bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Timing recalibration in childhood Tourette syndrome associated with persistent pimozide treatment
Authors: Vicario Carmelo M. , Gulisano Mariangela , Martino Davide , Rizzo Renata
Published: February 2015

In this study, we have tested the effects of the dopamine D2 receptor blocker pimozide on timing performance in patients with Tourette syndrome (TS). Nine children with TS were tested off‐medication and following 3 months of daily treatment with pimozide. Subjects completed a time reproduction and a time production task using supra‐second temporal intervals. We show that pimozide improves motor timing performance by reducing the patients' variability in reproducing the duration of visual stimuli. On the other hand, this medication has no effect on the reproduction accuracy and on both variability and accuracy of the performance on the time production task. Our results suggest that pimozide might have improved motor timing variability as a result of its beneficial side effect on endogenous dopamine levels (i.e., normalization).
Dignity‐conserving care in palliative care settings: An integrative review
Authors: Johnston Bridget , Larkin Philip , Connolly Michael , Barry Catriona , Narayanasamy Melanie , Östlund Ulrika , McIlfatrick Sonja
Published: February 2015

Aims and objectives

To report an integrative review of evidence relating to dignity‐conserving care in palliative care settings. It will also suggest avenues for future research.

Background

Research suggests that dignity is welcomed by those receiving palliative and end of life care. However, as dignity is a subjective term, it is not always explicit how this may be employed by nurses. Given that the preferred place of care for patients with palliative care needs is the home, the issue of dignity may be particularly important for community nurses. Therefore, synthesising evidence of dignity‐conserving care for community nurses caring for people with palliative care needs provides clarity in a complex area of palliative care research.

Design

Integrative literature review.

Method

The review involved key bibliographic and review databasesCINAHL,MEDLINE,EMBASE,ASSIAand PsycInfo. Medical Subject Headings and free terms were undertaken for articles published from January 2009–September 2014 and retrieved papers were assessed against inclusion criteria. Final included articles were reviewed for reported dignity‐conserving care actions, which were classified under nine themes of the Dignity Model.

Results

Thirty‐one articles were included. Nine Dignity Model themes were used to classify care actions: Level of Independence; Symptom Distress; Dignity‐Conserving Perspectives; Dignity‐Conserving Practices; Privacy Boundaries; Social Support; Care Tenor; Burden to Others; and Aftermath Concerns. Reported care actions included listening, conveying empathy, communication and involving patients in care.

Conclusion

Care actions could be classified under most of Dignity Model themes. However, there were less reported care actions related to Level of Independence and Aftermath Concerns, which meant that these had to be formulated independently. Future research should be structured around these areas to determine appropriate care actions for nurses to give dignity‐conserving care that addresses these specific themes.

Relevance to clinical practice

Synthesising the available evidence of dignity‐conserving care identifies evidence‐based care actions and provides guidance to nurses in clinical practice caring for patients with palliative care needs. Future opportunities for research are identified to guide promotion of dignity in palliative care.
Neurological signs and pre‐ and post‐traction low‐fieldMRIfindings in Dobermanns with disc‐associated cervical spondylomyelopathy
Authors: Stabile F. , Bernardini M. , Bevilacqua G. , Ekiri A. B. , de Stefani A. , De Risio L.
Published: February 2015

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether the presence of neurological signs and magnetic resonance imaging findings could predict the presence of a traction‐responsive lesion in Dobermanns affected by disc‐associated cervical spondylomyelopathy.

METHODS

Retrospective review of neurological signs and low‐field pre‐ and post‐traction magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities of the cervical spine (abnormal vertebral body shape and vertebral tipping, intervertebral disc degeneration, protrusion and ligamentum flavum hypertrophy) in Dobermanns with disc‐associated cervical spondylomyelopathy. The main outcome of interest was response to linear traction (dynamicversusstatic) atC6‐C7intervertebral disc space. The association between investigated variables and response to linear traction was assessed.

RESULTS

The study included 25 dogs. No association was identified between neurological status grading and the presence of a static or traction‐responsive lesion. Of the investigated magnetic resonance findings,C7‐T1intervertebral disc degeneration was significantly (P = 0 · 03) associated with the presence of a traction‐responsive lesion atC6‐C7intervertebral disc space.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The presence ofC7‐T1intervertebral disc degeneration might help in predicting the presence of traction‐responsiveC6‐C7intervertebral disc lesions.
Molecular Characterization of dax1 and SF‐1 and Their Expression Analysis During Sex Reversal in Spotted Scat, Scatophagus argus
Authors: Chen Jianhua , He Maoxian , Yan Binlun , Zhang Junbin , Jin Sichen , Liu Lu
Published: February 2015

The nuclear receptors dax1 and SF‐1 play important and antagonistic roles in gonad differentiation in mammals. To study their potential functions in teleost fish, the full‐length cDNAs of dax1 and SF‐1 were cloned and characterized from spotted scat. Their expression patterns in adult tissues and juveniles treated with 17α‐methyltestosterone (MT) and their gonadal histological changes were investigated, respectively. The tissue‐specific expression results showed that dax1 was abundantly expressed in the gonads, spleen, brain, and intestine. SF‐1 was preferentially expressed in the gonad and spleen. Histological results showed that sex reversal could be induced by MT, and the degenerating oocytes and proliferations of spermatogonia were observed in gonad. At the beginning of sex reversal (40 d after treatment), the mRNA level of dax1 significantly increased, and the transcript level of SF‐1 mRNA was inhibited at the point of 20 d following treatment with MT. Our results suggested that masculinization could be induced by MT treatment in spotted scat, and MT could upregulate the dax1 expression, whereas it downregulates the expression of SF‐1, which implied that dax1 and SF‐1 might be involved in the gonad development from female to male and there was an antagonistic effect between dax1 and SF‐1.
Effects of Dissolved Carbon Dioxide on Cataract Formation and Progression in Juvenile Atlantic Cod, Gadus morhua L.
Authors: Neves Kevin J. , Brown Nick P.
Published: February 2015

In this study, the effects of elevated levels of dissolved carbon dioxide were investigated in a marine recirculation system on the development of cataracts in juvenile Atlantic cod, Gadus morhua. Replicate groups (n = 9), at an initial average weight of 23.5 ± 0.8 g, were exposed to one of the three levels of dissolved CO2: low (6.99 ± 0.021 mg/L), mid (12.23 ± 0.013 mg/L), or high (19.77 ± 0.029 mg/L) for 5 mo. Fish were sampled every 30 d to measure growth and assess cataract status. Fish in all CO2 treatments developed cataracts, but cataract prevalence (%) was significantly higher after 5 mo in fish from the high CO2 (97.8 ± 2.4%) than mid (60.7 ± 9.1%) or low CO2 (29.6 ± 8.1%) treatments. Cataract severity, graded on a scale of 0–8, showed a similar pattern with average cataract scores of 6.0 ± 0.3, 3.0 ± 0.5, and 1.2 ± 0.3 for fish in high, mid, and low CO2 treatments, respectively. Survival was reduced in the high CO2 treatments (94.5%) compared to the low CO2 treatments (97.6%). Lengths were significantly smaller in the high CO2 treatment fish after 5 mo (217.9 ± 5.2 mm) than either mid (231.1 ± 3.1 mm) or low CO2 (236.0 ± 4.5 mm) treatments. Weights of the fish followed a similar pattern with the fish in the high CO2 treatments weighing significantly less after 5 mo (91.6 ± 7.8 g) than fish in the low CO2 treatment (126.7 ± 8.8 g). Condition factor, specific growth rate, and feed conversion ratio were also negatively affected by increasing levels of CO2 but by the end of the trial, these values were comparable to those of the low and mid CO2 treatments. These results demonstrate that elevated levels of dissolved CO2 significantly affect the performance of Atlantic cod in a production setting and leads to the development of cataracts. Although the physiological mechanism of CO2‐induced cataract formation remains unknown, the results from this study suggest that levels of dissolved CO2 must be given more attention in order to avoid potentially negative consequences on the growth, eye health, and survival of juvenile Atlantic cod.
Evaluation of a Dairy‐Yeast Prebiotic in the Diet of Juvenile Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus
Authors: Peredo Anjelica M. , Buentello Alejandro , Gatlin Delbert M. , Hume Michael E.
Published: February 2015

Two feeding trials were conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with the prebiotic GroBiotic‐A on juvenile Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. Juvenile fish in both trials received a basal diet composed of practical and semipurified ingredients or the basal diet supplemented with GroBiotic‐A at either 1 or 2% of dry weight. Trial 1 (8 wk), was conducted with juvenile fish initially averaging 4.3 g/fish in which their performance indices, nonspecific humoral and cellular immune responses, and intestinal microbiota were characterized. In that trial, only survival was significantly affected by dietary treatment with the greatest survival (98.7%) observed for fish fed the diet containing 2% GroBiotic‐A and significantly (P < 0.05) lower survival (86.9%) for fish fed the diet containing 1% GroBiotic‐A (GBA) and intermediate survival (90.7%) for fish fed the basal diet. Trial 2 (5 wk), was conducted with larger juveniles initially averaging 6.5 g/fish to provide a more in‐depth assessment of cellular immune responses, intestinal morphometric characteristics, and disease resistance of tilapia fed the three experimental diets. Fish fed the diet with 2% GroBiotic‐A exhibited significantly (P < 0.05) increased production of extracellular superoxide anion by macrophages and a distinct microbial community within the intestine compared to fish fed the other diets. No significant differences were seen in survival after controlled exposure to Streptococcus iniae although fish fed the diet with 2% GBA tended to experience reduced mortality (12.5%) compared to those fed the basal diet (35%). Thus, based on the results from both trials, supplementation of 2% GroBiotic‐A generally improved survival, altered gut microbiota, and enhanced extracellular superoxide anion production of Nile tilapia.
The Effects of Live and Artificial Diets on Feeding Performance of Winter Flounder, Pseudopleuronectes americanus, in the Hatchery
Authors: Walsh Michelle L. , Fairchild Elizabeth A. , Rennels Nathan , Howell W. Huntting
Published: February 2015

Winter flounder, Pseudopleuronectes americanus, are capable of releasing hundreds of thousands of eggs annually, but because of the vulnerability of the small, early life stages, there is high natural mortality, and few survive to maturity. Captively spawning, rearing, and releasing animals at a size or age beyond this period of high mortality may enhance stocks. The objectives of this research were to determine how different diets (both live and formulated) influenced hatchery survival and growth of juvenile winter flounder. Live feeds included post‐nauplii of brine shrimp, Artemia salina; white worms, Enchytraeus albidus; and common burrower amphipods, Leptocheirus plumulosus. Fish reared on live feeds exhibited significantly higher survival (P <  0.0001) and growth (P <  0.01) than those reared on formulated feed, with fish fed white worms exhibiting the highest growth rates. This study provides hatchery feeding strategies that may ease the transition of flatfish released into the wild for stock enhancement.
Economics of Small‐scale Commercial Aquaponics in Hawai‘i
Authors: Tokunaga Kanae , Tamaru Clyde , Ako Harry , Leung PingSun
Published: February 2015

Aquaponics, the symbiotic integration of aquaculture and hydroponics, has been touted as a sustainable food production technology. While there is anecdotal evidence, there are only a few studies on the economics of commercial aquaponics. In this study, we collect economic and production information from three aquaponic farms to investigate the economic feasibility of an aquaponics industry in Hawaii. Based on the information supplied by the farms, we develop a model case to analyze (i) profitability, (ii) return on investment, and (iii) input requirements for small‐scale commercial aquaponics operation in Hawaii. We find that small‐scale commercial aquaponics is economically feasible, but our findings are not as optimistic as those previously published. The modified internal rate of return of the model farm is 7.36%. We conduct sensitivity and decision reversal analysis to investigate how output prices and operational cost parameters affect the overall economic outcome. We find that economic outcome is very sensitive to output price. Investment in commercial aquaponics cannot be supported if annual sales revenue falls by 11%. We conclude by discussing challenges and risks faced by commercial aquaponic farms and the potential economic gain from organic certification and renewable energy implementation.
Are extra‐pair males different from cuckolded males? A case study and a meta‐analytic examination
Authors: Hsu Yu‐Hsun , Schroeder Julia , Winney Isabel , Burke Terry , Nakagawa Shinichi
Published: February 2015

Traditional models for female extra‐pair matings assume that females benefit indirectly from extra‐pair mating behaviour. Under these so‐called adaptive models, extra‐pair males are hypothesized to have more compatible genotypes, larger body size, exaggerated ornaments or to be older than cuckolded males. Alternatively, (‘nonadaptive’) models that consider female extra‐pair matings to be a by‐product posit that female extra‐pair mating can be maintained even if there is no benefit to females. This could happen if, for example, males gained fitness benefits from extra‐pair mating, while female and male extra‐pair mating behaviours were genetically correlated. Extra‐pair males are also expected to be older and larger if this improves their ability to convince or coerce females to mate. We investigated whether a female's extra‐pair mates differed from her cuckolded mate in both genetic and phenotypic traits by analysing data from an insular house sparrow population. We found that extra‐pair males were older than cuckolded males, consistent with both models. However, in contrast to the expectations from from adaptive models, extra‐pair and cuckolded males were of similar genetic relatedness, and hence expected compatibility, with the female, and had comparable body size and secondary sexual traits. We also updated previous meta‐analyses examining differences between extra‐pair and cuckolded males. The meta‐analytic results matched results from our house sparrow case study. Although we cannot completely exclude indirect benefits for females, nonadaptive models may better explain female extra‐pair matings. These neglected alternative models deserve more research attention, and this should improve our understanding of the evolution of mating systems.
I. SLEEP AND DEVELOPMENT: INTRODUCTION TO THE MONOGRAPH
Authors: El‐Sheikh Mona , Sadeh Avi
Published: February 2015

Literature on sleep and child development is growing rapidly in exciting new directions across several disciplines and with this comes a need for guiding conceptual principles and methodological tools. In this introductory chapter, the importance of sleep for child development across multiple domains is highlighted. The aims of this monograph are presented and pertain to the need to consider and integrate theory and research across multiple disciplines and use state‐of‐the‐art methodologies. A developmental ecological systems perspective adapted to sleep illustrates the multiple levels of influence and their importance in the study of child sleep and development. A focal aim is to provide examples of longitudinal studies linking sleep with child development, which are presented in seven chapters of this volume.
II. MOVING SLEEP AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH FORWARD: PRIORITIES AND RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE SRCD‐SPONSORED FORUM ON SLEEP AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Authors: El‐Sheikh Mona , Buckhalt Joseph A.
Published: February 2015

Prevalent in typically developing children, insufficient or poor‐quality sleep are matters of public health concern. Programmatic studies of the predictors and sequelae of sleep are increasing rapidly and yielding novel research paradigms that explicate connections between sleep, family processes, and child development within the sociocultural milieu. In an SRCD‐sponsored Forum, established researchers and junior scholars from disparate areas of inquiry (e.g., Pediatrics; Public Health; Psychology; Anthropology) convened. An overarching goal of the Forum was to promote dialogue and collaborations, identify pivotal areas in the study of typically developing children's sleep, and integrate knowledge of sleep and child development across disciplines toward making conceptual advances about the ways that sleep and waking behaviors are intertwined. In addition to conceptual advances, a second goal focused on the need for methodological advances, including contemporary approaches and tools in the measures and analyses of sleep to help accelerate the pace and enhance the quality of research in this interdisciplinary field.
III. SLEEP ASSESSMENT METHODS
Authors: Sadeh Avi
Published: February 2015

Sleep is a complex phenomenon that could be understood and assessed at many levels. Sleep could be described at the behavioral level (relative lack of movements and awareness and responsiveness) and at the brain level (based on EEG activity). Sleep could be characterized by its duration, by its distribution during the 24‐hr day period, and by its quality (e.g., consolidated versus fragmented). Different methods have been developed to assess various aspects of sleep. This chapter covers the most established and common methods used to assess sleep in infants and children. These methods include polysomnography, videosomnography, actigraphy, direct observations, sleep diaries, and questionnaires. The advantages and disadvantages of each method are highlighted.
V. SLEEP AS A MIRROR OF DEVELOPMENTAL TRANSITIONS IN INFANCY: THE CASE OF CRAWLING
Authors: Scher Anat , Cohen Dina
Published: February 2015

The associations between the onset of crawling and changes in sleep were examined in 28 infants who were followed from 5 to 11 months‐of‐age. Motor development and sleep (actigraphy) were assessed at 2‐ to 3‐week intervals. Along with the overall improvement in sleep consolidation, periods of increased long wake episodes were also manifested; the rise in sleep disruption was temporally linked to crawling onset. The results of the study highlight the dynamic interrelations between domains of development, indicate that emerging motor skills may involve periods of disrupted sleep, and point to the moderating effect of age. Clarifying the factors involved in the interplay between developmental milestones and sleep remains a challenge for future research.
VI. MARITAL CONFLICT, VAGAL REGULATION, AND CHILDREN'S SLEEP: A LONGITUDINAL INVESTIGATION
Authors: El‐Sheikh Mona , Hinnant J. Benjamin , Erath Stephen A.
Published: February 2015

We examined longitudinal relations between adult interpartner conflict (referred to as marital conflict) and children's subsequent sleep minutes and quality assessed objectively via actigraphy, and tested parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) activity indexed through respiratory sinus arrhythmia reactivity (RSA‐R) and initial sleep as moderators of predictive associations. At Wave 1 (W1), children (85 boys, 75 girls) with a mean age of 9.43 years (SD = .69) reported on marital conflict, and their sleep was assessed with actigraphs for seven nights. Sleep minutes, sleep efficiency, sleep activity, and number of long wake episodes were derived. RSA‐R was measured in response to a lab challenge. Sleep parameters were assessed again 1 year later at Wave 2 (W2; mean age = 10.39; SD = .64). Analyses consistently revealed 3‐way interactions among W1 marital conflict, sleep, and RSA‐R as predictors of W2 sleep parameters. Sleep was stable among children with more sleep minutes and better sleep quality at W1 or low exposure to marital conflict at W1. Illustrating conditional risk, marital conflict predicted increased sleep problems (reduced sleep minutes, worse sleep quality) at W2 among children with poorer sleep at W1 in conjunction with less apt physiological regulation (i.e., lower levels of RSA‐R or less vagal withdrawal) at W1. Findings build on the scant literature and underscore the importance of simultaneous consideration of bioregulatory systems (PNS and initial sleep in this study) in conjunction with family processes in the prediction of children's later sleep parameters.
IX. BEDTIME ROUTINES IN EARLY CHILDHOOD: PREVALENCE, CONSISTENCY, AND ASSOCIATIONS WITH NIGHTTIME SLEEP
Authors: Staples Angela D. , Bates John E. , Petersen Isaac T.
Published: February 2015

The ability to transition from wakefulness to sleep is one of the most important tasks in the development of sleep during early childhood. Although establishing regular bedtime routines for children with sleep problems can be clinically effective in reducing the number of signaled night awakenings and increasing amount of sleep, it is unclear whether a regular bedtime routine would be associated with either the frequency of signaled night awakenings or nightly sleep minutes in a nonclinical sample of children. This study examined the role of a regular bedtime routine on the development of sleep regulation and consolidation in a community sample of young children. Adherence to a bedtime routine was concurrently associated with a greater amount of nightly sleep at 36 and 42 months. In addition, adherence to a bedtime routine predicted an increase in nightly sleep minutes over a 6‐month period. Finally, this study demonstrated that adherence to a bedtime routine was particularly supportive of developmental gains for children of mothers who used consistent parenting practices during the day.
X. MARITAL AND EMOTIONAL ADJUSTMENT IN MOTHERS AND INFANT SLEEP ARRANGEMENTS DURING THE FIRST SIX MONTHS
Authors: Teti Douglas M. , Crosby Brian , McDaniel Brandon T. , Shimizu Mina , Whitesell Corey J.
Published: February 2015

Although parents' structuring of infant sleep is complexly determined, little attention has been given to parents' marital and personal adjustment in shaping sleep arrangement choices. Linkages were examined between infant sleep arrangements at 1 and 6 months and mothers' marital adjustment, co‐parenting quality, and depressive symptoms. The final study sample was composed of 149 families (53% girl infants, 86% European American). Bed sharing mothers had lower co‐parenting quality, and, at 6 months, more depressive symptoms than mothers of infants in solitary sleep. One‐month co‐parenting quality was associated with predictable shifts in sleep arrangements from 1 to 6 months, but 1‐month sleep arrangements did not predict changes in personal or co‐parenting quality. Findings emphasize the need for greater attention to marital and emotional health in influencing family‐level decisions about infant sleep arrangements.
MODELING HARVEST SCHEDULING IN MULTIFUNCTIONAL PLANNING OF FORESTS FOR LONGTERM WATER YIELD OPTIMIZATION
Authors: ZENGIN HAYATI , ASAN ÜNAL , DESTAN SINAN , ENGIN ÜNAL MURAT , YEŞIL AHMET , BETTINGER PETE , DEĞERMENCI AHMET SALIH
Published: February 2015

In this study, wood production and hydrologic functions of forests were accommodated within a planning procedure for separate working circles (areas dedicated to certain forest functions) that were delineated according to an Ecosystem‐Based Functional Planning approach. Mixed integer goal programming was used as the optimization technique. The timing and scheduling of a maintenance cutting (partial harvest) was the decision variable in the modeling effort, and an original formulation was developed as a multiobjective planning procedure. Four sample planning strategies were developed and model outputs were evaluated according to these strategies. Spatial characteristics of stands were considered, and used to prohibit the regeneration of adjacent stands during the same time period. Because of the positive relationship between qualified water production and standing timber volume in the forest, the model attempts to maximize qualified water production levels by increasing standing volume stocks in the forest through the delay of regeneration activities.
Oculomotor capture by irrelevant onsets with and without color contrast
Authors: Becker Stefanie I. , Lewis Amanda Jane
Published: February 2015

It is widely known that irrelevant onsets (i.e., items appearing in previously empty locations) can automatically capture attention and attract our gaze. Some studies have shown that onset capture is stronger when the onset distractor matches the target feature, indicating that onset capture can be modulated by feature‐based (top‐down) tuning to the target. However, it is less clear whether and to what extent the perceptual saliency of the distractor can further modulate this effect. This study examined the effects of target similarity, competition between target and distractor, and bottom‐up color contrast on the ability of onset distractor to capture the gaze, by varying the color (contrast) and stimulus‐onset asynchrony of the onset distractor. The results clearly show that competition and feature‐based attention modulate capture by the irrelevant onset to a large extent, whereas bottom‐up color contrasts do not modulate onset capture. These results indicate the need to revise current accounts of gaze control.
The pathogenesis of pediatric cerebral malaria: eye exams, autopsies, and neuroimaging
Authors: Taylor Terrie E. , Molyneux Malcolm E.
Published: February 2015

Several advances in our understanding of pediatric cerebral malaria (CM) have been made over the past 25 years. Accurate clinical diagnosis is enhanced by the identification of a characteristic retinopathy, visible by direct or indirect ophthalmoscopy, the retinal changes (retinal whitening, vessel color changes, white‐centered hemorrhages) being consistently associated with intracerebral sequestration of parasites in autopsy studies. Autopsies have yielded information at tissue levels in fatal CM, but new insights into critical pathogenetic processes have emerged from neuroimaging studies, which, unlike autopsy‐based studies, permit serial observations over time and allow comparisons between fatal cases and survivors. Brain swelling has emerged as the major risk factor for death, and, among survivors, brain volume diminishes spontaneously over 24–48 hours. Studies of life‐threatening and fatal malaria are suggesting new approaches to identifying and caring for those at highest risk; potential adjuvants should be evaluated and implemented where they are most needed.
Expectation violations in sensorimotor sequences: shifting from LTM‐based attentional selection to visual search
Authors: Foerster Rebecca M. , Schneider Werner X.
Published: February 2015

Long‐term memory (LTM) delivers important control signals for attentional selection. LTM expectations have an important role in guiding the task‐driven sequence of covert attention and gaze shifts, especially in well‐practiced multistep sensorimotor actions. What happens when LTM expectations are disconfirmed? Does a sensory‐based visual‐search mode of attentional selection replace the LTM‐based mode? What happens when prior LTM expectations become valid again? We investigated these questions in a computerized version of the number‐connection test. Participants clicked on spatially distributed numbered shapes in ascending order while gaze was recorded. Sixty trials were performed with a constant spatial arrangement. In 20 consecutive trials, either numbers, shapes, both, or no features switched position. In 20 reversion trials, participants worked on the original arrangement. Only the sequence‐affecting number switches elicited slower clicking, visual search‐like scanning, and lower eye–hand synchrony. The effects were neither limited to the exchanged numbers nor to the corresponding actions. Thus, expectation violations in a well‐learned sensorimotor sequence cause a regression from LTM‐based attentional selection to visual search beyond deviant‐related actions and locations. Effects lasted for several trials and reappeared during reversion.
Use of electroconvulsive therapy for Asian patients with schizophrenia (2001–2009): Trends and correlates
Authors: Xiang Yu‐Tao , Ungvari Gabor S. , Correll Christoph U. , Chiu Helen F. K. , Lai Kelly Y. C. , Wang Chuan‐Yue , Si Tian‐Mei , Lee Edwin H. M. , He Yan‐Ling , Yang Shu‐Yu , Chong Mian‐Yoon , Kua Ee‐Heok , Fujii Senta , Sim Kang , Yong Michael K. H. , Trivedi Jitendra K. , Chung Eun‐Kee , Udomratn Pichet , Chee Kok‐Yoon , Sartorius Norman , Tan Chay‐Hoon , Shinfuku Naotaka
Published: February 2015

Aims

Little is known about electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) use in Asian inpatients with schizophrenia. This study examined trends of ECT use for schizophrenia patients in Asia between 2001 and 2009 and its independent demographic and clinical correlates.

Methods

Data on 6761 hospitalized schizophrenia patients (2001 = 2399, 2004 = 2136, and 2009 = 2226) in nine Asian countries and territories were collected by either chart review or interviews during a 1‐month period. Patients’ sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, prescriptions of psychotropic drugs and ECT use were recorded using a standardized protocol and data‐collection procedure.

Results

The frequency of ECT was 3.3% in the whole sample; rising from 1.8% in 2001 to 3.3% in 2004 and 4.9% in 2009 (P < 0.0001). However, this increased trend was driven solely by increased ECT use in China (P < 0.0001), and the inclusion of India in the 2009 survey. There were wide inter‐country variations: 2001, 0% (Hong Kong, Korea) to 5.9% (China); 2004, 0% (Singapore) to 11.1% (China); 2009, 0% (Hong Kong) to 13.8% (India) and 15.2% (China). Multiple logistic regression analysis of the whole sample revealed that patients receiving ECT were less likely in the 35–64‐year age group, had shorter length of current hospitalization and fewer negative symptoms, and were more likely to receive second‐generation antipsychotic medications compared to those who were not treated with ECT (R2 = 0.264, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

ECT use for schizophrenia has increased over the past decade in China, being low/relatively stable in other Asian countries/regions. Reasons for substantial variations in ECT frequency in Asia require further study.
Multivariate analysis of binge drinking in young adult population: Data analysis of the 2007 Survey of Lifestyle, Attitude and Nutrition in Ireland
Authors: Mohamed Samahir , Ajmal Muhammad
Published: February 2015

Aims

Alcohol use is the third highest risk factor for disease and disability. This study explored the association between binge drinking and mental health, general health, and diet and nutrition of young adults.

Methods

A sub‐sample of 2590 adults aged 18–29 years was selected from 10 364 participants in the survey to investigate the effect of binge drinking exposure on depression, anxiety, quality of life and nutrition. The Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test–Consumption (AUDIT‐C) was used to assess hazardous drinking. A short version of the World Health Organization Composite International Diagnostic Interview was used to assess mental health. The quality of life was measured through the World Health Organization Quality of Life Survey. Multivariate regression analysis was performed. Potential confounders were age, gender, social class and AUDIT‐C score. A two‐tailed P‐value was presented with a significance cut‐off point at 0.05.

Results

Univariate regression analysis showed significant associations between binge drinking and depression (odds ratio [OR] = 1.8; P < 0.03), eating fried food (OR = 0.4; P < 0.001) and poor quality of life (OR = 1.5; P = 0.01). In a multivariate model adjusted for age, gender, social class and the AUDIT‐C results, the association between binge drinking and depression disappeared despite the high risk indicated by the OR in the univariate analysis. A significant relation was found between binge drinking and eating fried food (OR = 0.43 and P < 0.001) and quality of life (OR = 1.09; P = 0.01) in the fully adjusted models.

Conclusions

The link between alcohol drinking and mental health remains poorly understood. More research into the relation between different aspects of alcohol consumption, mental health and quality of life is required.
Population structure and reproductive mode of Didymella fabae in Syria
Authors: Ozkilinc H. , Thomas K. , Abang M. , Peever T. L.
Published: February 2015

Didymella fabae is a highly destructive fungal pathogen of faba bean (Vicia faba) that represents a significant yield‐limiting biotic constraint in all locations where the crop is grown. However, nothing is known about the population structure of this pathogen anywhere in the world. Population genetic analyses employing 18 sequence‐tagged microsatellite (STMS) markers covering eight genetic linkage groups and a PCR‐based mating type marker were used to elucidate the genetic structure and reproductive mode of the pathogen in three populations in Syria. High gene diversity within populations but low genetic differentiation among populations was observed and the entire collection of isolates was assigned to a single genetic population using a Bayesian clustering algorithm. Independent analyses were performed based on four unlinked sets of STMS markers to infer reproductive mode. A simulation approach was used to estimate which of the repeated multilocus genotypes were probably the result of asexual reproduction and should be clone‐corrected. A 1:1 ratio of mating types could not be rejected in any clone‐corrected population, probably due to small sample sizes. Likewise, frequency of clones and sample size, but not marker linkage, had strong effects on multilocus gametic disequilibrium. The null hypothesis of random mating was rejected in the majority of populations for both non‐clone‐corrected and clone‐corrected samples and with four sets of unlinked markers indicating a predominance of asexual reproduction in these populations. This represents the first detailed screening of clonal and genetic composition of D. fabae populations in Syria.
Event‐related potentials to acoustic startle probes during the anticipation of predictable and unpredictable threat
Authors: Nelson Brady D. , Hajcak Greg , Shankman Stewart A.
Published: February 2015

The startle reflex is a robust measure of defense system activation. Startle probes also elicit ERP P300 and N100 responses that capture attentional engagement. The startle probe‐elicited P300 and N100 have been primarily examined during affective picture viewing paradigms, and no study has examined these measures in the context of a threat anticipation task or in relation to threat predictability. In the present study, 131 participants completed a no (N), predictable (P), and unpredictable (U) threat‐of‐shock task, and the startle eye blink reflex, P300, and N100 responses to the startle probe were measured. We also examined several psychometric properties of these psychophysiological measures. Results indicated probe P300 attenuation during the P and U relative to N condition. In contrast, probe N100 enhancement was present only for the U condition. The P300 and N100 decreased (i.e., habituated) at comparable rates across the different threat conditions. The startle reflex also decreased, but only startle during the U (and not P) condition continued to differ from the N condition by the end of the task. Internal consistency of the ERP measures was acceptable and comparable to the startle reflex. Finally, the startle reflex was correlated with the probe N100, but not P300, across threat conditions. This study is one of the first to use startle probe ERPs to demonstrate that a context of potential threat also elicits attentional engagement. Furthermore, this study provides novel evidence that the probe N100 may provide a measure that is uniquely sensitive to unpredictable threat.
Prevalence of airflow obstruction and reduced forced vital capacity in an Aboriginal Australian population: The cross‐sectional BOLD study
Authors: Cooksley Nathania A.J.B. , Atkinson David , Marks Guy B. , Toelle Brett G. , Reeve David , Johns David P. , Abramson Michael J. , Burton Deborah L. , James Alan L. , Wood‐Baker Richard , Walters E. Haydn , Buist A. Sonia , Maguire Graeme P.
Published: February 2015

Background and objective

Mortality and hospital separation data suggest a higher burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in indigenous than non‐indigenous subpopulations of high‐income countries. This study sought to accurately measure the true prevalence of post‐bronchodilator airflow obstruction and forced vital capacity reduction in representative samples of Indigenous and non‐Indigenous Australians.

Methods

This study applies cross‐sectional population‐based survey of Aboriginal and non‐Indigenous residents of the Kimberley region of Western Australia aged 40 years or older, following the international Burden Of Lung Disease (BOLD) protocol. Quality‐controlled spirometry was conducted before and after bronchodilator. COPD was defined as Global initiative for chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) Stage 2 and above (post‐bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 s/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) ratio <0.7 and FEV1 < 80% predicted).

Results

Complete data were available for 704 participants. The prevalence of COPD, adjusted for age, gender and body weight in Aboriginal participants (7.2%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.9 to 10.4) was similar to that seen in non‐Indigenous Kimberley participants (8.2%, 95% CI 5.7 to 10.7) and non‐Indigenous residents of the remainder of Australia (7.1%, 95% CI 6.1 to 8.0). The prevalence of low FVC (<80% predicted) was substantially higher in Aboriginal compared with non‐Indigenous participants (74.0%, 95% CI 69.1 to 78.8, vs 9.7%, 95% CI 7.1 to 12.4).

Conclusions

Low FVC, rather than airflow obstruction, characterizes the impact of chronic lung disease previously attributed to COPD in this population subject to significant social and economic disadvantage. Environmental risk factors other than smoking as well as developmental factors must be considered. These findings require further investigation and have implications for future prevention of chronic lung disease in similar populations.
Geostatistical Modelling Using Non‐Gaussian Matérn Fields
Authors: Wallin Jonas , Bolin David
Published: February 2015

This work provides a class of non‐Gaussian spatial Matérn fields which are useful for analysing geostatistical data. The models are constructed as solutions to stochastic partial differential equations driven by generalized hyperbolic noise and are incorporated in a standard geostatistical setting with irregularly spaced observations, measurement errors and covariates. A maximum likelihood estimation technique based on the Monte Carlo expectation‐maximization algorithm is presented, and a Monte Carlo method for spatial prediction is derived. Finally, an application to precipitation data is presented, and the performance of the non‐Gaussian models is compared with standard Gaussian and transformed Gaussian models through cross‐validation.
Improvement in mortality and retention among adult HIV‐infected patients in the first 12 months of antiretroviral therapy in Dodoma urban district,Tanzania.
Authors: Tweve Escor N. , Kayabu David , Nassari Nahum O. , Todd Jim
Published: February 2015

Objective

To determine mortality and retention in ART programmes in Tanzania, between 2010 and 2013.

Methods

Retrospective routinely collected data were analysed from people starting ART in the period 2010–2013. Mortality and retention over the first 12 months on ART were compared across the 4 years, and adjustment was made for individual level potential confounders.

Results

Data from 3844 people (70.6% female) starting ART were analysed. Mortality in the first year declined from 11.4% in 2010 to 4.9% in 2013, and retention after 12 months increased from 77.8% in 2010 to 98.1% in 2013. Mortality was inversely associated with CD4 count, lowest among those with CD4 350+ cells/μl [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.03, 95% CI 0.01–0.03], associated with male sex (AOR = 1.79, 95% CI 1.39–2.31), but not age. Lost to follow‐up (LTFU) was lowest among those with CD4 = 350+ cells/μl AOR = 0.20, 95% CI 0.10–0.30), but not associated with age or sex, and higher in urban health facilities (AOR = 1.88, 95% CI 1.15–3.09). After adjustment for individual level characteristics, there was a statistically significant yearly improvement in mortality (AOR = 0.31, 95% CI (0.21–0.44) and LTFU (AOR = 0.06, 95% CI 0.04–0.10).

Conclusion

Mortality and retention in the first 12 months on ART have significantly improved over the 4 years from 2010 to 2013. These improvements may indicate better services, earlier initiation on ART, and strengthened systems to provide ART in Tanzania. These results refute the worries that earlier initiation on ART might lead to lower retention in the ART programme.
A single dose of erythropoietin reduces perioperative transfusions in cardiac surgery: results of a prospective single‐blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: Weltert Luca , Rondinelli Beatrice , Bello Ricardo , Falco Mauro , Bellisario Alessandro , Maselli Daniele , Turani Franco , De Paulis Ruggero , Pierelli Luca
Published: February 2015

BACKGROUND

We conducted a prospective single‐blind randomized study to assess whether a single 80,000 IU dose of human recombinant erythropoietin (HRE), given just 2 days before cardiac surgery, could be effective in reducing perioperative allogeneic red blood cell transfusion (aRBCt).

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Six‐hundred patients presenting with preoperative hemoglobin (Hb) level of not more than 14.5 g/dL were randomly assigned to either HRE or control. The primary endpoint was the incidence of perioperative aRBCt. The secondary endpoints were mortality and the incidence of adverse events in the first 45 days after surgery, Hb level on Postoperative Day 4, and number of units of RBC transfusions in the first 4 days after surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 17% (HRE) versus 39% (control) required transfusion (relative risk, 0.436; p < 0.0005). After baseline Hb was controlled for, there was no difference in the incidence of aRBCt between HRE (0%) and control (3.5%) among the patients with baseline Hb of 13.0 g/dL or more, which included the nonanemic fraction of the study population. The mean (range) Hb level on Postoperative Day 4 was 10.2 (9.9‐10.6) g/dL (HRE) versus 8.7 (8.5‐9.2) g/dL (control; p < 0.0005). The distribution of number of units transfused was shifted toward fewer units in HRE (p < 0.0005). The all‐cause mortality at 45 days was 3.00% (HRE) versus 3.33% (control). The 45‐day adverse event rate was 4.33% (HRE) versus 5.67% (control; both p = NS).

CONCLUSION

In anemic patients (Hb < 13 g/dL), a single high dose of HRE administered 2 days before cardiac surgery is effective in reducing the incidence of aRBCt without increasing adverse events.
Fat removal during cell salvage: a comparison of four different cell salvage devices
Authors: Seyfried Timo F. , Haas Lilith , Gruber Michael , Breu Anita , Loibl Markus , Hansen Ernil
Published: February 2015

BACKGROUND

Fat embolism is a possible risk factor for pulmonic and cerebral dysfunction after orthopedic and heart surgery. It is unknown whether fat occasionally observed during cell salvage adds to the risk of fat embolism after retransfusion. We have examined the fat removal capacities of different cell salvage devices including discontinuous and a continuous system under various conditions.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

In an experimental study ABO‐matched banked blood was adjusted to a hematocrit of 20%, and 1.25% of human fat was added. This blood was processed with the cell salvage devices XTRA and Electa, CATS, or Cell Saver 5 plus. Fat in the blood samples was quantified by volumetric measurement after centrifugation in Pasteur pipettes and by gravimetric measurement after extraction of fat in organic solvents and phase partition. Performance in fat removal was tested with different programs, bowl sizes, and additional filtration.

RESULTS

The continuous system consistently showed a high fat removal rate of 99.8 ± 0.2%. Fat accumulated in the wash disposal, but not in the product. In the Latham bowl–based discontinuous systems, fat removal varied from 69.2 to 92.8 ± 4.4% depending on the program mode, but not on the bowl size. Additional filtration increased fat removal to 96.7 ± 2.2%, but also increased red blood cell loss.

CONCLUSIONS

Fat contamination of wound blood can be detected by volumetric and gravimetric measurements. Continuous salvage systems remove fat to a higher extent than discontinuous systems. The fat removal capacities of discontinuous systems depend on the program mode and can be improved by filtration.
The Impregnating Reduction Method for Synthesis of Pt–Ru Nanoparticles and Its Catalytic Performance for Methanol Electro-oxidation
Authors: Wang Long-long , Mao Hong-min , Zhou Xiao-jin , Xu Qun-jie , Li Qiao-xia
Published: February 2015

Well-dispersed and low Pt content Pt–Ru/C nanoparticles were prepared by a developed impregnating reduction method with sodium citrate as stabilizer. The as-prepared Pt–Ru/C catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. TEM showed that the Pt–Ru particles were quite uniformly distributed on the surface of the carbon with an average particle size of 3.5–4.5 nm. The effect of pH values on methanol electro-oxidation reaction was examined by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and chronoamperometry (CA). Pre-adsorbed CO monolayer stripping was used to evaluate the antipoisoning ability. The results showed that Pt–Ru/C (pH = 8) catalyst had the highest catalytic activity and stability toward the oxidation of methanol. Finally, comparing Pt–Ru/C (Pt–Ru 20 wt.%, Pt/Ru = 1:1) catalysts with Pt/C (Pt 20 wt.%), the onset potential was 200 mV lower and electrochemical active area was much bigger.
Effect of the Current Collector on Performance of Anode-Supported Microtubular Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Casarin Michele , Sglavo Vincenzo M.
Published: February 2015

Microtubular anode-supported solid oxide fuel cells (μt-SOFC) were created with a metallic coil embedded in the anode to act as current collector. The electrochemical performance was experimentally examined by comparing the power density (PD) of μt-SOFC with embedded coils of different turns per unit length and composition (nickel and palladium). It is shown that an increase in the turns per unit length results in a proportional current density increase and in a quadratic increment of PD. Additional performance improvement is found for the cell with palladium current collector due to the higher catalytic activity for hydrogen oxidation.