bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of four LBBB definitions for predicting mortality in patients receiving cardiac resynchronization therapy
Authors: Jastrzębski Marek , Kukla Piotr , Kisiel Roksana , Fijorek Kamil , Moskal Paweł , Czarnecka Danuta
Published: May 2018

Background

Left bundle branch block (LBBB) is considered an important prognostic parameter in cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). We aimed to evaluate, in a sizeable cohort of patients with CRT, long‐term mortality, and morbidity according to four different electrocardiographic definitions of LBBB.

Methods

This longitudinal cohort study included consecutive patients who underwent CRT device implantation in our institution in years 2006–2014. Two endpoints were assessed: (a) death from any cause or urgent heart transplantation, and (b) death from any cause or heart failure admission. All preimplantation ECGs were analyzed by three physicians blinded to outcome and categorized as LBBB or non‐LBBB according to four definitions.

Results

A total of 552 CRT patients entered survival analysis. According to the conventional definition, 350 (63.4%) patients had LBBB, and the Marriott, WHO/AHA, and Strauss definitions identified LBBB in 254 (46.0%), 218 (39.5%) and 226 (40.9%) patients, respectively. During the 9 years of observation, 232 patients died, the combined endpoint was met by 292 patients. The Strauss LBBB definition was significantly better to the other definitions in predicting survival (Kaplan–Meier analysis with comparison of C‐statistics). Multivariate Cox regression model showed that LBBB was the major determinant of all‐cause mortality with the Strauss definition having the lowest hazard ratio (0.51) of the four studied definitions.

Conclusions

Criteria included in various definitions of LBBB result in a diagnosis of LBBB in divergent groups of patients. Differences in LBBB definitions have clinical consequences, as patients without ‘complete/true’ LBBB probably get no mortality benefit from CRT.
An evaluation by the Norwegian Health Care Supervision Authorities of events involving death or injuries in maternity care
Authors: Johansen Lars Thomas , Braut Geir Sverre , Andresen Jan Fredrik , Øian Pål
Published: May 2018

Introduction

We aimed to determine how serious adverse events in obstetrics were assessed by supervision authorities.

Material and methods

We selected cases investigated by supervision authorities during 2009‐2013. We analyzed information about who reported the event, the outcomes of the mother and infant, and whether events resulted from errors at the individual or system level. We also assessed whether the injuries could have been avoided.

Results

During the study period, there were 303 034 births in Norway, and supervision authorities investigated 338 adverse events in obstetric care. Of these, we studied 207 cases that involved a serious outcome for mother or infant. Five mothers (2.4%) and 88 infants (42.5%) died. Of the 207 events reported to the supervision authorities, patients or relatives reported 65.2%, hospitals reported 39.1%, and others reported 4.3%. In 8.7% of cases, events were reported by more than 1 source. The supervision authority assessments showed that 48.3% of the reported cases involved serious errors in the provision of health care, and a system error was the most common cause. We found that supervision authorities investigated significantly more events in small and medium‐sized maternity units than in large units. Eighteen health personnel received reactions; 15 were given a warning, and 3 had their authority limited. We determined that 45.9% of the events were avoidable.

Conclusions

The supervision authorities investigated 1 in 1000 births, mainly in response to complaints issued from patients or relatives. System errors were the most common cause of deficiencies in maternity care.
Effects of practice change on outcomes of extremely preterm infants with patent ductus arteriosus
Authors: Ezenwa B , Pena E , Schlegel A , Bapat R , Shepherd E G , Nelin L D
Published: May 2018

Aim

To determine whether a decrease in patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) treatment or ligation in extremely preterm (EP) infants was associated with changes in rates of mortality and/or morbidities.

Methods

Observational study on EP infants admitted from 2008 to 2015. The small baby guidelines do not mandate ligation, however, in late 2010 the guidelines were amended based on new literature suggested that ligation may increase rates of morbidities.

Results

There were 717 EP infants admitted during the study period. There were no significant changes in gestational age, birthweight or annual admissions during the study period. The annual rate of PDA medical treatment declined significantly (R = 0.83, p = 0.01), while the annual rate of PDA ligation declined substantially (R = 0.88, p = 0.004). The annual mortality rate also declined significantly (R = 0.81, p = 0.014). The annual rates of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), necrotising enterocolitis and intraventricular haemorrhage did not change significantly.

Conclusion

In this cohort of EP patients, the rate of PDA ligation decreased substantially since 2010, with no apparent adverse effects on mortality or rates of BPD. These data are consistent with the concept that ligation does not improve outcomes in EP infants.
Laparoscopic versus open repair of perforated peptic ulcer: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Smith Rohan Stuart , Sundaramurthy Senthilkumar Rajavel , Croagh Daniel
Published: May 2018

Introduction

Perforated peptic ulcer disease (PPU) is a condition subject to wide geographical variations in incidence. It remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, even in the era of Helicobacter pylori eradication and proton‐pump inhibitor therapy. There is no clear consensus on whether laparoscopic or open approaches are superior, and with most studies in this area originating from Europe and Asia, Australian data addressing this issue are lacking.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included all patients who underwent surgery for PPU within a hospital network in Australia. Baseline variables and primary outcomes, including length of hospital stay, chest and abdominal complications, and mortality, were recorded. Secondary outcomes, including reasons for conversion, were also considered.

Results

In total, 109 patients underwent operations for PPU between January 2011 and December 2015. There were no significant differences with regard to baseline comorbidities. There were no statistically significant differences in terms of median length of hospital stay or rates of chest and abdominal complications, but the operative time was 28.5 min longer (P = <0.001) in the laparoscopic group than in the open group.

Conclusion

Open operations were faster to perform than laparoscopic operations for repair of PPU. Despite increased experience treating many surgical diseases laparoscopically, this study did not find it to be superior in terms of length of hospital stay or complication rates.
Portomesenteric vein thrombosis after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in patient with liver cirrhosis
Authors: Amiki Manabu , Seki Yosuke , Kasama Kazunori , Kitagawa Michiko , Umezawa Akiko , Kurokawa Yoshimochi
Published: May 2018

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has become the dominant bariatric procedure because of its reliable weight loss and low complication rate. Portomesenteric vein thrombosis (PMVT) after LSG is an infrequent complication that can lead to serious consequences. Here, we report a patient who presented with abdominal pain 11 days after LSG for the treatment of morbid obesity. Contrast CT of the abdomen revealed PMVT. The patient had liver cirrhosis, which is a major risk factor for PMVT. When LSG is performed on an obese patient with liver cirrhosis, careful attention must be paid to the onset of PMVT.
Trends in rooming‐in practices among hospitals in the United States, 2007‐2015
Authors: Barrera Chloe M. , Nelson Jennifer M. , Boundy Ellen O. , Perrine Cria G.
Published: May 2018

Background

Rooming‐in, or keeping mothers and infants together throughout the birth hospitalization, increases breastfeeding initiation and duration, and is one of the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding.

Methods

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Maternity Practices in Infant Nutrition and Care (mPINC) survey is a biennial census of all birth facilities in the United States and its territories. Data from the 2007‐2015 mPINC surveys were used to assess trends in the prevalence of hospitals with most (≥90%) infants rooming‐in more than 23 hours per day (ideal practice). Hospital practices among breastfed infants not rooming‐in at night and reasons why hospitals without ideal rooming‐in practices removed healthy, full‐term, breastfed infants from their mothers’ rooms were also analyzed.

Results

The percentage of hospitals with ideal practice increased from 27.8% in 2007 to 51.4% in 2015. Most breastfed infants who were not rooming‐in were brought to their mothers at night for feedings (91.8% in 2015). Among hospitals without ideal rooming‐in practices, the percentage removing 50% or more of infants from their mothers’ rooms at any point during the hospitalization decreased for all reasons surveyed during 2007‐2015; however, in 2015, hospitals still reported regularly removing infants for hearing tests (73.2%), heel sticks (65.5%), infant baths (40.2%), pediatric rounds (35.5%), and infant photos (25.4%).

Conclusions

Hospital implementation of rooming‐in increased 23.6 percentage points during 2007‐2015. Continued efforts are needed to ensure that all mothers who choose to breastfeed receive optimal lactation support during the first days after giving birth.
Thin idealization and causal attributions mediate the association between culture and obesity stereotypes: An examination of Chinese and American adolescents
Authors: Klaczynski Paul A. , Felmban Wejdan S.
Published: May 2018

Few studies have examined age or cultural differences in the stereotypes adolescents have of persons with obesity. The present research explored the hypotheses that American adolescents have more negative obesity stereotypes than Chinese adolescents and that the effects of culture are mediated by weight attributions and thin idealization. Participants (N = 335; 181 female; M age = 14.83 years, SD = 1.57 years) completed measures of thin idealization and causal attributions and made generalizations from and attributions of stereotypical personality characteristics to obese figures. Not only did stereotypes differ between countries, but generalizations of negative characteristics from obese figures increased with age. In addition, American adolescents more firmly endorsed the ‘thin ideal’ and were more likely to attribute obesity to internal causes that Chinese adolescents. As anticipated, between‐country differences in stereotyping were mediated by thin idealization and causal attributions. Findings are discussed in terms of the ‘doctrine of the mean’, social identity theory, and dual‐process theories.

Statement of Contribution

The development of obesity stereotypes has been the subject of a number of recent studies. Although scarce, research on adolescents’ obesity stereotypes indicates that the strength of these stereotypes increases with age and that these increases are mediated by thin idealization and causal attributions.

The current research adds to this growing literature that differences between Chinese adolescents’ and American adolescents’ obesity stereotypes – in terms of the assignment of stereotypical traits to people with obesity and the generalization of negative traits from an individual person with obesity to people with obesity as a group – are mediated by thin idealization and attributions about obesity's causes. The research also indicates that (1) age differences in obesity stereotyping vary as a function of the method used to measure stereotypes, (2) Chinese adolescents are less likely than American adolescents to attribute obesity to characterological flaws, and (3) American adolescents idealize thinness more than Chinese adolescents.
Neonatal leukaemia
Authors: Roberts Irene , Fordham Nicholas J. , Rao Anupama , Bain Barbara J.
Published: May 2018

Neonatal leukaemia is defined as occurring within the first 28 days of life and most, if not all, cases are congenital. With the exception of Down syndrome‐associated transient abnormal myelopoiesis, which is not considered here, neonatal leukaemias are rare. In two‐thirds of patients the disease manifests as an acute myeloid leukaemia, frequently with monocytic/monoblastic characteristics. Most other cases are acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, particularly B lineage, but some are mixed phenotype or blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasms. The most frequently observed cytogenetic/molecular abnormality is t(4;11)(q21.3;q23.3)/KMT2A‐AFF1 followed by t(1;22)(p13.3;q13.1)/RBM15‐MKL1 and t(8;16)(p11.2;p13.3)/KAT6A‐CREBBP. Common clinical features include prominent hepatosplenomegaly and a high incidence of skin involvement, sometimes in the absence of bone marrow disease. A distinctive feature is the occurrence of spontaneous remission in some cases, particularly in association with t(8;16). In this review, we summarise current knowledge of the clinical, cytogenetic and molecular features of neonatal leukaemia and discuss clinical management of these cases.
Virtual reality and the new psychophysics
Authors: de Gelder Beatrice , Kätsyri Jari , de Borst Aline W.
Published: May 2018

Virtual reality (VR) promises methodological rigour with the extra benefit of allowing us to study the context‐dependent behaviour of individuals in their natural environment. Pan and Hamilton (2018, Br. J. Psychol.) provide a useful overview of methodological recommendations for using VR. Here, we highlight some other aspects of the use of VR. Our first argument is that VR can be useful by virtue of its differences from the normal perceptual environment. That is, by virtue of its relative non‐realism and poverty of its perceptual elements, it can actually offer increased clarity with respect to the features of interest for the researcher. Our second argument is that VR exerts its measurable influence more by eliciting an acceptance of the virtual world (i.e., ‘suspension of disbelief’) rather than by eliciting a true belief of the realism of the VR environment. We conclude by providing a novel suggestion for combining neuroimaging methods with embodied VR that relies on the suspension of disbelief.
Dermal xanthomatous infiltrates after brentuximab vedotin therapy in mycosis fungoides with large‐cell transformation: A novel histologic finding
Authors: Buchely Natalia , Al‐Rohil Rami N. , Aung Phyu P. , Jour George , Torres‐Cabala Carlos , Prieto Victor G. , Ivan Doina
Published: May 2018

Mycosis fungoides (MF) is the most common variant of cutaneous T‐cell lymphomas. Large‐cell transformation of MF has been associated with disease progression and overall poor outcome. The expression of CD30, which defines anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) and lymphomatoid papulosis, might also occur in a subset of patients with MF, with or without large‐cell transformation. Brentuximab vedotin is an anti‐CD30 monoclonal antibody which has been proven to be a safe and effective therapeutic agent in the treatment of CD30‐positive lymphomas, such as Hodgkin lymphoma and ALCL. Recently, brentuximab vedotin has been shown to have a significant clinical activity in treatment‐refractory or advanced MF or Sezary syndrome with a wide‐range of CD30 expression levels. We report a patient with MF tumor stage with large‐cell transformation and low CD30 expression with good response to brentuximab vedotin and unusual extensive xanthomatous changes in the follow‐up biopsy.
Effects of Nodal inhibition on development of temnopleurid sea urchins
Authors: Kasahara Mami , Kobayashi Chiaki , Sakaguchi Chikara , Miyahara Chisato , Yamanaka Akira , Kitazawa Chisato
Published: May 2018

Adult rudiment formation in some temnopleurids begins with the formation of a cell mass that is pinched off the left ectoderm in early larval development. The cell mass forms the adult rudiment with the left coelomic pouch of the mesodermal region. However, details of the mechanisms to establish position of the cell mass are still unknown. We analyzed the inhibiting effect of Nodal, a factor for morphogenesis of the oral region and right side, for location of the cell mass, in four temnopleurids. Pulse inhibition, at least 5 min inhibition, during coelomic pouch formation allowed a cell mass to form on both sides, whereas treatments after that period did not. These results indicate that Nodal signaling controls the oral–aboral axis before gastrulation and then affects the position of the cell mass and adult rudiment up to coelomic pouch formation. They also indicate that the position of the adult rudiment under Nodal signaling pathways is conserved in temnopleurids, as adult rudiment formation is dependent on the cell mass.
Susceptibility to the rare Phytophthora tentaculata and to the widespread Phytophthora cactorum is consistent with host ecology and history
Authors: Sims Laura L. , Garbelotto Matteo
Published: May 2018

We evaluated the susceptibility of three California endemic plant species Heteromeles arbutifolia, Platanus racemosa and Quercus agrifolia to the two congeneric soilborne pathogen species: Phytophthora tentaculata and Phytophthora cactorum. These pathogens were recently introduced in ecosystems east of the San Francisco Bay, where the three plant species above are dominant. Phytophthora cactorum has a worldwide distribution inclusive of California, and a broad host range. Phytophthora tentaculata, in contrast, is suspected to be a “new” exotic to California and has been described on relatively few hosts. By separately challenging the roots and the stems of the three plant species above, we show that: (a) Both were equally pathogenic, but the type of disease differed based on host; (b) disease was consistent with host ecology and with previous disease reports, even if caused by different Phytophthora spp. and; (c) there were intraspecific differences in virulence. This study provides the following significant information regarding the management and early modelling of polyphagous soilborne Phytophthoras: (a) Endemic species can be as problematic as recently introduced exotics. (b) Multiple introductions should be avoided due to varying virulence levels among genotypes. (c) Riparian species like P. racemosa may develop disease tolerance in their root systems, but remain susceptible in their aerial portions, and thus, diseases could be facilitated by flooding or splash of infectious structures of soilborne pathogens onto aerial plant portions.
Post‐exercise cardiac troponin I release and clearance in normal Standardbred racehorses
Authors: Rossi T. M. , Kavsak P. A. , Maxie M. G. , Pearl D. L. , Pyle W. G. , Physick‐Sheard P. W.
Published: May 2018

Background

There are currently no studies detailing cardiac troponin I (cTnI) release in normal horses post‐exercise using an analytically validated assay. These data are essential for selecting appropriate sampling times in equine athletes with suspected myocardial injury.

Objective

To plot the magnitude and time course of cTnI release after maximal effort, using validated cTnI assays.

Study design

Descriptive longitudinal study.

Methods

Five clinically normal Standardbred racehorses in race training were included in the study. Horses were exercised in harness at near‐race intensity. Blood samples were taken immediately pre‐ and post‐exercise and then hourly for 24 h. Samples were analysed using the validated high‐sensitivity cTnI assay and a contemporary sensitivity cTnI assay.

Results

Mean resting cTnI was 1.33 ± 0.6 s.d. ng/L (range, 0.82–2.33 ng/L) using assay A. All horses were below the detection limit at rest using assay B. Peak elevation occurred 2–6 h post‐exercise with both assays (mean, 4.6 ± 1.7 and 4.0 ± 2 h, respectively). Mean peak increase in cTnI was 11.96 ± 9.41 ng/L (range, 1.72–23.76 ng/L) using assay A. Peak concentrations were detectable in three of the horses using assay B and were between 0.039 and 0.051 μg/L (mean: 0.043 ± 0.006 μg/L). All horses returned to baseline within 24 h.

Main limitations

A small (n = 5) convenience sample was used as random sampling was not logistically possible.

Conclusions

All horses experienced an increase in cTnI post‐exercise, with peak occurring 2–6 h post‐exercise. Cardiac troponin I elevation was detected earlier using the high‐sensitivity assay, which may convey a diagnostic advantage. Targeted studies are needed to determine the significance of these increases.
Foreign faculty at Japanese universities: Profiles and motivations
Authors: Huang Futao
Published: May 2018

This study aims to identify the major characteristics and motivations of foreign faculty at Japanese universities. The study begins with a brief introduction to the literature, research framework and method. In the second section, the study deals with the background and changes in foreign faculty at Japanese universities since 1980. In the third section, the study discusses the key aspects of the personal attributes and career patterns of the foreign faculty and their motivations of being hired in Japanese universities. The study concludes by presenting a more detailed description of the personal, educational and professional identities of the foreign faculty at Japanese universities, the main reasons for their coming to work in Japan, and the implications for research, policy and institutional practice.
Use of D‐dimer in oral anticoagulation therapy
Authors: Zhang L. , Long Y. , Xiao H. , Yang J. , Toulon P. , Zhang Z.
Published: May 2018

Individualized anticoagulation management and improvement of the safety and effectiveness of oral anticoagulant have always been the focus of clinicians' attention. D‐dimer, a sensitive marker of thrombosis and coagulation activation, is not only traditionally used in the diagnosis of venous thromboembolism, acute aortic dissection, and disseminated intravascular coagulation but can also be used as a helpful marker in the management of oral anticoagulant, including evaluating the anticoagulation quality, predicting clinical outcomes, and determining the optimal duration and intensity of anticoagulation.
Stability of leukocyte research parameters over time on the Sysmex XN: How to quantify the changes in cell morphology
Authors: Pérez I. , Redín M. E.
Published: May 2018

Introduction

Research parameters of the Sysmex XN‐series provide information about the cell morphology. The aim is to quantify time‐dependent changes of conventional and research parameters and propose correction factors to be applied to the parameters, which revealed significant changes.

Methods

284 EDTA blood samples were processed from 0 hours‐12 hours and the mean percentage change (%) of the leukocyte parameters was calculated. Stability was evaluated according to three criteria: metrology criteria according to the between‐batch analytical variation, metrology criteria according to within‐run analytical variation, by which % could not exceed the Minimum Significant Change (MSC = [±1.65*CV%]) and Biological criteria based on intraindividual biological variation, by which % could not exceed the Desirable Significant Change (DSC = [±0.5*CVD%]). Mean deviation percentage of the parameters, which suffer significant changes was calculated and a multiplying factor was obtained to correct the signal deviation. Stability of abnormal leukocyte flags was also evaluated.

Results

Most of the cell count parameters are considered stable according to MSC and DSC. However, several research parameters of neutrophils and lymphocytes show alterations in stability after 4 hours, even when their respective cell count parameters are stable.

Conclusion

Morphological variations of neutrophils and lymphocytes can be quantified. This data can be used to correct the deviation in samples that cannot be analyzed before 4 hours.
Evaluation and comparison of automated hematology analyzer, flow cytometry, and digital morphology analyzer for monocyte counting
Authors: Buoro S. , Moioli V. , Seghezzi M. , Previtali G. , Alessio M. G. , Simon Lopez R. , Ortolani C. , Ottomano C. , Lippi G.
Published: May 2018

Introduction

This study was aimed to evaluate monocyte counts on Sysmex XN‐9000, Sysmex CyFlow Space System, and Sysmex DI60 and compare the performance of these systems with the reference optical microscopy (OM) assessment.

Methods

In all, 55 peripheral blood samples, collected in K3EDTA tubes, were analyzed with XN‐9000, CyFlow System (FlowDiff1 and 2), DI60, and OM. Within‐run imprecision was carried out using normal samples. Data comparison was performed with Passing‐Bablok regression and Bland‐Altman plots.

Results

The within‐run imprecision of monocyte count on XN, FlowDiff, OM, and DI60 ranged between 1.9% for FlowDiff 2 and 22.1% for DI60. The Passing‐Bablok regression analysis of absolute count yielded slopes comprised between 0.93 (FlowDiff2 vs DI60) and 1.21 (DI60 vs OM), whereas the intercepts ranged between −0.002 (FlowDiff 1 vs FlowDiff 2) and 0.13 (FlowDiff1 and 2 vs DI60). Bland‐Altman plots in absolute values yielded absolute bias comprised between −0.01 × 109/L (FlowDiff 1 vs FlowDiff 2; DI60 vs OM) and 0.15 × 109 (XN‐module vs DI60).

Conclusion

The results of this analytical evaluation suggest that flow cytometry generates monocyte counts suitable for routine clinical use. OM or DI60 analysis may be useful for identifying morphologic abnormalities, but does not achieve a satisfactory level of accuracy for enumerating blood cells types such as monocytes, which are usually very low in peripheral blood.
Photo/cathodoluminescence and stability of Gd2O2S:Tb,Pr green phosphor hexagons calcined from layered hydroxide sulfate
Authors: Wang Xuejiao , Wang Xiaojun , Wang Zhihao , Zhu Qi , Zhu Ge , Wang Chuang , Xin Shuangyu , Li Ji‐Guang
Published: May 2018

Hydrothermal reaction at 150°C and pH = 10 for 24 hours crystallized (Gd,RE)2(OH)4SO4 layered hydroxide sulfate (monoclinic structure; RE = Pr, Tb), from which Gd2O2S:RE (hexagonal structure) green phosphor hexagons were derived via facile dehydration in flowing H2 at 1200°C. Rietveld refinement of the XRD patterns yielded cell dimensions that confirmed the direct crystallization of solid solution. Photoluminescence (PL) study at room temperature found absolute quantum yields of ~25.1% and 28.4%, CIE chromaticity coordinates of (0.145, 0.679) and (0.326, 0.566), and fluorescence lifetimes of ~2.36 μs and 1.21 ms for Pr3+ and Tb3+ under 300 and 275 nm UV excitations, respectively. Temperature‐dependent PL analysis (25‐200°C) indicated that both the Pr3+‐ and Tb3+‐doped phosphors have favorably good thermal stability and retained ~65% and 80% at 100°C and ~41% and 47% at 200°C of their initial emission intensities, respectively. The activation energy for the thermal quenching of PL was determined to be ~0.221 (Pr3+) and 0.314 eV (Tb3+). Cathodoluminescence (CL) found that both the phosphors exhibit increasingly higher emission intensity/brightness at a higher acceleration voltage (up to 7 kV) or beam current (up to 50 μA) and are stable under electron bombardment in the studied range. Raising beam current was suggested to be more effective to enhance CL.
Investigation of co‐infections with pathogens associated with gill disease in Atlantic salmon during an amoebic gill disease outbreak
Authors: Downes J K , Yatabe T , Marcos‐Lopez M , Rodger H D , MacCarthy E , O'Connor I , Collins E , Ruane N M
Published: May 2018

Gill diseases are a complex and multifactorial challenge for marine farmed Atlantic salmon. Co‐infections with putative pathogens are common on farms; however, there is a lack of knowledge in relation to the potential effect co‐infections may have on pathology. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and potential effects ofNeoparamoeba perurans, Desmozoon lepeophtherii,CandidatusBranchiomonas cysticola,Tenacibaculum maritimumand salmon gill poxvirus (SGPV) during a longitudinal study on a marine Atlantic salmon farm. Real‐timePCRwas used to determine the presence and sequential infection patterns of these pathogens on gill samples collected from stocking until harvest. A number of multilevel models were used to determine the effect of these putative pathogens on gill health (measured as gill histopathology score), while adjusting for the effect of water temperature and time since the last freshwater treatment. Results indicate that between 12 and 16 weeks post‐seawater transfer (wpst), colonization of the gills by all pathogens had commenced and by week 16 of marine production each of the pathogens had been detected.D. lepeophtheriiandCandidatusB. cysticola were by far the most prevalent of the potential pathogens detected during this study. Detections ofT. maritimumwere found to be significantly correlated with temperature showing distinct seasonality. Salmon gill poxvirus was found to be highly sporadic and detected in the first sampling point, suggesting a carryover from the freshwater stage of production. Finally, the model results indicated no clear effect between any of the pathogens. Additionally, the models showed that the only variable which had a consistent effect on the histology score wasN. perurans.
EGCG: Potential application as a protective agent against grass carp reovirus in aquaculture
Authors: Wang H , Chen Yq , Ru Gm , Xu Yq , Lu Lq
Published: May 2018

Grass carp reovirus (GCRV) is the primary cause of grass carp haemorrhagic disease. The major catechin in green tea, (–)‐epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG), has been found to have anti‐GCRV activity in the C. idellus kidney cell line (CIK). The aim of this study was to test the potential application of EGCG as an anti‐GCRV agent in aquaculture. Here, we demonstrate that various concentrations (99%, 50% and 35%) of EGCG could inhibit GCRV infectivity. EGCG (50%) + GCRV treatment significantly reduced the number of dead fish at 1‐, 2‐, 3‐, 4 ‐and 5‐day post‐challenge compared with the negative control (GCRV challenge without EGCG treatment). The safety of EGCG compound products on cell survival was studied using four fish cell lines; we did not detect a significant change in cell viability within 24 hours of EGCG incubation. We also evaluated toxicity and concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH) and lysozyme (LZM) in the grass carp, and the results showed that even a high dose of EGCG did not induce toxicity. Following EGCG compound injection, the concentration of MDA decreased and the concentration of GSH and LZM increased compared with the control groups. We also detected EGCG concentration in grass carp plasma and kidney using HPLC with electrochemical detection after intraperitoneal injection at a dose of 150 mg/kg. The concentration of EGCG in the plasma and kidney reached the highest levels (20 μg/ml and 1.5 μg/ml) about 12 hr after injection and then decreased. Overall, EGCG is a safe, effective product that could inhibit GCRV infection and improve immunoactivity in aquaculture.
Toward a Model of Military Family Resiliency: A Narrative Review
Authors: Cramm Heidi , Norris Deborah , Venedam Stephanie , Tam‐Seto Linna
Published: May 2018

Over the years, the construct of resilience has been increasing in complexity, indicated by the lack of consensus in its definition, operationalization, and measurement. Resiliency in military families is of particular interest given the nature of military life. A narrative review explored and synthesized how resilience and resiliency are understood in the military family literature. Twenty references were identified and underwent a detailed data extraction process focused on descriptions of resilience. Five themes were identified: the difference between resilience and resiliency, intrafamilial factors, processes that enhance military family resiliency, the role of context, and family–context interactions. These themes have informed the development of a synthesis of models of family resiliency that can reveal areas of vital significance for military families and serve as an important starting point to inform ongoing research and theory development for this population.
Perspectives for personalized therapy for patients with multidrug‐resistant tuberculosis
Authors: Lange C. , Alghamdi W. A. , Al‐Shaer M. H. , Brighenti S. , Diacon A. H. , DiNardo A. R. , Grobbel H. P. , Gröschel M. I. , von Groote‐Bidlingmaier F. , Hauptmann M. , Heyckendorf J. , Köhler N. , Kohl T. A. , Merker M. , Niemann S. , Peloquin C. A. , Reimann M. , Schaible U. E. , Schaub D. , Schleusener V. , Thye T. , Schön T.
Published: May 2018

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), tuberculosis is the leading cause of death attributed to a single microbial pathogen worldwide. In addition to the large number of patients affected by tuberculosis, the emergence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis drug‐resistance is complicating tuberculosis control in many high‐burden countries. During the past 5 years, the global number of patients identified with multidrug‐resistant tuberculosis (MDR‐TB), defined as bacillary resistance at least against rifampicin and isoniazid, the two most active drugs in a treatment regimen, has increased by more than 20% annually. Today we experience a historical peak in the number of patients affected by MDR‐TB. The management of MDR‐TB is characterized by delayed diagnosis, uncertainty of the extent of bacillary drug‐resistance, imprecise standardized drug regimens and dosages, very long duration of therapy and high frequency of adverse events which all translate into a poor prognosis for many of the affected patients. Major scientific and technological advances in recent years provide new perspectives through treatment regimens tailor‐made to individual needs. Where available, such personalized treatment has major implications on the treatment outcomes of patients with MDR‐TB. The challenge now is to bring these adances to those patients that need them most.
A look into the relationship between personality traits and basic values: A longitudinal investigation
Authors: Vecchione Michele , Alessandri Guido , Roccas Sonia , Caprara Gian Vittorio
Published: May 2018

Objective

The present study examines the longitudinal association between basic personal values and the Big Five personality traits.

Method

A sample of 546 young adults (57% females) with a mean age of 21.68 years (SD = 1.60) completed the Portrait Values Questionnaire and the Big Five Questionnaire at three time points, each separated by an interval of 4 years. Cross‐lagged models were used to investigate the possible reciprocal relations between traits and values, after the stability of the variables was taken into account.

Results

We found that values did not affect trait development. Traits, by contrast, have some effects on how values change. Specifically, high levels of Agreeableness predict an increase over time in the importance assigned to benevolence values. Similarly, high levels of Openness predict a later increase in the importance assigned to self‐direction values. The same effect was not found for the other traits. Additionally, except for in the case of Emotional Stability, traits showed synchronous (i.e., within wave) correlations with values, suggesting that part of this relationship is due to common antecedents.

Conclusions

Mechanisms underlying the associations between traits and values are discussed.
Near final height in patients with idiopathic growth hormone deficiency: A single‐centre experience
Authors: Kurnaz Erdal , Çetinkaya Semra , Aycan Zehra
Published: May 2018

Aim

We analysed near final height (NFH) data in children with growth hormone deficiency (GHD) treated with recombinant human GH (rhGH).

Methods

We divided the idiopathic GHD patients into two groups, isolated GHD (IGHD) and multiple pituitary hormone deficiency, to evaluate NFH. Then, data were grouped according to gender, pre‐pubertal/pubertal status and spontaneous or induced puberty. The trial was performed as a retrospective study. Median values are given, and measurements are expressed as standard deviation scores (SDSs).

Results

rhGH therapy was started at a median age of 12.1 (range 9.1–14.9) years in the IGHD group (n = 162, 83 males) and 9.1 (range 4.9–13.4) years in the multiple pituitary hormone deficiency group (n = 33, 22 males) at a median dose of 0.20 mg/kg/week. Height SDSs at the onset of therapy were −3.2 (range −4.4 to −2.6) and −3.9 (−6.8 to −2.8) in the two groups, respectively (P < 0.001). NFH SDSs were −1.8 (−2.9 to −1) and −1.6 (−3.1 to −0.4) (P = 0.139), and delta height SDSs (finish – start) were 1.4 (0.3–2.5) and 2.6 (1.5–4.6) (P < 0.001), respectively. Total delta height was 1.4 SDS (0.4–3.1) in patients who started rhGH treatment in the pre‐pubertal period and 1.3 SDS (0.3–2.4) (P = 0.106) in those who started rhGH in the pubertal period.

Conclusions

About 85% of the cases reached their genetic height potential. Delta height SDSs were higher than expected in cases that started treatment during the pubertal period. Therefore, it is possible to achieve NFH within the mid‐parental height range in patients who start therapy during puberty.
Candidatus Phytoplasma trifolii (16SrVI) infection modifies the polyphenols concentration in pepper (Capsicum annuum) plant tissues
Authors: Reveles‐Torres Luis Roberto , Velásquez‐Valle Rodolfo , Salas‐Muñoz Silvia , Mauricio‐Castillo Jorge Armando , Esqueda‐Dávila Karla Caren Jacqueline , Herrera Mayra Denise
Published: May 2018

Of late, the presence of Candidatus Phytoplasma trifolii was reported as a serious threat to the pepper crop in Zacatecas, México; therefore, asymptomatic and symptomatic pepper plants were collected from a commercial field among three samplings after the fruit set stage was reached. Total DNA was extracted using the CTAB‐based method and tested for phytoplasma using a nested PCR assay, followed by a BLAST, and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis of 16S rDNA sequences, which confirmed the presence of phytoplasma group 16SrVI, “Candidatus Phytoplasma trifolii” in the symptomatic plants. As the metabolic pathways of pathogen‐infected plants tend to change, resulting in a biochemical differentiation with the noninfected plants, the polyphenolic compound concentrations were quantified from the vegetative tissues (root, stem, leaves and developed fruit/big bud) and were analysed based on a principal component analysis (PCA). Results revealed that, in general, plants tend to a progressive increase in total phenols, flavonoids, condensed tannins and anthocyanins related to the plants exposure to “Ca. P. trifolii” infection, and PCA demonstrated that almost 90% of the observed variance was explained by the first two components. Hence, the phenolic content of the plants increases as a response of the defence mechanism, which reflects its condition and resistance.
Forage diversity, type and abundance influence winter resource selection by white‐tailed deer
Authors: Champagne Emilie , Dumont André , Tremblay Jean‐Pierre , Côté Steeve D.
Published: May 2018

Questions

The presence of a plant species can influence the selection of another plant species by herbivores. Natural communities encompass several plant species, and in these multi‐species environments, resource selection by herbivores could be partly explained by plant diversity. Our objective was to determine how winter consumption by a large herbivore (white‐tailed deer) varies relative to the diversity and composition of the plant community in a temperate forest. (a) Does browsing increases or decreases with diversity indices; and (b) are specific community compositions linked to high or low browsing by deer? We also aimed to determine whether neighbouring plant diversity and identity could modify browsing on a specific species, Pinus strobus (hereafter pine).

Location

Vallée de la Gatineau, Québec, Canada.

Methods

We sampled 102 plots in the sugar maple (Acer saccharum)–basswood (Tilia americana) subdomain, a deciduous type of forest in the northern temperate zone. Each plot was centred on a pine and browsing by deer, plot diversity and composition were measured.

Results

Total browsing and browsing on focal pines decreased with increasing values of diversity indices, but only in plots with high resource abundance. This result is in accordance with optimal foraging principles, as diversified plots have a lower concentration of preferred species. Total consumption did not vary with plot composition, but browsing on the focal pine decreased with increased abundance of Diervilla lonicera and Lonicera canadensis, abundant deciduous shrubs. This associational defence could protect vulnerable pines from deer browsing.

Conclusion

While our study revealed a relationship between plant community diversity and winter browse use and selection by deer, it also highlighted the importance of resource abundance and community composition – variables influencing the resource selection process. Diversity measures can describe vegetation communities, but probably do not represent the way in which herbivores perceive their environment.
Slow recovery of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and plant community after fungicide application: An eight‐year experiment
Authors: Pánková Hana , Dostálek Tomáš , Vazačová Kristýna , Münzbergová Zuzana
Published: May 2018

Aim

In our previous study, we found strong effects of fungicide application on diversity and composition of grassland plant community. Here, we evaluated the recovery of the plant community and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) infectivity after fungicide application and the effects of grazing management on the recovery.

Location

Northern Bohemia, Czech Republic.

Methods

We recorded plant species composition and AMF infectivity in permanent plots in dry grassland over a period of 5 years after termination of fungicide application and grazing introduction.

Results

The negative effect of fungicide on plant species composition, diversity, AMF infectivity and cover of forbs still persisted 5 years after the last fungicide application. The cover of graminoids decreased, and their cover reached the level before fungicide application. While grazing had no effect on plant species recovery, it led to recovery of AMF infectivity.

Conclusion

Although graminoids lost their dominance after termination of fungicide application and grazing led to the recovery of AMF infectivity, the dry grassland plant community was not completely restored. The forbs were not able to recolonize the site. Their absence might be caused by dispersal limitation or changes in restored AMF community composition. Direct seed sowing may thus be used to support the plant recovery.
Dietary Substitution Effect of Fishmeal with Tunic Meal of Sea Squirt, Halocynthia roretzi, Drasche, on Growth and Soft Body Composition of Juvenile Abalone, Haliotis discus, Reeve 1846
Authors: Choi Dong Gyui , Kim June , Yun Ahyeong , Cho Sung Hwoan , Jeong Hae Seung , Lee Ki Wook , Kim Hee Sung , Kim Pil Youn , Ha Min Su
Published: May 2018

The dietary substitution effect of fishmeal (FM) with tunic meal of sea squirt (SS) on growth and body composition of juvenile abalone, Haliotis discus, was evaluated. A total of 1470 juvenile abalone were distributed into 21 70‐L plastic rectangular containers. Six experimental diets in triplicate were prepared, and 20% FM was included in the FM0 diet. The treatments consisted of 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100% of FM substituted with tunic meal of SS, referred to as the FM20, FM40, FM60, FM80, and FM100 diets, respectively. Undaria was also prepared to compare the effect of the formulated diets on performance of abalone. The experimental diets were fed to abalone once a day at a satiation level for 16 wk. Weight gain of abalone fed the FM0 diet was higher than that of abalone fed the FM100 diet and Undaria, but not different from that of abalone fed the FM80 diet. Crude protein, crude lipid, and ash contents of the soft body of abalone fed all formulated diets were higher than those of abalone fed the Undaria diet. In conclusion, FM up to 80% could be replaced with tunic meal of SS without retardation in growth of abalone. The best growth was obtained in abalone fed the FM20 diet.
Language, emotion, and the emotions: The multidisciplinary and linguistic background
Authors: Maia Belinda , Santos Diana
Published: May 2018

Emotion and the emotions we study today have been discussed for centuries using words and phrases that reflect the thoughts of those times, but that have also become fossilised in modern Western thought. The concepts behind these expressions vary in content according to the context in which they are used, and their translations into other languages show that their usage, or that of their cognates, in each language allows for further different interpretations of the concepts, often influenced by the culture and society in which they are used. The studies of Emotion and Language are influenced by perspectives from the disciplines of philosophy, anthropology, psychology, sociology, neuroscience, and computer science, and cover not just the spoken or written form of the core concepts of emotion, but also descriptions of the expression of emotion through facial expression, body language, and physical reactions, and even subjective language in general. This article will attempt to provide a view of some of the issues that affect the understanding of the language of emotion, and that underlie many of the problems faced by those working in opinion mining, sentiment analysis, and human<>computer interaction. It will also touch on the complex relationship between emotion and cognition, and the problems this poses. The objective is to offer some interdisciplinary background for our second article, which presents a more detailed perspective from a computational point of view.
Anti‐Mi‐2 antibody‐positive inflammatory myopathy during treatment with golimumab
Authors: Hirunagi Tomoki , Goto Yoji , Mano Kazuo
Published: May 2018

A 56‐year‐old woman, who was treated with golimumab for rheumatoid arthritis, presented with myalgia and rash. She had proximal limbs weakness, and erythematous papules were evident on her hands and face. Her serum creatine kinase levels were elevated, and anti‐Mi‐2 antibody was detected. Magnetic resonance imaging of muscles revealed inflammatory lesions in muscles and soft tissues. She was diagnosed with inflammatory myopathy. A drug‐induced mechanism was suspected; therefore, we stopped treating her with golimumab and instead treated her with prednisolone. Subsequently, her symptoms gradually improved. This case suggests that tumor necrosis factor‐alpha inhibitors may induce anti‐Mi‐2 antibody‐positive inflammatory myopathies.
Human impacts in African savannas are mediated by plant functional traits
Authors: Osborne Colin P. , Charles‐Dominique Tristan , Stevens Nicola , Bond William J. , Midgley Guy , Lehmann Caroline E. R.
Published: May 2018

Tropical savannas have a ground cover dominated by C4 grasses, with fire and herbivory constraining woody cover below a rainfall‐based potential. The savanna biome covers 50% of the African continent, encompassing diverse ecosystems that include densely wooded Miombo woodlands and Serengeti grasslands with scattered trees. African savannas provide water, grazing and browsing, food and fuel for tens of millions of people, and have a unique biodiversity that supports wildlife tourism. However, human impacts are causing widespread and accelerating degradation of savannas. The primary threats are land cover‐change and transformation, landscape fragmentation that disrupts herbivore communities and fire regimes, climate change and rising atmospheric CO2. The interactions among these threats are poorly understood, with unknown consequences for ecosystem health and human livelihoods. We argue that the unique combinations of plant functional traits characterizing the major floristic assemblages of African savannas make them differentially susceptible and resilient to anthropogenic drivers of ecosystem change. Research must address how this functional diversity among African savannas differentially influences their vulnerability to global change and elucidate the mechanisms responsible. This knowledge will permit appropriate management strategies to be developed to maintain ecosystem integrity, biodiversity and livelihoods.