bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Back to the future in a petri dish: Origin and impact of resurrected microbes in natural populations
Authors: Houwenhuyse Shira , Macke Emilie , Reyserhove Lien , Bulteel Lore , Decaestecker Ellen
Published: August 2017

Current natural populations face new interactions because of the re‐emergence of ancient microbes and viruses. These risks come from the re‐emergence of pathogens kept in laboratories or from pathogens that are retained in the permafrost, which become available upon thawing due to climate change. We here focus on the effects of such re‐emergence in natural host populations based on evolutionary theory of virulence and long‐term studies, which investigate host–pathogen adaptations. Pathogens tend to be locally and temporally adapted to their co‐occurring hosts, but when pathogens from a different environment or different time enter the host community, the degree to which a new host–pathogen interaction is a threat will depend on the specific genotypic associations, the time lag between the host and the pathogen, and the interactions with native or recent host and pathogen species. Some insights can be obtained from long‐term studies using a resurrection ecology approach. These long‐term studies based on time‐shift experiments are essential to obtain insight into the mechanisms underlying host–pathogen coevolution at several ecological and temporal scales. As past pathogens and their corresponding host(s) can differ in infectivity and susceptibility, strong reciprocal selective pressures can be induced by the pathogen. These strong selective pressures often result in an escalating arms race, but do not necessarily result in increased infectivity over time. Human health can also be impacted by these resurrected pathogens as the majority of emerging infectious diseases are zoonoses, which are infectious diseases originating from animal populations naturally transmitted to humans. The sanitary risk associated with pathogen emergence from different environments (spatial or temporal) depends on a combination of socioeconomic, environmental, and ecological factors that affect the virulence or the pathogenic potential of microbes and their ability to infect susceptible host populations.
Yellow fat disease (steatitis) in 20 equids: Description of clinical and ultrasonographic findings
Authors: Paulussen E. , Lefère L. , Bauwens C. , Broux B. , De Clercq D. , van Loon G.
Published: August 2017

Diagnosis of steatitis can be challenging due to nonspecific clinical signs and ultrasonography might be a useful aid for making a diagnosis. The objective of this retrospective clinical case study was to describe history, clinical signs, ultrasonographic findings, treatment and outcome in equids with steatitis. The medical records of all equids presented to the Department of Large Animal Internal Medicine, Ghent University between January 2008 and December 2015 were reviewed retrospectively to identify horses suffering from steatitis. A total of 20 cases with steatitis were reviewed. History included dullness, recumbency, decreased appetite and weight loss. Fever, ventral oedema, stiff/painful gait and a painful neck were found. Low haematocrit, low vitamin E and selenium and increased levels of creatinine kinase and particularly lactate dehydrogenase were almost consistent findings. On ultrasound, ventral oedema was found. Ventral extraperitoneal, perirenal, mesenteric, coronary and caudal mediastinal fat showed homogenously increased echogenicity. The ventral extraperitoneal fat in particular was surrounded by oedema or free fluid. Increased amounts of abdominal, thoracic and pericardial fluid were often found. Fat biopsies were taken in the neck, or from the ventral extraperitoneal fat in the ventral flank. Steatitis was confirmed in all horses where a fat biopsy was taken (n = 13). Treatment consisted of selenium and vitamin E (intramuscular injection followed by oral treatment) supplementation and anti‐inflammatory treatment (dexamethasone or prednisolone parenteral or oral) for at least 1–4 weeks. A total of 15 animals (75%) survived. Full recovery took about 2–6 months. In conclusion, steatitis is an uncommon disease in young horses usually seen during winter. It may be underdiagnosed because of nonspecific clinical signs. Ultrasonography is a useful aid for the diagnosis of yellow fat disease based upon the increased echogenicity of ventral extraperitoneal, perirenal, mesenteric, coronary and caudal mediastinal fat and increased amount of surrounding fluid.
Oncoidal granular iron formation in the Mesoarchaean Pongola Supergroup, southern Africa: Textural and geochemical evidence for biological activity during iron deposition
Authors: Smith A. J. B. , Beukes N. J. , Gutzmer J. , Czaja A. D. , Johnson C. M. , Nhleko N.
Published: August 2017

We document the discovery of the first granular iron formation (GIF) of Archaean age and present textural and geochemical results that suggest these formed through microbial iron oxidation. The GIF occurs in the Nconga Formation of the ca. 3.0–2.8 Ga Pongola Supergroup in South Africa and Swaziland. It is interbedded with oxide and silicate facies micritic iron formation (MIF). There is a strong textural control on iron mineralization in the GIF not observed in the associated MIF. The GIF is marked by oncoids with chert cores surrounded by magnetite and calcite rims. These rims show laminated domal textures, similar in appearance to microstromatolites. The GIF is enriched in silica and depleted in Fe relative to the interbedded MIF. Very low Al and trace element contents in the GIF indicate that chemically precipitated chert was reworked above wave base into granules in an environment devoid of siliciclastic input. Microbially mediated iron precipitation resulted in the formation of irregular, domal rims around the chert granules. During storm surges, oncoids were transported and deposited in deeper water environments. Textural features, along with positive δ56Fe values in magnetite, suggest that iron precipitation occurred through incomplete oxidation of hydrothermal Fe2+ by iron‐oxidizing bacteria. The initial Fe3+‐oxyhydroxide precipitates were then post‐depositionally transformed to magnetite. Comparison of the Fe isotope compositions of the oncoidal GIF with those reported for the interbedded deeper water iron formation (IF) illustrates that the Fe2+ pathways and sources for these units were distinct. It is suggested that the deeper water IF was deposited from the evolved margin of a buoyant Fe2+aq‐rich hydrothermal plume distal to its source. In contrast, oncolitic magnetite rims of chert granules were sourced from ambient Fe2+aq‐depleted shallow ocean water beyond the plume.
Affecting mechanism of chitosan on water resistance of magnesium phosphate cement
Authors: Liao Jianguo , Lu Shanxing , Duan Xingze , Xie Yufen , Zhang Yongxiang , Li Yanqun , Zhou Aiguo
Published: August 2017

To solve the problem of poor water resistance and restricted usage of magnesium phosphate cement, the cement prepared by NaH2PO4 and NH4H2PO4 was modified via chitosan, and the modification mechanism was also explored. The results showed that the optimum molar ratio of NaH2PO4: NH4H2PO4 was 2:3. Upon setting the chitosan content of wt.1%, the mechanical strength of the resulting cements after 28 days was 42 MPa. After water immersion, the percentage of the lost mechanical strength of cements and mass loss was smaller than those in the control group. Free amino group on the molecular chain of chitosan could react with Mg2+ ions to form complexes. Interconnected polymer network structure was formed in magnesium phosphate bone cement paste. Magnesium phosphate bone cement had hydration products with Mg2+ ions as nucleation sites, which further gradually formed a network structure, indicating that chitosan could improve the water resistance of magnesium phosphate bone cements.
Nutrient intake and urinary incontinence in Korean women: A propensity score‐matched analysis from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data
Authors: Lee Jun Ho , Lee Hyo Serk
Published: August 2017

Objectives

To evaluate the relationship between dietary nutrients and female urinary incontinence using nationally representative data from Korea.

Methods

We included 8090 women aged >20 years who had participated in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey IV. We carried out a propensity‐matched study by identifying women with urinary incontinence. Women without urinary incontinence, matched for age, body mass index, menopause, delivery history, hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, stroke, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and amount of total food intake, were included as a control group at a 2:1 ratio (661 women with urinary incontinence; 1322 women without urinary incontinence). Data were analyzed using the χ2‐test, Mann–Whitney test, Fisher's exact test and logistic regression.

Results

Following propensity score matching, 661 women with urinary incontinence and 1322 women without urinary incontinence were included; the confounders were evenly dispersed and did not differ significantly between the groups. There was no significant difference in the intake of water, fat, protein, calcium, phosphorus, iron, sodium, potassium, vitamin A, carotene, riboflavin, niacin and vitamin C. However, carbohydrate intake was significantly higher in the urinary incontinence group than in the control group (median [interquartile range]: 282.3 g/day [214.7; 352.0] vs 267.7 g/day [212.6; 339.1]; P = 0.041).

Conclusion

High carbohydrate intake seems to be significantly related to female urinary incontinence in the Korean population.
Data envelopment analysis based on team reasoning
Authors: Xia Meimei , Chen Jian , Zeng Xiao‐Jun
Published: August 2017

Existing approaches to data envelopment analysis focus mainly on the derivation of the efficiency of the individual decision‐making unit (DMU) or on the calculation of the weights of multiple inputs or outputs, but pay little attention to the team interest of all the DMUs. Motivated by the idea of team reasoning, in which the benefit of the team is of higher importance than that of each individual, this paper considers all the DMUs as a team and introduces the team indexes including the overall efficiencies, variance, boundaries of all the DMUs, and relationships between DMUs. Several models are first developed to estimate values of the team indexes based on which decision makers can provide their preferences regarding them. Then, models are established to obtain the interval efficiencies of individual DMUs under the condition that the team indexes are satisfied. Several examples are given to illustrate the proposed approaches and verify their applicability.
An output‐oriented classification of multiple attribute decision‐making techniques based on fuzzy c‐means clustering method
Authors: Asgharizadeh Ezzatollah , Taghizadeh Yazdi Mohammadreza , Mohammadi Balani Abdolkarim
Published: August 2017

This paper presents a new output‐oriented classification of multiple attribute decision‐making (MADM) techniques, not based on common subjective comparisons, but mostly on quantitative and computer‐aided comparisons and results. Several classifications of MADM techniques exist, all of which are either input‐oriented (based on the type of input data) or process‐oriented (depending on the process of calculating the final results using the input data). The classification provided in this paper is based on measuring the performance of 17 MADM techniques (SAW, ELECTRE I, TOPSIS, ORESTE, PROMETHEE I, EVAMIX, MAUT, REGIME, MAPPAC, TACTIC, VIKOR, ARGUS, COPRAS, SMART, PACMAN, MOORA, and ARAS) in seven performance variables (simplicity in learning and deploying, speed, complexity of calculations, the number of inputs, the quality of the underlying logic, the quality of rankings, and the rate of growth in large problems) and clustering them using fuzzy c‐means clustering method. Results indicate that the considered techniques can be best classified into two clusters.
Blunt scratch strength of polycrystalline alumina
Authors: Cook Robert F.
Published: August 2017

A model for the fracture strength of brittle materials controlled by blunt (spherical) scratches is developed and compared with measurements on a polycrystalline alumina. The model is based on a residual stress‐intensity factor for median cracks at scratches that include a localized plastic deformation zone formed by dragged spherical contacts. The stress‐intensity factor depends nonlinearly on the normal contact load P, resulting in a predicted strength variation of P−3/4. The strength result validates previous claims and extends the overall indentation‐strength framework. However, the result has only limited effectiveness in describing experimental measurements, pertaining only to ideal blunt scratches formed over a limited load domain.
Effect of composition on shape of bird eggs
Authors: Deeming D. Charles
Published: August 2017

Numerous studies over the past 90 years have described the various bird egg shapes in mathematical terms but few studies have considered the underlying reasons for such interspecific egg shape variability. This study investigated how the size and composition, i.e. proportions of shell, yolk and albumen, were associated with egg shape. Geometric morphometrics were used to generate principal components, which were analysed in relation to taxonomy (i.e. avian order) and degree of neonatal developmental maturity, which correlates with egg composition. The analysis confirmed previous results that most of the variation in shape is associated with degree of elongation (i.e. length divided by breadth) and asymmetry (i.e. position of the broadest part of the egg away from the mid‐point of the egg's length). Egg shape reflected avian order but not developmental maturity. The degree of elongation of an egg is related to absolute egg mass and the proportion of yolk. By contrast, the degree of asymmetry is related to the proportion of shell and the mass of the egg relative to female body mass. Although significant, the models explained little of the variation in egg shape and so it was concluded that other factors, such as pelvis size and shape, could be more important in determining egg shape in birds.
The Rise of Crowd Logistics: A New Way to Co‐Create Logistics Value
Authors: Carbone Valentina , Rouquet Aurélien , Roussat Christine
Published: August 2017

Patterned on crowdsourcing and crowdfunding, a new crowd practice has emerged in recent years: crowd logistics. In this paper, we propose a first conceptualization of this growing phenomenon. Crowd logistics is a novel way of providing logistics services that taps into the dormant logistics resources and capabilities of individuals, using mobile applications and web‐based platforms. Although crowd logistics has been widely discussed in the business world, it has not yet been the subject of any academic publication. Following an exploratory case study approach, we review the websites of 57 crowd logistics initiatives around the world and highlight the main distinctive characteristics of crowd logistics, as compared to traditional business logistics. We introduce a segmented analysis in which crowd logistics solutions are classified according to four types of service offered. Finally, we introduce six theoretical propositions on the future development of crowd logistics. At a theoretical level, our findings contribute to enriching the service‐dominant logic perspective in the logistics field by conceptualizing the crowd as a co‐creator of logistics value. At a managerial level, our findings contribute to identifying which types of crowd logistics services are more likely to threaten or disrupt traditional business.
Predicting the ability of elderly diabetes patients to acquire the insulin self‐injection technique based on the number of animal names recalled
Authors: Minami Taichi , Yamada Masayo , Furuta Ryutaro , Kamata Kentaro , Katsuragawa Sho , Terui Sakiko , Akiyama Tomoaki , Yoshii Taishi , Tsunoda Tetsuji , Terauchi Yasuo
Published: August 2017

Aims/Introduction

To our knowledge, no studies have reported that cognitive tests can be used to evaluate whether or not patients can acquire the insulin self‐injection technique. We investigated whether or not the number of animal names recalled in 1 min by elderly diabetes patients could be used as a predictor of the patients’ ability to acquire the insulin self‐injection technique within 1 week.

Materials and Methods

We enrolled 57 inpatients with type 2 diabetes aged >60 years who were starting insulin therapy. We carried out the Mini‐Mental State Examination and verbal fluency tests, which included recalling animal names and common nouns starting with the letters ‘a,’ ‘ka’ and ‘shi’ (Japanese letters). We used 12 checkpoints for insulin self‐injection to judge the patients’ levels of acquisition of the technique. The most predictive cognitive test was determined by multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results

In the present study, multivariate logistic analysis showed that the number of animal names recalled was the most reliable predictor of the ability to acquire the insulin self‐injection technique within 1 week. A figure of 11 animal names predicted a successful acquisition, with a sensitivity of 73% and a specificity of 91% being observed (area under the curve 0.87, 95% confidence interval 0.76–0.97, P < 0.01).

Conclusions

The number of animal names recalled in 1 min was the most useful indicator of the ability of elderly diabetes patients to learn to manage insulin self‐injection therapy within 1 week. The cut‐off value was 11 animal names.
Different expression patterns of plasma Th1‐, Th2‐, Th17‐ and Th22‐related cytokines correlate with serum autoreactivity and allergen sensitivity in chronic spontaneous urticaria
Authors: Chen Q. , Zhong H. , Chen W.C. , Zhai Z. , Zhou Z. , Song Z. , Hao F.
Published: August 2017

Background

Clinical features and basophil activation levels correlate with serum autoreactivity and allergen sensitivity in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU).

Objectives

To explore the relationship of the expression patterns of plasma T‐helper cell (Th) 1‐, Th2‐, Th17‐ and Th22‐related cytokines with the serum autoreactivity and the allergen sensitivity in CSU.

Method

Twenty related cytokines were measured and analysed in 60 patients with CSU, 15 patients with acute urticaria, 10 patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) and 15 healthy persons, respectively. Autologous serum skin testing (ASST) and skin prick testing (SPT) were performed to detect autoreactivity and allergy sensitivity, respectively. The protein–protein interaction of cytokines and the molecular pathways were analysed by Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins (STRING) and KyotoEncyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG database), respectively.

Results

Th1‐/Th2‐ and Th17‐related cytokines were significantly elevated and correlated with disease activity in CSU than in healthy controls. Interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐10 and IL‐13 were significantly higher in acute urticaria than in patients with CSU. Granulocyte/macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF), IL‐10 and IL‐17 were significantly higher in ASST+ than in ASST‐ CSU patients. IFN‐γ, IL‐2, IL‐12p70 and IL‐21 were significantly higher in SPT+ than in SPT− CSU patients. The plasma levels of interferon‐γ, IL‐2 and IL‐21 varied among ASST+/SPT+, ASST+/SPT−, ASST−/SPT+ and ASST−/SPT− CSU subgroups, which appeared to involve the positive regulation of the Janus kinase‐signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK‐STAT) signaling pathway.

Conclusion

This study indicates acute urticaria elicits a more prominent Th2 immune response than CSU. There was association between different expression patterns of plasma Th1‐, Th2‐, Th17‐ and Th22‐related cytokines and serum autoreactivity or allergen sensitivity in CSU. Further studies on the JAK‐STAT pathway in the pathogenesis of CSU are warranted.
Dermoscopy and the diagnosis of primary cutaneous B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Geller S. , Marghoob A.A. , Scope A. , Braun R.P. , Myskowski P.L.
Published: August 2017

Background

Primary cutaneous B‐cell lymphomas (PCBCLs) are frequently misdiagnosed, and a biopsy is needed to attain the correct diagnosis.

Objective

To characterize the dermoscopic features of PCBCL.

Methods

In this retrospective observational study, we analysed the pathology reports of 172 newly diagnosed PCBCL for the initial clinical differential diagnosis. The dermoscopic images of 58 PCBCL were evaluated for dermoscopic features. Two dermoscopy experts, who were blinded to the diagnosis and the study objective, evaluated images from 17 cases for a dermoscopic differential diagnosis.

Results

Of 172 biopsy‐proven PCBCL lesions, cutaneous lymphoma was suspected by the clinician in 16.3%; the leading diagnosis was basal cell carcinoma in 17.4%, and other skin neoplasms in 21%. Studying 58 PCBCL dermoscopic images, we most frequently identified salmon‐coloured background/area (79.3%) and prominent blood vessels (77.6%), mostly of serpentine (linear‐irregular) morphology (67.2%). Dermoscopic features did not differ significantly by subtype or location. Blinded evaluation by dermoscopy experts raised a wide differential diagnosis including PCBCL, arthropod bite, basal cell carcinoma, amelanotic melanoma and scar/keloid.

Conclusions

Two dermoscopic features, salmon‐coloured area/background and serpentine vessels, are frequently seen in PCBCL lesions. These characteristic dermoscopic features, although not specific, can suggest a possible diagnosis of PCBCL.
Neighborhood Food Infrastructure and Food Security in Metropolitan Detroit
Authors: Allard Scott W. , Wathen Maria V. , Shaefer H. Luke , Danziger Sandra K.
Published: August 2017

Concern about spatial access to food retailers and its relationship to household food security has increased in recent years, placing greater importance on understanding how proximity to food retailers is related to household food consumption. Using data from the Michigan Recession and Recovery Study (MRRS), a panel survey of working‐age adults in the Detroit Metropolitan Area, this article explores whether access to the food retailers is associated with food insecurity. We use unique data about food retailers in metropolitan Detroit to develop an array of food retailer access measures that account for distance to nearest retailer, density of retailers, commute times, mode of transit, and type of retailer. Across most measures, we find that many vulnerable population groups have greater or at least comparable spatial access to food resources as less vulnerable populations groups. There is little evidence, however, that greater access to food retailers is associated with food security.
Antiwrinkle effect of topical adhesive pads on crow's feet: How long does the effect last for?
Authors: Mazzarello Vittorio , Ferrari Marco , Bulla Antonio , Piu Gabriella , Montella Andrea
Published: August 2017

Background

Adhesive pads should reduce the action of the local muscle contraction on the skin leading to a decrease in the depth of existing wrinkles and the formation of new dynamic wrinkles.

Aim of the work

This study aims at assessing the antiwrinkles action of adhesive pads during time, and the temporary improvement of facial skin appearance by reducing the vision of linear wrinkles and improving skin elasticity.

Patients and methods

Thirty‐nine subjects participated to a placebo‐controlled study. In the short‐term test, the measurements were taken 15, 30, and 60 minutes following 30 minutes application of the product; in the long‐term test, the measurements were taken after wearing pads every night for 4 weeks. The roughness parameter of the skin surface was calculated by using a profilometry software 3D MEX®.

Results

In the short‐ and long‐term tests, analyzing the average of the elastomeric measurements, no significant change was observed in any of the parameters analyzed after 15, 30, and 60 minutes. The adhesive pad decreased significantly all roughness skin parameters 15 minutes after short‐term application and until 60 minutes after long‐term application. These changes did not occur in the contralateral untreated zone.

Conclusions

The use of topical adhesive pads improves wrinkles in the crow's feet area in the first hour after use. However, patient self‐evaluation indicated that the use of topical adhesive pads for 3 weeks may offer subjective improvement in crow's feet zone over a 2 hour period. Topical adhesive pads are safe to use and tolerable for most users.
Cerebral blood flow velocities and cerebrovascular resistance in normal‐term neonates in the first 72 hours
Authors: Forster Danielle E , Koumoundouros Emmanuel , Saxton Virginia , Fedai Gabrielle , Holberton James
Published: August 2017

Aim

To determine the range of cerebral blood flow velocities (CBFVs) and Doppler indices of cerebrovascular resistance in normal‐term neonates as a baseline for a study of hypoxic‐ischaemic encephalopathy.

Methods

The CBFVs, resistive index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI) were measured in the anterior and middle cerebral arteries (ACA and MCA) of 38 normal neonates.

Results

The mean peak systolic, end diastolic and time‐averaged velocities (PSV, EDV and TAV) were 36.3 ± 6.6, 12.4 ± 3.9 and 22.0 ± 4.0 cm/s (ACA) and 41.4 ± 13.2, 13.0 ± 5.5 and 25.8 ± 7.9 cm/s (MCA), respectively. All CBFVs in the ACA correlated with gestation; only EDV was correlated to post‐natal age. The RI in the ACA (0.67 ± 0.06) and MCA (0.68 ± 0.07) were correlated (r = 0.72, P < 0.001); RI correlated to post‐natal age. Two infants with RI < 0.55 were both fed within 25 mins of the study; RI correlated with post‐prandial time (dichotomous, pivot 25 min). The mean PI was 1.11 ± 0.18 (ACA) and 1.17 ± 0.23 (MCA). Correlations were observed with post‐natal age and post‐prandial time (dichotomous). The average angle of insonation was greater in the ACA than in the MCA (median of 5° vs. 18°).

Conclusions

Results corresponded with previous published studies. No correlation was observed between Doppler indices and gestation as component velocities all increase with advancing gestation. Less variation and smaller standard deviation of CBFV's was associated with a smaller angle of insonation. Low RIs (<0.55), without a pathological cause, warrants further study.
Rare clinically significant hepatic events and hepatitis B reactivation occur more frequently following rather than during direct‐acting antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis C: Data from a national US cohort
Authors: Serper M. , Forde K. A. , Kaplan D. E.
Published: August 2017

Recently, cases of hepatitis B virus reactivation (HBVr) with direct‐acting antiviral therapy (DAAs) for HCV have been reported. However, few data exist from large, Western cohorts. The study objectives were to evaluate the incidence of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) flares, clinically significant hepatic events, and HBVr among a national cohort of US veterans with prior exposure to HBV (anti‐HBc+) treated with DAAs. We used a national administrative database to identify patients treated with DAAs from January 2014 through November 2016 and obtained clinical and demographic as well as HBV and HCV treatment data. HBVr was defined as an at least 1‐log increase in HBV DNA titre. Among 17 779 anti‐HBc+ patients, 17 400 were HIV− and 379 were HIV+. Among the HIV− patients, 17 266 (99%) were HBsAg− prior to DAA therapy and 134 were HBsAg+. Among HIV‐, HBsAg− patients, ALT elevations greater than 10 times the upper limit of normal (ULN; ≥300 IU/mL) were rare and occurred more frequently after treatment completion: 31 cases (<0.1%) during vs 85 (0.6%) following treatment. Clinically significant hepatic events defined as ALT increases >100 IU/L with total bilirubin >2.5 mg/dL occurred in 39 cases (0.3%), most often following DAA completion (n = 35 cases, 3/35 in setting of HCV relapse). Among 31 patients with post‐DAA hepatic events without HCV relapse, 10 (32%) were confirmed unrelated to HBVr by HBsAg and/or HBV DNA testing, 1 (3%) confirmed due to HBVr, and 20 (65%) did not have documented HBV‐related testing. One additional case of HBsAg− to + seroreversion was identified. Among HBsAg+ DAA recipients, 2/97 (2%), both with cirrhosis, experienced ALT elevations ≥300 IU/mL in the setting of HBVr. In conclusion, clinically significant hepatic events and HBVr were rare and much more likely among HBsAg‐positive individuals. Anti‐HBc + patients should be monitored for ALT flares and HBVr during and possibly for up to 6 months post‐DAA therapy.
Applying the Bundle–Move Connection Approach to the Development of an Online Writing Support Tool for Research Articles
Authors: Mizumoto Atsushi , Hamatani Sawako , Imao Yasuhiro
Published: August 2017

With advances in information and computer technology, genre‐based writing pedagogy has developed greatly in recent years. In order to further this growth in technology‐enhanced genre writing pedagogy, this study developed a data‐driven and theory‐based practical support tool for writing research articles. This web‐based, innovative tool, powered by a combination of rhetorical moves and lexical bundles, has an autocomplete feature that suggests the most frequent lexical bundles in a move within a research article section. This innovative web‐based tool was developed based on the proof of concept of the bundle–move connection approach. Preliminary user feedback was positive overall, and it was found that the writing support tool brought about beneficial effects that genre‐writing pedagogy explicitly aims to achieve. In light of these findings, pedagogical implications of the tool are discussed, with particular focus on the potential role that it could play in the teaching and learning of technology‐enhanced genre writing.

Open Practices

This article has been awarded Open Materials and Open Data badges. All materials and data are publicly accessible via the IRIS Repository at https://www.iris-database.org/iris/app/home/detail?id=york:932233. Learn more about the Open Practices badges from the Center for Open Science: https://osf.io/tvyxz/wiki.
Endemic gypsophytes composition delimitated by soil properties and altitude: From calciphytes to halophytes in the south–central Alborz Ranges
Authors: Rabizadeh Fatemeh , Zare‐Maivan Hassan , Kazempour Sharokh
Published: August 2017

Specialized plant species have long served as geobotanical tools for locating mines and ores. Despite their importance, not much research has been dedicated to studying the ecology of endemic specialized plant species, such as those of gypsum or calcareous habitats. Here we describe and analyze the occurence of endemic plant species in gypsum habitats of the south–central Alborz Ranges (Semnan), Iran, in relation to altitude and soil properties. Ecological data and soil samples were collected from 120 plots along along an altitudinal gradient correlated with differences in soil properties. Forty seven plant species, including 6 species endemic to the Semnan area and 20 species endemic to Iran, were identified. The occurrence of the species were analyzed using canonical correspondence (CCA) and detrended correspondence Analysis (DCA), and based on the results the species were categorized as gypsophytes G1 (1600–2245 m a.s.l.), calciphytes (1500–1700 m a.s.l.), gypsophytes G2 (1300–1600 m a.s.l.) and halophytes (1100–1300 m a.s.l.). Gypsum content, elevation and salinity (Na content) were identified as the environmental factors having the largest effects on vegetation compositon. Endemic Semnan plant species included Astragalus fridae, Euphorbia gypsicola and Gypsophila mucronifolia at higher altitudes, and Astragalus semnanensis, Centaurea lachnopus and Nepeta eremokosmos at lower altitude gypsic soils. More frequent Iranian endemic plant species included Moltkia gypsaceae at higher altitudes, Echinops nizvanus and Acantholimon cymosum at lower altitude gypsic soils, Astragalus glaucacanthos, A. podolobus and A. microcephalus occurring mainly in calcic carbonate soil, and halophyte species such as Artemisia sieberi dominating at lower altitudes with more saline–alkaline soil.
The grapes and wrath: using resveratrol to treat the pathophysiology of hemorrhagic shock
Authors: Sims Carrie A. , Baur Joseph A.
Published: August 2017

Resveratrol, a naturally occurring polyphenol found in grapes, has been shown to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in a variety of conditions. Recently, resveratrol has been investigated as a potential adjunct to resuscitation therapy for hemorrhagic shock—a condition characterized by tissue hypoxia, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammation. Although standard resuscitation restores tissue perfusion, it can exacerbate oxidative stress and organ damage. In rodent models of severe hemorrhagic shock, resveratrol mitigates reperfusion injury, preserves organ function, and improves survival. While many of these benefits can be attributed to its ability to activate sirtuin 1, resveratrol interacts with many targets that are relevant to ischemia–reperfusion. Here, we explore the probable mechanisms, potential benefits, and possible problems associated with administering resveratrol as an adjunct during resuscitation of hemorrhagic shock.
Species traits as drivers of food web structure
Authors: Laigle Idaline , Aubin Isabelle , Digel Christoph , Brose Ulrich , Boulangeat Isabelle , Gravel Dominique
Published: August 2017

The use of functional traits to describe community structure is a promising approach to reveal generalities across organisms and ecosystems. Plant ecologists have demonstrated the importance of traits in explaining community structure, competitive interactions as well as ecosystem functioning. The application of trait‐based methods to more complex communities such as food webs is however more challenging owing to the diversity of animal characteristics and of interactions. The objective of this study was to determine how functional structure is related to food web structure. We consider that food web structure is the result of 1) the match between consumer and resource traits, which determine the occurence of a trophic interaction between them, and 2) the distribution of functional traits in the community. We implemented a statistical approach to assess whether or not 35 466 pairwise interactions between soil organisms are constrained by trait‐matching and then used a Procrustes analysis to investigate correlations between functional indices and network properties across 48 sites. We found that the occurrence of trophic interactions is well predicted by matching the traits of the resource with those of the consumer. Taxonomy and body mass of both species were the most important traits for the determination of an interaction. As a consequence, functional evenness and the variance of certain traits in the community were correlated to trophic complementarity between species, while trait identity, more than diversity, was related to network topology. The analysis was however limited by trait data availability, and a coarse resolution of certain taxonomic groups in our dataset. These limitations explain the importance of taxonomy, as well as the complexity of the statistical model needed. Our results outline the important implications of trait composition on ecological networks, opening promising avenues of research into the relationship between functional diversity and ecosystem functioning in multi‐trophic systems.
Eplerenone might affect atrial fibrosis in patients with hypertension
Authors: Kawasaki Masato , Yamada Takahisa , Okuyama Yuji , Morita Takashi , Furukawa Yoshio , Tamaki Shunsuke , Iwasaki Yusuke , Kikuchi Atsushi , Sakata Yasushi , Fukunami Masatake
Published: August 2017

Background

Eplerenone is reported to reduce the development of atrial fibrillation (AF). The aim of this study was to clarify the mechanism of eplerenone for AF prevention from the viewpoint of P wave morphology, which is reported to correlate with atrial fibrosis.

Methods

Thirty‐five patients with hypertension, who were randomized to receive eplerenone (n = 16) or amlodipine (n = 19) for 1 year, were evaluated. P wave signal‐averaged electrocardiography was recorded at baseline and 1 year after entry, and P wave duration (Ad) and P wave dispersion (P‐disp) were obtained. Serum levels of intact procollagen type I N‐terminal propeptide (PINP) and N‐terminal procollagen‐III peptide (PIIIP) were also measured.

Results

There were no significant differences in baseline clinical characteristics including Ad, P‐disp, and the decrease in blood pressure at 1‐year follow‐up between the two groups. Ad and P‐disp (mean ± standard deviation) significantly increased in patients on amlodipine after 1 year (140 ± 21 ms to 139 ± 19 ms vs 132 ± 10 ms to 136 ± 12 ms, P < 0.01 and 14 ± 7 ms to 9 ± 4 ms vs 12 ± 5 to 16 ± 8, P < 0.01, respectively). PINP was significantly more decreased in patients with eplerenone than amlodipine (56.6 ± 30.4 μg/mL to 46.6 ± 19.4 μg/mL vs 41.5 ± 16.2 μg/L to 48.7 ± 21.3 μg/L, P < 0.01). Percent changes of Ad, P‐disp, PINP, and PIIIP were significantly smaller in patients with eplerenone than amlodipine (0.0 ± 4.7% vs 3.2 ± 4.4%, P < 0.05, − 28.6 ± 31.0% vs 46.3 ± 73.0%, P < 0.01, − 5.6 ± 38.1% vs 22.7 ± 42.7%, P < 0.05, and − 9.2 ± 25.1% vs 7.4 ± 19.0%, P < 0.05, respectively).

Conclusions

Eplerenone reduced the increase of Ad and P‐disp with a decrease of PINP and PIIIP, which might translate into reduction of atrial fibrosis. This study showed that eplerenone may be useful as upstream therapy for AF in patients with hypertension.
Characterization of a stepwise approach in cavotricuspid isthmus ablation for typical atrial flutter: A randomized study comparing three catheters
Authors: Rubín José Manuel , Calvo David , Pérez Diego , Fidalgo Ana , de la Hera Jesús María , Martínez Lidia , Capín Esmeralda , Arrizabalaga Haritz , Carballeira Lidia , García Daniel , Morís Cesar
Published: August 2017

Introduction

Our aim was to characterize a stepwise approach in cavotricuspid isthmus ablation for typical atrial flutter in a prospective, noncrossover randomized study.

Methods

One hundred and fifty patients referred for cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI)‐dependent atrial flutter ablation were randomized to undergo an ablation with an 8‐mm‐tip catheter (group 1), a 3.5‐mm open irrigation‐tip catheter (group 2), and a 3.5‐mm open irrigation porous‐tip catheter (group 3). A stepwise approach was performed, changing the ablation site from medial to septal aspects of the CTI, in case it was not effective without crossover between catheters.

Results

CTI block was achieved in all the patients using only one catheter. There was a 68% efficacy in group 1, 40% in group 2, and 28% in group 3 to achieve CTI block within 10 minutes (P  =  0.001) and 96%, 70%, and 70% in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively, within 20 minutes (P  =  0.002) of radiofrequency ablation. The 8‐mm catheter was also faster in fluoroscopy time and CTI block time. There were no differences in efficiency in the both irrigated catheters. There were no significant differences in complications among three catheters.

Conclusions

With this stepwise approach, it is possible to achieve CTI block in all cases, using a single catheter without crossover, with good times of procedure and with a low complication rate. The 8‐mm solid catheter is faster than the other irrigated‐tip catheters. The 3.5‐mm open irrigation porous‐tip catheter is as effective and safe as the conventional irrigated‐tip catheter.
Venipuncture procedure affects heart rate variability and chronotropic response
Authors: Kliszczewicz Brian , Esco Michael R. , E. Bechke Emily , Feito Yuri , M. Williamson Cassie , Brown Danielle , Price Brandi
Published: August 2017

Background

Heart rate variability (HRV) has been shown to be influenced by several factors such as noise, sleep status, light, and emotional arousal; however, little evidence is available concerning autonomic responses to a venipuncture. The purpose of this study was to investigate changes of HRV indexes and heart rate (HR) during and following a venipuncture procedure among healthy individuals.

Methods

33 healthy individuals (22.8 ± 0.56 years, 167 ± 1.56 cm, 69.5 ± 2.61 kg) participated. Testing included 10‐minute HRV analysis prior to the venipuncture, a 1‐minute venipuncture procedure followed by a 10‐minute analysis of HRV, and a total recording of 21 minutes. The first 5 minutes of the 21‐minute recordings were discarded, and the remaining 5 minutes of the resting segment was analyzed (PRE), and the last 5 minutes of the 21‐minute recording (POST). The log transformation of the time domain root mean squared of successive differences (lnRMSSD) and the frequency domains of high frequency (lnHF) and low frequency (lnLF) and LF/HF ratio (lnLF/HF) were used to quantify autonomic activity. HR was measured in 1‐minute segments at 2 minutes prior (PRE), venipuncture (STICK), and post (P1‐5).

Results

HR significantly increased at STICK (P = 0.002), and fell below resting at P‐5 (P < 0.001). lnRMSSD and lnHF increased significantly by POST (P < 0.001, P = 0.005). lnLF/HF ratio significantly decreased at POST (P = 0.047), while no significant changes occurred for lnLF (P = 0.590).

Conclusions

HRV and HR are influenced for 10 minutes following the venipuncture procedure. Practitioners and researchers who are interested in collecting blood and measuring HRV need to account for the influence of the venipuncture.
Ivabradine in the treatment of postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS), a single center experience
Authors: Ruzieh Mohammed , Sirianni Natalie , Ammari Zaid , Dasa Osama , Alhazmi Luai , Karabin Beverly , Grubb Blair
Published: August 2017

Background

Ivabradine is a selective If channel blocker that reduces heart rate without affecting other cardiovascular functions. In case reports and case series, it was shown to improve symptoms in patients with postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS).

Methodology and results

This retrospective study examined patients who were diagnosed with POTS and received ivabradine as part of their treatment. Forty‐nine patients (47 females, 95.9%) received ivabradine. The average age was 35.1 ± 10.35 years. The most common symptoms were palpitations and lightheadedness and both improved significantly, 88.4% and 76.1% response rate, respectively. A total of 38 patients reported improvement in their symptoms. In addition, ivabradine resulted in an objective decrease in sitting and standing heart rate (78.1 ± 10.7 vs 72.5 ± 7.6, P‐value: 0.01) and (107.4 ± 14.1 vs 95.1 ± 13.7, P‐value: < 0.001), respectively, with no significant change in blood pressure. The most common reported side effect was luminous phenomena/visual brightness occurring in nine patients. However, none of the patients stopped ivabradine due to side effects.

Conclusion

Our study shows that ivabradine is likely to be effective in treating patients with POTS. Nearly 78% of our cohort reported a significant improvement in symptoms with no major adverse effects reported. A future randomized, placebo‐controlled trial is warranted.
International survey of knowledge, attitudes, and practices of cardiologists regarding prevention and management of cardiac implantable electronic device infections
Authors: DeSimone Daniel C. , Chahal Anwar A. , DeSimone Christopher V. , Asirvatham Samuel J. , Friedman Paul A. , Baddour Larry M. , Sohail M. Rizwan
Published: August 2017

Background

Cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) can be life‐saving. However, complications from CIED infection can be life‐threatening, often requiring device removal. Despite publication of CIED infection management guidelines, there remains marked variation in clinical practice.

Objective

To better understand and quantify these differences, we conducted a multinational survey of practitioners of CIED management.

Methods

An electronic survey was sent to Heart Rhythm Society members, spanning 70 countries across six continents. All responses were collected anonymously.

Results

227 out of 3,600 (6.3%) responded to the survey. The majority of surveys were completed by practitioners from the United States (168; 68.3%) and 53.8% of these practiced in academic medical centers. The large majority (92.7%) of sites had protocols to ensure appropriate timing of prophylactic antibiotics. Superficial (incisional) site infections were treated with antibiotics alone 52.5% of the time (consistent with guidelines); in contrast, deep pocket infections were treated with antibiotics (with device removal) in accordance to guidelines only 37.4% of the time. Almost all providers (98.7%) were inclined to perform complete hardware removal in cases of CIED‐related endocarditis. In contrast, 82.2% of survey participants suggested complete CIED system removal in patients with an occult Gram‐positive bacteremia, 65.5% with occult Gram‐negative bacteremia, and 59.3% with prolonged bacteremia due to a source other than CIED.

Conclusions

These data suggest wide variability in clinical practice in managing CIED infection with significant deviations from published guidelines. There is critical need to increase awareness and develop institutional protocols to ensure adherence with evidence‐based guidelines to optimize outcomes.
Ablation of the vanishing PVC, facilitated by quantitative morphology‐matching software
Authors: Moak Jeffrey P. , Sumihara Kohei , Swink Jonathan , Hanumanthaiah Sridhar , Berul Charles I.
Published: August 2017

Background

Ablation of cardiac arrhythmias in children and teenagers often necessitates the use of anesthesia, which can suppress ventricular arrhythmias (VAs), making it difficult to map the site of origin using activation time (AT). Pace mapping, a technique employed to assist with VA origin localization, depends on subjective comparison of paced and targeted QRS morphology. We assessed the utility of a quantitative approach to paced QRS to VA morphology matching using the PaSo software (Carto 3, Biosense Webster), to localize the VA site of origin.

Methods

Twenty‐four patients underwent 26 procedures for frequent VAs, 29 for targeted VA. If AT mapping was precluded due to infrequent VA, pace mapping was executed using the PaSo software, after regionalization based on targeted VA QRS morphology.

Results

Subjects were aged 1–32 (mean 14 ± 6) years; 10 were male. Heart disease was present in six patients. PVC frequency prior to onset of anesthesia was 15 ± 16/min, decreasing to 0–1 PVC/min in 17 cases prior to ablation. Arrhythmia localization was performed by AT mapping + PaSo (12) or PaSo only (17). Pace mapping exhibited an intraventricular gradient of percent QRS morphology match. Highest achieved QRS match averaged 96 ± 2%. Successful ablation (> 1‐month follow‐up) was achieved in 24/29 targeted VAs, 11/12 ablated using AT and pace mapping, and 13/17 VA ablated using pace mapping only, P  =  0.29.

Conclusions

(1) Spontaneous VA frequency was markedly reduced following anesthesia, despite catecholamine administration. (2) Notwithstanding the ability to perform AT mapping, successful ablation can still be performed using pace mapping only, facilitated by the PaSo software.