bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single‐nucleotide polymorphisms of VEGF‐A and VEGFR‐2 genes and risk of infantile hemangioma
Authors: Oszajca Katarzyna , Szemraj Janusz , Wyrzykowski Dariusz , Chrzanowska Barbara , Salamon Aneta , Przewratil Przemyslaw
Published: July 2018

Background

Infantile hemangioma (IH) is the most common vascular tumor of childhood and infancy. It is distinguished by rapid proliferation of endothelial cells during the first year of life followed by spontaneous regression thereafter. One of the possible factors responsible for the IH development is vascular endothelial grow factor (VEGF). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of selected polymorphisms in the genes coding for VEGF‐A (+405 G/C, rs2010963; +936 C/T, rs3025039) and its receptor VEGFR‐2 (+1416 T/A, rs1870377; –271 G/A, rs7667298) on the susceptibility to infantile hemangioma.

Methods

We performed a case–control study of 99 Polish children hospitalized due to IH and compared them with matched healthy control subjects. The polymorphisms were ascertained through genotyping by PCR‐RFLP assay, PCR‐HRM, or the allelic discrimination method.

Results

The study revealed a lower odds of infantile hemangioma in individuals with GG genotype or G allele for +405 G/C VEGF‐A polymorphism (ORdis = 0.52, P = 0.023 and ORdis = 0.63, P = 0.025, respectively). No association was observed for the remaining VEGF and VEGFR‐2 polymorphisms and IH risk.

Conclusions

In our study, none of the investigated VEGF‐A and VEGFR‐2 genes polymorphisms was found to be an independent prognostic marker for infantile hemangioma. However, there is evidence that individuals carrying at least one G allele of +405 G/C VEGF‐A polymorphism have significantly lower risk of IH.
Iraqi IDPs Access to Durable Solutions: Results of Two Rounds of a Longitudinal Study
Authors: Rossi Lorenza , Davis Rochelle , Benton Grace , Zeyneloglu Sinan , Al‐Shami Salma
Published: July 2018

This article discusses the findings from a 4,000 household, longitudinal study conducted by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and Georgetown University. Using the Inter‐Agency Standing Committee (IASC) Framework on Durable Solutions, we investigate the circumstances in which households were displaced, and how their needs, strategies, and access to durable solutions change over time as they integrate, return, or settle elsewhere. Findings from the study thus allow us to build an evidence base that helps researchers and policymakers to move beyond conceptions of displacement as either a ‘crisis’ or a problem that has been solved, and instead bring into focus the ways in which displaced people find ways to rebuild their lives and livelihoods that coexist alongside patterns of mobility and risk management.
Fatal Strongyloides hyperinfection syndrome in an immunocompetent adult with review of the literature
Authors: Chan Fiona L. Y. , Kennedy Brendan , Nelson Renjy
Published: July 2018

Strongyloides hyperinfection syndrome is rarely described in immunocompetent individuals. We present a case of fatal Strongyloides hyperinfection syndrome, and a literature review identifying nine other cases occurring in immunocompetent individuals, highlighting the challenges of diagnosis and treatment in this setting. While overall mortality is lower compared to immunocompromised patients, fatal outcomes still occur. A high index of suspicion is required for early diagnosis and treatment.
Flucloxacillin–warfarin interaction: an under‐appreciated phenomenon
Authors: Chaudhuri Alex , Wade Stephanie L.
Published: July 2018

Current drug databases do not acknowledge an interaction between warfarin and flucloxacillin although case reports have indicated that flucloxacillin may increase warfarin requirement to maintain therapeutic international normalised ratio (INR). To assess whether flucloxacillin therapy leads to a significant increase in warfarin dose, we conducted a retrospective, observational, cohort study of hospital‐in‐the‐home patients previously stable on warfarin; who were treated with flucloxacillin or other antibiotics for at least 2 weeks between June 2015 and December 2016. The outcome measured was change in average warfarin dose at two time periods: 1 week prior to antibiotic treatment and the final week of antibiotic treatment. Four cases with flucloxacillin and four comparators treated with other antibiotics met inclusion criteria. All cases treated with flucloxacillin had a clinically and statistically significant increase in warfarin dose in the final week of antibiotic treatment compared with pre‐antibiotics. The warfarin dose increased by a range of 57–130% (P < 0.05). There was no significant change in warfarin dose for patients on vancomycin, benzylpenicillin or piperacillin‐tazobactam. One comparator on cephazolin had a statistically significant change in warfarin dose; however, they had a sub‐therapeutic INR on admission which warranted a dose increase. Due to the high risk of sequelae with sub‐therapeutic anticoagulation, close INR monitoring is essential for patients on a prolonged course of flucloxacillin.
Resolution of sinus bradycardia, high‐grade heart block, and left ventricular systolic dysfunction with rituximab therapy in Henoch‐Schonlein purpura
Authors: Torosoff Mikhail , Breen Thomas , Balulad Sujata , Padala Santosh , Lyubarova Radmila , Tan Henry , Sidhu Mandeep
Published: July 2018

Henoch‐Schonlein purpura (HSP) is a rare, typically self‐limited, multi‐organ vasculitis. Cardiac involvement with HSP carries high morbidity and mortality, thus requiring early aggressive immunosuppressive therapy. We report a case of HSP complicated with acute systolic left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, symptomatic sinus bradycardia and high‐grade atrio‐ventricular (AV) heart block. Cyclophosphamide, a commonly used agent in HSP, was contraindicated due to the patient's presentation with acute renal failure. Treatment with monoclonal antibody rituximab and corticosteroids was initiated with an improvement in and resolution of LV systolic dysfunction, sinus bradycardia and AV block. We believe this is the first published report on rituximab treatment in HSP with cardiac involvement manifesting with severe LV systolic dysfunction, sinus bradycardia and high‐grade AV block.
Seasonal and regional patterns of lower leg cellulitis in Western Australia
Authors: Manning Laurens , Cannon Jeffrey , Dyer John , Carapetis Jonathan
Published: July 2018

Background

Lower leg cellulitis (LLC) is a common infection that is usually caused by Streptococcus pyogenes or other beta‐haemolytic streptococci. We hypothesised that in Western Australia (WA), LLC is a summer disease and would be more common in the northern, tropical regions.

Methods

We conducted a statewide data linkage of adult patients presenting to WA hospitals with a first ever diagnosis of LLC, from January 2002 through December 2013 according to the region and season.

Results

A total of 36 276 cases presented with a primary episode of LLC. The northern regions of the Kimberley (2.26 (2.13–2.39), P < 0.001) and midwest (1.13 (1.06–1.20), P < 0.001) had higher incidence rates than the Perth metropolitan region, while the southern regions of Southwest, Great Southern and Goldfields had lower incidence rates (0.89 (0.85–0.93), P < 0.001; 0.81 (0.75–0.88), P < 0.001; and 0.77 (0.71–0.83), P < 0.001, respectively). The total number of primary cases was higher in summer (10 570 (29.1%, 95% confidence interval 28.7–29.6), P < 0.0001) and autumn (9306 (25.7%, 95% confidence interval 25.2–26.1), P = 0.004). Seasonality of LLC was observed in all WA regions except those in the Kimberley, Pilbara and Great Southern regions.

Conclusion

In most non‐tropical regions of WA, LLC is a summer disease, while in the warmer tropical regions of WA where year‐round temperatures are higher, no seasonality was observed, but overall incidence of LLC presentations were higher. These findings may have important implications for public health messaging and research around prevention of LLC.
Is parental oral health literacy a predictor of children's oral health outcomes? Systematic review of the literature
Authors: Firmino Ramon Targino , Ferreira Fernanda Morais , Martins Carolina Castro , Granville‐Garcia Ana Flávia , Fraiz Fabian Calixto , Paiva Saul Martins
Published: July 2018

Background

The scientific evidence regarding the association between parental oral health literacy (OHL) and children's oral health is unclear.

Aim

To evaluate the scientific evidence concerning the association between parental OHL and children's oral health outcomes.

Design

Eight databases were searched. Studies that evaluated oral health outcomes among children and measured parental OHL through a validated tool were included. Two independent reviewers selected studies, extracted data and analysed the risk of bias.

Results

Eleven studies were included. Most (n = 6) had a high risk of bias. Most studies evaluating dental caries found association between lower parental OHL and higher prevalence/experience of dental caries. Poor oral health‐related quality of life was associated with decreased parental OHL (P < 0.05). Studies diverged on the association between OHL and the number of filled, extracted teeth, and dental visits. There was no association between children's tooth brushing frequency, use of toothpaste, oral health claim, oral health expenditures and parental OHL. The literature was inconclusive regarding the association between night bottle feeding, negative parental perception of the child's oral health and OHL.

Conclusion

Low parental OHL was associated with dental caries among their children. It is too soon to assume an association between OHL and the remaining outcomes.
Determining sugar content and firmness of ‘Fuji’ apples by using portable near‐infrared spectrometer and diffuse transmittance spectroscopy
Authors: Zhu Guozhen , Tian Chunna
Published: July 2018

‘Fuji’ apples produced in four counties of Shaanxi Province, China were used as samples to explore potential applications of portable spectrometers in determining sugar content and firmness of apples produced in different areas. Eighteen and twenty wavelengths were selected as characteristic wavelengths (CWs) using successive projections algorithm (SPA) from pretreated full spectra for sugar content and firmness, respectively. Two linear models (multiple linear regression (MLR) and partial least squares regression (PLSR)) and other two nonlinear models (general regression neural network (GRNN) and extreme learning machine (ELM) were adopted to build sugar content and firmness determination models. The results indicate that not only for sugar content, but also for firmness, PLSR had better performance than MLR, and ELM performed better than GRNN. PLSR‐SPA had the best determination performance for sugar content and firmness. The research offers useful spectrometer technologies on developing portable detectors for internal qualities of apples.

Practical applications

‘Fuji’ apples are very popular among consumers around the world since they are sweeter and crisper than many other apple cultivars. Although several studies have been conducted on predicting internal qualities of ‘Fuji’ apples by using NIR spectroscopy, few studies have been reported on sugar content and firmness determination of ‘Fuji’ apples produced in different areas. In this study, a portable near‐infrared spectrometer and diffuse transmittance spectroscopy was used to determine sugar content and firmness of ‘Fuji’ apples produced in different areas of Shaanxi Province, whose ‘Fuji’ apple production and plant area ranks the first in China. This study offers useful technologies for developing portable detector and online detection instrument on quality attributes of ‘Fuji’ apples.
Wound healing potential of Solanum xanthocarpum in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats
Authors: Parmar Komal M , Shende Priyanka R , Katare Nitin , Dhobi Mahaveer , Prasad Satyendra K
Published: July 2018

Objectives

The objective of the present study was to evaluate wound healing potential of Solanum xanthocarpum extract in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Methods

Alcoholic extract of the aerial parts (ESX) was subjected to phytochemical estimations and its standardization with chlorogenic acid using HPLC. ESX was then evaluated for wound healing potential in, streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats using excision and incision wound models on topical and oral treatment Various biochemical evaluations, such as collagen, hexosamine, hyaluronic acid, protein, DNA along with antioxidant parameters, proinflammatory cytokines, VEGF and histopathological examination were also evaluated.

Key findings

Extract of S. xanthocarpum depicted the presence of mainly alkaloids, polyphenols, steroids, while content of chlorogenic acid was found to be 8.44% w/w. The maximum effective nature of ESX in healing was observed at 10% gel (topical) and 200 mg/kg (orally) in diabetic rats, where highest healing power was observed when treated both orally and topically. Biochemical evaluations showed significant increase in the levels of collagen, hexosamine, hyaluronic acid, protein, DNA followed by significant decline in the levels of blood glucose, lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide and expression of proinflammatory cytokines, supported by histopathology.

Conclusions

The potential healing effect in diabetic rats may be attributed to the presence of chlorogenic acid in combination with other phytoconstituents.
Productivity as the main factor correlating with migratory behaviour in the evolutionary history of warblers
Authors: Ponti R. , Arcones A. , Ferrer X. , Vieites D. R.
Published: July 2018

The evolution of migration in birds and its causes are still subject of debate. Recent studies tracking current bird migration have identified peaks in net primary productivity (NPP) as a main driver of bird migratory behaviour. However, it is unclear which variables may have played a major role in the evolution of bird migration at deeper phylogenetic levels. Here, we used phylogenetic comparative methods to assess whether the evolutionary patterns of migratory distances, as a proxy for migratory behaviour, are correlated with several biometric, climatic and productivity variables in a phylogenetic context, usingSylviawarblers as a case study. Our results recoverNPPin the breeding range and during the breeding season as the variable with stronger positive correlation with migratory distances, being always included in the best models considering all potential variables. Several climatic variables show a correlation with the evolution of migration, but those are also tightly correlated withNPP. Among morphological variables, migratory lineages tend to have longer wings than sedentary ones. AlthoughNPPhas been identified as a driver of migratory behaviour in current species, in a phylogenetic scale it is not possible to disentangle if it was a main driver in the evolution of bird migratory behaviour or a consequence of it, yet migration andNPPseem to be tightly related today and along the long evolutionary history of these passerines.
Fishing community preferences and willingness to pay for alternative developments of ecosystem‐based fisheries management (EBFM) for Lake Naivasha, Kenya
Authors: Mulatu Dawit W. , van Oel Pieter R. , Odongo Vincent , van der Veen Anne
Published: July 2018

Ecosystem‐based fisheries management (EBFM) is an important complement to existing fisheries management approaches to maintain ecosystem health and function; to translate goals and aspirations for sustainability into operational objectives, the preferences of the fishing communities should be considered for successful implementation of EBFM. This study analysed the preferences of the fishing community for alternative EBFM developments for Lake Naivasha, Kenya, and estimated the willingness to pay, using a choice experiment approach. Protection of fish breeding grounds, improving tilapia fish abundance and accessibility of fishing zones were identified as relevant EBFM attributes for the choice experiment. A monetary attribute (payment for fishing permit) was also included. In addition to a conditional logit model, mixed logit models are estimated to account for heterogeneity in preferences. This study results indicated fishing communities are most concerned about tilapia fish abundance and protection of fish breeding grounds. The welfare measures reveal that members of the Lake Naivasha fishing community are willing to pay a considerable sum of money for ecosystem services improvement, relative to their low income derived from fishing. These study findings highlighted that evaluating the preferences of the fishing community and valuing the fishery at an ecosystem level are vital to prioritize and choose between alternative interventions for sound implementation of EBFM.
Uncertainty in the modeling of spatial big data on a pattern of bushfires holes
Authors: Stein Alfred , Tolpekin Valentyn A.
Published: July 2018

This paper focuses on the presence of vegetation patches, called holes remaining after forest fires. Holes are of interest to explore because their vegetation is affected by severe temperature stress nearby, although they can serve as an agent to regenerate a forest after the burn. Further, it is interesting to know why holes emerge at all, while little if anything is known about their structure and distribution in space. A statistical analysis of their presence and abundance and a spatial statistical analysis to analyze their positions was done within four forest fire footprints. Fractal dimension of the holes was compared to that of the forest fire footprint, whereas remote sensing imagery was used to identify the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) of the patches before and after the fire. Results showed that the fractal dimension of the holes is lower than that of the forest fire footprint, and that the NDVI is slowly recovering to the original NDVI. Differences with the NDVI of the surrounding areas remain large. We concluded that patches of vegetation after a forest fire are interesting to study, providing clues of why unburned patches occur despite the fire presence nearby, how they can be characterized spatially and how the vegetation composition responds to such nearby fire.

The Recommendations for Resource Managers

Forest fires affect the forests, and have an effect on the population living within the forest and close to it. A forest fire commonly leaves behind a large number of unburnt vegetation patches. In this study we call them holes. These holes have been under severe heat and smoke pressure, but have similar tree species and forest structure as the original forest. They serve as the starting point to regenerate the forest. The primary implications for resource management are as follows:

A better understanding of where they are, and how they are composed may help to understand the behavior of a fire.

Their characterization may help to better understand the relation between vegetation as a fuel for forest fire.

Their biodiversity will improve the fire spread modeling of burns that are carried out for management of a forest stand.
Chronic graft‐versus‐host disease: Current management paradigm and future perspectives
Authors: Mawardi Hani , Hashmi Shahrukh K. , Elad Sharon , Aljurf Mahmoud , Treister Nathaniel
Published: July 2018

Introduction

The field of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo‐HCT) began in the 1950s, and despite a seven decade history of remarkable clinical advances, graft‐versus‐host‐disease (GVHD) remains the greatest obstacle in its success due to considerable morbidity and mortality. Graft‐versus‐host disease is the second leading cause of transplantation‐related mortality (TRM) after relapse of primary disease. There are two main types of GVHD—acute and chronic—differing in the pathogenesis, time of onset, and clinical presentation.

Objective

This review provides a comprehensive overview of chronic GVHD pathophysiology and current management paradigms, as well as consideration of promising novel therapies.

Conclusion

Chronic GVHD is a serious disease which may be active for years, or even decades, requiring potentially years of immunosuppressive therapies and placing patients at risk for a number of late complications. While the oral cavity has long been recognized to be a prominent target of GVHD, and in particular, chronic GVHD, it must be recognized and appreciated that it is a complex systemic disease with a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations.
“Both men and beasts”
Authors: Mortensen Peter
Published: July 2018

Danish author Karen Blixen's frequent use of human–animal comparisons in Out of Africa (1937) has been critically controversial ever since the early 1980s, when the Kenyan writer and critic Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o cited this practice as evidence of Blixen's racist and dehumanizing portrayal of Africans. In this essay, I outline an alternative way of thinking about anthropomorphism and zoomorphism that is inspired by current theoretical developments in critical posthumanism, animal studies, new materialism, and ecocriticism. Reading the anthropomorphic/zoomorphic imagery that pervades Out of Africa, I endeavor to show that the premises underpinning Ngũgĩ's influential critique are precisely the problematic assumptions that Blixen labors to destabilize. As I interpret Blixen's textual maneuvers, these tropes function less to privilege some characters and dehumanize others along social and racial lines than to make it radically unclear exactly what the categories “human” and “animal” mean in her narrative world.
Assessment of quality of life in Turkish children with psoriasis and their caregivers
Authors: Tekin Burak , Gurel Mehmet Salih , Topkarci Zeynep , Topaloglu Demir Filiz , Aytekin Sema , Cebeci Kahraman Filiz , Singer Ralfi , Erdemir Vefa Asli , Uzuncakmak Tugba Kevser , Yasar Sirin , Akdeniz Necmettin , Altunay Ilknur Kivanc , Kocaturk Emek , Turkoglu Zafer , Erdogan Bilgen
Published: July 2018

Background/Objectives

The effect of pediatric psoriasis on quality of life has been demonstrated, but data regarding its influence on caregiver quality of life are scarce. The objective was to investigate how psoriasis affects quality of life of children and their caregivers.

Methods

This multicenter study included 129 children with psoriasis and their caregivers, who were family members accompanying patients to the clinic. Patient quality of life was measured using the Child Dermatology Life Quality Index. Caregiver quality of life was assessed using Dermatological Family Impact Scale, a 15‐item questionnaire validated for use in the Turkish language.

Results

Mean Child Dermatology Life Quality Index score was 7.6, indicating a moderate effect on patient quality of life. Symptoms and feelings were the most severely impaired domains of patient quality of life, and emotions was the most severely impaired domain of caregiver quality of life. Dermatological Family Impact Scale score was significantly correlated with Child Dermatology Life Quality Index (correlation coefficient [r] = .554, P < .001) and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (r = .350, P < .001). Caregivers of patients receiving systemic agents or phototherapy had relative impairment of multiple domains of quality of life compared to caregivers of patients receiving topical treatment only.

Conclusion

Psychosocial effect of pediatric psoriasis was shown to extend beyond the individual, highlighting the importance of addressing patient and caregiver quality of life concerns in an integrated approach.
What's the story? An analysis of children's books about atopic dermatitis
Authors: Tappel Anna C. , Cresce Nicole , Zlotoff Barrett
Published: July 2018

Background/Objectives

Atopic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition with significant disease burden. Bibliotherapy, the use of storybooks to understand an illness, has been proven effective in several pediatric disorders but has not been studied in dermatologic disease. The purpose of this study was to assess the availability of storybooks about atopic dermatitis and analyze them based on adherence to American Academy of Dermatology guidelines for the treatment of atopic dermatitis, readability, author qualifications, cost, and availability.

Methods

Selection criteria included that the books were primarily about atopic dermatitis, were illustrated, cost less than $25, and were written in English. Storybooks were identified using an Internet search of the Google, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble websites. Flesch‐Kincaid Grade Level was used to calculate reading level.

Results

Twenty‐three storybooks were identified. The mean cost of the storybooks was $8.2 ± 7.0. Authors included mothers, professional authors, and medical professionals. Mean reading grade level was 4.1 ± 1.5. Of American Academy of Dermatology‐recommended treatments, most storybooks mentioned moisturizers or bathing. Fewer than half discussed moisturizing after bathing, topical corticosteroids, wet wrap therapy, oral antihistamines, antimicrobials, systemic agents, or phototherapy. None mentioned topical calcineurin inhibitors or bleach baths.

Conclusion

Storybooks about atopic dermatitis are available. Of those reviewed, none covered all the American Academy of Dermatology treatment guidelines. Studies have shown that bibliotherapy can be useful for education and behavioral modification for pediatric diseases, and future studies are needed to examine whether comprehensive, accurate storybooks about atopic dermatitis improve clinical outcomes or improve the quality of life of individuals with atopic dermatitis and their caregivers.
Barriers to electronic cigarette use
Authors: English Thomas MacAndrew , Smith Todd Brenton , Song Xiaochuan , Whitman Marilyn V.
Published: July 2018

Objective

Recent studies suggest that electronic cigarettes (e‐cigarettes) may be a better alternative to traditional smoking cessation therapies for cigarette smokers. This study explores the barriers traditional smokers face when switching to e‐cigarettes.

Design and Sample

A convenience sample of adult male and female tobacco and/or e‐cigarette smokers (n = 446) were recruited through an online survey.

Measurements

The survey included questions used to determine the barriers a smoker may experience in regards to their use of e‐cigarettes, as well as the characteristics regarding their use of tobacco and/or e‐cigarettes.

Results

The majority (74%) of tobacco smokers who tried e‐cigarettes did not perceive e‐cigarettes to be an effective replacement for tobacco cigarettes, and 69% indicated the initial cost and health concerns as reasons to not continue using e‐cigarettes. Both current e‐cigarette users and those who discontinued use of e‐cigarettes noted health or lack of information on side effects as a concern. The majority of e‐cigarette users indicated that it took more than a week to settle on a proper dose. We found that for each additional cigarette smoked per day individuals were 4.0% (p = .001) more likely to use e‐cigarettes.

Conclusion

This exploratory study informs future cessation trials involving e‐cigarettes about the barriers users face. Given that individuals who smoke a greater number of tobacco cigarettes are more likely to try e‐cigarettes, greater attention to nicotine dosing is necessary.
A review on the research status and development trend of equipment in water treatment processes of recirculating aquaculture systems
Authors: Xiao Ruichao , Wei Yaoguang , An Dong , Li Daoliang , Ta Xuxiang , Wu Yinghao , Ren Qin
Published: July 2018

Recirculating aquaculture systems (RASs) are intensive aquaculture facilities models that depend on diverse water treatment equipment to maintain good water quality and produce safe and healthy high‐quality aquatic products. This article combines the main farming‐mode of water purification recirculating processes with recent cultivation‐mode scientific research and the current development of the recirculating aquaculture industry. Harmful substances are present in aquaculture wastewater due to large quantities of residual particulate matter such as residual feed, faeces and small suspended solid particles, as well as ammonia, nitrite, bacteria and carbon dioxide (CO2), in the water. These harmful substances seriously affect the quality of aquatic products, so water treatment equipment is needed to remove these substances, add oxygen (O2) to the water and adjust the temperature of the water to ensure a high‐quality environment for fish survival. This article reviews the equipment for physical filtration (e.g. solid–liquid separation equipment, microscreen drum filter and foam fractionator) that could remove suspended solids during the water treatment of RASs and the equipment for biological filtration (e.g. fluidized sand biofilter (FSB), moving‐bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) and rotating biological contactor (RBC)) that could remove ammonia nitrogen, nitrite and other hazardous substances from wastewater, as well as equipment for water disinfection and sterilization, O2 addition, CO2 removal and temperature control. Comprehensive analysis and discussion of water treatment efficiency are provided for reference to create efficient high‐end recirculation aquaculture models and increase the precision and intelligence degree of recirculating water treatment technologies in the future.
Probiotic application for sustainable aquaculture
Authors: Dawood Mahmoud A.O. , Koshio Shunsuke , Abdel‐Daim Mohamed M. , Van Doan Hien
Published: July 2018

Aquaculture, which constitutes one of the largest food production sectors in the world, is preferably practiced with natural organic products rather than with synthetic chemicals or antibiotics. In addition to the daunting challenge of providing food and livelihood to the exponentially increasing world population, the aquaculture industry is key to ensuring that development is based on environmentally sustainable practices, specifically in the production of aquafeeds. Terrestrial microorganisms that act as natural defence systems of cultured species have been identified as the main producer for the beneficial bacterial candidates. Probiotics have recently gained popularity as beneficial microbes candidates in cultured organisms to maintain the health condition and well‐being of different aquatic animals. This review aimed to understand the necessity of using probiotics as a sustainable alternative to regulate the growth performance, feed utilisation and general health condition for sustainable aquaculture. Also, explanatory discussion about the host microbiota and its ability to produce different probiotic strains and the probiotic functionality to ameliorate the host immunity to provide the interactive effects on the host‐derived probiotics. By presenting the results obtained from the previous studies about the ability of probiotics to sustain the aquatic animal's performances, this study condensed the current knowledge and information for future research and development of the probiotic application in aquaculture.
Richard Thaler and the Rise of Behavioral Economics
Authors: Barberis Nicholas
Published: July 2018

Richard Thaler was awarded the 2017 Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel for his contributions to behavioral economics. In this article, I review and discuss these contributions.
Political uncertainty and stock market volatility: new evidence from the 2014 Scottish Independence Referendum
Authors: Darby Julia , Roy Graeme
Published: July 2018

We investigate the impact of heightened political uncertainty in the run‐up to, and after, the 2014 Scottish independence referendum. The conditional volatilities of stock returns of our Scottish index and the FTSE all share index are characterised by the same GARCH parameters for a sample ending in late 2013, but this no longer holds when estimation extends closer to the referendum. The relative volatility of Scottish companies’ stock returns peaked when polls indicated the referendum result was ‘too close to call,’ fell back on the result, but rose again in the run‐up to publication of proposals for further devolution.
Archaeology of an online course: Teaching and learning as social engineering
Authors: Delamarter Steve
Published: July 2018

This essay distills pedagogical principles that have emerged through a dozen years of experience teaching a seminary introductory Old Testament course online. The rich interactions and social cues that professors rely on to monitor student learning in face‐to‐face classrooms are replaced by a carefully choreographed pattern of student learning activities and peer‐to‐peer discussion prompts through which the professor “engineers” student learning. A careful description and analysis of the pedagogical intentions and choices embedded in the design of an online course reveals a sociology of online learning and the author's implicit theory of how learning happens.
Enhancing hemotherapy safety through pertinent diagnostic testing and electronic “provisional diagnosis” reporting: expanding roles for blood bank technologists in biovigilance and patient safety
Authors: Andrzejewski Chester , O'Hearn Lynne , Rock Joan , Passanisi Kelly , Eaton Lynn , Knee Alexander , Edappallath Susmitha , Merola Michael , Cloutier Darlene , Visintainer Paul , Johari Vandita
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

Suspected transfusion reaction (STR) investigations are foundational for biovigilance. Diagnostic evaluations performed by blood banks may prolong turnaround times (TATs) for final STR results reporting. We identified a quality improvement opportunity using diagnostic testing reflex algorithms and our hospital's patient electronic health record to enhance TATs regarding one aspect of STR results reporting.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

We conducted a descriptive quality improvement study of reported STR cases investigated by our hospital's blood bank from March 1, 2014, to December 31, 2016, using data obtained from consult reports/quality improvement databases examining the number and types of diagnostic algorithm reflex activations performed and the TATs for an electronic provisional diagnosis reporting (PDXR) related to them.

RESULTS

A total of 461 STR events occurred during the study interval, of which 150 involved no reflex testing. In the remainder of cases (n = 311), a total of 448 reflex activations occurred. In those cases in which PDXR occurred (n = 446), the median PDXR TAT during the first month of implementation was 325 minutes, which progressively decreased to 70 minutes or less approximately 1 year after implementation. By the last quarter of 2015, median TATs were 60 minutes or less in length, where they remained for the duration of the study.

CONCLUSION

Technologists using targeted diagnostic reflex arcs to expedite laboratory testing along with STR electronic PDXR improve communication and timely results/information dissemination, potentially aiding bedside hemotherapy‐related clinical decision making.
Brexit and its economic consequences
Authors: Chang Winston W.
Published: July 2018

As the formal process of Brexit has already started, there is much uncertainty about Brexit's impacts on Britain's social, political and economic future. This paper examines the economic impact. After briefly discussing some significant EU treaties that serve as the background materials, it presents the key arguments advocated by the leave and remain camps. The economic impact depends critically on the negotiation outcomes. Aside from the debate on the divorce costs, there are numerous issues that must be negotiated, such as immigration, trade in goods, services, agriculture, fisheries and financial regulations. We discuss various scenarios of possible new trade regimes, resulting in different impacts on the UK economy. With each side having its bargaining chips to play, the trade‐offs between “give and take” in the negotiation game are analysed. Considering various strategic options, this paper urges rationality and cooperation, especially weighing both sides’ entwined economic interests, in addition to their mutual security, defence, environmental and world concerns. The potential gains and losses in the event where the UK contemplates new trade arrangements with the non‐EU countries are analysed in the Appendix.
The Challenges Encountered in the Application of Kodaly Method in Turkey
Authors: Türkmen Emel Funda , Göncü İlknur Özal
Published: July 2018

Kodaly is a method used in many countries, particularly in Hungary. The method is based upon the introduction of singing and the applied aspect of music with children at early ages, by which they are ensured with a more qualified and permanent music education.This research focuses on possible actions to be taken in order to increase the quality of music education; as well as the opportunities offered by Kodaly method within this framework. With this in mind, the question “What are the challenges encountered in the application of Kodaly method?” is tried to be answered. The aim of this study is to point out the difficulties in the application of Kodaly Method, which is effectively applied in many countries, in Turkey and provide suggestions regarding its utilization. The study is based on descriptive methods and has been conducted by means of reviewing the relevant literature. Besides, opinions of an instructor using this method for five years have been consulted and several problems have been identified in line with these opinions. The research is considered significant in terms of identifying difficulties in the application of Kodaly Method in Turkey and suggesting solutions to them. It is also believed to shed light upon those who are willing to apply this method. In that sense, this study is believed to serve as a guideline in music education.
Tracing Genomic Divergence of Vibrio Bacteria in the Harveyi Clade
Authors: Ke Huei-Mien , Liu Dang , Ogura Yoshitoshi , Hayashi Tetsuya , Urbanczyk Henryk , Tsai Isheng J.
Published: July 2018

To investigate the mechanisms underlying speciation in the genus
Vibrio
, we provided a well-assembled reference of genomes and performed systematic genomic comparisons among three evolutionarily closely related species. We resolved taxonomic ambiguities and identified genomic features separating the three species. Based on the study results, we propose a hypothesis explaining how species in the Harveyi clade of
Vibrio
bacteria diversified.
The Mla Pathway Plays an Essential Role in the Intrinsic Resistance of Burkholderia cepacia Complex Species to Antimicrobials and Host Innate Components
Authors: Bernier Steve P. , Son Susie , Surette Michael G.
Published: July 2018

The outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria acts as an effective barrier against toxic compounds, and therefore compromising this structure could increase sensitivity to currently available antibiotics. In this study, we show that the Mla pathway, a system involved in maintaining the integrity of the outer membrane, is genetically and functionally different in
Burkholderia cepacia
complex species compared to that in other proteobacteria. Mutants in
mla
genes of
Burkholderia cenocepacia
or
Burkholderia dolosa
were sensitive to Gram-positive antibiotics, while this effect was not observed in
Escherichia coli
or
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
. The Mla pathway in
Burkholderia
species may represent an ideal genus-specific target to address their intrinsic antimicrobial resistances.
Heterogeneous and Flexible Transmission of
mcr-1
in Hospital-Associated Escherichia coli
Authors: Shen Yingbo , Wu Zuowei , Wang Yang , Zhang Rong , Zhou Hong-Wei , Wang Shaolin , Lei Lei , Li Mei , Cai Jiachang , Tyrrell Jonathan , Tian Guo-Bao , Wu Congming , Zhang Qijing , Shen Jianzhong , Walsh Timothy R. , Shen Zhangqi
Published: July 2018

The recent emergence of a transferable colistin resistance mechanism, MCR-1, has gained global attention because of its threat to clinical treatment of infections caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. However, the possible transmission route of
mcr-1
among
Enterobacteriaceae
species in clinical settings is largely unknown. Here, we present a comprehensive genomic analysis of
Escherichia coli
isolates collected in a hospital in Hangzhou, China. We found that
mcr-1
-carrying isolates from clinical infections and feces of inpatients and healthy volunteers were genetically diverse and were not closely related phylogenetically, suggesting that clonal expansion is not involved in the spread of
mcr-1
. The
mcr-1
gene was found on either chromosomes or plasmids, but in most of the
E. coli
isolates,
mcr-1
was carried on plasmids. The genetic context of the plasmids showed considerable diversity as evidenced by the different functional insertion sequence (IS) elements, toxin-antitoxin (TA) systems, heavy metal resistance determinants, and Rep proteins of broad-host-range plasmids. Additionally, the genomic analysis revealed nosocomial transmission of
mcr-1
and the coexistence of
mcr-1
with other genes encoding β-lactamases and fluoroquinolone resistance in the
E. coli
isolates. These findings indicate that
mcr-1
is heterogeneously disseminated in both commensal and pathogenic strains of
E. coli
, suggest the high flexibility of this gene in its association with diverse genetic backgrounds of the hosts, and provide new insights into the genome epidemiology of
mcr-1
among hospital-associated
E. coli
strains.

IMPORTANCE
Colistin represents one of the very few available drugs for treating infections caused by extensively multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. The recently emergent
mcr-1
colistin resistance gene threatens the clinical utility of colistin and has gained global attention. How
mcr-1
spreads in hospital settings remains unknown and was investigated by whole-genome sequencing of
mcr-1
-carrying
Escherichia coli
in this study. The findings revealed extraordinary flexibility of
mcr-1
in its spread among genetically diverse
E. coli
hosts and plasmids, nosocomial transmission of
mcr-1
-carrying
E. coli
, and the continuous emergence of novel Inc types of plasmids carrying
mcr-1
and new
mcr-1
variants. Additionally,
mcr-1
was found to be frequently associated with other genes encoding β-lactams and fluoroquinolone resistance. These findings provide important information on the transmission and epidemiology of
mcr-1
and are of significant public health importance as the information is expected to facilitate the control of this significant antibiotic resistance threat.
Avian Influenza Virus PB1 Gene in H3N2 Viruses Evolved in Humans To Reduce Interferon Inhibition by Skewing Codon Usage toward Interferon-Altered tRNA Pools
Authors: Smith Bartram L. , Chen Guifang , Wilke Claus O. , Krug Robert M.
Published: July 2018

Influenza A viruses cause an annual contagious respiratory disease in humans and are responsible for periodic high-mortality human pandemics. Pandemic influenza A viruses usually result from the reassortment of gene segments between human and avian influenza viruses. These avian influenza virus gene segments need to adapt to humans. Here we focus on the human adaptation of the synonymous codons of the avian influenza virus PB1 gene of the 1968 H3N2 pandemic virus. We generated recombinant H3N2 viruses differing only in codon usage of PB1 mRNA and demonstrated that codon usage of the PB1 mRNA of recent H3N2 virus isolates enhances replication in interferon (IFN)-treated human cells without affecting replication in untreated cells, thereby partially alleviating the interferon-induced antiviral state. High-throughput sequencing of tRNA pools explains the reduced inhibition of replication by interferon: the levels of some tRNAs differ between interferon-treated and untreated human cells, and evolution of the codon usage of H3N2 PB1 mRNA is skewed toward interferon-altered human tRNA pools. Consequently, the avian influenza virus-derived PB1 mRNAs of modern H3N2 viruses have acquired codon usages that better reflect tRNA availabilities in IFN-treated cells. Our results indicate that the change in tRNA availabilities resulting from interferon treatment is a previously unknown aspect of the antiviral action of interferon, which has been partially overcome by human-adapted H3N2 viruses.

IMPORTANCE
Pandemic influenza A viruses that cause high human mortality usually result from reassortment of gene segments between human and avian influenza viruses. These avian influenza virus gene segments need to adapt to humans. Here we focus on the human adaptation of the avian influenza virus PB1 gene that was incorporated into the 1968 H3N2 pandemic virus. We demonstrate that the coding sequence of the PB1 mRNA of modern H3N2 viruses enhances replication in human cells in which interferon has activated a potent antiviral state. Reduced interferon inhibition results from evolution of PB1 mRNA codons skewed toward the pools of tRNAs in interferon-treated human cells, which, as shown here, differ significantly from the tRNA pools in untreated human cells. Consequently, avian influenza virus-derived PB1 mRNAs of modern H3N2 viruses have acquired codon usages that better reflect tRNA availabilities in IFN-treated cells and are translated more efficiently.
Geobacter
Strains Expressing Poorly Conductive Pili Reveal Constraints on Direct Interspecies Electron Transfer Mechanisms
Authors: Ueki Toshiyuki , Nevin Kelly P. , Rotaru Amelia-Elena , Wang Li-Ying , Ward Joy E. , Woodard Trevor L. , Lovley Derek R.
Published: July 2018

Cytochrome-to-cytochrome electron transfer and electron transfer along conduits of multiple extracellular magnetite grains are often proposed as strategies for direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) that do not require electrically conductive pili (e-pili). However, physical evidence for these proposed DIET mechanisms has been lacking. To investigate these possibilities further, we constructed
Geobacter metallireducens
strain Aro-5, in which the wild-type pilin gene was replaced with the
aro-5
pilin gene that was previously shown to yield poorly conductive pili in
Geobacter sulfurreducens
strain Aro-5.
G. metallireducens
strain Aro-5 did not reduce Fe(III) oxide and produced only low current densities, phenotypes consistent with expression of poorly conductive pili. Like
G. sulfurreducens
strain Aro-5,
G. metallireducens
strain Aro-5 displayed abundant outer surface cytochromes. Cocultures initiated with wild-type
G. metallireducens
as the electron-donating strain and
G. sulfurreducens
strain Aro-5 as the electron-accepting strain grew via DIET. However,
G. metallireducens
Aro-5/
G. sulfurreducens
wild-type cocultures did not. Cocultures initiated with the Aro-5 strains of both species grew only when amended with granular activated carbon (GAC), a conductive material known to be a conduit for DIET. Magnetite could not substitute for GAC. The inability of the two Aro-5 strains to adapt for DIET in the absence of GAC suggests that there are physical constraints on establishing DIET solely through cytochrome-to-cytochrome electron transfer or along chains of magnetite. The finding that DIET is possible with electron-accepting partners that lack highly conductive pili greatly expands the range of potential electron-accepting partners that might participate in DIET.

IMPORTANCE
DIET is thought to be an important mechanism for interspecies electron exchange in natural anaerobic soils and sediments in which methane is either produced or consumed, as well as in some photosynthetic mats and anaerobic digesters converting organic wastes to methane. Understanding the potential mechanisms for DIET will not only aid in modeling carbon and electron flow in these geochemically significant environments but will also be helpful for interpreting meta-omic data from as-yet-uncultured microbes in DIET-based communities and for designing strategies to promote DIET in anaerobic digesters. The results demonstrate the need to develop a better understanding of the diversity of types of e-pili in the microbial world to identify potential electron-donating partners for DIET. Novel methods for recovering as-yet-uncultivated microorganisms capable of DIET in culture will be needed to further evaluate whether DIET is possible without e-pili in the absence of conductive materials such as GAC.