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Clinical metrics of baseline health in sentinel seabird species can offer insight into marine ecosystem dynamics, individual and population health, and assist in wildlife rehabilitation and conservation efforts. Protein electrophoresis is useful for detecting changes in acute phase proteins and immunoglobulin levels that may indicate subtle inflammatory responses and/or infectious disease. Serum biochemistry can highlight nutritional status, metabolic derangements, and organ injury and function. However, baseline values for such health parameters are largely unknown for many seabird species. Therefore, the objective of this study is to establish baseline clinical health reference intervals for serum protein electrophoresis, acute phase proteins including serum amyloid A and haptoglobin, and biochemistry parameters in the rhinoceros auklet (Cerorhinca monocerata), a key sentinel species in the North Pacific. From 2013 to 2019, 178 wild, apparently healthy breeding adult rhinoceros auklets were captured across four breeding colonies in British Columbia, Canada (Lucy Island, Pine Island, Triangle Islands, and SGang Gwaay) and from one colony in Washington, United States (Protection Island). Reference intervals were calculated for protein electrophoresis fractions and acute phase proteins (n = 163), and serum biochemistry (n = 35) following established guidelines by the American Society of Veterinary Clinical Pathology. Animals were also assessed for the presence of antibodies to the influenza A virus. Approximately 48% (70/147) of sampled birds were seropositive for influenza A virus, with a prevalence of 50% (6/12) in 2013, 75% (47/63) in 2014, and 24% (17/72) in 2019. This work provides clinical baseline health metrics of a key North Pacific sentinel species to help inform marine ecosystem monitoring, recovery, and rehabilitation efforts in the Pacific Northwest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Error is a neglected epistemological category in the history of science. This neglect has been driven by the commonsense idea that its elimination is a general good, which often renders it invisible or at least not worth noticing. At the end of the sixteenth century across Europe, medicine increasingly focused on "popular errors," a genre where learned doctors addressed potential patients to disperse false belief about treatments. By the mid-seventeenth century, investigations into popular error informed the working methodology of natural philosophers, rather than just physicians. In 1646, Thomas Browne published Pseudodoxia Epidemica, a large volume on popular error. Despite Browne's formal training as a physician, this work examined only a few medical errors and instead aspired to be an encyclopedia of error. Pseudodoxia Epidemica was highly popular, running to six editions, and was known by the Fellows of the Royal Society. Influenced by Browne, alongside Bacon's theory of the idols, natural philosophic practice in the late sixteenth and seventeenth century developed a focus on error that revised traditional attention to the discovery of knowledge. Fellows such as Robert Boyle and Robert Hooke proposed new ways to secure truth under the far-reaching influence of Bacon's refutations of "natural human reason" distorted by false idols, of syllogistic logic, and of "theories," his label for traditional philosophical systems that bias thought toward falsity. In three parts, this article traces the progression in early modern scientific approaches to handling error, and especially medical error – from physicians' efforts to identify and eradicate it through collaborative effort, to the striking tension in Browne's work between seeking to eliminate error while also showing a marked tolerance for it, to the Royal Society's Baconian objective of instrumentalizing error to find truth. Error emerges as its own epistemic category that serves as a driving force toward knowledge production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Equine recurrent uveitis (ERU) is the leading cause of blindness for horses; previous research implicated the leopard complex spotting allele (LP) as a genetic risk factor for insidious uveitis in the Appaloosa. There is limited information about risk in the Knabstrupper. Objective: To evaluate clinical manifestations, disease frequency and potential risk factors for ERU in Knabstrupper horses. Study design: Cross‐sectional study. Methods: Ocular examinations were performed on 116 horses, and based on identified anomalies, horses were classified as suspect, ERU‐affected or having no clinical signs. Microagglutination testing (MAT) of serum assessed exposure to Leptospira spp. Clinical signs, age, sex, base colour, coat pattern, LP and PATN1 genotypes, percent white at birth, progressive roaning and Leptospira were assessed as risk factors using multivariable exact logistic regression, accounting for clustering at the barn level. Additionally, a pedigree analysis was performed (n = 20 cases and 21 controls), and coefficients of coancestry (CC) and inbreeding were calculated. Results: Prevalence of insidious uveitis in this sample of Knabstruppers was 20.7%. Similar to findings for Appaloosas, LP homozygotes had higher odds of uveitis compared with true solid (N/N) horses (LP/LP OR = 7.64, 95% CI [0.8 to +INF], p = 0.04) and age was also identified as a risk factor. After accounting for LP, the 16–20 age group had higher odds compared with the youngest group (OR = 13.36, 95% CI [1.4–213.4], p = 0.009). The distributions of average CC were significantly different between cases and controls (p = 0.01). Main limitations: A relatively small sample size decreased the power for detecting additional associations. The progressive nature of insidious uveitis may have prevented identification of younger affected horses. Conclusions: Our data support genotyping for LP to assess risk of ERU in Knabstruppers. Additional studies are necessary to develop more robust risk models across LP breeds for earlier detection and improved clinical management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ergot sclerotia produce toxic secondary metabolites, ergot alkaloids, that infect cereal crops and grasses. Ergot alkaloids have two isomeric configurations: the C-8-R-isomer (R-epimer), and the C-8-S-isomer (S-epimer). Ergot contaminated matrices, such as cereal grains or grasses, may be stored for extended periods at various temperatures before being analyzed, utilized, or consumed. This study assessed the concentration of six common ergot alkaloids in both configurations found in naturally contaminated wheat over time (one, two, and four months) at different temperatures (room temperature, +4 °C, and −20 °C) using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. The data indicate that the total ergot concentration within a natural contaminated sample varies over time at room temperature, +4 °C, and −20 °C. The total ergot concentration increased until month two, and decreased at month four, independent of temperature (p < 0.05). The total R-epimer concentration appeared to be less stable over time than the total S-epimer concentration. The changes in the total R and total S-epimer concentrations may have been caused by changes in the ergocristine and ergocristinine concentrations, respectively. Time and temperature should be considered when storing potentially contaminated matrices in a laboratory or practical agriculture situations. Quantification of ergot contaminated matrices should occur prior to their use to ensure the most reliable estimates of the concentration of ergot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Controlled environment agriculture (CEA) operations must increase resource-use efficiency, yield, and phytonutrient concentrations to remain competitive. Carotenoids are phytonutrients of interest due to their purported health promoting effects. Their content is impacted by environmental controls, including lighting. Light-use efficiency increases with greater planting density, which is highest during seedling production. This creates the opportunity to raise light intensity during seedling production to improve growth characteristics and phytonutrient concentrations at harvest. Therefore, the objective of this research was to quantify the extent to which light intensity influences carotenoid accumulation in green butterhead lettuce seedlings, and if differences remain at harvest. Lettuce 'Rex' (Lactuca sativa L.) seedlings were grown under fluorescent lighting with intensities of 60, 100, 200, 400, or 600 µmol·m−2·s−1 with a 24-h photoperiod. After 14 days, seedlings were transplanted into raft hydroponic systems in a common greenhouse environment and grown for 21 days. At transplant and final harvest, tissue samples were collected and stored at −80 °C for phytonutrient analysis. Carotenoids, β-carotene, lutein, neoxanthin, zeaxanthin, and violaxanthin, and chlorophylls a and b were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). We observed a 475% fresh mass enhancement in seedlings grown under 400 versus 60 µmol·m−2·s−1, with a 174% improvement persisting to final harvest. Higher seedling light intensities also generally increased leaf numbers in seedlings and at final harvest, as well as seedling carotenoid concentrations. Final harvest carotenoid concentrations generally decreased with increasing light intensity. Thus, producers should be cognizant that seedling light intensity strongly influences seedling and finished production yield, morphology, and carotenoid content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To describe the complications of conjunctival graft surgery occurring in cases at a referral ophthalmic service and evaluate factors that lead to occurrence of complications in canine cases. Methods: A retrospective case–control study was completed using data from the Veterinary Medical Center at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, Saskatoon, Canada, between May 2015 and March 2020. Case records from dogs that underwent conjunctival pedicle graft surgery and subsequently either did or did not develop a conjunctival graft complication were reviewed. Results: One hundred and six dogs undergoing conjunctival graft surgeries were identified. Sixteen conjunctival graft complications occurred, of which, eight led to negative outcomes. Univariable analysis comparing canine eyes that developed complications to control eyes revealed potential (p ≤.05) differences between the groups in post‐operative fluoroquinolone use, Streptococcus canis isolation, intraoperative intravenous cefazolin use, corneal stromal white cell infiltrate, and mean ulcer diameter. The use of intraoperative cefazolin could not be effectively evaluated with available data; however, no dogs (n = 22) receiving intraoperative cefazolin developed complications. Multivariable analysis revealed that dogs that were treated with a second‐generation fluoroquinolone and that had S. canis isolated had higher odds of experiencing complications than dogs that were not treated with a second‐generation fluoroquinolone and that were S. canis negative (Odds ratio = 64.7 [95% CI 6.3–669], p <.0001). Conclusions: Streptococcus species played a role in conjunctival graft complications in our study. Empiric selection of second‐generation fluoroquinolone monotherapy may need reconsideration given the frequent isolation of Streptococcus spp. from canine ulcers. The use of intraoperative cefazolin may be associated with a lower complication rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vasoconstriction is a known effect associated with ergot alkaloid consumption. The vascular contractile responses are often sustained for an extended period after exposure. Ergot alkaloids exist in two molecular configurations, the C-8-(R)-isomer (R -epimer) and the C-8-(S)-isomer (S -epimer). The sustained vascular contractile response to the R -epimers has been studied previously, unlike the S -epimers which are thought to be biologically inactive. Additionally, antagonists have been utilized to attenuate the vascular contraction associated with the R- epimers of ergot alkaloids utilizing ex vivo techniques. This study utilized an arterial tissue bath to examine and compare the sustained vascular contractile response attributed to ergocristine (R) and ergocristinine (S) using dissected bovine metatarsal arteries. The contractile blocking effect of a noncompetitive alpha-adrenergic antagonist, phenoxybenzamine (POB), was also investigated in precontracted arteries. Arteries (n = 6/epimer) were exposed to a single dose of ergocristine or ergocristinine (1 × 10−6 M in buffer). Each of the epimer doses was followed by a POB (1 × 10−3 M) or methanol (control) treatment at 90 min and the response was observed for another 90 min. Both epimers produced a sustained contractile response over the 180-min incubation period in the control groups. The R -epimer caused a greater sustained contractile response from 60 to 180 min post epimer exposure, compared to the S -epimer (P < 0.05, generalized estimating equations, independent t-test). Phenoxybenzamine caused a decrease in the contractile response induced by ergocristine and ergocristinine from 105 to 180 min, compared to the control (P < 0.05, generalized estimating equations, paired t-test). Overall, these results demonstrate the presence of a sustained vascular contractile response attributed to the R- and S -epimer of an ergot alkaloid with differences in contractile response between the epimers, suggesting differences in receptor binding mechanisms. Furthermore, this study demonstrated that a noncompetitive antagonist could attenuate the sustained arterial contractile effects of both ergot configurations ex vivo. Additional investigation into S -epimers of ergot alkaloids is needed. This research contributes to the understanding of the ergot epimer-vascular receptor binding mechanisms, which may support the investigation of different approaches of minimizing ergot toxicity in livestock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate clinicopathological prognostic indicators associated with survival based on hematology and serum biochemistry profile findings at presentation of dogs with canine parvoviral enteritis (CPE). Secondary objectives were to describe the signalment, history, physical examination findings, and progression of disease while in hospital and correlate them to survival. Design: Retrospective study from medical records of dogs diagnosed with CPE between 2001 and 2018. Setting: University teaching hospital. Animals: Three hundred twenty‐two dogs diagnosed with CPE that received in‐hospital treatment. Interventions: None. Measurements and main results: Of 322 hospitalized dogs, 294 dogs (91%) survived infection with a median hospitalization time of 79 hours. Multivariable analysis showed that glucose (P = 0.04), total magnesium (P = 0.011), and the dichotomized variable of a low HCT (P = 0.033) on presentation were significantly associated with survival. For every 1 mmol/L (18 mg/dL) decrease in glucose concentration, cases had 1.85 lower odds of survival. For every 0.1 mmol/L (0.2 mEq/L) increase in total magnesium concentration, cases had 2.50 lower odds of survival. Cases with a low HCT had 10.69 lower odds of survival. On univariable analyses, non‐survivors had a lower median body weight (P = 0.006) and presented more commonly for diarrhea (P = 0.015). At least 1 episode of diarrhea (P = 0.003) and hematochezia or melena (P < 0.001) in hospital were negatively associated with outcome, in addition to the persistence of diarrhea (P = 0.026) and hyporexia (P = 0.018) in hospital for 5 to 6 days. Conclusions: Survival rates of 91% were achieved with in‐hospital treatment in this cohort of dogs. Negative biochemical prognostic indicators affecting survival include a low HCT, decreased blood glucose concentrations, and increased total serum magnesium concentrations at presentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reconstruction of past changes in monsoon climate from speleothem oxygen isotope (δ18O) records is complex because δ18O signals can be influenced by multiple factors including changes in precipitation, precipitation recycling over land, temperature at the moisture source, and changes in the moisture source region and transport pathway. Here, we analyse >150 speleothem records of the Speleothem Isotopes Synthesis and AnaLysis (SISAL) database to produce composite regional trends in δ18O in monsoon regions; compositing minimises the influence of site-specific karst and cave processes that can influence individual site records. We compare speleothem δ18O observations with isotope-enabled climate model simulations to investigate the specific climatic factors causing these regional trends. We focus on differences in δ18O signals between the mid-Holocene, the peak of the Last Interglacial (Marine Isotope Stage 5e) and the Last Glacial Maximum as well as on δ18O evolution through the Holocene. Differences in speleothem δ18O between the mid-Holocene and the Last Interglacial in the East Asian and Indian monsoons are small, despite the larger summer insolation values during the Last Interglacial. Last Glacial Maximum δ18O values are significantly less negative than interglacial values. Comparison with simulated glacial–interglacial δ18O shows that changes are principally driven by global shifts in temperature and regional precipitation. Holocene speleothem δ18O records show distinct and coherent regional trends. Trends are similar to summer insolation in India, China and southwestern South America, but they are different in the Indonesian–Australian region. Redundancy analysis shows that 37 % of Holocene variability can be accounted for by latitude and longitude, supporting the differentiation of records into individual monsoon regions. Regression analysis of simulated precipitation δ18O and climate variables show significant relationships between global Holocene monsoon δ18O trends and changes in precipitation, atmospheric circulation and (to a lesser extent) source area temperature, whereas precipitation recycling is non-significant. However, there are differences in regional-scale mechanisms: there are clear relationships between changes in precipitation and δ18O for India, southwestern South America and the Indonesian–Australian regions but not for the East Asian monsoon. Changes in atmospheric circulation contribute to δ18O trends in the East Asian, Indian and Indonesian–Australian monsoons, and a weak source area temperature effect is observed over southern and central America and Asia. Precipitation recycling is influential in southwestern South America and southern Africa. Overall, our analyses show that it is possible to differentiate the impacts of specific climatic mechanisms influencing precipitation δ18O and use this analysis to interpret changes in speleothem δ18O. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reconstruction of past changes in monsoon climate from speleothem oxygen isotope (δ[sup 18]O) records is complex because δ[sup 18]O signals can be influenced by multiple factors including changes in precipitation, precipitation recycling over land, temperature at the moisture source and changes in the moisture source region and transport pathway. Here, we analyse > 150 speleothem records from version 2 of the Speleothem Isotopes Synthesis and Analysis (SISAL) database to produce composite regional trends in δ[sup 18]O in monsoon regions; compositing minimises the influence of site-specific karst and cave processes that can influence individual site records. We compare speleothem δ[sup 18]O observations with isotope-enabled climate model simulations to investigate the specific climatic factors causing these regional trends. We focus on differences in δ[sup 18]O signals between interglacial (mid-Holocene and Last Interglacial) and glacial (Last Glacial Maximum) states, and on δ[sup 18]O evolution through the Holocene. Differences in speleothem δ[sup 18]O between the mid-Holocene and Last Interglacial in the East Asian and Indian monsoons are small, despite the larger summer insolation values during the Last Interglacial. Last Glacial Maximum δ[sup 18]O values are significantly less negative than interglacial values. Comparison with simulated glacial-interglacial δ[sup 18]O shows that changes are principally driven by global shifts in temperature and regional precipitation. Holocene speleothem δ[sup 18]O records show distinct and coherent regional trends. Trends are similar to summer insolation in India, China and southwestern South America, but different in the Indonesian-Australian region. Redundancy analysis shows that 37 % of Holocene variability can be accounted for by latitude and longitude, supporting the differentiation of records into individual monsoon regions. Regression analysis of simulated precipitation δ[sup 18]O and climate variables show that global Holocene monsoon δ[sup 18]O trends are driven by changes in precipitation, atmospheric circulation and (to a lesser extent) source area temperature, whilst precipitation recycling is non-significant. However, there are differences in regional scale mechanisms; there are clear relationships between changes in precipitation and in δ[sup 18]O for India, southwestern South America and the Indonesian-Australian regions, but not for the East Asian monsoon. Changes in atmospheric circulation contributes to δ[sup 18]O trends in the East Asian, Indian and Indonesian-Australian monsoons, and a weak source area temperature effect is observed over southern and central America and Asia. Precipitation recycling is influential in southwestern South America and southern Africa. Overall, our analyses show that it is possible to differentiate the impacts of specific climatic mechanisms influencing precipitation δ[sup 18]O and use this analysis to interpret changes in speleothem δ[sup 18]O. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ergot alkaloids are produced by the fungus Claviceps purpurea and their levels are carefully monitored in animal and human diets due to their harmful effects and widespread contamination of cereal crops. Ergot alkaloids exist in two forms known as the (R)- and (S)-epimers with only the former being monitored in diets in North America. The (S)-epimers of ergot alkaloids are thought to be biologically inactive and, therefore, harmless. A major mechanism by which the (R)-epimers of ergot alkaloids produce their toxic effect is through vasoconstriction. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the vasoactivity potential (contractile response) of four (S)-epimers, namely ergocryptinine, ergocristinine, ergocorninine, and ergotaminine utilizing an in vitro arterial tissue bath system. Bovine metatarsal arteries (n = 6, ergocryptinine and ergocorninine; n = 6, ergocristinine and ergotaminine; n = 6 arteries/(S)-epimer, total n = 12) were collected from healthy mixed-breed beef steers immediately after slaughter, cut into 3-mm arterial cross sections, and suspended in a tissue bath with continuously oxygenated Krebs–Henseleit buffer. To assess the contractile response of each (S)-epimer, a cumulative contractile dose–response curve was constructed by incubating arteries with increasing concentrations (1 × 10−11 to 1 × 10−6 M) of that (S)-epimer. Contractile responses were recorded as grams of tension and were normalized to an initial contraction of phenylephrine. Contrary to the widespread belief, all tested (S)-epimers were found vasoactive and produced a concentration-dependent arterial contractile response similar to what has been reported for the (R)-epimers. The arterial contractile response to ergotaminine was strongest and was significantly greater than that of ergocryptinine and ergocristinine at the highest concentration used (P ≤ 0.01). Our results indicate that the (S)-epimers are biologically active and are likely harmful similar to the (R)-epimers. The levels of (S)-epimers should be carefully monitored in human and animal diets worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The article discusses various papers published in this issue including one by Rocco Di Dio on unpublished working notebook of Marsilio Ficino, one by Andie Silva and Jonathan Olson on the nuance between authors and non-authorial figures, and one by Cordelia Zukerman on the dramatist William Shakespeare.

In 1651, Alexander Ross published an attack on Thomas Browne'sPseudodoxia Epidemica, Bacon'sNatural Historyand William Harvey'sDe generatione. Ross's work,Arcana Microcosmi, defended Aristotelian natural philosophy against the ‘new philosophy’ that figures like Bacon, Harvey and Browne represented. Though Ross's attacks on these authors make up no more than half of the treatise’s contents, the book’s paratextual materials emphasise scientific debate. While Ross's authorial approach advocates reading exclusively ancient authorities for the sake of glossing and transmitting their knowledge to a wider public, in order to argue against the new philosophy Ross must engage with its textual production. Furthermore, his works advertise their focus on Bacon, Harvey and Browne, which would have attracted a readership drawn to new scientific approaches to knowledge formation. Ross's polemic represents an effort to model his devotion to ancient authority while also generating a reading public that would resist the new approach to reading that the new philosophy proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Selective 1,2-hydrosilylation of 1,3-dienes is a challenging problem in transition metal catalysis. Butadiene, specifically, would be a useful substrate because 3-butenylsilane products have promise as superior coupling reagents for hybrid organic/inorganic materials synthesis. We report the first selective 1,2-hydrosilylation of conjugated dienes including butadiene. Hydrosilylation proceeds through a Pt(II/IV) cycle, and selectivity is generated at a hexacoordinate Pt(IV) complex that favors η²-diene coordination and prevents π-allyl complex formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease that is known as "the great imitator" due to its wide variety of clinical presentations, including ocular disorders. There has been an increase in the rate of syphilis in the United States, especially in persons with HIV. We report a case of optic perineuritis in an asymptomatic male secondary to central nervous system (CNS) syphilis. Case Report. A 41-year-old man was found to have bilateral disc edema on a routine exam. Brain MRI was unremarkable, and lumbar puncture revealed a normal opening pressure, with an elevated cerebrospinal fluid white cell count. Orbit MRI showed optic nerve sheath expansion and enhancement, consistent with optic perineuritis. He tested positive for syphilis based on serum RPR and FTA-ABS. Conclusion. Ophthalmologic findings, including disc edema, may be the presenting features of CNS syphilis. Even in asymptomatic persons, perineuritis should be considered early, as diagnosis and treatment are imperative given the progressive nature of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a chemical equation for the article "1,2-Selective Hydrosilylation of Conjugated Dienes" by S. E. Parker and colleagues published in "Journal of the American Chemical Society" in 2014.

Trichinella is an important zoonotic parasite found in a range of wildlife species harvested for food and fur in Canada. We compared larval intensity from tongue and diaphragm, the best predilection sites in other animal species, from naturally infected, wild wolverines ( Gulo gulo ) (n = 95). Muscle larvae of Trichinella spp. were recovered by the pepsin/HCl artificial digestion method (gold standard) using double separatory funnels, and species were identified using multiplex PCR. Prevalence was 83% (79/95). Of those positive for Trichinella spp. ( n  = 79), 76 (96.2%) were detected in both tissues, 2 (2.5%) were positive only on diaphragm, and 1 (1.3%) only on tongue. A total of 62 of 79 wolverines (78.5%) had higher larval burden in tongue than in diaphragm, whereas 17 wolverines (21.5%) had higher larval burden in diaphragm. The predilection site (higher larval burden) of Trichinella spp. larvae did not vary significantly between juvenile and adult wolverines ( P  = 0.2), between male and female wolverines ( P  = 0.9), and among wolverines classified as having low and high larval intensities overall ( P  = 0.2). Trichinella T6 was the predominant genotype (63 of 79; 80%), followed by T. nativa (T2) (6 of 79; 8%). Mixed infections of T2 and T6 were observed in 9 of 79 (12%) wolverines. Larval intensity of Trichinella T6 was higher in tongues than diaphragms. No statement can be made for T2 due to insufficient T2 positive samples. In conclusion, tongues are a better site for sampling than diaphragms in future surveys of Trichinella larval intensity in wolverines; however, either tissue is suitable for prevalence studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) is substantial and increasing. Stroke is common in AF and can have devastating consequences. Oral anticoagulants are effective in reducing stroke risk, but are underutilized., Objective: We sought to characterize the impact of stroke on AF patients and their caregivers, gaps in knowledge and perspective between physicians and patients, and barriers to effective communication and optimal anticoagulation use., Methods: A survey was administered to AF patients with and without history of stroke, caregivers of stroke survivors, and physicians across the range of specialties caring for AF and stroke patients., Results: While AF patients (n = 499) had limited knowledge about stroke, they expressed great desire to learn more and take action to reduce their risk. They were often dissatisfied with the education they had received and desired high-quality written materials. Stroke survivors (n = 251) had poor functional outcomes and often underestimated the burden of caring for them. Caregivers (n = 203) also wished they had received more information about reducing stroke risk before their survivor's event. They commonly felt overwhelmed and socially isolated. Physicians (n = 504) did not prescribe anticoagulants as frequently as recommended by guidelines. Concerns about monitoring anticoagulation and patient compliance were commonly reported barriers. Physicians may underestimate patient willingness to take anticoagulants., Conclusion: We identified significant knowledge gaps among patients, caregivers, and physicians in relation to AF and stroke. Furthermore, gaps in perspective often lead to suboptimal communication and decision making. Increased education and better communication between all stakeholders are needed to reduce the impact of stroke in AF., (Copyright © 2015 Heart Rhythm Society and National Stroke Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The emergence of severe porcine circoviral disease in North America is associated with Porcine circovirus-2 genotype b (PCV-2b), which has led to speculation that PCV-2b is more virulent than PCV-2a. The objectives of this study were to 1) correlate the PCV-2 DNA concentration and lesions in wasting (WST) and age-matched healthy (HLTH) pigs from 2 clinically affected farms, and unaffected (UNFCT) pigs from a farm with no prior clinical or diagnostic history of PCVD; and 2) to determine the initial estimates of sensitivity and specificity of PCV-2 quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). PCV-2b was confirmed in all 3 farms. Compared with HLTH pigs, WST pigs demonstrated significantly more prevalent thymic atrophy, failure of normal pulmonary collapse, and ascites (P < 0.017 for all). The HLTH and UNFCT pigs had significantly more pronounced lymphoid germinal centers and proliferative paracortical T-dependent zones, compared with WST pigs (P < 0.017). Across all tissues, PCV-2 DNA concentrations were significantly higher in WST compared with HLTH and UNFCT pigs (P < 0.017 for all). The PCV-2 DNA concentrations were strongly correlated with PCV-2 nucleocapsid staining intensity in lymph node, spleen, Peyer's patches, lung, liver, and kidney (0.60 < or = r < or = 0.84). In the current study, the PCV-2 DNA log10 cutoff concentrations best able to distinguish WST from HLTH and UNFCT pigs were between 7.0 and 8.0 per gram for tissues, and between 4.0 and 5.0 per milliliter for sera. The presence of PCV-2b in UNFCT pigs is evidence that PCV-2b by itself is not sufficient to induce severe disease.