bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Importance of Professional Networks in Trade: Evidence from Real Estate Market
Authors: Xie Jia
Published: July 2019

Real estate agents often search randomly or navigate through local network to find trading partners. This article estimates the importance of network‐based searches relative to random searches by fitting Jackson–Rogers' model to the multiple listing service data for a major Midwestern city in the United States. We find that 35%–55% of trades are made through network‐based searches. Moreover, agents rely mainly on random searches at early stage of career, but more on network‐based searches after having many trades. On average, a real estate agent trades with 1 out of every 5–10 agents she finds through searches.
Deroofing mit anschließender sorgfältiger Sinustrakt‐Exzision: ein modifizierter chirurgischer Ansatz bei Hidradenitis suppurativa
Authors: Dahmen Robert Artur , Gkalpakiotis Spyridon , Mardesicova Libuse , Arenberger Petr , Arenbergerova Monika
Published: July 2019

Hintergrund und Ziele

Die Abdeckelung (Deroofing) hat sich als eine effektive Methode zur Behandlung leichter bis mittelschwerer Hidradenitis suppurativa erwiesen (HS). Das Standardverfahren umfasst die Entfernung des Sinusdachs, gefolgt von sekundärer Wundheilung, wobei in der Regel fibröses Gewebe in situ verbleibt. Wir haben versucht, ein modifiziertes Deroofing einzuführen, bei dem die akribische Entfernung des fibrösen Gewebes bei Patienten mit mittelschwerer bis schwerer HS zu einer niedrigeren Rezidivrate führt.

Patienten und Methodik

In einer offenen prospektiven Studie wurden 96 Läsionen von 52 konsekutiven Patienten mit mittelschwerer bis schwerer HS durch ein Deroofing behandelt. Die Patienten wurden mindestens 28 Monate lang nachbeobachtet.

Ergebnisse

Rezidive traten nach einem medianen Zeitraum von 2,3 Monaten an 14 % der Operationssitus auf. Die Rezidive betrafen folgende Körperregionen: 6 % die Axilla und 25 % den Inguinalbereich. Die einzigen bedeutsamen Komplikationen waren postoperative Blutungen, die an 7 % der behandelten Stellen auftraten. Sieben Patienten gingen der Auswertung verloren.

Schlussfolgerung

Ein modifiziertes Deroofing, gefolgt von einer gründlichen Entfernung des Sinustrakts, ist ein chirurgischer Ansatz, der sich für Patienten mit mittelschwerer Erkrankung insbesondere der Axillarregion eignet. Das Verfahren führt bei einer dem konventionellen Deroofing vergleichbaren Heilungsdauer zu einer niedrigen Rezidivrate.
Outcomes from an international multicenter registry of patients with acute gastrointestinal bleeding undergoing endoscopic treatment with Hemospray
Authors: Alzoubaidi Durayd , Hussein Mohamed , Rusu Radu , Napier Duncan , Dixon Selena , Rey Johannes W. , Steinheber Cora , Jameie‐Oskooei Sina , Dahan Martin , Hayee Bu , Gulati Shraddha , Despott Edward , Murino Alberto , Subramaniam Sharmila , Moreea Sulleman , Boger Phil , Hu Maxworth , Duarte Patricia , Dunn Jason , Mainie Inder , McGoran John , Graham David , Anderson John , Bhandari Pradeep , Goetz Martin , Kiesslich Ralf , Coron Emmanuel , Lovat Laurence , Haidry Rehan
Published: July 2019

Background and Aim

Acute gastrointestinal bleeding carries poor outcomes unless prompt endoscopic hemostasis is achieved. Mortality in these patients remains significant. Hemospray is a novel intervention that creates a mechanical barrier over bleeding sites. We report the largest dataset of patient outcomes after treatment with Hemospray from an international multicenter registry.

Patients and Methods

Prospective data (Jan 2016–May 2018) from 12 centers across Europe were collected. Immediate hemostasis was defined as endoscopic cessation of bleeding within 5 min after application of Hemospray. Rebleeding was defined as subsequent drop in hemoglobin, hematemesis, persistent melena with hemodynamic compromise post‐therapy.

Results

Three hundred and fourteen cases were recruited worldwide (231 males, 83 females). Median pretreatment Blatchford score was 11 (IQR: 8–14) and median complete Rockall score (RS) was 7 (IQR: 6–8) for all patients. Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) was the most common pathology (167/314 = 53%) and Forrest Ib the most common bleed type in PUD (100/167 = 60%). 281 patients (89.5%) achieved immediate hemostasis after successful endoscopic therapy with Hemospray. Rebleeding occurred in 29 (10.3%) of the 281 patients who achieved immediate hemostasis. Seven‐day and 30‐day all‐cause mortality were 11.5% (36/314) and 20.1% (63/314), respectively (lower than the predicted rates as per the RS). Similar hemostasis rates were noted in the Hemospray monotherapy (92.4%), combination therapy (88.7%) and rescue therapy (85.5%) groups.

Conclusions

These data show high rates of immediate hemostasis overall and in all subgroups. Rebleeding and mortality rates were in keeping/lower than predicted rates.
The association between diabetes medication and weight change in a non‐surgical weight management intervention: an intervention cohort study
Authors: Aldekhail N. M. , Morrison D. S. , Khojah H. , Sloan B. , McLoone P. , MacNaughton S. , Shearer R. , Logue J.
Published: July 2019

Aim

To compare weight change in a lifestyle‐based weight management programme between participants taking weight‐gaining, weight‐neutral/loss and mixed diabetes medications.

Methods

Electronic health records for individuals (≥ 18 years) with Type 2 diabetes who had been referred to a non‐surgical weight management programme between February 2008 and May 2014 were studied. Diabetes medications were classified into three categories based on their effect on body weight. In this intervention cohort study, weight change was calculated for participants attending two or more sessions.

Results

All 998 individuals who took oral diabetes medications and attended two or more sessions of weight management were included. Some 59.5% of participants were women, and participants had a mean BMI of 41.1 kg/m2 (women) and 40.2 kg/m2 (men). Of the diabetes medication combinations prescribed, 46.0% were weight‐neutral/loss, 41.3% mixed and 12.7% weight‐gaining. The mean weight change for participants on weight‐gaining and weight‐neutral/loss diabetes medications respectively was −2.5 kg [95% confidence interval (CI) −3.2 to −1.8) and −3.3 kg (95% CI −3.8 to −2.9) (P = 0.05) for those attending two or more sessions (n = 998). Compared with those prescribed weight‐neutral medications, participants prescribed weight‐gaining medication lost 0.86 kg less (95% CI 0.02 to 1.7; P = 0.045) in a model adjusted for age, sex, BMI and socio‐economic status.

Conclusions

Participants on weight‐neutral/loss diabetes medications had a greater absolute weight loss within a weight management intervention compared with those on weight‐gaining medications. Diabetes medications should be reviewed ahead of planned weight‐loss interventions to help ensure maximal effectiveness of the intervention.
The influence of ontogeny and prey abundance on feeding ecology of age‐0 Lake Whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis) in southeastern Lake Michigan
Authors: Pothoven Steven A.
Published: July 2019

A shift towards oligotrophic conditions in Lake Michigan has led to concern that altered trophic pathways are leading to lower early life survival and recruitment for Lake Whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis). This study evaluated ontogenetic shifts in age‐0 Lake Whitefish diets and evaluated how feeding ecology and the amount of food eaten varied with prey abundance and composition at a site in southeastern Lake Michigan during 2014–2017. Although prey densities varied among years, cyclopoid copepods were overall the most abundant prey available. In turn, cyclopoids were the predominant prey item in diets each year, particularly for the smallest larval Lake Whitefish. However, there was a tendency for the importance of cyclopoids to decline somewhat in each diet index as fish grew and other prey such as calanoid copepods, Bosminidae, Daphniidae and/or chironomids increased in importance. High zooplankton abundance, especially high cyclopoid abundance, available to the small size groups of Lake Whitefish (<21 mm) in 2014 was associated with high food mass/fish, high number of zooplankton eaten/fish, and low incidence of empty stomachs compared with 2015–2017. As fish grew, the impact of food abundance on prey consumption diminished somewhat, indicating that the relationship between fish feeding ecology and the prey environment can change quickly with fish size during the early life period.
Impact of microwave disinfestation treatments on the bacterial communities of no‐till agricultural soils
Authors: Khan Muhammad J. , Jurburg Stephanie D. , He Jizheng , Brodie Graham , Gupta Dorin
Published: July 2019

Growing herbicide resistance has encouraged the development of new technologies for weed control. Microwave (MW) heating of soil before sowing has been shown to reduce weed establishment in no‐till farming systems and substantially increases crop productivity. However, the effect of this technology on the soil microbial community in general, and on beneficial soil microbes such as ammonia oxidizers in particular, warrants further study. In order to check the effect of MW soil disinfestation treatments on the soil biota, indigenous soil microcosms were treated under a horn antenna of the MW prototype for three distinct durations. Immediately after heating (T0) and 28 days after heating (T28) the soil was collected at two penetration depths (0–5 and 5–10 cm) of MW energy to determine the bacterial community responses based on 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and the total abundances of bacteria and ammonia oxidisers with qPCR. Although total bacteria and ammonia oxidizer abundances exhibited no response to the MW treatments, bacterial community composition differed according to the treatment durations. Community responses clustered into two categories: no effect at low heating intensities (0 and 30 s, 17–45°C) and strong effect at high heating intensities (60 and 90 s, 65–78°C). For the latter group, community richness did not recover to its pre‐heating levels within the 4 weeks studied. Immediately after high heating intensity treatments, the relative abundance of Firmicutes increased and that of Proteobacteria decreased significantly regardless of penetration depth. The relative abundances of beneficial soil microbes (Micromonosporaceae, Kaistobacter and Bacillus) were significantly higher as soils recovered from high heating intensities compared with untreated soils at T28. Our findings suggest that although pre‐sowing MW treatments alter the soil microbial community, beneficial soil microbes exhibit faster recovery.

Highlights

High heating intensities reduced bacterial community richness that did not recover to pre‐heating condition.

Heat resistant bacterial taxa survived high heating intensities < 28 days after heating regardless of penetration depth.

High‐intensity heating did not induce a negative impact on the abundance of ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria and archaea.

Relative abundances of dormant heat‐resistant beneficial taxa exhibited recovery after 28 d.
Realizing the potential of trait‐based approaches to advance fisheries science
Authors: Barnett Lewis A. K. , Jacobsen Nis S. , Thorson James T. , Cope Jason M.
Published: July 2019

Analysing how fish populations and their ecological communities respond to perturbations such as fishing and environmental variation is crucial to fisheries science. Researchers often predict fish population dynamics using species‐level life‐history parameters that are treated as fixed over time, while ignoring the impact of intraspecific variation on ecosystem dynamics. However, there is increasing recognition of the need to include processes operating at ecosystem levels (changes in drivers of productivity) while also accounting for variation over space, time and among individuals. To address similar challenges, community ecologists studying plants, insects and other taxa increasingly measure phenotypic characteristics of individual animals that affect fitness or ecological function (termed “functional traits”). Here, we review the history of trait‐based methods in fish and other taxa, and argue that fisheries science could see benefits by integrating trait‐based approaches within existing fisheries analyses. We argue that measuring and modelling functional traits can improve estimates of population and community dynamics, and rapidly detect responses to fishing and environmental drivers. We support this claim using three concrete examples: how trait‐based approaches could account for time‐varying parameters in population models; improve fisheries management and harvest control rules; and inform size‐based models of marine communities. We then present a step‐by‐step primer for how trait‐based methods could be adapted to complement existing models and analyses in fisheries science. Finally, we call for the creation and expansion of publicly available trait databases to facilitate adapting trait‐based methods in fisheries science, to complement existing public databases of life‐history parameters for marine organisms.
Negotiating the platform pivot: From participatory digital ecosystems to infrastructures of everyday life
Authors: Barns Sarah
Published: July 2019

The influence of global digital platforms today has brought attention to their growing significance as critical infrastructures of urban societies. This paper addresses the different ways that platforms are coming into focus, evidenced by growing literatures on platform capitalism, the platform society, platform surveillance, and platform urbanism. Navigating this platform pivot, I discuss the way platform influence is predominantly linked to processes of data‐driven commodification and value extraction, as demonstrated by the global growth of major platforms such as Google, Facebook, Uber, and Amazon. But at the level of the everyday, platform influence also shapes socio‐spatial experience through intentional design tactics designed to facilitate highly participatory ecosystems of interaction. I argue that by instituting relational dynamics between code, commerce, and corporeality, platforms remediate the “technological everyday” in powerful ways. This perspective points to the need for diverse epistemologies through which to critically reflect on the geographical implications of this pivot towards platforms.
Improved solubility of banana starch by dielectric barrier discharge plasma treatment
Authors: Yan Si‐Liang , Chen Gui‐Yun , Hou Ya‐Jie , Chen Ye
Published: July 2019

A novel technology for banana starch modification has been developed using dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma, and the effect of DBD plasma treatment on the solubility and pasting behaviours of banana starch were evaluated. The solubility of treated starch significantly increased from 1.35 to 15.05 g 100 g−1 at 55 °C as the treatment intensity increased. Rapid viscosity analyser examination showed a dramatic change in the pasting behaviours of modified starch, and the peak viscosity decreased from 5242.0 to 153.0 (cP) as the treatment intensity increased. Evidence of nonpenetrative damage caused by plasma etching was shown by scanning electron microscope micrographs. The results of X‐ray diffraction and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy analyses indicated that the DBD treatment changed the granular structure of banana starch.
Binge Drinking Among Older Adults in the United States, 2015 to 2017
Authors: Han Benjamin H. , Moore Alison A. , Ferris Rosie , Palamar Joseph J.
Published: July 2019

OBJECTIVES

Binge drinking is a risk factor for a range of harms. This study estimates the national prevalence of binge drinking and adds to our understanding of correlates of binge drinking among older adults in the United States.

DESIGN

Cross‐sectional analysis.

SETTING/PARTICIPANTS

A total of 10 927 adults, aged 65 years or older, from the 2015 to 2017 administrations of the US National Survey on Drug Use and Health.

MEASUREMENTS

We estimated the prevalence of past‐month binge alcohol use (five or more drinks on the same occasion for men and four or more drinks on the same occasion for women). Characteristics of past‐month binge drinkers, including demographics, substance use, serious mental illness, mental health treatment utilization, chronic disease, and emergency department (ED) use, were compared to participants who reported past‐month alcohol use without binge drinking. Comparisons were made using χ2 tests. We then used multivariable generalized linear models using Poisson and log link to examine the association between covariates and binge drinking among all past‐month alcohol users aged 65 years or older.

RESULTS

Of 10 927 respondents, 10.6% (95% CI = 9.9%‐11.2%) were estimated to be current binge drinkers. Binge drinkers were more likely to be male, have a higher prevalence of current tobacco and/or cannabis use, and have a lower prevalence of two or more chronic diseases compared to nonbinge drinkers. In multivariable analysis, among past‐month alcohol users, the prevalence of binge drinking was higher among non‐Hispanic African Americans than whites (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] = 1.44; 95% CI = 1.16‐1.80), tobacco users (aPR = 1.52; 95% CI = 1.33‐1.74), cannabis users (aPR = 1.41; 95% CI = 1.11‐1.80), and those who visited the ED in the past year (aPR = 1.16; 95% CI = 1.00‐1.33).

CONCLUSION

Over a tenth of older adults in the United States are estimated to be current binge drinkers. Results confirm the importance of screening for binge drinking behaviors among older adults to minimize harms. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:2139–2144, 2019
The ubiquitin‐proteasome system in plant responses to environments
Authors: Xu Fa‐Qing , Xue Hong‐Wei
Published: July 2019

The ubiquitin‐proteasome system (UPS) is a rapid regulatory mechanism for selective protein degradation in plants and plays crucial roles in growth and development. There is increasing evidence that the UPS is also an integral part of plant adaptation to environmental stress, such as drought, salinity, cold, nutrient deprivation and pathogens. This review focuses on recent studies illustrating the important functions of the UPS components E2s, E3s and subunits of the proteasome and describes the regulation of proteasome activity during plant responses to environment stimuli. The future research hotspots and the potential for utilization of the UPS to improve plant tolerance to stress are discussed.
Ethnoontology: Ways of world‐building across cultures
Authors: Ludwig David , Weiskopf Daniel A.
Published: July 2019

This article outlines a program of ethnoontology that brings together empirical research in the ethnosciences with ontological debates in philosophy. First, we survey empirical evidence from heterogeneous cultural contexts and disciplines. Second, we propose a model of cross‐cultural relations between ontologies beyond a simple divide between universalist and relativist models. Third, we argue for an integrative model of ontology building that synthesizes insights from different fields such as biological taxonomy, cognitive science, cultural anthropology, and political ecology. We conclude by arguing that a program of ethnoontology provides philosophers both with insights about traditional issues such as debates about natural kinds and with novel strategies for connecting philosophy with pressing global issues such as the conservation of local environments and the self‐determination of Indigenous communities.
Exact Analysis of Mode-III Cohesive Fracture of a Cylindrical Bar in Torsion
Authors: Song Yueming , Levy Alan J.
Published: July 2019

The mechanics of mode-III defect initiation and quasi-static growth is examined by analyzing a torqued cylindrical bar separated at its midsection by a nonuniform, nonlinear cohesive interface. The exact analysis is based on the elasticity solution to the problem of a cylinder subjected to nonuniform shear traction at one end and an equilibrating torque at the other. The formulation leads to a pair of interfacial integral equations governing the relative rigid body rotation and the interfacial separation field. The cohesive interface is assumed to be modeled by three Needleman-type traction–separation relations characterized by a shear strength, a characteristic force length and, depending on the specific law, other parameters. Axisymmetric penny, edge, and annular interface defects are modeled by a strength function which varies with radial interface coordinate. Infinitesimal strain equilibrium solutions are sought by eigenfunction approximation of the solution of the governing interfacial integral equations. Results show that for increasing remote torque, at small values of force length, brittle behavior occurs that corresponds to sharp crack growth. At larger values of force length, ductile response occurs similar to a linear “spring” interface. Both behaviors ultimately give rise to the failure of the interface. Results for the stiff, strong interface under a small applied torque show excellent agreement with the static fracture mechanics solution of Benthem and Koiter (1973, “Asymptotic Approximations to Crack Problems,” Mechanics of Fracture, Vol. 1, G.C. Sih, ed., Noordhoff, Leyden, pp. 131–178) for the edge cracked, torsionally loaded cylindrical bar. Extensions of the theory are carried out for (i) the bi-cylinder problem and (ii) the decohesive, frictional interface problem.
Reproductive performance and transcriptome analyses of Tetranychus urticae when feeding on bean leaves and an artificial diet
Authors: He Yongjuan , Lv Jiale , Wang Endong , Xu Xuenong
Published: July 2019

As an important pest, Tetranychus urticae fed on thousands of host plants and showed strong capability in host adaptation. However, hardly any success artificial diet has been developed for it. In this study, we compared adult longevity and reproduction of T. urticae that fed on its natural food (bean leaves) and an artificial diet with leaf extracts added, and tried to investigate the reason why the artificial diet was inefficient through transcriptome analyses. Mean adult longevity and cumulative fecundities of T. urticae was reduced by 53.4% and 93.8%, respectively. Transcriptome analyses showed that 1731 genes were differentially expressed comparing individuals fed with the artificial diet and with their natural food, among which most (77.1%) were down regulated. No significant induced expression of xenobiotic transporters and detoxification enzymes were observed when T. urticae were fed with the artificial diet. In contrast, differentially expressed genes were mainly enriched in digestive related terms, especially in lipid metabolism related pathways, with most genes down regulated. Our results indicated the significance in further investigating lipid demand and metabolism of T. urticae to improve its mass rearing techniques.
Mites of the genera Leioseius Berlese and Protogamasellus Karg (Mesostigmata, Ascidae) in mangrove forests in southern Iran, with a key to the genera and species of Ascidae recorded from Iran
Authors: Kazemi Shahrooz
Published: July 2019

In a survey on the edaphic mesostigmatic mites in mangrove forests of Qeshm Island, eastern of the Persian Gulf, two species of the family Ascidae were collected in broken cockleshells and sand in littoral zone: Leioseius sepidehae sp. nov. and Protogamasellus mica (Athias-Henriot, 1961). This is the first record of the genus Leioseius from Iran. Leioseius sepidehae sp. nov. is described from adult females. Intraspecific variations of some characters of P. mica are discussed, and based on those, P. primitivus machadoi Genis, Loots & Ryke, 1967 and P. primitivus similis Genis, Loots & Ryke, 1967 are herein synonymized under P. mica. Finally, the occasional presence of the gland pores gv1 in Ascidae is reviewed, and a key to the Iranian genera and species of Ascidae is presented.
Nonreciprocal acoustic propagation and leaky-wave radiation in a waveguide with flow
Authors: Wiederhold Curtis P. , Sounas Dimitrios L. , Alù Andrea
Published: July 2019

Isolators, devices with unidirectional wave transmission, are integral components in computing networks, enabling a one-way division of a large system into independent subunits. Isolators are created by breaking the inversion symmetry between a source and a receiver, known as reciprocity. In acoustics, a steady flow of the background medium in which sound travels can break reciprocity, but significant isolation is typically achieved only for large, often impractical speeds. This article proposes acoustic isolator designs enabled by duct flow that do not require large flow velocities. A basic isolator design is simulated based on the acoustic analogue of a Mach-Zehnder interferometer, with monomodal entry and exit ports. The simulated device footprint is then reduced by using bimodal ports. Further, a nonuniform velocity profile combined with a grating to induce phononic transitions is considered, which, combined with filters, can provide significant isolation. By coupling a waveguide with flow to free space through an array of small apertures, largely nonreciprocal leaky-wave radiation is demonstrated, breaking the symmetry between reception and transmission patterns of an acoustic linear aperture array. These investigations open interesting pathways towards efficient acoustic isolation, which may be translated into integrated acoustic and surface acoustic waves, as well as phononic technology.
Metabolic Syndrome, Physical Activity, and Medication-Related Expenditures: A Longitudinal Analysis
Authors: Lemes Ítalo R. , Fernandes Rômulo A. , Turi-Lynch Bruna C. , Codogno Jamile S. , de Morais Luana C. , Koyama Kelly A.K. , Monteiro Henrique L.
Published: July 2019

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a combination of risk factors for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The prevalence of MetS worldwide is increasing. There is no study investigating the economic burden of MetS, especially in developing countries, on medication-related expenditure. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of medication-related expenditures with MetS and to explore how physical activity (PA) may influence this association. Methods: A total of 620 participants, 50 years or older, randomly selected in the city of Bauru, Brazil. Participants were followed from 2010 to 2014, and data on health care expenditure were collected annually. PA questionnaire was applied at baseline, 2 (2012), and 4 (2014) years later. Results: Mean age was 64.7 (95% confidence interval, 64.1–65.3). MetS was associated with higher medication expenditure related to diseases of the circulatory (P <.01) and endocrine (P <.01) systems. MetS explained 17.2% of medication-related expenditures, whereas PA slightly attenuated this association, explaining 1.1% of all health care costs. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that MetS has a significant burden on health care expenditures among adults, whereas PA seems to affect this phenomenon significantly, but in low magnitude.
Microwheels on microroads: Enhanced translation on topographic surfaces
Authors: Yang Tao , Tomaka Andrew , Tasci Tonguc O. , Neeves Keith B. , Wu Ning , Marr David W. M.
Published: July 2019

Matching textured surfaces to microwheel sizes and symmetries may lead to more efficient propulsion of microdevices.
Pharmacological enhancement of
KCC2
gene expression exerts therapeutic effects on human Rett syndrome neurons and
Mecp2
mutant mice
Authors: Tang Xin , Drotar Jesse , Li Keji , Clairmont Cullen D. , Brumm Anna Sophie , Sullins Austin J. , Wu Hao , Liu Xiaoxiao Shawn , Wang Jinhua , Gray Nathanael S. , Sur Mriganka , Jaenisch Rudolf
Published: July 2019

KCC2 expression–enhancing small molecules rescue cellular and behavior deficits in human RTT neurons and
Mecp2
mutant mice.
Complete Genome Sequence of Desulfovibrio desulfuricans IC1, a Sulfonate-Respiring Anaerobe
Authors: Day Leslie A. , De León Kara B. , Kempher Megan L. , Zhou Jizhong , Wall Judy D.
Published: July 2019

We report the complete genome sequence of the anaerobic, sulfonate-respiring, sulfate-reducing bacterium
Desulfovibrio desulfuricans
IC1. The genome was assembled into a single 3.25-Mb circular chromosome with 2,680 protein-coding genes identified. Sequencing of sulfonate-metabolizing anaerobes is key for understanding sulfonate degradation and its role in the sulfur cycle.
Complete Genome Sequence of Brevundimonas sp. Strain SGAir0440, Isolated from Indoor Air in Singapore
Authors: Purbojati Rikky W. , Drautz-Moses Daniela I. , Uchida Akira , Wong Anthony , Clare Megan E. , Kushwaha Kavita K. , Putra Alexander , Premkrishnan Balakrishnan N. V. , Heinle Cassie E. , Aung Ngu War , Vettath Vineeth Kodengil , Junqueira Ana Carolina M. , Schuster Stephan C.
Published: July 2019

Brevundimonas
sp. strain SGAir0440 was isolated from indoor air samples collected in Singapore. Its genome was assembled using single-molecule real-time sequencing data, resulting in one circular chromosome with a length of 3.1 Mbp. The genome consists of 3,033 protein-coding genes, 48 tRNAs, and 6 rRNA operons.
Near-Complete Genome Sequence of a Representative Strain within a Rare Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus O/ME-SA/Ind2001BD2 Sublineage from Bangladesh
Authors: Alam A. S. M. Rubayet Ul , Ali M. Rahmat , Siddique Mohammad Anwar , Ullah Huzzat , Sultana Munawar , Hossain M. Anwar
Published: July 2019

The near-complete genome sequence of a foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV), strain O/ME-SA/Ind2001BD2, isolated exclusively from Bangladesh, is reported here. Amino acid substitutions at critical antigenic sites of the capsid were identified compared to the surface proteins of existing vaccine strain O/India/R2/75 and contemporary FMDV serotype O isolates of Bangladesh.
Retrospective review of abdominal aortic aneurysm deaths in New Zealand: what proportion of deaths is potentially preventable by a screening programme in the contemporary setting?
Authors: Chan Wing Cheuk , Papaconstantinou Dean , Winnard Doone , Jackson Gary
Published: July 2019

Objectives

To describe the proportions of people dying from abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) who might have benefited from a formal screening programme for AAA.

Design

Retrospective cross-sectional review of deaths.

Setting and study populations

All AAA deaths registered in New Zealand from 2010 to 2014 in the absence of a national AAA screening programme.

Main outcome measures

Known history of AAA prior to the acute event leading to AAA death, prognosis limiting comorbidities, history of prior abdominal imaging and a validated multimorbidity measure (M3-index scores).

Results

1094 AAA deaths were registered in the 5 years between 2010 and 2014 in New Zealand. Prior to the acute AAA event resulting in death, 31.3% of the cohort had a known AAA diagnosis, and 10.9% had a previous AAA procedure. On average, the AAA diagnosis was known 3.7 years prior to death. At least 77% of the people dying from AAA also had one or more other prognosis limiting diagnosis. The hazard of 1-year mortality associated with the non-AAA related comorbidities for the AAA cohort aged 65 or above were 1.5–2.6 times higher than to the age matched general population based on M3-index scores. In 2014, overall AAA deaths accounted for only 0.7% of total deaths, and 1.0% of deaths among men aged 65 or above in New Zealand. At most, 20% of people dying from AAA in New Zealand between 2010 and 2014 might have had the potential to derive full benefit from a screening programme. About 51% of cases would have derived no or very limited benefit from a screening programme.

Conclusion

Falling AAA mortality, and high prevalence of competing comorbidities and/or prior AAA diagnosis and procedure raises the question about the likely value of a national AAA screening programme in a country such as New Zealand.
Doctor’s presenteeism and its relationship with anxiety and depression: a cross-sectional survey study in China
Authors: Xi Xiaoyu , Lu Qianni , Wo Tian , Pei Pei , Lin Guohua , Hu Hao , Ung Carolina Oi Lam
Published: July 2019

Objectives

The impact of presenteeism on doctors’ health, quality of patient care and overall performance of health institutions has been reported. The study aimed to investigate the prevalence of presenteeism among doctors, the association between presenteeism and anxiety/depression, and aspects that can help alleviate presenteeism.

Design

A cross-sectional anonymous survey study was conducted between 2017 and 2018.

Setting

30 hospitals in Hangzhou city, Zhejiang Province, China including 10 category 1 hospitals (20–99 beds), 10 category 2 hospitals (100–499 beds) and 10 category 3 hospitals (> 500 beds) which had the highest population coverage.

Participants

At least 3 doctors from each department in the studied hospitals participated. Each participant received a gift worth around US$5 at completion of the survey.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The prevalence of presenteeism and its relationship with anxiety or depression were evaluated as the primary outcomes. Secondary outcomes included the prevalence of abnormal cases of anxiety and depression.

Results

The survey was completed by 1153/1309 hospital doctors (response rate 88.1%). Presenteeism was reported by 66.4% of participants. Using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, 68.8% and 72.3% of participants had abnormal cases of anxiety and depression, respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed that participants with abnormal cases of anxiety, borderline cases of depression or abnormal cases of depression were more likely to practice presenteeism (all p<0.05). Other significant work-related contributing factors included: time working at the current hospital, management duty, monthly salary and ease of replacement (all p<0.05).

Conclusion

Presenteeism was prevalent among doctors in China and the association of presenteeism with abnormal cases of anxiety or depression was significant. Considering the modifiable work-related contributing factors, appropriate measures at the healthcare institutions to support doctors’ mental health, help them develop and reinforce management skills, and ensure appropriate manpower are important to alleviate presenteeism behaviour.
Accuracy of patient perceptions of maternity facility quality and the choice of providers in Nairobi, Kenya: a cohort study
Authors: Siam Zeina Ali , McConnell Margaret , Golub Ginger , Nyakora George , Rothschild Claire , Cohen Jessica
Published: July 2019

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the accuracy of pregnant women’s perceptions of maternity facility quality and the association between perception accuracy and the quality of facility chosen for delivery.

Design

A cohort study.

Setting

Nairobi, Kenya.

Participants

180 women, surveyed during pregnancy and 2 to 4 weeks after delivery.

Primary outcome measures

Women were surveyed during pregnancy regarding their perceptions of the quality of all facilities they were considering during delivery and then, after delivery, about their ultimate facility choice. Perceptions of quality were based on perceived ability to handle emergencies and complications. Delivery facilities were assigned a quality index score based on a direct assessment of performance of emergency ‘signal functions’, skilled provider availability, medical equipment and drug stocks. ‘Accurate perceptions’ was a binary variable equal to one if a woman’s ranking of facilities based on her quality perception equalled the index ranking. Ordinary least squares and logistic regressions were used to analyse associations between accurate perceptions and quality of the facility chosen for delivery.

Results

Assessed technical quality was modest, with an average index score of 0.65. 44% of women had accurate perceptions of quality ranking. Accurate perceptions were associated with a 0.069 higher delivery facility quality score (p=0.039; 95% CI: 0.004 to 0.135) and with a 14.5% point higher probability of delivering in a facility in the top quartile of the quality index (p=0.015; 95% CI: 0.029 to 0.260).

Conclusions

Patient misperceptions of technical quality were associated with use of lower quality facilities. Larger studies could determine whether improving patient information about relative facility quality can encourage use of higher quality care.
Nutritional habits and levels of physical activity during pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period of women in Toledo (Spain): study protocol for a two-year prospective cohort study (the PrePaN study)
Authors: Muñóz Muñóz Aránzazu , Gómez-Cantarino Sagrario , De Dios Aguado María de las Mercedes , Velasco Abellán Minerva , González López Beatríz , Molina Gallego Brigida , González Pascual Juan Luis , Arias Palencia Natalia María
Published: July 2019

Introduction

Pregnant women who eat a balanced diet usually practice physical activity (PA) regularly; there are many studies on PA during pregnancy and the results for the mother and baby. However, the guideline for PA during pregnancy is very general and is not quantified. The primary objective of this study is to examine the nutritional habits and levels of PA of women during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Second, it will determine the effects of these aspects on the mother and newborn baby. Its third objective is to identify the factors which influence the practice of PA during this phase.

Methods and analysis

Se trata de un estudio prospectivo de cohortes que dura 2 años, f rom de septiembre de 2018 para setiembre del 2020 La muestra será reclutado en tres Atención Primaria centros en el área de salud de Toledo (España). Las participantes serán mujeres embarazadas de 18 a 40 años. Ancianos que deben asistir a todos los controles durante el embarazo y el período posparto. La PA se cuantificará utilizando la acelerometría, mientras que los hábitos nutricionales y el ejercicio físico se evaluarán mediante cuestionarios validados. Se registrarán los síntomas del embarazo y el período posparto, junto con los parámetros bioquímicos y los datos antropométricos. Los resultados primarios se determinarán en las mujeres embarazadas: aumento de peso, incidencia de diabetes mellitus gestacional, preeclampsia e hipertensión inducida por el embarazo. Los resultados secundarios incluyen la duración del embarazo y el peso al nacer, la puntuación de Apgar (1 min / 5 min), el tipo de reanimación (I / II / III / IV) y el pH de la sangre del cordón umbilical en los recién nacidos.

Discussion

Although the beneficial effects of PA during pregnancy are known, there is a need to perform studies that quantify the amount of PA undertaken by women during pregnancy and the postpartum period. The objective of such studies is to establish science-based individualised guidelines for PA for women during this stage of their lives.
Music versus midazolam during preoperative nerve block placements: a prospective randomized controlled study
Authors: Graff Veena , Cai Lu , Badiola Ignacio , Elkassabany Nabil M
Published: July 2019

Background and objectives

Music medicine is a non-pharmacologic intervention that is virtually harm-free, relatively inexpensive and has been shown to significantly decrease preoperative anxiety. In this study we aim to compare the use of music to midazolam as a preoperative anxiolytic prior to the administration of an ultrasound-guided single-injection peripheral nerve block.

Methods

In this randomized controlled study we compared the anxiolytic effects of intravenous midazolam (1–2 mg) with noise-canceling headphone-delivered music medicine. All patients received a preoperative ultrasound-guided single-injection peripheral nerve block indicated for a primary regional anesthetic or postoperative analgesia.

Results

The change in the State Trait Anxiety Inventory-6 (STAI-6) anxiety scores from after to before the procedure were similar in both groups (music group −1.6 (SD 10.7); midazolam group −4.2 (SD 11); p=0.14; mean difference between groups −2.5 (95% CI −5.9 to 0.9), p=0.1). Patient satisfaction scores with their procedure experience were higher in the midazolam group (p=0.01); however, there were no differences in physician satisfaction scores of their procedure experience between groups (p=0.07). Both patient and physician perceptions on difficulties in communication were higher in the music group than in the midazolam group (p=0.005 and p=0.0007, respectively).

Conclusions

Music medicine may be offered as an alternative to midazolam administration prior to peripheral regional anesthesia. However, further studies are warranted to evaluate whether or not the type of music, as well as how it is delivered, offers advantages over midazolam that outweigh the increase in communication barriers.

Clinical trial registry

Clinicaltrials.gov #NCT03069677
Correlation between the decays h0 → γγ/gg in the MSSM with quark flavor violation
Authors: Eberl H. , Hidaka K. , Ginina E.
Published: July 2019

We study the loop-induced decays [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] in the Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model (MSSM) with quark flavor violation (QFV), identifying [Formula: see text] with the Higgs boson with a mass of 125 GeV, where [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are photon and gluon, respectively. We perform a MSSM parameter scan and a detailed analysis around a fixed reference point respecting theoretical constraints from vacuum stability conditions and experimental constraints, such as those from [Formula: see text]-meson data and electroweak precision data, as well as recent limits on Supersymmetric (SUSY) particle masses from LHC experiments. We find that (i) the relative deviation of the decay width [Formula: see text] from the Standard Model value, [Formula: see text], can be large and negative, [Formula: see text], (ii) the analogous deviation of [Formula: see text] is strongly correlated, [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text], (iii) the relative deviation of the width ratio [Formula: see text] from the SM value, [Formula: see text], can be large (up to [Formula: see text]20%), (iv) the deviations can be large due to the up-type squark loop contributions, (v) the SUSY QFV parameters can have a significant effect on these deviations. Such large deviations can be observed at a future [Formula: see text] collider like ILC. Observation of the deviation patterns as shown in this study would favor the MSSM with flavor-violating squark mixings and encourage to perform further studies in this model.
Trade Policy Space and Production Diversification in Developed and Developing Countries
Authors: Gnangnon Sèna Kimm
Published: July 2019

This paper examines the effect of trade policy space on production diversification, and particularly on industrialization. We define trade policy space as the extent of constraints imposed by non-trade obligations, and possibly bilateral and regional trade agreements on the current trade policy stance. Thus, the lower the extent of these constraints, the higher is the available trade policy space to promote production diversification and particularly on industrialization. The empirical analysis uses a sample of 159 countries, over the period 1995–2015, and shows that trade policy space is conducive to production diversification and industrialization, although the effect could vary across sub-samples.
Phase Equilibria and Phase Diagrams for the Ternary Aqueous System Containing Lithium, Sodium, and Pentaborate Ions at 298.15 and 323.15 K and 101.325 kPa
Authors: Li Panpan , Zhao Kaiyu , Chen Shangqing , Hu Jiayin , Guo Yafei , Li Mingli , Duo Ji , Deng Tianlong
Published: July 2019

Phase equilibria and phase diagrams for the ternary aqueous system containing lithium, sodium, and pentaborate ions at 298.15 and 323.15 K and 101.325 kPa were investigated by the methods of isothermal dissolution equilibrium. From the experimental data, the phase diagrams and the diagrams of physicochemical properties versus composition of lithium pentaborate in the equilibrium systems were plotted, respectively. The phase diagrams of the ternary system LiB5O8 + NaB5O8 + H2O at two temperatures contain one invariant point, two univariant curves, and two crystallization regions corresponding to sodium pentaborate pentahydrate (NaB5O8·5H2O) and lithium pentaborate pentahydrate (LiB5O8·5H2O). Due to the different dissolution behaviors of pentaborate salts in the aqueous systems, the component of LiB5O8 has a relatively strong effect on the solubility of NaB5O8. It was found that this system belongs to a simple eutectic type at two temperatures, and neither double salts nor solid solutions were formed. The densities and refractive indices in the ternary system at 298.15 and 323.15 K are as similar as changing regularly with the increase of LiB5O8 concentration. On the basis of empirical equations of the density and refractive index in electrolytes, the calculated values of density and refractive index agreed well with the experimental values at two temperatures.
Outer Retinal Layers’ Thickness Changes in relation to Age and Choroidal Thickness in Normal Eyes
Authors: Kamal Abdellatif Mona , Abdelmaguid Mohamed Elzankalony Yasser , Abdelmonsef Abdelhamid Ebeid Ahmed , Mohamed Ebeid Weam
Published: July 2019

Purpose. To identify and correlate age-related changes in outer retinal layers’ thickness and choroidal thickness (CT) in the normal eyes using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and to investigate factors affecting these changes. Study Design. Observational cross-sectional study. Subjects and Methods. We studied 125 healthy Egyptians between 20 and 79 years old. Patients were divided into 3 groups: group 1 (20–40 years), group 2 (40–60 years), and group 3 (>60 years). All patients had full ophthalmic examination. SD-OCT was done to measure the 9 ETDRS macular grid sectors of retinal pigment epithelium and photoreceptor outer segment (RPE-OS), outer nuclear layer and photoreceptor inner segment (ONL-IS), and choroidal thickness (CT) (by enhanced depth imaging). Results. RPE-OS was significantly thinner in group 3 than in the other 2 groups (central: P<0.001). Moreover, the 3 groups were significantly different from each other regarding the CT (central: P<0.001); significant thinning was noticed in the choroid with age. The 3 groups did not show significant difference concerning the ONL-IS thickness. RPE-OS and CT showed statistically significant negative correlation with age (central RPE-OS: r = −0 C.345, P<0.001, and central CT: r = −0.725, P<0.001) while ONL-IS showed statistically nonsignificant correlation with age (central ONL-IS: r = −0.08, P=0.376). Multiple regression analysis revealed that the most important determinant of central 1 mm RPE-OS thickness in this study was age (β = −0.087, P=0.010) rather than choroidal thinning (β = 0.001, P=0.879). Conclusion. RPE-OS layer thickness shows significant thinning with increasing age, and with decrease in CT, however, age is the most determinant factor of this thinning.