bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of patent foramen ovale closure for prevention on recurrent stroke or transient ischemic attack in selected patients with cryptogenic stroke
Authors: Kim Minsu , Kim Sihoon , Moon Jeonggeun , Oh Pyung Chun , Park Yae Min , Shin Dong Hoon , Lee Yeong‐Bae , Lee Ji Yeon , Hwang Hee Young , Kang Woong Chol 
Published: August 2017

ObjectivesThis study was sought to evaluate the effectiveness of patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure in selected patients (PFO shunt grade more than moderate) with cryptogenic stroke (CS).BackgroundWhether closure of PFO is an effective treatment for prevention of CS is still unclear.MethodsConsecutive 158 patients (mean age: 49.9 years old, closure group: 67 patients, medication group: 91 patients) were enrolled. The primary end point was a composite of recurrent stroke and transient ischemic attack.ResultsBaseline characteristics were similar between the two groups, except age which was younger in the closure group (47.7 ± 10.8 vs 51.9 ± 9.9, P = 0.013), and the presence of shunt at rest was more common in the closure group (35.8% vs 10.4%, P = 0.000). Procedural success was 94.0%. Over a mean follow‐up of 27.8 months, a total of six primary end point, all of which were strokes, occurred only in the medication group (6.6% vs 0%, P = 0.039). Stroke‐free survival rate was significantly higher in the closure group (P = 0.026)ConclusionsOur study showed that PFO closure may be an effective treatment strategy to prevent recurrent stroke or TIA for patients with CS if it is conducted in selective patients who have PFO shunt more than moderate grade.
Sustained participation in annual continuous quality improvement activities improves quality of care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children
Authors: McAullay Daniel , McAuley Kimberley , Bailie Ross , Mathews Veronica , Jacoby Peter , Gardner Karen , Sibthorpe Beverly , Strobel Natalie , Edmond Karen 
Published: August 2017

AimTo determine whether participation in the continuous quality improvement (CQI) Audit and Best Practice for Chronic Disease programme improved care and outcomes for Indigenous children.MethodsData were collected from 59 Australian primary health‐care centres providing services to Indigenous people and participating in the programme (February 2008 and December 2013). Indigenous children aged less than 2 years and centres that completed three or more consecutive annual audits within the 6‐year study period were included. Crude and adjusted logistic generalised estimating equation models were used to examine the effect of year of audit on the delivery of care. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. Outcomes were related to age‐relevant health issues, including prevention and early intervention. These included administrative, health check, anticipatory guidance and specific health issues.ResultsDuring the audit period, there were 2360 files from 59 centres. Those that had a recall recorded, improved from 84 to 95% (OR 2.44, 95% CI 1.44–4.11). Hearing assessments improved from 52 to 89% (OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.22–1.54). Improvement in anticipatory guidance, treatment and follow‐up of medical conditions was almost universal.ConclusionWe documented significant improvements in quality of care of Indigenous children. Outcomes and their corresponding treatment and follow‐ups improved over time. This appears to be related to services participating in annual CQI activities. However, these services may be more committed to CQI than others and therefore possibly better performing.
The role of the whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius), and farmer practices in the spread of cassava brown streak ipomoviruses
Authors: Maruthi Midatharahally N. , Jeremiah Simon C. , Mohammed Ibrahim U. , Legg James P. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractCassava brown streak disease (CBSD) is arguably the most dangerous current threat to cassava, which is Africa's most important food security crop. CBSD is caused by two RNA viruses: Cassava brown streak virus (CBSV) and Ugandan cassava brown streak virus (UCBSV). The roles of the whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) and farmer practices in the spread of CBSD were investigated in a set of field and laboratory experiments. The virus was acquired and transmitted by B. tabaci within a short time (5–10 min each for virus acquisition and inoculation), and was retained for up to 48 hr. Highest virus transmission (60%) was achieved using 20–25 suspected viruliferous whiteflies per plant that were given acquisition and inoculation periods of 24 and 48 hr, respectively. Experiments mimicking the agronomic practices of cassava leaf picking or the use of contaminated tools for making cassava stem cuttings did not show the transmission of CBSV or UCBSV. Screenhouse and field experiments in Tanzania showed that the spread of CBSD next to spreader rows was high, and that the rate of spread decreased with increasing distance from the source of inoculum. The disease spread in the field up to a maximum of 17 m in a cropping season. These results collectively confirm that CBSV and UCBSV are transmitted by B. tabaci semipersistently, but for only short distances in the field. This implies that spread over longer distances is due to movements of infected stem cuttings used for planting material. These findings have important implications for developing appropriate management strategies for CBSD.
Efficacy of virus elimination from apple by thermotherapy coupled with in vivo shoot‐tip grafting and in vitro meristem culture
Authors: Hu Guo‐jun , Dong Ya‐feng , Zhang Zun‐ping , Fan Xu‐dong , Ren Fang , Li Zheng‐nan 
Published: August 2017

AbstractTen varieties of potted apple were subjected to thermotherapy coupled with in vitro meristem culture and in vivo shoot‐tip grafting. Using reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction assays prior to treatment, all treated apple varieties were infected by more than two viruses, and nine of ten varieties were infected by Apple chlorotic leaf spot virus (ACLSV), Apple stem pitting virus (ASPV) and Apple stem grooving virus (ASGV). After treatment, the survivals of the two methods were more different. Total survival rates of the seven apple varieties (YF9, XYF3, X2001, GL, HF, A123 and ZZ5) treated by thermotherapy coupled with in vitro meristem culture were 25.9% (14/54). The survival rate of YF9, XYF3, X2001, GL, YF6, JJ and XNH treated by thermotherapy coupled with in vivo shoot‐tip grafting was from 33.3% to 75.0%, and the average rate (63.0%, 34/54) was twice than that of meristem culture. The virus‐free apple plants were acquired only from in vitro variety HF and A123, and the elimination rate of A123 was highest, up to 71.4% (5/7). Fourteen apple survival grafting plants from five varieties (YF9, XYF3, X2001, YF6 and XNH) were detected virus‐free. The average elimination rate of the meristem culture and shoot‐tip grafting was very close, 42.9% (6/14) and 41.2% (14/34), respectively.
Invertebrate population genetics across Earth's largest habitat: The deep‐sea floor
Authors: Taylor M. L. , Roterman C. N. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractDespite the deep sea being the largest habitat on Earth, there are just 77 population genetic studies of invertebrates (115 species) inhabiting non‐chemosynthetic ecosystems on the deep‐sea floor (below 200 m depth). We review and synthesize the results of these papers. Studies reveal levels of genetic diversity comparable to shallow‐water species. Generally, populations at similar depths were well connected over 100s–1,000s km, but studies that sampled across depth ranges reveal population structure at much smaller scales (100s–1,000s m) consistent with isolation by adaptation across environmental gradients, or the existence of physical barriers to connectivity with depth. Few studies were ocean‐wide (under 4%), and 48% were Atlantic‐focused. There is strong emphasis on megafauna and commercial species with research into meiofauna, “ecosystem engineers” and other ecologically important species lacking. Only nine papers account for ~50% of the planet's surface (depths below 3,500 m). Just two species were studied below 5,000 m, a quarter of Earth's seafloor. Most studies used single‐locus mitochondrial genes revealing a common pattern of non‐neutrality, consistent with demographic instability or selective sweeps; similar to deep‐sea hydrothermal vent fauna. The absence of a clear difference between vent and non‐vent could signify that demographic instability is common in the deep sea, or that selective sweeps render single‐locus mitochondrial studies demographically uninformative. The number of population genetics studies to date is miniscule in relation to the size of the deep sea. The paucity of studies constrains meta‐analyses where broad inferences about deep‐sea ecology could be made.
Thirlwall's law and the specification of export and import functions
Authors: Romero João P. , McCombie John S. L. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe contribution of this paper is threefold. First, it proposes general specifications for export and import functions that encompass the contributions of both Kaldorian and Schumpeterian literatures on the determinants of trade performance. Second, the paper provides evidence of the impact of nonprice competitiveness, measured by the growth of relative economic efficiency on export and import growth in different technological sectors. Third, it shows that the magnitude of income elasticities of demand is partially determined by relative economic efficiency.
The Pitt Bacteremia Score, Charlson Comorbidity Index and Chronic Disease Score are useful tools for the prediction of mortality in patients with Candida bloodstream infection
Authors: Vaquero‐Herrero María Paz , Ragozzino Silvio , Castaño‐Romero Fabián , Siller‐Ruiz María , Sánchez González Rebeca , García‐Sánchez José Elías , García‐García Inmaculada , Marcos Miguel , Ternavasio‐de la Vega Hugo Guillermo 
Published: August 2017

SummaryCandida bloodstream infection (CBI) is associated with high mortality. The aim of this study was to compare the utility of the combined use of the Pitt Bacteremia Score (PBS) and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) or Chronic Disease Score (CDS) to predict mortality among patients with CBI. Thereby, all consecutive patients with CBI at our institution between 2010 and 2014 were included. The PBS was used to evaluate CBI severity and the CCI and CDS were used to assess comorbidities of patients with CBI. Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate odds ratios for 30‐day mortality in models including the PBS and CCI or CDS. A total of 189 CBI episodes were identified. Logistic regression models including the PBS and either CCI or CDS showed that the combined use of a comorbidity score and a severity score significantly predicted 30‐day mortality. The performance of the different models was similar. Aggregated scores of comorbidity (CCI and CDS) and disease severity (PBS) are useful for the prediction of 30‐day mortality risk in patients with CBI. Their use may facilitate the analysis of risk factors for poorer outcome and the development of an index for CBI mortality.
Genetic structure of putative heterotic populations of alfalfa
Authors: Annicchiarico Paolo , Wei Yanling , Brummer Edward Charles 
Published: August 2017

AbstractSemi‐hybrids between genetically distant alfalfa (Medicago sativa subsp. sativa) populations may display heterosis whose extent is affected by the structure of genetic diversity across populations. This study aimed to assess the genetic diversity across three putative heterotic populations, one Italian, one Egyptian and one of semi‐erect germplasm from Eastern Europe, Canada and Spanish Mielga (EECM population). Each population was bred from ten parents after various selection cycles. Fifteen genotypes per population were characterized by 20 polymorphic SSR markers. The among‐population variance was over eightfold smaller than the average within‐population variance (2.05 vs. 17.24) and accounted for 10.6% of the total variation. G’ST = .090 across markers indicated modest population differentiation. Various diversity measures, multidimensional scaling, and cluster analysis of the genetic structure indicated that the Italian population was more distant from the EECM population than the Egyptian one. The EECM and Egyptian populations were the most distant geographically and genetically. EECM displayed widest intrapopulation variation, accordingly to its constitutive geographical diversity. In conclusion, this study indicates modest genetic differentiation between alfalfa populations even for geographically distant germplasm.
Scabies in babies
Authors: Hill Taryn A. , Cohen Bernard 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe clinical manifestations of scabies infestation vary according to age, making the diagnosis challenging, particularly for primary care providers and dermatologists who do not routinely care for young children. We present seven cases of newborns and infants who developed inflammatory burrows and nodules early in the course, which is not typical of the eruption seen in older children and adults. We review the cutaneous features, differential diagnosis, and treatment recommendations for scabies in different age groups.
Going native, going local: revegetating eroded soils on the Falkland Islands using native seeds and farmland waste
Authors: Smith Stuart W. , Ross Katherine , Karlsson Susanna , Bond Brian , Upson Rebecca , Davey Alexandra 
Published: August 2017

AbstractRemote island ecosystems are vulnerable to human disturbance and habitat destruction, yet they often have limited capacity to revegetate degraded habitats, especially with native species. To revegetate degraded island habitats, practitioners often rely on importing non‐native species, thereby increasing the number of introduced species on islands. In this study, we investigated the effectiveness of sowing wild collected native seeds and locally sourced treatments for revegetating different eroded soil types (clay, peat, and sand) across the Falkland Islands. A seed mixture of 15 native species was sown with different supportive treatments (sheep dung, sheep dags [woolly off‐cuts], and geotextile matting [coir]) and their combinations. After 1 year, native seeds provided up to 70% plant cover and accrued 1.98 kg/m2 in biomass. Three key native species Elymus magellanicus, Poa flabellata, and Poa alopecurus occurred in 64, 50, and 50% of all sown plots. However, supportive treatments equally facilitated the colonization and establishment of non‐native species. At the same time, there was no difference in native plant cover and biomass across different treatments or soil types, although in the absence of supportive treatments there was little to no revegetation. Thus, locally sourced treatments (i.e. sheep dung and dags) may provide an equally effective but low‐cost alternative to imported treatments (i.e. geotextiles). We further discuss challenges of integrating revegetation using native seeds and livestock grazing on the Falkland Islands. Our study demonstrates that native species and local treatments can provide a rapid approach to revegetating degraded island habitats.
Remark on theEPPin Labeling Theory: Evidence from Romance
Authors: Gallego Ángel J. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThis paper puts forward an account of the Extended Projection Principle (EPP) based on Chomsky's (2013, 2015) Labeling Theory. Departing from Chomsky's (2015) proposal, which adopts “feature strength” (Chomsky 1993, 1995), it is suggested that the need for Spec,TPto be occupied by aDPcan be attributed to labeling reasons, under the assumption that T is a copy of C (these heads being “bundled” in the lexicon of languages of the English type). Given that copies are inert for computational operations (Chomsky 2000, 2001), it follows that they fail to label (Chomsky 2013), which in turn makes it mandatory for Spec,TPto be filled. This article explores the consequences of this proposal for null‐subject languages, in which C and T are regarded as independent lexical items.
Facilitating donor compliance with strategies to prevent vasovagal reactions: comparison of web‐based and in‐center approaches
Authors: Thijsen Amanda , Fisher Jenny , Gemelli Carley N. , Bell Barbara , Davison Tanya E. , Masser Barbara M. 
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUNDResearch has documented beneficial effects of water loading (WL) and applied muscle tension (AMT) on reducing self‐reported vasovagal reactions (VVRs) in whole blood (WB) donors. However, the optimal approach to reducing VVRs using these strategies in routine blood collection practice is not known. This study evaluated the effectiveness of embedding newly developed web‐based and on‐site donor education materials to increase the use of these two prevention techniques during blood collection.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSTwo studies were conducted with WB donors. In Study 1, donors (n = 375) were randomly allocated to evaluate one of three forms of educational materials (video, webpage, card) in an online questionnaire. In Study 2, donors (n = 598) were randomly assigned to view either off‐site web‐based or in‐center educational materials and were surveyed after donation to assess compliance to the VVR prevention procedure and to self‐report VVR.RESULTSIn Study 1, donors rated the video as having the highest message appeal and indicated greater likelihood to use AMT compared to the webpage and card. No differences were found in likelihood to use WL. In contrast, in Study 2, greater adherence to VVR prevention strategies was observed in donors who received the in‐center instruction card in comparison to those who received the web‐based materials. Examination of viewing data indicated that only a small number of donors had seen the web‐based materials. No significant effects of the techniques were found on self‐reported VVRs.CONCLUSIONProviding on‐site instructions is the most effective method to increase donor compliance to VVR prevention techniques.
A novel homozygous frameshift mutation in Exon 7 of the ADAMTS13 gene in a patient with congenital thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura from India: a case report
Authors: Yadav Sneha , Shetty Shrimati , Kulkarni Bipin 
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUNDThrombotic thrombocytopenia purpura (TTP) is a rare and life‐threatening thrombotic microangiopathy characterized by thrombocytopenia and microangiopathic hemolytic anemia. It is caused by deficiency of ADAMTS13 metalloprotease, which cleaves ultra‐large von Willebrand factor into smaller functional units. TTP may be congenital or acquired, and the congenital form is caused by inherited mutations in the ADAMTS13 gene, leading to deficiency of protein or reduced protein activity.CASE REPORTWe report a 5‐year‐old male patient who manifested with thrombocytopenia and microangiopathic hemolytic anemia at the age of 1 year.CONCLUSIONADAMTS13 activity in the patient was below 5%, and ADAMTS13 antibody was absent. Subsequent genetic analysis of the ADAMTS13 gene revealed a novel homozygous mutation (i.e., frameshift insertion mutation A237GfsX153 [c.708_709insG] in Exon 7 of ADAMTS13). Both parents were heterozygous for this mutation.
Generalized papillomatosis in three horses associated with a novel equine papillomavirus (EcPV8)
Authors: Linder Keith E. , Bizikova Petra , Luff Jennifer , Zhou Dan , Yuan Hang , Breuhaus Babetta , Nelson Elizabeth , Mackay Robert 
Published: August 2017

BackgroundCurrently, seven equine papillomaviruses (PV) are known and are associated with one of three different and distinct clinical presentations.Hypothesis/ObjectivesTo report the clinical, histopathological and immunohistochemical findings in horses with generalized papillomatosis associated with a novel equine PV, Equus caballus papillomavirus 8 (EcPV8).AnimalsThree client‐owned quarter horses.MethodsCase report, retrospective.ResultsDozens to thousands of papillomas involved the axilla, inguinal area and proximal limbs as well as the ventral and lateral neck, thorax and abdomen. Lesions were sometimes confluent in ventral areas. Fewer lesions were on the face, ears, distal limbs and genitalia. Plaque‐type papillomas were small, 0.5 to 1.5 cm in diameter and hyperkeratotic. Histologically, plaque‐type papillomas prominently involved follicular infundibula. Immunohistochemical findings demonstrated PV antigen in superficial keratinocyte nuclei. PCR using degenerate primers for the PV L1 gene and sequencing of amplicons revealed PV DNA sequences that were 98% identical for all three cases, but shared <70% identity to other PVs. Horses were otherwise healthy; serum immunoglobulin levels and peripheral blood lymphocyte phenotyping did not identify a known immunodeficiency syndrome. Lesions nearly completely resolved after 1.5 years in one horse and persisted for two years in another, despite intralesional human IFN‐alpha treatment. The oldest horse was lost to follow‐up.Conclusion and clinical importanceA novel equine papillomavirus (EcPV8) is associated with a distinct, plaque‐type, generalized papillomatosis. Papillomas persisted for months to years, with or without treatment.
Co‐ordination of the upper and lower limbs for vestibular control of balance
Authors: Smith Craig P. , Allsop Jonathan E. , Mistry Michael , Reynolds Raymond F. 
Published: August 2017

Key points
When standing and holding an earth‐fixed object, galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS) can evoke upper limb responses to maintain balance.
In the present study, we determined how these responses are affected by grip context (no contact, light grip and firm grip), as well as how they are co‐ordinated with the lower limbs to maintain balance.
When GVS was applied during firm grip, hand and ground reaction forces were generated.
The directions of these force vectors were co‐ordinated such that the overall body sway response was always aligned with the inter‐aural axis (i.e. craniocentric).
When GVS was applied during light grip (< 1 N), hand forces were secondary to body movement, suggesting that the arm performed a mostly passive role.
These results demonstrate that a minimum level of grip is required before the upper limb becomes active in balance control and also that the upper and lower limbs co‐ordinate for an appropriate whole‐body sway response.
AbstractVestibular stimulation can evoke responses in the arm when it is used for balance. In the present study, we determined how these responses are affected by grip context, as well as how they are co‐ordinated with the rest of the body. Galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS) was used to evoke balance responses under three conditions of manual contact with an earth‐fixed object: no contact, light grip (< 1 N) (LG) and firm grip (FG). As grip progressed along this continuum, we observed an increase in GVS‐evoked hand force, with a simultaneous reduction in ground reaction force (GRF) through the feet. During LG, hand force was secondary to the GVS‐evoked body sway response, indicating that the arm performed a mostly passive role. By contrast, during FG, the arm became actively involved in driving body sway, as revealed by an early force impulse in the opposite direction to that seen in LG. We then examined how the direction of this active hand vector was co‐ordinated with the lower limbs. Consistent with previous findings on sway anisotropy, FG skewed the direction of the GVS‐evoked GRF vector towards the axis of baseline postural instability. However, this was effectively cancelled by the hand force vector, such that the whole‐body sway response remained aligned with the inter‐aural axis, maintaining the craniocentric principle. These results show that a minimum level of grip is necessary before the upper limb plays an active role in vestibular‐evoked balance responses. Furthermore, they demonstrate that upper and lower‐limb forces are co‐ordinated to produce an appropriate whole‐body sway response.