bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Juvenile sclerosing polycystic adenosis cytologically mimicking Warthin tumor
Authors: Kawai Masataka , Inoue Tomohiro , Yonaga Takaaki , Mochizuki Kunio , Nakazawa Tadao , Masuyama Keisuke , Kondo Tetsuo
Published: July 2019

Sclerosing polycystic adenosis (SPA) is a rare salivary gland disease. Histologically it resembles a low‐grade ductal carcinoma in situ or sclerosing adenosis of the breast, characterized by lobular proliferation of ducts with apocrine cellular features surrounded by fibrosclerotic stroma. Although SPA is typically benign, recurrence is not uncommon, and cases with a malignant component have been documented. Thus, complete excision is desirable but preoperative diagnosis is challenging. A 12‐year‐old boy presented with a painless mass in the right neck. We identified a well‐demarcated mass in the right parotid region measuring approximately 2 cm using cervical echography and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) revealed two cell types. There were loosely cohesive clusters of polymorphic epithelioid cells with irregular nuclei and abundant vacuolated cytoplasm containing zymogen granules. Some of these cells were binuclear. The other cell types represented normal ductal cells. The original cytological diagnosis was Warthin tumor. Right parotidectomy was performed. Histologically, we observed proliferation of ducts with granular, vacuolated, zymogen granules, and apocrine‐like features in the cytoplasm with hyalinizing sclerotic stroma and some binuclear cells. Four years after parotidectomy, there has been no recurrence or malignant transformation.Cytological diagnosis of SPA is challenging on FNA specimens since SPA is a very rare entity of the salivary gland that can mimic other salivary gland neoplasms. A mixture of apocrine‐like cells and sebaceous‐like cells, nuclear pleomorphism, and zymogen granules can help to diagnose this rare lesion during the initial cytological diagnosis.
Evaluating the role of digital intervention design in treatment outcomes and adherence to eTherapy programs for eating disorders: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Barakat Sarah , Maguire Sarah , Smith Kathryn E. , Mason Tyler B. , Crosby Ross D. , Touyz Stephen
Published: July 2019

Objective

Despite the existence of reviews which document the effectiveness of online therapies, there is little consensus regarding the exact components of online treatment delivery that are most effective in maintaining user engagement and reducing eating disorder (ED) symptomology. The current review and meta‐analysis aimed to determine which components of web‐based, ED self‐help interventions are associated with lower attrition and improved therapeutic outcome.

Method

A systematic search of electronic databases (PsycINFO, Medline, Web of Science, Scopus) was conducted for published studies of web‐based interventions for EDs and a meta‐analysis of the final included studies was performed. Each intervention was coded across four dimensions, including the multimedia channels employed (e.g., text, audio, videos), degree of user interactivity (e.g., online self‐monitoring, skills exercises), level of automated feedback (e.g., reminders, personalized feedback), and technological device through which the program was accessed (e.g., smartphone, computer).

Results

A final 23 papers were included. The results of meta‐regressions indicated that higher scores on the multimedia subscale were associated with greater ED symptom improvement in treatment groups. Conversely, a higher degree of feedback in the treatment group was associated with a group difference in ED psychopathology favoring the control group. Other intervention components were not associated with treatment outcome or dropout.

Discussion

The results are discussed in relation to limitations of the scale used to quantify digital intervention features, as well as the limited diversity and technological sophistication of available ED digital interventions. Such findings indicate the importance of understanding the digital components, which differentiate online therapeutic programs.
Length polymorphisms at two candidate genes explain variation of migratory behaviors in blackpoll warblers (Setophaga striata)
Authors: Ralston Joel , Lorenc Lydia , Montes Melissa , DeLuca William V. , Kirchman Jeremy J. , Woodworth Bradley K. , Mackenzie Stuart A. , Newman Amy , Cooke Hilary A. , Freeman Nikole E. , Sutton Alex O. , Tauzer Lila , Norris D. Ryan
Published: July 2019

Migratory behaviors such as the timing and duration of migration are genetically inherited and can be under strong natural selection, yet we still know very little about the specific genes or molecular pathways that control these behaviors. Studies in candidate genes Clock and Adcyap1 have revealed that both of these loci can be significantly correlated with migratory behaviors in birds, though observed relationships appear to vary across species. We investigated geographic genetic structure of Clock and Adcyap1 in four populations of blackpoll warblers (Setophaga striata), a Neotropical–Nearctic migrant that exhibits geographic variation in migratory timing and duration across its boreal breeding distribution. Further, we used data on migratory timing and duration, obtained from light‐level geolocator trackers to investigate candidate genotype–phenotype relationships at the individual level. While we found no geographic structure in either candidate gene, we did find evidence that candidate gene lengths are correlated with five of the six migratory traits. Maximum Clock allele length was significantly and negatively associated with spring arrival date. Minimum Adcyap1 allele length was significantly and negatively associated with spring departure date and positively associated with fall arrival date at the wintering grounds. Additionally, we found a significant interaction between Clock and Adcyap1 allele lengths on both spring and fall migratory duration. Adcyap1 heterozygotes also had significantly shorter migration duration in both spring and fall compared to homozygotes. Our results support the growing body of evidence that Clock and Adcyap1 allele lengths are correlated with migratory behaviors in birds.
Flooding with shallow water promotes the invasiveness of Mikania micrantha
Authors: Yue Maofeng , Yu Hanxia , Li Weihua , Yin Aiguo , Cui Ye , Tian Xingshan
Published: July 2019

The invasive ability of alien plants is not only affected by their biological characteristics but also by environmental factors. Therefore, investigating the relationship between plant growth and environmental factors is helpful for predicting the invasive potential of alien species. Mikania micrantha H.B.K. (a vine of Asteraceae) is one of the top 10 most invasive weeds worldwide and causes serious damage to agroforestry ecosystems. Water is an important environmental factor that affects plant growth; however, the relationship between water conditions and the rapid growth of M. micrantha is not clear. In this study, 162 M. micrantha population sizes were investigated in dry, wet and aquatic habitats in the Pearl River Delta region of Guangdong, China. In addition, the seed germination and seedling growth characteristics of M. micrantha were determined by submerging tests. The results showed that the population size of M. micrantha was the largest in aquatic habitats, and the soil moisture content was positively correlated to the population size in dry and wet habitats. Furthermore, M. micrantha seeds could germinate underwater and grow out of the water surface at a depth of 6 cm with a survival rate of 7.4%. Aquatic habitat promoted vine elongation, whereas dry habitats resulted in the reverse pattern. After 8 weeks of water treatments, the vine stem length was 2 and 3 times longer in the aquatic habitat than the wet and dry habitats, respectively. The total root length, root volume, and root tip number increased significantly in the aquatic habitat when compared to those in the wet habitat; however, these parameters exhibited the opposite pattern in the dry habitat. The results showed that flooding with shallow water is conducive to the invasiveness of M. micrantha, suggesting that water is the key determinant during the intrusion process of M. micrantha populations.

Open Research Badges

This article has been awarded Open Data, Open Materials and Preregistered research design Badges. All materials and data are publicly accessible via the Open Science Framework at https://osf.io/ksz2f/?viewonly=30b6fec21f0447edbdfc9cebe2b01065, https://osf.io/a5ymf/ and https://osf.io/ksz2fl?viewonly=cfcbfOfc829c402fb22deb3be801dffc
Investigation on flammability of rigid polyurethane foam‐mineral fillers composite
Authors: Agrawal Anuja , Kaur Raminder , Walia Ravinderjit Singh
Published: July 2019

This study investigates the incorporation of castor oil–based rigid polyurethane foam with mineral fillers feldspar or kaolinite clay in order to enhance the mechanical, thermal, and flame retardant properties. Influence of mineral fillers on the mechanical strength was characterized by compressive strength and flexural strength measurement. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was performed to diagnose the changes in thermal properties, while cone calorimeter test was performed to ascertain the flame retardancy of the mineral filler–incorporated rigid polyurethane foam composites. Results showed that the foams incorporated with mineral filler demonstrated up to 182% increase in compressive strength and 351% increase in flexural strength. Thermal stability of these composite foams was also found to be enhanced on the incorporation of kaolinite clay filler with an increase in 5% weight loss temperature (T5%) from 192°C to 260°C. Furthermore, peak heat release rate (PHRR), total heat release (THR), smoke production rate (SPR), and total smoke release (TSR) were also found to decreased on the incorporation of mineral filler in the rigid polyurethane foam. So mineral fillers are ascertained as a potential filler to enhance the mechanical, thermal, and flame retardant behaviors of bio‐based rigid polyurethane foam composites.
Potential Substitutes for Replacement of Lead in Perovskite Solar Cells: A Review
Authors: Kour Ravinder , Arya Sandeep , Verma Sonali , Gupta Jyoti , Bandhoria Pankaj , Bharti Vishal , Datt Ram , Gupta Vinay
Published: July 2019

Lead halide perovskites have displayed the highest solar power conversion efficiencies of 23% but the toxicity issues of these materials need to be addressed. Lead‐free perovskites have emerged as viable candidates for potential use as light harvesters to ensure clean and green photovoltaic technology. The substitution of lead by Sn, Ge, Bi, Sb, Cu and other potential candidates have reported efficiencies of up to 9%, but there is still a dire need to enhance their efficiencies and stability within the air. A comprehensive review is given on potential substitutes for lead‐free perovskites and their characteristic features like energy bandgaps and optical absorption as well as photovoltaic parameters like open‐circuit voltage (VOC), fill factor, short‐circuit current density (J SC), and the device architecture for their efficient use. Lead‐free perovskites do possess a suitable bandgap but have low efficiency. The use of additives has a significant effect on their efficiency and stability. The incorporation of cations like diethylammonium, phenylethyl ammonium, phenylethyl ammonium iodide, etc., or mixed cations at different compositions at the A‐site is reported with engineered bandgaps having significant efficiency and stability. Recent work on the advancement of lead‐free perovskites is also reviewed.
iFunMed: Integrative functional mediation analysis of GWAS and eQTL studies
Authors: Rojo Constanza , Zhang Qi , Keleş Sündüz
Published: July 2019

Genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) have successfully identified thousands of genetic variants contributing to disease and other phenotypes. However, significant obstacles hamper our ability to elucidate causal variants, identify genes affected by causal variants, and characterize the mechanisms by which genotypes influence phenotypes. The increasing availability of genome‐wide functional annotation data is providing unique opportunities to incorporate prior information into the analysis of GWAS to better understand the impact of variants on disease etiology. Although there have been many advances in incorporating prior information into prioritization of trait‐associated variants in GWAS, functional annotation data have played a secondary role in the joint analysis of GWAS and molecular (i.e., expression) quantitative trait loci (eQTL) data in assessing evidence for association. To address this, we develop a novel mediation framework, iFunMed, to integrate GWAS and eQTL data with the utilization of publicly available functional annotation data. iFunMed extends the scope of standard mediation analysis by incorporating information from multiple genetic variants at a time and leveraging variant‐level summary statistics. Data‐driven computational experiments convey how informative annotations improve single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) selection performance while emphasizing robustness of iFunMed to noninformative annotations. Application to Framingham Heart Study data indicates that iFunMed is able to boost detection of SNPs with mediation effects that can be attributed to regulatory mechanisms.
Modelling RNA‐Seq data with a zero‐inflated mixture Poisson linear model
Authors: Liu Siyun , Jiang Yuan , Yu Tao
Published: July 2019

RNA sequencing (RNA‐Seq) has been frequently used in genomic studies and has generated a vast amount of data. The RNA‐Seq data are composed of two parts: (a) a sequence of nucleotides of the genome; and (b) a corresponding sequence of counts, standing for the number of short reads whose mapped positions start at each position of the genome. One common feature of these count data is that they are typically nonuniform; recent studies have revealed that the nonuniformity is partially owing to a systematic bias resulted from the sequencing preference. Existing works in the literature model the nonuniformity with a single component Poisson linear model that incorporates the effects of the sequencing preference. However, we observe consistently that the short reads mapped to a gene may have a mixture structure and can be zero‐inflated. A single component model may not suffice to model the complexity of such data. In this paper, we propose a zero‐inflated mixture Poisson linear model for the RNA‐Seq count data and derive a fast expectation–maximisation‐based algorithm for estimating the unknown parameters. Numerical studies are conducted to illustrate the effectiveness of our method.
Socio‐economic status and dementia onset among older Japanese: A 6‐year prospective cohort study from the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study
Authors: Takasugi Tomo , Tsuji Taishi , Nagamine Yuiko , Miyaguni Yasuhiro , Kondo Katsunori
Published: July 2019

Objectives

Lower socio‐economic status (SES) may be associated with dementia later in life, but there is inconsistent evidence supporting this claim. We aim to examine the association between three SESs (education, job, and income indicators) and dementia onset in older adults.

Methods

Study design was a 6‐year prospective cohort study. Participants included a total of 52 063 community‐dwelling adults aged 65 years or older without long‐term care needs from the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study. Outcome variable was dementia onset. Explanatory variables were educational years, the longest job held, and equivalised household income. We performed Cox proportional hazard analysis by gender with multiple imputation.

Results

During the follow‐up period, 10.5% of participants acquired dementia. The adjusted risks of dementia incidence of the participants with less than 6 years of education were 1.34 times (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04‐1.73) in men and 1.21 (1.00‐1.45) times in women higher than those with more than 13 years of education. Females with less than 1.99 million yen (hazard ratio = 0.83, 0.72‐0.96) of equivalised income were less likely to acquire dementia than those with four million yen or higher.

Conclusions

Educational attainment had a robust impact on dementia onset compared with the other SES factors in both genders of older Japanese people. Securing an education for children could be crucial to prevent dementia later in life. The longest job held was less likely to be risks of dementia incidence, compared with the other two factors.
Head and neck cancer during pregnancy
Authors: Le Guevelou Jennifer , Lebars Sabrina , Kammerer Emmanuel , de Gabory Ludovic , Vergez Sebastien , Janot François , Baujat Bertrand , Righini Christian , Jegoux Franck , Dufour Xavier , Merol Jean‐Claude , Mauvais Olivier , Lasne‐Cardon Audrey , Selleret Lise , Thariat Juliette
Published: July 2019

Background

The incidence of cancer during pregnancy is low but is slightly increasing. Data on incidence and etiology of head and neck (HN) cancers in pregnant women are rare. We evaluated the frequency, tumor type, associated factors, and specific biomarkers in HN cancers occurring in pregnant (and peripartum) women.

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed on PubMed, for any HN tumor site occurring in pregnant women.

Results

Sixty cases of HN cancers occurring during pregnancy were identified. Most of them were oral cavity cancers. Relationships with oncogenic viruses, hormonal disturbance, and shift in maternal immunity profile were identified.

Conclusion

Carcinogenesis of HN cancers in pregnant women may be led by different cancer type–specific hallmarks. Relevance of these etiological factors with respect to treatments and birth control recommendations is being investigated by the REFCOR in an ambispective study.
Long‐acting reversible contraception: A route to reproductive justice or injustice
Authors: Kaitz Marsha , Mankuta David , Mankuta Lihi
Published: July 2019

This article presents information on unintended pregnancies and the ongoing efforts of policy makers to promote long‐acting reversible contraception (LARC) to reduce the numbers of such pregnancies. Also discussed is the tension between the encouragement of LARC to promote the public's interests in achieving that goal versus the need to assure that all women can decide about their bodies and reproductive needs. Our discussion includes information, primarily from the United States, on (a) risks associated with unintended pregnancies, (b) LARC devices approved in the United States (copper intrauterine devices (IUDs), hormone IUDs, and implants), (c) public and social benefits of increasing the use of LARC, (d) disadvantages and barriers to using LARC, (e) dangers of promoting LARC in unjust ways, and (f) the meaning of reproductive justice and its connection to social justice. By sharing the information with the audience of this journal, we hope that it will be integrated into clinical work and research on mental health and development. We also hope that experts in those fields will become discussants in the conversation regarding women's reproductive health and social justice that is taking place in the United States and elsewhere.
Application of the generalized matching law to chess openings: A gambit analysis
Authors: Cero Ian , Falligant John Michael
Published: July 2019

During the opening moves of a chess game, a player (typically White) may offer a number of gambits, which involve sacrificing a chess piece for an opponent for capture to achieve long‐term positional advantages. One of the most popular gambits is called the Queen's Gambit and involves White offering a pawn to Black, which will open a lane for White's Queen if accepted by Black. In the present study, the generalized matching law (GML) was applied to chess openings involving the Queen's Gambit using over 71,000 archived chess games. Overall, chess players' opening moves involving the Queen's Gambit exhibited orderly matching as predicted by the GML, and the GML accounted for more variance in players' chess decision making as their relative playing experience increased. This study provides support for the generality of the GML and its application to complex operant behavior outside of laboratory contexts.
Efficacy of teacher‐implemented good behavior game despite low treatment integrity
Authors: Joslyn P. Raymond , Vollmer Timothy R.
Published: July 2019

The Good Behavior Game (GBG) is a well‐documented group contingency designed to reduce disruptive behavior in classroom settings. However, few studies have evaluated the GBG with students who engage in severe problem behavior in alternative schools, and there are few demonstrations of training teachers in those settings to implement the GBG. In the current study, 3 teachers were trained to implement the GBG in a restrictive setting for students with histories of emotional and behavioral disorders and delinquency. The teachers used the GBG to produce substantial reductions in problem behavior despite low treatment integrity. Clinical implications and future directions for research are discussed.
CHARMM‐GUI DEER facilitator for spin‐pair distance distribution calculations and preparation of restrained‐ensemble molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Qi Yifei , Lee Jumin , Cheng Xi , Shen Rong , Islam Shahidul M. , Roux Benoît , Im Wonpil
Published: July 2019

The double electron–electron resonance (DEER) is a powerful structural biology technique to obtain distance information in the range of 18 to 80 å by measuring the dipolar coupling between two unpaired electron spins. The distance distributions obtained from the experiment provide valuable structural information about the protein in its native environment that can be exploited using restrained ensemble molecular dynamics (reMD) simulations. We present a new tool DEER Facilitator in CHARMM‐GUI that consists of two modules Spin‐Pair Distributor and reMD Prepper to setup simulations that utilize information from DEER experiments. Spin‐Pair Distributor provides a web‐based interface to calculate the spin‐pair distance distribution of labeled sites in a protein using MD simulations. The calculated distribution can be used to guide the selection of the labeling sites in experiments as well as validate different protein structure models. reMD Prepper facilities the setup of reMD simulations using different types of spin labels in four different environments including vacuum, solution, micelle, and bilayer. The applications of these two modules are demonstrated with several test cases. Spin‐Pair Distributor and reMD Prepper are available at http://www.charmm-gui.org/input/deer and http://www.charmm-gui.org/input/deerre. DEER Facilitator is expected to facilitate advanced biomolecular modeling and simulation, thereby leading to an improved understanding of the structure and dynamics of complex biomolecular systems based on experimental DEER data. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Preparation of WO3/CNT catalysts in presence of ionic liquid [C16mim]Cl and catalytic efficiency in oxidative desulfurization
Authors: Wang Cheng , Li Airong , Xu Jingfan , Wen Jie , Zhang Hui , Zhang Lianhong
Published: July 2019

BACKGROUND

With the strict regulation for environmental protection, the removal of sulfur compounds from fuels is becoming more and more urgent. Hydrodesulfurization is one of the most widely used technologies in chemical industry, but its application is limited because of the harsh reaction conditions and the low efficiency in removal of aromatic organic sulfide. In this work, catalysts consisting of tungsten trioxide immobilized on carbon nanotubes (WO3/CNT) in the presence of ionic liquid [C16mim]Cl were prepared for the oxidative desulfurization of aromatic organic sulfide.

RESULTS

The catalysts were systematically characterized by TG‐DSC, XRD, UV–visible, FTIR, Raman, SEM, TEM, XPS and BET. The dispersion of CNT and the crystal phase of WO3 on the carrier (CNT) were changed in the presence of ionic liquid [C16mim]Cl. The WO3 exists in tetrahedral form when the mass ratio of [C16mim]Cl to CNT is 2. The WO3/CNT catalyst demonstrates better activity in the oxidative desulfurization system, with the removal of dibenzothiophene (DBT) reaching 90.73% under optimal conditions. The oxidation process of DBT follows pseudo‐first‐order kinetics, and the activation energy is about 29.69 kJ mol−1. Dibenzothiophene sulfone (DBTO2) was determined to be the oxidative product of DBT.

CONCLUSION

The results illustrated that the oxidative desulfurization efficiency of different forms of WO3 loaded on the same carrier (CNT) followed the order tetrahedral WO3 > tetragonal phase WO3 > monoclinic phase WO3. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Intestinal B cells in the red‐eared slider turtle, Trachemys scripta: Anatomical distribution and implications for ecological interactions with pathogenic microbes
Authors: Ashford Marc A. , Palackdharry Sarah M. , Sadd Ben M. , Bowden Rachel M. , Vogel Laura A.
Published: July 2019

Disease is a significant threat in the global decline of reptile species. Many aquatic reptiles live in habitats with high levels of opportunistic microbial pathogens, yet little is known about their immune system. Gut‐associated lymphoid tissue is vital for protection against ingested pathogens and maintenance of normal gut microbiota. In mammals, gut mucosal immunity is well‐characterized and mucosal surfaces are coated in protective antibodies. However, reptiles lack lymph nodes and Peyer's patches, which are the major sites of mammalian B cell responses. The presence or distribution of mucosal B cells in reptiles is unknown. In this study, we first set out to determine if B cells could be detected in intestinal tissues of red‐eared slider turtles, Trachemys scripta. Using whole‐mount immunochemistry and a primary antibody to turtle antibody light chains, we identified widely distributed B cell aggregates within the small intestine of hatchling turtles. These aggregates appeared similar to isolated lymphoid follicles (ILFs) in mammals and the frequency was much higher in distal intestinal sections than in proximal sections. To determine if these structures were inducible in the presence of microbes, we introduced an enteric Salmonella species through oral gavage. Analysis of intestinal tissues revealed that hatchlings exposed to Salmonella exhibited significantly more of these aggregates when compared with those that did not receive bacteria. These studies provide the first evidence for B cell‐containing ILF‐like structures in reptiles and provide novel information about gut immunity in nonmammalian vertebrates that could have important implications for ecological interactions with pathogens.
The role of costing in the introduction and scale‐up of HIV pre‐exposure prophylaxis: evidence from integrating PrEP into routine maternal and child health and family planning clinics in western Kenya
Authors: Roberts D Allen , Barnabas Ruanne V , Abuna Felix , Lagat Harison , Kinuthia John , Pintye Jillian , Bochner Aaron F , Forsythe Steven , Gomez Gabriela B , Baeten Jared M , John‐Stewart Grace , Levin Carol
Published: July 2019

Introduction

Understanding the cost of strategies to reach and deliver pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to priority populations is essential to assess the cost‐effectiveness and budget impact of HIV prevention programmes. Providing PrEP through maternal and child health and family planning clinics offers a promising strategy to reach women in high HIV burden settings. We estimated incremental costs and explored the cost drivers of integrating PrEP delivery into routine maternal and child health and family planning services in Kenya.

Methods

We conducted a costing study from the provider perspective within the PrEP Implementation for Young Women and Adolescents programme in western Kenya. We identified all within‐ and above‐facility activities supporting PrEP delivery and measured clinical service time using time‐and‐motion studies. We obtained input costs from programme budgets, expenditure records and staff interviews. We estimated changes in costs if creatinine testing were postponed from initiation to first follow‐up visit and if PrEP were prioritized to clients at high HIV risk using a behavioural risk assessment tool. We also projected costs under Ministry of Health (MOH) implementation assuming MOH salaries and programme supervision. We estimated annual numbers of PrEP visits from programme data abstracted from 16 facilities between November 2017 and June 2018. We report the cost per client‐month of PrEP dispensed in 2017 USD.

Results

For an annual programme output of 24,005 screenings, 4198 PrEP initiations and 4427 follow‐up visits, the average cost per client‐month of PrEP dispensed in the study was $26.52. Personnel, drugs and laboratory tests comprised 43%, 25% and 14% of programme costs respectively. Postponing creatinine testing and prioritizing PrEP delivery to clients at high HIV risk reduced total programme costs by 8% and 14% respectively. In the MOH scenario assuming no changes in outputs, the projected cost per client‐month of PrEP dispensed decreased to $16.54 and total programme costs decreased by 38%.

Conclusions

Incremental PrEP costs are sensitive to the service delivery strategy used to engage priority populations. Postponing creatinine testing and prioritizing PrEP delivery to clients at high HIV risk may reduce costs. Context‐specific cost data are crucial to assess the cost‐effectiveness and affordability of PrEP delivery models.
Contextual drivers of HIV risk among young African women
Authors: Mojola Sanyu A , Wamoyi Joyce
Published: July 2019

Introduction

Significant progress has been made in the African HIV pandemic; however, the pace of incidence decline has slowed or stalled in many East and Southern African countries, especially among young women. This stall is worrying because many countries have burgeoning youth populations. There is an important window of opportunity to halt the epidemic as well as the potential for millions more infections if primary prevention efforts are not strengthened.

Discussion

Many hyper‐endemic settings have been exposed to numerous interventions; however, HIV incidence among young women has remained high. In this paper, we characterize the intervention context and examine how it can be strategically utilized to maximize HIV prevention interventions among young women. We begin by examining how contextual dynamics drive HIV risk. We illustrate how epidemiological contexts, gendered normative and economic contexts, and environmental contexts work synergistically to make young women especially vulnerable to HIV infection. We then examine how these contexts can undermine HIV prevention interventions. Finally, we discuss the importance of fully mapping out the intervention context to enhance the effectiveness of HIV prevention interventions.

Conclusions

Understanding an intervention context, and how its features work together to amplify young women's risk in hyper‐endemic settings can contribute to sustained momentum in reducing HIV incidence among young women and help to limit the reach of the HIV pandemic into new generations of Africans.
Cash plus: exploring the mechanisms through which a cash transfer plus financial education programme in Tanzania reduced HIV risk for adolescent girls and young women
Authors: Pettifor Audrey , Wamoyi Joyce , Balvanz Peter , Gichane Margaret W , Maman Suzanne
Published: July 2019

Introduction

Cash transfers have been promoted as a means to reduce HIV risk for adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in sub‐Saharan Africa. One of the main mechanisms whereby they are hypothesized to reduce risk is by deterring transactional sex. In this paper, we use qualitative methods to explore participant experiences, perspectives and reported behaviours of a cash transfer plus financial education programme among out of school, 15‐ to 23‐year‐old AGYWs in rural Tanzania with a focus on partner choice and transactional sex.

Methods

We conducted 60 in‐depth interviews (IDIs) and 20 narrative timeline interviews with participants of the PEPFAR DREAMS Sauti/WORTH+ cash transfer programme between June 2017 and July 2018. Interviews were taped, transcribed and translated from Kiswahili to English. Transcripts were coded and analysed for key themes.

Results

We found that participants in a cash transfer plus programme discussed behaviours that could reduce HIV risk through decreasing their dependence on male sex partners. There appeared to be two main mechanisms for this. One, young women discussed the cash transfer providing for basic needs (e.g. food, toiletries) which appeared to reduce their dependence on male sex partners who previously provided these goods (e.g. transactional sex). This experience was more pronounced among the poorest participants. Two, young women discussed how the financial education/business development aspect of the programme empowered them to refuse some sex partners; unmarried women discussed these experiences more than married women. Social support from family and programme mentors appeared to strengthen young women's ability to successful start businesses, produce income and thus be less dependent on partners.

Conclusions

The cash transfer programme may have reduced AGYW engagement in transactional sex that occurred to meet basic needs (one form of transactional sex). The financial education/business development and mentorship elements of the programme appeared important in building AGYW agency, self‐esteem and future orientation which may support AGYWs in refusing unwanted sex partners. Future cash plus programmes should consider adding or strengthening financial education and job skills training, mentorship and future orientation to see stronger and perhaps sustainable outcomes for HIV prevention.
Transiently elevated plasma methionine, S‐adenosylmethionine and S‐adenosylhomocysteine: Unreported laboratory findings in a patient with NGLY1 deficiency, a congenital disorder of deglycosylation
Authors: Chang Caitlin A. , Wei Xing‐Chang , Martin Steven R. , Sinasac David S. , Al‐Hertani Walla
Published: July 2019

We report on a 5‐year‐old female born to consanguineous parents, ascertained at the age of 23 months for an elevated plasma methionine level, a mildly abnormal total plasma homocysteine (tHcy), and elevated aminotransferases. She had global developmental delay, microcephaly, dysmorphic facial features, hypotonia, nystagmus and tremor in her upper extremities. Metabolic investigations demonstrated elevations in plasma methionine, plasma S‐adenosylmethionine (SAM) and plasma S‐adenosylhomocysteine (SAH), with normal urine adenosine levels. Some of the elevations persisted for over 1 year. Sequencing of the ADK and AHCY genes was negative for causative variants. Plasma methionine normalized 1 year after ascertainment, but SAM and SAH continued to be elevated for six more months before normalization, and aminotransferases remained mildly elevated. Whole exome sequencing demonstrated a homozygous pathogenic variant; NM_018297.3(NGLY1):c.1405C>T (p.Arg469*) in exon 9 of the NGLY1 gene, for which both parents were heterozygous. To our knowledge, this is the first report of NGLY1 deficiency with elevations in plasma methionine, SAM and SAH and a slight elevation of tHcy. Less than 20 patients have been reported with NGLY1 deficiency worldwide and this case expands on the biochemical phenotype of this newly discovered inborn error of metabolism.
Evaluation of CMIP5 models in simulating the respective impacts of East Asian winter monsoon and ENSO on the western North Pacific anomalous anticyclone
Authors: Yu Tiantian , Feng Juan , Chen Wen
Published: July 2019

This article evaluates the linear isolated impacts of the East Asian winter monsoon (EAWM) and El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) on the evolution of the western North Pacific anticyclone (WNPAC) using 18 Coupled Model Inter‐comparison Project phase 5 (CMIP5) models. The independent effects of ENSO and EAWM (ENSOres and EAWMres) are obtained by removing the ENSO–EAWM interaction via linear regression. For the ENSO high‐skill (HS) models, which can well simulate an ENSO event, the anomalous WNPAC is confined to low latitudes and sustains from winter to late summer, which bears great resemblance to observational results. In contrast, the ENSO low‐skill (LS) models induce an insignificant and weak WNPAC from winter to the following summer. This is related to the simulation biases of ENSOres sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTAs). The ENSO LS models simulate a weak and slowly decaying ENSOres. This bias can induce unreasonable evolution of the WNPAC via producing an unrealistic intensity and location of the anomalous convection activity over the western Pacific, which is the key factor for yielding an ENSOres‐related WNPAC. The observed EAWMres‐related WNPAC appears only in winter and covers a large region. The EAWM HS models, which can well simulate EAWM features, reasonably reproduce the WNPAC in winter. However, the WNPAC is significant and persists to the following summer, which is inconsistent with observations. This bias is related to the EAWMres‐induced negative SSTA bias in the tropical central Pacific from spring to summer in the EAWM HS models. In contrast, the EAWM LS models, which cannot reasonably simulate EAWM features, are unable to reproduce the WNPAC in winter and the following seasons. Among the 18 state‐of‐the‐art CMIP5 models, the CNRM‐CM5 model yields a better performance in simulating the evolution of WNPAC compared with the ENSO HS models and EAWM HS models.
Impact of the East Asian winter monsoon on tropical cyclone genesis frequency over the South China Sea
Authors: Wang Lei , Wang Lin
Published: July 2019

Approximately one‐third of the tropical cyclone (TC) genesis over the South China Sea (SCS) is observed in the East Asian winter monsoon (EAWM) period, and it is unclear why the frequency of the SCS TC genesis varies year by year. Based on analyses of observational and reanalysis data as well as numerical experiments, it is revealed that the intensity of the EAWM can modulate the frequency of the SCS TC genesis on the interannual timescale by altering the circulation over the SCS. During weak EAWM periods, an anomalous lower‐tropospheric cyclone can be observed over the SCS, which is accompanied by anomalous lower‐tropospheric positive relative vorticity, mid‐tropospheric ascent, and upper‐tropospheric divergence. The opposite anomalies are observed during strong EAWM periods. Consequently, approximately two more TCs are formed during weak than strong EAWM periods. These results suggest that the intensity of the EAWM may act as a potential indicator for the frequency of TC genesis over the SCS during the EAWM period.
Evaluation of the Effects of Synovial Multipotent Cells on Deep Digital Flexor Tendon Repair in a Large Animal Model of Intra‐Synovial Tendinopathy
Authors: Khan Mohammad R. , Smith Roger K. , David Frederic , Lam Richard , Hughes Gillian , De Godoy Roberta , Carr Andrew J. , Goodship Allen E. , Dudhia Jayesh
Published: July 2019

Intra‐synovial tendon injuries are a common orthopedic problem with limited treatment options. The synovium is a specialized connective tissue forming the inner encapsulating lining of diarthrodial joints and intra‐synovial tendons. It contains multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells that render it a viable source of progenitors for tendon repair. This study evaluated the effects of autologous implantation of cells derived from normal synovium (synovial membrane cells [SMCs]) in augmenting repair in an ovine model of intra‐synovial tendon injury. For this purpose, synovial biopsies were taken from the right digital flexor tendon sheath following creation of a defect to the lateral deep digital flexor tendon. Mononuclear cells were isolated by partial enzymatic digestion and assessed for MSC characteristics. Cell tracking and tendon repair were assessed by implanting 5 × 106 cells into the digital flexor tendon sheath under ultrasound guidance with the effects evaluated using magnetic resonance imaging and histopathology. Synovial biopsies yielded an average 4.0 × 105 ± 2.7 × 105 SMCs that exhibited a fibroblastic morphology, variable osteogenic, and adipogenic responses but were ubiquitously strongly chondrogenic. SMCs displayed high expression of CD29 with CD271NEGATIVE and MHC‐IILOW cell‐surface marker profiles, and variable expression of CD73, CD90, CD105, CD166, and MHC‐I. Implanted SMCs demonstrated engraftment within the synovium, though a lack of repair of the tendon lesion over 24 weeks was observed. We conclude healthy synovium is a viable source of multipotent cells, but that the heterogeneity of synovium underlies the variability between different SMC populations, which while capable of engraftment and persistence within the synovium exhibit limited capacity of influencing tendon repair. © 2019 The Authors. Journal of Orthopaedic Research® published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Orthopaedic Research Society J Orthop Res 38:128–138, 2020
A Raman study of chalcogen species in sodalite‐group minerals from the volcanic rocks of Latium (Italy)
Authors: Della Ventura Giancarlo , Capitelli Francesco , Sbroscia Marco , Sodo Armida
Published: July 2019

Sodalite‐group minerals are silicates belonging to the zeolite group hosting in their cages a variety of cations and anions. Four mineral species of the sodalite‐group are known in nature, the main difference being connected to the identity of the chemical species in the cages, particularly the sulfur molecular arrangements. Notably, the sodalite‐group minerals show different colours; lazurite, in particular, is the main constituent of the well‐known lapis lazuli, a material used throughout the human history as a precious stone or as a blue pigment for artworks. In this paper, we exploit Raman and Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to highlight an existing connection between the chalcogen species entrapped within the samples originated from the volcanic region of Latium (Italy) and their final colour. We show that Raman spectroscopy is a very valuable tool in characterizing the extraframework content in these minerals. Further, our analysis demonstrates how the blue hue of the sodalite species is related to the S3−/SO42− relative content. We finally show how most specimen are also rich in CO2, a feature addressed by combination with FTIR spectroscopy. These findings have a particular interest not only in geology, but also in Cultural Heritage studies.
Shared parameter model for competing risks and different data summaries in meta‐analysis: Implications for common and rare outcomes
Authors: Thom Howard , López‐López José A. , Welton Nicky J.
Published: July 2019

This paper considers the problem in aggregate data meta‐analysis of studies reporting multiple competing binary outcomes and of studies using different summary formats for those outcomes. For example, some may report numbers of patients with at least one of each outcome while others may report the total number of such outcomes. We develop a shared parameter model on hazard ratio scale accounting for different data summaries and competing risks. We adapt theoretical arguments from the literature to demonstrate that the models are equivalent if events are rare. We use constructed data examples and a simulation study to find an event rate threshold of approximately 0.2 above which competing risks and different data summaries may bias results if no adjustments are made. Below this threshold, simpler models may be sufficient. We recommend analysts to consider the absolute event rates and only use a simple model ignoring data types and competing risks if all of underlying events are rare (below our threshold of approximately 0.2). If one or more of the absolute event rates approaches or exceeds our informal threshold, it may be necessary to account for data types and competing risks through a shared parameter model in order to avoid biased estimates.
Probiotic potential comparison of Lactobacillus strains isolated from Iranian traditional food products and human feces with standard probiotic strains
Authors: Joghataei Mehri , Shahidi Fakhri , Pouladfar Gholamreza , Mortazavi Seyed Ali , Ghaderi Abbas
Published: July 2019

BACKGROUND

Traditional fermented products are a rich source of microorganisms which may have remarkable probiotic properties even more significant than probiotic strains of human origin. In this study three Lactobacillus plantarum and one Lactobacillus fermentum strains, isolated from either Iranian traditionally fermented products or children's feces, identified with molecular methods and selected based on high acid resistance, were investigated for their probiotic properties in vitro and compared with standard probiotic strains of the species; L. plantarum ATCC 14917, L. fermentum PTCC 1744 and L. acidophilus ATCC 4356.

RESULTS

Most of the isolates showed a high survival rate under gastrointestinal tract conditions and L. plantarum strains displayed a moderate ability to adhere to human colon adenocarcinoma cell line, HT‐29. Neutralized cell free culture supernatants of L. plantarum strains were capable of inhibiting pathogens. Almost all of the strains were resistant to vancomycin and streptomycin and susceptible to other clinically relevant antibiotics. Isolated strains exhibited low to moderate autoaggregation (Auto‐A), co‐aggregation (Co‐A) and hydrophobicity, following a strain specific manner. None of the strains invaded into HT‐29 cells while strain PF11 could significantly decrease the number of adhering pathogenic bacteria. Most of the strains increased apoptosis of HT‐29 cells, though they had no effect on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs).

CONCLUSION

Favorable probiotic properties of strains PL4 and PF11 along with their anticancer activity imply their potential for clinical or technological applications. However, further in vitro/in vivo investigations are recommended. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Correlation of salivary and nasal lavage pepsin with MII‐pH testing
Authors: Klimara Miles J. , Johnston Nikki , Samuels Tina L. , Visotcky Alexis M. , Poetker David M. , Loehrl Todd A. , Blumin Joel H. , Bock Jonathan M.
Published: July 2019

Objectives

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is a common upper airway disease. Salivary pepsin is a proposed marker for LPR; however, the optimal time for collection of specimens for pepsin detection and pepsin's presence in the oral and nasal secretions relative to concurrent multichannel intraluminal impedance‐pH (MII‐pH) monitoring are unknown.

Study Design

Prospective case‐control study with an experimental design.

Methods

Patients undergoing MII‐pH testing for evaluation of LPR and asymptomatic control subjects were selected. Nasal lavage and saliva samples were collected in the clinic prior to MII‐pH probe placement. Additional saliva samples were obtained an hour after each meal and upon waking the following morning. Nasal lavage and salivary pepsin were measured by ELISA.

Results

Twenty‐six patients undergoing MII‐pH testing and 13 reflux‐free control patients were enrolled. Salivary pepsin was detected in 11 of 26 patients with suspected LPR and 0 of 13 controls. Pepsin was most frequently detected in the specimen provided upon waking at an average concentration of 186.9 ng/mL. A significant correlation was observed between salivary pepsin in waking samples to MII‐pH measurements, including reflux bolus duration, and proximal and distal recumbent reflux episodes (P < 0.05). A significant correlation was also observed between salivary pepsin upon waking or sinus lavage and reflux symptom index (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Pepsin in salivary and nasal lavage samples demonstrated an association with MII‐pH‐documented LPR. Pepsin detection was most frequent in morning samples, supporting use of morning salivary pepsin levels as a potential noninvasive technique for LPR diagnosis.

Level of Evidence

2 Laryngoscope, 130:961–966, 2020