bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
baRcodeR with PyTrackDat: Open-source labelling and tracking of biological samples for repeatable science
Authors: Wu Yihan , Lougheed David R. , Lougheed Stephen C. , Moniz Kristy , Walker Virginia K. , Colautti Robert I.
Published: October 2018

Repeatable experiments with accurate data collection and reproducible analyses are fundamental to the scientific method but may be difficult to achieve in practice. Several flexible, open-source tools developed for the R and Python coding environments aid the reproducibility of data wrangling and analysis in scientific research. In contrast, analogous tools are generally lacking for earlier stages, such as systematic labelling and processing of field samples with hierarchical structure (e.g. time points of individuals from multiple lines or populations) or curating heterogenous data collected by different researchers over several years. Such tools are critical for modern research given trends toward globally distributed collaborators using higher-throughput technologies. As a step toward improving repeatability of methods for the collection of biological samples, and curation of biological data, we introduce the R packagebaRcodeRand thePyTrackDatpipeline in Python. ThebaRcodeRpackage provides tools for generating biologically informative, hierarchical labels with digitally encoded 2D barcodes that can be printed and scanned using low-cost commercial hardware. ThePyTrackDatpipeline integrates withbaRcodeRoutput to build a web interface for sample management and tracking along with data collection and curation. We briefly describe the application of principles frombaRcodeRandPyTrackDatin three large research projects, which demonstrate their value to (i) help document sampling methods, (ii) facilitate collaboration and (iii) reduce opportunities for human errors and omissions that could otherwise propagate through downstream data analysis to compromise biological inference.
Cell confinement reveals a branched-actin independent circuit for neutrophil polarity
Authors: Graziano Brian R. , Town Jason P. , Nagy Tamas L. , Fošnarič Miha , Penič Samo , Iglič Aleš , Kralj-Iglič Veronika , Gov Nir , Diz-Muñoz Alba , Weiner Orion D.
Published: October 2018

Migratory cells use distinct motility modes to navigate different microenvironments, but it is unclear whether these modes rely on the same core set of polarity components. To investigate this, we disrupted Arp2/3 and WAVE complex, which assemble branched actin networks that are essential for neutrophil polarity and motility in standard adherent conditions. Surprisingly, confinement rescues polarity and movement of neutrophils lacking these components, revealing a processive bleb-based protrusion program that is mechanistically distinct from the branched actin-based protrusion program but shares some of the same core components and underlying molecular logic. We further find that the restriction of protrusion growth to one site does not always respond to membrane tension directly, as previously thought, but may rely on closely linked properties such as local membrane curvature. Our work reveals a hidden circuit for neutrophil polarity and indicates that cells have distinct molecular mechanisms for polarization that dominate in different microenvironments.
Exploring multimodal writing in secondary English classrooms: a literature review
Authors: Nash Brady
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to explore recent research (2007-2017) on the implementation of multimodal writing instruction in secondary English courses. It seeks to highlight the varied ways in which theoretical conceptions of multimodality have been implemented in writing instruction and the impacts of these implementations on students' experiences in classrooms.

Design/methodology/approach

The author used a keyword search of relevant academic databases to identity articles within the search parameters. This was followed by bibliographic branching to identify additional articles and two rounds of open coding to identify themes for analysis.

Findings

The literature revealed a diversity of approaches to incorporating multimodal writing in classrooms; teachers mixed modalities within assignments, paired writing in print with multimodal composition and redesigned entire units or courses around multimodality. Studies showed the impact of multimodality on student learning through shifts in conceptions of communication, increases in student engagement, composition for real audiences and an increased role for students’ interests and identities.

Practical implications

This review has implications for teachers and researchers interested in developing multimodal writing curricula. It highlights the specific ways in which multimodal writing can be incorporated into instruction and the changes in student learning that result from this shift.

Originality/value

While theoretical writing on multimodality is abundant, multiple researchers have noted the difficulty of finding research on classroom implementations of multimodality (Howell et al., 2017; Smith, 2017). This review is intended to address this difficulty by contributing to a body of literature that teachers and scholars can draw on as they conceptualize and design multimodal writing experiences for students in the future.
Improving stability in physical human–robot interaction by estimating human hand stiffness and a vibration index
Authors: Bian Feifei , Ren Danmei , Li Ruifeng , Liang Peidong
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to eliminate instability which may occur when a human stiffens his arms in physical human–robot interaction by estimating the human hand stiffness and presenting a modified vibration index.

Design/methodology/approach

Human hand stiffness is first estimated in real time as a prior indicator of instability by capturing the arm configuration and modeling the level of muscle co-contraction in the human’s arms. A time-domain vibration index based on the interaction force is then modified to reduce the delay in instability detection. The instability is confirmed when the vibration index exceeds a given threshold. The virtual damping coefficient in admittance controller is adjusted accordingly to ensure stability in physical human–robot interaction.

Findings

By estimating the human hand stiffness and modifying the vibration index, the instability which may occur in stiff environment in physical human–robot interaction is detected and eliminated, and the time delay is reduced. The experimental results demonstrate significant improvement in stabilizing the system when the human operator stiffens his arms.

Originality/value

The originality is in estimating the human hand stiffness online as a prior indicator of instability by capturing the arm configuration and modeling the level of muscle co-contraction in the human’s arms. A modification of the vibration index is also an originality to reduce the time delay of instability detection.
The homicide circumplex: a new conceptual model and empirical examination
Authors: DeLisi Matt , Drury Alan , Elbert Michael
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Homicide is the most severe form of crime and one that imposes the greatest societal costs. The purpose of this paper is to introduce the homicide circumplex, a set of traits, behaviors, psychological and psychiatric features that are associated with greater homicidal ideation, homicidal social cognitive biases, homicide offending and victimization, and psychopathology that is facilitative of homicide.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the data from a near population of federal supervised release offenders from the Midwestern USA, ANOVA, multinomial logistic, Poisson and negative binomial regression models were developed.

Findings

Greater homicidal ideation is associated with homicide offending, attempted homicide offending and attempted homicide victimization and predicted by gang activity, alias usage, antisocial personality disorder and intermittent explosive disorder. These behavioral disorders, more extensive criminal careers, African American status and gang activity also exhibited significant associations with dimensions of the homicide circumplex.

Originality/value

Developing behavioral profiles of offenders that exhibit homicidal ideation and behaviors are critical for identifying clients at greatest risk for lethal violence. The homicide circumplex is an innovation toward the goal that requires additional empirical validation.
Ritual as assemblage: feast of sacrifice experiences of Turkish consumers
Authors: Torlak Ömer , Özmen Müjdat , Tiltay Muhammet Ali , İşlek Mahmut Sami , Ay Ufuk
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to theorize and empirically investigate the formation of consumer’s consumption ritual experiences and discourses associated with Feast of Sacrifice.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors have approached the data from assemblage theory perspective. By use of ethnographic participant observation and in-depth interviews, seven themes are uncovered and discussed: meaning of Qurban, preparation of the ritual, Qurban choice, meat, Qurban ritual, marketplace and framing of discourses.

Findings

This study provides a theoretical development in which it depicts that assemblage theory can be used in the context of religious rituals such as the Feast of Sacrifice. This suggests that parts forming the social phenomena include different meanings and functions in different assemblages to the ritual, which has a structure with a particular process, roles and content scenario. This implies that even the most structured social phenomena as religious rituals can be accepted as social assemblage where every individual experiences his/her own ritual with the parts that have ever-changing material and expressive roles.

Originality/value

This study will contribute to the literature on religious rituals and practices through viewing ritual as an assemblage including material and expressive features as well as human and non-human actors. Besides, this study aims to find out whether there is a constant consumer and the concept of ritual by focusing on buying experiences of consumer in Feast of Sacrifice in Turkey.
Professional resistance against competitive public procurement in Iran
Authors: Sepehri Mehran , Qadiri Mohsen
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This study aim to examine the roots of professional resistance of procurement in Iran. Public procurement (PP) contracts, in developing countries, hide the structural problems of governmental management because of the lack of bureaucratic processes.

Design/methodology/approach

A two-phase qualitative study offers contextual and critical understandings on why Iranian PP experts, who are aware of the philosophies behind internationally endorsed principles, prefer to resist against the use of those principles. They help, unexpectedly, their traditionalist companions to resolve the difficulties of the PP contracts by the use of local methods and routines.

Findings

Evidence, from in-depth interviews with procurements professionals in Iran Oil industry, provides four specific themes of “professional disorder,” “anti-internationalism,” “resistance mentality” and “politicized procurement.” A preemptive resistance is characterized to guarantee that the national benefits in Iran are preferred over the international economic interests.

Originality/value

Iran has been in isolation due to political sanctions, for two decades. There are many diverse political and social reasons for resistance against professional public procurement.
A dynamic differential oligopoly game with sticky price and advertising
Authors: Raoufinia Marjan , Baradaran Vahid , Shahrjerdi Reza
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyze comparatively the properties of open-loop and closed-loop equilibria in a dynamic oligopoly model with price dynamics and reflexive behavior of market agents.

Design/methodology/approach

To consider dynamic competitive markets, the authors focus on a differential game theory in oligopolistic structures, using analytical models to illustrate how advertising effort, good differentiation and price stickiness interact simultaneously in the open-loop and the closed-loop Nash equilibria. The comparative assessment of these equilibria obtains some significant results.

Findings

An optimization model that enriches the continuous time is presented. Under the open-loop and the closed-loop, Nash equilibrium showed an increase in the total output, advertising in price stickiness and promotional efficiency, while there was a decrease in product differentiation and advertising promotional efficiency. However, the open-loop equilibrium levels are larger than the closed-loop equilibrium. Under the closed-loop information, the long-run equilibrium was faster than the opened-loop in a dynamic oligopoly. The graphical illustration was used to present the behavior of the model parameters.

Practical implications

This study helps managers to choose an appropriate price and advertising adjustment to maximize profit. The obtained results may help firms to make the smart decision and may provide managers the valuable tool for making decisions in the competitive market environments.

Originality/value

This is a first attempt to analyze a dynamic oligopoly in the differentiated market environment. It considers a joint action of the output and advertising in shaping the closed-loop and the open-loop equilibria with N competitors in a dynamic competitive setting.
Impact of Barrett's esophagus surveillance on the prognosis of esophageal adenocarcinoma: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Ding Yu E , Li Yue , He Xing Kang , Sun Lei Min
Published: October 2018

Objective

Whether endoscopic surveillance would improve the outcomes of esophageal adenocarcinoma in patients previously diagnosed with Barrett's esophagus remains unclear. This meta‐analysis aimed to assess the survival advantages of endoscopic surveillance for patients with Barrett's esophagus.

Methods

Databases including PubMed, the Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were examined systematically from their inception to July 2017, for articles related to the survival outcomes of esophageal adenocarcinoma in patients with Barrett's esophagus under endoscopic surveillance. Adjusted hazard estimates were adopted to determine overall results with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), using the fixed‐effect model. We conducted subgroup and sensitivity analyses using the “metan” command in Stata software to assess the stability of the overall results. Begg's test, Egger's test and the funnel plot were used to evaluate the presence of publication bias.

Results

A total of eight studies (two case‐control and six cohort studies) were finally included in our current study. Compared with patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma that was not detected by surveillance, a significant 29% reduction in mortality from esophageal adenocarcinoma was observed among patients under endoscopic surveillance (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0.71, 95% CI 0.66–0.77). This effect was presented in both the USA (adjusted HR 0.71, 95% CI 0.65–0.78) and Europe (adjusted HR 0.71, 95% CI 0.60–0.83). We found no evidence of publication bias.

Conclusions

Our meta‐analysis supports the concept that endoscopic surveillance for patients with Barrett's esophagus could improve the prognosis of esophageal adenocarcinoma. More well‐designed prospective studies are needed to confirm this association.
Microfinance Institution Performance: Does the Macroeconomy Matter?
Authors: Awaworyi Churchill Sefa , Korankye Danso Jeffrey , Nyatefe Elikem
Published: October 2018

The performance of Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) has been compared at various levels for the purpose of replications and policy formulations. However, the potential effects of the macroeconomy on MFI performance are often not considered. We propose that understanding the possible effects of country‐level factors on MFI performance can help provide a more accurate evaluation and explain where microfinance fits in the development process. Based on data collected on 1544 MFIs, merged with country‐level macroeconomic and macro‐institutional data, we examine the effects of the macroeconomy on MFI performance. The results suggest that high economic growth is associated with better MFI performance. However, other modes of economic development, including wage employment opportunities, appear to impede MFI financial performance.
Gendered Geographies of Elimination: Decolonial Feminist Geographies in Latin American Settler Contexts
Authors: Zaragocin Sofia
Published: October 2018

Gendered geographies of elimination further settler colonialism's influence on conceptual discussions in human geography on contemporary forms of the place‐based death of indigenous peoples. Through work stemming from scholarship on the gendering of settler colonialism, this paper adds to narratives on place annihilation and dispossession of indigenous territory tied to the slow death of racialised, gendered and sexualised populations. Building on incipient reflections in geography with settler colonialism, I explore the geographic implications from the perspective of Epera women, indigenous women belonging to a trinational ethnicity experiencing elimination along the Ecuador–Colombia borderland from the perspective of decolonial feminist geography frameworks. I claim that attrition implied in settler colonialism's logic of elimination is a territorial project demonstrated in place‐based elimination and gendered embodied elimination.
Myelin water imaging to detect demyelination and remyelination and its validation in pathology
Authors: Laule Cornelia , Moore G.R. Wayne
Published: October 2018

Damage to myelin is a key feature of multiple sclerosis (MS) pathology. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has revolutionized our ability to detect and monitor MS pathology in vivo. Proton density, T1 and T2 can provide qualitative contrast weightings that yield superb in vivo visualization of central nervous system tissue and have proved invaluable as diagnostic and patient management tools in MS. However, standard clinical MR methods are not specific to the types of tissue damage they visualize, and they cannot detect subtle abnormalities in tissue that appears otherwise normal on conventional MRIs. Myelin water imaging is an MR method that provides in vivo measurement of myelin. Histological validation work in both human brain and spinal cord tissue demonstrates a strong correlation between myelin water and staining for myelin, validating myelin water as a marker for myelin. Myelin water varies throughout the brain and spinal cord in healthy controls, and shows good intra‐ and inter‐site reproducibility. MS plaques show variably decreased myelin water fraction, with older lesions demonstrating the greatest myelin loss. Longitudinal study of myelin water can provide insights into the dynamics of demyelination and remyelination in plaques. Normal appearing brain and spinal cord tissues show reduced myelin water, an abnormality which becomes progressively more evident over a timescale of years. Diffusely abnormal white matter, which is evident in 20%–25% of MS patients, also shows reduced myelin water both in vivo and postmortem, and appears to originate from a primary lipid abnormality with relative preservation of myelin proteins. Active research is ongoing in the quest to refine our ability to image myelin and its perturbations in MS and other disorders of the myelin sheath.
Group income and individual preferences for redistribution
Authors: Quattrociocchi Jeff
Published: October 2018

This paper empirically examines the relationship between group income and an individual's preferences for redistribution. First, I develop a theoretical framework where an individual's identity is strengthened by the status of their group. Then, utilizing data from the US General Social Survey, I find evidence that the average incomes of one's ethnic and religious groups are negatively correlated with one's preferences for redistribution. Controlling for household income and a number of other individual‐level characteristics and additional controls, I find that a standard deviation increase in the average income of one's social groups correlates to a weakening of an individual's preferences for redistribution by 7% to 8%. This result is robust to the inclusion of rich controls and alternate measures of group status as well as a number of robustness checks, such as sample restrictions and the use of additional data.
Incremental Labelling of Voronoi Vertices for Shape Reconstruction
Authors: Peethambaran J. , Parakkat A.D. , Tagliasacchi A. , Wang R. , Muthuganapathy R.
Published: October 2018

We present an incremental Voronoi vertex labelling algorithm for approximating contours, medial axes and dominant points (high curvature points) from 2D point sets. Though there exist many number of algorithms for reconstructing curves, medial axes or dominant points, a unified framework capable of approximating all the three in one place from points is missing in the literature. Our algorithm estimates the normals at each sample point through poles (farthest Voronoi vertices of a sample point) and uses the estimated normals and the corresponding tangents to determine the spatial locations (inner or outer) of the Voronoi vertices with respect to the original curve. The vertex classification helps to construct a piece‐wise linear approximation to the object boundary. We provide a theoretical analysis of the algorithm for points non‐uniformly (ε‐sampling) sampled from simple, closed, concave and smooth curves. The proposed framework has been thoroughly evaluated for its usefulness using various test data. Results indicate that even sparsely and non‐uniformly sampled curves with outliers or collection of curves are faithfully reconstructed by the proposed algorithm.
Multimodality detection of multiple left ventricular diverticula: A case report and brief review of the literature
Authors: Bhardwaj Bhaskar , Kumar Senthil A. , Webel Richard , Gautam Sandeep , Chockalingam Anand
Published: October 2018

Left ventricular diverticula (LVD) are rare congenital anomalies usually detected incidentally in the adult population. Most commonly, they are found as a single left ventricular diverticulum in association with other congenital abnormalities but multiple LVD are exceedingly rare. We are describing a patient who was found to have multiple LVD on multimodality imaging studies. He had presented with a sudden cardiac arrest attributed to a combination of alcohol intoxication and QT interval prolongation from hypokalemia and antidepressant medications. The patient was managed conservatively and discharged with an implantable loop recorder for detecting any occult arrhythmias.
Value of ejection fraction/velocity ratio in the prognostic stratification of patients with asymptomatic aortic valve stenosis
Authors: Antonini‐Canterin Francesco , Di Nora Concetta , Cervesato Eugenio , Zito Concetta , Carerj Scipione , Ravasel Andreea , Cosei Iulian , Popescu Andreea Catarina , Popescu Bogdan Alexandru
Published: October 2018

Background

The ejection fraction/velocity ratio (EFVR) is a simple function‐corrected index of aortic stenosis severity with a good correlation with aortic valve area measured using the Gorlin formula at cardiac catheterization. It is calculated by dividing left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) to 4 × (peak jet velocity)2.

Objective

Our aim was to evaluate the value of EFVR in predicting adverse events in patients with asymptomatic aortic stenosis.

Methods

We analyzed the clinical and echocardiographic data of 216 asymptomatic patients with at least moderate aortic stenosis (AVA ≤ 1.5 cm2). The primary end‐point was cardiovascular death or aortic valve replacement.

Results

There were 119 (55%) men and mean age was 68 ± 10 years. The mean follow‐up time was 4.2 ± 1.6 years (median 4.3 years). During follow‐up, the composite end‐point of death or aortic valve replacement was reached in 105 patients (49%). Using multivariate Cox regression analysis, EFVR and valvulo‐arterial impedance emerged as independent variables associated with outcome (P < 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively). In the subgroup of patients with severe aortic stenosis (AVA < 1 cm2), EFVR ≤ 0.9 was associated with an increased hazard ratio for the composite end‐point of mortality and aortic valve replacement (HR 2.14, 95% CI: 1.15–4.0, P = 0.017), even after adjusting for aortic valve area.

Conclusions

In patients with asymptomatic moderate to severe aortic stenosis, EFVR is useful for risk stratification. Our results suggest that incorporating EFVR in the evaluation of patients with asymptomatic aortic stenosis might help identify those who are most likely to benefit from early elective aortic replacement.
A review of fungal endometritis in the mare
Authors: Scott C. J.
Published: October 2018

Fungal endometritis is a relatively rare cause of infertility in the mare, accounting for only 1–5% of all cases of endometritis. However, it remains a challenge to the clinician due to difficulties in diagnosing and effectively treating affected mares, resulting in a high rate of recurrence and a guarded prognosis for ongoing fertility. Often occurring as an opportunistic infection, the most common causes of fungal endometritis in the mare are yeasts (Candida spp.) and moulds with septated hyphae (Aspergillus spp.). Early detection and identification of the causative agent are vital when choosing appropriate treatment as sensitivities to commonly used antifungals vary significantly. Assessing in vitro sensitivity for each isolate is accordingly recommended. Treatment of mares with fungal endometritis is multifaceted and includes; correction of any anatomical defects, uterine lavage and systemic and/or intrauterine infusion of antifungals. Concurrent bacterial infection is common so anticipation and subsequent treatment of bacterial endometritis is also often required.
Interlaminar crack onset in co‐cured and co‐bonded composite joints under mode I cyclic loading
Authors: Shiino Marcos Yutaka , González Ramírez Francis Mariana , Garpelli Felipe Parise , Alves da Silveira Núbia Nale , de Cássia Mendonça Sales Rita , Donadon Maurício Vicente
Published: October 2018

Composite joints exhibit different behavior in regard to delamination resistance when dealing with fatigue phenomenon. This research work focuses on an investigation to understand the failure mechanisms on the interfacial strength domain for delamination onset in cocured and cobonded joints. The analysis was based on strain energy release rate versus number of cycles plots that were obtained from fatigue tests in mode I with a stress ratio R = 0.1. The analysis encompassed from the microscopic to mesoscopic level obtained from scanning electron microscopic, and the images processed to extract the most relevant fracture patterns. The main difference between the two technologies was the stress concentration at the crack tip in which the cobonded joint presents a fabric carrier that blunts the adhesive layer, then delaying the delamination. This paper provides important information and guidelines to aid designers in the selection of the best composite joint for high‐performance structural applications.
L2 anxiety and the foreign language reading anxiety scale: Listening to the evidence
Authors: Sparks Richard L. , Patton Jon , Luebbers Julie
Published: October 2018

Second language (L2) educators have proposed a unique anxiety for general L2 learning and an anxiety specific to L2 reading. Since the early 1990s, the L2 anxiety concept has been challenged on theoretical and empirical grounds. In this investigation, U.S. high school L2 learners were administered the Foreign Language Reading Anxiety Scale (FLRAS) and measures of first language (L1) skills, L1 phonological memory and working memory, L1 print exposure, L1 reading attitudes, L1 metacognitive ability, L2 aptitude, and L2 achievement, then were followed through 2 to 3 years of Spanish. Results showed that the FLRAS explained significant unique variance in most L1 skills and L2 aptitude. Hierarchical regressions showed that the FLRAS explained growth in L2 achievement from first‐ to second‐ to third‐year Spanish. Findings suggest that the FLRAS is likely to measure individual differences in or self‐perceptions of students’ language learning skills rather than a specific anxiety for L2 learning. Implications for the teaching of L2s to U.S. students are discussed.
Depression‐like symptoms of withdrawal in a genetic mouse model of binge methamphetamine intake
Authors: Shabani Shkelzen , Schmidt Bryan , Ghimire Bikalpa , Houlton Sydney K. , Hellmuth Laura , Mojica Erika , Phillips Tamara J.
Published: October 2018

Binge methamphetamine (MA) users have higher MA consumption, relapse rates and depression‐like symptoms during early periods of withdrawal, compared with non‐binge users. The impact of varying durations of MA abstinence on depression‐like symptoms and on subsequent MA intake was examined in mice genetically prone to binge‐level MA consumption. Binge‐level MA intake was induced using a multiple‐bottle choice procedure in which mice were offered one water drinking tube and three tubes containing increasing concentrations of MA in water, or four water tubes (control group). In two studies, depression‐like symptoms were measured using a tail‐suspension test and a subsequent forced‐swim test, after forced abstinence of 6 and 30 hours from a 28‐day course of chronic MA intake. An additional study measured the same depression‐like symptoms, as well as MA intake, after prolonged abstinence of 1 and 2 weeks. MA high drinking mice and one of their progenitor strains DBA/2J escalated their MA intake with increasing MA concentration; however, MA high drinking mice consumed almost twice as much MA as DBA/2J mice. Depression‐like symptoms were significantly higher early after MA access was withdrawn, compared to levels in drug‐naïve controls, with more robust effects of MA withdrawal observed in MA high drinking than DBA/2J mice. When depression‐like symptoms were examined after 1 or 2 weeks of forced abstinence in MA high drinking mice, depression‐like symptoms dissipated, and subsequent MA intake was high. The MA high drinking genetic mouse model has strong face validity for human binge MA use and behavioral sequelae associated with abstinence.
Functional reorganization of marine fish nurseries under climate warming
Authors: McLean Matthew J. , Mouillot David , Goascoz Nicolas , Schlaich Ivan , Auber Arnaud
Published: October 2018

While climate change is rapidly impacting marine species and ecosystems worldwide, the effects of climate warming on coastal fish nurseries have received little attention despite nurseries’ fundamental roles in recruitment and population replenishment. Here, we used a 26‐year time series (1987–2012) of fish monitoring in the Bay of Somme, a nursery in the Eastern English Channel (EEC), to examine the impacts of environmental and human drivers on the spatial and temporal dynamics of fish functional structure during a warming phase of the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO). We found that the nursery was initially dominated by fishes with r‐selected life‐history traits such as low trophic level, low age and size at maturity, and small offspring, which are highly sensitive to warming. The AMO, likely superimposed on climate change, induced rapid warming in the late 1990s (over 1°C from 1998 to 2003), leading to functional reorganization of fish communities, with a roughly 80% decline in overall fish abundance and increased dominance by K‐selected fishes. Additionally, historical overfishing likely rendered the bay more vulnerable to climatic changes due to increased dominance by fishing‐tolerant, yet climatically sensitive species. The drop in fish abundance not only altered fish functional structure within the Bay of Somme, but the EEC was likely impacted, as the EEC has been unable to recover from a regime shift in the late 1990s potentially, in part, due to failed replenishment from the bay. Given the collapse of r‐selected fishes, we discuss how the combination of climate cycles and global warming could threaten marine fish nurseries worldwide, as nurseries are often dominated by r‐selected species.
High Achievement Motivation is Not Related to Increased Use of Acute Headache Medication in Migraine: A Cross‐sectional Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Sorgenfrei Verena , Kropp Peter , Straube Andreas , Ruscheweyh Ruth
Published: October 2018

Objective

To determine if migraine patients with high achievement motivation have an increased use of acute headache medication.

Background

It has been hypothesized that high achievement‐motivated migraine patients have an increased use of acute headache medication to be able to perform at work and during daily life, putting them at risk for medication overuse headache (MOH).

Methods

The Achievement Motivation Inventory and use of acute headache medication were assessed in 117 migraine patients (60 episodic, 57 chronic) at their first appointment at our tertiary headache center.

Results

Patients with low vs high achievement motivation were not significantly different in acute headache medication days per month (10.8 ± 6.9 vs 10.9 ± 7.8, P = .98), in acute headache medication use in the absence of headache (to prevent occurrence of headache later that day: 51.8% vs 48.2%, P = .38), in having a diagnosis of MOH (37.9 vs 23.7%, P = .12), or in reduction of acute headache medication days at 3 and 6 months follow‐up (both P > .20).

Conclusions

High achievement motivation in migraine patients was not associated with increased acute headache medication use or more frequent diagnosis of MOH.
Epidemiological survey of hemoglobin A1c and liver fibrosis in a general population with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Tanaka Kenichi , Takahashi Hirokazu , Hyogo Hideyuki , Ono Masafumi , Oza Noriko , Kitajima Yoichiro , Kawanaka Miwa , Chayama Kazuaki , Saibara Toshiji , Anzai Keizo , Eguchi Yuichiro
Published: October 2018

Aim

The association between glycemia and liver fibrosis was analyzed using hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and the Fibrosis‐4 (FIB‐4) index in a large general population cohort that underwent a health checkup.

Methods

A total of 6927 subjects without hepatitis B or C virus infection or habitual alcohol intake were enrolled. Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) was diagnosed by ultrasonography and potential liver fibrosis (FIB‐4 index ≥1.3) in NAFLD was analyzed in relation to HbA1c level. Factors associated with potential liver fibrosis of NAFLD were also analyzed.

Results

The overall frequency of NAFLD was 27.9% (1935 subjects) and the frequency of NAFLD by HbA1c level (<4.9%, 5.0–5.9%, 6.0–6.9%, 7.0–7.9%, ≥8.0%) was 16%, 27%, 54%, 53%, and 54%, respectively. Among the 1935 NAFLD cases, the frequency of potential liver fibrosis was 25.2% (487 subjects) overall and 19%, 22%, 30%, 52%, and 31%, respectively, by HbA1c category. From multivariate analysis, an HbA1c level ≥6.5% was significantly associated with potential liver fibrosis (P = 0.017, hazard ratio = 1.7).

Conclusions

The prevalence of NAFLD and liver fibrosis of NAFLD increased according to glycemia, up to 8.0% HbA1c. Measuring HbA1c and calculating the FIB‐4 index in health checkups could help to identify potential cases of liver fibrosis of NAFLD, which should then be further evaluated using other techniques to confirm liver fibrosis.
Hepatitis C virus infection could affect the pathogenesis of ischemic heart diseases in northern Japan
Authors: Fukuda Ryo , Kondo Yasuteru
Published: October 2018

Aims

Previously, our group reported that lymphotropic hepatitis C virus (HCV) could induce various kinds of immune dysfunctions. The immune dysfunctions could cause vascular disease by inducing cryoglobulinemia. It has been reported that ischemic heart diseases might be caused by HCV. However, the infectious rate of HCV in patients with ischemic heart disease has not been clarified in northern Japan. Therefore, we tried to determine the rate of HCV infectivity in patients with ischemic heart disease.

Methods

The target patients of this study were automatically selected using an electronic medical record system to exclude selection bias. The system identified 16 484 patients with ischemic heart disease who were included in this study. In addition, 12 902 subjects who had received medical checkups were included as the control group.

Results

The positive rate of HCV antibody among the patients with ischemic disease in our hospital was 2.58%, which was significantly higher (P < 0.01) than in the medical checkup patients (0.84%). The positive rate of HCV antibody in the patients with ischemic heart disease in each age group was significantly higher than in the corresponding age groups of the medical checkup patients. The rate of chronic kidney disease in HCV antibody‐positive patients treated by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was significantly higher than in HCV antibody‐negative patients treated by PCI (P = 0.02).

Conclusions

Hepatitis C virus infection might be associated with the pathogenesis of ischemic heart disease and HCV antibody positivity might be a risk factor for ischemic heart disease in northern Japan.
How We Speak of Nature: A Plea for a Discourse of Depth
Authors: Mccarthy John W. , Tuchman Nancy C.
Published: October 2018

Once there were brook trout in the streams in the mountains. You could see them standing in the amber current where the white edges of their fins wimpled softly in the flow. They smelled of moss in your hand. Polished and muscular and torsional. On their backs were vermiculate patterns that were maps of the world in its becoming. Maps and mazes. Of a thing which could not be put back. Not be made right again. In the deep glens where they lived all things were older than man and they hummed of mystery.

Cormac McCarthy, The Road
Does oral health influence school performance and school attendance? A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Rebelo Maria Augusta Bessa , Rebelo Vieira Janete Maria , Pereira Juliana Vianna , Quadros Larissa Neves , Vettore Mario Vianna
Published: October 2018

Aim

To examine the evidence on the influence of oral health status on school performance and school attendance in children and adolescents.

Design

A systematic review was performed in accordance with PRISMA included epidemiological studies that assessed concomitantly oral health measures, participants’ school performance and/or school attendance. Electronic search was conducted on MEDLINE, SCOPUS, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and LILACS. Studies published up to May 2018 in any language were eligible. The risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale. Meta‐analysis was used to obtain pooled estimates between oral health measures and school performance and school attendance.

Results

Eighteen studies were included. Of them, fifteen studies were used for the meta‐analyses. Most studies were assessed as moderate quality. Children with one or more decayed teeth had higher probability of poor school performance (OR = 1.44 95%CI: 1.24‐1.64) and poor school attendance (OR = 1.57 95%CI: 1.08‐2.05) than caries‐free children. Poor parent's perception of child's oral health increased the odds of worse school performance (OR = 1.51 95%CI: 1.10‐1.92) and poor school attendance (OR = 1.35 95%CI: 1.14‐1.57).

Conclusions

Children and adolescents with dental caries and those reporting worse oral health experience poor school performance and poor school attendance.
Treatment of multiple recession defects with vestibular incision subperiosteal tunnel access (VISTA): A retrospective pilot study utilizing digital analysis
Authors: Gil Alfonso , Bakhshalian Neema , Min Seiko , Zadeh Homayoun H.
Published: October 2018

Objective

To examine the correlation between initial site‐specific characteristics of patients with multiple gingival recession defects and the outcome of root coverage therapy.

Materials and Methods

Pretherapy and post‐therapy study models of 21 patients (154 teeth) with multiple gingival recession defects, treated with Vestibular Incision Subperiosteal Tunnel Access (VISTA), were optically scanned. Three‐dimensional analysis of superimposed preoperative and postoperative images was performed. Linear and surface root coverage were calculated and correlated to various clinical and/or anatomical parameters. A multilevel statistical analysis was conducted, adjusting for the correlation among multiple observations.

Results

The mean percentages of linear root coverage were 96.2 ± 13.1% and 84.3 ± 14.4% for Miller Class I/II and Class III recessions, respectively. The mean percentages of root surface area coverage were 92.1 ± 12.0% and 78.6 ± 15.7% for Miller Class I/II and III defects, respectively. Root prominence, initial recession width and posterior tooth type were negatively correlated with linear and root surface area coverage. Initial recession depth was negatively correlated with root surface area coverage. Initial gingival margin thickness was positively associated with both linear and root surface area coverage.

Conclusion

The results of the present study identified important positive and negative site‐specific characteristics that may have utility in predicting the outcome of root coverage.

Clinical Significance

This study used sensitive 3‐dimensional digital analysis tools to examine the correlation between initial site‐specific characteristics of patients with multiple gingival recession defects and the outcome of periodontal root coverage therapy. Results demonstrated that initial root prominence, loss of interdental tissue (Miller Class III), molar tooth type, initial recession depth and width were negatively correlated with the outcome of periodontal root coverage achieved. Conversely, initial gingival margin thickness was associated with increased percentage of root coverage. These site‐specific characteristics may serve as important risk indicators to predict the outcome of root coverage procedure.
The effect of electronic cigarettes on dental enamel color
Authors: Pintado‐Palomino Karen , de Almeida Cecilia Vilela Vasconcelos Barros , Oliveira‐Santos Christiano , Pires‐de‐Souza Fernanda Panzeri , Tirapelli Camila
Published: October 2018

Objective

The use of electronic cigarettes (ECIGs) has recently increased as an alternative to conventional smoking tobacco products. The literature is scarce on the effects of ECIGs on dental and oral structures. Therefore, the objective of this study was to observe whether ECIG aerosol could alter the color of dental enamel.

Materials and methods

Sixty‐three bovine enamel specimens were randomly separated into groups (n = 7) and treated with aerosols with different e‐liquid flavors (neutral, menthol, and tobacco) and nicotine content (0, 12, and 18 mg). The initial color assessment was performed using a spectrophotometer (Easy Shade—Vita). Dental enamel was exposed to 20 cycles of ECIG aerosol in a smoking machine, and the final color was measured. The color change was evaluated using ΔEab, ΔE00, and Whiteness Index (WID) formulae. Differences in L* a* b* coordinates were calculated, and data were analyzed (two‐way ANOVA, uncorrected Fisher's LSD post hoc test, α = 0.05).

Results

Luminosity (ΔL) was reduced by aerosols with almost all levels of nicotine content and neutral and menthol flavors. Flavored e‐liquids caused more color change (P < .05) according to ΔEab and ΔE00. ΔE values from both formulae exceeded the thresholds for perceptible visual alterations of color. WID increased after ECIGs exposure for menthol and tobacco and decreased for neutral flavors.

Conclusions

ECIG aerosol from e‐liquids with different nicotine contents and flavors altered enamel color. Menthol and tobacco e‐liquids may alter the enamel color decreasing the yellowness of the enamel compared to neutral e‐liquid.

Clinical significance

Electronic cigarettes can cause perceptible changes in tooth color, altering dental esthetics.
Delimitation of Alosa species (Teleostei: Clupeiformes) from the Sea of Azov: integrating morphological and molecular approaches
Authors: Vernygora Oksana V. , Davis Corey S. , Murray Alison M. , Sperling Felix A. H.
Published: October 2018

Shads of the genus Alosa are essential to commercial fisheries across North America and Europe, but in some areas their species boundaries remain controversial. Traditional morphology‐based taxonomy of Alosa spp. has relied heavily on the number of gill rakers and body proportions, but these can be highly variable. We use mitochondrial (mt)DNA (coI and cytb) and genome‐wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) along with morphological characters to assess differentiation among endemic Ponto‐Caspian shads in the Sea of Azov. Morphological species assignments based on gill‐raker number were not congruent with genetic lineages shown by mtDNA and SNPs. Iterative analysis revealed that genetic lineages were associated with sampling location and several other morphometric traits (caudal peduncle depth, pre‐anal length and head length). Phylogenetic analysis of the genus placed Ponto‐Caspian Alosa spp. in the same evolutionary lineage as endangered Alosa spp. endemic to Greece, highlighting the importance of these findings to conservation management. We conclude that gill‐raker number is not reliable for delimiting species of Alosa. This taxonomic uncertainty should be addressed by examining type material to provide a robust integrative classification for these commercially important fishes.
Influencing factors on preventive health behaviours for Zika virus in pregnant women and their partners
Authors: Jo Sungho , Kim Youngji , Choi Jeong Sil
Published: October 2018

Aims and objectives

To identify Zika virus‐related knowledge, attitudes to Zika virus and health motivations of pregnant women, women preparing for pregnancy and their partners, and to identify factors that influence preventive health behaviours for Zika virus infection.

Background

Prevention of Zika virus infection is becoming a major worldwide public health effort. The high‐risk group for Zika virus infection comprises women who are pregnant or preparing for pregnancy. Few studies have addressed preventive health behaviours for Zika virus infection by gender.

Design

This study was a descriptive cross‐sectional survey.

Methods

Participants (112 males and 147 females) were selected by convenience sampling from three obstetric clinics located in South Korea. Women and their partners who visited obstetric clinics during pregnancy or preparing for pregnancy were included as subjects.

Results

Factors associated with preventive health behaviours for Zika virus were checking infection status of Zika virus on destinations when planning a trip and attitudes to Zika virus in males and age, educational level, intention to travel to Zika virus endemic countries, attitudes to Zika virus and health motivation in females.

Conclusions

Factors that influence preventive health behaviours for Zika virus were different by gender. However, attitudes to Zika virus were influential to both genders. Gender differences should be considered in development of health policies to improve preventive health behaviours for Zika virus. Younger and less educated women are to be targeted, and health management programmes should be developed to promote health motivation.

Relevance to clinical practice

Pregnant women, women preparing for pregnancy and their partners need education and public health promotion to improve self‐management during travel to places where Zika virus is endemic. Health policies and health management programmes considering age and educational background should be developed to promote health motivation in women of childbearing age.