bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of recipient BKV shedding before transplant on BKV viruria, DNAemia, and nephropathy post‐transplant: A prospective study
Authors: Verghese P. S. , Schmeling D. O. , Filtz E. A. , Matas A. J. , Balfour H. H. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractWe previously demonstrated that detectable BKV replication in donor urine pretransplant was significantly associated with post‐transplant recipient BKV viremia. In this 4‐year prospective study, we assessed whether recipient BKV replication pretransplant was associated with post‐transplant viremia/BKV nephropathy. We studied 220 primary adult and pediatric organ transplant recipients for 490 person‐years and 2100 clinical visits. BKV viruria was detectable in 28 (16%), 26 adults and two children; and viremia in none pretransplant. Post‐transplant viruria occurred in all recipients with pretransplant BKV viruria, significantly more than in recipients without pretransplant viruria on univariate (P<.005) and multivariate analysis including type of organ transplanted and immunosuppression type (P .008). Time to post‐transplant viruria was significantly shorter in recipients with pretransplant viruria (P .01). By univariate and multivariate analysis, BKV viruria in recipients pretransplant did not impact post‐transplant BKV viremia (P=.97 and .97, respectively) even when stratified by type of organ transplant (kidney P=.6; liver P=.5). The peak serum and urine BKV PCR post‐transplant were not significantly different in patients with pretransplant BKV viruria and no one developed BK nephropathy. In conclusion, recipient BKV viruria prior to transplant predicts post‐transplant viruria but not viremia or BKV nephropathy.
Reducing the build‐up of Plasmodiophora brassicae inoculum by early management of oilseed rape volunteers
Authors: Zamani‐Noor N. , Rodemann B. 
Published: May 2017

Clubroot of oilseed rape (OSR), caused by Plasmodiophora brassicae, is a disease of increasing economic importance worldwide. Previous studies indicated that OSR volunteers, Brassica crops and weeds play a critical role in the predisposition of the disease. To determine the effect of timing of foliar application of the herbicide glyphosate or mechanical destruction of OSR volunteers in reduction of clubroot severity and resting spore production, a series of studies was conducted under controlled conditions with a susceptible OSR cultivar and an isolate of P. brassicae. Plants were inoculated by injecting a spore suspension beside the root hairs at growth stage 11–12 (BBCH scale) and were terminated at 7 (early) or 21 (late) days post‐inoculation (dpi). Under controlled conditions, the first symptoms on roots were observed as early as 7 dpi. The early application of glyphosate as well as early mechanical destruction resulted in significant (P ≤ 0.05) reduction in the development of clubroot symptoms, root fresh weight and the number of resting spores⁄g root. Furthermore, the effect of volunteer management on clubroot severity in the succeeding OSR was studied by inoculating plants with the resting spores obtained from treated clubbed roots. Inoculated OSR exhibited root clubs similar to the initial symptoms after 35 dpi. Plants that were inoculated with spore suspension from early treated roots resulted in significant reductions in clubroot incidence and severity. Conversely, plants inoculated with the spore suspension from the late treated roots displayed levels of clubroot similar to the plants inoculated with the spore solutions of positive controls.
Rhizoctonia solani: taxonomy, population biology and management of rhizoctonia seedling disease of soybean
Authors: Ajayi‐Oyetunde O. O. , Bradley C. A. 
Published: May 2017

Rhizoctonia solani, the most important species within the genus Rhizoctonia, is a soilborne plant pathogen with considerable diversity in cultural morphology, host range and aggressiveness. Despite its history as a destructive pathogen of economically important crops worldwide, our understanding of its taxonomic relationship with other Rhizoctonia‐like fungi, incompatibility systems, and population biology is rather limited. Among the host of diseases it has been associated with, seedling diseases inflicted on soybean are of significant importance, especially in the soybean growing regions of North America. Due to the dearth of resistant soybean genotypes, as well as the paucity of information on the mechanisms of host–pathogen interactions and other molecular aspects of pathogenicity, effective management options have mostly relied upon a combination of cultural and chemical control options. The first section of this review summarizes what is currently known about the taxonomy and systematics, population biology and molecular genetics of R. solani. The second section provides an overview of the pathology and management of rhizoctonia root and hypocotyl rot of soybean, a seedling disease of importance in North America.
Species prevalence and disease progression studies demonstrate a seasonal shift in the Alternaria population composition on potato
Authors: Vandecasteele M. , Landschoot S. , Carrette J. , Verwaeren J. , Höfte M. , Audenaert K. , Haesaert G. 
Published: May 2017

To assess the incidence of early blight/brown spot (EB/BS) in Flanders (Belgium), potato fields in 22 locations were monitored and scored over the duration of the growing seasons 2014 and 2015. The average disease incidence was shown to be higher in 2014 than in 2015. Soil type, rainfall and temperature were also analysed in relation to disease incidence. In 2014, potato plants grown in sandy soils had more EB/BS disease than those grown in clay or loamy soils. However, the low disease incidence in 2015 meant that differences in disease levels between soil types could not be discerned for that growing season. A windowpane analysis demonstrated that rainfall and humidity accounted for the differences in disease incidence between the two growing seasons. During the course of the survey, the species composition in leaves with symptoms was assessed using real‐time PCR. Remarkably, small‐spored Alternaria species, such as A. alternata and A. arborescens, rather than the more virulent A. solani were the predominant species on potato leaves throughout the growing season. As the disease progressed, the proportion of A. solani increased. In view of these results, the virulence of a collected set of Alternaria isolates was assessed by an in vitro assay. Despite A. solani being more virulent than A. alternata or A. arborescens, the most abundant species isolated from potato leaves with symptoms was A. arborescens.
Towards a robust and versatile method for monitoring E‐modulus of concrete since casting: Enhancements and extensions of EMM‐ARM
Authors: Granja José , Azenha Miguel 
Published: May 2017

AbstractIn face of the importance of assessing mechanical properties of cement‐based materials since early ages, as well as the known limitations of existing methods, the EMM‐ARM (Elasticity Modulus Measurement through Ambient Response Method) was initially proposed in 2009. Since its first application, this method has been under constant development and extension to the study of other materials such as stabilized soils or epoxy resins. Extensive use has revealed several limitations on robustness and versatility that are addressed through a set of improvements proposed in this paper. Such improvements attempt to make EMM‐ARM more appropriate for systematic applications both in laboratory and in situ environments. These objectives were achieved through the application of a new test mould material, redesigned support systems, and the development of a new reusable mould. Additionally, the use of a small excitation applied to the beam to decrease the sensitivity of the method to the environmental noise was assessed.
A novel nuclear forensic tool involving deposit type normalized rare earth element signatures
Authors: Spano Tyler L. , Simonetti Antonio , Wheeler Thomas , Carpenter Grace , Freet Devonee , Balboni Enrica , Dorais Corinne , Burns Peter C. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractIdentifying the provenance of uranium‐rich materials is a critical objective of nuclear forensic analysis. Rare earth element (REE) distributions within uranium ores are well‐established forensic indicators, but quantifying and correlating trace element signatures for U ores to known deposits has thus far involved intricate statistical analyses. This study reports average chondrite normalized (CN)‐REE signatures for important U deposit types worldwide, which are then employed to evaluate U ore paragenesis using a simple linear regression analysis. This technique provides a straightforward method that can aid in determining the deposit type of U ores based on their REE abundances, and combined with other forensic indicators (e.g. radiogenic isotope signatures) can provide essential provenance information for nuclear materials.
The association between interval from acceptance to first‐time donation, missed first appointment and future donation behaviour
Authors: Mousavi S. A. , Hermundstad B. , Knutsen T. R. , Llohn A. H. 
Published: May 2017

SUMMARYBackground and objectivesWe examined the association of the interval between the date an individual is accepted for blood donation and the date of first donation (IFD‐interval, index‐to‐first‐time donation interval) and missed first appointment with future donation behaviour among new donors. These two variables have not been analysed in previous studies of donation behaviour among new donors.MethodsCategories were generated for age (18–29 vs 30–65 years), missed‐appointment status (no‐show vs same‐day cancellation) and the IFD‐interval [short (≤median time) vs long (>median time)]. Accepted donors (n = 807) were followed for 19 months. Outcome measures were first‐appointment attendance rates, return rates among first‐time donors and the proportion of experienced donors, defined as those who gave ≥5 donations.ResultsIn logistic regression analyses, high no‐show rates were significantly associated with decreased likelihood of first‐time donation. Long IFD‐intervals were significantly associated with decreased likelihood of returning for a second donation among first‐time donors. Experienced donors, compared to novice donors, were more likely to be male than female, older than younger and with shorter vs longer IFD‐intervals.ConclusionsNo‐show and long IFD‐intervals may be behavioural markers of low levels of motivation for making the first donation and for returning for a second donation, respectively.
Behaviour change intervention to improve shared toilet maintenance and cleanliness in urban slums of Dhaka: a cluster‐randomised controlled trial
Authors: Alam Mahbub‐Ul , Winch Peter J. , Saxton Ronald E. , Nizame Fosiul A. , Yeasmin Farzana , Norman Guy , Masud Abdullah‐Al , Begum Farzana , Rahman Mahbubur , Hossain Kamal , Layden Anita , Unicomb Leanne , Luby Stephen P. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractObjectivesShared toilets in urban slums are often unclean and poorly maintained, discouraging consistent use and thereby limiting impacts on health and quality of life. We developed behaviour change interventions to support shared toilet maintenance and improve user satisfaction. We report the intervention effectiveness on improving shared toilet cleanliness.MethodsWe conducted a cluster‐randomised controlled trial among users of 1226 shared toilets in 23 Dhaka slums. We assessed baseline toilet cleanliness in January 2015. The six‐month intervention included provision of hardware (bin for solid waste, 4 l flushing bucket, 70 l water reservoir), and behaviour change communication (compound meetings, interpersonal household sessions, signs depicting rules for toilet use). We estimated the adjusted difference in difference (DID) to assess outcomes and accounted for clustering effects using generalised estimating equations.ResultsCompared to controls, intervention toilets were more likely to have water available inside toilet cubicles (DID: +4.7%, 95% CI: 0.2, 9.2), access to brush/broom for cleaning (DID: +8.4%, 95% CI: 2, 15) and waste bins (DID: +63%, 95% CI: 59, 66), while less likely to have visible faeces inside the pan (DID: −13%, 95% CI: −19, −5), the smell of faeces (DID: −7.6%, 95% CI: −14, −1.3) and household waste inside the cubicle (DID: −4%, 95% CI: −7, −1).ConclusionsIn one of few efforts to promote shared toilet cleanliness, intervention compounds were significantly more likely to have cleaner toilets after six months. Future research might explore how residents can self‐finance toilet maintenance, or employ mass media to reduce per‐capita costs of behaviour change.
Dengue data and surveillance in Tanzania: a systematic literature review
Authors: Ward Tara , Samuel Moody , Maoz Dorit , Runge‐Ranzinger Silvia , Boyce Ross , Toledo Joao , Velayudhan Raman , Horstick Olaf 
Published: May 2017

AbstractObjectiveAlthough there is evidence that dengue virus is circulating in Tanzania, the country lacks a dengue surveillance system. Consequently, the true estimate of dengue seroprevalence, as well as the incidence in the population, the frequency and magnitude of outbreaks is unknown. This study therefore sought to systematically review available dengue data from Tanzania.MethodsThe systematic review was conducted and reported using the PRISMA tool. Five databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, WHOLIS and Google Scholar) were searched for articles using various keywords on the illness, data and geographical location. Identified articles were assessed for inclusion based on predefined eligibility criteria. Data were extracted from included articles, analysed and reported.ResultsBased on the 10 seroprevalence studies in defined populations with estimates of acute confirmed infections that were included in the review, the estimated seroprevalence of past dengue infection in Tanzania ranged from 50.6% in a health facility‐based study to 11% in a population‐based study. Acute confirmed infections of dengue were estimated to be as high as 38.2% of suspected cases. Only one study reported on an outbreak.ConclusionsIt is evident that dengue needs to become part of regular disease surveillance in Tanzania. Control measures need to be instituted with a focus on building human resource capacity and integrating dengue control measures in ongoing health programmes, for both preventive and curative interventions. Systematic reviews are valuable in assessing health issues when surveillance data are not available.
Household coverage of Swaziland's national community health worker programme: a cross‐sectional population‐based study
Authors: Geldsetzer Pascal , Vaikath Maria , De Neve Jan‐Walter , Bossert Thomas J. , Sibandze Sibusiso , Bärnighausen Till 
Published: May 2017

AbstractObjectivesTo ascertain household coverage achieved by Swaziland's national community health worker (CHW) programme and differences in household coverage across clients’ sociodemographic characteristics.MethodsHousehold survey from June to September 2015 in two of Swaziland's four administrative regions using two‐stage cluster random sampling. Interviewers administered a questionnaire to all household members in 1542 households across 85 census enumeration areas.ResultsWhile the CHW programme aims to cover all households in the country, only 44.5% (95% confidence interval: 38.0% to 51.1%) reported that they had ever been visited by a CHW. In both uni‐ and multivariable regressions, coverage was negatively associated with household wealth (OR for most vs. least wealthy quartile: 0.30 [0.16 to 0.58], P < 0.001) and education (OR for >secondary schooling vs. no schooling: 0.65 [0.47 to 0.90], P = 0.009), and positively associated with residing in a rural area (OR: 2.95 [1.77 to 4.91], P < 0.001). Coverage varied widely between census enumeration areas.ConclusionsSwaziland's national CHW programme is falling far short of its coverage goal. To improve coverage, the programme would likely need to recruit additional CHWs and/or assign more households to each CHW. Alternatively, changing the programme's ambitious coverage goal to visiting only certain types of households would likely reduce existing arbitrary differences in coverage between households and communities. This study highlights the need to evaluate and reform large long‐standing CHW programmes in sub‐Saharan Africa.
Dihydroartemisinin‐piperaquine versus artesunate‐amodiaquine for treatment of malaria infection in pregnancy in Ghana: an open‐label, randomised, non‐inferiority trial
Authors: Osarfo Joseph , Tagbor Harry , Cairns Matthew , Alifrangis Michael , Magnussen Pascal 
Published: May 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo determine whether dihydroartemisinin‐piperaquine (DHA‐PPQ) is non‐inferior to artesunate‐amodiaquine (ASAQ) for treating uncomplicated malaria infection in pregnancy.MethodsA total of 417 second/ third trimester pregnant women with confirmed asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum parasitaemia were randomised to receive DHA‐PPQ or ASAQ over 3 days. Women were followed up on days 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, 28 and 42 after treatment start and at delivery for parasitological, haematological, birth outcomes and at 6‐week post‐partum to ascertain the health status of the babies. Parasitological efficacy (PE) by days 28 and 42 were co‐primary outcomes. Analysis was per‐protocol (PP) and modified intention‐to‐treat (ITT). Non‐inferiority was declared if the two‐sided 95% confidence interval for PE at the endpoints excluded 5% lower efficacy for DHA‐PPQ. Secondary outcomes were assessed for superiority.ResultsIn PP analysis, PE was 91.6% for DHA‐PPQ and 89.3% for ASAQ by day 28 and 89.0% and 86.5%, respectively, by day 42. DHA‐PPQ was non‐inferior to ASAQ with respect to uncorrected PE [adjusted difference by day 28 (DHA‐PPQ‐ASAQ); 3.5% (95%CI: −1.5, 8.5); and day 42: 3.9% (95%CI: −2.7, 10.4)]. ITT analysis gave similar results. PCR to distinguish recrudescence and reinfection was unsuccessful. DHA‐PPQ recipients had fewer adverse events of vomiting, dizziness, and general weakness compared to ASAQ. Both drugs were well‐tolerated, and there was no excess of adverse birth outcomes.ConclusionDHA‐PPQ was non‐inferior to ASAQ for treatment of malaria infection during pregnancy. No safety concerns were identified. Our findings contribute to growing evidence that DHA‐PPQ is useful for control of malaria in pregnancy.
Altered post‐capillary and collecting venular reactivity in skeletal muscle with metabolic syndrome
Authors: Lemaster Kent A. , Farid Zahra , Brock Robert W. , Shrader Carl D. , Goldman Daniel , Jackson Dwayne N. , Frisbee Jefferson C. 
Published: May 2017

Key points
With the development of the metabolic syndrome, both post‐capillary and collecting venular dilator reactivity within the skeletal muscle of obese Zucker rats (OZR) is impaired.
The impaired dilator reactivity in OZR reflects a loss in venular nitric oxide and PGI2 bioavailability, associated with the chronic elevation in oxidant stress.
Additionally, with the impaired dilator responses, a modest increase in adrenergic constriction combined with an elevated thromboxane A2 production may contribute to impaired functional dilator and hyperaemic responses at the venular level.
For the shift in skeletal muscle venular function with development of the metabolic syndrome, issues such as aggregate microvascular perfusion resistance, mass transport and exchange within with capillary networks, and fluid handling across the microcirculation are compelling avenues for future investigation.
AbstractWhile research into vascular outcomes of the metabolic syndrome has focused on arterial/arteriolar and capillary levels, investigation into venular function and how this impacts responses has received little attention. Using the in situ cremaster muscle of obese Zucker rats (OZR; with lean Zucker rats (LZR) as controls), we determined indices of venular function. At ∼17 weeks of age, skeletal muscle post‐capillary venular density was reduced by ∼20% in LZR vs. OZR, although there was no evidence of remodelling of the venular wall. Venular tone at ∼25 μm (post‐capillary) and ∼75 μm (collecting) diameter was elevated in OZR vs. LZR. Venular dilatation to acetylcholine was blunted in OZR vs. LZR due to increased oxidant stress‐based loss of nitric oxide bioavailability (post‐capillary) and increased α1‐ (and α2‐) mediated constrictor tone (collecting). Venular constrictor responses in OZR were comparable to LZR for most stimuli, although constriction to α1‐adrenoreceptor stimulation was elevated. In response to field stimulation of the cremaster muscle (0.5, 1, 3 Hz), venular dilator and hyperaemic responses to lower frequencies were blunted in OZR, but responses at 3 Hz were similar between strains. Venous production of TxA2 was higher in OZR than LZR and significantly higher than PGI2 production in either following arachidonic acid challenge. These results suggest that multi‐faceted alterations to skeletal muscle venular function in OZR may contribute to alterations in upstream capillary pressure profiles and the transcapillary exchange of solutes and water under conditions of metabolic syndrome.
New faunistic and taxonomic data on oribatid mites (Acari, Oribatida) of Taiwan
Authors: Ermilov Sergey G. , Liao Jhih-rong 
Published: May 2017

The present study is based on oribatid mite materials (Acari, Oribatida) collected from Taiwan in 2009–2010. A list of identified taxa, including 34 species from 30 genera and 21 families, is presented; of these, the subspecies Tectocepheus velatus sarekensis, the species Suctobelbella (Flagrosuctobelba) cf. elegantula, Paralamellobates misella, Protoribates paracapucinus, Perscheloribates nodosus and Scheloribates (Bischeloribates) dalawaeus, the subgenera Uracrobates (Parauracrobates) and Scheloribates (Bischeloribates), and the genera Scapheremaeus and Brassiella are recorded in the fauna of Taiwan for the first time. The species Camisia hamulifera and Fissicepheus defectus are recorded in the Oriental region for the first time. Two new species belonging to the genera Galumna (Galumnidae) and Uracrobates (Mochlozetidae) are described. Galumna (Galumna) tsengi sp. nov. differs from G. (G.) makilingensis Ermilov, Corpuz-Raros & Tolstikov, 2014 by the clavate heads of the bothridial setae, slightly dilated porose areas Aa in posterolateral parts, not boomerang shaped, and by the erect interlamellar setae, which are shorter than the lamellar setae. Uracrobates (Parauracrobates) newtaipeiensis sp. nov. differs from U. (P.) truncatus Ermilov & Martens, 2015 by the absence of well-developed lateral teeth on the lamellar cusps, foveolate notogaster and anogenital region and the medium length of the anal and adanal setae.