bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic evidence for shared risks across psychiatric disorders and related traits in a Swedish population twin sample
Authors: Taylor Mark J. , Martin Joanna , Lu Yi , Brikell Isabell , Lundström Sebastian , Larsson Henrik , Lichtenstein Paul 
Published: December 2017

AbstractPsychiatric traits related to categorically-defined psychiatric disorders are heritable and present to varying degrees in the general population. In this study, we test the hypothesis that genetic risk factors associated with psychiatric disorders are also associated with continuous variation in milder population traits. We combine a contemporary twin analytic approach with polygenic risk score (PRS) analyses in a large population-based twin sample. Questionnaires assessing traits of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), learning difficulties, tic disorders (TD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety, major depressive disorder (MDD), mania and psychotic experiences were administered to a large, Swedish twin sample. Individuals with clinical psychiatric diagnoses were identified using the Swedish National Patient Register. Joint categorical/continuous twin modeling was used to estimate genetic correlations between psychiatric diagnoses and continuous traits. PRS for psychiatric disorders were calculated based on independent discovery genetic data. The association between PRS for each disorder and related continuous traits was tested. We found mild to strong genetic correlations between psychiatric diagnoses and corresponding traits (ranging from .31-.69) in the twin analyses. There was also evidence of association between PRS for ASD, ADHD, TD, OCD, anxiety, MDD and schizophrenia with related population traits. These results indicate that genetic factors which predispose to psychiatric disorders are also associated with milder variation in characteristic traits throughout the general population, for many psychiatric phenotypes. This finding supports the conceptualization of psychiatric disorders as the extreme ends of continuous traits.
Exploring the adoption of Lean principles in medical laboratory industry
Authors: Isack Hilma Dhiginina , Mutingi Michael , Kandjeke Hileni , Vashishth Abhishek , Chakraborty Ayon 
Published: December 2017

Purpose
As the demand for efficiency and quality in the health-care industry has increased over the past few years, adoption of Lean principles and tools in the medical laboratory industry has become increasingly crucial. The purpose of this study is to explore the level of adoption, barriers and enablers of Lean principles and tools in the Namibian medical laboratory industry.

Design/methodology/approach
A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out to examine the level of usage, barriers and enablers, impact of Lean tools and to suggest appropriate strategies for adopting Lean in the Namibian medical laboratory services.

Findings
Research findings reveal that Lean tools are moderately implemented in most laboratories. Standard operating procedures, root cause analysis, overall equipment effectiveness and visual management are the important Lean tools used in the industry. Results of the survey also show that Lean tools had a positive impact on operational performance, employee motivation, turnaround time and cost reduction. Furthermore, top management involvement, adequate training and proper planning emerged as important enablers, while lack of support from the management, financial constraint and staff resistant to change are major barriers to the adoption of Lean principles in the Namibian medical laboratory industry.

Research limitations/implications
The paper has inherent limitations of survey research, which the authors will overcome by using case studies with medical laboratories.

Practical implications
The findings of the authors’ work will help in widening the application of Lean principles in more medical laboratories in Namibia and in other parts of the world.

Originality/value
The paper is based on numerous health-care studies on Lean. This is one of the few papers investigating the adoption of Lean principles, specifically in medical laboratories, from an emerging economy such as Namibia.
Development of Six Sigma methodology to improve grinding processes
Authors: Noori Behrooz , Latifi Mana 
Published: December 2017

Purpose
This paper aims to deploy the Six Sigma methodology to facilitate defect reduction and enhance the bottom-line results of an automotive industry.

Design/methodology/approach
Six Sigma is a business process improvement strategy widely used in manufacturing field for enhancing organizational performance. Six Sigma enables the attainment of defects reduction. In this study, the Six Sigma methodology has been developed with the integration of change management tools.

Findings
Six Sigma has been successfully implemented in the grinding process in automotive engine manufacturing organization. The proposed Six Sigma methodology has been applied to facilitate defect reduction. The developed methodology with linkage of DMAIC (define, measure, analyze, improve and control) and change management techniques reduces defects.

Research limitations/implications
The developed methodology has been implemented in an automotive industrial complex. In future, more number of studies could be conducted, i.e. for mistake proofing. Furthermore, advanced tools and techniques could be included in the methodology for increasing the effectiveness of change management.

Practical implications
The proposed Six Sigma methodology has been successfully implemented in a grinding process of automotive manufacturing organization; in future, the approach could be applied in different industrial sectors with addition of new tools and techniques for improving its effectiveness.

Originality/value
The Six Sigma methodology has been designed and implemented in the grinding process. Researchers have not treated Six Sigma in much detail in the automotive industry. Moreover, previous studies on Six Sigma have not dealt with the grinding process. Besides, most studies in the field of Six Sigma have focused only on DMAIC, but this study adds change management approach to DMAIC.
Livestock grazing reinforces the competitive exclusion of small‐bodied birds by large aggressive birds
Authors: Val James , Eldridge David J. , Travers Samantha K. , Oliver Ian 
Published: December 2017

Abstract

Grazing by domestic livestock is sometimes promoted as a management tool to benefit biodiversity. In many situations, however, it can produce negative outcomes.

Here, we examine the impacts of recent and historic livestock grazing on bird communities in the semi‐arid woodlands in eastern Australia, testing the notion that grazing removes the suppressive effect of structurally complex vegetation on miners, thereby reducing the richness and abundance of small birds.

We used time‐ and area‐limited searches of 108 sites varying in livestock grazing history and intensity, to explore the direct and indirect effects of grazing, habitat complexity and the abundance of aggressive, large‐bodied birds on smaller‐bodied birds using two‐way analysis of variance and structural equation modelling.

Small birds were less abundant and had lower richness in the presence of miners. Our structural equation models indicated that recent grazing had direct suppressive effects on the abundance of miners, and both richness and abundance of all but the largest‐bodied bird groups. However, higher levels of historic livestock grazing reinforced the competitive exclusion of the six small‐bodied bird groups (insectivores, nectarivores, declining woodland birds, small ground‐foraging birds, all small birds and all non‐miners) by aggressive miners via reductions in habitat complexity. Moreover, the strength of any suppressive effects on small birds or positive effects on large birds by miners increased with increasing miner abundance.

Synthesis and applications. Our results highlight the importance of vegetation structural complexity, not only for providing habitat for woodland birds, but also as barriers to the invasion and competitive dominance of miners. Our findings suggest that management actions aimed at reducing tree and shrub density to promote open woodlands are likely to have significant negative consequences for the conservation of small woodland birds.
Conjugal intimacy, gender and modernity in contemporary China
Authors: Liu Jieyu , Bell Eona , Zhang Jiayu 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe new generation of modernity theorists have forecast the democratization of gender relations within intimate relationships in late‐modern times. Chinese society has undergone rapid and dramatic changes in its unique trajectory of political, social and economic reform. Using China as an example of a region which has been largely ignored in contemporary social theory, this article enters the debate to contest the extent to which conjugal relationships are democratized in line with modernity. We further test the assertion that modern marriages are characterized by increased self‐disclosure and communication between partners. Data from a national survey on Chinese families is analysed in relation to the level of self‐disclosure between husbands and wives; gender division of housework; household decision‐making; and home ownership. We highlight the impact of gender, cohort and location (urban, rural or migrant) on experiences of modernity and draw attention to the material, social and cultural factors which continue to shape conjugal relations in contemporary Chinese society. Based on our findings, we contest the argument that disclosing intimacy between intimate partners is a defining characteristic of modern relationships, and suggest that other social factors may condition degrees of self‐disclosure in marriage. Similarly, we question the extent to which heterosexual conjugal equality is attained: the cultural practices and values of patrilineal family organization, together with material circumstances, continue to influence marital relations in China.
Hot Off the Press: SGEM#196: Gastroparesis—I Feel Like Throwing Up
Authors: Heitz Corey , Morgenstern Justin , Milne William K. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis randomized controlled trial compared haloperidol along with conventional therapy to placebo along with conventional therapy for gastroparesis in the emergency department. The primary outcomes of pain and nausea scores at 1 hour were significantly improved in the haloperidol group, but not in the placebo group. In this summary, we discuss a quality assessment of the article and summarized the social media commentary from the blog post/podcast.
DIAGNOSIS OF JOHNE'S DISEASE IN CATTLE USING MESENTERIC LYMPH NODE BIOPSY: ACCURACY IN CLINICAL SUSPECTS
Authors: PEMBERTON D. H. 
Published: December 2017

SUMMARYHistopathological examination of biopsies of mesenteric lymph node obtained from the region of the terminal ileum proved to be a very accurate method of diagnosing Johne's disease in the living animal. Identical conclusions were reached in 100 clinical suspects following examination of either mesenteric lymph nodes alone, or a wider range of routine specimens Including ileum, caecum, colon and ileocaecal lymph nodes. A method of obtaining biopsy specimens from mesenteric lymph nodes is described and is recommended when an early definitive diagnosis Is required.
EFFECT OF ADDING SUPERPHOSPHATE TO THE DRINKING WATER ON THE FERTILITY OF DAIRY COWS
Authors: SCHARP D. W. 
Published: December 2017

SUMMARYMean serum inorganic phosphorus concentrations of cows in an infertile dairy herd of 170 cows in the Hunter Valley increased from less than 4.5 mg/100 ml to greater than 5.8 mg/100 ml after defluorinated superphosphate was added to their drinking water at the rate of 2.5 kg/450 1 once from 1976.The first service pregnancy rate increased from 36.5% to 63.2%, the mean calving to conception interval decreased from 109 days to 85 days and the number of cows culled each year for infertility fell from 15 to 5.The pasture fed to the milking cows contained on average >17% crude protein, ≥0.39% phosphorus, ≥9 ppm copper and 38–46 ppm manganese according to the dominant species. The Ca/P ratio ranged from 2 to 5.5:1. Of these, only the Ca/P ratio and the manganese concentrations appeared to be abnormal.
Structure and ultrastructure study on photophores of the Madeira lanternfish, Ceratoscopelus maderensis (Lowe, 1839), Pisces: Myctophidae
Authors: Cavallaro Mauro , Battaglia Pietro , Guerrera Maria Cristina , Abbate Francesco , Levanti Maria Beatrice , Ammendolia Giovanni , Andaloro Franco , Germanà Antonino , Laurà Rosaria 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe structure and ultrastructure of photophores in the Madeira lanternfish, Ceratoscopelus maderensis, from the Strait of Messina (Mediterranean Sea) was investigated. The structure of C. maderensis photophore observed by light microscope consists of different functional parts: the photogenic cells, involved in the light production process, and a set of dioptric annexes, such as the accessory scales, lens‐scale, reflector and pigmented layer. The photocytes have an elongated, thin and flattened shape and are located inside a cup‐shaped structure, made up of the reflector and the pigmented layer. The lens‐scale has a protection function as well as a dioptric role and is covered by accessory scales. The innervation of the lens‐scale of C. maderensis and the other structures having a neurotransmitter function are probably implicated in the regulation of intensity and direction of light emission as well in playing a role in the counterillumination camouflage in the mesopelagic environment. The anatomical description of the photophores of C. maderensis provides a scientific basis for future investigations on the functioning of photogenic systems in relation to the ecology of this mesopelagic fish.
High risk of hypogonadism in young male cancer survivors
Authors: Isaksson S. , Bogefors K. , Ståhl O. , Eberhard J. , Giwercman Y.L. , Leijonhufvud I. , Link K. , Øra I. , Romerius P. , Bobjer J. , Giwercman A. 
Published: December 2017

SummaryObjectiveCancer and its treatment in childhood and young adulthood can cause hypogonadism, leading to increased risk of long‐term morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk of presenting with biochemical signs of hypogonadism in testicular cancer survivors (TCS) and male childhood cancer survivors (CCS) in relation to the type of treatment given.DesignCase‐control study.PatientsNinety‐two TCS, 125 CCS (mean age 40 and median age 34 years, respectively; mean follow‐up time 9.2 and 24 years, respectively) and a corresponding number of age‐matched controls.MeasurementsFasting morning blood samples were analysed for total testosterone (TT), follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The odds ratios (OR) for hypogonadism, defined as primary, secondary, compensated or ongoing androgen replacement, were calculated for TCS and CCS and for subgroups defined by diagnosis and treatment.ResultsHypogonadism was found in 26% of CCS and 36% of TCS, respectively (OR: 2.1, P = .025 and OR = 2.3, P = .021). Among CCS, the OR was further increased in those given testicular irradiation (OR = 28, P = .004). Radiotherapy other than cranial or testicular irradiation plus chemotherapy, or cranial irradiation without chemotherapy, associated also with increased ORs (OR = 3.7, P = .013, and OR = 4.4, P = .038, respectively). Among TCS, those receiving >4 cycles of cisplatin‐based chemotherapy had OR = 17, P = .015.ConclusionsBiochemical signs of testosterone deficiency are recognized as markers of decreased life expectancy. Thus, the risk of hypogonadism in TCS and CCS should be recognized and emphasizes the need of long‐term follow‐up for these men.
Quality of life in elderly patients with an ostomy – a study from the population‐based PROFILES registry
Authors: Verweij N. M. , Bonhof C. S. , Schiphorst A. H. W. , Maas H. A. , Mols F. , Pronk A. , Hamaker M. E. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractAimOstomies are being placed frequently in surgically treated elderly patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). An insight into the (potential) impact of ostomies on quality of life (QoL) could be useful in patient counselling as well as in the challenging shared treatment decision‐making.MethodPatients with CRC diagnosed between 2000 and 2009 and registered in the population‐based Eindhoven Cancer Registry received a QoL questionnaire (EORTC QLQ‐C30) in 2010. In addition, QoL was compared with an age‐ and sex‐matched normative population.ResultsThe study included 2299 CRC patients, of whom 494 had an ostomy. No differences were found in reported ostomy‐related problems between patients aged ≤65, 66–75 and ≥76 years. Ostomy patients aged 66–75 and ≥76 years reported significantly lower physical functioning compared with those without an ostomy. In the elderly (those aged ≥76 years) ostomates reported a worse physical and social functioning compared with the normative population. All these differences were of small clinical relevance. The impact of an ostomy seems to be more prominent in younger (≤75 years old) ostomates, as they experience more functional limitations and a decrease in global health status compared with younger nonostomy patients and the normative population.ConclusionAlthough elderly (≥76 years old) patients with an ostomy report significantly more limitations in functioning compared with a normative population and elderly CRC patients without an ostomy, the clinical relevance of this finding is limited. In contrast, the impact of an ostomy is more prominent in younger patients. Thus, age itself is not a reason for withholding an ostomy.
Revealing a new mode of sensitization induced by mechanical circulatory support devices: Impact of anti‐AT1R antibodies
Authors: Zhang Xiaohai , Mirocha James , Aintablian Tamar , Dimbil Sadia , Moriguchi Jaime , Arabia Francisco , Kobashigawa Jon A. , Reinsmoen Nancy 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBackgroundIncreased levels of angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) antibody have been shown to be associated with allograft rejection. This study aims to determine the rate of development of antibody to AT1R after mechanical circulatory support device (MCS) implantation, and if the development of strong binding AT1R antibodies is associated with survival.MethodsEighty‐eight patients who had one MCS implantation were accessed based on serum availability. Mechanical circulatory support devices in this cohort included pneumatic bilateral paracorporeal ventricular assist device, continuous flow left ventricular assist device, and total artificial heart.ResultsOf 88 patients, seven patients had AT1R antibodies ≥40 U/mL preimplantation. For 81 patients who had AT1R antibodies <40 U/mL, the median value was 8 U/mL. Of these 81 patients, AT1R antibody levels in 55 (68%) patients reached the saturated concentration (≥40 U/mL) postimplantation (P < .0001), with the highest percentage of patients with the saturated level of AT1R antibody observed in the pneumatic bilateral paracorporeal ventricular assist device group. Compared to patients without the saturated level of AT1R antibodies, patients with the saturated AT1R antibody level had lower 18‐month survival (P = .040).ConclusionMechanical circulatory support devices implantation significantly increases AT1R antibody levels. The saturated level of AT1R antibodies is associated with lower patient survival postimplantation.
Pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with connective tissue diseases: A review focusing on distinctive clinical aspects
Authors: Kato Masaru , Atsumi Tatsuya 
Published: December 2017

AbstractRecent studies have clarified that pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with connective tissue diseases (CTD‐PAH) has some distinctive clinical aspects from other PAH, such as high prevalence, venous and cardiac involvement, less favourable outcome, helpfulness of detection algorithm, response to immunosuppression, pre‐PAH conditions in borderline pulmonary arterial pressure and coexistence of interstitial lung disease. In this review, by focusing on these distinctive aspects, we discuss how to provide an efficacious and safe management of CTD‐PAH and garner attention to areas where further evidence is desired.
Mitochondria and redox balance in coeliac disease: A case‐control study
Authors: Picca Anna , Riezzo Giuseppe , Lezza Angela M. S. , Clemente Caterina , Pesce Vito , Orlando Antonella , Chimienti Guglielmina , Russo Francesco 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBackgroundCoeliac disease (CD) is a gluten‐sensitive autoimmune disorder. Gluten toxicity encompasses a wide spectrum of target organ functions and pathologies, including the activation of the immune response and triggering of oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to investigate inflammation and the redox balance in patients with active CD, and to evaluate whether alteration of mitochondrial function is involved in the disease status.DesignIn this prospective case‐control study, blood samples from sixteen adult CD patients and sixteen healthy controls (HC) were investigated for IL‐1β, IL‐6 and IL‐8 plasma concentrations, for serum PON1 arylesterase, total and MnSOD antioxidant enzyme activities, induced TBARs levels, and for lymphocyte mtDNA content.ResultsPatients showed IL‐8 and IL‐1β concentrations significantly higher than HC counterparts. Patients had a significantly higher content of induced TBARS compared to HC value, indicating a shift in their serum redox balance towards pro‐oxidant species. The assay of antioxidant enzyme activities showed a significant 25% increase in PON1, a higher total SOD, and a significant 21% higher MnSOD in patients compared to HC. Lymphocyte mtDNA content in patients was significantly twofold higher than in HC, supporting the induction of mitochondrial biogenesis. The patients’ mitochondrial compensatory response may explain the correlation between MnSOD activity and mtDNA content. The patients’ mitochondrial oxidative stress, cooperating to cytokines secretion, may justify the correlation between IL‐1β concentration and mtDNA content.ConclusionsThese results highlight the mitochondrial involvement in CD and suggest the evaluation of the mtDNA content as a potential diagnostic and follow‐up parameter.
Site fidelity, diel and seasonal activities of yellow‐phase Japanese eels (Anguilla japonica) in a freshwater habitat as inferred from acoustic telemetry
Authors: Itakura Hikaru , Miyake Yoichi , Kitagawa Takashi , Kimura Shingo 
Published: December 2017

AbstractJapanese eels (Anguilla japonica) perform large‐scale oceanic migrations between their spawning ground and growth habitats in continental waters during life history. However, between these migrations, they spend most of time in growth habitats such as rivers. To investigate the diel and seasonal activities, homing behaviour and home range of yellow‐phase Japanese eels in the lower reach of the Tone River, we tracked them throughout a year using a fine‐scale positioning system (VPS) based on acoustic telemetry. The tracked eels were generally nocturnal, but not exclusively. They were mainly mobile from spring to autumn, with little or no activity observed during winter. A transport‐release experiment showed that most eels returned to their original capture area within 13 days after release. The eels had very small home ranges (mean ± SD = 0.085 ± 0.068 km2), core areas (0.014 ± 0.014 km2) and linear home ranges (744 ± 268 m). They also tended to be distributed on one particular side of the river (right or left bank) and in one particular shore type (revetment or vegetation), rarely moving from one to the other. This study provides evidence for nocturnal, dormancy, homing behaviours, limited habitat use and small home range size in Japanese eels. The eels clearly showed strong fidelity to a “familiar” site, which contrasts with the long distances travelled during upstream and downstream migration phases in the river, and during spawning migrations in the ocean.