bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EcoGenetics: An R package for the management and exploratory analysis of spatial data in landscape genetics
Authors: Roser Leandro G. , Ferreyra Laura I. , Saidman Beatriz O. , Vilardi Juan C.
Published: June 2017

The integration of ecology and genetics has become established in recent decades, in hand with the development of new technologies, whose implementation is allowing an improvement of the tools used for data analysis. In a landscape genetics context, integrative management of population information from different sources can make spatial studies involving phenotypic, genotypic and environmental data simpler, more accessible and faster. Tools for exploratory analysis of autocorrelation can help to uncover the spatial genetic structure of populations and generate appropriate hypotheses in searching for possible causes and consequences of their spatial processes. This study presentsEcoGenetics, an R package with tools for multisource management and exploratory analysis in landscape genetics.
WE CAN BE HEROES
Authors: GODDARD JULES
Published: June 2017

Think courageous. Be courageous. Jules Goddard explains how
Factors associated with the development and severity of oxaliplatin‐induced peripheral neuropathy: a systematic review
Authors: Pulvers Jeremy N. , Marx Gavin
Published: June 2017

Oxaliplatin is a platinum‐derivative chemotherapeutic agent used for colorectal cancer in the adjuvant and metastatic setting in combination with folinic acid and 5‐fluorouracil. Oxaliplatin causes an acute cold‐induced neurotoxicity and a chronic cumulative neuropathy, which can require dose modification and impact quality of life. To date, no prevention and treatment strategies have proved effective thus reinforcing the importance of identifying at‐risk patients in order to maximize therapeutic benefit while minimizing neurotoxicity. Here we reviewed studies on risk and prognostic factors associated with the development and severity of oxaliplatin‐induced peripheral neuropathy. A systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE and Embase, and studies investigating clinical and patient‐related factors associated with oxaliplatin‐induced peripheral neuropathy as their primary focus were identified, and quantitative data were extracted when available. We identified 15 studies, of which only three were prospective. Notable factors were acute neurotoxicity symptoms predicting chronic neuropathy, baseline laboratory findings, patient demographics such as age and gender, comorbidities, and environmental factors. No factor was consistently identified across multiple studies other than the association with oxaliplatin dose. Further investigation into these factors may yield insight into potential neuropathy prevention and treatment strategies.
Prior pregnancy and antenatal rubella sero‐negativity—evidence of persistent maternal immunologic alteration?
Authors: Lao Terence T. , Hui Annie S. Y. , Sahota Daljit S.
Published: June 2017

Problem

It is unclear if the immunologic alterations induced by pregnancy could persist.

Method of study

Antenatal rubella sero‐negativity was correlated with gravidity, abortions and parity in 112 083 gravidae managed during 1997‐2015, with further analysis stratified for factors known to influence rubella serology.

Results

The 10.2% sero‐negative gravidae had different characteristics, and the incidence showed significant difference and positive trend (P<.001 for both) with gravidity, abortions and parity. The pattern remained consistent when analysis was stratified for advanced age, high body mass index and medical history, but was negated by hepatitis B virus infection except for abortions, and by high body mass index for parity. For gravidity 2‐4, no difference in rubella sero‐negativity was found between gravidae with all previous pregnancies ended in abortion vs delivery.

Conclusion

Prior pregnancies diminished rubella immunity in a dose‐dependent manner, which may be a reflection of the cumulative effect of pregnancy‐associated maternal immunologic alteration.
Asystole caused by Hydroxycut Hardcore: A case report and literature review
Authors: Zaidan Julie , Tabet Rabih , Karam Boutros , Daneshvar Farshid , Raza Mohammed , Bekheit Soad
Published: June 2017

Obesity is a rising epidemic worldwide driving people to search for remedy through nonconventional therapies. Hydroxycut products are popular supplements used as weight loss aids. Many reports revealed serious adverse effects related to their ingestion. We report the case of a 37‐year‐old healthy male patient who presented following an episode of syncope. On telemetry, he manifested recurrent sinus node arrests, including a symptomatic 24 s sinus pause. The patient admitted to taking Hydroxycut Hardcore for 10 days previously. After discontinuation of the drug, his symptoms completely resolved. This is the first case of Hydroxycut‐associated syncope secondary to bradyarrhythmia.
The development of a magnetic resonance imaging index for fistulising Crohn's disease
Authors: Samaan M. A. , Puylaert C. A. J. , Levesque B. G. , Zou G. Y. , Stitt L. , Taylor S. A. , Shackelton L. M. , Vandervoort M. K. , Khanna R. , Santillan C. , Rimola J. , Hindryckx P. , Nio C. Y. , Sandborn W. J. , D'Haens G. , Feagan B. G. , Jairath V. , Stoker J.
Published: June 2017

Background

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the gold standard for assessment of perianal fistulising Crohn's disease (CD). The Van Assche index is the most commonly used MRI fistula index.

Aims

To assess the reliability of the Van Assche index, and to modify the instrument to improve reliability and create a novel index for fistulising CD.

Methods

A consensus process developed scoring conventions for existing Van Assche index component items and new items. Four experienced radiologists evaluated 50 MRI images in random order on three occasions. Reliability was assessed by estimates of intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Common sources of disagreement were identified and recommendations made to minimise disagreement. A mixed effects model used a 100 mm visual anologue scale (VAS) for global severity as outcome and component items as predictors to create a modified Van Assche index.

Results

Intraclass correlation coefficients (95% confidence intervals) for intra‐rater reliability of the original and modified Van Assche indices and the VAS were 0.86 (0.81‐0.90), 0.90 (0.86‐0.93) and 0.86 (0.82‐0.89). Corresponding ICCs for inter‐rater reliability were 0.66 (0.52‐0.76), 0.67 (0.55‐0.75) and 0.58 (0.47‐0.66). Sources of disagreement included number, location, and extension of fistula tracts, and rectal wall involvement. A modified Van Assche index (range 0‐24) was created that included seven component items.

Conclusions

Although “almost perfect” intra‐rater reliability was observed for the assessment of MRI images for fistulising CD using the Van Assche index, inter‐rater reliability was considerably lower. Our modification of this index should result in a more optimal instrument.
Reduced energy density of close‐up diets decrease ruminal pH and increase concentration of volatile fatty acids postpartum in Holstein cows
Authors: Huang Wenming , Tian Yujia , Li Shengli , Wu Zhaohai , Cao Zhijun
Published: June 2017

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of reduced energy density of close‐up diets on ruminal fermentation parameters in transition cows. Fourteen Holstein dry cows were blocked and assigned randomly to three groups fed a high energy density diet (HD, 1.62 Mcal of net energy for lactation (NEL)/kg dry matter (DM)), or a middle energy density diet (MD, 1.47 Mcal NEL/kg DM), or a low energy density diet (LD, 1.30 Mcal NEL/kg DM) prepartum, and were fed the same diet postpartum. The reduced energy density diets decreased the average dry matter intake (DMI) prepartum and tended to increase the DMI postpartum. The ruminal pH of the LD group was significantly higher prepartum and lower during the first week of lactation compared with the other two groups. The reduced energy density diet depressed the average ruminal concentration of propionate and butyrate prepartum, and increased the average concentration of total volatile fatty acids (VFA) postpartum. The LD group had higher populations of Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens and Ruminococcus flavefaciens relative to HD and MD groups on 7 days in milk. In conclusion, the cows fed reduced energy density diet prepartum had higher VFA concentration, but were more susceptible to subacute ruminal acidosis postpartum.
Factors associated with colostrum immunoglobulin G concentration in northern‐Victorian dairy cows
Authors: Phipps AJ , Beggs DS , Murray AJ , Mansell PD , Pyman MF
Published: June 2017

Objectives

To determine the proportion of first‐milking colostrum samples produced on four northern‐Victorian dairy farms that meet industry standards in terms of immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration and to identify risk factors that affect colostrum quality.

Methods

ColostrumIgGconcentrations from 442 dairy cows on four farms were estimated using a Brix refractometer and risk factors for colostrumIgGconcentration were determined using multivariable logistic regression.

Results

Only 39% of samples met the definition of high quality. The strongest predictor for colostrum quality was the interval from calving to colostrum harvesting. Colostrum harvested from cows within 12 h of calving was 6‐fold more likely to be high quality compared with colostrum harvested later. Colostrum from cows in ≥ 4th lactation was nearly twice as likely to be high quality compared with cows entering their 1st lactation. If the calf was not allowed to suckle from the dam prior to colostrum harvesting, the odds of producing high‐quality colostrum were nearly 4‐fold greater. If the cow had not leaked colostrum prior to harvesting, it was more than 3‐fold more likely to produce high‐quality colostrum.

Conclusions

The majority of samples assessed were below industry standard. Herd, lactation number, calf suckling or cow leaking colostrum prior to harvesting and time between calving and colostrum harvesting were factors that influenced colostrumIgGconcentration. The results support current industry recommendations of harvesting colostrum shortly after parturition (ideally within 12 h of calving) and testing the quality of all colostrum prior to feeding to dairy calves.
Longitudinal cognitive trajectories and associated clinical variables in youth with bipolar disorder
Authors: Frías Álvaro , Dickstein Daniel P , Merranko John , Gill Mary Kay , Goldstein Tina R , Goldstein Benjamin I , Hower Heather , Yen Shirley , Hafeman Danella M , Liao Fangzi , Diler Rasim , Axelson David , Strober Michael , Hunt Jeffrey I , Ryan Neal D , Keller Martin B , Birmaher Boris
Published: June 2017

Objective

There is substantial interest in delineating the course of cognitive functioning in bipolar (BP) youth. However, there are no longitudinal studies aimed at defining subgroups ofBPyouth based on their distinctive cognitive trajectories and their associated clinical variables.

Method

Cognitive functioning was measured in 135 participants from the Course and Outcome ofBPYouth (COBY) study using several subtests of the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB). Youth were prospectively evaluated three times on average every 13.75 months over 2.5 years. Clinical and functional outcomes were assessed using the Longitudinal Interval Follow‐Up Evaluation (LIFE).

Results

Latent class growth analysis identified three longitudinal patterns of cognitive functioning based on a general cognitive index: class 1, “persistently high” (N=21; 15.6%); class 2, “persistently moderate” (N=82; 60.74%); and class 3, “persistently low” (N=32; 23.7%). All classes showed normal cognitive functioning when compared with theCANTABnormative data. After adjustment for confounders, youth from class 3 had a significantly greater percentage of time with overall, manic, and depressive syndromal symptoms than youth in the other two classes. Also, after adjustment for confounders, youth from class 3 had significantly poorer global, academic, and social functioning than youth from class 1.

Conclusions

BPyouth showed normal overall cognitive functioning that remained stable during the follow‐up within each class. However, 24% ofBPyouth showed poorer cognitive functioning than the otherBPyouth. This subgroup had poorer mood course and functioning, and may benefit from cognitive remediation and early management with evidence‐based pharmacological treatments.
Clinical and treatment‐related features determining the risk of late relapse in patients with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Modvig Lena , Vase Maja , d‘Amore Francesco
Published: June 2017

It is still unclear whether there are clinically exploitable differences in the biology and behaviour of early versus late relapses in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL). The present study aimed to analyse a large population‐based DLBCL cohort in order to identify (i) the frequency of late relapses (LR), (ii) parameters influencing the risk of LR, and (iii) the impact of introducing rituximab on the occurrence of LR. The data of 7247 DLBCL patients was obtained from the Danish Lymphoma Group Registry. Patients with LR had a lower International Prognostic Index and better performance score than early relapse (ER) patients. The use of radiotherapy lowered only the rate of ER while the use of rituximab yielded a lower occurrence of both ER and LR (P < 0·0001 and P < 0·0001, respectively), possibly suggesting a longer‐lasting biological effect. Additionally, we found a female overrepresentation among LR patients that had received a rituximab‐containing first line treatment. It was found that patients with LR had a significantly better 5‐year overall survival compared to ER patients. In conclusion, LR was more frequently associated with low‐risk features than ER. Furthermore, we found that the use of modern immunochemotherapy regimens in DLBCL lowers the risk of both ER and LR.
Basin‐axial progradation of a sediment supply driven distributive fluvial system in the Late Cretaceous southern Utah foreland
Authors: Primm Jonathan W. , Johnson Cari L. , Stearns Michael
Published: June 2017

The Turonian‐Coniacian Smoky Hollow Member of the Straight Cliffs Formation in the Kaiparowits basin of southern Utah records a stratigraphic transition from isolated fluvial channel bodies to increasingly amalgamated channel belts capped by the Calico bed, a sheet‐like sand‐gravel unit. Characteristics of the Smoky Hollow Member are consistent with a prograding distributive fluvial system including: up‐section increases in average grain size, bed thickness, channel‐body amalgamation, a fan‐shaped planform morphology and a downstream increase in channel sinuosity. The system prograded to the northeast based on thickness and facies patterns, and palaeocurrent indicators. This basin‐axial sediment‐dispersal trend, which was approximately parallel to the fold‐thrust belt at this latitude, is supported by provenance data including detrital zircons and modal sandstone compositions indicating sediment derivation mainly from the Mogollon Highlands and Cordilleran magmatic arc to the southwest, with episodic input from the more proximal Sevier fold‐thrust belt to the west. Progradation occurred during a eustatic still‐stand, relatively stable climatic conditions, and continuous tectonic subsidence, thus suggesting increased extrabasinal sediment supply as a primary control on basin‐fill. Progradation of the Smoky Hollow Member fluvial system culminated in a ~2–3 My hiatus at the top of the lower Calico bed. Correlation with the Notom delta of the Ferron Sandstone, 80 km northeast in the Henry basin, is proposed on the basis of facies relationships and geochronology. The Calico bed unconformity is linked to regional tectonically driven tilting and erosion observed in both basins.
Periodontitis and breast cancer: A case‐control study
Authors: Sfreddo Camila S. , Maier Juliana , De David Silvia C. , Susin Cristiano , Moreira Carlos Heitor C.
Published: June 2017

Objectives

The aim of this case‐control study was to evaluate the association between periodontitis and breast cancer in a sample of adult Brazilian women.

Methods

This was a hospital‐based study, which included 67 cases and 134 controls (1:2). Women were selected consecutively between April, 2013 and June, 2015 among those attending the Department of Gynecology at the University Hospital of Santa Maria. Cases were selected among women diagnosed with breast cancer (ICD‐10 C50), and controls were matched for age (±2 years), and smoking status (never, former and current smoker). Conditional logistic regression was used to model the association between periodontitis and breast cancer with and without adjustment for potential confounders. Four case definitions for periodontitis were used.

Results

Cases had significantly greater clinical attachment loss than controls (P=.04). After adjusting for important covariates, women diagnosed with periodontitis had two to three times higher odds of breast cancer than women without periodontitis depending on the case definition of periodontitis (P<.05).

Conclusions

A significant association was observed between periodontitis and breast cancer.
Method and Excel VBA Algorithm for Modeling Master Recession Curve Using Trigonometry Approach
Authors: Posavec Kristijan , Giacopetti Marco , Materazzi Marco , Birk Steffen
Published: June 2017

A new method was developed and implemented into an Excel Visual Basic for Applications (VBAs) algorithm utilizing trigonometry laws in an innovative way to overlap recession segments of time series and create master recession curves (MRCs). Based on a trigonometry approach, the algorithm horizontally translates succeeding recession segments of time series, placing their vertex, that is, the highest recorded value of each recession segment, directly onto the appropriate connection line defined by measurement points of a preceding recession segment. The new method and algorithm continues the development of methods and algorithms for the generation of MRC, where the first published method was based on a multiple linear/nonlinear regression model approach (Posavec et al. 2006). The newly developed trigonometry‐based method was tested on real case study examples and compared with the previously published multiple linear/nonlinear regression model‐based method. The results show that in some cases, that is, for some time series, the trigonometry‐based method creates narrower overlaps of the recession segments, resulting in higher coefficients of determination R2, while in other cases the multiple linear/nonlinear regression model‐based method remains superior. The Excel VBA algorithm for modeling MRC using the trigonometry approach is implemented into a spreadsheet tool (MRCTools v3.0 written by and available from Kristijan Posavec, Zagreb, Croatia) containing the previously published VBA algorithms for MRC generation and separation. All algorithms within the MRCTools v3.0 are open access and available free of charge, supporting the idea of running science on available, open, and free of charge software.
Water contents of clinopyroxenes from sub‐arc mantle peridotites
Authors: Turner Michael , Turner Simon , Blatter Dawnika , Maury Rene , Perfit Michael , Yogodzinski Gene
Published: June 2017

One poorly constrained reservoir of the Earth's water budget is that of clinopyroxene in metasomatised, mantle peridotites. This study presents reconnaissance Sensitive High‐Resolution, Ion Microprobe–Stable Isotope (SHRIMP–SI) determinations of the H2O contents of (dominantly) clinopyroxenes in rare mantle xenoliths from four different subduction zones, i.e. Mexico, Kamchatka, Philippines, and New Britain (Tabar‐Feni island chain) as well as one intra‐plate setting (western Victoria). All of the sub‐arc xenoliths have been metasomatised and carry strong arc trace element signatures. Average measured H2O contents of the pyroxenes range from 70 ppm to 510 ppm whereas calculated bulk H2O contents range from 88 ppm to 3 737 ppm if the variable presence of amphibole is taken into account. In contrast, the intra‐plate, continental mantle xenolith from western Victoria has higher water contents (3 447 ppm) but was metasomatised by alkali and/or carbonatitic melts and does not carry a subduction‐related signature. Material similar to the sub‐arc peridotites can either be accreted to the base of the lithosphere or potentially be transported by convection deeper into the mantle where it will lose water due to amphibole breakdown.
¿Qué competencias protegen a los titulados en caso de atonía del mercado laboral?
Authors: HUMBURG Martin , de GRIP Andries , van der VELDEN Rolf
Published: June 2017

Se explora la relación entre competencias y riesgo de sobrecalificación y desempleo en titulados universitarios de 17 países europeos. Distinguiendo entre competencias especializadas y académicas, se observa que, como predice la hipótesis de exclusión, las primeras ofrecen mayor protección frente al riesgo de sobrecalificación cuando aumenta el excedente de trabajadores en el ámbito ocupacional de la especialidad del titulado, y las segundas, cuando aumenta ese excedente en el mercado laboral general. Asimismo, las competencias especializadas protegen contra el riesgo de desempleo, pero este no correlaciona con el nivel de competencias académicas según nuestros resultados.
Contextualizing a professional social network for health care: Experiences from an action design research study
Authors: Mettler Tobias
Published: June 2017

Professional social networks (PSN) are online environments where practitioners can present themselves, get in contact and socialize with coworkers, share and discuss ideas, or exchange business‐related knowledge. Despite the fact that collaboration and information sharing are becoming more relevant for delivering high‐quality services, PSN are not yet widely adopted in complex domains such as health care. While most of the literature is still focusing on the exposition of the unbound potential of PSN, this paper seeks to clarify the question of how to capture and manage the professional identity of an industry such that PSN can be purposefully anchored in the working context. Following an Action Design Research approach, we describe practical design propositions and possible tensions along the contextualization of a PSN, which was specifically catered for improving interprofessional and interorganizational collaboration in and between hospitals. We identify several implications for future research. In particular, we explain intended and unintended uses of PSN in hospitals and provide metaphors for explaining possible alternative understandings of domain engineering.
Anesthetic ointment only (lidocaine/prilocaine) instead of injectable local lidocaine in trans‐radial catheterization: A viable no‐needle alternative
Authors: Latsios George , Toutouzas Kostas , Antonopoulos Alexios S. , Melidi Eleni , Synetos Andreas , Vogiatzi Georgia , Stasinopoulou Aggeliki , Tsioufis Kostas , Tsiamis Eleftherios , Tousoulis Dimitrios
Published: June 2017

Objective

The aim of the present study was to assess the level of access site pain in patients undergoing transradial coronary catheterization by using topical application of an anesthetic ointment (lidocaine/prilocaine—AO) compared to standard local anesthesia (LA) by means of injectable lidocaine.

Methods

We prospectively studied 444 patients undergoing elective trans‐radial coronary angiography. The quality of analgesia was assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS) immediately after the puncture and 30 min after the removal of the sheath. The number and duration of attempts before successful sheath insertion, as well as artery spasm, were compared between the two groups.

Results

Pain levels measured by VAS were found to be similar between the two groups during sheath insertion (VAS: AO: 4.84 ± 1.0 vs 4.82 ± 1.2, P = NS), as well as 30 min after sheath removal (VAS: AO: 0.07 ± 0.5 vs LA: 0.15 ± 0.6, P = NS). The time to obtain radial access was also not affected by the use of anesthetic ointment (AO: 62.24 ± 25.7 s vs LA: 64.04 ± 18.78 sec, P = NS). The rate of clinical or angiographic radial artery spasm was similar (8‐10%) between the groups (P = NS)

Conclusion

Use of a local anesthetic ointment, versus injectable lidocaine, in trans‐radial cardiac catheterization as means of local anesthesia, was found to be equally effective in terms of pain, artery spasm, or artery cannulation speed.
Hydrometeorology organizes intra‐annual patterns of tree growth across time, space and species in a montane watershed
Authors: Martin Justin , Looker Nathaniel , Hoylman Zachary , Jencso Kelsey , Hu Jia
Published: June 2017

Tree radial growth is often systematically limited by water availability, as is evident in tree ring records. However, the physiological nature of observed tree growth limitation is often uncertain outside of the laboratory.

To further explore the physiology of water limitation, we observed intra‐annual growth rates of four conifer species using point dendrometers and microcores, and coupled these data to observations of water potential, soil moisture, and vapor pressure deficit over 2 yr in the Northern Rocky Mountains, USA.

The onset of growth limitation in four species was well explained by a critical balance between soil moisture supply and atmospheric demand representing relatively mesic conditions, despite the timing of this threshold response varying by up to 2 months across topographic and elevation gradients, growing locations, and study years.

Our findings suggest that critical water deficits impeding tissue growth occurred at relatively high water potential values, often occurring when hydrometeorological conditions were relatively wet during the growing season (e.g. in early spring in some cases). This suggests that species‐specific differences in water use strategies may not necessarily affect tree growth, and that tissue growth may be more directly linked to environmental moisture conditions than might otherwise be expected.
Eltrombopag for secondary failure of platelet recovery post‐allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant in children
Authors: Ali Salah , Gassas Adam , Kirby‐Allen Melanie , Krueger Joerg , Ali Muhammad , Schechter Tal
Published: June 2017

Secondary failure of platelet engraftment occurs in 20% of patients undergoing allogeneic HSCT and is associated with poor outcome. Currently, there are no guidelines for treatment of late thrombocytopenia and platelet transfusion is the mainstay of treatment. Here, we describe the use of Eltrombopag to treat secondary failure of platelet recovery following HSCT in a child with severe aplastic anemia. Eltrombopag resulted in recovery of platelet count with no need for platelet transfusion support with no reported side effects. Eltrombopag may be used successfully in children with secondary failure of platelet recovery post‐HSCT for SAA.
Lung function in relation to farm dwelling and farming activities in rural dwelling children
Authors: Balakrishnan Lakshmi , Rennie Donna , Dosman James , Pahwa Punam , Karunanayake Chandima , Hagel Louise , Lawson Joshua
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACT

Background and objective

The relationship between farming exposures and pulmonary function in a rural paediatric population was evaluated.

Methods

Baseline data collection records of the Saskatchewan Rural Health Study (SRHS), a population‐based study, were used. A subset of children (6–14 years old) participated in clinical testing, including anthropometric measures and pulmonary function testing (PFT), using spirometry (n = 584). PFTs followed ATS criteria and all statistical analyses were controlled for age, sex and height.

Results

Among clinical testing participants, 47.5% were females and 54.5% were farm dwelling. Of those living on farms, 77.5% were livestock farms. Mean percent predicted value (PPV) for forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1
) and forced vital capacity (FVC) among children living on a farm were 104.8% and 105.4%, respectively. Mean PPV for FEV1
and FVC among children not living on a farm were 102.7% and 101.4%, respectively. After adjustment, higher FEV1
(=0.079, SE = 0.033, P = 0.03) and FVC (=0.110, SE = 0.039, P = 0.006) were seen among children living on a farm. A trend towards lower FEV1
/FVC ratio (−0.013, SE = 0.008, P = 0.09) among children living on a farm was seen compared with children not living on a farm. Higher FVC and lower FEV1
/FVC ratio were seen in children who regularly emptied grain bins (P < 0.05). Trends towards higher FEV1
(P = 0.14) and FVC (P = 0.08) were also seen with children living on a farm in the first year of life. Since the majority of the population was Caucasian (91%), the results were not race‐corrected.

Conclusion

We addressed the lack of knowledge regarding the association between lung function and rural exposures, and found that differences in lung function were seen between children living on a farm and not living on a farm in rural areas and certain farming activities, specifically emptying grain bins, where lung function was generally better in those living on a farm.
Towards sociology from the arts: An epistemological turn
Authors: Serrão Pedro
Published: June 2017

Over the past two decades, Howard Becker's Art Worlds and Pierre Bourdieu's The Rules of Art were guidelines for the dominant paradigms in sociology of art. Nevertheless, according to Bourdieu, sociology and art do not make a good match. To overcome this dilemma, the French sociologist Nathalie Heinich proposed a “sociology from art,” based on the uniqueness of artists and their works, but she neglected artworks as sociological subject. A realistic and persistent criticism against sociology from the arts claims that artworks are fictions created by artists, therefore epistemologically unacceptable as social realities. Is it possible the making of sociology from artworks? Through theoretical review and using the example of literature, I will argue in this paper that artworks are important heuristic resources and a legitimate subject of sociological research.
Collaborative study to establish World Health Organization international reference reagents for dengue virus Types 1 to 4 RNA for use in nucleic acid testing
Authors: Añez Germán , Volkova Evgeniya , Jiang Zhen , Heisey Daniel A. R. , Chancey Caren , Fares Rafaelle C.G. , Rios Maria ,   the Collaborative Study Group
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND

Dengue is the most important reemerging mosquito‐borne viral disease worldwide. Caused by dengue virus (DENV), a member of the genus Flavivirus in the Flaviviridae family, dengue can be asymptomatic (approx. 80% of cases) or symptomatic, ranging from a flu‐like illness known as dengue fever, to a life‐threatening form called severe dengue. DENV is primarily transmitted from human to human through the bite of mosquitoes of the genus Aedes; however, it is also transmissible by transfusion of blood and blood components and by solid organ transplant. Nucleic acid test (NAT) assays are considered the most appropriate approach for blood donor screening for recent DENV infections, but there is no Food and Drug Administration–approved assay for the screening of blood for DENV.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

An international collaborative study was conducted to assess the suitability of reference reagent (RR) candidates for DENV Types 1 to 4 RNA for use in NAT‐based assays.

RESULTS

Two sets of RR candidates were prepared for each DENV type, one liquid frozen (Set 1) and one lyophilized (Set 2). A total of 28 laboratories from 20 countries agreed to participate in the study, of which 21 submitted the results for qualitative and/or quantitative assessments.

CONCLUSION

The World Health Organization has established the lyophilized materials as international RRs for DENV RNA with a unitage of 13,500, 69,200, 23,400, and 33,900 units/mL for DENV‐1 to ‐4, respectively.
A Two-Way Unidirectional Narrow-Band Acoustic Filter Realized by a Graded Phononic Crystal
Authors: Chen Yingjie , Huang Yang , Lü Chaofeng , Chen Weiqiu
Published: June 2017

Unidirectional acoustic transmission is acquired in a one-dimensional graded phononic crystal. The distinct feature of the present design is that waves can propagate unidirectionally at a certain frequency from the left to right, and waves at another frequency can propagate in the opposite direction from the right to left. This two-way asymmetric propagation behavior is realized at the narrow resonant frequencies in the acoustic band gap by a novel mechanism, which is totally linear and obeys the time-reversal symmetry. Simulation shows that for the graded heterogeneous structure, the resonant peaks of frequency in the acoustic band gap for opposite propagation directions become different. In the transmission spectrum, this mechanism corresponds to a pass-band splitting, and each separated peak represents a unidirectional propagation behavior. The separation of two peaks has been proved to have a close relation to the grading degree of the material property in the spatially periodic components. The unique propagation characteristic obtained at resonant frequencies in the band gaps may provide us a new way to realize a two-way unidirectional narrow-band acoustic filter.
Room temperature thermally evaporated thin Au film on Si suitable for application of thiol self-assembled monolayers in micro/nano-electro-mechanical-systems sensors
Authors: Mahmoodi Nasim , Rushdi Abduljabbar I. , Bowen James , Sabouri Aydin , Anthony Carl J. , Mendes Paula M. , Preece Jon A.
Published: June 2017

Gold is a standard surface for attachment of thiol-based self-assembled monolayers (SAMs). To achieve uniform defect free SAM coatings, which are essential for bio/chemical sensing applications, the gold surface must have low roughness and be highly orientated. These requirements are normally achieved by either heating during Au deposition or postdeposition Au surface annealing. This paper shows that room temperature deposited gold can afford equivalent gold surfaces, if the gold deposition parameters are carefully controlled. This observation is an important result as heating (or annealing) of the deposited gold can have a detrimental effect on the mechanical properties of the silicon on which the gold is deposited used in microsensors. This paper presents the investigation of the morphology and crystalline structure of Au film prepared by thermal evaporation at room temperature on silicon. The effect of gold deposition rate is studied, and it is shown that by increasing the deposition rate from 0.02 to 0.14 nm s−1 the gold surface root-mean-square roughness decreases, whereas the grain size of the deposited gold is seen to follow a step function decreasing suddenly between 0.06 and 0.10 nm s−1. The x-ray diffraction intensity of the preferentially [111] orientated gold crystallites is also seen to increase as the deposition rate increases up to a deposition rate of 0.14 nm s−1. The formation and characterization of 1-dodecanethiol on these Au coated samples is also studied using the contact angle. It is shown that by increasing the Au deposition rate, the contact angle hysteresis (CAH) decreases until it plateaus, for a deposition rate greater than 0.14 nm s−1, where the CAH is smaller than 9° which is an indication of homogeneous SAM formation, on a smooth surface.
Focus encoding and prosodic structure in Shanghai Chinese
Authors: Ling Bijun , Liang Jie
Published: June 2017

This paper investigated the phonetic effects of contrastive focus on F0, duration, and intensity patterns in disyllabic groups which undergo left- and right-dominant sandhis in Shanghai Chinese, in order to further the authors' understanding of the nature of a left-/right-dominant sandhi and the relation between focus encoding and prosodic structure. Results showed that the left-dominant sandhi was characterized by tone rightward spreading and formed one prosodic word, while the right-dominant sandhi was characterized by phonetic reduction and formed one prosodic phrase. Furthermore, F0 adjustment patterns induced by focus were different in the two sandhis, which indicated that focus was encoded via the prosodic structure.
Bacterial Nucleotidyl Cyclase Inhibits the Host Innate Immune Response by Suppressing TAK1 Activation
Authors: He Chenxi , Zhou Yilong , Liu Feng , Liu Haipeng , Tan Hao , Jin Shouguang , Wu Weihui , Ge Baoxue
Published: June 2017

Exoenzyme Y (ExoY) is a type III secretion system effector found in 90% of the
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
isolates. Although it is known that ExoY is a soluble nucleotidyl cyclase that increases the cytoplasmic levels of nucleoside 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphates (cNMPs) to mediate endothelial Tau phosphorylation and permeability, its functional role in the innate immune response is still poorly understood. Transforming growth factor β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) is critical for mediating Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling and subsequent activation of NF-κB and AP-1, which are transcriptional activators of innate immunity. Here, we report that ExoY inhibits proinflammatory cytokine production through suppressing the activation of TAK1 as well as downstream NF-κB and mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases. Mice infected with ExoY-deficient
P. aeruginosa
had higher levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), more neutrophil recruitment, and a lower bacterial load in lung tissue than mice infected with wild-type
P. aeruginosa
. Taken together, our findings identify a previously unknown mechanism by which
P. aeruginosa
ExoY inhibits the host innate immune response.
Hepcidin-(In)dependent Mechanisms of Iron Metabolism Regulation during Infection by Listeria and Salmonella
Authors: Moreira Ana C. , Neves João V. , Silva Tânia , Oliveira Patrícia , Gomes Maria S. , Rodrigues Pedro N.
Published: June 2017

During bacterial infection, the pathogenic agent and the host battle for iron, due to its importance for fundamental cellular processes. However, iron redistribution and sequestration during infection can culminate in anemia. Although hepcidin has been recognized as the key regulator of iron metabolism, in some infections its levels remain unaffected, suggesting the involvement of other players in iron metabolism deregulation. In this work, we use a mouse model to elucidate the main cellular and molecular mechanisms that lead to iron redistribution during infection with two different pathogens:
Listeria monocytogenes
and
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium. Both infections clearly impacted iron metabolism, causing iron redistribution, decreasing serum iron levels, decreasing the saturation of transferrin, and increasing iron accumulation in the liver. Both infections were accompanied by the release of proinflammatory cytokines. However, when analyzing iron-related gene expression in the liver, we observed that hepcidin was induced by
S
. Typhimurium but not by
L. monocytogenes
. In the latter model, the downregulation of hepatic ferroportin mRNA and protein levels suggested that ferroportin plays a major role in iron redistribution. On the other hand,
S
. Typhimurium infection induced the expression of hepcidin mRNA, and we show here, for the first time
in vivo
, that this induction is Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) dependent. In this work, we compare several aspects of iron metabolism alterations induced by two different pathogens and suggest that hepcidin-(in)dependent mechanisms contribute to iron redistribution upon infection.
Institutionalising health technology assessment: establishing the Medical Technology Assessment Board in India
Authors: Downey Laura E , Mehndiratta Abha , Grover Ashoo , Gauba Vijay , Sheikh Kabir , Prinja Shankar , Singh Ravinder , Cluzeau Francoise A , Dabak Saudamini , Teerawattananon Yot , Kumar Sanjiv , Swaminathan Soumya
Published: June 2017

India is at crossroads with a commitment by the government to universal health coverage (UHC), driving efficiency and tackling waste across the public healthcare sector. Health technology assessment (HTA) is an important policy reform that can assist policy-makers to tackle inequities and inefficiencies by improving the way in which health resources are allocated towards cost-effective, appropriate and feasible interventions. The equitable and efficient distribution of health budget resources, as well as timely uptake of good value technologies, are critical to strengthen the Indian healthcare system. The government of India is set to establish a Medical Technology Assessment Board to evaluate existing and new health technologies in India, assist choices between comparable technologies for adoption by the healthcare system and improve the way in which priorities for health are set. This initiative aims to introduce a more transparent, inclusive, fair and evidence-based process by which decisions regarding the allocation of health resources are made in India towards the ultimate goal of UHC. In this analysis article, we report on plans and progress of the government of India for the institutionalisation of HTA in the country. Where India is home to one-sixth of the global population, improving the health services that the population receives will have a resounding impact not only for India but also for global health.
Reducing patient waiting time and length of stay in an Acute Care Pediatric Emergency Department
Authors: Al-Onazi Milfi , Al Hajri Ahmed , Caswell Angela , Leizl Hugo Villanueva Maria , Mohammed Zuhair , Esteves Vania , Vabasa Faith , Al-Surimi Khaled
Published: June 2017

Prolonged waiting times and length of stay in Pediatric Emergency Department, are the two of the most challenging patient and clinical outcomes of healthcare institution. These emerged due to various reasons, namely: the use of triaging process and patient flow criteria that eventually lead to bottlenecks and overcrowding in the ED. After realizing the root causes of the prolonged waiting times and length of stay, the KASCH ED instigated a team to study the factors and thereby arrive at a considerable conclusion that will result in an improvement.

The quality improvement project was initiated and steps were undertaken to improve the flow, reduce the waiting times, and reduce the overcrowding in Pediatric Emergency Acute Care Unit. The primary cause identified was inadequate team awareness and lack of the ED process flow, thus creating confusion as to where the type of patients based on the triage level will be assessed, managed and treated. Using the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS) as guide in triaging patients, a theory called Pediatric Rapid Assessment and Management (PRAM) was introduced in the Acute Care Unit. This certain model is basically aimed to rapidly assess and managed the patients who were triaged as Level III and Level IV within a period of 30 minutes.

Several PDSA cycles were tested and implemented in order to assure that the process fit the criteria and the process flow will be improved. Following the completion of each cycle, significant improvements were noted, such as patients being assessed in Initial Assessment Room on average time less than the target of 15 minutes. In like manner, patients' length of stay on average less than 15 minutes in PRAM bed. The total time for assessment and plan of management is with a target time of less than 30 minutes. The team continuously drive th process and monitored the key performance indicators of the PRAM during the study period and subsequent improvement strategies were likewise implemented.
Complement levels and risk of organ involvement in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Gandino Ignacio Javier , Scolnik Marina , Bertiller Emmanuel , Scaglioni Valeria , Catoggio Luis Jose , Soriano Enrique Roberto
Published: June 2017

Objective

Complement plays a major role in SLE. Complement participation has been linked to disease activity and damage. Our objective was to estimate the association of complement behaviour with clinical manifestations, visceral injury and mortality in patients with SLE.

Methods

Complement determinations (C3 and C4 levels) were analysed in patients with SLE (fulfilling American College of Rheumatology (ACR) or Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC)criteria) seen at a university hospital between 2000 and 2013. Patients were grouped in those with permanent C3 and/or C4 low values (low complement group), those with C3 and C4 constant normal values (normal complement group) and those with fluctuant values (periods of normal and periods of low values: fluctuant group). Clinical characteristics and mortality were analysed and compared between groups.

Results

270 patients with SLE were included (242 females, 89.6%), mean age at diagnosis was 34.2 years (SD 15.8). 75 patients had fluctuant levels of complement, 79 patients had persistent low complement levels and 116 had normal complement levels. Lupus glomerulonephritis was more frequent in patients with fluctuant levels (75%, 56% and 49%, respectively, p=0002). The normal complement group had less frequency of haematological involvement and anti-double stranded DNA (dsDNA) antibodies. At the end of the follow-up, 53% of the patients had damage (SLICC/ACR ≥1). In a Cox proportional hazard model age at diagnosis, neurological impairment, thrombocytopaenia and corticosteroids were associated with more damage, while hydroxychloroquine was a protective factor. There were no differences between complements groups on accumulated damage. Ten-year survival rate was 93%, 93.5% and 92% for the normal complement group, the persistently low group and the fluctuant group, respectively.

Conclusions

Patients with constant normal complement had lower prevalence of haematological involvement and anti-dsDNA, while patients with fluctuant complement had higher renal impairment. Neither the persistent low complement nor the fluctuant complement groups had increased mortality and/or visceral damage.
Undrained behaviour of intact soft clay under cyclic paths that match vehicle loading conditions
Authors: Guo Lin , Cai Yuanqiang , Jardine Richard J. , Yang Zhongxuan , Wang Jun
Published: June 2017

Vehicle traffic loading appears to contribute significantly to long-term settlement beneath highways, airport runways, and metro lines in China. Wheel loading imposes cycles in both the magnitude and direction of the principal stresses acting on the soils beneath pavement or rail-track structures. Conventional cyclic triaxial (CT) testing, which is not capable of imposing such stress paths, may underestimate how heavy traffic loading affects any underlying soft clay layers. A hollow cylinder apparatus (HCA) can simulate such traffic loading stress paths more accurately, including rotation of the principal stress directions. This paper presents a systematic experimental study of cyclic HCA (CHCA) tests on K0-consolidated saturated soft clay involving cyclic variations in both vertical and torsional shear stresses, along with a parallel programme of CT tests, considering the undrained response of saturated samples of intact soft clay. It is shown that when applied above certain critical cyclic stress ratios, principal stress rotation accelerates excess pore-water pressure and permanent strain development. Corresponding changes are also seen in the resilient modulus and damping ratio trends. The discrepancies between the behaviour of CHCA and equivalent CT tests grow as the cyclic stress ratios increase.