bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The use of serial outpatient complete blood count (CBC) results to derive biologic variation: a new tool to gauge the acceptability of hematology testing
Authors: Cembrowski G. , Topping K. , Versluys K. , Tran D. , Malick M. , Holmes D. , Clarke G.
Published: December 2015

Introduction

Most estimates of biologic variation (sb) are based on periodically acquiring and storing specimens from reference subjects, followed by analysis within a tightly controlled analytic run. We demonstrate that reliable estimates of sb can be derived for virtually all constituents of the CBC from previously obtained paired patient results and summary QC data.

Methods

A laboratory data repository provided all of the outpatient CBC results measured over 20.5 months at a large Canadian referral laboratory. These CBC measurements were taken on one of four Beckman Coulter LH analyzers. A total of 1852 different patients had CBCs repeated at least twice within 84 h. We tabulated the pairs of intrapatient constituents that were separated by 0–6, 6–12, 12–18,… 72–78, and 78–84 h. The standard deviations of duplicates (SDD) of the paired data were then regressed against time. The y‐intercept represents the sum of sb and short‐term analytic variation (sa): y0 =(s2a +s2b)1/2. The short‐term imprecision was determined from normal range Coulter quality control specimens.

Results

Patient sb for hematocrit, MCH, absolute monocytes, and absolute neutrophils are extremely close to those determined by biologic variation experiments using healthy volunteers. Most of the other estimates of sb tended to be slightly lower than literature estimates.

Conclusions

We describe a novel approach to deriving sb. The ratio of the sb to sa (a measure of sigma) indicates that the Beckman Coulter LH is extremely suitable for CBC monitoring of outpatients as well as for inpatients, whose sb is generally higher.
How Successful are Highly Qualified Return Migrants in the Lithuanian Labour Market?
Authors: Barcevičius Egidijus
Published: December 2015

This article analyses whether the human capital gained abroad helps returning migrants to integrate into the Lithuanian labour market. The analysis focuses on highly qualified migrants, defined narrowly as people with higher education who held qualified jobs when working abroad. The article found that for this group of returnees professional aims were important when taking a decision to return, together with other motives such as family reasons and home‐sickness. Most of the returnees were able to find employment and pursue their careers without major difficulties, although a significant minority signalled an intention to emigrate again. The article examines the key factors that sometimes helped and sometimes hindered integration of the returnees and discusses the role of the public policy.
The potential role of retroviruses in autoimmunity
Authors: Yu Philipp
Published: December 2015

In the last 20 years research in Immunology underwent fundamental changes. Most importantly, the identification of the key role of innate immune pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) that recognize evolutionarily conserved molecular patterns on infectious pathogens. This results in priming of innate immune cells, which in turn activate and direct the adaptive immune response. Progress in innate immune recognition instigated the current working hypothesis, that recognition of endogenous ligands by PRRs results in innate immune cell activation (autoinflammation) or activation of adaptive cells, with self‐reactive antigen receptors (autoimmunity). In particular, nucleic acid‐sensing innate immune receptors seem to be prime candidates for a mechanistic understanding of autoreactive activation of the immune system. However, it remains uncertain what the actual source of nucleic acid ligands is and what other signals are needed to drive activation of autoreactive innate immune cells and break self‐tolerance of the adaptive immune system. Here, I will review our present understanding about whether the infection with exogenous retroviruses or the reactivation of endogenous retroviruses might play an etiological role in certain autoimmune conditions of humans and murine experimental models.
Mechanisms involved in triggering rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Catrina Anca I. , Joshua Vijay , Klareskog Lars , Malmström Vivianne
Published: December 2015

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory syndrome with a strong autoimmune component. The autoantigens in RA are neither tissue nor organ‐specific, but comprise a broad collection of post‐translational modified proteins, such as citrullinated proteins. These modifications are likely to be triggered by innate stimuli. In genetically susceptible hosts, they can lead to a more substantiated secondary autoimmune reaction targeting the joints and precipitating the clinical onset of RA. Both innate and adaptive mechanisms will then closely interplay to promote chronic joint inflammation in the several absence of appropriate treatment. This scenario, is shared with other autoimmune diseases where potentially pathogenic immune responses are present already before disease onset. Better understanding of these processes will allow both earlier diagnosis of RA and identification of those healthy individuals that are at risk of developing disease, opening possibilities for disease prevention. In this review, we discuss the iterative processes of innate and adaptive immunity responsible for the (longitudinal) development of immune reactions that may contribute to the development of RA.
Endosomal Toll‐like receptors in clinically overt and silent autoimmunity
Authors: Clancy Robert M. , Markham Androo J. , Buyon Jill P.
Published: December 2015

Toll‐like receptors (TLRs), first identified as pattern recognition receptors, are now recognized to serve as a key interface between innate and adaptive immunity. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is characterized by both continuous and cyclic stimulation of the innate and adaptive immune system by endogenous nucleic acids released from apoptotic or necrotic cells. TLR7 and TLR9 function as innate sensors of viral infection as their ligands are ssRNA and dsDNA, respectively. Recognition of self nucleic acids by endosomal TLRs in B cells and pDCs is thought to be an important step in the pathogenesis of SLE, generating anti‐nuclear antibodies and producing type I IFN. In this review, we take a specific look at how TLR7, non‐coding RNA, and SSA/Ro60 can contribute to clinical autoimmunity and organ damage in the context of neonatal lupus (NL). Although 15 times less common than SLE, NL provides a unique opportunity to study two different aspects of autoimmunity: passively acquired tissue injury in a developing fetus and clinical progression of disease in an asymptomatic mother found to have anti‐Ro60 autoantibodies only after identification of heart block/rash in a child. Finally, we discuss hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) use by asymptomatic subjects which may forestall the clinical expression of autoimmunity.
The role of Card9 overexpression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with aseptic acute pancreatitis
Authors: Yang Zhi‐wen , Weng Cheng‐zhao , Wang Jing , Xu Ping
Published: December 2015

Activated mononuclear cells are an early event in the course of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). To date, the molecular mechanism triggering peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) is poorly understood. The aim of this paper was to determine the potential role of Card9 in SAP. We collected data from 72 subjects between January 2013 and June 2014. Subsequently, PBMCs were isolated on day 1, 3 and 5 of pancreatitis. Immunofluorescence staining, quantitative real‐time PCR, Western blotting, immunoprecipitation and ELISA were used to determine the role of Card9 in SAP. Microbial culture showed that SAP patients at the early period did not develop any bacteria and fungi infection. Card9 expression in SAP patients was higher than that in mild acute pancreatitis and volunteer healthy controls, up to the peak on day 1. The monocyte‐derived cytokines interleukin (IL)‐17, IL‐1β, IL‐6 and tumour necrosis factor‐α mediated by the induction of Card9 markedly increased in SAP patients compared with the control group. Furthermore, the inducible formation of Card9‐Bcl10 complex was found in PBMCs, which may be involved in nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) and p38 activation in SAP. Receiver operating characteristic curve indicated that Card9 levels had a high sensitivity of 87.5% and specificity of 67.7%, showing the close correlation with SAP patients. Card9 overexpression was firstly found in aseptic SAP, which may be played an important role in NF‐κB and p38 activation in PBMCs. It also provided the new insights into therapeutic interventions by targeting monocytes activation in SAP patients.
Towards theory integration: Threshold model as a link between signal detection theory, fast‐and‐frugal trees and evidence accumulation theory
Authors: Hozo Iztok , Djulbegovic Benjamin , Luan Shenghua , Tsalatsanis Athanasios , Gigerenzer Gerd
Published: December 2015

Rationale, aims and objectives

Theories of decision making are divided between those aiming to help decision makers in the real, ‘large’ world and those who study decisions in idealized ‘small’ world settings. For the most part, these large‐ and small‐world decision theories remain disconnected.

Methods

We linked the small‐world decision theoretic concepts of signal detection theory (SDT) and evidence accumulation theory (EAT) to the threshold model and the large world of heuristic decision making that rely on fast‐and‐frugal decision trees (FFT).

Results

We connected these large‐ and small‐world theories by demonstrating that seemingly different decision‐making concepts are actually equivalent. In doing so, we were able (1) to link the threshold model to EAT and FFT, thereby creating decision criteria that take into account both the classification accuracy of FFT and the consequences built in the threshold model; (2) to demonstrate how threshold criteria can be used as a strategy for optimal selection of cues when constructing FFT; and (3) to show that the compensatory strategy expressed in the threshold model can be linked to a non‐compensatory FFT approach to decision making. We also showed how construction and performance of FFT depend on having reliable information – the results were highly sensitive to the estimates of benefits and harms of health interventions. We illustrate the practical usefulness of our analysis by describing an FFT we developed for prescribing statins for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease.

Conclusions

By linking SDT and EAT to the compensatory threshold model and to non‐compensatory heuristic decision making (FFT), we showed how these two decision strategies are ultimately linked within a broader theoretical framework and thereby respond to calls for integrating decision theory paradigms.
Does Industrial Waste Reuse Bring Dual Benefits of Economic Growth and Carbon Emission Reduction?: Evidence of Incorporating the Indirect Effect of Economic Growth in China
Authors: Zhang Bin , Wang Zhaohua , Lai Kee‐hung
Published: December 2015

This article employs panel data from 28 Chinese provinces over the period 1999–2011 to analyze the effects of industrial waste reuse (IWR) on carbon emissions. The extant studies mainly consider the direct effects that individual firms garner from IWR while ignoring other possible indirect effects in a more macroscopic context. Considering this research void, this article examines the potential indirect effects of IWR on carbon emissions through economic growth as the mediator. The results show that the direct effect of IWR on carbon emissions is negative and significant, but the positive indirect effect, through economic growth, is present. From the perspective of total effect, IWR is beneficial for both economic growth and carbon emission reduction (CER). However, the benefits for CER are mitigated when the economy is less developed, because the emission reduction could be compromised through the indirect effect of economic growth. Nevertheless, the indirect effect on compensating carbon emission is decreased with an increase in the economic growth. When the growth reaches a higher level, the indirect effect of IWR will alter to contribute to CER. The turning point in China is around 7,000 to 9,000 renminbi gross domestic product (GDP) per capita in 1999 constant price.
Enamel alteration following tooth bleaching and remineralization
Authors: COCESKA EMILIJA , GJORGIEVSKA ELIZABETA , COLEMAN NICHOLA J. , GABRIC DRAGANA , SLIPPER IAN J. , STEVANOVIC MARIJA , NICHOLSON JOHN W.
Published: December 2015

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of professional tooth whitening agents containing highly concentrated hydrogen peroxide (with and without laser activation), on the enamel surface; and the potential of four different toothpastes to remineralize any alterations.

The study was performed on 50 human molars, divided in two groups: treated with Opalescence® Boost and Mirawhite® Laser Bleaching. Furthermore, each group was divided into five subgroups, a control one and 4 subgroups remineralized with: Mirasensitive® hap+, Mirawhite® Gelleѐ, GC Tooth Mousse™ and Mirafluor® C. The samples were analysed by SEM/3D‐SEM‐micrographs, SEM/EDX‐qualitative analysis and SEM/EDX‐semiquantitative analysis.

The microphotographs show that both types of bleaching cause alterations: emphasized perikymata, erosions, loss of interprizmatic substance; the laser treatment is more aggressive and loss of integrity of the enamel is determined by shearing off the enamel rods. In all samples undergoing remineralization deposits were observed, those of toothpastes based on calcium phosphate technologies seem to merge with each other and cover almost the entire surface of the enamel. Loss of integrity and minerals were detected only in the line‐scans of the sample remineralized with GC Tooth Mousse™. The semiquantitative EDX analysis of individual elements in the surface layer of the enamel indicates that during tooth‐bleaching with HP statistically significant loss of Na and Mg occurs, whereas the bleaching in combination with a laser leads to statistically significant loss of Ca and P.

The results undoubtedly confirm that teeth whitening procedures lead to enamel alterations. In this context, it must be noted that laser bleaching is more aggressive for dental substances. However, these changes are reversible and can be repaired by application of remineralization toothpastes.
A simple approach for bioactive surface calibration using evanescent waves
Authors: MARSH GRAHAM , WAUGH RICHARD E.
Published: December 2015

When investigating the interaction of cells with surfaces, it is becoming increasingly important to perform quantitative measurements of surface protein density to understand reaction kinetics. Previously, to calibrate a surface for an experiment one would have to use a radiometric assay or strip the surface with acid and perform a mass quantification. Although both of these methodologies have been proven to be effective measurement techniques for surface quantification, they can be time consuming and require substantial amounts of material. The latter is particularly problematic when working with specialized molecules or constructs that may be expensive to produce and/or only available in small quantities. Here we present a simple method to measure the intensity and penetration depth of an evanescent wave, and use this information to quantify the density of surface molecules in a microscopic region of a transparent surface.
Improving Access to Maternity Care for Women with Opioid Use Disorders: Colocation of Midwifery Services at an Addiction Treatment Program
Authors: Goodman Daisy
Published: December 2015

Perinatal drug and alcohol use is associated with serious medical and psychiatric morbidity for pregnant and postpartum women and their newborns. Participation in prenatal care has been shown to improve outcomes, even in the absence of treatment for substance use disorders. Unfortunately, women with substance use disorders often do not receive adequate prenatal care. Barriers to accessing care for pregnant women with substance use disorders include medical and psychiatric comorbidities, transportation, caring for existing children, housing and food insecurity, and overall lack of resources. In a health care system where care is delivered by each discipline separately, lack of communication between providers causes poorly coordinated services and missed opportunities. The integration of mental health and substance use treatment services in medical settings is a goal of health care reform. However, this approach has not been widely promoted in the context of maternity care. The Dartmouth‐Hitchcock Medical Center Perinatal Addiction Treatment Program provides an integrated model of care for pregnant and postpartum women with substance use disorders, including the colocation of midwifery services in the context of a dedicated addiction treatment program. A structured approach to screening and intervention for drug and alcohol use in the outpatient prenatal clinic facilitates referral to treatment at the appropriate level. Providing midwifery care within the context of a substance use treatment program improves access to prenatal care, continuity of care throughout pregnancy and the postpartum, and availability of family planning services. The evolution of this innovative approach is described. This article is part of a special series of articles that address midwifery innovations in clinical practice, education, interprofessional collaboration, health policy, and global health.
Interprofessional Obstetric Ultrasound Education: Successful Development of Online Learning Modules; Case‐Based Seminars; and Skills Labs for Registered and Advanced Practice Nurses, Midwives, Physicians, and Trainees
Authors: Shaw‐Battista Jenna , Young‐Lin Nichole , Bearman Sage , Dau Kim , Vargas Juan
Published: December 2015

Ultrasound is an important aid in the clinical diagnosis and management of normal and complicated pregnancy and childbirth. The technology is widely applied to maternity care in the United States, where comprehensive standard ultrasound examinations are routine. Targeted scans are common and used for an increasing number of clinical indications due to emerging research and a greater availability of equipment with better image resolution at lower cost. These factors contribute to an increased demand for obstetric ultrasound education among students and providers of maternity care, despite a paucity of data to inform education program design and evaluation. To meet this demand, from 2012 to 2015 the University of California, San Francisco nurse‐midwifery education program developed and implemented an interprofessional obstetric ultrasound course focused on clinical applications commonly managed by maternity care providers from different professions and disciplines. The course included matriculating students in nursing and medicine, as well as licensed practitioners such as registered and advanced practice nurses, midwives, and physicians and residents in obstetrics and gynecology and family medicine. After completing 10 online modules with a pre‐ and posttest of knowledge and interprofessional competencies related to teamwork and communication, trainees attended a case‐based seminar and hands‐on skills practicum with pregnant volunteers. The course aimed to establish a foundation for further supervised clinical training prior to independent practice of obstetric ultrasound. Course development was informed by professional guidelines and clinical and education research literature. This article describes the foundations, with a review of the challenges and solutions encountered in obstetric ultrasound education development and implementation. Our experience will inform educators who wish to facilitate obstetric ultrasound competency development among new and experienced maternity care providers in academic and clinical settings. This article is part of a special series of articles that address midwifery innovations in clinical practice, education, interprofessional collaboration, health policy, and global health.
Dysbindin‐1 modifies signaling and cellular localization of recombinant, human D3 and D2 receptors
Authors: Schmieg Nathalie , Rocchi Cristina , Romeo Stefania , Maggio Roberto , Millan Mark J. , Mannoury la Cour Clotilde
Published: December 2015

Dystrobrevin binding protein‐1 (dysbindin‐1), a candidate gene for schizophrenia, modulates cognition, synaptic plasticity and frontocortical circuitry and interacts with glutamatergic and dopaminergic transmission. Loss of dysbindin‐1 modifies cellular trafficking of dopamine (DA) D2 receptors to increase cell surface expression, but its influence upon signaling has never been characterized. Further, the effects of dysbindin‐1 upon closely related D3 receptors remain unexplored. Hence, we examined the impact of dysbindin‐1 (isoform A) co‐expression on the localization and coupling of human D2L and D3 receptors stably expressed in Chinese hamster ovary or SH‐SY5Y cells lacking endogenous dysbindin‐1. Dysbindin‐1 co‐transfection decreased cell surface expression of both D3 and D2L receptors. Further, while their affinity for DA was unchanged, dysbindin‐1 reduced the magnitude and potency of DA–induced adenylate cylase recruitment/cAMP production. Dysbindin‐1 also blunted the amplitude of DA‐induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and Akt at both D2L and D3 receptors without, in contrast to cAMP, affecting the potency of DA. Interference with calveolin/clathrin‐mediated processes of internalization prevented the modification by dysbindin‐1 of ERK1/2 and adenylyl cyclase stimulation at D2L and D3 receptors. Finally, underpinning the specificity of the influence of dysbindin‐1 on D2L and D3 receptors, dysbindin‐1 did not modify recruitment of adenylyl cyclase by D1 receptors. These observations demonstrate that dysbindin‐1 influences cell surface expression of D3 in addition to D2L receptors, and that it modulates activation of their signaling pathways. Accordingly, both a deficiency and an excess of dysbindin‐1 may be disruptive for dopaminergic transmission, supporting its link to schizophrenia and other CNS disorders.

image

Dysbindin‐1, a candidate gene for schizophrenia, alters D2 receptors cell surface expression. We demonstrate that dysbindin‐1 expression also influences cell surface levels of D3 receptors. Further, Dysbindin‐1 reduces DA‐induced adenylate cylase recruitment/cAMP production and modifies major signaling pathways (Akt and extracellular signal‐regulated kinases1/2 (ERK1/2)) of both D2 and D3 receptors. Dysbindin‐1 modulates thus D2 and D3 receptor signaling, supporting a link to schizophrenia.
Occlusal Pressure Analysis of Complete Dentures after Microwave Disinfection: A Clinical Study
Authors: Basso Michael Frederico Manzolli , Giampaolo Eunice Teresinha , Vergani Carlos Eduardo , Pavarina Ana Cláudia , Machado Ana Lúcia , Jorge Janaina Habib
Published: December 2015

Purpose

This clinical study evaluated the effect of microwave disinfection protocols on the occlusal pressure pattern of dentures.

Materials and Methods

Dentures were constructed for 40 patients and evaluated as follows (n = 20). Group 1: Patients had the maxillary dentures submitted to microwave disinfection, once a week, for 4 weeks. Group 2: Patients had the maxillary dentures submitted to microwave disinfection, three times a week, for 4 weeks. Occlusal contacts were recorded on five occasions: 30 days after denture insertion and before first disinfection (baseline or control group); 1 week after disinfection; 2 weeks after disinfection; 3 weeks after disinfection; 4 weeks after disinfection. Occlusal contacts were analyzed by T‐Scan III. Intergroup analysis was performed using the Mann‐Whitney test and intragroup analysis using the Friedman test with significance of 5%.

Results

The results showed no significant difference between groups during the periods. The data on parameters loss of denture adaptation or complaints showed that patients used their dentures regularly for eating and expressed comfort and satisfaction in all experimental periods. The evaluation of functional occlusion revealed that the distribution of the occlusal contacts remained unaltered after disinfection.

Conclusion

Microwave disinfection protocols as studied in this report did not influence occlusal contacts of the complete dentures.
Bronchoscopy, Imaging, and Concurrent Diseases in Dogs with Bronchiectasis: (2003–2014)
Authors: Johnson L.R. , Johnson E.G. , Vernau W. , Kass P.H. , Byrne B.A.
Published: December 2015

Background

Bronchiectasis is a permanent and debilitating sequel to chronic or severe airway injury, however, diseases associated with this condition are poorly defined.

Objective

To evaluate results of diagnostic tests used to document bronchiectasis and to characterize underlying or concurrent disease processes.

Animals

Eighty‐six dogs that had bronchoscopy performed and a diagnosis of bronchiectasis.

Methods

Retrospective case series. Radiographs, computed tomography, and bronchoscopic findings were evaluated for features of bronchiectasis. Clinical diagnoses of pneumonia (aspiration, interstitial, foreign body, other), eosinophilic bronchopneumopathy (EBP), and inflammatory airway disease (IAD) were made based on results of history, physical examination, and diagnostic testing, including bronchoalveolar lavage fluid analysis and microbiology.

Results

Bronchiectasis was diagnosed in 14% of dogs (86/621) that had bronchoscopy performed. Dogs ranged in age from 0.5 to 14 years with duration of signs from 3 days to 10 years. Bronchiectasis was documented during bronchoscopy in 79/86 dogs (92%), thoracic radiology in 50/83 dogs (60%), and CT in 34/34 dogs (100%). Concurrent airway collapse was detected during bronchoscopy in 50/86 dogs (58%), and focal or multifocal mucus plugging of segmental or subsegmental bronchi was found in 41/86 dogs (48%). Final diagnoses included pneumonia (45/86 dogs, 52%), EBP (10/86 dogs, 12%) and IAD (31/86 dogs, 36%). Bacteria were isolated in 24/86 cases (28%), with Streptococcus spp, Pasteurella spp, enteric organisms, and Stenotrophomonas isolated most frequently.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Bronchiectasis can be anticipated in dogs with infectious or inflammatory respiratory disease. Advanced imaging and bronchoscopy are useful in making the diagnosis and identifying concurrent respiratory disease.
Effect of Ovariohysterectomy at the Time of Tumor Removal in Dogs with Mammary Carcinomas: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kristiansen V.M. , Peña L. , Díez Córdova L. , Illera J.C. , Skjerve E. , Breen A.M. , Cofone M.A. , Langeland M. , Teige J. , Goldschmidt M. , Sørenmo K.U.
Published: December 2015

Background

Ovarian hormones play crucial roles in mammary carcinogenesis. However, whether ovarian ablation by ovariohysterectomy (OHE) improves the prognosis in dogs with mammary carcinomas is unclear.

Objectives

Determine ifOHEat the time of mastectomy improves the prognosis in dogs with mammary carcinomas and evaluate if hormonal factors influence the effect ofOHE.

Animals

Sixty intact dogs with mammary carcinomas.

Methods

Dogs were randomly assigned in a 1 : 1 ratio to undergoOHE(n = 31) or not (n = 29) at the time of tumor removal. Peri‐surgical serum estradiol (E2) and progesterone concentrations were measured, tumor diagnosis was confirmed histologically, and tumor estrogen and progesterone receptor status was immunohistochemically determined. The dogs were monitored for recurrence and metastases every 3‐4 months for at least 2 years. Uni‐ and multivariable survival analyses were performed with relapse and all‐cause death as endpoints in addition to univariable subgroup analyses.

Results

Overall,OHEdid not significantly decrease hazard of relapse (hazard ratio [HR], 0.64;P= .18) or all‐cause death (HR, 0.87;P= .64) in univariable analyses. In multivariable analysisOHEdid not significantly influence the hazard of relapse (HR, 0.54;P= .12), but an interaction effect was identified betweenERstatus and E2 (P= .037). Subgroup analysis identified decreased hazard of relapse in theOHEgroup compared to the non‐OHEgroup in the subsets of dogs with increased E2 (HR, 0.22;P= .012) or grade 2 tumors (HR, 0.26;P= .02).

Conclusion

Dogs with grade 2,ER‐positive tumors, or with increased peri‐surgical serum E2 concentration represent a subset of dogs with mammary carcinomas likely to benefit fromOHE.
Naturally Occurring Adrenocortical Insufficiency – An Epidemiological Study Based on a Swedish‐Insured Dog Population of 525,028 Dogs
Authors: Hanson J.M. , Tengvall K. , Bonnett B.N. , Hedhammar Å.
Published: December 2015

Background

Naturally occurring adrenocortical insufficiency (NOAI) in dogs is considered an uncommon disease with good prognosis with hormonal replacement treatment. However, there are no epidemiological studies with estimates for the general dog population.

Objectives

To investigate the epidemiological characteristics ofNOAIin a large population of insured dogs.

Animals

Data were derived from 525,028 client‐owned dogs insured by a Swedish insurance company representing 2,364,652 dog‐years at risk (DYAR) during the period between 1995–2006.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study. Incidence rates, prevalences, and relative risks for dogs withNOAI(AIwith no previous claim for hypercortisolism), were calculated for the whole dog population, and for subgroups divided by breed and sex. Mortality rates were calculated and compared in dogs withNOAIand the remaining dogs overall.

Results

In total 534 dogs were identified withNOAI. The overall incidence was 2.3 cases per 10,000DYAR. The relative risk of disease was significantly higher in the Portuguese Water Dog, Standard Poodle, Bearded Collie, Cairn Terrier, and Cocker Spaniel compared with other breeds combined. Female dogs overall were at higher risk of developingAIthan male dogs (RR1.85; 95%CI, 1.55–2.22;P < .001). The relative risk of death was 1.9 times higher in dogs withNOAIthan in dogs overall.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

The data supports the existence of breed‐specific differences in incidence rates ofNOAIin dogs.
Different sperm allocation strategies in two populations of the semiterrestrial crab Neohelice granulata (Brachyura, Grapsoidea, Varunidae)
Authors: Sal Moyano María P. , Gavio María A. , Luppi Tomás
Published: December 2015

Sperm reserves are costly to produce and so the development of different sperm allocation strategies may be advantageous. Knowledge of sperm allocation strategies is important from an evolutionary perspective because they contribute to characterize mating systems. However, population differences in sperm allocation strategies of the same species have rarely been assessed. Here, we studied the male sperm allocation strategies in two different populations of Neohelice granulata in Mar Chiquita Lagoon (MCL) and San Antonio Oeste (SAO), Argentina. We found that the quantity of ejaculate transferred by N. granulata males depended on different factors such as male size and female receptivity duration, while it was independent of female size, at both study areas. Regarding the operational sex ratio factor, the amount of ejaculate transferred depended on it in MCL but not in SAO. Thus, N. granulata males may have the capacity to regulate the quantity of ejaculate transferred based on individual factors such as their own size and female receptivity duration, and population factors such as operational sex ratio, which varies in the two populations studied.
Functional composition trajectory: a resolution to the debate between Suganuma, Durigan, and Reid
Authors: Brancalion Pedro H.S. , Holl Karen D.
Published: December 2015

The selection of ecological indicators is an important step toward more effective restoration monitoring. The debate between Reid (2015) and Durigan and Suganuma (2015) regarding the usefulness of species composition for monitoring restoration trajectory is timely and salient, but it lacks a middle way proposal to balance ecological relevance and practical viability. We propose a way forward to resolving this debate, namely using easily measurable functional traits, a type of compositional measure, as an indicator. Assessing functional composition trajectory may help overcome some limitations with taxonomic identification and provide more meaningful outcomes to evaluate restoration success.
Healthcare‐associated pneumonia: Can we salvage anything from the wreckage?
Authors: Waterer Grant W.
Published: December 2015

See article, page 157
Fatigue as a manifestation of psychosocial distress in a low‐income country: a population‐based panel study
Authors: Smartt Caroline , Medhin Girmay , Alem Atalay , Patel Vikram , Dewey Michael , Prince Martin , Hanlon Charlotte
Published: December 2015

Objective

Fatigue is a common complaint worldwide and associated with disability and high health service use costs. We tested the hypothesis that maternal fatigue would be associated independently with maternal common mental disorder (‘maternal CMD’) in a rural, low‐income country setting.

Methods

The analysis was conducted using data from a population‐based cohort located in the Butajira demographic surveillance site, Ethiopia. A total of 1065 women were recruited in pregnancy and followed up to 2.5 (n = 1009; 94.7%) and 3.5 years post‐partum (n = 989; 92.9%). Maternal CMD symptoms were measured using a locally validated version of the Self‐Reporting Questionnaire and fatigue was measured using a dichotomised item from the Patient Health Questionnaire‐15. Physical health indicators included haemoglobin level, body mass index and illness episodes. Generalised estimating equations were used to conduct hypothesis‐driven and exploratory multivariable analyses in the panel at 2.5 and 3.5 years.

Results

The prevalence of maternal fatigue was 8.3% at 2.5 years and 5.5% at 3.5 years post‐partum. Psychological symptoms of maternal CMD were associated independently with complaints of fatigue after adjusting for anaemia, body mass index, physical ill health, poverty and other confounding variables: adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 1.46; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.28–1.66 for each one point increase in SRQ score. In the multivariable model, only psychosocial factors (CMD and stressful life events) and self‐reported physical ill health were associated significantly with complaints of fatigue.

Conclusion

Complaints of fatigue are associated strongly with maternal CMD and other psychosocial risk factors in this rural, low‐income country setting with a high burden of undernutrition and infectious disease. Fatigue should be understood as a potential indicator of CMD in primary care to improve detection and treatment.
Changes in functional diversity and intraspecific trait variability of weeds in response to crop sequences and climate
Authors: Borgy B , Perronne R , Kohler C , Grison A‐L , Amiaud B , Gaba S
Published: December 2015

How weed communities assemble represents one the key issues of weed science. For a decade, functional approaches have been applied to investigate the processes that govern weed community assembly. In most previous studies, trait values have been generally averaged over multiple populations and habitats. Consequently, conspecifics display similar trait values while neglecting the considerable influence of intraspecific variability to detect changes in functional diversity in response to environmental drivers. However, this influence has been shown to be critical, especially, at local scales. Here, we studied changes in weed functional diversity at the field scale in four crop sequences. We focused on intra‐ and interspecific variability of four key functional traits involved in response to resource acquisition processes, the latter being modified by climate, management and competition. The relative influence of intra‐ and interspecific variability among the crop sequence types was highlighted using a diversity partitioning approach. It provides evidence for substantial amount of intraspecific variability in the weed community and underlines its essential role in response to fine‐scale environmental drivers. In addition, we investigated the response of the three most abundant species to competition with the crop, the growing season and the crop sequence type. We highlighted that these species showed a wide range of combinations of trait values, suggesting the co‐existence of several successful strategies. Based on these results, we emphasise that neglecting intraspecific variability can lead to substantial underestimations of the functional weed response to management and crop‐weed competition at the field scale.
Will Culling White‐Tailed Deer Prevent Lyme Disease?
Authors: Kugeler K. J. , Jordan R. A. , Schulze T. L. , Griffith K. S. , Mead P. S.
Published: December 2015

White‐tailed deer play an important role in the ecology of Lyme disease. In the United States, where the incidence and geographic range of Lyme disease continue to increase, reduction of white‐tailed deer populations has been proposed as a means of preventing human illness. The effectiveness of this politically sensitive prevention method is poorly understood. We summarize and evaluate available evidence regarding the effect of deer reduction on vector tick abundance and human disease incidence. Elimination of deer from islands and other isolated settings can have a substantial impact on the reproduction of blacklegged ticks, while reduction short of complete elimination has yielded mixed results. To date, most studies have been conducted in ecologic situations that are not representative to the vast majority of areas with high human Lyme disease risk. Robust evidence linking deer control to reduced human Lyme disease risk is lacking. Currently, there is insufficient evidence to recommend deer population reduction as a Lyme disease prevention measure, except in specific ecologic circumstances.
ENHANCING VARYING OVERHEAD AD HOC ON DEMAND DISTANCE VECTOR WITH ARTIFICIAL ANTS
Authors: Balaji V. , Umapathy N. , Duraisamy V. , Umapathy K. , Venkatesan P. , Saravanakumar S.
Published: December 2015

A cluster of mobile hosts installed with a wireless transceiver form a Mobile Adhoc Network (MANET), without base stations. Wireless ad hoc networks routing protocols usually focus on finding paths with minimum hop count. In a MANET, a route may suddenly be broken when a host roams away. Even if a route is connected, it may worsen due to host mobility or a better route being formed new in the system. Current protocols stick to a fixed route between a source - destination pair when discovered and it continues till it expires or is broken. A routing algorithm chooses better paths by considering wireless links quality. However, in large networks link quality from source to destination provides multiple options in space domain and finding local minima is crucial for successful routing implementation. This study extends the Varying Overhead Ad hoc On demand Distance Vector (VO-AODV) by introducing an optimization parameter using Ant Colony Optimization (ACO).
INTEGRATION OF MEDICAL ONTOLOGY CONCEPTS TO ANNOTATE MEDICAL IMAGES
Authors: Saad Mohd Nizam , Muda Zurina , Sahari Noraidah , Abd Hamid Hamzaini
Published: December 2015

Medical ontology has become an important element to enrich semantic description in medical images. The enrichment process can be done with medical image annotation where label or keyword can be added into the image description. Therefore, in this paper, we have proposed an annotation model that contains two components i.e. image processing and annotation component in order to annotate chest X-ray images with relevant medical ontology concepts. The first component helps transforming the original medical image into six regions of interest for the lung area while the second component prepares medical ontology concepts to annotate the derived regions. By annotating the chest X-ray images with medical ontology concepts, we hope to obtain better and accurate image retrieval.
USABILITY PRINCIPLES MAKE IRAQI E-GOVERNMENT PORTAL MORE ACCESSIBLE
Authors: Abdul Wahid Hayder Sabah , Jaafar Ali Suhad , Ismail Hashim Adnan , Abdul Mutalib Ariffin
Published: December 2015

This paper reports on an initiative that redesigns the Iraqi portal. The new set of features were determined by comparatively study the famous highly-accessed portals. Additionally, the features were determined based on usability principles. Based on the gathered features, the portal, which is named Iraqi e-government portal (Ie-gP) was designed and developed. Then, users were let to experience the portal and their feedback were gathered through an adapted instrument.  The results reveal that the Ie-gP is perceived useful and easy to use. This further leads to a high access to the Ie-gP.
ASSISTING DESIGN IDEAS: PTOOLKIT, A PILOT STUDY
Authors: Saidin Aeni Zuhana , Shaari Nassiriah , Alwi Asmidah
Published: December 2015

Design for persuasion requires the designer to understand theories, ideas and strategies of persuasion that could change, modify or adapt people’s behaviour.  This situation requires the designer to access appropriate persuasion knowledge by making the design suit to the persuasion intention.  Therefore, a tool called as PToolkit was introduced to assist designer during the design process.  Then, a pilot evaluation was conducted to evaluate PToolkit.  This is to ensure that the actual evaluation phase would run smoothly, as well as having an initial understanding of the ability of PToolkit in influencing the design ideas.  As a result, few evaluation procedures were amended and ways of data interpretation were suggested.
USER TESTING ON GAME USABILITY, MOBILITY, PLAYABILITY, AND LEARNING CONTENT OF MOBILE GAME-BASED LEARNING
Authors: Zaibon Syamsul Bahrin
Published: December 2015

This article presents an approach to user testing of mobile game-based learning (mGBL) applications by adapting four testing components: Game Usability, Mobility, Playability, and Learning Content. Each of the components represents the issues to be considered and evaluated for a mGBL. Therefore, the testing will know whether mGBL applications are well met each those needs of the components. 20 users were selected to play three different mGBL applications, and then they tested the game by completing testing forms. Users need to indicate whether each mGBL application met the need for each testing components. The findings show that users successfully played and completed all testing forms. The study provides intensive review of mGBL characteristics that can be useful and may be of interest to game developers.
OIL PALM TREE GROWTH MONITORING FOR SMALLHOLDERS BY USING UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE
Authors: Tugi Astina , Rasib Abd Wahid , Suri Muhammad Akmal , Zainon Othman , Mohd Yusoff Abdul Razak , Abdul Rahman Mohammad Zulkarnain , Abu Sari Nasruddin , Darwin Norhadija
Published: December 2015

The development of the latest technology in agriculture such as using Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) platform, oil palm tree monitoring can be carried out efficiently by smallholders. Therefore, this study aims to determine the spectral response curve of oil palm tree growth for smallholders by using UAV Platform and payloaded with digital compact camera. The series of UAV images are then to be used to generate an orthophotos image whereby contains two types of spectrum bands which are single spectrum of near Infra-Red (NIR) and three spectrums of visible bands (RGB), respectively. Hence, a spectral response curve graph of oil palm tree condition is able to be produced based on the orthophoto as well as on-site ground validation using handheld spectroradiometer. The growth of the oil palm trees also able to be determined by analyzing the reflectance recorded from the images after generating the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Modified Soil-Adjusted Vegetation Index 2 (MSAVI2), respectively. This study is successful determined that the low cost UAV platform and digital compact camera able to be used by smallholders in monitoring the oil palm tree growth condition by utilizing remote sensing techniques. As conclusion, this study has showed a good approach for smallholders in determining their oil palm crops condition whereby the results indicate all are identified healthy palm tree after spectral analysis from combination of NIR and RGB UAV images, respectively.
TENURE AS A THREAT TO SUSTAINABILITY IN PHILIPPINE TERTIARY EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS
Authors: SY SU Chadwick Co
Published: December 2015

Tenure has been described by Siow as one of many unusual personnel practices in academia, while Frey, Botan, and Kreps describe it as a motivator for faculty to choose academia over industry [1-2]. Interviews and interactions with academics from three universities in Metro Manila, the Philippines, along with the author’s experience and interpretation of the findings, however, lead to the conclusion that tenure encourages work-life imbalance in the attempt to obtain it and then mediocrity after it is granted. This paper compares tenure policies in three universities in Metro Manila, the Philippines, seeking to interrogate present policies, with data being coded into categories and inter-subjectivity being maintained by validating the observations made by the author with colleagues. For sustainability to be achieved, it is recommended that there be: (1) an increase in hiring of adjunct and visiting faculty; (2) recalibration of quantitative and qualitative indicators in determining faculty performance; and (3) high-value and long-term, but not lifetime, contracts to replace tenure. Compensation as a factor in educational sustainability and an increased number of reviewed institutions are recommended for future study.
CO2 EMISSIONS FOR CONCRETE BORE PILING CONSTRUCTION
Authors: N. Y. Nik Nurul-Hidayah , M. D. Shamzani Affendy , Abdullah Alias , Sugiyama T. , Purwanto Hadi
Published: December 2015

Japan and Malaysia are among the sustainable countries in the world ranking 26 and 51 in the Environmental Performance Index (EPI), accordingly. Recent data obtained from the statistical department shows that both countries GDP contributed by the construction industries amounting 18.6% in Malaysia while Japan at 10% contribution in 2012. Malaysia and Japan are the countries that depend on the concrete infrastructure construction. As the development demand of the countries increase rapidly, it is a huge challenge to the construction industry player to sustain the environment from degradation. Hence, this paper offer strategic plans mitigation measures in resolving those issues. CO2 is the environmental performance indicator to be evaluated in this paper, specifically on bore piling concrete structure construction. Construction site from Malaysia had been investigated. These data are then being analysed by using the 2014 Malaysia inventory data that was developed through this study. The key finding of this research is the 2014 Malaysian energy CO2 emission inventory data, the concrete bore pile life cycle analysis for the scope of construction and transportation of materials of CO2 emissions found at 20,910.54 kg-CO2/m3. In comparison with Japanese concrete infrastructure, this amount is the highest thus proven that volume of concrete did not affect the amount of disseminated CO2 to the environment but the amount of combustion from machineries from and transportation affect the CO2 emissions. Another significant finding of this paper is the strategic mitigation measure that was done in the planning stage and imposed on site. Hence, CO2 emissions ground from the concrete construction activities are turning back its cycle by affecting construction industry itself but can be