bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of intestinal pathogens with faecal markers of environmental enteric dysfunction among slum‐dwelling children in the first 2 years of life in Bangladesh
Authors: Fahim Shah Mohammad , Das Subhasish , Gazi Md. Amran , Mahfuz Mustafa , Ahmed Tahmeed
Published: August 2018

Objective

Environmental Enteric Dysfunction (EED) can be assessed by faecal biomarkers such as Myeloperoxidase (MPO), Neopterin (NEO) and Alpha‐1 anti‐trypsin (AAT). We aimed to test the association of intestinal pathogens with faecal markers of EED among slum‐dwelling children in first 2 years of life.

Methods

The MAL‐ED birth cohort data of Bangladesh site were used to conduct this analysis. Multivariable analyses using Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) were performed to test the association between intestinal pathogens and faecal markers of EED.

Results

Giardiasis, ascariasis and trichuriasis were the most frequent parasitic infections and Campylobacter spp., Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC) and Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) were the common bacterial pathogens observed in stool samples of the children. Overall, 71%, 97% and 58% of stool samples were above values considered normal in non‐tropical settings for MPO, NEO and AAT respectively. Giardiasis was found to be significantly associated with MPO (Coefficient = 0.55; 95% CI = 0.15, 0.95; P‐value = 0.008) and AAT concentrations (Coefficient = 0.34; 95% CI = 0.04, 0.63; P‐value = 0.03). A significant association was found between trichuriasis and NEO (Coefficient = 0.90; 95% CI = 0.19, 1.61; P‐value = 0.01). Trichuriasis (Coefficient = 1.71; 95% CI = 0.32, 3.11; P‐value = 0.02) and giardiasis (Coefficient = 1.51; 95% CI = 0.79, 2.23; P‐value <0.001) were significantly associated with EED score. Children with EAEC had significantly higher MPO concentrations (Coefficient = 0.33; 95% CI = 0.06, 0.61; P‐value = 0.02).

Conclusion

The study results imply the importance of intestinal pathogens in contributing to intestinal inflammation and increased intestinal permeability in young children.
Evaluation of the analytical variability of urine protein‐to‐creatinine ratio in cats
Authors: Giraldi Marco , Rossi Gabriele , Bertazzolo Walter , Negri Stefano , Paltrinieri Saverio , Scarpa Paola
Published: August 2018

Background

Proteinuria quantification with the urinary protein‐to‐creatinine (UPC) ratio is part of the diagnostic process in feline patients suspected of chronic kidney disease (CKD). In affected cats, monitoring and substaging of the UPC according to the International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) guidelines is also necessary for appropriate patient management. No information is available about the possible effects of analytical variability on urinary proteins (UPs) and the UPC ratio in cats.

Objectives

This study aimed to determine whether imprecision and method‐dependent differences due to the two dye‐binding methods, pyrogallol red‐molybdate (PRM) and Coomassie brilliant blue (CBB), could affect IRIS substaging.

Methods

Urine samples were collected from proteinuric and nonproteinuric cats. Intra‐assay and inter‐assay repeatability were assessed with both the PRM and CBB methods. Urinary supernatants (n = 120) were tested using both methods. Agreement between the methods and concordance with sample classification according to IRIS guidelines were determined.

Results

On average, the PRM method yielded a higher CV (UP 8.4 ± 5.2%; UPC 9.5 ± 4.8%) than the CBB method (UP 5.6 ± 2.6%; UPC 7.2 ± 2.6%), but similar rates of misclassification were found in samples with UPC ratios close to the IRIS cut‐off. Although the two methods were correlated, the CBB method tended to yield UPs and UPC ratios that were significantly higher (P < 0.0001) than that of the PRM method. The Passing‐Bablok test also found constant and proportional errors between the PRM and CBB methods. Concordance in substaging samples according to IRIS was good (k coefficient = 0.62).

Conclusions

The two methods were precise, but the higher UPC ratios obtained with the CBB methods might affect the interpretation using the IRIS guidelines and clinical decisions.
Correlation of electrophoretic urine protein banding patterns with severity of renal damage in dogs with proteinuric chronic kidney disease
Authors: Hokamp Jessica A. , Leidy Sidney A. , Gaynanova Irina , Cianciolo Rachel E. , Nabity Mary B.
Published: August 2018

Background

Urine protein loss is common in dogs with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Currently available noninvasive means of evaluating CKD in dogs cannot accurately predict the severity of glomerular and tubulointerstitial damage. Electrophoretic analysis of urine proteins can indicate the compromised renal compartment (glomerular vs tubular), but extensive evaluation of protein banding pattern associations with histologic damage severity has not been performed in dogs.

Objectives

We aimed to evaluate electrophoretic banding patterns as indicators of the presence and severity of glomerular and tubulointerstitial damage in dogs with naturally occurring, predominantly proteinuric CKD.

Methods

We performed a retrospective study using urine and renal tissue from 207 dogs with CKD. Urine protein banding patterns were correlated with histologic severity of renal damage. Sensitivity and specificity of banding patterns for the detection of glomerular and tubulointerstitial damage were determined.

Results

Banding patterns were 97% sensitive and 100% specific for the detection of glomerular damage and 90% sensitive and 100% specific for the detection of tubulointerstitial damage. Correlations between composite banding patterns and the severity of renal damage were strong, while glomerular banding patterns correlated moderately with glomerular damage severity, and tubular gel scores correlated weakly to moderately with the severity of tubulointerstitial damage.

Conclusions and clinical importance

Urine protein banding patterns are useful for the detection of glomerular and tubulointerstitial damage in dogs with proteinuric CKD.
Combined carbon dioxide laser and cryosurgical ablation of rostral nasal septum squamous cell carcinoma in 10 dogs
Authors: Ierace Maria K. , Canfield Michael S. , Peters‐Kennedy Jeanine , Kane Curtis W.
Published: August 2018

Background

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most commonly reported neoplasm of the nasal planum and treatment is focused on localized disease. Rostral maxillectomy and/or nasal planectomy are considered standard of care for excision of nasal planum SCC; however, the cosmetic outcome of these procedures can be deemed unacceptable by many pet owners.

Objectives

The study aim was to evaluate the efficacy of combination carbon dioxide (CO2) laser surgery and cryosurgery as a palliative treatment modality in dogs with nasal SCCs.

Animals

Ten client‐owned dogs with nasal SCC were included: seven neutered males, two spayed females and one intact male, with a median age of 12.5 years (range 9–15 years).

Methods and materials

Tumour CO2 laser ablation was followed by cryosurgical ablation of the visible tumour, adjacent and subjacent tissue. Three rapid freeze–slow thaw cycles were performed.

Results

Eight of 10 dogs were Labrador retrievers. The ages ranged from 9 to 14 years. Overall median survival time was 260 days with two dogs still alive at the time of writing.

Conclusions and clinical importance

Combined CO2 laser and cryosurgical ablation was practical, cost‐effective and provided an excellent aesthetic outcome in dogs with SCCs restricted to the nasal septum, while providing acceptable palliation of local disease.
Asian spiderflower (Cleome viscosa) germination ecology in southern Iran
Authors: Elahifard Elham , Derakhshan Abolfazl
Published: August 2018

Cleome viscosa is one of the most important weeds of warm‐season crops in southern Iran. Laboratory experiments were conducted to assess the impact of environmental factors on seed germination of C. viscosa. Freshly harvested seeds exhibited dormancy that was relieved (>90%) after immersion for 20 min in concentrated sulfuric acid. Regardless of the temperature regime, the final percentage of germination in light/dark (69.3%) was significantly higher than in complete darkness (58.3%). The optimum temperature for germination was 35/25°C in both light and dark. No germination was observed at constant temperatures of either 15 or 45°C. The thermal thresholds for seed germination, the base (Tb) and the mean ceiling germination temperatures (Tc(50)) were estimated to be 18.8 and 39.9°C, respectively. A base water potential (
Ψb(50)) of −0.96 MPa was identified for C. viscosa seeds. The response threshold of C. viscosa to reduce 50% of maximum germination for salinity was estimated to be 255 mM. Seeds that were placed on the soil surface had the highest percentage of seedling emergence (77.3%), and no seedlings emerged from seeds placed at a depth of 6 cm. The findings of this study could help to improve the integrated weed management strategies for this species.
The effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for healing chronic venous leg ulcers: A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Thistlethwaite Kenneth R. , Finlayson Kathleen J. , Cooper P. David , Brown Bebe , Bennett Michael H. , Kay Graeme , O'Reilly Maria T. , Edwards Helen E.
Published: August 2018

Over 30% of venous leg ulcers do not heal despite evidence‐based treatment. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) as an adjunct treatment for nonhealing venous leg ulcers. A randomized, double‐blind, parallel group, placebo‐controlled trial was undertaken in three hyperbaric medicine units. Adults with a venous leg ulcer, Transcutaneous Oxygen Measurement indicative of a hypoxic wound responsive to oxygen challenge, and without contraindications for HBOT; were eligible. Of 84 eligible patients, 10 refused and 74 enrolled. 43 participants achieved over 50% ulcer Percent Area Reduction (PAR) after four weeks of evidence‐based care and were thus excluded from the intervention phase. Thirty‐one participants were randomized to either 30 HBOT treatments (100% oxygen at 2.4 atmospheres absolute (ATA) for 80 minutes), or 30 “placebo” treatments, receiving a validated “sham” air protocol, initially pressurized to 1.2ATA, then cycled between 1.05–1.2ATA for eight minutes before settling at 1.05ATA. The primary outcome was numbers in each group completely healed. Secondary outcomes were ulcer PAR, pain and quality of life, 12 weeks after commencing interventions. The participants’ mean age was 70 years (standard deviation (SD) 12.9) and median ulcer duration at enrolment was 62 weeks (range 4–3120). At 12 weeks, there was no significant difference between groups in the numbers completely healed. The HBOT intervention group had a mean of 95 (SD 6.53) ulcer PAR, compared to 54 (SD 67.8) mean PAR for the placebo group (t = −2.24, p = 0.042, mean difference −40.8, SE 18.2) at 12 weeks. HBOT may improve refractory healing in venous leg ulcers, however patient selection is important. In this study, HBOT as an adjunct treatment for nonhealing patients returned indolent ulcers to a healing trajectory.
Evidence on Nurse Staffing Ratios and Patient Outcomes in a Low‐Income Country: Implications for Future Research and Practice
Authors: Kouatly Iman Al , Nassar Nada , Nizam Maya , Badr Lina Kurdahi
Published: August 2018

Background

Conclusive evidence on the effect of nurse staffing ratios on nurse‐sensitive outcomes (NSOs) has not yet been achieved worldwide.

Aims

To describe the relationship between nurse staffing and NSOs at a Magnet designated, university hospital a low‐income country.

Methods

A 48‐month prospective study assessed the relationship between nurse staffing and six patient outcomes or NSOs in medical–surgical units and critical care units (CCUs). Nurse staffing was measured by nursing hours per patient day (NHPPD) and skill mix, whereas NSOs were total falls and injury falls per 1,000 patient days, percent of surveyed patients with hospital‐acquired pressure injuries (HAPI), catheter‐associated urinary tract infections, ventilator‐associated pneumonia, and central line‐associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) per 1,000 central line days.

Results

The odds for total falls, injury falls, HAPI, and CLABSI in the medical–surgical units were higher with lower NHPPD ratios, OR = 4.67, p = .000; OR = 4.33, p = .001; OR = 3.77, p = .004 and OR = 2.61, p = .006, respectively. For the CCUs, lower rates of NHPPD increased the odds for total falls, OR = 6.25, p = .0007, HAPIs OR = 3.91, p = .001 and CLABSI, OR = 4.78, p = .000. Skill mix was associated with total falls, OR = 2.40, p = .005 and HAPIs OR = 2.07, p = .03 in the medical–surgical units but had no effect in any NSOs in the CCUs.

Linking Evidence to Action

Higher rates of nurses per patient were effective in improving some NSOs but not others. Skill mix had no effect on any of the six NSOs in the CCUs. As such, the results remain inconclusive as the benefits of the higher nurse to patient ratios in this low‐income country warranting further multisite studies in different settings and countries.
The Second Triennial Systematic Literature Review of European Nursing Research: Impact on Patient Outcomes and Implications for Evidence‐Based Practice
Authors: Richards David A. , Hanssen Tove Aminda , Borglin Gunilla
Published: August 2018

Background

European research in nursing has been criticized as overwhelmingly descriptive, wasteful and with little relevance to clinical practice. This second triennial review follows our previous review of articles published in 2010, to determine whether the situation has changed.

Objective

To identify, appraise, and synthesize reports of European nursing research published during 2013 in the top 20 nursing research journals.

Methods

Systematic review with descriptive results synthesis.

Results

We identified 2,220 reports, of which 254, from 19 European countries, were eligible for analysis; 215 (84.7%) were primary research, 36 (14.2%) secondary research, and three (1.2%) mixed primary and secondary. Forty‐eight (18.9%) of studies were experimental: 24 (9.4%) randomized controlled trials, 11 (4.3%) experiments without randomization, and 13 (5.1%) experiments without control group. A total of 106 (41.7%) articles were observational: 85 (33.5%) qualitative research. The majority (158; 62.2%) were from outpatient and secondary care hospital settings. One hundred and sixty‐five (65.0%) articles reported nursing intervention studies: 77 (30.3%) independent interventions, 77 (30.3%) interdependent, and 11 (4.3%) dependent. This represents a slight increase in experimental studies compared with our previous review (18.9% vs. 11.7%). The quality of reporting remained very poor.

Linking Evidence to Action

European research in nursing remains overwhelmingly descriptive. We call on nursing researchers globally to raise the level of evidence and, therefore, the quality of care and patient outcomes. We urge them to replicate our study in their regions, diagnose reasons for the lack of appropriate research, identify solutions, and implement a deliberate, targeted, and systematic global effort to increase the number of experimental, high quality, and relevant studies into nursing interventions. We also call on journal editors to mandate an improvement in the standards of research reporting in nursing journals.
Serologic assessment for exposure to spotted fever group rickettsiae in dogs in the Arizona–Sonora border region
Authors: Yaglom Hayley D. , Nicholson William L. , Casal Mariana , Nieto Nathan C. , Adams Laura
Published: August 2018

Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is a severe tick‐borne rickettsial illness. In the south‐western United States and Mexico, RMSF displays unique epidemiologic and ecologic characteristics, including Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (brown dog tick) as the primary vector. Expansion and spread of the disease from hyperendemic regions of Arizona or Mexico to new areas is a key public health concern. Dogs are thought to play an important role in the emergence and circulation of R. rickettsii in these regions and are often one of earliest indicators of RMSF presence. A canine serosurvey was conducted in 2015 among owned and stray dogs at rabies clinic and animal shelters in three southern Arizona counties where RMSF had not previously been identified. Of the 217 dogs sampled, 11 (5.1%) tested positive for spotted fever group rickettsia (SFGR) IgG antibodies, with seropositivity ranging from 2.9% to 12.2% across the three counties. Large dogs were significantly more likely than small dogs to have positive titres reactive with R. rickettsii; no additional statistically significant relationships were observed between seropositivity of canine age, sex, neuter or ownership status. In addition, 17 (7.8%) dogs had ticks attached at the time of sampling, and stray dogs were significantly more likely to have ticks present than owned dogs (p < 0.001). All 57 ticks collected were identified as Rh. sanguineus s.l., and four (7%) had DNA evidence of genera‐wide Rickettsia species. The results of this project demonstrated canine seroprevalence levels lower than those previously reported from dogs in highly endemic areas, indicating a low risk of SFGR transmission to humans in the southern Arizona border region at this time. Continued surveillance is critical to identify SFGR emergence in new geographic regions and to inform prevention efforts for humans and dogs in those areas.
RETRACTED: Augmented venoarteriolar response with ageing is associated with morning blood pressure surge
Authors: Yoo Jeung‐Ki , Sun Dan‐Dan , Parker Rosemary S. , Urey Marcus A. , Romero Steven A. , Lawley Justin S. , Sarma Satyam , Vongpatanasin Wanpen , Crandall Craig G. , Fu Qi
Published: August 2018

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

The venoarteriolar response (VAR) contributes substantially to the maintenance of orthostatic tolerance in humans. Despite its importance in haemodynamic homeostasis, the impact of ageing on the VAR remains understudied.

What is the main finding and its importance?

Older adults exhibit an augmented VAR in response to leg dependency. The age‐related augmentation of the VAR might be linked with progressive increases of peripheral vascular resistance with ageing. We found a modest but significant correlation between the leg VAR and the morning blood pressure surge in older adults. Augmented leg VAR might contribute to the blood pressure elevation in the early morning.

The venoarteriolar response (VAR) is a non‐adrenergic, non‐baroreflex‐mediated mechanism of vasoconstriction, which has been proposed to contribute ∼45% of the increase in total peripheral resistance during orthostasis. Despite its importance in human cardiovascular control during orthostatic stress, there is no information available regarding the impact of age and sex on the VAR or its role in diurnal blood pressure (BP) variation. We studied 33 (15 women) young (mean ± SD; 28 ± 4 years old) and 26 (12 women) older (71 ± 3 years old) healthy individuals. Brachial and femoral blood flow were measured using Doppler ultrasound. The percentage reduction in vascular conductance (blood flow/mean BP) during 4 min of limb dependency (35–40 cm below the heart level) was used to assess the VAR. The morning surge in BP was assessed using 24 h ambulatory BP monitoring. Peak VAR in the lower limb, but not in the upper limb, was significantly higher in the older than the younger adults (33 ± 4 versus 26 ± 6%, older versus young; P < 0.05). There was no sex difference in the VAR in either the young or the older group. A greater leg VAR was related to a greater morning surge in BP in older adults (r = −0.4, P = 0.02) but not in the young adults (r = −0.26, P = 0.1). Thus, advancing age enhances the VAR in the lower limb and is associated with the morning blood pressure surge in older adults. Sex does not affect this local axonal reflex in healthy humans.
A framework for computational modelling of interaural time difference discrimination of normal and hearing-impaired listeners
Authors: Moncada-Torres Arturo , Joshi Suyash N. , Prokopiou Andreas , Wouters Jan , Epp Bastian , Francart Tom
Published: August 2018

Different computational models have been developed to study the interaural time difference (ITD) perception. However, only few have used a physiologically inspired architecture to study ITD discrimination. Furthermore, they do not include aspects of hearing impairment. In this work, a framework was developed to predict ITD thresholds in listeners with normal and impaired hearing. It combines the physiologically inspired model of the auditory periphery proposed by Zilany, Bruce, Nelson, and Carney [(2009). J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 126(5), 2390–2412] as a front end with a coincidence detection stage and a neurometric decision device as a back end. It was validated by comparing its predictions against behavioral data for narrowband stimuli from literature. The framework is able to model ITD discrimination of normal-hearing and hearing-impaired listeners at a group level. Additionally, it was used to explore the effect of different proportions of outer- and inner-hair cell impairment on ITD discrimination.
Selective and coherent activity increases due to stimulation indicate functional distinctions between episodic memory networks
Authors: Kim Sungshin , Nilakantan Aneesha S. , Hermiller Molly S. , Palumbo Robert T. , VanHaerents Stephen , Voss Joel L.
Published: August 2018

Targeted noninvasive stimulation selectively increases activity of the human hippocampal network during memory formation.
An ultraweak interaction in the intrinsically disordered replication machinery is essential for measles virus function
Authors: Milles Sigrid , Jensen Malene Ringkjøbing , Lazert Carine , Guseva Serafima , Ivashchenko Stefaniia , Communie Guillaume , Maurin Damien , Gerlier Denis , Ruigrok Rob W. H. , Blackledge Martin
Published: August 2018

NMR shows how an intrinsically disordered protein controls replication of measles virus via a dynamic weakly interacting complex.
Deciduous autologous tooth stem cells regenerate dental pulp after implantation into injured teeth
Authors: Xuan Kun , Li Bei , Guo Hao , Sun Wei , Kou Xiaoxing , He Xiaoning , Zhang Yongjie , Sun Jin , Liu Anqi , Liao Li , Liu Shiyu , Liu Wenjia , Hu Chenghu , Shi Songtao , Jin Yan
Published: August 2018

Dental pulp regeneration by tooth stem cells promotes recovery of damaged teeth in animal models and human patients.
Investigating the Efficacy of Triple Artemisinin-Based Combination Therapies for Treating Plasmodium falciparum Malaria Patients Using Mathematical Modeling
Authors: Dini Saber , Zaloumis Sophie , Cao Pengxing , Price Ric N. , Fowkes Freya J. I. , van der Pluijm Rob W. , McCaw James M. , Simpson Julie A.
Published: August 2018

The first line treatment for uncomplicated falciparum malaria is artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT), which consists of an artemisinin derivative coadministered with a longer-acting partner drug. However, the spread of
Plasmodium falciparum
resistant to both artemisinin and its partner drugs poses a major global threat to malaria control activities.
Caspofungin Modulates Ryanodine Receptor-Mediated Calcium Release in Human Cardiac Myocytes
Authors: Koch Christian , Jersch Jennifer , Schneck Emmanuel , Edinger Fabian , Maxeiner Hagen , Uhle Florian , Weigand Markus A. , Markmann Melanie , Sander Michael , Henrich Michael
Published: August 2018

Recent studies showed that critically ill patients might be at risk for hemodynamic impairment during caspofungin (CAS) therapy. The aim of our present study was to examine the mechanisms behind CAS-induced cardiac alterations.
Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Studies of the Safety and Pharmacokinetics of Single and Multiple Ascending Doses of Eravacycline
Authors: Newman Joseph V. , Zhou Jian , Izmailyan Sergey , Tsai Larry
Published: August 2018

Eravacycline is a novel, fully synthetic fluorocycline antibiotic with
in vitro
activity against aerobic and anaerobic Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens, including multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. The pharmacokinetics (PK), urinary excretion, and safety/tolerability of intravenous (i.v.) eravacycline were evaluated in single- and multiple-ascending-dose studies.
Real-Time Analysis and Visualization of Pathogen Sequence Data
Authors: Neher Richard A. , Bedford Trevor
Published: August 2018

The rapid development of sequencing technologies has to led to an explosion of pathogen sequence data, which are increasingly collected as part of routine surveillance or clinical diagnostics. In public health, sequence data are used to reconstruct the evolution of pathogens, to anticipate future spread, and to target interventions.
Polymorphisms in Rhesus Macaque Tetherin Are Associated with Differences in Acute Viremia in Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Δ
nef
-Infected Animals
Authors: Janaka Sanath Kumar , Tavakoli-Tameh Aidin , Neidermyer William J. , Serra-Moreno Ruth , Hoxie James A. , Desrosiers Ronald C. , Johnson R. Paul , Lifson Jeffrey D. , Wolinsky Steven M. , Evans David T.
Published: August 2018

As a consequence of ongoing evolutionary conflict with viral pathogens, tetherin has accumulated numerous species-specific differences that represent important barriers to the transmission of viruses between species. This study reveals extensive polymorphism in rhesus macaque tetherin and identifies specific alleles that are associated with lower viral loads during the first few weeks after infection with
nef
-deleted SIV. These observations suggest that the variable selective pressure of viral pathogens, in addition to driving the diversification of tetherin among species, also operates within certain species to maintain sequence variation in tetherin.
Draft Genomic Sequences of Nine Extraintestinal Pathogenic Escherichia coli Isolates from Retail Chicken Skin
Authors: Xu Aixia , Tilman Shannon , Wisser-Parker Kristy , Scullen O. Joseph , Sommers Christopher H.
Published: August 2018

Extraintestinal pathogenic
Escherichia coli
strains were isolated from retail chicken skin. Here, we report the draft genomic sequences for these nine
E. coli
isolates, which are currently being used in agricultural and food safety research.
ZetaHunter, a Reproducible Taxonomic Classification Tool for Tracking the Ecology of the
Zetaproteobacteria
and Other Poorly Resolved Taxa
Authors: McAllister Sean M. , Moore Ryan M. , Chan Clara S.
Published: August 2018

Like many taxa, the
Zetaproteobacteria
lack well-defined taxonomic divisions, making it difficult to compare them between studies. We designed ZetaHunter to reproducibly assign 16S rRNA gene sequences to previously described operational taxonomic units (OTUs) based on a curated database.
Genome Sequences of Rhinovirus Genotype C56 Detected in Three Patients with Acute Respiratory Illness, California, 2016 to 2017
Authors: Pan Chao-Yang , Yagi Shigeo , Padilla Tasha , Ng Terry Fei Fan , Marine Rachel L. , Nix W. Allan , Wadford Debra A.
Published: August 2018

We report here two genome sequences of a newly designated rhinovirus genotype, RV-C56, which were obtained from respiratory specimens of three patients with acute respiratory illness in 2016 and 2017. To our knowledge, these sequences represent the first near-complete genomes for RV-C56 strains.
Predictive value of electroencephalography in anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis
Authors: Sonderen Agnes van , Arends Samuel , Tavy Dénes L J , Bastiaansen Anna E M , Bruijn Marienke A A M de , Schreurs Marco W J , Sillevis Smitt Peter A E , Titulaer Maarten J
Published: August 2018

Objectives

Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis (anti-NMDARE) is a severe, but treatable disease. This study aims to give a detailed description of electroencephalogram (EEG) results in paediatric and adult patients to improve disease recognition, and analyses the predictive value of the first EEG for the final clinical outcome.

Methods

This nationwide cohort study includes patients with N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antibodies confirmed with cell-based assay and immunohistochemistry in serum and cerebrospinal fluid. EEG recordings were re-evaluated by two experienced neurophysiologists, mixed with control EEGs for blinding. Initial EEG as well as follow-up registrations were analysed.

Results

35 adults and 18 children were included. Only two patients (4%) had a normal EEG. During the first recording, the majority of the patients had normal posterior rhythm (71%), which was associated with better modified Rankin Scale at final outcome (OR 4.74; 95% CI 1.56 to 14.47; p=0.006). In addition, EEGs showed focal (73%) or diffuse (67%) slowing. The first EEG was severely abnormal in 26%. However, 8 of 14 patients with a severely abnormal first EEG still had a favourable outcome. During the course of the disease, extreme delta brushes (EDBs) were present in 6 of 53(11%)patients.

Conclusions

The first EEG commonly shows normal posterior rhythm with focal or diffuse slowing. Although the sensitivity of an abnormal EEG is high (96%), normal EEG does not exclude anti-NMDARE. EDBs are only present in severely affected patients. The first EEG recording is predictive of the final clinical outcome.
Should we talk about the ‘benefits’ of breastfeeding? The significance of the default in representations of infant feeding
Authors: Woollard Fiona
Published: August 2018

Breastfeeding advocates have criticised the phrase ‘breast is best’ as mistakenly representing breastfeeding as a departure from the norm rather than the default for infant feeding. Breastfeeding mothers have an interest in representing breastfeeding as the default, for example, to counteract criticism of breastfeeding outside the home. This connects to an increasing trend to frame feeding babies formula as harmful, which can be seen in research papers, public policy and information presented to parents and prospective parents. (1) Whether we frame infant-feeding decisions in terms of harming or benefit, protection or risk matters because these distinctions are generally morally significant and thus (2) holding that those who decide to use formula ‘harm’, ‘risk harm’ to their babies or describing formula feeding as ‘dangerous’ is likely to contribute to guilt associated with formula feeding and thus to undermine the well-being of vulnerable women. It may undermine attempts to improve breastfeeding rates by leading women to reject information about health outcomes surrounding infant-feeding decisions. However, (3) these distinctions do not apply easily to infant-feeding decisions, in part because of difficulties in determining whether we should treat breastfeeding as the normative baseline for infant feeding. I show that neither the descriptive ‘facts of the matter’ nor moral or pragmatic considerations provide an easy answer before discussing how to respond to these considerations.
Association of flavoured cigar regulations with wholesale tobacco volumes in Canada: an interrupted time series analysis
Authors: Chaiton Michael O , Schwartz Robert , Tremblay Gabrielle , Nugent Robert
Published: August 2018

Introduction

This study examines the association of Federal Canadian regulations passed in 2009 addressing flavours (excluding menthol) in small cigars with changes in cigar sales.

Methods

Quarterly wholesale unit data as reported to Health Canada from 2001 through 2016 were analysed using interrupted time series analysis. Changes in sales of cigars with and without flavour descriptors were estimated. Analyses were seasonally adjusted. Changes in the flavour types were assessed over time.

Results

The Federal flavour regulations were associated with a reduction in the sales of flavoured cigars by 59 million units (95% CI −86.0 to −32.4). Increases in sales of cigars with descriptors other than flavours (eg, colour or other ambiguous terms) were observed (9.6 million increase (95% CI −1.3 to 20.5), but the overall level (decline of 49.6 million units (95% CI −73.5 to −25.8) and trend of sales of cigars (6.9 million units per quarter (95% CI −8.1 to −5.7)) declined following the ban. Sensitivity analysis showed that there was no substantial difference in effect over time comparing Ontario and British Columbia, suggesting that other provincial tobacco control legislation was not associated with the changes in levels. Analyses suggested that the level change was sensitive to the specification of the date.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that flavour regulations have the potential to substantially impact tobacco sales. However, exemptions for certain flavours and product types may have reduced the effectiveness of the ban, indicating the need for comprehensive, well-designed regulations.
Evaluating the impact and equity of a tobacco-free pharmacy law on retailer density in New York City neighbourhoods
Authors: Giovenco Daniel P , Spillane Torra E , Mauro Christine M , Hernández Diana
Published: August 2018

Background

In 2018, New York City (NYC) implemented a tobacco-free pharmacy law as part of a comprehensive policy approach to curb tobacco use. This study models the reduction in tobacco retailer density following the ban to examine differences in the policy’s impact across neighbourhoods.

Methods

Tobacco retailer density per 1000 residents was calculated in July 2017 for each of NYC’s Neighborhood Tabulation Areas (NTAs, n=188) before and after removing pharmacies as licensed tobacco retailers. Pearson correlations and linear regression (with predictors scaled to 10 unit increments) measured associations between the projected change in retailer density after the ban and NTA demographic characteristics.

Results

On average, retailer density decreased by 6.8% across neighbourhoods (SD: 6.3), with 17 NTAs experiencing reductions over 15%. Density reduction was greater in NTAs with higher median household income (r: 0.41, B: 1.00, p<0.0001) and a higher proportion of non-Hispanic white residents (r: 0.35, B: 0.79, p<0.0001). NTAs with a higher percentage of adults with less than a high school education (r: −0.44, B: −2.60, p<0.0001) and a higher proportion of Hispanic residents (r: −0.36, B: −1.07, p<0.0001) benefited less from the policy. These relationships held after assessing absolute changes in density (vs per cent change).

Conclusions

NYC’s tobacco-free pharmacy law substantially reduces tobacco retailer density overall, but the impact is not equal across neighbourhoods. In order to minimise disparities in the tobacco retail environment, local governments considering a similar ban should supplement this strategy with other retailer restrictions to achieve equitable outcomes.
Evaluation of mineral exploration targets defined by airborne gravity gradiometry through gravity and magnetic modelling: vicinity of the Iron Range Fault, Purcell anticlinorium, southern Canadian Cordillera
Authors: Thomas Mike D. , Pilkington Mark , McCuaig Mike
Published: August 2018

An airborne gravity gradiometer survey was recently flown over the Iron Range Fault in the Purcell anticlinorium, southern Canadian Cordillera. The fault is commonly associated with iron oxide mineralization having characteristics similar to those of iron oxide Au ± Cu deposits. Drilling near the fault has revealed Au ± Cu–Pb–Zn mineralization. Prominent positive vertical gravity gradient (VGG) anomalies defined by the survey were identified as targets for follow-up exploration. Possible sources of the target anomalies were investigated by modelling gravity, VGG, and magnetic data along several profiles. Modelling of regional-scale profiles of the vertical component of gravity crossing exploration targets provides a regional perspective on the regional geological setting, dominated by the broad Goat River anticline, whose axis closely follows the Iron Range Fault. Modelling indicates that several VGG anomalies are related to Moyie sills, although one anomaly is modelled as a narrow vertical body (120 m wide, 1000 m vertical extent, 40 m deep) just west of the Iron Range Fault. Its apparent high density of 3500 kg/m3 suggests metallic content, making it a choice candidate for follow-up investigation. Drilling at the southern end of this geophysical target intersected a Moyie intrusion, but untested geochemical anomalies in the vicinity encourage follow-up exploration. The densities of modelled units derived from VGG profiles across two other specific targets indicate that Moyie sills represent one target and iron oxide mineralization the other, as supported by magnetic modelling, which also delineated vertical zones of significantly magnetic material along the Iron Range Fault.
Positive correlation between dispersal and body size in Green Frogs (Rana clamitans) naturally colonizing an experimental landscape
Authors: Searcy C.A. , Gilbert B. , Krkošek M. , Rowe L. , McCauley S.J.
Published: August 2018

Dispersers are often assumed to have the mean phenotype observed across the entire metapopulation, despite growing evidence of dispersal–phenotype correlations. We examined three dispersal–phenotype correlations in Green Frogs (Rana clamitans Latreille, 1801 = Lithobates clamitans (Latreille, 1801)). Two were in traits that have been previously tied to fitness (body size and body condition), while a third (relative hindlimb length) has been linked to movement performance. We constructed a spatially dispersed array of experimental ponds in close proximity to source ponds known to support Green Frog breeding populations. Over the course of two breeding seasons (four sampling periods), we measured phenotypes of all Green Frogs that had colonized the experimental ponds and a sample of individuals from the source ponds. After only 1 month, a positive correlation was detected between dispersal and body size within the population of dispersers occupying the experimental ponds. After a 2nd month, this positive dispersal – body size correlation was also present when comparing the population of dispersers to the population of nondispersers remaining at the source ponds. Even if generated solely by plasticity, a positive correlation between dispersal and body size (a trait tightly linked to fitness) has the ability to alter metapopulation capacity and thus the probability of regional species persistence.
Highly Efficient Photocatalysts Based on Lamellar-Shaped Bi2S3 Grown on TiO2 Monolith
Authors: Li Kaidi , Zhang Fangfang , Wang Huiming , Zhou Yalan , Zhao Lixin , Du Jimin , Gao Yating , Wang Weimin , Kang Dae Joon
Published: August 2018

Here, the lamellar-shaped Bi2S3 grown on a porous TiO2 monolith was obtained by a two-step method including a sol–gel route and hydrothermal treatment. The photocatalytic activity of the as-synthesized Bi2S3/TiO2 composites was evaluated for photodegradation of methylene blue (MB) dye in aqueous solution under the visible-light irradiation. Based on our experimental results, 5% (molar ratio of Bi2S3 to TiO[Formula: see text] Bi2S3/TiO2 photocatalysts exhibited a maximum photodegradation rate of MB up to 96.9% under visible-light irradiation for 120 min. Our findings indicated that the lamellar-shaped Bi2S3 can extend the light absorption up to visible areas, and porous TiO2 can provide enhanced specific surface area and more mass transfer pathway to enhance the photodegradation efficiency. Furthermore, porous TiO2 can accept the electrons from the Bi2S3 conduction band due to the relatively positive electrode potential to impede the photoproduced electron and hole combination to result in advanced photocatalytic performance.
Spatio-Temporal Data Mining
Authors: Atluri Gowtham , Karpatne Anuj , Kumar Vipin
Published: August 2018

Large volumes of spatio-temporal data are increasingly collected and studied in diverse domains, including climate science, social sciences, neuroscience, epidemiology, transportation, mobile health, and Earth sciences. Spatio-temporal data differ from relational data for which computational approaches are developed in the data-mining community for multiple decades in that both spatial and temporal attributes are available in addition to the actual measurements/attributes. The presence of these attributes introduces additional challenges that needs to be dealt with. Approaches for mining spatio-temporal data have been studied for over a decade in the data-mining community. In this article, we present a broad survey of this relatively young field of spatio-temporal data mining. We discuss different types of spatio-temporal data and the relevant data-mining questions that arise in the context of analyzing each of these datasets. Based on the nature of the data-mining problem studied, we classify literature on spatio-temporal data mining into six major categories: clustering, predictive learning, change detection, frequent pattern mining, anomaly detection, and relationship mining. We discuss the various forms of spatio-temporal data-mining problems in each of these categories.
Automated Regression Test Case Generation for Web Application
Authors: Gupta Nishant , Yadav Vibhash , Singh Mayank
Published: August 2018

Testing is one of the most important phases in the development of any product or software. Various types of software testing exist that have to be done to meet the need of the software. Regression testing is one of the crucial phases of testing where testing of a program is done for the original test build along with the modifications. In this article, various studies proposed by the authors have been analysed focusing on test cases generation and their approach toward web application. A detailed study was conducted on Regression Test Case Generation and its approaches toward web application. From our detailed study, we have found that very few approaches and methodologies have been found that provide the real tool for test case generation. There is a need of an automated regression testing tool to generate the regression test cases directly based on user requirements. These test cases have to be generated and implemented by the tool so that the reduction in the overall effort and cost can be achieved. From our study, we have also found that regression testing for web applications was not investigated much, but in today's scenario web applications are an integral part of our daily life and so that needs to be tested for regression testing.
A Network-Based Virtual Reality Simulation Training Approach for Orthopedic Surgery
Authors: Cecil J. , Gupta Avinash , Pirela-Cruz M. , Ramanathan Parmesh
Published: August 2018

The focus of this article is on the adoption of immersive and haptic simulators for training of medical residents in a surgical process called
Less Invasive Stabilization System (LISS) plating surgery
. LISS surgery is an orthopedic surgical procedure to treat fractures of the femur bone. Development of such simulators is a complex task which involves multiple systems, technologies, and human experts. Emerging Next Generation Internet technologies were used to develop the standalone on-line haptic-based simulator accessible to the students 24/7. A standalone immersive surgical simulator was also developed using HTC Vive. Expert surgeons played an important role in developing the simulator system; use cases of the target surgical processes were built using a modeling language called the
engineering Enterprise Modeling Language (eEML)
. A detailed study presenting the comparison between the haptic-based simulator and the immersive simulator has been also presented. The outcomes of this study underscore the potential of using such simulators in surgical training.
A Survey of Methods for Explaining Black Box Models
Authors: Guidotti Riccardo , Monreale Anna , Ruggieri Salvatore , Turini Franco , Giannotti Fosca , Pedreschi Dino
Published: August 2018

In recent years, many accurate decision support systems have been constructed as black boxes, that is as systems that hide their internal logic to the user. This lack of explanation constitutes both a practical and an ethical issue. The literature reports many approaches aimed at overcoming this crucial weakness, sometimes at the cost of sacrificing accuracy for interpretability. The applications in which black box decision systems can be used are various, and each approach is typically developed to provide a solution for a specific problem and, as a consequence, it explicitly or implicitly delineates its own definition of interpretability and explanation. The aim of this article is to provide a classification of the main problems addressed in the literature with respect to the notion of explanation and the type of black box system. Given a problem definition, a black box type, and a desired explanation, this survey should help the researcher to find the proposals more useful for his own work. The proposed classification of approaches to open black box models should also be useful for putting the many research open questions in perspective.
Applications of Immunopharmacogenomics: Predicting, Preventing, and Understanding Immune-Mediated Adverse Drug Reactions
Authors: Karnes Jason H. , Miller Matthew A. , White Katie D. , Konvinse Katherine C. , Pavlos Rebecca K. , Redwood Alec J. , Peter Jonathan G. , Lehloenya Rannakoe , Mallal Simon A. , Phillips Elizabeth J.
Published: August 2018

Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are a significant health care burden. Immune-mediated adverse drug reactions (IM-ADRs) are responsible for one-fifth of ADRs but contribute a disproportionately high amount of that burden due to their severity. Variation in human leukocyte antigen ( HLA) genes has emerged as a potential preprescription screening strategy for the prevention of previously unpredictable IM-ADRs. Immunopharmacogenomics combines the disciplines of immunogenomics and pharmacogenomics and focuses on the effects of immune-specific variation on drug disposition and IM-ADRs. In this review, we present the latest evidence for HLA associations with IM-ADRs, ongoing research into biological mechanisms of IM-ADRs, and the translation of clinical actionable biomarkers for IM-ADRs, with a focus on T cell–mediated ADRs.
Residual vascular dysfunction in women with a history of preeclampsia
Authors: Stanhewicz Anna E.
Published: August 2018

Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy characterized by new-onset hypertension, proteinuria, and edema occurring after 20 wk of gestation, with a prevalence of ~7–10% of pregnancies in the United States and ~8 million pregnancies worldwide. Despite the postpartum remission of preeclamptic symptoms, women who have had preeclampsia are two to four times more likely to develop cardiovascular disease (CVD) and are significantly more likely to die of CVD compared with women with a history of normal pregnancy. Although the relation between history of preeclampsia and elevated CVD risk is well documented, the mechanism(s) underlying this association remains unclear. One hypothesis explaining this association is that the initial vascular damage and dysfunction sustained during the preeclamptic pregnancy persist chronically. Indeed, even in the absence of, or in advance of, overt CVD women who have had preeclampsia have compromised vascular endothelial function. Emerging mechanistic studies in these women have provided some insight into the underlying mechanisms of this persistent vascular dysfunction and have begun to identify potential therapeutic targets for the prevention or mitigation of CVD progression in this vulnerable population. This review summarizes the existing literature examining vascular function and dysfunction in women with a history of preeclampsia and highlights future directions for mechanistic investigations and development of novel intervention strategies aimed at halting or slowing the progression of CVD in these women.