bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anticoagulation Therapy Using rh-Thrombomodulin and/or Antithrombin III Agent is Associated With Reduction in in-Hospital Mortality in Septic Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation: A Nationwide Registry Study
Authors: Tanaka Keiko , Takeba Jun , Matsumoto Hironori , Ohshita Muneaki , Annen Suguru , Moriyama Naoki , Nakabayashi Yuki , Aibiki Mayuki
Published: August 2019

We analyzed the Nationwide Registry database on sepsis to examine the effects of an anticoagulation therapy, especially with rh-thrombomodulin (rh-TM) and/or antithrombin (AT) III agent, in septic disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) patients. In 3,193 patients enrolled after the exclusion, we investigated the association with in-hospital mortality using Cox proportional hazards models. DIC was diagnosed using the Japanese Association of Acute Medicine (JAAM) and the International Society of Thrombosis and Hemostasis (ISTH) criteria. To analyze the separate treatment effects of rh-TM and/or AT III, we excluded the data of 345 patients treated with all available anticoagulation treatments (rh-TM and/or AT III plus “other anticoagulants”: protease inhibitors and heparin/heparinoids). The DIC criterion populations were as follows: JAAM DICs, n = 1,891 and ISTH DICs (overt DIC), n = 1,002. Septic DIC patients were divided into 3 groups: Group 1, no anticoagulation therapy for DIC; Group 2, received rh-TM and/or AT III; and Group 3, received only “other anticoagulants.” In JAAM DIC patients, Group 2 did not show an independent association with a reduced risk of in-hospital mortality (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.86; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.73–1.01]) as compared with Group 1. However, in ISTH DIC patients, Group 2 showed an inverse association with the risk of in-hospital mortality (HR 0.74; 95% CI: 0.60–0.92) as compared with Group 1, but the same was not true for Group 3 (HR 0.73; 95% CI: 0.47–1.14). The present results support previous findings of the beneficial effects of anticoagulation therapies in septic DIC, also expands the importance of using rh-TM and/or AT agent for septic overt DIC.
Germline genome editing versus preimplantation genetic diagnosis: Is there a case in favour of germline interventions?
Authors: Ranisch Robert
Published: August 2019

CRISPR is widely considered to be a disruptive technology. However, when it comes to the most controversial topic, germline genome editing (GGE), there is no consensus on whether this technology has any substantial advantages over existing procedures such as embryo selection after in vitro fertilization (IVF) and preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). Answering this question, however, is crucial for evaluating whether the pursuit of further research and development on GGE is justified. This paper explores the question from both a clinical and a moral viewpoint, namely whether GGE has any advantages over existing technologies of selective reproduction and whether GGE could complement or even replace them. In a first step, I review an argument of extended applicability. The paper confirms that there are some scenarios in which only germline intervention allows couples to have (biologically related) healthy offspring, because selection will not avoid disease. In a second step, I examine possible moral arguments in favour of genetic modification, namely that GGE could save some embryos and that GGE would provide certain benefits for a future person that PGD does not. Both arguments for GGE have limitations. With regard to the extended applicability of GGE, however, a weak case in favour of GGE should still be made.
The activating p.Ser466Arg change in STAT1 causes a peculiar phenotype with features of interferonopathies
Authors: Stellacci Emilia , Moneta Gian M. , Bruselles Alessandro , Barresi Sabina , Pizzi Simone , Torre Giuliano , De Benedetti Fabrizio , Tartaglia Marco , Insalaco Antonella
Published: August 2019

Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 1 (STAT1) is a DNA‐binding signal transducer that regulates transcription of specific genes in response to IFNγ and IFNα/β stimulation. Loss‐of‐function mutations impairing STAT1 activity are known to confer susceptibility to intracellular bacterial and viral diseases. Conversely, the few known activating mutations of STAT1 allow predisposition to chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis disease, and occur in patients with combined immunodeficiency and defective Th1 and Th17 responses. Here, we report on a de novo gain‐of‐function (GoF) STAT1 mutation (c.1398C>G, p.Ser466Arg) identified by exome sequencing in an individual with brain calcification, arthritis, recurrent pericarditis, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia and low C3 levels, a phenotype resembling an interferonopathy. The Ser466Arg change affects a highly conserved residue located in the DNA binding domain of the protein and the amino acid substitution was documented to have an activating role both in vitro and in vivo. Altogether, clinical features and functional studies are compatible with hyperactivation of the Interferon pathways, highlighting a role of STAT1 GoF mutation in clinical phenotypes fitting interferonopathies.
What's in the Box? Investigation of Beauty Subscription Box Retail Services
Authors: Lee Jong-Geun , Sadachar Amrut , Manchiraju Srikant
Published: August 2019

The purpose of this study was to explore key attributes that may influence customers’ behavioral intentions toward beauty subscription box retail services (SBRS). The Stimulus‐Organism‐Response paradigm was used as a conceptual framework for examining the relationships among variables, such as product‐related attributes (Stimuli), attitude (Organism), Word of Mouth (WOM), and repurchase intention (Response). A total of 357 useable responses were collected through an online survey, administered on Amazon Mechanical Turk. Structural equation modeling was used to test the proposed model and hypothesized relationships. Results suggested that product quality, product assortment, and product uniqueness were significant predictors of customers’ attitude toward SBRS. Furthermore, customer attitude toward SBRS had a significant positive influence on WOM and repurchase intention. This study provides insight for retailers to influence WOM and purchase intentions toward beauty SBRS.
Role Models or Gateways to Resources?: Contemporary Confusions in Mentoring Practice
Authors: TOLLAND HEATHER , MALLOCH MARGARET
Published: August 2019

Mentoring has become increasingly popular in recent years in the criminal justice system, presented across the UK and internationally as a service that can address the specific ‘needs’ of women. This article draws on original qualitative research with mentors and mentees to explore their experiences and to establish the aims and processes of mentoring. The rhetoric of mentoring offered by mentors and staff suggested that mentoring was based on an individualistic approach that contained responsibilising strategies. In practice, however, mentors were helping women to resolve issues related to the welfare system and other services outwith the criminal justice system. If positive outcomes of mentoring are viewed by policymakers to be the result of an individualistic approach aimed at fostering ‘prosocial’ interventions, rather than the result of attempts to mitigate wider structural failures then this takes responsibility away from the State and distracts from the deeper effects of criminalising processes.
Why Punish?
Authors: CANTON ROB , PADFIELD NICOLA
Published: August 2019

Three ways of understanding the question ‘Why punish?’ are distinguished. Answers commonly invoke three purposes and justifications – that punishment is the way to reduce offending, that it rights the wrong, and that it vindicates the victim. All these accounts are challenged. There is particular attention to the concept of rehabilitation and an explication of what this analysis entails for the work of probation. It is concluded that there is a need to develop a broader philosophy of responding to wrongdoing with attention to the implementation of punishment and to the ‘end state’ where the wrongful act may be considered resolved.
Multifunctional cellulase enzymes are ancestral in Polyneoptera
Authors: Shelomi M. , Wipfler B. , Zhou X. , Pauchet Y.
Published: August 2019

Many hemimetabolous insects produce their own cellulase enzymes from the glycoside hydrolase family 9, first observed in termites and cockroaches. Phasmatodea have multiple cellulases, some of which are multifunctional and can degrade xylan or xyloglucan. To discover when these abilities evolved, we identified cellulases from the Polyneoptera sampled by the 1000 Insect Transcriptome and Evolution (1KITE) project, including all cockroach and termite transcriptomes. We hoped to identify what role enzyme substrate specificities had in the evolution of dietary specification, such as leaf‐feeding or wood‐feeding. Putative cellulases were identified from the transcriptomes and analysed phylogenetically. All cellulases were amplified from an exemplar set of Polyneoptera species using rapid amplification of cDNA ends PCR and heterologously expressed in an insect cell line, then tested against different polysaccharides for their digestive abilities. We identified several multifunctional xyloglucanolytic enzymes across Polyneoptera, plus a large group of cellulase‐like enzymes found in nearly all insect orders with no discernible digestive ability. Multifunctional xylanolytic cellulases remain unique to Phasmatodea. The presence or absence of multifunctional enzymes does not impact dietary specification, but rather having multiple, multifunctional cellulase genes is an ancestral state for Polyneoptera and possibly Insecta. The prevalence of multifunctional cellulases in other animals demands further investigation.
Impacts of Bt maize inoculated with rhizobacteria on development and food utilization of Mythimna separata
Authors: Li Zhuo , Wang Xiao‐Hui , Saurav Pokharel Sabin , Li Chun‐Xu , Zhao Ming , Xin Shu‐Rong , Parajulee Megha N. , Chen Fa‐Jun
Published: August 2019

The current trend of increasing proportion of cultivation of transgenic Bt crops is pushing towards dramatic destabilization of the agroecosystem, thus raising severe concerns about the sustainability of transgenic Bt crops as an effective management tool for the control of target insect pests in the future. Rhizobacteria is the key biological regulator to ameliorate soil‐nitrogen utilization efficiency of crop plants, especially transgenic Bt crops. A laboratory study quantified the impacts of transgenic Bt maize (Line IE09S034 with Cry1Ie vs. non‐Bt maize cv. Xianyu335) inoculated with Azospirillum brasilense (AB) and Azotobacter chroococcum (AC) on the growth, development and food utilization of a target lepidopteran insect, Mythimna separata. The results showed that the inoculation of rhizobacteria significantly prolonged the larval lifespan and pupal duration, increased RCR and AD, reduced pupal weight, pupation rate, fecundity, RGR, ECD and ECI, and shortened adult longevity of M. separata fed on transgenic Bt maize, while exact opposite trends were found in these measured indexes of growth, development and food utilization for M. separata fed on non‐Bt maize inoculated with AB and AC compared with the buffer control in both years. Thus, the results clearly depicted that the inoculation of rhizobacteria had opposite influences on the growth, development and food utilization of M. separata fed on transgenic Bt maize. Presumably, rhizobacteria inoculation can be used to stimulate plant–soil‐nitrogen uptake and promote plant growth for transgenic Bt maize and non‐Bt maize, simultaneously increasing Bt toxin production and enhancing resistance efficiency against target lepidopteran pests for transgenic Bt maize.
Tooth whitening: From the established treatments to novel approaches to prevent side effects
Authors: Rodríguez‐Martínez Jorge , Valiente Manuel , Sánchez‐Martín María‐Jesús
Published: August 2019

Objective

The aim is to review the most important aspects about tooth whitening treatments, their side effects, and the new emerging approaches to overcome them.

Overview

This review is focused on origin of tooth stains, the whitening systems and their chemistry, their side effects, and the new approaches. The search of bibliography of the period 1965‐2018 has been analyzed.

Conclusions

Tooth whitening has become one of the most requested dental treatments by the public. Tooth stains are classified according to their origin into two categories: intrinsic and extrinsic. The whitening systems are generally organized into two classes: in‐office and at‐home products. Most of the whitening systems use hydrogen peroxide as the active oxidative agent to degrade the organic compounds that cause stains. The concentration ranges depending on the treatment, and it may be applied directly or produced in a chemical reaction from carbamide peroxide that is more stable. Besides its popularity, tooth whitening still has some side effects being tooth hypersensitivity the most common. In order to decrease these side effects, new treatments are constantly in renewal processes.

Clinical Significance

Despite all the data and new strategies known about tooth whitening, there are many aspects that are not totally fully understood and methodologies that are not completely effective. Therefore, the development of effective, efficient, and long‐lasting whitening treatments is still necessary.
Health Insurance and Disparities in Mortality among Older Survivors of Critical Illness: A Population Study
Authors: Philpotts Yoland F. , Ma Xiaoyue , Anderson Michaela R. , Hua May , Baldwin Matthew R.
Published: August 2019

Objectives

The 1.5 million Medicare beneficiaries who survive intensive care each year have a high post‐hospitalization mortality rate. We aimed to determine whether mortality after critical illness is higher for Medicare beneficiaries with Medicaid compared with those with commercial insurance.

Design

A retrospective cohort study from 2010 through 2014 with 1 year of follow‐up using the New York Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System database.

Setting

A New York State population‐based study of older (age ≥65 y) survivors of intensive care.

Participants

Adult Medicare beneficiaries age 65 years or older who were hospitalized with intensive care at a New York State hospital and survived to discharge.

Intervention

None.

Measurement

Mortality in the first year after hospital discharge.

Results

The study included 340 969 Medicare beneficiary survivors of intensive care with a mean (standard deviation) age of 77 (8) years; 20% died within 1 year. There were 152 869 (45%) with commercial insurance, 78 577 (23%) with Medicaid, and 109 523 (32%) with Medicare alone. Compared with those with commercial insurance, those with Medicare alone had a similar 1‐year mortality rate (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 1.01; 95% confidence interval [CI] = .99‐1.04), and those with Medicaid had a 9% higher 1‐year mortality rate (aHR = 1.09; 95% CI = 1.05‐1.12). Among those discharged home, the 1‐year mortality rate did not vary by insurance coverage, but among those discharged to skilled‐care facilities (SCFs), the 1‐year mortality rate was 16% higher for Medicaid recipients (aHR = 1.16; 95% CI = 1.12‐1.21; P for interaction <.001).

Conclusions

Older adults with Medicaid insurance have a higher 1‐year post‐hospitalization mortality compared with those with commercial insurance, especially among those discharged to SCFs. Future studies should investigate care disparities at SCFs that may mediate these higher mortality rates. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:2497–2504, 2019
Building a “Fortress Europe” in the air: A critical review of the European customs enforcement of IPRs
Authors: Briatta Marion
Published: August 2019

For several decades now, the European Union (EU) has been promoting the strengthening of enforcement measures of intellectual property rights (IPRs). The reinforcement of border measures aimed at blocking the importation of infringing goods has been under particular scrutiny in this respect. Since the adoption of the Trade‐Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights agreement, the EU has adopted numerous customs regulations specifically designed to curtail the flow of counterfeits entering the European market. In this paper, we argue this regulatory inflation is problematic considering the ambiguous construction of European border measures against counterfeiting. We suggest that EU law has imperfectly transplanted the American customs regulation reformed in the 70s which has allowed customs authorities to seize imported goods which were infringing IPRs in the United States. To fulfill their new mission, American customs was granted with the ability to assess such infringement at the border. Although required to fulfill the same mission, European member states' customs authorities have not been granted with such a quasijudicial competence. As a result, the action of European customs authorities regarding infringing goods is based on an ambiguous “conditional prohibition” which can easily lead to abuses as the international dispute regarding in‐transit generic medicines has shown.
24‐hour multi‐pH recording of the postprandial acid pocket and the nocturnal acid distribution at the esophagogastric junction in healthy volunteers
Authors: Moonen An , Aguilera‐Lizarraga Javier , Bisschops Raf , Moonen Peter , Tack Jan , Boeckxstaens Guy E.
Published: August 2019

Background

Postprandial stationary pH monitoring studies have identified the acid pocket. To what extent a similar pool of acid is present in the fasting state or at night remains however unclear.

Methods

The study was performed in 9 HV without a hiatal hernia. A pH‐impedance‐pressure catheter was positioned at the Z‐line. First, the presence of the acid pocket was monitored under stationary conditions during 2 hours after ingestion of a standardized meal. Thereafter, the equipment was connected to an ambulatory monitoring device for 24‐hour recording.

Results

Under stationary conditions, a postprandial acid pocket was present in 7 of the 9 HV, from 9 ± 7 minutes after meal onwards during 47 ± 8 minutes. During ambulatory 24‐hour monitoring, postprandial acid pockets emerged significantly later, but no differences in duration or position were detected. During nighttime, an acid pool was detected with its proximal border at the level of the cardia, which at later, time points gradually moved to a more distal position. This led to a gradual decrease in nocturnal acid exposure from proximal to distal, a phenomenon that was preceded by a bust of gastric contractions. Nocturnal reflux originated from the cardiac region, and was more acidic in the early compared with late nocturnal period.

Conclusion

The acid pocket is present in the postprandial period under both stationary and ambulatory conditions. Of interest, at night, a pool of acid can be demonstrated which is periodically shifted more distally. This pool of acid represents the reservoir from which nocturnal reflux originates.
Testing Ricardian Equivalence with the Narrative Record on Tax Changes
Authors: Haug Alfred A.
Published: August 2019

The Ricardian equivalence hypothesis is tested empirically with a subcategory of the narrative measures of US tax shocks developed by Romer and Romer (in, American Economic Review 2010;100:763). The present value of tax increases motivated solely by concerns for improving the fiscal health of the government is used. These tax news represent a switch from debt to tax financing that should have no effects on real output and consumption. For the post‐1982:IV period, fiscal anticipation plays an important role as many of the tax increases are implemented with substantial delays. Anticipated tax hikes increase economic activity in the delay period. Ricardian equivalence is rejected.
Microcystic lymphatic malformation in a child and his mother
Authors: Gupta Aastha , Sardana Kabir , Arora Pooja , Garga Umesh C. , Malhotra Purnima
Published: August 2019

A 3‐year‐old boy presented to us with swelling of the right upper lip and the surrounding perioral area with the multiple clear fluid‐filled grouped vesicles on the mucosal surface. The patient's mother had a similar swelling located at the same anatomic location extending to the cheek and the ala of nose on the same side. Magnetic resonance imaging and histopathological examination were suggestive of microcystic lymphatic malformation (LM) in both mother and child. Although an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern has been reported for isolated cystic hygromas, no familial case of microcystic LM has been reported previously.
Sourcing Thai geography literature for ASEAN and international education
Authors: Martin Steven Andrew , Ritchie Raymond James
Published: August 2019

This study surveys the available English‐language literature and learning resources covering the field of Thai geography, and provides historical review of Thai geography education and an inventory of relevant, accessible materials for ASEAN and international undergraduate students, educators and researchers. We note that the discipline and context of Thai geography has shifted toward new technologies, particularly geographic information systems, and this has left a void in practical and accessible text for high school and undergraduate students in gaining broad and traditional knowledge of the field. Our study finds that the accessibility of introductory English‐language texts on Thai geography is limited, and that existing texts appear mainly in the grey literature or widely dispersed across various disciplines of study. The paper provides a platform to help future researchers and to facilitate future production of English‐language textbooks and other study materials in the field of Thai geography.
Retrospective evaluation of 24 cases of gastrostomy tube usage in dogs with septic peritonitis (2009–2016)
Authors: Hansen Sonya C. , Hlusko Katelyn C. , Matz Brad M. , Bacek Lenore M.
Published: August 2019

Objective

To describe the postoperative use of gastrostomy tubes (GT) in dogs with septic peritonitis. A secondary objective was to identify factors associated with GT placement and use that may be related to outcome.

Design

Retrospective study.

Setting

University teaching hospital.

Animals

Twenty‐four dogs diagnosed with septic peritonitis with GT placement at the time of exploratory laparotomy.

Interventions

None.

Measurements and Main Results

Eighteen dogs (75%) survived to discharge. Eighteen dogs (75%) had a gastrointestinal source of septic peritonitis. Complications were reported in 12/24 (50%) patients. Four dogs (16.6%) had non‐GT‐related complications such as vomiting, regurgitation, or increased gastric residual volume. GT‐related complications occurred in 8/24 (33.3%) dogs, the majority of which (6/8 [75%]) were minor and did not necessitate removal of the GT. Two dogs had major complications that required removal of the GT. Significant differences between survivors and nonsurvivors were found between the length of time after placement of the GT to when they began eating and outcome (discharge versus death versus euthanasia) (P = 0.03), and GT dwell time (length of time the GT was in place) and outcome (P = 0.006). Clinically relevant correlations were found between the time after placement of the GT until feeding and time after placement until voluntarily eating (P = 0.0349), time after placement of the GT until voluntarily eating and length of hospitalization (P = 0.0391), and time after placement of the GT until feeding and length of hospitalization (P = 0.036).

Conclusions

GTs can be placed during exploratory laparotomy in dogs with septic peritonitis. They facilitate early enteral nutrition and are associated with few clinically significant complications. Prospective studies are needed to determine the optimal postoperative feeding plan and the effects of early enteral nutrition on serum albumin concentration in this patient population.
Erratum: A simplified model for thin acoustic screens [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 144(1), EL76–EL81 (2018)]
Authors: Gaborit Mathieu , Dazel Olivier , Göransson Peter
Published: August 2019

The present erratum reports an error impacting the figures of a contribution published in 2018 about a simplified model for thin acoustic screens in a transfer matrix context [Gaborit, Dazel, and Göransson (2018). J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 144(1), EL76–EL81]. A mistake in the implementation of the rigid termination condition for the systems under study is identified and a correct version is proposed along with the corrected figures. It is shown that this error does not impact the conclusions of the original contribution and that the model proposed therein keeps its advantages as the approximation error remains very similar to the previously reported values.
A framework for labeling speech with acoustic cues to linguistic distinctive features
Authors: Huilgol Shreya , Baik Jinwoo , Shattuck-Hufnagel Stefanie
Published: August 2019

Acoustic cues are characteristic patterns in the speech signal that provide lexical, prosodic, or additional information, such as speaker identity. In particular, acoustic cues related to linguistic distinctive features can be extracted and marked from the speech signal. These acoustic cues can be used to infer the intended underlying phoneme sequence in an utterance. This study describes a framework for labeling acoustic cues in speech, including a suite of canonical cue prediction algorithms that facilitates manual labeling and provides a standard for analyzing variations in the surface realizations. A brief examination of subsets of annotated speech data shows that labeling acoustic cues opens the possibility of detailed analyses of cue modification patterns in speech.
Systems Biology and Pangenome of
Salmonella
O-Antigens
Authors: Seif Yara , Monk Jonathan M. , Machado Henrique , Kavvas Erol , Palsson Bernhard O.
Published: August 2019

Lipopolysaccharides are a major component of the outer membrane in Gram-negative bacteria. They are composed of a conserved lipid structure that is embedded in the outer leaflet of the outer membrane and a polysaccharide known as the O-antigen. O-antigens are highly variable in structure across strains of a species and are crucial to a bacterium’s interactions with its environment. They constitute the first line of defense against both the immune system and bacteriophage infections and have been shown to mediate antimicrobial resistance. The significance of our research is in identifying the metabolic and genetic differences within and across O-antigen groups in
Salmonella
strains. Our effort constitutes a first step toward characterizing the O-antigen metabolic network across Gram-negative organisms and a comprehensive overview of genetic variations in
Salmonella
.
ISG15 Deficiency Enhances HIV-1 Infection by Accumulating Misfolded p53
Authors: Osei Kuffour Edmund , König Renate , Häussinger Dieter , Schulz Wolfgang A. , Münk Carsten
Published: August 2019

HIV-1 has evolved many strategies to circumvent the host’s antiviral innate immune responses and establishes disseminated infection; the molecular mechanisms of these strategies are not entirely clear. We showed previously that USP18 contributes to HIV-1 replication by abrogating p21 antiviral function. Here, we demonstrate a mechanism by which USP18 mediates p21 downregulation in myeloid cells. USP18, by its protease activity, accumulates misfolded p53, which requires ISG15 for clearance. Depletion of ISG15 causes accumulation of misfolded dominant negative p53, which supports HIV-1 replication. This work clarifies the function and consequences of p53 modification by ISG15 and implicates USP18 in HIV-1 infection and potentially in carcinogenesis.
CRISPR/Cas9 Mutagenesis in Phlebotomus papatasi: the Immune Deficiency Pathway Impacts Vector Competence for Leishmania major
Authors: Louradour Isabelle , Ghosh Kashinath , Inbar Ehud , Sacks David L.
Published: August 2019

Sand flies are the natural vectors of
Leishmania
parasites. Studies of sand fly/
Leishmania
interactions have been limited by the lack of successful genomic manipulation of these insects. This paper shows the first example of successful targeted mutagenesis in sand flies via adaptation of the CRISPR/Cas9 editing technique. We generated transmissible
null
mutant alleles of
relish
, a gene known to be essential for the control of immune response in other insects. In addition to the expected higher level of susceptibility to bacteria, the mutant flies presented higher loads of parasites when infected with
L. major
, showing that the sand fly immune response impacts its vector competence for this pathogen.
Comparative Genomics of Antibiotic-Resistant Uropathogens Implicates Three Routes for Recurrence of Urinary Tract Infections
Authors: Thänert Robert , Reske Kimberly A. , Hink Tiffany , Wallace Meghan A. , Wang Bin , Schwartz Drew J. , Seiler Sondra , Cass Candice , Burnham Carey-Ann D. , Dubberke Erik R. , Kwon Jennie H. , Dantas Gautam
Published: August 2019

The increasing antimicrobial resistance of uropathogens is challenging the continued efficacy of empiric antibiotic therapy for UTIs, which are among the most frequent bacterial infections worldwide. It has been suggested that drug-resistant uropathogens could persist in the intestine after the resolution of UTI and cause recurrences following periurethral contamination. A better understanding of the transmission dynamics between the intestinal and urinary tracts, combined with phenotypic characterization of the uropathogen populations in both habitats, could inform prudent therapies designed to overcome the rising resistance of uropathogens. Here, we integrate genomic surveillance with clinical microbiology to show that drug-resistant clones persist within and are readily transmitted between the intestinal and urinary tracts of patients affected by recurrent and nonrecurrent UTIs. Thus, our results advocate for understanding persistent intestinal uropathogen colonization as part of the pathophysiology of UTIs, particularly in patients affected by recurrent episodes of symptomatic disease.
Open reduction capsular arthroplasty using a modified Codivilla-Hey Groves-Colonna procedure augmented with tensor fascia lata graft, supported by Ilizarov hinged external fixator in a patient with chronic traumatic posterior hip dislocation
Authors: Dumlao Patricio III Espinoza , Javier Juanito , Sumpaico Carlo Emmanuel
Published: August 2019

Untreated traumatic hip dislocation is a rare condition in children. Capsular arthroplasty is a previously abandoned surgical technique in dealing with developmental dysplasia of the hips but not described in traumatic dislocations. We present a 2-year follow-up of a 7-year-old boy who sustained chronic traumatic posterior hip dislocation treated as a first case in published literature combining a modified version of the Codivilla-Hey Groves-Colonna procedure, using tensor fascia lata graft and application of a hinged Ilizarov frame. The patient is currently independent on all activities of daily living.
Brainstem encephalitis caused by Coxsackie A16 virus in a rituximab-immunosuppressed patient
Authors: Cameron Smail Ruaridh , O’Neill John H , Andresen David
Published: August 2019

Rituximab and other B cell depleting agents are increasingly used for haematological, immunological and neurological diseases. In a small minority, immunosuppression leads to increased virulence of normally mild infections. Brainstem encephalitis has been described occurring after infection from enteroviruses, more commonly in the paediatric population, but also in immunosuppressed adults. In this paper, we describe an enteroviral brainstem encephalitis in a rituximab-immunosuppressed patient. The enterovirus identified was Coxsackie A16, which has never yet been reported to cause brainstem encephalitis in an adult.
Human cytomegalovirus pneumonia in an immunocompetent patient: a very uncommon but treatable condition
Authors: Waqas Qazi Ahmed , Abdullah Hafez Mohammad Ammar , Khan Uzma Ikhtiar , Oliver Tony
Published: August 2019

Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a double-stranded DNA virus that can cause widespread severe infection in immunocompromised individuals but is more typically a subclinical infection in immunocompetent individuals. Rarely, it can cause a serious infection in immunocompetent individuals. Here, we describe a 36-year-old otherwise healthy male who presented with fever, cough and malaise who was diagnosed with CMV pneumonia. He made a rapid recovery after initiation of ganciclovir and has been doing well on follow-up visits. We performed a comprehensive review of CMV pneumonia in immunocompetent individuals and have summarised the prior 16 reported cases of CMV pneumonia in immunocompetent patients. This article highlights the importance of considering CMV as a cause of pneumonia even in immunocompetent individuals, especially when the more common causes have been excluded. Early diagnosis allows prompt treatment and potentially complete recovery.
Marchiafava-Bignami disease with haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis as a postoperative complication of cardiac surgery
Authors: Takei Kentarou , Motoyoshi Naotaka , Sakamoto Kazuhiro , Kitamoto Tetsuyuki
Published: August 2019

Marchiafava-Bignami disease (MBD) is a rare complication of chronic alcoholism; however, MBD in a non-alcoholic diabetic patient has rarely been reported. The aetiology or pathophysiology of MBD is still unknown. A 50-year-old man with a history of untreated diabetes mellitus underwent on-pump beating coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) surgery for three-vessel and left main coronary disease. 3 days after the surgery, he developed a fever over 40°C and entered a coma state. MRI revealed multiple lesions, including in the corpus callosum, globus pallidus, brain stem and upper cervical spinal cord, which suggested MBD. The patient did not respond to thiamine therapy, but partly responded to steroid therapy. He ultimately died of respiratory failure. The autopsy revealed MBD and haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. It is rare, but systemic inflammatory response syndrome induced by on-pump beating CABG could develop these complication.
Cognitive–behavioural therapy for personal recovery of patients with schizophrenia: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Weiliang , Zhou Yuqiu , Chai Nannan , Liu Dongwei
Published: August 2019

Background

To date, cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) trials have primarily focused on clinical recovery; however, personal recovery is actually the fundamental aspect of the recovery process. The aim of this study was to summarise and synthesise the existing evidence regarding the effectiveness of CBT for personal recovery in patients with schizophrenia.

Aim

This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of CBT for personal recovery in patients with schizophrenia.

Methods

A systematic search of the literature in PsycINFO, PubMed, Cochrane (CENTRAL), Embase and Web of Science (SCI) was conducted to identify randomised controlled trials reporting the impact of CBT interventions on personal recovery in patients with schizophrenia. The estimated effect sizes of the main study outcomes were calculated to estimate the magnitude of the treatment effects of CBT on personal recovery. We also evaluated the CBT’s effect size at the end-of-treatment and long-term (follow-up) changes in some aspects of personal recovery.

Results

Twenty-five studies were included in the analysis. The effect of CBT on personal recovery was 2.27 (95% CI 0.10 to 4.45; I2=0%; p=0.04) at post-treatment and the long-term effect size was 2.62 (95% CI 0.51 to 4.47; I2=0%; p=0.02). During the post-treatment period, the pooled effect size of CBT was 0.01 (95% CI −0.12 to 0.15; I2=33.0%; p>0.05) for quality of life (QoL), 0.643 (95% CI 0.056 to 1.130; I2=30.8%; p<0.01) for psychological health-related QoL, −1.77 (95% CI −3.29 to −0.25; I2=40%; p=0.02) for hopelessness and 1.85 (95% CI 0.69 to 3.01; I2=41%; p<0.01) for self-esteem. We also summarised the effects of CBT on QoL (subscale scores not included in the evaluation of the pooled effect size), self-confidence and connectedness, and all results corresponded to positive effects. However, there was insufficient evidence regarding the long-term effects of CBT on personal recovery.

Conclusions

CBT is an effective therapy with meaningful clinical effect sizes on personal recovery and some aspects of personal recovery of schizophrenia after treatment. However, the effect is relatively immediate and rapidly decreases as time progresses. Therefore, in the future, more studies should focus on the mechanism of CBT for personal recovery and the factors that influence the long-term effects of CBT.

Trial registration number

CRD42018085643.
Evaluation of text mining to reduce screening workload for injury-focused systematic reviews
Authors: Giummarra Melita J , Lau Georgina , Gabbe Belinda J
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Text mining to support screening in large-scale systematic reviews has been recommended; however, their suitability for reviews in injury research is not known. We examined the performance of text mining in supporting the second reviewer in a systematic review examining associations between fault attribution and health and work-related outcomes after transport injury.

Methods

Citations were independently screened in Abstrackr in full (reviewer 1; 10 559 citations), and until no more citations were predicted to be relevant (reviewer 2; 1809 citations, 17.1%). All potentially relevant full-text articles were assessed by reviewer 1 (555 articles). Reviewer 2 used text mining (Wordstat, QDA Miner) to reduce assessment to full-text articles containing ≥1 fault-related exposure term (367 articles, 66.1%).

Results

Abstrackr offered excellent workload savings: 82.7% of citations did not require screening by reviewer 2, and total screening time was reduced by 36.6% compared with traditional dual screening of all citations. Abstrackr predictions had high specificity (83.7%), and low false negatives (0.3%), but overestimated citation relevance, probably due to the complexity of the review with multiple outcomes and high imbalance of relevant to irrelevant records, giving low sensitivity (29.7%) and precision (14.5%). Text mining of full-text articles reduced the number needing to be screened by 33.9%, and reduced total full-text screening time by 38.7% compared with traditional dual screening.

Conclusions

Overall, text mining offered important benefits to systematic review workflow, but should not replace full screening by one reviewer, especially for complex reviews examining multiple health or injury outcomes.

Trial registration number

CRD42018084123.
Prevalence ofMycoplasma genitaliumand macrolide resistance among asymptomatic people visiting a point of care service for rapid STI screening: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Fernández-Huerta Miguel , Barberá María-Jesús , Esperalba Juliana , Fernandez-Naval Candela , Vall-Mayans Marti , Arando Maider , Serra-Pladevall Judit , Broto Claudia , Zarzuela Francesc , Rando Ariadna , Pumarola Tomas , Espasa Mateu
Published: August 2019

Objectives

Although rapid screening and treatment programmes have been recently implemented to tackle STIs, testingMycoplasma genitalium(MG) among asymptomatic populations is not currently recommended due to the lack of scientific evidence and the emergence of antibiotic resistance. The main objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of MG and macrolide resistance among asymptomatic people visiting a point of care service for rapid STI screening and to identify risk factors associated with the acquisition of this infection.

Methods

Between October 2017 and January 2018, a total of 890 asymptomatic individuals attending to the STI screening service Drassanes Exprés in Barcelona, Spain, were tested for MG and macrolide resistance using the molecular ResistancePlus MG assay (SpeeDx, Australia). Asymptomatically infected individuals were invited to attend the STI Unit for resistance-guided antimicrobial therapy.

Results

Overall, the prevalence of MG was 7.4% (66/890; 95% CI 5.8% to 9.3%), being higher among men who have sex with men (MSM) (46/489) compared with heterosexual men and women (20/401; p=0.012). Macrolide resistance was found in 32/46 (69.6%; 95% CI 54.2% to 82.3%) MSM, while only 2/20 (10.0%; 95% CI 1.2% to 31.7%) infections among heterosexuals presented macrolide resistance-mediated mutations (p<0.001). MSM behaviour, receptive anal intercourse, HIV positive status, syphilis history and high-risk sexual activity (more than five sexual partners in the last 3 months) were significantly associated with MG infection. Furthermore, the resistance-guided therapy approach was implemented in 36/66 (54.6%) individuals.

Conclusions

The research provides further data regarding the prevalence of MG and macrolide resistance among asymptomatic individuals. It also identifies higher risk subpopulations which might be targets for MG screening. Nevertheless, there is insufficient data to justify MG testing among asymptomatic individuals and current STI guidelines should be followed until evidence shows the cost and effectiveness of screening.
A framework for value visualization in the construction industry to support value-oriented design
Authors: BuHamdan Samer , Alwisy Aladdin , Bouferguene Ahmed , Al-Hussein Mohamed
Published: August 2019

The research in value-oriented design reports the importance of displaying the interdependencies between product components and stakeholders’ values, where it argues that the display of interdependencies is indispensable for the optimal decision-making and for the success of the value-oriented design. However, applications for value visualization in the construction industry lack one or both of the following: (1) the support for multi-value assessment and visualization and (2) the ability to visualize value(s) over time. These two shortcomings hinder the construction industry from fully embracing sustainable value-oriented design. Hence, this paper proposes a visualization framework to bridge the gap in the practice of value visualization regarding (i) the number of visualized values and (ii) time-based multiple-value visualization. The paper also contains a case study that utilizes a condominium building to show the implementation of the proposed framework and demonstrate how results can be interpreted and utilized in the design process.
Hecke cycles associated to rank 2 twisted Higgs bundles on a curve
Authors: Yoo Sang-Bum
Published: August 2019

Let [Formula: see text] be a smooth complex projective curve of genus [Formula: see text] and let [Formula: see text] be a line bundle on [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text]. Let [Formula: see text] be the moduli space of semistable rank 2 [Formula: see text]-twisted Higgs bundles with trivial determinant on [Formula: see text]. Let [Formula: see text] be the moduli space of stable rank 2 [Formula: see text]-twisted Higgs bundles with determinant [Formula: see text] for some [Formula: see text] on [Formula: see text]. We construct a cycle in the product of a stack of rational maps from nonsingular curves to [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] by using Hecke modifications of a stable [Formula: see text]-twisted Higgs bundle in [Formula: see text].
Irreducible representations of E theory
Authors: West Peter
Published: August 2019

We construct the [Formula: see text] theory analogue of the particles that transform under the Poincaré group, that is, the irreducible representations of the semi-direct product of the Cartan involution subalgebra of [Formula: see text] with its vector representation. We show that one such irreducible representation has only the degrees of freedom of 11-dimensional supergravity. This representation is most easily discussed in the light cone formalism and we show that the duality relations found in [Formula: see text] theory take a particularly simple form in this formalism. We explain that the mysterious symmetries found recently in the light cone formulation of maximal supergravity theories are part of [Formula: see text]. We also argue that our familiar space–times have to be extended by additional coordinates when considering extended objects such as branes.
Multipole expansion in generalized electrodynamics
Authors: Bonin C. A. , Pimentel B. M. , Ortega P. H.
Published: August 2019

In this paper, we study some classical aspects of Podolsky electrodynamics in the static regime. We develop the multipole expansion for the theory in both the electrostatic and the magnetostatic cases. We also address the problem of consistently truncating the infinite series associated with the several kinds of multipoles, yielding approximations for the static Podolskian electromagnetic field to any degree of precision required. Moreover, we apply the general theory of multipole expansion to some specific physical problems. In those problems, we identify the first terms of the series with the monopole, dipole, and quadrupole terms in the generalized theory. We also propose a situation in which Podolsky theory can be experimentally tested.
Free Vibration Analysis of Moderately Thick Coupled Plates with Elastic Boundary Conditions and Point Supports
Authors: Li Qiuhong , Sanchez Joey , Benaroya Haym , Wang Jiufa , Xue Kai
Published: August 2019

Plates are applied to a wide array of structural applications of varying complexity. Each application requires rigorous analysis to determine the viability of the proposed model. One such application involves modeling a larger structure as a collection of smaller flat plates connected at the plate boundaries. Previous research into these types of structures has led to varying levels of accuracy. It has been dependent on the applications and assumptions involved. To improve the accuracy of these types of structures in a more general context, we propose expanding on current models of coupled plates by modeling the plates using Mindlin plate theory. We analyze the vibration of the improved model with general elastic boundary conditions, point supports and coupling conditions using the Fourier series method and finite element software. When the Fourier series method is applied directly, continuity issues arise at the plate coupling boundaries. To resolve these issues, the Fourier series solution of the vibration displacements is amended to include auxiliary functions. This improved coupled plate model is analyzed and numerically simulated for a variety of elastic boundary conditions and coupling conditions. The numerical results are produced using the Fourier series method and a finite element solution to demonstrate the validity of the improved coupled plate model.
A Numerical Method to Solve Nonsymmetric Eigensystems Applied to Dynamics of Turbomachinery
Authors: de Faria Alfredo R. , Alhatim Omair , Maciel Homero Fonseca Santiago
Published: August 2019

In this paper, a canonical transformation is proposed to solve the eigenvalue problem related to the dynamics of rotor-bearing systems. In this problem, all matrices are real, but they may not be symmetric, which leads to the appearance of complex eigenvalues and eigenvectors. The bi-iteration method is selected to solve the original eigenproblem whereas the QR algorithm is adopted to solve the reduced or projected problem. A new canonical transformation of the global eigenproblem which reduces the quadratic eigenproblem to a linear eigenproblem, maintaining numerical stability since all that is required is that the stiffness matrix is well-conditioned, which is always true when it comes to applications in dynamic problems. The proposed technique is good for obtaining dominant eigenvalues and corresponding eigenvectors of real nonsymmetric matrices and it possesses the following properties: (i) the matrix is not transformed, therefore sparsity is maintained, (ii) partial eigensolutions can be obtained and (iii) use may be made of good eigenvectors predictions.