bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plasma levels of innate immune mediators are associated with liver fibrosis in low parasite burden Schistosoma mansoni‐infected individuals
Authors: Rodrigues Oliveira J. L. , Teixeira M. M. , Lambertucci J. R. , Antunes C. M. F. , Carneiro M. , Negrão‐Corrêa D. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIn the murine model, it was demonstrated that pro‐inflammatory cytokines and chemokines are essential to the formation and modulation of Schistosoma‐induced granulomatous inflammation. However, the relationship of these immune mediators and disease severity is hard to be established in naturally infected individuals. The current study evaluates the association between plasma concentrations of MIF, sTNF‐R1, CCL3, CCL7 and CCL24 and schistosomiasis morbidity in Schistosoma mansoni‐infected patients with a low parasite burden. For this propose, 97 S. mansoni‐infected individuals were subjected to abdominal ultrasound analysis and clinical examination. Among them, 88 had plasma concentration of immune mediators estimated by ELISA assay. Multivariate linear regression models were used to evaluate the relationship between the plasma concentration of immune mediators and the variables investigated. Although most individuals presented low parasite burden, over 30% of them showed signs of fibrosis defined by ultrasound measurements and 2 patients had a severe form of schistosomiasis. No association between parasite burden and the plasma levels of chemokine/cytokines or disease severity was observed. There was a positive association between plasma concentration of CCL4, sTNF‐R1, CCL3 and MIF with gall bladder thickness and/or with portal vein thickness that are liver fibrosis markers. In contrast, no association was found between CCL7 plasma concentrations with any of the schistosomiasis morbidity parameters evaluated. The data showed that CCL24, sTNFR1, MIF and CCL3 can be detected in plasma of S. mansoni‐infected individuals and their concentration would be used as prognostic makers of Schistosoma‐induced liver fibrosis, even in individuals with low parasite burden.
The genetic architecture of nodal root number in maize
Authors: Zhang Zhihai , Zhang Xuan , Lin Zhelong , Wang Jian , Xu Mingliang , Lai Jinsheng , Yu Jianming , Lin Zhongwei 
Published: January 2018

SummaryThe maize nodal root system plays a crucial role in the development of the aboveground plant and determines the yield via the uptake of water and nutrients in the field. However, the genetic architecture of the maize nodal root system is not well understood, and it has become the ‘dark matter’ of maize genetics. Here, a large teosinte‐maize population was analyzed, and high‐resolution mapping revealed that 62 out of 133 quantitative trait loci (QTLs), accounting for approximately half of the total genetic variation in nodal root number, were derived from QTLs for flowering time, which was further validated through a transgenic analysis and a genome‐wide association study. However, only 16% of the total genetic variation in nodal root number was derived from QTLs for plant height. These results gave a hint that flowering time played a key role in shaping nodal root number via indirect selection during maize domestication. Our results also supported that more aerial nodal roots and fewer crown roots might be favored in temperate maize, and this root architecture might efficiently improve root‐lodging resistance and the ability to take up deep water and nitrogen under dense planting.
Low prevalence of mupirocin resistance in Staphylococcus pseudintermedius isolates from canine pyoderma in Korea
Authors: Park Ji‐Hyung , Kang Jung‐Hun , Hyun Jae‐Eun , Hwang Cheol‐Yong 
Published: January 2018

BackgroundMupirocin is a topical antibacterial drug used for the treatment of staphylococcal infections, including meticillin‐resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP). The recent emergence of resistance to mupirocin is a major concern in many countries.ObjectivesThis study investigated the prevalence and genotype of mupirocin‐resistant S. pseudintermedius isolated from pet dogs with pyoderma.SamplesA total of 110 clinical isolates of S. pseudintermedius were collected from dogs with pyoderma (n = 110) between July 2010 and September 2016. All animals were client‐owned dogs.MethodsLow‐ and high‐level mupirocin resistance were evaluated with both the broth microdilution and disk diffusion tests. Mupirocin resistance in S. pseudintermedius isolates was confirmed by genetic analysis of the ileS‐2 and naïve ileS genes.ResultsMRSP and meticillin‐susceptible S. pseudintermedius were detected in 69 and 41 dogs, respectively. One MRSP strain was highly resistant to mupirocin and contained the high‐level mupirocin resistance gene ileS‐2. There were no low‐level mupirocin‐resistant isolates.Conclusion and clinical importanceMupirocin is a useful topical antibacterial for MRSP, but a clinical MRSP isolate that had not previously been exposed to mupirocin exhibited the high‐level mupirocin resistance in phenotype and genotype. Therefore, continuous monitoring for mupirocin resistance is important in small animal practice.
An App to Assess Young Children’s Perceptions of Movement Competence
Authors: Barnett Lisa M. , Makin Owen 
Published: January 2018

Assessing young children’s perceptions is commonly done one on one with an interviewer. An app enables several children to complete the scale at once. The objective was to describe an app to assess children’s perceptions of movement competence and then present consistency of child responses. The Pictorial Scale of Perceived Movement Skill Competence (PMSC) has fundamental movement skill (FMS; e.g., catch) and play items (e.g., cycling). The PMSC android app has the same items and images but children complete it independently with audio. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) assessed i) test-retest reliability using the PMSC app on 18 items in 42 children (M = 6.8 yrs) and ii) consistency between measures for 13 FMS items in 44 children (M = 8.5 yrs). Over time (M = 6.9 days, SD = 0.35) the full PMSC had good consistency (ICC = 0.79, 95% CI 0.64–0.88) and the FMS items had moderate consistency (ICC = 0.68, 95% CI 0.47–0.81). There was good agreement between the app and interview for FMS items (ICC = 0.86, 95% CI 0.76–0.92). Locomotor items were less consistent. The PMSC app can generally be recommended. Future research could investigate how different forms of digital assessment affect children’s perception.
The Effects of Cupping on Hamstring Flexibility in College Soccer Players
Authors: Williams Jeffrey G. , Gard Hannah I. , Gregory Jeana M. , Gibson Amy , Austin Jennifer 
Published: January 2018

Context: College soccer players suffer from hamstring injuries due to inflexibility and repetitive motions involving intense hamstring lengthening and contraction during sport. Although it is a popular intervention for muscular injury, there exists limited evidence of the effects of therapeutic cupping on hamstring flexibility. Objective: To determine the effect of cupping therapy on hamstring flexibility in college soccer players. Design: Cohort design. Setting: Athletic training clinic. Patients: A total of 25, asymptomatic, National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III soccer players (10 males and 15 females; age = 19.4 [1.30] y, height = 175.1 [8.2] cm, and mass = 69.5 [6.6] kg). Intervention(s): A 7-minute therapeutic cupping treatment was delivered to the treatment group. Four 2-in cups were fixed atop trigger point locations within the hamstring muscle bellies of participants’ dominant legs. Control group participants received no intervention between pretest and posttest measurements. Main Outcome Measures: Pretest and posttest measurements of hamstring flexibility, using a passive straight leg raise, were performed on both groups. Passive straight leg raise measurements were conducted by blinded examiners using a digital inclinometer. An independent samples t test was used to analyze changes in hamstring flexibility from pretreatment to posttreatment with P values set a priori at .05. Results: An independent samples t test demonstrated no significant difference in change in hamstring flexibility between participants in the treatment group and those in the control group (t23 = −.961, P = .35). Conclusions: The findings of this study demonstrated no statistically significant changes in hamstring flexibility following a cupping treatment.
Impact of Vancomycin MIC on Clinical Outcomes of Patients with Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia Treated with Vancomycin at an Institution with Suppressed MIC Reporting
Authors: Adani Shaili , Bhowmick Tanaya , Weinstein Melvin P. , Narayanan Navaneeth 
Published: January 2018

ABSTRACT

Methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) is a leading cause of bacteremia and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Prior studies evaluating the association of vancomycin MICs with clinical outcomes in patients with MRSA bacteremia have been inconsistent. This study evaluated the association between vancomycin MICs and 30-day in-hospital mortality rates for patients with MRSA bacteremia. This was a retrospective cohort study of patients with MRSA bacteremia treated with vancomycin for ≥72 h from January 2013 to August 2016. Vancomycin MICs were determined by broth microdilution via automated susceptibility testing methods. Study groups consisted of patients with MRSA isolates that had vancomycin MICs of <2 μg/ml and those with vancomycin MICs of 2 μg/ml. Covariates included demographics, severity of illness, comorbidities, intensive-care unit (ICU) admission, infectious disease consultation, infectious sources, and hospital onset of bacteremia. The primary outcome was 30-day in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes included the duration of bacteremia, persistent bacteremia for ≥7 days, recurrence within 30 days, change to alternative antibiotic therapy, and length of hospital stay. Multivariate logistic regression models were analyzed to control for potential confounding variables. A total of 166 patients were included for analysis: 91 patients with vancomycin MICs of <2 μg/ml and 75 patients with vancomycin MICs of 2 μg/ml. In the multivariate logistic regression model, a vancomycin MIC of 2 μg/ml, compared to a MIC of <2 μg/ml, was not significantly associated with 30-day in-hospital mortality after adjustment for confounders. Additionally, all secondary outcomes were not statistically significantly different between study groups. In patients with MRSA bacteremia treated with vancomycin, the vancomycin MIC was not associated with differences in clinical outcomes.
Draft Genome Sequence of a
Leptospira interrogans
Strain Isolated from the Urine of an Asymptomatic Dog in Thailand
Authors: Kurilung Alongkorn , Keeratipusana Chantisa , Suriyaphol Prapat , Prapasarakul Nuvee 
Published: January 2018

ABSTRACT

In 2014,
Leptospira interrogans
strain CUDO8 was isolated from the urine of an asymptomatic dog in Thailand. Here we report the draft genome sequence of this pathogenic bacterium.
Nuclear, Chloroplast, and Mitochondrial Genome Sequences of the Prospective Microalgal Biofuel Strain
Picochlorum soloecismus
Authors: Gonzalez-Esquer C. Raul , Twary Scott N. , Hovde Blake T. , Starkenburg Shawn R. 
Published: January 2018

ABSTRACT

Picochlorum soloecismus
is a halotolerant, fast-growing, and moderate-lipid-producing microalga that is being evaluated as a renewable feedstock for biofuel production. Herein, we report on an improved high-quality draft assembly and annotation for the nuclear, chloroplast, and mitochondrial genomes of
P. soloecismus
DOE 101.
Novel mutation in the choroideremia gene and multi-Mendelian phenotypes in Spanish families
Authors: de Castro-Miró Marta , Tonda Raul , Marfany Gemma , Casaroli-Marano Ricardo P , Gonzàlez-Duarte Roser 
Published: January 2018

AimsWe aimed to accurately diagnose several retinitis pigmentosa (RP) patients with complex ocular phenotypes by combining massive sequencing genetic diagnosis and powerful clinical imaging techniques.MethodsWhole-exome sequencing (WES) of selected patients from two RP families was undertaken. The variants identified were validated by Sanger sequencing and cosegregation analysis. Accurate clinical re-evaluation was performed using electrophysiological and visual field records as well as non-invasive imaging techniques, such as swept-source optical coherence tomography and fundus autofluorescence.ResultsThe WES results highlighted one novel and one reported causative mutations in the X-linked choroideremia gene (CHM), which challenged the initial RP diagnosis. Subsequent clinical re-evaluation confirmed the choroideremia diagnosis. Carrier females showed different degrees of affectation, even between twin sisters, probably due to lyonization. A severe multi-Mendelian phenotype was associated with coincidental dominant pathogenic mutations in two additional genes:PAX6andPDE6B.ConclusionsGenetic diagnosis via massive sequencing is instrumental in identifying causative mutations in retinal dystrophies and additional genetic variants with an impact on the phenotype. Multi-Mendelian phenotypes previously ascribed to rare syndromes can thus be dissected and molecularly diagnosed. Overall, the combination of powerful genetic diagnosis and clinical non-invasive imaging techniques enables efficient management of patients and their prioritisation for gene-specific therapies.
Protocol for a prospective longitudinal study investigating the participation and educational trajectories of Australian students with autism
Authors: Roberts Jacqueline Margaret Anne , Adams Dawn , Heussler Helen , Keen Deborah , Paynter Jessica , Trembath David , Westerveld Marleen , Williams Katrina 
Published: January 2018

IntroductionAutism is associated with high cost to individuals, families, communities and government. Understanding educational and participation trajectories during the school years, and factors influencing these, is fundamental to reducing financial and personal costs. The primary aim of this study is to document the trajectories of Australian students with autism during their education. The secondary aim is to examine personal (eg, student skills) and environmental (eg, school setting) factors associated with differing trajectories and outcomes.Methods and analysisThe cross-sequential longitudinal study will recruit two cohorts of 120 parents/caregivers of children with autism. Cohort 1 aged between 4 and 5 years and cohort 2 between 9 and 10 years to start the study. Information will be gathered from parents, teachers and school principals at six annual time points (T1 to T6). Parents will be emailed a link to an online initial questionnaire (T1) and then contacted annually and asked to complete either an extended questionnaire (T3, T5 and T6) or an abbreviated questionnaire (T2, T4). Where consent is given, the child’s current school will be contacted annually (T1 to T6) and teacher and school principal asked to complete questionnaires about the child and school. Parent and school questionnaires are comprised of questions about demographic and school factors that could influence trajectories and a battery of developmental and behavioural assessment tools designed to assess educational and participation trajectories and outcomes. Surveys will provide longitudinal data on educational and participation trajectories for children and adolescents with autism. In addition cross-sectional comparisons (within or between age groups) at each time point and cohort effects will be explored.Ethics and disseminationEthics approvals have been granted for this study by all recruiting sites and universities in the project. Study findings will inform policy and practice to promote successful inclusion and participation of children with autism in education. Results will be disseminated through journal publication, conference and seminar presentation.
Do active modes of transport cause lower body mass index? Findings from the HABITAT longitudinal study
Authors: Turrell Gavin , Hewitt Belinda A , Rachele Jerome N , Giles-Corti Billie , Busija Lucy , Brown Wendy J 
Published: January 2018

BackgroundFew studies have examined the causal relationship between transport mode and body mass index (BMI).MethodsWe examined between-person differences and within-person changes in BMI by transport mode over four time points between 2007 and 2013. Data were from the How Areas in Brisbane Influence HealTh and AcTivity project, a population-representative study of persons aged 40–65 in 2007 (baseline) residing in 200 neighbourhoods in Brisbane, Australia. The analytic sample comprised 9931 respondents who reported on their main transport for all travel purposes (work-related and non-work-related). Transport mode was measured as private motor vehicle (PMV), public transport, walking and cycling. Self-reported height and weight were used to derive BMI. Sex-specific analyses were conducted using multilevel hybrid regression before and after adjustment for time-varying and time-invariant confounders.ResultsIndependent of transport mode and after adjustment for confounders, average BMI increased significantly and linearly across the four time points for both men and women. Men and women who walked or cycled had a significantly lower BMI than their counterparts who used a PMV. BMI was nearly always lower during the time men and women walked or cycled than when they used a PMV; however, few statistically significant differences were observed. For women, BMI was significantly higher during the time they used public transport than when using a PMV.ConclusionThe findings suggest a causal association between transport mode and BMI and support calls from health authorities to promote walking and cycling for transport as a way of incorporating physical activity into everyday life to reduce the risk of chronic disease.
Price elasticity of demand of non-cigarette tobacco products: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Jawad Mohammed , Lee John Tayu , Glantz Stanton , Millett Christopher 
Published: January 2018

ObjectiveTo systematically review the price elasticity of demand of non-cigarette tobacco products.Data sourcesMedline, Embase, EconLit and the Web of Science without language or time restrictions.Study selectionTwo reviewers screened title and abstracts, then full texts, independently and in duplicate. We based eligibility criteria on study design (interventional or observational), population (individuals or communities without geographic restrictions), intervention (price change) and outcome (change in demand).Data extractionWe abstracted data on study features, outcome measures, statistical approach, and single best own- and cross-price elasticity estimates with respect to cigarettes. We conducted a random effects meta-analysis for estimates of similar product, outcome and country income level. For other studies we reported median elasticities by product and country income level.Data synthesisWe analysed 36 studies from 15 countries yielding 125 elasticity estimates. A 10% price increase would reduce demand by: 8.3% for cigars (95% CI 2.9 to 13.8), 6.4% for roll your owns (95% CI 4.3 to 8.4), 5.7% for bidis (95% CI 4.3 to 7.1) and 2.1% for smokeless tobacco (95% CI −0.6 to 4.8). Median price elasticities for all ten products were also negative. Results from few studies that examined cross-price elasticity suggested a positive substitution effect between cigarette and non-cigarette tobacco products.ConclusionsThere is sufficient evidence in support of the effectiveness of price increases to reduce consumption of non-cigarette tobacco products as it is for cigarettes. Positive substitutability between cigarette and non-cigarette tobacco products suggest that tax and price increases need to be simultaneous and comparable across all tobacco products.
Generalized hypergeometric series for Racah matrices in rectangular representations
Authors: Morozov A. 
Published: January 2018

One of the spectacular results in mathematical physics is the expression of Racah matrices for symmetric representations of the quantum group [Formula: see text] through the Askey–Wilson polynomials, associated with the [Formula: see text]-hypergeometric functions [Formula: see text]. Recently it was shown that this is in fact the general property of symmetric representations, valid for arbitrary [Formula: see text] — at least for exclusive Racah matrices [Formula: see text]. The natural question then is what substitutes the conventional [Formula: see text]-hypergeometric polynomials when representations are more general? New advances in the theory of matrices [Formula: see text], provided by the study of differential expansions of knot polynomials, suggest that these are multiple sums over Young sub-diagrams of the one which describes the original representation of [Formula: see text]. A less trivial fact is that the entries of the sum are not just the factorized combinations of quantum dimensions, as in the ordinary hypergeometric series, but involve non-factorized quantities, like the skew characters and their further generalizations — as well as associated additional summations with the Littlewood–Richardson weights.
Mediums and Science in Early 20th Century Europe
Authors: Leporiere Lorenzo 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
This paper investigates and contextualizes the contribution made by the Italian physiologist Filippo Bottazzi (1867–1941) to research on mediumistic phenomena in Europe at the beginning of the 1900s, focusing on his investigation of the claims of Eusapia Palladino’s powers, a well-known Italian physical medium who inspired the “conversion” of Cesare Lombroso. Bottazzi’s work, conducted between 1906 and 1909, is compared to that of colleagues in Italy and elsewhere and analysed in the light of the scientific methodology that he used in his research as a physiologist. This paper will review the events that led Bottazzi to take an interest in mediumship, and analyse how he designed and conducted his experiments and the conclusions that he drew from them. Particular attention will be focused on the methods and the scientific instruments that he used in his psychical research, which were in keeping with his Positivist epistemological views, as is shown by an essay on the scientific method that he wrote in the same period.
Phage therapy in allergic disorders?
Authors: Górski Andrzej , Jończyk-Matysiak Ewa , Łusiak-Szelachowska Marzanna , Międzybrodzki Ryszard , Weber-Dąbrowska Beata , Borysowski Jan 
Published: January 2018

Allergic disorders pose a growing challenge to medicine and our society. Therefore, novel approaches to prevention and therapy are needed. Recent progress in studies on bacterial viruses (phages) has provided new data indicating that they have significant immunomodulating activities. We show how those activities could be translated into beneficial effects in allergic disorders and present initial clinical data that support this hope. Impact statement Allergic disorders pose a growing challenge to medicine and our society, so new approaches to prevention and therapy are urgently needed. Our article summarizes progress that has been recently made and presents a shift in our understanding of the immunobiological significance of bacterial viruses (phages). Currently, phages may be considered not only as mere “bacteria eaters” but also as regulators of immunity. The new understanding of phages as important factors in maintenance of immune homeostasis opens completely new perspectives for their use in controlling aberrant immune responses. It is likely that this new knowledge could be translated into novel means of immunotherapy of allergic disorders.