bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Renal Resistance Trend During Hypothermic Machine Perfusion Is More Predictive of Postoperative Outcome Than Biopsy Score: Preliminary Experience in 35 Consecutive Kidney Transplantations
Authors: Bissolati Massimiliano , Gazzetta Paolo Giovanni , Caldara Rossana , Guarneri Giovanni , Adamenko Olga , Giannone Fabio , Mazza Michele , Maggi Giulia , Tomanin Deborah , Rosati Riccardo , Secchi Antonio , Socci Carlo
Published: March 2018

Hypothermic machine perfusion (HPM) grants a better postoperative outcome in transplantation of organs procured from extended criteria donors (ECDs) and donors after cardiac death (DCD). So far, the only available parameter for outcome prediction concerning those organs is pretransplant biopsy score. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether renal resistance (RR) trend during HPM may be used as a predictive marker for post‐transplantation outcome. From December 2015 to present, HMP has been systematically applied to all organs from ECDs and DCD. All grafts underwent pretransplantation biopsy evaluation using Karpinski's histological score. Only organs that reached RR value ≤1.0 within 3 hours of perfusion were transplanted. Single kidney transplantation (SKT) or double kidney transplantation (DKT) were performed according to biopsy score results. Sixty‐five HMPs were performed (58 from ECDs and 7 from DCD/ECMO donors). Fifteen kidneys were insufficiently reconditioned (RR > 1) and were therefore discarded. Forty‐nine kidneys were transplanted, divided between 21 SKT and 14 DKT. Overall primary nonfunction (PNF) and delayed graft function (DGF) rate were 2.9 and 17.1%, respectively. DGF were more common in kidneys from DCD (67 vs. 7%; P = 0.004). Biopsy score did not correlate with PNF/DGF rate (P = 0.870) and postoperative creatinine trend (P = 0.796). Recipients of kidneys that reached RR ≤ 1.0 within 1 hour of HMP had a lower PNF/DGF rate (11 vs. 44%; P = 0.033) and faster serum creatinine decrease (POD10 creatinine: 1.79 mg/dL vs. 4.33 mg/dL; P = 0.019). RR trend is more predictive of post‐transplantation outcome than biopsy score. Hence, RR trend should be taken into account in the pretransplantation evaluation of the organs.
Meta‐analysis of trials comparing cefazolin to antistaphylococcal penicillins in the treatment of methicillin‐sensitive Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia
Authors: Rindone Joseph P. , Mellen Chadwick K.
Published: March 2018

Aims

The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness and safety of cefazolin vs. antistaphylococcal penicillin (ASP) in the treatment of methicillin‐sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) bacteraemia.

Methods

The databases of PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Central were used to identify comparative trials of cefazolin vs. ASP in MSSA bacteraemia. Meta‐analysis of included trials was performed to assess any differences regarding mortality, clinical cure, recurrence and withdrawal from adverse effects between groups. Data were analysed using fixed effect model. Studies were weighted using Mantel–Haenszel methodology. Heterogeneity was calculated using the I2 statistic.

Results

Nine retrospective and one prospective trials were identified involving 4728 patients, 2954 with ASP and 1774 with cefazolin. Meta‐analysis showed a lower mortality rate with cefazolin vs. ASP using fixed effect model [risk ratio (RR) 0.78, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.69–0.88, P < 0.0001] with borderline high heterogeneity (I2 = 51%). Clinical cure was noted more often with cefazolin (RR 1.09, 95% CI 1.02–1.17, P = 0.02), although no difference was noted with relapse (RR 1.29, 95% CI 0.96–1.74 P = 0.09). Analysis also showed more withdrawals from adverse events with ASP vs. cefazolin (RR 0.27, 95% CI 0.16–0.47, P < 0.00001). A minority of patients enrolled in these trials were admitted to the intensive care unit or had endocarditis (11.4% with ASP and 9% with cefazolin).

Conclusion

Our meta‐analysis of retrospective data demonstrate that cefazolin is more effective and safer ASP in patients with MSSA bacteraemia from various causes. Low quality of trials, borderline high heterogeneity, and possible publication bias may limit the validity of our findings. Randomized trials are needed to confirm these findings.
Couples coping with sensory loss: A dyadic study of the roles of self‐ and perceived partner acceptance
Authors: Lehane Christine M. , Nielsen Tine , Wittich Walter , Langer Shelby , Dammeyer Jesper
Published: March 2018

Objectives

Hearing‐, vision‐, and dual‐sensory loss have been linked to relational and psychological distress among adults with sensory loss (AWSLs) and their spouses. Regardless, research on factors associated with couples’ adjustment is lacking. This study examined the stability and strength of associations between self‐acceptance of sensory loss, perceived partner acceptance of sensory loss, and relationship satisfaction and psychological distress among AWSLs and their spouses over time.

Design

A total of 122 AWSLs and their spouses completed an online survey at two time points over a 6‐month period.

Methods

A multigroup (i.e., time 1 and time 2) actor–partner interdependence model assessed the stability and strength of actor and partner effects of self‐acceptance and perceived partner acceptance on each partner's relationship satisfaction and psychological distress over time.

Results

No moderation by time was identified, indicating stability in associations over the 6‐month period. Overall, both actor and partner effects were evident. Specifically, self‐acceptance among AWSLs was inversely associated with own psychological distress and the relationship satisfaction of spouses. Self‐acceptance by spouses was inversely associated with the psychological distress of AWSLs and spouses. Perception of spouse acceptance by AWSLs was positively associated with own and spouse relationship satisfaction.

Conclusions

Interventions targeting acceptance that incorporate a family systems perspective may be beneficial in alleviating psychological and relational distress among couples coping with sensory loss.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

The experience of hearing and/or vision loss has been linked to heightened distress both psychologically and within intimate relationships. Prior research has demonstrated a link between an individual's ability to accept their sensory loss and healthier well‐being.

What does this study add?

This is the first dyadic study of sensory loss acceptance and its link to relationship satisfaction and distress.

Acceptance operates interpersonally protecting against distress for those with sensory loss and their spouses.

Perceiving that one's spouse accepts the sensory loss is important for both partner's relationship satisfaction.
The potential effects of climate change on the habitat range of the Vancouver Island marmot (Marmota vancouverensis)
Authors: Thelin Larissa , Lewis Jeff , Gilchrist Alan , Craig Jessica
Published: March 2018

Research shows that the rise in surface temperatures induced by climate change will cause many animal species to follow their shifting ranges either upwards in elevation or polewards. Since the Vancouver Island marmot, one of Canada's most vulnerable species, is found in only a few fragmented locations on the Island, a shift in range could be detrimental to their well‐being. Using habitat restrictions based on existing successful hibernacula, this study modeled the marmot's current potential habitat range, which was found to be approximately 3200 km2, or 9.6% of the area of Vancouver Island. Next, we modeled the potential shift in habitat range due to the projected change in the climate of Vancouver Island and found that the habitat range shrinks to just 85 km2, or 0.2% of Vancouver Island. These results outline a clear trend in marmot habitat—that the impacts of climate change will substantially reduce the amount of potential habitat for the Vancouver Island marmot. We recommend that further research focus on the impacts of climate change on local climate regimes, including snowpack, marmot predators, and marmot food sources. Soil depths and natural meadows are also important to marmot habitat and require additional research and mapping.
PAI‐1 induces Src inhibitor resistance via CCL5 in HER2‐positive breast cancer cells
Authors: Fang Hehui , Jin Juan , Huang Doudou , Yang Fang , Guan Xiaoxiang
Published: March 2018

Tyrosine kinase Src is overexpressed and activated in various tumors, including breast cancer, and is supposed to promote cancer formation and development. Src inhibitors have been developed recently and have shown efficacy in breast cancer as a single agent or in combination with anti‐HER2 antibodies or chemotherapy. Unfortunately, the potency of Src inhibitor is limited by the development of drug resistance. In our study, we established an Src inhibitor saracatinib‐resistant breast cancer cell line (SKBR‐3/SI) for the first time and by evaluating mRNA expression profile, we found that plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1) was upregulated in saracatinib‐resistant cells compared to the parent cells. Further study demonstrated that PAI‐1 might induce saracatinib resistance in breast cancer cells by increasing the secretion of chemokine (C‐C motif) ligand 5 (CCL5). Functional assays showed that PAI‐1 and CCL5 overexpression promoted cell proliferation and migration in breast cancer cells, while inhibition of PAI‐1 and CCL5 decreased cell proliferation and migration in saracatinib‐resistant cells. We also showed that targeting PAI‐1 or CCL5 could reverse saracatinib resistance, which deserves more attention in clinical settings.
Pathological tumor regression grade of metastatic tumors in lymph node predicts prognosis in esophageal cancer patients
Authors: Kadota Tomohiro , Hatogai Ken , Yano Tomonori , Fujita Takeo , Kojima Takashi , Daiko Hiroyuki , Fujii Satoshi
Published: March 2018

Tumor regression grade of the primary tumor (TRG‐PT) and residual lymph node metastasis have been pathologically determined in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients who had received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (nCT) followed by surgery; however, TRG of the metastatic tumor involving lymph nodes (LN) has not yet been determined. The aim of the present study was to clarify the impact of TRG on the prognosis of ESCC patients. ESCC patients (n = 110) who had received nCT followed by surgery were enrolled. Dissected LN were classified into 2 categories: plausible positive metastatic LN (pp‐MLN) where viable and/or degenerated ESCC cells and/or tissue modifications were observed, and non‐metastatic LN (non‐MLN) where neither of them was observed. We defined nCT‐effective rate (CER) as the ratio of the number of pp‐MLN that showed tumor regression to the total number of pp‐MLN, and divided CER into low‐CER (LCER; ≥0% and <50%) and high‐CER (HCER; ≥50% and ≤100%). Relationships between CER and clinicopathological factors including prognosis were then examined. Multivariate analyses of 110 patients indicated that ypT3‐4 (P = .023, HR; 2.551), positive venous infiltration (P = .006, HR; 3.526), and LCER (P = .033, HR; 1.922) were independently associated with shorter recurrence‐free survival (RFS). Multivariate analyses of 43 patients with grade 0 TRG‐PT showed that ypT3‐4 (P = .033, HR; 3.397) and LCER (P = .008, HR; 3.543) were independently associated with shorter RFS. This study showed that CER was one of the prognostic factors for ESCC patients who had received nCT followed by surgery.
Gait research in cerebral palsy: should we zoom in or zoom out?
Authors: Givon Uri
Published: March 2018

This commentary is on the original article by Salami et al. on pages 833–838 of this issue.
Right atrial structure and function in patients with hypertension and with chronic heart failure
Authors: Proplesch Moritz , Merz Allison A. , Claggett Brian L. , Lewis Eldrin F. , Dwyer Kristin H. , Crousillat Daniela R. , Lau Emily S. , Silverman Montane B. , Peck Julie , Rivero Jose , Cheng Susan , Platz Elke
Published: March 2018

Background

Prior studies have shown that both heart failure (HF) and atrial fibrillation (AF) are factors that impact left atrial function and structure. However, right atrial (RA) function measured as RA emptying fraction (RAEF) on echocardiography has not been analyzed systematically in a chronic HF population. The aim of this study was to assess RA volume index (RAVI) and RAEF in patients with chronic HF and patients with hypertension (HTN) and to relate these findings to other cardiopulmonary ultrasound parameters and 12‐month outcomes.

Methods and Results

In this prospective observational study, we identified 119 patients with chronic HF (64 patients without a history of AF [HF without AF], 55 with AF [HF with AF]), and 127 patients with HTN but without important cardiac disease who underwent routine outpatient transthoracic echocardiography. We found that RAEF was impaired in patients with HF without AF compared to patients with HTN (35% ±2 vs 50% ±1, P < .001), whereas RAVI did not differ between these two groups. Lower RAEF was associated with larger RAVI and higher estimated RA pressures but not with a higher degree of pulmonary congestion by lung ultrasound. Both lower RAEF and higher RAVI were associated with an increased risk of 12‐month HF hospitalizations or all‐cause death (age, sex, and AF adjusted HR: 4.07, 95% CI: 1.69–9.79; P = .002, vs 2.74, 95% CI: 1.15–6.54, P = .023).

Conclusions

In an outpatient HF cohort, both lower RAEF and increased RAVI were associated with other markers of impaired cardiac function and 12‐month adverse events.
Assessment of multidirectional movements of the common carotid artery in atherothrombotic stroke using dimensional speckle tracking carotid ultrasonography: A prospective, controlled cohort study
Authors: Yoon Ji Hyun , Han Donghee , Kim Sujin , Cho In‐Jeong , Sung Ji min , Lee Jinyong , Ryoo Hojin , Shim Chi Young , Hong Geu‐Ru , Chang Hyuk‐Jae
Published: March 2018

Aim

We aimed to explore the relevance of multidirectional movements of the common carotid artery in atherothrombotic stroke.

Methods and Results

We prospectively enrolled 69 patients with atherothrombotic stroke (stroke group) and 69 age‐matched and sex‐matched controls (control group) who underwent carotid ultrasonography. Based on the speckle tracking technique, circumferential and radial movements of the common carotid artery were analyzed from transverse and longitudinal B‐mode images of the common carotid artery. Peak longitudinal and radial displacements, strain, and strain rate were measured. Mean age of the overall population was 64 ± 11 years, and 57% (78 patients) were men. In the transverse image, circumferential strain was significantly lower in the stroke group than in the control group (5.6 ± 1.6 vs 4.2 ± 1.7, P < .001). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, circumferential strain was independently associated with stroke (odds ratio: 0.60, P = .001). Compared with conventional risk factors, as well as carotid intima–media thickness and carotid plaque, the addition of a strain parameter appeared to improve discrimination of a stroke event (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve: 0.65 and 0.75 vs 0.84, respectively; P < .05 for both).

Conclusions

Circumferential strain of the common carotid artery might serve as a novel surrogate marker of atherothrombotic stroke. Multidirectional strain imaging of the common carotid artery may provide more information than conventional carotid ultrasonography and identify clinical risk factors for risk stratification of an acute stroke event.
Species–area relationships and biodiversity loss in fragmented landscapes
Authors: Chisholm Ryan A. , Lim Felix , Yeoh Yi Shuen , Seah Wei Wei , Condit Richard , Rosindell James
Published: March 2018

To estimate species loss from habitat destruction, ecologists typically use species–area relationships, but this approach neglects the spatial pattern of habitat fragmentation. Here, we provide new, easily applied, analytical methods that place upper and lower bounds on immediate species loss at any spatial scale and for any spatial pattern of habitat loss. Our formulas are expressed in terms of what we name the ‘Preston function’, which describes triphasic species–area relationships for contiguous regions. We apply our method to case studies of deforestation and tropical tree species loss at three different scales: a 50 ha forest plot in Panama, the tropical city‐state of Singapore and the Brazilian Amazon. Our results show that immediate species loss is somewhat insensitive to fragmentation pattern at small scales but highly sensitive at larger scales: predicted species loss in the Amazon varies by a factor of 16 across different spatial structures of habitat loss.
Radiosurgery versus open surgery for mesial temporal lobe epilepsy: The randomized, controlled ROSE trial
Authors: Barbaro Nicholas M. , Quigg Mark , Ward Mariann M. , Chang Edward F. , Broshek Donna K. , Langfitt John T. , Yan Guofen , Laxer Kenneth D. , Cole Andrew J. , Sneed Penny K. , Hess Christopher P. , Yu Wei , Tripathi Manjari , Heck Christianne N. , Miller John W. , Garcia Paul A. , McEvoy Andrew , Fountain Nathan B. , Salanova Vincenta , Knowlton Robert C. , Bagić Anto , Henry Thomas , Kapoor Siddharth , McKhann Guy , Palade Adriana E. , Reuber Markus , Tecoma Evelyn
Published: March 2018

Objective

To compare stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) versus anterior temporal lobectomy (ATL) for patients with pharmacoresistant unilateral mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE).

Methods

This randomized, single‐blinded, controlled trial recruited adults eligible for open surgery among 14 centers in the USA, UK, and India. Treatment was either SRS at 24 Gy to the 50% isodose targeting mesial structures, or standardized ATL. Outcomes were seizure remission (absence of disabling seizures between 25 and 36 months), verbal memory (VM), and quality of life (QOL) at 36‐month follow‐up.

Results

A total of 58 patients (31 in SRS, 27 in ATL) were treated. Sixteen (52%) SRS and 21 (78%) ATL patients achieved seizure remission (difference between ATL and SRS = 26%, upper 1‐sided 95% confidence interval = 46%, P value at the 15% noninferiority margin = .82). Mean VM changes from baseline for 21 English‐speaking, dominant‐hemisphere patients did not differ between groups; consistent worsening occurred in 36% of SRS and 57% of ATL patients. QOL improved with seizure remission. Adverse events were anticipated cerebral edema and related symptoms for some SRS patients, and cerebritis, subdural hematoma, and others for ATL patients.

Significance

These data suggest that ATL has an advantage over SRS in terms of proportion of seizure remission, and both SRS and ATL appear to have effectiveness and reasonable safety as treatments for MTLE. SRS is an alternative to ATL for patients with contraindications for or with reluctance to undergo open surgery.
Improving health literacy in a Japanese community population—A pilot study to develop an educational programme
Authors: Ishikawa Hirono , Yamaguchi Ikuko , Nutbeam Don , Kato Mio , Okuhara Tsuyoshi , Okada Masafumi , Kiuchi Takahiro
Published: March 2018

Objective

Although a growing number of interventional studies on health literacy have been conducted recently, the majority were designed in clinical settings, focusing mainly on functional health literacy. This study evaluated a programme designed to improve health literacy in a community population, with a scope of going beyond functional health literacy.

Methods

In collaboration with an Approved Specified Nonprofit organization (NPO), we evaluated a five‐session programme designed to provide basic knowledge on health‐care policy and systems, current issues in health care in Japan, patient roles and relationships with health‐care providers and interpersonal skills. In total, 67 of 81 programme participants agreed to participate in the study, and 54 returned the completed questionnaires at baseline and at follow‐up. Health literacy and trust in the medical profession were measured at baseline and at follow‐up. Participants’ learning through the programme was qualitatively analysed by thematic analysis.

Results

Quantitative examinations of the changes in health literacy and degree of trust in medical professionals between the baseline and follow‐up suggested that health literacy significantly improved after implementing the programme. The thematic analysis of participants’ learning throughout the programme suggested that they not only acquired knowledge and skills but also experienced a shift in their beliefs and behaviours.

Discussion

Providing individuals who are motivated to learn about health‐care systems and collaborate with health‐care providers with the necessary knowledge and skills may improve their health literacy, which could enable them to maintain and promote their health and that of their family and other people around them.
What, where and when? Using Google Trends and Google to investigate patient needs and inform pharmacy practice
Authors: Hanna Alan , Hanna Lezley-Anne
Published: March 2018

Objectives

The aim was to provide a comprehensive overview (using pertinent examples) of the various ways that Google Trends and Google data could inform pharmacy practice. The objectives were to: examine what type of information people search for in relation to a common class of medicines; ascertain where people are directed to (websites) following an initial search for a medicine or medical condition; and establish information about when they search.

Methods

The methodology differed depending on whether Google Trends or Google was being interrogated, but the search domain was always limited to the United Kingdom. Google Trends was queried, typically for a 5-year time frame, and data downloaded for many search inputs relating to medical conditions (self-treatable and non-self-treatable) and medicines (bought over-the-counter and prescribed). Google was queried and data collected for searches related to ‘antibiotics’.

Key findings

Google Trends revealed a previously unknown seasonality pattern for irritable bowel syndrome. Related searches for ‘antibiotics’ revealed a high level of interest in the appropriateness of concomitant alcohol consumption and queries about what antibiotics are. Largely, people were being directed to reputable websites following their initial search input about a prescription-only medicine. However, searches for over-the-counter medicines were more likely to lead to commercial domains.

Conclusions

This is one of the first studies to investigate use of Google Trends and Google in a pharmacy-specific context. It is relevant for practice as it could inform marketing strategies, public health policy and help tailor patient advice and counselling.
Quality spillover, tariff, and multinational firms' local sourcing strategies
Authors: Niu Baozhuang , Mu Zihao , Chen Kanglin
Published: March 2018

It is prevalent for multinational firms (MNFs) to enter a market by importing products of superior quality, and then engage in local competition with domestic manufacturers (DMs). Alternatively, many MNFs voluntarily expose themselves to the risk of quality spillover by strategically sourcing from DMs to avoid the tariff burden. In this paper, we consider a DM and an MNF that strategically choose whether to source from the DM, and characterize the tradeoff between the tariff burden and the potential loss due to quality spillover. We analyze the supply chain parties' preferences over the MNF's sourcing strategies and the impact of the government's tariff regulation. We show that the MNF prefers domestic sourcing (DS) when the risk of quality spillover is low, while the manufacturer usually sees an opposite preference. However, we find that there exists a win‐win zone where both MNF and DM prefer the MNF's domestic sourcing simultaneously. From the government's perspective, DS always results in more output of high‐quality products, and more social welfare when quality spillover is sufficiently valuable. Interestingly, we find that, even if the quality spillover is limited, more social welfare can be obtained under DS, if the tariff rate is either low or high. The government is hence able to facilitate the incentive alignment between the MNF and the DM by adjusting the tariff regulation, which improves product quality and social welfare in the domestic market, although there exist some danger zones where the regulation is inefficient.
Studies on the effects of LPS, ß‐glucan and metabolic inhibitors on the respiratory burst and gene expression in Atlantic salmon macrophages
Authors: Ulvestad J S , Kumari J , Seternes T , Chi H , Dalmo R A
Published: March 2018

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in macrophage‐like cells is induced as an antimicrobial defence against invading pathogens. In this study, we have explored how different stimuli and metabolic inhibitors affect the level of respiratory burst in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) head kidney macrophage‐like cells. Cells stimulated in vitro by bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and ß‐glucan showed increased production of ROS compared to unstimulated cells. Both stimulation and costimulation by curdlan (ß‐glucan) induced a higher production of ROS compared to stimulation and costimulation by LPS. Metabolic inhibitors co‐incubated with the stimulants did not, in most cases, perturb the level of ROS generation in the salmon macrophage‐like cells. The NAD+ content as well as the NAD+/NADH ratio increased in curdlan and LPS + curdlan‐stimulated cells compared to control cells, which indicated increased metabolic activity in the stimulated cells. Supporting these findings, gene analysis using real‐time quantitative PCR showed that arginase‐1 and IL‐1ß genes were highly expressed in the stimulated cells.
Syncope, Hypotension, and Falls in the Treatment of Hypertension: Results from the Randomized Clinical Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial
Authors: Sink Kaycee M. , Evans Gregory W. , Shorr Ronald I. , Bates Jeffrey T. , Berlowitz Dan , Conroy Molly B. , Felton Deborah M. , Gure Tanya , Johnson Karen C. , Kitzman Dalane , Lyles Mary F. , Servilla Karen , Supiano Mark A. , Whittle Jeff , Wiggers Alan , Fine Lawrence J.
Published: March 2018

Objective

To determine predictors of serious adverse events (SAEs) involving syncope, hypotension, and falls, with particular attention to age, in the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial.

Design

Randomized clinical trial.

Setting

Academic and private practices across the United States (N = 102).

Participants

Adults aged 50 and older with a systolic blood pressure (SBP) of 130 to 180 mmHg at high risk of cardiovascular disease events, but without diabetes, history of stroke, symptomatic heart failure or ejection fraction less than 35%, dementia, or standing SBP less than 110 mmHg (N = 9,361).

Intervention

Treatment of SBP to a goal of less than 120 mmHg or 140 mmHg.

Measurements

Outcomes were SAEs involving syncope, hypotension, and falls. Predictors were treatment assignment, demographic characteristics, comorbidities, baseline measurements, and baseline use of cardiovascular medications.

Results

One hundred seventy‐two (1.8%) participants had SAEs involving syncope, 155 (1.6%) hypotension, and 203 (2.2%) falls. Randomization to intensive SBP control was associated with greater risk of an SAE involving hypotension (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.67, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.21–2.32, P = .002), and possibly syncope (HR = 1.32, 95% CI = 0.98–1.79, P = .07), but not falls (HR = 0.98, 95% CI = 0.75–1.29, P = .90). Risk of all three outcomes was higher for participants with chronic kidney disease or frailty. Older age was also associated with greater risk of syncope, hypotension, and falls, but there was no age‐by‐treatment interaction for any of the SAE outcomes.

Conclusions

Participants randomized to intensive SBP control had greater risk of hypotension and possibly syncope, but not falls. The greater risk of developing these events associated with intensive treatment did not vary according to age.
Social meaning in a shifting grammatical landscape: The perception of nonagreement in existential there constructions
Authors: Hilton Katherine
Published: March 2018

Although number nonagreement is typically stigmatized and relatively uncommon in English, it is the norm in existential there constructions. Specifically, the nonagreeing form there's + NPpl enjoys widespread use and acceptance – most speakers use there's more frequently than even plural forms (e.g. there are) to introduce plural nouns. Moreover, it has been argued that there's + NPpl is becoming more frequent and socially accepted over time. This study uses social perception experiments to analyze whether there's + NPpl is becoming the unmarked form for introducing plural nouns in the present tense. The results of these experiments demonstrate that (1) there's + NPpl is sociolinguistically distinct from other singular, nonagreeing forms (e.g. there is), (2) the use of there's + NPpl appears to lack any social stigma, even among listeners who describe themselves as very bothered by nonstandard language use, and (3) the prescriptively correct present tense plural agreeing form there are is perceived as somewhat hyperstandard.
Treatment of canine sinonasal aspergillosis with clotrimazole infusion in patients with cribriform plate lysis
Authors: Stanton J. A. , Miller M. L. , Johnson P. , Davignon D. L. , Barr S. C.
Published: March 2018

Objective

To describe the treatment of sinonasal aspergillosis with topical 1% clotrimazole solution in dogs with cribriform plate lysis.

Materials and Methods

This retrospective study includes data retrieval from medical records of dogs with sinonasal aspergillosis and cribriform plate lysis that underwent topical treatment with 1% clotrimazole solution.

Results

Five dogs with sinonasal aspergillosis, cribriform plate lysis diagnosed on CT scans, and normal neurologic examinations were treated with a single (n=3) or multiple (n=2) infusions of clotrimazole solution. No dogs developed clinical neurologic disease after therapy.

Clinical Significance

In this study, a topical clotrimazole solution was not associated with adverse neurologic effects in neurologically normal dogs with sinonasal aspergillosis and cribriform plate lysis.
Incidence of and associated factors for bacterial colonization of intravenous catheters removed from dogs in response to clinical complications
Authors: Guzmán Ramos Pedro Jose , Fernández Pérez Cristina , Ayllón Santiago Tania , Baquero Artigao M. Rosario , Ortiz‐Díez Gustavo
Published: March 2018

Background

Infection rate associated with intravenous (IV) catheter placement is emerging as an important issue in small animal veterinary medicine, mostly because of the economic costs associated with these infections. Identification of possible associated factors may provide useful information for the surveillance and prevention of such infections.

Objectives

To determine the incidence of positive bacterial cultures obtained from IV catheters used in dogs hospitalized for at least 48 hours and removed because of clinical complication. To identify the bacteria involved and factors associated with bacterial colonization.

Animals

One‐hundred eighty‐two dogs that underwent IV catheterization from January 2015 to July 2015 at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of Alfonso X el Sabio University of Madrid were enrolled in the study.

Results

The bacterial colonization rate of all IV catheters removed in response to clinical complications was 39.6%, the cumulative proportion of catheters that remained in place at 24, 48, and 72 hours after placement was 89.5, 78, and 59.4%, respectively. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression indicated significant associations for staff who performed catheterization (junior, P = .002; student, P = .034) and use of steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (P = .036). The most frequently isolated bacterium was Acinetobacter spp. (21.7%).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

The bacterial colonization incidence related to IV catheter placement was slightly higher than the incidence described in other veterinary studies. Associated factors not previously described in veterinary medicine were found. The most frequently isolated organism was Acinetobacter spp., indicating its importance as an emerging pathogen in catheter colonization.
Plant Products in Compounded Diets Are Effectively Utilized by American Alligator, Alligator mississippiensis
Authors: Reigh Robert C. , Williams Millie B.
Published: March 2018

Growth performance of American alligators fed a plant‐based diet was measured in a 10‐mo feeding trial. Hatchling alligators (192 in total) received one of three dietary treatments: a 56% crude protein (CP) commercial diet fed for 3 mo followed by a 50% CP commercial diet fed for 7 mo (56/50); a 56% CP diet fed for 3 mo followed by an experimental 45% digestible‐protein (DP), plant‐based diet fed for 7 mo (56/45); or a 45% DP diet fed for 10 mo (45/45). Final mean length and weight (L/W) of alligators fed 45/45 were lower (P < 0.05) than L/W of animals fed 56/50, but L/W of alligators fed 56/45 was not different (P > 0.05) from L/W of alligators fed 56/50 or 45/45. Also, the range of growth responses among animals in all treatment groups showed that some better‐performing individuals fed 45/45 or 56/45 grew as large as animals fed 56/50. Results indicated that the American alligator can effectively utilize plant products in a compounded diet, and additional research on optimizing the use of selected plant products in alligator feeds is warranted.
Hyper‐immunoglobulin D syndrome with novel mutations in an afebrile infant
Authors: Cadmus Simi D. , Green Reid , Carrasco Ruy , Levy Moise L. , Diaz Lucia Z.
Published: March 2018

Hyper‐immunoglobulin D syndrome is a rare autosomal‐recessive autoinflammatory syndrome in which a mevalonate kinase deficiency results due to mutations of the mevalonate kinase gene. We report a case of an Asian male infant who was found to have hyper‐immunoglobulin D syndrome in the absence of fever. His skin manifestations included cephalic pustulosis as well recurrent transient and fixed pink plaques and nodules on the face and extremities. Subsequent examination revealed hyper‐immunoglobulin D syndrome with two novel allelic mutations in the mevalonate kinase gene: c.895G > A (p.D299N) and c.1168C > T (p.Q390). It is important for dermatologists to recognize the varied cutaneous presentations of hyper‐immunoglobulin D syndrome because rapid diagnosis and treatment can significantly affect outcomes.
Contractualism for Us As We Are
Authors: Southwood Nicholas
Published: March 2018

A difficult problem for contractualists is how to provide an interpretation of the contractual situation that is both subject to appropriately stringent constraints and yet also appropriately sensitive to certain features of us as we actually are. My suggestion is that we should embrace a model of contractualism that is structurally analogous to the “advice model” of the ideal observer theory famously proposed by Michael Smith (1994, 1995). An advice model of contractualism is appealing since it promises to deliver a straightforward solution to the so‐called “conditional fallacy.” But it faces some formidable challenges. On the face of it, it seems to be straightforwardly conceptually incoherent. And it seems to deliver a solution to the conditional fallacy at the cost of being vulnerable to what I shall call “the concessional fallacy.” I shall consider how, if at all, these challenges are to be met. I shall then conclude by considering what this might mean for the so‐called “ideal/non‐ideal theory” issue.
Hand distance modulates the electrophysiological correlates of target selection during a tactile search task
Authors: Ambron Elisabetta , Mas‐Casadesús Anna , Gherri Elena
Published: March 2018

This study investigated whether the N140cc ERP component, described as a possible electrophysiological marker of target selection in touch, was modulated by body posture. Participants performed a tactile search task in which they had to localize a tactile target, presented to the left or right hand, while a simultaneous distractor was delivered to the opposite hand. Importantly, the distance between target and distractor (hands separation) was manipulated in different experimental conditions (near vs. far hands). Results showed reduced errors and enhanced amplitudes of the late N140cc when the hands were far apart than in close proximity. This suggests that the competition between target and distractor is stronger when the hands are close together in the near condition, resulting in a degraded selection process. These findings confirm that the N140cc reflects target selection during the simultaneous presentation of competing stimuli and demonstrate for the first time that the attentional mechanisms indexed by this ERP component are based at least in part on postural representations of the body.
Alcohol hangover impacts learning and reward processing within the medial‐frontal cortex
Authors: Howse Ashley D. , Hassall Cameron D. , Williams Chad C. , Hajcak Greg , Krigolson Olave E.
Published: March 2018

It is common knowledge that alcohol intoxication impairs motor coordination, judgment, and decision making. Indeed, an abundance of literature links intoxication to impaired cognitive control that leads to accidents and injury. A broadening body of research, however, suggests that the impact of alcohol may continue beyond the point of intoxication and into the period of alcohol hangover. Here, we examined differences in the amplitude of reward positivity—a component of the human ERP associated with learning—between control and hangover participants. During performance of a learnable gambling task, we found a reduction in the reward positivity during alcohol hangover. Additionally, participants experiencing alcohol hangover demonstrated reduced performance in the experimental task in comparison to their nonhangover counterparts. Our results suggest that the neural systems that underlie performance monitoring and reward‐based learning are impaired during alcohol hangover.
An Integrated Scenario Ensemble‐Based Framework for Hurricane Evacuation Modeling: Part 1—Decision Support System
Authors: Davidson Rachel A. , Nozick Linda K. , Wachtendorf Tricia , Blanton Brian , Colle Brian , Kolar Randall L. , DeYoung Sarah , Dresback Kendra M. , Yi Wenqi , Yang Kun , Leonardo Nicholas
Published: March 2018

This article introduces a new integrated scenario‐based evacuation (ISE) framework to support hurricane evacuation decision making. It explicitly captures the dynamics, uncertainty, and human–natural system interactions that are fundamental to the challenge of hurricane evacuation, but have not been fully captured in previous formal evacuation models. The hazard is represented with an ensemble of probabilistic scenarios, population behavior with a dynamic decision model, and traffic with a dynamic user equilibrium model. The components are integrated in a multistage stochastic programming model that minimizes risk and travel times to provide a tree of evacuation order recommendations and an evaluation of the risk and travel time performance for that solution. The ISE framework recommendations offer an advance in the state of the art because they: (1) are based on an integrated hazard assessment (designed to ultimately include inland flooding), (2) explicitly balance the sometimes competing objectives of minimizing risk and minimizing travel time, (3) offer a well‐hedged solution that is robust under the range of ways the hurricane might evolve, and (4) leverage the substantial value of increasing information (or decreasing degree of uncertainty) over the course of a hurricane event. A case study for Hurricane Isabel (2003) in eastern North Carolina is presented to demonstrate how the framework is applied, the type of results it can provide, and how it compares to available methods of a single scenario deterministic analysis and a two‐stage stochastic program.
Discovering Treatment Effect Heterogeneity Through Post-Treatment Variables with Application to the Effect of Class Size on Mathematics Scores
Authors: Ertefaie Ashkan , Hsu Jesse Y. , Page Lindsay C. , Small Dylan S.
Published: March 2018

Class size reduction represents an appealing but costly education policy lever. A crucial question, therefore, is whether certain types of students benefit particularly from small classes, i.e. are there effect modifiers for the benefit of small classes? We use data from the Tennessee ‘Student/teacher achievement ratio’ study, which is a large randomized experiment of class size to address this question. In the Tennessee study, a challenge is that relatively few potential effect modifiers were measured at baseline. Yet many proxies for effect modifiers were measured after baseline. In an experiment, treatment effect modification based on pretreatment variables can be assessed by using standard regression techniques. For post-treatment variables, however, such regression approaches are valid only under a strong sequential ignorability assumption. We develop two instrumental-variable-based approaches for studying effect modification based on post-treatment variables. The key advantage of the method proposed is that it allows relaxation of the strong sequential ignorability assumption. However, this advantage comes at the cost of reliance on alternative assumptions that can be challenging to verify. We provide evidence that students who are not academically engaged outside the classroom benefit more from small classes than students who are academically engaged.
The role of bail and pretrial detention in the reproduction of racial inequalities
Authors: Menefee Michael R.
Published: March 2018

The role of bail systems in the United States has been understudied within the sociology of punishment. The use of monetary bail is pervasive in the United States, contributing to a rising number of pretrial detainees and, consequently, jail populations. Since 2000, 95% of the growth in jail populations has been the result of the growing number of people held in jail pretrial. Moreover, racial and ethnic minorities account for a disproportionate number of pretrial detainees. In this review, I first summarize the empirical literature on racial and economic disparities in the use of bail and pretrial detention, arguing that race and social class are important determinants of who is ultimately detained. I also highlight the literature on the downstream outcomes associated with pretrial detention, and several recent studies which suggest that pretrial detention has a causal effect on conviction. Second, I consider how inequalities in policing and arrests, in combination with pretrial processes, lead to cumulative disadvantages. Lastly, I highlight recent debates surrounding the use of pretrial risk assessment tools and whether they serve as panacea or pariah for mitigating discrimination in criminal processing.
Calibration of cellular automata models using differential evolution to simulate present and future land use
Authors: Feng Yongjiu , Tong Xiaohua
Published: March 2018

A key issue in cellular automata (CA) modeling is the minimization of the differences between the actual and simulated patterns, which can be mathematically formulated as an objective function. We develop a new hybrid model (termed DE‐CA) by integrating differential evolution (DE) into CA to solve the objective function and retrieve the optimal CA parameters. Constrained relations among factors were applied in DE to generate different sets of CA parameters for prediction of future scenarios. The DE‐CA model was calibrated using historical spatial data to simulate 2016 land use in Kunming and predict multiple scenarios to the year 2026. Assessment of quantitative accuracy shows that DE‐CA yields 92.4% overall accuracy, where 6.8% is the correctly captured urban growth; further, the model reported only 5.0% false alarms and 2.6% misses. Regarding the simulation ability, our new CA model performs as well as the widely applied genetic algorithm‐based CA model, and outperforms both the logistic regression‐based CA model and a no‐change NULL model. We projected three possible scenarios for the year 2026 using DE‐CA to adequately address the baseline urban growth, environmental protection and urban planning to show the strong prediction ability of the new model.
Village‐scale (Phase III) evaluation of the efficacy and residual activity of SumiShield®50 WG (Clothianidin 50%, w/w) for indoor spraying for the control of pyrethroid‐resistantAnopheles culicifaciesGiles in Karnataka state, India
Authors: Uragayala S. , Kamaraju R. , Tiwari S. N. , Sreedharan S. , Ghosh S. K. , Valecha N.
Published: March 2018

Objective

There is an urgent need to test and incorporate new molecules with promising efficacy and novel mode of action to control insecticide‐resistant mosquito vectors for disease control. We tested a new compound, clothianidin (SumiShield 50WG), for its efficacy as an indoor residual spray (IRS) for the control of pyrethroid‐resistantAnopheles culicifacies(Diptera: Culicidae) in comparison with pirimiphos methyl (ActellicCS) as a positive control.

Methods

Ten villages were selected, five each forIRSwith clothianidin (300 mg AI/m2) and pirimiphos methyl (1000 mg AI/m2) in Almatti Dam catchment area in Karnataka state, India. Entomological parameters were monitored in these sprayed villages using standard methods. Assessment of quality of spray was performed by analysing the insecticide content in the filter paper samples collected from sprayed houses. Perceptions of spray men and inhabitants were recorded post‐spray on safety of these molecules.

Results

The mean applied to target ratio of content was 1.7 (n= 29) for clothianidin and 1.8 (n= 50) for pirimiphos methyl on filter paper samples analysed. Residual activity (≥80% mortality in exposed mosquitoes) after 24 h post‐exposure of SumiShieldWGwas 5 months and increased to 6 months when the holding period was extended to 120 h and that of ActellicCSwas 3 months at 24‐h holding period and extended to 4 months at 120‐h extended holding period. The mean densities ofAn. culicifaciesin both arms fell drastically post‐spray. In light trap collections, density of mosquitoes collected indoors was lower than outdoors in both arms indicating effectiveness ofIRS. SumiShieldWGwas more efficacious in reducing the per‐structure density than ActellicCS. The proportion of nulliparous mosquitoes was higher than that of parous mosquitoes during post‐spray collections in both arms. The majority of adverse events reported were transitory and subsided without medication.

Conclusion

Indoor residual spraying with SumiShieldWGwas found effective, operationally feasible and safe, and it is effective for up to 6 months.