bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Donor acute kidney injury and its effect on 1‐year post‐transplant kidney allograft fibrosis
Authors: van der Windt Dirk J. , Mehta Rajil , Jorgensen Dana R. , Bou‐Samra Patrick , Hariharan Sundaram , Randhawa Parmjeet S. , Sood Puneet , Molinari Michele , Wijkstrom Martin , Ganoza Armando , Tevar Amit D.
Published: December 2019

Transplantation of kidneys from deceased donors with acute kidney injury (AKI) can expand the donor pool. We investigated the effect of donor AKI on renal function and chronic changes on protocol biopsies at 1‐year post‐transplant. Donor AKI was defined according to Acute Kidney Injury Network (AKIN) criteria. Between 2013 and 2017, 333 kidneys were transplanted and subsequently biopsied after 1 year. Fifty‐three kidneys from AKI donors (AKIN stage I n = 42, stage II n = 8, stage III n = 3) were compared to 280 kidneys from non‐AKI donors. At 1‐year follow‐up, patient and graft survival were comparable. Donor AKI was not predictive of IFTA (Banff interstitial fibrosis plus tubular atrophy scores) at 1‐year post‐transplant biopsy (2.10 ± 1.28 in AKI, 2.09 ± 1.22 in non‐AKI, P = .95). Donor AKI was also not associated with progression of IFTA from 3 to 12 months (P = .69), or inferior glomerular filtration rate (eGFR, P = .94). In a multivariate analysis, the odds of IFTA >2 were comparable between AKI and non‐AKI groups. In conclusion, the transplantation of kidneys from donors with predominantly stage I AKI results in comparable function and degree of fibrosis on protocol biopsies 1‐year post‐transplant. Selected grafts from donors with AKI are a valuable tool for expanding the donor pool for kidney transplantation.
Responsive neurostimulation for regional neocortical epilepsy
Authors: Ma Brandy B. , Fields Madeline C. , Knowlton Robert C. , Chang Edward F. , Szaflarski Jerzy P. , Marcuse Lara V. , Rao Vikram R.
Published: December 2019

Objective

Surgical resection of seizure‐producing brain tissue is a gold standard treatment for drug‐resistant focal epilepsy. However, several patient‐specific factors can preclude resective surgery, including a spatially extensive (“regional”) seizure‐onset zone (SOZ). For such patients, responsive neurostimulation (RNS) represents a potential treatment, but its efficacy has not been investigated in this population.

Methods

We performed a multicenter retrospective cohort study of patients (N = 30) with drug‐resistant focal epilepsy and a regional neocortical SOZ delineated by intracranial monitoring who were treated with the RNS System for at least 6 months. RNS System leads were placed at least 1‐cm apart over the SOZ, and most patients were treated with a lead‐to‐lead stimulation pathway. Five patients underwent partial resection of the SOZ concurrent with RNS System implantation. We assessed change in seizure frequency relative to preimplant baseline and evaluated correlation between clinical outcome and stimulation parameters.

Results

Median follow‐up duration was 21.5 months (range 6‐52). Median reduction in clinical seizure frequency was 75.5% (interquartile range [IQR] 40%‐93.9%). There was no significant difference in outcome between patients treated with and without concurrent partial resection. Most patients were treated with low charge densities (1‐2.5 µC/cm2), but charge density, interlead distance, and duration of treatment were not significantly correlated with outcome.

Significance

RNS is a feasible and effective treatment in patients with drug‐resistant regional neocortical seizures. Prospective studies in larger cohorts are necessary to determine optimal lead configuration and stimulation parameters, although our results suggest that lead‐to‐lead stimulation and low charge density may be effective in some patients.
Impact of Modern Information and Communication Tools on International Migration
Authors: Kotyrlo Elena
Published: December 2019

Observing the dramatic increase in the flow of migrants since the 2000s, one can hypothesise that emergent access to the Internet and mobile communications has contributed to it. Indeed, information and communication technologies (ICTs) help potential migrants to overcome the strongest barrier to migration – incomplete information. In a number of studies, ICTs are found to assist migration decision‐making. An alternative view suggests that ICTs enhance the capacities to maintain working and family life across long distances. Empirical evidence for 191 countries, for the period 1995–2015, confirms the negative link between changes in ICT development and migration intensity. In the medium‐ and long‐term, the migration growth rate is lower in countries with a higher ICT growth rate. The negative link may also be attributed to immigration policy developing to face the challenges of the increased availability of information needed for undertaking migration, and to mitigate the risk of uncontrolled migration.
Mouse genetics identifies unique and overlapping functions of fibroblast growth factor receptors in keratinocytes
Authors: Meyer Michael , Ben‐Yehuda Greenwald Maya , Rauschendorfer Theresa , Sänger Catharina , Jukic Marko , Iizuka Haruka , Kubo Fumimasa , Chen Lin , Ornitz David M. , Werner Sabine
Published: December 2019

Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are key regulators of tissue development, homeostasis and repair, and abnormal FGF signalling is associated with various human diseases. In human and murine epidermis, FGF receptor 3 (FGFR3) activation causes benign skin tumours, but the consequences of FGFR3 deficiency in this tissue have not been determined. Here, we show that FGFR3 in keratinocytes is dispensable for mouse skin development, homeostasis and wound repair. However, the defect in the epidermal barrier and the resulting inflammatory skin disease that develops in mice lacking FGFR1 and FGFR2 in keratinocytes were further aggravated upon additional loss of FGFR3. This caused fibroblast activation and fibrosis in the FGFR1/FGFR2 double‐knockout mice and even more in mice lacking all three FGFRs, revealing functional redundancy of FGFR3 with FGFR1 and FGFR2 for maintaining the epidermal barrier. Taken together, our study demonstrates that FGFR1, FGFR2 and FGFR3 act together to maintain epidermal integrity and cutaneous homeostasis, with FGFR2 being the dominant receptor.
Implementing a shared decision‐making and cognitive strategy‐based intervention: Knowledge user perspectives and recommendations
Authors: Allen Kay‐Ann M. , Dittmann Katherine R. , Hutter Jennifer A. , Chuang Catherine , Donald Michelle L. , Enns Amie L. , Hovanec Nina , Hunt Anne W. , Kellowan Richard S. , Linkewich Elizabeth A. , Patel Alexandra S. , Rehmtulla Anisha , McEwen Sara E.
Published: December 2019

The aim of this study was to employ knowledge user perspectives to develop recommendations that facilitate implementation of a complex, shared decision‐making (SDM)‐based intervention in an interprofessional setting. This study was part of a larger knowledge translation (KT) study in which interprofessional teams from five freestanding, academically affiliated, rehabilitation hospitals were tasked with implementing a cognitive strategy‐based intervention approach that incorporates SDM known as Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance (CO‐OP) to treat survivors of stroke. At the end of the 4‐month CO‐OP KT implementation support period, 10 clinicians, two from each site, volunteered as CO‐OP site champions. A semi‐structured focus group was conducted with 10 site champions 3 months following the implementation support period. To meet the study objective, an exploratory qualitative research design was used. The focus group session was audio‐recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed through the lens of the integrated promoting action on research implementation in health services (iPARIHS) framework. The focus group participants (n = 8) consisted of occupational therapists, physical therapists, and speech language pathologists. Ten recommendations for CO‐OP implementation were extracted and co‐constructed from the focus group transcript. The recommendations reflected all four iPARHIS constructs: Facilitation, Context, Innovation, and Recipients. Implementation recommendations, from the knowledge user perspective, highlight that context‐specific facilitation is key to integrating a novel, complex intervention into interprofessional practice. Facilitators should lay out a framework for training, communication and implementation that is structured but still provides flexibility for iterative learning and active problem‐solving within the relevant practice context.
Proton pump inhibitor in upper gastrointestinal fecal microbiota transplant: A systematic review and analysis
Authors: Hong Annie S , Yu Wen Yuan , Hong Jenny M , Cross Chad L , Azab Mohamed , Ohning Gordon , Jayaraj Mahendran
Published: December 2019

Background and Aims

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is used in recurrent Clostridioides difficile infections. However, protocols are facility dependent, and one variable is whether pre‐procedural proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are given. In theory, PPIs reduce acidity and protect the transplanted microbiome for the most potent dose. We conducted a systematic review to study the effect of PPIs on FMT delivered by upper gastrointestinal (GI) routes.

Methods

We searched Pubmed/Medline, Cochrane Library, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science through December 16, 2018 using variations of keywords “fecal microbiota transplant” and “Clostridium difficile infection.” Two authors independently reviewed 4210 results and found 11 qualifying studies with data on upper GI FMT, use of PPIs, and the rate of treatment failure at follow‐up.

Results

Of 233 included patients, treatment failure occurred in 20.6% of those with use of PPIs versus 22.6% in the group without (relative risk 0.91; confidence interval 0.56–1.50). Limitations include the lack of studies directly comparing outcomes based on use of PPIs and inability to control for possible confounders such as chronic PPI use, amount of stool transplanted, and pre‐FMT antibiotics.

Conclusions

We did not find evidence supporting a clinically significant benefit from routine use of PPIs in FMT protocol. It is possible that the theoretical benefit from improved survival of transplanted microbiota is offset by negative effects on the microbiome. We suggest that routine use of PPIs in upper GI FMT be reconsidered. Further investigation is needed to optimize protocols for safety and efficacy.
Dietary inflammatory index and mortality: a cohort longitudinal study in a Mediterranean area
Authors: Veronese N. , Cisternino A. M. , Shivappa N. , Hebert J. R. , Notarnicola M. , Reddavide R. , Inguaggiato R. , Guerra V. , Logroscino A. , Rotolo O. , Chiloiro M. , Leandro G. , De Leonardis G. , Tutino V. , Misciagna G. , Fontana L. , Caruso M. G. ,   The MICOL group
Published: December 2019

Background

Higher Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII®) scores are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. However, little is known about the effects of DII on mortality in Mediterranean countries. Therefore, in the present study, we aimed to investigate the potential association between DII scores and overall, cancer and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality in people living in a Mediterranean area.

Methods

DII scores were calculated using a validated food‐frequency questionnaire. DII scores were then categorised into tertiles. Mortality was ascertained via death certificates. The association between DII scores with overall and cause‐specific mortality was assessed via a multivariable Cox's regression analysis and reported as hazard ratios (HRs) with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

The study included 1565 participants (mean age 65.5 years; females 44.7%). After a median follow‐up of 12 years (2005–2017), 366 (23.4%) participants died. After adjusting for 17 potential confounders, people with higher DII scores had an increased risk of death compared to those in the lowest (most anti‐inflammatory) tertile (HR = 1.38; 95% CI = 1.04–1.82 for the second tertile; HR = 1.38; 95% CI = 1.03–1.86 for the third tertile). Each 1 SD increase in DII score increased the risk of death by 13%. No association was found between DII scores and cancer or CVD death when considered separately.

Conclusions

Higher DII scores were associated with a significantly higher mortality risk, whereas the association with cause‐specific mortality was less clear. These findings highlight the potential importance of diet in modulating inflammation and preventing death.
Aldehyde dehydrogenase ALDH3F1 involvement in flowering time regulation through histone acetylation modulation on FLOWERING LOCUS C
Authors: Xu Danyun , Liu Qing , Chen Gang , Yan Zhiqiang , Hu Honghong
Published: December 2019

Flowering time regulation is one of the most important processes in the whole life of flowering plants and FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC) is a central repressor of flowering time. However, whether metabolic acetate level affects flowering time is unknown. Here we report that ALDEHYDE DEHYDROGENASE ALDH3F1 plays essential roles in floral transition via FLC‐dependent pathway. In the aldh3f1‐1 mutant, the flowering time was significant earlier than Col‐0 and the FLC expression level was reduced. ALDH3F1 had aldehyde dehydrogenase activity to affect the acetate level in plants, and the amino acids of E214 and C252 are essential for its catalytic activity. Moreover, aldh3f1 mutation reduced acetate level and the total acetylation on histone H3. The H3K9Ac level on FLC locus was decreased in aldh3f1‐1, which reduced FLC expression. Expression of ALDH3F1 could rescue the decreased H3K9Ac level on FLC, FLC expression and also the early‐flowering phenotype of aldh3f1‐1, however ALDH3F1E214A or ALDH3F1C252A could not. Our findings demonstrate that ALDH3F1 participates in flowering time regulation through modulating the supply of acetate for acetyl‐CoA, which functions as histone acetylation donor to modulate H3K9Ac on FLC locus.
Profiles of atypical sensory processing in Angelman, Cornelia de Lange and Fragile X syndromes
Authors: Heald M. , Adams D. , Oliver C.
Published: December 2019

Background

There is growing evidence to suggest that children with neurodevelopmental disorders may evidence differences in their sensory processing. The aim of this study was to compare sensory processing patterns in three genetic syndromes associated with sensory difference.

Methods

Sensory processing in Angelman syndrome (n= 91), Cornelia de Lange syndrome (n= 28) and Fragile X syndrome (n= 40) was examined using the informant report measure the Sensory Experiences Questionnaire (SEQ).

Results

All three groups were associated with a heightened prevalence of unusual sensory processing in comparison with normative data, evidenced in over 80% of all participants. Cross‐syndrome comparisons highlighted syndrome‐specific sensory processing profiles, with heightened hypo responsivity in Cornelia de Lange syndrome and sensory seeking in Angelman syndrome.

Conclusions

The results have important implications for the understanding of sensory processing in genetic syndromes and the development of tailored behavioural interventions.
Juvenile recurrent parotitis: Soft foods contribute to the delayed development of salivary glands
Authors: Wu Shufeng , Wang Baoli , Yu Chuangqi , Wang Zhijun , Xie Lisong , Fu Jiayao , Shi Huan , Zheng Lingyan
Published: December 2019

Background

Juvenile recurrent parotitis (JRP) is the second‐most common childhood disease of the salivary glands after mumps. Since popularisation of mumps vaccination, children suffered from JRP more often, and the aetiology remains unclear. Chinese children had the habit of soft foods due to the special dietary habit of Asia.

Objectives

To clarify whether mastication was related to the pathogenesis of JRP and whether the growth of salivary glands was influenced by soft diet.

Methods

Investigation of dietary habit and masticatory efficiency from 2015 to 2018 of children diagnosed with JRP compared with the normal children by the dentition. Mice had been fed a soft diet beginning in their development phase. The gland weight, amount of saliva, salivary amylase, histological and ultrastructural observation and the expression levels of EGF, FGFr2 and Wnt3a had been tested.

Results

The JRP children preferred soft foods and had a significantly lower masticatory efficiency than do normal children. When normalised by body weight, the gland weight, amount of saliva and amount of salivary amylase in the experimental group were significantly lower. The ultrastructural results showed that the acinar cells in the experimental groups were smaller and contained fewer electron‐dense secretory granules than those in the control groups. The expression levels of EGF, FGFr2 and Wnt3a in the salivary glands of mice in the experimental groups were significantly lower than those of mice in the control groups.

Conclusion

The soft diet indeed influenced the salivary gland through insufficient mastication, which could be one of the primary factors inducing JRP.
Bridging the knowledge gap on mycoses in Africa: Setting up a Pan‐African Mycology Working Group
Authors: Oladele Rita O. , Akase Iorhen E. , Fahal Ahmed H. , Govender Nelesh P. , Hoenigl Martin , Gangneux Jean Pierre , Chiller Tom M. , Denning David W. , Cornely Oliver A. , Chakrabarti Arunaloke
Published: December 2019

Most African countries have poorly funded and overburdened health systems. Additionally, a high prevalence of HIV in Sub‐Saharan Africa contributes to a high burden of opportunistic fungal infections. Data generated by GAFFI from 15 of 57 African countries revealed that an estimated 47 million Africans suffer from fungal diseases, of whom an estimated 1.7 million suffer from a serious fungal infection annually. Almost all African countries lack a surveillance system for fungal infections with the exception of South Africa. South Africa is also the only African country with a national mycology reference laboratory. Across the continent, there is a pervasive picture of inadequate/poor diagnostic capacity, low level of awareness among healthcare workers and policymakers and unavailability and non‐accessibility to essential antifungal medications. Recent outreach efforts by the International Society for Human and Animal Mycology (ISHAM) and the European Confederation of Medical Mycology (ECMM) have aimed to increase involvement of African countries and experts in global initiatives such as “One World One Guideline” and also the ECMM Academy. Recently, under the auspices of ISHAM, the African sub‐region created a network of mycology experts whose goal is to organise and engage African leaders in the field of medical mycology. The aim of this ISHAM Working Group was to facilitate interaction and synergy among regional leaders in order to develop educational programmes for capacity building to aid in the diagnosis and care of patients with fungal infections in Africa. The working group will also encourage country initiatives to develop clinical guidelines, to support surveys and to support the establishment of reference mycology laboratories.
Comparison of the effectiveness of a 12 step substance use recovery program on quality of life
Authors: Mokhtari Mohammad Reza , Alavi Mousa , Pahlavanzadeh Saeid , Weimand Bente M. , Visentin Denis , Cleary Michelle
Published: December 2019

Substance‐related disorders can adversely impact quality of life. This study assessed a 12 step program on health‐related quality of life for Iranian individuals seeking to recover from substance use. The study used a quasi‐experimental, two group, three stage, pre‐ and post‐test design and collected data at baseline, and at 1 and 3 months’ post‐intervention. The treatment group comprised 35 participants in a 12 step program with a non‐equivalent comparison group of individuals admitted to addiction treatment centers. Physical and mental health quality‐of‐life domains were assessed using the Short Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire. The treatment group improved in all aspects of health‐related quality of life. The treatment group improved compared to the comparison group for two of eight quality of life dimensions – physical functioning and role limitations due to emotional problems – at 1 month post‐intervention. There were additional improvements at 3 months’ follow up in six of eight quality‐of‐life subscales compared to the comparison group. The benefits to quality of life related to mental health recovery extended beyond the treatment program, indicating that the program principles were effectively implemented in daily life.
Sesquiterpene glucosylation mediated by glucosyltransferase UGT91Q2 is involved in the modulation of cold stress tolerance in tea plants
Authors: Zhao Mingyue , Zhang Na , Gao Ting , Jin Jieyang , Jing Tingting , Wang Jingming , Wu Yi , Wan Xiaochun , Schwab Wilfried , Song Chuankui
Published: December 2019

Plants produce and emit terpenes, including sesquiterpenes, during growth and development, which serve different functions in plants. The sesquiterpene nerolidol has health‐promoting properties and adds a floral scent to plants. However, the glycosylation mechanism of nerolidol and its biological roles in plants remained unknown.

Sesquiterpene UDP‐glucosyltransferases were selected by using metabolites‐genes correlation analysis, and its roles in response to cold stress were studied.

We discovered the first plant UGT (UGT91Q2) in tea plant, whose expression is strongly induced by cold stress and which specifically catalyzes the glucosylation of nerolidol. The accumulation of nerolidol glucoside was consistent with the expression level of UGT91Q2 in response to cold stress, as well as in different tea cultivars. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging capacity of nerolidol glucoside was significantly higher than that of free nerolidol. Down‐regulation of UGT91Q2 resulted in reduced accumulation of nerolidol glucoside, ROS scavenging capacity and tea plant cold tolerance. Tea plants absorbed airborne nerolidol and converted it to its glucoside, subsequently enhancing tea plant cold stress tolerance.

Nerolidol plays a role in response to cold stress as well as in triggering plant–plant communication in response to cold stress. Our findings reveal previously unidentified roles of volatiles in response to abiotic stress in plants.
Histidine‐containing dipeptides reduce central obesity and improve glycaemic outcomes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Menon Kirthi , Marquina Clara , Liew Danny , Mousa Aya , de Courten Barbora
Published: December 2019

Supplementation with histidine‐containing dipeptides has been shown to improve obesity and glycaemic outcomes in animal and human studies. We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials to examine these effects. Electronic databases were searched investigating the effects of histidine‐containing dipeptides supplementation on anthropometric and glycaemic outcomes. Meta‐analyses were performed using random‐effects models to calculate the weighted mean difference and 95% confidence interval. There were 30 studies for the systematic review and 23 studies pooled for meta‐analysis. Histidine‐containing dipeptide groups had a lower waist circumference (WMD [95% CI] = −3.53 cm [−5.65, −1.41], p = 0.001) and HbA1c level (WMD [95% CI] = −0.76% (8.5 mmol/mol) [−1.29% (14.3 mmol/mol), −0.24% (2.8 mmol/mol)], p = 0.004) at follow‐up compared with controls. In sensitivity analyses of studies with low risk of bias, waist circumference, HbA1c, and fasting glucose levels (WMD [95% CI] = −0.63 mmol/L [−1.09, −0.18], p = 0.006) were significantly lower in intervention groups versus controls. There was also a trend toward lower fat mass (p = 0.09), insulin resistance (p = 0.07), and higher insulin secretion (p = 0.06) in intervention versus control groups. Supplementation with histidine‐containing dipeptides may reduce central obesity and improve glycaemic outcomes. Further studies exploring histidine‐containing dipeptide use in obesity and diabetes prevention and treatment are warranted.
The metaphysical background to early Confucian ethics
Authors: Connolly Tim
Published: December 2019

What is the metaphysical background to early Confucian ethics? Is there a distinctive picture of reality that informs texts such as theAnalects,Mencius, andXunzi? Contemporary interpreters disagree on the answer to these questions, a division reflected not just in scholarly debates but in how early Confucian texts are introduced to larger audiences. This article will begin with a discussion of some general methodological issues involved in applying the term “metaphysics” to classical Chinese thought, and then examine a couple of prominent reconstructions of the metaphysical background to early Confucian texts.
Artificial stone‐associated silicosis in China: A prospective comparison with natural stone‐associated silicosis
Authors: Wu Na , Xue Changjiang , Yu Shiwen , Ye Qiao
Published: December 2019

Background and objective

We recently noted a dramatic increase in the number of patients with accelerated silicosis associated with exposure to artificial stone dust. Therefore, the natural history of artificial stone‐associated silicosis was compared with that of natural stone‐associated silicosis.

Methods

A total of 18 patients with artificial stone‐associated silicosis and 63 with natural stone‐associated silicosis were diagnosed sequentially in 2018 and followed up for a period of 6–12 months. Data were collected from clinical charts.

Results

The median duration of exposure prior to onset of symptoms of silicosis was shorter for patients who had been exposed to artificial stone dust (6.4 vs 29.3 years, P < 0.01). Four of the 18 patients experienced rapid deterioration in lung function over the follow‐up period, with declines in pre‐bronchodilator FVC of 587 (210–960) mL/year and FEV1 of 625 (360–860) mL/year. GGO, PMF, emphysema and pulmonary artery widening were more frequently observed on computed tomography scans of patients with artificial stone‐associated silicosis than of those with natural stone‐associated silicosis. Approximately 38.9% of the patients with artificial stone‐associated silicosis were lung transplant candidates and 27.8% died, both rates being significantly higher than in patients with natural stone‐associated silicosis (3.2% and 0%, both P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Compared to natural stone‐associated silicosis, artificial stone‐associated silicosis was characterized by short latency, rapid radiological progression, accelerated decline in lung function and high mortality.
Design Methodology for Robotic Manipulator for Overground Physical Interaction Tasks
Authors: Regmi Sambad , Song Yun Seong
Published: December 2019

We present a new design method that is tailored for designing a physical interactive robotic arm for overground physical interaction. Designing such robotic arms present various unique requirements that differ from existing robotic arms, which are used for general manipulation, such as being able to generate required forces at every point inside the workspace and/or having low intrinsic mechanical impedance. Our design method identifies these requirements and categorizes them into kinematic and dynamic characteristics of the robot and then ensures that these unique considerations are satisfied in the early design phase. The robot’s capability for use in such tasks is analyzed using mathematical simulations of the designed robot, and discussion of its dynamic characteristics is presented. With our proposed method, the robot arm is ensured to perform various overground interactive tasks with a human.
Leveraging Adapted Polynomial Chaos Metamodels for Real-Time Bayesian Updating
Authors: Ghauch Ziad G.
Published: December 2019

As engineered systems face an ever-increasing array of threats, the ability to perform real-time predictions and decision-making is central for coping with potential menaces. For thorough real-time predictions, uncertainty measures need to be incorporated, albeit conventional uncertainty quantification (UQ) efforts are often time-consuming and thus go against the essence of real-time decision-making. A fast, metamodel-based Bayesian updating scheme within a decision-making under uncertainty framework is proposed. The latter combines data harnessing, assimilation, and parameter updating in an online setting. For fast parameter updating in the online phase, the adaptation property of polynomial chaos (PC) metamodels is exploited. In the offline phase, a global Gaussian approximation of the response surface is obtained through a first-order PC surrogate, from which, a rotated basis of the underlying Gaussian Hilbert space is identified. In the subsequent online phase, a cheap, locally adapted solution embedded in a lower dimensional subspace is leveraged within a Bayesian updating setting to perform fast data assimilation. Incorporating uncertainty into real-time decision-making paves the way for higher confidence in online predictions, increased system resilience, and adaptivity to surroundings. The aforementioned fast parameter updating scheme based on adapted PC metamodels is evaluated on a set of problems with varying complexity.
Improved Radial Plane Fins Heat Sink for Light-Emitting Diode Lamps Cooling
Authors: Lopes António M. G. , Costa Vítor A. F.
Published: December 2019

A numerical study is conducted concerning the improvement of radial plane fins heat sinks for natural convection cooling of light-emitting diode (LED) lamps. The main objective is to maintain the temperature of the heat sink base below a prescribed threshold for a given released heat flux at the heat sink, minimizing its mass and maintaining at a reasonably simple level the manufacturing processes and operations required for its production. Starting from a previously optimized heat sink for the same purpose, constituted by complete rectangular radial plane fins, the present study aims at further improvements by considering incomplete rectangular radial plane fins. The main objective of this study is to find the best profile for the turning operation to obtain the radial plane fins lighter configuration. It is found that this can be achieved by removing part of the upper internal corners of the rectangular fins, more specifically shaping a curved cut, leading to heat sink mass reduction up to 32.4%. The geometry of the improved heat sink is of cylindrical nature, obtained from cutting an aluminum extruded bar comprising a cylindrical central core and a number of uniformly distributed rectangular radial plane fins, followed by a simple turning operation to remove their upper internal corners. Even if results concern a particular LED lamp, the main ideas and approach prevail to improve other types of heat sinks for general light and/or electronic components cooling.
Achievement Despite Adversity: A Qualitative Investigation of Undrafted National Hockey League Players
Authors: Herbison Jordan D. , Martin Luc J. , Sarkar Mustafa
Published: December 2019

Adversity is viewed as both an inevitable and an important experience for elite athletes. The purpose of this study was to explore elite athletes’ perceptions of the experiences and characteristics that helped them overcome a shared sport-specific adversity. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 12 professional athletes (Mage = 27.25, SD = 3.28 yr) who had progressed to careers in the National Hockey League (NHL) despite not being selected in the annual amateur entry draft. Participants discussed their long-term objectives of playing in the NHL, previous experiences with adversity, certain psychological characteristics that facilitated their progression (e.g., competitiveness, passion, confidence), and the significance of social support as key factors that helped them overcome the initial and subsequent adversities associated with being unselected during the amateur entry draft. Practical implications and proposed avenues for future research are discussed in the context of the study’s limitations.
Characterizing smoking-induced transcriptional heterogeneity in the human bronchial epithelium at single-cell resolution
Authors: Duclos Grant E. , Teixeira Vitor H. , Autissier Patrick , Gesthalter Yaron B. , Reinders-Luinge Marjan A. , Terrano Robert , Dumas Yves M. , Liu Gang , Mazzilli Sarah A. , Brandsma Corry-Anke , van den Berge Maarten , Janes Sam M. , Timens Wim , Lenburg Marc E. , Spira Avrum , Campbell Joshua D. , Beane Jennifer
Published: December 2019

Single-cell RNA-Seq reveals smoking-induced bronchial cell type–specific alterations and a novel peri-goblet cell.
Necrotizing enterocolitis is preceded by increased gut bacterial replication,
Klebsiella
, and fimbriae-encoding bacteria
Authors: Olm Matthew R. , Bhattacharya Nicholas , Crits-Christoph Alexander , Firek Brian A. , Baker Robyn , Song Yun S. , Morowitz Michael J. , Banfield Jillian F.
Published: December 2019

Metagenomic analysis identifies microbial signatures preceding necrotizing enterocolitis development in premature infants.
Risk of vasopressin use: a case of acute pulmonary oedema, post intramyometrial infiltration of vasopressin in laparoscopic myomectomy
Authors: Barcroft Jennifer Frances , Al-Kufaishi Asmaa , Lowe Justine , Quinn Stephen
Published: December 2019

A 34-year-old patient underwent a laparoscopic myomectomy, complicated by a profound episode of bradycardia and hypotension following intramyometrial infiltration of vasopressin (20 IU), promptly corrected with intravenous ephedrine (6 mg) and glycopyrrolate (200 µg). At extubation, pink frothy fluid was noted in the endotracheal tube; she was visibly distressed, desaturated to 89% in air and was coughing up pink stained fluid. Acute pulmonary oedema secondary to vasopressin was suspected. A tight-fitting oxygen mask (100%) with positive end expiratory pressure was applied and intravenous furosemide (20 mg) and diamorphine (4 mg, 1 mg increments) were administered to facilitate diuresis and oxygenation. Chest X-ray confirmed acute pulmonary oedema. Arterial blood gas demonstrated type 2 respiratory failure. Over 12 hours, the oxygen was weaned to 1 L/min. She demonstrated excellent diuresis. Troponin and brain-natriuretic peptide were elevated, but echocardiogram was normal. The cardiology diagnosis was vasopressin-induced coronary vasospasm, precipitating acute pulmonary oedema. She was discharged home on day 5.
Sleep duration and eating behaviours in youth: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Doan Natalie , Ferro Mark A
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Developmental alterations to the circadian rhythm, in combination with lifestyle changes (eg, changes in school start time, part-time employment), contribute to insufficient sleep among youth. Insufficient sleep is associated with poor eating behaviours in other developmental stages (ie, childhood, adulthood); however, it is currently unknown if this finding generalises to youth. Consequently, identifying the characteristics and results of the studies examining this relationship in youth populations is necessary to guide the future direction of research in this field.

Methods and analysis

We will conduct a scoping review to investigate the literature examining the relationship between sleep duration and eating behaviours in youth. The proposed scoping review will follow the standard six-stage protocol outlined by Arksey and O’Malley. To acquire relevant publications, systematic searches were conducted in PubMed, CINHAL, PsycINFO and Scopus in August 2019. Following this, a scan of the grey literature will be conducted. All relevant publications will be screened for their eligibility based on the predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. A data extraction tool will be used to collate, summarise and report the results. The findings of the scoping review will be reviewed by relevant stakeholders to aid in interpreting and disseminating the findings. The proposed review will identify existing gaps in the literature and inform the conduct of future studies aimed at understanding the effects of insufficient/excessive sleep and the eating behaviours of youth.

Ethics and dissemination

This scoping review does not require ethics approval. Following the completion of the study, the findings will be disseminated at scientific meetings, submitted for peer-reviewed publication and translated to an accessible format for other relevant stakeholders.
Exposure to outdoor air pollution and its human-related health outcomes: an evidence gap map
Authors: Sun Zhuanlan , Zhu Demi
Published: December 2019

Objectives

Outdoor air pollution is a serious environmental problem worldwide. Current systematic reviews (SRs) and meta-analyses (MAs) mostly focused on some specific health outcomes or some specific air pollution.

Design

This evidence gap map (EGM) is to identify existing gaps from SRs and MAs and report them in broad topic areas.

Data sources

PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus and Web of Science were searched from their inception until June 2018. Citations and reference lists were traced.

Eligibility criteria

SRs and MAs that investigated the impact of outdoor air pollution on human health outcomes were collected. This study excluded original articles and qualitative review articles.

Data extraction and synthesis

Characteristics of the included SRs and MAs were extracted and summarised. Extracted data included authors, publication year, location of the corresponding author(s), publication journal discipline, study design, study duration, sample size, study region, target population, types of air pollution and health outcomes.

Results

Asia and North America published 93% of SRs and MAs included in this EGM. 31% of the SRs and MAs (27/86) included primary studies conducted in 5–10 countries. Their publication trends have increased during the last 10 years. A total of 2864 primary studies was included. The median number of included primary studies was 20 (range, 7–167). Cohort studies, case cross-over studies and time-series studies were the top three most used study designs. The mostly researched population was the group of all ages (46/86, 53%). Cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases and health service records were mostly reported. A lack of definite diagnostic criteria, unclear reporting of air pollution exposure and time period of primary studies were the main research gaps.

Conclusions

This EGM provided a visual overview of health outcomes affected by outdoor air pollution exposure. Future research should focus on chronic diseases, cancer and mental disorders.
Test-retest reliability of the twenty-five-hole peg test in patients who had a stroke
Authors: Granström Fredrik , Hedlund Mattias , Lindström Britta , Eriksson Staffan
Published: December 2019

Objectives

Weaknesses of the nine-hole peg test include high floor effects and a result that might be difficult to interpret. In the twenty-five-hole peg test (TFHPT), the larger number of available pegs allows for the straightforward counting of the number of pegs inserted as the result. The TFHPT provides a comprehensible result and low floor effects. The objective was to assess the test-retest reliability of the TFHPT when testing persons with stroke. A particular focus was placed on the absolute reliability, as quantified by the smallest real difference (SRD). Complementary aims were to investigate possible implications for how the TFHPT should be used and for how the SRD of the TFHPT performance should be expressed.

Design

This study employed a test-retest design including three trials. The pause between trials was approximately 10–120 s.

Participants, setting and outcome measure

Thirty-one participants who had suffered a stroke were recruited from a group designated for constraint-induced movement therapy at outpatient clinics. The TFHPT result was expressed as the number of pegs inserted.

Methods

Absolute reliability was quantified by the SRD, including random and systematic error for a single trial, SRD2.1, and for an average of three trials, SRD2.3. For the SRD measures, the corresponding SRD percentage (SRD%) measure was also reported.

Results

The differences in the number of pegs necessary to detect a change in the TFHPT for SRD2.1 and SRD2.3 were 4.0 and 2.3, respectively. The corresponding SRD% values for SRD2.1 and SRD2.3 were 36.5% and 21.3%, respectively.

Conclusions

The smallest change that can be detected in the TFHPT should be just above two pegs for a test procedure including an average of three trials. The use of an average of three trials compared with a single trial substantially reduces the measurement error.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN registry, reference number ISRCTN24868616.
The relationship between off-hours admissions for primary percutaneous coronary intervention, door-to-balloon time and mortality for patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction in England: a registry-based prospective national cohort study
Authors: Jayawardana Sahan , Salas-Vega Sebastian , Cornehl Felix , Krumholz Harlan M , Mossialos Elias
Published: December 2019

Background

The degree to which elevated mortality associated with weekend or night-time hospital admissions reflects poorer quality of care (‘off-hours effect’) is a contentious issue. We examined if off-hours admissions for primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) were associated with higher adjusted mortality and estimated the extent to which potential differences in door-to-balloon (DTB) times—a key indicator of care quality for ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients—could explain this association.

Methods

Nationwide registry-based prospective observational study using Myocardial Ischemia National Audit Project data in England. We examined how off-hours admissions and DTB times were associated with our primary outcome measure, 30-day mortality, using hierarchical logistic regression models that adjusted for STEMI patient risk factors. In-hospital mortality was assessed as a secondary outcome.

Results

From 76 648 records of patients undergoing PPCI between January 2007 and December 2012, we included 42 677 admissions in our analysis. Fifty-six per cent of admissions for PPCI occurred during off-hours. PPCI admissions during off-hours were associated with a higher likelihood of adjusted 30-day mortality (OR 1.13; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.25). The median DTB time was longer for off-hours admissions (45 min; IQR 30–68) than regular hours (38 min; IQR 27–58; p<0.001). After adjusting for DTB time, the difference in adjusted 30-day mortality between regular and off-hours admissions for PPCI was attenuated and no longer statistically significant (OR 1.08; CI 0.97 to 1.20).

Conclusion

Higher adjusted mortality associated with off-hours admissions for PPCI could be partly explained by differences in DTB times. Further investigations to understand the off-hours effect should focus on conditions likely to be sensitive to the rapid availability of services, where timeliness of care is a significant determinant of outcomes.
A symmetrical WENO-Z scheme for solving Hamilton–Jacobi equations
Authors: Abedian Rooholah
Published: December 2019

In this paper, a new WENO procedure is proposed to approximate the viscosity solution of the Hamilton–Jacobi (HJ) equations. In the one-dimensional (1D) case, an optimum polynomial on a six-point stencil is obtained. This optimum polynomial is fifth-order accurate in regions of smoothness. Then, this optimum polynomial is considered as a symmetric and convex combination of four polynomials with ideal weights. Following the methodology of the classic WENO-Z procedure [Borges et al., J. Comput. Phys. 227, 3191 (2008)], the new nonoscillatory weights are calculated with the ideal weights. Several numerical experiments in 1D, 2D and 3D are performed to illustrate the capability of the scheme.
Do Risk Disclosures Relating to the Use of Financial Instruments Matter? Evidence from the Australian Metals and Mining Sector
Authors: Thai Kevin Huu Phat , Birt Jacqueline
Published: December 2019

This paper investigates the value relevance of risk disclosures relating to the use of financial instruments in the Australian metals and mining sector. The metals and mining sector is the largest sector in Australia by the number of companies and includes several of the world’s largest diversified resource producers. Using a manually constructed disclosure index based on AASB 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures, we find that financial instrument-related risk disclosures provide useful information to equity investors. In terms of individual risk category, liquidity risk is shown to be the most informative risk disclosure. We contribute to a stream of the literature examining the informativeness of risk disclosures. The results of this study have implications for several stakeholders regarding the quality assessment of risk reporting. In addition, the findings are of interest to standard setters since further regulatory changes are under consideration to improve the presentation and disclosure of financial instruments.
Adherence to WHO 2010 Recommendations in Relation to Semen Analysis Reports in the Laboratories of West Bengal
Authors: Dasgupta Sujoy
Published: December 2019

Background: In 2010, The World Health Organization (WHO) suggested the standards of reporting of semen analysis and the reference values. We tried to determine the adherence to the WHO 2010 standard regarding semen analysis among the laboratories of West Bengal.

Methods: An observational study was carried out by collecting the semen analysis reports from different laboratories. Compliance with the WHO 2010 recommendations regarding the reporting of semen analysis and references mentioned was subsequently analyzed.

Results: A total of 211 laboratory reports were collected; of which 15 were ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology)-laboratories (7%) and 196 were non-ART-laboratories (93%). More than half of the laboratories did not mention any reference values. Only 7.5% used the phrase “WHO 2010” as the reference. Only 3% of the laboratories reported all the six “important” parameters (volume, pH, sperm concentration, motility, morphology and vitality) and used the WHO 2010 references for all of them. The ART laboratories performed significantly better than their non-ART counterparts in reporting and quoting the WHO 2010 reference values.

Conclusion: Even nine years after its introduction, the compliance with the WHO 2010 recommendations on semen analysis was still low among our laboratories. There is need for increased awareness for the laboratory persons in this regard.
Investigating Users' Preferences and Expectations for Always-Listening Voice Assistants
Authors: Tabassum Madiha , Kosiński Tomasz , Frik Alisa , Malkin Nathan , Wijesekera Primal , Egelman Serge , Lipford Heather Richter
Published: December 2019

Many consumers now rely on different forms of voice assistants, both stand-alone devices and those built into smartphones. Currently, these systems react to specific wake-words, such as "Alexa," "Siri," or "Ok Google." However, with advancements in natural language processing, the next generation of voice assistants could instead always listen to the acoustic environment and proactively provide services and recommendations based on conversations without being explicitly invoked. We refer to such devices as "always listening voice assistants" and explore expectations around their potential use. In this paper, we report on a 178-participant survey investigating the potential services people anticipate from such a device and how they feel about sharing their data for these purposes. Our findings reveal that participants can anticipate a wide range of services pertaining to a conversation; however, most of the services are very similar to those that existing voice assistants currently provide with explicit commands. Participants are more likely to consent to share a conversation when they do not find it sensitive, they are comfortable with the service and find it beneficial, and when they already own a stand-alone voice assistant. Based on our findings we discuss the privacy challenges in designing an always-listening voice assistant.