bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in left ventricular strain parameters following pediatric heart transplantation
Authors: Godown Justin , Dodd Debra A. , Stanley Michael , Havens Corey , Xu Meng , Slaughter James C. , Bearl David W. , Soslow Jonathan H.
Published: March 2018

STE is increasingly utilized to assess strain in a variety of pathologies. Strain measurements have demonstrated utility following HTx and may aid in the detection of rejection and CAV. Strain parameters have not been well defined in the pediatric HTx population. This study aimed to describe strain in pediatric HTx recipients compared to controls and assess changes over time. All pediatric HTx recipients with available echocardiograms (2004‐2015) without rejection or CAV were identified. Longitudinal and circumferential strain was measured at <1 month, 1 year, 3 years, and 5 years post‐transplant and compared to controls. A total of 218 echocardiograms were analyzed in 79 HTx recipients. At <1 month post‐transplant, there was a significant decrement in longitudinal strain (GLS −14.6 vs −19.2, P < .001) with concurrent augmentation of circumferential strain (GCS −27.3 vs −24.3, P = .005). By 1 year post‐HTx, all strain parameters normalized and were not significantly different from the control population. In the absence of graft complications, strain parameters did not change up to 5 years post‐transplant. Abnormal longitudinal strain parameters are present in the early post‐HTx period with a compensatory increase in circumferential strain. These changes normalize by 1 year post‐transplant and do not change over time in the absence of graft complications.
Coexistence of gastrointestinal stromal tumor and leiomyosarcoma of the stomach presenting as a collision tumor: A case report and review of literature
Authors: Kitagawa Hiroki , Kaneko Mayumi , Kano Mikihiro , Ibuki Yuta , Amatya Vishwa Jeet , Takeshima Yukio , Hirabayashi Naoki , Hirota Seiichi
Published: March 2018

Collision tumor of the stomach is rare. We report a rare case of a gastric collision tumor consisting of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) and leiomyosarcoma (LMS). Computed tomography scan revealed a 15 cm sized mass in the posterior wall of the body of the stomach. Gross examination of the wedge resection specimen showed the tumor located in the muscularis propria with extramural protrusion into the peritoneal cavity and the gastric cavity with geographic necrosis, hemorrhage, and mucosal ulceration. Histologically, the majority of the tumor consisted of the GIST component and the minor area in the submucosal region consisted of the LMS component. The tumor showed an abrupt transition between GIST and LMS by histologically and immunohistochemically, suggesting a collision tumor. Furthermore, the GIST components exhibited a c‐kit exon 11 mutation. On the other hand, LMS component exhibited neither c‐kit nor platelet‐derived growth factor receptor‐alpha (PDGFRA) mutation. Here we describe a case of the collision tumor consisting of GIST and LMS and its literature review.
Republican Voters Prefer Candidates Who Have Conservative‐Looking Faces: New Evidence From Exit Polls
Authors: Olivola Christopher Y. , Tingley Dustin , Todorov Alexander
Published: March 2018

Research shows people share common political facial stereotypes: They associate faces with political ideologies. Moreover, given that many voters rely on party affiliation, political ideology, and appearances to select political candidates, we might expect that political facial stereotypes would sway voting preferences and, by extension, the share of votes going to each candidate in an election. And yet few studies have examined whether having a stereotypically conservative‐looking (or liberal‐looking) face predicts a candidate's vote shares. Using data from U.S. election exit polls, we show that the Republican voters within each state are more likely to vote for a candidate (even a Democrat) the more that person has a stereotypically Republican‐looking face. By contrast, the voting choices of the Democratic voters within each state are unrelated to political facial stereotypes. Moreover, we show that the relationship between political facial stereotypes and voting does not depend on state‐level ideology: Republican voters in both right‐leaning (“red”) and left‐leaning (“blue”) states are more likely to vote for candidates with conservative‐looking faces. These results have several important practical and theoretical implications concerning the nature and impact of political facial stereotypes, which we discuss.
Body‐Worn Cameras and Policing: A List Experiment of Citizen Overt and True Support
Authors: Bromberg Daniel E. , Charbonneau Étienne , Smith Andrew
Published: March 2018

Police body‐worn cameras (BWCs) have gained popularity in recent years. However, many minimize the complexity of this transparency initiative and elevate the potential benefits. While BWCs can promote police accountability, they may also reduce citizen trust in police organizations. For BWCs to achieve win‐win solutions, police organizations should determine the level of citizen support for specific BWC practices. However, measuring citizen support presents several challenges. Social desirability may impact polling results, as participants underreport responses they perceive to be outside the norm. The authors employ a list experiment design to measure true citizen support for BWC practices. They find statistically significant levels of social desirability for police discretion in the activation of BWCs and for restriction of footage accessibility regarding suspects with mental illness. Decision makers should not rely on public opinion polls as a gauge of true citizen support for BWC use.
Inhibition of PSMD4 alters ZP1 ubiquitination state and sperm–oocyte‐binding ability in pigs
Authors: Xuan B , Li ZC , Wang QY , Xu M , Chen X , Jin Y
Published: March 2018

Contents

The aim of this study was to determine how the duration of culture affects the ubiquitination of zona pellucida (ZP) proteins (ZP1, ZP2 and ZP3) during porcine oocyte maturation in vitro. We analysed the changes in ZP protein ubiquitination under three conditions: (i) during oocyte maturation from stage GV to MII; (ii) in oocytes cultured for different periods of time; and (iii) in oocytes treated with an antibody against PSMD4. Our results show that ZP1 and ZP2 are ubiquitinated at the GV stage, while ZP1, ZP2 and ZP3 are ubiquitinated at the MII stage, and band intensities for these proteins were significantly different between the GV and MII stages (p < .05). We also found that ubiquitination occurs in ZP1, ZP2 and ZP3 after cultured for 46, 52, 58 and 64 hr, and that the level of ubiquitinated ZP1 was significantly different in oocytes that were cultured for different time periods. Finally, treatment with an antibody against PSMD4 resulted in a significant decrease in ZP1 ubiquitination (p < .05), without affecting ZP2 or ZP3. The number of attached sperms per oocyte was also significantly different between control and anti‐PSMD4‐treated groups. Thus, we concluded that ZP1 and ZP2 are ubiquitinated at the GV stage, and ZP1, ZP2 and ZP3 are ubiquitinated at the MII stage. As the duration of culture increases, the ubiquitination levels of ZP proteins decrease. We also found that PSMD4 improves ZP1 ubiquitination during in vitro culture of porcine oocytes and effectively inhibits sperm–oocyte binding.
Canopy manipulation as a tool for restoring mature forest conifers under an early‐successional angiosperm canopy
Authors: Tulod Adrian M. , Norton David A. , Sealey Courteney
Published: March 2018

Low‐light environments in early‐successional forests that have established after abandonment of farming often restrict the establishment of later successional species resulting in an arrested succession. This 6‐year study tested the potential of different canopy manipulations to facilitate the establishment of a light‐demanding canopy tree species, tōtara (Podocarpus totara), within a regenerating kānuka (Kunzea robusta) stand. Results highlighted the effectiveness of artificial gaps over other methods (ring‐barking and edge‐planting) in accelerating the growth of planted tōtara. Seedlings under gaps grew consistently taller and faster over time indicative of an improved understorey light environment. Ring‐barking did not have a significant effect on tōtara growth because only a portion of the treated trees died, and after 6 years dead trees remained standing with intact branches resulting in insignificant increases in light transmission. At the forest edge sites, tōtara growth was highly variable. Although some seedlings grew as tall as in the gaps, others did not. Survival was also lower in the edge sites than in other treatments, which was likely due to enhanced herbivory from ungulates which impacted some plants at these sites. Gap creation is likely to be an important tool for restoring late‐successional canopy species in regenerating stands both through providing ideal sites for the growth of light‐demanding species such as tōtara and through natural establishment of other future canopy trees into the gaps.
Performance of the St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire in patients with connective tissue disease‐associated interstitial lung disease
Authors: Suzuki Atsushi , Kondoh Yasuhiro , Swigris Jeffrey J. , Ando Masahiko , Kimura Tomoki , Kataoka Kensuke , Yamano Yasuhiko , Furukawa Taiki , Numata Mari , Sakamoto Koji , Hasegawa Yoshinori
Published: March 2018

Background and objective

The St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) is a self‐administered questionnaire used to assess health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in various chronic respiratory diseases. Few studies have assessed the performance of the SGRQ in patients with connective tissue disease‐associated interstitial lung disease (CTD‐ILD). We aimed to examine the SGRQ’s performance characteristics and generate data to support its reliability and validity in patients with CTD‐ILD.

Methods

We used data from 193 CTD‐ILD patients evaluated at Tosei General Hospital from May 2007 to July 2016 to assess the cross‐sectional and longitudinal validity of the SGRQ.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 64.2 years and 122 (63.2%) were women. There were no significant differences in SGRQ scores between any of the CTD groups. Internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.905) and repeatability (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.873) for the SGRQ total score were excellent. At baseline, SGRQ total score was significantly associated with clinically meaningful measures of physiological function, exercise capacity and dyspnoea. Change in SGRQ total score over 6 months was also associated with change in other measures. Cox proportional hazards models showed that higher baseline SGRQ total score was a significant predictor of mortality. The estimated minimal clinically important difference of SGRQ total score was 4–13 points.

Conclusion

These data support the validity and reliability of SGRQ as a sensitive measure for capturing HRQoL in patients with CTD‐ILD.
Cost‐effectiveness of endobronchial valve treatment in patients with severe emphysema compared to standard medical care
Authors: Hartman Jorine E. , Klooster Karin , Groen Henk , ten Hacken Nick H.T. , Slebos Dirk‐Jan
Published: March 2018

Background and objective

Bronchoscopic lung volume reduction using endobronchial valves (EBV) is an effective new treatment option for severe emphysema patients without interlobar collateral ventilation. The objective of this study was to perform an economic evaluation including the costs and cost‐effectiveness of EBV treatment compared with standard medical care (SoC) from the hospital perspective in the short term and long term.

Methods

For the short‐term evaluation, incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios (ICER) were calculated based on the 6‐month end point data from the STELVIO randomized trial. For the long‐term evaluation, a Markov simulation model was constructed based on STELVIO and literature. The clinical outcome data were quality‐adjusted life‐years (QALY) based on the EuroQol5‐Dimensions (EQ5D) questionnaire, the 6‐min walking distance (6MWD) and the St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ).

Results

The mean difference between the EBV group and controls was €16 721/patient. In the short‐term (6 months), costs per additional QALY was €205 129, the ICER for 6MWD was €160 and for SGRQ was €1241. In the long term, the resulting cost‐effectiveness ratios indicate additional costs of €39 000 per QALY gained with a 5‐year time horizon and €21 500 per QALY gained at 10 years. In comparison, historical costs per additional QALY 1 year after the coil treatment are €738 400, 5 years after lung volume reduction surgery are €48 415 and 15 years after double‐lung transplantation are €29 410.

Conclusion

The positive clinical effects of EBV treatment are associated with increased costs compared with SoC. Our results suggest that the EBV treatment has a favourable cost‐effectiveness profile, also when compared with other treatment modalities for this patient group.
Fluid Inclusions and C, H, O, S, and Pb Isotopic Compositions of the Dabaoshan Cu Polymetallic Deposit, Northern Guangdong Province, South China
Authors: Qu Hongying , Mao Jingwen , Zhou Shumin
Published: March 2018

The Dabaoshan deposit in Northern Guangdong Province, South China, is a Cu–Mo–W–Pb–Zn polymetallic deposit, located in the southern part of the Qin–Hang porphyry–skarn Cu–Mo ore belt. The deposit mainly comprises porphyry Mo and stratiform skarn Cu ore deposits. The genesis of the Cu ore deposit has been ascribed to a typical skarn ore deposit formed by the metasomatism of Devonian carbonate rock layers or to a volcanic rock‐hosted massive sulfide deposit formed by marine exhalation. In this paper, we report on the homogenization temperatures and salinities of fluid inclusions and C, H, O, S, and Pb isotopic compositions of fluids and minerals in this deposit. Homogenization temperatures and salinities of fluid inclusions in garnet, diopside, quartz, and calcite provide information on the skarnification, mineralization, and postmineralization stages. The data show that ore‐forming fluids experienced a continuous transition from high temperatures and salinities to low temperatures and salinities over the entire period of mineralization. C, H, and O isotopic compositions indicate that ore‐forming fluids were derived mainly from magmatic water. O isotopic compositions indicate that ore‐forming fluids mingled with atmospheric water during the last stage of mineralization. Sulfur in the ore came mainly from deep magmatic sources. Pb isotopic compositions in the orebody show that almost all the lead in the ore was derived from magma with a crustal source. Combined geological, geophysical, and geochemical data were achieved before we proposed that the Dabaoshan porphyry–skarn Cu–Mo–W–Pb–Zn deposit, as one member of the Qin–Hang porphyry–skarn Cu–Mo ore belt, formed during the Jurassic subduction of the paleo‐Pacific plate beneath the Eurasian continent at quite low angle. NE‐ and EW‐trending structures controlled the emplacement of magmatic rocks in the South China region. In the mining area, the Xiangguanping Fault and its branches were the main conduits for magmatic crystallization and mineralization. The many subfaults, folds, and interlayer fracture zones on both sides of the main fault provided the requisite space for the ore and, together, were the controlling structures of the orebody.
The End of Work or Overworked? Self‐Service, Prosumer Capitalism, and “Irrational Work”
Authors: Andrews Christopher
Published: March 2018

Drawing upon Ritzer's McDonaldization thesis (1993) as well as his more recent theories of consumption (1999) and “prosumer capitalism” (2015a, 2015b), this study examines whether recent developments in self‐service technology are in fact eliminating jobs as predicted. Focusing on the introduction of a specific self‐service technology (i.e., self‐checkout lanes) within a particular industry (i.e., supermarkets), the author compares claims of job loss against official employment statistics and industry data as well as interviews with twenty‐two labor officials, managers, and employees at a major supermarket chain (“SuperFood”). Findings suggest that efforts toward further rationalization of supermarkets through the use of automation and self‐service are offset by “irrational” outcomes that are inefficient (e.g., labor costs), unpredictable (e.g., computer errors), incalculable (e.g., theft), and potentially disenchanting to consumers (e.g., lack of personal service). Furthermore, these new means of consumption may not only be rationalized and disenchanting, but also reenchanting, using spectacles, simulations, and fantasies to attract and exploit consumers. The article concludes with a discussion of how prosumer capitalism results in “irrational work,” unpaid work that offers little economic incentive, threatens paid employment, and negatively affects consumers’ ability to purchase goods and services.
Why do we do what we do? The Attention–Readiness–Motivation framework
Authors: Suri Gaurav , Shine James M. , Gross James J.
Published: March 2018

According to many theories of motivation, the principal driver of human behavior is the affectively driven valuation of actions. Actions are valued by maximizing the difference between stimulus value (the benefits and costs inherent in the stimulus outcome that is the expected result of a given action) and action costs (the effort required to perform that action). However, such accounts have difficulty explaining why individuals act inconsistently in what appear to be comparable situations and often act in ways that seem inconsistent with relevant action values. In particular, we highlight several seemingly anomalous default effects which cannot be explained via traditional valuation‐based factors. In this article, we present the Attention–Readiness–Motivation framework, according to which such behavioral anomalies occur because stimulus value and action costs are respectively influenced by endogenous attention and action readiness—cognitive variables that are typically not considered as a part of the valuation calculus.
OCT image atlas of healthy skin on sun‐exposed areas
Authors: O'Leary S. , Fotouhi A. , Turk D. , Sriranga P. , Rajabi‐Estarabadi A. , Nouri K. , Daveluy S. , Mehregan D. , Nasiriavanaki M.
Published: March 2018

Background

Skin cancer represents the most prevalent type of cancer in the United States. Excision of these lesions can leave significant scarring, and a delay in the diagnosis of malignant melanoma could result in metastasis or death. Therefore, developing technology and criteria to accurately diagnose these cancers is of particular importance to the medical community. While biopsy can lead to scarring and infections, dermoscopy and confocal microscopy offer noninvasive imaging methods but are also limited in their ability to determine tumor depth and margins. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a promising imaging method that uses near‐infrared light backscattering to image structures underneath the surface of the skin. The purpose of this study is to provide examples of variations across different skin locations and to identify common themes that occur with aging and sun exposure, most notably thinning of the epidermis and loss of a distinct dermal‐epidermal junction.

Methods

Optical coherence tomography images were taken using the VivoSight swept‐source OCT. Images were taken from a 23‐year‐old man (Subject 1) and an 89‐year‐old man (Subject 2), both with Fitzpatrick Skin Type I, who did not have any prior skin conditions. We investigated the regions of the body that represent sun‐exposed areas.

Results

Results including OCT images taken from 19 predominately sun‐exposed areas are shown in Figure 2‐Figure 20.

Conclusion

The 2 sets of images demonstrate the variety that exists within OCT imaging of healthy skin, and thus, a comprehensive understanding of the variation in normal skin imaging using OCT is critical to be able to distinguish and diagnose skin cancers when present.
A visual aid for teaching the Mann–Whitney U formula
Authors: Hauben Manfred
Published: March 2018

A visual aid for teaching the formula for the Mann–Whitney U statistic is proposed, inspired by ‘proof without words’, a didactic exercise from the mathematics literature that uses a visual approach to justify mathematical statements, including formulas and theorems.
Classification of topological relations between spatial objects in two‐dimensional space within the dimensionally extended 9‐intersection model
Authors: Shen Jingwei , Chen Min , Liu Xintao
Published: March 2018

As an important topological relation model, the dimensionally extended 9‐intersection model (DE‐9IM) has been widely used as a basis for standards of queries in spatial databases. However, the negative conditions for the specification of the topological relations within the DE‐9IM have not been studied. The specification of the topological relations is closely related to the definition of the spatial objects and the topological relation models. The interior, boundary, and exterior of the spatial objects, including the point, line, and region, are defined. Within the framework of the DE‐9IM, 43 negative conditions are proposed to eliminate impossible topological relations. Configurations of region/region, region/line, line/line, region/point, line/point, and point/point relations are drawn. The mutual exclusion of the negative conditions is discussed, and the topological relations within the framework of 9IM and DE‐9IM are compared. The results show that: (1) impossible topological relations between spatial objects can be eliminated by the application of 43 negative conditions; and (2) 12 relations between two regions, 31 relations between a region and a line, 47 relations between two lines, three relations between a region and a point, three relations between a line and a point, and two relations between two points can be distinguished by the DE‐9IM.
Changes in the proteome of the problem weed blackgrass correlating with multiple‐herbicide resistance
Authors: Tétard‐Jones Catherine , Sabbadin Federico , Moss Stephen , Hull Richard , Neve Paul , Edwards Robert
Published: March 2018

Herbicide resistance in grass weeds is now one of the greatest threats to sustainable cereal production in Northern Europe. Multiple‐herbicide resistance (MHR), a poorly understood multigenic and quantitative trait, is particularly problematic as it provides tolerance to most classes of chemistries currently used for post‐emergence weed control. Using a combination of transcriptomics and proteomics, the evolution of MHR in populations of the weed blackgrass (Alopecurus myosuroides) has been investigated. While over 4500 genes showed perturbation in their expression in MHR versus herbicide sensitive (HS) plants, only a small group of proteins showed >2‐fold changes in abundance, with a mere eight proteins consistently associated with this class of resistance. Of the eight, orthologues of three of these proteins are also known to be associated with multiple drug resistance (MDR) in humans, suggesting a cross‐phyla conservation in evolved tolerance to chemical agents. Proteomics revealed that MHR could be classified into three sub‐types based on the association with resistance to herbicides with differing modes of action (MoA), being either global, specific to diverse chemistries acting on one MoA, or herbicide specific. Furthermore, the proteome of MHR plants were distinct from that of HS plants exposed to a range of biotic (insect feeding, plant–microbe interaction) and abiotic (N‐limitation, osmotic, heat, herbicide safening) challenges commonly encountered in the field. It was concluded that MHR in blackgrass is a uniquely evolving trait(s), associated with changes in the proteome that are distinct from responses to conventional plant stresses, but sharing common features with MDR in humans.
Decomposition of cyanobacterial light harvesting complexes: NblA‐dependent role of the bilin lyase homolog NblB
Authors: Levi Mali , Sendersky Eleonora , Schwarz Rakefet
Published: March 2018

Phycobilisomes, the macromolecular light harvesting complexes of cyanobacteria are degraded under nutrient‐limiting conditions. This crucial response is required to adjust light excitation to the metabolic status and avoid damage by excess excitation. Phycobilisomes are comprised of phycobiliproteins, apo‐proteins that covalently bind bilin chromophores. In the cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus, the phycobiliproteins allophycocyanin and phycocyanin comprise the core and the rods of the phycobilisome, respectively. Previously, NblB was identified as an essential component required for phycocyanin degradation under nutrient starvation. This protein is homologous to bilin‐lyases, enzymes that catalyze the covalent attachment of bilins to apo‐proteins. However, the nblB‐inactivated strain is not impaired in phycobiliprotein synthesis, but rather is characterized by aberrant phycocyanin degradation. Here, using a phycocyanin‐deficient strain, we demonstrate that NblB is required for degradation of the core pigment, allophycocyanin. Furthermore, we show that the protein NblB is expressed under nutrient sufficient conditions, but during nitrogen starvation its level decreases about two‐fold. This finding is in contrast to an additional component essential for degradation, NblA, the expression of which is highly induced under starvation. We further identified NblB residues required for phycocyanin degradation in vivo. Finally, we demonstrate phycocyanin degradation in a cell‐free system, thereby providing support for the suggestion that NblB directly mediates pigment degradation by chromophore detachment. The dependence of NblB function on NblA revealed using this system, together with the results indicating presence of NblB under nutrient sufficient conditions, suggests a rapid mechanism for induction of pigment degradation, which requires only the expression of NblA.
Hunting the main player enabling Chlamydomonas reinhardtii growth under fluctuating light
Authors: Jokel Martina , Johnson Xenie , Peltier Gilles , Aro Eva‐Mari , Allahverdiyeva Yagut
Published: March 2018

Photosynthetic organisms have evolved numerous photoprotective mechanisms and alternative electron sinks/pathways to fine‐tune the photosynthetic apparatus under dynamic environmental conditions, such as varying carbon supply or fluctuations in light intensity. In cyanobacteria flavodiiron proteins (FDPs) protect the photosynthetic apparatus from photodamage under fluctuating light (FL). In Arabidopsis thaliana, which does not possess FDPs, the PGR5‐related pathway enables FL photoprotection. The direct comparison of the pgr5, pgrl1 and flv knockout mutants of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii grown under ambient air demonstrates that all three proteins contribute to the survival of cells under FL, but to varying extents. The FDPs are crucial in providing a rapid electron sink, with flv mutant lines unable to survive even mild FL conditions. In contrast, the PGRL1 and PGR5‐related pathways operate over relatively slower and longer time‐scales. Whilst deletion of PGR5 inhibits growth under mild FL, the pgrl1 mutant line is only impacted under severe FL conditions. This suggests distinct roles, yet a close relationship, between the function of PGR5, PGRL1 and FDP proteins in photoprotection.
A retrospective histopathological, immunohistochemical and molecular study of the presence of Leishmania spp. in the skin of cats with head and neck ulcerative dermatitis
Authors: Di Mattia Diana , Fondevila Dolores , Abramo Francesca , Fondati Alessandra
Published: March 2018

Background

Head and neck ulcers in cats can arise from allergic and nonallergic disorders, including feline leishmaniosis (FeL). It is important to rule out this aetiological agent in regions that are endemic for canine leishmaniosis, because the drugs used to treat immune‐mediated disorders of cats can be contraindicated in the setting of infection.

Hypothesis/Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the skin of cats with ulcerative dermatitis of the head or neck for evidence of Leishmania infection using combined immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). An IHC for tissue histiocytes was also utilized because leishmaniosis may provoke a histiocytic inflammatory response.

Animals

Twenty seven cats with head and/or neck ulcers.

Methods

Skin biopsy specimens were examined for the presence of Leishmania spp. by routine histopathological evaluation and IHC using a polyclonal anti‐Leishmania antibody, and by quantitative PCR (qPCR). The ionized calcium‐binding adapter molecule‐1 (IBA‐1) antibody was used to immunolocalize histiocytes. Selected history and clinical data were recorded.

Results

All specimens showed a superficial mid‐perivascular mixed inflammatory infiltrate. The presence of histiocytes was confirmed in 23 of 27 cases with the IBA‐1 antibody. Immunohistochemistry and qPCR techniques confirmed the absence of Leishmania in all cases.

Conclusions and clinical importance

Leishmania did not seem to play a role in the pathogenesis of feline ulcerative dermatitis of the head and neck in the subjects studied, despite a lifestyle potentially associated with infection. Histiocytic infiltration of tissue is not a specific marker for Leishmania infection in this population.
Extended‐spectrum beta‐lactamase‐producing Escherichia coli in common vampire bats Desmodus rotundus and livestock in Peru
Authors: Benavides J. A. , Shiva C. , Virhuez M. , Tello C. , Appelgren A. , Vendrell J. , Solassol J. , Godreuil S. , Streicker D. G.
Published: March 2018

Antibiotic resistance mediated by bacterial production of extended‐spectrum beta‐lactamase (ESBL) is a global threat to public health. ESBL resistance is most commonly hospital‐acquired; however, infections acquired outside of hospital settings have raised concerns over the role of livestock and wildlife in the zoonotic spread of ESBL‐producing bacteria. Only limited data are available on the circulation of ESBL‐producing bacteria in animals. Here, we report ESBL‐producing Escherichia coli in wild common vampire bats Desmodus rotundus and livestock near Lima, Peru. Molecular analyses revealed that most of this resistance resulted from the expression of blaCTX‐M‐15 genes carried by plasmids, which are disseminating worldwide in hospital settings and have also been observed in healthy children of Peru. Multilocus sequence typing showed a diverse pool of E. coli strains carrying this resistance that were not always host species‐specific, suggesting sharing of strains between species or infection from a common source. This study shows widespread ESBL resistance in wild and domestic animals, supporting animal communities as a potential source of resistance. Future work is needed to elucidate the role of bats in the dissemination of antibiotic‐resistant strains of public health importance and to understand the origin of the observed resistance.
Serological evidence of widespread exposure of Grenada fruit bats to chikungunya virus
Authors: Stone D. , Lyons A. C. , Huang Y.‐J. S. , Vanlandingham D. L. , Higgs S. , Blitvich B. J. , Adesiyun A. A. , Santana S. E. , Leiser‐Miller L. , Cheetham S.
Published: March 2018

Antibody detection against selected potentially zoonotic vector‐borne alphaviruses and flaviviruses was conducted on sera from bats from all six parishes in Grenada, West Indies. Sera were tested for (i) antibodies to flaviviruses West Nile virus, St. Louis encephalitis virus, Ilhéus virus, Bussuquara virus (BSQV), Rio Bravo virus and all four serotypes of dengue virus (DENV) by plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT); (ii) antibodies to alphaviruses western equine encephalitis virus, Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus and eastern equine encephalitis virus by epitope‐blocking enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); and (iii) antibodies to the alphavirus chikungunya (CHIKV) by PRNT. Two species of fruit bats were sampled, Artibeus jamaicensis and Artibeus lituratus, all roosting in or within 1,000 m of human settlements. Fifteen (36%) of the 42 bats tested for neutralizing antibodies to CHIKV were positive. The CHIKV‐seropositive bats lived in localities spanning five of the six parishes. All 43 bats tested for epitope‐blocking ELISA antibody to the other alphaviruses were negative, except one positive for Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus. All 50 bats tested for neutralizing antibody to flaviviruses were negative, except one that had a BSQV PRNT80 titre of 20. The CHIKV serology results indicate that bats living close to and within human settlements were exposed to CHIKV in multiple locations. Importantly, bats for this study were trapped a year after the introduction and peak of the human CHIKV epidemic in Grenada. Thus, our data indicate that bats were exposed to CHIKV possibly during a time of marked decline in human cases.
A Modified T-Test for Football Referees to Test Agility, Quickness and Sprint Performances
Authors: Muniroglu S. , Subak E.
Published: March 2018

The football referees perform many actions as jogging, running, sprinting, side steps and backward steps during a football match. Further, the football referees change match activities every 5-6 seconds. Many tests are being conducted to determine the physical levels and competences of football referees like 50 m running, 200 m running, 12 minutes Cooper test, 6 × 40 m etc. All of these tests include straight runnings dominantly. However, the football is not completely full of straight runnings. Quickness, turning skills and changing direction speed namely agility is the crucial for referees to maintain well positioning during match. For this reason, we have modified the classical T-Test for referees by addition side steps, quick turnings and backward steps to test agility skills and their speed. And we compared the T-Test scores with 10 meters and 30 meters sprint tests scores of 74 male referees (Ankara, Turkey) who regularly participating in trainings and regularly refereeing in matches. All referees performed 10 meters and 30 meters sprint tests twice and we recorded the best sprint times. The referees performed the T-Test one time. All three tests have shown normal distribution frequencies. Our results showed a significant corelation between all of three tests; 10 meters and 30 meters (r = 0,660; P < 0,01), 10 meters and T-Test (r= 0,226; P < 0,01), 30 meters and T-Test (r= 0,269; P < 0,01). These results showed that, T-Test scores will be usable to determine 10 meters and 30 meters sprint level of the referees and additionally, T-Test could also give information about levels of other crutial skills for referees as agility. In conclusion, our data showed that the modified T-Test for referees could be used for testing each of the running speed and agility skills of the soccer referees.
Comparison of the Velocity and Power Parameters During Loaded-Squat Jump Exercise of National Athletes in Different Branches
Authors: Can Ibrahim , Cihan Hamit , Ari Erdal , Bayrakdaroglu Serdar
Published: March 2018

The aim of this investigation is to compare velocity and power variables during loaded-squat jump (SJLoaded) exercise of national athletes dealing with different sports branches and to identify whether velocity and power parameters become different or not according to branches. In accordance with this purpose, a total of 36 national athletes (age: 20.3±1.68 years; height: 173.5±6.46 cm; weight: 72.3±10.29 kg) composed of 12 wrestlers (age: 19.5±.90 years; height: 172.3±6.19 cm; weight: 75.5±13.9 kg), 12 arm wrestlers (age: 20.5±2.02 years; height: 174.7±4.76 cm; weight: 72.6±8.31 kg) and 12 kickboxers (age: 20.7±1.81 years; height: 173.5±8.29 cm; weight: 68.9±6.94 kg) dealing with different sports branches have voluntarily participated in this study. For identifying velocity and power parameters, SJLoaded exercise was executed with an external load that corresponds to 40% of body weights of the athletes by utilizing an isoinertial velocity transducer (T-Force dynamic measurement system) and values of mean velocity (MV), mean propulsive velocity (MPV), peak velocity (PV), mean power (MP), mean propulsive power (MPP) and peak power (PP) were determined. All data analyzes were performed in the SPSS 16.0 statistical program. Firstly, in order to analyze data, it was determined that the data indicated normal distribution by looking at the Shapiro-Wilk coefficient regarding the normality of the distribution of the data. Therefore one-way analysis of variance (One-way ANOVA) was utilized to identify statistical significant differences among athletes competing in different branches with regard to the velocity and power variables during the SJLoaded exercise. According to analyze results, no statistical significant difference wasn’t seen among branches with regard to MV [f (2.33) = 1.306], MPV [f (2. 33)=2.195], PV [f (2. 33)=2.242], MP [f (2. 33)=1.225], MPP [f (2. 33)=2.787] and PP [f (2. 33)= 2.607] parameters during SJLoaded exercise (p>0.05). The velocity and power parameters obtained in the SJLoaded exercise don’t differ according to the branches.
Mashing up metals with carbothermal shock
Authors: Skrabalak Sara E.
Published: March 2018

Many elements can be combined in the formation of high-entropy-alloy nanoparticles
Fungicidal Potency and Mechanisms of θ-Defensins against Multidrug-Resistant Candida Species
Authors: Basso Virginia , Garcia Angie , Tran Dat Q. , Schaal Justin B. , Tran Patti , Ngole Diana , Aqeel Younus , Tongaonkar Prasad , Ouellette André J. , Selsted Michael E.
Published: March 2018

Systemic candidiasis is a growing health care concern that is becoming even more challenging due to the growing frequency of infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR)
Candida
species. Thus, there is an urgent need for new therapeutic approaches to candidiasis, including strategies bioinspired by insights into natural host defense against fungal pathogens. The antifungal properties of θ-defensins, macrocyclic peptides expressed in tissues of Old World monkeys, were investigated against a panel of drug-sensitive and drug-resistant clinical isolates of
Candida albicans
and non-
albicans Candida
species. Rhesus θ-defensin 1 (RTD-1), the prototype θ-defensin, was rapidly and potently fungicidal against drug-sensitive and MDR
C. albicans
strains. Fungal killing occurred by cell permeabilization that was temporally correlated with ATP release and intracellular accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Killing by RTD-1 was compared with that by histatin 5 (Hst 5), an extensively characterized anticandidal peptide expressed in human saliva. RTD-1 killed
C. albicans
much more rapidly and at a >200-fold lower concentration than that of Hst 5. Unlike Hst 5, the anticandidal activity of RTD-1 was independent of mitochondrial ATP production. Moreover, RTD-1 was completely resistant to
Candida
proteases for 2 h under conditions that rapidly and completely degraded Hst 5. MICs and minimum fungicidal concentrations (MFCs) of 14 natural θ-defensins isoforms against drug-resistant
C. albicans
isolates identified peptides that are more active than amphotericin B and/or caspofungin against fluconazole-resistant organisms, including MDR
Candida auris.
These results point to the potential of macrocyclic θ-defensins as structural templates for the design of antifungal therapeutics.
Quality of life in young people with congenital heart disease is better than expected
Authors: Reiner Barbara , Oberhoffer Renate , Ewert Peter , Müller Jan
Published: March 2018

Objectives

Improved treatments for patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) have led to a growing interest in long-term functional outcomes such as health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Studies on HRQoL in children with CHD have contradicting results. Therefore, we compared HRQoL of children with CHD with that of current healthy peers and stratify CHD cases by severity and diagnostic subgroups.

Methods

We included 514 patients (191 girls) aged 7–17 (12.9±3.1) years who were recruited at our institution between July 2014 and May 2017. The self-reported and age-adapted KINDL questionnaire was used to assess HRQoL. Patient data were compared with that of a recent control group of 734 healthy children (346 girls, 13.4±2.1 years).

Results

Patients with CHD scored at least as high as healthy peers in HRQoL (CHD: 78.6±9.8; healthy: 75.6±10.1; P<0.001). After correction for sex and age, patients with CHD presented a 2.3-point higher HRQoL (P<0.001). The sex-specific and age-specific analyses showed that there were no differences between boys with and without CHD in childhood (P=0.255), but in adolescence, boys with CHD had on average 3.9-point higher scores (P=0.001), whereas girls with CHD had statistically higher HRQoL perception than healthy girls in childhood (4.2 points; P=0.003) and adolescence (4.2 points; P=0.005). There were no differences between the severity classes or diagnostic subgroups in the total HRQoL score or in the six subdomains.

Conclusion

The high HRQoL in young patients with CHD suggests that they can cope well with their disease burden. This holds true for all severity classes and diagnostic subgroups.
Basilic vein haemangioma: an unusual differential diagnosis for cubital fossa mass
Authors: Kota Albert Abhinay , Hazra Darpa , Selvaraj Andrew Dheepak
Published: March 2018

Subcutaneous masses along the cubital fossa can be a diagnostic dilemma. Most patients are asymptomatic and usually present for a cosmetic reason. Diagnosis can be confirmed by radiological findings and histopathology. We present a case report of a similar mass that turned out to be a haemangioma arising from the basilic vein with brief review of literature.
New workflow for classification of genetic variants’ pathogenicity applied to hereditary recurrent fevers by the International Study Group for Systemic Autoinflammatory Diseases (INSAID)
Authors: Van Gijn Marielle E , Ceccherini Isabella , Shinar Yael , Carbo Ellen C , Slofstra Mariska , Arostegui Juan I , Sarrabay Guillaume , Rowczenio Dorota , Omoyımnı Ebun , Balci-Peynircioglu Banu , Hoffman Hal M , Milhavet Florian , Swertz Morris A , Touitou Isabelle
Published: March 2018

Background

Hereditary recurrent fevers (HRFs) are rare inflammatory diseases sharing similar clinical symptoms and effectively treated with anti-inflammatory biological drugs. Accurate diagnosis of HRF relies heavily on genetic testing.

Objectives

This study aimed to obtain an experts’ consensus on the clinical significance of gene variants in four well-known HRF genes: MEFV, TNFRSF1A, NLRP3 and MVK.

Methods

We configured a MOLGENIS web platform to share and analyse pathogenicity classifications of the variants and to manage a consensus-based classification process. Four experts in HRF genetics submitted independent classifications of 858 variants. Classifications were driven to consensus by recruiting four more expert opinions and by targeting discordant classifications in five iterative rounds.

Results

Consensus classification was reached for 804/858 variants (94%). None of the unsolved variants (6%) remained with opposite classifications (eg, pathogenic vs benign). New mutational hotspots were found in all genes. We noted a lower pathogenic variant load and a higher fraction of variants with unknown or unsolved clinical significance in the MEFV gene.

Conclusion

Applying a consensus-driven process on the pathogenicity assessment of experts yielded rapid classification of almost all variants of four HRF genes. The high-throughput database will profoundly assist clinicians and geneticists in the diagnosis of HRFs. The configured MOLGENIS platform and consensus evolution protocol are usable for assembly of other variant pathogenicity databases. The MOLGENIS software is available for reuse at http://github.com/molgenis/molgenis; the specific HRF configuration is available at http://molgenis.org/said/. The HRF pathogenicity classifications will be published on the INFEVERS database at https://fmf.igh.cnrs.fr/ISSAID/infevers/.
Mild encephalitis with reversible splenial (MERS) lesion syndrome due to influenza B virus
Authors: Vanderschueren Geraldine , Schotsmans Katlijn , Maréchal Emke , Crols Roeland
Published: March 2018

We describe a 16-year-old boy with mild encephalitis with reversible lesions in the white matter and splenium of corpus callosum as a complication of an influenza B virus infection. Although more common in Asiatic children, it can also occur in Caucasian children and adults. There are several possible causes, including metabolic disorders, hypertension and infection, and the prognosis is usually good, even without treatment.
Seasonal distribution and movement of juvenile Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus) in the lower Saint John River Basin, New Brunswick, Canada
Authors: Whitmore Margaret M. , Litvak Matthew K.
Published: March 2018

Juvenile Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus) movement and distribution varies seasonally within the lower Saint John River Basin. We use acoustic telemetry to track coarse-scale movement and a network-based approach to develop metrics describing distribution and movement patterns of juvenile Atlantic sturgeon tagged in two rivers, the Saint John and Kennebecasis rivers. We use principal component analysis to develop indices of movement and residency and test for differences among seasons and between fish from each river. Juvenile Atlantic sturgeon exhibit higher residency during summer months compared with winter and spring. Juveniles are primarily concentrated in the brackish waters of the lower river reaches but make movements as far upriver as rkm 88. There was high variation in distribution and movement patterns exhibited by fish tagged in the Kennebecasis River, ranging from single-location occupancy to wide distribution. Three fish left the system during the study, indicating juveniles embark on brief marine excursions. Identifying spatiotemporal distributions of juvenile Atlantic sturgeon in their natal river systems is a crucial step towards identifying critical habitat and informing management decisions for this species.
The geometric classification of Leibniz algebras
Authors: Ismailov Nurlan , Kaygorodov Ivan , Volkov Yury
Published: March 2018

We describe all rigid algebras and all irreducible components in the variety of four-dimensional Leibniz algebras [Formula: see text] over [Formula: see text] In particular, we prove that the Grunewald–O'Halloran conjecture is not valid and the Vergne conjecture is valid for [Formula: see text]
Anti-Apoptotic Mechanisms of Acupuncture in Neurological Diseases: A Review
Authors: Cai Wa , Shen Wei-Dong
Published: March 2018

Apoptosis, known as programmed cell death, plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of neurological diseases. Most of these diseases can be obviously alleviated by means of acupuncture treatment. Current research studies have shown that the efficacy of acupuncture to these medical conditions is closely associated with the anti-apoptotic potentials. Mainly based on the acupuncture’s anti-apoptotic efficacy in prevalent neurological disorders, including cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury, Alzheimer’s disease, depression or stress related-modes, spinal cord injuries, etc., this review comes to a conclusion that the anti-apoptotic effect of acupuncture treatment for neurological diseases, evidently reflected through Bcl-2, Bax or caspase expression change, results from regulating mitochondrial or autophagic dysfunction as well as reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. The possible mechanisms of acupuncture’s anti-apoptotic effect are associated with a series of downstream signaling pathways and the up-regulated expression of neurotrophic factors. It is of great importance to illuminate the exact mechanisms of acupuncture treatment for neurological dysfunctions.