bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pharmacodynamics of Isavuconazole in a Rabbit Model of Cryptococcal Meningoencephalitis
Authors: Kovanda Laura L. , Giamberardino Charles , McEntee Laura , Toffaletti Dena L. , Franke Kelly S. , Bartuska Andrew , Smilnak Gordon , de Castro George C. , Ripple Katelyn , Hope William W. , Perfect John R.
Published: June 2019

Cryptococcus
spp., important fungal pathogens, are the leading cause of fungus-related mortality in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients, and new therapeutic options are desperately needed. Isavuconazonium sulfate, a newer triazole antifungal agent, was studied to characterize the exposure-response relationship in a rabbit model of cryptococcal meningoencephalitis. Rabbits treated with isavuconazonium sulfate were compared with those treated with fluconazole and untreated controls.
Protein Secretion in Spirochetes
Authors: Zückert Wolfram R.
Published: June 2019

Spirochetes form a separate phylum of bacteria with two membranes but otherwise unusual morphologies and envelope structures. Distinctive common features of
Borrelia
,
Leptospira
, and
Treponema
include the sequestration of flagella to the periplasm and thin peptidoglycan cell walls that are more closely associated with the inner membrane. Outer membrane compositions differ significantly between the genera.
Leptospira
most closely track Gram-negative bacteria due to the incorporation of lipopolysaccharides.
Treponema
and
Borrelia
outer membranes lack lipopolysaccharide, with treponemes expressing only a few outer membrane proteins and
Borrelia
displaying a dizzying diversity of abundant surface lipoproteins instead. Phylogenetic and experimental evidence indicates that spirochetes have adapted various modules of bacterial export and secretion pathways to build and maintain their envelopes. Export and insertion pathways in the inner membrane appear conserved, while spirochetal experimentation with various envelope architectures over time has led to variations in secretion pathways in the periplasm and outer membrane. Classical type I to III secretion systems have been identified, with demonstrated roles in drug efflux and export of flagellar proteins only. Unique activities of periplasmic proteases, including a C-terminal protease, are involved in maturation of some periplasmic proteins. Proper lipoprotein sorting within the periplasm appears to be dependent on functional Lol pathways that lack the outer membrane lipoprotein insertase LolB. The abundance of surface lipoproteins in
Borrelia
and detailed protein sorting studies suggest a lipoprotein secretion pathway that either extends Lol through the outer membrane or bypasses it altogether. Proteins can be released from cells in outer membrane vesicles or, rarely, as soluble proteins.
Hostile Takeover: Hijacking of Endoplasmic Reticulum Function by T4SS and T3SS Effectors Creates a Niche for Intracellular Pathogens
Authors: Tsai April Y. , English Bevin C. , Tsolis Renée M.
Published: June 2019

After entering a cell, intracellular pathogens must evade destruction and generate a niche for intracellular replication. A strategy shared by multiple intracellular pathogens is the deployment of type III secretion system (T3SS)- and type IV secretion system (T4SS)-injected proteins (effectors) that subvert cellular functions. A subset of these effectors targets activities of the host cell’s endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Effectors are now appreciated to interfere with the ER in multiple ways, including capture of secretory vesicles, tethering of pathogen vacuoles to the ER, and manipulation of ER-based autophagy initiation and the unfolded-protein response. These strategies enable pathogens to generate a niche with access to cellular nutrients and to evade the host cell’s defenses.
Children’s views on taking medicines and participating in clinical trials
Authors: Nordenmalm Sofia , Kimland Elin , Ligas Franca , Lehmann Birka , Claverol Joana , Nafria Begonya , Tötterman Ann Marie , Pelle Benjamin
Published: June 2019

Introduction

Limited information is available on the views of children taking medicines and participating in clinical trials. These views may contribute to a better understanding of what can be improved on in the development of medicines from their perspective.

Objective

To collect children’s views on taking medicines and participating in clinical trials.

Materials and methods

A question-based survey was conducted among children living in European Union countries between January and August 2015.

Results

Almost 900 children aged 10–17 years from Finland, Germany, Sweden, Spain and Hungary responded. Almost 40% had a chronic health condition. The most commonly used pharmaceutical forms were solid or liquid medicines for oral use and injectable medicines. Bad taste and pain during administration were reported as common problems. Of 785 respondents, 17% had been taking part in a clinical trial. Most respondents would potentially agree to take part in a clinical trial because the investigational medicine might improve their own health or that of other children. Concern that the investigational medicine might be harmful was the main reason to refuse participation, if asked to. Over half of the respondents were willing to learn more about clinical trials, preferably online.

Conclusions

It is necessary to involve children in the development of age-appropriate pharmaceutical forms and in the design of clinical trials. Children and their carers should be provided with age-appropriate medical information in the most suitable channels. We have identified some common problems that children experience when taking medicines, and we conclude that children are interested in learning more and giving their opinions on clinical trials.
Cracking a complex problem
Authors: Gough Joy
Published: June 2019

This is the first instalment in a four part series documenting my journey to better understand, and improve the care of, complex paediatric patients.
Paediatric enteral feeding at home: an analysis of patient safety incidents
Authors: Page Bethan , Nawaz Rasanat , Haden Sarah , Vincent Charles , Lee Alex C H
Published: June 2019

Aims

To describe the nature and causes of patient safety incidents relating to care at home for children with enteral feeding devices.

Methods

We analysed incident data relating to paediatric nasogastric, gastrostomy or jejunostomy feeding at home from England and Wales’ National Reporting and Learning System between August 2012 and July 2017. Manual screening by two authors identified 274 incidents which met the inclusion criteria. Each report was descriptively analysed to identify the problems in the delivery of care, the contributory factors and the patient outcome.

Results

The most common problems in care related to equipment and devices (n=98, 28%), procedures and treatments (n=86, 24%), information, training and support needs of families (n=54, 15%), feeds (n=52, 15%) and discharge from hospital (n=31, 9%). There was a clearly stated harm to the child in 52 incidents (19%). Contributory factors included staff/service availability, communication between services and the circumstances of the family carer.

Conclusions

There are increasing numbers of children who require specialist medical care at home, yet little is known about safety in this context. This study identifies a range of safety concerns relating to enteral feeding which need further investigation and action. Priorities for improvement are handovers between hospital and community services, the training of family carers, the provision and expertise of services in the community, and the availability and reliability of equipment. Incident reports capture a tiny subset of the total number of adverse events occurring, meaning the scale of problems will be greater than the numbers suggest.
Genetic background of high blood pressure is associated with reduced mortality in premature neonates
Authors: Göpel Wolfgang , Müller Mirja , Rabe Heike , Borgmann Johannes , Rausch Tanja K , Faust Kirstin , Kribs Angela , Dötsch Jörg , Ellinghaus David , Härtel Christoph , Roll Claudia , Szabo Miklos , Nürnberg Peter , Franke Andre , König Inke R , Turner Mark A , Herting Egbert
Published: June 2019

Objective

The aim of our study was to determine if a genetic background of high blood pressure is a survival factor in preterm infants.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Patients were enrolled in 53 neonatal intensive care units.

Patients

Preterm infants with a birth weight below 1500 g.

Exposures

Genetic score blood pressure estimates were calculated based on adult data. We compared infants with high genetic blood pressure estimates (>75th percentile of the genetic score) to infants with low genetic blood pressure estimates (<25th percentile of the genetic score).

Main outcome measures

Lowest blood pressure on the first day of life and mortality.

Results

5580 preterm infants with a mean gestational age of 28.1±2.2 weeks and a mean birth weight of 1022±299 g were genotyped and analysed. Infants with low genetic blood pressure estimates had significantly lower blood pressure if compared with infants with high genetic blood pressure estimates (27.3±6.2vs 27.9±6.4, p=0.009, t-test). Other risk factors for low blood pressure included low gestational age (−1.26 mm Hg/week) and mechanical ventilation (−2.24 mm Hg, p<0.001 for both variables, linear regression analysis). Mortality was significantly reduced in infants with high genetic blood pressure estimates (28-day mortality: 21/1395, 1.5% vs 44/1395, 3.2%, p=0.005, Fisher’s exact test). This survival advantage was independent of treatment with catecholamines.

Conclusions

Our study provides first evidence that a genetic background of high blood pressure may be beneficial with regard to survival of preterm infants.
Heat stress and fetal risk. Environmental limits for exercise and passive heat stress during pregnancy: a systematic review with best evidence synthesis
Authors: Ravanelli Nicholas , Casasola William , English Timothy , Edwards Kate M , Jay Ollie
Published: June 2019

Objective

Pregnant women are advised to avoid heat stress (eg, excessive exercise and/or heat exposure) due to the risk of teratogenicity associated with maternal hyperthermia; defined as a core temperature (Tcore) ≥39.0°C. However, guidelines are ambiguous in terms of critical combinations of climate and activity to avoid and may therefore unnecessarily discourage physical activity during pregnancy. Thus, the primary aim was to assess Tcoreelevations with different characteristics defining exercise and passive heat stress (intensity, mode, ambient conditions, duration) during pregnancy relative to the critical maternal Tcoreof ≥39.0°C.

Design

Systematic review with best evidence synthesis.

Data sources

EMBASE, MEDLINE, SCOPUS, CINAHL and Web of Science were searched from inception to 12 July 2017.

Study eligibility criteria

Studies reporting the Tcoreresponse of pregnant women, at any period of gestation, to exercise or passive heat stress, were included.

Results

12 studies satisfied our inclusion criteria (n=347). No woman exceeded a Tcoreof 39.0°C. The highest Tcorewas 38.9°C, reported during land-based exercise. The highest mean end-trial Tcorewas 38.3°C (95% CI 37.7°C to 38.9°C) for land-based exercise, 37.5°C (95% CI 37.3°C to 37.7°C) for water immersion exercise, 36.9°C (95% CI 36.8°C to 37.0°C) for hot water bathing and 37.6°C (95% CI 37.5°C to 37.7°C) for sauna exposure.

Conclusion

The highest individual core temperature reported was 38.9°C. Immediately after exercise (either land based or water immersion), the highest mean core temperature was 38.3°C; 0.7°C below the proposed teratogenic threshold. Pregnant women can safely engage in: (1) exercise for up to 35 min at 80%–90% of their maximum heart rate in 25°C and 45% relative humidity (RH); (2) water immersion (≤33.4°C) exercise for up to 45 min; and (3) sitting in hot baths (40°C) or hot/dry saunas (70°C; 15% RH) for up to 20 min, irrespective of pregnancy stage, without reaching a core temperature exceeding the teratogenic threshold.
1 The integrity of the scapholunate ligament in competitive divers
Authors: Beck AJ
Published: June 2019

Aim

Wrist pain and injury is common condition in competitive, elite divers. Literature has shown that divers sustain high impacts of force through the wrists on water entry. It is likely this and the repetitive nature of the sport that results in wrist injuries.1 2No studies have yet looked at the structures injured when divers have wrist pain. This study was conducted to ascertain the demographics of the diving population within the United Kingdom at competitive level and how many of them experienced wrist pain. It was also used to investigate if one of the crucial stabilising ligaments in the wrist was disrupted, the scapholunate ligament (SLL).

Methods

Data was collected at the British Diving Championships, 2018. 51 divers were eligible for inclusion and 43 divers took part. Two divers were excluded due to previous wrist surgery. Participants completed a questionnaire on diving career to date and wrist injuries. They then underwent wrist examination using Watson’s test and ultrasound imaging of both SLL.

Results

This study found that 78% of divers had disruption of one or both SLL. Of these, 65.9% had disruption of the ligament in the supporting hand rather than the entry hand. No significant difference was found between springboard and platform divers. Those divers who taped were found to reduce ligament disruption by 28 times over those who did not (OR 27.9, 95% CI 3.31 to 234, P=0.002). It was demonstrated that Watson’s test has poor sensitivity and specificity, with reasonable positive predicted value.

Conclusion

Springboard and Platform divers at a competitive level are at high risk of SLL disruption. The supporting hand is more at risk than the entry hand. Taping confers a significant reduction in risk of disruption and should be used to prevent injury. Watson’s test is a poor clinical test in diagnosis of SLL disruption.

References

Harrison S, Cohen R, Cleary P, et al. A coupled biomechanical-smoothed particle hydrodynamics model for predicting the loading on the body during elite platform diving.Appl Math Model2015;40:3812–31.

Prien A, Mountjoy M, Miller J, et al. Injury and illness in aquatic sport: how high is the risk? A comparison of results from three FINA world championships.Br J Sports Med2016;51:277–82.
4 Relationship between childhood overweight/obesity indicators and vigorous physical activity among NHANSE III boys (8 to 11 years old): different interpretation between body mass index and subcutaneous adiposity size and shape
Authors: Kim H , Petherick E , Varela-Silva I
Published: June 2019

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the relationship between BMI and vigorous physical activity (VPA) differs when both the overall and regional distribution of subcutaneous adiposity (SA) are considered as alternative fatness indicators of BMI.

Methods

The sample data were obtained from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III). Four skinfolds (triceps, subscapular, supraspinal, thigh), BMI, age, race/ethnicity, height, and VPA (i.e., times per week exercise made you sweat) data of 1,028 boys (8–11 yrs) were extracted. The overall and regional distribution of the four skinfolds were calculated into Subcutaneous Adiposity Size and Shape (SASS) variables based on the description provided in Healy and Tanner’s method (1): transform all four skinfolds into logarithms, 2) calculate average (SA-size estimation), 3) calculate difference between the average and each log-transformed skinfold, 4) run principal component analysis (SA-shape estimation). The samples were categorized into three groups based on participants’ VPA levels (very-active: VPA>5 times, active: 2<VPA<4 times, non-active: VPA<1 time). Then, MANCOVA/ANCOVA (BMI) were conducted separately to ascertain whether the fatness indicators provide consistent interpretations of the relationship with VPA.

Results

The MANCOVA showed significant interaction between the SASS and VPA (p<0.05). The MANCOVA Bonferroni-adjustment results indicated that SA-size (F(2,938)=5.528, p<0.005; partial η2=0.012) and subscapular-to-thigh SA-shape was significantly associated with VPA (F(2,938)=9.587,p<0.0005; partial η2=0.020), but not triceps-supraspinal SA-shape (F(2,938)=1.485,p=0.227; partial η2=0.003). This means that the very active and active boys had significantly larger SA-size and larger thigh and smaller subscapular SA-shape than the non-active boys. The ANCOVA result showed no BMI difference between the VPA groups (F(2,1024)=1.296, p=0.274).

Conclusion

It was concluded that the interpretations made via SASS and BMI when associated with VPA are different. Future studies need to further investigate whether tackling childhood obesity by focusing on BMI-based obesity is affective approach to reduce body fat.

Reference

Healy MJR, Tanner JM. Size and shape in relation to growth and form.Symp Zool Soc Lond1981;46:19–35.
Dietitians can improve accuracy of prescribing by interacting with electronic prescribing systems
Authors: De Waal Susan , Lucas Laurie , Ball Simon , Pankhurst Tanya
Published: June 2019

Background

Dietitians increasingly interact with electronic health records (EHRs) and use them to alert prescribers to medication inaccuracies.

Objective

To understand renal dietitians’ use of electronic prescribing systems and influence on medication accuracy in inpatients. In outpatients to determine whether renal dietitians’ use of the electronic medication recording might improve accuracy.

Methods

In inpatients we studied the impact of dietetic advice on medical prescribing before and after moving from paper recommendations to ePrescribing. In outpatients, when dietitians recommended changes in dialysis units, we assessed the time to patients receiving the new medications. We trained dietitians to use the ePrescribing system and assessed accuracy of medication lists at the start and end of the study period.

Results

Inpatients: before the use of EHRs, 25% of proposals were carried out and took an average of 20 days. This rose to 38% using an EHR and took an average of 4 days.

Outpatients: in dialysis units dietitians recommend initiating and stopping medications and advise on repeat medications. Most recommendations were during multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings; the average time to receive medications was 10 days. Drug histories updated by dietitians increased after the start of the study and accuracy of medication lists improved from 2.4 discrepancies/patient to 0.4.

Conclusion

Dietitians can make medication suggestions directly using EHR, delivering more timely change to patient care and improving accuracy of patients’ medication lists. Allowing the whole of the MDT to contribute to the EHR improves data completeness and therefore patient care is likely to be enhanced.
Metabolic syndrome and risk of cancer: a study protocol of case–control study using data from the Information System for the Development of Research in Primary Care (SIDIAP) in Catalonia
Authors: Puente Diana , López-Jiménez Tomàs , Cos-Claramunt Xavier , Ortega Yolanda , Duarte-Salles Talita
Published: June 2019

Background

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is defined by the clustering of specific metabolic disorders in one subject. MS is highly prevalent globally and currently considered a growing public health concern. MS comprises obesity, hypertension, dyslipidaemia and insulin resistance. Mechanisms linking MS with cancer are poorly understood, and it is as yet unknown if MS confers a greater risk than the risk entailed by each of its separate components. The main objective of this study is to compare the association between MS and 14 site-specific cancer against the association between one or two individual components of MS and cancer. The secondary objective is to evaluate the time elapsed since the diagnosis of MS and the subsequent onset of cancer within the 2006–2017 period by sex.

Methods and analysis

A case–control study will be conducted for the main objective and a cohort of patients with MS will be followed for the evaluation of the second objective. Incident cases of fourteen types of cancer in patients ≥40 years of age diagnosed prospectively will be selected from electronic primary care records in the Information System for Research in Primary Care (SIDIAP database;www.sidiap.org). The SIDIAP database includes anonymous data from 6 million people (80% of the Catalan population) registered in 286 primary healthcare centres. Each matched control (four controls for each case) will have the same inclusion date, the same sex and age (±1 year) than the paired case. Logistic regression and a descriptive analysis and Kaplan-Meier analysis will be performed, in accordance with the objectives.

Ethics and dissemination

The protocol of the study was approved by the IDIAP Jordi Gol Clinical Research Ethics Committee (protocol P17/212). The study’s findings will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and disseminated at national and international conferences and oral presentations to researchers, clinicians and policy makers.
Assessment of the methodological quality of local clinical practice guidelines on the identification and management of gestational diabetes
Authors: Daley Bridget , Hitman Graham , Fenton Norman , McLachlan Scott
Published: June 2019

Objective

Gestational diabetes is the most common metabolic disorder of pregnancy, and it is important that well-written clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) are used to optimise healthcare delivery and improve patient outcomes. The aim of the study was to assess the methodological quality of hospital-based CPGs on the identification and management of gestational diabetes.

Design

We conducted an assessment of local clinical guidelines in English for gestational diabetes using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE II) to assess and validate methodological quality.

Data sources and eligibility criteria

We sought a representative selection of local CPGs accessible by the internet. Criteria for inclusion were (1) identified as a guideline, (2) written in English, (3) produced by or for the hospital in a Western country, (4) included diagnostic criteria and recommendations concerning gestational diabetes, (5) grounded on evidence-based medicine and (6) accessible over the internet. No more than two CPGs were selected from any single country.

Results

Of the 56 CPGs identified, 7 were evaluated in detail by five reviewers using the standard AGREE II instrument. Interrater variance was calculated, with strong agreement observed for those protocols considered by reviewers as the highest and lowest scoring based on the instrument. CPG results for each of the six AGREE II domains are presented categorically using a 5-point Likert scale. Only one CPG scored above average in five or more of the domains. Overall scores ranged from 91.6 (the strongest) to 50 (the weakest). Significant variation existed in the methodological quality of CPGs, even though they followed the guideline of an advising body. Specifically, appropriate identification of the evidence relied on to inform clinical decision making in CPGs was poor, as was evidence of user involvement in the development of the guideline, resource implications, documentation of competing interests of the guideline development group and evidence of external review.

Conclusions

The limitations described are important considerations for updating current and new CPGs.
Does a novel diagnostic pathway including blood-based risk prediction and MRI-targeted biopsies outperform prostate cancer screening using prostate-specific antigen and systematic prostate biopsies? - protocol of the randomised study STHLM3MRI
Authors: Nordström Tobias , Jäderling Fredrik , Carlsson Stefan , Aly Markus , Grönberg Henrik , Eklund Martin
Published: June 2019

Introduction

Prostate cancer is a leading cause of cancer death among men in the Western world. Early detection of prostate cancer has been shown to decrease mortality, but has limitations with low specificity leading to unnecessary biopsies and overdiagnosis of low-risk cancers. The STHLM3 trial has paved way for improved specificity in early detection of prostate cancer using the blood-based STHLM3 test for identifying men at increased risk of harbouring significant prostate cancer. Targeted prostate biopsies based on MRI images have shown non-inferior sensitivity to detect significant prostate cancer and decrease the number of biopsies and non-significant cancers among men referred for prostate biopsy in clinical practice. The strategy of the STHLM3-MRI project is to study an improved diagnostic pathway including an improved blood-based test for identification of men with increased risk of prostate cancer and use of MRI to select men for diagnostic workup with targeted prostate biopsies.

Methods

This study compares prostate cancer detection using prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and systematic biopsies to the improved pathway for prostate cancer detection using the STHLM3 test and targeted biopsies in a screening context. The study will recruit 10 000 participants during 1 June 2018 to 1 June 2020 combining a paired and randomised design. Participants are grouped by PSA and Stockholm3 test level. Men with Stockholm3 ≥11% or PSA ≥3 ng/mL are randomised to systematic or MRI-targeted biopsies. This protocol follows SPIRIT guidelines. Endpoints include the number of detected prostate cancers, number of performed biopsy procedures and number of performed MRIs. Additional aims include to assess the health economic consequences and development of automated image-analysis.

Ethics and dissemination

The study is approved by the regional ethical review board in Stockholm (2017-1280/31). The study findings will be published in peer-review journals. Findings will also be disseminated by conference/departmental presentations and by media.

Trial registration number

NCT03377881; Pre-results.
Enhancing intrinsic motivation for physical activity among adolescents with cystic fibrosis: a qualitative study of the views of healthcare professionals
Authors: Denford Sarah , Mackintosh Kelly A , McNarry Melitta A , Barker Alan R , Williams Craig Anthony
Published: June 2019

Objective

To explore the views of healthcare professionals from cystic fibrosis (CF) multidisciplinary teams (MDT) on physical activity for adolescents with CF, the specific strategies used for physical activity promotion and associated challenges.

Design

In this exploratory study, in-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with 15 healthcare professionals from CF MDTs to explore their views surrounding physical activity promotion for adolescents with CF.

Participants

Eleven physiotherapists (nine female), two consultants (both male) and two dieticians (both female) provided written informed consent and participated in the study.

Setting

CF clinics in the UK.

Results

While healthcare professionals highlighted the importance of physical activity in the management of CF, they noted that very few patients were motivated solely by (CF or general) health reasons. Healthcare professionals discussed the need for physical activity to be an enjoyable and routine part of their life, undertaken with significant others, outside the clinic whenever possible. Adopted approaches for physical activity promotion focused on providing individualised recommendations that suit the patients’ individual needs and goals and enhance intrinsic motivation for physical activity.

Conclusion

Our research offers valuable information for those seeking to develop interventions to promote physical activity among adolescents with CF. Specifically, intervention developers should focus on developing individualised interventions that focus on enhancing intrinsic motivation and support the integration of physical activity into everyday life.
Lifetime cancer risks from hazardous air pollutants in US public school districts
Authors: Grineski Sara Elizabeth , Collins Timothy
Published: June 2019

Background

Children are sensitive to the health impacts of environmental contaminants, but research assessing outdoor environmental exposures for children and schools is underdeveloped. There are no national-level studies examining geographical and social disparities in air pollution exposure for children in school districts. Focusing on school districts is important because they are meaningful decision-making entities for schools.

Methods

Using data from the National Air Toxics Assessment, we spatially reallocated lifetime cancer risk (LCR) from hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) within US school district boundaries, and paired those estimates with school district level sociodemographic measures obtained through the Integrated Public Use Microdata Series National Historic Geographic Information System. We employed local Moran’s I to identify district-level hotpots and generalised estimating equations (GEEs) to quantify risk disparities.

Results

We identified hotspots of elevated LCR from all sources of HAPs (called ‘total’). A regional hotspot extends throughout the southeastern USA and smaller regional hotspots are present in southern Arizona, southern California and in California’s central valley. School districts with higher proportions of children, children with disabilities, foreign-born children, black children and multiracial/other race children, and lower proportions of Native American children, had greater total LCR (p<0.001). The effect of poverty on total LCR (p<0.001) was nonlinear; the lowest and highest poverty districts had lower total LCR.

Conclusions

Geographical and social disparities in LCR across US school districts may be affecting children’s health and future potential. This new knowledge can inform policy changes, as school districts can advocate for the environmental health of children.
Cannabis and multiple sclerosis
Authors: Ingram Gillian , Pearson Owen R
Published: June 2019

Patients with multiple sclerosis have long turned to complementary therapies to manage symptoms that licensed products can only partially control. Around half of patients with multiple sclerosis admit to previous or current cannabis use for medicinal purposes and would endorse legalisation. Despite many governments worldwide relaxing regulations around medicinal cannabis, there remain many unanswered questions as to how clinicians should prescribe or recommend products, and access to pharmaceutical-grade products remains highly restricted. Here we address what adult neurologists need to know about cannabis and its use in multiple sclerosis.
Age-related factors influence HIV testing within subpopulations: a cross-sectional survey of MSM within the Celtic nations
Authors: Dalrymple Jenny , McAloney-Kocaman Kareena , Flowers Paul , McDaid Lisa M , Frankis Jamie Scott
Published: June 2019

Objectives

Despite a recent fall in the incidence of HIV within the UK, men who have sex with men (MSM) continue to be disproportionately affected. As biomedical prevention technologies including pre-exposure prophylaxis are increasingly taken up to reduce transmission, the role of HIV testing has become central to the management of risk. Against a background of lower testing rates among older MSM, this study aimed to identify age-related factors influencing recent (≤12 months) HIV testing.

Methods

Cross-sectional subpopulation data from an online survey of sexually active MSM in the Celtic nations—Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Ireland (n=2436)—were analysed to compare demographic, behavioural and sociocultural factors influencing HIV testing between MSM aged 16–25 (n=447), 26–45 (n=1092) and ≥46 (n=897).

Results

Multivariate logistic regression demonstrated that for men aged ≥46, not identifying as gay (OR 0.62, CI 0.41 to 0.95), location (Wales) (OR 0.49, CI 0.32 to 0.76) and scoring higher on the personalised Stigma Scale (OR 0.97, CI 0.94 to 1.00) significantly reduced the odds for HIV testing in the preceding year. Men aged 26–45 who did not identify as gay (OR 0.61, CI 0.41 to 0.92) were also significantly less likely to have recently tested for HIV. For men aged 16–25, not having a degree (OR 0.48, CI 0.29 to 0.79), location (Republic of Ireland) (OR 0.55, CI 0.30 to 1.00) and scoring higher on emotional competence (OR 0.57, CI 0.42 to 0.77) were also significantly associated with not having recently tested for HIV.

Conclusion

Key differences in age-related factors influencing HIV testing suggest health improvement interventions should accommodate the wide diversities among MSM populations across the life course. Future research should seek to identify barriers and enablers to HIV testing among the oldest and youngest MSM, with specific focus on education and stigma.
O’Grady’s birational maps and strange duality via wall-hitting
Authors: Chen Huachen
Published: June 2019

We prove that O’Grady’s birational maps [K. G O’Grady, The weight-two Hodge structure of moduli spaces of sheaves on a K3 surface, J. Algebr. Geom. 6(4) (1997) 599–644] between moduli of sheaves on an elliptic K3 surface can be interpreted as intermediate wall-crossing (wall-hitting) transformations at so-called totally semistable walls, studied by Bayer and Macrì [A. Bayer and E. Macrì, MMP for moduli of sheaves on K3s via wall-crossing: nef and movable cones, Lagrangian fibrations, Inventiones Mathematicae 198(3) (2014) 505–590]. As a key ingredient, we describe the first totally semistable wall for ideal sheaves of [Formula: see text] points on the elliptic [Formula: see text]. As an application, we give new examples of strange duality isomorphisms, based on a result of Marian and Oprea [A. Marian and D. Oprea, Generic strange duality for K3 surfaces, with an appendix by Kota Yoshioka, Duke Math. J. 162(8) (2013) 1463–1501].
DOES MEDIA ATTENTION AFFECT FIRMS’ ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION EFFORTS? EVIDENCE FROM CHINA
Authors: KONG GAOWEN , KONG DONGMIN , WANG MAOBIN
Published: June 2019

Using data from publicly traded firms in China, we examine the relationship between media attention and firms’ environmental protection efforts. We show that: (1) media attention induces firms to exert more effort in environmental protection, (2) state-owned firms are more responsive to media attention than non-state-owned firms regarding environmental protection and (3) firms are more responsive when faced with local media attention and negative media reports. The results are robust to the subsample of heavily polluting industries. Overall, this study illustrates the use of media attention to regulate corporate behavior.
The effects of sodium tartrate concentration on the properties of CdTe thin films prepared by electrodeposition
Authors: Shi M. M. , Wang J. , Liu S. R. , Zhou X. M. , Liu L. , Su P. Y. , Feng S. , Fu W. Y. , Yang H. B.
Published: June 2019

In this paper, we successfully fabricate compact and uniform cadmium telluride (CdTe) films on flexible nickel foils using simple electrodeposition technique and sintering in a nitrogen atmosphere. The effect of the concentration of sodium tartrate on the structures and properties of the deposited CdTe thin films are studied. Various test techniques are used to characterize the results. The results of XRD analysis show that the highest crystallinity film is obtained when the added sodium tartrate concentration is 0.05 M. With the increase of sodium tartrate concentration, the composition of the film gradually changes from Te-rich to Cd-rich, and the thickness of the film becomes thin gradually. We also find that the CdTe thin film prepared under 0.05 M sodium tartrate shows the best optical and optoelectronic properties. Thus, a moderate amount of sodium tartrate is added into an acidic solution as surfactant for CdTe thin film fabrication. Moreover, sodium tartrate is easily volatilized from the film during the annealing process because of its small molecular weight, which can prevent the carbon precipitation.
A Dynamic Channel Reservation Strategy Based on Priorities of Multi-Traffic and Multi-User in LEO Satellite Networks
Authors: Wang Juan , Sun Lijuan , Zhou Jian , Han Chong
Published: June 2019

In Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite networks, it is a challenge to allocate the limited resources to meet the needs of different calls. In this paper, a dynamic channel reservation strategy based on priorities of multi-traffic and multi-user in LEO satellite networks is proposed. The dynamic admission threshold reserved for different calls is the key of this strategy. Firstly, the traffic prediction model based on LEO satellite mobility is established. Then the channel allocation model is built on the Markov process. Finally, the reserved admission thresholds are dynamically changed according to the predicted traffic. And the calculation of the admission thresholds is solved by the genetic algorithm. The simulation results show that the proposed strategy not only meets the needs of calls of different type traffic and different level users, but also improves the overall quality of service in LEO satellite networks.
A Linearity Improved 10-bit 120-MS/s 1.5 mW SAR ADC with High-Speed and Low-Noise Dynamic Comparator Technique
Authors: Xu Daiguo , Jiang Hequan , Fu Dongbin , Yu Xiaoquan , Xu Shiliu , Yuan Jun , Hu Rongbin , Zhu Can , Wang Jianan
Published: June 2019

This paper presents a linearity improved 10-bit 120-MS/s successive approximation register (SAR) analog-to-digital converter (ADC) with high-speed and low-noise dynamic comparator. A gate cross-coupled technique is introduced in boost sampling switch, the clock feedthrough effect is compensated without extra auxiliary switch and the linearity of sampling switch is enhanced. Further, substrate voltage boost technique is proposed, the absolute values of threshold voltage and equivalent impedances of MOSFETs are both depressed. Consequently, the delay of comparator is also reduced. Moreover, the reduction of threshold voltages for input MOSFETs could bring higher transconductance and lower equivalent input noise. To demonstrate the proposed techniques, a design of SAR ADC is fabricated in 65-nm CMOS technology, consuming 1.5[Formula: see text]mW from 1[Formula: see text]V power supply with a SNDR [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]dB and SFDR [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]dB. The proposed ADC core occupies an active area of 0.021[Formula: see text]mm2, and the corresponding FoM is 24.4 fJ/conversion-step with Nyquist frequency.
Optimal Release Time Determination Using FMOCCP Involving Randomized Cost Budget for FSDE-Based Software Reliability Growth Model
Authors: Chatterjee S. , Chaudhuri Bhagyashree , Bhar Chandan , Shukla Ankur
Published: June 2019

This paper presents a software reliability growth model (SRGM) based on a fuzzy stochastic differential equation (FSDE) approach. The software shall comprise of dependent and independent main and sub-components owing to a wide range of functionalities in the system. In order to obtain the optimal date of product release, a two-phase fuzzy goal programing (FGP) method has been applied for solving a fuzzy multi-objective chance-constrained programming (FMOCCP) model. While framing the cost function, the costs associated with changes in software specifications have been considered along with other cost factors. In most cases, the changes in software specifications during the software development process are dynamic in nature necessitating the cost budget to be considered as a random variable while formulating the fuzzy chance-constrained model. The SRGM proposed has been validated on real-time data sets and numerical illustrations have been provided to instantiate the optimal time of product release.
Solutions of the Al-Salam–Chihara and allied moment problems
Authors: Ismail Mourad E. H.
Published: June 2019

We study the moment problem associated with the Al-Salam–Chihara polynomials in some detail providing raising (creation) and lowering (annihilation) operators, Rodrigues formula, and a second-order operator equation involving the Askey–Wilson operator. A new infinite family of weight functions is also given. Sufficient conditions for functions to be weight functions for the [Formula: see text]-Hermite, [Formula: see text]-Laguerre and Stieltjes–Wigert polynomials are established and used to give new infinite families of absolutely continuous orthogonality measures for each of these polynomials.
Generalized Navier–Stokes equations with nonlinear anisotropic viscosity
Authors: de Oliveira H. B.
Published: June 2019

The purpose of this work is to study the generalized Navier–Stokes equations with nonlinear viscosity that, in addition, can be fully anisotropic. Existence of very weak solutions is proved for the associated initial and boundary-value problem, supplemented with no-slip boundary conditions. We show that our existence result is optimal in some directions provided there is some compensation in the remaining directions. A particular simplification of the problem studied here, reduces to the Navier–Stokes equations with (linear) anisotropic viscosity used to model either the turbulence or the Ekman layer in atmospheric and oceanic fluid flows.
Prediction of oxidoreductase subfamily classes based on RFE-SND-CC-PSSM and machine learning methods
Authors: Yuan Fang , Liu Gan , Yang Xiwen , Wang Shunfang , Wang Xueren
Published: June 2019

Oxidoreductase is an enzyme that widely exists in organisms. It plays an important role in cellular energy metabolism and biotransformation processes. Oxidoreductases have many subclasses with different functions, creating an important classification task in bioinformatics. In this paper, a dataset of 2640 oxidoreductase sequences was used to perform an analysis and comparison. The idea of dipeptides was introduced to process the Position Specific Score Matrix (PSSM), since each dipeptide consists of two amino acids and each column of PSSM corresponds to the information of one amino acid. Two kinds of dipeptide scores were proposed, the Standardization Normal Distribution PSSM (SND-PSSM) and the Correlation Coefficient PSSM (CC-PSSM). Recursive Feature Elimination (RFE) is used to extract features from the SND-PSSM and CC-PSSM, and the two sets of extracted features are combined to form a new feature matrix, the RFE-SND-CC-PSSM. The results show that, with the proposed method and a kernel-based nonlinear SVM classifier, the accuracy can reach 95.56% by the Jackknife test. Our method greatly improves the accuracy of oxidoreductase subclass prediction. Using this method to predict the categories of the 6 major types of enzymes effectively improves its prediction accuracy to 94.54%, indicating that this method has general applicability to other protein problems. The results show that our method is effective and universally applicable, and might be complementary to the existing methods.
Singularity properties of killing magnetic curves in Minkowski 3-space
Authors: Sun Jianguo
Published: June 2019

We define the coordinate equations of killing magnetic curves [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text] with the magnetic vector field [Formula: see text] under the frame [Formula: see text]. In particular, this yields to describe the geometrical properties and singularities of the magnetic curves and the magnetic normal binormal surfaces. Meanwhile, we establish the relationships between singularity types of the magnetic normal binormal surfaces and geometrical invariants of the magnetic curves. As an application, we give an example to explain the main results in this paper, where we give the classification of singularity types of the magnetic curves.
Evaluating Payments for Watershed Services Programs in the United States
Authors: Walls Margaret , Kuwayama Yusuke
Published: June 2019

We review 15 forest watershed protection programs in the United States in which a local government agency or water provider collects payments from downstream service beneficiaries, such as water consumers, and pays upstream forest landowners for provision of watershed services. We describe the features of these Payments for Watershed Services (PWS) programs, focusing on funding sources, how the payment mechanisms work, and outcomes achieved. We also assess the extent to which the programs adhere to the economic principles that are associated with efficient or cost effective PWS schemes. In general, we find that payments in the programs do not closely reflect the marginal value of the service provided. Payments received by landowners mainly reflect the landowners’ opportunity costs. Fees paid by water consumers are set to yield revenue targets and/or reflect the avoided cost of additional water filtration and treatment. The programs appear to yield societal benefits, primarily through cost savings, but data from program outcomes is limited and more rigorous analysis of both the benefits and costs would be worthwhile.
Comparison of chemical sediment analyses and field oiling observations from the Shoreline Cleanup Assessment Technique (SCAT) in heavily oiled areas of former mangrove in Bodo, eastern Niger Delta
Authors: Bonte Matthijs , Gundlach Erich R. , Iroakasi Ogonnaya , Visigah Kabari , Giadom Ferdinand , Shekwolo Philip , Nwabueze Vincent , Cowing Mike , Zabbey Nenibarini
Published: June 2019

Trial pitting, borehole drilling, and soil, sediment and groundwater sampling are important components of oil spill response and contaminated land assessment. These investigations provide detailed information on the subsurface geology and contaminant occurrence and transport but have disadvantages including worker safety hazards, cost and time required for completion, and may cause cross-contamination among aquifers. An alternative to such investigations applied in oil spill response is the Shoreline Cleanup Assessment Technique (SCAT) approach, which relies heavily on direct visual observations to assess the severity of oil contamination and guide cleanup efforts. Here, we compare SCAT observations of oil type, surface coverage and pit oiling with collected surface and subsurface sediment samples taken concurrently and analysed for a suite of hydrocarbon constituents. Results indicate that although limited sampling and analysis is required to chemically characterize the contamination, SCAT observations can be calibrated using limited sediment sampling and are sufficient to steer physical cleanup methods. This is particularly evident as even closely spaced chemical samples show high variability. A coarser direct visual observation is fit-for-purpose considering the wide variability in contaminant distribution at even local levels. In this contribution, we discuss the limitations of the different methods.

Supplementary material:
The modified SCAT data collection form, figures showing subsurface versus ground surface total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) and a variogram of TPH measured in the ground surface and subsurface samples, and data tables are available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.4534682

Thematic collection:
This article is part of the Measurement and monitoring collection available at:
https://www.lyellcollection.org/cc/measurement-and-monitoring
A Newcomer's Guide to EICS, the Engineering Interactive Computing Systems Community
Authors: López Jaquero Víctor Manuel , Vatavu Radu-Daniel , Panach Jose Ignacio , Pastor Oscar , Vanderdonckt Jean
Published: June 2019

Welcome to EICS, the Engineering Interactive Computing Systems community, PACMHCI/EICS journal, and annual conference! In this short article, we introduce newcomers to the field and to our community with an overview of what EICS is and how it positions with respect to other venues in Human-Computer Interaction, such as CHI, UIST, and IUI, highlighting its legacy and paying homage to past scientific events from which EICS emerged. We also take this opportunity to enumerate and exemplify scientific contributions to the field of Engineering Interactive Computing Systems, which we hope to guide researchers and practitioners towards making their future PACMHCI/EICS submissions successful and impactful in the EICS community.