bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Usefulness of Medical Thoracoscopy in the Management of Pleural Effusion Caused by Chronic Renal Failure
Authors: Colella Sara , Fioretti Federica , Massaccesi Chiara , Primomo Gian L. , Panella Gianluca , D’Emilio Vittorio , Pela Riccardo
Published: September 2017

Introduction:

Although pleural effusion (PE) can be caused by several pathologies like congestive heart failure, infections, malignancies, and pulmonary embolism, it is also a common finding in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Diagnostic thoracentesis is of limited value in the differential diagnosis, and the role of more invasive investigations like medical thoracoscopy (MT) is still unclear.

Aim:

To evaluate the usefulness of MT in unexplained PE in CKD.

Materials and Methods:

In the electronic database of our Institution, we retrospectively searched for patients with CKD who underwent MT for unexplained PE between January 2008 and August 2016.

Results:

Ten patients were included in the present study. The average age was 72.4 years, the male:female ratio 9:1 and the average blood creatinine value 5.96 mg/dL. The average follow-up was 18 months.

A thoracentesis showed an exudate was found in 9 patients and in 1 case pleural fluid characteristics were not recorded for technical reasons; in none of them the cytologic or microbiological analyses were considered diagnostic.

The clinical suspicion was a neoplastic (5) or an infectious disease (5). In 4 patients with recurrent PE, MT was performed to obtain talc pleurodesis.

No immediate procedure-related complications were recorded; 1 patient developed empyema after 2 months. In 6 cases final diagnosis was chronic uremic pleuritis, hydrothorax in 2, and chronic lymphocytic pleurisy in 2.

Conclusions:

MT represents a safe and effective diagnostic and therapeutic procedure in patients with CKD, that itself is a common cause of exudative effusion, and those patients may not require MT.
Incidence of Anal Dysplasia in a Population of High-Risk Women: Observations at a Cervical Pathology Unit
Authors: Oliver-Pérez María de los Reyes , Bravo Violeta Victoria , Legorburu Alonso Beatriz , Betancor Pérez Diana , Bebia Conesa Vicente , Jiménez López Jesús S.
Published: September 2017

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the incidence of anal dysplasia in women at high risk of developing those lesions and to assess the relationships between positive anal cytology and different risk factors.

Materials and Methods

We performed an observational cross-sectional study involving a patient survey and chart review. The study was conducted at the cervical pathology unit at the Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain, from 2011 to 2015. Patients were 215 women aged 18 to 65 years old with risk factors for anal dysplasia, for whom anal evaluation was indicated. Anal cytology was performed in all patients. High-resolution anoscopy and anal biopsy were used to investigate abnormalities. All patients completed a survey regarding sexual practices. The patients' demographic and clinical data were collected by using a retrospective chart review. The main outcome measure was the incidence of anal dysplasia in this population.

Results

Of the 215 patients, 45 (21.0%) presented with cytological abnormalities (atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance, 13.5%; low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, 5.6%; high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, 1.9%). Anoscopy was performed in 31 patients (14.4%) and 2 patients (0.9%) had abnormal findings. One case (0.5%) of low-grade anal intraepithelial neoplasia was identified. Only immunosuppression (p = .01) and smoking status (p = .02) were significantly correlated with positive anal cytology results. Limitations of the study include the small single-center sample, a lack of controls, the retrospective design, potential survey response biases, and the nonstandardized survey.

Conclusions

The incidence of abnormal cytological findings was 21.0%, whereas low-grade anal intraepithelial was confirmed in 0.5% of the patients. There is a higher incidence of cytological abnormalities among immunosuppressed women and smokers.
ASCCP Colposcopy Standards: Risk-Based Colposcopy Practice
Authors: Wentzensen Nicolas , Schiffman Mark , Silver Michelle I. , Khan Michelle J. , Perkins Rebecca B. , Smith Katie M. , Gage Julia C. , Gold Michael A. , Conageski Christine , Einstein Mark H. , Mayeaux Edward J. , Waxman Alan G. , Huh Warner K. , Massad L. Stewart
Published: September 2017

Objectives

The American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology (ASCCP) Colposcopy Standards recommendations address the role of and approach to colposcopy for cervical cancer prevention in the United States.

Materials and Methods

The recommendations were developed by an expert working group appointed by ASCCP's Board of Directors. This article describes the rationale, evidence, and recommendations related to risk-based colposcopy practice.

Results

Women referred to colposcopy have a wide range of underlying precancer risk, which can be estimated by referral screening tests including cytology and human papillomavirus testing, in conjunction with the colposcopic impression. Multiple targeted biopsies, at least 2 and up to 4, are recommended to improve detection of prevalent precancers. At the lowest end of the risk spectrum, untargeted biopsies are not recommended, and women with a completely normal colposcopic impression can be observed. At the highest end of the risk spectrum, immediate treatment is an alternative to biopsy confirmation.

Conclusions

Assessing the risk of cervical precancer at the colposcopy visit allows for modification of colposcopy procedures consistent with a woman's risk. Implementation of these recommendations is expected to lead to improved detection of cervical precancers at colposcopy, while providing more reassurance of negative colposcopy results.
ASCCP Colposcopy Standards: How Do We Perform Colposcopy? Implications for Establishing Standards
Authors: Waxman Alan G. , Conageski Christine , Silver Michelle I. , Tedeschi Candice , Stier Elizabeth A. , Apgar Barbara , Huh Warner K. , Wentzensen Nicolas , Massad L. Stewart , Khan Michelle J. , Mayeaux Edward J. , Einstein Mark H. , Schiffman Mark H. , Guido Richard S.
Published: September 2017

Objectives

The American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology (ASCCP) Colposcopy Standards recommendations address the role of and approach to colposcopy and biopsy for cervical cancer prevention in the United States. The recommendations were developed by an expert working group appointed by ASCCP's Board of Directors. Working group 3 defined colposcopy procedure guidelines for minimum and comprehensive colposcopy practice and evaluated the use of colposcopy adjuncts.

Materials and Methods

The working group performed a systematic literature review to identify best practices in colposcopy methodology and to evaluate the use of available colposcopy adjuncts. The literature provided little evidence to support specific elements of the procedure. The working group, therefore, implemented a national survey of current and recent ASCCP members to evaluate common elements of the colposcopy examination. The findings of this survey were modified by expert consensus from the ASCCP Colposcopy Standards Committee members to create guidelines for performing colposcopy. The draft recommendations were posted online for public comment and presented at an open session of the International Federation for Cervical Pathology and Colposcopy 2017 World Congress for further comment. All comments were considered in the development of final recommendations.

Results

Minimum and comprehensive colposcopy practice guidelines were developed. These guidelines represent recommended practice in all parts of the examination including the following: precolposcopy evaluation, performing the procedure, documentation of findings, biopsy practice, and postprocedure follow-up.

Conclusions

These guidelines are intended to serve as a guide to standardize colposcopy across the United States.
Association of Vulvar Symptoms With Pelvic Organ Prolapse and Urinary Incontinence
Authors: Whitis Avery A. , Lipinski Susan W. , Bradley Catherine S. , Stockdale Colleen K.
Published: September 2017

Objective

The aim of this study was to compare vulvar symptoms between urogynecology patients diagnosed with urinary incontinence (UI) and/or pelvic organ prolapse to women presenting for annual gynecological care.

Methods

This is a retrospective cross-sectional study. Vulvar symptoms (burning, pain, itching, dyspareunia, and discharge) were measured by asking respondents to rate the severity of each symptom from 0 (none) to 10 (most severe). Patient history, diagnoses, and the Urogenital Distress Inventory-6 (UDI-6) score were abstracted from records. Vulvar symptom results were categorized (0, none; 1–3), mild; ≥4, moderate to severe). Logistic regression models explored whether UI symptoms (UDI-6) and urogynecology diagnoses were associated with each vulvar symptom (moderate to severe vs none).

Results

A total of 606 urogynecology patients grouped by the following urogynecology clinical diagnoses: UI (n = 230), prolapse (n = 193), UI + prolapse (n = 183), and 258 controls (general gynecology patients) were included. The mean (± SD) age (years) was 57.5 ± 16.1, 62.4 ± 13.9, 59.0 ± 14.9, and 41.3 ± 13.8 in the UI, prolapse, UI + prolapse, and control groups, respectively (p < .01). Increasing urinary symptoms were associated with all vulvar symptoms (odds ratio [OR], 1.1–1.2 for each 1 point increase in UDI-6; p < 0.05 for all). Prolapse and UI + prolapse diagnoses (compared with controls) were associated with vulvar burning (OR [95% confidence interval {CI}], 2.5 [1.2–5.0] and 2.9 [1.3–6.1] and pain (OR (95% CI), 3.6 [1.5–8.5] and 3.3 [1.4–8.2], respectively). Prolapse diagnoses were also associated with dyspareunia (OR [95% CI], 5.4 [2.2–13.3]).

Conclusions

Patients with pelvic organ prolapse are more likely to report vulvar burning, pain, and dyspareunia than gynecologic control patients. Urinary symptoms were associated with all vulvar symptoms.
Doctors in Denial: The Forgotten Women in the “Unfortunate Experiment”
Authors: Wilkinson Edward J.
Published: September 2017

The “unfortunate experiment” that took place for a period of more than 20 years at the New Zealand Woman's Hospital in Auckland, New Zealand, had tragic results for numerous unsuspecting women and ultimately caused a 20-year setback in cervical cancer screening in New Zealand. The story of Herbert Green's evolving beliefs about cervical cancer, his pursuit of proof for his unfounded theory, based on “no more that a whim and misbelief” according to author Ron Jones, as well as the history of the active as well as passive complicity of superiors and colleagues for years in the rarified realm of academic medicine, is recounted in this engrossing and well-documented book.

A historical account of an unfortunate experiment in cervical neoplasia diagnosis and management is presented.
Assessment of Behavioral Problems in Children With Hearing Loss
Authors: Fiorillo Caitlin E. , Rashidi Vania , Westgate Philip M. , Jacobs Julie A. , Bush Matthew L. , Studts Christina R.
Published: September 2017

Objective:

To compare the prevalence of disruptive behavior problems between preschool-aged children with hearing loss and normal hearing.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Setting:

Tertiary academic center.

Patients:

Caregivers of children (2–5 yr old) with normal hearing (NH) (n = 39), hearing loss using hearing aid(s) (HA) (n = 29), or cochlear implant(s) (CI) (n = 21).

Intervention(s):

Demographic information and a mental health history were obtained. Child behavior and language development were assessed.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

The Young Child-Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children-IV and the MacArthur-Bates Communication Development Inventory III.

Results:

Distributions of race, socioeconomic status, insurance status, and parental home situation (single versus two parent family) were similar across all groups. Parents of children with hearing loss were significantly more likely to report behavior problems (HA = 41%, CI = 38%) than parents of NH children (10%; p = 0.002). Children with hearing loss were significantly more likely to meet diagnostic criteria for oppositional defiant disorder (HA = 48%, CI = 48%) than NH children (23%; p = 0.02). More NH children (8%) than hearing impaired children (0%) had accessed mental health services (p = 0.08). NH children were found to have more advanced language development than hearing-impaired children (p < 0.01), but controlling for Communication Development Inventory III percentiles, the observed behavioral differences remained.

Conclusion:

Controlling for language development, children with hearing loss have higher prevalence of and impairment from disruptive behaviors than their NH peers. These children are less likely to receive appropriate behavioral interventions. Further research is warranted to investigate the impact of disruptive behaviors on speech and hearing rehabilitation. Methods to improve access to effective behavioral interventions in this population are needed.
Long-Term Mechanical Durability of Left Ventricular Assist Devices: An Urgent Call for Periodic Assessment of Technical Integrity
Authors: Muslem Rahatullah , Akin Sakir , Constantinescu Alina A. , Manintveld Olivier , Brugts Jasper J. , van der Heiden Cees W. , Birim Ozcan , Bogers Ad J. J. C. , Caliskan Kadir
Published: September 2017

Long-term durability and incidence of potential mechanical device failure (MDF) are largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the incidence and potential predictors of MDF in continuous flow left ventricular assist device (CF-LVAD) patients. We conducted a retrospective study of all CF-LVADs (type HeartMate II) implanted in our center. MDF was defined as a failure of driveline, inflow–outflow graft, electrical power, drive unit, or motor failure, excluding device failure because of a biologic complication (e.g., device thrombosis, hemolysis, or infections). A total of 69 CF-LVADs were implanted in 59 patients (median support time 344 days [interquartile range {IQR}, 149–712 days], mean age 50.1 ± 10.7 years, 75% male). MDF occurred in 9 (13%) CF-LVAD patients at a median follow-up time of 846 (IQR, 708–1337) days after implantation. Freedom of MDF through the first, second, and third year after LVAD implantation was 100%, 85%, and 64%, respectively. Patients who experienced MDF were significantly longer supported by their LVAD (median 846 [IQR, 708–1337] vs 268 [IQR, 103–481] days; p = 0.001) and were more frequently readmitted because of LVAD-related technical problems (p = 0.002), including a higher rate of LVAD controllers exchange (44% vs 12%, respectively; p = 0.03). The main reason for MDF was a damaged or fractured driveline (n=8, 89%). In 2 patients, sudden death was related to MDF. Patients needing extended CF-LVAD support are at increasing risk for MDF. Various technical problems precede the onset of MDF. Periodical extensive assessment of the technical integrity of the device is urgently needed during long-term LVAD support.
Association of Oxidative Stress and Platelet Receptor Glycoprotein GPIbα and GPVI Shedding During Nonsurgical Bleeding in Heart Failure Patients With Continuous-Flow Left Ventricular Assist Device Support
Authors: Mondal Nandan K. , Chen Zengsheng , Trivedi Jaimin R. , Sorensen Erik N. , Pham Si M. , Slaughter Mark S. , Griffith Bartley P. , Wu Zhongjun J.
Published: September 2017

Nonsurgical bleeding (NSB) in heart failure (HF) patients with continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (CF-LVAD) support is the most common clinical complication. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between oxidative stress and platelet glycoproteins GPIbα and GPVI shedding on the incidence of NSB in CF-LVAD patients. Fifty-one HF patients undergoing CF-LVAD implantation and 11 healthy volunteers were recruited. Fourteen patients developed NSB (bleeder group) during 1 month follow-up duration, while others were considered nonbleeder group (n = 37). Several biomarkers of oxidative stress were quantified at baseline and weekly intervals in all patients. Surface expression and plasma elements of platelet receptor glycoproteins GPIbα and GPVI were measured. Oxidative stress biomarkers and platelet GPIbα and GPVI receptor-shedding (decreased surface expression and higher plasma levels) were found to be preexisting conditions in baseline samples of both groups of HF patients when compared with healthy volunteers. Significantly elevated oxidative stress biomarkers and platelet glycoprotein receptor shedding were observed in postimplant bleeder group temporarily when compared with nonbleeder group. Strong significant associations between biomarkers of oxidative stress and platelet glycoprotein receptor shedding were observed, suggesting a possible role of oxidative stress in platelet integrin shedding leading to NSB in CF-LVAD patients. Receiver operating characteristic analyses of GPIbα and GPVI indicated that the likelihood of NSB had a predictive power of bleeding complication in CF-LVAD patients. In conclusion, elevated oxidative stress may play a role in GPIbα and GPVI shedding in the event of NSB. Thus, oxidative stress and GPIbα and GPVI shedding may be used as potential biomarkers for bleeding risk stratification in those patients.
Acute kidney injury and electrolyte disorders in the critically ill patient with cancer
Authors: Rosner Mitchell H. , Capasso Giovambattista , Perazella Mark A.
Published: September 2017

Purpose of review

Patients with cancer increasingly make up a significant proportion of patients receiving care in the intensive care unit (ICU). Acute kidney injury and cancer-associated electrolyte disorders are encountered in many of these patients and can significantly impact both short-term and long-term outcomes.

Recent findings

Advances in chemotherapeutic regimens as well as in our understanding of cancer-associated kidney disease highlight the need for specialized knowledge of the unique causes and therapies required in this subset of critically ill patients. This is especially the case as targeted cancer therapies may have off-target effects that need to be recognized in a timely manner.

This review outlines key knowledge areas for critical care physicians and nephrologists caring for patients with cancer and associated kidney issues such as acute kidney injury and electrolyte disorders. Specifically, understanding kidney-specific effects of new chemotherapeutic approaches is outlined, and provides an up-to-date compendium of these effects.
Emergency Department Treatment of Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome: A Review
Authors: Khattar Neera , Routsolias Joanne C.
Published: September 2017

Background:

Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is a syndrome of cyclic vomiting associated with chronic cannabis use. As cannabis consumption steadily increases each year, CHS is becoming a commonplace and costly occurrence in hospitals nationwide. Currently, there are no best treatment strategies agreed upon universally.

Areas of Uncertainty:

Thus far, most data about CHS have come from case reports and case series. Consequently, the pathophysiology of the syndrome is unclear, and its occurrence in some cannabis users, but not others, is not understood.

Data Sources:

A literature search was conducted through PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar from inception until 2017. Publications only in English describing the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnostic criteria, and treatments of CHS were incorporated after thorough evaluation. National government surveys were also referred to for current information about the CHS patient population.

Results:

CHS should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any patient presenting with persistent nausea and vomiting. In particular, the diagnosis is suggested if the patient demonstrates regular and chronic cannabis use, intractable nausea and vomiting, cyclical vomiting, relief of symptoms with hot baths, and resolution of symptoms after cannabis cessation. There are currently many possible explanations regarding the mechanisms behind CHS. A variety of treatment options have also been examined, including hot water baths, haloperidol, capsaicin, and benzodiazepines.

Conclusions:

CHS is becoming an increasingly prevalent and complicated problem for health care providers and patients. Further research must be done to address the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of this syndrome.
The Survival Benefit of a Novel Trauma Workflow that Includes Immediate Whole-body Computed Tomography, Surgery, and Interventional Radiology, All in One Trauma Resuscitation Room
Authors: Kinoshita Takahiro , Yamakawa Kazuma , Matsuda Hiroki , Yoshikawa Yoshiaki , Wada Daiki , Hamasaki Toshimitsu , Ono Kota , Nakamori Yasushi , Fujimi Satoshi
Published: September 2017

Objective:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a novel trauma workflow, using an interventional radiology (IVR)–computed tomography (CT) system in severe trauma.

Background:

In August 2011, we installed an IVR-CT system in our trauma resuscitation room. We named it the Hybrid emergency room (ER), as it enabled us to perform all examinations and treatments required for trauma in a single place.

Methods:

This retrospective historical control study conducted in Japan included consecutive severe (injury severity score ≥16) blunt trauma patients. Patients were divided into 2 groups: Conventional (from August 2007 to July 2011) or Hybrid ER (from August 2011 to July 2015). We set the primary endpoint as 28-day mortality. The secondary endpoints included cause of death and time course from arrival to start of CT and surgery. Multivariable logistic regression analysis adjusted for clinically important variables was performed to evaluate the clinical outcomes.

Results:

We included 696 patients: 360 in the Conventional group and 336 in the Hybrid ER group. The Hybrid ER group was significantly associated with decreased mortality [adjusted odds ratio (OR), 0.50 (95% confidence interval, 95% CI, 0.29–0.85); P = 0.011] and reduced deaths from exsanguination [0.17 (0.06–0.47); P = 0.001]. The time to CT initiation [Conventional 26 (21 to 32) minutes vs Hybrid ER 11 (8 to 16) minutes; P < 0.0001] and emergency procedure [68 (51 to 85) minutes vs 47 (37 to 57) minutes; P < 0.0001] were both shorter in the Hybrid ER group.

Conclusion:

This novel trauma workflow, comprising immediate CT diagnosis and rapid bleeding control without patient transfer, as realized in the Hybrid ER, may improve mortality in severe trauma.
Complications of Urethral Bulking Agents for Stress Urinary Incontinence: An Extensive Review Including Case Reports
Authors: de Vries Allert M. , Wadhwa Harpreet , Huang Jason , Farag Fawzy , Heesakkers John P.F.A. , Kocjancic Ervin
Published: September 2017

Objectives

Stress urinary incontinence in women is a common problem that significantly impacts quality of life. Periurethral injection of urethral bulking agents (UBAs) is a simple, noninvasive, and cost-effective treatment. However, complications associated with UBA are often underappreciated. Objective of this review was to get a complete overview of all published complications of UBA.

Methods

An extensive search of the scientific literature was conducted to quantitatively summarize the complications and their treatments of 8 UBAs. A total of 117 articles (original articles and case reports) were included in the final analysis. Complication incidence, treatment incidence, and follow-up time were extracted when mentioned. Statistical analysis of complication incidence of each UBA was calculated if possible.

Results

A total of 2095 complications in 6462 treated patients were reported in 79 studies. Sixty-seven (3%) were considered serious implying operative correction (Clavien grade III); of these, 46 (69%) required incision and drainage, and 21 (31%) required a more invasive procedure. In 38 case reports and small case series, 49 patients were treated for 110 complications. Of these 110 complications, 41 (37%) can be classified as Clavien grade III.

Conclusions

This extensive review shows that various UBAs have different complication rates, with certain UBAs being more prone to serious complications. Based on available publications, most UBAs have a good safety profile, with low complication rates. However, although the majority of UBA complications are transient and require no or noninvasive treatment, serious complications may require invasive intervention and treatment.
Identifying the most surprising victims of mass extinction events: an example using Late Ordovician brachiopods
Authors: Finnegan Seth , Rasmussen Christian M. Ø. , Harper David A. T.
Published: September 2017

Mass extinction events are recognized by increases in extinction rate and magnitude and, often, by changes in the selectivity of extinction. When considering the selective fingerprint of a particular event, not all taxon extinctions are equally informative: some would be expected even under a ‘background’ selectivity regime, whereas others would not and thus require special explanation. When evaluating possible drivers for the extinction event, the latter group is of particular interest. Here, we introduce a simple method for identifying these most surprising victims of extinction events by training models on background extinction intervals and using these models to make per-taxon assessments of ‘expected’ risk during the extinction interval. As an example, we examine brachiopod genus extinctions during the Late Ordovician Mass Extinction and show that extinction of genera in the deep-water ‘Foliomenafauna’ was particularly unexpected given preceding Late Ordovician extinction patterns.
Quantifying the dominant growth mechanisms of dimorphic yeast using a lattice-based model
Authors: Tronnolone Hayden , Gardner Jennifer M. , Sundstrom Joanna F. , Jiranek Vladimir , Oliver Stephen G. , Binder Benjamin J.
Published: September 2017

A mathematical model is presented for the growth of yeast that incorporates both dimorphic behaviour and nutrient diffusion. The budding patterns observed in the standard and pseudohyphal growth modes are represented by a bias in the direction of cell proliferation. A set of spatial indices is developed to quantify the morphology and compare the relative importance of the directional bias to nutrient concentration and diffusivity on colony shape. It is found that there are three different growth modes: uniform growth, diffusion-limited growth (DLG) and an intermediate region in which the bias determines the morphology. The dimorphic transition due to nutrient limitation is investigated by relating the directional bias to the nutrient concentration, and this is shown to replicate the behaviour observedin vivo. Comparisons are made with experimental data, from which it is found that the model captures many of the observed features. Both DLG and pseudohyphal growth are found to be capable of generating observed experimental morphologies.
Population cycles emerging through multiple interaction types
Authors: Mitani Naoya , Mougi Akihiko
Published: September 2017

Cyclic dynamics of populations are outstanding and widespread phenomena across many taxa. Previous theoretical studies have mainly focused on the consumer–resource interaction as the driving force for such cycling. However, natural ecosystems comprise diverse types of species interactions, but their roles in population dynamics remains unclear. Here, using a four-species hybrid module with antagonistic, mutualistic and competitive interactions, we analytically showed that the system with major interaction types can drive population cycles. Stronger interactions easily cause cycling, and even when sub-modules with possible combinations of two interactions are stabilized by weak interactions, the system with all interaction types can cause unstable population oscillations. Diversity of interaction types allows to add mutualists to the list of drivers of oscillations in a focal species' population size, when they act in conjunction to other drivers.
Defining the flexibility window in ordered aluminosilicate zeolites
Authors: Wells Stephen A. , Leung Ka Ming , Edwards Peter P. , Tucker Matt G. , Sartbaeva Asel
Published: September 2017

The flexibility window in zeolites was originally identified using geometric simulation as a hypothetical property of SiO
2
systems. The existence of the flexibility window in hypothetical structures may help us to identify those we might be able to synthesize in the future. We have previously found that the flexibility window in silicates is connected to phase transitions under pressure, structure amorphization and other physical behaviours and phenomena. We here extend the concept to ordered aluminosilicate systems using softer ‘bar’ constraints that permit additional flexibility around aluminium centres. Our experimental investigation of pressure-induced amorphization in sodalites is consistent with the results of our modelling. The softer constraints allow us to identify a flexibility window in the anomalous case of goosecreekite.
A marker of biological age explains individual variation in the strength of the adult stress response
Authors: Andrews Clare , Nettle Daniel , Larriva Maria , Gillespie Robert , Reichert Sophie , Brilot Ben O. , Bedford Thomas , Monaghan Pat , Spencer Karen A. , Bateson Melissa
Published: September 2017

The acute stress response functions to prioritize behavioural and physiological processes that maximize survival in the face of immediate threat. There is variation between individuals in the strength of the adult stress response that is of interest in both evolutionary biology and medicine. Age is an established source of this variation—stress responsiveness diminishes with increasing age in a range of species—but unexplained variation remains. Since individuals of the same chronological age may differ markedly in their pace of biological ageing, we asked whether biological age—measured here via erythrocyte telomere length—predicts variation in stress responsiveness in adult animals of the same chronological age. We studied two cohorts of European starlings in which we had previously manipulated the rate of biological ageing by experimentally altering the competition experienced by chicks in the fortnight following hatching. We predicted that individuals with greater developmental telomere attrition, and hence greater biological age, would show an attenuated corticosterone (CORT) response to an acute stressor when tested as adults. In both cohorts, we found that birds with greater developmental telomere attrition had lower peak CORT levels and a more negative change in CORT levels between 15 and 30 min following stress exposure. Our results, therefore, provide strong evidence that a measure of biological age explains individual variation in stress responsiveness: birds that were biologically older were less stress responsive. Our results provide a novel explanation for the phenomenon of developmental programming of the stress response: observed changes in stress physiology as a result of exposure to early-life adversity may reflect changes in ageing.
The problem of camouflaging via mirror reflections
Authors: Plakhov Alexander
Published: September 2017

This work is related to billiards and their applications in geometric optics. It is known that perfectly invisible bodies with mirror surface do not exist. It is, therefore, natural to search for bodies that are, in a sense, close to invisible. We introduce a
visibility index
of a body measuring the mean angle of deviation of incident light rays, and derive a lower estimate for this index. This estimate is a function of the body’s volume and of the minimal radius of a ball containing the body. This result is far from being final and opens a possibility for further research.
The steady aerodynamics of aerofoils with porosity gradients
Authors: Hajian Rozhin , Jaworski Justin W.
Published: September 2017

This theoretical study determines the aerodynamic loads on an aerofoil with a prescribed porosity distribution in a steady incompressible flow. A Darcy porosity condition on the aerofoil surface furnishes a Fredholm integral equation for the pressure distribution, which is solved exactly and generally as a Riemann–Hilbert problem provided that the porosity distribution is Hölder-continuous. The Hölder condition includes as a subset any continuously differentiable porosity distributions that may be of practical interest. This formal restriction on the analysis is examined by a class of differentiable porosity distributions that approach a piecewise, discontinuous function in a certain parametric limit. The Hölder-continuous solution is verified in this limit against analytical results for partially porous aerofoils in the literature. Finally, a comparison made between the new theoretical predictions and experimental measurements of SD7003 aerofoils presented in the literature. Results from this analysis may be integrated into a theoretical framework to optimize turbulence noise suppression with minimal impact to aerodynamic performance.
Seasonal migration of marsupial megafauna in Pleistocene Sahul (Australia–New Guinea)
Authors: Price Gilbert J. , Ferguson Kyle J. , Webb Gregory E. , Feng Yue-xing , Higgins Pennilyn , Nguyen Ai Duc , Zhao Jian-xin , Joannes-Boyau Renaud , Louys Julien
Published: September 2017

Seasonal two-way migration is an ecological phenomenon observed in a wide range of large-bodied placental mammals, but is conspicuously absent in all modern marsupials. Most extant marsupials are typically smaller in body size in comparison to their migratory placental cousins, possibly limiting their potential to undertake long-distance seasonal migrations. But what about earlier, now-extinct giant marsupial megafauna? Here we present new geochemical analyses which show that the largest of the extinct marsupial herbivores, the enormous wombat-like
Diprotodon optatum
, undertook seasonal, two-way latitudinal migration in eastern Sahul (Pleistocene Australia–New Guinea). Our data infer that this giant marsupial had the potential to perform round-trip journeys of as much as 200 km annually, which is reminiscent of modern East African mammal migrations. These findings provide, to our knowledge, the first evidence for repetitive seasonal migration in any metatherian (including marsupials), living or extinct, and point to an ecological phenomenon absent from the continent since the Late Pleistocene.
Cryptic disease-induced mortality may cause host extinction in an apparently stable host–parasite system
Authors: Valenzuela-Sánchez Andrés , Schmidt Benedikt R. , Uribe-Rivera David E. , Costas Francisco , Cunningham Andrew A. , Soto-Azat Claudio
Published: September 2017

The decline of wildlife populations due to emerging infectious disease often shows a common pattern: the parasite invades a naive host population, producing epidemic disease and a population decline, sometimes with extirpation. Some susceptible host populations can survive the epidemic phase and persist with endemic parasitic infection. Understanding host–parasite dynamics leading to persistence of the system is imperative to adequately inform conservation practice. Here we combine field data, statistical and mathematical modelling to explore the dynamics of the apparently stableRhinoderma darwinii–Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis(Bd) system. Our results indicate that Bd-induced population extirpation may occur even in the absence of epidemics and where parasite prevalence is relatively low. These empirical findings are consistent with previous theoretical predictions showing that highly pathogenic parasites are able to regulate host populations even at extremely low prevalence, highlighting that disease threats should be investigated as a cause of population declines even in the absence of an overt increase in mortality.
How to fight multiple enemies: target-specific chemical defences in an aposematic moth
Authors: Rojas Bibiana , Burdfield-Steel Emily , Pakkanen Hannu , Suisto Kaisa , Maczka Michael , Schulz Stefan , Mappes Johanna
Published: September 2017

Animals have evolved different defensive strategies to survive predation, among which chemical defences are particularly widespread and diverse. Here we investigate the function of chemical defence diversity, hypothesizing that such diversity has evolved as a response to multiple enemies. The aposematic wood tiger moth (Arctia plantaginis) displays conspicuous hindwing coloration and secretes distinct defensive fluids from its thoracic glands and abdomen. We presented the two defensive fluids from laboratory-reared moths to two biologically relevant predators, birds and ants, and measured their reaction in controlled bioassays (no information on colour was provided). We found that defensive fluids are target-specific: thoracic fluids, and particularly 2-sec-butyl-3-methoxypyrazine, which they contain, deterred birds, but caused no aversive response in ants. By contrast, abdominal fluids were particularly deterrent to ants, while birds did not find them repellent. Our study, to our knowledge, is the first to show evidence of a single species producing separate chemical defences targeted to different predator types, highlighting the importance of taking into account complex predator communities in studies on the evolution of prey defence diversity.
Trust thy neighbour in times of trouble: background risk alters how tadpoles release and respond to disturbance cues
Authors: Bairos-Novak Kevin R. , Mitchell Matthew D. , Crane Adam L. , Chivers Douglas P. , Ferrari Maud C. O.
Published: September 2017

In aquatic environments, uninjured prey escaping a predator release chemical disturbance cues into the water. However, it is unknown whether these cues are a simple physiological by-product of increased activity or whether they represent a social signal that is under some control by the sender. Here, we exposed wood frog tadpoles (Lithobates sylvaticus) to either a high or low background risk environment and tested their responses to disturbance cues (or control cues) produced by tadpoles from high-risk or low-risk backgrounds. We found an interaction between risk levels associated with the cue donor and cue recipient. While disturbance cues from low-risk donors did not elicit an antipredator response in low-risk receivers, they did in high-risk receivers. In addition, disturbance cues from high-risk donors elicited a marked antipredator response in both low- and high-risk receivers. The response of high-risk receivers to disturbance cues from high-risk donors was commensurate with other treatments, indicating an all-or-nothing response. Our study provides evidence of differential production and perception of social cues and provides insights into their function and evolution in aquatic vertebrates. Given the widespread nature of disturbance cues in aquatic prey, there may exist a social signalling system that remains virtually unexplored by ecologists.
The role of skill in animal contests: a neglected component of fighting ability
Authors: Briffa Mark , Lane Sarah M.
Published: September 2017

What attributes make some individuals more likely to win a fight than others? A range of morphological and physiological traits have been studied intensely but far less focus has been placed on the actual agonistic behaviours used. Current studies of agonistic behaviour focus on contest duration and the vigour of fighting. It also seems obvious that individuals that fight more skilfully should have a greater chance of winning a fight. Here, we discuss the meaning of skill in animal fights. As the activities of each opponent can be disrupted by the behaviour of their rival, we differentiate among ability, technique and skill itself. In addition to efficient, accurate and sometimes precise movement, skilful fighting also requires rapid decision-making, so that appropriate tactics and strategies are selected. We consider how these different components of skill could be acquired, through genes, experiences of play-fighting and of real fights. Skilful fighting can enhance resource holding potential (RHP) by allowing for sustained vigour, by inflicting greater costs on opponents and by minimizing the chance of damage. Therefore, we argue that skill is a neglected but important component of RHP that could be readily studied to provide new insights into the evolution of agonistic behaviour.
Reversing resistance: different routes and common themes across pathogens
Authors: Allen Richard C. , Engelstädter Jan , Bonhoeffer Sebastian , McDonald Bruce A. , Hall Alex R.
Published: September 2017

Resistance spreads rapidly in pathogen or pest populations exposed to biocides, such as fungicides and antibiotics, and in many cases new biocides are in short supply. How can resistance be reversed in order to prolong the effectiveness of available treatments? Some key parameters affecting reversion of resistance are well known, such as the fitness cost of resistance. However, the population biological processes that actually cause resistance to persist or decline remain poorly characterized, and consequently our ability to manage reversion of resistance is limited. Where do susceptible genotypes that replace resistant lineages come from? What is the epidemiological scale of reversion? What information do we need to predict the mechanisms or likelihood of reversion? Here, we define some of the population biological processes that can drive reversion, using examples from a wide range of taxa and biocides. These processes differ primarily in the origin of revertant genotypes, but also in their sensitivity to factors such as coselection and compensatory evolution that can alter the rate of reversion, and the likelihood that resistance will re-emerge upon re-exposure to biocides. We therefore argue that discriminating among different types of reversion allows for better prediction of where resistance is most likely to persist.
Anthropogenic noise pollution from pile-driving disrupts the structure and dynamics of fish shoals
Authors: Herbert-Read James E. , Kremer Louise , Bruintjes Rick , Radford Andrew N. , Ioannou Christos C.
Published: September 2017

Noise produced from a variety of human activities can affect the physiology and behaviour of individual animals, but whether noise disrupts the social behaviour of animals is largely unknown. Animal groups such as flocks of birds or shoals of fish use simple interaction rules to coordinate their movements with near neighbours. In turn, this coordination allows individuals to gain the benefits of group living such as reduced predation risk and social information exchange. Noise could change how individuals interact in groups if noise is perceived as a threat, or if it masked, distracted or stressed individuals, and this could have impacts on the benefits of grouping. Here, we recorded trajectories of individual juvenile seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) in groups under controlled laboratory conditions. Groups were exposed to playbacks of either ambient background sound recorded in their natural habitat, or playbacks of pile-driving, commonly used in marine construction. The pile-driving playback affected the structure and dynamics of the fish shoals significantly more than the ambient-sound playback. Compared to the ambient-sound playback, groups experiencing the pile-driving playback became less cohesive, less directionally ordered, and were less correlated in speed and directional changes. In effect, the additional-noise treatment disrupted the abilities of individuals to coordinate their movements with one another. Our work highlights the potential for noise pollution from pile-driving to disrupt the collective dynamics of fish shoals, which could have implications for the functional benefits of a group's collective behaviour.
Effects of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and vaporized ethyl pyruvate (EP) treatment for the shelf life of‘Seolhyang’strawberries
Authors: Kim Jinse , Park Jong Woo , Park Seok Ho , Choi Dong Soo , Kim Yong Hoon , Lee Soo Jang , Park Chun Wan , Lee Jung Soo , Cho Byoung-Kwan
Published: September 2017

We have studied the technology to extend the storage period of ‘Seolhyang’ strawberries using modified atmosphere package (MAP) and ethyl pyruvate (EP) treatment for domestic distribution and export. The selected ripe strawberries harvested on December 28, 2016 at the Sancheong farmhouse were transported to the laboratory for 2 h and tested. After a day’s precooling at 4℃, the strawberries were divided into seven experimental groups. These groups were control, active MAP using low density polyethylene (LDPE), active MAP using polyamide (PA), active MAP using PA with EP treatment, passive MAP using LDPE, passive MAP using PA and passive MAP using PA with EP treatment. Quality analysis was carried out every 4 days during the storage period of 16 days. During the storage period of 16 days, MAP decreased from 3.5% to less than 1.1% in weight loss ratio compared with control, and decreased from 36% to less than 7% in fungal incidence. In the case of fungi in the EP treatment group, hyphae did not grow on the outside of the strawberry but grew to the inside. This tendency was similar to that in the low oxygen and high carbon dioxide environment of the MAP, the mycelium of the fungus did not grow outside of the strawberry. Fungi are the biggest problem in the distribution and export of strawberries, and these results suggest that MAP alone could inhibit mold and increase shelf life.
Quality and fermentative characteristics of yogurt added with hot water extract of Welsh onion root
Authors: Kim Min-Jeong , Lee Shin-Ho
Published: September 2017

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of hot water extract of Welsh onion root (HEWO) on growth of lactic acid bacteria and fermentative characteristics of yogurt. The physiochemical characteristics of HEWO such as pH, soluble solid, reducing sugar, total polyphenol content and DPPH radical scavenging activity were studied. The lactic bacterial count in brain heart infusion (BHI) broth with HEWO was about 1 log cycle higher than in control for 24 h at 37℃. The pH of yogurt prepared with HEWO (WY100) and 50% HEWO (WY50) was gradually decreased significantly but increased the viscosity of yogurt with increasing HEWO concentration during fermentation. The viable cells of lactic acid bacteria after fermentation for 24 h were 8.03 (control), 8.77 (WY50), 8.84 (WY100) log CFU/mL, respectively. The DPPH radical scavenging activity of yogurt increased with increasing HEWO concentration. Sensory quality of yogurt prepared with HEWO was higher than that of control. The pH and lactic acid bacteria of all tested yogurts decreased during storage for 10 days at 4℃ but lactic bacterial count of yogurt prepared with HEWO maintained 108 CFU/mL during storage. These results indicated the potential use of HEWO as a valuable resource to improve fermentation and functionality of yogurt.