leafy, uncommitted primordium which arises opposite a leaf on the flank of the shoot apical meristem, and may mature into an inflorescence, tendril, or a combination of the two. The Ampelopsis‐Rhoicissus clade, Cissus antarctica group and Yua have a tendril/inflorescence, with cymose branching on the inflorescence axis. Inflorescences in the core Cissus clade and Cyphostemma‐Tetrastigma clade arise on a compressed axillary shoot, and leaf‐opposed tendrils arise on the main shoot, resulting in different branch orders. In Parthenocissus, tendrils are leaf‐opposed on long shoots, and inflorescences are leaf‐opposed on axillary branches on short shoots. In the Ampelocissus‐Vitis clade, the leaf‐opposed tendrils and thyrse inflorescences are of the same branching order, and are often combined. Terminal inflorescences such as in Leeaceae are common in angiosperms, in contrast to the unique leaf‐opposed tendril/inflorescence of Vitaceae. The further separation of the tendrils and inflorescences onto different orders of branching (core Cissus, Cyphostemma‐Tetrastigma), or separate short and long shoots (Parthenocissus), have allowed each component to optimize its own function. The Ampelocissus‐Vitis clade, however, has returned to a thyrse inflorescence, which may allow for larger or unusual lamellate inflorescences (Pterisanthes), and has reunited tendrils and inflorescences. Thus, each clade has developed its own set of inflorescence morphology.
Exercising moral agency in the contexts of objective reality: toward an integrated account of ethical consumption
Authors: Manyukhina Yana , Emmel Nick , Middlemiss Lucie 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThis paper engages with two contrasting approaches to conceptualising and studying consumer behaviour that appear to dominate existing research on consumption. On one hand, agency‐focused perspectives take an individual consumer to be the primary author of practice and a basic unit of analysis. On the other hand, socio‐centric paradigms focus on the social roots of consumption activities and the wider societal contexts in which they take place. The need to provide a more balanced view of consumption phenomena has been acknowledged, yet not adequately acted upon. This paper begins to fill this gap through relevant theoretical and empirical contributions. First, we provide a critical review of the dominant theoretical perspectives on consumption in general and ethical consumption in particular, highlight their key ontological assumptions and explain how they preclude a fuller understanding of the ways in which consumer practices are moulded and shaped. Taking a critical realist approach, we then present the findings from qualitative analysis of consumers' ethical food practices to empirically demonstrate the role of human agency and social structure in creating and shaping ethical consumption. Thus, by means of theoretical analysis and empirical research this paper responds to the call for a more comprehensive understanding of consumption and provides a consolidated account of consumer behaviour which acknowledges and explains the complex ensemble of individual and systemic powers in which consumer practices are contained.
Prevalence of chronic kidney disease in patients with chronic hepatitis B: A cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Ning L. , Lin W. , Hu X. , Fan R. , Liang X. , Wu Y. , Shen S. , Yu R. , Sun J. , Hou J. 
Published: June 2017

SummaryRenal safety is a major concern during long‐term antiviral treatment for chronic hepatitis B (CHB). This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients with CHB that had been treated with antiviral therapy. This was a single‐centre, cross‐sectional study in a real‐life cohort in which all patients received antiviral treatment. Serum creatinine‐based equations from the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD‐EPI) were used to estimate the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). CKD was defined as an eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m² or a urinary albumin to creatinine ratio ≥ 3 mg/mmol (defined as albuminuria). Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to determine the risk factors of CKD. A total of 1985 patients were included in the analysis from February 2015 to December 2015. The mean age and median duration of antiviral treatment was 42.20 years and 17.05 months, respectively. The overall prevalence of CKD was 7.9% (157/1985), with 44 patients experiencing decreased renal function (eGFR less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m²) and 129 patients with albuminuria. Patients with cirrhosis had a higher prevalence of a decreased GFR (4.3% vs 1.6%, P<.001) and albuminuria (11.1% vs 5.2%, P<.001) than those without cirrhosis. In the multivariate analysis, hypertension (Odds Ratio [OR] 4.564, P<.001), diabetes mellitus (OR 2.688, P<.001) and cirrhosis (OR 1.918, P<.001) were independent factors associated with the presence of CKD. CKD was a clinically significant comorbidity in patients with CHB. Special attention should be paid to cirrhotic patients and patients with the metabolic syndrome.
No one size fits all—Shortening duration of therapy with direct‐acting antivirals for hepatitis C genotype 1 infection
Authors: El Sherif O. , Afhdal N. , Curry M. 
Published: June 2017

SummaryThe advent of shorter duration, highly effective and well‐tolerated interferon‐free therapy now provides an opportunity for virtually all HCV‐infected individuals to be cured. However, there continues to be a need to simplify and shorten treatment duration. Shortening therapy to 8 weeks with sofosbuvir and ledipasvir can be considered in treatment patients with HCV genotype 1 infection and low baseline viral load. A number of other 8‐week dual and triple therapy direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) regimens are in advanced clinical development. Several small studies have further demonstrated the feasibility of 6 weeks of sofosbuvir therapy in combination with an NS5A inhibitor and a protease inhibitor for HCV genotype 1. Four weeks of therapy with various combinations of the currently available DAAs appears to be suboptimal with poor response rates observed in phase 2 trials. Response‐guided therapy is another promising tool that may allow for shorter therapy but require further research. Shortening therapy and retreating relapsers may be a viable cost‐saving measure, but requires further cost‐benefit analysis and more data on the impact of resistance on retreatment options.
Racial/ethnic disparities in the prevalence and awareness of Hepatitis B virus infection and immunity in the United States
Authors: Kim H. S. , Rotundo L. , Yang J. D. , Kim D. , Kothari N. , Feurdean M. , Ruhl C. , Unalp‐arida A. 
Published: June 2017

SummaryHepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in the United States is the most common among Asians followed by non‐Hispanic blacks. However, there have been few studies that describe HBV infection and immunity by racial group. Our study aimed to assess racial/ethnic disparities in the prevalence and awareness of HBV infection and immunity using nationally representative data. In the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011‐2014, 14 722 persons had HBV serology testing. We estimated the prevalence of HBV infection, past exposure, and immunity by selected characteristics and calculated adjusted odds ratios using survey‐weighted generalized logistic regression. Awareness of infection and vaccination history was also investigated. The overall prevalence of chronic HBV infection, past exposure and vaccine‐induced immunity was 0.34% [95%CI 0.24‐0.43], 4.30% [95%CI 3.80‐4.81], and 24.4% [95%CI 23.4‐25.4], respectively. The prevalence of chronic infection was 2.74% [95% CI 1.72‐3.76] in Asians, 0.64% [95% CI 0.35‐0.92] in non‐Hispanic blacks, and 0.15% [95% CI 0.06‐0.24] in non‐Asian, non‐blacks. Only 26.2% of those with chronic infection were aware of their infection. The prevalence of the past exposure was 21.5% [95%CI 19.3‐23.7] in Asians, 8.92% [95%CI 7.84‐9.99] in non‐Hispanic blacks, 2.05% [95%CI 1.49‐2.63] in non‐Hispanic whites and 4.47% [95%CI 3.25‐5.70] in Hispanics. Prevalence of vaccine‐induced immunity by each race was 34.1% [95%CI: 32.0‐36.2] in Asians, 25.5% [95%CI: 24.0‐27.0] in non‐Hispanic blacks, 24.0% [95%CI: 22.6‐25.4] in non‐Hispanic whites and 22.2% [95%CI: 21.3‐23.3] in Hispanics. There are considerable racial/ethnic disparities in HBV infection, exposure and immunity. More active and sophisticated healthcare policies on HBV management may be warranted.
Hepatitis B surface antigen loss and sustained viral suppression in Asian chronic hepatitis B patients: A community‐based real‐world study
Authors: Wong R. J. , Nguyen M. T. , Trinh H. N. , Chan C. , Huynh A. , Ly M. T. , Nguyen H. A. , Nguyen K. K. , Torres S. , Yang J. , Liu B. , Garcia R. T. , Bhuket T. , Baden R. , Levitt B. , da Silveira E. , Gish R. G. 
Published: June 2017

SummaryCommunity‐based real‐world outcomes on effectiveness of antiviral therapies for chronic hepatitis B virus (CHB) in Asians are limited. Whether hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss correlates with undetectable virus and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) normalization on treatment or what predicts risk of seroreversion or detectable virus after stopping therapy is unclear. We aim to evaluate rates and predictors of HBsAg loss, seroconversion, ALT normalization and undetectable HBV DNA, including HBsAg seroreversion or re‐emergence of HBV DNA among Asian CHB patients. We retrospectively evaluated 1072 CHB adults on antiviral therapy at two community gastroenterology clinics from 1997 to 2015. Rates of HBsAg loss, ALT normalization, achieving undetectable HBV DNA and developing surface antibody (anti‐HBs) were stratified by HBeAg status. Following HBsAg loss, HBsAg seroreversion or re‐emergence of detectable HBV DNA was analysed. With median treatment of 76.7 months, the overall rate of HBsAg loss was 4.58%, with similar HBsAg loss rates between HBeAg‐positive and HBeAg‐negative patients (4.44% vs 4.71%, P=.85) in a predominantly Asian population (98.1%). Among HBsAg loss patients, 33.3% developed anti‐HBs, 95.8% achieved undetectable virus and 66.0% normalized ALT. No significant baseline or on‐treatment predictors of HBsAg loss were observed. While six patients who achieved HBsAg loss had seroreversion with re‐emergence of HBsAg positivity, viral load remained undetectable, demonstrating the sustainability of viral suppression. Among a large community‐based real‐world cohort of Asian CHB patients treated with antiviral therapy, rate of HBsAg loss was 4.58%. Despite only 33.3% of HBsAg loss patients achieving anti‐HBs, nearly all patients achieved sustained undetectable virus.
The activity patterns of two sympatric shrew species from the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
Authors: Hoole C. , McKechnie A. E. , Parker D. M. , Bennett N. C. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe locomotor activity patterns of two species of shrew were investigated under both standard laboratory conditions and in their natural environment. Trapping, using live traps, was undertaken on a seasonal basis to determine the predominant periods of activity for each species in their natural habitat. We assessed if there was a seasonal variation to the locomotor activity in the shrews. In the laboratory, locomotor activity patterns were investigated under the following lighting conditions, in sequence; 12L:12D (2 weeks), constant darkness (3 weeks), 12L:12D (2 weeks), 12D:12L an inverted light cycle (2 weeks) followed by 6 weeks at 16L:8D and 8L:16D for each species. Temperature was maintained at a constant temperature of 25 ± 1°C. Foraging behaviour and body mass changes were recorded throughout the study. Both species exhibited predominantly nocturnal locomotory activity patterns under laboratory conditions. In the field the forest shrew, Myosorex varius, altered its predominant activity period depending on the season, displayed polyphasic activity patterns and was caught throughout the year; it neither gained nor lost body mass. The greater red musk shrew, Crocidura flavescens, was strictly nocturnal in the field, more so than under laboratory conditions, gained body mass readily in the laboratory and was very rarely captured during winter. Therefore, each species displayed slightly different behavioural adaptations when exposed to the same conditions. These findings emphasize the similarities and differences in activity amongst co‐occurring small mammal species in light of possible competition avoidance mechanisms.
Porokeratosis ptychotropica responding to photodynamic therapy: An alternative treatment for a refractory disease
Authors: Fustà‐Novell Xavier , Podlipnik Sebastian , Combalia Andrea , Morgado‐Carrasco Daniel , Ferrando Juan , Mascaró Jose Manuel , Aguilera Paula 
Published: June 2017

SummaryBackgroundPorokeratosis ptychotropica (PP) is a rare variant of porokeratosis with a special predisposition to affect body folds, particularly the intergluteal cleft. This disease is resistant to most topical and systemic treatments, as shown in the review of the literature we provide here. Itching and discomfort are often a difficult problem to solve.Patients and MethodsTwo patients with PP that had not responded to multiple topical treatments were treated with photodynamic therapy (PDT). Changes in plaque size, thickness and symptoms were assessed after treatment.ResultsPruritus disappearance was observed in both patients after treatment with PDT. Partial clearance of the plaques was observed in one case. In the other case, a moderate clearance of hyperkeratosis was observed, although the size of the lesions persisted unchanged.ConclusionsPDT seems to be a good therapeutic alternative in the treatment of PP, as it can provide symptomatic relief and clinical improvement of the lesions. However, it does not appear to be a curative treatment. Moreover, long‐term response is still unknown.