bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seabird nutrient subsidies alter patterns of algal abundance and fish biomass on coral reefs following a bleaching event
Authors: Benkwitt Cassandra E. , Wilson Shaun K. , Graham Nicholas A. J.
Published: June 2019

Cross‐ecosystem nutrient subsidies play a key role in the structure and dynamics of recipient communities, but human activities are disrupting these links. Because nutrient subsidies may also enhance community stability, the effects of losing these inputs may be exacerbated in the face of increasing climate‐related disturbances. Nutrients from seabirds nesting on oceanic islands enhance the productivity and functioning of adjacent coral reefs, but it is unknown whether these subsidies affect the response of coral reefs to mass bleaching events or whether the benefits of these nutrients persist following bleaching. To answer these questions, we surveyed benthic organisms and fishes around islands with seabirds and nearby islands without seabirds due to the presence of invasive rats. Surveys were conducted in the Chagos Archipelago, Indian Ocean, immediately before the 2015–2016 mass bleaching event and, in 2018, two years following the bleaching event. Regardless of the presence of seabirds, relative coral cover declined by 32%. However, there was a post‐bleaching shift in benthic community structure around islands with seabirds, which did not occur around islands with invasive rats, characterized by increases in two types of calcareous algae (crustose coralline algae [CCA] and Halimeda spp.). All feeding groups of fishes were positively affected by seabirds, but only herbivores and piscivores were unaffected by the bleaching event and sustained the greatest difference in biomass between islands with seabirds versus those with invasive rats. By contrast, corallivores and planktivores, both of which are coral‐dependent, experienced the greatest losses following bleaching. Even though seabird nutrients did not enhance community‐wide resistance to bleaching, they may still promote recovery of these reefs through their positive influence on CCA and herbivorous fishes. More broadly, the maintenance of nutrient subsidies, via strategies including eradication of invasive predators, may be important in shaping the response of ecological communities to global climate change.
Actinomyces in Crohn’s‐like appendicitis
Authors: Horvath Bela A , Maryamchik Elena , Miller Gregory C , Brown Ian S , Setia Namrata , Mattia Anthony R , Lamps Laura , Lauwers Gregory Y , Rosenberg Eric , Misdraji Joseph
Published: June 2019

Aims

Appendicitis with a Crohn’s‐like histological appearance generally raises concern for Crohn’s disease, Yersinia infection, and interval appendectomy. Actinomyces infection is a recognised cause of chronic appendicitis that can histologically mimic Crohn’s disease.

Methods and results

We report on 20 cases of appendicitis with Crohn’s‐like histological features that were due to Actinomyces. Most patients presented with acute or chronic abdominal pain. Imaging studies suggested a mass in five cases. Two patients had interval appendectomy. Histological features showed Crohn’s‐like appendicitis in 16 cases, with moderate to marked fibrosis and granulomas in seven cases. The other four cases had less consistent histological findings. None of the patients developed Crohn’s disease during the follow‐up interval (median, 37 months).

Conclusions

Actinomyces can be associated with Crohn’s‐like appendicitis with marked fibrosis, transmural inflammation, lymphoid hyperplasia, and granulomas.
Standard Errors of IRT Parameter Scale Transformation Coefficients: Comparison of Bootstrap Method, Delta Method, and Multiple Imputation Method
Authors: Zhang Zhonghua , Zhao Mingren
Published: June 2019

The present study evaluated the multiple imputation method, a procedure that is similar to the one suggested by Li and Lissitz (2004), and compared the performance of this method with that of the bootstrap method and the delta method in obtaining the standard errors for the estimates of the parameter scale transformation coefficients in item response theory (IRT) equating in the context of the common‐item nonequivalent groups design. Two different estimation procedures for the variance‐covariance matrix of the IRT item parameter estimates, which were used in both the delta method and the multiple imputation method, were considered: empirical cross‐product (XPD) and supplemented expectation maximization (SEM). The results of the analyses with simulated and real data indicate that the multiple imputation method generally produced very similar results to the bootstrap method and the delta method in most of the conditions. The differences between the estimated standard errors obtained by the methods using the XPD matrices and the SEM matrices were very small when the sample size was reasonably large. When the sample size was small, the methods using the XPD matrices appeared to yield slight upward bias for the standard errors of the IRT parameter scale transformation coefficients.
Use of Adjustment by Minimum Discriminant Information in Linking Constructed‐Response Test Scores in the Absence of Common Items
Authors: Lee Yi‐Hsuan , Haberman Shelby J. , Dorans Neil J.
Published: June 2019

In many educational tests, both multiple‐choice (MC) and constructed‐response (CR) sections are used to measure different constructs. In many common cases, security concerns lead to the use of form‐specific CR items that cannot be used for equating test scores, along with MC sections that can be linked to previous test forms via common items. In such cases, adjustment by minimum discriminant information may be used to link CR section scores and composite scores based on both MC and CR sections. This approach is an innovative extension that addresses the long‐standing issue of linking CR test scores across test forms in the absence of common items in educational measurement. It is applied to a series of administrations from an international language assessment with MC sections for receptive skills and CR sections for productive skills. To assess the linking results, harmonic regression is applied to examine the effects of the proposed linking method on score stability, among several analyses for evaluation.
Balloons larger than 15 mm can increase the risk of adverse events following endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation
Authors: Lee Gil Ho , Yang Min Jae , Kim Jin Hong , Hwang Jae Chul , Yoo Byung Moo , Lee Dong Ki , Jang Sung Ill , Lee Tae Hoon , Park Sang‐Heum , Park Jin‐Seok , Jeong Seok , Lee Don Haeng
Published: June 2019

Background and Aim

Although endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation (EPLBD) has been widely used to facilitate the removal of difficult common bile duct stones, however, the outcomes have not yet been investigated in terms of the diameter of the balloon used. We aimed to compare the clinical outcomes between EPLBD using smaller (12–15 mm, S‐EPLBD) and larger balloons (> 15 mm, L‐EPLBD).

Methods

Six hundred seventy‐two patients who underwent EPLBD with or without endoscopic sphincterotomy for common bile duct stone removal were enrolled from May 2004 to August 2014 at four tertiary referral centers in Korea. The outcomes, including the initial success rate, the success rate without endoscopic mechanical lithotripsy, the overall success rate, and adverse events between S‐EPLBD and L‐EPLBD groups, were retrospectively compared.

Results

The initial success rate, the success rate without mechanical lithotripsy, the overall success rate, and the overall adverse events were not significantly different between the two groups. The rate of severe‐to‐fatal adverse events was higher in the L‐EPBLD group than in the S‐EPLBD group (1.6% vs 0.0%, 0.020). One case of severe bleeding and two cases of fatal perforation occurred only in the L‐EPLBD group. In the multivariate analysis, the use of a > 15‐mm balloon was the only significant risk factor for severe‐to‐fatal adverse events (>0.005, 23.8 [adjusted odds ratio], 2.6–214.4 [95% confidence interval]).

Conclusions

L‐EPLBD is significantly related to severe‐to‐fatal adverse events compared with S‐EPLBD for common bile duct stone removal.
Hepatitis B virus DNA levels and overall survival in hepatitis B‐related hepatocellular carcinoma patients with low‐level viremia
Authors: Kim Tae‐Se , Sinn Dong Hyun , Kang Wonseok , Gwak Geum‐Youn , Paik Yong‐Han , Choi Moon Seok , Lee Joon Hyeok , Koh Kwang Cheol , Paik Seung Woon
Published: June 2019

Background and Aim

Clinical course of hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients presenting with low‐level viremia (LLV) is unclear.

Methods

A total of 565 HBV‐related HCC patients with LLV (detectable but HBV DNA ≤ 2000 IU/mL) at the time of HCC diagnosis were analyzed. Based on patterns of HBV DNA levels during follow‐up, patients were categorized into three groups: maintained virologic remission (MVR), LLV, and flare. Overall survival was compared between those three groups.

Results

During a median 4.5 years of follow‐up, 33% showed MVR, 39% showed LLV, and 28% experienced flare. The overall survival differed between MVR, LLV, and flare groups (5‐year overall survival: 74.3%, 67.3%, and 61.7%, respectively, 0.015). The patterns of HBV DNA levels were independent factors associated with overall survival, along with age, antiviral treatment, Barcelona clinic liver cancer stage, and initial treatment modality. Flare group showed increased risk of mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1.71, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.15–2.55) compared with MVR group, while the risk was statistically marginal for the LLV group (adjusted HR 1.39, 95% CI 0.95–2.04). During follow‐up, 183 patients (32.4%) newly started antiviral therapy (AVT) at LLV. Flare risk was significantly lower among patients who started AVT at LLV compared with those who did not (adjusted HR 0.26, 95% CI 0.17–0.38).

Conclusions

Among HBV‐related HCC patients with LLV, flare was frequent during follow‐up and was associated with poorer overall survival compared with MVR group. Prospective studies that address whether inducing MVR by early AVT improves patient outcome are warranted.
Clinicopathological features, diagnosis, and treatment of sessile serrated adenoma/polyp with dysplasia/carcinoma
Authors: Murakami Takashi , Sakamoto Naoto , Nagahara Akihito
Published: June 2019

Sessile serrated adenoma/polyps (SSA/Ps) are early precursor lesions in the serrated neoplasia pathway, which results in BRAF‐mutated colorectal carcinomas with not only high levels of microsatellite instability but also microsatellite stable. SSA/Ps with advanced histology, including cytological dysplasia or minimally invasive carcinomas, are important lesions because SSA/Ps are considered major contributors to “interval cancers” and these lesions can rapidly become dysplastic or invasive carcinomas. Clinicopathologically, SSA/Ps with dysplasia or invasive carcinoma were associated with advanced age, female sex, and proximal colon. Although SSA/Ps with submucosal invasive carcinoma were smaller and invaded less deeply into the submucosal layer than conventional tubular adenomas with submucosal invasive carcinoma, SSA/Ps with submucosal invasive carcinoma frequently had a mucinous component and exhibited a higher potential for lymphatic invasion and lymph node metastasis. In an SSA/P series, endoscopic characteristics, including (semi)pedunculated morphology, double elevation, central depression, and reddishness, may help accurately diagnose SSA/Ps with advanced histology. Removal of SSA/Ps with dysplasia or invasive carcinoma was recommended. Endoscopic treatment such as endoscopic mucosal resection or endoscopic submucosal dissection is useful for those lesions. However, surgical resection with lymph node dissection might be indicated when SSA/Ps with invasive carcinoma are endoscopically suspected, because these have the high risk of lymph node metastasis. Greater awareness may promote further research into improving the detection, recognition, and complete resection rates of SSA/Ps with dysplasia or invasive carcinoma and reduce the interval cancer rates.
Real‐time versus day‐ahead market power in a hydro‐based electricity market
Authors: Tangerås Thomas P. , Mauritzen Johannes
Published: June 2019

This paper develops a theoretical framework to analyze the link between real‐time and day‐ahead competition in a hydro‐based wholesale electricity market. Predictions of the model are tested on a detailed data set of trades and prices from the Nordic power exchange, Nord Pool. We study market performance before and after a reform that increased the number of price areas (local markets) in Sweden, and reject the hypothesis of perfect competition in some of the Swedish price areas. Our results suggest that firms exercised some local market power during the sample period.
Purulent and crusted scalp lesions in an infant
Authors: MacKay Conor I , Anderson Aleisha , O'Brien Matthew , Bell Lana , Bowen Asha C , Campbell Anita J
Published: June 2019

See Answer
Djinn possession and exorcism of a teenage girl
Authors: Irving Kathryn , Blaze Katharine , Freeman Jeremy L
Published: June 2019

See Answer
An iterative learning approach for network contraction: Path finding problem in stochastic time‐varying networks
Authors: Fakhrmoosavi Fatemeh , Zockaie Ali , Abdelghany Khaled , Hashemi Hossein
Published: June 2019

Path finding problem has a broad application in different fields of engineering. Travel time uncertainty is a critical factor affecting this problem and the route choice of transportation users. The major downside of the existing algorithms for the reliable path finding problem is their inefficiency in computational time. This study aims to develop a network contraction approach to reduce the network size of each specific origin and destination (OD) pair in stochastic time‐dependent networks. The network contraction is based on the comparison of optimistic and pessimistic solutions resulting from minimum and maximum travel time realizations of a Monte‐Carlo simulation (MCS)‐based approach. In this respect, the researchers propose a learning approach to utilize the information of the realizations in the initial iterations of the MCS approach. Implementation of this approach is in place for several OD pairs of two real‐world large‐scale applications. First, it is calibrated for the Chicago downtown network; the performance and accuracy of the proposed approach are investigated by comparing the results against that of the approach without any network contraction. In addition, the Salt Lake City network illustrates the transferability of the approach to other networks. The results demonstrate significant computational improvements, with an acceptable accuracy level relative to the approach without network contraction.
Politics in the classroom
Authors: Lipscomb Martin
Published: June 2019

Nursing and midwifery is, in the UK, regulated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). Regulatory duties include establishing standards for education, and from January 2019, new educational programmes will be approved against standards detailed in the document Future nurse: Standards of proficiency for registered nurses (NMC, 2019—hereafter “the standards”). This publication lists “the knowledge and skills that registered nurses must demonstrate when caring for people” (NMC, 2019, p.3), and from September 2020, registration (licence) will require the successful completion of programmes that have been ratified against these standards. The importance of this document in a UK context cannot be understated. However, less parochially, learning outcomes contained in section 7 of the standards raise questions that require educator attention whenever politically sensitive topics (broadly conceived) are discussed. This study explores these questions insofar as they relate to the stance (neutrality or partisanship) that educators adopt in politicized discussion, and the management of student speech/expression. Pratt, Boll and Collins’ (2007) paper Towards a plurality of perspectives for nurse educators is recruited to structure argument.
Estimation of Dynamic Nonlinear Random Effects Models with Unbalanced Panels
Authors: Albarran Pedro , Carrasco Raquel , Carro Jesus M.
Published: June 2019

This paper presents estimation methods for dynamic nonlinear models with correlated random effects (CRE) when having unbalanced panels. Unbalancedness is often encountered in applied work and ignoring it in dynamic nonlinear models produces inconsistent estimates even if the unbalancedness process is completely at random. We show that selecting a balanced panel from the sample can produce efficiency losses or even inconsistent estimates of the average marginal effects. We allow the process that determines the unbalancedness structure of the data to be correlated with the permanent unobserved heterogeneity. We discuss how to address the estimation by maximizing the likelihood function for the whole sample and also propose a Minimum Distance approach, which is computationally simpler and asymptotically equivalent to the Maximum Likelihood estimation. Our Monte Carlo experiments and empirical illustration show that the issue is relevant. Our proposed solutions perform better both in terms of bias and RMSE than the approaches that ignore the unbalancedness or that balance the sample.
Comparison of efficacy of phased multipolar versus traditional radiofrequency ablation: A prospective, multicenter study (CAPCOST)
Authors: Essebag Vidal , Azizi Zahra , Alipour Pouria , Khaykin Yaariv , Leong‐Sit Peter , Sarrazin Jean‐Francois , Sturmer Marcio , Morillo Carlos , Terricabras Maria , Amit Guy , Roux Jean‐Francois , Patterson Sherri , Verma Atul
Published: June 2019

Background

Multipolar phased pulmonary vein ablation catheter (PVAC), specifically its second‐generation (PVAC‐Gold), has been associated with reduced procedural time for atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation compared to traditional catheters. We performed this study to compare the efficacy of PVAC with point‐by‐point radiofrequency (RF) ablation.

Methods

This is a multicenter‐cohort study (2012‐2017), involving patients with symptomatic, paroxysmal AF refractory to at least one antiarrhythmic medication. Overall, 230 patients were enrolled to (A) PVAC and (B) control groups. Subanalyses were done for ablations performed with PVAC‐Gold, and for ablations performed without left atrial (LA) ablation in addition to pulmonary vein isolation. Electrocardiogram and 48‐h Holter monitoring were used to assess patients at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months postablation. Recurrence was defined as any atrial arrhythmia >30 s excluding an initial 3‐month blanking period.

Results

Freedom from any atrial arrhythmia at 12 months postablation was 35.70% and 52.80% in groups A and B, respectively (P = .01). Freedom from atrial arrhythmia was not significantly different when limiting the PVAC cohort to PVAC‐Gold and excluding patients with additional LA ablation (A: 44.30%; B: 44.30%, P = .80). Procedural and ablation time was significantly lower in group A than B. Multivariate regression model showed female gender (odds ratio [OR] = 2.90) and recurrence during blanking period (OR = 6.60) as significant predictors of recurrence.

Conclusion

This study suggests that PVAC may achieve less freedom from AF than point‐by‐point RF; however, efficacy is similar when comparing PVAC‐Gold and point‐by‐point stand‐alone PV isolation. PVAC is associated with significantly reduced procedural times for AF ablation.
Live donor liver transplantation for type 1 tyrosinemia: An analysis of 15 patients
Authors: Karaca Can A. , Yilmaz Cahit , Farajov Rasim , Iakobadze Zaza , Aydogdu Sema , Kilic Murat
Published: June 2019

Type 1 tyrosinemia is a rare metabolic disorder of the tyrosine degradation pathway. Due to the rarity of the disease, the best evidence literature offers is limited to guidelines based on expert opinions and optimal treatment is still a debate. LT serves as a definitive treatment of the defective metabolic pathway in the liver along with other serious disease manifestations such as LF and HCC. Nitisinone is a relatively new agent that is currently recommended for the medical management of the disease. Its mechanism of action is well understood, and efficacy is well established when started presymptomatically. This study aims to evaluate outcomes of 15 patients with type 1 tyrosinemia who underwent LT in nitisinone era and discuss its effect on prevention of HCC. A LT database of 1037 patients was reviewed. Data from 15 patients with type 1 tyrosinemia were retrospectively analyzed. All the patients except one were treated with nitisinone prior to LT. Most common indications for LT were LF and suspicious nodules. Seven patients had HCC. Mortality rate was 20% (n = 3). Nitisinone treatment has opened new horizons in the management of type 1 tyrosinemia, but LT still remains the only option for the patients developing LF and in the event of HCC. Neonatal screening programs utilizing blood succinyl acetone as the marker should be encouraged especially in the countries, such as Turkey, with high prevalence of consanguineous marriages.
The Practical Significance of Measurement Error in Pulmonary Function Testing Conducted in Research Settings
Authors: Belzer Richard B. , Lewis R. Jeffrey
Published: June 2019

Conventional spirometry produces measurement error by using repeatability criteria (RC) to discard acceptable data and terminating tests early when RC are met. These practices also implicitly assume that there is no variation across maneuvers within each test. This has implications for air pollution regulations that rely on pulmonary function tests to determine adverse effects or set standards. We perform a Monte Carlo simulation of 20,902 tests of forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), each with eight maneuvers, for an individual with empirically obtained, plausibly normal pulmonary function. Default coefficients of variation for inter‐ and intratest variability (3% and 6%, respectively) are employed. Measurement error is defined as the difference between results from the conventional protocol and an unconstrained, eight‐maneuver alternative. In the default model, average measurement error is shown to be ∼5%. The minimum difference necessary for statistical significance at p < 0.05 for a before/after comparison is shown to be 16%. Meanwhile, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has deemed single‐digit percentage decrements in FEV1 sufficient to justify more stringent national ambient air quality standards. Sensitivity analysis reveals that results are insensitive to intertest variability but highly sensitive to intratest variability. Halving the latter to 3% reduces measurement error by 55%. Increasing it to 9% or 12% increases measurement error by 65% or 125%, respectively. Within‐day FEV1 differences ≤5% among normal subjects are believed to be clinically insignificant. Therefore, many differences reported as statistically significant are likely to be artifactual. Reliable data are needed to estimate intratest variability for the general population, subpopulations of interest, and research samples. Sensitive subpopulations (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD patients, asthmatics, children) are likely to have higher intratest variability, making it more difficult to derive valid statistical inferences about differences observed after treatment or exposure.
Risk Perception and Human Health Risk in Rural Communities Consuming Unregulated Well Water in Saskatchewan, Canada
Authors: Ford Lorelei , Waldner Cheryl , Sanchez Javier , Bharadwaj Lalita
Published: June 2019

Rural communities dependent on unregulated drinking water are potentially at increased health risk from exposure to contaminants. Perception of drinking water safety influences water consumption, exposure, and health risk. A community‐based participatory approach and probabilistic Bayesian methods were applied to integrate risk perception in a holistic human health risk assessment. Tap water arsenic concentrations and risk perception data were collected from two Saskatchewan communities. Drinking water health standards were exceeded in 67% (51/76) of households in Rural Municipality #184 (RM184) and 56% (25/45) in Beardy's and Okemasis First Nation (BOFN). There was no association between the presence of a health exceedance and risk perception. Households in RM184 or with an annual income >$50,000 were most likely to have in‐house water treatment. The probability of consuming tap water perceived as safe (92%) or not safe (0%) suggested that households in RM184 were unlikely to drink water perceived as not safe. The probability of drinking tap water perceived as safe (77%) or as not safe (11%) suggested households in BOFN contradicted their perception and consumed water perceived as unsafe. Integration of risk perception lowered the adult incremental lifetime cancer risk by 3% to 1.3 × 10−5 (95% CI 8.4 × 10−8 to 9.0 × 10−5) for RM184 and by 8.9 × 10−6 (95% CI 2.2 × 10−7 to 5.9 × 10−5) for BOFN. Probability of exposure to arsenic concentrations >1:100,000, negligible cancer risk, was 23% for RM184 and 22% for BOFN.
Correlation of serum and synovial leptin concentrations with body condition scores in healthy and osteoarthritic dogs
Authors: Kleine Stephanie A. , Sanderson Sherry L. , George Clinton , Roth Ira , Gogal Robert M. , Thaliath Mary Ann , Budsberg Steven C.
Published: June 2019

Objective

To evaluate the relationship between serum and synovial fluid (SF) leptin concentrations and body condition score (BCS) in healthy and osteoarthritic dogs.

Study design

Controlled, prospective, clinical study.

Animals

Nineteen healthy dogs and 29 dogs with osteoarthritis (OA) secondary to cranial cruciate ligament injury.

Methods

Synovial fluid was obtained from the femorotibial joint under sedation (healthy dogs) or during surgery (OA dogs). Serum and SF leptin and interleukin (IL)‐1β concentrations were measured via enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Dogs were classified as optimal weight (BCS 4–5/9) or overweight (BCS >5/9). Radiographs were scored for OA severity by a radiologist. Owners completed the Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs (LOAD) questionnaire.

Results

Mean (± SD) SF leptin (4.09 ± 4 ng/mL) was lower than serum leptin (6.88 ± 5.52 ng/mL, P < .0001). Synovial fluid leptin was higher in overweight (5.28 ± 4.21) than in optimal body weight dogs (1.54 ± 1.72 ng/mL, P < .0001). Serum (P < .001) and SF leptin (P = .004) concentrations were associated with BCS. Concentration of SF leptin did not differ between healthy (2.4 ± 2.04 ng/mL) and OA (4.9 ± 4.3 ng/mL, P = .25) dogs. Synovial fluid leptin and LOAD scores were weakly associated (P = .03). No association was detected between SF leptin and radiographic score or IL‐1β (P = .73).

Conclusion

Serum and SF leptin correlated with BCS in this population. Synovial fluid leptin was weakly associated with LOAD scores but not with radiographic severity of OA or IL‐1β.

Clinical significance

Serum and SF leptin concentrations do not predict radiographic severity of canine OA but contribute to joint pain and dysfunction.
The Kachruvian paradigm and its range and depth of influence
Authors: Pakir Anne
Published: June 2019

World Englishes (WE) is at an inflexion point: first, we witnessed the recent passing of its founding father, Braj B. Kachru in 2016, his co‐founding editor of the journal World Englishes, Larry E. Smith in 2014, and his wife and collaborator, Yamuna Kachru in 2013. They formed a triumvirate influencing generations of scholars on English as a global language in a multilingual world. Second, globalization coupled with ultra‐connectivity has given rise to new modalities of English world‐wide, bringing into question the relevance of WE. My research, observing and theorizing the range and depth of scholarship arising from the WE paradigm and my thinking on bilingualism and language management issues have been influenced by Kachru's notions of plurality and inclusivity and the sociolinguistic reality of English use, especially in the Outer Circle of English‐using communities. Kachru similarly made an impact on scholars working on related theoretical paradigms regarding English as a dynamic global language. His legacy will be assessed, leading us to ponder on WE beyond the Kachruvian era.
Reconsidering Kachru's work on Englishes in their multilingual ecologies
Authors: Van Rooy Bertus
Published: June 2019

This paper revisits Kachru's views on variability in English and the multilingual contexts in which English came to be used in the Outer Circle. Criticism of his views are considered, and shown to be invalid, often because of partial readings of Kachru's overall set of ideas. Variability arises due to nativisation and indigenisation in new contexts, and not only the failure of learners to acquire the target language. Variants are often selected in a functionally motivated fashion, making English useful to users in the Outer Circle. Multilingualism fosters the emergence of hybrid communicative practices and motivated choices between codes to perform various communicative functions. Overlooking the multilingual context leads to a reductionist view of total repertoire of codes of multilingual users. Kachru maintains the usefulness of the construct of a code that informs language use. Such a code needs to be construed as dynamic and emergent, rather than aprioristic, though.
Randomized Controlled Trials and Quasi‐Experimental Studies Published in Nursing Journals: Findings From a Scoping Review With Implications for Further Research
Authors: Gonella Silvia , Di Giulio Paola , Palese Alvisa , Dimonte Valerio , Campagna Sara
Published: June 2019

Background

Experimental studies are considered capable of generating substantial evidence; therefore, their production and diffusion are continuously encouraged. However, their trends as publication outputs in nursing journals have rarely been evaluated to date.

Aims

To describe experimental study design features among the highest indexed nursing journals.

Methods

A scoping review was performed by retrieving and analyzing experimental studies published between 2009 and 2016 in nursing journals with a 5‐year impact factor >1.5 according to Thomson's Journal Citation Reports.

Results

A total of 602 studies were reviewed and 340 (56%) were included; in all, 298/340 (87.6%) were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 37/340 (10.9%) pilot studies. The publication trend exhibited a fluctuating pattern with a slight decrease over time (from 54 studies in 2009 to 32 in 2016). Researchers working in Asia and Europe have published more frequently in the selected journals. Published studies most often involved oncological (n = 69, 20%), surgical (n = 41, 12%), and elderly patients (n = 38, 11%). Educational and supportive (n = 119, 35%) interventions were mainly tested for effectiveness. Approximately half of studies enrolled <100 patients, and only two‐thirds had included an a priori sample size calculation. Less than one quarter (n = 76) of the research teams were multiprofessional, and 70% of studies were funded, generally, by public institutions.

Linking Evidence to Action

A broad range of research questions has been investigated to date by using experimental study designs. However, study methods and multidisciplinary collaborations must be enhanced with the intent of producing large‐scale and methodologically sound studies. Furthermore, reasons for limited funding and, particularly, the lack of support from private funding should be further investigated.
Extended Camus Theory and Higher Order Conjugated Curves
Authors: Chan Cody Leeheng , Ting Kwun-Lon
Published: June 2019

According to Camus’ theorem, for a single degree-of-freedom (DOF) three-body system with the three instant centers staying coincident, a point embedded on a body traces a pair of conjugated curves on the other two bodies. This paper discusses a fundamental issue not addressed in Camus’ theorem in the context of higher order curvature theory. Following the Aronhold–Kennedy theorem, in a single degree-of-freedom three-body system, the three instant centers must lie on a straight line. This paper proposes that if the line of the three instant centers is stationary (i.e., slide along itself) on the line of the instant centers, a point embedded on a body traces a pair of conjugated curves on the other two bodies. Another case is that if the line of the three instant centers rotates about a stationary point, the stationary point embedded on a body also traces a pair of conjugated curves on the other two bodies. The paper demonstrates the use of instantaneous invariants to synthesize such a three-body system leading to a conjugate curve-pair generation. It is a supplement or extension of Camus’ theorem. Camus’ theorem may be regarded as a special singular case, in which all three instant centers are coincident.
A modification of the scale illusion into a detection task for assessment of binaural streaming
Authors: Janssen Niclas A. , Marozeau Jeremy , Bramsløw Lars , Riis Søren
Published: June 2019

Binaural streaming by frequency-proximity was investigated without subjective listener-feedback by modifying the scale illusion of Deutsch [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 57, 1156–1160 (1975)] into a detection-task. Nineteen listeners had to detect one deviation within a repeating melody stream, while simultaneously presented with a randomized distractor stream. Every second note in each stream was presented to the opposite ear, requiring binaural streaming to detect the deviant. Listeners performed well in this test but adding interaural delay or timbre-difference let the listeners group by lateralization instead. This confirms the grouping by frequency-proximity. The method could be used to investigate binaural streaming in hearing-impaired patients, where interaural percepts might differ.
Prevalence of Meeting Physical Activity, Screen-Time, and Sleep Guidelines Among Children and Adolescents With and Without Visual Impairments in the United States
Authors: Haegele Justin A. , Aigner Carrie J. , Healy Sean
Published: June 2019

The purpose of this study was to compare the degree to which children and adolescents with and without visual impairments (VIs) met national physical activity, screen-time, and sleep guidelines. This observational, cross-sectional analysis of the 2016 National Survey of Children’s Health focused on children (age 6–12 yr) and adolescents (age 13–17 yr) with and without VIs. The sample included 241 (weighted n = 472,127) and 17,610 (weighted n = 28,249,833) children, and 255 (weighted n = 505,401) and 17,417 (weighted n = 20,071,557) adolescents with and without VIs, respectively. Chi-square statistics were computed to examine the degree to which participants with and without VIs met health-behavior guidelines. Children (p = .02) with VIs were less likely to meet screen-time guidelines, but adolescents with VIs were not (p = .87). VI status was not associated with the likelihood of meeting physical activity or sleep guidelines (p < .05). Low numbers of children and adolescents with and without VIs meeting health-behavior guidelines warrant targeted interventions aimed at enhancing engagement.
Intravenous Immunoglobulin Administration Significantly Increases BKPyV Genotype-Specific Neutralizing Antibody Titers in Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: Velay Aurélie , Solis Morgane , Benotmane Ilies , Gantner Pierre , Soulier Eric , Moulin Bruno , Caillard Sophie , Fafi-Kremer Samira
Published: June 2019

BK polyomavirus (BKPyV)-associated nephropathy (BKPyVAN) is one of the major causes of kidney graft dysfunction, and there are no BKPyV-specific antiviral therapies available. BKPyV neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) play key roles in protecting against BKPyV replication and represent a potential therapeutic or preventive strategy. In this study, we evaluated NAb titers in intravenous immunoglobulin (i.v. Ig) preparations and in kidney transplant recipients (KTR) before and after i.v.
New Perspectives on Galleria mellonella Larvae as a Host Model Using Riemerella anatipestifer as a Proof of Concept
Authors: Liu Mafeng , Huang Mi , Huang Li , Biville Francis , Zhu Dekang , Wang Mingshu , Jia Renyong , Chen Shun , Zhao Xinxin , Yang Qiao , Wu Ying , Zhang Shaqiu , Huang Juan , Tian Bin , Chen Xiaoyue , Liu Yunya , Zhang Ling , Yu Yanling , Pan Leichang , Ur Rehman Mujeeb , Cheng Anchun
Published: June 2019

Galleria mellonellalarvae have been used as a host model to study interactions between pathogens and hosts for several years. However, whether the model is useful to interrogateRiemerella anatipestiferinfection biology remained unknown. This study aimed to exploit the potential ofG. mellonellalarvae and reveal their limitations as a host model forR. anatipestiferinfection.G. mellonellalarvae were shown to be effective for virulence evaluations of differentR. anatipestiferstrains.
TAF Family Proteins and MEF2C Are Essential for Epstein-Barr Virus Super-Enhancer Activity
Authors: Wang Chong , Jiang Sizun , Zhang Luyao , Li Difei , Liang Jun , Narita Yohei , Hou Isabella , Zhong Qian , Gewurz Benjamin E. , Teng Mingxiang , Zhao Bo
Published: June 2019

SEs play critical roles in cancer development. Since SEs assemble much bigger protein complexes on enhancers than typical enhancers (TEs), they are more sensitive than TEs to perturbations. Understanding the protein composition of SEs that are linked to key oncogenes may identify novel therapeutic targets. A genome-wide CRISPR screen specifically identified proteins essential for MYC ESE activity but not simian virus 40 (SV40) enhancer. These proteins not only were essential for the reporter activity but also were also important for MYC expression and LCL growth. Targeting these proteins may lead to new therapies for EBV-associated cancers.
Correlation between Disease Severity and the Intestinal Microbiome in Mycobacterium tuberculosis-Infected Rhesus Macaques
Authors: Namasivayam Sivaranjani , Kauffman Keith D. , McCulloch John A. , Yuan Wuxing , Thovarai Vishal , Mittereder Lara R. , Trinchieri Giorgio , Barber Daniel L. , Sher Alan
Published: June 2019

Why some but not all individuals infected with
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
develop disease is poorly understood. Previous studies have revealed an important influence of the microbiota on host resistance to infection with a number of different disease agents. Here, we investigated the possible role of the individual’s microbiome in impacting the outcome of
M. tuberculosis
infection in rhesus monkeys experimentally exposed to this important human pathogen. Although
M. tuberculosis
infection itself caused only minor alterations in the composition of the gut microbiota in these animals, we observed a significant correlation between an individual monkey’s microbiome and the severity of pulmonary disease. More importantly, this correlation between microbiota structure and disease outcome was evident even prior to infection. Taken together, our findings suggest that the composition of the microbiome may be a useful predictor of tuberculosis progression in infected individuals either directly because of the microbiome’s direct influence on host resistance or indirectly because of its association with other host factors that have this influence. This calls for exploration of the potential of the microbiota composition as a predictive biomarker through carefully designed prospective studies.
Antibody Treatment against Angiopoietin-Like 4 Reduces Pulmonary Edema and Injury in Secondary Pneumococcal Pneumonia
Authors: Li Liang , Foo Benjamin Jie Wei , Kwok Ka Wai , Sakamoto Noriho , Mukae Hiroshi , Izumikawa Koichi , Mandard Stéphane , Quenot Jean-Pierre , Lagrost Laurent , Teh Wooi Keong , Singh Kohli Gurjeet , Zhu Pengcheng , Choi Hyungwon , Buist Martin Lindsay , Seet Ju Ee , Yang Liang , He Fang , Kwong Chow Vincent Tak , Tan Nguan Soon
Published: June 2019

Despite extensive global efforts, secondary bacterial pneumonia still represents a major cause of death in developing countries and is an important cause of long-term functional disability arising from lung tissue damage. Newer approaches to improving treatment outcomes are needed to reduce the significant morbidity and mortality caused by infectious diseases. Our study, using an experimental mouse model of secondary
S. pneumoniae
infection, shows that a multimodal treatment that concurrently targets host and pathogen factors improved lung tissue integrity and extended the median survival time of infected mice. The immunoneutralization of host protein cANGPTL4 reduced the severity of pulmonary edema and damage. We show that host-directed therapeutic strategies as well as neutralizing antibodies against pathogen virulence factors are viable adjuncts to standard antimicrobial treatments such as antibiotics. In view of their different modes of action compared to antibiotics, concurrent immunotherapies using antibodies are potentially efficacious against secondary pneumococcal pneumonia caused by antibiotic-resistant pathogens.
High-Throughput Recovery and Characterization of Metagenome-Derived Glycoside Hydrolase-Containing Clones as a Resource for Biocatalyst Development
Authors: Armstrong Zachary , Liu Feng , Kheirandish Sam , Chen Hong-Ming , Mewis Keith , Duo Tianmeng , Morgan-Lang Connor , Hallam Steven J. , Withers Stephen G.
Published: June 2019

The generation of new biocatalysts for plant biomass degradation and glycan synthesis has typically relied on the characterization and investigation of one or a few enzymes at a time. By coupling functional metagenomic screening and high-throughput functional characterization, we can progress beyond the current scale of catalyst discovery and provide rapid annotation of catalyst function. By functionally screening environmental DNA from many diverse sources, we have generated a suite of active glycoside hydrolase-containing clones and demonstrated their reaction parameters. We then demonstrated the utility of this collection through the generation of a new catalyst for the formation of azido-modified glycans. Further interrogation of this collection of clones will expand our biocatalytic toolbox, with potential application to biomass deconstruction and synthesis of glycans.
Temperate Bacteriophages from Chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa Lung Infections Show Disease-Specific Changes in Host Range and Modulate Antimicrobial Susceptibility
Authors: Tariq Mohammad A. , Everest Francesca L. C. , Cowley Lauren A. , Wright Rosanna , Holt Giles S. , Ingram Hazel , Duignan Liberty A. M. , Nelson Andrew , Lanyon Clare V. , Perry Audrey , Perry John D. , Bourke Stephen , Brockhurst Michael A. , Bridge Simon H. , De Soyza Anthony , Smith Darren L.
Published: June 2019

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
is a key opportunistic respiratory pathogen in patients with cystic fibrosis and non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis. The genomes of these pathogens are enriched with mobile genetic elements including diverse temperate phages. While the temperate phages of the Liverpool epidemic strain have been shown to be active in the human lung and enhance fitness in a rat lung infection model, little is known about their mobilization more broadly across
P. aeruginosa
in chronic respiratory infection. Using a novel metagenomic approach, we identified eight groups of temperate phages that were mobilized from 94 clinical
P. aeruginosa
isolates. Temperate phages from
P. aeruginosa
isolated from more advanced disease showed high infectivity rates across a wide range of
P. aeruginosa
genotypes. Furthermore, we showed that multiple phages altered the susceptibility of PAO1 to antibiotics at subinhibitory concentrations.
Physician’s role in prescribing opioids in developing countries
Authors: Roa Jorge A , Guevara Alexandra , Guevara Carolina , Guevara-Aguirre Jaime
Published: June 2019

In developed countries, addressing the growing opioid addiction epidemic is focused on preventive measures, developing better overdose-reversal medications and designing newer strategies to treat addiction. Primary prescribers of the therapeutic use of opioids might play a definite role in the aetiology of the epidemics. Developing countries could be affected by similar issues; however, given that no updated statistics are available, it is possible that their populations undergo problems similar to those for which current data is available. Concerns have arisen regarding synthetic opioid tramadol which, given its fast and potent analgesic effects, low cost and easy availability is widely prescribed. A debate remains as to whether tramadol induces addictive effects like those of stronger analogues such as oxycodone or fentanyl. Here we present a case of tramadol dependence in an Ecuadorian patient and find that substance abuse can occur in normal individuals affected by chronic pain, otherwise treatable with standard methods.
Unexpected benefit from an ‘old’ metronomic chemotherapy regimen in advanced chordoma
Authors: Spalato Ceruso Mariella , Napolitano Andrea , Silletta Marianna , Vincenzi Bruno
Published: June 2019

In this case report, we describe an older adult man affected by advanced chordoma progressing after treatment with cisplatin and imatinib. The patient was symptomatic for uncontrolled pain. We decided to treat the patient with metronomic cyclophosphamide, unexpectedly achieving long-lasting clinical and radiological benefit.
Deep vein thrombosis of the left arm revealing an asymptomatic pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Hariz Anis , Guermazi Mouna , Hamdi Mohamed Salah , Boukhris Imen
Published: June 2019

Although not frequent, thromboembolic events occurring in patient presenting tuberculosis may be observed. Frequency of such thromboembolic events seems correlated with the severity of tuberculosis. We herein report a case of venous thrombosis revealing an asymptomatic tuberculosis. A man aged 32 years was admitted for deep and superficial vein thrombosis of the left arm. Chest CT angiography ruled out pulmonary embolism and showed a mediastinal and pulmonary heterogeneous necrotic mass at the apical segment of the left lung. Histological study of a CT scan-guided pulmonary biopsy showed signs of caseating granuloma compatible with tuberculosis. Diagnosis of venous thrombosis due to pulmonary tuberculosis with lymph nodes involvement was made. Antituberculosis treatment was initiated and required an adjustment of anticoagulant therapy. Our observation highlights the possibility of causative effect between tuberculosis and venous thrombosis.