bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implementation of a depression screening protocol among respiratory insufficiency patients
Authors: Kerminen Hanna , Jämsen Esa , Jäntti Pirkko , Mattila Aino K. , Leivo‐Korpela Sirpa , Valvanne Jaakko
Published: November 2018

Introduction

Unnoticed and untreated depression is prevalent among patients with chronic respiratory insufficiency. Comorbid depression causes suffering and worsens patients’ outcomes.

Objectives

The objective of this evaluation was to assess preliminary outcomes of a depression screening protocol among chronic respiratory insufficiency patients at a tertiary care pulmonary outpatient clinic.

Methods

In the depression screening protocol, the patients filled the Depression Scale (DEPS) questionnaire. Patients whose scores suggested depression were offered the opportunity of a further evaluation of mood at a psychiatric outpatient clinic. The outcomes of the protocol were evaluated retrospectively from the patient records.

Results

During the period of evaluation, 238 patients visited the outpatient clinic. DEPS was administered to 176 patients (74%), of whom 60 (34%) scored ≥9 (out of 30), thus exceeding the cut‐off for referral. However, only 13 patients were referred, as the remainder declined the referral. Finally, seven patients were evaluated at the psychiatric clinic, and they all were deemed depressive. Symptoms of depression were most prevalent among patients with a long smoking history, refractory dyspnoea and a history of depression.

Conclusion

Depression screening was positive in a third of the patients. The depression screening protocol improved the detection of depression symptoms, but the effects on the patients’ treatment and clinical course were small. Rather than referring patients to a psychiatric unit, the evaluation and management of depression should be undertaken at the pulmonary unit.
890. NICOTIANA BENTHAMIANA
Authors: Chase Mark W. , Christenhusz Maarten J. M.
Published: November 2018

Nicotiana benthamiana is described and illustrated from plants collected in northwestern Western Australia and cultivated at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. It is widely used as a laboratory plant in plant virus studies, and we also discuss its cytology, cultivation and natural ecology.
892. NICOTIANA BURBIDGEAE
Authors: Chase Mark W. , Conran John G. , Christenhusz Maarten J. M.
Published: November 2018

Nicotiana burbidgeae is a spectacular species that is a narrow endemic from the northern part of South Australia. It is illustrated from plants collected near Dalhousie Springs (Witjira National Park) and cultivated at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Its ecology, cytology and horticultural potential are discussed.
Characterization of children and adolescents with psychosis risk syndrome: The Children and Adolescents Psychosis Risk Syndrome (CAPRIS) study
Authors: Dolz Montserrat , Tor Jordina , De la Serna Elena , Pardo Marta , Muñoz‐Samons Daniel , Rodríguez‐Pascual Marta , Puig Olga , Sugranyes Gisela , Usall Judith , Sánchez‐Gistau Vanessa , Baeza Inmaculada
Published: November 2018

Aim

Despite the interest in psychosis risk syndrome (PRS) in children and adolescents, information on the syndrome in this population is scarce.

Methods

Prospective naturalistic multi‐site study in which 10‐ to 17‐year‐old help‐seeking subjects who met PRS criteria (positive or negative attenuated symptoms; brief limited intermittent psychotic symptoms; genetic risk or schizotypal personality disorder plus impairment in functioning) were included, along with 45 age and sex‐matched healthy controls (HC). All subjects were clinically and functionally assessed.

Results

Ninety‐one PRS subjects (PRSS) with a mean age of 15.5 ± 1.4 met inclusion criteria (IC). Compared with HC, PRSS presented worse global and academic functioning in the previous year, had experienced more psychiatric and psychological problems, and presented gestational ages outside the normal range. More than 80% of PRSS met ≥2 IC, with 65.9% having one Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition Text Revision diagnosis, and 61.7% of those having ≥2 diagnoses. Some 49.5% of PRSS had a first‐ or second‐degree family history (FH) of psychosis. Patients with first‐ and second‐degree FH do not differ in their clinical expression.

Conclusions

Children and adolescents with PRS are a patient group with a pattern of neurodevelopmental impairment and clinical complexity similar to patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders, highlighting the importance of assessing these variables in child and adolescent samples. PRSS with first‐ and second‐degree relatives with FH do not present differences in their clinical presentation, suggesting that including these two groups of patients in the genetic risk criteria would enrich knowledge of these criteria.
22q11 microdeletion syndrome and ultra‐high risk for psychosis: The role of neurological soft signs as an independent marker of vulnerability for psychosis
Authors: Pitzianti Mariabernarda , Pontillo Maria , Vicari Stefano , Armando Marco , Pasini Augusto
Published: November 2018

Aim

22q11 microdeletion syndrome has an increased risk for psychosis, similar to subjects at ultra‐high risk for psychosis. Neurological soft signs are considered an endophenotype of psychotic disorders and a marker of vulnerability to Schizophrenia, consisting of overflow movements, dysrhythmia and speed of timed activities. To date, there are no studies that have evaluated the presence of the neurological soft signs in subjects with 22q11 microdeletion syndrome and there are a few studies that have analysed this issue in subjects at ultra‐high risk.

Methods

We sought to measure neurological soft signs in these two conditions, compared to healthy controls and to analyse the possible correlation between neurological soft signs and positive/negative symptoms both in 22q11 microdeletion syndrome and ultra‐high‐risk groups. 54 drug‐naive patients (29 with 22q11 microdeletion syndrome and 25 at ultra‐high risk for psychosis) and 25 healthy controls were evaluated for neurological soft signs.

Results

Both clinical groups showed a greater number of neurological soft signs compared to healthy control, although the two clinical groups did not differ for the number of neurological soft signs. Positive correlation between speed of timed activities and negative symptoms was found in subjects at ultra‐high risk.

Conclusion

Neurological soft signs could represent a marker of atypical neurodevelopment in the two populations examined. Since we did not found a strong correlation between neurological soft signs and positive/negative symptoms, we suggest that neurological soft signs could be indicators of vulnerability to psychosis independent from the psychopathology.
Predation drives recurrent convergence of an interspecies mutualism
Authors: Feeney William E. , Brooker Rohan M. , Johnston Lane N. , Gilbert James D. J. , Besson Marc , Lecchini David , Dixson Danielle L. , Cowman Peter F. , Manica Andrea
Published: November 2018

Mutualisms are important ecological interactions that underpin much of the world's biodiversity. Predation risk has been shown to regulate mutualism dynamics in species‐specific case studies; however, we lack studies which investigate whether predation can also explain broader patterns of mutualism evolution. We report that fish‐anemone mutualisms have evolved on at least 55 occasions across 16 fish families over the past 60 million years and that adult body size is associated with the ontogenetic stage of anemone mutualisms: larger‐bodied species partner with anemones as juveniles, while smaller‐bodied species partner with anemones throughout their lives. Field and laboratory studies show that predators target smaller prey, that smaller fishes associate more with anemones, and that these relationships confer protection to small fishes. Our results indicate that predation is likely driving the recurrent convergent evolution of fish‐anemone mutualisms and suggest that similar ecological processes may have selected convergence in interspecies interactions in other animal clades.
Spatial and temporal variation in nitrogen fixation and its importance to phytoplankton in phosphorus‐rich lakes
Authors: Hayes Nicole M. , Patoine Alain , Haig Heather A. , Simpson Gavin L. , Swarbrick Vanessa J. , Wiik Emma , Leavitt Peter R.
Published: November 2018

Limnological theory posits that phosphorus (P) limits primary production in freshwater lakes, in part because fixation of atmospheric nitrogen (N2) can compensate for limitations in nitrogen (N) supply to phytoplankton. However, quantitative estimates of the degree to which N2 fixation satisfies planktonic N demand are rare.

Here we used biweekly sampling during summer in seven lakes over 2 decades to estimate both planktonic N2 fixation and phytoplankton N demand. We further assessed the ability of biologically fixed N to satisfy N needs of primary producers in productive hardwater lakes.

Phytoplankton N requirements, derived from estimates of phytoplankton productivity and N content, were moderately synchronous (S = 0.41) among lakes (ca. 0.1–9.2 mg N m–3 hr–1). In contrast, rates of N2 fixation determined using isotopic natural abundance method (NAM; 0.002–3.2 mg N m–3 hr–1), or heterocyte‐based calculations (0.10–1.78 mg N m–3 hr–1), varied asynchronously (SNAM = –0.03 and SHeterocyte = –0.11) among basins, accounted for a median of 3.5% (mean 11.3% ± 21.6) of phytoplankton demand, and were correlated to the abundance of Nostocales cyanobacteria when analysed using generalised additive models.

Overall, the total mass of fixed N accounted for a median of only 3.0% of the spring standing stock of total dissolved N in study lakes (mean 7.5 ± 12.1%), with higher relative importance of fixed N in highly productive downstream lakes. Thus, while fixed N helps sustain primary productivity, particularly in years with high rates of N2‐fixation, it does not appear to eliminate N limitation of phytoplankton growth in these P‐rich hardwater lakes.
Reconciling the theory and reality of shared decision‐making: A “matching” approach to practitioner leadership
Authors: Brown Stephen L. , Salmon Peter
Published: November 2018

Shared decision making (SDM) evolved to resolve tension between patients’ entitlement to make health‐care decisions and practitioners’ responsibility to protect patients’ interests. Implicitly assuming that patients are willing and able to make “good” decisions, SDM proponents suggest that patients and practitioners negotiate decisions. In practice, patients often do not wish to participate in decisions, or cannot make good decisions. Consequently, practitioners sometimes lead decision making, but doing so risks the paternalism that SDM is intended to avoid. We argue that practitioners should take leadership when patients cannot make good decisions, but practitioners will need to know: (a) when good decisions are not being made; and (b) how to intervene appropriately and proportionately when patients cannot make good decisions. Regarding (a), patients rarely make decisions using formal decision logic, but rely on informal propositions about risks and benefits. As propositions are idiographic and their meanings context‐dependent, normative standards of decision quality cannot be imposed. Practitioners must assess decision quality by making subjective and contextualized judgements as to the “reasonableness” of the underlying propositions. Regarding (b), matched to judgements of reasonableness, we describe levels of leadership distinguished according to how directively practitioners act; ranging from prompting patients to question unreasonable propositions or consider new propositions, to directive leadership whereby practitioners recommend options or deny requested procedures. In the context of ideas of relational autonomy, the objective of practitioner leadership is to protect patients’ autonomy by supporting good decision making, taking leadership in patients’ interests only when patients are unwilling or unable to make good decisions.
Protective effect of acquired long QT syndrome in Takotsubo syndrome
Authors: Hohneck Anna , El‐Battrawy Ibrahim , Lang Siegfried , Ansari Uzair , Schramm Katja , Zhou Xiaobo , Borggrefe Martin , Akin Ibrahim
Published: November 2018

Background

Clinical variables that predict long‐term mortality and recurrence of Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) are not completely understood as the role of acquired corrected QT interval (QTc) prolongation.

Aim

To detect the prevalence of QTc interval prolongation in patients with TTS and to evaluate its long‐term prognostic impact.

Methods

QTc intervals were analysed in 105 patients presenting with symptoms of TTS. These patients were included in an ongoing retrospective cohort database. The cohort was subsequently subdivided into two groups based on the presence (long QT (LQT) group, n = 73, 69.52%) or absence (non‐long QT (non‐LQT) group, n = 32, 30.43%) of QTc interval prolongation. Patients were followed up over a mean period of 4.2 years. The rate of life‐threatening arrhythmia during the first 30 days in the LQT group was comparable with the non‐LQT group (10.9 vs 12.5%), whereas in‐hospital mortality and 30‐day mortality occurred less frequently in the LQT group (2.7 vs 18.75%, P < 0.01).

Results

During this time span, 17 (23.3%) patients with acquired LQT syndrome died, whereas 14 (43.7%) patients with non‐LQT duration died. Kaplan–Meier survival rates were significantly higher in the LQT group than those in the non‐LQT group (Log‐rank‐test, P = 0.02). On multivariate analysis, the QTc interval was an independent negative predictor of all‐cause mortality (P = 0.02).

Conclusion

The QTc interval at admission is an independent negative predictor of long‐term adverse outcome in patients with TTS.
Simultaneous Quantification of Various Retinoids by High Performance Liquid Chromatography: Its Relevance to Alcohol Research
Authors: Yokoyama Hirokazu , Matsumoto Michinaga , Shiraishi Haruko , Ishii Hiromasa
Published: November 2018

Background: We established a high performance liquid chromatography system that allowed simultaneous quantification of various retinoids.

Methods: We applied the retinoids to a high performance liquid chromatography system with a silica gel absorption column. Samples were separated by the system with a binary multistep gradient with two kinds of solvent that contained n‐Hexan, 2‐propanol, and glacial acetic acid in different ratios. Each retinoid was detected at a wavelength of 350 nm.

Results: This condition allowed separation of 13‐cis‐retinoic acid, 9‐cis‐retinoic acid, all‐trans‐retinoic acid, 13‐cis‐retinol, all‐trans‐retinol, all‐trans‐4‐oxo‐retinoic acid, and 13‐cis‐4‐oxo‐retinoic acid as distinct single peaks. Each retinoid was also analyzed separately and its retention time determined. To ascertain the reliability of this system for retinoid quantification, retinoids at various concentrations were applied to the system. We observed the linearities between the concentration and area under the curve of the peak for each retinoid by linear least‐squares regression analysis up to 2.5 ng/ml for all retinoic acids and up to 5 ng/ml for all retinols. There was no significant scattering in tests of within‐day reproducibility or day‐to‐day reproducibility. Using this system, we examined effects of light exposure on isomerization of retinoids. When retinoids were exposed to room light for 2 hr, the amounts of all but 13‐cis‐retinol changed significantly. In particular, the amounts of all‐trans‐retinoic acid and 9‐cis‐retinoic acid were reduced by 40% and 60%, respectively.

Conclusion: The HPLC system established in this study should be useful for studying the oxidation pathway of retinol to retinoic acid. A light‐shielded condition is required when particular retinoic acids are analyzed.
Ethanol Patch Test: A Simple Method for Identifying the Effectiveness of Cyanamide in Alcoholics
Authors: Yamauchi Masayoshi , Kimura Taketo , Takeda Kunihiko , Sakamoto Kazuhiko , Ohata Mitsuru , Tabe Tetsuko , Nakano Kazuko , Fujiwara Seiji , Takao Yukihiro , Toda Gotaro
Published: November 2018

Background: To identify the pharmacological effectiveness of cyanamide, 144 alcoholics treated with cyanamide were subjected to a test that used an acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) inhibitor, the ethanol patch test, which is considered to be a good indicator of ALDH2 phenotype.

Methods: We placed 100 μl of 70% ethanol on a lint pad and, as a control, placed the same volume of distilled water on a second pad. The ethanol patch test was performed on 144 alcoholics more than 2 weeks after abstinence from alcohol before and after treatment with cyanamide for 1 week. The dose of cyanamide was increased up to 150 mg until the patch test yielded a positive result.

Results: In the ethanol patch test, 36 alcoholics (25.0%) gave a positive result before treatment with cyanamide and might have been ALDH21/22 heterozygotes. Among 108 alcoholics who were not positive, the distribution of the cyanamide dose that yielded a positive ethanol patch test result was 30 mg in 42 cases (38.9%), 50 mg in 33 cases (30.6%), 70 mg in 5 cases (4.6%), 100 mg in 6 cases (5.6%), and 150 mg in 2 cases (1.9%). Prevalence of liver cirrhosis was significantly higher in alcoholics who showed a positive ethanol patch test result at doses of less than 50 mg cyanamide than those at doses more than 70 mg (p = 0.029). The prevalence of adverse effects was significantly higher in alcoholics who showed a positive ethanol patch test result at doses of more than 70 mg than at doses of less than 50 mg cyanamide (p = 0.002).

Conclusions: The ethanol patch test is a useful method for identifying pharmacological effectiveness of cyanamide and may reduce the prevalence of side effects in cyanamide‐treated alcoholics.
Contribution of Hepatitis C Virus to the Progression of Alcoholic Liver Disease
Authors: Tanaka Takashi , Yabusako Tsuneo , Yamashita Terumi , Kondo Kyoko , Nishiguchi Shuhei , Kuroki Tetsuo , Monna Takeyuki
Published: November 2018

Background: We determined hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody, HCV RNA, and genotype in patients with alcoholic liver disease and studied the involvement of HCV in alcoholic liver disease. Additionally, we used the histological activity index (HAI) to study the influence of HCV on the severity of inflammation.

Methods: The subjects were 143 patients with alcoholic liver disease: 7 with fatty liver (FL), 18 with hepatic fibrosis (HF), 24 with alcoholic hepatitis (ALH), 39 with chronic hepatitis (CH), 42 with liver cirrhosis (LC), and 13 with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The HCV RNA positivity rate in each type of disease was 0/7 (0%), 1/18 (6%), 2/24 (8%), 27/39 (69%), 24/42 (57%), and 7/13 (54%), respectively. It was high in the advanced hepatic lesions.

Results: Clinically, the serum hepatic function tests after abstinence from drinking improved significantly in the HCV RNA negative patients compared with the positive patients. The proportion of genotype II in each type of disease was 0/0, 0/1 (0%), 1/2 (50%), 18/27 (67%), 18/24 (75%), and 7/7 (100%), respectively. It became high with the advance of pathophysiology. The HCV RNA amount stood at 7.5 ± 0.4 [log (copies/ml)] in CH, 7.9 ± 0.4 in LC, and 8.4 ± 0.8 in HCC, with a statistically significant difference between CH and HCC. However, we found no changes in the HCV RNA amount due to abstinence from drinking. The HAI score was high in the HCV RNA positive patients, but several cases in the HCV RNA negative group showed severe inflammatory changes. Therefore, judging the presence or absence of HCV RNA with the HAI score alone was considered difficult.

Conclusions:: These results suggest that HCV, particularly genotype II, plays an important role in the advance of disease to LC and HCC in heavy drinkers.
CXXC5: A novel regulator and coordinator of TGF‐β, BMP and Wnt signaling
Authors: Xiong Xiangyang , Tu Shuo , Wang Jianbin , Luo Shiwen , Yan Xiaohua
Published: November 2018

CXXC5 is a member of the CXXC‐type zinc‐finger protein family. Proteins in this family play a pivotal role in epigenetic regulation by binding to unmethylated CpG islands in gene promoters through their characteristic CXXC domain. CXXC5 is a short protein (322 amino acids in length) that does not have any catalytic domain, but is able to bind to DNA and act as a transcription factor and epigenetic factor through protein‐protein interactions. Intriguingly, increasing evidence indicates that expression of the CXXC5 gene is controlled by multiple signaling pathways and a variety of transcription factors, positioning CXXC5 as an important signal integrator. In addition, CXXC5 is capable of regulating various signal transduction processes, including the TGF‐β, Wnt and ATM‐p53 pathways, thereby acting as a novel and crucial signaling coordinator. CXXC5 plays an important role in embryonic development and adult tissue homeostasis by regulating cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. In keeping with these functions, aberrant expression or altered activity of CXXC5 has been shown to be involved in several human diseases including tumourigenesis. This review summarizes the current understanding of CXXC5 as a transcription factor and signaling regulator and coordinator.
Design features of a guideline implementation tool designed to increase awareness of a clinical practice guide to HIV rehabilitation: A qualitative process evaluation
Authors: Salbach Nancy M. , Solomon Patricia , O'Brien Kelly K. , Worthington Catherine , Baxter Larry , Blanchard Georgina , Casey Alan , Chegwidden Will , Dolan Le‐Ann , Eby Sarah , Gervais Nicole
Published: November 2018

Rationale, aims, and objectives

A comprehensive electronic guide (e‐module) describing an interprofessional, evidence‐informed approach to HIV rehabilitation was developed as an education resource for rehabilitation professionals. We developed a guideline implementation tool, consisting of a 10‐week, case‐based education intervention delivered by email, that was perceived to increase rehabilitation professionals' (occupational therapists (OTs), physical therapists (PTs), and speech language pathologists (SLPs)) knowledge and confidence to apply best practices in HIV rehabilitation. This study aimed to increase understanding of how the design of the guideline implementation tool facilitated increased awareness of and access to the e‐module among rehabilitation professionals.

Methods

We conducted a single group intervention study with rehabilitation professionals in Canada and the United Kingdom. Six case studies targeting HIV pathophysiology and associated conditions, an interprofessional approach to rehabilitation assessment and treatment, and psychosocial issues experienced by people living with HIV, were emailed to participants at 2‐week intervals. Individual semi‐structured interviews were conducted post‐intervention. Interview transcripts were analysed using a descriptive qualitative approach.

Results

Twenty‐six individuals (17 from Canada, and 9 from the UK; 16 PTs, 7 OTs, 3 SLPs) were interviewed. One main theme related to design features of the intervention that facilitated learning and access to the e‐module emerged. Subthemes highlighted features of the case‐based intervention, including technical feasibility, terminology, formatting and layout, hyperlinks, number and frequency of case studies, and diverse and realistic case scenarios relevant to the learner's practice, that participants described as facilitating access to information and learning.

Conclusion

Electronically administered case studies were perceived as complementary knowledge tools that increased access to an evidence‐informed guide to HIV rehabilitation. Findings provide guidance on using case studies as a guideline implementation tool to facilitate access to information and related resources to optimize learning.
Assessing the microbiological safety status of most commonly consumed food items sold at local and branded restaurants of Faisalabad, Pakistan
Authors: Arshad Fariha , Zahoor Tahir
Published: November 2018

The current study was designed to assess the microbial safety status of rice and chicken dishes offered for sale at various local and branded restaurants. Purposely, 24 samples of rice and chicken dishes were collected from eight local and branded restaurants of Faisalabad city. All the collected samples were subjected to microbiological examination to determine the prevalence and comparative enumeration of Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli (rice), Salmonella and Campylobacter (chicken). Results pertaining to the enumeration of B. cereus and E. coli exhibited highest count of 2.12 × 108 and 2.59 × 107 cfu/g, respectively. Both strains were found to be higher among the samples collected from branded restaurants. Likewise for chicken dishes, the highest count observed for Salmonella and Campylobacter were 2.50 × 107 and 1.87 × 108 cfu/g, respectively. Further, the results of current study revealed that 38% of rice samples collected from local restaurants and 63% from branded restaurants have unsatisfactory safety status for B. cereus. Similarly, for E. coli, 63 and 42% samples were found unsatisfactory from local and branded restaurants, respectively. On the other hand, the percentage of chicken samples with unacceptable safety status according to Salmonella and Campylobacter standards were 46 & 58% and 54 & 46% for local and branded restaurants, respectively.

Practical applications

Safe handling of food during preparation and adherence to the food safety principles are key factors in determining the safety of food served at any restaurant. The study focused on previously unreported microbial safety status of some commonly sold food items at local and branded restaurants. The results and suggestions of this study will help the food handlers and regulatory bodies to map out the potential gaps in food supply chain to reduce the incidence of microbial contamination in cooked food items. The study will provide guidance for the restaurant industry to improve the overall safety of cooked foods by taking the corrective measures in the light of results presented in this article.
Interventions in Markets with Adverse Selection: Implications for Discount Window Stigma
Authors: ENNIS HUBERTO M.
Published: November 2018

I study the implications for central bank discount window stigma of a workhorse model of adverse selection in financial markets. In the model, firms (banks) need to borrow to finance a productive project. There is limited liability and firms have private information about their ability to repay their debts, which gives rise to the possibility of adverse selection. The central bank can ameliorate the impact of adverse selection by lending to firms. Discount window borrowing is observable and it may be taken as a signal of firms' credit worthiness. Under some conditions, firms borrowing from the discount window may pay higher interest rates to borrow in the market, a phenomenon often associated with the presence of stigma. I discuss these and other outcomes in detail and what they suggest about the relevance of stigma as an empirical phenomenon.
Optimal in‐feed amino acid ratio for laying hens based on deletion method
Authors: Soares Letícia , Sakomura Nilva Kazue , Dorigam Juliano Cesar de Paula , Liebert Frank , Sunder Angela , Nascimento Mariana Quintino do , Leme Bruno Balbino
Published: November 2018

A total of 56 Hy‐line W‐36 hens from 28 to 30 weeks were used on nitrogen balance (NB) trial to estimate daily N maintenance requirements (NMR) and the genetic potential for daily N retention (NRmaxT). The treatments consisted of six graded levels of nitrogen in the diets (N1 = 8; N2 = 16; N3 = 24; N4 = 32; N5 = 40; and N6 = 48 g N/kg of feed), formulated using the dilution technique. The regression analyses between nitrogen intake and excretion were performed to fit the exponential function and to determine the NMR = 292 mg/BWkg0.67, which was applied for further calculation of NRmaxT = 1,883 mg/BWkg0.67. A second NB trial was conducted, and a total of 96 Hy‐line W‐36 hens were used in the same period to estimate the ideal amino acid ratio (IAAR). Twelve treatments with eight replicates and one bird per cage were used. A balanced diet (BD) was formulated to meet the IAAR and the requirement of other nutrients for pullets. The limiting diets were formulated diluting BD with cornstarch and refilled with synthetic AAs and other feed ingredients, except for the AA under study. In each trial, the data of nitrogen intake, excretion, deposition and retention were obtained in a NB trial. The IAAR determined by Goettingen approach was Lys 100, Met+Cys 88, Trp 21, Thr 69, Arg 109, Val 90, Ile 75, Leu 127, Phe+Tir 110, Gly+Ser 73 and His 29%. The IAAR determined by Louvain approach was Lys 100, Met+Cys 88, Trp 21, Thr 69, Arg 104, Val 91, Ile 78, Leu 121, Phe+Tir 119, Gly+Ser 77 and His 29%.
Gender‐responsive education and training approaches to improving physician well‐being
Authors: Samra Rajvinder
Published: November 2018

With gender role expectations creating many challenges in medicine that impact on wellbeing, work environment and career trajectories, the author advocates for gender‐responsive medical education.
High salt diet impairs cerebral blood flow regulation via salt‐induced angiotensin II suppression
Authors: Allen Linda A. , Schmidt James R. , Thompson Christopher T. , Carlson Brian E. , Beard Daniel A. , Lombard Julian H.
Published: November 2018

Objectives

This study sought to determine whether salt‐induced ANG II suppression contributes to impaired CBF autoregulation.

Methods

Cerebral autoregulation was evaluated with LDF during graded reductions of blood pressure. Autoregulatory responses in rats fed HS (4% NaCl) diet vs LS (0.4% NaCl) diet were analyzed using linear regression analysis, model‐free analysis, and a mechanistic theoretical model of blood flow through cerebral arterioles.

Results

Autoregulation was intact in LS‐fed animals as MAP was reduced via graded hemorrhage to approximately 50 mm Hg. Short‐term (3 days) and chronic (4 weeks) HS diet impaired CBF autoregulation, as evidenced by progressive reductions of laser Doppler flux with arterial pressure reduction. Chronic low dose ANG II infusion (5 mg/kg/min, i.v.) restored CBF autoregulation between the pre‐hemorrhage MAP and 50 mm Hg in rats fed short‐term HS diet. Mechanistic‐based model analysis showed a reduced myogenic response and reduced baseline VSM tone with short‐term HS diet, which was restored by ANG II infusion.

Conclusions

Short‐term and chronic HS diet lead to impaired autoregulation in the cerebral circulation, with salt‐induced ANG II suppression as a major factor in the initiation of impaired CBF regulation.
Ultraviolet‐C priming of strawberry leaves against subsequent Mycosphaerella fragariae infection involves the action of reactive oxygen species, plant hormones, and terpenes
Authors: Xu Yanqun , Charles Marie Thérèse , Luo Zisheng , Mimee Benjamin , Tong Zhichao , Véronneau Pierre‐Yves , Roussel Dominique , Rolland Daniel
Published: November 2018

Ultraviolet‐C (UV‐C) radiation has been reported to induce defence responses to pathogens in growing crops and described as a new environmentally friendly method for disease control. However, whether the effect of the induced defence mechanisms will persist after the stress imposed by UV‐C is alleviated and how these mechanisms interact with pathogen elicitors upon infection have not yet been investigated. Thus, we inoculated strawberry plants with Mycosphaerella fragariae, the causal agent of leaf spot disease, after 5 weeks of repeated UV‐C irradiation treatment (cumulative dose of 10.2 kJ m−2) and investigated the alteration of gene expression and biochemical phenotypes. The results revealed that UV‐C treatment had a significant impact on gene expression in strawberry leaves and led to the overexpression of a set of genes involved in plant–pathogen interaction. UV‐C‐treated leaves displayed a stronger response to infection after inoculation, with reduced symptoms and increases in accumulation of total phenolics and volatile terpenes, higher expression of pathogenesis‐related proteins and the activity of several defence enzymes. This study presumptively describe, for the first time, the involvement of terpenes, reactive oxygen species, and abscisic acid, salicylic acid, jasmonic acid, and their transduction factors, in the network underpinning UV‐C priming of growing crops for improved protection against pathogens.
The Impact of Political Competition on Economic Growth: Evidence from Municipalities in South Africa
Authors: Obikili Nonso
Published: November 2018

This paper examines the impact of political competition on economic growth. In this paper, I show that internal political dynamics, distinct from the type of political system, can having different effects on growth. Using results from the 1994 and 1999 elections in South Africa, I show that municipalities with higher levels of political competition have shown lower levels of economic growth. I use individual level surveys to show that this political competition is associated with political paralysis, dissatisfaction with the current democracy and government and lower optimism about the future.
Using Marketing Science to Understand Contraceptive Demand in High‐Fertility Niger
Authors: Dalglish Sarah L. , Vandermark Jessica , Rossier Clémentine , Kemou Adama , Neighbor Hope
Published: November 2018

Global initiatives aim to add 120 million new family planning (FP) users by 2020; however supply‐side interventions may be reaching the limits of their effectiveness in some settings. Our case study in Niger used demand analysis techniques from marketing science. We performed a representative survey (N = 2,004) on women's FP knowledge, attitudes, needs, and behaviors, then used latent class analysis to produce a segmentation of women based on their responses. We found that Nigerien women's demand for modern FP methods was low, with majorities aware of modern methods but much smaller proportions considering use, trying modern methods, or using one consistently. We identified five subgroups of women with distinct, internally coherent profiles regarding FP needs, attitudes, and usage patterns, who faced different barriers to adopting or using modern FP. Serving subgroups of women based on needs, values, and underlying beliefs may help more effectively drive a shift in FP behavior.
Lokivetmab therapy for pruritus in a dog with cutaneous mastocytosis
Authors: Meichner Kristina , Kiupel Matti , Kasantikul Tanit , Rakich Pauline , Banovic Frane
Published: November 2018

Background

Cutaneous mastocytosis (CM) is a rare disease of dogs characterized by rash, pruritus and proliferation of mast cells in the skin. Oral H1 antihistamines are recommended as the treatment to control pruritus.

Hypothesis/Objective

To describe the effective treatment of pruritus associated with CM with lokivetmab in one dog.

Animal

A 4‐year‐old, spayed female cross‐bred dog presented with severely pruritic, erythematous to pigmented macules and papules involving the ventral abdomen, interdigital skin, perivulval area and both pinnae; the pruritus had been unresponsive to treatment with antihistamines, prednisone and ciclosporin.

Methods and materials

Complete blood count and serum biochemistry, abdominal ultrasound, blood smear and skin cytological evaluation, PCR, histopathological and immunohistochemical examination of skin biopsies.

Results

Skin cytological evaluation revealed high numbers of uniform, heavily granulated mast cells; histopathological findings showed focal dermal proliferations of well‐differentiated, uniform mast cells consistent with a low‐grade mast cell tumour (MCT). Clinical staging revealed that the disease was confined to the skin. Mutations of c‐kit exon 8 and 11 were not detected. Treatment was initiated with anti‐canine‐interleukin (IL)‐31 monoclonal antibody lokivetmab; antihistamines were continued. The dog's pruritus resolved within seven days and was maintained in remission over 15 months with once monthly lokivetmab injections; the skin lesions improved but did not resolve.

Conclusion and clinical importance

Lokivetmab treatment was effective in resolving and maintaining pruritus remission in this dog with widespread cutaneous mast cell disease. Whether CM in dogs represent a separate entity that should be distinguished from a low‐grade MCT requires further investigation.
Decreased rotavirus infection of MA104 cells via probiotic extract binding to Hsc70 and ß3 integrin receptors
Authors: Salas-Cárdenas Sandra Patricia , Olaya-Galán Nury Natalia , Fernández Karem , Velez Fernando , Guerrero Carlos Arturo , Guitiérrez Maria Fernanda
Published: November 2018

Probiotic bacteria are microorganisms beneficial to human health, useful to improving biological conditions. Thanks to probiotic bacteria the symptoms of viral infections can be alleviated. Different mechanisms whereby probiotic bacteria exert they antiviral effect have been proposed. The aim of this study was to determine whether probiotic bacteria extracts bind to receptors of host cells susceptible of rotavirus (RV) infection. To accomplish this objective, four probiotic bacterial strains of Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. were tested. Probiotic extracts were obtained after bacterial growth, cell lysis and centrifugation. Obtained probiotic extracts were used in assays to interfere with adhesion and penetration of a RV strain in the mammal cell line MA104. Furthermore, the interaction between probiotic extracts and MA104 cell receptors was evaluated by co-immunoprecipitation assays using anti-ß3-integrins and anti-Hsc70 antibodies. All four probiotic, protein-rich, extracts reduced RV infections in MA104 cells, suggesting a successful antiviral activity mediated by these probiotic extracts. All probiotic extracts significantly exerted thir antiviral activity by interfering with RV adhesion on MA104 cell receptors, with proteins in probiotic extracts competitively interacting with cell surface receptors necessary to RV infection. Co-immunoprecipitation assay results showed that proteins in probiotic extracts were able to bind to ß3-integrinsand Hsc70, which are two cellular receptors required to viral infection. The most significant contribution of this study is an insight into the mechanisms of probiotic antiviral activity, thus expanding current probiotics fundamental knowledge.
Complete mitochondrial genome of the nesting Colombian Caribbean loggerhead turtle: first approach of tRNAs and phylogenetic analysis
Authors: Hernández-Fernández Javier , Otálora Katherin
Published: November 2018

The loggerhead marine turtle, Caretta caretta, is a widely distributed and endangered species that is facing critical population decline, especially in Colombian Caribbean rookeries. Mitochondrial DNA sequence data are of great importance for the description, monitoring, and phylogenetic analyses of migratory turtle populations. In this study, the first full mitochondrial genome of a loggerhead turtle nesting in the Colombian Caribbean was sequenced and analyzed. This mitochondrial genome consists of 16 362 bp with a nucleotide composition of T: 25.7 %, C: 27 %, A: 35 % and G: 12 %. Sequence annotation of the assembled molecule revealed an organization and number of coding and functional units as reported for other vertebrate mitogenomes. This Colombian loggerhead turtle (Cc-AO-C) showed a novel D-Loop haplotype consisting of thirteen new variable sites, sharing 99.2 % sequence identity with the previously reported Caribbean loggerhead CC-A1 D-Loophaplotype. All 13 protein-coding genes in the Cc-AO-C mitogenome were compared and aligned with those from four other loggerhead turtles from different locations (Florida, Greece, Peru, and Hawaii). Eleven of these genes presented moderate genetic diversity levels, and genes COII and ND5 showed the highest diversity, with average numbers of pair-wise differences of 16.6 and 25, respectively. In addition, the first approach related to t-RNAs 2D and 3D structure analysis in this mitogenome was conducted, leading to observed unique features in two tRNAs (tRNATrp and tRNALeu). The marine turtle phylogeny was revisited with the newly generated data. The entire mitogenome provided phylogenetically informative data, as well as individual genes ND5, ND4, and 16S. In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of complete mitogenome data in revealing gene flow processes in natural loggerhead turtle populations, as well as in understanding the evolutionary history of marine turtles.
On the Pareto Compliance of the Averaged Hausdorff Distance as a Performance Indicator
Authors: Vargas Andrés
Published: November 2018

The averaged Hausdorff distance ∆p is an inframetric, recently introduced in evolutionary multiobjective optimization (EMO) as a tool to measure the optimality of finite size approximations to the Pareto front associated to a multiobjective optimization problem (MOP). Tools of this kind are called performance indicators, and their quality depends on the useful criteria they provide to evaluate the suitability of different candidate solutions to a given MOP. We present here a purely theoretical study of the compliance of the ∆p -indicator to the notion of Pareto optimality. Since ∆p is defined in terms of a modified version of other well- known indicators, namely the generational distance GDp , and the inverted generational distance IGDp , specific criteria for the Pareto compliance of each one of them is discussed in detail. In doing so, we review some previously available knowledge on the behavior of these indicators, correcting inaccuracies found in the literature, and establish new and more general results, including detailed proofs and examples of illustrative situations.
Análisis psicométrico y adaptación del test Autoconcepto Forma 5 hacia el judo en una muestra chilena
Authors: Zurita Ortega Felix , González Gonzalez de Mesa Carmen , Martinez Martinez Asuncion , Zafra Santos Edson Orlando , Valdivia Moral Pedro Angel
Published: November 2018

El objetivo del trabajo es analizar las propiedades psicométricas del cuestionario AF-5 propuesto por García y Musitu (1999), mediante técnicas de tipo exploratorio en judocas de Chile. La muestra de este estudio se encuentra conformada por 148 judocas con rango de edad entre 18 y 40 años, donde 86 participantes fueron hombres y 62 mujeres. El análisis de tipo factorial exploratorio fue llevado a cabo por el programa estadístico FACTOR Analysis. En cuanto a los resultados, estos indicaron que el test propuesto señalaba índices de fiabilidad superiores a α = 0.7. El análisis exploratorio no se ajusta al modelo pentafactorial original, eliminándose el factor familiar. En casi todos los factores, se encuentra correlación significativa en un valor de 99 % (p < 0.01), siendo el valor más alto el establecido al relacionarse la dimensión emocional con la física (0.521).
Stability and Limit Cycles of a Nonlinear Damper Acting on a Linearly Unstable Thermoacoustic Mode
Authors: Bourquard Claire , Noiray Nicolas
Published: November 2018

The resonant coupling between flames and acoustics is a growing issue for gas turbine manufacturers, which can be reduced by adding acoustic dampers on the combustion chamber walls. Nonetheless, if the engine is operated out of the stable window, the damper is exposed to high-amplitude acoustic levels, which trigger unwanted nonlinear effects. This work provides an overview of the dynamics of this coupled system using a simple analytical model, where a perfectly tuned damper is coupled to the combustion chamber. The damper, crossed by a purge flow in order to prevent hot gas ingestion, is modeled as a nonlinearly damped harmonic oscillator. The combustion chamber featuring a linearly unstable thermoacoustic mode is modeled as a Van der Pol oscillator. Analyzing the averaged amplitude equations gives the limit cycle amplitudes as function of the growth rate of the unstable mode and the mean velocity through the damper neck. Experiments are also performed on a simple rectangular cavity, where the thermoacoustic instability is mimicked by an electro-acoustic instability. A feedback loop is built, through which the growth rate of the instability can be controlled. A Helmholtz damper is added to the cavity and tuned to the mode of interest. The stabilization capabilities of the damper and the amplitude of the limit cycle in the unstable cases are in good agreement between the experiments and the analytical and numerical predictions, underlining the potentially dangerous behavior of the system, which should be taken into account for real engine cases.
Combustion Performance Study of Aqueous Aluminum Oxide Nanofluid Blends in Compression Ignition Engine
Authors: Venkatesan S. P. , Kadiresh P. N.
Published: November 2018

This study attempts to identify the optimum dosing level of aqueous aluminum oxide nanofluid in diesel to improve combustion and engine performance and also to overcome the engine emission issues especially, the oxide of nitrogen, smoke, and the particulate matter. The aqueous aluminum oxide (aluminum oxide nanoparticle aqueous 5 wt % suspension) is used as a nanofluid. The dosing level of nanofluid is varied from 30 cc to 60 cc in steps of 10 cc for the performance study. Fuel blend properties such as calorific value, density, kinematic viscosity, and flash point are determined using ASTM standard test methods. Among all blends, the D+50AN showed a maximum improvement of about 5.9% in brake thermal efficiency (BTE) and remarkable reduction in NOx, smoke, HC, and CO as 15.6%, 22.34%, 31.82%, and 13.79%, respectively, at maximum rated power output.
A New Technique of Gear Mesh Stiffness Measurement Using Experimental Modal Analysis
Authors: Raghuwanshi Naresh K. , Parey Anand
Published: November 2018

Accurately measured mesh stiffness (MS) of gear pair is used in the mathematical model of the gearbox for doing the vibration analysis. Mesh stiffness measurement by experimental techniques is an import aspect for measuring the MS accurately of the physical structure of gear pair. Analytical methods (AMs) of MS require large mathematical equations and modifications in these equations for different gear geometries and cracks. Finite element method (FEM) requires huge computational time. In this paper, a new experimental technique based on the experimental modal analysis (EMA) is proposed to measure the MS of spur gear pairs. EMA technique is also used in the paper for measuring the MS of cracked gear tooth pairs and found a significant difference in the MS of healthy and cracked tooth pair. In the last, the experimental MS results are compared with the MS results obtained by the AM and digital image correlation (DIC) experimental technique and found a good agreement. This shows the usefulness of the EMA for measuring the MS. So, it can be used as an alternative method of MS measurement or to validate the analytical and FEM MS results.
On heating of tissues by shear waves generated by ultrasound
Authors: Ostrovsky L. A.
Published: November 2018

An additional heating caused by the shear wave generated by an ultrasonic wave incident on a soft tissue boundary is considered for different tissue parameters and wave frequencies in the MHz range. The shear wave structure and the space-time dynamics of the temperature field are studied for three realistic examples of tissue parameters. It is shown that in viscous tissues the shear component can significantly contribute to the heating in a narrow layer near the boundary.