bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors affecting access to daily oral and dental care among adults with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Chadwick Darren , Chapman Melanie , Davies Gill
Published: October 2017

Background/Purpose

Accessing oral health care can be more difficult for adults with intellectual disabilities with reports of poorer levels of oral health. This investigation identifies factors influencing engagement in day‐to‐day oral and dental health care for adults with intellectual disabilities.

Method

A survey, containing questions about facilitators and barriers to maintaining oral health and hygiene, was completed with adults with intellectual disabilities and their caregivers (N = 372).

Results

Data were analysed using thematic network analysis. Two global themes were identified; “Personal and lifestyle influences,” mentioned more often as barriers to oral care, included physical, sensory, cognitive, behavioural and affective factors and “social and environmental factors,” mentioned more as facilitators, included caregiver support, equipment and adaptations used and oral hygiene routine.

Conclusions

Numerous individual, social and environmental factors influence oral care. A coordinated organisational response is advocated involving collaboration between dental and intellectual disability services and training for caregivers and people with intellectual disabilities.
Intracardiac ablation for atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia using a 6 mm distal electrode cryoablation catheter: Prospective, multicenter, North American study (ICY‐AVNRT STUDY)
Authors: Wells Peter , Dubuc Marc , Klein George J. , Dan Dan , Roux Jean‐Francois , Lockwood Evan , Sturmer Marcio , Dunbar David , Novak Paul , Rao Arun , Peterson Brett J. , Kueffer Fred , Ellenbogen Kenneth A. ,   for the ICY‐AVNRT Investigators
Published: October 2017

Introduction

Radiofrequency (RF) ablation is effective for slow pathway ablation, but carries a risk of inadvertent AV block requiring permanent pacing. By comparison, cryoablation with a 4‐mm distal electrode catheter has not been reported to cause permanent AV block but has been shown to be less effective than RF ablation. We sought to define the safety and efficacy of a 6‐mm distal electrode cryoablation catheter for slow pathway ablation in patients with atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia (AVNRT).

Methods and results

Twenty‐six U.S. and eight Canadian centers participated in the study. Patients with supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) thought likely to be AVNRT were enrolled. If AVNRT was inducible and confirmed to be the clinical SVT, then the slow pathway was targeted with a cryoablation catheter using a standardized protocol of best practices. Acute success was defined as inducibility of no more than one echo beat after cryoablation. Primary efficacy was defined as acute success and the absence of documented recurrent AVNRT over 6 months of follow‐up. Primary safety was a composite of serious procedure‐related adverse events and/or device‐related complications. Note that 397 subjects met enrollment criteria after the EP study and received cryoablation. Mean ablation procedure duration (including a waiting period) was 89 ± 40 minutes, and mean fluoroscopy time was 4.8 ± 5.9 minutes. Isoproterenol was administered before cryoablation in 53% and after the last lesion in 85% of cases. Acute procedural success was realized in 95% (378 of 397) of subjects. No subject received a permanent pacemaker due to AV block. The slow pathway could not be ablated in 19 subjects, including: 12 due to inefficacy, 2 due to transient AV block, and 5 due to both inefficacy and transient AV block. RF ablation was used in the same procedure in 11 of 19 failed subjects, and was ineffective in 3 subjects. Among the group with acute success, 10 subjects (2.7%) had documented recurrent AVNRT over the 6‐month follow‐up period, and all occurred within 3 months of the index cryoablation. Serious procedure‐related adverse events occurred in 4 subjects (1.0%), including one each: tamponade, pulmonary embolism, femoral vein hemorrhage, and diagnostic EP catheter knotting. None of these serious adverse events were related to use of the cryoablation catheter. Overall, 93% of subjects had successful slow pathway ablation at 6 months with the study cryoablation catheter.

Conclusions

Cryoablation for AVNRT using a focal 6‐mm catheter was safe and effective. It resulted in a low risk of recurrence over 6 months of follow‐up with no incidence of AV block requiring permanent pacing.
Real‐world treatment patterns and outcomes among metastatic cutaneous melanoma patients treated with ipilimumab
Authors: Mohr P. , Ascierto P. , Arance A. , McArthur G. , Hernaez A. , Kaskel P. , Shinde R. , Stevinson K.
Published: October 2017

Background

There is a scarcity of real‐world data on treatment patterns and outcomes among advanced melanoma patients treated with immunotherapies including ipilimumab, an anti‐CTLA‐4 antibody approved since 2011.

Objective

To evaluate ipilimumab and postipilimumab treatment patterns and outcomes among patients with advanced melanoma in Australia, Germany, Italy and Spain, following regulatory approval.

Methods

Retrospective multicentre, multinational, observational chart review study. Data were extracted from the start of ipilimumab therapy until the end of at least 40 weeks of follow‐up, or death.

Results

Data from 371 patients (Australia, 103; Germany, 152; Italy, 76; Spain, 40) were analysed. Mean age was 65 years; 62% were male. Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) was 0 or 1 for 94%. In 67%, ipilimumab was initially received as second‐line or later therapy. Patients received on average 3.4 ipilimumab doses. The ipilimumab‐refractory cohort comprised of 226 patients. Of these, 17% in Australia, 47% in Germany, 29% in Italy and 14% in Spain received another antimelanoma treatment after ipilimumab including chemotherapy in 26% and BRAF/other kinase inhibitors in 11%. Ipilimumab‐refractory patients who received postipilimumab treatment showed a 40% reduced hazard of dying than those not receiving treatment after ipilimumab (HR 0.60; 95% CI 0.43–0.83), after adjustment for potential confounders.

Conclusion

During the time observed, ipilimumab was mainly used as second‐line or later therapy. A significant proportion of patients received postipilimumab therapy, most of which was chemotherapy. Nevertheless, overall survival following progression on ipilimumab treatment remained poor, highlighting the need for research to develop more effective end‐of‐life treatment options.
Possible glimpses into early speciation: the effect of ovarian fluid on sperm velocity accords with post‐copulatory isolation between two guppy populations
Authors: Devigili A. , Fitzpatrick J. L. , Gasparini C. , Ramnarine I. W. , Pilastro A. , Evans J. P.
Published: October 2017

Identifying mechanisms of reproductive isolation is key to understanding speciation. Among the putative mechanisms underlying reproductive isolation, sperm–female interactions (post‐mating–prezygotic barriers) are arguably the hardest to identify, not least because these are likely to operate at the cellular or molecular level. Yet sperm–female interactions offer great potential to prevent the transfer of genetic information between different populations at the initial stages of speciation. Here, we provide a preliminary test for the presence of a putative post‐mating–prezygotic barrier operating between three populations of Trinidadian guppies (Poecilia reticulata), an internally fertilizing fish that inhabits streams with different levels of connectivity across Trinidad. We experimentally evaluate the effect of female ovarian fluid on sperm velocity (a predictor of competitive fertilization success) according to whether males and females were from the same (native) or different (foreign) populations. Our results reveal the potential for ovarian fluid to act as a post‐mating–prezygotic barrier between two populations from different drainages, but also that the strength of this barrier is different among populations. This result may explain the previous finding that, in some populations, sperm from native males have precedence over foreign sperm, which could eventually lead to reproductive isolation between these populations.
Phylogenomics of pike cichlids (Cichlidae: Crenicichla): the rapid ecological speciation of an incipient species flock
Authors: Burress E. D. , Alda F. , Duarte A. , Loureiro M. , Armbruster J. W. , Chakrabarty P.
Published: October 2017

The rapid rise of phenotypic and ecological diversity in independent lake-dwelling groups of cichlids is emblematic of the East African Great Lakes. In this study, we show that similar ecologically based diversification has occurred in pike cichlids (Crenicichla) throughout the Uruguay River drainage of South America. We collected genomic data from nearly 500 ultraconserved element (UCEs) loci and >260 000 base pairs across 33 species, to obtain a phylogenetic hypothesis for the major species groups and to evaluate the relationships and genetic structure among five closely related, endemic, co-occurring species (the Uruguay River species flock; URSF). Additionally, we evaluated ecological divergence of the URSF based on body and lower pharyngeal jaw (LPJ) shape and gut contents. Across the genus, we recovered novel relationships among the species groups. We found strong support for the monophyly of the URSF; however, relationships among these species remain problematic, likely because of the rapid and recent evolution of this clade. Clustered co-ancestry analysis recovered most species as well delimited genetic groups. The URSF species exhibit species-specific body and LPJ shapes associated with specialized trophic roles. Collectively, our results suggest that the URSF consists of incipient species that arose via ecological speciation associated with the exploration of novel trophic roles.
Molecular Phylogeny and Surface Morphology of Thiriotia hyperdolphinae n. sp. and Cephaloidophora oradareae n. sp. (Gregarinasina, Apicomplexa) Isolated from a Deep Sea Oradarea sp. (Amphipoda) in the West Pacific
Authors: Wakeman Kevin C. , Yabuki Akinori , Fujikura Katsunori , Tomikawa Ko , Horiguchi Takeo
Published: October 2017

In an effort to broaden our understanding of the biodiversity and distribution of gregarines infecting crustaceans, this study describes two new species of gregarines, Thiriotia hyperdolphinae n. sp. and Cephaloidophora oradareae n. sp., parasitizing a deep sea amphipod (Oradarea sp.). Amphipods were collected using the ROV Hyper‐Dolphin at a depth of 855 m while on a cruise in Sagami Bay, Japan. Gregarine trophozoites and gamonts were isolated from the gut of the amphipod and studied with light and scanning electron microscopy, and phylogenetic analysis of 18S rDNA. Thiriotia hyperdolphinae n. sp. was distinguished from existing species based on morphology, phylogenetic position, as well as host niche and geographic locality. Cephaloidophora oradareae n. sp. distinguished itself from existing Cephaloidophora, based on a difference in host (Oradarea sp.), geographic location, and to a certain extent morphology. We established this latter new species with the understanding that a more comprehensive examination of diversity at the molecular level is necessary within Cephaloidophora. Results from the 18S rDNA molecular phylogeny showed that T. hyperdolphinae n. sp. was positioned within a clade consisting of Thiriotia spp., while C. oradareae n. sp. grouped within the Cephaloidophoridae. Still, supplemental genetic information from gregarines infecting crustaceans will be needed to better understand relationships within this group of apicomplexans.
Chemicals released by predation increase the growth rate of yellow perch, Perca flavescens
Authors: Barry T. P. , Dehnert G. K. , Hoppe P. D. , Sorensen P. W.
Published: October 2017

Water‐soluble factors associated with walleye Sander vitreus predation on either yellow perch Perca flavescens or fathead minnows Pimephales promelas markedly increased the growth rate of P. flavescens. The findings suggest that P. flavescens possess an inducible growth‐promoting mechanism regulated by water‐born chemicals. It may be possible to increase the growth rate of farm‐raised P. flavescens by manipulating this system.
Effects of clioquinol on the scuticociliatosis‐causing protozoan Miamiensis avidus in olive flounder Paralichthys olivaceus
Authors: Lee J‐H , Park J‐J , Choi J‐H , Kang S‐Y , Kang Y‐J , Park K H
Published: October 2017

Scuticociliatosis is a devastating and intractable protozoal disease in olive flounder, leading to a significant loss throughout the year. This study aimed to investigate a systemically effective antiscuticociliatosis agent for olive flounder for better absorption into the infected internal organs. The in vitro and in vivo antiscuticociliatosis effects of clioquinol (CQ) were examined after screening 30 biocidal agents against the highly pathogenic scuticociliate Miamiensis avidus. CQ was the most potent in vitro drug of those tested against cultured M. avidus. CQ was the least toxic in healthy olive flounder among the drugs that exhibit high potencies. In olive flounder, a single intramuscular injection of 40 mg/kg CQ significantly reduced mortality caused by artificial infection with M. avidus, and 10–20 mg/kg CQ increased fish survival times. CQ was also effective in naturally infected scuticociliatosis. Ciliate cell numbers were lower when CQ was injected in most organs, including the brain. CQ was well absorbed by the internal organs after intramuscular injection. This study suggests that CQ can be considered as a potential antiscuticociliatosis agent for systemic administration in olive flounder.
Association Between Neighborhood Cohesion and Self‐Neglect in Chinese‐American Older Adults
Authors: Hei Ailian , Dong XinQi
Published: October 2017

Objectives

To examine the association between neighborhood cohesion and risk of self‐neglect in a community‐dwelling Chinese‐American older population.

Setting

Community.

Participants

Chinese‐American older adults aged 60 and older interviewed from 2011 to 2013 (N = 3,159).

Design

Data were drawn from the Population Study of Chinese Elderly, a cross‐sectional community‐engaged study in the greater Chicago area.

Measurements

Self‐neglect was assessed with systematic observations of a participant's personal and home environment. Neighborhood cohesion was measured using six questions.

Results

After controlling for potential confounders, greater neighborhood cohesion was significantly associated with lower risk of overall self‐neglect (odds ratio (OR) = 0.87, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.77–0.98) and moderate to severe self‐neglect (OR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.58–0.85) but not significantly associated with mild self‐neglect (OR = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.82–1.09). Regarding the phenotypes of self‐neglect, greater neighborhood cohesion was significantly associated with lower risk of poor personal hygiene (OR = 0.80, 95% CI = 0.67–0.96) and need for home repair (OR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.60–0.83) but not significantly for hoarding (OR = 1.04, 95% CI = 0.89–1.21), unsanitary conditions (OR = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.76–1.02), and inadequate utilities (OR = 1.00, 95% CI = 0.77–1.31).

Conclusion

This study highlights the association between greater neighborhood cohesion and lower risk of overall self‐neglect in Chinese‐American older adults. Enhancing neighborhood cohesion may enhance elder self‐neglect prevention and intervention.
A nanocrystal-based formulation improves the pharmacokinetic performance and therapeutic response of albendazole in dogs
Authors: Paredes Alejandro Javier , Litterio Nicolás , Dib Alicia , Allemandi Daniel Alberto , Lanusse Carlos , Bruni Sergio Sánchez , Palma Santiago Daniel
Published: October 2017

Objectives

Here, we aimed to assess the pharmacokinetic performance and therapeutic response (anthelmintic efficacy) of an albendazole (ABZ) nano-sized formulation in dogs.

Methods

In the pharmacokinetic study, ABZ self-dispersible nanocrystals (SDNCS) and a control formulation were administered orally to healthy dogs (n = 6). The concentrations of the sulphoxide metabolite in plasma were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. For the anthelmintic efficacy trial, SDNCS and a commercially available formulation of ABZ were given to naturally parasitised dogs. The number of Ancylostoma caninum eggs in the faeces was determined using the McMaster technique.

Key findings

The area under the curve, Tmax and Cmax for the SDNCS were improved compared to the control. The efficacy study showed no statistical differences between the SDNCS and the commercial formulation at the doses of 25 and 12.5 mg/kg. However, significant differences (P < 0.05) between the treatments were found at 6.25 mg/kg (a quarter of the reference dose) with a reduction in the faecal nematode egg counts of 62.0 ± 21.1% and 100 ± 0% for the control and SDNCS, respectively.

Conclusions

The improved pharmacokinetic performance observed for the novel formulation of ABZ correlated with an improved in vivo therapeutic response against a model intestinal nematode parasite in dogs.
Viscum articulatum Burm. f.: a review on its phytochemistry, pharmacology and traditional uses
Authors: Patel Bhishma P , Singh Pawan K
Published: October 2017

Objectives

The aim of this study was to review and highlight traditional and ethnobotanical uses, phytochemical constituents, IP status, biological activity and pharmacological activity of Viscum articulatum.

Methods

Thorough literature searches were performed on Viscum articulatum, and data were analysed for reported traditional uses, pharmacological activity, phytochemicals present and patents filed. Scientific and patent databases such as PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Google patents, USPTO and Espacenet were searched using different keywords.

Key findings

Viscum articulatum has been traditionally used in different parts of the world for treatment of various ailments. Almost all the parts such as leaves, root, stem and bark are having medicinal values and are reported for their uses in Ayurvedic and Chinese system of medicine for the management of various diseases. Modern scientific studies demonstrate efficacy of this plant against hypertension, ulcer, epilepsy, inflammation, wound, nephrotoxicity, HIV, cancer, etc. Major bioactive phytochemicals include oleanolic acid, betulinic acid, eriodictyol, naringenin, β-amyrin acetate, visartisides, etc.

Conclusions

Side effects of allopathic medicines have created a global opportunity, acceptance and demand for phytomedicines. Viscum articulatum could be an excellent source of effective and safe phytomedicine for various ailments if focused translational efforts are undertaken by integrating the existing outcomes of researches.
Gingival tissue, an extrasynovial source of malondialdehyde‐acetaldehyde adducts, citrullinated and carbamylated proteins
Authors: Bright R. , Thiele G. M. , Manavis J. , Mikuls T. R. , Payne J. B. , Bartold P. M.
Published: October 2017

Background and Objective

Postranslational modification of proteins can lead to the production of autoantibodies and loss of immune tolerance. This process has been hypothesised to be a critical factor in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis. The objective of this study was to demonstrate that inflamed human gingival tissue provides an extrasynovial source of malondialdehyde‐acetaldehyde adducts, citrullinated and carbamylated proteins all of which are considered to be linked to the development of rheumatoid arthritis. Identification of such modified proteins in inflamed gingiva may explain, in part, how inflammation of the periodontal tissues may influence the development of rheumatoid arthritis.

Material and Methods

Gingival biopsies of healthy, mild and moderate periodontitis were triple stained with antibodies against malondialdehyde‐acetaldehyde adducts, citrullinated and carbamylated proteins.

Results

Assessment of healthy gingival tissue revealed negligible staining for carbamylated, malondialdehyde‐acetaldehyde (MAA), or citrullinated proteins. Mild periodontitis was positive for all three modifications. Furthermore, there was an increase in staining intensity for carbamylated, citrullinated and MAA‐modified proteins in moderate periodontitis. Negative staining results were observed for the isotype controls.

Conclusion

This study provides evidence for the presence of citrullinated, carbamylated and MAA adduct modified proteins in inflamed periodontal tissues. The potential for these proteins to play a role in autoimmunity in a multi‐system inflammatory syndromic disease model now needs to be determined.
Influence of tongue brushing and scraping on the oral microflora of periodontitis patients
Authors: Laleman I. , Koop R. , Teughels W. , Dekeyser C. , Quirynen M.
Published: October 2017

Objective

To examine the effect of tongue cleaning with a tongue scraper (TS) or toothbrush (TB) in patients with periodontitis.

Background

The tongue is a possible reservoir for bacterial (re)colonization of the periodontal tissues in patients with periodontitis. To date, it is not known what the influence of tongue cleaning is on the tongue coating of patients with periodontitis.

Material and Methods

Eighteen systemically healthy, untreated moderate to severe adult patients with periodontitis with some degree of tongue coating were randomly assigned to the use of a TS or TB for cleaning the tongue. Microbial load of the saliva and tongue dorsum, amount of tongue coating and patient perception about tongue cleaning were studied at baseline and 2 weeks later.

Results

Two weeks of tongue cleaning with either a TB or a TS, did not influence the microbiological counts, neither in the saliva, nor in the tongue coating, even though tongue coating was significantly less. The patients themselves experienced no differences in breath odour or taste sensation after 2 weeks of tongue cleaning; however, they felt that their tongue was cleaner at the end of the study compared to baseline. No differences could be detected between the uses of a TS vs a TB.

Conclusion

In patients with periodontitis, tongue cleaning does not influence the bacterial load in the saliva or on the tongue dorsum.
Aquatic treadmill water level influence on pelvic limb kinematics in cranial cruciate ligament‐deficient dogs with surgically stabilised stifles
Authors: Bertocci G. , Smalley C. , Brown N. , Bialczak K. , Carroll D.
Published: October 2017

Objective

To compare pelvic limb joint kinematics and temporal gait characteristics during land‐based and aquatic‐based treadmill walking in dogs that have undergone surgical stabilisation for cranial cruciate ligament deficiency.

Materials and Methods

Client‐owned dogs with surgically stabilised stifles following cranial cruciate ligament deficiency performed three walking trials consisting of three consecutive gait cycles on an aquatic treadmill under four water levels. Hip, stifle and hock range of motion; peak extension; and peak flexion were assessed for the affected limb at each water level. Gait cycle time and stance phase percentage were also determined.

Results

Ten client‐owned dogs of varying breeds were evaluated at a mean of 55·2 days postoperatively. Aquatic treadmill water level influenced pelvic limb kinematics and temporal gait outcomes. Increased stifle joint flexion was observed as treadmill water level increased, peaking when the water level was at the hip. Similarly, hip flexion increased at the hip water level. Stifle range of motion was greatest at stifle and hip water levels. Stance phase percentage was significantly decreased when water level was at the hip.

Clinical Significance

Aquatic treadmill walking has become a common rehabilitation modality following surgical stabilisation of cranial cruciate ligament deficiency. However, evidence‐based best practice guidelines to enhance stifle kinematics do not exist. Our findings suggest that rehabilitation utilising a water level at or above the stifle will achieve the best stifle kinematics following surgical stifle stabilisation.
Vision‐Based Natural Frequency Identification Using Laser Speckle Imaging and Parallel Computing
Authors: Park KyeongTaek , Torbol Marco , Kim Sehwan
Published: October 2017

This study focuses on the identification of the natural frequencies of structures through the analysis of the speckle pattern that a laser creates and a camera records. The laser pointer spreads its light over a target area on the structure and creates the speckle pattern. The ambient vibrations affect the pattern and a camera records the changes. The stream of images is fed into a graphics processing unit (GPU). The developed parallel code includes different algorithms: the speckle contrast image (SCI), the speckle flow imaging (SFI), and an innovative application of k‐means clustering that uses the geometrical centroid of each cluster as virtual sensors. The tracking of the centroid in time domain through the images creates a vibration signal. The signals from different clusters are processed together to extract the natural frequencies of the structure. This study applies the proposed method to different sample structures both in laboratory and in the field to demonstrate how the obtained signals are reliable and easy to handle. The GPU technology enhances the performance of the entire method and allows the achievement of real‐time processing. All these features create an inexpensive, portable, and efficient tool to inspect any structure or its components.
Association of echocardiographic parameters with mortality in hospitalized patients with lupus nephritis
Authors: Chen Junzhe , Tang Ying , Zhu Mingsheng , Lv Jun , Fu Sha , He Huizhen , Zeng Yuchun , Lin Cunjie , Xu Anping
Published: October 2017

Aim

Increasing evidence shows that the cardiac involvement attributes to the mortality of patients with lupus nephritis (LN) and echocardiography provides a valid measurement for cardiac disease. However, the association between echocardiographic parameters and mortality in LN patients without cardiac disease history remains unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between echocardiographic parameters and the mortality in hospitalized LN patients without cardiac disease history.

Methods

A total of 436 LN patients without cardiac disease history who underwent echocardiography at Sun Yat‐sen Memorial Hospital, between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2014, were enrolled into this study. The association between echocardiographic parameters and all‐cause and cardiac mortality of LN patients was examined by the Cox proportional hazards model.

Results

In this cohort study, the median duration of follow‐up was 18 months. Among 436 hospitalized LN patients, 88 patients (20.2%) died. Of them, 38 patients (43.2%) died of cardiac disease. Cardiac symptoms, high systolic blood pressure, high serum levels of C‐reactive protein, low serum albumin, low estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were found to be independently associated with increased all‐cause mortality. Furthermore, the cardiac symptoms, low eGFR, increased left ventricular mass index (LVMI), and decreased LVEF were independently correlated with an increased cardiac mortality risk.

Conclusions

Decreased LVEF was associated with increased all‐cause and cardiac mortality and increased LVMI was an independent risk factor for cardiac mortality in hospitalized LN patients without cardiac disease history.
Repeated sleep‐quality assessment and use of sleep‐promoting interventions in ICU
Authors: Menear Ashika , Elliott Rosalind , M Aitken Leanne , Lal Sara , McKinley Sharon
Published: October 2017

To describe sleep quality using repeated subjective assessment and the ongoing use of sleep‐promoting interventions in intensive care. It is well known that the critically ill experience sleep disruption while receiving treatment in the intensive care unit. Both the measurement and promotion of sleep is challenging in the complex environment of intensive care unit. Repeated subjective assessment of patients' sleep in the intensive care unit and use of sleep‐promoting interventions has not been widely reported. An observational study was conducted in a 58‐bed adult intensive care unit. Sleep quality was assessed using the Richards‐Campbell Sleep Questionnaire (RCSQ) each morning. intensive care unit audit sleep‐promoting intervention data were compared to data obtained prior to the implementation of a sleep guideline. Patients answered open‐ended questions about the facilitators and deterrents of their sleep in intensive care unit. The sample (n = 50) was predominately male (76%) with a mean age: 62.6±16.9 years. Sleep quality was assessed on 2 days or more for 21 patients. The majority of patients (98%) received sleep‐promoting interventions. Sleep quality had not improved significantly since the guideline was first implemented. The mean Richards‐Campbell Sleep Questionnaire score was 47.9±24.1 mm. The main sleep deterrents were discomfort and noise. Frequently cited facilitators were nothing (i.e. nothing helped) and analgesia. The Richards‐Campbell Sleep Questionnaire was used on repeated occasions, and sleep‐promoting interventions were used extensively. There was no evidence of improvement in sleep quality since the implementation of a sleep guideline. The use of the Richards‐Campbell Sleep Questionnaire for the subjective self‐assessment of sleep quality in intensive care unit patients and the implementation of simple‐promoting interventions by intensive care unit clinicians is both feasible and may be the most practical way to assess sleep in the intensive care unit context.
Operationalizing relational turbulence theory: Measurement and construct validation
Authors: SOLOMON DENISE HAUNANI , BRISINI KELLIE ST. CYR
Published: October 2017

This study assessed measures operationalizing concepts in relational turbulence theory (Solomon, Knobloch, Theiss, & McLaren, 2016). Studies of relational turbulence in marriage have used measures developed in research on dating couples; therefore, one goal was evaluating these variables in a general population sample of married individuals (N = 1,469). A second goal addressed problems in measures of relational uncertainty by assessing alternative scales. Third, associations between relational turbulence theory variables and measures of cognitive, emotional, and communicative phenomena were estimated. Fourth, the distinctiveness of relational turbulence measures relative to measures of other relational qualities was assessed. The conclusions advance new, Likert relational uncertainty scales and highlight the validity of relational turbulence constructs as distinctive predictors of cognitions, emotions, and communication.
A cluster of scedosporiosis in lung transplant candidates and recipients: The Zurich experience and review of the literature
Authors: Abela Irene A. , Murer Christian , Schuurmans Macé M. , Schmitt Juergen W. , Muller Frabci , Imkamp Frank , Mueller Nicolas J. , Benden Christian
Published: October 2017

Scedosporium species are fungal pathogens increasingly recognized in cystic fibrosis (CF). They can cause multiresistant, life‐threatening infections that are of particular concern in CF patients undergoing lung transplantation, as optimal treatment remains unclear. Here, we describe our Zurich experience of CF patients with Scedosporium infection. Disseminated infection occurred in one patient after transplantation and was successfully treated. We propose a step‐by‐step approach to treat candidates with colonization, and discuss our cases in the context of the current literature.
Does US quantitative easing affect exchange rate pass‐through in China?
Authors: Sun Puyang , Hou Xinyu , Zhang Jingjia
Published: October 2017

In this paper, we show theoretically and empirically that the US quantitative easing (QE) policy results in lower exchange rate pass‐through into the destination prices of Chinese exporters. In addition, the more the exchange rate in the export destination appreciates than the Chinese yuan, the stronger this effect becomes. Our model combines various marginal effects of QE policy on the destinations of Chinese exporters and variable markups of export firms due to strategic complementarities. The model predicts that the impact of US QE policy on the pass‐through of Chinese exporters depends on its spillover on the exchange rate between China and the export destination of different firms. We provide strong support for the model predictions using Chinese firm‐product‐level data with information on export destinations. The baseline result and the heterogeneity we find in the response of exchange rate pass‐through of Chinese exporters to US QE policy remain robust to alternative measures of samples and controls.
A dexamethasone, melphalan, actinomycin‐D and cytarabine chemotherapy protocol as a rescue treatment for feline lymphoma
Authors: Elliott J. , Finotello R.
Published: October 2017

Nineteen cats with relapsed high‐grade/large‐cell lymphoma were treated with dexamethasone, melphalan, actinomycin‐D and cytarabine (DMAC). All cats had received Cyclophosphamide, Vincristine, Prednisolone (COP) as first‐line chemotherapy and most cats had received at least 2 prior rescue agents with 14 of 19 having received both epirubicin and lomustine. Five cats (26%) exhibited a response (defined as an improvement or resolution of tumour‐associated clinical signs/tumour volume, or complete/partial response) to chemotherapy though no patients received more than 2 cycles of DMAC. Most cats tolerated the protocol well though 3 patients exhibited Veterinary Cooperative Oncology Group (VCOG) grade 4 neutropenia and 1 patient exhibited grade 4 thrombocytopenia. The median progression‐free survival and overall survival from starting DMAC were 14 and 17 days respectively. There is still an unmet need for successful rescue chemotherapy protocol for cats with relapsed lymphoma.

[Correction added on 02 November 2017, after first online publication: The expansion for the term DMAC was previously incorrect and has been corrected in this current version.]
In Swimming Branch, Identification of Family Burden of Families of Mentally Disabled Athletes
Authors: Nacar Eyyup , Karahuseyınoglu M. Fatıh , Karatas Baykal , Altungul Oguzhan
Published: October 2017

The families of individuals with down-syndrome, autism, and mental problem who need for special requirements experience physical problems, tiredness, and antisocial life, which bring additional cost to family budget, from time to time due to difficulties of their children The aim of this study is to identify family burdens charged by kids with special education needs, and in terms of which variables it becomes different.While the study was designed by the part literature”, obtained from scientific resources, personal information form, in which the demographic information of the families of kids with special needs take place, and the results of family burden assessment score, developed by Sarı and Basbakkal (2008) toward the aim of the study and consisted of 43 questions and 6 sub dimensions, were taken into consideration. In identifying family burdens, with moving from the assumption that mothers have dominant effect, the study was administered to the mothersMajority of the families participating in the study are housewife. Total mean score obtained from family burden scale were 127 in the range of 45 to 215 points. In the study carried out, it was revealed that economic burden resulted from not employed housewives; and among the factors affecting perceived inabilities of mothers with disabled child, the concerns mothers experience toward the future of their children were very difficult case for the mothers.However, families experience a concern in the form of “After my death, who will look after my child? .In the study carried out, it revealed that this case led the burdens of perceived inability to increase; and that the families tried to cope with this case, which causes concern for their kids with special needs.In the world, the sincere of the mothers facing with this kind of difficulties in the face of these cases is a great chance for kids with special needs.
Reliability of muscle blood flow and oxygen consumption response from exercise using near‐infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Lucero Adam A. , Addae Gifty , Lawrence Wayne , Neway Beemnet , Credeur Daniel P. , Faulkner James , Rowlands David , Stoner Lee
Published: October 2017

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Continuous‐wave near‐infrared spectroscopy, coupled with venous and arterial occlusions, offers an economical, non‐invasive alternative to measuring skeletal muscle blood flow and oxygen consumption, but its reliability during exercise has not been established.

What is the main finding and its importance?

Continuous‐wave near‐infrared spectroscopy devices can reliably assess local skeletal muscle blood flow and oxygen consumption from the vastus lateralis in healthy, physically active adults. The patterns of response exhibited during exercise of varying intensity agree with other published results using similar methodologies, meriting potential applications in clinical diagnosis and therapeutic assessment.

Near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), coupled with rapid venous and arterial occlusions, can be used for the non‐invasive estimation of resting local skeletal muscle blood flow (mBF) and oxygen consumption (), respectively. However, the day‐to‐day reliability of mBF and responses to stressors such as incremental dynamic exercise has not been established. The aim of this study was to determine the reliability of NIRS‐derived mBF and responses from incremental dynamic exercise. Measurements of mBF and were collected in the vastus lateralis of 12 healthy, physically active adults [seven men and five women; 25 (SD 6) years old] during three non‐consecutive visits within 10 days. After 10 min rest, participants performed 3 min of rhythmic isotonic knee extension (one extension every 4 s) at 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30% of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), before four venous occlusions and then two arterial occlusions. The mBF and increased proportionally with intensity [from 0.55 to 7.68 ml min−1 (100 ml)−1 and from 0.05 to 1.86 ml O2 min−1 (100 g)−1, respectively] up to 25% MVC, where they began to plateau at 30% MVC. Moreover, an mBF/ muscle oxygen consumption ratio of ∼5 was consistent for all exercise stages. The intraclass correlation coefficient for mBF indicated high to very high reliability for 10–30% MVC (0.82–0.9). There was very high reliability for across all exercise stages (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.91–0.96). In conclusion, NIRS can reliably assess muscle blood flow and oxygen consumption responses to low‐ to moderate‐intensity exercise, meriting potential applications in clinical diagnosis and therapeutic assessment.
Three new roads to the Planck scale
Authors: Faraoni Valerio
Published: October 2017

Three new heuristic derivations of the Planck scale are described. They are based on basic principles or phenomena of relativistic gravity and quantum physics. The Planck scale quantities thus obtained are within one order of magnitude of the “standard” ones. We contemplate the pair creation of causal bubbles so small that they can be treated as particles, the scattering of a matter wave off the background curvature of spacetime that it induces, and the Hawking evaporation of a black hole in a single burst at the Planck scale.
An acoustic demonstration of an avoided crossing
Authors: Newman William , Skinner Alexandria , Hilbert Shawn A.
Published: October 2017

We experimentally demonstrate an avoided crossing in an acoustic system, consisting of two coupled PVC tube sections. One section has a fixed length, while the other has a variable length. Coupling between these tube sections is controlled by an aluminum diaphragm with a variable hole size. The avoided crossings in the acoustic system are compared to those of a quantum infinite square well split into two regions—one of fixed length and another of variable length. The two regions are separated by a delta potential well that controls the coupling between the two regions. We demonstrate that the acoustic and quantum systems exhibit similar avoided crossing behaviors.
Personalized instructor responses to guided student reflections: Analysis of two instructors' perspectives and practices
Authors: Reinholz Daniel L. , Dounas-Frazer Dimitri R.
Published: October 2017

One way to foster a supportive culture in physics departments is for instructors to provide students with personal attention regarding their academic difficulties. To this end, we have developed the Guided Reflection Form (GRF), an online tool that facilitates student reflections and personalized instructor responses. In the present work, we report on the experiences and practices of two instructors who used the GRF in an introductory physics lab course. Our analysis draws on two sources of data: (i) post-semester interviews with both instructors and (ii) the instructors' written responses to 134 student reflections. Interviews focused on the instructors' perceptions about the goals and framing of the GRF activity, and characteristics of good or bad feedback. Their GRF responses were analyzed for the presence of up to six types of statement: encouraging statements, normalizing statements, empathizing statements, strategy suggestions, resource suggestions, and feedback to the student on the structure of students' reflections. We find that both instructors used all six response types, in alignment with their perceptions of what counts as good feedback. In addition, although each instructor had their own unique feedback style, both instructors' feedback practices were compatible with two principles for effective feedback: praise should focus on effort, express confidence in students' abilities, and be sincere; and process-level feedback should be specific and strategy-oriented. This exploratory qualitative investigation demonstrates that the GRF can serve as a mechanism for instructors to pay personal attention to their students. In addition, it opens the door to future work about the impact of the GRF on student-teacher interactions.
Entanglement isn't just for spin
Authors: Schroeder Daniel V.
Published: October 2017

Quantum entanglement occurs not just in discrete systems such as spins, but also in the spatial wave functions of systems with more than one degree of freedom. It is easy to introduce students to entangled wave functions at an early stage, in any course that discusses wave functions. Doing so not only prepares students to learn about Bell's theorem and quantum information science, but can also provide a deeper understanding of the principles of quantum mechanics and help fight against some common misconceptions. Here I introduce several pictorial examples of entangled wave functions that depend on just two spatial variables. I also show how such wave functions can arise dynamically, and describe how to quantify their entanglement.
Pharmacokinetic Modeling of Voriconazole To Develop an Alternative Dosing Regimen in Children
Authors: Gastine Silke , Lehrnbecher Thomas , Müller Carsten , Farowski Fedja , Bader Peter , Ullmann-Moskovits Judith , Cornely Oliver A. , Groll Andreas H. , Hempel Georg
Published: October 2017

The pharmacokinetic variability of voriconazole (VCZ) in immunocompromised children is high, and adequate exposure, particularly in the first days of therapy, is uncertain. A population pharmacokinetic model was developed to explore VCZ exposure in plasma after alternative dosing regimens. Concentration data were obtained from a pediatric phase II study. Nonlinear mixed effects modeling was used to develop the model. Monte Carlo simulations were performed to test an array of three-times-daily (TID) intravenous dosing regimens in children 2 to 12 years of age. A two-compartment model with first-order absorption, nonlinear Michaelis-Menten elimination, and allometric scaling best described the data (maximal kinetic velocity for nonlinear Michaelis-Menten clearance [
V
max
] = 51.5 mg/h/70 kg, central volume of distribution [
V
1
] = 228 liters/70 kg, intercompartmental clearance [
Q
] = 21.9 liters/h/70 kg, peripheral volume of distribution [
V
2
] = 1,430 liters/70 kg, bioavailability [
F
] = 59.4%,

K
m

= fixed value of 1.15 mg/liter, absorption rate constant = fixed value of 1.19 h
−1
). Interindividual variabilities for
V
max
,
V
1
,
Q
, and
F
were 63.6%, 45.4%, 67%, and 1.34% on a logit scale, respectively, and residual variability was 37.8% (proportional error) and 0.0049 mg/liter (additive error). Monte Carlo simulations of a regimen of 9 mg/kg of body weight TID simulated for 24, 48, and 72 h followed by 8 mg/kg two times daily (BID) resulted in improved early target attainment relative to that with the currently recommended BID dosing regimen but no increased rate of accumulation thereafter. Pharmacokinetic modeling suggests that intravenous TID dosing at 9 mg/kg per dose for up to 3 days may result in a substantially higher percentage of children 2 to 12 years of age with adequate exposure to VCZ early during treatment. Before implementation of this regimen in patients, however, validation of exposure, safety, and tolerability in a carefully designed clinical trial would be needed.
In Vivo
Bioluminescent Monitoring of Therapeutic Efficacy and Pharmacodynamic Target Assessment of Antofloxacin against Escherichia coli in a Neutropenic Murine Thigh Infection Model
Authors: Zhou Yu-Feng , Tao Meng-Ting , He Yu-Zhang , Sun Jian , Liu Ya-Hong , Liao Xiao-Ping
Published: October 2017

Antimicrobial resistance among uropathogens has increased the rates of infection-related morbidity and mortality. Antofloxacin is a novel fluoroquinolone with broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against urinary Gram-negative bacilli, such as
Escherichia coli
. This study monitored the
in vivo
efficacy of antofloxacin using bioluminescent imaging and determined pharmacokinetic (PK)/pharmacodynamic (PD) targets against
E. coli
isolates in a neutropenic murine thigh infection model. The PK properties were determined after subcutaneous administration of antofloxacin at 2.5, 10, 40, and 160 mg/kg of body weight. Following thigh infection, the mice were treated with 2-fold-increasing doses of antofloxacin from 2.5 to 80 mg/kg administered every 12 h. Efficacy was assessed by quantitative determination of the bacterial burdens in thigh homogenates and was compared with the bioluminescent density. Antofloxacin demonstrated both static and killing endpoints in relation to the initial burden against all study strains. The PK/PD index area under the concentration-time curve (AUC)/MIC correlated well with efficacy (
R
2
= 0.92), and the dose-response relationship was relatively steep, as observed with escalating doses of antofloxacin. The mean free drug AUC/MIC targets necessary to produce net bacterial stasis and 1-log
10
and 2-log
10
kill for each isolate were 38.7, 66.1, and 147.0 h, respectively.
In vivo
bioluminescent imaging showed a rapid decrease in the bioluminescent density at free drug AUC/MIC exposures that exceeded the stasis targets. The integration of these PD targets combined with the results of PK studies with humans will be useful in setting optimal dosing regimens for the treatment of urinary tract infections due to
E. coli
.
Thrombocytopenia with Tedizolid and Linezolid
Authors: Lee Erica Yookyung , Caffrey Aisling R.
Published: October 2017

Several studies have suggested the risk of thrombocytopenia with tedizolid, a second-in-class oxazolidinone antibiotic (approved June 2014), is less than that observed with linezolid (first-in-class oxazolidinone). Using data from the Food and Drug Administration adverse event reporting system (July 2014 through December 2016), we observed significantly increased risks of thrombocytopenia of similar magnitudes with both antibiotics: linezolid reporting odds ratio [ROR], 37.9 (95% confidence interval [CI], 20.78 to 69.17); tedizolid ROR, 34.0 (95% CI, 4.67 to 247.30).