bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy and Open Esophagectomy on Circulating Tumor Cell Level in Elderly Patients with Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Wang Hai‐Bo , Guo Qiang , Li Yong‐Hui , Sun Zhen‐Qing , Li Ting‐Ting , Zhang Wen‐Xue , Xiang Sha‐Sha , Li He‐Fei
Published: March 2016

Objective

To investigate the effects of minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) and open esophagectomy (OE) on circulating tumor cell (CTC) level of elderly patients with esophageal cancer (EC).

Methods

A total of 78 elderly EC patients who aged over 64 years were divided into the MIE group (n = 40) and the OE group (n = 38). CTC enrichment was performed through CD326 (EpCAM) immunomagnetic beads positive sorting, and then labeled by CK‐PE and CD45. The quantity of CTCs was measured by multiparameter flow cytometry. Double antibody sandwich enzyme‐linked immuno sorbent assay ELISA (DAS‐ELISA) was used for detecting the levels of IL‐6, IL‐10, and IFN‐γ.

Results

Among the 78 elderly EC patients, CTC level after the surgery was higher than that during the surgery, and CTC level during surgery was higher than that before the surgery (both P < 0.05). Postoperative CTC level in the MIE group was lower than that in the OE group, and the variation of CTC level from pre‐operation to intra‐operation in the MIE group was also lower than that in the OE group (both P < 0.05). Furthermore, there was significant difference in the incidences of intra‐operative and postoperative complications between the MIE group and the OE group (17 cases vs. 31 cases, P < 0.05), and the CTC levels of the patients with complications in either group were significantly higher than the patients without complications (both P < 0.05). IL‐6 and IL‐10 levels significantly increased, while IFN‐γ level decreased in both groups during the surgery and 3 days after the surgery compared to those before the surgery; 2 weeks after the surgery, IL‐6 and IL‐10 levels in the MIE group recovered to the pre‐operative levels (all P < 0.05). However, in the OE group, IL‐6 and IL‐10 levels 2 weeks after the surgery were still significantly higher than those before the surgery (all P < 0.05); IFN‐γ levels in both groups recovered to the pre‐operative levels, with higher level in the MIE group than that in the OE group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

MIE helped to reduce the survival rate of tumor cells in peripheral blood at the early period of postoperation, and dynamic monitoring CTC level could be used to evaluate the prognosis of EC patients.
Proteomic analysis to elucidate degeneration of Clostridium beijerinckii NCIMB 8052 and role of Ca2+ in strain recovery from degeneration
Authors: Lv Jia , Jiao Shengyin , Du Renjia , Zhang Ruijuan , Zhang Yan , Han Bei
Published: March 2016

Degeneration of solventogenic Clostridium strains is one of the major barriers in bio-butanol production. A degenerated Clostridium beijerinckii NCIMB 8052 strain (DG-8052) was obtained without any genetic manipulation. Supplementation of CaCO3 to fermentation medium could partially recover metabolism of DG-8052 by more than 50 % increase of cell growth and solvent production. This study investigated the protein expression profile of DG-8052 and its response to CaCO3 treatment. Compared with WT-8052, the lower expressed proteins were responsible for disruption of RNA secondary structures and DNA repair, sporulation, signal transduction, transcription regulation, and membrane transport in DG-8052. Interestingly, accompanied with the decreased glucose utilization and lower solvent production, there was a decreased level of sigma-54 modulation protein which may indicate that the level of sigma-54 activity may be associated with the observed strain degeneration. For the addition of CaCO3, proteomic and biochemical study results revealed that besides buffer capacity, Ca2+ could stabilize heat shock proteins, increase DNA synthesis and replication, and enhance expression of solventogenic enzymes in DG-8052, which has a similar contribution in WT-8052.
Effect of salpingectomy, ovarian cystectomy and unilateral salpingo-oopherectomy on ovarian reserve
Authors: Rustamov Oybek , Krishnan Monica , Roberts Stephen A , Fitzgerald Cheryl T
Published: March 2016

Pelvic surgery can affect ovarian reserve, but estimates of the potential effect of different surgical procedures are lacking. This study examines the markers of ovarian reserve after different procedures in order to help the provision of informed consent before surgery. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), antral follicle count (AFC) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) of women with a history of salpingectomy, ovarian cystectomy or unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy were compared to those without history of surgery using cross-sectional data adjusting for patient and clinical factors in multivariable regression model. There were 138 women who had had salpingectomy, 36 unilateral salpingo-oopherectomy, 41 cystectomy for ovarian cysts that are other than endometrioma and 40 women had had excision of endometrioma. There was no significant difference in AMH (9 %; p = 0.33), AFC (−2 %; p = 0.59) or FSH (−14 %; p = 0.21) in women with a history of salpingectomy compared to women without surgery. Women with a history of unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy were found to have significantly lower AMH (−54 %; p = 0.001). These women also had lower AFC (−28 %; p = 0.34) and higher FSH (14 %; p = 0.06), the effect of which did not reach statistical significance. The study did not find any significant associations between a history of cystectomy, for disease other than endometrioma and AMH (7 %; p = 0.62), AFC (13 %; p = 0.18) or FSH. (11 %; p = 0.16). Women with a history of cystectomy for ovarian endometrioma had 66 % lower AMH (p = 0.002). Surgery for endometrioma did not significantly affect AFC (14 %; p = 0.22) or FSH (10 %; p = 0.28). Salpingo-oopherectomy and cystectomy for endometrioma cause a significant reduction in AMH levels. Neither salpingectomy nor cystectomy for cysts other than endometrioma has appreciable effects on ovarian reserve.
Cardiac dynamics: Alternans and arrhythmogenesis
Authors: Tse Gary , Wong Sheung Ting , Tse Vivian , Lee Yee Ting , Lin Hiu Yu , Yeo Jie Ming
Published: March 2016

Pre‐existing heterogeneities present in cardiac tissue are essential for maintaining the normal electrical and mechanical functions of the heart. Exacerbation of such heterogeneities or the emergence of dynamic factors can produce repolarization alternans, which are beat‐to‐beat alternations in the action potential time course. Traditionally, this was explained by restitution, but additional factors, such as cardiac memory, calcium handling dynamics, refractory period restitution, and mechano‐electric feedback, are increasingly recognized as the underlying causes. The aim of this article is to review the mechanisms that generate cardiac repolarization alternans and convert spatially concordant alternans to the more arrhythmogenic spatially discordant alternans. This is followed by a discussion on how alternans generate arrhythmias in a number of clinical scenarios, and concluded by an outline of future therapeutic targets for anti‐arrhythmic therapy.
Examining pathways to safety and financial performance in hospitals: A study of lean in professional service operations
Authors: Dobrzykowski David D. , McFadden Kathleen L. , Vonderembse Mark A.
Published: March 2016

Healthcare operates in a complex professional service environment that faces challenges in delivering high quality and affordable care – a set of goals that some healthcare professionals believe are incongruous. To consider opportunities to achieve these important outcomes, this study examines the relationships among comprehensive lean orientation, internal integration, patient safety, and financial performance. This study draws on the professional services operations (PSOs) literature stream to explain and offer a means of addressing the complexity of healthcare delivery. Grounded in dynamic capabilities, this study develops a model for improving financial performance and patient safety in hospitals. Using structural equation modeling, the model is tested with survey data from 211 acute care hospitals in the USA that are matched with data from two other sources – objective patient safety data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and objective net income data from the American Hospital Directory. Results indicate that although a comprehensive lean orientation has a direct and positive impact on patient safety, it impacts financial performance indirectly through internal integration. The results have major implications for enhancing patient safety and financial performance in healthcare service organizations, and improving operations in PSOs more broadly.
The impact of computerized provider order entry on emergency department flow
Authors: Gray Andrew , Fernandes Christopher M.B. , Van Aarsen Kristine , Columbus Melanie
Published: March 2016

Objectives

Computerized provider order entry (CPOE) has been established as a method to improve patient safety by avoiding medication errors; however, its effect on emergency department (ED) flow remains undefined. We examined the impact of CPOE implementation on three measures of ED throughput: wait time (WT), length of stay (LOS), and the proportion of patients that left without being seen (LWBS).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all ED patients of 18 years and older presenting to London Health Sciences Centre during July and August 2013 and 2014, before and after implementation of a CPOE system. The three primary variables were compared between time periods. Subgroup analyses were also conducted within each Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS) level (1–5) individually, as well as for admitted patients only.

Results

A significant increase in WT of 5 minutes (p=0.036) and LOS of 10 minutes (p=0.001), and an increase in LWBS from 7.2% to 8.1% (p=0.002) was seen after CPOE implementation. Admitted patients’ LOS increased by 63 minutes (p<0.001), the WT of CTAS 3 and 5 patients increased by 6 minutes (p=0.001) and 39 minutes (p=0.005), and LWBS proportion increased significantly for CTAS 3–5 patients, from 24.3% to 42.0% (p<0.001) for CTAS 5 patients specifically.

Conclusions

CPOE implementation detrimentally impacted all patient flow throughput measures that we examined. The most striking clinically relevant result was the increase in LOS of 63 minutes for admitted patients. This raises the question as to whether the potential detrimental effects to patient safety of CPOE implementation outweigh its benefits.
Novel SPG 11 Mutations in Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia With Thin Corpus Callosum in a Chinese Family
Authors: Tian Xiaojie , Wang Min , Zhang Kaiyuan , Zhang Xinqing
Published: March 2016

Background: Hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) is a neurodegenerative disease that is characterized by progressive weakness and spasticity of the lower extremities; HSP can present as complicated forms with additional neurological signs. More than 70 disease loci have been described with different modes of inheritance. Methods: In this study, nine subjects from a Chinese family that included two individuals affected by HSP were examined through detailed clinical evaluations, physical examinations, and genetic tests. Targeted exome capture technology was used to identify gene mutations. Results: Two novel compound heterozygous mutations in the SPG 11 gene were identified, c.4001_4002insATAAC and c.4057C>G. The c.4001_4002insATAAC mutation leads to a reading frame shift during transcription, resulting in premature termination of the protein product. The missense mutation c.4057C>G (p.H1353D) is located in a highly conserved domain and is predicted to be a damaging substitution. Conclusions: Based on the results described here, we propose that these novel compound heterozygous mutations in SPG 11 are the genetic cause of autosomal recessive HSP in this Chinese family.
Assessment of the Effects of Severe Winter Disasters (Dzud) on Public Health in Mongolia on the Basis of Loss of Livestock
Authors: Otani Shinji , Onishi Kazunari , Kurozawa Youichi , Kurosaki Yasunori , Bat-Oyun Tserenpurev , Shinoda Masato , Mu Haosheng
Published: March 2016

Objective

Mongolia experienced one of its most severe natural winter disasters (dzud) in 2009-2010. It is difficult to accurately assess the risk of the effects of dzud on human lives and public health. This study aimed to evaluate the Mongolian public health risks of dzud by assessing livestock loss.

Methods

We analyzed data from all 21 provinces and Ulaanbaatar in Mongolia and compared the changes in infant mortality (2009-2010) and the decline in the numbers of livestock (percentage change from the previous year), which included horses, cattle, camels, sheep, and goats (2009-2010) and/or meteorological data. We also evaluated the association among the trends in the infant mortality rate, the number of livestock, and foodstuff consumption throughout Mongolia (2001-2012).

Results

The change in the infant mortality rate was positively correlated with the rate of decreasing numbers of each type of livestock in 2010. Average temperature and total precipitation were not related to the change in the infant mortality rate. In the trend from 2001 to 2012, there was a significant positive correlation between the infant mortality rate and the number of livestock and the consumption of milk products.

Conclusions

Loss of livestock and shortage of milk products leading to malnutrition might have affected public health as typified by infant mortality in Mongolia. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2016;10:549–552)
Improving Surveillance for Surgical Site Infections Following Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty Using Diagnosis and Procedure Codes in a Provincial Surveillance Network
Authors: Rusk Alysha , Bush Kathryn , Brandt Marlene , Smith Christopher , Howatt Andrea , Chow Blanda , Henderson Elizabeth
Published: March 2016

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate hospital administrative data to identify potential surgical site infections (SSIs) following primary elective total hip or knee arthroplasty.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

All acute care facilities in Alberta, Canada.

METHODS

Diagnosis and procedure codes for 6 months following total hip or knee arthroplasty were used to identify potential SSI cases. Medical charts of patients with potential SSIs were reviewed by an infection control professional at the acute care facility where the patient was identified with a diagnosis or procedure code. For SSI decision, infection control professionals used the National Healthcare Safety Network SSI definition. The performance of traditional surveillance methods and administrative data–triggered medical chart review was assessed.

RESULTS

Of the 162 patients identified by diagnosis or procedure code, 46 (28%) were confirmed as an SSI by an infection control professional. More SSIs were identified following total hip vs total knee arthroplasty (42% vs16%). Of 46 confirmed SSI cases, 20 (43%) were identified at an acute care facility different than their procedure facility. Administrative data–triggered medical chart review with infection control professional confirmation resulted in a 1.1- to 1.7-fold increase in SSI rate compared with traditional surveillance. SSIs identified by administrative data resulted in sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 99%.

CONCLUSION

Medical chart review for cases identified through administrative data is an efficient supplemental SSI surveillance strategy. It improves case-finding by increasing SSI identification and making identification consistent across facilities, and in a provincial surveillance network it identifies SSIs presenting at nonprocedure facilities.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2016;37:699–703
Choosing Wisely in Healthcare Epidemiology and Antimicrobial Stewardship
Authors: Morgan Daniel J. , Croft Lindsay D. , Deloney Valerie , Popovich Kyle J. , Crnich Chris , Srinivasan Arjun , Fishman Neil O. , Bryant Kristina , Cosgrove Sara E. , Leekha Surbhi
Published: March 2016

OBJECTIVE

To identify Choosing Wisely items for the American Board of Internal Medicine Foundation.

METHODS

The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) elicited potential items from a hospital epidemiology listserv, SHEA committee members, and a SHEA–Infectious Diseases Society of America compendium with SHEA Research Network members ranking items by Delphi method voting. The SHEA Guidelines Committee reviewed the top 10 items for appropriateness for Choosing Wisely. Five final recommendations were approved via individual member vote by committees and the SHEA Board.

RESULTS

Ninety-six items were proposed by 87 listserv members and 99 SHEA committee members. Top 40 items were ranked by 24 committee members and 64 of 226 SHEA Research Network members. The 5 final recommendations follow: 1. Don’t continue antibiotics beyond 72 hours in hospitalized patients unless patient has clear evidence of infection. 2. Avoid invasive devices (including central venous catheters, endotracheal tubes, and urinary catheters)and, if required, use no longer than necessary. They pose a major risk for infections. 3. Don’t perform urinalysis, urine culture, blood culture, or Clostridium difficile testing unless patients have signs or symptoms of infection. Tests can be falsely positive leading to overdiagnosis and overtreatment. 4. Do not use antibiotics in patients with recent C. difficile without convincing evidence of need. Antibiotics pose a high risk of C. difficile recurrence. 5. Don’t continue surgical prophylactic antibiotics after the patient has left the operating room. Five runner-up recommendations are included.

CONCLUSIONS

These 5 SHEA Choosing Wisely and 5 runner-up items limit medical overuse.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2016;37:755–760
The effect of algal polysaccharides laminarin and fucoidan on colonic pathology, cytokine gene expression and Enterobacteriaceae in a dextran sodium sulfate-challenged porcine model
Authors: O'Shea C. J. , O'Doherty J. V. , Callanan J. J. , Doyle D. , Thornton K. , Sweeney T.
Published: March 2016

The algal polysaccharides laminarin (LAM) and fucoidan (FUC) have potent anti-inflammatory activities in the gastrointestinal tract. Our objective was to examine the impact of prior consumption of LAM and/or FUC on pathology and inflammation following a dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) challenge in pigs. Pigs (n 7/group) were assigned to one of five experimental groups for 56 d. From 49–55 d, distilled water or DSS was administered intragastrically. The experimental groups were: (1) basal diet + distilled water (control); (2) basal diet + DSS (DSS); (3) basal diet + FUC + DSS (FUC + DSS); (4) basal diet + LAM + DSS (LAM + DSS); and (5) basal diet + LAM + FUC + DSS (LAMFUC + DSS). The DSS group had decreased body-weight gain (P < 0·05) and serum xylose (P < 0·05), and increased proximal colon pathology score (P < 0·05), diarrhoeal score (P < 0·001) and colonic Enterobacteriaceae (P < 0·05) relative to the control group. The FUC + DSS (P < 0·01), LAM + DSS (P < 0·05) and LAMFUC + DSS (P < 0·05) groups had improved diarrhoeal score, and the LAMFUC + DSS (P < 0·05) group had improved body weight relative to the DSS group. The FUC + DSS group (P < 0·001), LAM + DSS group (P < 0·05) and LAMFUC + DSS group (P < 0·001) had lower IL-6 mRNA abundance relative to the DSS group. The LAM + DSS group had reduced Enterobacteriaceae in proximal colon digesta relative to the DSS group (P < 0·05). In conclusion, FUC or a combination of FUC and LAM improved body-weight loss, diarrhoeal scores and clinical variables associated with a DSS challenge in pigs, in tandem with a reduction in colonic IL-6 mRNA abundance.
A new approach to ancient microorganisms: taxonomy, paleoecology, and biostratigraphy of the Lower Cambrian Berkuta and Chulaktau microbiotas of South Kazakhstan
Authors: Schopf J. William , Sergeev Vladimir N. , Kudryavtsev Anatoliy B.
Published: March 2016

Peritidal cherts and silicified phosphorites of the Early Cambrian Kyrshabakta (Berkuta Member) and Chulaktau formations of South Kazakhstan contain diverse assemblages of cellularly permineralized microorganisms that like other microbiotas of similar age and setting are dominated by cyanobacteria, both filamentous (oscillatoriacean trichomes and empty sheaths) and coccoidal (chroococcaceans). Although these near-shore assemblages contain sphaeromorph acritarchs, they differ from Neoproterozoic and Early Cambrian microbiotas of more open-marine environments by lacking morphologically complex planktonic eukaryotes such as the acanthomorphic acritarchs that are abundant in the Chulaktau-overlying Shabakta Formation. In general composition, the Berkuta and Chulaktau assemblages are similar both to microfossil assemblages of the pre-trilobite Rovno and Lontova Regional Stages of the East European Platform and to Early Cambrian microbiotas known from chert-phosphorite deposits worldwide.

The studies reported here are based on use of optical microscopy combined with techniques recently introduced to paleobiology: confocal laser scanning microscopy, and Raman and fluorescence spectroscopy and imagery. Taken together, these provide information in situ, in three dimensions and at high spatial resolution, about the organismal morphology; cellular anatomy; chemical composition; and mode, fidelity, and environment of preservation of the permineralized microfossils. Data are presented suggesting that the substitution of samarium for calcium in fossil-preserving apatite may provide evidence of its oxic or anoxic paleoenvironment of formation.

We interpret the Berkuta and Chulaktau assemblages to be composed of 27 taxa assigned to 17 genera of microscopic prokaryotes and eukaryotes that include one new genus and species, Berkutaphycus elongatus.
Computational learning of construction grammars
Authors: DUNN JONATHAN
Published: March 2016

abstract

This paper presents an algorithm for learning the construction grammar of a language from a large corpus. This grammar induction algorithm has two goals: first, to show that construction grammars are learnable without highly specified innate structure; second, to develop a model of which units do or do not constitute constructions in a given dataset. The basic task of construction grammar induction is to identify the minimum set of constructions that represents the language in question with maximum descriptive adequacy. These constructions must (1) generalize across an unspecified number of units while (2) containing mixed levels of representation internally (e.g., both item-specific and schematized representations), and (3) allowing for unfilled and partially filled slots. Additionally, these constructions may (4) contain recursive structure within a given slot that needs to be reduced in order to produce a sufficiently schematic representation. In other words, these constructions are multi-length, multi-level, possibly discontinuous co-occurrences which generalize across internal recursive structures. These co-occurrences are modeled using frequency and the ΔP measure of association, expanded in novel ways to cover multi-unit sequences. This work provides important new evidence for the learnability of construction grammars as well as a tool for the automated corpus analysis of constructions.
Wheat cultivars affecting life history and digestive amylolytic activity of Sitotroga cerealella Olivier (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)
Authors: Borzoui E. , Naseri B.
Published: March 2016

The life history and digestive α-amylase activity of the Angoumois grain moth, Sitotroga cerealella Olivier (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) were studied on six wheat cultivars (Arg, Bam, Nai 60, Pishtaz, Sepahan and Shanghai) at 25 ± 1°C, relative humidity of 65 ± 5% and a photoperiod of 16:8 (L:D) h. A delay in the developmental time of S. cerealella immature stages was detected when larvae were fed on cultivar Sepahan. The maximum survival rate of immature stages was seen on cultivar Bam (93.33 ± 2.10%), and the minimum rates were on cultivars Nai 60 (54.66 ± 2.49%) and Sepahan (49.33 ± 4.52%). The highest realized fecundity and fertility were recorded for females which came from larvae fed on cultivar Bam (93.30 ± 2.10 eggs/female and 91.90 ± 3.10%, respectively); and the lowest ones were observed for females which came from larvae fed on cultivar Sepahan (49.30 ± 4.50 eggs/female and 67.4 ± 11.1%, respectively). The heaviest male and female weights of S. cerealella were observed on cultivar Bam (2.97 ± 0.02 and 4.80 ± 0.01 mg, respectively). The highest amylolytic activity of the fourth instar was detected on cultivar Bam (0.89 ± 0.04 mg maltose min−1), which had the maximum mean hundred-wheat weight (5.92 ± 0.19 g). One α-amylase isozyme was detected in the midgut extracts from the fourth instar larvae fed on different wheat cultivars, and the highest intensity was found in larvae fed on cultivar Bam. Correlation analyses showed that very high correlations existed between the immature period, fecundity and fertility on one side and inhibition of α-amylase, soluble starch content and hundred-wheat weight on the other. According to the obtained results, cultivar Sepahan is an unfavorable host for the feeding and development of S. cerealella.
Analysis of Indian post-rainy sorghum multi-location trial data reveals complexity of genotype × environment interaction
Authors: RAKSHIT S. , GANAPATHY K. N. , GOMASHE S. S. , DHANDAPANI A. , SWAPNA M. , MEHTRE S. P. , GADAKH S. R. , GHORADE R. B. , KAMATAR M. Y. , JADHAV B. D. , DAS I. K. , PRABHAKAR
Published: March 2016

Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] grown in India is of two adaptive types: rainy and post-rainy. The post-rainy sorghum is predominantly consumed by humans. While releasing new cultivars through multi-location testing, major emphasis is given to the superiority of new cultivars over existing cultivars, with very little emphasis on the genotype × environment interaction (GEI). To understand the complexity of GEI in post-rainy sorghum testing location trials, the multi-location evaluation data of two post-rainy seasons (2009/10 and 2010/11) under the All India Coordinated Sorghum Improvement Project were analysed. In both years, location explained the highest proportion of total sum of squares followed by the GEI effect and main effect of genotype. Additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI), stability values (ASV) and genotype + genotype × environment interaction (GGE) instability values recorded high correlation resulting in identification of the best performing cultivars. However, the rank correlations were lower, though still significant. A mixture of crossover and non-crossover GEI was a common occurrence in both years. ‘Which-won-where’ analysis suggested the existence of four possible mega-environments (ME) among post-rainy testing locations, with a few non-informative locations within ME. Mega-environments are characterized by soil type, rainfall pattern and moisture conservation practices. The present study indicated the possibility of reducing the number of test locations by eliminating non-representative highly correlated locations and suggested the need to breed for location-specific genotypes rather than genotypes with wider adaptability.
The Glory of Ancient India Stems from her Aryan Blood: French anthropologists ‘construct’ the racial history of India for the world
Authors: MOHAN JYOTI
Published: March 2016

In the last century the French presented their race-neutral policies as evidence of their colour blindness. Yet they were among the foremost proponents of race theory and racial hierarchy, which propelled the colonial machine of the nineteenth century. This article examines the role of French academics in creating a position for India in the racial imagination for the first time in history. It examines the motivations behind such a focus on India and the resulting response from Britain, the colonial ruler. The works of Paul Topinard, Louis Rousselet, Arthur Gobineau, and Gustave le Bon are situated in the colonial and political context of the mid-nineteenth century to demonstrate not only that it was the French, and not the Germans, who placed India on an Aryan pedestal, but that this move was propelled by the dream of an unfulfilled French empire in India.
Virtue and Knowledge
Authors: Carr David
Published: March 2016

In the Nicomachean Ethics Aristotle distinguishes fairly sharply between the practical deliberation of moral virtue and the epistemic reflection of theoretical or truth-focused enquiry. However, drawing on insights from Plato and Iris Murdoch, the present paper seeks a more robust epistemic foundation for virtuous deliberation as primarily grounded in clear or correct perception of the world and human association, character and conduct. While such perception may not be sufficient for moral virtue, it is here argued that it is necessary. Murdoch's view that literature may afford especially effective correction of moral misperception is also supported by appeal to literary examples.
Developmental changes in genetic and environmental influences on Chinese child and adolescent anxiety and depression
Authors: Zheng Y. , Rijsdijk F. , Pingault J.-B. , McMahon R. J. , Unger J. B.
Published: March 2016

Background

Twin and family studies using Western samples have established that child and adolescent anxiety and depression are under substantial genetic, modest shared environmental, and substantial non-shared environmental influences. Generalizability of these findings to non-Western societies remains largely unknown, particularly regarding the changes of genetic and environmental influences with age. The current study examined changes in genetic and environmental influences on self-reported anxiety and depression from late childhood to mid-adolescence among a Chinese twin sample. Sex differences were also examined.

Method

Self-reported anxiety and depression were collected from 712 10- to 12-year-old Chinese twins (mean = 10.88 years, 49% males) and again 3 years later. Quantitative genetic modeling was used to examine developmental changes in genetic and environmental influences on anxiety and depression, and sex differences.

Results

Heritability of anxiety and depression in late childhood (23 and 20%) decreased to negligible in mid-adolescence, while shared environmental influences increased (20 and 27% to 57 and 60%). Shared environmental factors explained most of the continuity of anxiety and depression (75 and 77%). Non-shared environmental factors were largely time-specific. No sex differences were observed.

Conclusions

Shared environmental influences might be more pronounced during the transition period of adolescence in non-Western societies such as China. Future research should examine similarities and differences in the genetic and environmental etiologies of child and adolescent internalizing and other psychopathology in development between Western and non-Western societies.
Effects of methylphenidate on executive functioning in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder across the lifespan: a meta-regression analysis
Authors: Tamminga H. G. H. , Reneman L. , Huizenga H. M. , Geurts H. M.
Published: March 2016

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in childhood and adulthood is often treated with the psychostimulant methylphenidate (MPH). However, it is unknown whether cognitive effects of MPH depend on age in individuals with ADHD, while animal studies have suggested age-related effects. In this meta-analysis, we first determined the effects of MPH on response inhibition, working memory and sustained attention, but our main goal was to examine whether these effects are moderated by age. A systematic literature search using PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science and MEDLINE for double-blind, placebo-controlled studies with MPH resulted in 25 studies on response inhibition (n= 775), 13 studies on working memory (n= 559) and 29 studies on sustained attention (n= 956) (mean age range 4.8–50.1 years). The effects of MPH on response inhibition [effect size (ES) = 0.40,p< 0.0001, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.22–0.58], working memory (ES= 0.24,p= 0.053, 95% CI 0.00–0.48) and sustained attention (ES= 0.42,p< 0.0001, 95% CI 26–0.59) were small to moderate. No linear or quadratic age-dependencies were observed, indicating that effects of MPH on executive functions are independent of age in children and adults with ADHD. However, adolescent studies are lacking and needed to conclude a lack of an age-dependency across the lifespan.
The incidence of psychoses in diverse settings, INTREPID (2): a feasibility study in India, Nigeria, and Trinidad
Authors: Morgan C. , John S. , Esan O. , Hibben M. , Patel V. , Weiss H. , Murray R. M. , Hutchinson G. , Gureje O. , Thara R. , Cohen A.
Published: March 2016

Background

There are striking global inequities in our knowledge of the incidence, aetiology, and outcome of psychotic disorders. For example, only around 10% of research on incidence of psychotic disorders originates in low- and middle-income countries. We established INTREPID I to develop, implement, and evaluate, in sites in India (Chengalpet), Nigeria (Ibadan), and Trinidad (Tunapuna-Piarco), methods for identifying and recruiting untreated cases of psychosis, as a basis for investigating incidence and, subsequently, risk factors, phenomenology, and outcome. In this paper, we compare case characteristics and incidence rates across the sites.

Method

In each site, to identify untreated cases of psychoses in defined catchment areas, we established case detection systems comprising mental health services, traditional and spiritual healers, and key informants.

Results

Rates of all untreated psychoses were 45.9 (per 1 00 000 person-years) in Chengalpet, 31.2 in Ibadan, and 36.9 in Tunapuna-Piarco. Duration of psychosis prior to detection was substantially longer in Chengalpet (median 232 weeks) than in Ibadan (median 13 weeks) and Tunapuna-Piarco (median 38 weeks). When analyses were restricted to cases with a short duration (i.e. onset within preceding 2 years) only, rates were 15.5 in Chengalpet, 29.1 in Ibadan, and 26.5 in Tunapuna-Piarco. Further, there was evidence of age and sex differences across sites, with an older average age of onset in Chengalpet and higher rates among women in Ibadan.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest there may be differences in rates of psychoses and in the clinical and demographic profiles of cases across economically and socially distinct settings.
A longitudinal twin and sibling study of the hopelessness theory of depression in adolescence and young adulthood
Authors: Waszczuk M. A. , Coulson A. E. , Gregory A. M. , Eley T. C.
Published: March 2016

Background

Maladaptive cognitive biases such as negative attributional style and hopelessness have been implicated in the development and maintenance of depression. According to the hopelessness theory of depression, hopelessness mediates the association between attributional style and depression. The aetiological processes underpinning this influential theory remain unknown. The current study investigated genetic and environmental influences on hopelessness and its concurrent and longitudinal associations with attributional style and depression across adolescence and emerging adulthood. Furthermore, given high co-morbidity between depression and anxiety, the study investigated whether these maladaptive cognitions constitute transdiagnostic cognitive content common to both internalizing symptoms.

Method

A total of 2619 twins/siblings reported attributional style (mean age 15 and 17 years), hopelessness (mean age 17 years), and depression and anxiety symptoms (mean age 17 and 20 years).

Results

Partial correlations revealed that attributional style and hopelessness were uniquely associated with depression but not anxiety symptoms. Hopelessness partially mediated the relationship between attributional style and depression. Hopelessness was moderately heritable (A = 0.37, 95% confidence interval 0.28–0.47), with remaining variance accounted for by non-shared environmental influences. Independent pathway models indicated that a set of common genetic influences largely accounted for the association between attributional style, hopelessness and depression symptoms, both concurrently and across development.

Conclusions

The results provide novel evidence that associations between attributional style, hopelessness and depression symptoms are largely due to shared genetic liability, suggesting developmentally stable biological pathways underpinning the hopelessness theory of depression. Both attributional style and hopelessness constituted unique cognitive content in depression. The results inform molecular genetics research and cognitive treatment approaches.
Comparing listeriosis risks in at-risk populations using a user-friendly quantitative microbial risk assessment tool and epidemiological data
Authors: FALK L. E. , FADER K. A. , CUI D. S. , TOTTON S. C. , FAZIL A. M. , LAMMERDING A. M. , SMITH B. A.
Published: March 2016

Although infection by the pathogenic bacterium Listeria monocytogenes is relatively rare, consequences can be severe, with a high case-fatality rate in vulnerable populations. A quantitative, probabilistic risk assessment tool was developed to compare estimates of the number of invasive listeriosis cases in vulnerable Canadian subpopulations given consumption of contaminated ready-to-eat delicatessen meats and hot dogs, under various user-defined scenarios. The model incorporates variability and uncertainty through Monte Carlo simulation. Processes considered within the model include cross-contamination, growth, risk factor prevalence, subpopulation susceptibilities, and thermal inactivation. Hypothetical contamination events were simulated. Results demonstrated varying risk depending on the consumer risk factors and implicated product (turkey delicatessen meat without growth inhibitors ranked highest for this scenario). The majority (80%) of listeriosis cases were predicted in at-risk subpopulations comprising only 20% of the total Canadian population, with the greatest number of predicted cases in the subpopulation with dialysis and/or liver disease. This tool can be used to simulate conditions and outcomes under different scenarios, such as a contamination event and/or outbreak, to inform public health interventions.
Retrospective analysis of institutional scabies outbreaks from 1984 to 2013: lessons learned and moving forward
Authors: MOUNSEY K. E. , MURRAY H. C. , KING M. , OPRESCU F.
Published: March 2016

Scabies outbreaks can be disruptive in institutional settings, and are associated with considerable but under-researched morbidity, especially in vulnerable populations. In this paper, we describe key findings from a retrospective review of scabies outbreaks reported in the literature over the past 30 years. We undertook this review to gain insights into the impact of institutional outbreaks, the burden in terms of attack rates, economic costs, treatment trends, the types of index cases and outbreak progression. We found 84 reports over 30 years, with outbreaks most frequently reported in aged care facilities (n= 40) and hospitals (n= 33). On average, scabies outbreaks persisted for 3 months, and the median attack rate was 38%. While 1% lindane was once the most commonly employed acaricide, 5% permethrin and oral ivermectin are increasingly used. Crusted scabies represented the index case for 83% of outbreaks, and scabies was misdiagnosed in 43% outbreaks. The frequency of reported scabies outbreaks has not declined consistently over time suggesting the disease is still highly problematic. We contend that more research and practice emphasis must be paid to improve diagnostic methods, surveillance and control, health staff education and management of crusted scabies to prevent the development of scabies outbreaks in institutional settings.
Seroprevalence of asymptomatic dengue infection in children in Lahore
Authors: MOHSIN S. N. , GHAFOOR F. , SALEEM M. , GHOUS R. , AASIM M.
Published: March 2016

Dengue has become a global problem in past few decades, with half of the world's population at risk of infection. For some countries of Asia and Latin America, severe dengue is a major cause of serious illness and even death in children. Pakistan has been reported as a hyperendemic area for dengue infection. Our study aimed to find seroprevalence of past dengue infection in asymptomatic children of Lahore with no previous history of dengue infection. A total of 400 samples were collected from children aged 1–12 years in Lahore using random sampling. The inclusion criteria were children aged 1–12 years, who had no previous symptoms of dengue fever during their lives. Children with known immunodeficiency status or fever at the time of recruitment were excluded from the study. Commercially available ELISA kits were used to determine the IgG status in sera of children. The data obtained was entered and analysed using SPSS v. 20.0. The overall prevalence of asymptomatic dengue infection was found to be 25%. There was no statistically significant difference between prevalence of infection in male and female children. There was, however, a strong relationship between increasing age of the child and number of cases with infection, with low incidence in children aged ⩽5 years.
Modelling Ebola within a community
Authors: LEANDER R. N. , GOFF W. S. , MURPHY C. W. , PULIDO S. A.
Published: March 2016

The 2014 Ebola epidemic was the largest on record. It evidenced the need for improved models of the spread of Ebola. In this research we focus on modelling Ebola within a small village or community. Specifically, we investigate the potential of basic Susceptible-Exposed-Infectious-Recovered (SEIR) models to describe the initial Ebola outbreak, which occurred in Meliandou, Guinea. Data from the World Health Organization is used to compare the accuracy of various models in order to select the most accurate models of transmission and disease-induced responses. Our results suggest that (i) density-dependent transmission and mortality-induced behavioural changes shaped the course of the Ebola epidemic in Meliandou, while (ii) frequency-dependent transmission, disease-induced emigration, and infection-induced behavioural changes are not consistent with the data from this epidemic.
Retrospective seroepidemiological study of chikungunya infection in South Asia, Southeast Asia and the Pacific region
Authors: NGWE TUN M. M. , INOUE S. , THANT K. Z. , TALEMAITOGA N. , ARYATI A. , DIMAANO E. M. , MATIAS R. R. , BUERANO C. C. , NATIVIDAD F. F. , ABEYEWICKREME W. , THUY N. T. T. , MAI L. T. Q. , HASEBE F. , HAYASAKA D. , MORITA K.
Published: March 2016

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) and Ross River virus (RRV) of the genusAlphavirus, family Togaviridae are mainly transmitted byAedesmosquitoes and the symptoms they cause in patients are similar to dengue. A chikungunya (CHIK) outbreak re-emerged in several Asian countries during 2005–2006. This study aimed to clarify the prevalence of CHIKV infection in suspected dengue patients in six countries in South Asia and Southeast Asia. Seven hundred forty-eight serum samples were from dengue-suspected patients in South Asia and Southeast Asia, and 52 were from patients in Fiji. The samples were analysed by CHIKV IgM capture ELISA, CHIKV IgG indirect ELISA and focus reduction neutralization test against CHIKV or RRV. CHIK-confirmed cases in South Asia, particularly Myanmar and Sri Lanka, were 4·6%, and 6·1%, respectively; and in Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam, were 27·4%, 26·8% and 25·0%, respectively. It suggests that CHIK was widely spread in these five countries in Asia. In Fiji, no CHIK cases were confirmed; however, RRV-confirmed cases represented 53·6% of suspected dengue cases. It suggests that RRV is being maintained or occasionally entering from neighbouring countries and should be considered when determining a causative agent for dengue-like illness in Fiji.
Quantifying homologous and heterologous antibody titre rises after influenza virus infection
Authors: FREEMAN G. , PERERA R. A. P. M. , NGAN E. , FANG V. J. , CAUCHEMEZ S. , IP D. K. M. , PEIRIS J. S. M. , COWLING B. J.
Published: March 2016

Most influenza virus infections are associated with mild disease. One approach to estimate the occurrence of influenza virus infections in individuals is via repeated measurement of humoral antibody titres. We used baseline and convalescent antibody titres measured by haemagglutination inhibition (HI) and viral neutralization (VN) assays against influenza A(H1N1), A(H3N2) and B viruses to investigate the characteristics of antibody rises following virologically confirmed influenza virus infections in participants in a community-based study. Multivariate models were fitted in a Bayesian framework to characterize the distribution of changes in antibody titres following influenza A virus infections. In 122 participants with PCR-confirmed influenza A virus infection, homologous antibody titres rose by geometric means of 1·2- to 10·2-fold after infection with A(H1N1), A(H3N2) and A(H1N1)pdm09. Significant cross-reactions were observed between A(H1N1)pdm09 and seasonal A(H1N1). Antibody titre rises for some subtypes and assays varied by age, receipt of oseltamivir treatment, and recent receipt of influenza vaccination. In conclusion, we provided a quantitative description of the mean and variation in rises in influenza virus antibody titres following influenza virus infection. The multivariate patterns in boosting of antibody titres following influenza virus infection could be taken into account to improve estimates of cumulative incidence of infection in seroepidemiological studies.
The differences in short- and long-term varicella-zoster virus (VZV) immunoglobulin G levels following varicella vaccination of healthcare workers measured by VZV fluorescent-antibody-to-membrane-antigen assay (FAMA), VZV time-resolved fluorescence immunoassay and a VZV purified glycoprotein enzyme immunoassay
Authors: MAPLE P. A. C. , HAEDICKE J. , QUINLIVAN M. , STEINBERG S. P. , GERSHON A. A. , BROWN K. E. , BREUER J.
Published: March 2016

Healthcare workers (HCWs) reporting no history of varicella frequently receive varicella vaccination (vOka) if they test varicella-zoster virus (VZV) immunoglobulin G (IgG) negative. In this study, the utilities of VZV-IgG time-resolved fluorescence immunoassay (VZV-TRFIA) and a commercial VZV-IgG purified glycoprotein enzyme immunoassay (gpEIA) currently used in England for confirming VZV immunity have been compared to the fluorescent-antibody-to-membrane-antigen assay (FAMA). A total of 110 HCWs received two doses of vOka vaccine spaced 6 weeks apart and sera collected pre-vaccination (n= 100), at 6 weeks post-completion of vaccination (n= 86) and at 12–18 months follow-up (n= 73) were analysed. Pre-vaccination, by FAMA, 61·0% sera were VZV IgG negative, and compared to FAMA the sensitivities of VZV-TRFIA and gpEIA were 74·4% [95% confidence interval (CI) 57·9–87·0] and 46·2% (95% CI 30·1–62·8), respectively. Post-completion of vaccination the seroconversion rate by FAMA was 93·7% compared to rates of 95·8% and 70·8% determined by VZV-TRFIA and gpEIA, respectively. At 12–18 months follow-up seropositivity rates by FAMA, VZV-TRFIA and gpEIA were 78·1%, 74·0% and 47·9%, respectively. Compared to FAMA the sensitivities of VZV-TRFIA and gpEIA for measuring VZV IgG following vaccination were 96·4% (95% CI 91·7–98·8) and 74·6% (95% CI 66·5–81·6), respectively. Using both FAMA and VZV-TRFIA to identify healthy adult VZV susceptibles and measure seroconversion showed that vOka vaccination of HCWs is highly immunogenic.