bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
We still need to beat HIV
Authors: Dabis François , Bekker Linda-Gail
Published: July 2017

Despite remarkable advances in HIV treatment and prevention, the limited political will and leadership in many countries—particularly in West and Central Africa and Eastern Europe—have fallen short of translating these gains into action. As a result, nearly 2 million infections occurred in 2016, creating a situation that is challenging to counter. This week in Paris, the International AIDS Society (IAS) convened researchers, health experts, and policy-makers to discuss the global state of this epidemic. It has been more than three decades since AIDS was clinically observed and associated with HIV infection. Since then, HIV has accounted for 35 million deaths worldwide. Today, about 37 million people are infected. IAS and the French Research Agency on HIV and Viral Hepatitis (ANRS) have now released the Paris Statement (
www.ias2017.org/The-Paris-Statement-HIV-Science-Matters
) to remind world leaders why HIV science matters, how it should be strengthened, and why it should be funded globally and durably so that new evidence can be translated into policy.
Genome Sequences of the First WHO Repository of Platelet Transfusion-Relevant Bacterial Reference Strains
Authors: Mellmann Alexander , Spindler-Raffel Eva , Bletz Stefan , Prax Marcel , Bekeredjian-Ding Isabelle
Published: July 2017

To develop novel techniques for improving blood safety, dedicated bacterial strains, which are able to persist and to proliferate in blood platelet concentrates, are needed. Here, we present draft genome sequences of the four bacterial strains approved for the first WHO repository of platelet transfusion-relevant bacterial reference strains.
Complete Genome Sequence of Mycoplasma capricolum subsp.
capripneumoniae
Strain zly1309F, Isolated from Endangered Tibetan Antelope
Authors: Hao Huafang , Chen Shengli , Li Yuanguo , Sun Heting , Zhao Ping , Jian Yingna , Gao Yuwei , Wu Changjiang , Liu Yongsheng , Chu Yuefeng
Published: July 2017

Mycoplasma capricolum
subsp.
capripneumoniae
is an important pathogen of goats that causes contagious caprine pleuropneumonia. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of
M. capricolum
subsp.
capripneumoniae
strain zly1309F, isolated from a Tibetan antelope (
Pantholops hodgsonii
) in China.
Whole-Genome Sequence of Photobacterium damselae subsp.
piscicida
Strain 91-197, Isolated from Hybrid Striped Bass (
Morone
sp.) in the United States
Authors: Teru Yuki , Hikima Jun-ichi , Kono Tomoya , Sakai Masahiro , Takano Tomokazu , Hawke John P. , Takeyama Haruko , Aoki Takashi
Published: July 2017

Photobacterium damselae
subsp.
piscicida
is a causative bacterium of fish pasteurellosis, which has caused serious economic damage to aquaculture farms worldwide. Here, the whole-genome sequence of
P. damselae
subsp.
piscicida
91-197, isolated in the United States, suggests that this genome consists of two chromosomes and two plasmids.
Genome Sequence of Canine Polyomavirus in Respiratory Secretions of Dogs with Pneumonia of Unknown Etiology
Authors: Delwart Eric , Kapusinszky Beatrix , Pesavento Patricia A. , Estrada Marko , Seguin M. Alexis , Leutenegger Christian M.
Published: July 2017

We report here the first canine polyomavirus genome, identified by metagenomics in respiratory secretions of two dogs with severe pneumonia, which tested negative for all canine respiratory pathogens except
Mycoplasma cynos
. The isolate,
Canis familiaris
polyomavirus 1 (DogPyV-1), is a beta polyomavirus whose closest known LT antigen relatives are primate polyomaviruses.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Streptomyces
sp. M1013, a Close Relative of Streptomyces ambofaciens and Streptomyces coelicolor
Authors: Haas Drago , Gerbaud Claude , Sahin Nevzat , Pernodet Jean-Luc , Lautru Sylvie
Published: July 2017

We report the draft genome sequence of
Streptomyces
sp. M1013, a strain isolated from the
Medicago arborea
rhizosphere in Izmir, Turkey. An average nucleotide identity (ANI) analysis reveals that this strain belongs to the same species as
Streptomyces canus
ATCC12647 and is closely related to
Streptomyces ambofaciens
and
Streptomyces coelicolor
.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Paenibacillus
sp. Strain MY03, a Terrestrial Bacterium Capable of Degrading Multiple Marine-Derived Polysaccharides
Authors: Liu Huihui , Cheng Yuanyuan , Gu Jingyan , Wang Yanhui , Li Junge , Li Fuchuan , Han Wenjun
Published: July 2017

The bacterium
Paenibacillus
sp. strain MY03, isolated from the root soil of cypress, can effectively degrade marine-derived polysaccharides such as agar, alginate, and chitin. Here, we present the draft genome sequence of MY03. Putative enzymes, including 3 agarases, 1 alginate lyase, and 1 chitinase, were found.
Complete Genome Sequence of an Avian Metapneumovirus Subtype A Strain Isolated from Chicken (Gallus gallus) in Brazil
Authors: Rizotto Laís S. , Scagion Guilherme P. , Cardoso Tereza C. , Simão Raphael M. , Caserta Leonardo C. , Benassi Julia C. , Keid Lara B. , Oliveira Trícia M. F. de S. , Soares Rodrigo M. , Arns Clarice W. , Van Borm Steven , Ferreira Helena L.
Published: July 2017

We report here the complete genome sequence of an avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) isolated from a tracheal tissue sample of a commercial layer flock. The complete genome sequence of aMPV-A/chicken/Brazil-SP/669/2003 was obtained using MiSeq (Illumina, Inc.) sequencing. Phylogenetic analysis of the complete genome classified the isolate as avian metapneumovirus subtype A.
The Skin Microbiome of Cohabiting Couples
Authors: Ross Ashley A. , Doxey Andrew C. , Neufeld Josh D.
Published: July 2017

Our work characterizes the influence of cohabitation as a factor influencing the composition of the skin microbiome. Although the body site and sampled individual were stronger influences than other factors collected as metadata in this study, we show that modeling of detected microbial taxa can help with correct identifications of cohabiting partners based on skin microbiome profiles using machine learning approaches. These results show that a cohabiting partner can significantly influence our microbiota. Follow-up studies will be important for investigating the implications of shared microbiome on dermatological health and the shared contributions of cohabiting parents to the microbiome profiles of their infants.
Increased stroke risk among patients with open-angle glaucoma: a 10-year follow-up cohort study
Authors: Rim Tyler Hyungtaek , Lee Sang Yeop , Bae Hyoung Won , Kim Sung Soo , Kim Chan Yun
Published: July 2017

Background

Although several studies showed the association between stroke and open-angle glaucoma (OAG), there is still lack of longitudinal studies based on large populations. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the risk of stroke after OAG diagnosis over a 10-year follow-up period.

Methods

We performed a retrospective nationwide propensity score-matched cohort study. OAG and comparison groups were selected from a large database from the Korean National Health Insurance Service, comprising 1 025 340 random subjects. The OAG group comprised patients with an initial diagnosis of OAG between January 2004 and December 2007 (n=1520), and the comparison group comprised randomly selected patients (five per glaucoma patient; n=7570). Each cohort was tracked until 2013 for stroke development. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was performed to determine possible association

Results

OAG was associated with increased stroke incidence (HR=1.20, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.40). Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, chronic renal failure, atrial fibrillation, hyperlipidaemia, increasing age and male gender also increased the incidences of stroke. Risk of stroke for patients with OAG was greater in the older age group (≥65 years, HR=1.23, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.47) than in the younger age group (<65 years, HR=1.12, 95% CI 0.86 to 1.46), and greater in males (HR=1.31, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.60) than in females (HR=1.10, 95% CI 0.88 to 1.38).

Conclusions

Patients who were diagnosed with OAG were more likely to experience subsequent stroke than comparison group without OAG, and the risk was greater for older adults and males.
Anterior segment optical coherence tomography angle and vault analysis after toric and non-toric implantable collamer lens V4c implantation in patients with high myopia
Authors: Garcia-De la Rosa Guillermo , Olivo-Payne Andrew , Serna-Ojeda Juan Carlos , Salazar-Ramos Maria Sandra , Lichtinger Alejandro , Gomez-Bastar Arturo , Ramirez-Miranda Arturo , Navas Alejandro , Graue-Hernandez Enrique O
Published: July 2017

Objective

To assess anterior segment changes, including iridocorneal angle and vault, after toric and non-toric implantable collamer lens (ICL) V4c (STAAR Surgical AG) implantation under different lighting conditions.

Methods

Longitudinal, prospective, case series. Patients with high myopia (>6 dioptres) underwent toric and non-toric ICL V4c implantation. Optical coherence tomography measurements were taken under different lighting conditions preoperatively and at 1 week and 1, 6 and 12 months of follow-up.

Results

Seventy-six eyes of 42 patients underwent ICL V4c implantation. Mean age was 27.4 years (±5.14 years, range 20 to 39 years). The average iridocorneal angle showed a statistically significant decrease (p<0.05) in all mesopic, scotopic and photopic conditions after 1 week of surgery compared with the preoperative measurements; in mesopic conditions, it decreased 14.1°, in photopic conditions 14.8° and scotopic conditions 13.2°. The angle measurement had a statistically significant change only in mesopic conditions (p=0.01) over the 1-year follow-up. The average vault under mesopic conditions was 0.661±0.21 mm at week 1. The vault measurement change was statistically significant over the 1-year follow-up in mesopic conditions (p=0.01). Refractive results showed a significant improvement in both uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity (p<0.001).

Conclusion

There is a significant reduction in the iridocorneal angle after ICL V4c implantation. Furthermore, there is a change under mesopic conditions in both the iridocorneal angle and vault during long-term follow-up.
No association between static and dynamic postural control and ACL injury risk among female elite handball and football players: a prospective study of 838 players
Authors: Steffen Kathrin , Nilstad Agnethe , Krosshaug Tron , Pasanen Kati , Killingmo Aleksander , Bahr Roald
Published: July 2017

Background

Research on balance measures as potential risk factors for ACL injury is limited.

Objective

To assess whether postural control was associated with an increased risk for ACL injuries in female elite handball and football players.

Method

Premier league players were tested in the preseason and followed prospectively for ACL injury risk from 2007 through 2015. At baseline, we recorded player demographics, playing experience, ACL and ankle injury history. We measured centre of pressure velocity in single-leg stabilisation tests and reach distances in the Star Excursion Balance Test. To examine the stability of postural control measures over time, we examined their short-term and long-term reproducibility. We generated logistic regression models, 1 for each of the proposed risk factors.

Results

A total of 55 (6.6%) out of 838 players (age 21±4 years; height 170±6 cm; body mass 66±8 kg) sustained a non-contact ACL injury after baseline testing (1.8±1.8 years). When comparing normalised balance measures between injured and uninjured players in univariate analyses, none of the variables were statistically associated with ACL injury risk. Short-term and long-term reproducibility of the selected variables was poor. Players with a previous ACL injury had a 3-fold higher risk of sustaining a new ACL injury compared with previously uninjured players (OR 2.9, CI 1.4 to 5.7).

Conclusions

None of postural control measures examined were associated with increased ACL injury risk among female elite handball and football players. Hence, as measured in the current investigation, the variables included cannot be used to predict ACL injury risk.
Effectiveness of the management of major depressive episodes/disorder in adults with comorbid chronic physical diseases: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Martínez Pablo , Castro Ariel , Alonso Diego , Vöhringer Paul A , Rojas Graciela
Published: July 2017

Introduction

Depression is a global-scale public health problem, and a significant association has been established between depression and chronic physical diseases. This growing comorbidity poses a challenge to healthcare systems. We aim to assess the effectiveness of the management of major depressive episodes/disorder in adults with comorbid chronic physical diseases.

Methods and analysis

We will conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials. Two databases MEDLINE and Cochrane Library (Cochrane Database for Systematic Reviews and CENTRAL), as well as the reference lists of the included articles, will be searched for studies either in English or Spanish with published results within the 2005–2015 period. Studies must fulfil the following conditions: (1) participants aged 18 years or older, diagnosed as having a major depressive episodes/disorder according to standardised criteria and chronic physical diseases; (2)interventions (be it pharmacological, psychological, psychosocial or a combination) must be compared with control conditions (other ‘active’ intervention, treatment as usual, waiting list or placebo); (3)and must report reduction in depressive symptoms after treatment, response to treatment, remission of major depressive episodes/disorder and significant improvement in quality of life. Data extraction, risk of bias evaluation, results summarisation and quality of the evidence (GRADE) will be performed as recommended by the Cochrane Collaboration. A qualitative synthesis and a random effects meta-analysis will be carried out. Effect sizes will be calculated (relative risk and Cohen’s d), I2and Q statistics will be employed to study heterogeneity and publication bias analysis will be performed. Subgroup analyses and meta-regression will be carried out.

Ethics and dissemination

Results are expected to be published in specialised peer-reviewed journals (preferred topics: Mental Health, Psychology, Psychiatry and/or Systematic Reviews) and dissemination activities will be targeted to all the healthcare providers.

Trial registration number

International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42016029166) submitted on 11 January 2016.
Biomechanical reposition techniques in anterior shoulder dislocation: a randomised multicentre clinical trial— the BRASD-trial protocol
Authors: Baden David N , Roetman Martijn H , Boeije Tom , Roodheuvel Floris , Mullaart-Jansen Nieke , Peeters Suzanne , Burg Mike D
Published: July 2017

Introduction

Glenohumeral (shoulder) dislocations are the most common large joint dislocations seen in the emergency department (ED). They cause pain, often severe, and require timely interventions to minimise discomfort and tissue damage. Commonly used reposition or relocation techniques often involve traction and/or leverage. These techniques have high success rates but may be painful and time consuming. They may also cause complications. Recently, other techniques—the biomechanical reposition techniques (BRTs)—have become more popular since they may cause less pain, require less time and cause fewer complications. To our knowledge, no research exists comparing the various BRTs. Our objective is to establish which BRT or BRT combination is fastest, least painful and associated with the lowest complication rate for adult ED patients with anterior glenohumeral dislocations (AGDs).

Methods and analysis

Adults presenting to the participating EDs with isolated AGDs, as determined by radiographs, will be randomised to one of three BRTs: Cunningham, modified Milch or scapular manipulation. Main study parameters/endpoints are ED length of stay and patients’ self-report of pain. Secondary study parameters/endpoints are procedure times, need for analgesic and/or sedative medications, iatrogenic complications and rates of successful reduction.

Ethics and dissemination

Non-biomechanical AGD repositioning techniques based on traction and/or leverage are inherently painful and potentially harmful. We believe that the three BRTs used in this study are more physiological, more patient friendly, less likely to cause pain, more time efficient and less likely to produce complications. By comparing these three techniques, we hope to improve the care provided to adults with acute AGDs by reducing their ED length of stay and minimising pain and procedure-related complications. We also hope to define which of the three BRTs is quickest, most likely to be successful and least likely to require sedative or analgesic medications to achieve reduction.

Trial registration number

NTR5839.
Hospital variation in allogeneic transfusion and extended length of stay in primary elective hip and knee arthroplasty: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Voorn Veronique M A , Marang-van de Mheen Perla J , van der Hout Anja , So-Osman Cynthia , van den Akker–van Marle M Elske , Koopman–van Gemert Ankie W M M , Dahan Albert , Vliet Vlieland Thea P M , Nelissen Rob G H H , van Bodegom-Vos Leti
Published: July 2017

Objectives

Outcomes in total hip and knee arthroplasty (THA and TKA), such as allogeneic transfusions or extended length of stay (LoS), can be used to compare the performance of hospitals. However, there is much variation in these outcomes. This study aims to rank hospitals and to assess hospital differences of two outcomes in THA and TKA: allogeneic transfusions and extended LoS, and to additionally identify factors associated with these differences.

Design

Cross-sectional medical record review study.

Setting

Data were gathered in 23 Dutch hospitals.

Participants

1163 THA and 986 TKA patient admissions.

Outcomes

Hospitals were ranked based on their observed/expected (O/E) ratios regarding allogeneic transfusion and extended LoS percentages (extended LoS was defined by postoperative stay >4 days). To assess the reliability of these rankings, we calculated which percentage of the existing variation was based on differences between hospitals as compared with random variation (after adjustment for variation in patient characteristics). Associations between hospital-specific factors and O/E ratios were used to explore potential sources of differences.

Results

The variation in O/E ratios between hospitals ranged from 0 to 4.4 for allogeneic transfusion, and from 0.08 to 2.7 for extended LoS. Variation in transfusion could in 21% be explained by hospital differences in THA and 34% in TKA. For extended LoS this was 71% in THA and 78% in TKA. Better performance (low O/E ratios) in transfusion was associated with more frequent tranexamic acid (TXA) use in TKA (R=−0.43, p=0.04). Better performance in extended LoS was associated with more frequent TXA use in THA (R=−0.45, p=0.03) and TKA (R=−0.65, p<0.001) and local infiltration analgesia (LIA) in TKA (R=−0.60, p=0.002).

Conclusions

Ranking hospitals based on allogeneic transfusion is unreliable due to small percentages of variation explained by hospital differences. Ranking based on extended LoS is more reliable. Hospitals using TXA and LIA have relatively fewer patients with transfusions and extended LoS.
Occupational class differences in long sickness absence: a register-based study of 2.1 million Finnish women and men in 1996–2013
Authors: Pekkala Johanna , Blomgren Jenni , Pietiläinen Olli , Lahelma Eero , Rahkonen Ossi
Published: July 2017

Objectives

Sickness absence is consistently higher in lower occupational classes, but attempts to analyse changes over time in socioeconomic differences are scarce. We examined trends in medically certified sickness absence by occupational class in Finland from 1996 to 2013 and assessed the magnitude and changes in absolute and relative occupational class differences.

Design

Population-based, repeated cross-sectional study.

Setting

A 70% random sample of Finns aged between 25 and 63 years in the years 1996–2013.

Participants

The study focused on 25- to 63 year-old female (n between 572 246 and 690 925) and male (n between 525 698 and 644 425) upper and lower non-manual and manual workers. Disability and old age pensioners, students, the unemployed, entrepreneurs and farmers were excluded. The analyses covered 2 160 084 persons, that is, 77% of the random sample.

For primary and secondary outcome measures, we examined yearly prevalence of over 10 working days long sickness absence by occupational class. The Slope Index of Inequality (SII) and the Relative Index of Inequality (RII) were used to assess the magnitude and changes in occupational class differences.

Results

Compared with mid-1990s, sickness absence prevalence was slightly lower in 2013 in all occupational classes except for female lower non-manual workers. Hierarchical occupational class differences in sickness absence were found. Absolute differences (SII) peaked in 2005 in both women (0.12, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.13) and men (0.15, 95% CI 0.14 to 0.15) but reached the previous level in women by 2009 and decreased modestly in men until 2013. Relative differences narrowed over time (p<0.001) but levelled off by 2013.

Conclusions

Sickness absence prevalence is currently slightly lower in almost all occupational classes than in the mid-1990s, but occupational class differences have remained large. Ill health and poor working conditions especially in the lower occupational classes should be targeted in order to reduce sickness absence and to achieve longer working lives.
Socioeconomic inequalities in caries experience, care level and dental attendance in primary school children in Belgium: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Lambert Martijn J , Vanobbergen Jacques S N , Martens Luc C , De Visschere Luc M J
Published: July 2017

Objectives

Oral health inequality in children is a widespread and well-documented problem in oral healthcare. However, objective and reliable methods to determine these inequalities in all oral health aspects, including both dental attendance and oral health, are rather scarce.

Aims

To explore oral health inequalities and to assess the impact of socioeconomic factors on oral health, oral health behaviour and dental compliance of primary school children.

Methods

Data collection was executed in 2014 within a sample of 2216 children in 105 primary schools in Flanders, by means of an oral examination and a validated questionnaire. Intermutual Agency database was consulted to objectively determine individuals’ social state and frequency of utilisation of oral healthcare services. Underprivileged children were compared with more fortunate children for their mean DMFt, DMFs, plaque index, care index (C, restorative index (RI), treatment index (TI), knowledge and attitude. Differences in proportions for dichotomous variables (RI100%, TI100% and being a regular dental attender) were analysed. The present study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the University Hospital Ghent (2010/061). All parents signed an informed consent form prior to data collection. All schools received information about the study protocol and agreed to participate. Children requiring dental treatment or periodic recall were referred to the local dentist.

Results

Underprivileged children had higher D1MFT (95% CI 0.87 to 1.36), D3MT (95% CI 0.30 to 0.64), plaque scores (95% CI 0.12 to 0.23) and lower care level (p<0.02). In the low-income group, 78.4% was caries-free, compared with 88.4% for the other children. Half of the low-income children could be considered as regular dental attenders, while 12.6% did not have any dental visit during a 5-year period.

Conclusion

Oral health, oral hygiene, oral healthcare level and dental attendance patterns are negatively affected by children’s social class, leading to oral health inequalities in Belgian primary school children.
Economic evaluation of a brief counselling for smoking cessation in dentistry: a case study comparing two health economic models
Authors: Virtanen Suvi Erika , Galanti Maria R , Johansson Pia M , Feldman Inna
Published: July 2017

Objectives

This study aimed to compare the cost-effectiveness estimates of a brief counselling of smoking cessation in dentistry by using two different health economic models.

Design and outcome measures

Intervention effectiveness was estimated in a cluster randomised controlled trial. The number of quitters was estimated based on 7-day abstinence and on smoking reduction at follow-up. Health economic evaluation was performed using two models: (1) a population-based model employing potential impact fractions and (2) a Markov model estimating the cost-effectiveness of the intervention for the actual participants. The evaluation was performed from healthcare and societal perspectives, and health gains were expressed in quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs).

Setting

Dental clinics in Sweden.

Participants

205 Swedish smokers aged 20–75 years.

Interventions

A brief, structured behavioural intervention was compared with ‘usual care’.

Results

The cost per quitter was US$552 in the intervention and US$522 in the ‘usual care’ condition. The net saving estimated with the population-based model was US$17.3 million for intervention and US$49.9 million for ‘usual care’, with health gains of 1428 QALYs and 2369 QALYs, respectively, for the whole Swedish population during 10 years. The intervention was thus dominated by ‘usual care’. The reverse was true when using the Markov model, showing net societal savings of US$71 000 for the intervention and US$57000 for ‘usual care’, with gains of 5.42 QALYs and 4.74 QALYs, respectively, for lifelong quitters.

Conclusion

The comparison of intervention and ‘usual care’ derived from small-scale studies may be highly sensitive to the choice of the model used to calculate cost-effectiveness.

Trial registration

The cluster randomised trial is registered in the ISRCTN register of controlled trials with identification numberISRCTN50627997.
Feasibility of a UK community-based, eTherapy mental health service in Greater Manchester: repeated-measures and between-groups study of ‘Living Life to the Full Interactive’, ‘Sleepio’ and ‘Breaking Free Online’ at ‘Self Help Services’
Authors: Elison Sarah , Ward Jonathan , Williams Chris , Espie Colin , Davies Glyn , Dugdale Stephanie , Ragan Kathryn , Chisnall Leanne , Lidbetter Nicky , Smith Keith
Published: July 2017

Objectives

There is increasing evidence to support the effectiveness of eTherapies for mental health, although limited data have been reported from community-based services. Therefore, this service evaluation reports on feasibility and outcomes from an eTherapy mental health service.

Setting

‘Self Help Services’, an Increasing Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) eTherapy service in Greater Manchester.

Participants

1068 service users referred to the service for secondary care for their mental health difficulties.

Interventions

Participants were triaged into one of three eTherapy programmes: ‘Living Life to the Full Interactive’ for low mood, stress and anxiety; ‘Sleepio’ for insomnia; and ‘Breaking Free Online’ for substance misuse, depending on clinical need.

Primary outcomes measures

Standardised psychometric assessments of depression, anxiety and social functioning, collected as part of the IAPT Minimum Data Set, were conducted at baseline and post-treatment.

Results

Data indicated baseline differences, with the Breaking Free Online group having higher scores for depression and anxiety than the Living Life to the Full Interactive (depression CI 1.27 to 3.21, p<0.0001; anxiety CI 077 to 1.72, p<0.0001) and Sleepio (depression CI 1.19 to 4.52, p<0.0001; anxiety CI 2.16 to 5.23, p<0.0001) groups. Promising improvements in mental health scores were found within all three groups (all p<0.0001), as were significant reductions in numbers of service users reaching clinical threshold scores for mental health difficulties (p<0.0001). Number of days of engagement was not related to change from baseline for the Living Life to the Full or Sleepio programmes but was associated with degree of change for Breaking Free Online.

Conclusion

Data presented provide evidence for feasibility of this eTherapy delivery model in supporting service users with a range of mental health difficulties and suggest that eTherapies may be a useful addition to treatment offering in community-based services.
Associations between physical function and depression in nursing home residents with mild and moderate dementia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Kvæl Linda Aimée Hartford , Bergland Astrid , Telenius Elisabeth Wiken
Published: July 2017

Objectives

The primary aim of this study is to describe depression and physical function in nursing home residents with dementia, as well as to examine the associations between depression and balance function, lower limb muscle strength, mobility and activities of daily living. The secondary aim is to examine the differences in physical function between the groups classified as depressed and not depressed.

Design

The study has a cross-sectional design.

Setting

A convenience sample of 18 nursing homes in, and around, Oslo, Norway, participated.

Participants

We included 170 nursing home residents aged 60–100 years with mild or moderate degree of dementia defined by a score of 1 or 2 on the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale (CDR).

Outcome measures

Assessments used were Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia (CSDD), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), ‘the 6-metre walking test’ (walking speed), 30 s Chair Stand Test (CST) and the Barthel Index (BI).

Results

Nursing home residents with dementia are a heterogeneous group in terms of physical function and depression. By applying the recommended cut-off of ≥8 on CSDD, 23.5% of the participants were classified as being depressed. The results revealed significant associations between higher scores on CSDD (indicating more symptoms of depression) and lower scores on BBS (95% CI −0.12 to −0.02, p=0.006), 30 s CST (95% CI −0.54 to −0.07, p=0.001) as well as maximum walking speed (95% CI −4.56 to −0.20, p=0.003) (indicating lower level of physical function).

Conclusion

Better muscle strength, balance and higher walking speed were significantly associated with less depressive symptoms. The potential interaction of dementia with poor physical function and depression indicates an area to explore in future epidemiological studies with a prospective design.

Trial registration number

NCT02262104.
Dietary intake and factors influencing eating behaviours in overweight and obese South Asian men living in the UK: mixed method study
Authors: Emadian Amir , England Clare Y , Thompson Janice L
Published: July 2017

Objective

It is widely recognised that South Asian men living in the UK are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) than their white British counterparts. Despite this, limited data have been published quantifying current dietary intake patterns and qualitatively exploring eating behaviours in this population. The objectives of this study were to (1) assess diet, (2) explore perceptions of T2DM, (3) investigate factors influencing eating behaviours in overweight/obese South Asian men and (4) determine the suitability of the UK Diet and Diabetes Questionnaire (UKDDQ) for use in this population.

Setting

Community-based setting in the Greater London, UK area.

Participants

South Asian men aged 18–64 years, with a body mass index of over 23.0 kg/m2, not previously diagnosed with T2DM.

Methods

A cross-sectional mixed-methods design, including assessment of dietary intake using UKDDQ (n=63), followed by semistructured interviews in a purposive sample (n=36).

Results

UKDDQ scores indicated 54% of participants had a ‘healthy’ diet with a mean sample score of 3.44±0.43 out of a maximum of 5. Oily fish consumption was low (1.84±1.85). Body weight was positively associated with a high-added sugar subscore (r=0.253, p=0.047), with 69.8% of the men having ‘unhealthy’ intakes of sugar-sweetened beverages. Cultural commitments (eg, extended family and faith events), motivation and time were identified as key barriers to dietary change, with family support an important facilitator to making healthy dietary changes. Participants stated that UKDDQ was suitable for assessing diets of South Asians and made suggestions for tailoring questions related to rice consumption, providing examples of Indian sweets, and including ghee as a fat source.

Conclusion

Many of the areas of dietary improvement and factors affecting eating behaviours identified in this study are similar to those observed in the general UK population. Consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages in particular was high; given the association between their consumption and the risk of T2DM, this should be an area of primary focus for healthcare professionals. Nevertheless, there are sociocultural factors unique to this population that need to be considered when designing culturally specific programs to reduce the development of T2DM in this high-risk population.
Fluids in Sepsis and Septic Shock (FISSH): protocol for a pilot randomised controlled trial
Authors: Rochwerg Bram , Millen Tina , Austin Peggy , Zeller Michelle , D’Aragon Frédérick , Jaeschke Roman , Masse Marie-Hélène , Mehta Sangeeta , Lamontagne Francois , Meade Maureen , Guyatt Gordon , Cook Deborah J
Published: July 2017

Introduction

Observational evidence suggests physiological benefits and lower mortality with lower chloride solutions; however, 0.9% saline remains the most widely used fluid worldwide. Given uncertainty regarding the association of lower chloride on mortality, it is unlikely that practice will change without direct randomised clinical trial (RCT) evidence. This pilot RCT will investigate the feasibility of a large-scale trial directly comparing low chloride with high chloride fluids in patients with septic shock.

Methods and analysis

This is a randomised, concealed, blinded parallel-group multicentre pilot trial. We will include adult critically ill patients with septic shock, defined as ongoing hypotension despite 1 L of fluid, or a serum lactate >4 mmol/L, who are within 6 hours of hospital presentation or rapid response team activation. We will exclude patients if they have an aetiology of shock other than sepsis, if they have acute burn injury, elevated intracranial pressure, intent to withdraw life support or previous enrolment in this or a competing trial. Following informed consent, patients will be randomised to a low chloride fluid strategy or a high chloride fluid strategy for the duration of their ICU stay or until 30 days postrandomisation. Clinicians, patients, families and research staff will be blinded. The primary outcome for this trial will be feasibility, assessed by consent rate, recruitment success and protocol adherence. Patient-important clinical outcomes include mortality, receipt of renal replacement therapy, intensive care unit and hospital lengths of stay and surrogate outcomes of incidence of acidosis, hyperkalaemia and acute kidney injury.

Ethics and dissemination

This pilot trial will test the feasibility of conducting the main trial, which will examine the effect of high versus low chloride fluids in patients with septic shock on patient-important outcomes.

Trial registration number

NCT02748382, registered 8 April 2016.

Protocol date

1 July 2016.
End-Stage Renal Disease versus Death in a Portuguese Cohort of Elderly Patients: An Approach using Competing Event Analysis
Authors: Santos Josefina , Fonseca Isabel , Malheiro Jorge , Beirao Idalina , Lobato Luisa , Oliveira Pedro , Cabrita Antonio
Published: July 2017

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is higher in elderly, but mortality outweighs the risk of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Our aim was to identify prognostic markers for ESRD or death in elderly CKD, within a competing-risk analysis. This is a longitudinal study of consecutive newly referred patients with CKD ages 65 years, followed until the time of the first event (ESRD or death), using a competing-risk analysis. A modified Charlson Comorbidity Index (mCCI) was subdivided into subgroups (0-2, 3-4, ≥5). Patients were followed for hospitalizations that occurred prior to the outcomes. Among 416 patients, age 76±8 years, 52% male, median estimated glomerular filtration rate of 32 mL/min per 1.73 m2, 50% had diabetes, and 67% cardiovascular disease. Over a median follow-up of 3.6 years, 36 patients progressed to ESRD (8.7%) and 103 died (24.8%). Older age (subdistribution HR (sHR)=1. 06; p<0.001), creatinine≥1.6 mg/dL (sHR=2.03, p=0.004), hemoglobin <11 g/dL (sHR=1.91, p=0.003), mCCI score≥5 (sHR=3.01, p<0.001) and having one or more hospitalizations (sHR=1.73, p<0.001) were associated with death before ESRD. The independent predictors for ESRD with competing risk of death were: lower age (sHR=0.94; p=0.009), creatinine≥1.6 mg/dL (sHR=3.26, p=0.006), hemoglobin <11 g/dL (sHR=2.15, p=0.027), peripheral vascular disease (sHR=3.45, p=0.001) and having one or more hospitalizations (sHR=1.56, p=0.031). Elderly referred patients with CKD are near threefold more likely to die than progress to ESRD. A competing-risk framework based on available clinical and laboratory data may discriminate between those outcomes and could be used as a decision-making tool.
Exploring the in vivo toxicity of nanoparticles
Authors: Romero-Castillo L. , Posadas I. , Ceña V.
Published: July 2017

Toxicological tests of a xenobiotic play a key role to determine the safety of the new compound before it reaches the market. In this review article, we describe the main types of toxicological studies that can be performed in vivo to detect a possible undesired effect of a xenobiotic with especial emphasis on the data available for the different types of nanoparticles. The different procedures described in this review allow to obtain valuable information about the possible toxic effects of a xenobiotic to minimize the possible risks for patients once the compound has been approved for therapeutic use.
Grey seal predation mortality on three depleted stocks in the West of Scotland: What are the implications for stock assessments?
Authors: Trijoulet Vanessa , Holmes Steven J. , Cook Robin M.
Published: July 2017

The decrease in groundfish stocks in the North Atlantic since the mid-1900s coupled with increases in grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) populations is responsible for an enduring controversy between fishers and conservationists regarding the role seals have played in stock declines. We used a Bayesian state-space model to investigate stock trends in the presence of grey seals and associated maximum sustainable yield (MSY) reference points in the West of Scotland. This study provides new estimates of seal predation mortality on haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) and whiting (Merlangius merlangus) and updates the estimates for cod (Gadus morhua), which together form the traditional main components of the mixed demersal fishery in this area. Grey seal predation mortality is greatest on cod, resulting in estimates of total natural mortality higher than those used in the current ICES assessments. Seal predation mortality is low for haddock and whiting. Considering seal predation in stock assessments changes the scale of biomass and fishing mortality estimates for the three stocks. The estimates of F0.1and FMSYare sensitive to seal predation for cod and whiting but not for haddock. In all cases, MSY decreases with increased seal predation.
Angiotensin II receptors’ modulation of calcium homeostasis in human vascular endothelial cells
Authors: Kamal Maud , Jacques Danielle , Bkaily Ghassan
Published: July 2017

Angiotensin II (AngII) plays an important role in the regulation of vascular smooth muscle function. However, little is known about AngII and its receptors AT1 (AT1R) and AT2 (AT2R) and their modulation of intracellular calcium in vascular endothelial cells (VECs) in general and more particularly of human origin. Using western blots, our results showed that AT1Rs and AT2Rs are present in human VECs (hVECs). Using quantitative 3D confocal imaging, our results showed that AngII is present at the cytoplasmic and nucleoplasmic levels and its relative density is lower in the nucleoplasm. However, both AngII receptors AT1 and AT2 are present at both the plasma and the nuclear envelope membranes (NEMs). AngII (10−10 mol/L) induces a transient decrease of the relative density of cytosolic and nuclear AT1Rs. Blockade of AT1Rs with losartan or blocking protein synthesis with cycloheximide does not prevent internalization and nuclear translocation of AT1Rs but prevents de novo AT1R synthesis. In addition, AngII induces cytosolic and nuclear increases (EC50 near 5 × 10−14 mol/L) of calcium via the activation of AT1Rs. These results demonstrate that both AT1 and AT2 receptors are present in hVECs, and that only AT1Rs seem to undergo transcellular trafficking and modulate cytosolic and nuclear calcium homeostasis.
Genome-wide identification, functional prediction, and evolutionary analysis of the R2R3-MYB superfamily in Brassica napus
Authors: Hajiebrahimi Ali , Owji Hajar , Hemmati Shiva
Published: July 2017

R2R3-MYB transcription factors (TFs) have been shown to play important roles in plants, including in development and in various stress conditions. Phylogenetic analysis showed the presence of 249 R2R3-MYB TFs in Brassica napus, called BnaR2R3-MYB TFs, clustered into 38 clades. BnaR2R3-MYB TFs were distributed on 19 chromosomes of B. napus. Sixteen gene clusters were identified. BnaR2R3-MYB TFs were characterized by motif prediction, gene structure analysis, and gene ontology. Evolutionary analysis revealed that BnaR2R3-MYB TFs are mainly formed as a result of whole-genome duplication. Orthologs and paralogs of BnaR2R3-MYB TFs were identified in B. napus, B. rapa, B. oleracea, and Arabidopsis thaliana using synteny-based methods. Purifying selection was pervasive within R2R3-MYB TFs. Kn/Ks values lower than 0.3 indicated that BnaR2R3-MYB TFs are being functionally converged. The role of gene conversion in the formation of BnaR2R3-MYB TFs was significant. Cis-regulatory elements in the upstream regions of BnaR2R3-MYB genes, miRNA targeting BnaR2R3MYB TFs, and post translational modifications were identified. Digital expression data revealed that BnaR2R3-MYB genes were highly expressed in the roots and under high salinity treatment after 24 h. BnaMYB21, BnaMYB141, and BnaMYB148 have been suggested for improving salt-tolerant B. napus. BnaR2R3-MYB genes were mostly up regulated on the 14th day post inoculation with Leptosphaeria biglobosa and L. maculan. BnaMYB150 is a candidate for increased tolerance to Leptospheria in B. napus.
Bursting Oscillations and Mixed-Mode Oscillations in Driven Liénard System
Authors: Kingston S. Leo , Thamilmaran K.
Published: July 2017

We report the existence of bursting oscillations and mixed-mode oscillations in a Liénard system when it is driven externally by a sinusoidal force. The bursting oscillations transit from a periodic phase to spiking trains through chaotic windows, as the control parameter is varied. The mixed-mode oscillations appear via an alternate sequence of periodic and chaotic states, as well as Farey sequences. The primary and their associated secondary mixed-mode oscillations are detected for the suitable choices of system parameters. Additionally, the system is also found to possess multistability nature. Our investigations involve numerical simulations as well as real time hardware experiments using a simple analog electronic circuit. The experimental observations are in conformation with numerical results.
Antimonotonicity, Chaos and Multiple Attractors in a Novel Autonomous Jerk Circuit
Authors: Kengne J. , Negou A. Nguomkam , Njitacke Z. T.
Published: July 2017

We perform a systematic analysis of a system consisting of a novel jerk circuit obtained by replacing the single semiconductor diode of the original jerk circuit described in [Sprott, 2011a] with a pair of semiconductor diodes connected in antiparallel. The model is described by a continuous time three-dimensional autonomous system with hyperbolic sine nonlinearity, and may be viewed as a control system with nonlinear velocity feedback. The stability of the (unique) fixed point, the local bifurcations, and the discrete symmetries of the model equations are discussed. The complex behavior of the system is categorized in terms of its parameters by using bifurcation diagrams, Lyapunov exponents, time series, Poincaré sections, and basins of attraction. Antimonotonicity, period doubling bifurcation, symmetry restoring crises, chaos, and coexisting bifurcations are reported. More interestingly, one of the key contributions of this work is the finding of various regions in the parameters’ space in which the proposed (“elegant”) jerk circuit experiences the unusual phenomenon of multiple competing attractors (i.e. coexistence of four disconnected periodic and chaotic attractors). The basins of attraction of various coexisting attractors display complexity (i.e. fractal basins boundaries), thus suggesting possible jumps between coexisting attractors in experiment. Results of theoretical analyses are perfectly traced by laboratory experimental measurements. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the jerk circuit/system introduced in this work represents the simplest electrical circuit (only a quadruple op amplifier chip without any analog multiplier chip) reported to date capable of four disconnected periodic and chaotic attractors for the same parameters setting.
Period Doubling Bifurcation Point Detection Strategy with Nested Layer Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Matsushita Haruna , Tomimura Yusho , Kurokawa Hiroaki , Kousaka Takuji
Published: July 2017

This paper proposes a bifurcation point detection strategy based on nested layer particle swarm optimization (NLPSO). The NLPSO is performed by two particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithms with a nesting structure. The proposed method is tested in detection experiments of period doubling bifurcation points in discrete-time dynamical systems. The proposed method directly detects the parameters of period doubling bifurcation regardless of the stability of the periodic point, but require no careful initialization, exact calculation or Lyapunov exponents. Moreover, the proposed method is an effective detection technique in terms of accuracy, robustness usability, and convergence speed.
Bifurcation Phenomena in a Lotka–Volterra Model with Cross-Diffusion and Delay Effect
Authors: Yan Shuling , Guo Shangjiang
Published: July 2017

This paper focuses on a Lotka–Volterra model with delay and cross-diffusion. By using Lyapunov–Schmidt reduction, we investigate the existence, multiplicity, stability and Hopf bifurcation of spatially nonhomogeneous steady-state solutions. Furthermore, we obtain some criteria to determine the bifurcation direction and stability of Hopf bifurcating periodic orbits by using Lyapunov–Schmidt reduction.
A Remark on Topological Sequence Entropy
Authors: Wu Xinxing
Published: July 2017

Let [Formula: see text] be the supremum of all topological sequence entropies of a dynamical system [Formula: see text]. This paper obtains the iteration invariance and commutativity of [Formula: see text] and proves that if [Formula: see text] is a multisensitive transformation defined on a locally connected space, then [Formula: see text]. As an application, it is shown that a Cournot map is Li–Yorke chaotic if and only if its topological sequence entropy relative to a suitable sequence is positive.