bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fire and legume germination in a tropical savanna: ecological and historical factors
Authors: Daibes L Felipe , Pausas Juli G , Bonani Nathalia , Nunes Jessika , Silveira Fernando A O , Fidelis Alessandra
Published: February 2019

Background and Aims

In many flammable ecosystems, physically dormant seeds show dormancy-break patterns tied to fire, but the link between heat shock and germination in the tropical savannas of Africa and South America remains controversial. Seed heat tolerance is important, preventing seed mortality during fire passage, and is usually predicted by seed traits. This study investigated the role of fire frequency (ecological effects) and seed traits through phylogenetic comparison (historical effects), in determining post-fire germination and seed mortality in legume species of the Cerrado, a tropical savanna–forest mosaic.

Methods

Seeds of 46 legume species were collected from three vegetation types (grassy savannas, woody savannas and forests) with different fire frequencies. Heat shock experiments (100 °C for 1 min; 100 °C for 3 min; 200 °C for 1 min) were then performed, followed by germination and seed viability tests. Principal component analysis, generalized linear mixed models and phylogenetic comparisons were used in data analyses.

Key Results

Heat shocks had little effect on germination, but seed mortality was variable across treatments and species. Seed mortality was lowest under the 100 °C 1 min treatment, and significantly higher under 100 °C 3 min and 200 °C 1 min; larger seed mass decreased seed mortality, especially at 200 °C. Tree species in Detarioideae had the largest seeds and were unaffected by heat. Small-seeded species (mostly shrubs from grassy savannas) were relatively sensitive to the hottest treatment. Nevertheless, the presence of physical dormancy helped to avoid seed mortality in small-seeded species under the hottest treatment.

Conclusions

Physical dormancy-break is not tied to fire in the Cerrado mosaic. Heat tolerance appears in both forest and savanna species and is predicted by seed traits (seed mass and physical dormancy), which might have helped forest lineages to colonize the savannas. The results show seed fire responses are better explained by historical than ecological factors in the Cerrado, contrasting with different fire-prone ecosystems throughout the world.
Assortative interactions revealed in a fission–fusion society of Australian humpback dolphins
Authors: Hunt Tim N , Allen Simon J , Bejder Lars , Parra Guido J
Published: February 2019

Understanding individual interactions within a community or population provides valuable insight into its social system, ecology, and, ultimately, resilience against external stimuli. Here, we used photo-identification data, generalized affiliation indices, and social network analyses to investigate dyadic relationships, assortative interactions, and social clustering in the Australian humpback dolphin (Sousa sahulensis). Boat-based surveys were conducted between May 2013 and October 2015 around the North West Cape, Western Australia. Our results indicated a fission–fusion society, characterized by nonrandom dyadic relationships. Assortative interactions were identified both within and between sexes and were higher among members of the same sex, indicating same-sex preferred affiliations and sexual segregation. Assortative interactions by geographic locations were also identified, but with no evidence of distinct social communities or clusters or affiliations based on residency patterns. We noted high residency among females. Models of temporal patterns of association demonstrated variable levels of stability, including stable (preferred companionships) and fluid (casual acquaintances) associations. We also demonstrated some social avoidance. Our results point to greater social complexity than previously recognized for humpback dolphins and, along with knowledge of population size and habitat use, provide the necessary baseline upon which to assess the influence of increasing human activities on this endemic, Vulnerable species.
Breakthroughs and new horizons in reproductive biology of rare and endangered animal species
Authors: Comizzoli Pierre , Holt William V
Published: February 2019

Because of higher extinction rates due to human and natural factors, more basic and applied research in reproductive biology is required to preserve wild species and design proper strategies leading to sustainable populations. The objective of the review is to highlight recent, inspiring breakthroughs in wildlife reproduction science that will set directions for future research and lead to more successes in conservation biology. Despite new tools and approaches allowing a better and faster understanding of key mechanisms, we still know little about reproduction in endangered species. Recently, the most striking advances have been obtained in nonmammalian species (fish, birds, amphibians, or corals) with the development of alternative solutions to preserve fertility or new information about parental nutritional influence on embryo development. A novel way has also been explored to consider the impact of environmental changes on reproduction—the allostatic load—in a vast array of species (from primates to fish). On the horizon, genomic tools are expected to considerably change the way we study wildlife reproduction and develop a concept of “precision conservation breeding.” When basic studies in organismal physiology are conducted in parallel, new approaches using stem cells to create artificial gametes and gonads, innovations in germplasm storage, and more research on reproductive microbiomes will help to make a difference. Lastly, multiple challenges (for instance, poor integration of new tools in conservation programs, limited access to study animals, or few publication options) will have to be addressed if we want reproductive biology to positively impact conservation of biodiversity.
Indirect Effects of 10-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine Against Adult Pneumococcal Pneumonia in Rural Western Kenya
Authors: Bigogo Godfrey M , Audi Allan , Auko Joshua , Aol George O , Ochieng Benjamin J , Odiembo Herine , Odoyo Arthur , Widdowson Marc-Alain , Onyango Clayton , Borgdorff Martien W , Feikin Daniel R , Carvalho Maria da Gloria , Whitney Cynthia G , Verani Jennifer R
Published: February 2019

Background

Data on pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) indirect effects in low-income countries with high human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) burden are limited. We examined adult pneumococcal pneumonia incidence before and after PCV introduction in Kenya in 2011.

Methods

From 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2016, we conducted surveillance for acute respiratory infection (ARI) among ~12 000 adults (≥18 years) in western Kenya, where HIV prevalence is ~17%. ARI cases (cough or difficulty breathing or chest pain, plus temperature ≥38.0°C or oxygen saturation <90%) presenting to a clinic underwent blood culture and pneumococcal urine antigen testing (UAT). We calculated ARI incidence and adjusted for healthcare seeking. The proportion of ARI cases with pneumococcus detected among those with complete testing (blood culture and UAT) was multiplied by adjusted ARI incidence to estimate pneumococcal pneumonia incidence.

Results

Pre-PCV (2008–2010) crude and adjusted ARI incidences were 3.14 and 5.30/100 person-years-observation (pyo), respectively. Among ARI cases, 39.0% (340/872) had both blood culture and UAT; 21.2% (72/340) had pneumococcus detected, yielding a baseline pneumococcal pneumonia incidence of 1.12/100 pyo (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.0–1.3). In each post-PCV year (2012–2016), the incidence was significantly lower than baseline; with incidence rate ratios (IRRs) of 0.53 (95% CI: 0.31–0.61) in 2012 and 0.13 (95% CI: 0.09–0.17) in 2016. Similar declines were observed in HIV-infected (IRR: 0.13; 95% CI: 0.08–0.22) and HIV-uninfected (IRR: 0.10; 95% CI: 0.05–0.20) adults.

Conclusions

Adult pneumococcal pneumonia declined in western Kenya following PCV introduction, likely reflecting vaccine indirect effects. Evidence of herd protection is critical for guiding PCV policy decisions in resource-constrained areas.
The feasibility and clinical implication of tricuspid regurgitant velocity and pulmonary flow acceleration time evaluation for pulmonary pressure assessment during exercise stress echocardiography
Authors: Wierzbowska-Drabik Karina , Picano Eugenio , Bossone Eduardo , Ciampi Quirino , Lipiec Piotr , Kasprzak Jarosław Damian
Published: February 2019

Aims

Echocardiography can estimate pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) from tricuspid regurgitation velocity (TRV) or acceleration time (ACT) of pulmonary flow. We assessed the feasibility of TRV and ACT measurements during exercise stress echocardiography (ESE) and their correlation in all stages of ESE.

Methods and results

We performed ESE in 102 subjects [mean age 49 ± 17 years, 50 females, 39 healthy, 30 with cardiovascular risk factors, and 33 with pulmonary hypertension (PH)] referred for the assessment of exercise tolerance and ischaemia exclusion. ESE was performed on cycloergometer with the load increasing by 25 W for each 2 min. Assessment of TRV with continuous wave and ACT with pulsed Doppler were attempted in 306 time points: at rest, peak exercise, and recovery. In 20 PH patients we evaluated the correlations of TRV and ACT with invasively measured PAP. The success rate was 183/306 for TRV and 304/306 for ACT (feasibility: 60 vs. 99%, P < 0.0001). There was a close correlation between TRV and ACT: r = 0.787, P < 0.001 and ACT at peak ≤67 ms showed 94% specificity for elevated systolic PAP detection. Moreover, TRV and ACT at peak exercise reflected better that resting data the invasive systolic PAP and mean PAP with r = 0.76, P = 0.0004 and r = −0.67, P = 0.0018, respectively.

Conclusion

ACT is closely correlated with and substantially more feasible than TRV during ESE and inclusion of both parameters (TRACT approach) expands the possibility of PAP assessment, especially at exercise when TRV feasibility is the lowest but correlation with invasive PAP seems to increase.
A novel atrial fibrillation prediction model for Chinese subjects: a nationwide cohort investigation of 682 237 study participants with random forest model
Authors: Hu Wei-Syun , Hsieh Meng-Hsuen , Lin Cheng-Li
Published: February 2019

Aims

We aimed to construct a random forest model to predict atrial fibrillation (AF) in Chinese population.

Methods and results

This study was comprised of 682 237 subjects with or without AF. Each subject had 19 features that included the subjects’ age, gender, underlying diseases, CHA2DS2-VASc score, and follow-up period. The data were split into train and test sets at an approximate 9:1 ratio: 614 013 data points were placed into the train set and 68 224 data points were placed into the test set. In this study, weighted average F1, precision, and recall values were used to measure prediction model performance. The F1, precision, and recall values were calculated across the train set, the test set, and all data. The area under receiving operating characteristic (ROC) curve was also used to evaluate the performance of the prediction model. The prediction model achieved a k-fold cross-validation accuracy of 0.979 (k = 10). In the test set, the prediction model achieved an F1 value of 0.968, precision value of 0.958, and recall value of 0.979. The area under ROC curve of the model was 0.948 (95% confidence interval 0.947–0.949). This model was validated with a separate dataset.

Conclusions

This study showed a novel AF risk prediction scheme for Chinese individuals with random forest model methodology.
Sarcopenia and Variation in the Human Leukocyte Antigen Complex
Authors: Jones Garan , Pilling Luke C , Kuo Chia-Ling , Kuchel George , Ferrucci Luigi , Melzer David
Published: February 2019

Background

Aging is characterized by chronic inflammation plus loss of muscle mass and strength, termed sarcopenia. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) types are drivers of autoimmune disease, although with limited penetrance. We tested whether autoimmune diagnoses are associated with sarcopenia, and whether HLA types and related genetic variants are associated with sarcopenia in autoimmune disease-free older people.

Methods

Data were collected from 181,301 UK Biobank European descent volunteers aged 60–70 with measured hand grip strength and impedance. Logistic regression analysis estimated HLA type and sarcopenia associations, adjusted for confounders and multiple testing.

Results

Having any autoimmune diagnosis was associated with sarcopenia (odds ratio [OR] 1.83, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.74–1.92, p = 4.0*10−125). After excluding autoimmune diagnoses, 6 of 100 HLA types (allele frequency >1%) were associated with sarcopenia (low grip strength and muscle mass). Having two HLA-DQA1*03:01 alleles increased odds of sarcopenia by 19.3% (OR 1.19, CI 1.09–1.29, p = 2.84*10–5), compared to no alleles. Having ≥6 of the 12 HLA alleles increased sarcopenia odds by 23% (OR 1.23, CI 1.12–1.35, p = 7.28*10–6). Of 658 HLA region non-coding genetic variants previously implicated in disease, 4 were associated with sarcopenia, including rs41268896 and rs29268645 (OR 1.08, CI 1.05–1.11, p = 1.06*10–8 and 1.07, CI 1.04–1.09, p = 1.5*10–6, respectively). Some HLA associations with sarcopenia were greater in female participants.

Conclusion

Autoimmune diagnoses are strongly associated with sarcopenia in 60- to 70-year olds. Variation in specific HLA types and non-coding single nucleotide polymorphisms is also associated with sarcopenia in older carriers free of diagnosed autoimmune diseases. Patients with sarcopenia might benefit from targeted treatment of autoimmune processes.
Applying quality improvement strategies within Canadian population health promotion
Authors: Bloomquist Candace D , Kryzanowski Julie , Dunn-Pierce Tanya
Published: February 2019

This article describes how quality improvement (QI) methodology was applied to partnership work in a population health promotion unit within a health care system. Using Kolb’s experiential model of learning, we describe and reflect on our experience as a population health promotion unit working on a QI initiative focused on community partnerships for intersectoral collaboration. We identify contextual factors that can guide QI for population health promotion work. The three main lessons we identified were to (i) frame the need for improvement effectively, (ii) start by setting the conditions for others to lead and (iii) be people-focused as well as process-focused. Health care systems can apply QI methods to improve and strengthen their role in working with partners to improve population health. By sharing our experience with other practitioners, we hope to find support and allies as we learn together to improve quality in population health promotion settings.
Tricuspid valve intervention at the time of mitral valve surgery: a meta-analysis
Authors: Tam Derrick Y , Tran Andrew , Mazine Amine , Tang Gilbert H L , Gaudino Mario F L , Calafiore Antonio M , Friedrich Jan O , Fremes Stephen E
Published: February 2019

OBJECTIVES

The surgical management of tricuspid regurgitation (TR) at the time of mitral valve surgery remains controversial. Our objectives were to determine the safety and efficacy of tricuspid valve (TV) repair during mitral valve surgery in a meta-analysis.

METHODS

MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched from 1946 to 2017 for all studies comparing TV repair to no intervention at the time of mitral valve surgery on early and late mortality and late TR. A random-effects meta-analysis of all outcomes was performed.

RESULTS

One thousand four hundred and seventeen studies were retrieved and a total of 17 studies [2 randomized clinical trial (n = 211), 11 adjusted observational studies (n = 3848) and 4 unadjusted observational studies (n = 67 010)] that compared TV repair (n = 11 787) to no intervention (n = 56 027) at a mean follow-up of 6.0 ± 0.64 years were included. There was no difference in 30-day/in-hospital mortality between repair and no repair [risk ratio (RR) 1.19, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.70–2.02; P = 0.52]. The incidence of new permanent pacemaker implantation was higher in the TV repair group (RR 2.73, 95% CI 2.57–2.89; P < 0.01). TV repair was protective against late moderate or greater TR [incident rate ratio (IRR) 0.28, 95% CI 0.17–0.47; P < 0.01] and severe TR (IRR 0.38, 95% CI 0.17–0.84). There was a numerically lower rate of late TV reoperation (IRR 0.39, 95% CI 0.12–1.25; P = 0.11) that did not reach statistical significance. Overall, there was no difference in late mortality between the 2 treatments (IRR 0.87, 95% CI 0.63–1.24; P = 0.43).

CONCLUSIONS

TV repair appears safe in the perioperative period and may reduce future recurrent TR without any survival benefit.
Medical student exposure to cardiothoracic surgery in the United Kingdom
Authors: Gasparini Marisa , Jayakumar Shruti , Ayton Sarah , Nardini Marco N , Dunning Joel D
Published: February 2019

OBJECTIVES

There has been declining interest in cardiothoracic surgery amongst medical graduates. This survey examines the exposure of British medical students to cardiothoracic surgery in various settings and its relationship with students’ interest in the speciality.

METHODS

A questionnaire composed of 14 quantitative and qualitative items was distributed amongst 162 medical students. The survey included questions on demographics, interest in cardiothoracic surgery, mechanisms of exposure to the speciality and desire to pursue a career in cardiothoracic surgery before and after exposure.

RESULTS

Amongst the surveyed students, 71.0% reported exposure to cardiothoracic surgery as part of their medical school curricula and 24.7% reported extracurricular exposure. Of the students, 46.7% reported clinical exposure. Overall, 27.1% of students reported interest in a career in cardiothoracic surgery, which was higher amongst students who had curricular (29.6%), clinical (35.5%) or extracurricular exposure (50.0%). Amongst interested students, 43.2% engaged in extracurricular cardiothoracic activities compared with 16.1% of students not interested in pursuing the speciality. Confidence in career choice after exposure increased more in interested students (20.4%) than not interested students (1.6%). Students rated exposure and mentorship as the most important factor in promoting a career in cardiothoracic surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Medical students with an interest in cardiothoracic surgery are more likely to organize independent attachments in the speciality and attend extracurricular events; however, many students might fail to identify cardiothoracic surgery as an area of interest because of the lack of exposure at medical school.
Isolated atrial amyloid: a potential contributor to morbidity and mortality following cardiac surgery
Authors: Bhakhri Kunal , Volpi Sara , Gori Davide , Goddard Martin , Ali Jason M , De Silva Ravi
Published: February 2019

OBJECTIVES

Diffuse cardiac amyloidosis is a significant diagnosis with a poor prognosis. Isolated atrial amyloidosis (IAA) is the most common form of cardiac amyloidosis caused by accumulation of alpha-atrial natriuretic peptide. IAA has been associated with dysrhythmia, but otherwise remains a poorly characterized condition. The impact of incidental IAA on postoperative outcome following cardiac surgery has not previously been reported. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of isolated atrial amyloid on patient outcomes following cardiac surgery.

methods

A retrospective analysis was performed of all patients having excision of the left atrial appendage during cardiac surgery at our centre over a 5-year period. Patients with histological evidence of IAA were compared to patients without this diagnosis. IAA was diagnosed by immunohistochemistry for atrial natriuretic peptide.

RESULTS

A total of 167 patients underwent left atrial appendage excision and of these 26 (15.6%) were found to have IAA. Preoperative characteristics were similar between the 2 groups. A significantly greater proportion of patients with IAA experienced dysrhythmia requiring implantation of a permanent pacemaker (23.1% vs 7.8%, P = 0.03). There was also a significantly elevated incidence of perioperative death in the IAA group (11.5% vs 1.4%, P = 0.03) and inferior 1-year survival (84.6% vs 96.5%, P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of IAA may be associated with inferior outcomes following cardiac surgery, with increased morbidity in the early postoperative period and inferior long-term survival. Knowledge of the diagnosis preoperatively may facilitate management of patients.
Prevalence of behavioural risk factors for road-traffic injuries among the Iranian population: findings from STEPs 2016
Authors: Fathollahi Soraya , Saeedi Moghaddam Sahar , Rezaei Nazila , Jafari Ayyoob , Peykari Niloofar , Haghshenas Rosa , Shams-Beyranvand Mehran , Damerchilu Bahman , Mehregan Ashkan , Khezrian Maryam , Hasan Milad , Momen Nia Rankohi Ezzatollah , Darman Mahboobeh , Moghisi Alireza , Farzadfar Farshad
Published: February 2019

Background

To achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3.6 in Iran, we need to have a comprehensive understanding of the distribution of risky behaviours regarding road-traffic injuries at national and sub-national levels. Little is known about the road-use vulnerability patterns of road-traffic injuries in Iran. The aim of this study is to describe the prevalence of self-reported human risk factors in road-traffic injuries using the findings from a large-scale cross-sectional study based on the World Health Organization’s stepwise approach to surveillance of non-communicable diseases (STEPs).

Methods

A cross-sectional survey study in 2016 assessed the road-use pattern and prevalence of risky behaviours of people more than 18 years old. In this study, we planned to recruit 31 050 individuals as a representative sample at national and provincial levels. In practice, 30 541 individuals (3105 clusters) from urban and rural areas of Iran were selected. Basic socio-demographic data, major behavioural risk factors such as seatbelt and helmet non-compliance, drunk driving and occupant in a car with a drunk driver were assessed through baseline interviews gathered through an Android tablet-based questionnaire.

Results

The overall prevalence of seatbelt and helmet compliance was 75.2% (95% confidence interval: 74.7–75.7) and 13.9% (13.4–14.5), respectively, at the national level. The prevalence of risk-taking behaviours such as drink driving was 0.5% (0.4–0.6) and for being an occupant in a car with a drunk driver was 3.5% (3.2–3.8). At the provincial level, the highest age-standardized prevalence of seatbelt compliance (89.6%) was almost 1.5 times higher than the lowest provincial prevalence (58.5%). In 63% of provinces, the lowest prevalence of seatbelt compliance was observed among people aged 18–24 years old.

Conclusions

In Iran, existing disease-prevention and health-promotion programmes should be expanded to target vulnerable subgroups that have more prevalent human risk factors for road-traffic injuries. Further research is required to investigate the context-specific proximal human risk factors and vulnerability patterns in Iran.
Chow Filtration on Representation Rings of Algebraic Groups
Authors: Karpenko Nikita A , Merkurjev Alexander S
Published: February 2019

We introduce and study a filtration on the representation ring $R(G)$ of an affine algebraic group $G$ over a field. This filtration, which we call Chow filtration, is an analogue of the coniveau filtration on the Grothendieck ring of a smooth variety. We compare it with the other known filtrations on $R(G)$ and show that all three define on $R(G)$ the same topology. For any $n\geq 1$, we compute the Chow filtration on $R(G)$ for the special orthogonal group $G:=O^+(2n+1)$. In particular, we show that the graded group associated with the filtration is torsion-free. On the other hand, the Chow ring of the classifying space of $G$ over any field of characteristic $\ne 2$ is known to contain non-zero torsion elements. As a consequence, any sufficiently good approximation of the classifying space yields an example of a smooth quasi-projective variety $X$ such that its Chow ring is generated by Chern classes and at the same time contains non-zero elements vanishing under the canonical homomorphism onto the graded ring associated with the coniveau filtration on the Grothendieck ring of $X$.
Zika Virus Infects Newborn Monocytes Without Triggering a Substantial Cytokine Response
Authors: Yoshikawa Fabio Seiti Yamada , Pietrobon Anna Julia , Branco Anna Cláudia Calvielli Castelo , Pereira Nátalli Zanete , Oliveira Luanda Mara da Silva , Machado Clarisse Martins , Duarte Alberto José da Silva , Sato Maria Notomi
Published: February 2019

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a clinically important flavivirus that can cause neurological disturbances in newborns. Here, we investigated comparatively the outcome of in vitro infection of newborn monocytes by ZIKV. We observed that neonatal cells show defective production of interleukin 1β, interleukin 10, and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 in response to ZIKV, although they were as efficient as adult cells in supporting viral infection. Although CLEC5A is a classical flavivirus immune receptor, it is not essential to the cytokine response, but it regulates the viral load only in adult cells. Greater expression of viral entry receptors may create a favorable environment for viral invasion in neonatal monocytes. We are the first to suggest a role for CLEC5A in human monocyte infectivity and to show that newborn monocytes are interesting targets in ZIKV pathogenesis, owing to their ability to carry the virus with only a partial triggering of the immune response, creating a potentially favorable environment for virus-related pathologies in young individuals.
Laboratory Findings, Compassionate Use of Favipiravir, and Outcome in Patients With Ebola Virus Disease, Guinea, 2015—A Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Kerber Romy , Lorenz Eva , Duraffour Sophie , Sissoko Daouda , Rudolf Martin , Jaeger Anna , Cisse Sekou Ditinn , Camara Alseny-Modet , Miranda Osvaldo , Castro Carlos M , Akoi Bore Joseph , Raymond Koundouno Fara , Repits Johanna , Afrough Babak , Becker-Ziaja Beate , Hinzmann Julia , Mertens Marc , Vitoriano Ines , Hugh Logue Christopher , Böttcher Jan-Peter , Pallasch Elisa , Sachse Andreas , Bah Amadou , Cabeza-Cabrerizo Mar , Nitzsche Katja , Kuisma Eeva , Michel Janine , Holm Tobias , Zekeng Elsa Gayle , Cowley Lauren A , Garcia-Dorival Isabel , Hetzelt Nicole , Baum Jonathan Hans Josef , Portmann Jasmine , Carter Lisa , Yenamaberhan Rahel Lemma , Camino Alvaro , Enkirch Theresa , Singethan Katrin , Meisel Sarah , Mazzarelli Antonio , Kosgei Abigail , Kafetzopoulou Liana , Rickett Natasha Y , Patrono Livia Victoria , Ghebreghiorghis Luam , Arnold Ulrike , Colin Géraldine , Juchet Sylvain , Marchal Claire Levy , Kolie Jacques Seraphin , Beavogui Abdoul Habib , Wurr Stephanie , Bockholt Sabrina , Krumkamp Ralf , May Jürgen , Stoecker Kilian , Fleischmann Erna , Ippolito Giuseppe , Carroll Miles W , Koivogui Lamine , Magassouba N’Faly , Keita Sakoba , Gurry Céline , Drury Patrick , Diallo Boubacar , Formenty Pierre , Wölfel Roman , Caro Antonino Di , Gabriel Martin , Anglaret Xavier , Malvy Denis , Günther Stephan
Published: February 2019

Background

In 2015, the laboratory at the Ebola treatment center in Coyah, Guinea, confirmed Ebola virus disease (EVD) in 286 patients. The cycle threshold (Ct) of an Ebola virus–specific reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction assay and 13 blood chemistry parameters were measured on admission and during hospitalization. Favipiravir treatment was offered to patients with EVD on a compassionate-use basis.

Methods

To reduce biases in the raw field data, we carefully selected 163 of 286 patients with EVD for a retrospective study to assess associations between potential risk factors, alterations in blood chemistry findings, favipiravir treatment, and outcome.

Results

The case-fatality rate in favipiravir-treated patients was lower than in untreated patients (42.5% [31 of 73] vs 57.8% [52 of 90]; P = .053 by univariate analysis). In multivariate regression analysis, a higher Ct and a younger age were associated with survival (P < .001), while favipiravir treatment showed no statistically significant effect (P = .11). However, Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated a longer survival time in the favipiravir-treated group (P = .015). The study also showed characteristic changes in blood chemistry findings in patients who died, compared with survivors.

Conclusions

Consistent with the JIKI trial, this retrospective study revealed a trend toward improved survival in favipiravir- treated patients; however, the effect of treatment was not statistically significant, except for its influence on survival time.
Candida auris colonization or infection of the ear: A single-center study in South Korea from 2016 to 2018
Authors: Jung Jiwon , Kim Min Jae , Kim Ja Young , Lee Jeong-Young , Kwak Sun Hee , Hong Min Jee , Chong Yong Pil , Lee Sang-Oh , Choi Sang-Ho , Kim Yang Soo , Woo Jun Hee , Kang Woo Seok , Chung Jong Woo , Kim Mi-Na , Kim Sung-Han
Published: February 2019

Candida auris was first identified in Japan from specimens obtained from the ear, but most reports since have reported invasive infections or non-ear based cases. We reviewed all the microbiology records from a single center in South Korea from February 2016 to July 2018. One hundred eleven isolates were positive for C. auris from 79 patients. All 79 patients positive for C. auris had positive ear discharge samples. All but one of the patients with C. auris had been to the otorhinolaryngology clinic. Symptom-driven ear culture was done for all but one patient, whose culture was performed for surveillance. Ear discharges were mostly purulent (60%) or serous (34%). We performed the environmental cultures at the otorhinolaryngology outpatient clinic to evaluate the environmental contamination of C. auris, but C. auris was not isolated from medical equipment and environmental surfaces.
A reference sample of face-on bulgeless galaxies
Authors: Karachentsev I D , Karachentseva V E
Published: February 2019

We present a list of 220 face-on, almost bulgeless galaxies assumed to be counterparts to the objects from the Reference Flat Galaxy Catalogue (RFGC). We selected the Sc-, Scd-, and Sd-type galaxies according to their apparent axial ratio log(r25) < 0.05 and major standard angular diameter log(d25) > 0.90 as defined in HyperLEDA. The sample objects are restricted by the radial velocity $V_{\mathrm{ LG}} \lt 10\, 000$ km s−1 and a declination of above –30 deg. The morphological composition of our sample is quite similar to that of RFGC. We notice the following common properties of face-on bulgeless galaxies. About half of them have bar-like structures occurring in the whole range of the absolute magnitudes of galaxies: from −17 to −22 mag. An essential part of our sample (27–50 per cent) exhibit distorted spiral patterns. The galaxies do not show significant asymmetry in numbers of the ‘S’- and ‘Z’-like spin orientation. The mean (pseudo-)bulge-to-total mass ratio for the sample is estimated as 0.11. Due to a negligible internal extinction, low-light background, and small projection effect, the face-on Sc–Sd discs are suitable objects to recognize their central nuclei as moderate-mass BH candidates. About 40–60 per cent of the galaxies have distinct unresolved nuclei, and their presence steeply depends on the luminosity of the host galaxy.
Non-thermal emission in the lobes of Fornax A
Authors: Persic Massimo , Rephaeli Yoel
Published: February 2019

Current measurements of the spectral energy distribution in radio, X-ray and γ-ray provide a sufficiently wide basis for determining basic properties of energetic electrons and protons in the extended lobes of the radio galaxy Fornax  A. Of particular interest is establishing observationally, for the first time, the level of contribution of energetic protons to the extended emission observed by the Fermi satellite. Two recent studies concluded that the observed γ-ray emission is unlikely to result from Compton scattering of energetic electrons off the optical radiation field in the lobes, and therefore that the emission originates from decays of neutral pions produced in interactions of energetic protons with protons in the lobe plasma, implying an uncomfortably high-proton energy density. However, our exact calculation of the emission by energetic electrons in the magnetized lobe plasma leads to the conclusion that all the observed emission can, in fact, be accounted for by energetic electrons scattering off the ambient optical radiation field, whose energy density (which, based on recent observations, is dominated by emission from the central galaxy NGC 1316) we calculate to be higher than previously estimated.
Commentary: The Tulane University-Ochsner Clinic Foundation Neurosurgery Program: 75 Years of History, Including the Program's Rebirth After Katrina
Authors: Kahn Lora , Smith Roger D , Dumont Aaron S , Bui Cuong J , Valle-Giler Edison P
Published: February 2019

Neurosurgery training in New Orleans began when Dr Dean Echols became the head of Neurosurgery for the Ochnser Clinic and Charity Hospital in 1944. The oldest in Louisiana, the Tulane-Ochsner program has trained 63 board-certified neurosurgeons since its founding, including 5 chairmen. The program has a colorful history linked to New Orleans. Its residents have enjoyed training at Charity Hospital, Tulane Hospital and Clinics, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and the Ochsner Clinic Foundation.
Source and Relevance of the BK Polyomavirus Genotype for Infection After Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Wunderink H F , De Brouwer C S , Gard L , De Fijter J W , Kroes A C M , Rotmans J I , Feltkamp M C W
Published: February 2019

Background

BK polyomavirus (BKPyV)–associated nephropathy (BKPyVAN) is a major threat for kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). The role of specific BKPyV genotypes/serotypes in development of BKPyVAN is poorly understood. Pretransplantation serotyping of kidney donors and recipients and posttransplantation genotyping of viremic recipients, could reveal the clinical relevance of specific BKPyV variants.

Methods

A retrospective cohort of 386 living kidney donor-recipient pairs was serotyped before transplantation against BKPyV genotype I–IV viral capsid protein 1 antigen, using a novel BKPyV serotyping assay. Replicating BKPyV isolates in viremic KTRs after transplantation were genotyped using real-time polymerase chain reaction and confirmed by means of sequencing. BKPyV serotype and genotype data were used to determine the source of infection and analyze the risk of viremia and BKPyVAN.

Results

Donor and recipient BKPyV genotype and serotype distribution was dominated by genotype I (>80%), especially Ib, over II, III and IV. Donor serotype was significantly correlated with the replicating genotype in viremic KTRs (P < .001). Individual donor and recipient serotype, serotype (mis)matching and the recipient replicating BKPyV genotype were not associated with development of viremia or BKPyVAN after transplantation.

Conclusions

BKPyV donor and recipient serotyping and genotyping indicates the donor origin of replicating BKPyV in viremic KTRs but provides no evidence for BKPyV genotype–specific virulence.
Rewriting Masculinity
Authors: Murphy Kelly J.
Published: February 2019

Described variously as divinely appointed “mighty warrior,” fearful son, hesitant solider, clever tactician, commanding father, ruthless killer, and, perhaps, idolater and illegitimate king, the character of Gideon from the biblical book of Judges has long challenged readers. Why are there so many conflicting portraits of Gideon? What might these different portraits tell us about the authors and editors of Gideon’s story, especially in how men were or are expected to act? By interweaving redaction criticism, reception history, and masculinity studies, Rewriting Masculinity: Gideon, Men, and Might explores how Gideon went from mighty warrior to weakling, from successful leader to a man who led Israel astray. This volume considers the ways older traditions about Gideon were rewritten at key moments in ancient Israel’s history, then how later interpreters also rewrote Gideon to match their own models for men, might, and masculinity. This in-depth case study emphasizes the importance of reading the biblical story and its many expansions alongside the reception history of the narrative to better understand how Gideon is, in many ways, the story of masculinity in miniature: an ever-changing, always-in-crisis, constantly transforming ideal.
Premarital Romantic Commitment
Authors: Konstam Varda
Published: February 2019

Relational skills gained through forming committed romantic partnerships in emerging adulthood provide the foundation for sustained intimacy in later adult relationships. Commitment emerges as a crucial relational factor in the quality and longevity of romantic relationships. Twenty-nine emerging adults spoke about the meaning, expectations, and formation of commitment in romantic relationships. Results revealed that emerging adults maintain traditional values concerning monogamy, trust/respect, and planning for the future. Although the majority of the participants could readily identify what they were looking for in a romantic commitment, they hesitated to communicate their desire with their partners. Clinical implications are discussed.
Divorce and Its Aftermath
Authors: Konstam Varda
Published: February 2019

Historically, women are vulnerable to devaluation through a multitude of deviance labels, including divorce. Their reflections highlight their experiences of marriage and its aftermath. Prior to marriage, themes of feeling unmoored, in transition, and without an anchor shaped the narratives of the nine emerging and young adult women. Lack of self-reflection and evaluation predisposed them to make decisions based on partial and “convenient” truths. Unfolding processes led the majority of these women to revisit their pre-marital selves, engage with the emotional work that was deferred, and build foundations that were growth enhancing. An analysis specific to stigma revealed that stigma continues to inform the behavior of divorced emerging and young adult women in complex, nuanced, and contradictory ways. While a significant number of the nine participants assessed that divorce-related stigma is no longer relevant, their actions, including intentional nondisclosure and beliefs related to failure and embarrassment, suggest otherwise.
Is General Jurisprudence Interesting?
Authors: Enoch David
Published: February 2019

This chapter compares general jurisprudence to metaethics, showing how the former is not interesting in the ways the latter is. A major part of what makes metaethics interesting is the full-blooded normativity of morality. The law, however, is not full-bloodedly normative. And while it is formally normative—it generates criteria of correctness—this is not remotely enough to render jurisprudence interesting. The chapter also notes that response-dependence—a highly controversial view in metaethics—is the obvious way to go in jurisprudence, and that general jurisprudential issues are unlikely to have implications for normative legal theory.
What Are Minds?
Authors: Thagard Paul
Published: February 2019

Rather than define the concept of mind, this chapter gives it a “three-analysis” in terms of standard examples such as various people’s intelligence; typical features such as perception, problem solving, emotions, and consciousness; and explanations such as why people behave as they do. Competing explanations of how the mind works have identified it as soul, computer, brain, dynamical system, or social construction. Cognitive science explains mind as operating with mental representations and processes. These mental mechanisms are compatible with a broader account that includes social, neural, and molecular mechanisms. Mechanisms are combinations of interconnected parts that produce regular changes, and complex mechanisms can have emergent properties that belong to wholes but not to their parts.
Action and Intention
Authors: Thagard Paul
Published: February 2019

Actions results from the same neural mechanisms that explain sensation, imagery, concepts, rules, analogies, emotions, and consciousness. Neural representations govern motor operations such as walking and talking. Action selection, however, goes beyond simple associations of perception and motor control, because of deliberations in humans using beliefs, desires, and intentions. The basic neural mechanisms of representation, binding into semantic pointers, and competition among pointers function to produce actions. Intentions are semantic pointers that bind representations of the relevant situation, doing, evaluation, and self. Intentions are embodied in that representing the situation includes perceptions, doing the action includes motor representations, and performing the evaluation is an emotional process that includes physiology. But intentions can also be transbodied, when representations for the situation, cognitive appraisal, and the self are abstracted by recursive bindings that far surpass sensory-motor inputs.
Boxes
Authors: Kramer Zachary
Published: February 2019

The box is the central feature of American civil rights law. To be protected against discrimination, a person must fit into an existing box. The boxes are discrete and defined, fixed and unbending. Each box houses a trait, and the existence of the box means that the trait receives protection against discrimination. The name of the game in civil rights is to anchor yourself to a box, to demonstrate that the discrimination you faced was because of a protected trait. If you can’t do this—if you can’t fit into one of the boxes—you have no claim. But the box is a blunt tool. There are too many hard cases, too many situations where people are shut out of the enterprise. This chapter argues that religious discrimination law can show us how to build an antidiscrimination system that takes people on their own terms and lets them be themselves. It argues that the box is not essential to the work of righting wrongs, and that difference has a place in the law. The box is the problem. We can do better.
Accommodations
Authors: Kramer Zachary
Published: February 2019

Accommodations are a common feature of life, but a vexing problem in civil rights law. To accommodate is to disrupt the status quo, to regard another, to recognize one’s needs and humanity. Accommodations can be a powerful thing. Even brief accommodations are an exchange of information, which become crucial experiences, as they force us to reckon with a harsh truth: The idea that all people are created equal is a legal command, not a practical description. We all have different needs and capabilities, different beliefs and wants. We accommodate not to erase these differences but to respect them. As a vehicle to realize our ambitions, and a functional means to make equality real for everyone in need of respect, accommodations are a way to bring outsiders in. As a result, accommodation is the antidote to modern discrimination. As we turn inward, as individuality becomes the common experience, accommodation is the right tool for our time. It is a means of making meaningful change.
Borderland Battles
Authors: Idler Annette
Published: February 2019

Borderlands are like a magnifying glass on some of the world’s most entrenched security challenges. In unstable regions, border areas attract violent non-state groups, ranging from rebels and paramilitaries to criminal organizations, who exploit central government neglect. These groups compete for territorial control, cooperate in illicit cross-border activities, and provide a substitute for the governance functions usually associated with the state. Drawing on extensive fieldwork with more than six hundred interviews in and on the shared borderlands of Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela—where conflict is rife and crime thriving—this book provides exclusive firsthand insights into these war-torn spaces. It reveals how dynamic interactions among violent non-state groups produce a complex security landscape with ramifications for order and governance both locally and beyond. These interactions create not only physical violence but also less visible forms of insecurity. When groups fight each other, community members are exposed to violence but can follow the rules imposed by the opposing actors. Unstable short-term arrangements among violent non-state groups fuel mistrust and uncertainty among communities, eroding their social fabric. Where violent non-state groups engage in relatively stable long-term arrangements, “shadow citizenship” arises: a mutually reinforcing relationship between violent non-state groups that provide public goods and services, and communities that consent to their illicit authority. Contrary to state-centric views that consider borderlands uniformly violent spaces, the transnational borderland lens adopted in the book demonstrates how the geography and political economy of these borderlands intensify these multifaceted security impacts.
Focal Case Examples
Authors: Kruse Tina P.
Published: February 2019

This part of the text revisits the focal case examples of Section I of the book: the SOUL Sisters Leadership Collective (SSLC) and the Cookie Cart and relates them to the topics covered in Section II. Both SOUL Sisters and Cookie Cart operate within the broader macrosystem of youth culture, American education policy, and volatile economic and political climates. They aim to counter the numerous disempowering pressures affecting their involved youth by providing concrete opportunities to hold power.
Addressing Systems of Power and Oppression
Authors: Kruse Tina P.
Published: February 2019

This chapter offers a primer of key concepts and applications in social justice work. It traces the practices of critical pedagogy, the processes of critical consciousness toward social change, and the healing potential of collectivism, hope, and caring. Examples of youth social entrepreneurship demonstrate such practices in varying degrees and are discussed within the chapter. Key concepts in this chapter include methods for empowering young people to identify the uneven social order and to recognize power hierarchies as socially constructed. Relatedly, the chapter looks at the needed social healing and trauma-informed practices for harm due to gaps in access to education, employment, and opportunity.
Creating and Scaling Youth Social Entrepreneurship Programs
Authors: Kruse Tina P.
Published: February 2019

This chapter offers a primer for starting and sustaining a youth-focused social entrepreneurship program. To this end, an overview of types of small businesses and social enterprises is included, along with conceptual resources for any venture. Terminology is introduced in this chapter to help the novice reader, including terms such as “cottage industry,” “micro-business,” “market analysis,” and “enterprise development phases.” Furthermore, this chapter explores the limits and potential of growth for youth social entrepreneurship initiatives. Whether or not and how to “scale up” is a foremost concern for nonprofit and for-profit social enterprises. The readers will find here a discussion of perspectives and considerations to help drive forward such an essential programmatic decision.
Focal Case Examples
Authors: Kruse Tina P.
Published: February 2019

This part of the text revisits the focal case examples of the previous sections of the book and relates them to the topics covered in Section IV: the SOUL Sisters Leadership Collective (SSLC) and the Cookie Cart. In summarizes that while traditional entrepreneurship education has not been present within either SOUL Sisters or Cookie Cart programming, both have embraced entrepreneurial thinking within their youth program. Employment is a facet for Cookie Cart but not SSLC.