bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Safety and Feasibility of Percutaneous Balloon Pericardiotomy in Hemodynamically Significant Pericardial Effusion (Review of 10‐Years Experience in Single Center)
Authors: Bhardwaj Ravindra , Gharib Walid , Gharib Wissam , Warden Bradford , Jain Abnash
Published: September 2015

Background

Percutaneous balloon pericardiotomy (PBP) has been successful in managing large pericardial effusions, particularly in patients with malignant conditions. The objective of this study was to evaluate safety and feasibility of this procedure (PBP) in patients who had recurrent life threatening pericardial effusion at West Virginia University Hospital (WVUH).

Methods

This is retrospective review of consecutive series of pericardial windows by PBP. This report entails our experience of 36 procedures performed from November 2002 to November 2012 by PBP.

Results

Thirty‐six percutaneous balloon pericardiotomies were performed (20 males and 16 females) with a mean age of 58 ± 15 years. Lung cancer (50%) was the most common diagnosis with small cell type (29%) being most frequent. Other causes of pericardial effusion requiring PBP procedure included breast cancer (13.2%) and gastrointestinal cancer (15.7). Five patients had previously required pericardiocentesis in the past, and 31 patients had PBP as the first treatment for the pericardial effusion. There were no acute complications. The procedures were successful and well tolerated. Technical success of procedure was 100%. The 30‐day survival was 81 percent and there were no infectious complications during follow‐up.

Conclusion

Percutaneous balloon pericardiotomy is safe and effective technique for the management of patients with severe recurrent life threatening pericardial effusion. (J Interven Cardiol 2015;28:409–414)
ADO II in Percutaneous VSD Closure in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Narin Nazmi , Baykan Ali , Pamukcu Ozge , Argun Mustafa , Ozyurt Abdullah , Mese Timur , Yilmazer Murat Muhtar , Gunes Isin , Kazım Uzum
Published: September 2015

Objectives

Main aim of our study to show that ADO II device can be used for the small ventricular septal defects successfully and safely with low complication rates in pediatric population.

Background

It is hard to find an ideal device to use for every VSD successfully. If inappropriate device was chosen; complication rate increases, procedure time gets longer that prolongs exposure to ionizing radiation. Therefore interventionalists are in the search for new ideal devices.

Material

Between the dates April 2011–October 2014, 21 VSD closures with ADO‐II device. were performed. Twenty patients were included, age ranged between 4 months 18 years. Weight of the patients was between 5–76 kg.

Results

VSD diameter ranges between 2–6 mm (3.75 ± 1.25). VSD types were muscular in 2 patients, rest of them were perimembranous type. Most of the perimembranous defects (19/21) were aneursymatic and tunnel shaped. All the cases were successfully closed, no major complications were reported. There was no incidence of left bundle branch block, P‐R prolongation, or complete heart block.

Conclusion

Considering perimembraneous ventricular septal defects as difficult and risky for percutaneous closure because of its proximity to aortic, atrioventricular valves and conduction tissue, we suggest that ADO II device can be safely and effectively used for such defects in particular if an aneurysm formation is present which is also compatible with the literature. (J Interven Cardiol 2015;28:479–484)
The Impact of Rurality on 30‐Day Preventable Readmission, Illness Severity, and Risk of Mortality for Heart Failure Medicare Home Health Beneficiaries
Authors: Chen Hsueh‐Fen , Carlson Erin , Popoola Taiye , Suzuki Sumihiro
Published: September 2015

Purpose

To examine the impact of rurality on 30‐day preventable readmission, and the illness severity and risk of mortality for 30‐day preventable readmissions.

Methods

We analyzed heart failure Medicare beneficiaries who received home health services for postacute care after hospital discharge in 2009. The study was a cross‐sectional design with the unit of analysis as the home health episode for postacute care. Data sources included the following: Medicare Beneficiary Summary File, Medicare Provider Analysis Review, Outcome Assessment Information Set, Home Health Agency Research Identifiable File, and Area Health Resources File. The dependent variables were 30‐day preventable readmission, and the extreme/major level of illness severity and of risk of mortality for a 30‐day preventable readmission. The key independent variable was rurality defined as remote rural, adjacent rural, and micropolitan areas, with urban areas in the reference group.

Findings

Home health beneficiaries in remote rural areas had 27% lower 30‐day preventable readmission than those in urban areas. Home health beneficiaries in adjacent rural areas were 33% less likely to have high illness severity at readmission due to a preventable condition than those in urban areas.

Conclusions

Geographical location affects preventable readmission and illness severity of preventable readmission. Patients’ geographic location along with patients’ risk factors should be taken into consideration in the risk adjustment model for the financial incentive program that penalizes home health agencies with high preventable readmissions.
Development and Initial Validation of the PROMIS® Sexual Function and Satisfaction Measures Version 2.0
Authors: Weinfurt Kevin P. , Lin Li , Bruner Deborah Watkins , Cyranowski Jill M. , Dombeck Carrie B. , Hahn Elizabeth A. , Jeffery Diana D. , Luecht Richard M. , Magasi Susan , Porter Laura S. , Reese Jennifer Barsky , Reeve Bryce B. , Shelby Rebecca A. , Smith Ashley Wilder , Willse John T. , Flynn Kathryn E.
Published: September 2015

Introduction

The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS)® Sexual Function and Satisfaction measure (SexFS) version 1.0 was developed with cancer populations. There is a need to expand the SexFS and provide evidence of its validity in diverse populations.

Aim

The aim of this study was to describe the development of the SexFS v2.0 and present preliminary evidence for its validity.

Methods

Development built on version 1.0, plus additional review of extant items, discussions with 15 clinical experts, 11 patient focus groups (including individuals with diabetes, heart disease, anxiety, depression, and/or are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or aged 65 or older), 48 cognitive interviews, and psychometric evaluation in a random sample of U.S. adults plus an oversample for specific sexual problems (2281 men, 1686 women). We examined differential item functioning (DIF) by gender and sexual activity. We examined convergent and known-groups validity.

Results

The final set of domains includes 11 scored scales (interest in sexual activity, lubrication, vaginal discomfort, clitoral discomfort, labial discomfort, erectile function, orgasm ability, orgasm pleasure, oral dryness, oral discomfort, satisfaction), and six nonscored item pools (screeners, sexual activities, anal discomfort, therapeutic aids, factors interfering with sexual satisfaction, bother). Domains from version 1.0 were reevaluated and improved. Domains considered applicable across gender and sexual activity status, namely interest, orgasm, and satisfaction, were found to have significant DIF. We identified subsets of items in each domain that provided consistent measurement across these important respondent groups. Convergent and known-groups validity was supported.

Conclusions

The SexFS version 2.0 has several improvements and enhancements over version 1.0 and other extant measures, including expanded evidence for validity, scores centered around norms for sexually active U.S. adults, new domains, and a final set of items applicable for both men and women and those sexually active with a partner and without. The SexFS is customizable, allowing users to select relevant domains and items for their study.
Psychoticism, Immature Defense Mechanisms and a Fearful Attachment Style are Associated with a Higher Homophobic Attitude
Authors: Ciocca Giacomo , Tuziak Bogdan , Limoncin Erika , Mollaioli Daniele , Capuano Nicolina , Martini Alessia , Carosa Eleonora , Fisher Alessandra D. , Maggi Mario , Niolu Cinzia , Siracusano Alberto , Lenzi Andrea , Jannini Emmanuele A.
Published: September 2015

Introduction

Homophobic behavior and a negative attitude toward homosexuals are prevalent among the population. Despite this, few researches have investigated the psychologic aspects associated with homophobia, as psychopathologic symptoms, the defensive system, and attachment styles.

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate the psychologic factors mentioned earlier and their correlation with homophobia.

Methods

Five hundred fifty-one university students recruited, aged 18–30, were asked to complete several psychometric evaluation.

Main Outcome Measures

In particular, Homophobia Scale (HS) was used to assess homophobia levels, the Symptoms Check List Revised (SCL-90-R) for the identification of psychopathologic symptoms, the Defence Style Questionnaire (DSQ-40) for the evaluation of defense mechanisms and the Relationship Questionnaire (RQ) for attachment styles.

Results

After a regression analysis, we found a significant predictive value of psychoticism (β = 0.142; P = 0.04) and of immature defense mechanisms (β = 0.257; P < 0.0001) for homophobia, while neurotic defense mechanisms (β = −0.123; P = 0.02) and depressive symptoms (β = −0.152; P = 0.04) have an opposite role. Moreover, categorical constructs of the RQ revealed a significant difference between secure and fearful attachments styles in levels of homophobia (secure = 22.09 ± 17.22 vs. fearful = 31.07 ± 25.09; P < 0.05). Finally, a gender difference to HS scores and a significant influence of male sex was found (β = 0.213; P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

We demonstrated the involvement of psychoticism and immature defense mechanisms in homophobic attitudes, while a contrasting role is played by neurotic defense mechanisms and depressive symptoms. Moreover, secure attachment is an indicator of low levels of homophobia compared with the subjects demonstrating a fearful style of attachment. Hence, in the assessment of homophobia and in the relevant programs of prevention, it is necessary to consider the psychologic aspects described earlier.
Subacute Hemolysis in Sickle Cell Mice Causes Priapism Secondary to NO Imbalance and PDE5 Dysregulation
Authors: Sopko Nikolai A. , Matsui Hotaka , Hannan Johanna L. , Berkowitz Dan , Champion Hunter C. , Hsu Lewis L. , Musicki Biljana , Burnett Arthur L. , Bivalacqua Trinity J.
Published: September 2015

Introduction

Recent research suggests that priapism in sickle cell disease (SCD) is due to dysregulation of penile erection homeostasis including alteration of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) activities by excessive levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) released during hemolysis. It is unknown if subacute exposure to hemolysis is sufficient or if chronic reconditioning of erectile tissues is required for perturbation of homeostatic pathways and whether PDE5 inhibitor (PDE5I) treatment can restore erectile homeostasis in the subacute setting.

Aims

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of subacute hemolysis (3-month exposure) on priapism and NO pathway regulation.

Methods

Mice underwent bone marrow transplantation with either SCD (BM-SS) or wild-type (WT) bone marrow. BM-SS mice were treated with sildenafil 100 mg/kg/day. We measured intracavernous pressure (ICP) measurements with or without cavernous nerve stimulation following bone marrow transplantation to assess for priapism.

Main Outcome Measures

ICP and frequency of erections were assessed. Penile tissues were analyzed for NOS, protein kinase G (PKG), PDE5, and ROS activities.

Results

BM-SS mice demonstrated a priapism phenotype. PDE5I treatment reduced the frequency of erections in BM-SS mice (1.7 ± 1.1 vs. 5.5 ± 2.8 erections per hour, P < 0.05). Penile tissues from BM-SS mice demonstrated decreased NOS, PKG, PDE5 and elevated ROS activities compared with that of control mice. PDE5I treatment increased NOS (11.6 ± 1.3% vs. 7.8 ± 2.3%, P < 0.05) and PDE5 (76.3 ± 9.8% vs. 52.3 ± 11.1%, P < 0.05) activities and decreased ROS activity (137.8 ± 12.1% vs. 199.1 ± 11.3%, P < 0.05) compared with non-PDE5I treated BM-SS mice. PKG activity was increased beyond control levels with PDE5I treatment (158.4 ± 10.3%, P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Short-term hemolysis is sufficient to establish a priapism phenotype and results in loss of erectile function. PDE5I treatment ameliorates priapism, in part, because of restored NO balance with decreased ROS generation and increased PDE5 activity.
A New Test for Checking the Equality of the Correlation Structures of two time Series
Authors: Jin Lei , Wang Suojin
Published: September 2015

An order selection test is proposed to check the equality of two independent stationary time series in their correlation structures. The asymptotic distribution of the order selection test statistic under the null hypothesis is obtained. Furthermore, it is shown that the proposed test is consistent not only under any fixed alternative hypothesis but also under a sequence of local alternative hypotheses. A simulation study is conducted to examine the finite sample performance of the test in comparison to some existing methods. The proposed test is also applied to an analysis of a biomedical data set.
Ancient DNA reveals past existence of Eurasian lynx in Spain
Authors: Rodríguez‐Varela R. , García N. , Nores C. , Álvarez‐Lao D. , Barnett R. , Arsuaga J. L. , Valdiosera C.
Published: September 2015

The known distribution of the Iberian lynx Lynx pardinus within the Iberian Peninsula since the Middle Pleistocene and the lack of reliable records of Eurasian lynx Lynx lynx in this region have led to the assumption that the Iberian lynx was the sole inhabitant of Iberia. In this study, we identified ancient mitochondrial DNA (a total of 337 base pairs from the control region and cytochrome b) from eight northern Iberian lynx remains as Eurasian lynx. These results confirm the presence of Eurasian lynx in northern Iberia from the Pleistocene/Holocene boundary until just a few centuries ago. The paleontological record and our data indicate a population replacement of the Iberian lynx by the Eurasian lynx during the Pleistocene/Holocene transition in the Cantabrian cornice of Spain. Phylogeographic patterns of Late Pleistocene and Holocene Eurasian lynx from Iberia, France, Italy and Denmark show that this felid had a more complex phylogeographic history in the past than modern day populations suggest.
Chronic liver injury induced by drugs: a systematic review
Authors: Stine Jonathan G. , Chalasani Naga
Published: September 2015

To examine the available literature and summarize what is known about chronic drug‐induced liver injury. We reviewed PubMed/MEDLINEthrough March 2015. We developed aMEDLINEsearch strategy using PubMed medical subject heading terms chronic liver injury, hepatotoxicity, drug‐induced liver injury, cirrhosis and chronic liver disease. We reviewed the reference list of included articles to identify articles missed in the database search. Chronic liver injury from drugs is more common than once thought with prevalence as high as 18% based on large national registries. Patients with cholestatic injury, age ≤65 years, and a long latency period (>365 days) are at increased risk. Of the most common drugs associated with drug‐induced liver injury, antibiotics (amoxicillin‐clavulanic acid, trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole, azithromycin) are most likely to cause chronic injury. The presence of autoantibodies is common with chronicDILI, however, it is not diagnostic nor is it specific to autoimmune‐like drug‐induced liver injury. Immunosuppressive therapy may be necessary for individual cases of autoimmune‐like drug‐induced liver injury where cessation of the drug alone does not result in resolution of injury, however, the lowest dose should be used for the shortest duration with careful attention to the development of side effects. The effectiveness of treament of cholestatic liver injury with corticosteroids or ursodiol remains unclear. Cases of drug‐induced fatty liver, nodular regenerative hyperplasia and peliosis hepatitis are less common subtypes of chronic drug‐induced liver injury that deserve special consideration. A high degree of clinical suspicion is required for the diagnosis of chronic drug‐induced liver injury and should be suspected in any patient with liver associated enzyme abnormalities that persist out past 6 months of initial presentation. Treatment with drug removal and/or immunosuppressive therapy appears to be effective for the majority of cases. More study into pharmacogenomics and personalized medicine may aid in predicting which patients will go on to develop chronic drug‐induced liver injury.
Diet is the primary determinant of bacterial community structure in the guts of higher termites
Authors: Mikaelyan Aram , Dietrich Carsten , Köhler Tim , Poulsen Michael , Sillam‐Dussès David , Brune Andreas
Published: September 2015

The gut microbiota of termites plays critical roles in the symbiotic digestion of lignocellulose. While phylogenetically ‘lower termites’ are characterized by a unique association with cellulolytic flagellates, higher termites (family Termitidae) harbour exclusively prokaryotic communities in their dilated hindguts. Unlike the more primitive termite families, which primarily feed on wood, they have adapted to a variety of lignocellulosic food sources in different stages of humification, ranging from sound wood to soil organic matter. In this study, we comparatively analysed representatives of different taxonomic lineages and feeding groups of higher termites to identify the major drivers of bacterial community structure in the termite gut, using amplicon libraries of 16S rRNA genes from 18 species of higher termites. In all analyses, the wood‐feeding species were clearly separated from humus and soil feeders, irrespective of their taxonomic affiliation, offering compelling evidence that diet is the primary determinant of bacterial community structure. Within each diet group, however, gut communities of termites from the same subfamily were more similar than those of distantly related species. A highly resolved classification using a curated reference database revealed only few genus‐level taxa whose distribution patterns indicated specificity for certain host lineages, limiting any possible cospeciation between the gut microbiota and host to short evolutionary timescales. Rather, the observed patterns in the host‐specific distribution of the bacterial lineages in termite guts are best explained by diet‐related differences in the availability of microhabitats and functional niches.
Can the experimental evolution programme help us elucidate the genetic basis of adaptation in nature?
Authors: Bailey Susan F. , Bataillon Thomas
Published: September 2015

There have been a variety of approaches taken to try to characterize and identify the genetic basis of adaptation in nature, spanning theoretical models, experimental evolution studies and direct tests of natural populations. Theoretical models can provide formalized and detailed hypotheses regarding evolutionary processes and patterns, from which experimental evolution studies can then provide important proofs of concepts and characterize what is biologically reasonable. Genetic and genomic data from natural populations then allow for the identification of the particular factors that have and continue to play an important role in shaping adaptive evolution in the natural world. Further to this, experimental evolution studies allow for tests of theories that may be difficult or impossible to test in natural populations for logistical and methodological reasons and can even generate new insights, suggesting further refinement of existing theories. However, as experimental evolution studies often take place in a very particular set of controlled conditions – that is simple environments, a small range of usually asexual species, relatively short timescales – the question remains as to how applicable these experimental results are to natural populations. In this review, we discuss important insights coming from experimental evolution, focusing on four key topics tied to the evolutionary genetics of adaptation, and within those topics, we discuss the extent to which the experimental work compliments and informs natural population studies. We finish by making suggestions for future work in particular a need for natural population genomic time series data, as well as the necessity for studies that combine both experimental evolution and natural population approaches.
Ozone degrades floral scent and reduces pollinator attraction to flowers
Authors: Farré‐Armengol Gerard , Peñuelas Josep , Li Tao , Yli‐Pirilä Pasi , Filella Iolanda , Llusia Joan , Blande James D.
Published: September 2015

In this work we analyzed the degradation of floral scent volatiles from Brassica nigra by reaction with ozone along a distance gradient and the consequences for pollinator attraction.

For this purpose we used a reaction system comprising three reaction tubes in which we conducted measurements of floral volatiles using a proton‐transfer‐reaction time‐of‐flight mass spectrometer (PTR‐TOF‐MS) and GC‐MS. We also tested the effects of floral scent degradation on the responses of the generalist pollinator Bombus terrestris.

The chemical analyses revealed that supplementing air with ozone led to an increasing reduction in the concentrations of floral volatiles in air with distance from the volatile source. The results revealed different reactivities with ozone for different floral scent constituents, which emphasized that ozone exposure not only degrades floral scents, but also changes the ratios of compounds in a scent blend. Behavioural tests revealed that floral scent was reduced in its attractiveness to pollinators after it had been exposed to 120 ppb O3 over a 4.5 m distance.

The combined results of chemical analyses and behavioural responses of pollinators strongly suggest that high ozone concentrations have significant negative impacts on pollination by reducing the distance over which floral olfactory signals can be detected by pollinators.
Drug use disorders in the polydrug context: new epidemiological evidence from a foodborne outbreak approach
Authors: Lopez‐Quintero Catalina , Anthony James C.
Published: September 2015

As epidemiologists studying foodborne illness outbreaks, we do not ask luncheon attendees to say which food caused their illnesses. Instead, we use measurement and analysis methods to estimate food‐specific risk variations. Here, we adapt the foodborne outbreak approach to develop new estimates of drug use disorder risk for single‐drug and polydrug users, without attributing the syndrome to a specific drug when multiple drugs have been used. We estimate drug use disorder risk for cannabis‐only users as a reference value. We then derive comparative relative risk estimates for users of other drug subtypes, including polydrug combinations. Data are from the 2002 to 2003 U.S. National Comorbidity Survey Replication, a nationally representative sample of household residents (18+ years), with standardized drug use and drug dependence assessments. Multiple logistic regression provides odds ratio estimates of relative risk. With this approach, for every 1000 cannabis‐only users, an estimated 17 had become cases (1.7%). By comparison, polydrug users and cocaine‐only users had much greater cumulative incidence (>10%), even with adjustment for covariates and local area matching (P < 0.001). Using this approach, we find exceptionally low risk for cannabis‐only users and greater risk for polydrug and cocaine‐only users.
Development of the Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor ibrutinib for B cell malignancies
Authors: Gayko Urte , Fung Mann , Clow Fong , Sun Steven , Faust Elizabeth , Price Samiyeh , James Danelle , Doyle Margaret , Bari Samina , Zhuang Sen Hong
Published: September 2015

Ibrutinib is a first‐in‐class oral covalent inhibitor of Bruton's tyrosine kinase that has demonstrated clinical benefit for many patients with B cell malignancies. Positive results in initial trials led the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to grant ibrutinib three breakthrough therapy designations for mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), del17p chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and Waldenström's macroglobulinemia (WM). Ibrutinib was approved for these three cancers within 14 months of the original U.S. approval. Additionally, ibrutinib is approved for patient subsets with MCL and/or CLL in >45 other countries. Via a unique mechanism of action, ibrutinib inhibits B cell signaling pathways that regulate the survival, proliferation, adhesion, and homing of cancerous cells. This marks a paradigm shift from the conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy approach to treating B cell malignancies. Ibrutinib continues to be evaluated across a range of B cell malignancies, either as single‐agent therapy or in combination with other therapies, and continues to transform the lives of these patients.
A Note on the Identification of Dynamic Economic Models with Generalized Shock Processes
Authors: A. Reicher Claire
Published: September 2015

Dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) models with generalized shock processes, such as shock processes which follow a vector autoregression (VAR), have been an active area of research in recent years. Unfortunately, the structural parameters governing DSGE models are not identified when the driving process behind the model follows an unrestricted VAR. This finding implies that parameter estimates derived from recent attempts to estimate DSGE models with generalized driving processes should be treated with caution, and that there always exists a tradeoff between identification and the risk of model misspecification. However, these results also make it easier to address the issue of model misspecification by making it computationally easier to check the validity of cross‐equation restrictions.
Functional foods as potential therapeutic options for metabolic syndrome
Authors: Brown L. , Poudyal H. , Panchal S. K.
Published: September 2015

Obesity as part of metabolic syndrome is a major lifestyle disorder throughout the world. Current drug treatments for obesity produce small and usually unsustainable decreases in body weight with the risk of major adverse effects. Surgery has been the only treatment producing successful long‐term weight loss. As a different but complementary approach, lifestyle modification including the use of functional foods could produce a reliable decrease in obesity with decreased comorbidities. Functional foods may include fruits such as berries, vegetables, fibre‐enriched grains and beverages such as tea and coffee. Although health improvements continue to be reported for these functional foods in rodent studies, further evidence showing the translation of these results into humans is required. Thus, the concept that these fruits and vegetables will act as functional foods in humans to reduce obesity and thereby improve health remains intuitive and possible rather than proven.
Systematic review of the relationship between childcare educators' practices and preschoolers' physical activity and eating behaviours
Authors: Ward S. , Bélanger M. , Donovan D. , Carrier N.
Published: September 2015

The role of childcare educators is important given that 81% of preschoolers living in developed countries receive childcare outside their home. Since children learn by observing and imitating others, childcare educators may play a role in promoting healthy eating behaviours and physical activity in young children. Six databases were searched for quantitative peer‐reviewed, English or French primary studies reporting the correlates, predictors or effectiveness of childcare educators' practices on preschoolers' healthy eating and physical activity behaviours. Risk of bias was assessed using the Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies. Fifteen articles were included in this review: 10 measured physical activity levels and five assessed eating behaviours. The quality score was rated as low for eight of these articles, and as moderate for the remaining seven. Two of four cross‐sectional studies reported a positive relationship between educators and children's behaviours. Eleven intervention studies reported significant favourable effects of interventions. Educators may play a positive role in promoting healthy behaviours in children, but this is mainly based on a small number of intervention type studies of low or moderate quality. The influence of specific components of educators' practices on children's healthy eating and physical activity behaviours remains inconclusive.
Family and Kinship in Early Modern German Prose Novels
Authors: Classen Albrecht
Published: September 2015

The debate about the relevance of the marriage theme in the late Middle Ages has been ongoing for a long time. We are still collecting data to establish a solid paradigm for future discussions about this topic. The current article examines two highly popular prose novels, Thüring von Ringoltingen's Melusine (1456) and the anonymous Fortunatus (1509) where the married life of the protagonist gains much more traction in the narrative development than in previous courtly romances. Most importantly, both authors place significant emphasis on the role of the family and portray their characters as situated in the network of smaller social units consisting of parents and children only. We can thus recognize the meaningfulness of the new genre of the prose novel (Volksbuch) in the public discourse about family and kinship during the late Middle Ages.
Spatial analysis of blackleg‐affected seed potato crops in Scotland
Authors: Skelsey P. , Elphinstone J. G. , Saddler G. S. , Wale S. J. , Toth I. K.
Published: September 2015

Potato blackleg, caused by Pectobacterium and Dickeya species, is one of the most significant bacterial diseases affecting potato production globally. Although it is generally accepted to be a seedborne disease, the processes underlying the spread of disease largely remain unknown. Spatial point pattern analysis was applied to blackleg occurrence in seed potato crops in Scotland during the period of 2010–2013 (approximately 8000 blackleg‐affected crops), to assess whether its distribution was random, regular or aggregated, and the spatial scales at which these patterns occurred. Blackleg‐affected crops derived from mother stocks with symptoms were omitted from the analyses in order to examine the statistical evidence for horizontal transmission of blackleg. The pair correlation function was used to test for global spatial autocorrelation, and results indicated significant (P < 0·05) clustering of incidence at a wide range of spatial scales. Strength of clustering (degree of aggregation) among blackleg‐affected crops was notably larger at spatial scales of 25 km or less. A hot‐ and coldspot analysis was performed to test for local spatial autocorrelation, and statistically significant clusters of high and low values of disease were found across the country. These analyses provide the first quantitative evidence of localized and large‐scale spatial clustering of potato blackleg. Understanding the mode(s) of inoculum dispersal will be important for developing new management strategies that minimize host–pathogen contacts in potato and numerous other crops affected by pathogenic Pectobacterium and Dickeya species.
The Fusarium graminearum Xyr1 transcription factor regulates xylanase expression but is not essential for fungal virulence
Authors: Sella L. , Gazzetti K. , Castiglioni C. , Schäfer W. , D'Ovidio R. , Favaron F.
Published: September 2015

The fungal pathogen Fusarium graminearum is the causal agent of fusarium head blight in wheat and other small grain cereals. This fungus is known to produce high amounts of cell wall‐degrading enzymes during infection of wheat spikes. In addition, wheat tissue is particularly rich in xylan, which can be hydrolysed by fungal xylanases. In order to establish the role of F. graminearum xylanase activity in pathogenicity, targeted gene disruption of the F. graminearum xyr1 gene, encoding the major regulator of xylanase gene expression, was performed. When grown on xylan as carbon source, the xylanase activity of the Δxyr1 mutant was dramatically reduced and fungal growth was significantly reduced compared to the wildtype fungus. When grown on carboxymethylcellulose, the cellulolytic activity of the mutant was also reduced and the mutant did not grow on wheat cell walls. The disruption of the xyr1 gene greatly reduced the expression of xylanase‐encoding genes both in vitro and during wheat spike infection, thus confirming the involvement of F. graminearum Xyr1 in the regulation of genes controlling xylan degradation. However, despite the deep impact caused by xyr1 gene disruption on the expression of xylanase genes and on total xylanase activity, the virulence of the Δxyr1 mutant appeared unaffected on Triticum aestivum and T. durum spikes and on soybean seedlings. In conclusion, although a possible role for residual xylanase activity in the virulence of F. graminearum cannot be conclusively excluded, the results question the importance of xylanase activity during the infection process.
Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure during a prolonged wildfire period and emergency department visits for asthma
Authors: Haikerwal Anjali , Akram Muhammad , Sim Malcolm R. , Meyer Mick , Abramson Michael J. , Dennekamp Martine
Published: September 2015

Background and objective

The 2006–2007 wildfire period was one of the most extensive and long lasting fires in Australian history with high levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Large populations were exposed to smoke for over 2 months. The study aimed to investigate the association between wildfire‐related PM2.5 exposure and emergency department (ED) visits for asthma.

Methods

A time‐stratified case‐crossover design was used to investigate associations between daily average PM2.5 and ED attendances for asthma from December 2006 to January 2007. ED data were obtained from the Victorian Emergency Minimum Dataset. Smoke dispersion during the wildfire event was modelled using a validated chemical transport model. Exposure data (daily average PM2.5, temperature and relative humidity) were modelled for the study period. Various lag periods were investigated.

Results

There were 2047 ED attendances for asthma during the study period. After adjusting for temperature and relative humidity, an interquartile range increase in PM2.5 levels of 8.6 μg/m3 was associated with an increase in ED attendances for asthma by 1.96% (95%CI: 0.02, 3.94) on the day of exposure. Lag periods up to 2 days prior did not show any association. A strong association was observed among women 20 years and older (5.08% 95%CI: 1.76, 8.51).

Conclusions

Wildfire‐related PM2.5 was associated with increased risk of ED attendance for asthma during the wildfire event. It is important to understand the role of wildfire PM2.5 as a trigger for asthma presentations.
Explicitly Solvable Nonlocal Eigenvalue Problems and the Stability of Localized Stripes in Reaction‐Diffusion Systems
Authors: Moyles I. , Tse W. H. , Ward M. J.
Published: September 2015

The transverse stability of localized stripe patterns for certain singularly perturbed two‐component reaction‐diffusion (RD) systems in the asymptotic limit of a large diffusivity ratio is analyzed. In this semi‐strong interaction regime, the cross‐sectional profile of the stripe is well‐approximated by a homoclinic pulse solution of the corresponding 1‐D problem. The linear instability of such homoclinic stripes to transverse perturbations is well known from numerical simulations to be a key mechanism for the creation of localized spot patterns. However, in general, owing to the difficulty in analyzing the associated nonlocal and nonself‐adjoint spectral problem governing stripe stability for these systems, it has not previously been possible to provide an explicit analytical characterization of these instabilities, including determining the growth rate and the most unstable mode within the band of unstable transverse wave numbers. Our focus is to show that such an explicit characterization of the transverse instability of a homoclinic stripe is possible for a subclass of RD system for which the analysis of the underlying spectral problem reduces to the study of a rather simple algebraic equation in the eigenvalue parameter. Although our simplified theory for stripe stability can be applied to a class of RD system, it is illustrated only for homoclinic stripe and ring solutions for a subclass of the Gierer–Meinhardt model and for a three‐component RD system modeling patterns of criminal activity in urban crime.
Dynamics of Vortex Rossby Waves in Tropical Cyclones, Part 1: Linear Time‐Dependent Evolution on an f‐Plane
Authors: Nikitina L. V. , Campbell L. J.
Published: September 2015

Analyses of observational data on hurricanes in the tropical atmosphere indicate the existence of spiral rainbands which propagate outward from the eye and affect the structure and intensity of the hurricane. These disturbances may be described as vortex Rossby waves. This paper describes the evolution of barotropic vortex Rossby waves in a cyclonic vortex in a two‐dimensional configuration where the variation of the Coriolis force with latitude is ignored. The waves are forced by a constant‐amplitude boundary condition at a fixed radius from the center of the vortex and propagate outward. The mean flow angular velocity profile is taken to be a quadratic function of the radial distance from the center of the vortex and there is a critical radius at which it is equal to the phase speed of the waves. For the case of waves with steady amplitude, an exact solution is derived for the steady linearized equations in terms of hypergeometric functions; this solution is valid in the outer region away from the critical radius. For the case of waves with time‐dependent amplitude, asymptotic solutions of the linearized equations, valid for late time, are obtained in the outer and inner regions. It is found that there are strong qualitative similarities between the conclusions on the evolution of the vortex waves in this configuration and those obtained in the case of Rossby waves in a rectangular configuration where the latitudinal gradient of the Coriolis parameter is taken into account. In particular, the amplitude of the steady‐state outer solution is greatly attenuated and there is a phase change of across the critical radius, and in the linear time‐dependent configuration, the outer solution approaches a steady state in the limit of infinite time, while the amplitude of the inner solution grows on a logarithmic time scale and the width of the critical layer approaches zero.
Soil organic carbon and microbial communities respond to vineyard management
Authors: Zehetner F. , Djukic I. , Hofmann R. , Kühnen L. , Rampazzo‐Todorovic G. , Gerzabek M. H. , Soja G.
Published: September 2015

The farming practices in vineyards vary widely, but how does this affect vineyard soils? The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of vineyard management practices on soil organic matter and the soil microbial community. To this end, we investigated three adjacent vineyards in the Traisen valley, Austria, of which the soils had developed on the same parent material and under identical environmental/site conditions but were managed differently (esp. tillage, fertilizer application, cover crops) for more than 10 yrs. We found that topsoil bulk density (BD) decreased with increasing tillage intensity, while subsoil BD showed the opposite trend. Soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks in 0–50 cm depth increased from 10 kg m−2 in an unfertilized and frequently tilled vineyard to 17 kg m−2 in a regularly fertilized but less intensively tilled vineyard. Topsoil microbial biomass per unit SOC, estimated by the sum of microbial phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs), followed this trend, albeit not statistically significantly. Principal component analysis of PLFA patterns revealed that the microbial communities were compositionally distinct between different management practices. The fungal PLFA marker 18:2ω6,9 was highest in the vineyard with the lowest amount of extractable Cu (by 0.01 m CaCl2), and the bacterial‐to‐fungal biomass ratio was positively correlated with extractable Cu. Our results indicate that tillage and fertilizer application of vineyards can strongly affect vineyard soil properties such as BD and SOC stocks and that the application of Cu‐based fungicides may impair soil fungal communities.
‘Do you have a mobile?’ Mobile phone practices and the refashioning of social relationships in Port Vila Town
Authors: Kraemer Daniela
Published: September 2015

Mobile phones have quickly become an important part of young people's social relationships in Port Vila Vanuatu. In particular, young people embrace the new technology's capacity to broaden the breadth of their sociality. They use the mobile phone to facilitate private and secretive communication, engage in unsanctioned relationships, pre‐marital sexual relationships, and also multiple concurrent intimate relationships. Literature on mobile phone use often either takes the approach that mobile phone technology becomes purely incorporated into pre‐existing social practices, or that it dramatically reshapes social ontologies. The present article argues for an alternative view, one that takes into account the nuances between these two analytical poles. This article suggests that young people use the mobile phone in practices informed by previous models of social relationships, yet the specific materiality of the mobile phone technology is influencing the direction in which models of social relationships are changing. In demonstrating this point, I pay particular attention to two material aspects of the mobile phone technology ‐ the mobile phone as a repository of a particular kind of information ‐ ‘evidence’, and the capacity of the mobile phone to ‘disconnect’ people from their relationships by switching off the mobile. This article argues that these practices are influencing the emergence of a radically altered kinship and gender landscape in the urban context.
Systemic neosporosis in a dog treated for immune‐mediated thrombocytopenia and hemolytic anemia
Authors: Magaña Angie , Sánchez Félix , Villa Karina , Rivera Liliana , Morales Elizabeth
Published: September 2015

A 4‐year‐old male Toy Poodle was presented to the Small Animal Veterinary Hospital of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the Autonomous University of Mexico (FMVZ,UNAM) because of depression, lethargy, and hemorrhages involving several areas of the skin and around the eyes. Hematology data and a bone marrow analysis suggested hemolytic anemia and immune‐mediated thrombocytopenia. The dog was treated with prednisone, and after one month the hematology variables improved. However, the dog's clinical condition inexplicably worsened and it was euthanized. On necropsy, there were no relevant findings. However, in histology, multifocal lymphoplasmacytic and histiocytic meningoencephalitis and necrosis, and a protozoan cyst in the cerebellum were identified. In addition, moderate multifocal lymphoplasmacytic and necrotizing pancreatitis, hepatitis, myocarditis, and diffuse lymphoplasmacytic enteritis were observed. Immunohistochemistry of the cerebellum, liver, pancreas, and intestine with a specific antibody againstNeospora caninumconfirmed the diagnosis of systemic neosporosis. The systemic neosporosis in this dog was most likely caused by reactivation of latent parasites due to prednisone administration during the one month of treatment. It should be kept in mind that in dogs being treated with immunosuppressants for immune‐mediated conditions, opportunistic parasites, such asToxoplasma gondiiandN caninum, can be reactivated from a latent state, as it probably happened in the present case.
Reliability of the Lactate Scout point‐of‐care instrument for the determination of blood l‐lactate concentration in sheep
Authors: Kaynar Ozgur , Karapinar Tolga , Hayirli Armagan , Baydar Ersoy
Published: September 2015

Background

Data on accuracy and precision of the Lactate Scout point‐of‐care (POC) analyzer in ovine medicine are lacking.

Objective

The purpose of the study was to assess the reliability of the Lactate Scout in sheep.

Materials and Methods

Fifty‐seven sheep at varying ages with various diseases were included. Blood lactate concentration in samples collected from the jugular vein was measured immediately on the Lactate Scout. Plasma l‐lactate concentration was measured by the Cobas autoanalyzer as the reference method. Data were subjected to Student's t‐test, Passing–Bablok regression, and Bland–Altman plot analyses for comparison and assessment of accuracy, precision, and reliability.

Results

Plasma l‐lactate concentration was consistently lower than blood l‐lactate concentration (3.06 ± 0.24 vs 3.3 ± 0.3 mmol/L, P < .0001). There was a positive correlation between plasma and blood l‐lactate concentrations (r = .98, P < .0001). The Lactate Scout had 99% accuracy and 98% precision with the reference method. Blood (Y) and plasma (X) l‐lactate concentrations were fitted to Y = 0.28 + 1.00 · X, with a residual standard deviation of 0.31 and a negligible deviation from the identity line (P = .93). The bias was fitted to Y = 0.10 + 0.05 · X, with Sy.x of 0.44 (P < .07).

Conclusions

The Lactate Scout has high accuracy and precision, with a negligible bias. It is a reliable POC analyzer to assess l‐lactate concentration in ovine medicine.
Comparison of FEDESI and SCORFAD scoring systems for the evaluation of skin lesions in allergic cats
Authors: Noli Chiara , Cena Tiziana
Published: September 2015

Background

Feline Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index (FeDESI) and Scoring Feline Allergic Dermatitis (SCORFAD) are two different scoring systems for the evaluation of feline allergic dermatitis.

Objectives

To evaluate the correlation between FeDESI and SCORFAD and pruritus.

Animals and methods

The dermatological lesions of 32 cats affected by feline allergic dermatitis were evaluated with both FeDESI and SCORFAD before treatment and once monthly during treatment where ciclosporin was administered at 7 mg/kg orally once daily for 1 month then tapered, when possible, in the subsequent 2 months. Pruritus was scored by pet owners with a Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Correlation between scores at Visit 1, and between absolute and percentage score improvements at visits 1, 2 and 3, were analysed statistically using a nonparametric Spearman's rank correlation test.

Results

Correlation between FeDESI, SCORFAD and VAS pruritus scores at baseline was low and nonsignificant for all combinations. The correlation of absolute score improvement was moderate and significant only between FeDESI and VAS pruritus at Visit 3. Correlation of improvement percentage was moderate and significant between FeDESI and SCORFAD and between FeDESI and VAS pruritus at Visit 2, whereas at visits 3 and 4 it was high and significant for each combination.

Conclusion

Only improvement percentage of FeDESI and SCORFAD scores seem to correlate well. SCORFAD is the only scoring system to have been validated, although it seems to correlate less with pruritus and may be more difficult to use than FeDESI. The latter could thus be more appropriate for use, but further studies are needed especially in regard to its validation.