bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self‐Reported Napping Behavior Change After Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Treatment in Older Adults with Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Hsieh Cheng‐Fang , Riha Renata L. , Morrison Ian , Hsu Chung‐Yao
Published: June 2016

Objectives

To assess the effect of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on napping behavior in adults aged 60 and older with obstructive sleep apnea–hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS).

Design

Retrospective cohort study using questionnaires.

Setting

Sleep center.

Participants

Individuals starting CPAP treatment between April 2010 and March 2012 (mean age 65.2 ± 4.7; M:F = 3.9:1; N = 107).

Measurements

All subjects underwent sleep studies, clinical reviews, and CPAP adherence checks and completed a questionnaire regarding CPAP adherence, current employment status, sleep patterns before and after CPAP, and factors affecting their current sleep patterns.

Results

CPAP treatment duration was 82.7 ± 30.0 weeks, and objective adherence was 5.4 ± 2.0 hours per night overall. Daytime nap frequency before CPAP treatment was higher in those with a history of stroke or cardiovascular disease. Both sexes had a significant reduction in daytime napping (men, P < .001; women, P = .008), evening napping (men, P < .001; women, P = .02), and daily nap duration (men, P < .001; women, P = .02). Logistic regression analysis showed that the reduction in self‐reported daily nap duration was associated with younger age (odds ratio (OR) = 0.86, P = .04), a decrease in ESS score (OR = 1.20, P = .03), and longer self‐reported daily nap duration at baseline (OR = 31.52, P < .001).

Conclusion

Long‐term CPAP treatment in older adults with OSAHS can play a significant role in reducing nap frequency and daily nap duration. Aging or shorter baseline daily nap duration may attenuate this effect.
Microdermabrasion: a clinical, histometric, and histopathologic study
Authors: El‐Domyati Moetaz , Hosam Wael , Abdel‐Azim Eman , Abdel‐Wahab Hossam , Mohamed Elshaymaa
Published: June 2016

Background

Microdermabrasion is a nonchemical superficial resurfacing procedure that removes the stratum corneum. Because it is a somewhat subtle procedure, it may be difficult to demonstrate its cosmetic benefit.

Objectives

To assess the efficacy of microdermabrasion in treatment of melasma, postacne scarring, striae distensae, and photoaging by a series of microdermabrasion sittings through clinical, histometric, and histopathologic analysis.

Patients and Methods

The study was conducted on 38 patients constituting four groups (melasma, acne scars, striae destinsae, and photoaging), each patient was subjected to a series of 8 microdermabrasion treatments performed at 1‐week interval. Punch biopsies, at base line, 1 week after the 4th and the 8th session, were obtained from each subject for histometric and histopathologic analysis.

Results

Clinically, the improvement in melasma, acne scars, and striae distensae groups was mainly mild to moderate, while in photoaging group was mainly mild. Histometric analysis of epidermal thickness showed insignificant changes in all groups. Histopathologically, decreased melanization and regular distribution of melanosomes in the epidermis were noted in melasma group while increased density of collagen fibers with more regular arrangement in collagen bundles was detected in all candidates of acne scars, striae distensae, and photoaging groups. Meanwhile, Orcein stain did not show any significant changes in elastic fibers.

Conclusions

Microdermabrasion is an easy and safe technique. In this study, most cases showed mild to moderate improvement. Decreased melanization with regular distribution of melanosomes and increased collagen density with regular arrangement of collagen bundles were the most common observed histologic changes.
Which coping strategies can predict beneficial feelings associated with prostate cancer?
Authors: Pascoe Elizabeth C , Edvardsson David
Published: June 2016

Aims and objectives

This study aimed to identify the extent to which different coping strategies can predict benefit finding in prostate cancer experiences.

Background

Although beginning evidence suggests that the capacity to find positives in adversity and find some benefit from cancer‐associated experiences may be influenced by coping, little is known about which coping strategies can predict benefit finding in prostate cancer.

Design

Cross‐sectional.

Method

Data from men (n = 209) diagnosed with prostate cancer receiving hormone suppression therapy were analysed using descriptive statistics, bivariate correlations and backward stepwise multiple linear regression. Sociodemographic and clinical data, and self‐report scales (17‐item Benefit Finding Scale and Brief COPE) were used.

Results

Bivariate analyses showed significant correlations between 14 coping strategies and benefit finding in prostate cancer. Multiple linear regression modelling showed that the predictor variables ‘acceptance’, ‘positive reframing’ and ‘turning to religion’ explained 35% of the variance in dependant variable benefit finding when the other variables were controlled for. Of the three predictor variables, acceptance and positive reinterpretation were most strongly related to benefit finding.

Conclusion

The self‐reported coping strategies ‘acceptance’ and ‘positive reframing’ emerged as being most significantly predictive of benefit finding in this sample. ‘Turning to religion’ was also significant, but to a somewhat lesser extent in predicting benefit finding in the disruptive experience of prostate cancer.

Relevance to clinical practice

The use of positively oriented emotional coping strategies of ‘acceptance’, ‘positive reframing’ and ‘turning to religion’ are influential to benefit finding in prostate cancer. An understanding of the coping strategies that are predictive to benefit finding can assist clinicians to discern and target men who are more or less likely to find benefit, and to develop person‐centred support strategies and interventions with an aim to optimising positive emotional states throughout the cancer journey.
GAME THEORY AND PORT ECONOMICS: A SURVEY OF RECENT RESEARCH
Authors: Hidalgo‐Gallego Soraya , Núñez‐Sánchez Ramón , Coto‐Millán Pablo
Published: June 2016

The last decade has seen a significant upsurge of studies seeking to examine the impacts of port agents’ strategic decisions. The outcome has been a wide range of results and conclusions. The aim of this work is to provide a review of this recent research in the port industry that uses strategic interaction approaches from industrial organization and game theory. The paper concentrates on five topics: ownership, relationship between ports and their hinterlands, port authorities and port operators’ relations, capacity investment decisions, and port specialization. We present the objectives, methodologies and results of the papers reviewed, with special emphasis on how models are developed. The results are not always consistent between the works analyzed. On the one hand, this could be due to the complexity of the port industry and the high number of agents that intervene. Researchers need to simplify reality to build their models by imposing restrictive assumptions. On the other hand, results could be very sensitive to the techniques used or to the differences on the port environment of the countries of study. However, some conclusions can be extracted and they present a good starting point to develop more sophisticated models. Finally, we also propose avenues for future research.
Usefulness of T2 star‐weighted imaging in ovarian cysts and tumors
Authors: Takahashi Nozomi , Yoshino Osamu , Maeda Eriko , Naganawa Shotaro , Harada Miyuki , Koga Kaori , Hiraike Osamu , Nakamura Masanobu , Tabuchi Takashi , Hori Masaaki , Saito Shigeru , Fujii Tomoyuki , Osuga Yutaka
Published: June 2016

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of hypointensity on T2 star‐weighted imaging (T2*WI), which is useful for detecting hemosiderin, in endometriomas and other ovarian tumors. The efficacy of detecting adhesions around ovarian tumors was also investigated.

Methods

Pelvic magnetic resonance (MR) examinations, including T2*WI, were carried out. The inclusion criteria were female patients with ovarian surgical treatments. One hundred seventeen patients with a total of 147 lesions were enrolled. Two radiologists retrospectively evaluated MR imaging (MRI) to predict ovarian pathology and the presence of adhesions. T2*WI hypointensity of the inside and outside along ovarian cysts/tumors was utilized to predict pathological diagnoses and the presence of adhesions, respectively. The kappa scores were calculated to measure interobserver agreement on MRI findings. The MRI interpretations were compared with the results of pathological investigation and surgical observations.

Results

Hypointensity inside along the cyst walls on T2*WI was observed in 100 out of 106 lesions of endometriomas (94.3%), and three out of 41 non‐endometrial ovarian cysts/tumors (7.3%). Four different patterns of T2*WI were observed in ovarian cysts/tumors. The kappa score regarding T2*WI hypointensity inside along the cyst walls was 0.633. Using conventional routine pelvic MRI, the sensitivity for detecting adhesions around ovarian cysts was 84.5%. By adding T2*WI, the sensitivity improved to 91.4% (P < 0.01). With conventional methods to predict adhesions, the kappa score was 0.660. After adding T2*WI to the conventional methods, the kappa score was 0.767.

Conclusion

Hypointensity on T2*WI was observed frequently in endometrioma. T2*WI also improved the sensitivity for detecting adhesions around ovarian cysts/tumors.
Maternal and neonatal vitamin‐D status in twin versus singleton pregnancies
Authors: Goswami Deepti , Rani Reena , Saxena Alpana , Arora Monika Sethi , Batra Swaraj , Sreenivas Vishnubhatla
Published: June 2016

Aim

There is a paucity of information on vitamin D status of women with twin pregnancy and their newborns. This case–control study compared maternal and neonatal vitamin‐D status in twin versus singleton pregnancies.

Methods

Subjects included 50 women with twin pregnancy delivering at >28 weeks and 50 gestational‐age‐matched women with singleton pregnancy delivering during the same period. Maternal and neonatal serum 25‐hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D] was compared between the two groups using the independent Student's t‐test on log values. Serum albumin‐adjusted calcium, inorganic phosphate, and intact parathormone levels were also compared.

Results

Maternal vitamin‐D deficiency (VDD; serum 25(OH)D < 30 nmol/L) was present in 90% of twin and 88% of singleton pregnancies. The prevalence of neonatal VDD was 89% in twin and 74% in singleton pregnancies (P = 0.03). Maternal serum 25(OH)D was lower in the twin group as compared to the singleton group (14.3 ± 10.47 vs 18.5 ± 12.36 nmol/L; P = 0.02). Mean serum calcium, intact parathormone, and inorganic phosphate were comparable between the women in the two groups. Maternal and neonatal 25(OH)D showed positive correlation in the two groups (P < 0.001). Mean cord blood 25(OH)D was significantly lower in the twins than in singleton newborns (14.8 ± 12.63 vs 22.6 ± 16.68 nmol/L; P = 0.002). The difference persisted even after adjustment for birthweights and maternal serum 25(OH)D. Mean serum calcium was significantly lower in the twins.

Conclusion

Twin newborns and their mothers have higher VDD as compared to singleton newborns and their mothers in the VDD population.
Rapid malignant transformation of low‐grade astrocytoma in a pregnant woman
Authors: Hanada Tomoko , Rahayu Tri Uji , Yamahata Hitoshi , Hirano Hirofumi , Yoshioka Takako , Arita Kazunori
Published: June 2016

We report rapid malignant transformation of diffuse astrocytoma to glioblastoma during pregnancy in a young woman. A 21‐year‐old woman was found to have a non‐enhancing right frontal lesion, supposed to be a low‐grade astrocytoma according to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studied for chronic headache. Due to the absence of clinical symptoms, the patient refused further investigations and delivered a baby and then became pregnant with a second baby. At first, she refused the biopsy because she was afraid, although the size of the lesion on MRI was increasing; however, due to repeated persuasion, she underwent a biopsy during the 4th month of her second gestation, with a result of diffuse astrocytoma (WHO grade II). At 1 month after the second delivery and 6 months after the biopsy, MRI revealed further enlargement of the tumor and a heterogeneous kenhancement effect. A gross tumor removal was carried out, and the tumor was histologically diagnosed as glioblastoma (WHO grade IV). This is the quickest ever malignant transformation of diffuse astrocytoma during pregnancy in the published reports.
Impact of Coronary Artery Disease Burden on 12‐Month Mortality of Patients After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation
Authors: Kleczynski Pawel , Dziewierz Artur , Bagienski Maciej , Rzeszutko Lukasz , Sorysz Danuta , Trebacz Jaroslaw , Sobczynski Robert , Tomala Marek , Gackowski Andrzej , Dudek Dariusz
Published: June 2016

Objectives

The aim of the study was to compare 12‐month mortality rate of patients with and without complete coronary revascularization before transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

Background

There are limited data on the impact of coronary artery disease burden in patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing TAVI.

Methods

One hundred and one consecutive patients undergoing TAVI were enrolled. Of them 16 (15.8%) had an incomplete coronary revascularization. The primary endpoint was 12‐month all‐cause mortality.

Results

Twelve‐month all‐cause mortality was higher in patients with incomplete coronary revascularization than in patients with complete coronary revascularization or without significant lesions (75.0% vs 7.1%; P < 0.001). Importantly, incomplete coronary revascularization was an independent predictor of higher mortality rate after 12 months (hazard ratio (HR) for incomplete coronary revascularization 10.86, 95% CI 3.72–31.73; P < 0.001; HR for a history of stroke/TIA 3.93, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.39–11.07; P < 0.001; HR for blood transfusion 2.84 95% CI (1.06–7.63); P = 0.039). In 9 of 16 (56.3%) patients, incomplete revascularization was related to the presence of chronic total occlusions (CTO). Patients with CTO had an increased mortality rate after 12 months (55.6% vs 14.1%; P = 0.008) as compared to patients without the CTO.

Conclusions

Incomplete coronary revascularization and a history of stroke or TIA may be independent predictors of all‐cause mortality in patients undergoing TAVI. However, further studies are recommended to confirm the results, especially in terms of the impact of CTO presence on long‐term mortality after TAVI.
Real‐World Multicenter Registry of Patients with Severe Coronary Artery Calcification Undergoing Orbital Atherectomy
Authors: Lee Michael S. , Shlofmitz Evan , Kaplan Barry , Alexandru Dragos , Meraj Perwaiz , Shlofmitz Richard
Published: June 2016

Objectives

We evaluated the safety and efficacy of orbital atherectomy in real‐world patients with severe coronary artery calcification (CAC).

Background

The presence of severe CAC increases the complexity of percutaneous coronary intervention as it may impede stent delivery and optimal stent expansion. Atherectomy may be an indispensable tool for uncrossable or undilatable lesions by modifying severe CAC. Although the ORBIT I and II trials report that orbital atherectomy was safe and effective for the treatment of severe CAC, patients with kidney disease, recent myocardial infarction, long diffuse disease, severe left ventricular dysfunction, and unprotected left main disease were excluded.

Methods

This retrospective study included 458 consecutive patients with severe CAC who underwent orbital atherectomy followed by stenting from October 2013 to December 2015 at 3 centers.

Results

The primary endpoint of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events at 30 days was 1.7%. Low rates of 30‐day all‐cause mortality (1.3%), myocardial infarction (1.1%), target vessel revascularization (0%), stroke (0.2%), and stent thrombosis (0.9%) were observed. Angiographic complications were low: perforation was 0.7%, dissection 0.9%, and no‐reflow 0.7%. Emergency coronary artery bypass graft surgery was performed in 0.2% of patients.

Conclusion

In the largest real‐world study of patients who underwent orbital atherectomy, including high‐risk patients who were not surgical candidates as well as those with very complex coronary anatomy, acute and short‐term adverse clinical event rates were low. A randomized clinical trial is needed to identify the ideal treatment strategy for patients with severe CAC.
Evidence of cardiac injury and arrhythmias in dogs with acute kidney injury
Authors: Keller S. P. , Kovacevic A. , Howard J. , Schweighauser A. , Francey T.
Published: June 2016

OBJECTIVES

Cardiac involvement in the course of acute kidney injury is described in humans as cardiorenal syndrome type 3 but has received only limited attention in dogs. This study was designed to evaluate cardiac injury and dysfunction in acute kidney injury in dogs and its association with outcome.

METHODS

This prospective cohort study enrolled 24 client‐owned dogs with acute kidney injury. Cardiac disorders were evaluated with thoracic radiographs, echocardiography, 24‐hour Holter monitoring and cardiac troponin I concentrations within 2 days of admission and 7 to 10 days later.

RESULTS

Most dogs were diagnosed with leptospirosis (n=18, 75%) and presented with moderate‐to‐severe acute kidney injury, International Renal Interest Society grades III to V. Dogs with ê100 ventricular premature complexes per 24 hour in the first examination (n=8) had significantly higher initial cTnI concentrations (P=0·007) compared to dogs with fewer than 100. In receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the number of ventricular premature complexes was predictive of outcome (AUC 0·83, P<0·001).

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Acute kidney injury seems to be associated with cardiac injury and arrhythmias in dogs. The data do not indicate a cardiac cause of poor outcome in dogs with increased number of ventricular premature complexes but the association may reflect the severity of disease.
Focal intestinal lipogranulomatous lymphangitis in 10 dogs
Authors: Lecoindre A. , Lecoindre P. , Cadoré J. L. , Chevallier M. , Guerret S. , Derré G. , Mcdonough S. P. , Simpson K. W.
Published: June 2016

OBJECTIVES

To describe the clinical and pathological features of canine focal lipogranulomatous lymphangitis, to evaluate its underlying infectious cause and to compare it with human Crohn's disease.

METHODS

Retrospective review of case records with a histopathological diagnosis of focal lipogranulomatous lymphangitis. Bacterial and fungal colonisation was evaluated using fluorescence in situ hybridisation and histochemical staining, respectively. A comparison with Crohn's disease was performed by a human pathologist.

RESULTS

Ten dogs were evaluated. The historical complaints were predominantly chronic diarrhoea (10/10) and vomiting (5/10). The biochemical abnormalities included hypoalbuminaemia (6/10) and hypocobalaminaemia (4/6). Abdominal sonography revealed a thickened distal ileum±ileocolic junction. Colonoscopy showed a swollen caecal ostium and oedematous caecum in 7/10 dogs. A stenotic ileo‐colic opening prevented endoscopic intubation in all dogs. Histology from the resected lesions revealed granulomatous inflammation involving the muscularis and serosa. Fluorescence in situ hybridization demonstrated invasive bacteria in 2/10 dogs. Post‐resection, all dogs received metronidazole and tapering immunosuppressive doses of prednisolone. Remission (median 17 months) was achieved in 8/10 dogs.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Focal lipogranulomatous lymphangitis is a rare and severe form of canine inflammatory bowel disease with preferential localisation to the ileum and the ileocolic junction. An underlying infectious aetiology was not identified.
Drug Residues after Intravenous Anesthesia and Intrathecal Lidocaine Hydrochloride Euthanasia in Horses
Authors: Aleman M. , Davis E. , Knych H. , Guedes A. , Smith F. , Madigan J.E.
Published: June 2016

Background

Intrathecal lidocaine hydrochloride under general anesthesia has been used as an alternative method of euthanasia in equids. Carnivore, scavenger, and even human consumption of horse meat from carcasses have been anecdotally reported in rural areas after this method of euthanasia. The presence of drug residues in horse meat has not been investigated.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To investigate if drug residues are found in horse tissues and determine their concentrations.

Animals

Of 11 horses requiring euthanasia for medical reasons.

Methods

Prospective descriptive study. Horses were anesthetized with total IV dose of xylazine (mean, 2.5 mg/kg), midazolam (0.1 mg/kg), and ketamine hydrochloride (mean, 5.8 mg/kg). An atlanto‐occipital cisterna centesis for the collection of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and administration of lidocaine hydrochloride (4 mg/kg) was performed. Blood samples for both serum and plasma, skeletal muscle (triceps brachii, gluteus medius), and CSF were collected for the determination of drug residues. Frozen skeletal muscle available from 5 additional horses that received standard dosages of drugs for short‐term anesthesia (xylazine 1.1 mg/kg, midazolam 0.1 mg/kg, and ketamine 2.2 mg/kg) also were analyzed.

Results

Drug residues were found in the tissues of all horses, but at extremely low concentrations.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Euthanasia by administration of lidocaine intrathecally to horses under IV anesthesia poses a low risk of toxicity to carnivores and scavengers that might consume muscle tissue from a carcass in which this protocol has been used.
Unemployment, Labour Market Institutions, Fiscal Imbalances and credit Constraints: New Evidence on an Active Debate
Authors: Papapetrou Evangelia , Tsalaporta Pinelopi
Published: June 2016

Using a sample of 20 OECD countries from 1970 to 2013 and accounting for cross‐sectional and temporal dependence in the regressions' disturbances, the paper examines the combined influence of labour market institutions, fiscal imbalances and credit constraints on unemployment. We demonstrate that unemployment exhibits high persistence. It is also closely associated with business cycle fluctuations, albeit mostly in economies under adjustment programmes (Spain, Ireland, Italy and Portugal). Evidence on the association between labour and product market institutions and unemployment remains inconclusive. The effect of large fiscal consolidation episodes on unemployment is consistently positive and significant, especially during the crisis period (2008–13) and in countries with strict employment protection regulation. High growth rates of GDP that reflect economic activity rebound, may partly neutralize the positive and significant impact of fiscal consolidation on unemployment.
Short‐Run Dynamics of the Trade Balance in the Emu‐12 Countries
Authors: Nieminen Mika , Junttila Juha
Published: June 2016

During the pre‐EMU period real effective exchange rate or domestic and foreign GDP per capita growth rate differential Granger‐caused aggregate trade balance in most of the EMU‐12 countries. However, our data‐driven paper provides evidence that during the EMU period neither the growth differentials nor the CPI‐based real effective exchange rates have Granger‐caused the aggregate trade balances. When we decompose the aggregate trade balances into the intra balances (trade balance vis‐à‐vis the euro area) and the extra balances (trade balance vis‐à‐vis the rest of the world), we find that typically the change in the dynamics of the aggregate trade balance resulted from a change in the dynamics of the intra balance.
Optimal Transparency and Policy Intervention with Heterogeneous Signals and Information Stickiness
Authors: James Jonathan G , Lawler Phillip
Published: June 2016

This paper investigates optimal central bank disclosure in an economy in which only a proportion of firms adjusts prices each period to reflect current information. Such information comprises a firm‐specific signal of the current state of aggregate demand and, potentially (depending on the transparency regime) a public signal disseminated by the central bank. The economy has two sources of price dispersion: first, the heterogeneity of the private signals of firms whose prices always reflect current information, and second, the non‐adjustment of prices by firms that fail to update their information from period‐to‐period. Monetary policy is conducted by the central bank to maximize expected welfare, with the study's focus on the optimal degree of transparency. A key finding is that, for plausible values of model parameters, full transparency cannot be optimal: whether zero or partial transparency is desirable then depends on the proportion of firms failing to update their information each period.
Height gain after two‐years‐of‐age is associated with better cognitive capacity, measured with Raven's coloured matrices at 15‐years‐of‐age in Malawi
Authors: Teivaanmäki Tiina , Bun Cheung Yin , Pulakka Anna , Virkkala Jussi , Maleta Kenneth , Ashorn Per
Published: June 2016

Stunting is a measure of chronic undernutrition, and it affects approximately 160 million children worldwide. Cognitive development of stunted children is compromised, but evidence about the association between height gain in late childhood and adolescent cognitive capacity is scarce. We aimed to determine the association between height gains at different ages, including late childhood, and cognitive capacity at 15‐years‐of‐age. We conducted a prospective cohort study in a rural African setting in Southern Malawi. The study cohort was enrolled between June 1995 and August 1996. It originally comprised mothers of 813 fetuses, and the number of children born live was 767. These children were followed up until the age of 15 years. The anthropometrics were measured at one and 24‐months‐of‐age and 15‐years‐of‐age, and cognitive capacity of participants was assessed at 15‐years‐of‐age with Raven's Coloured Matrices score, mathematic test score, median reaction time (RT) (milliseconds) and RT lapses. The associations between growth and the outcome measures were assessed with linear regression. Raven's Coloured Matrices score was predicted by height gain between 24 months and 15‐years‐of‐age (coefficient 0.85, P = 0.03) and (coefficient 0.69, P = 0.06), but not by earlier growth, when possible confounders were included in the model. The association weakened when school education was further added in the model (coefficient = 0.69, P = 0,060). In conclusion, in rural Malawi, better growth in late childhood is likely to lead to better cognitive capacity in adolescence, partly through more school education. In light of these results, growth promotion should not only be limited to early childhood.
Life in leaf litter: novel insights into community dynamics of bacteria and fungi during litter decomposition
Authors: Purahong Witoon , Wubet Tesfaye , Lentendu Guillaume , Schloter Michael , Pecyna Marek J. , Kapturska Danuta , Hofrichter Martin , Krüger Dirk , Buscot François
Published: June 2016

Microorganisms play a crucial role in the biological decomposition of plant litter in terrestrial ecosystems. Due to the permanently changing litter quality during decomposition, studies of both fungi and bacteria at a fine taxonomic resolution are required during the whole process. Here we investigated microbial community succession in decomposing leaf litter of temperate beech forest using pyrotag sequencing of the bacterial 16S and the fungal internal transcribed spacer (ITS)rRNAgenes. Our results reveal that both communities underwent rapid changes. Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria and Bacteroidetes dominated over the entire study period, but their taxonomic composition and abundances changed markedly among sampling dates. The fungal community also changed dynamically as decomposition progressed, with ascomycete fungi being increasingly replaced by basidiomycetes. We found a consistent and highly significant correlation between bacterial richness and fungal richness (R = 0.76,P < 0.001) and community structure (RMantel = 0.85,P < 0.001), providing evidence of coupled dynamics in the fungal and bacterial communities. A network analysis highlighted nonrandom co‐occurrences among bacterial and fungal taxa as well as a shift in the cross‐kingdom co‐occurrence pattern of their communities from the early to the later stages of decomposition. During this process, macronutrients, micronutrients, C:N ratio andpHwere significantly correlated with the fungal and bacterial communities, while bacterial richness positively correlated with three hydrolytic enzymes important for C, N and P acquisition. Overall, we provide evidence that the complex litter decay is the result of a dynamic cross‐kingdom functional succession.
Genome‐wide differentiation in closely related populations: the roles of selection and geographic isolation
Authors: Safran R. J. , Scordato E. S. C. , Wilkins M. R. , Hubbard J. K. , Jenkins B. R. , Albrecht T. , Flaxman S. M. , Karaardıç H. , Vortman Y. , Lotem A. , Nosil P. , Pap P. , Shen S. , Chan S.‐F. , Parchman T.L. , Kane N. C.
Published: June 2016

Population divergence in geographic isolation is due to a combination of factors. Natural and sexual selection may be important in shaping patterns of population differentiation, a pattern referred to as ‘isolation by adaptation’ (IBA).IBAcan be complementary to the well‐known pattern of ‘isolation by distance’ (IBD), in which the divergence of closely related populations (via any evolutionary process) is associated with geographic isolation. The barn swallowHirundo rusticacomplex comprises six closely related subspecies, where divergent sexual selection is associated with phenotypic differentiation among allopatric populations. To investigate the relative contributions of selection and geographic distance to genome‐wide differentiation, we compared genotypic and phenotypic variation from 350 barn swallows sampled across eight populations (28 pairwise comparisons) from four different subspecies. We report a draft whole‐genome sequence forH. rustica, to which we aligned a set of 9493 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Using statistical approaches to control for spatial autocorrelation of phenotypic variables and geographic distance, we find that divergence in traits related to migratory behaviour and sexual signalling, as well as geographic distance, together explain over 70% of genome‐wide divergence among populations. Controlling forIBD, we find 42% of genomewide divergence is attributable toIBAthrough pairwise differences in traits related to migratory behaviour and sexual signalling alone. By (i) combining these results with prior studies of how selection shapes morphological differentiation and (ii) accounting for spatial autocorrelation, we infer that morphological adaptation plays a large role in shaping population‐level differentiation in this group of closely related populations.
The mutational hazard hypothesis of organelle genome evolution: 10 years on
Authors: Smith David Roy
Published: June 2016

Why is there such a large variation in size and noncoding DNA content among organelle genomes? One explanation is that this genomic variation results from differences in the rates of organelle mutation and random genetic drift, as opposed to being the direct product of natural selection. Along these lines, the mutational hazard hypothesis (MHH) holds that ‘excess’ DNA is a mutational liability (because it increases the potential for harmful mutations) and, thus, has a greater tendency to accumulate in an organelle system with a low mutation rate as opposed to one with a high rate of mutation. Various studies have explored this hypothesis and, more generally, the relationship between organelle genome architecture and the mode and efficiency of organelle DNA repair. Although some of these investigations are in agreement with the MHH, others have contradicted it; nevertheless, they support a central role of mutation, DNA maintenance pathways and random genetic drift in fashioning organelle chromosomes. Arguably, one of the most important contributions of the MHH is that it has sparked crucial, widespread discussions about the importance of nonadaptive processes in genome evolution.
Long‐Term Follow‐Up of Children with Heart Block Born from Mothers with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Retrospective Study from the Database Pediatric and Congenital Heart Disease in University Hospitals Leuven
Authors: DE CALUWÉ EVA , VAN DE BRUAENE ALEXANDER , WILLEMS RIK , TROOST ELS , GEWILLIG MARC , REGA FILIP , BUDTS WERNER
Published: June 2016

Background

Children from mothers with systemic lupus erythematosus are frequently born with congenital heart block. This study aimed at evaluating long‐term outcome because long‐term data are scarce.

Methods

In the database of pediatric and congenital heart disease (University Hospitals Leuven), 19 children from systemic lupus erythematosus mothers and who were born with or developed atrioventricular block were identified. All records were reviewed for disease course and outcome.

Results

Median follow‐up time was 7 years (interquartile ranges [IQR] 4.5–13 years). One child had no heart block at birth and developed only a first‐degree block during follow‐up. One had a second‐degree heart block and developed a complete heart block. Seventeen patients (89%) were born with a complete heart block. Seventeen patients (89%) needed a definitive pacemaker. In all, epicardial leads were used at first implantation. Eighty‐two percent received their pacemaker in the first year of life. The first battery had a median lifetime of 5 years (IQR 3.5–5 years), the second 6 years (IQR 4.5–6.3 years), and the third 5 years (IQR 5–6 years). Note that 47% of patients needed a lead replacement due to lead problems. Only one pericardial tamponade after pacemaker implantation. No device or lead infections occurred. The left ventricular systolic function at latest follow‐up was normal for all. No patients died.

Conclusion

In children with heart block born from systemic lupus erythematosus mothers, an early need for pacemaker implantation was documented. The overall battery life was acceptable, but there was a high need for lead replacement. Complication rate was low. Late outcome was good.
Asymptomatic C‐reactive protein elevation in neutropenic children
Authors: Sugiura Shiro , Ito Tsuyoshi , Koyama Norihisa , Sasaki Noriko , Ikai Hiroshi , Imanaka Yuichi
Published: June 2016

Background

Febrile neutropenia (FN) can be a life‐threatening complication in children with malignancies. There is no standardized preventive treatment for childhood FN, and information on C‐reactive protein (CRP) elevation in afebrile patients with neutropenia (CEAN) is limited. The aim of this study was therefore to identify the association between CEAN and FN onset, and evaluate the efficacy of broad‐spectrum antibiotics for FN prophylaxis.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 22 consecutive pediatric patients with hematologic malignancies (acute myeloid leukemia, n = 2; acute lymphoid leukemia, n = 20) admitted to the present institution between 2006 and 2011. CEAN was defined as CRP elevation ≥0.05 mg/dL between the two most recent blood tests with no fever. We identified CEAN before FN onset, and assessed the efficacy of broad‐spectrum antibiotics for FN prevention in CEAN. FN incidence within 48 h after CEAN detection was compared between prophylactic and non‐prophylactic episodes.

Results

CEAN was observed before FN onset in 20 (55.6%), of 36 FN episodes. Among the 95 analyzed CEAN episodes, broad‐spectrum antibiotics had been used for 30 episodes (prophylactic episodes), whereas these antibiotics had not been used in 60 episodes (non‐prophylactic episodes). Prophylactic episodes had a significantly lower FN incidence than non‐prophylactic episodes (6.7% and 31%, respectively, P < 0.01) within 48 h after CEAN detection. Bacteremia was observed in three non‐prophylactic episodes.

Conclusion

Patients with CEAN are at higher risk of FN, and physicians may consider the use of broad‐spectrum antibiotics to prevent FN development.
Introduction to Special Issue: Risk, Climate, and the Environment
Authors: Harvey Daina Cheyenne
Published: June 2016

This essay introduces articles in a special issue of Sociological Forum on “Risk, Climate, and the Environment.”
The erosion threshold for a sustainable agriculture in cultures of bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) under conventional tillage and no‐tillage in Northern Nicaragua
Authors: Blanco Sepúlveda R. , Aguilar Carrillo A.
Published: June 2016

Soil erosion by water is one of the main environmental problems of the tropical mountains of Central America. The fragility of these areas, the significant degree of human population pressure exerted and changes in traditional farming systems all contribute to the current state of degradation. In this study, we compare two types of agricultural management (conventional tillage with traditional ploughing and no‐tillage with a digging stick) and analyse the influence of land slope, the management of vegetation cover, and various soil features and properties related to erosion in fields dedicated to the cultivation of beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) to determine the erosion thresholds. The study area was located in the hills around El Cuá, in northern Nicaragua. The results showed the system of no‐tillage (NT) to be more effective at controlling erosion than conventional tillage (CT), such that 28.7% less land was affected by erosion. Erosion in plots under CT did not present any statistically significant relationship with the factors analysed. Conversely, the erosion in the plots under NT was significantly related to the coverage of vegetation residues, and we calculated an erosion threshold of 40% of the level of vegetation coverage, which significantly reduces erosion.
Tariff Escalation and Vertical Market Structure
Authors: Hwang Hong , Mai Chao‐Cheng , Wu Shih‐Jye
Published: June 2016

Many empirical studies have shown that most countries in the world reveal a specific form of tariff structure, referred to as tariff escalation, which is defined as tariff rates for final products being higher than those for intermediate goods, and the latter are higher than those for raw materials. However, trade theorists have paid scant attention to the causes of tariff escalation. To fill this gap, we set up a vertically related market model with n stages of successive monopolies. We find that a tariff on an imported good can be used to extract not only the profit of the foreign monopolist supplying this good, but also the rents acquired by all the foreign upstream monopolists through its effects on the prices of the upstream intermediate goods. Thus, as the number of production stages in the foreign country increases, the amount of rent captured by the foreign upstream producers rises and a higher tariff rate is therefore needed to extract the rent. This provides a theoretical explanation to the cause of tariff escalation.
Prospective Randomized Clinical and Radiographic Evaluation of a Novel Bioabsorbable Biocomposite Tibial Tuberosity Advancement Cage Implant
Authors: Barnhart Matthew D. , Watson Adam T. , Thatcher Lawrence G. , Wotton Harry , Naber Steven J.
Published: June 2016

Objective

To evaluate the suitability of a novel bioabsorbable biocomposite cage (BC) implant for use in tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) surgery in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) disease and to compare radiographic osteotomy healing scores and complications between groups that received either a BC or stainless steel cage (SSC).

Study Design

Prospective randomized clinical study.

Animals

Dogs with unilateral CrCL rupture (n=56).

Methods

TTA was performed in 60 consecutive dogs using either a BC (30 dogs) or SSC (30 dogs). Patient parameters, 6 week and 6 month postoperative radiographic osteotomy healing scores, time elapsed to postoperative rechecks, and complications were compared between groups. Osteotomy healing was graded using a 5‐point (0–4) scale. Data were analyzed using Wilcoxon Rank Sum tests and χ2 tests with significance set at P<.05.

Results

Fifty‐six dogs (30 BC, 26 SSC) had complete medical and radiographic records at 6 months for inclusion in data analysis. Three complications occurred in the BC group (1 major, 2 minor) and 2 occurred in the SSC group (2 minor). There was no statistical difference in patient parameters, 6 week healing scores, or complications between BC and SSC groups. Healing scores at 6 months were significantly higher in the BC group (3.3 ± 0.52) compared to the SSC group (2.9 ± 0.69; P=.04).

Conclusion

Based on improved BC osteotomy healing scores 6 months after surgery with no significant differences in complications compared to SSC, BC TTA cages are a viable alternative to SSC.
Cytokine and Growth Factor Concentrations in Canine Autologous Conditioned Serum
Authors: Sawyere Dominique M. , Lanz Otto I. , Dahlgren Linda A. , Barry Sabrina L. , Nichols Anne C. , Werre Stephen R.
Published: June 2016

Objective

To compare cytokine and growth factor concentrations in canine autologous conditioned serum (ACS) to canine plasma.

Study Design

Experimental in vivo study.

Animals

Client‐owned, adult dogs (n=22).

Methods

Blood collected from 16 medium to large breed dogs was used to produce ACS (Orthokine® vet irap 10 syringes) and citrated plasma (control). Canine‐specific ELISA assays were run per manufacturers’ instructions for interleukin (IL)‐10, IL‐4, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, insulin‐like growth factor (IGF)‐1, fibroblast growth factor (FGF)‐2, transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1, IL‐1β, and interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist (IL‐1ra). Serum, in addition to plasma and ACS, was collected from an additional 6 dogs for TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐1ra analysis (total of 22 dogs). Data were analyzed for differences in each cytokine concentration using pairwise comparisons between ACS, plasma, and serum using Wilcoxon signed‐rank tests. Significance was set at P<.05.

Results

There was a large variability in growth factor and cytokine concentrations in ACS and plasma for individual dogs. There were no significant differences in IL‐10, TNF‐α, IGF‐1, FGF‐2, and TGF‐β1 concentrations between ACS, plasma, and serum. The IL‐1β concentrations in ACS (median, range 46.3 pg/mL, 0–828.8) and IL‐4 (0.0 pg/mL, 0–244.1) were significantly higher than plasma (36.6 pg/mL, 0‐657.1 and 0.0 pg/mL, 0–0, respectively). The IL‐1ra concentration in ACS (median, range 3,458.9 pg/mL, 1,243.1–12,089.0) was significantly higher than plasma (692.3 pg/mL, 422.5–1,475.6). The IL‐1ra:IL‐1β ratio in ACS was significantly higher than plasma (39.9 vs. 7.2).

Conclusion

IL‐1ra concentrations in canine ACS were comparable to those published for people and horses and pro‐inflammatory cytokines remained low in canine ACS.
Turnover of Village Chickens Undermines Vaccine Coverage to Control HPAI H5N1
Authors: Villanueva‐Cabezas J. P. , Campbell P. T. , McCaw J. M. , Durr P. A. , McVernon J.
Published: June 2016

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) subtype H5N1 remains an enzootic disease of village chickens in Indonesia, posing ongoing risk at the animal–human interface. Previous modelling showed that the fast natural turnover of chicken populations might undermine herd immunity after vaccination, although actual details of how this effect applies to Indonesia's village chicken population have not been determined. We explored the turnover effect in Indonesia's scavenging and mixed populations of village chickens using an extended Leslie matrix model parameterized with data collected from village chicken flocks in Java region, Indonesia. Population dynamics were simulated for 208 weeks; the turnover effect was simulated for 16 weeks after vaccination in two ‘best case’ scenarios, where the whole population (scenario 1), or birds aged over 14 days (scenario 2), were vaccinated. We found that the scavenging and mixed populations have different productive traits. When steady‐state dynamics are reached, both populations are dominated by females (54.5%), and ‘growers’ and ‘chicks’ represent the most abundant age stages with 39% and 38% in the scavenging, and 60% and 25% in the mixed population, respectively. Simulations showed that the population turnover might reduce the herd immunity below the critical threshold that prevents the re‐emergence of HPAI H5N1 4–8 weeks (scavenging) and 6–9 weeks (mixed population) after vaccination in scenario 1, and 2–6 weeks (scavenging) and 4–7 weeks (mixed population) after vaccination in scenario 2. In conclusion, we found that Indonesia's village chicken population does not have a unique underlying population dynamic and therefore, different turnover effects on herd immunity may be expected after vaccination; nonetheless, our simulations carried out in best case scenarios highlight the limitations of current vaccine technologies to control HPAI H5N1. This suggests that the improvements and complementary strategies are necessary and must be explored.
Evaluation of the Control of West Nile Virus in Ontario: Did Risk Patterns Change from 2005 to 2012?
Authors: Thompson M. , Berke O.
Published: June 2016

The goal of this study was to evaluate and compare the risk distribution of human cases of West Nile virus (WNV) disease in Ontario in 2005 to 2012. The objectives were to: map the risk distribution of WNV in 2005 and 2012, identify clusters of human WNV disease and determine whether the clusters are significantly different between the years 2005 and 2012. West Nile virus surveillance data were used to calculate empirical Bayesian smoothed estimates of disease incidence in southern Ontario for 2005 and 2012. Choropleth maps were generated to visualize the spatial risk distribution, and the spatial scan test was performed to identify clusters of disease. Following identification of clusters for 2005 and 2012, a Poisson model was applied to the 2012 human WNV incidence adjusted for the smoothed human WNV incidence rate from 2005 and the scan test was repeated. Two significant clusters were identified in both the year 2005 and 2012. In 2005, the primary cluster was located in the Windsor‐Essex and Chatham‐Kent public health units (PHUs). For 2012, the primary cluster was identified in the Golden Horseshoe area. A cluster analysis for 2012 adjusted for those identified in 2005 resulted in one significant cluster in the Windsor‐Essex PHU. In 2012, the Windsor‐Essex PHU remained as a high‐risk area for human WNV disease when compared with the rest of southern Ontario. Although overall risk may change from year to year, public health programming should be employed to decrease the relative risk of WNV in this area.
Potential Pathogens Reported in Species of the Family Viverridae and Their Implications for Human and Animal Health
Authors: Wicker L. V. , Canfield P. J. , Higgins D. P.
Published: June 2016

The Viverridae is a family of nocturnal carnivores including civets, genets and African linsangs. While a list of known organisms isolated from a species is an essential tool for population management, this review represents the first attempt to collate published reports of organisms isolated from viverrids. A wide range of organisms, including 11 viruses, eight bacterial species, one internal arthropod species, representatives from eight genera of protozoan, 21 genera of nematode, seven genera of cestode, eight genera of trematode and six genera of external arthropod (mites, ticks and louse), have been reported in literature spanning over a century of research. Many of these are capable of infecting multiple hosts, including humans. This is of concern given the anthropogenic factors that bring humans and domestic species into close contact with viverrids, facilitating transmission and spillover of organisms between groups. These factors include trade in viverrids for human consumption, captive management in zoos, rescue centres or on commercial breeding farms, and the increasing overlap of free‐ranging viverrid distribution and human settlement.