bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non‐drainage versus drainage in tourniquet‐free knee arthroplasty: a prospective trial
Authors: Zhou Kai , Wang Haoyang , Li Jinglong , Wang Duan , Zhou Zongke , Pei Fuxing
Published: September 2017

Background

It is still unknown whether drainage is necessary and non‐drainage is safe and acceptable after tourniquet‐free total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We aim to investigate whether non‐drainage use is accepted in TKA that is performed without a tourniquet.

Methods

Clinical data of 80 adult patients who did or did not receive drainage in our centres from August 2015 to December 2015 were prospective investigated.

Results

The drainage group exhibited reduced hidden blood loss (47.6 ± 43.6 mL versus 151.1 ± 97.1 mL, P < 0.001), less calf swelling (d1: 3.2% versus 5.2%, P = 0.02) and milder knee active pain (d3: 4.9 ± 1.9 versus 5.9 ± 1.2, P = 0.01; d5: 3.2 ± 1.6 versus 4.2 ± 1.5, P = 0.003) than the non‐drainage group. However, the non‐drainage group had higher haemoglobin level (d1: 112.1 ± 10.6 g/dL versus 106.1 ± 12.4 g/dL, P = 0.026; d3: 99.5 ± 9.6 g/dL versus 92.7 ± 13.1 g/dL, P = 0.011) and less haematopoietic medication usage (42.1% versus 66.6%, P = 0.03) in the initial postoperative period following TKA. Earlier postoperative time to ambulation (22.4 ± 12.3 h versus 30.1 ± 14.6 h, P = 0.01) and shorter length of stay (5.5 ± 1.2 days versus 6.3 ± 1.7 days, P = 0.02) were found in the non‐drainage group.

Conclusion

It is practicable to abandon wound drainage in uncomplicated, primary, tourniquet‐free TKA.
Extremely prematurely born adolescents self‐report of anxiety symptoms, and the mothers' reports on their offspring
Authors: Sømhovd M J , Esbjørn B H , Hansen B M , Greisen G
Published: September 2017

Aim

To compare anxiety symptoms in adolescents born extremely prematurely to term‐born controls.

Methods

We had 96 preterm‐born adolescents and 40 term‐born controls from Denmark, and their mothers score the adolescents on the Revised Children Anxiety and Depression scale. We analysed group differences, cross‐informant correlations and relative risks for elevated anxiety symptoms.

Results

Self‐reported anxiety symptoms did not significantly differ, although the upper confidence limit (95% CI: −3.3 to 5.1) supported an odds ratio of 2 for the preterm‐born participants. Mothers of the preterm‐born participants reported higher social anxiety symptoms than did mothers of controls (51.7 versus 46.8, p = 0.001). The relative risk for being above a threshold indicating distressing anxiety was small from self‐reports (1.39; p = 0.60). From mother‐reports, the relative risk was noticeable but not significant (4.58; p = 0.14). Cross‐informant scores correlated significant for total anxiety and social anxiety for the preterm‐born (rτ = 0.2, p = 0.001; rτ = 0.3, p ≤ 0.001).

Conclusions

Self‐reports did not clearly indicate more anxiety in the preterm group, although confidence intervals supported a possible twofold increase. Mother‐ and self‐reports correlated only for the preterm group, which may indicate increased sensitivity for their children's symptoms.
Moral bioenhancement and agential risks: Good and bad outcomes
Authors: Torres Phil
Published: September 2017

In Unfit for the Future, Ingmar Persson and Julian Savulescu argue that our collective existetial predicment is unprecedentedly dangerous due to climate change and terrorism. Given these global risks to human prosperity and survival, Persson and Savulescu argue that we should explore the radical possibility of moral bioenhancement in addition to cognitive enhancement. In this article, I argue that moral bioenhancements could nontrivially exacerbate the threat posed by certain kinds of malicious agents, while reducing the threat of other kinds. This introduces a previously undiscussed complication to Persson and Savulescu's proposal. In the final section, I present a novel argument for why moral bioenhancement should either be compulsory or not be made available to the public at all.
Retribution as hierarchy regulation: Hierarchy preferences moderate the effect of offender socioeconomic status on support for retribution
Authors: Redford Liz , Ratliff Kate A.
Published: September 2017

People punish others for various reasons, including deterring future crime, incapacitating the offender, and retribution, or payback. The current research focuses on retribution, testing whether support for retribution is motivated by the desire to maintain social hierarchies. If so, then the retributive tendencies of hierarchy enhancers or hierarchy attenuators should depend on whether offenders are relatively lower or higher in status, respectively. Three studies showed that hierarchy attenuators were more retributive against high‐status offenders than for low‐status offenders, that hierarchy enhancers showed a stronger orientation towards retributive justice, and that relationship was stronger for low‐status, rather than high‐status, criminal offenders. These findings clarify the purpose and function of retributive punishment. They also reveal how hierarchy‐regulating motives underlie retribution, motives which, if allowed to influence judgements, may contribute to biased or ineffective justice systems.
‘The Right to Live with Dignity’: Politicising Experiences of Precarity through ‘Popular Economy’ in Argentina
Authors: SEÑORANS DOLORES
Published: September 2017

This article takes an ethnographic perspective to analyse the ways in which social movements in Buenos Aires, Argentina, politicise experiences of precarity through the creation of popular economy initiatives. I argue that we cannot understand these organising processes exclusively in relation to the pursuit of ‘formalisation’ or the improvement of working conditions. In the context of new forms of State intervention, the notions of ‘rights’—to labour and to the city—that these movements put forward, express ways of envisioning full inclusion in society that encompass notions of worthiness and ‘dignified life’, forged over the course of grassroots political action.
miR‐203 inhibits cell proliferation, invasion, and migration of non‐small‐cell lung cancer by downregulating RGS17
Authors: Chi Yongbin , Jin Qinqin , Liu Xinghui , Xu Limin , He Xiaoxue , Shen Yan , Zhou Qiang , Zhang Jue , Jin Mingming
Published: September 2017

Involvement of the RGS17 oncogene in the promotion of non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has been reported, but the regulation mechanism in NSCLC remains unclear. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) negatively regulate gene expression, and their dysregulation has been implicated in tumorigenesis. To understand the role of miRNAs in Regulator of G Protein Signaling 17 (RGS17)‐induced NSCLC, we showed that miR‐203 was downregulated during tumorigenesis, and inhibited the proliferation and invasion of lung cancer cells. We then determined whether miR‐203 regulated NSCLC by targeting RGS17. To characterize the regulatory effect of miR‐203 on RGS17, we used lung cancer cell lines, A549 and Calu‐1, and the constructed miR‐203 and RGS17 overexpression vectors. The CCK8 kit was used to determine cell proliferation, and the Transwell® assay was used to measure cell invasion and migration. RT‐PCR, western blots, and immunofluorescence were used to analyze expression of miR‐203 and RGS17, and the luciferase reporter assay was used to examine the interaction between miR‐203 and RGS17. Nude mice were used to characterize in vivo tumor growth regulation. Expression of miR‐203 inhibited proliferation, invasion, and migration of lung cancer cell lines A549 and Calu‐1 by targeting RGS17. The regulatory effect of miR‐203 was inhibited after overexpression of RGS17. The luciferase reporter assay showed that miR‐203 downregulated RGS17 by direct integration into the 3′‐UTR of RGS17 mRNA. In vivo studies showed that expression of miR‐203 significantly inhibited growth of tumors. Taken together, the results suggested that expression of miR‐203 inhibited tumor growth and metastasis by targeting RGS17.
Intelligence and Neurophysiological Markers of Error Monitoring Relate to Children's Intellectual Humility
Authors: Danovitch Judith H. , Fisher Megan , Schroder Hans , Hambrick David Z. , Moser Jason
Published: September 2017

This study explored developmental and individual differences in intellectual humility (IH) among 127 children ages 6–8. IH was operationalized as children's assessment of their knowledge and willingness to delegate scientific questions to experts. Children completed measures of IH, theory of mind, motivational framework, and intelligence, and neurophysiological measures indexing early (error‐related negativity [ERN]) and later (error positivity [Pe]) error‐monitoring processes related to cognitive control. Children's knowledge self‐assessment correlated with question delegation, and older children showed greater IH than younger children. Greater IH was associated with higher intelligence but not with social cognition or motivational framework. ERN related to self‐assessment, whereas Pe related to question delegation. Thus, children show separable epistemic and social components of IH that may differentially contribute to metacognition and learning.
Rapoport's rule and determinants of species range size in snakes
Authors: Böhm Monika , Kemp Rachael , Williams Rhiannon , Davidson Ana D. , Garcia Andrés , McMillan Kirsten M. , Bramhall Huw R. , Collen Ben
Published: September 2017

Aim

Understanding determinants of species' range size is paramount to explaining global ecological patterns and estimating extinction risk of species. Here, we examined whether a sample of 536 snake species exhibits a latitudinal gradient of range size in support of Rapoport's rule, and determined predictors of range size from a set of environmental and biological factors.

Location

Global.

Methods

Based on a priori hypotheses about the effects of latitude, environmental and biological factors on species' range, we calculated mid‐latitudes of species ranges, and collected data on environmental factors (altitude, temperature, precipitation, size and number of ecoregions occupied) and biological traits (body size, fecundity, habitat breadth and species age) to construct multivariate models of snake range size. We used a recently published dated consensus phylogeny to determine minimum adequate models of range size using phylogenetic generalized least squares models and establish correlations between range size and time since species' description.

Results

Range size increased significantly with latitude, consistent with Rapoport's rule, especially across mid‐ and high latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere. Habitat breadth, body size and altitudinal range had a significant positive effect on range size, with minor negative effects on range size from mean altitude and reproductive output. Biological variables explained more variation in range size than environmental variables. Species' range size had a significant effect on species' description, with larger‐ranged species having been described earlier.

Main conclusions

Prediction of range size in lesser‐known species such as snakes relies on a suite of factors. Species with restricted habitat breadth, small body size and at high altitudes generally have smaller ranges, and are thus likely to have higher extinction risk. [Correction added on 10 October 2017, after first online publication: The preceding sentence has been rephrased for clarity.] Our work illustrates that it is these species we are likely to under‐report in extinction risk assessments.
Potential and realized connectivity of the seagrass Posidonia oceanica and their implication for conservation
Authors: Jahnke Marlene , Casagrandi Renato , Melià Paco , Schiavina Marcello , Schultz Stewart T. , Zane Lorenzo , Procaccini Gabriele
Published: September 2017

Aim

Connectivity assessments are crucial to large‐scale conservation planning, in particular for establishing and monitoring connected networks of marine protected areas (MPAs). Using biophysical modelling and genetic analyses, we assessed potential and realized connectivity among MPA populations of a benthic foundation species, the Mediterranean endemic seagrass Posidonia oceanica.

Location

Adriatic and Ionian seas (central Mediterranean).

Methods

We assessed potential and realized connectivity among eight P. oceanica meadows, mostly located in MPAs. Potential connectivity was assessed over a time horizon of 10 years via an individual‐based biophysical model whose physical component relies on fine‐scale spatio‐temporal ocean circulation fields. Genetic assessments of realized connectivity were carried out by means of a set of 14 neutral microsatellite loci, as well as a larger dataset of 19 loci including outlier loci that did not conform to expectations under neutrality.

Results

Our findings point out a relatively high potential connectivity through long‐range dispersal of floating fruits. Genetic connectivity analyses show a complex scenario with an apparent lower realized connectivity. The P. oceanica meadow within Torre Guaceto MPA (TOG), a well‐enforced MPA within our study area, showed one of the highest levels of genotypic richness, indicative of high levels of sexual reproduction and/or recruitment of foreign genotypes. Both biophysical modelling and population genetics indicate that TOG is important to ensure the viability of the species at the local scale, and does likely play a key role as a source of propagules for the whole Adriatic area.

Main conclusions

Our results show that realized dispersal does not necessarily match with the potential for dispersal. Still, both genetic and physical connectivity analyses show good agreement in identifying hotspots of connectivity. Such information can guide management of networks of MPAs and advance conservation of marine biodiversity.
Long‐range cortical dynamics: a perspective from the mouse sensorimotor whisker system
Authors: Ni Jianguang , Chen Jerry L.
Published: September 2017

In the mammalian neocortex, the capacity to dynamically route and coordinate the exchange of information between areas is a critical feature of cognitive function, enabling processes such as higher‐level sensory processing and sensorimotor integration. Despite the importance attributed to long‐range connections between cortical areas, their exact operations and role in cortical function remain an open question. In recent years, progress has been made in understanding long‐range cortical circuits through work focused on the mouse sensorimotor whisker system. In this review, we examine recent studies dissecting long‐range circuits involved in whisker sensorimotor processing as an entry point for understanding the rules that govern long‐range cortical circuit function.
Selective remodeling of glutamatergic transmission to striatal cholinergic interneurons after dopamine depletion
Authors: Aceves Buendia Jose de Jesus , Tiroshi Lior , Chiu Wei‐Hua , Goldberg Joshua A.
Published: September 2017

The widely held view that the pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease arises from an under‐activation of the direct pathway striatal spiny neurons (dSPNs) has gained support from a recently described weakening of the glutamatergic projection from the parafascicular nucleus (PfN) to dSPNs in experimental parkinsonism. However, the impact of the remodeling of the thalamostriatal projection cannot be fully appreciated without considering its impact on cholinergic interneurons (ChIs) that themselves preferentially activate indirect pathway spiny neurons (iSPNs). To study this thalamostriatal projection, we virally transfected with Cre‐dependent channelrhodopsin‐2 (ChR2) the PfN of Vglut2‐Cre mice that were dopamine‐depleted with 6‐hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA). In parallel, we studied the corticostriatal projection to ChIs in 6‐OHDA‐treated transgenic mice expressing ChR2 under the Thy1 promoter. We found the 6‐OHDA lesions failed to affect short‐term synaptic plasticity or the size of unitary responses evoked optogenetically in either of these projections. However, we found that NMDA‐to‐AMPA ratios at PfN synapses—that were significantly larger than NMDA‐to‐AMPA ratios at cortical synapses—were reduced by 6‐OHDA treatment, thereby impairing synaptic integration at PfN synapses onto ChIs. Finally, we found that application of an agonist of the D5 dopamine receptors on ChIs potentiated NMDA currents without affecting AMPA currents or short‐term plasticity selectively at PfN synapses. We propose that dopamine depletion leads to an effective de‐potentiation of NMDA currents at PfN synapses onto ChIs which degrades synaptic integration. This selective remodeling of NMDA currents at PfN synapses may counter the selective weakening of PfN synapses onto dSPNs in parkinsonism.
Interaction of spatial and non‐spatial cues in auditory stream segregation in the European starling
Authors: Itatani Naoya , Klump Georg M.
Published: September 2017

Integrating sounds from the same source and segregating sounds from different sources in an acoustic scene are an essential function of the auditory system. Naturally, the auditory system simultaneously makes use of multiple cues. Here, we investigate the interaction between spatial cues and frequency cues in stream segregation of European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) using an objective measure of perception. Neural responses to streaming sounds were recorded, while the bird was performing a behavioural task that results in a higher sensitivity during a one‐stream than a two‐stream percept. Birds were trained to detect an onset time shift of a B tone in an ABA‐ triplet sequence in which A and B could differ in frequency and/or spatial location. If the frequency difference or spatial separation between the signal sources or both were increased, the behavioural time shift detection performance deteriorated. Spatial separation had a smaller effect on the performance compared to the frequency difference and both cues additively affected the performance. Neural responses in the primary auditory forebrain were affected by the frequency and spatial cues. However, frequency and spatial cue differences being sufficiently large to elicit behavioural effects did not reveal correlated neural response differences. The difference between the neuronal response pattern and behavioural response is discussed with relation to the task given to the bird. Perceptual effects of combining different cues in auditory scene analysis indicate that these cues are analysed independently and given different weights suggesting that the streaming percept arises consecutively to initial cue analysis.
Opportunistic attachment assembles plant–pollinator networks
Authors: Ponisio Lauren C. , Gaiarsa Marilia P. , Kremen Claire
Published: September 2017

Species and interactions are being lost at alarming rates and it is imperative to understand how communities assemble if we have to prevent their collapse and restore lost interactions. Using an 8‐year dataset comprising nearly 20 000 pollinator visitation records, we explore the assembly of plant–pollinator communities at native plant restoration sites in an agricultural landscape. We find that species occupy highly dynamic network positions through time, causing the assembly process to be punctuated by major network reorganisations. The most persistent pollinator species are also the most variable in their network positions, contrary to what preferential attachment – the most widely studied theory of ecological network assembly – predicts. Instead, we suggest assembly occurs via an opportunistic attachment process. Our results contribute to our understanding of how communities assembly and how species interactions change through time while helping to inform efforts to reassemble robust communities.
Intangible assets and the book‐to‐market effect
Authors: Park Hyuna
Published: September 2017

The book‐to‐market effect is well known but prior research does not analyze the impact of goodwill and related transformations in accounting rules that may bring significant changes to the effect. This paper analyzes the impact of SFAS 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, issued in 2001. I find that the book‐to‐market effect is weaker in the post‐SFAS 142 period, especially in firms that have goodwill, impairment loss, or risk. The book‐to‐market effect is stronger for subsamples of firms that do not have goodwill. These findings are robust to size groups, different factor models, and test methods.
Landscape context explains changes in the functional diversity of regenerating forests better than climate or species richness
Authors: Sams M. A. , Lai H. R. , Bonser S. P. , Vesk P. A. , Kooyman R. M. , Metcalfe D. J. , Morgan J. W. , Mayfield M. M.
Published: September 2017

Aim

A rich literature on forest succession provides general expectations for the steps forests go through while reassembling after disturbance, yet we still have a surprisingly poor understanding of why the outcomes of forest recovery after logging (or other disturbances) vary so extensively. In this paper, we test the hypothesis that regional species pool, system productivity, climate and landscape structure are important drivers of forest reassembly outcomes.

Location

Transect 1,500 km in length along the east coast of Australia.

Time period

Survey of 50‐ to 60‐year‐old rain forest regrowth and primary forest conducted in 2012 and 2013.

Major taxa studied

Rain forest plants.

Methods

In this study, we compare species and functional diversity patterns in pairs of remnant and regrowth (‘secondary’) rain forests spread across a 1,500 km climate and productivity gradient along the east coast of Australia. Our controlled natural experiment was designed to test the importance of regional species pool, system productivity, climate and landscape structure as drivers of species and functional diversity in regenerating forests. Notably, our study design allowed us to hold soil type, general forest type and disturbance history relatively constant in order to test our hypotheses effectively.

Results

Counter to expectations, few tested factors were strongly related to the recovery of species or functional diversity in regenerating Australian rain forests. The extent of local forest fragmentation was the only factor strongly related to differences between regrowth forests and primary forest remnants, and then only for functional diversity. We found no evidence that species diversity is a reasonable proxy for, or potential driver of, functional diversity patterns.

Main conclusions

Our findings suggest that forest functional recovery over decades is influenced more by regional landscape context than distinct assembly processes operating across climate and productivity gradients.
Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus fermentum alone or in combination regulate intestinal flora composition and systemic immunity to alleviate obesity syndrome in high‐fat diet rat
Authors: Li Xiuliang , Song Yong , Ma Xiuyan , Zhang Yanyan , Liu Xinyang , Cheng Li , Han Dequan , Shi Yue , Sun Quan , Yang Chunhai , Pan Bo , Sun Qingshen
Published: September 2017

Relationship between intestinal flora and obesity has aroused great interest. The probiotic effects of Lactobacillus plantarum (LP) and Lactobacillus fermentum (LF) have been documented extensively. This study aimed to explore the effects of LP and LF alone or in combination on lipid‐lowering effects of the high‐fat diet rat via intestinal flora modulation and systemic immunity. The rats in high‐fat diet plus LP (LP 108 cfu day−1) showed significantly lower IL‐6 and endotoxin (ET) content, increased the number of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus and decreased the liver steatosis and fat vehicle sizes. The Lactobacillus LP and LF in combination can regulate intestinal flora and systemic immune function in rats with high‐fat diet. It provides the foundation for the further development and application of multiple Lactobacillus strain in controlling obesity‐related syndrome.
BLOOD GROUPS AND DISEASE: PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS
Authors: KOOPTZOFF OLGA , WALSH R. J.
Published: September 2017

The A B O, M N S and Rh blood groups have been determined on 470 patients suffering from active pulmonary tuberculosis. The distribution is similar to that found in the random Australian population except that there are fewer group AB subjects amongst the patients. This finding is probably not significant.
HÆMODYNAMIC STUDIES IN THE ASSESSMENT OF AORTIC STENOSIS
Authors: HICKIE J. B. , SELDON W. A.
Published: September 2017

Direct percutaneous puncture of the left ventricle has been performed on 17 occasions in 16 patients with aortic stenosis. It is a simple, repeatable procedure and causes no significant change in circulatory hæmodynamics. The systolic gradient, aortic valve area and brachial artery upstroke time were calculated by comparison with an immediately consecutive brachial artery record. A systolic gradient of 50 mm. Hg indicates a severe lesion, and moderately large gradients were found in patients with slight electrocardiographic changes. Further study is needed to decide the place of this investigation in the surgical assessment of aortic stenosis.
DYSTROPHIA MYOTONICA—DEATH UNDER “PENTOTHAL” ANÆSTHESIA
Authors: PACHOMOV N. , CAUGHEY J. E.
Published: September 2017

A girl of twelve had suffered locking of the knees, lumbar lordosis and ptosis since birth. Her physical development had been generally retarded. Her maternal grandfather and her mother had both suffered “locking” of the knees and myopathy.

Various muscles showed atrophy and pseudohypertrophy, and there was myotonia of the tongue. Early cataracts were present in both eyes. Examination revealed no abnormality of the heart.

Operation for the ptosis, under “Pentothal”, ethyl chloride and open ether anæsthesia, was uneventful but respiration ceased suddenly 30 minutes after operation, and she died 25 minutes later. At autopsy the heart showed adipose and collagenous replacement of myocardial fibres. Similar changes were present in skeletal muscles.

Cardiac involvement has been reported in 62 of 98 cases of dystvophia myotonica and in a further 18 of 35 previously reported by the author. It is usually manifested by electrocardiographic changes, and physical signs are rare. Such patients have been reported to be particularly prone to respiratory troubles during “Pentothal” anæsthesia. Enzymes concerned with the detoxication of “Pentothal” may be deficient in myotonica dystrophia.
THE ARGENTAFFIN CARCINOMA SYNDROME
Authors: HAY D. R.
Published: September 2017

A case of the argentaffin carcinoma syndrome is recorded. Attacks of trembling, sleeplessness and dyspnœa at night had been present for 14 years, and laparotomy 12 years before her death showed significant abnormalities in the intestine. Symptoms had been present for at least fourteen years, and in the terminal stages typical skin changes, asthma, diarrhœa, borborygmi, hepatomegaly and tricuspid valve disease were present. (Edema, oliguria and sweating were also prominent symptoms, and there was a high urinary excretion of 5‐hydroxyindoleacetic acid.
BOECK'S SARCOID WITH INVOLVEMENT OF THE HEART
Authors: ADAMS JOHN L.
Published: September 2017

There have been 37 recorded cases of myocardial and two of pericardial sarcoidosis. The diagnosis was made clinically in seven cases and at autopsy in 32. Twelve patients died from primarily cardiac causes, eight suddenly and four in cardiac failure. Abnormalities of rhythm and condition were recorded in 11 patients. The condition is exceedingly rare in the white races, the first case being reported in 1951.

The case history and autopsy findings are presented of a 38‐year‐old male who died of pulmonary and cardiac sarcoidosis in May, 1956. The illness commenced with morning cough in 1953, when X‐ray examination showed opacity in both lung fields. In 1954 he began to suffer recurring attacks of dyspnœa, cyanosis and syncope due to paroxysmal ventricular tachycardia. Electrocardiograms showed right bundle branch block and there was progressive deterioration in the T‐wave voltage.

The arrhythmia was controlled partly by procaine amide and by quinidine, but these eventually became ineffective. Cortisone therapy was continued for two years. Pulmonary lesions appeared to clear, and the arrhythmia was improved, but recurred on several occasions when the dosage was tapered off.
Transparent ultrafine Yb3+:Y2O3 laser ceramics fabricated by spark plasma sintering
Authors: Furuse Hiroaki , Nakasawa Shunsuke , Yoshida Hidehiro , Morita Koji , Suzuki Tohru S. , Kim Byung‐Nam , Sakka Yoshio , Hiraga Keijiro
Published: September 2017

Conventional ceramic processing techniques do not produce ultrafine‐grained materials. However, since the mechanical and optical properties are highly dependent on the grain size, advanced processing techniques are needed to obtain ceramics with a grain size smaller than the wavelength of visible light for new laser sources. As an empirical study for lasing from an ultrafine‐grained ceramics, transparent Yb3+:Y2O3 ceramics with several doping concentrations were fabricated by spark plasma sintering (SPS) and their microstructures were analyzed, along with optical and spectroscopic properties. Laser oscillation was verified for 10 at.% Yb3+:Y2O3 ceramics. The laser ceramics in our study were sintered without sintering additives, and the SPS produced an ultrafine microstructure with an average grain size of 261 nm, which is about one order of magnitude smaller than that of ceramics sintered by conventional techniques. A load was applied during heating to enhance densification, and an in‐line transmittance near the theoretical value was obtained. An analysis of the crystal structure confirmed that the Yb3+:Y2O3 ceramics were in a solid solution. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first report verifying the lasing properties of not only ultrafine‐grained but also Yb‐doped ceramics obtained by SPS.
Impedance spectroscopy of bismuth sodium titanate: Barium titanate ceramics with manganese doping
Authors: Schmidt V. Hugo , Archer Noah , Tu Chi‐Shun
Published: September 2017

In this work we use Impedance Spectroscopy (IS) to study lead‐free ceramics of perovskite structure (Bi1/2Na1/2TiO3)0.925(BaTiO3)0.075 with Mn doping of 0, 0.2, 1.0, and 2.0 at.%. We compare our IS results with permittivity results, using dielectric to resistivity transformation equations which allow us to display results either as permittivity or as resistivity. We observe ionic conductivity dominating at lower temperatures, giving way to electronic conductivity at higher temperatures. The permittivity shows deviations from Curie‐Weiss behavior characteristic of relaxor ferroelectrics. The 0.2% Mn samples show the highest ionic resistivity, which will reduce heating for high voltage piezoelectric applications. They also have the highest Curie‐Weiss temperature and Burns temperature.
Risk factors leading to increased rehospitalization rates among adolescents admitted to an acute care child and adolescent psychiatric hospital
Authors: McCarthy Logan , Pullen Lisa M. , Savage Jennifer , Cayce Jonathan
Published: September 2017

Problem

Suicide is the third leading cause of death in adolescents in the United States, with suicidal behavior peaking in adolescence. Suicidal and self‐harming behavior is often chronic, with an estimated 15–30% of adolescents who attempt suicide having a second suicide attempt within a year. The focus of acute psychiatric hospitalization is on stabilization of these psychiatric symptoms resulting at times in premature discharge. Finding from studies based on high rehospitalization rates among adolescents admitted to an acute psychiatric hospital indicates that adolescents continue to experience crisis upon discharge from an acute psychiatric hospital, leading to the question of whether or not these adolescents are being discharged prematurely.

Methods

A chart review was performed on 98 adolescent clients admitted to an acute psychiatric hospital to identify risk factors that may increase rehospitalization among adolescents admitted to an acute psychiatric hospital. Clients admitted to the hospital within a 12‐month time frame were compared to clients who were not readmitted during that 12‐month period.

Results

History of self‐harming behavior and length of stay greater than 5 days were found to be risk factors for rehospitalization.

Conclusions

Adolescent clients who are admitted to an acute psychiatric hospital with a history of self‐harming behavior and extended length of stay need to be identified and individualized treatment plans implemented for preventing repeat hospitalizations.
Weekly glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist albiglutide as monotherapy improves glycemic parameters in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Nino Antonio , Okuda Inaha , Wilson Timothy H , Yue Lynn , Nakajima Hiromu , Tsuboi Maho , Carr Molly C , Seino Yutaka
Published: September 2017

Aims/Introduction

The present phase 3, randomized, double‐blind 24‐week study with extension to 1 year assessed the efficacy and safety of albiglutide compared with placebo in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus inadequately controlled by diet and exercise with or without a single oral antidiabetic drug.

Materials and Methods

Patients received weekly albiglutide 30 mg (n = 160), albiglutide 50 mg (n = 150) or a placebo switched to albiglutide 30 mg after 24 weeks (n = 77). Open‐label daily liraglutide 0.9 mg (n = 103) was included as a reference. Oral antidiabetic drug use was discontinued before baseline. The primary end‐point was 24‐week change from baseline in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Secondary end‐points included fasting plasma glucose, bodyweight and adverse events.

Results

At 24 weeks, mean HbA1c changes from baseline were −1.10, −1.30, and 0.25% for albiglutide 30, 50 mg and placebo, respectively (P vs placebo <0.0001 for both albiglutide doses), −1.19% for liraglutide. Decreases in HbA1c with albiglutide were sustained through the study. Mean fasting plasma glucose decreased by ≥20 mg/dL, and the mean change in bodyweight was ≤0.5 kg through 1 year across groups. Most commonly reported adverse events were nasopharyngitis, constipation and nausea. The incidence of adverse events was higher in active treatment groups than in the placebo group. Few hypoglycemia events were reported; no patient withdrew as a result of hypoglycemia. No new safety signals were detected.

Conclusions

Albiglutide monotherapy achieved clinically significant decreases in HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose with good tolerability in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus inadequately controlled by diet and exercise with or without a single oral antidiabetic drug.
Behavioural responses of infective‐stage copepodids of the salmon louse (Lepeophtheirus salmonis, Copepoda:Caligidae) to host‐related sensory cues
Authors: Fields D M , Skiftesvik A B , Browman H I
Published: September 2017

The salmon louse (Lepeophtheirus salmonis [Krøyer]) is an ectoparasitic copepod that causes disease in farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and may play a role in the decline of some wild salmonid populations. Controlling lice infestations is a major cost for the salmon industry; this has stimulated the pursuit of alternative approaches to controlling them. One such approach involves determining, and then disrupting, the sensory cues used by the parasite to find its host. In this context, we examined the behavioural responses of lice copepodids to light flicker—simulating light reflecting from the sides of the salmon host and/or the shadows cast by fish passing overhead—and water‐soluble chemicals released from the skin of the salmon. From these observations, we estimate that visual cues such as those presented here would operate at relatively long range (metres to tens of metres). A diffuse host‐related olfactory cue stimulated swimming, however, it remains unclear whether olfactory cues provide directional information. The observations presented herein could be used to disrupt the link between the parasite and host fish, using a large number of traps deployed at a distance from a salmon farm, for example, thereby reducing sea lice infestation pressure.
Susceptibility, behaviour, and retention of the parasitic salmon louse (Lepeophtheirus salmonis) differ with Atlantic salmon population origin
Authors: Bui S , Dalvin S , Dempster T , Skulstad O F , Edvardsen R B , Wargelius A , Oppedal F
Published: September 2017

Atlantic salmon populations across the world have diverse ecological and evolutionary histories, from wild anadromous or landlocked, to domestication and genetic modification. The natural host behaviours confer protection from infestation by ectoparasitic salmon liceLepeophtheirus salmonis, yet whether genetic origin results in different behaviours and thus susceptibility to infestation is unknown. In common garden experiments, we tested antiparasite behaviours, susceptibility and retention of salmon lice in wild anadromous, wild landlocked, domesticated and genetically modified domesticated strains. Within domesticated strains, we tested two infestation histories (previously infested and naïve) and a new phenotype (albino colouring). Farmed stocks initially acquired 24%–44% higher levels of parasite density than the wild and landlocked strains. Burst swimming and displacement behaviours were higher in the domesticated groups, and jumping was more prevalent in the domesticated strains. At 34 days post‐infestation, domesticated strains and the wild anadromous strain did not differ significantly from each other; however, landlocked salmon had increased infestation levels considerably. Domesticated strains lost ~20% (±9.9%–16.5%; 95%CI) of their initial parasite load, while parasite load increased by 5.5% (±30.1%) for wild salmon and 20.1% (±28.5%) in landlocked salmon. This study provides early evidence for diverged host–parasite interactions associated with domestication in this system.
Influence of water quality on plankton in tropical ponds: A multivariate analysis approach
Authors: Ragi Mano Saraswathy , Jaya Divakaran Sarasamma , Moses Sheela A.
Published: September 2017

Plankton are highly sensitive to environmental changes, therefore being excellent water indicators. This study was conducted to classify water and sediment quality characteristics and different genera of phytoplankton and zooplankton in three ponds. The prominent water and sediment quality characteristics responsible for the occurrence of phytoplankton and zooplankton were also studied. The nutrient pollution factor is mainly responsible for the abundance of Cyanophyceae and for reduction in Rotifera, Cladocera, Copepoda and Ostracoda. The organic pollution factor is responsible for the abundance of Bacillariophyceae and Protozoa. The products of mineralization have more influence on the decreased Chlorophyceae. Thus, it is essential to control the disposal of pollutants into the study pond system.
Transcriptional responses to short‐term and long‐term host plant experience and parasite load in an oligophagous beetle
Authors: Müller Caroline , Vogel Heiko , Heckel David G.
Published: September 2017

Oligophagous herbivores must adjust their enzymatic machinery to the different host plant species they consume. If different hosts are used from one generation to the next, adaptation may be highly plastic, while if a single host is used over several generations, there may be a longer‐term response due to natural selection. Using an experimental evolutionary approach, we investigated effects of long‐term experience vs. short‐term responses to different host plants in the oligophagous mustard leaf beetle Phaedon cochleariae. After 26 generations of continuous feeding on either Brassica rapa, Nasturtium officinale or Sinapis alba, freshly hatched larvae were kept on these plants or moved to one of the other host plants for ten days. Global transcriptional patterns as shown by microarrays revealed that between 1% and 16.1% of all 25,227 putative genes were differentially expressed in these treatments in comparison with the control line constantly feeding on B. rapa. A shift back from S. alba to B. rapa caused the largest changes in gene transcription and may thus represent the harshest conditions. Infection rates with a gregarine parasite were intermediate in all lines that were constantly kept on one host, but much lower or higher when short‐term shifts to other host plants occurred. In conclusion, transcriptional plasticity in genes related to metabolism, digestion and general cellular processes plays a key role in long‐ and short‐term responses of the beetle to changing host plant conditions, whereby the specific conditions also affect the interactions between the beetle host and its gregarine parasite.
PCR‐based detection of Aspergillus fumigatus and absence of azole resistance due to TR34/L98H in a french multicenter cohort of 137 patients with fungal rhinosinusitis
Authors: Morio Florent , Dannaoui Eric , Chouaki Taieb , Cateau Estelle , Malard Olivier , Bonfils Pierre , Page Cyril , Dufour Xavier , Cottrel Claire , Erwan Tamic , Lavergne Rose‐Anne , Le Pape Patrice
Published: September 2017

Fungal rhinosinusitis (FRS) has a worldwide distribution, comprises distinct clinical entities but is mostly due to Aspergillus among which Aspergillus fumigatus plays a major role in European countries. Although, there is accumulating evidence for the emergence of environmentally acquired‐azole resistance in A. fumigatus (such as TR34/L98H) in various clinical settings, there is few data for patients with FRS. In this study, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of A. fumigatus azole resistance due to TR34/L98H in a multicentre cohort of patients with FRS. One hundred and thirty‐seven patients with FRS admitted between 2002 and 2016 at four French medical centres were retrospectively enrolled. Clinical and mycological findings were collected. Aspergillus fumigatus and the TR34/L98H alteration conferring azole resistance were investigated directly from clinical samples using the commercial CE‐IVD marked MycoGENIE® A. fumigatus real‐time PCR assay. Fungal ball was the more frequent clinical form (n = 118). Despite the presence of fungal hyphae at direct microscopic examination, mycological cultures remained negative for 83 out of the 137 patients (60.6%). The PCR assay proved to be useful allowing the identification of A. fumigatus and etiological diagnosis in 106 patients (77.4%) compared with 44 patients (32.1%) when using culture as the reference method. Importantly, neither TR34 nor L98H alterations were evidenced.
Isolation of Rhodotorula mucilaginosa from blood cultures in a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Falces‐Romero Iker , Cendejas‐Bueno Emilio , Romero‐Gómez María Pilar , García‐Rodríguez Julio
Published: September 2017

Rhodotorula species have traditionally been considered as one of common non‐virulent environmental inhabitant. They have emerged as an opportunistic pathogen, particularly in immunocompromised hosts and most infections have been associated with intravenous catheters in these patients. We review the isolates in blood cultures of Rhodotorula mucilaginosa in our Hospital. We describe the demographic and clinical features of the cases and the antifungal susceptibility profiles of the isolates. Selected patients had an isolation of R. mucilaginosa in blood cultures in our tertiary care Hospital. All data were collected retrospectively from clinical records during 5 years. We report 8 isolates in blood, two of them were considered contaminants. Immunosuppression, surgery, previous antibiotic therapy were common clinical features. For all the isolates, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were high for echinocandins and azoles and low for amphotericin B and 5‐flucytosine. One strain showed atypical susceptibility profile. Rhodotorula mucilaginosa may be present on the skin and blood cultures can be contaminated. Fungaemia due to R. mucilaginosa is a rare clinical entity which requires risk factors but clinically relevant because of the multiresistant profile. Rhodotorula mucilaginosa shows high MIC values for azoles and echinocandins, therefore amphotericin B and flucytosine must be administered as antifungal therapy.
Skeletal fragility in diabetes
Authors: Rubin Mishaela R.
Published: September 2017

Fracture risk is heightened in patients with both type 1 diabetes (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Although bone mineral density by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry is decreased in T1D, it is paradoxically increased with T2D. To predict fracture risk, the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) can be used in diabetes patients, albeit with refinement. Skeletal abnormalities in diabetes include alterations in microarchitecture in T1D and T2D as well as compromised impact microindentation in T2D. Changes in bone microvasculature, advanced glycation end product accumulation, and bone formation may underlie these findings. When fractures occur in T1D and T2D, consequences are worse than in nondiabetic patients with regard to both morbidity and mortality. With regard to treatment, antiresorptive osteoporosis therapies appear to be effective in the setting of diabetes.
Construction of Agropyron Gaertn. genetic linkage maps using a wheat 660K SNP array reveals a homoeologous relationship with the wheat genome
Authors: Zhou Shenghui , Zhang Jinpeng , Che Yonghe , Liu Weihua , Lu Yuqing , Yang Xinming , Li Xiuquan , Jia Jizeng , Liu Xu , Li Lihui
Published: September 2017

Agropyron Gaertn. (P genome) is a wild relative of wheat that harbours many genetic variations that could be used to increase the genetic diversity of wheat. To agronomically transfer important genes from the P genome to a wheat chromosome by induced homoeologous pairing and recombination, it is necessary to determine the chromosomal relationships between Agropyron and wheat. Here, we report using the wheat 660K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array to genotype a segregating Agropyron F1 population derived from an interspecific cross between two cross‐pollinated diploid collections ‘Z1842’ [A. cristatum (L.) Beauv.] (male parent) and ‘Z2098’ [A. mongolicum Keng] (female parent) and 35 wheat–A. cristatum addition/substitution lines. Genetic linkage maps were constructed using 913 SNP markers distributed among seven linkage groups spanning 839.7 cM. The average distance between adjacent markers was 1.8 cM. The maps identified the homoeologous relationship between the P genome and wheat and revealed that the P and wheat genomes are collinear and relatively conserved. In addition, obvious rearrangements and introgression spread were observed throughout the P genome compared with the wheat genome. Combined with genotyping data, the complete set of wheat–A. cristatum addition/substitution lines was characterized according to their homoeologous relationships. In this study, the homoeologous relationship between the P genome and wheat was identified using genetic linkage maps, and the detection mean for wheat–A. cristatum introgressions might significantly accelerate the introgression of genetic variation from Agropyron into wheat for exploitation in wheat improvement programmes.