bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
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

BackgroundRight 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.MethodsWe 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.ResultsTotal 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.ConclusionIn 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

Abstract

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

AbstractDrawing 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

AbstractThe 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

AbstractChronic, 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

AbstractAn 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

AbstractDelayed 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.
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

BackgroundThe 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.ObjectivesThe purpose of the study was to establish hematological RIs for the Arabian Sand Gazelle.MethodsBlood 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.ResultsThe 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.ConclusionsThe 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.

AbstractBreath‐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.
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

ABSTRACT

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

ABSTRACT

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

ABSTRACT

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

ABSTRACT

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

ABSTRACT

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

ABSTRACT

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.