bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low levels of hybridization in two species of African driver ants
Authors: Butler I. A. , Peters M. K. , Kronauer D. J. C.
Published: January 2018

Hybridization in ants can have consequences different from those observed in most other species, with many of the potential deleterious effects being mitigated due to haplodiploidy and eusociality. In some species where colonies are either headed by multiple queens or single queens that mate with many males, hybridization is associated with genetic caste determination, where hybrids develop into workers and purebred individuals develop into queens. A previous study suggested that hybridization occurs between two Dorylus army ant species with multiply mated queens. However, the extent and exact pattern of hybridization have remained unclear, and its possible effect on caste determination has not been investigated. In this study, we aimed to determine the extent and direction of hybridization by measuring how frequently hybrids occur in colonies of both species, and to investigate the possibility of genetic caste determination. We show that hybridization is bidirectional and occurs at equal rates in both species. Hybrid workers make up only 1–2% of the population, and successful interspecific matings represent approximately 2% of all matings in both species. This shows that, although interspecific matings that give rise to worker offspring occur regularly, they are much rarer than intraspecific mating. Finally, we find no evidence of an association between hybridization and genetic caste determination in this population. This means that genetic caste determination is not a necessary outcome of hybridization in ants, even in species where queens mate with multiple males.
Parental Education and Family Dissolution: A Cross‐National and Cohort Comparison
Authors: Brons M.D. (Anne) , Härkönen Juho
Published: January 2018

This is the first study to systematically analyze whether the association between parental education and family dissolution varies cross‐nationally and over time. The authors use meta‐analytic tools to study cross‐national variation between 17 countries with data from the Generations and Gender Study and Harmonized Histories. The association shows considerable cross‐national variation, but is positive in most countries. The association between parental education and family dissolution has become less positive or even negative in six countries. The findings show that the association between parental education and family dissolution is generally positive or nil, even if the association between own education and family dissolution is in many countries increasingly negative. The authors find suggestive evidence that the association is related to the crude divorce rate, but not to the generosity of the welfare state in these countries. The implications of these findings for understanding the stratification in family dissolution are discussed.
Biodegradable nanoparticles as theranostics of ovarian cancer: an overview
Authors: Chaurasiya Swati , Mishra Vijay
Published: January 2018

Objectives

Above 10 million people are suffering from cancers every year. As per American Cancer Society, more than 22 440 new cases and 14 080 deaths were reported from ovarian cancer yearly worldwide. This review explores the current status, challenges and future perspectives of tumour-targeted theranostic nanoparticles (NPs).

Key findings

Most of the ovarian malignancy cases are uncovered after the disease is in a difficult state due to poor screening techniques and non-specific symptoms. In this manner, forceful and fruitful treatment is required that will indicate insignificant lethal impacts to solid tissue. In the current research, stealth biodegradable NPs are produced as vehicles for imaging and treatment of ovarian cancer as the controlled and targeted delivery of chemotherapeutic as well as imaging agents. To enhance the dependability of the colloidal suspension as well as to increase their circulation lifetime, NPs are introduced by incorporating the functional poly(ethylene glycol) on their surface, which also provides a site to conjugation of focusing on agents to ovarian tissue.

Biodegradable theranostic NPs can be fabricated and surface engineered without any alteration in drug-loading capacity, safety and efficacy. These NPs have shown promising results in imaging as well as treatment of ovarian cancer.
Nano-engineering of biomedical prednisolone liposomes: evaluation of the cytotoxic effect on human colon carcinoma cell lines
Authors: Lorente Cristina , Arias José L , Cabeza Laura , Ortiz Raúl , Prados José C , Melguizo Consolación , Delgado Ángel V , Clares-Naveros Beatriz
Published: January 2018

Objectives

Liposomes have attracted the attention of researchers due to their potential to act as drug delivery systems for cancer treatment. The present investigation aimed to develop liposomes loaded with prednisolone base and the evaluation of the antiproliferative effect on human colon carcinoma cell lines.

Methods

Liposomes were elaborated by following a reproducible thin film hydration technique. The physicochemical characterization of liposomes included photon correlation spectroscopy, microscopy analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, rheological behaviour and electrophoresis. On the basis of these data and drug loading values, the best formulation was selected. Stability and drug release properties were also tested.

Key findings

Resulting liposomes exhibited optimal physicochemical and stability properties, an excellent haemocompatibility and direct antiproliferative effect on human colon carcinoma T-84 cell lines.

Conclusions

This study shows direct antitumour effect of prednisolone liposomal formulation, which opens the door for liposomal glucocorticoids as novel antitumour agents.
Cervical myelopathy due to complex Atlanto‐axial malformation including partial atlantal dorsal arch aplasia in a domestic rabbit
Authors: Nessler J. N. , Attig F. , Thöle M. , Raddatz B. , Beineke A. , Fehr M. , Tipold A. , Stein V. M.
Published: January 2018

A 1‐year‐old dwarf rabbit was presented with sub‐acute progressive tetraparesis. Radiography, CT and MRI revealed compressive cervical myelopathy secondary to a complex atlanto‐axial malformation including partial aplasia of the atlantal dorsal arch, dens malformation, malarticulation and lateral atlanto‐occipital displacement. Owners decided against surgical treatment and elected conservative treatment including analgesia with non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, cage rest and physiotherapy. Within 2 months clinical signs deteriorated and the owner elected euthanasia. Subsequent necropsy confirmed imaging findings. Similar cases described in humans and dogs suggest that partial aplasia of the dorsal arch of the atlas might often be an asymptomatic radiologic finding in these species. In contrast, this first description of a similarly affected rabbit demonstrates that complex atlanto‐axial malformations can cause severe clinical signs.
Therapeutic efficacy of low‐dose (25 mg) mirabegron therapy for patients with mild to moderate overactive bladder symptoms due to central nervous system diseases
Authors: Chen Sheng‐Fu , Kuo Hann‐Chorng
Published: January 2018

Objective

The incidence of overactive bladder (OAB) increases with age, especially in patients with central nervous system (CNS) disorders such as cerebrovascular accident (CVA) and Parkinson's disease (PD). Mirabegron is a novel medication for the treatment of OAB. The present study investigated the therapeutic effect of mirabegron on OAB patients with CNS diseases.

Methods

Patients with CVA, PD, dementia, and OAB symptoms were consecutively enrolled in the study group, and mirabegron 25 mg q.d. was prescribed. Clinical effects, evaluated using the Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS), Urinary Sensation Scale (USS), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), and Patient Perception of Bladder Condition (PPBC), as well as urodynamic parameters and adverse events were assessed at baseline and 4 and 12 weeks after treatment.

Results

In all, 44 patients (mean [± SD] age 77.7 ± 9.49 years) with OAB due to CVA (n = 27), PD (n = 6), and dementia (n = 11) were included in the present prospective study. Mirabegron resulted in significant improvements in symptom scores on the OABSS (P = .02), USS (P = .009), total IPSS (P = .002), Storage and Voiding domains of the IPSS (P = .001 and .017, respectively), and PPBC (P = .001). No significant changes were noted in post‐void residual, maximum flow rate, and voided volume after treatment. Only 5 patients dropped out due to poor therapeutic efficacy and shifted to antimuscarinics. Three patients complained of adverse effects, including dizziness and dysuria. No patient complained of urine retention or constipation.

Conclusion

Mirabegron 25 mg once daily effectively decreased urgency symptoms in elderly OAB patients with CNS lesions after the 12‐week treatment period. The adverse events were mild and only noted in a few cases.
From Drug Safety to Drug Security: A Contemporary Shift in the Policing of Health
Authors: Hornberger Julia
Published: January 2018

The counterfeiting of medication is increasingly seen as a major threat to health, especially in the light of both the everyday reliance on and a broadening of world‐wide access to pharmaceuticals. Exaggerated or real, this threat has inaugurated, this article argues, a shift from a drug safety regime to a drug security regime that governs the flow of pharmaceuticals and brings together markets, police, and health actors in new ways. This entails a shift from soft disciplinary means aimed at incremental and continued inclusion of defaulters, to one of drastically sovereign measures of exclusion and banishment aimed at fake goods and the people associated with them, in the name of health. Through a multi‐sited ethnographic study, this article shows how such new drug security efforts play themselves out especially in (South) Africa, highlighting a modus operandi of spectacular performativity and of working through suspicion and association rather than factuality, producing value less so for those in need of health than for a petty security industry itself.
Interleukin‐10‐1082A/G polymorphism is associated with renal parenchymal damage in congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract
Authors: Miteva Lyuba D , Kostadinova Emilya S , Stanilova Spaska A
Published: January 2018

Aim

The aim of the study was to investigate whether the functional IL10‐1082A/G polymorphism exert a role in congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) in children. Also, the serum IL‐10 and its association with genotype and renal parenchymal damage in CAKUT were explored.

Methods

In the current case‐control study, 134 paediatric cases of CAKUT and 382 unrelated controls were included. The genotyping of IL10‐1082A/G polymorphism was performed by amplification refractory mutation system‐PCR and IL‐10 serum level was determined by ELISA.

Results

Although, the genotype and allelic frequencies of IL10‐1082 A/G polymorphism in cases and controls were similar (χ2 = 0.459; P = 0.79 and χ2 = 0.426; P = 0.51, respectively), significant different genotype distribution between patients with or without parenchymal damage/reduction was observed (χ2 = 6.9; P = 0.032). The GG‐genotype was more frequent in cases with renal parenchymal damage/reduction compared to patients with preserved parenchyma (22% vs. 9%; OR = 2.987; 95% CI = 0.979–9.468; P = 0.031). On the contrary, the heterozygous genotype was less frequent among cases with parenchymal damage/reduction compared to cases with preserved parenchyma (39% vs. 59%; OR = 0.453; 95% CI = 0.214–0.958; P = 0.024). Additionally, the serum IL‐10 was significantly higher in CAKUT patients compared to age‐sex‐matched controls (median 11.98; IQR: 7.14–31.6 vs. 5.92; IQR: 4.68–14.8; P = 0.0057). Among carriers of GG‐genotype significantly higher IL‐10 level was detected in cases with parenchymal damage/reduction, than cases with preserved parenchyma (P = 0.028).

Conclusion

Our results suggested that the functional ‐1082A/G polymorphism in IL10 is associated with risk of renal parenchymal damage/reduction rather than genetic predisposition to CAKUT. Additionally, our study supposes that immunoregulatory cytokine IL‐10 might have a significant role in CAKUT.
Developing treatment guidelines for myasthenia gravis
Authors: Sanders Donald B. , Wolfe Gil I. , Narayanaswami Pushpa ,   the MGFA Task Force on MG Treatment Guidance
Published: January 2018

A task force of the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America recently published a formal consensus statement intended to be a treatment guide for clinicians caring for myasthenia gravis (MG) patients worldwide. Its development was stimulated by the fact that there is generally no accepted standard of care for MG, and no one treatment is best for all MG patients. Also, there are few randomized trials of treatments in current use, and the generalizability of the few trials that have been successful may be difficult. Fifteen international experts in MG participated in the consensus process, which used a simple consensus to develop preliminary definitions and the RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method to quantify agreement on treatment guidance statements for seven topics: symptomatic and immunosuppressive treatment, intravenous immunoglobulin and plasma exchange, impending and manifest myasthenic crisis, thymectomy, juvenile MG, MG with muscle‐specific tyrosine kinase antibodies, and MG in pregnancy. The executive summary of the guidance statement was published with open access to facilitate access by patients and healthcare professionals, and the full statement, with extensive background information, is available online. The guidance statement is a living document that will require updates as new treatments and new information on current treatments become available.
Prolonged corrected QT interval in predicting atrial fibrillation: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang Nixiao , Gong Mengqi , Tse Gary , Zhang Zhiwei , Meng Lei , Yan Bryan P. , Zhang Ling , Wu Gang , Xia Yunlong , Xin‐Yan Gan , Li Guangping , Liu Tong
Published: January 2018

Background

Corrected QT interval (QTc) on the electrocardiogram is a marker of ventricular repolarization. Recent studies have examined its value in predicting the occurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods and results

We conducted a meta‐analysis to determine whether alterations in QTc interval are associated with an increased risk of incident AF. The PUBMED and EMBASE databases were searched for all studies that evaluated the incident AF associated with prolonged QTc interval published before December 2016. Sensitivity and subgroup analysis were subsequently performed. A total of six studies including eight data sets for prolonged QTc interval were eligible. Subjects with prolonged QTc interval as a categorical variable had a significantly higher risk of AF during follow‐up (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.16; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09–1.24, I2 = 90%) based on Bazett formula. In continuous variable analysis, we found a statistically significant risk for AF (HR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.09–1.25; I2 = 0) every 10‐ms prolongation in QTc. AF type, QTc cut‐off value, geographical location, follow‐up duration, and study population may be the possible reasons for the significant heterogeneity among the studies.

Conclusions

Prolonged QTc interval is associated with an increased risk of AF. And the potential mechanisms underlying this cause‐and‐effect relationship need further investigation.
Head‐to‐head comparison of acute and chronic pulmonary vein stenosis for cryoballoon versus radiofrequency ablation
Authors: Watanabe Ryo , Sairaku Akinori , Yoshida Yukihiko , Nanasato Mamoru , Kamiya Hiroki , Suzuki Hirohiko , Ogura Yasuhiro , Aoyama Yutaka , Maeda Mayuho , Ando Monami , Eguchi Shunsuke , Inden Yasuya , Kihara Yasuki , Murohara Toyoaki
Published: January 2018

Background

Cryoballoon (CB) applications to pulmonary veins (PVs) can cause stenosis just as radiofrequency (RF) energy deliveries. The goal of the present study was to clarify whether or not there was any difference in the extent of acute or chronic PV narrowing after PV isolation between the two different energy sources.

Methods

Consecutive patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation who were scheduled to undergo a PV isolation were randomized 1:1 to receive CB or RF ablation. The endpoints were any acute PV narrowing assessed with the use of intracardiac ultrasound during the procedure and PV stenosis measured with cardiac computed tomography at the 3‐month follow‐up.

Results

An acute reduction in the luminal area of the left superior PV (mean ± standard deviation, –6.8 ± 8.7 vs –19.9 ± 14.7%; P < 0.001) and left inferior PV (–5.1 ± 20.2 vs –15.3 ± 11.6%; P = 0.03) was significantly smaller in the CB arm (N = 25) than the RF arm (N = 25). There was no difference in the extent of PV stenosis 3 months after the ablation between the arms (0–25% stenosis, 90% vs 88%, 25–50% stenosis, 10% vs 12%, >50% stenosis, both 0%; P = 0.82). A greater acute PV narrowing was likely to lead to chronic stenosis in the RF arm (P = 0.004).

Conclusions

CB ablation may reduce the acute narrowing of the left‐sided PVs as compared to RF ablation.
Pediatric ABO‐incompatible kidney transplantation: Evolving with the advancing apheresis technology: A single‐center experience
Authors: Sethi Sidharth Kumar , Bansal Shyam Bihari , Wadhwani Nikita , Tiwari Aseem , Arora Dinesh , Sharma Reetesh , Nandwani Ashish , Yadav Dinesh Kumar , Mahapatra Amit Kumar , Jain Manish , Jha Pranaw , Ghosh Prasun , Bhan Anil , Dhaliwal Maninder , Raghunathan Veena , Kher Vijay
Published: January 2018

Recent literature has endorsed favorable outcomes following ABOi kidney transplantation in pediatric population. Nevertheless, reluctance to pursue an ABOi still remains pervasive. This could be ascribed to various legitimate reasons, namely less extensive pediatric ABOi data, technical difficulties encountered during PP, cost restraints, and concerns regarding higher rates of antibody‐mediated rejection, infectious complications, and post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder as compared to adults. However, given the similar excellent outcomes of both ABOi and ABOc kidney transplantation, clinicians should consider this option sooner if a compatible donor or swap is not available. Here, we describe the outcomes of three pediatric ABOi performed at our institute in India (from 2014 till now), wherein distinct apheresis modalities had been employed in each desensitization protocol, and our techniques evolved with advancing science in apheresis. This case series includes India's first published pediatric ABO‐incompatible transplant (Case 2) and the youngest child to undergo ABO‐incompatible renal transplant in SAARC nations (Case 3).
The detection of higher‐order acoustic transitions is reflected in the N1 ERP
Authors: Weise Annekathrin , Schröger Erich , Horváth János
Published: January 2018

The auditory system features various types of dedicated change detectors enabling the rapid parsing of auditory stimulation into distinct events. The activity of such detectors is reflected by the N1 ERP. Interestingly, certain acoustic transitions show an asymmetric N1 elicitation pattern: whereas first‐order transitions (e.g., a change from a segment of constant frequency to a frequency glide [c‐to‐g change]) elicit N1, higher‐order transitions (e.g., glide‐to‐constant [g‐to‐c] changes) do not. Consensus attributes this asymmetry to the absence of any available sensory mechanism that is able to rapidly detect higher‐order changes. In contrast, our study provides compelling evidence for such a mechanism. We collected electrophysiological and behavioral data in a transient‐detection paradigm. In each condition, a random (50%–50%) sequence of two types of tones occurred, which did or did not contain a transition (e.g., c‐to‐g and constant stimuli or g‐to‐c and glide tones). Additionally, the rate of pitch change of the glide varied (i.e., 10 vs. 40 semitones per second) in order to increase the number of responding neural assemblies. The rate manipulation modulated transient ERPs and behavioral detection performance for g‐to‐c transitions much stronger than for c‐to‐g transitions. The topographic and tomographic analyses suggest that the N1 response to c‐to‐g and also to g‐to‐c transitions emerged from the superior temporal gyrus. This strongly supports a sensory mechanism that allows the fast detection of higher‐order changes.
Joint Modelling of Survival and Longitudinal Data with Informative Observation Times
Authors: Dai Hongsheng , Pan Jianxin
Published: January 2018

In this paper, we consider the joint modelling of survival and longitudinal data with informative observation time points. The survival model and the longitudinal model are linked via random effects, for which no distribution assumption is required under our estimation approach. The estimator is shown to be consistent and asymptotically normal. The proposed estimator and its estimated covariance matrix can be easily calculated. Simulation studies and an application to a primary biliary cirrhosis study are also provided.
Uncertainty Quantification in Case of Imperfect Models: A Non‐Bayesian Approach
Authors: Kohler Michael , Krzyżak Adam , Mallapur Shashidhar , Platz Roland
Published: January 2018

The starting point in uncertainty quantification is a stochastic model, which is fitted to a technical system in a suitable way, and prediction of uncertainty is carried out within this stochastic model. In any application, such a model will not be perfect, so any uncertainty quantification from such a model has to take into account the inadequacy of the model. In this paper, we rigorously show how the observed data of the technical system can be used to build a conservative non‐asymptotic confidence interval on quantiles related to experiments with the technical system. The construction of this confidence interval is based on concentration inequalities and order statistics. An asymptotic bound on the length of this confidence interval is presented. Here we assume that engineers use more and more of their knowledge to build models with order of errors bounded by
. The results are illustrated by applying the newly proposed approach to real and simulated data.
Evaluation of a multi‐agent chemotherapy protocol combining lomustine, procarbazine and prednisolone (LPP) for the treatment of relapsed canine non‐Hodgkin high‐grade lymphomas
Authors: Tanis J.‐B. , Mason S. L. , Maddox T. W. , Blackwood L. , Killick D. R. , Amores‐Fuster I. , Harper A. , Finotello R.
Published: January 2018

The standard of care treatment for canine lymphoma is multi‐agent chemotherapy containing prednisolone, cyclophosphamide, vincristine and an anthracycline such as doxorubicin (CHOP) or epirubicin (CEOP). Lomustine, vincristine, procarbazine, and prednisone (LOPP) has been evaluated as a rescue, with encouraging results; however, resistance to vincristine is likely in patients relapsing on CHOP/CEOP, and this agent may enhance LOPP toxicity without improving efficacy. The aim of this study was to evaluate responses to a modified‐LOPP protocol that does not include vincristine (LPP) and is administered on a 21‐day cycle. Medical records of dogs with high‐grade multicentric lymphoma from 2012 to 2017 were reviewed. Dogs with relapsed lymphoma that received LPP as a rescue protocol were enrolled. Response, time from initiation to discontinuation (TTD) and toxicity of LPP were assessed. Forty‐one dogs were included. Twenty‐five dogs (61%) responded to LPP including 12 complete responses (CR) and 13 partial responses (PR). Responders had a significantly longer TTD (P < .001) compared to non‐responders with 84 days for CR and 58 days for PR. Neutropenia was documented in 20 dogs (57%): 12 grade I to II, 8 grade III to IV. Thrombocytopenia was infrequent (20%): 5 grade I to II, 2 grade III to IV. Twelve dogs developed gastrointestinal toxicity (30%): 10 grade I to II and 2 grade III. Nineteen dogs had elevated ALT (59%): 9 grade I to II, 10 grade III to IV. Treatment was discontinued due to toxicity in 8 dogs (19%). The LPP protocol shows acceptable efficacy and toxicity‐profile and minimizes in‐hospital procedures.
Phacoemulsification outcomes in Boston terriers as compared to non‐Boston terriers: a retrospective study (2002–2015)
Authors: Newbold Georgina M. , Kelch William J. , Chen Thomas , Ward Daniel A. , Hendrix Diane V. H.
Published: January 2018

Objectives

To compare visual outcome and cause of blindness between two groups of dogs undergoing phacoemulsification.

Animals studied

Study population consisted of 35 Boston terriers (BT; 70 eyes) and 77 non‐Boston terriers (NBT; 154 eyes) that underwent bilateral phacoemulsification surgery.

Procedures

Medical records were reviewed to determine visual outcome, complications leading to blindness and follow‐up. A Kaplan–Meier survival curve was used to estimate surgical success at 1 and 2 years postoperatively.

Results

Eleven of 35 BT developed known vision loss, with 12 of 70 (17.1%) eyes becoming blind within one year of surgery, and 17 of 77 NBT developed known vision loss, with 19 of 154 (12.3%) eyes becoming blind within 1 year of surgery. No further vision loss was reported among thoseBTwith a 2‐year follow‐up. In theNBTgroup, seven additional dogs, a total of 24 of 77NBTdeveloped vision loss, with a known total of 31 of 154 (20.1%) eyes becoming blind within two years of surgery. These results were not significantly different. The overall surgical success in both groups based on individual eyes was estimated to be between 80 and 90% at 1 year postsurgery and between 65 and 80% at 2 years postsurgery. Glaucoma was the leading cause of vision loss in both groups.

Conclusions

There was no significant difference in visual outcomes between a group of BT and a group of NBT undergoing bilateral phacoemulsification at the University of Tennessee between 2002 and 2015. Glaucoma was the leading cause of vision loss in both groups.
Development and validation of the canine visual function instrument
Authors: Miller William W. , Parisi Domenico
Published: January 2018

Objective

In this study, we created the Canine Visual Function Instrument (CVFI) and tested its validity and reliability for assessing the quality of vision of dogs.

Methods

We used Cronbach's alpha to test the strength of the consistency of the questions in the instrument and factor analysis to assess whether the questions achieved unidimensionality in the measurement of dogs’ vision quality.

Results

Our analysis shows that the CVFI is a valid and reliable tool to seek self‐reported observations about dogs’ vision quality from owners. Our results also show that the vision quality scale has high empirical validity and therefore can be used to determine whether a dog has normal vision or moderate or serious visual impairments.

Conclusion

The CVFI might have important practical applications in the field of veterinary ophthalmology in two important ways. First, it can be used to determine whether the treatment of dogs with visual impairment improves vision quality. Second, it can be used as a warning system to alert owners about their dogs’ quality of vision.
Nasopharyngeal sialoceles in 11 brachycephalic dogs
Authors: De Lorenzi Davide , Bertoncello Diana , Mantovani Chiara , Bottero Enrico
Published: January 2018

Objective

To report clinical features, diagnosis, surgical treatment, and outcomes of brachycephalic dogs with nasopharyngeal sialoceles (NPS).

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Animals

Eleven brachycephalic dogs with NPS.

Methods

Diagnosis of NPS was based on identification of cystic nasopharyngeal masses containing saliva‐like mucoid material on retroflexed endoscopy. Biopsies were obtained to support the diagnosis. Surgical deroofing was performed under endoscopic guidance, and endoscopic examination was repeated at least 3 months after surgery. The owners rated the outcome of surgery via a follow‐up telephone inquiry.

Results

Pugs (n = 8), French bulldogs (n = 2), and English bulldogs (n = 1) were included in this study. Eight of the NPS were ventral, 6 were obstructive, and 2 were multiple; both the obstructive and the multiple sialoceles were ventral. Surgical deroofing of the sialoceles was performed under endoscopic guidance with biopsy forceps in 5 cases and by diode laser in 6 cases. No recurrence was diagnosed. Ten of 11 owners reported that they were satisfied with the outcome.

Conclusions and Clinical Significance

NPS may be an uncommon consequence of chronic nonphysiologic mechanical stress causing changes in minor nasopharyngeal salivary glands. Direct visualization by nasopharyngoscopy is the best technique for detection of NPS, and we advise routine examination of the nasopharynx by endoscope in all brachycephalic dogs before performing surgery. Either endoscopic guided biopsy forceps or diode laser surgery can be used for noninvasive, rapid, and effective resolution of NPS in all of the dogs.
Adaptive Robust Backstepping Output Tracking Control for a Class of Uncertain Nonlinear Systems Using Neural Network
Authors: Wang Yuchao , Xu Lijia , Wu Hansheng
Published: January 2018

The problem of robust output tracking is studied for a class of uncertain nonlinear systems in the presence of structure uncertainties, external disturbances, and unknown time-varying virtual control coefficients. In this study, it is supposed that the upper bounds of external disturbances and that the upper and lower bounds of unknown time-varying virtual control coefficients are unknown. By employing a simple structure neural network (NN), the unknown structure uncertainties are approximated. A class of backstepping approach-based adaptive robust controllers is synthesized for such uncertain nonlinear systems. By making use of Lyapunov functional approach, it is also shown that the proposed adaptive robust backstepping output tracking controller can guarantee the tracking error between the system output and the desired reference signal to converge asymptotically to zero. Finally, two numerical examples are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed controller.
Switching Gain-Scheduled Proportional–Integral–Derivative Electronic Throttle Control for Automotive Engines
Authors: Zandi Nia Arman , Nagamune Ryozo
Published: January 2018

This paper proposes an application of the switching gain-scheduled (S-GS) proportional–integral–derivative (PID) control technique to the electronic throttle control (ETC) problem in automotive engines. For the S-GS PID controller design, a published linear parameter-varying (LPV) model of the electronic throttle valve (ETV) is adopted whose dynamics change with both the throttle valve velocity variation and the battery voltage fluctuation. The designed controller consists of multiple GS PID controllers assigned to local subregions defined for varying throttle valve velocity and battery voltage. Hysteresis switching logic is employed for switching between local GS PID controllers based on the operating point. The S-GS PID controller design problem is formulated as a nonconvex optimization problem and tackled by solving its convex subproblems iteratively. Experimental results demonstrate overall superiority of the S-GS PID controller to conventional controllers in reference tracking performance of the throttle valve under various scenarios.
Ontogeny of morphological traits in Eupelops variatus (Mihelčič, 1957), with remarks on juveniles of Phenopelopidae (Acari: Oribatida)
Authors: Bayartogtokh Badamdorj , Ermilov Sergey G. , Shtanchaeva Umukusum Ya. , Subías Luis S.
Published: January 2018

Juvenile instars of oribatid mites of the family Phenopelopidae are well known compared to most other families, however, information on the morphological ontogeny of the majority of species is still insufficient or unknown. Comparative characteristics of immatures of species of Phenopelopidae are given based on our own data and available literature sources. The major characteristics of immature instars of 11 species are presented, and the morphological ontogeny of Eupelops variatus (Mihelčič, 1957) is investigated based on material from southern Europe. From these studies, it can be generalized that the juvenile morphologies of phenopelopid genera are quite similar and uniform. The juveniles have plicate integument, marginally flattened opisthonotum, and short gastronotic setae c1, c3 and of the d-series. The juveniles of the phenopelopid species differ from one another in morphological characters such as body size, development of the prodorsal ridges, lamellar, interlamellar as well as gastronotic setae of c2, lp and h-series either in larva or nymphs, and all these characters have species-specific value.
Systematic & Applied Acarology in 2017: new milestones
Authors: Zhang Zhi-Qiang
Published: January 2018

Systematic & Applied Acarology (SAA) set a new record in 2017: it published 161 papers (155 articles; 2 review papers; 2 short correspondence; 2 editorial pieces) in 2,272 pages. The number of papers published in 2017 increased 18.4% over that in 2016 (136 papers), and the number of pages in 2017 increased 32.7% over that in 2016 (1,712 pages).  SAA was the largest acarological journal in 2016 (Zhang 2017). The increase in the size of SAA in 2017 enlarged the gap between it and the second largest journal (Experimental & Applied Acarology published 103 papers in 1,409 pages in 2017).
Ferromagnetism in Fe2CrAl nanowires
Authors: Dulal Rajendra P. , Dahal Bishnu R. , Forbes Andrew , Bhattarai Niraj , Pegg Ian L. , Philip John
Published: January 2018

The authors have successfully grown Fe2CrAl nanowires on polished Si/SiO2 substrates using the electrospinning method. The diameter of nanowires varies from 50 to 300 nm. These nanowires exhibit a cubic crystal structure with lattice disorder. The nanowires are ferromagnetic with a Curie temperature greater than 400 K, much higher than that the bulk reported value. This higher Curie temperature is attributable to disordering in lattice sites, which causes an enhanced exchange interaction between pairs of iron atoms.
Accurate and reproducible in-depth observation of organic–inorganic hybrid materials using FIB-TOF-SIMS
Authors: Iida Shin-ichi , Carr David M. , Fisher Gregory L. , Miyayama Takuya
Published: January 2018

In order to overcome the limitations of sputter depth profiling, the authors have introduced focused ion beam-time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (FIB-TOF-SIMS). In this article, the authors summarize our investigation into the capability of Ar-gas cluster ion beam (GCIB) to remove FIB-induced molecular damage. The analysis of organic–inorganic hybrid mixture samples is applied and discussed. The authors demonstrate a method whereby the accurate and reproducible chemical depth distributions of atomic and molecular moieties in hybrid materials are successfully acquired. Our results reveal the approach of using Ar-GCIB for molecular recovery of FIB straggle to be highly reproducible and amenable to three-dimensional materials characterization.
Rapid calculation of acoustic fields from arbitrary continuous-wave sources
Authors: Treeby Bradley E. , Budisky Jakub , Wise Elliott S. , Jaros Jiri , Cox B. T.
Published: January 2018

A Green's function solution is derived for calculating the acoustic field generated by phased array transducers of arbitrary shape when driven by a single frequency continuous wave excitation with spatially varying amplitude and phase. The solution is based on the Green's function for the homogeneous wave equation expressed in the spatial frequency domain or k-space. The temporal convolution integral is solved analytically, and the remaining integrals are expressed in the form of the spatial Fourier transform. This allows the acoustic pressure for all spatial positions to be calculated in a single step using two fast Fourier transforms. The model is demonstrated through several numerical examples, including single element rectangular and spherically focused bowl transducers, and multi-element linear and hemispherical arrays.
Coaches’ Perspectives on Personal and Psychosocial Development in University Sport
Authors: Rathwell Scott , Young Bradley W.
Published: January 2018

Evidence suggests Canadian university sport programs can foster positive development. Further, university coaches have claimed to focus on their athletes’ personal and psychosocial development. Despite coaches’ claims, little is known about university coaches’ strategies for enhancing positive development. The aim of the present study was to explore the role of the coach in fostering positive development in the university context from the perspective of coaches. Specifically, this study addressed two research questions: (a) Who was responsible for athletes’ development? and (b) What is the role of the coach in athletes’ development? Semi-structured open-ended interviews were conducted with 14 recommended Canadian university coaches (9 male and 5 female). Interviews were analyzed using an inductive approach. Coaches highlighted the conditions of university sport that foster positive development. In addition, the coaches described how they maximized athletes’ development by establishing a support network, building team culture, and empowering athletes.
Sensing bacterial infection
Authors: Foley John F.
Published: January 2018

The endoplasmic reticulum–resident adaptor protein ERAdP senses bacterial c-di-AMP to stimulate an immune response.
The Madness of Microbiome: Attempting To Find Consensus “Best Practice” for 16S Microbiome Studies
Authors: Pollock Jolinda , Glendinning Laura , Wisedchanwet Trong , Watson Mick
Published: January 2018

The development and continuous improvement of high-throughput sequencing platforms have stimulated interest in the study of complex microbial communities. Currently, the most popular sequencing approach to study microbial community composition and dynamics is targeted 16S rRNA gene metabarcoding. To prepare samples for sequencing, there are a variety of processing steps, each with the potential to introduce bias at the data analysis stage. In this short review, key information from the literature pertaining to each processing step is described, and consequently, general recommendations for future 16S rRNA gene metabarcoding experiments are made.
A Vaginal Tract Signal Detected by the Group B Streptococcus SaeRS System Elicits Transcriptomic Changes and Enhances Murine Colonization
Authors: Cook Laura C. C. , Hu Hong , Maienschein-Cline Mark , Federle Michael J.
Published: January 2018

Streptococcus agalactiae
(group B streptococcus [GBS]) can colonize the human vaginal tract, leading to both superficial and serious infections in adults and neonates. To study bacterial colonization of the reproductive tract in a mammalian system, we employed a murine vaginal carriage model. Using transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq), the transcriptome of GBS growing
in vivo
during vaginal carriage was determined. Over one-quarter of the genes in GBS were found to be differentially regulated during
in vivo
colonization compared to laboratory cultures. A two-component system (TCS) homologous to the staphylococcal virulence regulator SaeRS was identified as being upregulated
in vivo
. One of the SaeRS targets,
pbsP
, a proposed GBS vaccine candidate, is shown to be important for colonization of the vaginal tract. A component of vaginal lavage fluid acts as a signal to turn on
pbsP
expression via SaeRS. These data demonstrate the ability to quantify RNA expression directly from the murine vaginal tract and identify novel genes involved in vaginal colonization by GBS. They also provide more information about the regulation of an important virulence and colonization factor of GBS,
pbsP
, by the TCS SaeRS.
Air-Dried Brown Seaweed,
Ascophyllum nodosum
, Alters the Rumen Microbiome in a Manner That Changes Rumen Fermentation Profiles and Lowers the Prevalence of Foodborne Pathogens
Authors: Zhou Mi , Hünerberg Martin , Chen Yanhong , Reuter Tim , McAllister Tim A. , Evans Franklin , Critchley Alan T. , Guan Le Luo
Published: January 2018

Maintaining product safety and reducing the carbon footprint of production are two sustainability goals of the livestock industry. The objective of this study was to study the impact of Tasco, a product derived from the brown macroalga
Ascophyllum nodosum
, on the rumen microbiome and its function. The inclusion of Tasco altered both rumen and fecal microbiota levels without affecting rumen fermentation. Tasco reduced fecal
Escherichia coli
populations and specifically reduced the prevalence of Shiga toxin-producing
E. coli
O45, O103, O111, and O121 in feces. The findings of this study highlight the application of Tasco as a potential feed additive to reduce pathogen shedding in rams without interfering with ruminal metabolism.
The Odyssey of the Ancestral Escherich Strain through Culture Collections: an Example of Allopatric Diversification
Authors: Desroches M. , Royer G. , Roche D. , Mercier-Darty M. , Vallenet D. , Médigue C. , Bastard K. , Rodriguez C. , Clermont O. , Denamur E. , Decousser J.-W.
Published: January 2018

Mutator phenotypes have been described in laboratory-evolved bacteria, as well as in natural isolates. Several genes can be impacted, each of them being associated with a typical mutational spectrum. By studying one of the oldest strains available, the ancestral Escherich strain, we were able to identify its mutator status leading to tremendous genetic diversity among the isolates from various collections and allowing us to reconstruct the phylogeographic history of the strain. This mutator phenotype was probably acquired during the storage of the strain, promoting adaptation to a specific environment. Other mutations in
rpoS
and efflux pump- and porin-encoding genes highlight the acclimatization of the strain through self-preservation and nutritional competence regulation. This strain history can be viewed as unintentional experimental evolution in culture collections all over the word since 1885, mimicking the long-term experimental evolution of
E. coli
of Lenski et al. (O. Tenaillon, J. E. Barrick, N. Ribeck, D. E. Deatherage, J. L. Blanchard, A. Dasgupta, G. C. Wu, S. Wielgoss, S. Cruveiller, C. Médigue, D. Schneider, and R. E. Lenski, Nature 536:165–170, 2016, https://doi.org/10.1038/nature18959) that shares numerous molecular features.
Randomised controlled trial on the effect of internet-delivered computerised cognitive–behavioural therapy on patients with insomnia who remain symptomatic following hypnotics: a study protocol
Authors: Sato Daisuke , Yoshinaga Naoki , Nagai Eiichi , Hanaoka Hideki , Sato Yasunori , Shimizu Eiji
Published: January 2018

Introduction

Insomnia has severe consequences for health. Primary care physicians in Japan commonly provide hypnotics, which is far from optimal. The recommended treatment for insomnia is cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT). Access to trained therapists, however, is limited. Rather than face-to-face CBT, several researchers have studied internet-delivered computerised CBT (ICBT). This paper describes the study protocol for a randomised controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate effectiveness and feasibility of our newly developed five-step ICBT as an adjunct to usual care (UC) compared with UC alone for patients with insomnia who remain symptomatic following hypnotics.

Methods and analysis

This proposed exploratory RCT comprises two parallel groups (ICBT+UC and UC alone) consisting of 15 participants each (n=30) diagnosed with insomnia who remain symptomatic after pharmacotherapy. We aim to evaluate the effectiveness of six intervention weeks. The primary outcome of insomnia severity will be the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) at week 6. Secondary outcomes include sleep onset latency, total sleep time, sleep efficiency extracted from PSQI, current feeling of refreshment and perceived soundness of sleep measured using visual analogue scale, number of awakenings, anxiety by Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, depression by Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale and quality of life by Euro Qol-5D. All measures will be assessed at weeks 0 (baseline), 6 (postintervention) and 12 (follow-up), and intention-to-treat analysis will be applied. The statistical analysis plan has been developed considering design of field materials.

Ethics and dissemination

This study will be conducted at the academic outpatient clinic of Chiba University Hospital, Japan. Ethics approval was granted by the Institutional Review Board of Chiba University Hospital. All participants will be required to provide written informed consent. The trial will be implemented and reported in accordance with Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials recommendations.

Trial registration number

UMIN000021509; Pre-results.
Opportunities and barriers in paediatric pulse oximetry for pneumonia in low-resource clinical settings: a qualitative evaluation from Malawi and Bangladesh
Authors: King Carina , Boyd Nicholas , Walker Isabeau , Zadutsa Beatiwel , Baqui Abdullah H , Ahmed Salahuddin , Islam Mazharul , Kainja Esther , Nambiar Bejoy , Wilson Iain , McCollum Eric D
Published: January 2018

Objective

To gain an understanding of what challenges pulse oximetry for paediatric pneumonia management poses, how it has changed service provision and what would improve this device for use across paediatric clinical settings in low-income countries.

Design

Focus group discussions (FGDs), with purposive sampling and thematic analysis using a framework approach.

Setting

Community, front-line outpatient, and hospital outpatient and inpatient settings in Malawi and Bangladesh, which provide paediatric pneumonia care.

Participants

Healthcare providers (HCPs) from Malawi and Bangladesh who had received training in pulse oximetry and had been using oximeters in routine paediatric care, including community healthcare workers, non-physician clinicians or medical assistants, and hospital-based nurses and doctors.

Results

We conducted six FGDs, with 23 participants from Bangladesh and 26 from Malawi. We identified five emergent themes: trust, value, user-related experience, sustainability and design. HCPs discussed the confidence gained through the use of oximeters, resulting in improved trust from caregivers and valuing the device, although there were conflicts between the weight given to clinical judgement versus oximeter results. HCPs reported the ease of using oximeters, but identified movement and physically smaller children as measurement challenges. Challenges in sustainability related to battery durability and replacement parts, however many HCPs had used the same device longer than 4 years, demonstrating robustness within these settings. Desirable features included back-up power banks and integrated respiratory rate and thermometer capability.

Conclusions

Pulse oximetry was generally deemed valuable by HCPs for use as a spot-check device in a range of paediatric low-income clinical settings. Areas highlighted as challenges by HCPs, and therefore opportunities for redesign, included battery charging and durability, probe fit and sensitivity in paediatric populations.

Trial registration number

NCT02941237.