bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimal path planning for mobile robots using oppositional invasive weed optimization
Authors: Panda M.R. , Das P.K. , Dutta S. , Pradhan S.K.
Published: March 2018

A mobile robot is an autonomous agent, capable of planning the path from source to destination in both, a known, or an unknown environment. In this paper, we presented a novel approach to find the optimal trajectory. We have hybridized oppositional‐based learning (OBL) with the evolutionary invasive weed optimization (IWO) technique to generate the optimal path for different robot(s). The navigation algorithm considered in this work is intelligent enough to fulfill the objective of minimizing the path length and the time to reach its specified goal. Oppositional IWO (OIWO) algorithm mimics the colonizing behavior of weed and uses the concept of quasi‐opposite number, the concept of OBL is to find the shortest path between source and destination of mobile robot(s). An objective function has been formulated that takes care of the optimal target‐seeking behavior as well as the obstacle avoidance of the mobile robot. In this technique, OBL considers the current population generated by IWO algorithm and its opposite population simultaneously to get better and faster convergence. The simulation and experimental results prove and validate the effectiveness of developed OIWO path planning algorithm.
From ‘Invisible Problem’ to Global Priority: The Inclusion of Mental Health in the Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Mills China
Published: March 2018

Perceptions regarding the importance of mental health are shifting at a global level. Once described as an ‘invisible problem’ in international development, mental health is now being framed as one of the most pressing development issues of our time. Concern over the historical absence of mental health from the development agenda — despite its being regarded as a major obstacle to development — has led to its recent inclusion in the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This article critically examines three intersecting axes key to its inclusion in the SDGs: 1) the conceptualization and calculation of the contribution of mental disorder to the global burden of disease; 2) the quantification of mental disorder as an economic burden; and 3) the relationship between mental distress and poverty. The article highlights the urgent need to foster a more nuanced understanding of the interplay between mental health and development, and shows how, at times, interventions in the two fields work together in producing reductionist, economistic, individualized and psychologized responses to poverty.
Focal points and firm risk
Authors: Cai Ye , Shefrin Hersh
Published: March 2018

The ‘better than average’ effect suggests that relative industry standing should serve as an important focal point for corporate managers. March and Shapira (Psychological Review, 99, 172–183, 1992) develop a framework to analyze the impact of focal points on firms’ risk profiles. This paper uses the March–Shapira model to investigate the relationship between firms’ relative industry standings and their risk profiles. We find that firms’ equity returns display strong March–Shapira effects. When we examine the different firm decisions that impact risk, we find the strong presence of March–Shapira effects in firms’ decisions about operating cash flows, diversifying acquisition activity, working capital, and capital structure.
Contribution of volatile organic compound fluxes to the ecosystem carbon budget of a poplar short‐rotation plantation
Authors: Portillo‐Estrada Miguel , Zenone Terenzio , Arriga Nicola , Ceulemans Reinhart
Published: March 2018

Biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) are major precursors of both ozone and secondary organic aerosols (SOA) in the troposphere and represent a non‐negligible portion of the carbon fixed by primary producers, but long‐term ecosystem‐scale measurements of their exchanges with the atmosphere are lacking. In this study, the fluxes of 46 ions corresponding to 36 BVOCs were continuously monitored along with the exchanges of mass (carbon dioxide and water vapor) and energy (sensible and latent heat) for an entire year in a poplar (Populus) short‐rotation crop (SRC), using the eddy covariance methodology. BVOC emissions mainly consisted of isoprene, acetic acid, and methanol. Total net BVOC emissions were 19.20 kg C ha−1 yr−1, which represented 0.63% of the net ecosystem exchange (NEE), resulting from −23.59 Mg C ha−1 yr−1 fixed as CO2 and 20.55 Mg C ha−1 yr−1 respired as CO2 from the ecosystem. Isoprene emissions represented 0.293% of NEE, being emitted at a ratio of 1 : 1709 mol isoprene per mol of CO2 fixed. Based on annual ecosystem‐scale measurements, this study quantified for the first time that BVOC carbon emissions were lower than previously estimated in other studies (0.5–2% of NEE) on poplar trees. Furthermore, the seasonal and diurnal emission patterns of isoprene, methanol, and other BVOCs provided a better interpretation of the relationships with ecosystem CO2 and water vapor fluxes, with air temperature, vapor pressure deficit, and photosynthetic photon flux density.
Effects of maize meal and limestone on the fermentation profile and aerobic stability of smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss) silage
Authors: Niu D. Z. , Zheng M. L. , Zuo S. S. , Jiang D. , Xu C. C.
Published: March 2018

Chemical‐compositional characteristics of crops are crucial factors affecting the fermentation profile and aerobic stability of silages. To evaluate the effects of starch content and buffering capacity, fresh smooth bromegrass was ensiled alone (control), with 9% maize meal (MM), or with a mixture of 9% maize meal and 1.5% limestone (MX) on a fresh matter basis in sealed plastic bags. After 1, 3, 14 and 56 days of ensiling, triplicate bags of each treatment were opened for chemical and microorganism analyses, and then the samples ensiled for 56 days were placed in polyethylene containers to evaluate their aerobic stability. During the early days of ensiling, the mixtures of maize meal and limestone favoured lactic acid bacteria growth, lactic acid production and decrease in pH values. After 56 days of ensiling, the MX‐treated silages had significantly higher (p < .05) lactic acid, ammonia‐N and buffering capacity compared with the silages treated with other additives. The aerobic stability of MM‐treated silages was significantly lower (p < .05) than that of the control silages, but the MX‐treated silages showed higher (p < .05) aerobic stability than the other groups. The changes of organic acids and pH in the MX‐treated silages were also delayed, which inhibited the growth of aerobic bacteria and yeasts. These results indicate that maize meal improved the fermentation profile of smooth bromegrass silage but had a negative effect on its aerobic stability; however, limestone played important roles in both accelerating fermentation and the improvement of aerobic stability.
Life‐history traits of Central European moths: gradients of variation and their association with rarity and threats
Authors: Potocký Pavel , Bartoňová Alena , Beneš Jiří , Zapletal Michal , Konvička Martin
Published: March 2018

Analysing faunal changes using life‐history traits (LHT) represents a promising venue in community ecology. We prepared traits table for 1234 species of Central European macro‐moths (Lepidoptera), a species‐rich insect group rather neglected byLHTanalyses.

Table of 27LHTs, split into 44 trait states, was subjected to ordination analyses, aiming to disclose the main gradients in the traits’ covariance organising the regional fauna.

The main ordination gradient was related to habitats. It contrasted large‐ranging, tree foliage feeding and large‐winged species of humid and wooded habitats from small, trophic specialists feeding on reproductive plants parts and inhabiting non‐wooded, xeric habitats. This gradient sustained control for phylogeny, as well as omission of habitats‐ and biogeography‐related traits from the analyses. The secondary gradient, perpendicular to the former, distinguished multivoltine and univoltine species, the former often mobile and having a long adult period. Two minor gradients were related to defences/seasonality and to adult diurnal activity.

The habitats and voltinism gradients predicted current commonness and red‐list status of individual species reasonably well.

Life histories are linked to habitat use, commonness and threat levels of individual moths species in Central Europe. The overhelming importance of habitat association mirrors the diversity of habitats used by Central European moths. Species of closed woodlands tend to be more common and less threatened than species of rarer grassland types; multivoltine and mobile species are least threatened. The compiledLHTtable will be of use for further conservation‐oriented analyses of the moths communities.
Will a chlorhexidine‐fluoride mouthwash reduce plaque and gingivitis?
Authors: Elkerbout TA , Slot DE , Van Loveren C , Van der Weijden GA
Published: March 2018

Focus question

What is the efficacy of a chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthwash (MW) containing sodium fluoride (NaF) compared to a CHX − MW alone on the parameters of plaque, gingivitis and discoloration?

Material and Methods

MEDLINE‐PubMed, Cochrane‐CENTRAL, and EMBASE were searched for papers from inception to December 2017. The inclusion criteria were (randomized) controlled clinical trials conducted in human subjects with good general health and without removable prosthesis. Papers evaluating the effect of a MW containing CHX + NaF compared to a CHX alone were included. From the eligible studies, data were extracted, a descriptive analysis was performed and a meta‐analysis when feasible.

Results

Independent screening of 412 unique papers resulted in 9 eligible publications presenting 10 clinical trials comparing the effect of CHX + NaF to CHX − MW and provided 13 comparisons. Five evaluated the MW as an adjunct to brushing and 8 were non‐brushing comparisons of which 4 used an experimental gingivitis model. No significant difference was observed for plaque score reduction in the brushing studies the end scores (diffM; −0.04, P = .36; 95%CI: [−0.13, 0.05]) nor the differences (diffM; 0.11, P = .33; 95%CI: [−0.12, 0.24]). In the descriptive analysis, none of the experiments demonstrated a statistical significant difference regarding Gingival Index (GI), Bleeding Score and Discoloration Scores. For the GI, a meta‐analysis of the difference of Means was not significant when included experimental gingivitis model studies end scores (0.01, P = .78; 95%CI: [−0.08, 0.11]) and the difference (0.01, P = .81; 9 5%CI: [−0.08, 0.10]) either for the end scores of brushing studies (diffM; −0.01, P = .82; 95%CI: [−0.10, 0.08]).

Conclusion

From this study, it can be concluded that NaF and CHX may be present in the same MW without reducing CHX efficacy with respect to plaque and gingivitis scores. Moreover, no difference in the development of tooth discoloration was observed.
Drilling the mirror routine: From non‐situated looking to mobile practice in driver training
Authors: Björklund Daniel
Published: March 2018

This paper uses ethnomethodology and conversation analysis to trace the instructed development of a practical skill (the ‘mirror routine’) in a driving school in Sweden. Focusing the interaction between instructor and student, it applies a micro longitudinal perspective by examining five video excerpts from a total of ≈15 minutes of one driving lesson with a single constellation of student/instructor. Detailed analyses show how, by deploying different instructional resources, instructions are adapted to operate under a range of mobile and infrastructural contingencies, distinguishing between stationary and mobile instructions while considering the reflexive relation between the two. By and large, learning the mirror routine is a complex task in which the participants must deal with issues of instructions, temporality and practical multi‐activity at the same time.
Bambangan (Mangifera pajang) kernel fat: a potential new source of cocoa butter alternative
Authors: Jahurul M. H. A. , Soon Y. , Shaarani Sharifudin Md. , Hasmadi M. , Mansoor A. H. , Zaidul I. S. M. , Lee J. S. , Ali Md. Eaqub , Ghafoor Kashif , Zzaman Wahidu , Jinap S.
Published: March 2018

Bambangan (Mangifera pajang) is one of the underutilised tropical fruits found in the Borneo islands (Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei). The physicochemical and thermal properties of bambangan kernel fat (BKF) were investigated in an effort to identify an innovative fat that could be exploited in confectionery applications. The fatty acids and triglyceride (TG) contents, melting behaviour and solid fat content (SFC) of the BKF were determined by various chromatographic and thermal techniques. BKF had three main TGs, namely 1‐palmitoyl‐2‐oleoyl‐3‐stearoyl‐glycerol (POS) (11.6%), 1,3‐distearoyl‐2‐oleoyl‐glycerol (SOS) (28.7%) and 1‐stearoyl‐2,3‐dioleoyl‐glycerol (SOO) (11.2%), with SOS being the major component. Stearic, oleic and palmitic acids were the dominant fatty acids with the area percentage of 36.4%, 44.5% and 8.4%, respectively. The melting behaviour indicated a single curve with only one maximum shoulder. With respect to the physicochemical and thermal properties, BKF is ideal for use in formulations (blending components) as an alternative to CB in food products, especially confectionary products.
Bombyx mori cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor is involved in regulation of the silkworm cell cycle
Authors: Tang X.‐F. , Zhou X.‐L. , Zhang Q. , Chen P. , Lu C. , Pan M.‐H.
Published: March 2018

Cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitors (CKIs) are negative regulators of the cell cycle. They can bind to cyclin‐dependent kinase (CDK)‐cyclin complexes and inhibit CDK activities. We identified a single homologous gene of the CDK interacting protein/kinase inhibitory protein (Cip/Kip) family, BmCKI, in the silkworm, Bombyx mori. The gene transcribes two splice variants: a 654‐bp‐long BmCKI‐L (the longer splice variant) encoding a protein with 217 amino acids and a 579‐bp‐long BmCKI‐S (the shorter splice variant) encoding a protein with 192 amino acids. BmCKI‐L and BmCKI‐S contain the Cip/Kip family conserved cyclin‐binding domain and the CDK‐binding domain. They are localized in the nucleus and have an unconventional bipartite nuclear localization signal at amino acid residues 181–210. Overexpression of BmCKI‐L or BmCKI‐S affected cell cycle progression; the cell cycle was arrested in the first gap phase of cell cycle (G1). RNA interference of BmCKI‐L or BmCKI‐S led to cells accumulating in the second gap phase and the mitotic phase of cell cycle (G2/M). Both BmCKI‐L and BmCKI‐S are involved in cell cycle regulation and probably have similar effects. The transgenic silkworm with BmCKI‐L overexpression (BmCKI‐L‐OE), exhibited embryonic lethal, larva developmental retardation and lethal phenotypes. These results suggest that BmCKI‐L might regulate the growth and development of silkworm. These findings clarify the function of CKIs and increase our understanding of cell cycle regulation in the silkworm.
Anticoagulation use and clinical outcomes after catheter ablation in patients with persistent and longstanding persistent atrial fibrillation
Authors: Liang Jackson J. , Elafros Melissa A. , Mullen Michael T. , Muser Daniele , Hayashi Tatsuya , Enriquez Andres , Pathak Rajeev K. , Zado Erica S. , Santangeli Pasquale , Arkles Jeffrey S. , Schaller Robert D. , Supple Gregory E. , Frankel David S. , Garcia Fermin C. , Deo Rajat , Lin David , Riley Michael P. , Nazarian Saman , Dixit Sanjay , Marchlinski Francis E. , Callans David J.
Published: March 2018

Introduction

Whether successful catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) reduces risk of cerebrovascular events (CVEs) remains controversial and whether oral anticoagulation therapy (OAT) can be safely discontinued in patients rendered free of AF recurrences remains unknown. We evaluated OAT use patterns and examined long‐term rates of CVEs (stroke/TIA) and major bleeding episodes (MBEs) in patients with nonparoxysmal AF treated with catheter ablation.

Methods and results

Four hundred patients with nonparoxysmal AF (200 persistent, 200 longstanding persistent; mean age 60.3 ± 9.7 years, 82% male) undergoing first AF ablation were followed for 3.6 ± 2.4 years. OAT discontinuation during follow‐up was permitted in selected patients per physician discretion. At last follow‐up, allowing for multiple ablations, 172 (43.0%) patients were free of AF recurrence. Two hundred and seven (51.8%) discontinued OAT at some point; 174 (43.5%) were off OAT at last follow‐up. Patients without AF recurrence were more likely to remain off OAT (HR 0.23 [95% CI 0.17–0.33]). Patients with persistent (versus longstanding persistent) AF type prior to ablation (HR 0.6 [CI 0.44–0.83]) and those with CHA2DS2‐VASc score <2 (HR 0.56 [0.39–0.80]) were less likely to continue OAT. Seven patients had CVEs (incidence: 0.49/100 patient years) and 14 experienced MBE during follow‐up (incidence: 0.98/100 patient years). Older age (P  =  0.001) and coronary artery disease (P  =  0.028) were associated with CVE.

Conclusion

Anticoagulation discontinuation in well selected, closely monitored patients following successful ablation of nonparoxysmal AF was associated with a low rate of clinical embolic CVEs. Prospective studies are required to confirm safety of OAT discontinuation after successful AF ablation.
Risk of developing pressure sore in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients – a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Chen J.‐H. , Wu S.‐C. , Chen H.‐J. , Kao C.‐H. , Tseng C.‐H. , Tsai C.‐H.
Published: March 2018

Background

Prior investigations with few cases have disclosed lack of pressure sore (PrS) formation was characteristic in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients. However, studies with larger samples are lacking to ascertain this concept.

Objective

To investigate whether patients withALShave higher risk of PrS.

Methods

Utilizing a Taiwan National Insurance claims data set with 23 million participants, we extracted 514 patients withALSand 2056 controls from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2008. Both groups were followed up until PrS occurrence during study period (2000–2011). The PrS risk was calculated with Cox proportional regression model.

Results

The patients withALShad a greater PrS risk (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 8.82, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.90–15.9,P < 0.001) than the controls did. PrS risk was much higher inALSwomen (aHR = 26.6, 95%CI = 9.05–78.2,P < 0.001) than inALSmen (aHR = 4.38, 95%CI = 1.99–9.68,P < 0.001). Besides, in people aged 20–54,ALSwas linked with a much greater PrS risk (aHR = 27.7, 95%CI = 5.79–132,P < 0.001) than in those aged ≥55 (aHR = 6.10, 95%CI = 3.10–12.0,P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is discovered to be correlated with an enhanced PrS risk. For PrS prevention, it is needed to pay more attention to the management of the patients withALS, particularly in women and those with relatively younger age. Further investigations are needed to confirm the findings in this study.
Proton pump inhibitors not associated with hypomagnesemia, regardless of dose or concomitant diuretic use
Authors: Chowdhry Monica , Shah Kuldeep , Kemper Suzanne , Zekan David , Carter William , McJunkin Brittain
Published: March 2018

Background and Aim

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are among the most commonly prescribed medications worldwide, with dramatic efficacy for upper gastrointestinal acid‐related disorders. In recent years, however, the safety of long‐term PPI use has been questioned. One issue based on scant and conflicting literature is the possibility of PPI‐related hypomagnesemia. Our purpose was to assess for any clinically significant alteration in serum magnesium levels in large groups of patients taking different PPIs in varying doses, with or without diuretics.

Methods

This was a retrospective review of patient records at time of hospitalization, from February 2012 to December 2014. Two thousand four hundred patients were randomly selected from a pool of 12 058 magnesium levels performed at or within 24 h of hospital admission. Patients were categorized in six groups based on outpatient PPI and/or diuretic use. The main outcome studied was hypomagnesemia, defined as serum magnesium level < 1.6 mg/dL.

Results

Mean magnesium levels were normal in PPI users (1.84 ± 0.29 mg/dL [normal 1.6 to 2.5 mg/dL]) and PPI nonusers (1.85 ± 0.30 mg/dL), P = 0.40, and there was no statistical difference in the prevalence of hypomagnesemia (14.7% vs 15.1%, P = 0.77). In separate groups, there were also no significant differences in serum magnesium levels between those taking PPIs of varying doses, with or without concomitant diuretics, and those not taking PPIs or diuretics.

Conclusion

Regardless of PPI dosage or concomitant diuretics prescribed, magnesium levels were unaffected. Routine screening of serum magnesium in PPI patients appears unnecessary.
Mechanical circulatory support for acute right ventricular failure in the setting of pulmonary embolism
Authors: Elder Mahir , Blank Nimrod , Kaki Amir , Alraies M Chadi , Grines Cindy L. , Kajy Marvin , Hasan Reema , Mohamad Tamam , Schreiber Theodore
Published: March 2018

Background

Right ventricular (RV) failure due to pulmonary embolism (PE) increases morbidity and mortality and contributes to prolonged hospital length of stay and higher costs of care. RV mechanical circulatory support (MCS) including Impella RP devices have been increasingly used in hemodynamically compromised PE patients who are refractory to intravascular volume expansion and inotropic therapy. However, effectiveness and safety of Impella RP, in hemodynamically unstable PE patients is unknown.

Methods

We included consecutive patients who presented to Detroit Medical Center between November 3, 2015 and October 2, 2017 with acute PE and had evidence of hemodynamic compromise indicating Impella RP.

Results

Total of five cases were identified. All patients met the shock definition due to massive or submassive PE and therefore received Impella RP on admission. Cardiac index was improved from mean of 1.69/min/m2, (0.88‐2.15 L/min/m2), to 2.5 L/min/m2 (range 1.88‐3.4), after 24 h of treatment. Similarly, mean heart rate reduced to 92 beats per minute (79‐105), and mean systolic blood pressure increased to 140 mmHg (115‐179). No significant changes were found in renal function, hemoglobin and platelets level during device use. One patient experienced hemoglobin drop from 13.7 to 7.3 g/dL but did not require blood transfusion. All patients survived to discharge.

Conclusion

In patients with PE and RV shock, Impella RP device resulted in immediate hemodynamic benefit with reversal of shock and favorable survival to discharge.
Anti-inflammatory effect of diterpenes-enriched fractions from Pterodon polygalaeflorus through inhibition of macrophage migration and cytokine production
Authors: Leal Nathalia Regina F , Vigliano Mariana Vieira , Pinto Fabiana A , de Sousa Thayane V , Velozo Leosvaldo S M , Sabino Kátia C C , Justo Maria da Graça , Coelho Marsen Garcia Pinto
Published: March 2018

Objectives

To evaluate the anti-inflammatory potential of Pterodon polygalaeflorus hexane extract (HE) and its fractions on macrophage migration in vitro and in vivo.

Methods

Hexane extract from P. polygalaeflorus fruits was fractionated and yielded four fractions. RAW 264.7 cells were treated with samples to evaluate cell viability (MTT assay), cell migration (wound healing and transwell assays), CD14 expression (flow cytometry), iNOS and cytokine mRNA expression (RT-qPCR), NO (Griess reaction) and cytokine (ELISA) production. In vivo migration was evaluated on the thioglycollate-induced peritonitis model. Qualitative analysis was performed by GC-MS.

Key findings

All fractions inhibited the NO production by LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Fr3 and Fr4 presented the lowest IC50 values. The expressions of iNOS and IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-10 cytokines were inhibited by Fr3 and Fr4, whereas the CD14 expression was only inhibited by Fr3. All the samples inhibited RAW 264.7 migration in the wound healing and transwell assays. Fr3 and Fr4 reduced the migration of Mac-1+Gr-1− cells to the peritoneum and presented in their compositions: 6α-hydroxy-7β-acetoxyvouacapan-17β-oate, methyl 6α,7β-dihydroxyvouacapan-17β-oate, methyl 6α-acetoxy-7β-hydroxyvouacapan-17β-oate, geranylgeraniol and 14,15-epoxy-geranylgeraniol.

Conclusions

The anti-inflammatory effects of Fr3 and Fr4 involve inhibition of cell migration, iNOS expression and NO production, cytokine expression (mRNA and proteins) and CD14 expression (Fr3).
Lines of Discovery on Inuit Needle Cases, Kakpiit, in Museum Collections
Authors: Zawadski Krista Ulujuk
Published: March 2018

Drawing on examples of museum collections research by Indigenous people, including my own research experiences, I argue for the importance of Indigenous people's access to museum collections for cultural and language revitalization efforts. Access to museum collections generates and stimulates memories and knowledge among elders and young people; thus it helps to preserve and promote intangible heritage alongside interactions with tangible belongings. I position myself as an Inuk individual, utilizing Indigenous epistemology and methodology to guide my path in an effort to decolonize museum collections and to help foster a meaningful relationship between Inuit communities and museum collections. Through the study of needle cases in museum collections and interactions with local community members in Canada's Arctic, I explore the questions: How can Arctic museum collections serve as an intermediary between the Inuit community and the discipline of anthropology? How can Inuit perspectives and interpretations of our own cultural material influence knowledge about needle cases, as well as other cultural material that is curated in museums? [Inuit, needle cases, kakpiit, museum collections]
The Evolution of Internal Undular Bores over a Slope in the Presence of Rotation
Authors: Yuan Chunxin , Grimshaw Roger , Johnson Edward
Published: March 2018

The large‐amplitude internal waves commonly observed in the coastal ocean often take the form of unsteady undular bores. Hence, here, we examine the long‐time combined effect of variable topography and background rotation on the propagation of internal undular bores, using the framework of a variable‐coefficient Ostrovsky equation. Because the leading waves in an internal undular bore are close to solitary waves, we first examine the evolution of a single solitary wave. Then, we consider an internal undular bore, for which two methods of generation are used. One method is the matured undular bore developed from an initial shock box in the Korteweg–de Vries equation, that is the Ostrovsky equation with the rotational term omitted, and the other method is a modulated cnoidal wave solution of the same Korteweg–de Vries equation. It transpires that in the long‐time model simulations, the rotational effect disintegrates the nonlinear waves into inertia‐gravity waves, and then there emerge complicated interactions between these inertia‐gravity waves and the modulated periodic waves of the undular bore, especially at the rear part of the undular bore. However, near the front of the undular bore, nonlinear effects further modulate these waves, with the eventual emergence of nonlinear envelope wave packets.
Does inflammation affect outcomes in dialysis patients?
Authors: Nowak Kristen L. , Chonchol Michel
Published: March 2018

Chronic, low‐grade inflammation is a common comorbid condition in chronic kidney disease (CKD), and particularly in chronic dialysis patients. In this review, we consider the question of whether inflammation affects outcomes in dialysis patients. Levels of proinflammatory cytokines, as well as C‐reactive protein, are elevated in chronic dialysis patients. Multiple factors likely contribute to chronic inflammatory activation in kidney disease patients including the uremic milieu, lifestyle and epigenetic influences, infectious and thrombotic events, the dialysis process, and dysbiosis. Increased inflammatory markers in both CKD and chronic dialysis patients are associated with adverse clinical outcomes including all‐cause mortality, cardiovascular events, kidney disease progression, protein energy wasting and diminished motor function, cognitive impairment, as well as other adverse consequences including CKD‐mineral and bone disorder, anemia, and insulin resistance. Strategies that have been shown to reduce chronic systemic inflammation in CKD and chronic dialysis patients include both pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions. However, despite evidence that systemic inflammatory markers can be lowered in kidney disease patients treated with various strategies, evidence that this improves clinical outcomes is largely unavailable and represents an important future research direction. Overall, there is strong observational evidence that inflammation is high in chronic dialysis patients and that this is independently associated with numerous adverse clinical outcomes. Targeting inflammation represents a potentially novel and attractive strategy if it can indeed improve adverse outcomes common in this population.
Do arteriovenous fistulas increase cardiac risk?
Authors: Faull Randall , Rao Nitesh , Worthley Matthew
Published: March 2018

An effectively functioning arteriovenous fistula is the life line for patients on long‐term hemodialysis, and for most an upper limb, native vessel fistula has significant short‐ and long‐term advantages. There are, however, situations where a fistula has deleterious effects, including the relatively uncommon problem of severe heart failure exacerbated in particular by high‐flow fistulas. There is also increasing evidence that a fistula can add to the already high burden of cardiovascular risk in patients with advanced kidney disease, including by promoting water and salt retention, and by inducing or worsening left ventricular hypertrophy. While cases periodically arise where a fistula needs to be ligated with some urgency, such as severe heart failure, an increasingly persuasive case can be made for electively ligating fistulas that are not being used. The most common example of this is in stable renal transplant recipients, where the risks of ligation are outweighed by the potential risks of maintaining an unused fistula. Surgically reducing the blood flow in large (usually upper arm) fistulas is also a legitimate maneuver in specific high‐risk situations.
Abdominal visceral perforation by buried peritoneal dialysis catheters: Cause or coincidence?
Authors: Yao Jiefei , Witherspoon Luke , McCormick Brendan B. , Belanger Eric , Warren Jeffrey E.
Published: March 2018

Delayed visceral organ perforations after PD catheter insertions are extremely rare. We report two patients who presented with asymptomatic visceral perforation from their buried PD catheters. Five months after a laparoscopic buried PD catheter insertion in a 92‐year‐old man PD was initiated; bile and bowel contents were noted in the PD effluent. He subsequently expired (from pneumonia) to autopsy revealed the PD catheter within the small bowel. Despite this perforation, there was no evidence of peritonitis, inflammation, nor any bowel content within the peritoneal cavity. A second case was observed 2.5 months after an uncomplicated laparoscopic buried PD catheter insertion in a 60‐year‐old woman. PD was attempted; the patient had an immediate urge to void. MRI revealed the presence of the PD catheter within her bladder. She underwent PD catheter revision the next day with repair of bladder perforation and ultimately successfully initiated PD. Since the perforations did not occur at the time of catheter placement, we believe that the catheter eroded into a viscus, perhaps related to the lack of a fluid at the catheter ‐ viscus interface. The diagnosis of delayed visceral organ perforation following buried PD catheter insertion may be delayed because the catheter is not immediately used.
Whose Best Friend? Dogs and Racial Boundary Maintenance in a Multiracial Neighborhood
Authors: Mayorga‐Gallo Sarah
Published: March 2018

In human–animal studies, dogs are often framed as promoters of interactions among strangers. Yet very few of these studies discuss how racial structure shapes human‐to‐human engagement. Similarly, race scholarship and urban studies have failed to incorporate human–animal studies fully to better understand racial dynamics and inequality in U.S. cities. I use in‐depth interview data from an 18‐month study of Creekridge Park, an urban, multiracial, and mixed‐income neighborhood in Durham, North Carolina, to explore the role of dogs for white residents. I focus on identifying if dogs helped bridge social differences between white residents and their Black and Latinx neighbors in a racially and economically diverse neighborhood. I find that while my white respondents shared many examples of dogs facilitating neighborly relationships and friendship, these relationships were largely between same‐race individuals. By reinforcing a white, urban, middle‐class habitus, white residents used dogs to maintain interracial boundaries and feelings of safety, as well as navigate racial‐ethnic differences between themselves and their Black and Latinx neighbors. These findings point to the necessity of more research that addresses racial structure and human–animal studies to better understand contemporary urban spaces.
Common germline haplotypes and genotypes identified in BRCA2 exon 11 of dogs with mammary tumours and histopathological analyses
Authors: Maués T. , El‐Jaick K. B. , Costa F. B. , Araujo G. E. F. , Soares M. V. G. , Moreira A. S. , Ferreira M. L. G. , Ferreira A. M. R.
Published: March 2018

The canine BRCA2 is a tumor supressor gene which encodes the BRCA2 protein, involved in DNA repair through interaction with the RAD51 recombinase. This process is mediated by eigth BRC repeats that are encoded by BRCA2 exon 11. Two variants corresponding to human mutations in human BRC3 repeat have been reported in canine BRC3 repeat. In addition, other variants have also been described in canine BRCA2 exon 11. Considering the importance of polymorphisms in human BRCA2 to breast cancer development, this study aimed to investigate the frequency of variants in BRCA2 exon 11 in 48 blood and tissue DNA samples from bitches with canine mammary tumors (CMT), as well as, to analyze tumor stage and histopathological features. Seven Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified, three of which were evaluated as possibily or probably deleterious variant. Interestingly, almost all the 22 mammary tumors (except one) which presented a clinical staging equal to or greater than III carried at least one mutant allele of these three variants. Besides that, no statistically significant correlation was observed between any of the reported SNPs in heterozygosis or homozygosis and either dogs data (such as breed, age or disease stage) or mammary tumors histopathological characteristics. A total of 97.9% of bitches had one to three polymorphisms of the seven identified in this study, which suggests a possibly correlation between the canine BRCA2 exon 11 polymorphisms and mammary carcinogenesis.
Hematology RIs for captive and wild Arabian Sand Gazelles (Gazella subgutturosa marica) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Authors: D'Alterio Gian Lorenzo , Barichievy Chris , Macasero William
Published: March 2018

Background

The Arabian Sand Gazelle (Gazella subgutturosa marica, Thomas, 1897) has been extirpated throughout the Arabian Peninsula. Captive breeding and reintroduction for conservation purposes require veterinary support and the use of hematology RIs.

Objectives

The purpose of the study was to establish hematological RIs for the Arabian Sand Gazelle.

Methods

Blood from 231 clinically healthy captive and 22 wild (reintroduced) Arabian Sand Gazelles were sampled. The VetScan HM2 analyzer was used to determine the complete cell count (CBC) on the same morning of sample collection. American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology (ASVCP) guidelines were followed for statistical analyses.

Results

The white blood cell counts (WBC) and hematocrits (HCT) revealed broad RIs, the red blood cell counts (RBC) and hemoglobin (HGB) were characterized by a narrow RI, and the platelet count (PLT) yielded a wide RI due to high variance in the data. The HGB, MCHC, PLT, and platelet distribution width (PDW) were significantly different between the captive males and females. The majority of the variables assessed were significantly different between captive and wild animals.

Conclusions

The large number of samples obtained for this study was considerable given the rare and endangered status of this species, which overall afforded narrow RIs and CIs. The main exception was for the PLT constituents. The significant differences observed between the captive and wild male gazelles show the need to understand the origin of the animals for which hematologic RIs are determined.
Physiology of static breath holding in elite apneists
Authors: Bain Anthony R. , Drvis Ivan , Dujic Zeljko , MacLeod David B. , Ainslie Philip N.
Published: March 2018

New Findings

What is the topic of this review?

This review provides an up‐to‐date assessment of the physiology involved with extreme static dry‐land breath holding in trained apneists.

What advances does it highlight?

We specifically highlight the recent findings involved with the cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and metabolic function during a maximal breath hold in elite apneists.

Breath‐hold‐related activities have been performed for centuries, but only recently, within the last ∼30 years, has it emerged as an increasingly popular competitive sport. In apnoea sport, competition relates to underwater distances or simply maximal breath‐hold duration, with the current (oxygen‐unsupplemented) static breath‐hold record at 11 min 35 s. Remarkably, many ultra‐elite apneists are able to suppress respiratory urges to the point where consciousness fundamentally limits a breath‐hold duration. Here, arterial oxygen saturations as low as ∼50% have been reported. In such cases, oxygen conservation to maintain cerebral functioning is critical, where responses ascribed to the mammalian dive reflex, e.g. sympathetically mediated peripheral vasoconstriction and vagally mediated bradycardia, are central. In defence of maintaining global cerebral oxygen delivery during prolonged breath holds, the cerebral blood flow may increase by ∼100% from resting values. Interestingly, near the termination of prolonged dry static breath holds, recent studies also indicate that reductions in the cerebral oxidative metabolism can occur, probably attributable to the extreme hypercapnia and irrespective of the hypoxaemia. In this review, we highlight and discuss the recent data on the cardiovascular, metabolic and, particularly, cerebrovascular function in competitive apneists performing maximal static breath holds. The physiological adaptation and maladaptation with regular breath‐hold training are also summarized, and future research areas in this unique physiological field are highlighted; particularly, the need to determine the potential long‐term health impacts of extreme breath holding.
A PET imaging approach for determining EGFR mutation status for improved lung cancer patient management
Authors: Sun Xilin , Xiao Zunyu , Chen Gongyan , Han Zhaoguo , Liu Yang , Zhang Chongqing , Sun Yingying , Song Yan , Wang Kai , Fang Fang , Wang Xiance , Lin Yanhong , Xu Lili , Shao Liming , Li Jin , Cheng Zhen , Gambhir Sanjiv Sam , Shen Baozhong
Published: March 2018

18
F-MPG PET/CT enables noninvasive identification of NSCLC patients who may benefit from EGFR-TKI therapy and can be used to monitor treatment outcome.
Smartphone-based blood pressure monitoring via the oscillometric finger-pressing method
Authors: Chandrasekhar Anand , Kim Chang-Sei , Naji Mohammed , Natarajan Keerthana , Hahn Jin-Oh , Mukkamala Ramakrishna
Published: March 2018

A smartphone-based device for cuff-less and calibration-free monitoring of systolic and diastolic blood pressure is comparable to cuff-based devices.
Can interleukin-15 keep its therapeutic promise?
Authors: Hinrichs Christian S.
Published: March 2018

The search continues for a therapeutic niche for interleukin-15 in human cancer treatment.
Association of Vancomycin MIC and Molecular Characteristics with Clinical Outcomes in Methicillin-Susceptible Staphylococcus aureus Acute Hematogenous Osteoarticular Infections in Children
Authors: Kok Eric Y. , Vallejo Jesus G. , Sommer Lauren M. , Rosas Louie , Kaplan Sheldon L. , Hulten Kristina G. , McNeil J. Chase
Published: March 2018

Strains of methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA), particularly those belonging to the USA300 pulsotype, have been well described to cause severe osteoarticular infections (OAIs). A vancomycin MIC of ≥1.5 μg/ml has been demonstrated to contribute to disease severity in adults with MRSA and even methicillin-susceptible
S. aureus
(MSSA) bacteremia. Little data exist describing the outcomes of MSSA OAIs in terms of molecular characteristics and vancomycin MIC. All patients/isolates were chosen from a surveillance study at Texas Children's Hospital (TCH).
S. aureus
OAI isolates were identified from 2011 to 2016 and subjected to vancomycin Etests, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), and PCR to determine Panton-Valentine leucocidin (PVL) production and
agr
group. Two hundred fifty-two cases of
S. aureus
OAI were identified; 183 cases were MSSA (72.6%). During the study period, a decrease in the proportion of cases secondary to MRSA was observed, declining from 37.8% to 15.9% (
P
= 0.02). Of the MSSA isolates, 26.2% and 23.5% were USA300 and PVL positive, respectively. An increase in the proportion of MSSA isolates with a vancomycin MIC of ≥1.5 μg/ml occurred in the study period (
P
= 0.004). In MSSA, an elevated vancomycin MIC was associated with multiple surgical procedures and venous thromboses, even when adjusting for empirical β-lactam use. An increase in vancomycin MIC was noted among isolates belonging to
agr
group 4 during the study period. Methicillin resistance is declining among
S. aureus
OAI isolates at TCH. Simultaneously, vancomycin Etest MICs are increasing among MSSA isolates. Vancomycin MICs of ≥2 μg/ml are associated with adverse clinical outcomes in MSSA irrespective of antibiotic choice, suggesting that this may be a surrogate for organism virulence.
Combination of Tedizolid and Daptomycin against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in an
In Vitro
Model of Simulated Endocardial Vegetations
Authors: Smith Jordan R. , Yim Juwon , Rice Seth , Stamper Kyle , Kebriaei Razie , Rybak Michael J.
Published: March 2018

Methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) is a major pathogen responsible for health care-associated infections, and treatment options are limited. Tedizolid (TZD) is a novel oxazolidinone antibiotic with activity against MRSA. Previously, daptomycin (DAP) has demonstrated synergy with other antibiotics against MRSA. We sought to determine the efficacy of the combination of TZD and DAP against MRSA in an
in vitro
model of simulated endocardial vegetations (SEVs). TZD simulations of 200 mg once daily and DAP simulations of 6 mg/kg of body weight and 10 mg/kg once daily were tested alone and in the combinations TZD plus DAP at 6 mg/kg or DAP at 10 mg/kg against two clinical strains of MRSA, 494 and 67. These regimens were tested in SEV models over 8 days to determine the antibacterial activity of the regimens and whether synergy or antagonism might be present between the agents. Against both strains 494 and 67 and at both DAP dose regimens, the combination of TZD and DAP was antagonistic at 192 h. In all cases, DAP alone was statistically superior to DAP plus TZD. When the combination was stopped after 96 h, transitioning to DAP at 6 mg/kg or DAP at 10 mg/kg alone resulted in better antibacterial activity than either of the TZD-plus-DAP combinations, further demonstrating antagonistic effects. Against MRSA, we demonstrated that TZD and DAP have antagonistic activity that hinders their overall antimicrobial efficacy. The exact nature of this antagonistic relationship is still undetermined, but its presence warrants further study of the potentially harmful grouping of the two antibiotics in clinical use.
Genome Sequence of Bacillus halotolerans Strain MS50-18A with Antifungal Activity against Phytopathogens, Isolated from Saline Soil in San Luís Potosí, Mexico
Authors: Sagredo-Beltrán Jaime , De La Cruz-Rodríguez Yumiko , Alvarado-Rodríguez Miguel , Vega-Arreguín Julio , Rodríguez-Guerra Raúl , Alvarado-Gutiérrez Alejandro , Fraire-Velázquez Saúl
Published: March 2018

Bacillus halotolerans
strain MS50-18A, isolated from saline soil, possesses antifungal activity toward root rot causal phytopathogens and has friendly interactions with the chili pepper plant. The draft genome sequence is 4.06 Mb in length and contains 4,215 genes. Genes related to glycine/betaine uptake and bacilysin biosynthesis are present, supporting its saline stress tolerance and antifungal activity.
Draft Genome Sequence of Byssochlamys sp. Isolate BYSS01, a Filamentous Fungus Adapted to the Fuel Environment
Authors: Radwan Osman , Gunasekera Thusitha S. , Ruiz Oscar N.
Published: March 2018

Byssochlamys
sp. isolate BYSS01 (anamorph,
Paecilomyces
sp.), which was isolated from jet fuel, is highly adapted to grow in hydrocarbons, having predicted genes involved in degradation of
n
-alkanes, branched alkanes, and aromatic compounds. The draft genome size is estimated at 29 Mb, containing 8,509 proteins.
Complete Genome Sequences of Three Staphylococcus pseudintermedius Strains Isolated from Botswana
Authors: Abouelkhair Mohamed A. , Thompson Riley , Riley Matthew C. , Bemis David A. , Kania Stephen A.
Published: March 2018

We report here the first whole-genome sequences for 3 strains of
Staphylococcus pseudintermedius
(112N, 113N, and 114N) isolated in Africa. Samples of this opportunistic pathogen were collected from nasal swabs obtained from healthy carrier dogs in Botswana. The sequence information will facilitate spatial phylogenetic comparisons of staphylococcal species and other bacteria at the genome level.
An Improved Medium for Colistin Susceptibility Testing
Authors: Gwozdzinski Konrad , Azarderakhsh Saina , Imirzalioglu Can , Falgenhauer Linda , Chakraborty Trinad
Published: March 2018

The plasmid-located colistin resistance gene
mcr-1
confers low-level resistance to colistin, a last-line antibiotic against multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. Current CLSI-EUCAST recommendations require the use of a broth microdilution (BMD) method with cation-adjusted Mueller-Hinton (CA-MH) medium for colistin susceptibility testing, but approximately 15% of all MCR-1 producers are classified as sensitive in that broth. Here we report on an improved calcium-enhanced Mueller-Hinton (CE-MH) medium that permits simple and reliable determination of
mcr-1
-containing
Enterobacteriaceae
. Colistin susceptibility testing was performed for 50
mcr-1
-containing
Escherichia coli
and
Klebsiella pneumoniae
isolates, 7 intrinsically polymyxin-resistant species,
K. pneumoniae
and
E. coli
isolates with acquired resistance to polymyxins due to
mgrB
and
pmrB
mutations, respectively, and 32
mcr-1
-negative, colistin-susceptible isolates of
Acinetobacter baumannii
,
Citrobacter freundii
,
Enterobacter cloacae
,
E. coli
,
K. pneumoniae
, and
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium. A comparison of the colistin MICs determined in CA-MH medium and those obtained in CE-MH medium was performed using both the BMD and strip-based susceptibility test formats. We validated the data using an isogenic IncX4 plasmid lacking
mcr-1
. Use of the CE-MH broth provides clear separation between resistant and susceptible isolates in both BMD and gradient diffusion assays; this is true for both
mcr-1
-containing
Enterobacteriaceae
isolates and those exhibiting either intrinsic or acquired colistin resistance. CE-MH medium is simple to prepare and overcomes current problems associated with BMD and strip-based colistin susceptibility testing, and use of the medium is easy to implement in routine diagnostic laboratories, even in resource-poor settings.