bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Maintain High Levels of Infectivity in the Complete Absence of Mucin-Type O-Glycosylation
Authors: Termini James M. , Church Elizabeth S. , Silver Zachary A. , Haslam Stuart M. , Dell Anne , Desrosiers Ronald C. 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT

A highly conserved threonine near the C terminus of gp120 of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) was investigated for its contributions to envelope protein function and virion infectivity. When this highly conserved Thr residue was substituted with anything other than serine (the other amino acid that can accept O-glycosylation), the resulting virus was noninfectious. We found that this Thr was critical for the association of gp120 with the virion and that amino acid substitution increased the amount of dissociated gp120 in the cell culture supernatant. When HIV virions were generated in cells overexpressing polypeptide
N
-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase 1 (GalNAcT1), viral infectivity was increased 2.5-fold compared to that of virus produced in wild-type HEK293T cells; infectivity was increased 8-fold when the Thr499Ser mutant was used. These infectivity enhancements were not observed when GalNAcT3 was used. Using HEK293T knockout cell lines totally devoid of the ability to perform O-linked glycosylation, we demonstrated production of normal levels of virions and normal levels of infectivity in the complete absence of O-linked carbohydrate. Our data indicate that O-glycosylation is not necessary for the natural replication cycle of HIV and SIV. Nonetheless, it remains theoretically possible that the repertoire of GalNAc transferase isoforms in natural target cells for HIV and SIV
in vivo
could result in O-glycosylation of the threonine residue in question and that this could boost the infectivity of virions beyond the levels seen in the absence of such O-glycosylation.

IMPORTANCE
Approximately 50% of the mass of the gp120 envelope glycoprotein of both HIV and SIV is N-linked carbohydrate. One of the contributions of this N-linked carbohydrate is to shield conserved peptide sequences from recognition by humoral immunity. This N-linked glycosylation is one of the reasons that primary isolates of HIV and SIV are so heavily resistant to antibody-mediated neutralization. Much less studied is any potential contribution from O-linked glycosylation. The literature on this topic to date is somewhat confusing and ambiguous. Our studies described in this report demonstrate unambiguously that O-linked glycosylation is not necessary for the natural replication cycle of HIV and SIV. However, the door is not totally closed because of the diversity of numerous GalNAc transferase enzymes that initiate O-linked carbohydrate attachment and the theoretical possibility that natural target cells for HIV and SIV
in vivo
could potentially complete such O-linked carbohydrate attachment to further increase infectivity.
Responsiveness to cigarette prices by different racial/ethnic groups of US adults
Authors: Yao Tingting , Ong Michael K , Max Wendy , Keeler Courtney , Wang Yingning , Yerger Valerie B , Sung Hai-Yen 
Published: July 2017

ObjectiveTo evaluate the impact of cigarette prices on adult smoking for four US racial/ethnic groups: whites, African–Americans, Asians and Hispanics.MethodsWe analysed pooled cross-sectional data from the 2006/2007 and 2010/2011 Tobacco Use Supplement to the Current Population Survey (n=339 921 adults aged 18+) and cigarette price data from the Tax Burden on Tobacco. Using a two-part econometric model of cigarette demand that controlled for sociodemographic characteristics, state-level antismoking sentiment, local-level smoke-free air laws and monthly indicator, we estimated for each racial/ethnic group the price elasticities of smoking participation, smoking intensity and total demand for cigarettes.ResultsSmoking prevalence for whites, African–Americans, Asians and Hispanics during the study period was 18.3%, 16.1%, 8.2% and 11.3%, respectively. The price elasticity of smoking participation was statistically significant for whites, African–Americans, Asians and Hispanics at −0.26, –0.10, −0.42 and −0.11, respectively. The price elasticity of smoking intensity was statistically significant among whites (−0.22) and African–Americans (−0.17). Overall, the total price elasticity of cigarette demand was statistically significant for all racial/ethnic groups: 0.48 for whites, −0.27 for African–Americans, −0.22 for Asians and −0.15 for Hispanics.ConclusionsOur results suggest that raising cigarette prices, such as via tobacco tax increases, would result in reduced cigarette consumption for all racial/ethnic groups. The magnitude of the effect and the impact on cessation and reduced smoking intensity differ across these groups.
Effects of different input pressure waveforms on the carotid sinus baroreflex-mediated sympathetic arterial pressure response in rats
Authors: Kawada Toru , Shimizu Shuji , Yamamoto Hiromi , Miyamoto Tadayoshi , Kamiya Atsunori , Shishido Toshiaki , Sugimachi Masaru 
Published: July 2017

Although the pulsatility of an input pressure is an important factor that determines the arterial baroreflex responses, whether the difference in the input waveforms can meaningfully affect the baroreflex function remains unknown. This study aimed to compare baroreflex responses between two distinct pressure waveforms: a forward saw wave (FSW) and a backward saw wave (BSW). In seven anesthetized rats, carotid sinus pressure was exposed to the FSW or the BSW with a mean of 120 mmHg, pulse pressure of 40 mmHg, and pulse frequency of 1 Hz. Changes in efferent sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) and arterial pressure (AP) during six consecutive saw wave trials (FSW1, BSW1, FSW2, BSW2, FSW3, and BSW3) were examined. The steady-state SNA value during FSW1 was 91.1 ± 1.9%, which was unchanged during FSW2 and FSW3 but significantly increased during BSW1 (106.6 ± 3.4%, P < 0.01), BSW2 (110.6 ± 2.5%, P < 0.01), and BSW3 (111.6 ± 2.3%, P < 0.01). The steady-state AP value during FSW1 was 98.2 ± 8.1 mmHg, which was unchanged during FSW2 and FSW3 but significantly increased during BSW1 (106.7 ± 7.4 mmHg, P < 0.01), BSW2 (105.6 ± 7.8 mmHg, P < 0.01), and BSW3 (103.8 ± 7.2 mmHg, P < 0.05). In conclusion, the FSW was more effective than the BSW in reducing mean SNA and AP. The finding could be applied to designing an artificial pulsatile pressure such as that generated by left ventricular assist devices. NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study examined whether the waveforms of an input pressure alone can affect the baroreflex function by using a forward saw wave and a backward saw wave with the same mean pressure, pulse pressure, and pulse frequency. The forward saw wave was more effective than the backward saw wave in reducing sympathetic nerve activity and arterial pressure. The finding could be applied to designing an artificial pulsatile pressure such as that generated by left ventricular assist devices.
Energy cost of running instability evaluated with wearable trunk accelerometry
Authors: Schütte Kurt H. , Sackey Saint , Venter Rachel , Vanwanseele Benedicte 
Published: July 2017

Maintaining stability under dynamic conditions is an inherent challenge to bipedal running. This challenge may impose an energetic cost (Ec) thus hampering endurance running performance, yet the underlying mechanisms are not clear. Wireless triaxial trunk accelerometry is a simple tool that could be used to unobtrusively evaluate these mechanisms. Here, we test a cost of instability hypothesis by examining the contribution of trunk accelerometry-based measures (triaxial root mean square, step and stride regularity, and sample entropy) to interindividual variance in Ec (J/m) during treadmill running. Accelerometry and indirect calorimetry data were collected concurrently from 30 recreational runners (16 men; 14 women) running at their highest steady-state running speed (80.65 ± 5.99% V̇o2max). After reducing dimensionality with factor analysis, the effect of dynamic stability features on Ec was evaluated using hierarchical multiple regression analysis. Three accelerometry-based measures could explain an additional 10.4% of interindividual variance in Ec after controlling for body mass, attributed to anteroposterior stride regularity (5.2%), anteroposterior root mean square ratio (3.2%), and mediolateral sample entropy (2.0%). Our results lend support to a cost of instability hypothesis, with trunk acceleration waveform signals that are 1) more consistent between strides anteroposterioly, 2) larger in amplitude variability anteroposterioly, and 3) more complex mediolaterally and are energetically advantageous to endurance running performance. This study shows that wearable trunk accelerometry is a useful tool for understanding the Ec of running and that running stability is important for economy in recreational runners. NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study evaluates and more directly lends support to a cost of instability hypothesis between runners. Moreover, this hypothesis was tested using a minimalist setup including a single triaxial trunk mounted accelerometer, with potential transferability to biomechanical and performance analyses in typical outdoor settings.
Perceptions of Insects
Authors: Lemelin Raynald Harvey , Dampier Jason , Harper Rick , Bowles Robert , Balika Debbie 
Published: July 2017

AbstractA Personal Meaning of Insects Map (pmim) was administered to participants from eastern Canada and northeastern United States. In the four-phase inductive study, participant responses to insects were coded and analyzed. Responses were elicited prior to and after viewing an insect video. Responses regarding the most cited insects, negative and positive associations with insects, and suggested management and education strategies were examined. Participants also discussed how information was acquired from various sources. The findings suggest that perceptions of insects are contextualized and sometimes inaccurate relative to scientific taxonomy. Research and the development of education strategies that take into account how the general public understands (or misunderstands) insects and where it acquires its information would be better served if we were to develop management and educational tools that address human-insect encounters from various socio-cultural perspectives.
Morphological and molecular study of the genus Nosopsyllus (Siphonaptera: Ceratophyllidae). Nosopsyllus barbarus () as a junior synonym of Nosopsyllus fasciatus (Bosc d’Antic, 1800)
Authors: Zurita Antonio , Callejón Rocío , de Rojas Manuel , Cutillas Cristina 
Published: July 2017

In the present work, a comparative morphological and molecular study of Nosopsyllus barbarus (Jordan & Rothschild 1912) and Nosopsyllus fasciatus (Bosc, d’Antic 1800) isolated from rodents from different geographical regions (Spain, Morocco, Belgium, France and Portugal) has been carried out. The Internal Transcribed Spacers 1 and 2 (ITS1, ITS2) and partial 18S rRNA, and partial cytochrome c oxidase 1 (cox1) and cytochrome b (cytb) mtDNA sequences were determined to clarify the taxonomic status of these two species and to assess intraspecific variation and inter-specific sequence differences. In addition, a phylogenetic analysis with other species of fleas using Bayesian inference was performed. We have found morphological differences between N. barbarus and N. fasciatus that did not correspond with molecular differences. Furthermore, any of the five molecular markers used in this study was able to discriminate between the two species. Thus, based on the phylogenetic and molecular study of three nuclear markers (18S, ITS1, ITS2) and two mitochondrial markers (cox1 and cytb), as well as the concatenated dataset of both species, we concluded that morphological characters traditionally used to discriminate between the two species do not provide solid arguments for considering these two “morphospecies” as two different species. Therefore, we propose N. barbarus should be considered as a junior synonym of N. fasciatus.
Awareness, Possession, and Use of Take-Home Naloxone Among Illicit Drug Users, Vancouver, British Columbia, 2014-2015
Authors: Nolan Seonaid , Buxton Jane , Dobrer Sabina , Dong Huiru , Hayashi Kanna , Milloy M. J. , Kerr Thomas , Montaner Julio , Wood Evan 
Published: July 2017

Objectives: Although take-home naloxone (THN) programs are integral in strategies to prevent overdose deaths among opioid users, the uptake of THN among people who use drugs (PWUD) (including non-opioid users) is unknown. The objectives of this study were to determine awareness, possession, and use of THN among PWUD in Vancouver, Canada, and identify barriers to adopting this strategy. Methods: From December 1, 2014, to May 29, 2015, participants in 2 prospective cohort studies of PWUD in Vancouver completed a standardized questionnaire, which asked about awareness, possession, and use of THN; sociodemographic characteristics; and drug use patterns. We conducted multivariable logistic regression analyses to determine factors independently associated with awareness and possession of THN. Results: Of 1137 PWUD, 727 (64%) reported at least 1 previous overdose ever, and 220 (19%) had witnessed an overdose in the previous 6 months. Although 769 (68%) participants overall reported awareness of THN, only 88 of 392 (22%) opioid users had a THN kit, 18 (20%) of whom had previously administered naloxone. Factors that were positively associated with awareness of THN included witnessing an overdose in the previous 6 months (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.23; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.49-3.34; P < .001), possession of THN (aOR = 1.85; 95% CI, 1.11-3.06; P = .02), younger age (aOR = 1.02; 95% CI, 1.01-1.04; P = .003), white race (aOR = 1.67; 95% CI, 1.27-2.19; P < .001), hepatitis C infection (aOR = 1.63; 95% CI, 1.13-2.36; P = .01), residing in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside neighborhood (aOR = 1.93; 95% CI, 1.47-2.53; P < .001), and at least daily heroin injection (aOR = 1.69; 95% CI, 1.09-2.62; P < .02). Conclusion: Efforts to improve knowledge of and participation in the THN program may contribute to reduced opioid overdose mortality in Vancouver.
Aging Perceptions in Older Gay and Bisexual Men in Portugal
Authors: Pereira Henrique , Serrano Juan Pedro , de Vries Brian , Esgalhado Graça , Afonso Rosa Marina , Monteiro Samuel 
Published: July 2017

Aims and Objectives The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions toward aging among Portuguese gay and bisexual men over 60 years old. Background Despite the growth of the older population, and the increased visibility and acceptance of lesbian, gay, and bisexual people in Western countries, the experience of aging in older gay and bisexual men is only beginning to be understood. Design We used a qualitative research methodology, based on critical gerontology, for establishing research questions and to identify the perspectives on the aging process in older gay and bisexual individuals. Methods We used a structured electronic inquiry with 25 gay and bisexual men over 60 years of age from Portugal. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis to help identify repeated patterns of meaning in the data set. Results The recurrent themes in the narratives of the aging experiences of the participants in the study were as follows: positive perceptions of aging, negative perceptions of aging, coping with being a gay/bisexual man and family ties, professional care, homophobia/discrimination, relationships and social support, intergenerational differences, mediating role of sexual orientation, sociopolitical changes, and personal characteristics. Conclusion Analysis of perceptions about the aging process in older gay and bisexual men emphasized the desire for normalization in the social awareness of sexual orientation. It is important to continue doing research on this topic and disseminate this information among professionals who work with older lesbian, gay, and bisexual people so that they may better understand how they can meet the specific needs of this population.
Barriers and facilitators to healthy eating and disease self-management among older adults residing in subsidized housing
Authors: Petroka Katherine , Campbell-Bussiere Rania , Dychtwald Dan K , Milliron Brandy-Joe 
Published: July 2017

Background: As adults transition into older ages, meeting age-specific dietary recommendations can become increasingly challenging, especially for low-income seniors who reside in publicly subsidized rental housing. Aim: The primary objectives of this study were to: 1) identify barriers and facilitators to healthy eating and self-management of nutrition-related chronic illnesses experienced by low-income seniors residing in a subsidized housing setting; and 2) assess the interest in community nutrition programming among low-income seniors residing in a subsidized housing setting. Method: A qualitative study design, using food focus groups and food pantry observations, was used. Participants included 24 male and female senior adults, between 65 and 75 years of age, residing in a subsidized housing community in Philadelphia, PA. This setting also included the unique features of a community garden and food pantry. Data were manually analyzed using a content analysis approach, which included familiarization, identification of themes, categorization and interpretation; and verified using NVivo 10. Results: Personal barriers, including food cost and accessibility, physical limitations, desire for convenience, and low self-efficacy to change dietary habits, inhibited motivation to change. External barriers in the food environment, including lack of transportation and distance of markets to access fresh produce, were commonly cited; as well as negative influences of the internal environment, such as the presence of vending machines, common cultural cooking and eating practices, and the lack of social cohesion. Facilitators focused on food preparation and recipe adaptation. Conclusions: Participants expressed an interest in learning more about food, nutrition, and health through community-based programming.
Analysis of mortality in the emergency department at a university hospital in Pleven
Authors: Stefanovski Petko Hristov , Vladimir Radkov Radev , Lyubomir Ilkov Tsankov , Pencho Tonchev Tonchev , Yoana Mladenova Todorova , Vihar Manchev Kovachev , Radko Nikolov Radev 
Published: July 2017

Objective To identify the demographic patterns of mortality, the time spent before death in the emergency department (ED), and the causes of fatal outcomes. Methods We performed a 5-year (01/01/2011 to 01/01/2016) retrospective analysis of all non-traumatic deaths in the ED of the UMHAT – Pleven. To extract the necessary information, we used the registers in the ED until the patients’ death. Results Among 156,848 patients in the study period, 381 died and the mortality rate was 2.4/100000. The male:female ratio was 1.48:1. The 71–80 years age group was the most affected. The mean (SD) age of patients who died in the ED was 69.9 ± 8.4 years. Most non-traumatic deaths (222 cases) were due to cardiovascular disease. Most patients (70.9%) died within 2.3 h after arrival. The factors contributing to mortality included poverty, transporting the patient to hospital too late, and a lack of developed care centres for terminally ill patients. Conclusion Most patients die within approximately 2 h after arrival at the ED. The main cause of death is acute myocardial infarction. Pulmonary embolism remains unrecognized in most patients (69%). Oncological pathology is among the main causes (7.4%) of mortality.
Nagaram during the Chola and Pandyan Period: Commerce and Towns in the Tamil Country A.D. 850–1350
Authors: Karashima N. , Subbarayalu Y. , Shanmugam P. 
Published: July 2017

In medieval Tamil country, starting from the eighth-ninth centuries, nagaram was the town, where merchants conducted commercial activities, through a corporate body called either as nagaram or nagarattār. if has been studied to some extent by some scholars in the context of the elucidation of medieval state structure and social formation. In the past studies, however, the relations between the state and nagarattār and those between nagarattār and itinerant merchant guilds like ainnūrruvar were not made clear. This study, using a larger corpus of inscriptions, seeks to clarify the changing character of nagaram through a period of five centuries. In the earlier phase of our study period there was not much difference between nagaram (town) and other agriculture-based villages, and the former was utilized by the state for its local administration, but in the later phase, namely in and after the twelfth century, it transformed its character to the promoter of commerce by associating itself with itinerant merchant guilds. Jāti formation by merchants of various sorts also accelerated the process of network formation by nagarams in the later phase. We find also a subtle difference in the activities of merchants between the central and northern regions of the Tamil country. As against the more independent attitude of merchants of the central region, who were organized in guilds, merchants and artisans in the northern region, appearing as kāsāyakudi (‘those who pay money taxes’), seem to have been placed under the control of the political powers such as local chiefs.
Neurofeedback as an adjunct therapy for treatment of chronic posttraumatic stress disorder related to refugee trauma and torture experiences: two case studies
Authors: Askovic Mirjana , Watters Anna J , Aroche Jorge , Harris Anthony W F 
Published: July 2017

Objective: The objective of this study was to describe the use of neurofeedback for refugee-related chronic posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in two case studies. Methods: We describe the assessment and application of neurofeedback integrated into the treatment of two clients with chronic PTSD. We include details of our treatment schedule, symptoms and quantitative electrophysiological data for each case. Results All clients achieved significant reduction in symptoms of PTSD and improvement in daily functioning post-neurofeedback therapy. Quantitative electroencephalogric (EEG) measures indicate a normalisation of EEG markers relating to trauma, including overarousal at rest and working memory function. Conclusions Neurofeedback as an adjunct to trauma-informed therapy may help to remediate chronic PTSD relating to refugee experiences. If replicated then improvements demonstrated in this population would be generalisable to all chronic PTSD.