bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sub‐acute neonatal hemochromatosis in an infant with hypoplastic left heart syndrome on ventricular assist device awaiting transplantation
Authors: Tadros Hanna J. , Gupta Dipankar , Childress Megan , Beasley Genie , Rubrecht Ashlie E. , Shenoy Archana , Philip Joseph , Bleiweis Mark S. , Machado Desiree S.
Published: August 2019

Single‐ventricle pediatric patients, amongst other children waiting for OHT, are a vulnerable population, especially if candidacy is established before any palliation. NH is a rare disease with poor prognosis in the post‐natal period. We present a case of sub‐acute NH diagnosed in an infant with HLHS who was listed for OHT while bridged with a pulsatile paracorporeal VAD, with an emphasis on the evolution of the condition throughout the patient's clinical course and the ultimate decision for compassionate deactivation of VAD.
Quantitative Effects of Pigmentation on the Re‐absorption of Chlorophyll a Fluorescence and Energy Partitioning in Leaves
Authors: Ospina Calvo Brian , Lagorio María Gabriela
Published: August 2019

This study comparatively examined spectroscopic features, photosynthetic parameters and energy partitioning in plants of Fittonia albivenis cv. Agyroneura and Fittonia albivenis cv. Verschaffeltii with different pigmentation. Fittonia albivenis cv. Verschaffeltii, rich in anthocyanins, presented lower values than the green variety (cv. Agyroneura) for several parameters: the ratio chlorophyll a/b, the carotenoid content, the heat dissipation by nonphotochemical quenching (NPQ) and the energy‐dependent component of the quantum yield of NPQ. Additionally, the red plant displayed higher resistance to water shortage. The spectral distribution of the chlorophyll a fluorescence, free from distortions due to light reabsorption processes, was obtained for both varieties by application of a physical model previously developed in our group. From this modeling, a higher ratio photosystem II/photosystem I was inferred for the red variety, in agreement with the screening effect of anthocyanins. From a thorough analysis of the fluorescence, the different operating strategies adopted by these plants with dissimilar pigmentation could be elucidated. These strategies were related to the photosystem stoichiometry, the distribution of the absorbed energy and the dissipation of heat under increasing light intensities.
Plural Identity
Authors: Kim Joongol
Published: August 2019

Plural identity—the relation of identity between some thingsxxand some thingsyy—has been standardly defined in terms of the plural relationone of(oramong). This paper challenges that standard view. To that end, it will be argued, first, that the identity relation, singular or plural, can only be defined in a higher‐order language, second, that the standard definition of plural identity in terms of theone of(oramong) relation should be regarded instead as providing a criterion of identity for pluralities of some particular kind, and third, that there are pluralities of another kind with which a different criterion of identity is associated. The upshot will be that plural identity as standardly defined cannot be the plural counterpart of singular identity.
Minimizing risk of bias in clinical implant research study design
Authors: Kotsakis Georgios A.
Published: August 2019

The field of clinical implant research has been flourishing in recent years. The number of related publications has been on the rise, as has the number of dental journals. However, the information gathered from surveillance studies on the quality of reporting and methodologic quality of published studies is unsettling. An important challenge faced by researchers endeavoring to conduct implant studies is how to factor the differences between implant surfaces and dental surfaces in the study design. Given the considerable experience that has been gained in the research methodology of the study of teeth and periodontal tissues, clinical implant research studies have often been conducted without giving much consideration to the fundamental differences between implants and teeth. This article discusses study design related to implant research in view of these differences. Observational and interventional study design methodology is discussed, and guidelines are provided to inform researchers on how to minimize bias in the design and implementation of these clinical studies when implant‐related outcomes are studied.
Risk factors in bone augmentation procedures
Authors: Moy Peter K. , Aghaloo Tara
Published: August 2019

Bone augmentation is an extremely common procedure in implant dentistry today because of significant advancements with reactive biomaterials, a better understanding of the mechanism of action that is found with growth factors contained in platelets, and improvements in surgical techniques. The expectation is for the surgeon to place the dental implant in the position that best serves the requirements of the prosthetic restorations. With the increasing demands that patients have for ideal prosthetic results, surgeons are expected to predictably augment both hard and soft tissues to provide the anticipated esthetic and functional outcomes. Bone grafting can be performed before, during, and after the implant placement; however, these augmentation procedures come with increased cost, the risk of complications such as infection or failure, and lengthening of the total treatment time. In addition, a plethora of grafting materials are available commercially, where they are often inadequately studied, or there is minimal information regarding their predictability or long‐term success, or ability to support dental implants. It is clear that although the surgical field has seen major progress since early implant surgical techniques in the 1980s, major challenges still exist with hard tissue augmentation procedures. This review will discuss these challenges that are increased and often specific to bone graft healing, and which are becoming more common as implant site development often requires bone augmentation to improve volume or contour deficiencies. The risk factors that patients may present with that will affect outcomes with bone augmentation procedures are identified, and recommendations for the prevention of complications or managing complications once they have occurred are provided.
Biomaterial and biomechanical considerations to prevent risks in implant therapy
Authors: Bonfante Estevam A. , Jimbo Ryo , Witek Lukasz , Tovar Nick , Neiva Rodrigo , Torroni Andrea , Coelho Paulo G.
Published: August 2019

This paper is aimed to present a biomaterials perspective in implant therapy that fosters improved bone response and long‐term biomechanical competence from surgical instrumentation to final prosthetic rehabilitation. Strategies to develop implant surface texturing will be presented and their role as an ad hoc treatment discussed in light of the interplay between surgical instrumentation and implant macrogeometric configuration. Evidence from human retrieved implants in service for several years and from in vivo studies will be used to show how the interplay between surgical instrumentation and implant macrogeometry design affect osseointegration healing pathways, and bone morphologic and long‐term mechanical properties. Also, the planning of implant‐supported prosthetic rehabilitations targeted at long‐term performance will be appraised from a standpoint where personal preferences (eg, cementing or screwing a prosthesis) can very often fail to deliver the best patient care. Lastly, the acknowledgement that every rehabilitation will have its strength degraded over time once in function will be highlighted, since the potential occurrence of even minor failures is rarely presented to patients prior to treatment.
Effects of occlusal forces on the peri‐implant‐bone interface stability
Authors: Delgado‐Ruiz Rafael Arcesio , Calvo‐Guirado Jose Luis , Romanos Georgios E.
Published: August 2019

The occlusal forces and their influence on the initiation of peri‐implant bone loss or their relationship with peri‐implantitis have created discussion during the past 30 years given the discrepancies observed in clinical, animal, and finite element analysis studies. Beyond these contradictions, in the case of an osseointegrated implant, the occlusal forces can influence the implant‐bone interface and the cells responsible for the bone remodeling in different ways that may result in the maintenance or loss of the osseointegration. This comprehensive review focuses on the information available about the forces transmitted through the implant‐crown system to the implant‐bone interface and the mechano‐transduction phenomena responsible for the bone cells’ behavior and their interactions. Knowledge of the basic molecular biology of the peri‐implant bone would help clinicians to understand the complex phenomenon of occlusal forces and their effects on the implant‐bone interface, and would allow better control of the negative effects of mechanical stresses, leading to therapy with fewer risks and complications.
Physiological indices of challenge and threat: A data‐driven investigation of autonomic nervous system reactivity during an active coping stressor task
Authors: Wormwood Jolie B. , Khan Zulqarnain , Siegel Erika , Lynn Spencer K. , Dy Jennifer , Barrett Lisa Feldman , Quigley Karen S.
Published: August 2019

We utilized a data‐driven, unsupervised machine learning approach to examine patterns of peripheral physiological responses during a motivated performance context across two large, independent data sets, each with multiple peripheral physiological measures. Results revealed that patterns of cardiovascular response commonly associated with challenge and threat states emerged as two of the predominant patterns of peripheral physiological responding within both samples, with these two patterns best differentiated by reactivity in cardiac output, pre‐ejection period, interbeat interval, and total peripheral resistance. However, we also identified a third, relatively large group of apparent physiological nonresponders who exhibited minimal reactivity across all physiological measures in the motivated performance context. This group of nonresponders was best differentiated from the others by minimal increases in electrodermal activity. We discuss implications for identifying and characterizing this third group of individuals in future research on physiological patterns of challenge and threat.
A microbial sea of possibilities: current knowledge and prospects for an improved understanding of the fish microbiome
Authors: Legrand Thibault P.R.A. , Wynne James W. , Weyrich Laura S. , Oxley Andrew P.A.
Published: August 2019

The mucosal surfaces of fish represent an important barrier that supports and regulates a diverse array of microbial assemblages and contributes to the overall health and fitness of the host. For farmed species, knowledge of how these host–microbial systems adapt and respond to various stressors is pivotal for managing health, nutrition and optimizing productivity in aquaculture. While our understanding of these communities and the factors that shape them now suggest that a diverse balanced microbiota is critical for healthy functioning in fish, the mechanisms behind these interactions are still poorly understood. Much of the existing research has focused on characterizing the taxonomic diversity of these assemblages in different fish species, across body surfaces (e.g. skin, gills and gastrointestinal tract), and in response to changing nutrition, health and environmental conditions. However, the specific functional contributions of these communities (or specific members) remain elusive, especially in farmed or diseased fish. Here, we review our current understanding of the microbiota in fish, their interplay and the likely functional involvement with the host. We also seek to address and identify gaps in knowledge and explore the future prospects for improving our understanding of these communities in aquaculture.
Pregnancy rate after fixed‐time transfer of cryopreserved embryos collected by non‐surgical route in Lacaune sheep
Authors: Figueira Lucas Machado , Alves Nadja Gomes , Batista Ribrio Ivan Tavares Pereira , Brair Viviane Lopes , Lima Renato Ribeiro , Oliveira Maria Emilia Franco , Fonseca Jeferson Ferreira , Souza‐Fabjan Joanna Maria Gonçalves
Published: August 2019

This study investigated the feasibility of applying fixed‐time (cryopreserved) embryo transfer in ewes. Embryos (n = 106) were non‐surgically recovered from superovulated donors (n = 39) on day 6–7 after oestrus. Straws containing one or two embryos (morulae and/or blastocysts) subjected to either slow freezing (SF, n = 62) or vitrification (VT, n = 44) were randomly used within fixed‐time embryo transfer on Day 8.5. Recipient ewes were nulliparous (n = 58) bearing corpora lutea after synchronous oestrous induction protocol. The pregnancy rate was higher (p = .03) in SF (39.4%) than VT (16.9%) and survival rate tended (p = .08) to be higher in SF than in VT (25.8% vs. 15.9%). Lambing rates were similar (p = .13) between SF (20.9%) and VT (15.9%). Embryos recovered by non‐surgical route after cervical dilation treatment and later cryopreserved by either slow freezing or vitrification produced reasonable pregnancy rates after FTET.
Improved in vitro quality of stored red blood cells upon oxygen reduction prior to riboflavin/UV light treatment of whole blood
Authors: Schubert Peter , Culibrk Brankica , Chen Deborah , Serrano Katherine , Levin Elena , Chen Zhongming , Zoescher Peter , Goodrich Raymond P. , Yoshida Tatsuro , Devine Dana V.
Published: August 2019

BACKGROUND

The application of riboflavin/UV‐based pathogen inactivation (PI) to whole blood (WB) is currently limited by its negative impact on red blood cell (RBC) quality. The generation of reactive oxidative species in RBC products contributes to increased hemolysis. This study evaluated the impact of deoxygenation of WB prior to riboflavin/UV light treatment versus deoxygenation of RBC concentrates after PI treatment by monitoring RBC in vitro quality parameters.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Six ABO‐matched WB units were pooled and split. Within three pairs, one unit was treated with riboflavin/UV light while the other was kept as an untreated control prior to manufacture into red cell concentrates (RCCs). The first pair (Cntr; Cntr‐PI) served as the normoxic controls. Deoxygenation was performed at the RCC level for the second pair (RCCdeox; PI‐RCCdeox), and at the WB level of the third pair (WBdeox; WBdeox‐PI). In vitro qualities of the respective RBC units were assessed throughout storage.

RESULTS

The data for the Cntr and Cntr‐PI units were comparable to previous reports. The PI‐RCCdeox units exhibited worse in vitro quality for most parameters tested compared to Cntr‐PI and WBdeox‐PI units throughout storage. Hemolysis and microvesicle release was significantly (p < 0.05) higher on Days 21 and 42 in Cntr‐PI units compared to WBdeox‐PI units.

CONCLUSION

WB deoxygenation may help to decrease the accelerated deterioration in RCC in vitro quality caused by treatment with riboflavin/UV light. Treatment of WB under reduced oxygen levels needs to be assessed for PI effectiveness.
Welfare Effect of Monetary Financing
Authors: SHITILE Tersoo Shimonkabir , SULE Abubakar
Published: August 2019

This study ascertained the direction and asymmetric pass-through of central bank’s monetary financing to welfare in Nigeria using annual time series data covering the period 1970 to 2018. The study depended on both the Monetarist and Keynesian theoretical postulations to provide insights on the policy significance of monetary financing. To undertake the empirical analysis, the study applied both the linear Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) and non-linear ARDL (NARDL) technique. Unlike the ARDL equation, the estimated NARDL equation established that welfare losses respond negatively to both positive and negative changes in monetary financing; but the impact of negative monetary financing shock (7.11) is greater than the positive shock (2.87). In addition, the study found that it takes about 9 to 11 quarters for the changes in positive and negative monetary financing to fully release its effects on welfare loss. Besides, the results revealed that welfare loss is also driven by oil price, which is suggestive from oil price pass-through to domestic prices (exchange rate and consumer prices). The study, therefore, supports monetary financing in proper amounts and conditions to boost aggregate nominal demand but not to spur a fully-fledged monetary policy capture in the process.
Seasonality in the Australian Stock Market
Authors: Vu Ha , Turnell Sean
Published: August 2019

This paper examines the presence of day-of-the-week and month-of-the-year effects in the Australian stock market over the past several decades, and investigates whether long-standing anomalies persist following the 1987 stock market crash, and the 2008 global financial crisis. We find that before the 1987 crash the Australian stock market recorded lowest returns on Tuesday and highest returns on Thursdays. However, these daily phenomena seemed to vanish in the decades since, suggesting that Australian daily share prices are more likely to move randomly. In contrast, monthly seasonality is still in place with negative returns recorded in May and June, and high returns in July, December, and April. Seasonality and predictability in Australian equity prices, though reduced, are thus seemingly not dead just yet.
Multi-Dimensions of Food Insecurity in Chiang Mai, Thailand: A Socio-Economic Examination of Agricultural Production
Authors: Krittaput Wanwarang
Published: August 2019

Multi-dimensions of food insecurity are varied and complex in negative production situations and related issues. The change to commercial agricultural production presented as a socioeconomic and environmental transition to food insecurity in a Ban Pa Phai, Chiangmai, Thailand. Farmers were faced with many stressors such as decline in crop and natural food acquisition, constraints in ecological and natural resources, unpredictable prices of agricultural products and changes in production processes. The community adapted to these crises with initiative and attempted to become self-reliant and collaboratively manage other agents. Initiation groups were formed both in-farm and off-farm to create more food security and additional income Farmers work as a group to creatively adapt to new technologies and showed high levels of improvement in view of both officials and researchers. Adaptive management involves awareness of farming food crises and the capacity of community leaders to instigate changes. Kinship in bonding relationships were demonstrated among farming households with mutually coherent collective effort. Management collaboration between the community and external organisational support is vital to solve problems in a holistical manner.
The Exploration of Primary School Teacher’s Empathy Levels by Their Demographic Characteristics (Zeytinburnu-Istanbul Case)
Authors: Erşen Engin , Bilen Alev
Published: August 2019

The aim of this study was to explore the primary school teachers’ empathy levels according to their demographic characteristics. The universe of the study was composed of 591 primary school teachers serving in Zeytinburnu District of Istanbul Province in the 2018-2019 Academic Year and the sample was composed of 190 primary school teachers serving in the randomly selected schools. Demographic Information Form and the Emphatic Skill Scale -B Form that was developed by Dökmen (1988) were used as data collection tools. Frequency, descriptive statistics, one-way variance analysis (ANOVA) and Kruskal-Wallis Variance Analysis were used to analyze the data.In conclusion, significant differences were found between empathy levels of the teachers and the age variable at the level of 0.05 and the term of office variable at the level of 0.01. Other variables in the study, which are the type of faculty, income level, and housing type, did not show any significant differences at the level of 0.05.
The Role of Socio-demographic Factors of Teachers' Disciplines Styles and Classroom Management Approaches: A Case Study of Teachers in Zeytinburnu-Istanbul
Authors: Erşen Engin , Kan Serkan
Published: August 2019

The aim of the study was to find the role of socio-demographic factors of teachers' discipline styles and classroom management approaches. The study was designed in relational survey method. The universe of the study was composed of teachers serving in high schools in Zeytinburnu district. Using convenience sampling method, 317 teachers accepted to participate in the study.To collect data, a demographic information form, the Teacher Discipline Styles Inventory and the Classroom Management Approaches Scale were used. The data were analyzed via the SPSS 21.0 program. T-test and ANOVA were used for the groups with normal distribution. In addition, Pearson Product-Moment Correlation analysis was performed to determine the relationship between the variables and the scale. Significance level was taken as p <.05.As a result of the study, it was found that the teachers used conciliatory style at the highest rate, followed by supportive style, and they used abdicative style at the lowest rate. In addition, it was found that the teachers adopted democratic approach at the highest rate in classroom management, followed by laissez-faire and autocratic approaches. Also, there was a significant positive relationship between supportive style and abdicative, conciliatory, coercive, negotiator styles. However, there was no significant relationship between supportive style and autocratic and laissez-faire classroom management approaches. Finally, a significant positive relationship was found between supportive style and democratic approach.
Substrate use and its effect on body temperature in two syntopic Liolaemus lizards in northwestern Argentina
Authors: Vivas Gilda Luciana , Robles Cecilia Inés , Halloy Monique
Published: August 2019

Habitat use and thermal biology are closely related, because thermal microclimates vary spatially. The use of habitat and microhabitat by different species influences many of their traits, such as their physiology, and may, therefore exert a direct effect on survival. Ectothermal animals, such as lizards, are affected by thermal and biophysical environments they inhabit, and the particular use of a given substrate reflects an overlap between thermally adequate microhabitats, and behavioral preferences. By exploiting certain microhabitats and avoiding others, many lizards tend to maintain their body temperature within a range that allows maximum performance. Here, we evaluate how two syntopic species of lizards, Liolaemus pacha and L. ramirezae, use substrates with different exposure to solar radiation. Our hypothesis is that L. pacha uses both soil and rock substrates indistinctly, due to being a generalist species, whereas L. ramirezae uses the rock substrate more frequently, due to its saxicolous habits. We expect temperatures to be different both in substrates, and in different exposures, and thermal characteristics of each species to condition their use. For example, because the body temperature range of L. pacha is wider, we predict that substrate use will be wider. A pre-established 100x75 m area was monitored during four Austral springs and summers between 2011 and 2015, in Los Cardones, Amaicha del Valle, Tucumán, Argentina. Species' substrate where the lizard was found (soil or rock), and exposure to solar radiation: sun, filtered shade or full shade was recorded. After capture, lizard body temperature (Tb), substrate temperature (Ts), and air temperature (Ta) were recorded in the place of the first observation of the lizard. Obtained results show that L. pacha and L. ramirezae had a more persistent use of the rock than the soil substrate, thus considering them saxicolous species. Further, they were frequently observed exposed to direct sunlight. Average body temperature was higher than environmental temperature (Ts and Ta), and significantly different in each exposure type (sun, filtered shade and full shade), and in both substrates (rock and soil). Differential use of substrate and the relationship between body temperature and microhabitat temperatures suggests that L. pacha and L. ramirezae are “active thermoregulators”, using both substrate surfaces and solar radiation as heat sources.
Emerging concepts in pseudoenzyme classification, evolution, and signaling
Authors: Ribeiro António J. M. , Das Sayoni , Dawson Natalie , Zaru Rossana , Orchard Sandra , Thornton Janet M. , Orengo Christine , Zeqiraj Elton , Murphy James M. , Eyers Patrick A.
Published: August 2019

A roadmap for identifying and analyzing pseudoenzymes is proposed for this rapidly expanding field.
Type II Secretion Promotes Bacterial Growth within the
Legionella
-Containing Vacuole in Infected Amoebae
Authors: White Richard C. , Truchan Hilary K. , Zheng Huaixin , Tyson Jessica Y. , Cianciotto Nicholas P.
Published: August 2019

It was previously determined that the type II secretion system (T2SS) promotes the ability of
Legionella pneumophila
to grow in coculture with amoebae. Here, we discerned the stage of intracellular infection that is potentiated by comparing the wild-type and T2SS mutant legionellae for their capacity to parasitize
Acanthamoeba castellanii
.
Vaccination of Macaques with DNA Followed by Adenoviral Vectors Encoding Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV) Gag Alone Delays Infection by Repeated Mucosal Challenge with SIV
Authors: Almond Neil , Berry Neil , Stebbings Richard , Preston Mark , Ham Claire , Page Mark , Ferguson Debbie , Rose Nicola , Li Bo , Mee Edward T. , Hassall Mark , Stahl-Hennig Christiane , Athanasopoulos Takis , Papagatsias Timos , Herath Shanthi , Benlahrech Adel , Dickson George , Meiser Andrea , Patterson Steven
Published: August 2019

The simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) macaque model represents the best animal model for testing new human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) vaccines. Previous studies employing replication-defective adenovirus (rAd) vectors that transiently express SIV internal proteins induced T cell responses that controlled virus load but did not protect against virus challenge. However, we show for the first time that SIV
gag
delivered in a DNA prime followed by a boost with an rAd vector confers resistance to SIV intrarectal challenge. Other partially successful SIV/HIV-1 protective vaccines induce antibody to the envelope and neutralize the virus or mediate antibody-dependent cytotoxicity. Induction of CD8 T cells which do not prevent initial infection but eradicate infected cells before infection becomes established has also shown some success. In contrast, the vaccine described here mediates resistance by a different mechanism from that described above, which may reflect CD4 T cell activity. This could indicate an alternative approach for HIV-1 vaccine development.
Unique Interactions of the Nuclear Export Receptors TbMex67 and TbMtr2 with Components of the 5S Ribonuclear Particle in Trypanosoma brucei
Authors: Rink Constance , Williams Noreen
Published: August 2019

Trypanosoma brucei
is the causative agent for both African sleeping sickness in humans and nagana in cattle. Ribosome biogenesis in these pathogens requires both conserved and trypanosome-specific proteins to coordinate in a complex pathway. We have previously shown that the trypanosome-speciﬁc proteins P34/P37 are essential to the interaction of the TbNmd3-TbXpoI export complex with the 60S ribosomal subunits, allowing their translocation across the nuclear envelope. Our recent studies show that the trypanosome orthologues of the auxiliary export proteins TbMex67-TbMtr2 are required for ribosome assembly, proper rRNA processing, and polysome formation. Here we show that TbMex67-TbMtr2 interact with members of the 60S ribosomal subunit 5S RNP. Although TbMex67 has a unique structure among the Mex67 orthologues and forms unique interactions with the 5S RNP, particularly with trypanosome-specific P34/P37, it performs a conserved function in ribosome assembly. These unique structures and parasite-specific interactions may provide new therapeutic targets against this important parasite.
Efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in treatment-resistant depression: the evidence thus far
Authors: Somani Aditya , Kar Sujita Kumar
Published: August 2019

Depression is a common mental disorder, which attributes to significant morbidity, disability and burden of care. A significant number of patients with depression still remain symptomatic after adequate trials of antidepressant treatment as well as psychotherapy, which is often referred to as treatment-resistant depression. Neuromodulation techniques—like electroconvulsive therapy, vagus nerve stimulation, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation, may be useful augmenting techniques in depression, mostly recommended for treatment-resistant cases. Robust evidence exists regarding the efficacy of electroconvulsive therapy in the management of treatment-resistant depression; however, other techniques are understudied. TMS has been increasingly studied in various psychiatric disorders including depression. It has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for use in major depressive disorder. Over the past two decades, TMS has been studied in diverse groups of the population with depression using several research designs. This article gives an overview of the efficacy of repetitive TMS in treatment-resistant depression with the recent evidence.
Jaccoud’s arthropathy in SLE: findings from a Latin American multiethnic population
Authors: Quintana Rosana , Pons-Estel Guillermo , Roberts Karen , Sacnún Monica , Berbotto Guillermo , Garcia Mercedes A , Saurit Veronica , Barile-Fabris Leonor , Acevedo-Vazquez Eduardo M , Tavares Brenol João C , Sato Emilia I , Iglesias Antonio , Uribe Oscar , Alarcon Graciela , Pons-Estel Bernardo A
Published: August 2019

Objective

To compare the clinical, laboratory and outcome features of SLE patients with and without Jaccoud’s arthropathy (JA) from theGrupo Latino Americano De Estudio del Lupus(GLADEL) cohort.

Methods

1480 patients with SLE [(34 centres, 9 Latin American countries with a recent diagnosis (≤2 years)] constitute the GLADEL cohort. JA was defined as reducible deformity of the metacarpophalangeal axis, without radiographic erosions at any time. Within this cohort, a nested case–control study was carried out. Control was matched for age, gender and centre in a 1:3 proportion. The variables included were: sociodemographic, clinical and immunological features, disease activity, damage and mortality. Comparisons were performed with Wilcoxon and χ2tests for continuous and categorical variables, respectively. ORs and 95% CIs and Kaplan-Meier survival curve were estimated.

Results

Of 1480 patients, 17 (1.1%) JA patients were identified; 16 (94.1%) of them were women, mean age: 31.0 years (SD 12.0). Five (29.4%) patients presented JA at SLE diagnosis and 12 (70.6%) after. The median follow-up time and all disease features were comparable in both groups except for a higher frequency of pneumonitis in the patients with JA [4 (23.5) vs 1 (2.0); p=0.012; (OR: 15.4; 95% CI 1.6 to 149.6)]. The SLE disease activity index, Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology damage Index and the Kaplan-Meier survival curve were similar in both groups.

Conclusion

JA may tend to appear early in the course of SLE; it seems not to have an impact on disease activity, damage accrual or in survival.
Family satisfaction in the trauma and surgical intensive care unit: another important quality measure
Authors: Maxim Tom , Alvarez Agustin , Hojberg Yvonne , Antoku Derek , Moneme Chioma , Singleton Andrew , Park Caroline , Matsushima Kazuhide
Published: August 2019

Background

A growing body of research has explored patient satisfaction as one of the healthcare quality measures. To date, scarce data are available regarding family experience in the trauma and surgical intensive care unit (TSICU). The purpose of this study was to describe and analyze the results of a family satisfaction survey in the TSICU.

Methods

Family members of patients at a level 1 trauma center were invited to participate in this study after 72 hours of intensive care unit stay. Participants completed a modified version of the Family Satisfaction in the Intensive Care Unit questionnaire, a validated survey measuring family satisfaction with care and decision-making. Data collection spanned from April 2016 to July 2017. Patient characteristics were compiled from the medical record. Quantitative analysis was performed using a 5-point Likert score, converted to a scale of 0 (poor) to 100 (excellent).

Results

The overall response rate was 78.6%. Of the 103 family members for 88 patients, most were young (median age: 41 years) and female (75%). Language fluency was 44.6% English-only, 31.7% Spanish-only, and 23.8% bilingual. Mean summary family satisfaction scores (±SD) were 80.6±26.4 for satisfaction with care, 79.3±27.1 for satisfaction with decision-making, and 80.1±26.7 for total satisfaction. Respondents were less satisfied with the frequency of communication with physicians (70.7±27.4) and language translation (73.2±31.2).

Discussion

Overall family satisfaction with the care provided to patients in the TSICU is high, although opportunities for improvement were noted in the frequency of communication between physicians and family and language translation services. Further quality improvement projects are warranted.

Level of evidence

Care management study: level V.
Atypical profile of aortic injury associated with blunt trauma in the metropolitan area of Japan
Authors: Mori Shusuke , Ai Tomohiko , Otomo Yasuhiro
Published: August 2019

Background

Aortic injury caused by blunt trauma is a critical medical condition that requires extraordinary caution in the treatment. It is often caused by direct hit and high-speed deceleration in motor vehicle accidents. We reviewed and analysed the cases of aortic injury that referred to our institution located in the midst of the metropolitan area of Tokyo, Japan.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the blunt trauma cases transferred to Tokyo Medical and Dental University Hospital in the past 10 years. All cases with aortic injury were analyzed regardless of the AIS scores. Results: Between 2007 and 2017, a total of 3500 blunt trauma cases were transferred. Nineteen cases showed aortic injuries associated with blunt trauma (Age: 63.5±15.6 y.o.; 15 males). Thirteen patients were injured by fall, four patients were senior pedestrians hit by cars, one was injured while riding a motor bike, and one was hit by a train. A total of 11 cases presented a cardiopulmonary arrest on arrival; 8 severe aortic injuries, 1 cardiac rupture; and 2 multiple injuries. Eight cases were alive on arrival; 3 Stanford type A aortic dissections, 3 Stanford type B aortic dissections, and 2 aortic ruptures. Two cases of Stanford type A dissection underwent emergency repairs, whereas all 3 type B dissections went on a good course with conservative treatment.

Conclusions

Aortic injury caused by blunt trauma seems to be rare in a metropolitan area in Japan. In addition, the leading cause in our cases was fall, which might be a rare cause of aortic injuries in the other countries. Our observation might be a manifestation of population aging.
Barriers to and facilitators of a screening procedure for PTSD risk in a level I trauma center
Authors: McBain Sacha A , Sexton Kevin W , Palmer Brooke E , Landes Sara J
Published: August 2019

Background

Patients admitted to the hospital after an injury are at a greater risk for developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to the nature of the injury and the traumatic nature of necessary medical interventions. Many level I trauma centers have yet to implement screening protocols for PTSD risk. The goal of the study was to characterize the barriers to and facilitators of implementation of a screening procedure for PTSD risk in a level I trauma center.

Methods

We conducted semistructured qualitative interviews with multidisciplinary academic medical center stakeholders (N=8) including those with clinical, research, teaching, and administrative roles within an urban academic medical center’s Department of Surgery, Division of Acute Care Surgery. We analyzed the qualitative data using summative template analysis to abstract data related to participants’ opinions about implementation of a screener for PTSD.

Results

Participants’ general perception of screening for PTSD risk after injury was positive. Identified challenges to implementation included timing of screening, time burden, care coordination, addressing patients with traumatic brain injury or an altered mental status, and ensuring appropriate care after screening. Reported facilitators included existing psychosocial screening tools and protocols that would support inclusion of a PTSD screener, a patient-centered culture that would facilitate buy-in from providers, a guideline-driven culture, and a commitment to continuity of care.

Conclusions

This study offers concrete preliminary information on barriers to and facilitators of PTSD screening that can be used to inform planning of implementation efforts within a trauma center.

Level of evidence

Level V, qualitative.
Systematic analysis to assess the scientific validity of the international residue limits for caffeine and theophylline in horse‐racing
Authors: Hertzsch Robert , Richter Angelika
Published: August 2019

Based on their performance‐enhancing potential, caffeine and theophylline are prohibited substances in equine sports. Residues in horses can be caused by wilful application or by unintended uptake of contaminated feed. The International Federation of Horseracing Authorities recently introduced international residue limits (IRLs) to facilitate the discrimination between pharmacological relevant and irrelevant concentrations in doping samples. The objective of this study was to investigate the scientific validity of these IRLs. A systematic analysis was performed to assess the IRLs by different statistical approaches using published pharmacokinetic data. 31 out of 218 potentially relevant publications met the inclusion criteria. Thereby, both IRLs were found to be appropriate for the exclusion of the presence of a relevant pharmacological effect after a wilful application. The IRL of theophylline was also determined to be suitable for the prevention of positive doping tests caused by the ingestion of contaminated feed. In contrast, the IRL of caffeine is not suitable to prevent positive doping test caused by the ingestion of more than 10 mg caffeine per day per horse with contaminated feed. The lack of corresponding regulation for paraxanthine, a major active metabolite of caffeine and theophylline, was recognised as a substantial shortcoming of the current system, rendering both IRLs incomplete.
Detection of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae in piglet processing fluids
Authors: Vilalta Carles , Sanhueza Juan Manuel , Murray Deborah , Johnson Levi , Pieters Maria
Published: August 2019

Processing fluid (PF) is a sample type composed of fluids obtained from testicles and tails as the product of piglet processing. Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae is a bacterium that colonises the respiratory tract of pigs and has rarely been detected in tissues outside the respiratory system. No data exist in the literature regarding detection of M hyopneumoniae in PF or its use for herd monitoring of this pathogen. The main goal of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of detecting M hyopneumoniae in PF. Testicles and tails of 21 conveniently selected litters from a commercial sow farm were collected, by litter, and tested for M hyopneumoniae by real time‐PCR. Daily aggregated processing tissues were collected for a two‐month period to assess the detection of M hyopneumoniae in PF. The comparison in the percentage of positive samples in fluids from testicles (38 per cent, 8/21) or tails (4.8 per cent, 1/21) was significantly different (P=0.023). The percentage of daily aggregated PF with cycle threshold values up to 37 was 52.9 per cent (9/17) and 26.7 per cent (4/15) for December and January, respectively. Overall, these data show detection of M hyopneumoniae in PF for the first time and points at the potential use of this sample for monitoring of this bacterium in breeding farms.
Soil nitrous oxide emissions associated with conversion of forage grass to annual crop receiving annual application of pig manure
Authors: Adelekun Mayowa , Akinremi Olalekan , Tenuta Mario , Nikièma Paligwendé
Published: August 2019

The disruptive land-use change during forage grass conversion to annual crop can be critical for determining nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, but this is an understudied period. We measured soil N2O fluxes (using closed static vented chambers) together with potential environmental drivers of these fluxes from liquid pig manure (LPM) and solid pig manure (SPM) applied to an annual crop (ANN) and perennial forages (FPP) that was converted to annual crop. Unamended plots were used as a control (CON). The results showed that in 2013, average soil nitrate-N was significantly higher on the recently converted FPP (ranging from 19 to 83 mg N kg−1) than the continuous ANN plots (from 16 to 35 mg N kg−1). The recently converted perennial forage system produced three times greater N2O than the continuous annual system, which is likely a result of accelerated N mineralization from the accumulated soil organic matter (over 4 yr) and grass residues of the recently killed forage grasses. However, during the second year of the study when the FPP plots were reseeded to perennial grasses, the system emitted 30% less N2O than the ANN system. These results suggest that including perennial forage grass in rotation with annual crops can provide N-saving and climate change mitigation benefits; however, some of the N stored in the soil would be lost when the perennial grass plots are cultivated to grow annual crops.
Impact of deficit irrigation and addition of biochar and polymer on soil salinity and tomato productivity
Authors: Alkhasha Arafat , Al-Omran Abdulrasoul , Louki Ibrahim
Published: August 2019

The aim of this study is to investigate impact of soil amendments (4% biochar, 0.4% polymer, and a combination of them) on soil moisture and salinity distribution, tomato yield, and water-use efficiency (WUE). Open-field experiments were conducted during two successive growing seasons in 2017 and 2018. The experiment consisted of three levels of irrigation treatments: 100%, 80%, and 60% of crop evapotranspiration (ETc); and two different water qualities: fresh 0.9 dS m−1 and saline electrical conductivity 3.6 dS m−1. Results revealed that at 100% of ETc, soil water distribution increased by 12.94%, 37.87%, and 42.21% at depths 0–15, 15–30, and 30–45 cm, with the addition of biochar, respectively, compared with control at same depths under freshwater, but the addition of polymer was increased by 6.35%, 16.56%, and 16.37%, respectively. While combination treatments increased by 15.70%, 24.80%, and 41.26%, at the depths aforementioned. Salt concentration was increased by 59.10% with biochar, whereas decreasing by 7.19% and 57.63% with polymer and mixture treatments, respectively. The results also showed that biochar and mixture treatments improved yield compared with the polymer and control, whereas saline water decreased the yield compared with freshwater. With deficit irrigation, WUE was increased by 28.54%, 40.98%, and 68.93% at 100%, 80%, and 60% of ETc, respectively, indicating it could be used as an irrigation management strategy under arid and semiarid field conditions.
A Multiset Version of Even-Odd Permutations Identity
Authors: Teimoori Faal Hossein
Published: August 2019

In this paper, we present a multiset analogue of the even-odd permutations identity in the context of combinatorics of words. The multiset version is indeed equivalent to the coin arrangements lemma which is a key lemma in Sherman’s proof of Feynman’s conjecture about combinatorial solution of Ising model in statistical physics. Here, we give a bijective proof which is based on the standard factorization of a Lyndon word.
Parameter estimation for fractional-order chaotic systems by improved bird swarm optimization algorithm
Authors: Zhang Pei , Yang Renyu , Yang Renhuan , Ren Gong , Yang Xiuzeng , Xu Chuangbiao , Xu Baoguo , Zhang Huatao , Cai Yanning , Lu Yaosheng
Published: August 2019

The essence of parameter estimation for fractional-order chaotic systems is a multi-dimensional parameter optimization problem, which is of great significance for implementing fractional-order chaos control and synchronization. Aiming at the parameter estimation problem of fractional-order chaotic systems, an improved algorithm based on bird swarm algorithm is proposed. The proposed algorithm further studies the social behavior of the original bird swarm algorithm and optimizes the foraging behavior in the original bird swarm algorithm. This method is applied to parameter estimation of fractional-order chaotic systems. Fractional-order unified chaotic system and fractional-order Lorenz system are selected as two examples for parameter estimation systems. Numerical simulation shows that the algorithm has better convergence accuracy, convergence speed and universality than bird swarm algorithm, artificial bee colony algorithm, particle swarm optimization and genetic algorithm.
Convergence of thermodynamic quantities and work fluctuation theorems in the presence of random protocols
Authors: Marathe Rahul , Lahiri Sourabh
Published: August 2019

Recently, many results, namely the Fluctuation theorems (FT), have been discovered for systems arbitrarily away from equilibrium. Many of these relations have been experimentally tested. The system under consideration is usually driven out of equilibrium by an external time-dependent parameter which follows a particular protocol. One needs to perform several iterations of the same experiment in order to find statistically relevant results. Since the systems are microscopic, fluctuations dominate. Studying the convergence of relevant thermodynamics quantities with number of realizations is also important as it gives a rough estimate of the number of iterations one needs to perform. In each iteration, the protocol follows a predetermined identical/fixed form. However, the protocol itself may be prone to fluctuations. In this work, we are interested in looking at a simple nonequilibrium system, namely a Brownian particle trapped in a harmonic potential. The center of the trap is then dragged according to a protocol. We however lift the condition of fixed protocol. In our case, the protocol in each realization is different. We consider one of the parameters of the protocol as a random variable, chosen from some known distribution. We study the systems analytically as well as numerically. We specifically study the convergence of the average work and free energy difference with number of realizations. Interestingly, in several cases, randomness in the protocol does not seem to affect the convergence when compared to fixed protocol results. We study symmetry functions. The cases of a Brownian particle in a harmonic potential with sinusoidally changing stiffness constant, as well as a Brownian particle in a double well potential, are also studied. We believe that our results can be experimentally verified.