bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Associations between perceived friends’ support of healthy eating and meal skipping in adolescence
Authors: Rosenrauch Sharon , Ball Kylie , Lamb Karen E
Published: September 2017

Objective

Meal skipping is a relatively common behaviour during adolescence. As peer influence increases during adolescence, friendship groups may play a role in determining eating patterns such as meal skipping. The current study examined cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between perceived friends’ support of healthy eating and breakfast and lunch skipping among adolescents.

Design

Survey of intrapersonal, social and environmental factors that may influence eating patterns at baseline (2004/05) and follow-up (2006/07).

Setting

Thirty-seven secondary schools in Victoria, Australia.

Subjects

Sample of 1785 students aged 12–15 years at baseline.

Results

Adolescents who reported that their friends sometimes or often ate healthy foods with them were less likely (adjusted OR; 95 % CI) to skip breakfast (sometimes: 0·71; 0·57, 0·90; often: 0·54; 0·38, 0·76) or lunch (sometimes: 0·61; 0·41, 0·89; often: 0·59; 0·37, 0·94) at baseline than those who reported their friends never or rarely displayed this behaviour. Although this variable was associated with lunch skipping at follow-up, there was no evidence of an association with breakfast skipping at follow-up. There was no evidence of an association between perceived encouragement of healthy eating, and an inconsistent relationship between perceived discouragement of junk food consumption, and meal skipping.

Conclusions

Friends eating healthy foods together may serve to reduce meal skipping during early adolescence, possibly due to the influence of directly observable behaviour and shared beliefs held by those in the same friendship group. Verbal encouragement or discouragement from friends may be less impactful an influence on meal skipping (than directly observable behaviours) in adolescents.
Emplacement and biodegradation of oil in fractured basement: the ‘coal’ deposit in Moinian gneiss at Castle Leod, Ross-shire
Authors: Parnell John , Baba Mas'ud , Bowden Stephen
Published: September 2017

Bitumen veins were formerly mined as ‘coal’ from Moinian metamorphic basement at Castle Leod, Strathpeffer, Ross-shire. The abundance and spatial concentration of hydrocarbons implies generation of a large volume of oil that exerted a fluid pressure great enough to open veins to 1+ m width. Biomarker characteristics, including β-carotane and a high proportion of C28 steranes, correlate the bitumen to Lower Devonian non-marine shales separated from the Moinian basement by a major fault. Bitumen in the Moinian basement has higher diasterane/sterane ratios than bitumen in the Devonian sequence, indicating greater levels of biodegradation, which may reflect more interaction with water in the basement. Replacive bitumen nodules in the Moinian basement, containing thoriferous/uraniferous mineral phases, are comparable with bitumen nodules in basement terrains elsewhere. Formation of the nodules represents hydrocarbon penetration of low-permeability basement, consistent with high fluid pressure. Bitumen veins are particularly orientated E–W, and may be associated with E–W transfer faults attributed to Permo-Carboniferous basin inversion.
A water-mediated and substrate-assisted aminoacylation mechanism in the discriminating aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase GlnRS and non-discriminating GluRS
Authors: Aboelnga Mohamed M. , Hayward John J. , Gauld James W.
Published: September 2017

Computational methods have been used to elucidate key differences and similarities between the distinct aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (aaRS) GlnRS and non-discriminating-GluRS.
Quercetin and its analogues: optical and acido–basic properties
Authors: Biler Michal , Biedermann David , Valentová Kateřina , Křen Vladimír , Kubala Martin
Published: September 2017

This study is focused on eight structurally analogous natural flavonoids that exhibit a wide range of biological activities, which are of interest in pharmacy, cosmetics and the food industry.
Theoretically unraveling the separation of Am(iii)/Eu(iii): insights from mixed N,O-donor ligands with variations of central heterocyclic moieties
Authors: Wu Qun-Yan , Song Yu-Ting , Ji Lin , Wang Cong-Zhi , Chai Zhi-Fang , Shi Wei-Qun
Published: September 2017

The mechanisms of Am(iii)/Eu(iii) selectivity of three mixed N,O-donor ligands with different bridging groups were obtained and compared.
Redistribution of valence and conduction band states depending on the method of modification of SiO2 structure
Authors: Konashuk A. S. , Filatova E. O.
Published: September 2017

Significant modification of the SiO2 structure substantially affects the position of the valence band top and can cause the formation of states near the Fermi level responsible for leakage currents.
Metal complexes for multimodal imaging of misfolded protein-related diseases
Authors: Lacerda S. , Morfin J.-F. , Geraldes C. F. G. C. , Tóth É.
Published: September 2017

Aggregation of misfolded proteins and progressive polymerization of otherwise soluble proteins is a common hallmark of several highly debilitating and increasingly prevalent diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, cerebral amyloid angiopathy, type II diabetes and Parkinson's, Huntington's and Alzheimer's diseases.
A pyrene-modified cobalt salophen complex immobilized on multiwalled carbon nanotubes acting as a precursor for efficient electrocatalytic water oxidation
Authors: Li Ting-Ting , Qian Jinjie , Zhou Qianqian , Lin Jian-Li , Zheng Yue-Qing
Published: September 2017

Highly efficient electrocatalytic water oxidation with an immobilized pyrene-modified cobalt salophen complex: molecular catalysis or heterogeneous catalysis?
Regioselective synthesis of 5-[(2,3-dihydroxypropoxy)methyl]uracil analogues
Authors: Mejdrová Ivana , Brulíková Lucie , Volná Tereza , Hlaváč Jan
Published: September 2017

The regioselective synthesis of dihydroxypropoxymethyluracil analogues with hydroxy alkyl chains that mimic the natural C-nucleoside pseudouridine is reported.
Development and applications of a near-infrared dye–benzylguanine conjugate to specifically label SNAP-tagged proteins
Authors: Song Xinbo , Bian Hui , Wang Chao , Hu Mingyu , Li Ning , Xiao Yi
Published: September 2017

New approach to Changsha NIRs, new label to fusion proteins.
Speech Situation Checklist–Revised: Investigation With Adults Who Do Not Stutter and Treatment-Seeking Adults Who Stutter
Authors: Vanryckeghem Martine , Matthews Michael , Xu Peixin
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of the Speech Situation Checklist for adults who stutter (SSC) in differentiating people who stutter (PWS) from speakers with no stutter based on self-reports of anxiety and speech disruption in communicative settings. The SSC's psychometric properties were examined, norms were established, and suggestions for treatment were formulated.

Method

The SSC was administered to 88 PWS seeking treatment and 209 speakers with no stutter between the ages of 18 and 62. The SSC consists of 2 sections investigating negative emotional reaction and speech disruption in 38 speech situations that are identical in both sections.

Results

The SSC–Emotional Reaction and SSC–Speech Disruption data show that these self-report tests differentiate PWS from speakers with no stutter to a statistically significant extent and have great discriminative value. The tests have good internal reliability, content, and construct validity. Age and gender do not affect the scores of the PWS.

Conclusions

The SSC–Emotional Reaction and SSC–Speech Disruption seem to be powerful measures to investigate negative emotion and speech breakdown in an array of speech situations. The item scores give direction to treatment by suggesting speech situations that need a clinician's attention in terms of generalization and carry-over of within-clinic therapeutic gains into in vivo settings.
On the best constant matrix approximating an oscillatory matrix-valued coefficient in divergence-form operators
Authors: Le Bris Claude , Legoll Frédéric , Lemaire Simon
Published: September 2017

We approximate an elliptic problem with oscillatory coefficients using a problem of the same type, but with constant coefficients. We deliberately take an engineering perspective, where the information on the oscillatory coefficients in the equation can be incomplete. A theoretical foundation of the approach in the limit of infinitely small oscillations of the coefficients is provided, using the classical theory of homogenization. We present a comprehensive study of the implementation aspects of our method, and a set of numerical tests and comparisons that show the potential practical interest of the approach. The approach detailed in this article improves on an earlier version briefly presented in [C. Le Bris, F. Legoll and K. Li, C.R. Acad. Sci. Paris, Série I  351 (2013) 265–270].
Pflege: Technik, die entlastet
Authors: Kohrs Jens
Published: September 2017

Wenn Techniker und Pflegende einen Wunschzettel für ihr Krankenhaus von morgen schreiben würden – er wäre lang. Simone Sturm und Wolfgang Siewert haben zusammen in die Zukunft geschaut.
Brandschutz: „Krankenhäuser müssen komplett mit Sprinkleranlagen ausgestattet werden“
Authors: Kohrs Jens
Published: September 2017

Seit dem Brand im Bochumer Bergmannsheil-Krankenhaus im September vergangenen Jahres wird das Thema Brandschutz in Kliniken wieder intensiv diskutiert. Die Verantwortlichen müssen reagieren, fordert Rudolf Reimers, Vorstandsvorsitzender des Bundesverbands Technischer Brandschutz.
A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Comparing Anticoagulation versus No Anticoagulation and Shorter versus Longer duration of Anticoagulation for Treatment of Isolated Distal Deep Vein Thrombosis
Authors: Ariyarajah Anita , Oldmeadow Christopher , Hall Alix , Enjeti Anoop , Lim Ming
Published: September 2017

Isolated distal deep vein thrombosis (DVT) represents an important clinical problem but there is no consensus regarding its management. The aim of this review was to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and shorter versus longer duration of anticoagulation in patients with isolated distal DVT. A systematic search was conducted using MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Cochrane Database of Systemic Reviews. Studies reporting rates of symptomatic pulmonary embolism (PE), recurrent DVT, proximal extension, and/or major bleeding were included. Fourteen studies (six randomized controlled trials, eight cohorts) involving 2,918 patients met the eligibility criteria (with a total of 13 meeting criteria for the meta-analysis). Compared with no anticoagulation, anticoagulation was associated with a significant reduction in proximal extension (odds ratio [OR]: 0.29; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.13–0.67; p < 0.004), recurrent DVT (OR: 0.16; 95% CI: 0.04–0.65; p = 0.01), and the composite end-point of proximal extension/PE (OR: 0.34; 95% CI: 0.16–0.72; p = 0.005); however, no significant differences in PE (OR: 0.47; 95% CI: 0.17–1.34; p = 0.16) or major bleeding (OR: 1.49; 95% CI: 0.33–6.86; p = 0.60) were observed. Anticoagulation for a longer duration (≥8 vs. ≤6 weeks) was associated with a significant reduction in proximal extension (OR: 0.23; 95% CI: 0.11–0.48; p < 0.001) but not for other outcomes.
Biceps Femoris Injury a Rarity: A Case Report
Authors: Strasser Roland , Wein Thomas , Wieder Marc , Erhardt Johannes , Kaufmann Jörg
Published: September 2017

Isolated biceps femoris rupture is a rare injury associated with limitation in the function of the knee. We present a 65-year-old man who sustained an isolated complete rupture of the tendon of the biceps femoris. The diagnostic was reached after clinical examination and magnetic resonance imaging of the affected knee. This case was treated with a surgical tendon reconstruction. The outcome was good and the patient was able to walk normally again without limitation, even if he did not comply with our recommendation.
Is Vigorous Exercise Training Superior to Moderate for CVD Risk after Menopause?
Authors: Orri Julia , Hughes Elizabeth , Mistry Deepa , Scala Antone
Published: September 2017

Postmenopausal women have an increased risk for cardiovascular disease through many factors, such as a sedentary lifestyle and reduced heart rate variability (HRV). Endurance training improves coronary risk but the role of exercise intensity is unclear. The purpose of this observational study was to evaluate the effects of moderate versus vigorous exercise on cardiovascular disease risk in postmenopausal women. Thirty-six postmenopausal women who self-reported training at moderate (3–5.9 METS; n=18; age 58.9±4.4yr) or vigorous intensities (>6 METS; n=18; age 59.7±5.2yr) participated. C-reactive protein (CRP), HRV, VO2max, and stress (Perceived Stress Survey, Menopause Rating Scale) were measured. Groups were compared using independent samples t-tests, and associations of exercise intensities with CRP and HRV were assessed using multiple regression. CRP, HRV, and VO2max were similar (p>0.05). Vigorous exercise had lower stress subscale scores (p<0.01) and higher counter-stress subscale scores compared to moderate (p<0.05). There was a positive association between time spent in vigorous exercise and HRV (p<0.05).Vigorous exercise may not confer additional benefits in CRP and HRV over moderate, except for stress reduction. However, more time spent in vigorous exercise was associated with higher HRV. Therefore, increased parasympathetic tone may provide cardioprotection after menopause.
A cross-sectional study of malaria endemicity and health system readiness to deliver services in Kenya, Namibia and Senegal
Authors: Lee Elizabeth H , Olsen Cara H , Koehlmoos Tracey , Masuoka Penny , Stewart Ann , Bennett Jason W , Mancuso James
Published: September 2017

Despite good progress towards elimination, malaria continues to contribute substantially to the sub-Saharan African disease burden. Sustaining previous gains requires continued readiness to deliver malaria services in response to actual disease burden, which in turn contributes to health systems strengthening. This study investigates a health system innovation. We examined whether malaria prevalence, or endemicity, is a driver of health facility readiness to deliver malaria services. To estimate this association, we geo-linked cross-sectional facility survey data to endemicity data for Kenya, Namibia and Senegal. We tested the validity and reliability of the primary study outcome, the malaria service readiness index and mapped service readiness components in a geographic information system. We conducted a weighted multivariable linear regression analysis of the relationship between endemicity and malaria service readiness, stratified for urban or rural facility location. As endemicity increased in rural areas, there was a concurrent, modest increase in service readiness at the facility level [β: 0.028; (95% CI 0.008, 0.047)], whereas no relationship existed in urban settings. Private-for-profit facilities were generally less prepared than public [β: −0.102; (95% CI − 0.154, −0.050)]. Most facilities had the necessary supplies to diagnose malaria, yet availability of malaria guidelines and adequately trained staff as well as medicines and commodities varied. Findings require cautious interpretation outside the study sample, which was a more limited subset of the original surveys’ sampling schemes. Our approach and findings may be used by national malaria programs to identify low performing facilities in malarious areas for targeted service delivery interventions. This study demonstrates use of existing data sources to evaluate health system performance and to identify within- and cross-country variations for targeted interventions.
Urinary Symptoms and Their Associations With Urinary Tract Infections in Urogynecologic Patients
Authors: Dune Tanaka J. , Price Travis K. , Hilt Evann E. , Thomas-White Krystal J. , Kliethermes Stephanie , Brincat Cynthia , Brubaker Linda , Schreckenberger Paul , Wolfe Alan J. , Mueller Elizabeth R.
Published: September 2017

OBJECTIVE:

To assess urinary symptoms associated with urinary tract infection (UTI) in a urogynecologic population of women.

METHODS:

In this cohort study, we enrolled 150 urogynecologic patients who completed the validated UTI Symptom Assessment questionnaire and contributed transurethral catheterized urine samples. The primary measure (UTI diagnosis) was defined in three ways. Self-report (a nonculture-based UTI diagnosis) was defined by a yes or no response to the query “Do you think you have a UTI?” Two culture-based UTI diagnoses also were analyzed: standard urine culture (104 colony-forming units [CFU]/mL or greater) and enhanced quantitative urine culture (10 CFU/mL or greater) of any uropathogen. Statistical analyses were performed on patient demographics and urinary symptom prevalence among patient groups.

RESULTS:

Although the presence of the urinary symptoms of frequency and urgency (respectively) differ somewhat between UTI-positive and UTI-negative women (self-report [P=.005 and P<.001], standard urine culture [P=.038 and P=.044], or enhanced quantitative urine culture [P=.059 and P=.098]), the presence of dysuria (pain or burning) during urination was significantly more prevalent in UTI-positive women for all UTI definitions (self-report P<.001, standard urine culture P<.001, and enhanced quantitative urine culture P=.010). Furthermore, women reporting dysuria had higher severity and bother scores for all other urinary symptoms assessed by the UTI Symptom Assessment questionnaire compared with women not reporting dysuria (frequency P=.001, urgency P=.006, dysuria P<.001).

CONCLUSION:

Our findings show that, in women seeking urogynecologic care, the presence of frequency and urgency of urination does not confirm a culture-based UTI diagnosis. Instead, clinicians can more readily detect UTI using the presence of dysuria, which more effectively discriminates UTI-positive and UTI-negative individuals, regardless of the culture-based method used to diagnose UTI.
Trends in Seeing an Obstetrician–Gynecologist Compared With a General Physician Among U.S. Women, 2000–2015
Authors: Simon Alan E. , Uddin Sayeedha F. G.
Published: September 2017

OBJECTIVE:

To assess trends in the percentage of U.S. women who visit an obstetrician–gynecologist (ob-gyn) and the percentage who visit a general physician (general practitioner, family medicine, and internist).

METHODS:

We used data from the 2000–2015 National Health Interview Surveys, cross-sectional nationally representative surveys, to identify the percentage of U.S. women who have visited an ob-gyn and the percentage who have visited a general physician during the preceding 12 months. Unadjusted percentages, and percentages adjusted for sociodemographic and health factors, were entered into joinpoint regressions to assess unadjusted and adjusted trends over time.

RESULTS:

The adjusted percentage of U.S. women who saw a general physician during the preceding 12 months did not significantly change from 2000 to 2015, ranging from 70.1% in 2007 to 74.2% in 2003 (P>.05 for trend). However, although the adjusted percentage that saw an ob-gyn in the preceding 12 months did not change from 2000 to 2003 or 2007–2011 (P>.05), it declined from 45.0% to 41.2% between 2003 and 2007 and from 41.8% to 38.4% between 2011 and 2015 (P<.001 for trends). The adjusted percentage that saw both an ob-gyn and a general physician was 32.4% in 2000, reaching as high as 35.2% in 2003, but then declined to 29.8% in 2015 (P<.001 for trend). Unadjusted results were similar.

CONCLUSION:

The percentage of women who visit an ob-gyn has declined since 2000. To assure high-quality and coordinated care, physicians should identify whether women see both health care provider types or only one to help assure that all recommended services are being offered.
The Impact of Reduced Cardiac Rehabilitation on Maximal Treadmill Exercise Time
Authors: Farias-Godoy Alejandra , Chan Sammy , Claydon Victoria E. , Ignaszewski Andrew , Mendell Joanna , Park Julie E. , Singer Joel , Lear Scott A.
Published: September 2017

Purpose:

Cardiac rehabilitation programs (CRPs) remain underutilized partly because of access barriers. We therefore evaluated a CRP with fewer center-based sessions (rCRP) compared with standard CRP (sCRP) with respect to changes in exercise capacity and cardiac risk factors.

Methods:

In this randomized controlled noninferiority trial, primary and secondary prevention patients at low and moderate risk were randomized to an sCRP (n = 60) or an rCRP (n = 61). Over 4 months, sCRP and rCRP participants attended 32 and 10 on-site cardiac rehabilitation sessions, respectively. The primary outcome was the difference in the change in exercise capacity from baseline at 4 and 16 months between the groups measured in seconds from a maximal treadmill exercise test. Noninferiority of the rCRP was tested with mixed-effects model analysis with a cut point of 60 seconds for the upper value of the group estimate.

Results:

Attendance was higher for the rCRP group (97% ± 63% vs 71% ± 22%, P = .002). Over 16 months, exercise test time increased for the sCRP (524 ± 168 to 604 ± 172 seconds, P < .01) and the rCRP (565 ± 183 to 640 ± 192 seconds, P < .01). The rCRP was not inferior to the sCRP regarding changes in treadmill time (48.47 seconds, P = .454). The rCRP was not inferior to the sCRP regarding metabolic and anthropometric risk factors.

Conclusion:

Our findings suggest that, for a selected group of low-/moderate-risk patients, the number of center-based CRP exercise sessions can be decreased while maintaining reduced cardiovascular risk factors.
MicroRNA–mediated downregulation of potassium-chloride-cotransporter and vesicular γ-aminobutyric acid transporter expression in spinal cord contributes to neonatal cystitis–induced visceral pain in rats
Authors: Zhang Jian , Yu James , Kannampalli Pradeep , Nie Linghui , Meng Hui , Medda Bidyut K. , Shaker Reza , Sengupta Jyoti N. , Banerjee Banani
Published: September 2017

Loss of GABAergic inhibition in pain pathways has been considered to be a key component in the development of chronic pain. In the present study, we intended to examine whether miR-92b–mediated posttranscriptional dysregulation of spinal potassium chloride cotransporter (KCC2) and vesicular γ-aminobutyric acid transporter (VGAT) plays a major role in the development and maintenance of long-term visceral hyperalgesia in neonatal zymosan–treated rats. Neonatal cystitis was induced by transurethral zymosan administration from postnatal (P) days 14 to 16 (protocol 1). Two other zymosan protocols were also used: adult rechallenge on P57 to 59 following neonatal P14 to 16 exposures (protocol 2), and adult zymosan exposures on P57 to 59 (protocol 3). Both neonatal and adult bladder inflammation protocols demonstrated an increase in spinal miR-92b-3p expression and subsequent decrease in KCC2 and VGAT expression in spinal dorsal horn neurons. In situ hybridization demonstrated a significant upregulation of miR-92b-3p in the spinal dorsal horn neurons of neonatal cystitis rats compared with saline-treated controls. In dual in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry studies, we further demonstrated coexpression of miR-92b-3p with targets KCC2 and VGAT in spinal dorsal horn neurons, emphasizing a possible regulatory role both at pre- and post-synaptic levels. Intrathecal administration of lentiviral pLSyn-miR-92b-3p sponge (miR-92b-3p inhibitor) upregulated KCC2 and VGAT expression in spinal dorsal horn neurons. In behavioral studies, intrathecal administration of lentiviral miR-92b-3p sponge attenuated an increase in visceromotor responses and referred viscerosomatic hypersensitivity following the induction of cystitis. These findings indicate that miR-92b-3p–mediated posttranscriptional regulation of spinal GABAergic system plays an important role in sensory pathophysiology of zymosan-induced cystitis.
Using High-Fidelity Simulation and Video-Assisted Debriefing to Enhance Obstetrical Hemorrhage Mock Code Training
Authors: Jacobs Peggy J.
Published: September 2017

The purpose of this descriptive, one-group posttest study was to explore the nursing staff’s perception of the benefits of using high-fidelity simulation during mandated obstetrical hemorrhage mock code training. In addition, the use of video-assisted debriefing was used to enhance the nursing staff’s evaluation of their communication and teamwork processes during a simulated obstetrical crisis. The convenience sample of 84 members of the nursing staff consented to completing data collection forms and being videotaped during the simulation. Quantitative results for the postsimulation survey showed that 93% of participants agreed or totally agreed that the use of SimMan made the simulation more realistic and enhanced learning and that debriefing and the use of videotaped playback improved their evaluation of team communication. Participants derived greatest benefit from reviewing their performance on videotape and discussing it during postsimulation debriefing. Simulation with video-assisted debriefing offers hospital educators the ability to evaluate team processes and offer support to improve teamwork with the ultimate goal of improving patient outcomes during obstetrical hemorrhage.
The Etiology of Genital Ulcer Disease and Coinfections With Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae in Zimbabwe: Results From the Zimbabwe STI Etiology Study
Authors: Mungati More , Machiha Anna , Mugurungi Owen , Tshimanga Mufuta , Kilmarx Peter H. , Nyakura Justice , Shambira Gerald , Kupara Vitalis , Lewis David A. , Gonese Elizabeth , Tippett Barr Beth A. , Handsfield H. Hunter , Rietmeijer Cornelis A.
Published: September 2017

Background

In many countries, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are treated syndromically. Thus, patients diagnosed as having genital ulcer disease (GUD) in Zimbabwe receive a combination of antimicrobials to treat syphilis, chancroid, lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV), and genital herpes. Periodic studies are necessary to assess the current etiology of GUD and assure the appropriateness of current treatment guidelines.

Materials and Methods

We selected 6 geographically diverse clinics in Zimbabwe serving high numbers of STI cases to enroll men and women with STI syndromes, including GUD. Sexually transmitted infection history and risk behavioral data were collected by questionnaire and uploaded to a Web-based database. Ulcer specimens were obtained for testing using a validated multiplex polymerase chain reaction (M-PCR) assay for Treponema pallidum (TP; primary syphilis), Haemophilus ducreyi (chancroid), LGV-associated strains of Chlamydia trachomatis, and herpes simplex virus (HSV) types 1 and 2. Blood samples were collected for testing with HIV, treponemal, and nontreponemal serologic assays.

Results

Among 200 GUD patients, 77 (38.5%) were positive for HSV, 32 (16%) were positive for TP, and 2 (1%) were positive for LGV-associated strains of C trachomatis. No H ducreyi infections were detected. No organism was found in 98 (49.5%) of participants. The overall HIV positivity rate was 52.2% for all GUD patients, with higher rates among women compared with men (59.8% vs 45.2%, P < 0.05) and among patients with HSV (68.6% vs 41.8%, P < 0.0001). Among patients with GUD, 54 (27.3%) had gonorrhea and/or chlamydia infection. However, in this latter group, 66.7% of women and 70.0% of men did not have abnormal vaginal or urethral discharge on examination.

Conclusions

Herpes simplex virus is the most common cause of GUD in our survey, followed by T. pallidum. No cases of chancroid were detected. The association of HIV infections with HSV suggests high risk for cotransmission; however, some HSV ulcerations may be due to HSV reactivation among immunocompromised patients. The overall prevalence of gonorrhea and chlamydia was high among patients with GUD and most of them did not meet the criteria for concomitant syndromic management covering these infections.
Australia and New Zealand Islets and Pancreas Transplant Registry Annual Report 2017—Pancreas Waiting List, Recipients, and Donors
Authors: Webster Angela C , Hedley James , Patekar Abhijit , Robertson Paul , Kelly Patrick J
Published: September 2017

This is a registry report from the Australia and New Zealand Islet and Pancreas Transplant Registry. We report data for all solid organ pancreas transplant activity from inception in 1984 to end of 2016. Data analysis was performed using Stata Software version 14 (StataCorp, College Station, Tex). From 1984 to 2016 a total of 756 solid organ pancreas transplants have been performed in Australia and New Zealand, in 738 individuals. In 2016, 55 people received a pancreas transplant. These transplants were performed in Auckland (4), Monash (22), and Westmead (29). In 2016, 50 transplants were simultaneous pancreas kidney, 4 were pancreas after kidney, and 1 was a pancreas transplant alone.
Major flaws in “Identification of individuals by trait prediction using whole-genome sequencing data”
Authors: Erlich Yaniv
Published: September 2017

Genetic privacy is an area of active research. While it is important to identify new risks, it is equally crucial to supply policymakers with accurate information based on scientific evidence. Recently, Lippert et al. (PNAS, 2017) investigated the status of genetic privacy using trait-predictions from whole genome sequencing. The authors sequenced a cohort of about 1000 individuals and collected a range of demographic, visible, and digital traits such as age, sex, height, face morphology, and a voice signature. They attempted to use the genetic features in order to predict those traits and re-identify the individuals from small pool using the trait predictions. Here, I report major flaws in the Lippert et al. manuscript. In short, the authors’ technique performs similarly to a simple baseline procedure, does not utilize the power of whole genome markers, uses technically wrong metrics, and finally does not really identify anyone.
Navratna – the nine gems
Authors: Pio Edwina , Kilpatrick Rob , Le Fevre Mark
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to illuminate enablers, barriers and vignettes of South Asian women leaders and possible paths to increase the influence and leadership of women in South Asia.

Design/methodology/approach

Navratna, the nine precious gems of ancient Indian literature are used to frame reflections on South Asian women leaders, and the Global Gender Gap Report of 2015 is used to give context to five barriers and five enablers to women’s leadership in the region. Illustrative vignettes of South Asian women in leadership roles are presented. These vignettes have been selected based on a case study approach of South Asian women leaders.

Findings

Five enablers that may help empower women towards greater leadership and influence are proposed: involving men in what should change, greater economic participation by women, supportive family, country- and context-specific leadership training, and finally grassroots advocacy, mentoring and role models.

Originality/value

The paper shines new light on women leaders whose sparking excellence in their specific field illuminate paths for others to follow and thus contributes to promoting research on multifaceted women leaders in South-Asia.
Human papillomavirus prevalence in lung carcinomas in Bulgaria
Authors: Shikova Evelina , Ivanova Zina , Alexandrova Dora , Shindov Mihail , Lekov Andrey
Published: September 2017

A possible association between high‐risk human papillomaviruses (HPV) and lung cancer has been investigated for decades with discrepant results. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HPV16 and 18 in Bulgarian patients with lung cancer. Two hundred and nine biopsy specimens from patients with histologically proven lung cancer and without cancer were analyzed. Each sample was subjected to three parallel PCRs using broad spectrum GP5+/6+ primers and type‐specific (TS) primers for HPV types 16 and 18. Of the 132 lung carcinoma samples, 33 (25%) were positive for HPV16 and/or HPV18 by TS PCR whereas only five (3.8%) samples were HPV positive by consensus PCR. All non‐malignant controls were HPV negative. HPV18 was the more prevalent, being found in 11.4% of samples, followed by HPV16 in 9.1% samples; 4.5% of lesions were positive for both HPV16 and HPV18. HPV16/18 were most prevalent in small cell carcinoma (29.2%) and least prevalent in squamous cell carcinoma (23.3%). HPV was only detected in squamous cell carcinoma and adenosquamous carcinoma by consensus PCR. This study revealed a high HPV16/18 prevalence in lung carcinoma samples from Bulgarian patients when TS PCR was used to detect them. The difference between HPV positivity as detected by consensus and by TS PCR was significant, indicating the importance of methodological issues in explaining the discrepancies between previous studies. HPV18 was more common than HPV16. No association between HPV16/18 status and histopathological diagnosis was identified.
Neural and Cognitive Factors Influencing the Emergence of Psychopathology: Insights From the Bucharest Early Intervention Project
Authors: Troller‐Renfree Sonya , Zeanah Charles H. , Nelson Charles A. , Fox Nathan A.
Published: September 2017

The adverse effects of institutionalized care and psychosocial deprivation have been documented for more than 100 years. Children who have been raised in institutions are at heightened risk of developing internalizing and externalizing disorders. Given the profound biological and psychological effects of institutional rearing, identifying neural and cognitive factors that influence the emergence of psychopathology in institutionalized children is of great interest. Using data from the Bucharest Early Intervention Project, a randomized control study on the effects of institutional care and a foster care intervention, this article examines two factors that appear to influence the emergence of psychopathology in children who have been institutionalized—neural indices of cognitive control and visual attention biases.
Customer Differentiation with Shipping as an Ancillary Service? Free Service, Prioritization, and Strategic Delay
Authors: Sainathan Arvind
Published: September 2017

A service provider/retailer offers ancillary service (e.g., shipping by an online retailer) to two types of customers, impatient and patient, who may be heterogeneous both in their delay sensitivities and service valuations. She can use prioritization and/or strategic delay to differentiate them by offering two service classes and charging different prices, potentially resulting in a split in which a single customer type selects both the classes. Her objective is to minimize cost while satisfying individual rationality and incentive compatibility conditions. We characterize the optimal solutions under both exogenous and endogenous capacities. We examine the conditions under which the following strategically important features of service delivery are optimal, and relate them to practical scenarios: (i) free service, (ii) single/differentiated service, (iii) split of customers, and (iv) strategic delay. We find that the presence of these features depends on (i) whether the retailer has limited or sufficient capacity and (ii) whether she sells fashion goods or staple products. A typical explanation for offering free service is that it increases demand from customers. We make an operational case for it by showing that even if demand does not change, free service is still optimal under some scenarios.
The Inverted U‐Shaped Hypothesis and Firm Environmental Responsiveness: The Moderating Role of Institutional Alignment
Authors: Eiadat Yousef , Fernández Castro Alejandro M.
Published: September 2017

The impact of regulatory coercion on firm environmental responsiveness is well discussed by institutional theorists. The intuitive nature of the relationship is positive and monotonic, that is, the continuous strengthening of regulatory coercion prompts top management to be more environmentally responsive. This paper shows that: (1) overall, there is an inverted U‐shaped relationship between regulatory coercion and firm environmental responsiveness, that is, the continuous strengthening of regulatory coercion induces top management to bring their firms' environmental responsiveness up to a certain optimum level beyond which its ability to trigger more proactive and substantive environmental responsiveness begins to decelerate, while reactive and symbolic strategic conformity accelerates; (2) perceived institutional (mis)alignment moderates the inverted U‐shaped relationship between regulatory coercion and firm environmental responsiveness. Finally, results show that the moderated inverted U‐shaped hypothesis advances the long‐standing and contentious debate about the relationship between regulatory coercion and firm environmental responsiveness.
Dravet syndrome and its mimics: Beyond SCN1A
Authors: Steel Dora , Symonds Joseph D. , Zuberi Sameer M. , Brunklaus Andreas
Published: September 2017

Objective

Dravet syndrome (DS) is a severe developmental and epileptic encephalopathy characterized by the onset of prolonged febrile and afebrile seizures in infancy, and evolving to drug‐resistant epilepsy with accompanying cognitive, behavioral, and motor impairment. Most cases are now known to be caused by pathogenic variants in the sodium channel gene SCN1A, but several other genes have also been implicated. This review examines current understanding of the role of non‐SCN1A genes in DS, and what is known about phenotypic similarities and differences. We discuss whether these are best thought of as minority causes of DS, or as similar but distinct conditions.

Methods

Based on a review of literature, a list of genes linked to DS was compiled and PubMed was searched for reports of DS‐like phenotypes arising from variants in each. Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) was used to identify further reports relevant to each gene.

Results

Genes that have been reported to cause DS‐like phenotypes include SCN2A, SCN8A, SCN9A, SCN1B, PCDH19, GABRA1, GABRG2, STXBP1, HCN1, CHD2, and KCNA2. Many of these genes, however, appear to be associated with their own, different, clinical picture. Other candidate genes for DS have been reported, but there is currently an insufficient body of literature to support their causative role.

Significance

Although most cases of DS arise from SCN1A variants, numerous other genes cause encephalopathies that are clinically similar. Increasingly, a tendency is noted to define newly described epileptic disorders primarily in genetic terms, with clinical features being linked to genotypes. As genetic diagnosis becomes more readily available, its potential to guide pathophysiologic understanding and therapeutic strategy cannot be ignored. Clinical assessment remains essential; the challenge now is to develop a gene‐based taxonomy that complements traditional syndromic classifications, allowing elements of both to inform new approaches to treatment.
Popper associated maculopathy – case report and literary synthesis
Authors: Murphy R. , James M. , Cullinane A.
Published: September 2017

Purpose

Prevalence of Alkyl Nitrate, or ‘Poppers’ abuse has remained high since its putative birth in the urban disco scene of the 1970's, with UK figures from 2014 suggesting a 9.1% adult lifetime use rate. However, an associated retinal toxicity is a new and emerging phenomenon due to the recent change of its main compound and continued popular recreational use. Here, we describe a case of Alkyl Nitrate associated maculopathy.

Methods

Case report with literary synthesis.

Results

A 44‐year‐old Caucasian male with no previous ophthalmic history presented to our eye casualty department with bilateral central vision blurring following repeated inhalation of Alkyl nitrates. Drug use was believed to have occurred twice daily by inhalation over an interrupted 6‐week period. Best‐corrected visual acuity at presentation was 6/6‐1 in the right eye and 6/9+1 in the left. Fundal photography reveals subtle yellow foveal spots bilaterally with an otherwise normal peripheral retina and optic disc. Optical coherence topography demonstrates marked disruption of the photoreceptor inner segment / outer segment junction. Fundus Fluorescein Angiography exhibits a subtle foveal hyper‐fluorescence bilaterally. Multifocal ERG displayed attenuated responses from the foveal and parafoveal segments of the left eye with blunting of the foveal peak. A synthesis of current literature and various hypotheses to date is subsequently discussed.

Conclusions

The rarity of this phenomenon, along with tendencies of reluctant disclosure of substance abuse behaviours, can lead to diagnostic difficulties. When faced with bilateral painless central blurring, in otherwise healthy, young individuals, physicians should obtain a detailed history of possible substance abuse.
Prospective comparison of global visual field indices and cluster progression in glaucoma and their relationship to structural changes
Authors: Bono V. , Normando E.M. , Davis B. , Cordeiro M.F.
Published: September 2017

Purpose

Glaucoma diagnosis and follow up of progression is often based on structural and functional assessments. This study aimed to assess clustered progression in comparison to global indices and structural measures from HRT and OCT.

Methods

16 eyes of OHT and glaucoma patients with a minimum of 5 visual fields (HFA II i 24‐2) over a year were assessed prospectively. MD and VFI rates of progression were used for trend analysis. Linear regression of clusters defined by the Glaucoma Hemifield Test (GHT) was performed based on the mean threshold in each cluster. Rim Area (HRT 3) and mean parapapillary RNFL(SD‐OCT) analysis were assessed and correlated with functional clustered measures. Rates of progression were flagged as statistically significant if the gradients over time were negative with p<0.05.

Results

Cluster analysis showed significant progression: 11 of 16 eyes in at least 1 cluster (68.75%) with an average rate of progression of ‐2.18 ± 2.2 dB/year. RNFL thinning was found in 12 of 16 eyes with an average rate of progression of 2.58 ± 1.43 μm/year. 7 out 16 eyes were progressing at HRT RA (43.75%) while 5 of 16 and 6 of 16 were progressing at VF VFI (31.25%) and VF MD (37.5%) respectively. The agreement between GHT Cluster and VF VFI and VF MD was 0.34 and 0.2, respectively. The best agreement was found between GHT Cluster and OCT RNFL (k= 0.61).

Conclusions

Visual field clusters well detected spatial locations of sensitivity loss showing greater sensitivity than global indices (MD; VFI) and better concordance with structural changes. This suggests GHT clusters to be a sensitive method for the early identification of glaucomatous visual field loss.
Classification of uveitis
Authors: Markomichelakis N.
Published: September 2017

Classification of uveitis is important for diagnostic reasons. The first step in developing a differential diagnosis for patients with an intraocular inflammation is to classify the uveitis in detail. Proper classification is also essential if one is to avoid confusion and misinterpretation among multiple ophthalmologists caring for a given patient. Different types of classification are used: The anatomic classification should not be confused or overlap with the etiologic classification. Both classifications are required and important, but they are distinct and different.
Measurement of retinal blood flow using Doppler OCT in diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Bek T.
Published: September 2017

Purpose

To determine factors of importance for quantitating retinal blood flow in patients with diabetic retinopathy using bi‐directional Doppler OCT.

Methods

Retinal blood flow was measured by bi‐directional Doppler OCT in 20 diabetic patients with different diabetes type, age and retinopathy stage.

Results

It appeared that age above 40 years was a significant limiting factor for obtaining suitable signals to measure retinal blood flow, which was due to lens opacities and insufficient mydriasis. Quantitative measures of blood flow in the studied patients below the age of 40 years will be reported.

Conclusion

Bi‐directional Doppler OCT offers a new principle for quantitating retinal blood flow, but the principle has not yet been fully developed to be suitable for routine clinical practise.
Retinal oximetry in central retinal vein occlusion
Authors: Jeppesen S.K. , Bek T.
Published: September 2017

Purpose

To determine the significance of retinal oxygen saturation for visual acuity at diagnosis and after anti‐VEGF treatment of central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO).

Methods

Retinal oximetry was performed in 91 patients with CRVO at the Department of Ophthalmology, Aarhus University Hospital, and the predictive value of the retinal oxygen saturation in larger retinal vessels for the visual prognosis after anti‐VEGF medication was studied.

Results

At baseline the oxygen saturation in larger retinal vessels was significantly increased in arterioles and decreased in venules in the affected eye. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) showed a significant negative correlation with the oxygen saturation in retinal arterioles and a positive correlation with the oxygen saturation in retinal venules. Multiple linear regression showed that BCVA, but not oxygen saturations, contributed significantly to predicting visual outcome after treatment.

Conclusion

Measurement of retinal oxygen saturation may help understanding haemodynamic and visual changes in the acute stages of CRVO. However, retinal oximetry cannot replace measures of retinal function as a predictive parameter for the visual outcome in CRVO after intravitreal anti‐VEGF therapy.
Assessment of retinal blood flow using Laser Speckle Flowgraphy
Authors: Schmidl D. , Witkowska K. , Luft N. , Bolz M. , Fondi K. , Bata A. , Wozniak P. , Werkmeister R. , Garhofer G. , Schmetterer L.
Published: September 2017

Laser speckle flowgraphy (LSFG) is a promising technique for the two‐dimensional, non‐invasive assessment of ocular blood flow. We set out to investigate the use of this technique in healthy Caucasians. First, we evaluated the validity of retinal perfusion measurements by direct comparison with dual‐beam Doppler optical coherence tomography (D‐OCT). Relative flow volume (RFV), the main output parameter of LSFG, was in significant agreement with absolute blood flow measurements as obtained from D‐OCT in arteries (r = 0.69, P = 0.001) and veins (r = 0.74, P < 0.001). We also found that most of LSFG‐derived parameters were age‐dependent in a healthy population. In addition, retinal blood flow autoregulation during isometric exercise was studied using LSFG. Retinal blood flow started to increase significantly at ocular perfusion pressure levels that were 45% over baseline. These findings are comparable to data obtained in previous studies. The presented results show that LSFG can be applied to study ocular blood flow in healthy Caucasian subjects. The technique may also be used in patients with ocular diseases associated with vascular dysregulation such as glaucoma, age‐related macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy in the future.