bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preanalytic processing of rat plasma influences thrombin generation and fibrinolysis assays
Authors: Brooks Marjory B. , Stablein Alyssa P. , Johnson Lynn , Schultze Albert Eric 
Published: August 2017

BackgroundThrombin generation assays (TGA) have potential applications as measures of hemostatic balance in animal models. However, variations in plasma processing greatly influence human TGA, and may also impact on the translational value of TGA in animal studies.ObjectivesThe purpose of the study was to compare the performance characteristics of Sprague–Dawley rat plasma prepared by single vs double centrifugation protocols in TGA and fibrinolysis assays.MethodsPlatelet‐poor plasma (PPP) from adult rats (n = 20 males; 20 females) was prepared by centrifugation at 1200g × 12 min, or 2 sequential centrifugations of 2500g × 15 min. Plasma aliquots were assayed fresh and after freeze–thaw in a commercial fluorogenic TGA (Technothrombin TGA, Technoclone) using 2 different trigger reagents containing approximately 7 pM human tissue factor. In addition to TGA variables (lag time, peak thrombin, endogenous thrombin potential), we compared clotting time test and fibrinogen concentration, residual platelet and platelet‐derived microparticle (PMP) counts measured by flow cytometry, and variables of fibrin clot formation and lysis measured in turbidimetric assays.ResultsSingle‐centrifugation PPP demonstrated significantly greater thrombin‐generating potential regardless of trigger reagent, yielded higher residual platelet and procoagulant PMP counts, and more stable fibrin clot profiles. The influence of a freeze–thaw cycle on TGA varied depending on trigger reagent, and male sex was associated with an overall “procoagulant” phenotype.ConclusionsPreanalytic processing and sex have significant effects on many functional measures of hemostasis in rats. A standardized double centrifugation protocol to prepare PPP is recommended for future studies.
Fecal shedding of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli among feral pigs in Texas
Authors: Cummings K. J. , Rodriguez‐Rivera L. D. , McNeely I. , Suchodolski J. S. , Mesenbrink B. T. , Leland B. R. , Bodenchuk M. J. 
Published: August 2017

SummaryThe population and range of feral pigs in the United States are rapidly expanding, yet key knowledge gaps exist regarding their role in the ecology and transmission of foodborne pathogens. Our objectives were to estimate the prevalence of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli shedding among feral pigs throughout Texas and to identify risk factors for positive status. Faecal samples were collected from feral pigs in Texas from February 2014 through May 2015, and target organisms were detected using PCR assays. The prevalence of C. jejuni shedding was 1.6% (6/370), and the prevalence of C. coli shedding was 3.5% (13/370). C. coli shedding was significantly more common (p = .008) among female pigs than among male pigs. Feral pigs may represent a source of human campylobacteriosis.
The Economic Potential and Technical Feasibility of Hybridizing Coal Power Plants With Molten Salt Parabolic Troughs
Authors: Schuknecht Nathan H. , Kulbeik Pamela A. , O’Rourke Deven M. 
Published: August 2017

When a coal-fired power plant is considered for closure, arguments are commonly made about the loss of jobs and unrealized investments. Facing this pressure, governments are reluctant to enact enforceable emission standards, and these plants continue to emit pollutants into the atmosphere. As the equipment ages, the plants may retire, but in their lifetime they will cause irreversible environmental damage. This report presents a method to mediate this damage, create jobs, maintain the efficiency of the turbine, and maintain or increase the capacity factor of the plant.
Solar parabolic troughs using molten salt technology are scalable and can meet the steam conditions of a standard Rankine cycle coal-fired power plant. A marriage of these technologies allows the parabolic trough field to be installed without new power generation equipment. The turbine, generator, and transmission equipment are already in place, and when compared to a standalone concentrated solar power (CSP) plant, can be amortized over a greater number of operational hours without the use of very large amounts of thermal storage. That allows for a reduction in capital investment compared to a greenfield CSP plant, and reduces the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) from the solar contribution to well below current US Department of Energy SunShot targets.
Coal-fired plant operators note that they typically cannot operate at partial power output without reducing the efficiency of their turbine accordingly. So, while a photovoltaic hybridization can take advantage of existing transmission infrastructure, it will require that the coal-fired system reduces its output and will consequently reduce the efficiency of the coal cycle. If we have to burn coal, we should do it in the most efficient way possible. Hybridizing with a molten salt parabolic trough installation makes use of the same turbine as the coal-fired system, which maintains the overall efficiency of the turbine at its design point and optimal load. With this model, the coal plant can operate at full power, reduce overall usage of coal while maintaining or even increasing employment opportunities, and reduce CO2 emissions.
Whole-Genome Sequence of the Spodoptera frugiperda Sf9 Insect Cell Line
Authors: Nandakumar Subhiksha , Ma Hailun , Khan Arifa S. 
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACT

The draft whole-genome sequence of the
Spodoptera frugiperda
Sf9 insect cell line was obtained using long-read PacBio sequence technology and Canu assembly. The final assembled genome consisted of 451 Mbp in 4,577 contigs, with 12,716× mean coverage and a G+C content of 36.53%.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Newcastle Disease Genotype XIII Virus Isolated from Indigenous Chickens in Zambia
Authors: Abolnik Celia , Mubamba Chrisborn , Dautu George , Gummow Bruce 
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACT
The first complete genome sequence of an African-origin Newcastle disease virus belonging to genotype XIII is described here. The virulent strain chicken/Zambia/Chiwoko/2015 was isolated from diseased chickens in 2015.
Complete Genome Sequence of Escherichia coli ABWA45, an
rmtB
-Encoding Wastewater Isolate
Authors: Zurfluh Katrin , Stephan Roger , Klumpp Jochen , Nüesch-Inderbinen Magdalena , Hummerjohann Jörg , Bagutti Claudia , Marti Roger 
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACT

We present the complete genome sequence of
Escherichia coli
ABWA45, a 16S rRNA methyltransferase-producing wastewater isolate. Assembly and annotation resulted in a 5,094,639-bp circular chromosome and four closed plasmids of 145,220 bp, 113,793 bp, 57,232 bp, and 47,900 bp in size. Furthermore, a small open plasmid (7,537 bp in size) was assembled.
Complete Genome Sequence of JII-1961, a Bovine Mycobacterium avium subsp.
paratuberculosis
Field Isolate from Germany
Authors: Möbius Petra , Nordsiek Gabriele , Hölzer Martin , Jarek Michael , Marz Manja , Köhler Heike 
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACT

Mycobacterium avium
subsp.
paratuberculosis
causes Johne’s disease in ruminants and was also detected in nonruminant species, including human beings, and in milk products. We announce here the 4.829-Mb complete genome sequence of the cattle-type strain JII-1961 from Germany, which is very similar to cattle-type strains recovered from different continents.
Interaction effects among IFN-γ+874, IL-2-330, IL-10-1082, IL-10-592 and IL-4-589 polymorphisms on the clinical progression of subjects infected with hepatitis B virus and/or hepatitis C virus: a retrospective nested case–control study
Authors: Gao Qiu-Ju , Xie Jia-Xin , Wang Li-Min , Zhou Qiang , Zhang Shi-Yong 
Published: August 2017

BackgroundThe natural outcomes of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and/or hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections vary considerably among individuals The infection may heal naturally, or patients may succumb to chronic liver diseases, including chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The mechanism is not fully understood.ObjectivesTo evaluate the interaction among four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and their influence on different clinical outcomes.Methods277 individuals infected with HBV and/or HCV, including 81 patients with chronic hepatitis B and C, 122 asymptomatic HBV and/or HCV carriers and 74 controls who cleared HBV and HCV spontaneously, were involved in this study. The SNPs of four genes (rs2069762/−330 G/T of IL-2,rs2430561/+874A>TofIFN-γ, rs1800896/−1082G>A andrs1800872/−592C>A of IL-10andrs2243250/−589C>TofIL-4) were analysed using restriction fragment length polymorphism-polymerase chain reaction or sequence-specific primer PCR. The gene–gene interactions were assessed using the multifactor-dimensionality reduction method.ResultsInterleukin (IL)-10-592 AC and IL-4-589 CC/CT showed a synergistic effect on liver inflammatory injury (p<0.01), whereas interferon (IFN)-γ+874  AA and IL-2-330 TT had a synergistic impact (p<0.05). IFN-γ+874  AA and IL-10-1082 AA had an antagonistic effect (p<0.01) on the clinical progression, including asymptomatic HBV and HCV carriers and chronic hepatitis. IL-2-330 TT and IL-10-1082 AA synergistically influenced the clinical outcome (p<0.05). IFN-γ+874 AA, IL-2-330 TT and IL-10-1082 AA interactively affected the clinical outcome including asymptomatic HBV and HCV carriers and chronic hepatitis (p<0.05).ConclusionsInteractions among polymorphisms of IFN-γ+874 AA, IL-2-330 TT, IL-10-1082 AA, IL10-−592 AC and IL-4-589 CC/CT significantly influenced the clinical progression of the subjects with HBV and/or HCV infection.
Breast cancer mortality and associated factors in São Paulo State, Brazil: an ecological analysis
Authors: Diniz Carmen Simone Grilo , Pellini Alessandra Cristina Guedes , Ribeiro Adeylson Guimarães , Tedardi Marcello Vannucci , Miranda Marina Jorge de , Touso Michelle Mosna , Baquero Oswaldo Santos , Santos Patrícia Carlos dos , Chiaravalloti-Neto Francisco 
Published: August 2017

ObjectiveIdentify the factors associated with the age-standardised breast cancer mortality rate in the municipalities of State of São Paulo (SSP), Brazil, in the period from 2006 to 2012.DesignEcological study of the breast cancer mortality rate standardised by age, as the dependent variable, having each of the 645 municipalities in the SSP as the unit of analysis.SettingsThe female resident population aged 15 years or older, by age group and municipality, in 2009 (mid-term), obtained from public dataset (Informatics Department of the Unified Health System).ParticipantsWomen 15 years or older who died of breast cancer in the SSP were selected for the calculation of the breast cancer mortality rate, according to the municipality and age group, from 2006 to 2012.Main outcome measuresMortality rates for each municipality calculated by the direct standardisation method, using the age structure of the population of SSP in 2009 as the standard.ResultsIn the final linear regression model, breast cancer mortality, in the municipal level, was directly associated with rates of nulliparity (p<0.0001), mammography (p<0.0001) and private healthcare (p=0.006).ConclusionsThe findings that mammography ratio was associated, in the municipal level, with increased mortality add to the evidence of a probable overestimation of benefits and underestimation of risks associated with this form of screening. The same paradoxical trend of increased mortality with screening was found in recent individual-level studies, indicating the need to expand informed choice for patients, primary prevention actions and individualised screening. Additional studies should be conducted to explore if there is a causality link in this association.
Managing the transition (ManTra): a resource for persons with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis and their health professionals: protocol for a mixed-methods study in Italy
Authors: Giovannetti Ambra Mara , Giordano Andrea , Pietrolongo Erika , Confalonieri Paolo , De Luca Giovanna , Tortorella Carla , Trojano Maria , Messmer Uccelli Michele , Torri Clerici Valentina , Gitto Lara , Köpke Sascha , Borreani Claudia , Heesen Christoph , Solari Alessandra 
Published: August 2017

Introduction15 years after clinical onset, about 50% of patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis convert to secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS). Notwithstanding the importance of this transition, knowledge of the experiences and needs of patients and carers is fragmentary, and targeted interventions are not available. Managing the Transition to SPMS (ManTra) is a mixed methodology project to develop and test a user-led resource for newly diagnosed patients with SPMS. Here, we describe the developmental phase, consisting of a literature review and a new research study involving key stakeholders, in which we construct the resource.Methods and analysisRound 1: The literature review and study will be conducted in parallel. The latter will identify patient needs using a qualitative approach consisting of: personal semistructured interviews with >15 recently diagnosed patients with SPMS; three focus group meetings (one with significant others of patients, one with neurologists and one with other health professionals caring for patients with SPMS). An online survey (>200 recently diagnosed Italian patients with SPMS) will follow to verify needs in a larger independent sample. An expert panel will outline a set of candidate resources/interventions that aim to satisfy the needs thus identified. Round 2: Consensus on the final resource will be obtained in a 1-day meeting of recently diagnosed patients with SPMS, significant others, health professionals and other stakeholders, using the nominal group technique. The expert panel will refine the resource, identify the outcome measures to assess its efficacy and ascertain the most suitable comparator (ManTra Phase 2, not part of this protocol).Ethics and disseminationThe study protocol was approved by the ethics committees of each of the involved centres: Foundation IRCCS Neurological Institute C Besta, Milan ; G D’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara and the Aldo Moro University of Bari. The results will be published in peer-reviewed journals, presented at conferences and a lay summary sent to participants.
Distracting and risky behaviours while cycling: a comparison of group and non-group riders in Western Australia
Authors: Fraser Michelle , Meuleners Lynn B , Chow Kyle , Stevenson Mark R 
Published: August 2017

BackgroundUse of mobile phones and portable audio equipment and alcohol are known to negatively affect cycling ability. Evidence suggests that cyclists may be less likely to engage in these behaviours while riding in a group; however, it is unknown whether group riders are also at reduced risk when participating in non-group riding.ObjectiveTo examine the association between group riding participation and the use of mobile phones and portable audio equipment and alcohol while non-group riding in Perth, Western Australia.MethodsA cross-sectional analysis of an online questionnaire was undertaken. Group and exclusive non-group riders were compared and separate binary logistic regression models were used to examine the association between group riding participation and the use of mobile phones and portable audio equipment and alcohol while non-group riding, controlling for gender, age, education and frequency of non-group riding.ResultsParticipants included 365 cyclists: 187 exclusive non-group riders (51.2%) and 178 group riders (48.8%). Group riders were less likely to have possibly cycled while over the legal blood alcohol limit in the past 12 months (OR: 0.56, 95% CI 0.34 to 0.92) and were less likely to ever use portable audio equipment (OR: 0.57, 95% CI 0.34 to 0.94) than exclusive non-group riders, while participating in non-group riding. Group riding status was not associated with mobile phone use.ConclusionsThis study provides early evidence that there may be differences between group and non-group riders that impact on their safety behaviours while participating in non-group riding.
Ecological analysis of secular trends in low birth weight births and adult height in Japan
Authors: Morisaki Naho , Urayama Kevin Yuji , Yoshii Keisuke , Subramanian S V , Yokoya Susumu 
Published: August 2017

BackgroundJapan, which currently maintains the highest life expectancy in the world and has experienced an impressive gain in adult height over the past century, has suffered a dramatic twofold increase in low birth weight (LBW) births since the 1970s.MethodsWe observed secular trends in birth characteristics using 64 115 249 live births included the vital statistics (1969–2014), as well as trends in average height among 3 145 521 adults born between 1969 and 1996, included in 79 surveys conducted among a national, subnational or community population in Japan.ResultsLBW rates exhibited a U-shaped pattern showing reductions until 1978–1979 (5.5%), after which it increased. Conversely, average adult height peaked for those born during the same period (men, 171.5 cm; women, 158.5 cm), followed by a reduction over the next 20 years. LBW rate and adult height showed a strong inverse correlation (men, r=−0.98; women, r=−0.88). A prediction model based on birth and economical characteristics estimated the national average of adult height would continue to decline, to 170.0cm (95% CI 169.6 to 170.3) for men and 157.9cm (95% CI 157.5 to 158.3) for women among those born in 2014.ConclusionsAdult height in Japan has started to decline for those born after 1980, a trend that may be attributed to increases in LBW births over time. Considering the known association between shorter adult height and adverse health outcomes, evidence of population-level decline in adult health due to long-term consequences of increasing LBW births in Japan is anticipated.
Second-hand smoke exposure in homes with children: assessment of airborne nicotine in the living room and children’s bedroom
Authors: Arechavala Teresa , Continente Xavier , Pérez-Ríos Mónica , Schiaffino Anna , Fernandez Esteve , Cortés-Francisco Núria , Centrich Francesc , Muñoz Glòria , López Maria J 
Published: August 2017

BackgroundThe introduction of ‘smoke-free laws’ has reduced the population’s exposure to second-hand smoke (SHS), although SHS is still an issue in homes and other public places. Children are vulnerable to its health effects, and their greatest exposure occurs at home.ObjectivesTo assess airborne nicotine concentration of the living room and children’s bedroom of homes with children under 13 years of age, and to analyse factors associated with these levels.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study in Barcelona in 2015–2016, selecting a convenience sample from families with at least one child under 13 years of age. The sample comprised 50 families with smokers and 50 without. We measured airborne nicotine concentrations in the living room and children’s bedroom, and, using a questionnaire administered to the parents, collected information about smoking habits at home.ResultsHomes without smokers showed nicotine concentrations below the limit of detection (<0.02 µg/m3), while those with at least one smoker showed 0.16 µg/m3 in the living room and 0.12 µg/m3 in the bedroom. When smoking was allowed inside home, these values increased to 1.04 and 0.48 µg/m3, respectively. Moreover, nicotine concentrations in both rooms were strongly correlated (r=0.89), and higher nicotine levels were associated with the number of cigarettes smoked in the living room, smoking rules, the number of smokers living at home and tobacco smell.ConclusionsHomes with smokers present SHS in the living room and in the children’s bedroom. Therefore, programmes focused on reducing children’s SHS exposure are urgently needed.
Modified top quark condensation model with the extra heavy fermion, the 125 GeV pseudo-Goldstone boson, and the additional heavy scalar bosons
Authors: Khaidukov Z. V. , Zubkov M. A. 
Published: August 2017

We discuss the modified top quark condensation model proposed in Ref. 54. This construction was inspired by the top-seesaw scenario, in which the extra heavy fermion [Formula: see text] that may be paired with the top quark is added. Besides, this model incorporates the ideas of the little Higgs scenario, in which the 125 GeV scalar particle appears as a pseudo-Goldstone boson. This model admits (in addition to the 125 GeV scalar boson [Formula: see text]) the heavier scalar excitation [Formula: see text]. We consider the region of parameters, where its mass is [Formula: see text], the width of [Formula: see text] is [Formula: see text], while the mass of the heavy fermion is [Formula: see text]. We find that in this model the value of the cross-section [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text] is essentially smaller than the present experimental upper bound. Besides, we find that for the chosen values of parameters there should exist the CP-even scalar boson with mass [Formula: see text] and very small width. In addition, the model predicts the existence of the extra neutral CP-even scalar boson and the charged scalar boson with masses of the order of 1 TeV.
Ammonia modifies enteric neuromuscular transmission through glial γ-aminobutyric acid signaling
Authors: Fried David E. , Watson Ralph E. , Robson Simon C. , Gulbransen Brian D. 
Published: August 2017

Impaired gut motility may contribute, at least in part, to the development of systemic hyperammonemia and systemic neurological disorders in inherited metabolic disorders, or in severe liver and renal disease. It is not known whether enteric neurotransmission regulates intestinal luminal and hence systemic ammonia levels by induced changes in motility. Here, we propose and test the hypothesis that ammonia acts through specific enteric circuits to influence gut motility. We tested our hypothesis by recording the effects of ammonia on neuromuscular transmission in tissue samples from mice, pigs, and humans and investigated specific mechanisms using novel mutant mice, selective drugs, cellular imaging, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Exogenous ammonia increased neurogenic contractions and decreased neurogenic relaxations in segments of mouse, pig, and human intestine. Enteric glial cells responded to ammonia with intracellular Ca2+responses. Inhibition of glutamine synthetase and the deletion of glial connexin-43 channels in hGFAP:: CreERT2+/−/connexin43f/fmice potentiated the effects of ammonia on neuromuscular transmission. The effects of ammonia on neuromuscular transmission were blocked by GABAAreceptor antagonists, and ammonia drove substantive GABA release as did the selective pharmacological activation of enteric glia in GFAP::hM3Dq transgenic mice. We propose a novel mechanism whereby local ammonia is operational through GABAergic glial signaling to influence enteric neuromuscular circuits that regulate intestinal motility. Therapeutic manipulation of these mechanisms may benefit a number of neurological, hepatic, and renal disorders manifesting hyperammonemia.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We propose that local circuits in the enteric nervous system sense and regulate intestinal ammonia. We show that ammonia modifies enteric neuromuscular transmission to increase motility in human, pig, and mouse intestine model systems. The mechanisms underlying the effects of ammonia on enteric neurotransmission include GABAergic pathways that are regulated by enteric glial cells. Our new data suggest that myenteric glial cells sense local ammonia and directly modify neurotransmission by releasing GABA.