bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Yield to the resistance: The impact of nematode resistant varieties on alfalfa yield
Authors: Jordan Scott 
Published: November 2017

AbstractAlfalfa is a major cash crop in the western United States, where fields that are infested with the alfalfa stem nematode (Ditylenchus dipsaci) can be found. With no nematicides available to control alfalfa stem nematode spread, growers can use nematode resistant varieties of alfalfa to manage nematode populations in a field. A deterministic, discrete‐time, host‐parasite model is presented that describes the spread of alfalfa stem nematodes on resistant hosts that were fit to experimental data obtained in Weber County, Utah. Numerical results obtained from simulations with the model are used to compare how varying levels of resistance can affect harvest yield.Recommendations for Resource Managers
Alfalfa stem nematodes have a significant impact on alfalfa production. Nematode resistant varieties of alfalfa can be used to lessen the impact of nematodes on the alfalfa.
This discrete deterministic model is used to determine how different levels of nematode resistance in these varieties will affect harvest yield and nematode populations in the field.
Alfalfa varieties that have a resistance to nematodes can improve yield and lower the nematode population in an infested field.
Sustaining attention to simple visual tasks: a central deficit in schizophrenia? A systematic review
Authors: Hoonakker Marc , Doignon‐Camus Nadège , Bonnefond Anne 
Published: November 2017

AbstractImpairments in sustained attention, that is, the ability to achieve and maintain the focus of cognitive activity on a given stimulation source or task, have been described as central to schizophrenia. Today, sustained attention deficit is still considered as a hallmark of schizophrenia. Nevertheless, current findings on this topic are not consistent. To clarify these findings, we attempt to put these results into perspective according to the type of assessment (i.e., overall and over time assessment), the participants’ characteristics (i.e., clinical and demographic characteristics), and the paradigms (i.e., traditionally formatted tasks, go/no‐go tasks, and the sustained attention task) and measures used. Two types of assessment lead to opposite findings; they do not evaluate sustained attention the same way. Studies using overall assessments of sustained attention ability tend to reveal a deficit, whereas studies using over time assessments do not. Therefore, further research is needed to investigate the underlying cognitive control mechanisms of changes in sustained attention in schizophrenia.
Biological plausibility of the gut–brain axis in autism
Authors: Vasquez Alex 
Published: November 2017

AbstractOrganic abnormalities with neuroinflammatory and psychiatric consequences involving abnormal kynurenine and purine metabolism, neurotransmitter and cytokine imbalances, and altered levels of nutrients and metabolites are noted in autism, and many of these abnormalities—specifically including increased intestinal permeability, microbial metabolites, and heightened serum levels of endotoxin—originate from the gut.
Transcription factors as critical players in melanoma invasiveness, drug resistance, and opportunities for therapeutic drug development
Authors: Cohen‐Solal Karine A. , Kaufman Howard L. , Lasfar Ahmed 
Published: November 2017

SummaryResistance to targeted therapy in cancer is often coupled with the acquisition of a pro‐invasive phenotype by tumors cells and a highly permissive tumor microenvironment promoting drug resistance. Transcription factors are frequently shown as major points of convergence of multiple dysregulated receptors and signaling pathways in cancer. Several transcription factors are now incriminated as drivers of both drug resistance and invasiveness. We focused this review on critical transcription factors playing a causal role in both the resistance to BRAF V600E‐targeted therapy and the pro‐invasive behavior of melanoma cells. Simultaneous rewiring of pro‐oncogenic signaling pathways, phenotype switching or phenotypic plasticity supporting pro‐invasive/pro‐metastatic behavior, actin remodeling, and bidirectional interactions between tumor microenvironment and melanoma cells represent major challenges for overcoming resistance to BRAF V600E inhibitors (BRAFi) and will be discussed. Although it represents an underdeveloped area of translational investigation, inhibition of transcription factors may open new avenues to combat resistance to BRAFi.
The Effect of a Dietary Nitrate Supplementation in the Form of a Single Shot of Beetroot Juice on Static and Dynamic Apnea Performance
Authors: Barlow Matthew J. , Elia Antonis , Shannon Oliver M. , Zacharogianni Angeliki , Lodin-Sundstrom Angelica 
Published: November 2017

Introduction: The purpose of the present study was to assess the effects of acute nitrate ()-rich beetroot juice (BRJ) supplementation on peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2), heart rate (HR), and pulmonary gas exchange during submaximal static and dynamic apnea. Methods: Nine (six males and three females) trained apneists (age: 39.6 ± 8.2 years, stature: 170.4 ± 11.5 cm, and body mass: 72.0 ± 11.5 kg) performed three submaximal static apneas at 60%, 70%, and 80% of the participant’s current reported personal best time, followed by three submaximal (∼75% or personal best distance) dynamic apneas following the consumption of either a 70-ml concentrated BRJ (7.7 mmol ) or a -depleted placebo (PLA; 0.1 mmol ) in double-blind randomized manner. HR and SpO2 were measured via fingertip pulse oximetry at the nadir, and online gas analysis was used to assess pulmonary oxygen uptake () during recovery following breath-holds. Results: There were no differences (p < .05) among conditions for HR (PLA = 59 ± 11 bpm and BRJ = 61 ± 12 bpm), SpO2 (PLA = 83% ± 14% and BRJ = 84% ±9%), or (PLA = 1.00 ± 0.22 L/min and BRJ = 0.97 ± 0.27 L/min). Conclusion: The consumption of 7.7 mmol of beetroot juice supplementation prior to a series of submaximal static and dynamic apneas did not induce a significant change in SpO2, HR, and when compared with placebo. Therefore, there is no apparent physiological response that may benefit free divers as a result of the supplementation.
Comparing Class-Based and Home-Based Exercise for Older Adults With Chronic Health Conditions: 12-Month Follow-Up of a Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Fisher Koren L. , Reeder Bruce A. , Harrison Elizabeth L. , Bruner Brenda G. , Ashworth Nigel L. , Pahwa Punam , Sari Nazmi , Sheppard M. Suzanne , Shields Christopher A. , Chad Karen E. 
Published: November 2017

Objective: To assess the maintenance of physical activity (PA) and health gains among participants in a class-based (CB) or home-based (HB) PA intervention over a 12-month study period. Methods: A total of 172 adults aged 50 years and older were randomly allocated to either a CB or an HB intervention, each involving an intensive 3-month phase with a 9-month follow-up period. Measures at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months included self-reported PA and health, body mass index, waist circumference (WC), blood pressure, cardiovascular endurance (6-min walk test), physical function, and functional fitness (senior fitness test). Outcomes were analyzed using generalized estimating equations. Results: Maximum improvement was typically observed at 3 or 6 months followed by a modest diminution, with no differences between groups. For body mass index, waist circumference, 6-min walk test, and senior fitness test, there was progressive improvement through the study period. Greater improvement was seen in the CB group compared with the HB group on three items on the senior fitness test (lower body strength and endurance [29% vs. 21%, p < .01], lower body flexibility [2.8 cm vs. 0.4 cm, p < .05], and dynamic agility [14% vs. 7%, p < .05]). Conclusion: The interventions were largely comparable; thus, availability, preferences, and cost may better guide program choice.
Validity and Reliability of a Pictorial Instrument for Assessing Fundamental Movement Skill Perceived Competence in Chinese Children
Authors: Diao Yucui , Dong Cuixiang , Barnett Lisa M. , Estevan Isaac , Li Jing , Ji Liu 
Published: November 2017

The purpose of this study was to determine the validity and reliability of the Pictorial Scale for Perceived Movement Skill Competence (PMSC) in Chinese children. A total of 241 children (girls, n = 119) aged 4 to 9 years old (6.9 ± 1.53) participated. One week later two random subsamples were selected. One (n = 52) was to determine face validity and the other (n = 56) was to determine test-retest reliability. Internal consistency analyses through Cronbach’s alpha and construct validity by confirmatory factor analysis were conducted. Results showed (a) face validity was better for object control skills; (b) internal consistency was adequate for each subscale and all 13 skills (alpha range from .73–.87); (c) Intra-Class Correlations were good for locomotor (.62), object control (.73), and all 13 skills (.78); and (d) the modified two-factor model had a good fit (CFI = .96, TLI = .94, RMSEA = .04, SRMR = .05). The Chinese version of the PMSC is appropriate to use; however, considering the participants were only from Shanghai, results may not be generalizable to all Chinese children.
Pictorial Scale of Physical Self-Concept for Younger Children (P-PSC-C): A Feasibility Study
Authors: Tietjens Maike , Dreiskaemper Dennis , Utesch Till , Schott Nadja , Barnett Lisa M. , Hinkley Trina 
Published: November 2017

Children’s self-perception of motor skills and physical fitness is said to be an important mediator between skills and physical fitness on the one hand and physical activity on the other hand. An age-appropriate self-perception scale is needed to understand the development and the differentiation of the physical self-concept of children and its components. Therefore, the objectives of this study were (1) to develop a pictorial scale of physical fitness for pre-school children (3–6 years old), and (2) to describe the face validity and feasibility of the scale. The study sample included 27 kindergarten children. In order to determine the psychometric properties, validity was assessed by administrating the Pictorial Scale for Physical Self-Concept in Kindergarten Children (P-PSC-C) compared with children’s fundamental movement skill competency (Test of Gross Motor Development [TGMD]-3; six locomotor and seven object-control skills), height, weight, and demographics. The face validity was favorable. Expectable negatively skewed response distributions were found in all items. Medium correlations with related constructs and with sport enjoyment were found. The results indicate that the new scale is usable for kindergarten children. Future validation studies are needed so that the new scale can contribute to the research about physical self-concept development in kindergarten children.
A Pilot RCT Investigating the Effects of Targeted Compression on Athletes With Pelvic/Groin Pain
Authors: Sawle Leanne , Freeman Jennifer , Marsden Jonathan 
Published: November 2017

Context: Athletic pelvic/groin pain is a common yet often challenging problem to both diagnose and manage. A new tool has been developed based on the clinical effects of applied force on the pelvis. Early findings indicate that this customized compression orthosis may have a positive effect on pelvic/groin pain and performance measures. Objectives: To inform the design and test the practicality of procedures for a future definitively powered randomized controlled trial and to provide an estimate of the effect size of this orthosis on selected clinical and performance measures. Design: Pilot randomized controlled trial with participants randomly allocated to an intervention or waiting-list control group. Setting: The training location of each athlete. Participants: 24 athletes with subacute and chronic pelvic conditions were proposed to be recruited. Intervention: A customized compression orthosis, delivering targeted compression to the pelvic girdle. Outcome Measures: Measures were the active straight leg raise (ASLR) test, squeeze test, broad jump, and the multiple single-leg hop-stabilization test. Results: A total of 16 athletes completed the study. The invention group demonstrated moderate to large estimated effect sizes on the squeeze test and active straight leg raise tests (d = 0.6–1.1) while wearing the orthosis. Small effect sizes (d = 0.2) were seen on jump distance and the dominant leg balance score. Compared with the control group, the intervention group also showed moderate to large estimated effect sizes on the active straight leg raise measures (d = 0.5–0.9) when wearing sports shorts. Conclusions: The protocol was feasible. Effect sizes and recruitment/attrition rates suggest that the intervention holds promise and that a future definitively powered randomized controlled trial appears feasible and is indicated.
Ability To Serologically Confirm Recent Zika Virus Infection in Areas with Varying Past Incidence of Dengue Virus Infection in the United States and U.S. Territories in 2016
Authors: Lindsey Nicole P. , Staples J. Erin , Powell Krista , Rabe Ingrid B. , Fischer Marc , Powers Ann M. , Kosoy Olga I. , Mossel Eric C. , Munoz-Jordan Jorge L. , Beltran Manuela , Hancock W. Thane , Toews Karrie-Ann E. , Ellis Esther M. , Ellis Brett R. , Panella Amanda J. , Basile Alison J. , Calvert Amanda E. , Laven Janeen , Goodman Christin H. , Gould Carolyn V. , Martin Stacey W. , Thomas Jennifer D. , Villanueva Julie , Mataia Mary L. , Sciulli Rebecca , Gose Remedios , Whelen A. Christian , Hills Susan L. 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACT
Cross-reactivity within flavivirus antibody assays, produced by shared epitopes in the envelope proteins, can complicate the serological diagnosis of Zika virus (ZIKAV) infection. We assessed the utility of the plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) to confirm recent ZIKAV infections and rule out misleading positive immunoglobulin M (IgM) results in areas with various levels of past dengue virus (DENV) infection incidence. We reviewed PRNT results of sera collected for diagnosis of ZIKAV infection from 1 January through 31 August 2016 with positive ZIKAV IgM results, and ZIKAV and DENV PRNTs were performed. PRNT result interpretations included ZIKAV, unspecified flavivirus, DENV infection, or negative. For this analysis, ZIKAV IgM was considered false positive for samples interpreted as a DENV infection or negative. In U.S. states, 208 (27%) of 759 IgM-positive results were confirmed to be ZIKAV compared to 11 (21%) of 52 in the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI), 15 (15%) of 103 in American Samoa, and 13 (11%) of 123 in Puerto Rico. In American Samoa and Puerto Rico, more than 80% of IgM-positive results were unspecified flavivirus infections. The false-positivity rate was 27% in U.S. states, 18% in the USVI, 2% in American Samoa, and 6% in Puerto Rico. In U.S. states, the PRNT provided a virus-specific diagnosis or ruled out infection in the majority of IgM-positive samples. Almost a third of ZIKAV IgM-positive results were not confirmed; therefore, providers and patients must understand that IgM results are preliminary. In territories with historically higher rates of DENV transmission, the PRNT usually could not differentiate between ZIKAV and DENV infections.
Frequency and Mechanisms of Spontaneous Fosfomycin Nonsusceptibility Observed upon Disk Diffusion Testing of Escherichia coli
Authors: Lucas Aaron E. , Ito Ryota , Mustapha Mustapha M. , McElheny Christi L. , Mettus Roberta T. , Bowler Sarah L. , Kantz Serena F. , Pacey Marissa P. , Pasculle A. William , Cooper Vaughn S. , Doi Yohei 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACT

Fosfomycin maintains activity against most
Escherichia coli
clinical isolates, but the growth of
E. coli
colonies within the zone of inhibition around the fosfomycin disk is occasionally observed upon susceptibility testing. We aimed to estimate the frequency of such nonsusceptible inner colony mutants and identify the underlying resistance mechanisms. Disk diffusion testing of fosfomycin was performed on 649 multidrug-resistant
E. coli
clinical isolates collected between 2011 and 2015. For those producing inner colonies inside the susceptible range, the parental strains and their representative inner colony mutants were subjected to MIC testing, whole-genome sequencing, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR), and carbohydrate utilization studies. Of the 649
E. coli
clinical isolates, 5 (0.8%) consistently produced nonsusceptible inner colonies. Whole-genome sequencing revealed the deletion of
uhpT
encoding hexose-6-phosphate antiporter in 4 of the
E. coli
inner colony mutants, while the remaining mutant contained a nonsense mutation in
uhpA
. The expression of
uhpT
was absent in the mutant strains with
uhpT
deletion and was not inducible in the strain with the
uhpA
mutation, unlike in its parental strain. All 5 inner colony mutants had reduced growth on minimal medium supplemented with glucose-6-phosphate. In conclusion, fosfomycin-nonsusceptible inner colony mutants can occur due to the loss of function or induction of UhpT but are rare among multidrug-resistant
E. coli
clinical strains. Considering that these mutants carry high biological costs, we suggest that fosfomycin susceptibility of strains that generate inner colony mutants can be interpreted on the basis of the zone of inhibition without accounting for the inner colonies.
A Gastrointestinal PCR Panel Improves Clinical Management and Lowers Health Care Costs
Authors: Beal Stacy G. , Tremblay Elizabeth E. , Toffel Steven , Velez Lymaries , Rand Kenneth H. 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACT

Conventional methods for the identification of gastrointestinal pathogens are time-consuming and expensive and have limited sensitivity. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical impact of a comprehensive molecular test, the BioFire FilmArray gastrointestinal (GI) panel, which tests for many of the most common agents of infectious diarrhea in approximately 1 h. Patients with stool cultures submitted were tested on the GI panel (
n
= 241) and were compared with control patients (
n
= 594) from the year prior. The most common organisms detected by the GI panel were enteropathogenic
Escherichia coli
(EPEC,
n
= 21), norovirus (
n
= 21), rotavirus (
n
= 15), sapovirus (
n
= 9), and
Salmonella
(
n
= 8). Patients tested on the GI panel had an average of 0.58 other infectious stool tests compared with 3.02 in the control group (
P
= 0.0001). The numbers of days on antibiotic(s) per patient were 1.73 in the cases and 2.12 in the controls (
P
= 0.06). Patients with the GI panel had 0.18 abdomen and/or pelvic imaging studies per patient compared with 0.39 (
P
= 0.0002) in the controls. The average length of time from stool culture collection to discharge was 3.4 days in the GI panel group versus 3.9 days in the controls (
P
= 0.04). The overall health care cost could have decreased by $293.61 per patient tested. The GI panel improved patient care by rapidly identifying a broad range of pathogens which may not have otherwise been detected, reducing the need for other diagnostic tests, reducing unnecessary use of antibiotics, and leading to a reduction in hospital length of stay.
Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus 2 (RHDV2; GI.2) Is Replacing Endemic Strains of RHDV in the Australian Landscape within 18 Months of Its Arrival
Authors: Mahar Jackie E. , Hall Robyn N. , Peacock David , Kovaliski John , Piper Melissa , Mourant Roslyn , Huang Nina , Campbell Susan , Gu Xingnian , Read Andrew , Urakova Nadya , Cox Tarnya , Holmes Edward C. , Strive Tanja 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACT

Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2
(RHDV2;
Lagovirus
GI.2) is a pathogenic calicivirus that affects European rabbits (
Oryctolagus cuniculus
) and various hare (
Lepus
) species. GI.2 was first detected in France in 2010 and subsequently caused epidemics in wild and domestic lagomorph populations throughout Europe. In May 2015, GI.2 was detected in Australia. Within 18 months of its initial detection, GI.2 had spread to all Australian states and territories and rapidly became the dominant circulating strain, replacing
Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus
(RHDV/GI.1) in mainland Australia. Reconstruction of the evolutionary history of 127 Australian GI.2 isolates revealed that the virus arrived in Australia at least several months before its initial description and likely circulated unnoticed in wild rabbit populations in the east of the continent prior to its detection. GI.2 sequences isolated from five hares clustered with sequences from sympatric rabbit populations sampled contemporaneously, indicating multiple spillover events into hares rather than an adaptation of the Australian GI.2 to a new host. Since the presence of GI.2 in Australia may have wide-ranging consequences for rabbit biocontrol, particularly with the release of the novel biocontrol agent GI.1a/RHDVa-K5 in March 2017, ongoing surveillance is critical to understanding the interactions of the various lagoviruses in Australia and their impact on host populations.

IMPORTANCE
This study describes the spread and distribution of
Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2
(GI.2) in Australia since its first detection in May 2015. Within the first 18 months following its detection, RHDV2 spread from east to west across the continent and became the dominant strain in all mainland states of Australia. This has important implications for pest animal management and for owners of pet and farmed rabbits, as there currently is no effective vaccine available in Australia for GI.2. The closely related RHDV (GI.1) is used to control overabundant wild rabbits, a serious environmental and agricultural pest in this country, and it is currently unclear how the widespread circulation of GI.2 will impact ongoing targeted wild rabbit management operations.