bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Habitat selection when killing primary versus alternative prey species supports prey specialization in an apex predator
Authors: Cristescu B. , Bose S. , Elbroch L. M. , Allen M. L. , Wittmer H. U.
Published: August 2019

Many predators specialize on one or several prey species that they select from the range of potential prey. Predator specialization on primary versus alternative prey is driven in part by encounter rates with prey and a predator’s habitat selection. Although habitat selection changes with behavioural state, this has not been well‐recognized in the resource selection function (RSF) literature to date, often because auxiliary data on the predator’s behavioural states (e.g. hunting) are absent. We monitored habitat selection of pumas Puma concolor in a multi‐prey system in northern California, where pumas specialized on black‐tailed deer Odocoileus hemionus columbianus. We employed multiple RSF analyses on different datasets to test the following three hypotheses: (1) Pumas utilize habitats in proportion to their availability; (2) Pumas select specific habitat features when killing black‐tailed deer, their primary prey; (3) Pumas do not select distinct habitats from those identified under hypothesis 1 when killing alternative prey. We found that pumas in our study selected for specific habitats and habitat features in general, but that their selection was more pronounced when killing black‐tailed deer. In summer, kill sites of deer were associated with rugged terrain, but gentle slopes and northerly aspects. In winter, pumas killed deer at low elevations, on gentle slopes and on northerly and westerly aspects. Overall, evidence suggested that pumas tracked their primary prey across seasonal migrations, which were short in distance but resulted in pronounced changes in elevation. When killing alternative prey, pumas showed little evidence of habitat selection, suggesting they may kill alternative prey opportunistically. Our results hold implications for how data should be partitioned when modelling baseline habitat selection of predators, hunting habitat selection and predation risk for prey species, as well as for how we model ecological processes such as apparent competition.
Cr isotopes in physically separated components of the Allende CV3 and Murchison CM2 chondrites: Implications for isotopic heterogeneity in the solar nebula and parent body processes
Authors: Kadlag Yogita , Becker Harry , Harbott Andreas
Published: August 2019

Chromium isotopic data of physically separated components (chondrules, CAIs, variably magnetic size fractions) of the carbonaceous chondrites Allende and Murchison and bulk rock data of Allende, Ivuna, and Orgueil are reported to evaluate the origin of isotopic heterogeneity in these meteorites. Allende components show ε53Cr and ε54Cr from −0.23 ± 0.07 to 0.37 ± 0.05 and from −0.43 ± 0.08 to 3.7 ± 0.1, respectively. In components of Murchison, ε53Cr and ε54Cr vary from −0.06 ± 0.08 to 0.5 ± 0.1 and from 0.7 ± 0.2 to 1.7 ± 0.1, respectively. The non‐systematic variations of ε53Cr and 55Mn/52Cr in the components of Allende and Murchison were likely caused by small‐scale, alteration‐related redistribution of Mn >20 Ma after formation of the solar system. Chondrule fractions show the lowest 55Mn/52Cr and ε54Cr values of all components, consistent with evaporation of Mn and ε54Cr‐rich carrier phases from chondrule precursors. Components other than the chondrules show higher Mn/Cr and ε54Cr, suggestive of chemical and isotopic complementarity between chondrules and matrix‐rich fractions. Bulk rock compositions calculated based on weighted compositions of components agree with measured Cr isotope data of bulk rocks, in spite of the Cr isotopic heterogeneity reported by the present and previous studies. This indicates that on a sampling scale comprising several hundred milligrams, these meteorites sampled isotopically and chemically homogeneous nebular reservoirs. The linear correlation of 55Mn/52Cr with ε53Cr in bulk rocks likely was caused by variable fractionation of Mn/Cr, subsequent mixing of phases in nebular domains, and radiogenic ingrowth of 53Cr.
Breaking the Conservative‐Labour duopoly
Authors: Curtice John
Published: August 2019

Parties that are distinctive and united on the libertarian‐authoritarian dimension of politics pose a significant challenge to the UK's two‐party system
The joy of co‐production
Authors: Gilbert Jeremy
Published: August 2019

What would a democratic public sector feel like?
The relationship between stressors and intensive care unit experiences
Authors: Zengin Neriman , Ören Besey , Üstündag Hülya
Published: August 2019

Background

Patients in intensive care units (ICUs) face many physical and psychological stressors because of the environment of these units and their own critical conditions and experience stress in various degrees. Each stressor may affect patients' experiences in ICUs differently.

Aim and objectives

This study aimed to examine the relationship between stressors and patients' experiences in an ICU.

Methods

This descriptive, cross‐sectional study was conducted between September 2014 and June 2015 in a university hospital and included 116 patients who were admitted to the general ICU for at least 24 hours. Data were collected using the Intensive Care Experience Scale and a questionnaire that included questions about socio‐demographic and disease‐related characteristics of patients and their stressors.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 57.81 ± 13.81 years, and the mean duration of ICU stay was 2.28 ± 3.88 days. There was a moderate positive relation between the stressors noise (r = .534; P < .01), thirst (r = .438; P < .01), loneliness (r = .410; P < .01), and pain (r = .404; P < .01) and the subscale frightening experiences. However, there was a moderate, negative relation between the stressors inability to speak (r = −.444; P < .01), surrounding speeches (r = −.458; P < .01), equipment noise (r = −.490; P < .01), and physical exercise (r = −.546; P < .01) and the subscale satisfaction with care.

Conclusions

The patients associated stressors with satisfaction and frightening experiences in the early period of their discharge from the ICU. As stressors increases, so do frightening experiences, and satisfaction with care is affected negatively.

Relevance to clinical practice

Currently, stressors to which patients discharged from ICU are exposed during their admission to wards are not evaluated in practice. This study is important in that it can help health professionals be aware of effects of stressors on patients in the early period of their discharge.
Two young genes reshape a novel interaction network in Brassica napus
Authors: Zhang Zhiqiang , Fan Yu , Xiong Jie , Guo Xiang , Hu Kaining , Wang Zhixin , Gao Jie , Wen Jing , Yi Bin , Shen Jinxiong , Ma Chaozhi , Fu Tingdong , Xia Shengqian , Tu Jinxing
Published: August 2019

New genes often drive the evolution of gene interaction networks. In Brassica napus, the widely used genic male sterile breeding system 7365ABC is controlled by two young genes, Bnams4b and BnaMs3. However, the interaction mechanism of these two young genes remains unclear.

Here, we confirmed that Bnams4b interacts with the nuclear localised E3 ligase BRUTUS (BTS). Ectopic expression of AtBRUTUS (AtBTS) and comparison between Bnams4b‐transgenic Arabidopsis and bts mutants suggested that Bnams4b may drive translocation of BTS to cause various toxic defects.

BnaMs3 gained an exclusive interaction with the plastid outer‐membrane translocon Toc33 compared with Bnams3 and AtTic40, and specifically compensated for the toxic effects of Bnams4b. Heat shock treatment also rescued the sterile phenotype, and high temperature suppressed the interaction between Bnams4b and BTS in yeast. Furthermore, the ubiquitin system and TOC (translocon at the outer envelope membrane of chloroplasts) component accumulation were affected in Bnams4b‐transgenic Arabidopsis plants.

Taken together, these results indicate that new chimeric Bnams4b carries BTS from nucleus to chloroplast, which may disrupt the normal ubiquitin–proteasome system to cause toxic effects, and these defects can be compensated by BnaMs3−Toc33 interaction or environmental heat shock. It reveals a scenario in which two population‐specific coevolved young genes reshape a novel interaction network in plants.
On quantifying the apparent temperature sensitivity of plant phenology
Authors: Keenan Trevor F. , Richardson Andrew D. , Hufkens Koen
Published: August 2019

Many plant phenological events are sensitive to temperature, leading to changes in the seasonal cycle of ecosystem function as the climate warms. To evaluate the current and future implications of temperature changes for plant phenology, researchers commonly use a metric of temperature sensitivity, which quantifies the change in phenology per degree change in temperature.

Here, we examine the temperature sensitivity of phenology, and highlight conditions under which the widely used days‐per‐degree sensitivity approach is subject to methodological issues that can generate misleading results. We identify several factors, in particular the length of the period over which temperature is integrated, and changes in the statistical characteristics of the integrated temperature, that can affect the estimated apparent sensitivity to temperature.

We show how the resulting artifacts can lead to spurious differences in apparent temperature sensitivity and artificial spatial gradients. Such issues are rarely considered in analyses of the temperature sensitivity of phenology.

Given the issues identified, we advocate for process‐oriented modelling approaches, informed by observations and with fully characterised uncertainties, as a more robust alternative to the simple days‐per‐degree temperature sensitivity metric. We also suggest approaches to minimise and assess spurious influences in the days‐per‐degree metric.
Metallacarboranes as a tool for enhancing the activity of therapeutic peptides
Authors: Fink Krzysztof , Boratyński Janusz , Paprocka Maria , Goszczyński Tomasz M.
Published: August 2019

Metallacarboranes are anionic boron clusters with high affinity to serum albumin, ability to cross biological membranes, and no apparent toxicity in vitro and in vivo. Thus, conjugation with cobalt bis(1,2‐dicarbollide), [COSAN]−, ([3,3′‐Co(1,2‐C2B9H11)2]−) may improve the properties of therapeutic peptides or proteins at both molecular and systemic levels. Here, we conjugated [COSAN]− with the therapeutic peptide thymosin β4 (Tβ4), which has a pleiotropic activity that results in enhanced healing and regeneration of injured tissues. Using fluorescence quenching of human serum albumin and surface plasmon resonance techniques, we showed that the conjugates have a high affinity to human serum albumin. Using an in vitro wound closure assay, we showed that conjugation with [COSAN]− enhances the activity of Tβ4 toward fibroblasts (MSU1.1 cell line). These results indicate an application of metallacarboranes in the development of analogs of various therapeutic peptides/proteins with superior pharmacological properties.
Restorative design and associated risks for peri‐implant diseases
Authors: Dixon Douglas R. , London Robert M.
Published: August 2019

The prevalence of inflammatory conditions around dental implants is significant. Current analysis indicates that the rates for peri‐mucositis and peri‐implantitis may be as high as 40%‐65% and 20%‐47%, respectively. Over the last decade, many risk factors have been associated with peri‐mucositis and peri‐implantitis, creating a multifactorial disease etiology that complicates both diagnosis and treatment. Furthermore, additional considerations such as initial surgical implant placement position, disruption of the biologic interface associated with the implant‐abutment interface manipulation, or prosthetic design may also influence the host response to commonly employed oral prostheses or the diagnosis of inflammatory states. Coupled with the temporal nature of disease progression around implants, understanding and accounting for these additional parameters may help reduce the number of variables that the surgeon/restorative team face when incorporating implant therapy into daily practice. Therefore, this review discusses the importance of surgical and restorative design by reviewing the concepts of natural and prosthetic emergence profile and implant design and position, as well as many other restorative concepts related to potential implant complications and disease. Understanding both the inflammatory nature of peri‐implant disease and additional parameters related to both surgical and prosthetic procedures may provide the best possible approach to reducing the prevalence of both peri‐mucositis and peri‐implantitis within the realm of dental implant therapy.
Guided implant surgery risks and their prevention
Authors: Tatakis Dimitris N. , Chien Hua‐Hong , Parashis Andreas O.
Published: August 2019

Ideal implant placement may reduce surgical complications, such as nerve injury and lingual cortical plate perforation, and minimize the likelihood of functional and prosthetic compromises. Guided implant surgery (GIS) has been used as the means to achieve ideal implant placement. GIS refers to the process of digital planning, custom‐guide fabrication, and implant placement using the custom guide and an implant system–specific guided surgery kit. GIS includes numerous additional steps beyond the initial prosthetic diagnosis, treatment planning, and fabrication of surgical guide. Substantial errors can occur at each of these individual steps and can accumulate, significantly impacting the final accuracy of the process with potentially disastrous deviations from proper implant placement. Pertinent overall strategies to reduce or eliminate these risks can be summarized as follows: complete understanding of the possible risks is fundamental; knowledge of the systems and tools used is essential; consistent verification of both diagnostic and surgical procedures after each step is crucial; proper training and surgical experience are critical. This review article summarizes information on the accuracy and efficacy of GIS, provides insight on the potential risks and problems associated with each procedural step, and offers clinically relevant recommendations to minimize or eliminate these risks.
Antibacterial proteins and peptides as potential treatment in aquaculture: current status and perspectives on delivery
Authors: Zermeño‐Cervantes Lina Angélica , González‐Acosta Bárbara , Martínez‐Díaz Sergio Francisco , Cardona‐Félix César Salvador
Published: August 2019

Although aquaculture is a growing productive sector, economic losses because of infectious diseases and public health concern of what antibiotic resistance represents have become factors that limit its development. Thus, the control of infectious diseases through antibacterial alternatives is a field of intense research. In this sense, antimicrobial proteins and peptides might represent a safe and effective alternative because their site of action is on microbial components; they are biodegradable; their diversity in terms of mechanisms of action is broad; and some of them can be highly specific. Because this antibacterial alternative is still in research, this review provides a critical analysis of the challenges and opportunities of protein drugs for the treatment of bacterial diseases in the field of aquaculture health; contextualizes the different types of antibacterial protein and peptides, their mechanisms of action, potential sources, as well as the state of the art on assessment of antibacterial proteins and peptides in bioassays with aquatic organisms; and discusses the challenges proteinaceous drugs face regarding their stability for oral delivery and the perspectives for their administration in aquaculture.
Magnetite‐out and pyrrhotite‐in temperatures in shales and slates
Authors: Aubourg Charles , Jackson Mike , Ducoux Maxime , Mansour Mohannad
Published: August 2019

Clay‐rich basins have undergone varying degrees of magnetic transformation during burial, affecting their ability to retain accurate records of Earth's dynamic magnetic field. We propose to bracket the magnetite‐out and pyrrhotite‐in temperatures in shales and slates from Taiwan and the Pyrenees by using a combination of low‐temperature magnetic transitions and geothermometers. For Tburial < 340°C, the magnetic assemblage is dominated by magnetite. Gradually with increasing burial temperature, the concentration of magnetite decreases to a few ppmv. We observe the magnetite‐out isograd at Tburial ~350°C. At Tburial >60°C and Tburial >340°C respectively, fine‐grained and coarse‐grained pyrrhotite develop. In the course of burial, a clay‐rich basin gradually loses its capability to retain a record of Earth's magnetic field. It is only during basin uplift, that coarse pyrrhotite might acquire a thermo remanent magnetization. Our results point out therefore highly contrasted magnetic properties and palaeomagnetic records between deeply buried basins and exhumed ones.
Phased implementation of pathogen‐reduced platelets in a health system facilitates increased manufacturing at the blood center
Authors: Allen Elizabeth S. , Vincent Colleen , Reeve David A. , Kopko Patricia M.
Published: August 2019

BACKGROUND

Pathogen reduction treatment (PRT) reduces the risk of transfusion‐transmitted infections from established and emerging organisms. Manufacturing, however, is complex. In our university health system, we phased in pathogen‐reduced platelets (PR PLTs) by patient population. We then assessed the implementation strategy and investigated factors in the supply chain that prevented us from meeting the goal of providing greater than 90% PR PLTs within 6 months.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

In Phase 1, PR PLTs were provided in the outpatient cancer center. Phase 2 added inpatients undergoing bone marrow transplantation, and Phase 3 included all patients. In Phase 4, the blood center implemented manufacturing optimization strategies. Product supply and usage during the first 23 months after implementation were evaluated. Investigation of the supply chain included analysis of (1) the number of in‐state hospitals receiving PR PLTs; (2) the fraction of products eligible for PRT before and after manufacturing improvements.

RESULTS

During Phases 1 and 2, PR products comprised 44% and 53% of PLTs transfused in the phased‐in areas. At 6 months, 41% of PLTs were PR, and at 23 months, 92%. The fraction of PR PLTs transfused in our system correlated logarithmically with the number of in‐state hospitals receiving them (R2 = 0.71) and the number of PR PLTs sold to those hospitals (R2 = 0.80).

CONCLUSION

Phased implementation is a practical and ethical way to introduce PR PLTs in a health system and facilitates scalability at the blood center. Widespread availability of PR products may require collective action and can be increased by optimization strategies during manufacturing.
Was Ida Lewis a Womanly, or a Manly, Woman? The Ambivalence of a Woman Lighthouse Keeper’s Gender Identity Between Masculinity and Femininity
Authors: Ishida Yoriko
Published: August 2019

It is obvious that Darling could be mentioned as a most brave woman in doing the heavy labor involved in a lighthouse keeping and even saving shipwrecked people, but it is more particularly worth noting that Ida Lewis’s efforts saved the lives of at least eighteen people over a period of twenty-five years. This paper focuses on Ida Lewis, the most famous woman lighthouse keeper in the United States, and analyzes the gender identity of women lighthouse keepers. most studies that discuss women lighthouse keepers point out that, behind women’s being appointed as official lighthouse keepers in the nineteenth-century United States, the labor of lighthouse keepers could essentially share common features with the form of femininity that was emphasized in the Victorian era. However, when analyzing from the viewpoint of gender ideology, I cannot help raising questions regarding women lighthouse keepers as examples of mere femininity simply because the labor forms were analogous with household labor. When the labors of lighthouse keeping would be actually recognized as a manly role, can we make a judgement that women lighthouse keepers all endowed feminine traits even when performing the heavy tasks of lighthouse keeping? Moreover, lifesaving, being separable from lighthouse keeping, has been traditionally considered to be “masculine behavior.” The aim of this paper is to point out that “femininity” and “masculinity” have been artificially generated, and, as such, are entirely unrelated to an individual’s characteristics and abilities. In that light, to deconstruct ideologies of “femininity” and “masculinity,” I have chosen to focus on women who have committed to continuing to perform their duties by analyzing the life of Ida Lewis as the most famous woman lighthouse keeper. This has been accomplished by referring to the United States Department of the Interior National Park Service: National Register of Historic Places Inventory for 1897 and some articles about Ida Lewis from 1869 to 1911 as primary sources. Ida Lewis applies simultaneously as among those women who, under the patriarchy, should be confined to the “women’s sphere.” Furthermore, according to social gender ideology, the life of Ms. Lewis does not necessarily correspond to an individual’s abilities and character, as she was able to display the same ability as a man and perform “men’s work” in the women’s sphere.
The Effect of Intellectual Capital and Individual Self-Efficacy on Sport Identity of Kradeniz Technique University Physical Education Students
Authors: Aydin Elif
Published: August 2019

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of intellectual capital and individual self-efficacy on the sporting identity of the students in the field of physical education in Turkey. In order to measure the intellectual capital variable, the standard questionnaire (Bontis, 1998) was used, to measure the individual self-efficacy variable the standard questionnaire (Sherr & Mados, 1982) was used, and to assess the sport identity of the standard questionnaire (Cheslak, 2004) was used.The reliability of the questionnaires was also assessed by Cronbach's alpha test, respectively; The Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the intellectual capital questionnaire was 0.84, for the self-efficacy questionnaire 0.75 and for the sports identity questionnaire 0.8. The questionnaires were distributed among the statistical sample (181 students of physical education of Karadeniz Technique University). The findings indicated that intellectual capital with a coefficient of 0.85 and its three dimensions (human capital, structural capital, and communicative capital) as well as individual self-efficacy with a coefficient of 0.815 and its three dimensions (no interest in harassing others, desire of extending effort and different ways to face obstacles) on physical education students’ identity was significant. It can be concluded that with the increase of intellectual capital and the efficiency of physical education students, the identity of sports identity will be improved.
Enhanced performance of graphene/GaAs nanowire photoelectric conversion devices by improving the Schottky barrier height
Authors: Luo Yanbin , Yan Xin , Zhang Xia , Zhang Mingqian , Li Bang , Zheng Jiahui , Lu Qichao , Lin Qimin , Zeng Qingsheng , Ren Xiaomin
Published: August 2019

Graphene/nanowire (NW) Schottky junctions have shown great potential in nanoscale photoelectric conversion devices. However, due to the relatively small difference in work functions, the graphene/NW junctions typically have a low Schottky barrier height, which dramatically limits the performance of devices. Here, the authors demonstrate that the performance of graphene/GaAs nanowire photoelectric conversion devices could be significantly enhanced by improving the Schottky barrier height through chemical doping of graphene. After nitric acid treatment, the Schottky barrier height is increased from 0.29 to 0.35 eV, leading to a much lower dark current, larger detectivity, higher on/off ratio, and higher speed due to the enhanced built-in electric field. The open-circuit voltage of the graphene/GaAs nanowire solar cell is significantly increased after doping due to the enhanced Schottky barrier height, yielding a remarkable conversion efficiency of 15.88%. This work provides an effective way for improving the graphene/nanowire junction properties and enabling high performance photoelectric conversion devices.
Mitotic phosphorylation by NEK6 and NEK7 reduces the microtubule affinity of EML4 to promote chromosome congression
Authors: Adib Rozita , Montgomery Jessica M. , Atherton Joseph , O’Regan Laura , Richards Mark W. , Straatman Kees R. , Roth Daniel , Straube Anne , Bayliss Richard , Moores Carolyn A. , Fry Andrew M.
Published: August 2019

NEK family kinases target EML4 to ensure faithful chromosome alignment during metaphase.
Spread of NDM-5 and OXA-181 Carbapenemase-Producing Escherichia coli in Chad
Authors: Ouchar Mahamat Oumar , Lounnas Manon , Hide Mallorie , Tidjani Abelsalam , Benavides Julio , Diack Abibatou , Somasse Calèbe , Gamougam Kadidja , Carrière Christian , Decré Dominique , Bañuls Anne-Laure , Jean-Pierre Hélène , Dumont Yann , Compain Fabrice , Godreuil Sylvain
Published: August 2019

We detected for the first time
bla
NDM-5
and
bla
OXA-181
in
Escherichia coli
isolates from hospitalized patients and healthy volunteers in Chad. These resistance genes were located on IncX3 and IncF plasmids. Despite the large diversity of
E. coli
clones, the identified resistant intestinal isolates belonged mainly to the same sequence type.
Macitentan in the treatment of severe digital ulcers
Authors: Gonçalves Tatiana , Santos Lèlita
Published: August 2019

Digital ulcers are one of the earliest and most disabling manifestations of systemic sclerosis (SSc). We report the clinical case of a female patient with SSc and severe digital ulcers, recurrent and refractory to the classic treatments to whom it was prescribed off-label macitentan with complete resolution of the condition.
Dentures discovered in larynx 8 days after general anaesthetic
Authors: Cunniffe Harriet A
Published: August 2019

An active 72-year-old man presented to the accident and emergency department (A&E) with odynophagia, dysphagia and haemoptysis 6 days after a minor operation and was discharged after treatment for an aspiration pneumonia. He presented to A&E 2 days later with worsening symptoms and was found to have dentures lodged in his larynx which were then removed in theatre. For 6 weeks after removal, he had periodic episodes of frank haemoptysis requiring multiple blood transfusions and, after extensive investigation, was found to have an erosion into an arterial vessel on his right parapharyngeal wall, just posterior to the glossopharyngeal sulcus. This case raises questions about perioperative care in patients with dentures, diagnostic decision-making in the emergency care setting and postoperative care after delayed removal of foreign bodies from the upper aerodigestive tract.
Fetus in fetu in an adult woman
Authors: Kumar Anil , Paswan Shiv Shankar , Kumar Bindey , Kumar Prem
Published: August 2019

Fetus in fetu (FIF) is an extremely rare condition in which malformed fetus is found most commonly in the retroperitoneum of living twin. It occurs in about 1 in 500 000 live births and less than 200 cases have been reported in medical literature. We report FIF in a 17-year-old woman unlike other cases which were usually detected in early age and in male gender. This is the eighth case of adult FIF and the first case of FIF in adult woman worldwide. Preoperative diagnosis of FIF on CT was made and planned for exploratory laparotomy. The excised malformed fetus in a sac was proven as FIF on the basis of histopathological examination. In view to avoid such late presentation, early detection of FIF with radiological imaging in clinically suspected case is recommended. Surgical excision is the ideal treatment even teratoma is the differential diagnosis.
Associations of chronic diarrhoea with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and obesity-related disorders among US adults
Authors: Shin Andrea , Xu Huiping , Imperiale Thomas F
Published: August 2019

Mechanisms explaining observed associations between diarrhoea and obesity or increased body mass index (BMI) are unclear.

Objective

To assess associations of bowel patterns with BMI, metabolic syndrome (MS), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and other obesity-related disorders.

Design

We performed a cross-sectional analysis of data from adults who completed bowel health questions for the 2005 to 2010 cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. Relationships were examined using multinomial logistic regression. Confounding effects of demographics, smoking, alcohol and BMI were examined by sequential modelling.

Results

Among 13 413 adults, weighted prevalence rates of constipation and diarrhoea were 8.9% and 6.6%, respectively. Mean BMI was associated with bowel patterns (p<0.001), and was higher with diarrhoea (30.3 kg/m2) versus normal bowel patterns (28.6 kg/m2) and with diarrhoea versus constipation (27.8 kg/m2). NAFLD was more prevalent (ORs, 95% CI) in diarrhoea versus normal bowel patterns (OR=1.34, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.78) or constipation (OR=1.45, 95% CI 1.03, 2.03) in adjusted analyses. The higher prevalence of MS in diarrhoea versus constipation (OR=1.27, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.67) was not independent of BMI.

Conclusions

These findings suggest an association between diarrhoea and NAFLD that is independent of BMI.
PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympic Games and athletes’ usage of ‘polyclinic’ medical services
Authors: Kim Doo-Sup , Lee Young-Hee , Bae Keum Seok , Baek Goo Hyun , Lee Sae Yong , Shim Hongjin , On Myoung Gi , Rhie Sandy Jeong Yeon
Published: August 2019

Objective

This paper aims to describe the medical service of two polyclinics of the PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games and to analyse the injury and illness of athletes who visited the polyclinics during the oilympic period in order to provide some insight with respect to the future construction and operation of polyclinics in mass gathering events such as the Olympic Games.

Methods

The PyeongChang Olympic Village was located near the Olympic Stadium for snow sports athletes and the Gangneung Olympic Village was located near the ice venues for ice sports athletes. During the Olympic Games, polyclinics were consisted of emergency service and outpatient clinics. We retrospectively analysed the electronic medical record data of athletes who visiting polyclinics between 9 February 2018 and 25 February 2018.

Results

During the Olympics, there were 1639 athlete encounters in both polyclinics. Among those, injuries of athletes were 237 (14% of all athlete encounters) in total, and the most common injured site was knee joint. Upper respiratory infection was the most frequent case in diseases of athlete encounters. Total 223 cases of image study were done, MRI was 44 cases.

Conclusion

The PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games had the highest number of participants in the history of Winter Olympic Games. Overall 48% of athletes encountered polyclinics due to disease during the Games period. Upper respiratory infection and other seasonal diseases were more frequent this Olympic Games than before. Polyclinics were managed healthcare of athletes as well as injury and illness of athletes. In winter sports, a polyclinic and similar medical facilities should be prepare for diseases considering geography, weather as well as injuries and endemic diseases when planning future mass gathering events.
Sports-related acute shoulder injuries in an urban population
Authors: Enger Martine , Skjaker Stein Arve , Nordsletten Lars , Pripp Are Hugo , Melhuus Knut , Moosmayer Stefan , Brox Jens Ivar
Published: August 2019

Objectives

More than a third of sports injuries involve the upper extremity. The primary aim was to quantify and describe sports-related shoulder injuries in a general population cohort. A secondary aim was to compare aspects of these injuries to those that were not sports-related.

Methods

We performed a prospective registration of the activity at the time of shoulder injury in all cases admitted during 1 year in a combined primary care and orthopaedic emergency department serving a defined population. The electronic patient records and patient reported questionnaires were reviewed.

Results

Twenty-nine per cent (n=781) of 2650 registered shoulder injuries were reported to be sports-related, with the highest proportion in acromioclavicular injuries (>50%). Patients with sports injuries were younger than those injured during other activities (median age 28 and 43 years, respectively, p<0.001), and more often male (78% and 52%, respectively, p<0.001). There was a strong gender disparity in incidence of sports-related shoulder injuries in adolescents and young adults, which was not observed in non-sports shoulder injuries. Football (soccer) (6–29 years), cycling (30–49 years), skiing (50–69 years) and martial arts were the dominating sports activities. Fractures were more common in skiing and cycling than in other major sports in the study.

Conclusions

Almost a third of the shoulder injuries occurred during sports. The types of sports involved varied with age and gender. The comparison of sport to non-sport shoulder injury incidence rates suggests that the increased risk of shoulder injuries in young males is mainly attributable to sports injuries.
Associations of vigorous physical activity with all-cause, cardiovascular and cancer mortality among 64 913 adults
Authors: Rey Lopez Juan Pablo , Gebel Klaus , Chia Debbie , Stamatakis Emmanuel
Published: August 2019

Background

Physical activity recommendations state that for the same energy expenditure, moderate-to-vigorous physical activities (MVPAs) produce similar health benefits. However, few epidemiological studies have tested this hypothesis.

Design

We examined whether, compared with moderate, vigorous activity was associated with larger mortality risk reductions.

Methods

Data from 11 cohorts of the Health Survey for England and the Scottish Health Survey, collected from 1994 to 2011 (mean (SD) follow-up, 9.0 (3.6) years). Adults aged ≥30 years reported MVPA and linkage to mortality records. Exposure was the proportion of self-reported weighted MVPA through vigorous activity. Outcomes were all-cause, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer mortality.

Results

Among 64 913 adult respondents (44% men, 56% women, mean (SD) age, 49.8 (13.6) years), there were 5064 deaths from all-causes, 1393 from CVD and 1602 from cancer during 435 743 person-years of follow-up. Compared with those who reported no vigorous physical activity, and holding constant the volume of weighted MVPA, vigorous activity was associated with additional reductions in mortality risk. For all-cause mortality, the adjusted HR was HR=0.84 (95% CI 0.71, 0.99) and HR=0.84 (95% CI 0.76, 0.94) among those who reported between >0% and<30%, or ≥30% of their activity as vigorous, respectively. For CVD and cancer mortality, point estimates showed similar beneficial associations yet CIs were wider and crossed unity.

Conclusion

Vigorous activities were associated with larger reductions in mortality risk than activities of moderate intensity, but no evidence of dose–response effects was found.
A case of dissociative convulsions presented as frequent epilepsy-like seizures
Authors: Nie Jing , Song Zhenhua , Liu Xiaohua
Published: August 2019

Dissociative convulsions, a prominent form of dissociative (conversion) disorder formerly known as hysteria, are a common and elusive differential diagnosis from epilepsy. However, the treatment of such patients is always challenging and frustrating due to poor response to the routinely used interventions in most situations. Here, we present a case with dissociative convulsions in order to catch the eye of the clinicians and researchers on the recognition of clinical manifestation and exploration of therapeutic strategies.
Patient perceptions and preferences of biologic therapies in SLE
Authors: Lim S Sam , Kan Hong , Pobiner Bonnie F , Bao Gaobin , Drenkard Cristina
Published: August 2019

Objective

To evaluate patient perceptions of biologic therapies from a large, population-based cohort of patients with SLE with significant numbers of blacks and whites and across the full spectrum of socioeconomic strata and disease severity.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study of validated patients with SLE enrolled in the Georgians Organized Against Lupus Cohort between September 2014 and August 2015. The survey instrument was developed ad hoc by the authors and contained an introduction on biologics.

Results

A total of 676 participants were on average 48.4 years old with 15.9 years of disease; 93.2% were female and 80.6% were black; 34.2% had private health insurance and 9.8% had no insurance; and 26.8% and 27.5% had Medicare or Medicaid, respectively. Of all respondents, 30.8% had heard of biologics, with a significant difference between blacks and whites (25.2% vs 53.4%, respectively). There were no significant differences, however, between blacks and whites with respect to ever having been on biologics (7.6% and 11.5%, respectively) or where they got their information about biologics. Out of 202 individuals who had heard of biologics, 102 (51.3%) were familiar with potential benefits or side effects, and most (n=129, 66.5%) had a neutral perception to risks associated with biologic use. There was no perception of biologics working differently between races/ethnicities. More (n=76, 62.8%) blacks preferred intravenous over subcutaneous modalities compared with whites (n=12, 37.5%) but were not as willing to pay as much out of pocket for it. Individuals with Medicare were significantly more likely to have been on biologics.

Conclusions

There are important similarities and differences between blacks and whites with lupus with respect to their perceptions of biologic therapies and their impact. There are opportunities to increase patient exposure to information about biologics and improve their understanding in order for them to make the best informed decision possible.
Feasibility of an ultrasound-guided approach to radiofrequency ablation of the superolateral, superomedial and inferomedial genicular nerves: a cadaveric study
Authors: Vanneste Bert , Tomlinson Joanna , Desmet Matthias , Krol Andrzej
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Genicular nerve radiofrequency (RF)denervation appears to be a promising treatment for knee pain in patients with degenerative osteoarthritis of the knee, when candidates are not suitable for arthroplasty. This study aimed to assess the accuracy and reliability of ultrasound-guided placement of RF cannulas in cadavers for genicular nerve treatment, by measuringthe needle-to-nerve proximity.

Materials and methods

Five soft-fix human cadavers were included in this study, totaling 10 knees (meanage 93.8 years). Using the ultrasound-guided technique,which we have described previously, RF cannulas were directed toward the superolateral genicular nerve(SLGN), the superomedial genicular nerve (SMGN) and the inferomedial genicular nerve (IMGN). Indocyaninegreen (ICG) dye (0.1 mL) was infiltrated. An anatomical dissection was performed and the distance from the center of the ICG mark to the genicular nerve concerned was measured.

Results

The mean distances from the center of the ICG mark to the SLGN, SMGN and IMGN were 2.33 mm(range 0.00–6.05 mm), 3.44 mm (range 0.00–10.59mm) and 1.32 mm (range 0.00–2.99 mm), respectively. There was no statistical difference in distances from the center of the ICG mark to the targeted nerve between the different nerves (p=0.18).

Conclusion

The results of this study demonstrate that ultrasound-guided treatment of the genicular nerves is feasible. However, for RF ablations, there are some limitations, which mostly can be overcome by using appropriate RF ablation settings.
Dog owner's accuracy measuring different volumes of dry dog food using three different measuring devices
Authors: Coe Jason B , Rankovic Alexandra , Edwards Tara R , Parr Jacqueline M
Published: August 2019

Prior research demonstrates significant inaccuracy when repeatedly measuring the same amount of dry dog food using a dry‐food measuring cup, bringing into question the accuracy of measuring devices. This study aimed to determine dog owners’ accuracy when measuring different volumes of dry dog food using different types of measuring devices. One hundred dog owners, randomly assigned one of three measuring devices (a one‐cup dry‐food measuring cup, a two‐cup graduated‐liquid measuring cup or a two‐cup commercial food scoop), were asked to measure ¼, ½ and 1 cup of dry dog food. Accuracy was assessed with an electronic gram scale by comparing measured volumes with the correct weight in grams. Individual accuracy ranged from −47.83% to 152.17% across devices and volumes. Measuring accuracy was found to be associated with the volume of food measured (p<0.001) and the type of measuring device used (p<0.001). Findings highlight approaches for decreasing excess intake of calories by dogs, including promotion of tactics to improve measurement accuracy (eg, gram scales, volume‐calibrated dry‐food measuring devices), especially for measuring small volumes.
Is there a correlation between canine adult‐onset demodicosis and other diseases?
Authors: Pinsenschaum Lisa , Chan Don Heung Lam , Vogelnest Linda , Weber Karin , Mueller Ralf S
Published: August 2019

Demodicosis is frequently seen in small animal practice. In older dogs, it is often associated with immunosuppression and immunosuppressive diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate a larger number of dogs with adult‐onset demodicosis (AOD) at the veterinary teaching hospitals of the University of Sydney/Australia and the University of Munich/Germany. Breed predispositions were compared with the two control populations. Of more than 20 000 dogs and 15 000 in each respective hospital population, 54 dogs in Munich and 68 dogs in Sydney were diagnosed with AOD at a mean age of 8 years. Breed predispositions were seen for West Highland White Terriers in Munich (p<0.0001) and Maltese Terriers and Shih Tzus in Sydney (p<0.01). Concurrent diseases were confirmed in approximately 40% of the dogs both in Munich and Sydney. A significant association was only found between AOD and hyperglucocorticoidism, hypothyroidism and (in Munich) leishmaniosis. Neoplastic diseases were not significantly more common in dogs with demodicosis than in the total population at both locations (p>0.05). Consequently, dogs with AOD should be evaluated for concurrent hyperglucocorticoidism and hypothyroidism, and, in areas of the world where this is prevalent, also for leishmaniosis.
Temporal efficacy of antimicrobials against aerobic bacteria isolated from equine endometritis: an Italian retrospective analysis (2010–2017)
Authors: Pisello Lorenzo , Rampacci Elisa , Stefanetti Valentina , Beccati Francesca , Hyatt Doreene Rose , Coletti Mauro , Passamonti Fabrizio
Published: August 2019

This study aimed to describe bacteria isolated from the reproductive tract of mares and to identify changes in antimicrobial susceptibility patterns to those antibiotics commonly used for the treatment of equine endometritis. A total of 4122 equine uterine swabs were collected from mares suffering from reproductive tract disorders in the period 2010–2017. Aerobic culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing using agar disc diffusion were performed on each sample. Aerobic bacteria were isolated from 3171 of 4122 (76.9 per cent) samples. The most frequently isolated microorganisms wereEscherichia coli(885/3171, 27.9 per cent) andStreptococcus equisubspecieszooepidemicus(791/3171, 24.9 per cent), confirming previous findings from the literature. Antimicrobial susceptibility patterns ofE coli,S equisubspecieszooepidemicusandKlebsiella pneumoniaechanged over time. A statistically significant decrease in antimicrobial efficacy of cefquinome againstE coliwas observed over the years, as well as of ampicillin, cefquinome and penicillin againstS equisubspecieszooepidemicus. The high frequency of resistant bacteria isolated in the present work proceeds in the same way as indicated by surveillance data on the huge antibiotic use in Italy. As a result, testing and monitoring programmes of antimicrobial efficacy are crucial to consciously using antibiotics and preserving their effectiveness both for veterinary and human medicine.
Shear analysis and static load test of single-box and multicell composite girders with corrugated steel webs: a case study
Authors: Li Jie , Du Guopeng , Feng Guanjie , Feng Yuanlin , Yan Xin , Liang Yan
Published: August 2019

The shear design of a corrugated steel web box girder is important for structural reliability. Presently, corrugated steel webs bear all the shear forces, and the top and bottom concrete plates bear no shear force. Each steel web has equal force. This design is conservative and uneconomical and may sometimes be unsafe. The shear ratio and transfer efficiency of each corrugated steel web are investigated in this study through numerical analysis. Then, the distribution of shear stress in corrugated steel webs is verified through a static load test. Results show that the shear is shared by the top and bottom concrete plates and corrugated steel webs. The shear ratio presents a close relation with boundary, loading, and section position. The influence of a transverse diaphragm on the shear ratio is minimal, and this influence demonstrates a certain effect only on the steel webs located at the area of the transverse diaphragm.
Analysis of factors influencing the interpretation of a digitally examined fluvial meanderbelt system: Joggins Formation, Nova Scotia
Authors: Kelly Trevor B. , Wach Grant D.
Published: August 2019

Clastic reservoir exploration, development, and exploitation are inherently complex with recovery depending largely on the understanding of sand body architecture and interlayered clayey/silty baffles and barriers. Numerous data collection techniques and methods are now widely available for helping to enrich reservoir outcrop analogue data extraction from the well scale to the larger seismic scale. This integrated study uses the inherited, combined data from a localized light detection and ranging survey, measurements taken from a portable handheld spectrometer and air permeameter, in addition to total (or absolute) porosity measurements from thin sections to assist with the analysis of components influencing the interpretation of a digitally analyzed fluvial meanderbelt system outcrop. The purpose is not to perform a detailed reservoir characterization or to model a potential reservoir, but rather to study a section of a reservoir analogue and apply reservoir geology with integrated data collection techniques to highlight potential benefits and shortcomings of this type of approach. A point cloud survey generated from light detection and ranging, coupled with other tools including a portable handheld spectrometer and permeameter, supplements data from the light detection and ranging scan and increases the confidence of interpretations. Spectrometer measurements recorded at the outcrop are used to generate a pseudo-gamma log. Handheld air permeameter measurements give a sense of the permeability of corresponding lithologies, as well as the variability in permeability of the reservoir both laterally and vertically. Light detection and ranging also provides important information regarding rock properties. The high detail of the outcrop images is used for the assessment of reservoir characteristics. The reservoir data leads to an increased understanding of subsurface reservoirs, particularly of the fluvial meanderbelt type. This study shows the importance and drawbacks of a combined digital data collection approach for the analysis of a sedimentary outcrop.