bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Field Independence Associates with Mathematics and Science Performance in 5‐ to 10‐Year‐Olds after Accounting for Domain‐General Factors
Authors: Morris Su , Farran Emily K. , Dumontheil Iroise
Published: August 2019

Field independence describes the extent to which individuals are influenced by context when trying to identify embedded targets. It associates with cognitive functioning and is a predictor of academic achievement. However, little is known about the neural and cognitive underpinnings of field independence that lead to these associations. Here, we investigated behavioral associations between two measures of field independence (Children's Embedded Figures Test [CEFT] and Design Organization Test [DOT]) and performance on tests of mathematics (reasoning and written arithmetic) and science (reasoning and scientific inquiry) in 135 children aged 5–10 years. There were strong associations between field independence and mathematics and science, which were largely explained by individual differences in age, intelligence, and verbal working memory. However, regression analyses indicated that after controlling for these variables, the CEFT explained additional variance on the mathematical reasoning and science tests, whereas the DOT predicted unique variance on the written arithmetic test.
Why don't we trust moral testimony?
Authors: Andow James
Published: August 2019

Is there a problem with believing based on moral testimony? The intuition that there is a problem is a starting point for much research on moral testimony. To arbitrate between various attempts to account for intuitions about moral testimony, we need to know the exact nature of those intuitions. The current study investigates this empirically. The study confirms an asymmetry in the way we think about testimony about moral and descriptive matters and explores the extent to which this asymmetry is explained by different metaphysical beliefs about the relevant domains, or beliefs about the relative background levels of deception or disagreement.
Obsessive–compulsive akrasia
Authors: Kampa Samuel
Published: August 2019

Epistemic akrasia is the phenomenon of voluntarily believing what you think you should not. Whether epistemic akrasia is possible is a matter of controversy. I argue that at least some people who suffer from obsessive–compulsive disorder are genuinely epistemically akratic. I advance an account of epistemic akrasia that explains the clinical data and provides broader insight into the nature of doxastic attitude‐formation.
Experiences of parents providing kangaroo care to a premature infant: A qualitative systematic review
Authors: Mu Pei‐Fan , Lee Mei‐Yin , Chen Yong‐Chuan , Yang Hui‐Chuan , Yang Shu‐Hua
Published: August 2019

Parents who give birth to an unexpected preterm infant not only suffer a psychological impact, but, in addition, their roles as parent are full of uncertainty. As part of family‐centered care, kangaroo care is an important way to support premature infants and their family. This review synthesizes qualitative studies on the experiences of parents who have used kangaroo care for preterm infants in neonatal intensive care units. English and Chinese databases were searched for relevant studies from 1970 to July 2018. The findings of qualitative studies were extracted and pooled using the Joanna Briggs Institute Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument. A total of 731 studies were screened, and 9 were included. Five synthesized findings were identified: sense of emptiness of the parent's role, barriers in the translation of parental roles in kangaroo care, preparation enhances parental role expectations, kangaroo care enhances parental competency, and encouragement and support from family and friends. Through the implementation of kangaroo care, nurses are able to help prepare and guide parents, fit parents’ needs, and help improve their ability and self‐confidence in their parental roles.
Cigarette smoke, saliva, the translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO), and oral cancer
Authors: Nagler Rafael , Weizman Abraham , Gavish Avishai
Published: August 2019

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) incidence is induced primarily by cigarette smoke (CS). The 5‐year survival rate for advanced OSCC stands at only 20%. Studies exploring underlying mechanisms of OSCC development have suggested free radicals such as reactive oxygen species generated by CS as contributing to OSCC, with effects enhanced by transition metal ions iron and copper contained in the saliva. Located on the outer mitochondrial membrane of various cell types, the 18‐kDa translocator protein (TSPO) is up‐regulated under pathological conditions such as cancer and inflammation. We focused on studying the interaction between TSPO, CS, salivary effects, and OSCC. Increased TSPO expression in OSCC tumors correlates significantly with reduced patient survival rate, indicating the possible role of TSPO in OSCC pathogenesis. We speculate that TSPO in OSCC is dysfunctional or mutated, rendering it ineffective in promoting apoptosis and blocking malignant transformation. Basal, precancer lower function of TSPO may diminish the TSPO capacity for pro‐apoptotic and anti‐cancer activity, resulting in development of OSCC. In order to overcome this, TSPO over‐expression is induced, unfortunately with no benefit, as it is a malfunctioning TSPO, similar to cases where over‐expression of a mutated form of the p53 gene in tumors is associated with carcinogenesis.
Anti‐Osteoporosis Medications Associated with Decreased Mortality after Hip Fracture
Authors: Wang Pei‐wen , Li Yi‐zhong , Zhuang Hua‐feng , Yu Hai‐ming , Cai Si‐qing , Xu Hao , Chen Zhen‐hui , Lin Jin‐kuang , Yao Xue‐dong
Published: August 2019

Objective

To study the effect of anti‐osteoporosis therapies on mortality after hip fracture.

Methods

This retrospective study was carried out in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University and enrolled 690 patients 50 years of age and older who were admitted with hip fractures between 2010 and 2015. The patients were followed in 2017: 690 patients aged was from 50 to 103 years. There were 456 women and 234 men. There were 335 patients with fractures of the femoral neck and 355 patients with intertrochanteric fractures of the femur. There were 444 (64.35%) patients who also had internal diseases. The Charlson comorbidity index was 0–6. The anti‐osteoporosis medications were classified into no anti‐osteoporosis medication, calcium + vitamin D supplementations, non‐bisphosphonate medication, and bisphosphonate medication. The physicians followed the patients or family members by personal visit and telephone. Multivariable Cox regression analyses were done with known risk factors for mortality of hip fracture, such as gender, age, number of combined internal diseases, fracture type, place of residence, and Charlson comorbidity index, to show which anti‐osteoporosis medications had significant effects on mortality after adjustment for these variables.

Results

Out of 690 patients with hip fractures, 149 patients received no anti‐osteoporosis medication, 63 patients received calcium +vitamin D supplementations, 398 patients received non‐bisphosphonate medication, and 80 patients received bisphosphonate medication. The patients were followed between 7 months and 52 months, with the average of 28.53 ± 9.75 months. A total of 166 patients died during the follow‐up period. Of 166 deaths, 43 occurred within 3 months, 65 within 6 months, and 99 within 1 year after the hip fracture. In this study, fracture type, place of residence, and Charlson comorbidity index were not associated with the mortality, and the male gender, age > 75 years, and ≥ 2 combined internal diseases were the independent factors for deaths post‐hip fracture. The cumulative mortality was 36.24% in the patients receiving no anti‐osteoporosis medication. The hazard ratio for mortality after hip fracture with bisphosphonate medication, non‐bisphosphonate medication, and calcium/vitamin D supplementation was 0.355 (95% CI, 0.194–0.648), 0.492 (95% CI, 0.347–0.699) and 0.616 (95% CI, 0.341–1.114), respectively, as compared with no anti‐osteoporosis group. Bisphosphonate and non‐bisphosphonate medications for osteoporosis were significantly associated with the reduction of cumulative mortality post‐hip fracture (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Bisphosphonate and non‐bisphosphonate medications for osteoporosis were significantly associated with decreased mortality after fragility hip fracture.
Pacemaker pocket infection: Innovative conservative treatment in elderly patients with no signs of systemic infection
Authors: Bisignani Antonio , De Bonis Silvana , Mancuso Luigi , Ceravolo Gianluca , Bisignani Giovanni
Published: August 2019

Background

The gold standard to treat cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) infections is the complete system removal. The aim of this retrospective analysis is to assess the feasibility and safety of an alternative conservative surgical system revision approach, to be applied in elderly patients who refused the extraction procedure, in case of no signs of systemic infection.

Methods

Between May 2009 and January 2019, we performed system revision of 25 patients (15 men and 10 women, median age 81 [IQ: 75‐85] years) with negative blood culture, no signs of vegetation, who experienced CIED infections.

Results

In all patients the following surgical procedure was applied: the pocket was opened, the wound's necrotic tissue was dissected en bloc; fibrotic tissue was excised. The pocket was washed with hydrogen peroxide and saline solution. The pocket was then closed without implanting the device and left with a continuous infusion of antibiotics and normal saline for 4 days. Subsequently the new generator was implanted, possibly in a different pocket than the previous one. All patients underwent a median follow up of 24 [IQ: 14‐34] months. In 24 patients out of the 25 observed the procedure was safe and effective, except for one patient who needed the extraction.

Conclusions

The two‐stage surgical revision technique is feasible and safe. It may be considered for elderly patients who refused extraction and presented no signs of systemic infection or in some categories of patients. In case of failure of the procedure, subsequent treatment with complete extraction of the system would not be precluded.
Strong leaf surface basification and CO2limitation of seagrass induced by epiphytic biofilm microenvironments
Authors: Brodersen Kasper Elgetti , Koren Klaus , Revsbech Niels Peter , Kühl Michael
Published: August 2019

Coastal eutrophication is a growing problem worldwide, leading to increased epiphyte overgrowth of seagrass leaves. Yet little is known about how epiphytes affect key biogeochemical conditions and processes in the seagrass phyllosphere. We used electrochemical microsensors to measure microgradients of O2, pH, and CO2at the bare and epiphyte‐covered leaf surface of seagrass (Zostera marinaL.) to determine effects of epiphytes on the leaf chemical microenvironment. Epiphytes result in extreme daily fluctuations in pH, O2, and inorganic carbon concentrations at the seagrass leaf surface severely hampering the plant's performance. In light, leaf epiphyte biofilms and their diffusive boundary layer lead to strong basification, markedly reducing the CO2and HCO3‐availability at the leaf surface, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency as a result of carbon limitation and enhanced photorespiration. With epiphytes, leaf surface pH increased to >10, thereby exceeding final pH levels (~9.62) and CO2compensation points for active photosynthesis. In darkness, epiphyte biofilms resulted in increased CO2and hypoxia at the leaf surface. Epiphytes can lead to severe carbon limitation in seagrasses owing to strong phyllosphere basification leading to CO2depletion and costly, yet limiting, HCO3‐utilization, increasing the risk of plant starvation.
Perseverative cognition, distracted communication, and well‐being in everyday social interaction
Authors: Merolla Andy J. , Hall Jeffrey A. , Bernhold Quinten
Published: August 2019

This study examined how rumination and worry experienced within varying contexts of everyday life are associated with current‐moment and cross‐moment indicators of subjective well‐being. We also investigated if, in the context of social interaction, distracted communication uniquely predicts subjective well‐being and mediates the link between perseverative cognition and well‐being. Using experience sampling, we found that the effects of rumination and worry on subjective well‐being were social‐context dependent. Rumination experienced alone, relative to during interaction, was a stronger positive predictor of current and later‐in‐the‐day loneliness. In contrast, worry experienced alone, but not during interaction, negatively predicted later loneliness. Distracted communication accounted for unique variance in current affective well‐being and current and later loneliness, but its role as a mediator was uncertain.
In‐stream habitat and macroinvertebrate responses to riparian corridor length in rangeland streams
Authors: Stanford Bronwen , Holl Karen D. , Herbst David B. , Zavaleta Erika
Published: August 2019

Conservation and restoration of riparian vegetation in agricultural landscapes has had mixed success at protecting in‐stream habitat, potentially due to the mismatch between watershed‐scale impacts and reach‐scale restoration. Prioritizing contiguous placement of small‐scale restoration interventions may effectively create larger‐scale restoration projects and improve ecological outcomes. We performed a multi‐site field study to evaluate whether greater linear length of narrow riparian tree corridors resulted in measurable benefits to in‐stream condition. We collected data at 41 sites with varying upstream tree cover nested within 13 groups in rangeland streams in coastal northern California, United States. We evaluated the effect of riparian tree corridor length on benthic macroinvertebrate communities, as well as food resources, water temperature, and substrate size. Sites with longer riparian corridors had higher percentages of invertebrates sensitive to disturbance (including clingers and EPT taxa) as well as lower water temperatures and less fine sediment, two of the most important aquatic stressors. Despite marked improvement, we found no evidence that macroinvertebrate communities fully recovered, suggesting that land use continued to constrain conditions. The restoration of long riparian corridors may be an economically viable and rapidly implementable technique to improve habitat, control sediment, and counter increasing water temperatures expected with climate change within the context of ongoing land use.
Resilience in Social Innovation: Lessons from Women Market Traders
Authors: Upadhyaya Shikha , Rosa Jose Antonio
Published: August 2019

Objective

The article adopts a bottom‐up approach to examine the factors that influence the design, development, and diffusion of social innovation. These factors pertain to sociocultural complexities that complicate the commercial environment.

Methods

This article presents findings from an ethnographic study of women market traders in Fijian informal marketplaces. These informal marketplaces are communal exchange arenas where many economically disadvantaged individuals come to make their living.

Results

Findings highlight the resiliency of these traders in overcoming ambiguities and pressures that exist in these marketplaces.

Conclusion

An understanding of women market traders’ experimentation and strategies to manage daily tensions and policy‐related contradictions can potentially open up ideas for innovative business practices.
Co‐selection for antibiotic resistance genes is induced in a soil amended with zinc
Authors: Tongyi Yang , Yanpeng Liu , Xingang Wang , Fen Yang , Jun Lu , Yubin Tang
Published: August 2019

The likelihood of co‐selection for antibiotic resistance induced by heavy metals is a potential threat to human health, however, direct evidence of heavy metal‐induced co‐selection of antibiotic resistance is lacking in soil. By using a metagenomic sequencing approach, zinc (Zn) driven co‐selection of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in soil was investigated through a microcosm experiment where Zn salts were added at different levels. The results showed that the abundance and diversity ofARGs had a tendency to increase along the gradient of increasing Zn contents, with the maximum values recorded in the soil amended with 800 mg Zn kg−1. The abundance of mobile genetic elements (MGEs) such as integrons and insertion sequences was significantly increased by Zn exposure. Network analysis demonstrated significant associations betweenARGs andMGEs, suggesting that Zn treatment might enhance the potential for horizontal transfer ofARGs. Furthermore, structural equation models revealed that the types ofARGs were primarily driven by variations in bacterial compositions and Zn exposure, followed by integrons. Thus, these results indicate that added Zn salts considerably changed the diversity, abundance and mobility potential of antibiotic resistance, and imply that application of amendments containing high levels of Zn to soil could be causing the emergence and release ofARGs to the environment, and should be carefully monitored.
In Defence of Armchair Expertise
Authors: Bach Theodore
Published: August 2019

In domains like stock brokerage, clinical psychiatry, and long‐term political forecasting, experts generally fail to outperform novices. Empirical researchers agree on why this is: experts must receive direct or environmental learning feedback during training to develop reliable expertise, and these domains are deficient in this type of feedback. A growing number of philosophers resource this consensus view to argue that, given the absence of direct or environmental philosophical feedback, we should not give the philosophical intuitions or theories of expert philosophers greater credence than those of novice philosophers. This article has three objectives. The first is to explore several overlooked issues concerning the strategy of generalizing from empirical studies of non‐philosophical expertise to the epistemic status of philosophical expertise. The second is to explain why empirical research into a causal relationship between direct learning feedback and enhanced expert performance does not provide good grounds for abandoning a default optimism about the epistemic superiority of expert philosophical theories. The third is to sketch a positive characterization of learning feedback that addresses developmental concerns made salient by the empirical literature on expert performance for specifically theory‐driven or “armchair” domains like philosophy.
The prevalence of an elevated F cell population in a maternal and gynaecology cohort
Authors: Cormack O. M. , Guilfoyle F. , Flynn C. M.
Published: August 2019

Objectives

This study aimed to determine F cell prevalence in a cohort of maternal and gynaecology specimens using QuikQuant anti‐HbF flow cytometry (FC) kit and to investigate if the presence of maternal F cells can lead to fetomaternal haemorrhage (FMH) overestimation.

Background

The gold standard to estimate FMH is the Kleihauer–Betke test (KBT). The KBT has proved to be insufficiently sensitive to detect low numbers of circulating fetal cells due to the presence of maternal F cells. At present, the prevalence of false positive KBT results due to raised maternal F cell population, defined as >5%, is poorly characterised.

Methods

A total of 120 specimens were tested for the presence of F cells and fetal cells by KBT and anti‐HbF FC. The results calculated were compared to determine FMH overestimation.

Results

Of our cohort, 32% showed an elevated F cell population, of which 69% (27 of 39) were clinically significant according to KBT (>2 mL FMH). The mean FMH volumes by KBT and anti‐HbF FC were 3·90 mL (0·20–35·40 mL) and 4·09 mL (0·20–9·70 mL), respectively.

Conclusion

The study highlighted that an elevated F cell level could be found in the cohort tested, with an F cell level of >10% causing significant FMH overestimation by KBT.
PRAYING TOGETHER: CORPORATE PRAYER AND SHARED SITUATIONS
Authors: Cockayne Joshua , Salter Gideon
Published: August 2019

In this article, we give much needed attention to the nature and value of corporate prayer by drawing together insights from theology, philosophy, and psychology. First, we explain what it is that distinguishes corporate from private prayer by drawing on the psychological literature on joint attention and the philosophical notion of shared situations. We suggest that what is central to corporate prayer is a “sense of sharedness,” which can be established through a variety of means—through bodily interactions or through certain environments. Second, we argue that corporate prayer, when understood as a kind of shared situation, enables common knowledge, as well as a kind of alignment between participants. Through this process, participants’ attention is focused on the same target and affiliation between participants increases. Thus, we suggest, one benefit of understanding corporate prayer as a shared situation is that it establishes and deepens a sense of community in such a way that common purposes and goals can be enacted more effectively.
The evaluation on artificial neural networks (ANN) and multiple linear regressions (MLR) models over particulate matter (PM10) variability during haze and non-haze episodes: A decade case study
Authors: Ku Yusof Ku Mohd Kalkausar , Azid Azman , Abdullah Sani Muhamad Shirwan , Samsudin Mohd Saiful , Muhammad Amin Siti Noor Syuhada , Abd Rani Nurul Latiffah , Jamalani Mohd Asrul
Published: August 2019

The comprehensives of particulate matter studies are needed in predicting future haze occurrences in Malaysia. This paper presents the application of Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) and Multiple Linear Regressions (MLR) coupled with sensitivity analysis (SA) in order to recognize the pollutant relationship status over particulate matter (PM10) in eastern region. Eight monitoring studies were used, involving 14 input parameters as independent variables including meteorological factors. In order to investigate the efficiency of ANN and MLR performance, two different weather circumstances were selected; haze and non-haze. The performance evaluation was characterized into two steps. Firstly, two models were developed based on ANN and MLR which denoted as full model, with all parameters (14 variables) were used as the input. SA was used as additional feature to rank the most contributed parameter to PM10 variations in both situations. Next, the model development was evaluated based on selected model, where only significant variables were selected as input. Three mathematical indices were introduced (R2, RMSE and SSE) to compare on both techniques. From the findings, ANN performed better in full and selected model, with both models were completely showed a significant result during hazy and non-hazy. On top of that, UVb and carbon monoxide were both variables that mutually predicted by ANN and MLR during hazy and non-hazy days, respectively. The precise predictions were required in helping any related agency to emphasize on pollutant that essentially contributed to PM10 variations, especially during haze period.
Catalytic transesterification of glycerol: Optimization for production of glycerol carbonate
Authors: Kim Lo Po , Yan Phin Hor
Published: August 2019

The purpose of this research was to study the effect of reaction temperature, reaction time and dimethyl carbonate:glycerol (DMC:Gly) molar ratio on the conversion of glycerol and yield of glycerol carbonate. The reaction was further optimized with central composite design (CCD), 15 runs of transesterification reaction were conducted. Meanwhile, the calcined calcium oxide catalyst was fixed at catalyst/glycerol molar ratio at 0.06 while the stirring rate was maintained at 1000 rpm for every runs. ANOVA results indicated that reaction temperature and reactants ratio (DMC:Gly) influenced the yield significantly. Synergy effect of reaction temperature with reaction time and reaction temperature with DMC:Gly molar ratio seem to have greater significance on the conversion instead of a single parameter. Under optimization studies, the maximum possible conversion and yield were 100% and 96.36% respectively which could be accomplished at 60.16 °C reaction temperature with 1.19 hour reaction time and 3.04 DMC:Gly molar ratio. Compared to the highest conversion (96.22%) and yield (95.83%) achieved before the optimization with reaction carried out at 60 °C, after 1.5 hours and at 3:1 DMC:Gly molar ratio, the optimization had resulted in the higher conversion with moderate reaction temperature and shorter reaction time.
EEG analysis on human reflection towards relaxation of mind
Authors: Jalaudin Nurasma , Mohammed Amin Muhammad Kamal
Published: August 2019

This paper presents an interdisciplinary studies of electronic systems: engineering, psychology and neuro-cognition. It evaluates the neurophysiological activities of human emotion using electroencephalography (EEG). This study is aimed to classify a comparison of Electroencephalogram (EEG) signal to observe human reflection towards relaxation state of mind during divine Quran recitation and listening to music. The objectives of this study is to measure the changes in alpha band and prove that the brain is less active when the subject is listening to Quran compared to music. Six healthy subjects were recruited to measure their behaviors of the mind for a total duration of three minutes. We have highlighted the observation in Topographic Map of the brain through ERP Analysis to observe whether the brain experience any changes. The results showed that the brain activity is less active and the Alpha Power is higher when the subject is listening to Quran Recitation. We conclude that listening to Quran Recitation is a useful tool for a healthy and happy mind which can help people recognize the need of Islamic practice in human life.
Combining the geometry of folded paper with liquid-infused polymer surfaces to concentrate and localize bacterial solutions
Authors: Regan Daniel P. , Lilly Chloe , Weigang Abigail , White Liza R. , LeClair Emily J. , Collins Alexander , Howell Caitlin
Published: August 2019

Point-of-care (POC) detection and diagnostic platforms provide critical information about health and safety conditions in austere and resource-limited settings in which medical, military, and disaster relief operations are conducted. In this work, low-cost paper materials commonly used in POC devices are coated with liquid-infused polymer surfaces and folded to produce geometries that precisely localize complex liquid samples undergoing concentration by evaporation. Liquid-infused polymer surfaces were fabricated by infusing silicone-coated paper with a chemically compatible polydimethylsiloxane oil to create a liquid overlayer. Tests on these surfaces showed no remaining bacterial cells after exposure to a sliding droplet containing a concentrated solution of Escherichia coli or Staphylococcus aureus, while samples without a liquid layer showed adhesion of both microdroplets and individual bacterial cells. Folding of the paper substrates with liquid-infused polymer surfaces into several functional 3D geometries enabled a clean separation and simultaneous concentration of a liquid containing rhodamine dye into discrete, predefined locations. When used with bacteria, which are known for their ability to adhere to nearly any surface type, functional geometries with liquid-infused polymer surfaces concentrated the cells at levels significantly higher than geometries with dry control surfaces. These results show the potential of synergistically combining paper-based materials with liquid-infused polymer surfaces for the manipulation and handling of complex samples, which may help the future engineering of POC devices.
Targeting tumor phenotypic plasticity and metabolic remodeling in adaptive cross-drug tolerance
Authors: Goldman Aaron , Khiste Sachin , Freinkman Elizaveta , Dhawan Andrew , Majumder Biswanath , Mondal Jayanta , Pinkerton Anthony B. , Eton Elliot , Medhi Ragini , Chandrasekar Vineethkrishna , Rahman M. Mamunur , Ichimura Takaharu , Gopinath Kodaganur S. , Majumder Pradip , Kohandel Mohammad , Sengupta Shiladitya
Published: August 2019

Resistance to unrelated chemotherapeutics in breast cancer cells is caused by a metabolic switch.
Reverse signaling by semaphorin 4C elicits SMAD1/5- and ID1/3-dependent invasive reprogramming in cancer cells
Authors: Gurrapu Sreeharsha , Franzolin Giulia , Fard Damon , Accardo Massimo , Medico Enzo , Sarotto Ivana , Sapino Anna , Isella Claudio , Tamagnone Luca
Published: August 2019

As a receptor, semaphorin 4C hijacks TGF-β signaling to promote metastatic breast cancer growth.
Development of Bacterial Therapeutics against the Bovine Respiratory Pathogen Mannheimia haemolytica
Authors: Amat Samat , Timsit Edouard , Baines Danica , Yanke Jay , Alexander Trevor W.
Published: August 2019

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is a significant animal health issue impacting the beef industry. Current BRD prevention strategies rely mainly on metaphylactic use of antimicrobials when cattle enter feedlots. However, a recent increase in BRD-associated bacterial pathogens that are resistant to metaphylactic antimicrobials highlights a pressing need for the development of novel mitigation strategies. Based upon previous research showing the importance of respiratory commensal bacteria in protecting against bronchopneumonia, this study aimed to develop bacterial therapeutics that could be used to mitigate the BRD pathogenMannheimia haemolytica. Bacteria isolated from the respiratory tracts of healthy cattle were characterized for their inhibitory, adhesive, and immunomodulatory properties. In total, 6 strains were identified as having the best properties for use as intranasal therapeutics to inhibitM. haemolytica. If successfulin vivo, these strains offer an alternative to metaphylactic antimicrobial use in feedlot cattle for mitigating BRD.
Participation of the Serine Protease Jonah66Ci in the
Drosophila
Antinematode Immune Response
Authors: Yadav Shruti , Eleftherianos Ioannis
Published: August 2019

Serine proteases and serine protease homologs form the second largest gene family in the
Drosophila melanogaster
genome. Certain genes in the
Jonah
multigene family encoding serine proteases have been implicated in the fly antiviral immune response. Here, we report the involvement of
Jonah66Ci
in the
Drosophila
immune defense against
Steinernema carpocapsae
nematode infection.
Point-Counterpoint: Should Serum β-
d
-Glucan Testing Be Used for the Diagnosis of Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia?
Authors: Corsi-Vasquez Gabriela , Ostrosky-Zeichner Luis , Pilkington Edward F. , Sax Paul E.
Published: August 2019

Despite the widespread use of prophylactic antibiotics in high-risk individuals,
Pneumocystis jirovecii
remains an important cause of pneumonia in immunocompromised patients. During the peak of the AIDS epidemic, many hospitals and outpatient clinics were very proficient at collecting induced sputum specimens for the diagnosis of
Pneumocystis jirovecii
pneumonia (PJP).
mSphere of Influence: the Importance of Metabolism for Pathogen Adaptation to Host-Imposed Stresses
Authors: Amich Jorge
Published: August 2019

Jorge Amich studies several aspects of sulfur and nitrogen metabolism in
Aspergillus fumigatus
, with the ultimate aim of identifying targets for the development of novel antifungals. In this mSphere of Influence article, he reflects on how “Sub-Telomere Directed Gene Expression during Initiation of Invasive Aspergillosis” (A. McDonagh, N. D. Fedorova, J. Crabtree, Y. Yu, S. Kim, et al., PLoS Pathog 4:e1000154, 2008,
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.ppat.1000154
) impacted his thinking about
in vivo
metabolism and how to investigate it.
Cold and dry outbreaks in the eastern Mediterranean 3200 years ago
Authors: Kaniewski David , Marriner Nick , Cheddadi Rachid , Morhange Christophe , Bretschneider Joachim , Jans Greta , Otto Thierry , Luce Frédéric , Van Campo Elise
Published: August 2019

Can climate affect societies? This question, of both past and present importance, is encapsulated by the major socioeconomic crisis that affected the Mediterranean 3200 yr ago. The demise of the core civilizations of the Aegean and eastern Mediterranean during the Late Bronze Age and the early Iron Age (Dark Ages) is still controversial because it raises the question of climate-change impacts on ancient societies. Although evidence for this climate shift has gradually gained currency, recent attempts to quantify its magnitude remain equivocal. Here we focus on the northern Levant (coastal Syria) where the economic, political, and cultural changes were particularly acute. We quantify past climate changes and find that mean annual temperatures attained anomalies of − 2.3 ± 0.3 °C to − 4.8 ± 0.4 °C compared to present-day conditions. Rainfall regimes displayed an important shift in seasonality, with a 40% decrease in winter precipitation. A 300 yr period of dry and cool climate started ∼3200 yr ago and was coeval with deep social changes in the eastern Mediterranean. These “Little Ice Age”–type conditions affected harvests, leading to severe food shortages that probably aggravated the sociopolitical tensions. This crisis highlights the fragility of societies, both past and present, to major climate-change episodes and their broader consequences.
Brain abscess in children, a two-centre audit: outcomes and controversies
Authors: Gilard Vianney , Beccaria Kévin , Hartley John C , Blanot Stéphane , Marqué Sophie , Bourgeois Marie , Puget Stephanie , Thompson Dominic , Zerah Michel , Tisdall Martin
Published: August 2019

Objective

The aim of this study was to better characterise clinical presentation, management and outcome in infants and children with brain abscess.

Methods

The authors conducted a retrospective, multicentre study in two national reference centres over a 25-year period (1992–2017). During this period, 116 children and 28 infants (age <1 year) with brain abscess were treated.

Results

The median age at diagnosis was 101.5 (range: 13–213) months in children and 1 (0–11) month in infants. Significant differences were observed between children and infants. The most common predisposing factor was meningitis in infants (64% of cases vs 3% in children), while it was otolaryngology-related infection in children (31% of cases vs 3.6% in infants). Infants presented more frequently with fever and meningism compared with children. 115 patients were treated with aspiration and 11 with excision. Reoperation was required in 29 children vs 1 infant. The overall mortality rate was 4% (3.4% for children, 7.1% for infants). At 3-month follow-up, the outcome was favourable in 86% of children vs in 68% of infants.

Conclusion

There is a clear difference between children and infants with brain abscess in terms of predisposing factors, causative organisms and outcome. Despite surgical drainage and directed antibiotic therapy, 25% of patients with brain abscess require reoperation. Mortality is improved compared with historical series; however, long-term morbidity is significant particularly in the infant population.
Decision-making dilemmas of paediatricians: a qualitative study in Japan
Authors: Sasazuki Momoko , Sakai Yasunari , Kira Ryutaro , Toda Naoko , Ichimiya Yuko , Akamine Satoshi , Torio Michiko , Ishizaki Yoshito , Sanefuji Masafumi , Narama Miho , Itai Koichiro , Hara Toshiro , Takada Hidetoshi , Kizawa Yoshiyuki , Ohga Shouichi
Published: August 2019

Objective

To delineate the critical decision-making processes that paediatricians apply when treating children with life-threatening conditions and the psychosocial experience of paediatricians involved in such care.

Design

We conducted semistructured, individual face-to-face interviews for each participant from 2014 to 2015. The content of each interview was subjected to a comprehensive qualitative analysis. The categories of dilemma were extracted from a second-round content analysis.

Participants

Participants were board-certified paediatricians with sufficient experience in making decisions in relation to children with severe illnesses or disabilities. We repeated purposive sampling and analyses until we reached saturation of the category data.

Results

We performed interviews with 15 paediatricians. They each reported both unique and overlapping categories of dilemmas that they encountered when making critical decisions. The dilemmas included five types of causal elements: (1) paediatricians’ convictions; (2) the quest for the best interests of patients; (3) the quest for medically appropriate plans; (4) confronting parents and families and (5) socioenvironmental issues. Dilemmas occurred and developed as conflicting interactions among these five elements. We further categorised these five elements into three principal domains: the decision-maker (decider); consensus making among families, colleagues and society (process) and the consequential output of the decision (consequence).

Conclusions

This is the first qualitative study to demonstrate the framework of paediatricians’ decision-making processes and the complex structures of dilemmas they face. Our data indicate the necessity of establishing and implementing an effective support system for paediatricians, such as structured professional education and arguments for creating social consensus that assist them to reach the best plan for the management of severely ill children.
Effects of lumbar extensor muscle strengthening and neuromuscular control retraining on disability in patients with chronic low back pain: a protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Farragher Joshua Brodie , Pranata Adrian , Williams Gavin , El-Ansary Doa , Parry Selina M , Kasza Jessica , Bryant Adam
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is the leading cause of disability worldwide. However, there is no consensus in the literature regarding optimal management. Exercise intervention is the most widely used treatment as it likely influences contributing factors such as physical and psychological. Literature evaluating the effects of exercise on CLBP is often generalised, non-specific and employs inconsistent outcome measures. Moreover, the mechanisms behind exercise-related improvements are poorly understood. Recently, research has emerged identifying associations between neuromuscular-biomechanical impairments and CLBP-related disability. This information can be used as the basis for more specific and, potentially more efficacious exercise interventions for CLBP patients.

Methods and analysis

Ninety-four participants (including both males and females) with CLBP aged 18–65 who present for treatment to a Melbourne-based private physiotherapy practice will be recruited and randomised into one of two treatment groups. Following baseline assessment, participants will be randomly allocated to receive either: (i) strengthening exercises in combination with lumbar force accuracy training exercises or (ii) strengthening exercises alone. Participants will attend exercise sessions twice a week for 12 weeks, with assessments conducted at baseline, midway (ie, 6 weeks into the trial) and at trial completion. All exercise interventions will be supervised by a qualified physiotherapist trained in the intervention protocol. The primary outcome will be functional disability measured using the Oswestry Disability Index. Other psychosocial and mechanistic parameters will also be measured.

Ethics and dissemination

This study was given approval by the University of Melbourne Behavioural and Social Sciences Human Ethics Sub-Committee on 8 August 2017, reference number 1 749 845. Results of the randomised controlled trial will be published in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12618000894291.
Improving bone mineral density screening in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: a quality improvement report
Authors: Shah-Khan Sardar Momin , Cumberledge Jeremy , Shah-Khan Sardar Musa , Gannon Kelley , Kupec Justin T.
Published: August 2019

The prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is estimated between 17% and 41%, partly due to repeat courses of glucocorticoids which enhance the risk for bone disease. Multiple gastroenterological and endocrine societies have established guidelines for bone mineral density (BMD) screening in patients with IBD, with estimates suggesting providers vary in their adherence. We aimed to improve the rate of BMD screening in patients with IBD in a large academic outpatient practice. Using the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) model, we first conducted a retrospective review and determined that only 10.8% of patients with IBD in our practice were adequately undergoing BMD screening. Over the course of five PDSA cycles, we conducted three interventions focusing on education and provider reminders. Through an informative lecture, a flyer and an electronic medical record-based prompt, we were able to increase our rate of BMD screening to 81.8%. Current rates of BMD screening in patients with IBD are not adequate. We demonstrate a simple quality improvement initiative that successfully improved our adherence to standards of practice.
Causes of death in critically ill paediatric patients in Japan: a retrospective multicentre cohort study
Authors: Ishihara Tadashi , Tanaka Hiroshi
Published: August 2019

Objectives

The primary objective is to clarify the clinical profiles of paediatric patients who died in intensive care units (ICUs) or paediatric intensive care units (PICUs), and the secondary objective is to ascertain the demographic differences between patients who died with and without chronic conditions.

Methods

In this retrospective multicentre cohort study, we collected data on paediatric death from the Japanese Registry of Pediatric Acute Care (JaRPAC) database. We included patients who were ≤16 years of age and had died in either a PICU or an ICU of a participating hospital between April 2014 and March 2017. The causes of death were compared between patients with and without chronic conditions.

Results

Twenty-three hospitals participated, and 6199 paediatric patients who were registered in the JaRPAC database were included. During the study period, 126 (2.1%) patients died (children without chronic illness, n=33; children with chronic illness, n=93). Twenty-five paediatric patients died due to an extrinsic disease, and there was a significant difference in extrinsic diseases between the two groups (children without chronic illness, 15 (45%); children with chronic illness, 10 (11%); p<0.01). Cardiovascular disease was the most common chronic condition (27/83, 29%). Eighty-three patients (85%) in the chronic group died due to an intrinsic disease, primarily congenital heart disease (14/93, 15%), followed by sepsis (13/93, 14%).

Conclusions

The majority of deaths were in children with a chronic condition. The major causes of death in children without a chronic illness were due to intrinsic factors such as cardiovascular and neuromuscular diseases, and the proportion of deaths due to extrinsic causes was higher in children without chronic illness.
Oral antibiotic use and risk of colorectal cancer in the United Kingdom, 1989–2012: a matched case–control study
Authors: Zhang Jiajia , Haines Charles , Watson Alastair J M , Hart Andrew R , Platt Mary Jane , Pardoll Drew M , Cosgrove Sara E , Gebo Kelly A , Sears Cynthia L
Published: August 2019

Background

Microbiome dysbiosis predisposes to colorectal cancer (CRC), but a population-based study of oral antibiotic exposure and risk patterns is lacking.

Objective

To assess the association between oral antibiotic use and CRC risk.

Design

A matched case–control study (incident CRC cases and up to five matched controls) was performed using the Clinical Practice Research Datalink from 1989 to 2012.

Results

28 980 CRC cases and 137 077 controls were identified. Oral antibiotic use was associated with CRC risk, but effects differed by anatomical location. Antibiotic use increased the risk of colon cancer in a dose-dependent fashion (ptrend <0.001). The risk was observed after minimal use, and was greatest in the proximal colon and with antibiotics with anti-anaerobic activity. In contrast, an inverse association was detected between antibiotic use and rectal cancers (ptrend=0.003), particularly with length of antibiotic exposure >60 days (adjusted OR (aOR), 0.85, 95% CI 0.79 to 0.93) as compared with no antibiotic exposure. Penicillins, particularly ampicillin/amoxicillin increased the risk of colon cancer (aOR=1.09 (1.05 to 1.13)), whereas tetracyclines reduced the risk of rectal cancer (aOR=0.90 (0.84 to 0.97)). Significant interactions were detected between antibiotic use and tumour location (colon vs rectum, pinteraction<0.001; proximal colon versus distal colon, pinteraction=0.019). The antibiotic–cancer association was found for antibiotic exposure occurring >10 years before diagnosis (aOR=1.17 (1.06 to 1.31)).

Conclusion

Oral antibiotic use is associated with an increased risk of colon cancer but a reduced risk of rectal cancer. This effect heterogeneity may suggest differences in gut microbiota and carcinogenesis mechanisms along the lower intestinal tract.
Evaluation of recycled asphalt mixture at low temperature using different analytical solutions
Authors: Falchetto Augusto Cannone , Moon Ki Hoon , Kim Dong Hyuk
Published: August 2019

Using reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) in road infrastructures is crucial for mitigating the environmental impact while controlling the construction costs. However, poorer low temperature performance may be experienced for mixtures containing RAP. In this paper, the effect of RAP on the material response at low temperature is investigated through mixture creep testing with the bending beam rheometer. Three different mathematical approaches are selected for further evaluation in combination with simple statistical analysis. Based on the experimental data, creep stiffness, m-value, relaxation modulus, thermal stress, and critical cracking temperature are computed and compared. As a result, no differences are found between the virgin mixture and that designed with 15% of RAP. Poorer performance is observed when more than 25% of RAP is incorporated; however, no significant variation was observed for a further increase up to 40% suggesting that higher amount RAP could be used depending on traffic level and climate.
Partial Enclosure Range Searching
Authors: Bint Gregory , Maheshwari Anil , Smid Michiel , Nandy Subhas C.
Published: August 2019

A new type of range searching problem, called the partial enclosure range searching problem, is introduced in this paper. Given a set of geometric objects [Formula: see text] and a query region [Formula: see text], our goal is to identify those objects in [Formula: see text] which intersect the query region [Formula: see text] by at least a fixed proportion of their original size. Two variations of this problem are studied. In the first variation, the objects in [Formula: see text] are axis-parallel line segments and the goal is to count the total number of members of [Formula: see text] so that their intersection with [Formula: see text] is at least a given proportion of their size. Here, [Formula: see text] can be an axis-parallel rectangle or a parallelogram of arbitrary orientation. In the second variation, [Formula: see text] is a polygon and [Formula: see text] is an axis-parallel rectangle. The problem is to report the area of the intersection between the polygon [Formula: see text] and a query rectangle [Formula: see text].