bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Agreement Between Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry and Quantitative Ultrasound to Evaluate Bone Health in Adolescents: The PRO-BONE Study
Authors: Torres-Costoso Ana , Vlachopoulos Dimitris , Ubago-Guisado Esther , Ferri-Morales Asunción , Cavero-Redondo Iván , Martínez-Vizcaino Vicente , Gracia-Marco Luis
Published: May 2018

Purpose: The present study aims to investigate the association between dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and quantitative ultrasound (QUS) parameters and the intermethods agreement in active males. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, bone health (by DXA and calcaneal QUS), physical activity (by accelerometers), and anthropometrics measurements were assessed in 117 active adolescents (12–14 y old). Bivariate correlation coefficients were calculated to assess the relationships between DXA standard regions of interest and QUS parameters. Intraclass correlation coefficients and Bland–Altman plots were used to assess the level of agreement between bone mineral content regions derived from DXA and stiffness index. The measurements were z score transformed for comparison. Results: Most QUS parameters were positive and significantly correlated with DXA outcomes (stiffness index: r = .43–.52; broadband ultrasound attenuation: r = .50–.58; speed of sound: r = .25–.27) with the hip showing the highest correlations. Moreover, the present study found fair to good intraclass correlation coefficients of agreement (.60–.68) between DXA and QUS to assess bone health. The Bland–Altman analysis showed a limited percentage of outliers (3.2%–8.6%). Conclusion: QUS device could represent an acceptable alternative method to assess bone health in active adolescent males.
Discovery and Broad Relevance May Be Insignificant Components of Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs) for Non-Biology Majors
Authors: Ballen Cissy J. , Thompson Seth K. , Blum Jessamina E. , Newstrom Nicholas P. , Cotner Sehoya
Published: May 2018

Course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) are a type of laboratory learning environment associated with a science course, in which undergraduates participate in novel research. According to Auchincloss et al. (CBE Life Sci Educ 2104; 13:29–40), CUREs are distinct from other laboratory learning environments because they possess five core design components, and while national calls to improve STEM education have led to an increase in CURE programs nationally, less work has specifically focused on which core components are critical to achieving desired student outcomes. Here we use a backward elimination experimental design to test the importance of two CURE components for a population of non-biology majors: the experience of discovery and the production of data broadly relevant to the scientific or local community. We found nonsignificant impacts of either laboratory component on students’ academic performance, science self-efficacy, sense of project ownership, and perceived value of the laboratory experience. Our results challenge the assumption that all core components of CUREs are essential to achieve positive student outcomes when applied at scale.
Using Tobamoviruses for Phylogenetic Instruction in Undergraduate Biology Courses
Authors: Fillmer Kornelia , Adkins Scott , Pongam Patchara , D’Elia Tom
Published: May 2018

Microbial diversity and taxonomy instruction provide an ideal opportunity to introduce students to basic bioinformatics skills. There are many ways to illustrate evolutionary relationships between microorganisms using phylogenetic trees. Thought must be given to the method of presentation used in class because interpreting complex trees can be quite challenging for students. Here we present a simple activity that teaches the fundamental bioinformatics skills of multiple sequence alignments and phylogenetics by using Tropical soda apple mosaic virus and other tobamoviruses that produce trees that are easy to interpret. Tobamoviruses are important agricultural pathogens and have well defined phylogenetic groupings that correspond to the phylogenetic groupings of host plant families. This clear pattern illustrates the coevolution of the virus and host, and makes interpreting relationships based on these trees very straightforward. The organization of the trees also indicates related plants that a given virus may potentially infect, making this type of analysis useful for developing measures to limit spread and minimize economic impacts. The simplicity of the analysis, coupled with the real-world application in agricultural science, helps actively engage students in a topic that is challenging to learn. This activity is broadly adaptable, and can be introduced as a learning module in courses covering topics in microbiology, molecular biology, genetics and evolution. Completion of this activity provides students with key foundational skills for phylogenetic analysis and the confidence to utilize bioinformatics software.
How to do a postgraduate research project and write a minor thesis
Authors: Duke Trevor
Published: May 2018

Many universities and colleges in low-income and middle-income countries require a masters dissertation or thesis for as part of postgraduate training, and some colleges offer a 1-year to 2-year diploma of child health as a clinical qualification to enable skills in child health for generalists, or as part of the early phase of paediatric training. This paper describes the stages of doing a research project for such a masters or diploma, and describes in detail how to write a minor thesis. The paper is designed to provide a practical approach for junior researchers, and their supervisors. Colleges differ in their formal requirements of a minor thesis (word count, line spacing, referencing style), but this paper outlines the principles and practical issues rarely covered elsewhere.
Digital health in the Americas: advances and challenges in connected health
Authors: Novillo-Ortiz David , Dumit Elsy Maria , D’Agostino Marcelo , Becerra-Posada Francisco , Kelley Edward Talbott , Torrent-Sellens Joan , Jiménez-Zarco Ana , Saigí-Rubió Francesc
Published: May 2018

In 2005, all WHO Member States pledged to fight for universal health coverage (UHC). The availability of financial, human and technological resources seems to be necessary to develop efficient health policies and also to offer UHC. One of the main challenges facing the health sector comes from the need to innovate efficiently. The intense use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in the health field evidences a notable improvement in results obtained by institutions, health professionals and patients, principally in developed countries. In the Americas, the relationship between economic development and health innovation is not particularly evident. Data from 19 of 35 countries surveyed in the 2015 Third Global Survey on eHealth for the region of the Americas were analysed. 52.6% of the countries of the Americas have a national policy or strategy for UHC. 57.9% of the countries in the sample indicate that they have a national eHealth policy or strategy, but only 26.3% have an entity that supervises the quality, safety and reliability regulations for mobile health applications. The survey data indicate that high-income and low-income to middle-income countries show higher percentages in relation to the existence of entities that promote innovation. These countries also exceed 60%—compared with 40% and 50% in lower-income countries—in all cases regarding the use of eHealth practices, such as mobile health, remote patient monitoring or telehealth. 100% of low-income countries report offering ICT training to healthcare professionals, compared with 83% of wealthy countries and 81% of middle-income to high-income countries.
Evaluation of person-level heterogeneity of treatment effects in published multiperson N-of-1 studies: systematic review and reanalysis
Authors: Raman Gowri , Balk Ethan M , Lai Lana , Shi Jennifer , Chan Jeffrey , Lutz Jennifer S , Dubois Robert W , Kravitz Richard L , Kent David M
Published: May 2018

Objective

Individual patients with the same condition may respond differently to similar treatments. Our aim is to summarise the reporting of person-level heterogeneity of treatment effects (HTE) in multiperson N-of-1 studies and to examine the evidence for person-level HTE through reanalysis.

Study design

Systematic review and reanalysis of multiperson N-of-1 studies.

Data sources

Medline, Cochrane Controlled Trials, EMBASE, Web of Science and review of references through August 2017 for N-of-1 studies published in English.

Study selection

N-of-1 studies of pharmacological interventions with at least two subjects.

Data synthesis

Citation screening and data extractions were performed in duplicate. We performed statistical reanalysis testing for person-level HTE on all studies presenting person-level data.

Results

We identified 62 multiperson N-of-1 studies with at least two subjects. Statistical tests examining HTE were described in only 13 (21%), of which only two (3%) tested person-level HTE. Only 25 studies (40%) provided person-level data sufficient to reanalyse person-level HTE. Reanalysis using a fixed effect linear model identified statistically significant person-level HTE in 8 of the 13 studies (62%) reporting person-level treatment effects and in 8 of the 14 studies (57%) reporting person-level outcomes.

Conclusions

Our analysis suggests that person-level HTE is common and often substantial. Reviewed studies had incomplete information on person-level treatment effects and their variation. Improved assessment and reporting of person-level treatment effects in multiperson N-of-1 studies are needed.
Equity and intrapartum care by skilled birth attendant globally: protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Kachikis Alisa , Moller Ann-Beth , Allen Tomas , Say Lale , Chou Doris
Published: May 2018

Introduction

Equity is a cross-cutting theme within the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and central to the effort to improve maternal and child health globally. One key strategy to prevent maternal death set out in SDG 3 is assistance by a skilled birth attendant (SBA) at childbirth (indicator 3.1.2). However, the increased coverage of SBAs globally has not been reflected by the same degree of decrease in maternal mortality and has been reported to have higher levels of inequality than other maternal health interventions. There is a need to evaluate the extent of inequity in intrapartum care by SBAs and evaluate themes in determinants of inequity across regions and specific country characteristics.

Methods and analysis

The protocol for this review follows The Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses with equity extension 2012 guidelines. Studies of all languages and from all countries from 2004, the year when the WHO/ICM/FIGO joint statement on SBAs was published, and onwards will be included. PubMed/MEDLINE, CINAHL Complete, the Cochrane Library, POPLINE, the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Index Medicus, and grey literature will be searched. Our primary outcome is intrapartum care by SBA. Studies will be included if they evaluate equity and its determinants adapted from the Progress-Plus grouping of characteristics affecting health outcomes. Results will be stratified based on WHO, World Bank Group income and SDG regional groupings.

Ethics and dissemination

This review is a secondary analysis of published literature and does not require ethics review. Results will provide information regarding equity in intrapartum care by SBAs globally and will inform development of indicators for monitoring of inequity as well as global policy related to intrapartum care and maternal mortality. Results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed manuscript, international conferences and stakeholder websites.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42017069021.
Assessing whether early attention of very preterm infants can be improved by an omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid intervention: a follow-up of a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Gould Jacqueline F , Colombo John , Collins Carmel T , Makrides Maria , Hewawasam Erandi , Smithers Lisa G
Published: May 2018

Introduction

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) accumulates in the frontal lobes (responsible for higher-order cognitive skills) of the fetal brain during the last trimester of pregnancy. Infants born preterm miss some of this in utero provision of DHA, and have an increased risk of suboptimal neurodevelopment. It is thought that supplementing infants born preterm with DHA may improve developmental outcomes. The aim of this follow-up is to determine whether DHA supplementation in infants born preterm can improve areas of the brain associated with frontal lobe function, namely attention and distractibility.

Methods and analysis

We will assess a subset of children from the N-3 (omega-3) Fatty Acids for Improvement in Respiratory Outcomes (N3RO) multicentre double-blind randomised controlled trial of DHA supplementation. Infants born <29 weeks’ completed gestation were randomised to receive an enteral emulsion containing 60 mg/kg/day of DHA or a control emulsion from within the first 3 days of enteral feeding until 36 weeks’ postmenstrual age.

Children will undergo multiple measures of attention at 18 months’ corrected age. The primary outcome is the average time to be distracted when attention is focused on a toy. Secondary outcomes are other aspects of attention, and (where possible) an assessment of cognition, language and motor development with the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition.

A minimum of 72 children will be assessed to ensure 85% power to detect an effect on the primary outcome. Families, and research personnel are blinded to group assignment. All analyses will be conducted according to the intention-to-treat principal.

Ethics and dissemination

All procedures were approved by the relevant institutional ethics committees prior to commencement of the study. Results will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journal publications and academic presentations.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12612000503820; Pre-results.
Relevance ofMTHFRpolymorphisms with response to fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy in oesophagogastric cancer: a meta-analysis
Authors: Zhong Lei , Fu Qi , Zhou Shu , Chen Lu , Peng Qian
Published: May 2018

Objective

To evaluate the association between methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) polymorphisms and the response to fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy in oesophagogastric cancer.

Design

Meta-analysis.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Embase and Web of Science databases from inception up to October 2017 for relevant studies. The statistical analysis was performed using STATA V.12.0 software. The pooled ORs and 95% CIs were used to assess the strength of the association under the allele, dominant and recessive models. We also conducted subgroup analysis stratified by cancer type, ethnicity and study design. Additionally, the sensitivity analysis was performed by sequential omission of individual studies, and the publication bias was detected using both Begg’s test and Egger’s test.

Results

A total of 2020 patients from 12 studies were included in this meta-analysis. The results showed that there was no significant association betweenMTHFRC677T (rs1801133) and A1298C (rs1801131) polymorphisms and the clinical response to fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy under all of the three genetic models (T vs C: OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.76 to 1.15; C vs A: OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.56 to 1.40. CT+TT vs CC: OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.72 to 1.23; AC+CC vs AA: OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.47 to 1.35. TT vs CC+CT: OR 1.02, 95% CI 0.74 to 1.39; CC vs AA+AC: OR 1.15, 95% CI 0.50 to 2.67). When stratified by cancer type, ethnicity or study design, the association was still not significant in all subgroups.

Conclusions

This meta-analysis suggested thatMTHFRpolymorphisms could not be considered as reliable factors for predicting the response to fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy in oesophagogastric cancer.
Variation in minimum desired cardiovascular disease-free longevity benefit from statin and antihypertensive medications: a cross-sectional study of patient and primary care physician perspectives
Authors: Jaspers Nicole E M , Visseren Frank L J , Numans Mattijs E , Smulders Yvo M , van Loenen Martinet Fere A , van der Graaf Yolanda , Dorresteijn Jannick A N
Published: May 2018

Objective

Expressing therapy benefit from a lifetime perspective, instead of only a 10-year perspective, is both more intuitive and of growing importance in doctor–patient communication. In cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention, lifetime estimates are increasingly accessible via online decision tools. However, it is unclear what gain in life expectancy is considered meaningful by those who would use the estimates in clinical practice. We therefore quantified lifetime and 10-year benefit thresholds at which physicians and patients perceive statin and antihypertensive therapy as meaningful, and compared the thresholds with clinically attainable benefit.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Settings

(1) continuing medical education conference in December 2016 for primary care physicians;(2) information session in April 2017 for patients.

Participants

400 primary care physicians and 523 patients in the Netherlands.

Outcome

Months gain of CVD-free life expectancy at which lifelong statin therapy is perceived as meaningful, and months gain at which 10 years of statin and antihypertensive therapy is perceived as meaningful. Physicians were framed as users for lifelong and prescribers for 10-year therapy.

Results

Meaningful benefit was reported as median (IQR). Meaningful lifetime statin benefit was 24 months (IQR 23–36) in physicians (as users) and 42 months (IQR 12–42) in patients willing to consider therapy. Meaningful 10-year statin benefit was 12 months (IQR 10–12) for prescribing (physicians) and 14 months (IQR 10–14) for using (patients). Meaningful 10-year antihypertensive benefit was 12 months (IQR 8–12) for prescribing (physicians) and 14 months (IQR 10–14) for using (patients). Women desired greater benefit than men. Age, CVD status and co-medication had minimal effects on outcomes.

Conclusion

Both physicians and patients report a large variation in meaningful longevity benefit. Desired benefit differs between physicians and patients and exceeds what is clinically attainable. Clinicians should recognise these discrepancies when prescribing therapy and implement individualised medicine and shared decision-making. Decision tools could provide information on realistic therapy benefit.
Improving adherence to hepatitis C screening guidelines
Authors: Trinh Jane , Turner Nicholas
Published: May 2018

Background

Hepatitis C (HCV) is a viral liver disease that can result in cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, liver transplantation or death. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that 2.7–3.9 million Americans are living with HCV, yet the majority are unaware. Starting in 2013, both CDC and US Preventative Services Task Force guidelines agreed in recommending HCV screening for all those born between 1945 and 1965 yet many clinics have been slow to adopt screening.

Objective

We designed a quality improvement project seeking to improve HCV screening rates among patients seen for new or annual visits to ≥90% over a 3-year period in an academic primary care clinic.

Methods

Screening rates were assessed through repeated review of charts (50 per cycle or 300 charts total, roughly 35% of eligible visits) as a series of interventions were executed. Sustainability was assessed by repeating an additional 50-chart analysis 1 year after completion of the study interventions. At the conclusion of the study, a post hoc analysis of socioeconomic factors was undertaken to determine whether gender, income or ethnicity might affect screening rates.

Results

Over 6 cycles of interventions, screening rates improved from 24% to ≥90%. Screening rates remained at 88% 1 year after completion of the interventions. The most effective interventions used reminders built into our electronic medical record and informed providers of their personal HCV screening rates relative to the clinic as a whole. Our post hoc analysis found that lower socioeconomic standing and white race were associated with reduced likelihood of screening.

Conclusions

Provider adoption of new HCV screening guidelines can be markedly and sustainably increased with electronic medical record prompts as well as directed feedback informing providers of their personal screening rates compared with colleagues.
Cardiomyopathy, oxidative stress and impaired contractility in a rheumatoid arthritis mouse model
Authors: Pironti Gianluigi , Bersellini-Farinotti Alex , Agalave Nilesh M , Sandor Katalin , Fernandez-Zafra Teresa , Jurczak Alexandra , Lund Lars H , Svensson Camilla I , Andersson Daniel C
Published: May 2018

Objectives

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) display an increased risk of heart failure independent of traditional cardiovascular risk factors. To elucidate myocardial disease in RA, we have investigated molecular and cellular remodelling of the heart in an established mouse model of RA.

Methods

The collagen antibody-induced arthritis (CAIA) RA mouse model is characterised by joint inflammation and increased inflammatory markers in the serum. We used CAIA mice in the postinflammatory phase that resembles medically controlled RA or RA in remission. Hearts were collected for cardiomyocyte isolation, biochemistry and histology analysis.

Results

Hearts from mice subjected to CAIA displayed hypertrophy (heart/body weight, mean±SD: 5.9±0.8vs 5.1±0.7 mg/g, p<0.05), fibrosis and reduced left ventricular fractional shortening compared with control. Cardiomyocytes from CAIA mice showed reduced cytosolic [Ca2+]i transient amplitudes (F/F0, mean±SD: 3.0±1.2vs 3.6±1.5, p<0.05) that was linked to reductions in sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ store (F/F0, mean±SD: 3.5±1.3vs 4.4±1.3, p<0.01) measured with Ca2+ imaging. This was associated to lower fractional shortening in the cardiomyocytes from the CAIA mice (%FS, mean±SD: 3.4±2.2 vs 4.6%±2.3%, p<0.05). Ca2+ handling proteins displayed oxidation-dependent posttranslational modifications that together with an increase in superoxide dismutase expression indicate a cell environment with oxidative stress.

Conclusions

This study shows that inflammation during active RA has long-term consequences on molecular remodelling and contractile function of the heart, which further supports that rheumatology patients should be followed for development of heart failure.
Why is building psychological resilience relevant to UK Service personnel in order to improve military mental health?
Authors: Daffey-Moore Emma
Published: May 2018

This article will aim to give an overview of stress and resilience, briefly exploring current definitions. It will try to identify why psychological resilience is relevant in the military context and suggest why the UK military could be exploring data from other countries and welfare bodies to enhance their own stress management policies in order to improve military mental health. The MOD (Ministry of Defence) understands their duty of care and has developed a clear strategic intent to tackle the increasing numbers of personnel developing mental health issues. While all three Services currently have in place comprehensive predeployment and postdeployment strategies to signpost individuals, there is a lack of psychological fitness training. Examining resilience in the civilian sector has identified the relevance for individuals to be psychologically resilient in any context. The skills and techniques of the Special Forces are now becoming popular in the business world to increase resilience in individuals and their organisations. The MOD could improve military mental health through relevant strategies aimed at building resilience.
HowThe Fault in Our Starsilluminates four themes of the Adolescent End of Life Narrative
Authors: Kirkman Anna Obergfell , Hartsock Jane A , Torke Alexia M
Published: May 2018

Adolescents who face life-limiting illness have unique developmental features and strong personal preferences around end of life (EOL) care. Understanding and documenting those preferences can be enhanced by practising narrative medicine. This paper aims to identify a new form of narrative, the Adolescent End of Life Narrative, and recognise four central themes. The Adolescent EOL Narrative can be observed in young adult fiction,The Fault in Our Stars, which elucidates the notion that terminally ill adolescents have authentic preferences about their life and death. Attaining narrative competence and appreciating the distinct perspective of the dying adolescent allows medical providers and parents to support the adolescent in achieving a good death. By thinking with the Adolescent EOL Narrative, adults can use Voicing my CHOiCES, an EOL planning guide designed for adolescents, to effectively capture the adolescent’s preferences, and the adolescent can make use of this type of narrative to make sense of their lived experience.
Extraordinary minds, impossible choices: mental health, special skills and television
Authors: Beirne Rebecca C
Published: May 2018

Over the last decade, there has been an increase in the number of televisual protagonist and major secondary characters specifically identified within the text as having a diagnosed mental illness. This is a significant development in the context of characters with a mental illness on television, who were previously usually minor and heavily stigmatised. A key trend with these new protagonists and major characters is the attribution of special talents or powers associated with mental health conditions. This paper analyses the discursive construction of this trope in five recent television series:Sherlock(UK, BBC, 2010-),Homeland(USA, Showtime, 2011-),Perception(USA, TNT, 2012–2015),Hannibal(USA, NBC, 2013–2015) andBlack Box(USA, ABC, 2014). Theoretically, this paper draws on Sami Schalk’s formulation of the ‘superpowered supercrip narrative’, which refers to the ‘representation of a character who has abilities or "powers" that operate in direct relationship with or contrast to their disability'. This paper is also indebted to Davi A Johnson’s ‘Managing Mr. Monk’ (2008) for its discussion of mental illness as attaining ‘social value’ through becoming a resource with economic and ethical value, as do the conditions of the fictional characters explored in this article. Schalk’s work on disability is here expanded to a more specific discussion of mental illness on television, while Johnson’s work is updated to discuss whether the newer characterisations reflect the same rhetorical positioning asMonk(USA, USA Network, 2002–2009), one of the earliest texts celebrated for featuring a lead, sympathetic character clearly and explicitly identified with a mental health condition. Of the five lead characters examined here, three are figured as responsible for their symptoms because they have chosen not to take medication or withdraw from their medication. It is concurrently presented that if they do take medication, it dampens their abilities to perform valuable work in the community, thus removing their use value within the world of the series.
Preliminary outcomes of single antiplatelet therapy for surface-modified flow diverters in an animal model: analysis of neointimal development and thrombus formation using OCT
Authors: Matsuda Yoshikazu , Jang Dong-Kyu , Chung Joonho , Wainwright John Michael , Lopes Demetrius
Published: May 2018

Objective

To evaluate the rate of neointimal development and thrombus formation of surface-modified flow diverters in single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT) using optical coherence tomography (OCT) in a porcine model.

Methods

We divided 10 experimental pigs into two groups. One group (n=6) received dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) and the other group (n=4) received SAPT. Four stents (two per carotid artery) were implanted in both groups. The stents used were the Pipeline Flex embolization device (PED Flex), Pipeline Flex with Shield technology (PED Shield), and the Solitaire AB stent. All animals underwent weekly angiography and OCT. The OCT data were analyzed using the following measurements: neointimal ratio ((stent – lumen area)/stent area), stent-coverage ratio (number of stent struts covered by neointima/total stent struts), and the presence or absence of thrombus formation per 1 mm cross-section.

Results

PED Flex and Shield in the SAPT group had higher neointimal ratios than in the DAPT group (P<0.001, respectively). In the DAPT group, the speed of endothelial growth on day 7 in the PED Shield group was higher than that in the PED Flex group (P<0.001). In the SAPT group, PED Flex demonstrated significantly more thrombus formation on day 7 than PED Shield (P<0.001).

Conclusions

The PED Shield stent showed faster endothelial growth than the other devices and comparable neointimal volume. There was significantly less thrombus formation on PED Shield than PED Flex when using SAPT in a porcine model.
Marked paraneoplastic hypereosinophilia associated with a low‐grade, metastatic canine mast cell tumour
Authors: Musser Margaret , Berger Erika , Flaherty Heather A , Fox Leslie , Johannes Chad M
Published: May 2018

An 11‐year‐old, female, spayed labrador retriever was presented to the Iowa State University Oncology Service for evaluation of a rapidly expanding mass located near the right prescapular lymph node. A Patnaik grade I mast cell tumour (mitotic index <3/10 high‐power fields) had been completely excised from the right antebrachium five months before presentation. Cytological evaluation of aspirates from the healed incision site and the new mass revealed mast cells with marked eosinophilic infiltration consistent with local recurrence and presumed lymph node metastasis. A complete blood count revealed markedly elevated eosinophils (23.96×103 cells/µl, reference interval 0–0.75). The patient was diagnosed with a histologically low‐grade, biologically high‐grade cutaneous, metastatic mast cell tumour with paraneoplastic hypereosinophilia. Changes in the magnitude of peripheral hypereosinophilia frequently paralleled tumour response to treatment with multiple antineoplastic agents. Nine months after initiating chemotherapy, treatment was discontinued due to declining quality of life.
Urine‐filled prostatic cavitary lesion as a cause of urinary incontinence in a juvenile male dog
Authors: Chantziaras Vassilis , Swinbourne Faye , Baines Stephen
Published: May 2018

A two‐year‐old, entire male Welsh springer spaniel presented for investigation of urinary incontinence, present from a young age. Contrast‐enhanced abdominal computed tomography (CT)revealed a large, fluid‐filled lesion within the prostate gland. A retrograde urethrocystogram documented leakage of contrast medium from the urethra into the lesion. Surgery revealed a prostatic cavitary lesion communicating directly with the prostatic urethra via multiple urethral defects, allowing accumulation of urine within the lesion. Partial prostatic wall resection and intracapsular prostatic omentalisation were performed after debridement and closure of the urethral defects. Prostatopexy was performed to maintain an intra‐abdominal bladder neck and address the possibility of concurrent urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence. Histological examination of prostatic wall biopsies revealed bacterial prostatitis and culture yielded Staphylococcus aureus. The urinary incontinence resolved completely postoperatively. A urine‐filled prostatic cavitary lesion, with concurrent prostatic urethral defects, should be included in the differentials of urinary incontinence in young male dogs.
Inappropriate sinus tachycardia in a dog
Authors: Oliveira Pedro , Arnott Holly , Mavropoulou Antonia
Published: May 2018

Inappropriate sinus tachycardia (IST) is a rare cardiac disturbance documented in humans in which the sinus heart rate is inappropriately elevated without an obvious cause or trigger. It is characterised by a rhythm originating in the sinus node with a heart rate above normal at rest without the influence of drugs, pain, cardiac or extracardiac disease. IST may be caused by abnormal structure or function of the sinus node or abnormal function of the autonomous nervous system. This report describes the case of a young dog with a resting heart rate of 140 bpm with electrocardiographic characteristics consistent with sinus tachycardia. Additional cardiac or extracardiac disorders were not identified and the dog was otherwise healthy and not receiving any medication. These findings were suggestive of IST.
Validation of a commercial 1,2‐o‐dilauryl‐rac‐glycero glutaric acid‐(6’‐methylresorufin) ester lipase assay for diagnosis of canine pancreatitis
Authors: Goodband Emily L , Serrano Gonçalo , Constantino‐Casas Fernando , Archer Joy , Watson Penny J , Williams Tim L
Published: May 2018

The objectives of this study were fourfold: technical validation of a commercial canine 1,2‐o‐dilauryl‐rac‐glycero glutaric acid‐(6’‐methylresorufin) ester (DGGR) lipase assay, to calculate a reference interval for DGGR lipase by the indirect a posteriori method, to establish biological validity of the assay, and to assess agreement between DGGR lipase and specific canine pancreatic lipase (Spec cPL) assays. Dogs with histologically confirmed acute pancreatitis (n=3), chronic pancreatitis (n=8) and normal pancreatic tissue (n=7) with stored (−80°C) serum samples were identified. Relevant controls were selected. Precision, reproducibility and linearity of DGGR lipase, and the effect of sample haemolysis and freezing, were assessed. Sensitivity and specificity of DGGR lipase and Spec cPL were determined. Agreement between these two parameters was calculated using Cohen's kappa coefficient (κ). The DGGR lipase assay demonstrated excellent precision, reproducibility and linearity. Sample haemolysis and storage at −80°C for 12 months did not influence the assay. DGGR lipase (>245IU/l) and Spec cPL (>400µg/l) both showed poor sensitivity but excellent specificity for acute pancreatitis, and poor to moderate sensitivity but excellent specificity for chronic pancreatitis. Substantial agreement (κ=0.679) was found between DGGR lipase and Spec cPL. The validated DGGR lipase assay had similar sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of acute and chronic pancreatitis to Spec cPL. DGGR lipase is a reliable alternative to Spec cPL for the diagnosis of pancreatitis.
Characterizing snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio) movements in the Sydney Bight (Nova Scotia, Canada): a collaborative approach using multiscale acoustic telemetry
Authors: Cote David , Nicolas Jean-Marc , Whoriskey Frederick , Cook Adam. M. , Broome Jeremy , Regular Paul M. , Baker Darrin
Published: May 2018

Like many deeper ocean species, the fine-scale movement ecology of snow crab is not well understood. We integrated fine-scale positioning telemetry with larger-scale position estimates from autonomous mobile surveys and harvester returns to evaluate movements of male and female snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio). Effects of life stage–sex, temperature, and diel and tidal cycles on movement velocity were observed, with a tendency for increased velocities during the night, slack tide, and at increasing water temperatures. Males also moved faster than females and juveniles. The strength of these statistical relationships, however, was weak (R2= 7.2%). The movement direction also did not vary over the tidal cycle. The maximum distance moved for adult males was an order of magnitude higher (37.1 km) than for females (3.6 km) and juvenile males (3.9 km), but median distances were more similar across groups. Individuals, once released, tended to disperse and move toward slope habitats. Little evidence of site fidelity was apparent. The absence of strong environmental influences on movements likely reflected the behavioural plasticity of snow crab and the relative environmental stability of offshore environments.
Identification and Extrapolation of Causal Effects with Instrumental Variables
Authors: Mogstad Magne , Torgovitsky Alexander
Published: May 2018

Instrumental variables (IV) are widely used in economics to address selection on unobservables. Standard IV methods produce estimates of causal effects that are specific to individuals whose behavior can be manipulated by the instrument at hand. In many cases, these individuals are not the same as those who would be induced to treatment by an intervention or policy of interest to the researcher. The average causal effect for the two groups can differ significantly if the effect of the treatment varies systematically with unobserved factors that are correlated with treatment choice. We review the implications of this type of unobserved heterogeneity for the interpretation of standard IV methods and for their relevance to policy evaluation. We argue that making inferences about policy-relevant parameters typically requires extrapolating from the individuals affected by the instrument to the individuals who would be induced to treatment by the policy under consideration. We discuss a variety of alternatives to standard IV methods that can be used to rigorously perform this extrapolation. We show that many of these approaches can be nested as special cases of a general framework that embraces the possibility of partial identification.
Rare-Variant Studies to Complement Genome-Wide Association Studies
Authors: Sazonovs A. , Barrett J.C.
Published: May 2018

Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have revolutionized human disease genetics by discovering tens of thousands of associations between common variants and complex diseases. In parallel, huge technological advances in DNA sequencing have made it possible to measure and analyze rare variation in populations. This review considers these two stories and how they have come together. We first review the history of GWASs and sequencing. We then consider how to understand the biological mechanisms that drive signals of strong association in the absence of rare-variant studies. We describe how rare-variant studies complement these approaches and highlight both data generation and statistical challenges in their interpretation. Finally, we consider how certain special study designs, such as those for families and isolated populations, fit in this paradigm.
Consumption of Sugars, Sugary Foods, and Sugary Beverages in Relation to Cancer Risk: A Systematic Review of Longitudinal Studies
Authors: Makarem Nour , Bandera Elisa V. , Nicholson Joseph M. , Parekh Niyati
Published: May 2018

High sugar intake may increase cancer risk by promoting insulin–glucose dysregulation, oxidative stress, inflammation, and body adiposity, but epidemiologic evidence is unclear. Associations between dietary sugars and lifestyle-related cancer risk from longitudinal studies were evaluated. We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and CINAHL and identified 37 prospective cohort studies (1990–2017) reporting multivariable adjusted risk estimates for dietary sugars in relation to cancer. Of 15 and 14 studies on total sugar and sucrose respectively, 11 reported a null association in relation to cancer. Of 14 studies on fructose, 8 reported null associations, and 2 reported protective and 4 reported detrimental associations. In two of five studies on added sugars, a 60–95% increased cancer risk was observed with higher intakes. In 8 of 15 studies on sugary foods and beverages, a 23–200% higher cancer risk was observed with higher sugary beverage consumption. In conclusion, most studies were indicative of a null association, but suggestive detrimental associations were reported for added sugars and sugary beverages.
Redistributional Policy in Rich Countries: Institutions and Impacts in Nonelderly Households
Authors: Gornick Janet C. , Smeeding Timothy M.
Published: May 2018

We review research on institutions of redistribution operating in high-income countries. Focusing on the nonelderly, we invoke the concept of the household income package, which includes income from labor, from related households, and from the state. Accordingly, we assess three institutional arenas: predistribution (rules and regulations that govern paid work), private redistribution (interhousehold transfers), and conventional public redistribution (operating via cash transfers and direct taxes). In each arena, we assess underlying policy logics, identify current policy controversies, summarize contemporary cross-national policy variation, and synthesize existing findings on policy effects. Our assessment of redistributional effects focuses on three core socioeconomic outcomes: low pay, child poverty, and income inequality. We close by assessing how the three institutional arenas perform collectively and by calling for further work on how these institutions change over time and how they affect subgroups differentially.
The characteristics, representativeness, function and conservation importance of tropical dry evergreen forest on India’s Coromandel Coast
Authors: Everard Mark
Published: May 2018

The central area of the Coromandel Coast, southeastern India, has been subject to a very long history of human habitation and land use change, substantially reducing the coverage of native forest.  There are polarised views about definitive characteristics of native tropical dry evergreen forest (TDEF), albeit agreement that the habitat type is locally characteristic though now severely reduced, fragmented and degraded.  A literature review was undertaken to determine the evolutionary origins of TDEF as well as its characteristics.  A combination of both natural and human factors gives rise to TDEF, explaining the heterogeneity of existing stands even in close proximity to each other.  Religious shrines are often associated with ‘sacred groves’, which are influential in the survival of stands of TDEF.  These remaining stands are highly fragmented across the wider landscape and subject to species invasions from adjacent habitats as well as increasing human pressures.  On the basis of existing evidence, it is not possible to describe TDEF through a definitive community of tree species, though typical constituent species are listed.  TDEF may therefore be representative of a larger biome, as for example ‘tropical rainforest’, rather than a specific vegetation type.  Nevertheless, there is general consensus about the importance of restoring TDEF, including its many associated plant and animal species, many of which have medicinal, spiritual and other uses and meanings.  Regardless of biological definitions of TDEF, the functions it performs and the diversity of ecosystem services that it provides afford it substantial importance and reinforce the case for its protection and restoration.  Successful local restoration activities highlight the feasibility of regeneration of TDEF, even from severely degraded and eroded land, and the associated regeneration of ecological and socio-economic values.
Species diversity and abundance of birds on Bharathiar University Campus, Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Pragasan L. Arul , Madesh M.
Published: May 2018

University campuses play a significant role in the conservation of avifaunal diversity, but there are very few studies on birds of such local biodiversity hotspots in India.  Here, we document the patterns of abundance and species diversity of birds in Bharathiar University campus located in western Tamil Nadu, India.  Birds were sampled using point counts.  A total of 37 species belonging to 23 families were recorded from 144 point count samples.  Mean species richness per point count sample was 13.85±0.47 species (±SD), and Shannon diversity index (Hʹ) was 0.74.  This study provides baseline data for monitoring the avifauna in the university campus, and demonstrates the importance of university campuses in bird conservation.
Home range and spatial organization by the Hoary Fox Lycalopex vetulus (Mammalia: Carnivora: Canidae): response to social disruption of two neighboring pairs
Authors: Dalponte Julio C. , Lima Herson S. , Klorfine Stuart , Da Luz Nelton C.
Published: May 2018

The Hoary Fox Lycalopex vetulus, is a small omnivore-insectivore canid inhabiting open environments/areas of the Brazilian savannah, whose spatial organization and territoriality is still unknown.  Space use and social organization of two breeding pairs with adjacent home ranges were determined through radio tracking from October 2002 to April 2003 in a mosaic of cultivated pastures and Cerrado vegetation in eastern Mato Grosso, Brazil.  Home ranges were 140–299 ha in size, with individual areas of the male and female in each breeding pair overlapping extensively.  After the death of both individuals of one pair, the neighboring pair progressively occupied the vacant space, expanding markedly its range into about half the area originally occupied by the previous pair.  Factors driving a pair of Hoary Foxes to expand their territory into a vacant area after death of the neighboring pair were not clearly determined.  Absence of territorial defence, however, could have contributed to the range shift observed.  This is the first time that the response of neighboring foxes to social disruption of an adjacent pair has been documented for Hoary Foxes.
Early stages and larval host plants of some northeastern Indian butterflies
Authors: Karmakar Tarun , Nitin R. , Sarkar Vivek , Baidya Sarika , Mazumder Subhajit , Chandrasekharan V. K. , Das Rudraprasad , Kumar G.S. Girish , Lokhande Swapnil , Veino Joyce , Veino Lightson , Veino Rakoveine , Mirza Zeeshan , Sanap Rajesh V. , Sarkar Bimal , Kunte Krushnamegh
Published: May 2018

Eastern Himalaya and northeastern India are part of two global biodiversity hotspots, yet the critical butterfly-plant associations and early stages of most butterfly species in this region are poorly recorded.  We have reported early stages and larval host plants of 78 butterfly species, some of which are rare and endemic, providing specific information on spatial and temporal details associated with these records.  These records contribute region-specific information on Indian butterflies, which may be useful in basic ecological and conservation studies in the future.
A new range record of noctuid moth Owadaglaea elongata (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Xyleninae) from India
Authors: Shashank P.R. , Benedek Balázs
Published: May 2018

The noctuid species, Owadaglaea elongata Hreblay & Ronkay, 1998 was found in Eastern Himalayan region and is reported for the first time from India. The adults male and female genitalia of the species are illustrated with new distributional range.
An account of the occurrence of Wedge Sea Hare Dolabella auricularia (Lightfoot, 1786) (Gastropoda: Aplysiidae) from Andaman Islands, India
Authors: Pandey Vikas , Thiruchitrambalam Ganesh , Savurirajan M. , Lakra Raj Kiran , Equbal Jawed , Satyam Kunal , Sainath P. Shanmukha , Samson Rokkarukala
Published: May 2018

In the present article we provide a detailed account on the occurrence of Wedge Sea Hare Dolabella auricularia, from two different locations (Hut Bay and Burmanallah) of Andaman Islands.  This species has been reported by Rao (2003) from Andamans but there is no specific location mentioned.  First occurrence of this species was observed in Hut Bay coast of Little Andaman and after a three month interval a group of Wedge Sea Hares were again spotted from Burmanallah, South Andaman.  In the present article we have given a detailed account on the occurrence and morphological features with field and laboratory pictures of D. auricularia and its biomedical importance based on literature.
Clarke’s Morning Glory Ipomoea clarkei Hook.f. (Convolvulaceae): addition to the flora of Eastern Ghats
Authors: Rasingam L. , Swamy J. , Sankara Rao M.
Published: May 2018

Ipomoea clarkei Hook.f. is an endemic species to Maharashtra state is reported here as a new addition to the Flora of Eastern Ghats from Nagarjuna Sagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve, India. The detail description, notes, distributional map and colour plates are provided for easy identification.