bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evidence of predation risk increases with body size in a diminutive snake
Authors: Taylor Q. , Cox C. L.
Published: November 2018

Predator‐based selection is ubiquitous and can be a major driver of phenotypic and life‐history evolution. However, how characteristics of individual prey species influence predation risk is unknown for many taxa. This dearth of information on what factors can drive predation risk is particularly profound for small terrestrial vertebrates. We focused our research on the rough earth snake (Haldea striatula), which is ideal for this research because they are small, abundant and subject to predation from a host of predators. We then tested for the role of sex, color morph and body size on the likelihood that a snake would experience attempted predation. This was accomplished by coupling the (1) examination of natural history specimens for evidence of predation and (2) use of clay models of rough earth snakes to test for variation in predation in a natural setting. For the natural history study, we found that scars on specimens increased in frequency with body size, but wound frequency did not differ based upon color pattern or sex. For the clay model study, we found that attack rates increased with model size. Our results suggest that predation risk increases with body size in these diminutive snakes, perhaps due to greater detection probability or different predatory assemblages for larger snakes. More broadly, our results suggest that predator‐based selection may drive smaller body size, which has implications for understanding the diversity of body size in snakes.
Nutritional status and risk factors for stunting in preschool children in Bhutan
Authors: Kang Yunhee , Aguayo Víctor M. , Campbell Rebecca K. , Dzed Laigden , Joshi Vandana , Waid Jillian L. , Gupta Suvadra Datta , Haselow Nancy J. , West Keith P.
Published: November 2018

Childhood malnutrition remains endemic in South Asia, although the burden varies by country. We examined the anthropometric status and risk factors for malnutrition among children aged 0–59 months through the 2015 National Nutrition Survey in Bhutan. We assessed in 1,506 children nutritional status (byz‐scores of height‐for‐age [HAZ], weight‐for‐height [WHZ], and weight‐for‐age [WAZ]), estimating prevalence, adjusted for survey design, of stunting, wasting, underweight, and overweight (<−2 for HAZ, WHZ, and WAZ and >2 for WHZ). Children were also assessed for pedal oedema. We conducted multivariable linear/logistic regression analysis to identify child, maternal, and household risk factors for childhood undernutrition and overweight, excluding children with oedema (1.7%). Mean (SE) HAZ, WHZ, and WAZ were −0.82 (0.13), 0.10 (0.04), and −0.42 (0.05), respectively. Prevalence of stunting, wasting, underweight, and overweight were 21.2%, 2.6%, 7.4%, and 2.6%, respectively. In multivariable regressions, risk of stunting significantly increased by age: 5.3% at <6 months (reference), 16.8% at 6–23 months (OR = 3.06, 95% CI [0.63, 14.8]), and 25.0% at 24–59 months (OR = 5.07, [1.16, 22.2]). Risk of stunting also decreased in a dose–response manner with improved maternal education. None of the examined variables were significantly associated with wasting or overweight. Despite a WHZ distribution comparable with the World Health Organization reference (with ~2.6% vs. an expected 2.5% of children beyond 2 z in each tail), stunting persists in one fifth of preschool Bhutanese children, suggesting that other nutrient deficits or nonnutritional factors may be constraining linear growth for a substantial proportion of children.
Proceedings of the ‘Working together to consider the role of biofortification in the global food chain’ workshop
Authors: Lockyer S. , White A. , Walton J. , Buttriss J. L.
Published: November 2018

A workshop, jointly hosted by the British Nutrition Foundation, HarvestPlus and the UK government's Department for International Development, was held in May 2018 in London to discuss the potential of introducing biofortified foods into the UK market. Forty delegates from academia, the food industry and non‐government organisations (NGOs) attended. The workshop included presentations outlining the findings of research into the efficacy of biofortified crops in developing countries, the current situation in the UK in terms of micronutrient intakes and status, regulatory issues and consumer acceptability insights. Group work focused on challenges and opportunities relating to introducing biofortified foods into developed markets, in particular aspects relating to consumers (e.g. awareness and understanding of micronutrients and intakes in the UK; potential demand and marketing strategies for biofortified foods); crop growers (e.g. would existing biofortified crops be suitable for the UK climate and who would absorb any additional related costs?); the relevance and acceptability of various biofortified foods in the UK (e.g. based on current dietary patterns and preferences); manufacturers and retailers (e.g. smallholders in the developing world could be linked to the UK food industry; nutrition claims could be utilised); public health (e.g. identification of priorities; potential beneficiaries and ways to target these); regulation (e.g. could a minimum crop micronutrient content be made mandatory?); and research (e.g. to further prove efficacy; consumer insights). Four themes emerged: crop research; consumer education and awareness; standards; and public health research. These were used to identify various challenges, opportunities, beneficiaries, stakeholders, necessary actions and immediate next steps that could form the basis of future work streams designed to explore bringing biofortified foods to the UK market.
Mechanisms underlying the effects of nutrition, adiposity and physical activity on colorectal cancer risk
Authors: Malcomson F. C.
Published: November 2018

Lifestyle factors including diet, body fatness and physical activity modulate the risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC) and it is estimated that over half of CRC cases in the UK are linked to such factors. This review focuses on describing the underlying mechanisms behind the effects of lifestyle factors (predominantly dietary) for which there is strong (convincing or probable) evidence for effects on CRC risk, described in the recently published World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research colorectal cancer report. These include a protective effect of physical activity, wholegrains and dietary fibre, dairy products and calcium supplements, and increased risk associated with red and processed meats, alcoholic drinks and higher body fatness. The postulated mechanisms underlying the effects of lifestyle on CRC risk, including effects on inflammation, insulin resistance and the microbiome, and affecting pathways involved in the regulation of cell proliferation, differentiation, DNA repair and apoptosis are described. Epigenetic mechanisms that are dysregulated in colorectal carcinogenesis leading to aberrant patterns of DNA methylation and aberrant expression of microRNAs may also be modulated by lifestyle factors and consequently modulate CRC risk. It is likely that an interplay of these mechanisms is involved in the modulation of CRC risk as well as a combination of these lifestyle factors.
Predictors of mortality and outcomes in transvenous lead extraction for systemic and local infection cohorts
Authors: Gould Justin , Klis Magdalena , Porter Bradley , Sidhu Baldeep S. , Sieniewicz Benjamin J. , Williams Steven E. , Teall Thomas , Webb Jessica , Shetty Anoop , Gill Jaswinder , Rinaldi Christopher A.
Published: November 2018

Background

Transvenous lead extraction (TLE) may be necessary due to infective and noninfective indications. We aim to identify predictors of 30‐day mortality and risk factors between infective versus noninfective groups and systemic versus local infection subgroups.

Methods

A total of 925 TLEs between October 2000 and December 2016 were prospectively collected and dichotomized (infective group n = 505 vs noninfective group n = 420 and systemic infection n = 164 vs local infection n = 341).

Results

All‐cause major complication including deaths was significantly higher (5.1%, n = 26 vs 1.2%, n = 5, P = 0.001) as well as 30‐day mortality (4.0%, n = 20 vs 0.2%, n = 1, P < 0.001) in the infective group compared to the noninfective group. Both subgroups (systemic vs local infection) were balanced for demographics. All‐cause major complication including deaths was significantly higher (9.1%, n = 15 vs 3.2%, n = 11, P = 0.008) as well as all‐cause 30‐day mortality (7.9%, n  = 13 vs 2.1%, n = 7, P = 0.003) in the systemic infection subgroup compared to the local infection subgroup.

Conclusion

Patients undergoing TLE for infective indications are at greater risk of 30‐day all‐cause mortality compared to noninfective patients. Patients undergoing TLE for systemic infective indications are at greater risk of 30‐day all‐cause mortality compared to patients with local infection. Renal impairment, systemic infection, and elevated preprocedure C‐reactive protein are independent predictors of 30‐day all‐cause mortality in patients undergoing TLE for an infective indication.
One Model Does Not Fit All: The Varied Politics of State Immigrant Policies, 2005–16
Authors: Reich Gary
Published: November 2018

This article addresses conceptual and measurement challenges that complicate the study of state immigrant policies. First, given the multiple facets of immigrant‐related policy, policy‐specific effects may be obscured by highly aggregated outcomes variables. Second, variables of interest often capture both time‐varying and time‐invariant effects, potentially producing coefficients that are uninterpretable averages of both processes. This article presents a research design that addresses both of these obstacles and applies it to an original dataset of both integrative and punitive policies adopted over the period 2005–16. The findings suggest that the causal roles of growing immigrant populations, partisanship, and wealth vary across different clusters of immigrant policies and that average, cross‐state effects often differ from within‐state effects. Future research would do well to clearly link theoretical expectations to specific types of policy outcomes and test hypotheses over both integrative and restrictive outcomes.
Effectiveness of passive restoration on density and diversity of regenerating tree species in mixed Dipterocarp forests of Nepal
Authors: Sapkota Ramesh P. , Stahl Peter D.
Published: November 2018

In many developing countries, the only affordable approach to recover ecosystem structure and function is through passive restoration. We conducted a 3 year study of passive restoration in mixed Dipterocarp forests dominated byShorea robustato examine the effectiveness of exclusion (fencing and fire suppression) on diversity, density, and richness of regenerating tree seedlings and saplings. We analyzed excluded and disturbed paired sites. We observed exclusion was effective in increasing seedling richness and occurrence ofS. robustaandSyzygium cumini. A significant improvement in sapling strata (diversity, density, and richness) from excluding the disturbances was observed. Mean sapling density estimated was about 500% higher in excluded compared to disturbed sites. Probability of occurrence ofS. robustaandDalbergia latifoliasaplings increased due to exclusion. That said, presence of exotic speciesChromolaena odoratawas higher in excluded sites reflecting the need for assisted natural regeneration in forests. This study has demonstrated passive restoration as an effective approach for improving natural regeneration in mixed Dipterocarp forest ecosystems and possibly other similar forest types, and will serve as a reference document for future restoration interventions.
Cities, slums, and child nutrition in Bangladesh
Authors: Raju Dhushyanth , Kim Kyoung Yang , Nguyen Quynh Thu , Govindaraj Ramesh
Published: November 2018

This study uses novel household survey data that are representative of Bangladesh's large cities, and of slum and nonslum areas within the cities, to investigate the effects of demographic and socioeconomic factors on child nutrition status in 2013. The study also decomposes the difference in mean child nutrition status between slum and nonslum areas in 2013, and the increase in mean child nutrition status in slum and nonslum areas from 2006 to 2013. Mother's education attainment and household wealth largely explain the cross‐sectional difference and intertemporal change in mean child nutrition status. Although positive in some cases, the effects of maternal and child health services, and potential health‐protective household amenities, on child nutrition status differ by the type of health facility, household amenity, and urban area (slum or nonslum). Focusing on nutrition‐sensitive programs for slum residents and the urban poor is consistent with the results.
Dolomite dissolution: An alternative diagenetic pathway for the formation of palygorskite clay
Authors: Ryan Brooks H. , Kaczmarek Stephen E. , Rivers John M.
Published: November 2018

Palygorskite is a fibrous, magnesium‐bearing clay mineral commonly associated with Late Mesozoic and Early Cenozoic dolomites. The presence of palygorskite is thought to be indicative of warm, alkaline fluids rich in Si, Al and Mg. Palygorskite has been interpreted to form in peritidal diagenetic environments, either as a replacement of detrital smectite clay during a dissolution–precipitation reaction or solid‐state transformation, or as a direct precipitate from solution. Despite a lack of evidence, most diagenetic studies involving these two minerals posit that dolomite and palygorskite form concurrently. Here, petrological evidence is presented from the Umm er Radhuma Formation (Palaeocene–Eocene) in the subsurface of central Qatar for an alternative pathway for palygorskite formation. The Umm er Radhuma is comprised of dolomitized subtidal to peritidal carbonate cycles that are commonly capped by centimetre‐scale beds rich in palygorskite. Thin section, scanning electron microscopy and elemental analyses demonstrate that palygorskite fibres formed on both the outermost surfaces of dissolved euhedral dolomite crystals and within partially to completely dissolved dolomite crystal cores. These observations suggest that dolomite and palygorskite formed sequentially, and support a model by which the release of Mg2+ ions and the buffering of solution pH during dolomite dissolution promote the formation of palygorskite. This new diagenetic model explains the co‐occurrence of palygorskite and dolomite in the rock record, and provides valuable insight into the specific diagenetic conditions under which these minerals may form.
“They Destroy the Reproductive System”: Exploring the Belief that Modern Contraceptive Use Causes Infertility
Authors: Sedlander Erica , Bingenheimer Jeffrey B. , Thiongo Mary , Gichangi Peter , Rimal Rajiv N. , Edberg Mark , Munar Wolfgang
Published: November 2018

A common reason for nonuse of modern contraceptives is concern about side effects and health complications. This article provides a detailed characterization of the belief that modern contraceptives cause infertility, and an examination of how this belief arises and spreads, and why it is so salient. We conducted focus group discussions and key informant interviews in three rural communities along Kenya's eastern coast, and identified the following themes: (1) the belief that using modern contraception at a young age or before childbirth can make women infertile is widespread; (2) according to this belief, the most commonly used methods in the community were linked to infertility; (3) when women observe other women who cannot get pregnant after using modern contraceptives, they attribute the infertility to the use of contraception; (4) within the communities, the primary goal of marriage is childbirth and thus community approval is rigidly tied to childbearing; and, therefore (5) the social consequences of infertility are devastating. These findings may help inform the design of programs to address this belief and reduce unmet need.
Inside co‐production: Stakeholder meaning and situated practice
Authors: Crompton Amanda
Published: November 2018

Co‐production has risen to the fore of contemporary policymaking, with the intention of placing citizens at the heart of public service design and production. Although this may lead to more democratic and legitimate decision‐making, achieving “meaningful” co‐production can be difficult. In this qualitative study, we examine what constitutes meaningful co‐production, in particular asking whether there is a disconnect between the elite policy narrative that legitimizes co‐production and stakeholder experiences of this approach. Our research adopts a decentred approach to examine the different ways that actors understand and participate in co‐production, both as a methodology and as an interactive social practice. We conclude that a lack of synergy between local narratives may undermine the potential success of co‐production.
From quasi‐markets to public–private networks: Employers' engagement in public employment services
Authors: van Gestel Nicolette , Oomens Shirley , Buwalda Eva
Published: November 2018

This article explores the implications of creating a role for private‐sector partners in public employment services (PES), rather than creating quasi‐markets. It focuses on how the engagement of employers in public–private networks with local government can enhance employment opportunities for disadvantaged welfare recipients but may require a further shift in local public services. The theory relates to contractual arrangements versus network modes of public–private partnerships. Based on surveys among employers and welfare recipients, and interviews with politicians, managers, and frontline workers in five Dutch municipalities, the article provides detailed evidence on innovative and promising cases of public–private networks in employment services. It shows that, under certain conditions, vulnerable jobseekers are better served by a network involving employers than by the standard supply‐driven approach that predominates in quasi‐markets. It also reveals that public and private partners have yet to fully embrace the implications of the network approach for their respective roles. The article contributes to the theoretical debate on public–private partnerships in the context of PES, reflecting on public–private networks as a policy design that could help improve employment opportunities for disadvantaged jobseekers.
Another Look at Looking Time: Surprise as Rational Statistical Inference
Authors: Sim Zi L. , Xu Fei
Published: November 2018

Decades of developmental research have capitalized on the fact that infants are surprised (i.e., look longer) at some events but not others. Differences in looking time have been considered to be a reflection of perceptual discrimination, or a reaction toward witnessing a violation of prior expectations. Here, we provide an overview of a new perspective on infant surprise that examines the underlying cognitive processes that drive this response. We suggest that looking time may reflect sophisticated statistical inference, and we review empirical evidence and computational modeling results from several recent studies to support this conjecture (Kidd, Piantadosi, & Aslin,; Piantadosi, Kidd, & Aslin,; Sim, Griffiths, & Xu,; Sim & Xu,; Téglás et al.,). We also discuss how our view relates to other new developmental research on surprise and learning (Stahl & Feigenson,,) and outline some suggestions for future research.
Multiple hemolytic transfusion reactions misinterpreted as severe vaso‐occlusive crisis in a patient with sickle cell disease
Authors: Dean Christina L. , Maier Cheryl L. , Roback John D. , Stowell Sean R.
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND

Hemolytic transfusion reactions are a rare, yet serious complication of red blood cell (RBC) transfusion. Patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) are at an increased risk for such reactions, because they are prone to make alloantibodies against transfused RBCs, complicating this integral part of their disease management. These reactions may be missed, and the patient's state may be attributed to vaso‐occlusive crisis (VOC), with misguided therapy ensuing.

CASE REPORT

Herein, we report the clinical course of a patient with complex SCD with a delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction, followed by multiple acute hemolytic transfusion reactions mistaken for severe VOC. These reactions were diagnosed on retrospective review of the patient's clinical course in consult with the transfusion medicine service. Optimal immunosuppressive therapy ensued and resulted in the stabilization of the anemia and hemolysis laboratory values. Despite these efforts, the patient died 2 months after admission.

CONCLUSION

This case provides insight into some of the challenges of managing patients with SCD with multiple comorbidities. Hemolytic transfusion reactions can be difficult to diagnose and may be overlooked in patients with SCD with severe VOC.
Investigation of Teachers Anger Control Problems
Authors: Mertoğlu Munevver
Published: November 2018

The aim of this research is to determine the reasons for the anger levels of teachers and administrators considering some variables and to recommend sustainable changes to the school system. To analyse the data the Kruskal−Wallis test and other statistical measures were used. The results show that while there is no significant relationship with gender, other seniority and socio-economic status of teachers in the sixth, seventh, and eighth grade have meaningfully higher anger test points than primary and high school teachers. The external anger points are significantly lower among the teachers who like their professions versus those who do not like their profession. As a result, sustainable anger management programmes in schools via seminars or training sessions can contribute to changing teachers’ attitudes towards their students by providing information about the nature of adolescence, and solutions to addressing the challenges of working with them.
Moth-eye antireflection nanostructure on glass for CubeSats
Authors: Liu Yaoze , Soltani Mohammad , Dey Ripon Kumar , Cui Bo , Lee Regina , Podmore Hugh
Published: November 2018

A CubeSat is a type of miniaturized and modular satellite designed for space research or technology demonstration. By filling the unused capacity of major launch vehicles, CubeSats significantly lower the cost of entry to the space. To reduce the energy loss at the solar panel coverglass on CubeSats, the authors investigated the potential of the biomimetic moth-eye antireflection (MEAR) technique which features a gradient refractive index. A novel fabrication process combining nanosphere lithography, reactive-ion etching, and dry oxidation for patterning glass with moth-eye structures was reported that allows for the production of well-defined nanopillars with tunable sidewall profiles. The thermal annealing treatment of colloidal particles was introduced for making MEAR structures for which partial deformation of nanospheres was achieved. The broadband and omnidirectional antireflective performance of fabricated glasses was experimentally demonstrated by using a spectrophotometer and ellipsometer. A significant 10% decrease of reflectance throughout the measured spectral range was observed at a high incident angle of 75°.
Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), Power, and Politics: A Socio-Historical Analysis
Authors: Næss Hans Erik
Published: November 2018

How can Global Sporting Governing Bodies (GSGBs) like the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) take a stand on political issues in places where a sporting event which comes under their aegis is being held without compromising their own position as neutral governing bodies of sport? Drawing upon a historical sociological approach and using the FIA and the Formula 1 world motorsport championship as its key example, this paper argues that one reason why controversy about this is growing is because FIA’s current power structures were established in an era less suited to today’s world of sports and stakeholdership. In order to change, we need to review the historical processes that shaped current power relations between the GSGB and its stakeholders and, through that, identify an alternative view of power which may resolve the dilemma which the relation between sport and politics currently throws up.
Population Pharmacodynamics of Amphotericin B Deoxycholate for Disseminated Infection Caused by
Talaromyces marneffei
Authors: Le Thuy , Ly Vo Trieu , Thu Nguyen Thi Mai , Nguyen Ashley , Thanh Nguyen Tat , Chau Nguyen Van Vinh , Thwaites Guy , Perfect John , Kolamunnage-Dona Ruwanthi , Hope William
Published: November 2018

Amphotericin B deoxycholate (DAmB) is a first-line agent for the initial treatment of talaromycosis. However, little is known about the population pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of DAmB for talaromycosis.
Focused Metabolism of β-Glucans by the Soil
Bacteroidetes
Species Chitinophaga pinensis
Authors: McKee Lauren S. , Martínez-Abad Antonio , Ruthes Andrea C. , Vilaplana Francisco , Brumer Harry
Published: November 2018

It is well known that the forest litter layer is inhabited by a complex microbial community of bacteria and fungi. However, while the importance of fungi in the turnover of natural biomass is well established, the role of their bacterial counterparts is less extensively studied. We show that
Chitinophaga pinensis
, a prominent member of an important bacterial genus, is capable of using both plant and fungal biomass as a nutrient source but is particularly effective at deconstructing dead fungal material. The turnover of dead fungus is key in natural elemental cycles in the forest. We show that
C. pinensis
can perform extensive degradation of this material to support its own growth while also releasing sugars that may serve as nutrients for other microbial species. Our work adds detail to an increasingly complex picture of life among the environmental microbiota.
Clinical Performance of the BioPlex 2200 Syphilis Total & RPR Assay at a Tertiary Medical Center with a High Rate of Syphilis
Authors: Tesfazghi Merih T. , Anderson Neil W. , Gronowski Ann M. , Yarbrough Melanie L.
Published: November 2018

Manual treponemal and nontreponemal serologic testing has historically been used for the diagnosis of syphilis. This approach is simple and reproducible but labor intensive.
Endosomal Toll-Like Receptors 7 and 9 Cooperate in Detection of Murine Gammaherpesvirus 68 Infection
Authors: Bussey Kendra A. , Murthy Sripriya , Reimer Elisa , Chan Baca , Hatesuer Bastian , Schughart Klaus , Glaunsinger Britt , Adler Heiko , Brinkmann Melanie M.
Published: November 2018

The two human gammaherpesviruses, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), can cause aggressive forms of cancer. These herpesviruses are strictly host specific, and therefore the homolog murine gammaherpesvirus 68 (MHV68) is a widely used model to obtainin vivoinsights into the interaction between these two gammaherpesviruses and their host. Like EBV and KSHV, MHV68 establishes lifelong latency in B cells. The innate immune system serves as one of the first lines of host defense, with pattern recognition receptors such as the Toll-like receptors playing a crucial role in mounting a potent antiviral immune response to various pathogens. Here, we shed light on a yet unanticipated role of Toll-like receptor 7 in the recognition of MHV68 in a subset of immune cells called plasmacytoid dendritic cells, as well as on the control of this virus in its host.
The Autographa californica Multiple Nucleopolyhedrovirus
ac51
Gene Is Required for Efficient Nuclear Egress of Nucleocapsids and Is Essential for
In Vivo
Virulence
Authors: Qiu Jianxiang , Tang Zhimin , Cai Yi , Wu Wenbi , Yuan Meijin , Yang Kai
Published: November 2018

Alphabaculoviruses are lepidopteran-specific nucleopolyhedroviruses that replicate within the nucleus; however, the anterograde transport of the nucleocapsids of these viruses, which is an obligatory step for progeny virion production, is not well understood. In the present study, a unique
Alphabaculovirus
gene with unknown function, namely, the Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV)
ac51
gene, was found to be required for efficient nuclear egress of AcMNPV nucleocapsids.
Economic consequences of preterm birth: a systematic review of the recent literature (2009–2017)
Authors: Petrou Stavros , Yiu Hei Hang , Kwon Joseph
Published: November 2018

Background

Despite extensive knowledge on the functional, neurodevelopmental, behavioural and educational sequelae of preterm birth, relatively little is known about its economic consequences.

Objective

To systematically review evidence around the economic consequences of preterm birth for the health services, for other sectors of the economy, for families and carers, and more broadly for society.

Methods

Updating previous reviews, systematic searches of Medline, EconLit, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Embase and Scopus were performed using broad search terms, covering the literature from 1 January 2009 to 28 June 2017. Studies reporting economic consequences, published in the English language and conducted in a developed country were included. Economic consequences are presented in a descriptive manner according to study time horizon, cost category and differential denominators (live births or survivors).

Results

Of 4384 unique articles retrieved, 43 articles met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 27 reported resource use or cost estimates associated with the initial period of hospitalisation, while 26 reported resource use or costs incurred following the initial hospital discharge, 10 of which also reported resource use or costs associated with the initial period of hospitalisation. Only two studies reported resource use or costs incurred throughout the childhood years. Initial hospitalisation costs varied between $576 972 (range $111 152–$576 972) per infant born at 24 weeks’ gestation and $930 (range $930–$7114) per infant born at term (US$, 2015 prices). The review also revealed a consistent inverse association between gestational age at birth and economic costs regardless of date of publication, country of publication, underpinning study design, follow-up period, age of assessment or costing approach, and a paucity of evidence on non-healthcare costs. Several categories of economic costs, such as additional costs borne by families as a result of modifications to their everyday activities, are largely overlooked by this body of literature. Moreover, the number and coverage of economic assessments have not increased in comparison with previous review periods.

Conclusion

Evidence identified by this review can be used to inform clinical and budgetary service planning and act as data inputs into future economic evaluations of preventive or treatment interventions. Future research should focus particularly on valuing the economic consequences of preterm birth in adulthood.
Leptomeningeal carcinomatosis as primary presentation of metastatic urothelial cancer
Authors: Lambird Jonathan , Beerepoot Lucas
Published: November 2018

Leptomeningeal spread of carcinoma, referred to here as leptomeningeal carcinomatosis, is an uncommon complication of many cancer types. Its manifestations as the presenting symptoms of a new cancer diagnosis is even less common. This case describes the manifestations of leptomeningeal spread of urothelial carcinoma with review of pathophysiology driving the presenting symptoms of hypertension and headache. In the Discussion section, we address the standard and novel interventions for management of increased intracranial pressure.
Successful treatment of central nervous system myeloma manifesting as cauda equina nodules with intrathecal chemotherapy, lenalidomide and dexamethasone
Authors: Koo Ray Mun , Crispin Philip , Craft Melissa , Lalloo Shivendra
Published: November 2018

We report a case of central nervous system myeloma manifesting as cauda equina nodules, successfully treated with triple intrathecal (IT) chemotherapy, lenalidomide and dexamethasone. After presenting with multiple plasmacytomas which led to a diagnosis of non-secretory myeloma at age 56, the patient underwent multiple episodes of treatment for relapsing myeloma over a 7-year period. In March 2017, he presented with declining gait over a month with bilateral hip flexion weakness, absent lower limb reflexes and dorsal column loss. MRI of the spine revealed multiple enhancing cauda equina nodules at L1–L3. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination confirmed a clonal plasma cell population and disease was not found elsewhere. He was treated with radiotherapy, IT and intravenous methotrexate and cytarabine. However, repeat lumbar puncture revealed persistent disease. Clearance of CSF plasma cells was achieved with two times a week IT cytarabine, methotrexate and dexamethasone. He was started on lenalidomide and dexamethasone with no evidence of disease progression at 12 months.
In trauma, expect the unexpected: a rare case of post-traumatic pancreatitis associated with salmonellosis and enterocolitis
Authors: Apelt Nadja , Thompson Emily , Brown Erica , Schindel David
Published: November 2018

A 16-year-old Hispanic man was transferred to our level I paediatric trauma centre with pancreatitis. Ten days prior, he had sustained a gunshot wound to the abdomen requiring an exploratory laparotomy for repair of a traumatic left diaphragmatic injury. Additional injuries included gastric, renal, liver and pancreatic lacerations as well as a T12 burst fracture that resulted in paraplegia. Conservative management of pancreatitis was unsuccessful over the next 10 days, resulting in progressive symptoms of severe unresolved pain, nausea, emesis and rising lipase. Workup for post-traumatic, biliary and drug-associated causes of pancreatitis was negative, and no anatomical abnormalities were found on imaging. A fever workup on hospital day 10 revealed a urinary tract infection with non-typhoidSalmonellasp, and subsequent stool and imaging studies revealed salmonellosis associated with right-sided colitis andClostridium difficileinfection. Pancreatitis resolved within 48 hours following treatment of salmonellosis andClostridium.
Adult intussusception secondary to diverticular disease
Authors: Syed Habib , Syed Labib , Parampalli Umesh , Uheba Mokhtar
Published: November 2018

Intussusception is the invagination of a proximal segment of bowel into the lumen of an adjacent distal segment. It is a common condition in the paediatric age group although it rarely occurs in adults. Organic lesions in the bowel wall are the primary cause of adult intussusceptions with malignant neoplasms being the most common. However, we present a rare case of a 92-year-old man diagnosed with an intussusception of the sigmoid-rectal colon secondary to a diverticular stricture.
Double trouble: exudative hypertensive retinopathy in a patient with retinitis pigmentosa
Authors: Kumawat Devesh , Kumar Vinod
Published: November 2018

A young female suffering from chronic kidney disease presented with retinal features suggestive of retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Cystoid intraretinal changes were noted at the macula in both eyes on optical coherence tomography. Careful clinical examination and fluorescein angiography revealed disc oedema, macular hard exudates and flower petal leakage in both eyes. A clinical diagnosis of RP with leaking cystoid macular oedema (CMO) because of hypertensive retinopathy was made. Exudation and macular oedema subsided with hypertension control and posterior sub-Tenon steroid injection. Although CMO does not typically leak on fluorescein angiography in RP, this need not always be true. Clinical signs and fluorescein angiography help in the differentiation of macular oedema when more than one aetiology may be responsible.
Heterotopic ossification following anterior shoulder dislocation
Authors: Patel Preemal , Brkljac Milos , Sonar Ulhas , Kumar Shyam
Published: November 2018

Heterotopic ossification (HO) is the abnormal growth of extraskeletal bone. Joint involvement may result in chronic stiffness and pain causing considerable functional impairment and the inability to perform the activities of daily living. HO affecting the shoulder joint is rare and little is known about its clinical course or treatment. Here, we describe the first reported case of glenohumeral HO following anterior dislocation. This occurred in a 70-year-old man following a fall onto outstretched hand. Due to persistent stiffness and pain at 8 months from initial injury, he underwent plain radiographs and MRI scans that confirmed rotator cuff tear and HO. He was managed conservatively with physiotherapy and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. At 1-year follow-up, the patient maintains a good functional outcome.
Comparative effectiveness and harms of intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor agents for three retinal conditions: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Low Allison , Faridi Ambar , Bhavsar Kavita V , Cockerham Glenn C , Freeman Michele , Fu Rochelle , Paynter Robin , Kondo Karli , Kansagara Devan
Published: November 2018

Intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents are widely used to treat ocular conditions but the benefits and harms of these treatments are uncertain. We conducted a systematic review to compare the effects of aflibercept, bevacizumab and ranibizumab on best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) changes, quality of life and ocular or systemic adverse events in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (NVAMD), diabetic macular oedema (DME) and central or branch retinal vein occlusion (RVO). We searched published and unpublished literature sources to February 2017 for randomised controlled trials and cohort or modelling studies reporting comparative costs in the USA. Two reviewers extracted data and graded the strength of the evidence using established methods. Of 17 included trials, none reported a clinically important difference (≥ 5 letters) in visual acuity gains between agents. Nine trials provide high-strength evidence of no difference between bevacizumab and ranibizumab for NVAMD. Three trials provide moderate-strength evidence of no difference between bevacizumab and ranibizumab for DME. There was low-strength evidence of similar effects between aflibercept and ranibizumab for NVAMD, aflibercept and bevacizumab for RVO and all three agents for DME. There was insufficient evidence to compare bevacizumab and ranibizumab for RVO. Rates of ocular adverse events were low, and systemic harms were generally similar between groups, although 1 DME trial reported more arterial thrombotic events with ranibizumab versus aflibercept. Overall, no agent had a clear advantage over another for effectiveness or safety. Aflibercept and ranibizumab were significantly less cost-effective than repackaged bevacizumab in two trials. Systematic review registration number: CRD42016034076.
Time-to-event analysis for sports injury research part 1: time-varying exposures
Authors: Nielsen Rasmus Oestergaard , Bertelsen Michael Lejbach , Ramskov Daniel , Møller Merete , Hulme Adam , Theisen Daniel , Finch Caroline F , Fortington Lauren Victoria , Mansournia Mohammad Ali , Parner Erik Thorlund
Published: November 2018

Background

‘How much change in training load is too much before injury is sustained, among different athletes?’is a key question in sports medicine and sports science. To address this question the investigator/practitioner must analyse exposure variables that change over time, such as change in training load. Very few studies have included time-varying exposures (eg, training load) and time-varying effect-measure modifiers (eg, previous injury, biomechanics, sleep/stress) when studying sports injury aetiology.

Aim

To discuss advanced statistical methods suitable for the complex analysis of time-varying exposures such as changes in training load and injury-related outcomes.

Content

Time-varying exposures and time-varying effect-measure modifiers can be used in time-to-event models to investigate sport injury aetiology. We address four key-questions (i) Does time-to-event modelling allow change in training load to be included as a time-varying exposure for sport injury development? (ii) Why is time-to-event analysis superior to other analytical concepts when analysing training-load related data that changes status over time? (iii) How can researchers include change in training load in a time-to-event analysis? and, (iv) Are researchers able to include other time-varying variables into time-to-event analyses? We emphasise that cleaning datasets, setting up the data, performing analyses with time-varying variables and interpreting the results is time-consuming, and requires dedication. It may need you to ask for assistance from methodological peers as the analytical approaches presented this paper require specialist knowledge and well-honed statistical skills.

Conclusion

To increase knowledge about the association between changes in training load and injury, we encourage sports injury researchers to collaborate with statisticians and/or methodological epidemiologists to carefully consider applying time-to-event models to prospective sports injury data. This will ensure appropriate interpretation of time-to-event data.
My life with lupus: contextual responses of African-American women with systemic lupus participating in a peer mentoring intervention to improve disease self-management
Authors: Faith Trevor D , Flournoy-Floyd Minnjuan , Ortiz Kasim , Egede Leonard E , Oates Jim C , Williams Edith M
Published: November 2018

Objective

The current article seeks to examine the ways in which African-American women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) describe their disease experience and how they cope with their disease. This qualitative study provides deeper insight into whether experiences of African-American women with SLE differ from previous qualitative study findings.

Methods

Qualitative data were gathered using interviews and a focus group, from participants in the Peer Approaches to Lupus Self-management (PALS) programme. Data were analysed for themes related to disease experience and how participants cope with their disease. Twenty-seven African-American women with SLE were recruited into the peer mentoring programme, of which 7 served as mentors and 20 served as mentees. A 12-week peer mentoring intervention delivered by phone and based on the Chronic Disease Self-Management and Arthritis Self-Management Programs.

Results

Three categories encompassing a total of 10 subcategories emerged from analyses: (A) interpersonal, familialandromantic relationships; (B) individual experiences of living with SLE; and (C) physician–patient relationships.

Conclusion

We gained insight on several issues related to patient perspectives of African-American women with SLE, and the context surrounding their thoughts and feelings related to lupus, including their providers, families and other social support networks. Additional research efforts could explore and address the thematic domains and respective subthemes identified here. Although limited due to the preliminary nature of the study, this information can be used to create future evidence-based interventions to decrease the impact of SLE on African-American patients.
Evidence into practice: protocol for a new mixed-methods approach to explore the relationship between trials evidence and clinical practice through systematic identification and analysis of articles citing randomised controlled trials
Authors: Byrne Benjamin E , Rooshenas Leila , Lambert Helen , Blazeby Jane M
Published: November 2018

Introduction

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) provide high-quality evidence to inform practice. However, much routine care is not based on available RCT evidence. Understanding this disconnect may improve trial design, reporting and implementation. Published literature commenting on RCTs may yield relevant insights. This protocol presents a new approach examining how researchers understand, contextualise and use evidence from RCTs, through analysis of letters, editorials and discussion pieces citing individual RCTs. Surgical case studies will illustrate its ability to identify wide-ranging factors influencing application of trials evidence.

Methods and analysis

In-depth study of published literature will explore written responses to RCTs. After purposefully selecting individual RCTs, we will systematically identify all citing articles covered in Web of Science and Scopus. Editorials, discussions and letters will be included. These are considered most likely to provide critiques and opinions about index RCTs. Original articles and reviews will be excluded. Clinical specialty, RCT design, outcomes and bibliographical data will be collected for RCTs and citing articles. Citing articles will be thematically analysed using the constant comparison technique to explore author understanding, contextualisation and relationship to clinical practice for the index trial. Coding will include generic issues relevant to all RCTs, such as sample size or blinding, and features specific to surgery, such as learning curve. Index trial quality will be examined using validated tools. Results will be combined to create a broad overview of the understanding and use of RCT evidence.

Ethics and dissemination

This study involves secondary use of existing articles and does not require ethical approval. Pilot work will establish its feasibility and inform progression to larger scale utilisation across a broad range of RCTs. Findings will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at surgical and methodological conferences. Results will guide future work on trial design to optimise implementation of results.
Plagiarism in research: a survey of African medical journals
Authors: Rohwer Anke , Wager Elizabeth , Young Taryn , Garner Paul
Published: November 2018

Objectives

To examine whether regional biomedical journals in Africa had policies on plagiarism and procedures to detect it; and to measure the extent of plagiarism in their original research articles and reviews.

Design

Cross sectional survey.

Setting and participants

We selected journals with an editor-in-chief in Africa, a publisher based in a low or middle income country and with author guidelines in English, and systematically searched the African Journals Online database. From each of the 100 journals identified, we randomly selected five original research articles or reviews published in 2016.

Outcomes

For included journals, we examined the presence of plagiarism policies and whether they referred to text matching software. We submitted articles to Turnitin and measured the extent of plagiarism (copying of someone else’s work) or redundancy (copying of one’s own work) against a set of criteria we had developed and piloted.

Results

Of the 100 journals, 26 had a policy on plagiarism and 16 referred to text matching software. Of 495 articles, 313 (63%; 95% CI 58 to 68) had evidence of plagiarism: 17% (83) had at least four linked copied or more than six individual copied sentences; 19% (96) had three to six copied sentences; and the remainder had one or two copied sentences. Plagiarism was more common in the introduction and discussion, and uncommon in the results.

Conclusion

Plagiarism is common in biomedical research articles and reviews published in Africa. While wholesale plagiarism was uncommon, moderate text plagiarism was extensive. This could rapidly be eliminated if journal editors implemented screening strategies, including text matching software.