bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GenoType NTM-DR Performance Evaluation for Identification of Mycobacterium avium Complex and Mycobacterium abscessus and Determination of Clarithromycin and Amikacin Resistance
Authors: Huh Hee Jae , Kim Su-Young , Shim Hyang Jin , Kim Dae Hun , Yoo In Young , Kang On-Kyun , Ki Chang-Seok , Shin So Youn , Jhun Byung Woo , Shin Sung Jae , Daley Charles L. , Koh Won-Jung , Lee Nam Yong
Published: May 2019

We evaluated the GenoType NTM-DR (NTM-DR) line probe assay for identifying
Mycobacterium avium
complex (MAC) species and
Mycobacterium abscessus
subspecies and for determining clarithromycin and amikacin resistance. Thirty-eight reference strains and 145 clinical isolates (58 MAC and 87
M. abscessus
isolates), including 54 clarithromycin- and/or amikacin-resistant strains, were involved.
A Novel Phenotype Links HIV-1 Capsid Stability to cGAS-Mediated DNA Sensing
Authors: Siddiqui Mohammad Adnan , Saito Akatsuki , Halambage Upul D. , Ferhadian Damien , Fischer Douglas K. , Francis Ashwanth C. , Melikyan Gregory B. , Ambrose Zandrea , Aiken Christopher , Yamashita Masahiro
Published: May 2019

The HIV-1 capsid, which is made from individual viral capsid proteins (CA), is a target for a number of antiviral compounds, including the small-molecule inhibitor PF74. In the present study, we utilized PF74 to identify a transmitted/founder (T/F) strain that shows increased capsid stability. Interestingly, PF74-resistant variants prevented cGAS-dependent innate immune activation under a condition where the other T/F strains induced type I interferon. These observations thus reveal a new CA-specific phenotype that couples capsid stability to viral DNA recognition by cytosolic DNA sensors.
Majewski dwarfism type II: an atypical neuroradiological presentation with a novel variant in thePCNTgene
Authors: Alrajhi Hamdan , Alallah Jubara , Shawli Aiman , Alghamdi Khalid , Hakami Fahad
Published: May 2019

Microcephalic osteodysplastic primordial dwarfism syndrome II (MOPDII) is microcephalic primordial dwarfism and is a very rare form of disproportionate short stature. This disorder shares common features with other forms of microcephalic primordial dwarfism, including severe prenatal and postnatal growth retardation with marked microcephaly. However, it includes characteristic skeletal dysplasia, abnormal dentition and increased risk for cerebrovascular diseases. Recent reports added more features, including café-au-lait lesions, cutis marmorata, astigmatism, Moyamoya disease, insulin resistance, obesity, abnormal skin pigmentation and acanthosis nigricans around the neck. Clearly, the more MOPDII reports that are produced, the more information will be added to the spectrum of MOPDII features that can improve our understanding of this disorder. In this paper, we reported a new case of MOPDII with more severe clinical features, earlier onset of common features, in addition to a homozygous novel variant in thePCNTgene.
Ileosigmoid knotting: an unusual cause of acute intestinal obstruction with bowel gangrene
Authors: Kumar Raj , Kumar Shamanur Kenchappa Pavan , Meena Kusum , Singh Brijesh Kumar
Published: May 2019

Ileosigmoid knotting (ISK) is a rare cause of intestinal obstruction rapidly progressing to bowel gangrene. It is characterised by the wrapping of loops of ileum and sigmoid colon around each other. The condition often remains undiagnosed preoperatively; however, it can be suspected by the triad of small bowel obstruction, radiographic features suggestive of predominately large bowel obstruction and inability to deflate the intestine by a sigmoidoscope. We are reporting a case of 56-year-old man who presented with features of acute intestinal obstruction and compensated shock within 24 hours of onset of symptoms. Exploratory laparotomy revealed ISK resulting in gangrene of ileum and sigmoid colon. In view of haemodynamic instability, end ileostomy was done after excising gangrenous segments. The patient improved and stoma closure and ileocolic anastomosis were done after 3 months in follow-up.
Epstein-Barr virus associated with high-grade B-cell lymphoma in nude severe combined immunodeficiency
Authors: Albar Rawia , Mahdi Moaffaq , Alkeraithe Fawaz , Almufarriji Khalid Nawaf
Published: May 2019

Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) is an extremely rare disease caused by a disruption in the forkhead box N1 (FOXN1) gene, with an incidence of <1 per 1 000 000 live births. We report a boy aged 4 months who presented with a history of fever for 3 weeks and enlarged lymph nodes. The fever was associated with dry cough and runny nose. On physical examination, we noted oral thrush, generalised lymphadenopathy, nail dystrophy and alopecia. Flow cytometry of lymph node biopsy showed high-grade B-cell lymphoma. In addition, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection was documented by PCR. The diagnosis of SCID was made by genetic testing, which revealed a homozygous variant of theFOXN1gene. The variant was confirmed with Sanger sequencing. Management of EBV infection and lymphoma was initiated; unfortunately, the patient passed away on day 45 of hospitalisation.
Paraneoplastic erythroderma: unusual presentation secondary to diffuse large B cell lymphoma
Authors: Lim Puo Nen , Fox Christopher P , Pammi Manjula , Patel Anand
Published: May 2019

A 34-year-old HIV-positive man presented in clinic with generalised erythroderma, having been lost to follow-up for the previous 3 years. He was CD4 lymphopenic (100×106/L) and was antiretroviral therapy naive. Initial histology from a skin punch biopsy was non-specific and he was treated with topical steroids and emollients for a suspected eczema. However, the erythroderma worsened with development of cervical lymphadenopathy and significant weight loss over a 6-week period. An incisional biopsy from the left tonsil confirmed a diagnosis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. The erythroderma was considered to be a paraneoplastic skin phenomenon. The patient received rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin hydrochloride, vincristine and prednisolone (CHOP) immunochemotherapy with gradual but complete resolution of the erythroderma. Paraneoplastic dermatoses can manifest as first clinical sign of underlying malignancy, heralding a cancer diagnosis. This is particularly important in people living with HIV given the increased incidence of malignancy in this patient group.
OnabotulinumtoxinA injections: treatment of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome chronic daily headaches
Authors: Senno Ricardo , Schonfeld Ethan , Nagar Charulatha
Published: May 2019

Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) is a rare condition characterised by repetitive, multifocal, vasofluctuations of cerebral arteries. A key symptom is chronic, disabling ‘thunderclap’ headaches, which are extremely difficult to treat as established medications may exacerbate the pathophysiology of RCVS. OnabotulinumtoxinA (OBT-A) injections are used for the prophylaxis of chronic daily headaches (CDH). The mechanism of action of OBT-A significantly differs from oral headache treatments. Thus, OBT-A may be an effective, safe treatment of RCVS-CDH. A 51-year-old woman with RCVS-CDH presented to outpatient clinic. This case report describes the first, believed, documented treatment of RCVS-CDH by OBT-A injections. In 2018, the consented patient received a total of 200 units of OBT-A, 155 units to the 31 approved U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sites and 45 units injected into the bilateral occipital belly of occipitofrontalis muscles. The patient reported 3 months of excellent pain relief (60% reduction). Three rounds of OBT-A injection, each 3 months apart, resulted in 80% reduction. OBT-A injections may prove a successful, novel treatment for RCVS-CDH.
Cycling is associated with a lower incidence of cardiovascular diseases and death: Part 1 – systematic review of cohort studies with meta-analysis
Authors: Nordengen Solveig , Andersen Lars Bo , Solbraa Ane K , Riiser Amund
Published: May 2019

Objectives

Physical inactivity is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Cycling as a physical activity holds great potential to prevent CVD. We aimed to determine whether cycling reduces the risk of CVD and CVD risk factors and to investigate potential dose-response relationships.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis of quantitative studies.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

We searched four databases (Web of Science, MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus and Scopus). All quantitative studies, published until August 2017, were included when a general population was investigated, cycling was assessed either in total or as a transportation mode, and CVD incidence, mortality or risk factors were reported. Studies were excluded when they reported continuous outcomes or when cycling and walking were combined in them. We pooled adjusted relative risks (RR) and OR. Heterogeneity was investigated using I.

Results

The search yielded 5174 studies; 21 studies which included 1,069,034 individuals. We found a significantly lower association in combined CVD incidence, mortality and physiological risk factors with total effect estimate 0.78 (95% CI (CI): 0.74–0.82; P<0.001; I
2
=58%). Separate analyses for CVD incidence, mortality and risk factors showed estimates of RR 0.84 (CI, 0.80 to 0.88; P<0.001; I
2
=29%), RR 0.83 (CI, 0.76 to 0.90; P<0.001; I
2
=0%), and OR 0.75 (CI, 0.69 to 0.82; P<0.001; I
2
=66%), respectively. We found no dose-response relationship or sex-specific difference.

Conclusions

Any form of cycling seems to be associated with lower CVD risk, and thus, we recommend cycling as a health-enhancing physical activity.

Systematic review registration

Prospero CRD42016052421.
Urinary adiponectin as a new diagnostic index for chronic kidney disease due to diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Yamakado Shinnosuke , Cho Hiroki , Inada Mikio , Morikawa Mika , Jiang Yong-Huang , Saito Kenji , Nakaishi Kazunari , Watabe Satoshi , Takagi Hitomi , Kaneda Mugiho , Nakatsuma Akira , Ninomiya Masaki , Imachi Hitomi , Arai Takeshi , Yoshimoto Takuo , Murao Koji , Chang Jyun-Hao , Chen Shih-Min , Shih Yi-Chen , Zeng Min-Jing , Ke Liang-Yin , Chen Chu-Huang , Yoshimura Teruki , Miura Toshiaki , Ito Etsuro
Published: May 2019

Objective

The chronic kidney disease (CKD) is widely diagnosed on the basis of albuminuria and the glomerular filtration rate. A more precise diagnosis of CKD, however, requires the assessment of other factors. Urinary adiponectin recently attracted attention for CKD assessment, but evaluation is difficult due to the very low concentration of urinary adiponectin in normal subjects.

Research design and methods

We developed an ultrasensitive ELISA coupled with thionicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide cycling to detect trace amounts of proteins, which allows us to measure urinary adiponectin at the subattomole level. We measured urinary adiponectin levels in 59 patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and 24 subjects without DM (normal) to test our hypothesis that urinary adiponectin levels increase with progression of CKD due to DM.

Results

The urinary adiponectin levels were 14.88±3.16 (ng/mg creatinine, mean±SEM) for patients with DM, and 3.06±0.33 (ng/mg creatinine) for normal subjects. The threshold between them was 4.0 ng/mg creatinine. The urinary adiponectin levels increased with an increase in the CKD risk. Furthermore, urinary adiponectin mainly formed a medium-molecular weight multimer (a hexamer) in patients with DM, whereas it formed only a low-molecular weight multimer (a trimer) in normal subjects. That is, the increase in urinary adiponectin in patients with DM led to the emergence of a medium-molecular weight form in urine.

Conclusions

Our new assay showed that urinary adiponectin could be a new diagnostic index for CKD. This assay is a non-invasive test using only urine, thus reducing the patient burden.
Knowledge of diabetes and its determinants: a cross-sectional study among adults in a Japanese community
Authors: Oba Shino , Yamamoto Mayumi , Horikawa Yukio , Suzuki Eiji , Nagata Chisato , Takeda Jun
Published: May 2019

Objective

To assess general knowledge of diabetes and its determinants among adult men and women in a Japanese community.

Setting

A cross-sectional study with the residential registry in Gifu City. Blood tests were conducted to measure fasting blood glucose levels and the levels after 2 hours of a 75-gram oral glucose load. Participants’ previous diagnosis of diabetes and demographic status were identified from a questionnaire. A validated food frequency questionnaire was also administered. To assess the association between good knowledge of diabetes and the level of each factor, a logistic regression was utilised with adjustments for age, education and parental history of diabetes.

Participants

A total of 1019 men and women aged 40–78 years.

Primary outcome measure

The Diabetes Knowledge Questionnaire was administered. Participants with ≥75% of answers correct were defined as having a good knowledge of diabetes.

Results

Previous diagnosis of diabetes was significantly associated with good knowledge of diabetes (OR=2.36; 95% CI 1.19 to 4.68). Among individuals with no previous diagnosis of diabetes, age ≥60 years (OR=0.55; 95% CI 0.36 to 0.86, p value for trend=0.02) and education <12 years (OR=0.54; 95% CI 0.30 to 0.97) were significantly associated with low knowledge of diabetes. The highest tertile intakes of green–yellow vegetables (OR=1.77; 95% CI 1.07 to 2.91, p value for trend=0.03) and seafood (OR=1.76; 95% CI 1.04 to 2.95, p value for trend=0.03) were associated with high knowledge of diabetes.

Conclusions

Some diabetes risk factors were implied to determine the general knowledge of diabetes. Conducting further studies of knowledge in various populations is warranted.
What is the clinical impact of cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers on final diagnosis and management in patients with mild cognitive impairment in clinical practice? Results from a nation-wide prospective survey in France
Authors: Cognat Emmanuel , Mouton Liger François , Troussière Anne-Cécile , Wallon David , Dumurgier Julien , Magnin Eloi , Duron Emmanuelle , Gabelle Audrey , Croisile Bernard , de la Sayette Vincent , Jager Alain , Blanc Frederic , Bouaziz-Amar Elodie , Miguet-Alfonsi Carole , Quillard Muriel , Schraen Susanna , Philippi Nathalie , Beaufils Emilie , Pasquier Florence , Hannequin Didier , Robert Philippe , Hugon Jacques , Paquet Claire
Published: May 2019

Objectives

New diagnostic criteria for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) include cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers that allow diagnosis at the stage of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). However, the impact of CSF biomarkers in MCI populations in clinical practice has been poorly evaluated. The objective of this study is to assess the use and impact in clinical practice of AD CSF biomarkers in French memory clinics.

Design

We performed a nation-wide, prospective survey between March 2012 and September 2014. Data over the same period was extracted from the French National Database (Banque Nationale Alzheimer, BNA) and compared with the results of the survey.

Setting

29 secondary and tertiary memory clinics in France.

Participants

Clinicians prescribing lumbar puncture (LP) in order to measure AD CSF biomarkers. Clinicians completed a two-part questionnaire for each of their patients undergoing LP.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Assessment of diagnosis, level of confidence before and after CSF biomarkers and impact on management in patients who underwent LP for CSF AD biomarkers in clinical routine.

Results

977 questionnaires were completed, of which 61 were excluded because of unknown initial/final diagnosis or non-contributory CSF results. Of 916 patients reported, 153 (16.7%) had MCI as the initial diagnosis, of which 51 (33.3%) displayed an AD profile. CSF biomarkers resulted in a change in diagnosis in 44 patients (28.8%). Confidence level significantly increased after LP (8.3±1.4vs 6.73±1.18, p<0.0001), and CSF results modified management in 71/156 patients (46.4%), including 36 (23.5%) enrolled in clinical trials. Comparison of change in diagnosis with the BNA population revealed no difference (32.24%, p=0.4).

Conclusion

This nation-wide survey, reflecting clinical practice in French memory clinics, describes the impact of CSF AD biomarkers in patients with MCI in clinical practice.
‘I haven’t met them, I don’t have any trust in them. It just feels like a big unknown’: a qualitative study exploring the determinants of consent to use Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority registry data in research
Authors: Carson Claire , Hinton Lisa , Kurinczuk Jenny , Quigley Maria
Published: May 2019

Objectives

To explore why and how fertility patients decide to allow (or deny) the use of personal data held in the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority registry for linkage and research.

Design

A qualitative study was conducted using in-depth face-to-face interviews and an online survey to garner information on experience and opinions from fertility clinic patients and staff. Verbatim transcripts were analysed using the ‘one sheet of paper’ method to identify themes.

Setting

Women and men were recruited between September 2015 and December 2017, via fertility clinics across England and online advertising, then interviewed at a location convenient to them.

Participants

20 patients and 9 staff were interviewed, 40 patients completed the online survey.

Results

Consent for disclosure (CD) forms are completed at a stressful time, when patients often feel overwhelmed; these forms were considered a low priority. Perceptions of benefit (to individuals, to wider society) and harm (misuse of data, impact of disclosure on child) influenced consent. Important themes included: understanding of the forms; trust in those asking, in researchers, in the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA); and wider attitudes to data use. Issues influencing response, and thus the representativeness of the HFEA data set, were highlighted.

Conclusions

Understanding what is being asked, and trust in those organisations keeping and using personal data, affects individual decisions to consent to disclosure. Patients were influenced by the wider context of infertility, as well as general concerns about data sharing and security. Low consent rates, which vary by clinic and likely also by patients’ characteristics, have adverse implications for research conducted using HFEA data collected after 2008. Public understanding of data use and security is relatively poor; increased public trust in, and awareness of, research based on routine data could improve consent to data use and reduce the risk of bias.
Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture: psychometric evaluation in Kuwaiti public healthcare settings
Authors: Al Salem Gheed , Bowie Paul , Morrison Jill
Published: May 2019

Objective

As healthcare organisations endeavour to improve the quality and safety of their services, there is increasing recognition of the importance of building a culture of safety to promote patient safety and improve the outcomes of patient care. Surveys of safety culture/climate have not knowingly been conducted in Kuwait public hospitals, nor are valid or reliable survey instruments available for this context. This study aims to investigate the psychometric properties of the HSOPSC (Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture) tool in Kuwaiti public hospitals in addition to constructing an optimal model to assess the level of safety climate in this setting.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Three public hospitals in Kuwait.

Participants

About 1317 healthcare professionals.

Main outcome measure

An adapted and contextualised version of HSOPSC was used to conduct psychometric evaluation including exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis reliability and correlation analysis.

Results

1317 questionnaires (87%) were returned. Psychometric evaluation, showed an optimal model of eight factors and 22 safety climate items. All items have strong factor loadings (0.42–0.86) and are theoretically related. Reliability analysis showed satisfactory results (α >0.60).

Conclusions

This is the first validation study of a standardised safety climate measure in a Kuwaiti healthcare setting. An optimal model for assessing patient safety climate was produced that mirrors other international studies and which can be used for measuring the prevailing safety climate. More importance should be attached to the psychometric fidelity of safety climate questionnaires before extending their use in other healthcare culture and contexts internationally.
Understanding successful development of complex health and healthcare interventions and its drivers from the perspective of developers and wider stakeholders: an international qualitative interview study
Authors: Turner Katrina M , Rousseau Nikki , Croot Liz , Duncan Edward , Yardley Lucy , O’Cathain Alicia , Hoddinott Pat
Published: May 2019

Objective

Identify how individuals involved in developing complex health and healthcare interventions (developers), and wider stakeholders in the endeavour, such as funders, define successful intervention development and what factors influence how interventions are developed.

Design

In-depth interviews with developers and wider stakeholders to explore their views and experiences of developing complex health and healthcare interventions.

Setting

Interviews conducted with individuals in the UK, Europe and North America.

Participants

Twenty-one individuals were interviewed: 15 developers and 6 wider stakeholders. Seventeen participants were UK based.

Results

Most participants defined successful intervention development as a process that resulted in effective interventions that were relevant, acceptable and could be implemented in real-world contexts. Accounts also indicated that participants aimed to develop interventions that end users wanted, and to undertake a development process that was methodologically rigorous and provided research evidence for journal publications and future grant applications. Participants’ ambitions to develop interventions that had real-world impact drove them to consider the intervention’s feasibility and long-term sustainability early in the development process. However, this process was also driven by other factors: the realities of resource-limited health contexts; prespecified research funder priorities; a reluctance to deviate from grant application protocols to incorporate evidence and knowledge acquired during the development process; limited funding to develop interventions and the need for future randomised controlled trials (RCTs) to prove effectiveness. Participants expressed concern that these drivers discouraged long-term thinking and the development of innovative interventions, and prioritised evaluation over development and future implementation.

Conclusions

Tensions exist between developers’ goal of developing interventions that improve health in the real world, current funding structures, the limited resources within healthcare contexts, and the dominance of the RCT for evaluation of these interventions. There is a need to review funding processes and expectations of gold standard evaluation.
Exploring global and country-level barriers to an effective supply of leishmaniasis medicines and diagnostics in eastern Africa: a qualitative study
Authors: Sunyoto Temmy , Potet Julien , den Boer Margriet , Ritmeijer Koert , Postigo Jose A R , Ravinetto Raffaella , Alves Fabiana , Picado Albert , Boelaert Marleen
Published: May 2019

Objectives

To understand stakeholders’ perceptions of the access barriers to quality-assured diagnostics and medicines for leishmaniasis in the high-burden region of eastern Africa, and to identify key bottlenecks to improve the supply of commodities for neglected tropical diseases.

Design

Desk reviews and qualitative in-depth interview study with purposive sampling.

Methods

A landscape analysis through literature and desk review was performed. Next, 29 representatives from international organisations, non-governmental agencies, national control programmes from six countries (Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Uganda) and manufacturers were interviewed between May and July 2018. Participants were selected purposively and expanded through a snowballing technique.Data analysis was aided by NVivo, applying the framework method as a part of the thematic content analysis approach.

Results

The barriers along the visceral leishmaniasis (VL) supply chain were identified as emerging themes, grouped across supply chain activities and health systems component(s). Stakeholders expressed the perception of progress, but bottlenecks persist. VL medicines, in general, lack multisource production capacity and with small market volume, expansion of suppliers is difficult. Procurement is plagued by forecasting difficulties, complex regulatory policies and procedures, and distribution challenges. Weak communication and coordination across different levels resulted in shortages and loss of trust among different actors. Cross-cutting issues spanned from limited political and resource commitment due to low awareness and limited in-country capacity. However, study respondents were optimistic to pursue several remedies, most importantly to build bridges between supply and demand sides through continued dialogue and collaborations. Diagnostics supply has mostly been overlooked; thus, improved investment in this area is needed.

Conclusions

Addressing supply barriers in eastern Africa requires consistent, specific efforts at the global and national levels, progressing from current partnerships and agreements. Priority actions include pooled procurement, improved forecast, and increased commitment and resources. Sustainability remains an elusive goal, yet to be integrated into discussions moving forward.
New alumni EXperiences of Training and independent Unsupervised Practice (NEXT-UP): protocol for a cross-sectional study of early career general practitioners
Authors: Magin Parker , Moad Dominica , Tapley Amanda , Holliday L , Davey Andrew , Spike Neil , FitzGerald Kristen , Kirby Catherine , Bentley Michael , Turnock Allison , van Driel Mieke L , Fielding Alison
Published: May 2019

Introduction

General practice in Australia, as in many countries, faces challenges in the areas of workforce capacity and workforce distribution. General practice vocational training in Australia not only addresses the training of competent independent general practitioners (GPs) but also addresses these workforce issues. This study aims to establish the prevalence and associations of early career (within 2 years of completion of vocational training) GPs’ practice characteristics; and also to establish their perceptions of utility of their training in preparing them for independent practice.

Methods and analysis

This will be a cross-sectional questionnaire study. Participants will be former registrars (‘alumni’) of three regional training organisations (RTOs) who achieved general practice Fellowship (qualifying them for independent practice) between January 2016 and July 2018 inclusive. The questionnaire data will be linked to data collected as part of the participants’ educational programme with the RTOs. Outcomes will include alumni rurality of practice; socioeconomic status of practice; retention within their RTO’s geographic footprint; workload; provision of nursing home care, after-hours care and home visits; and involvement in general practice teaching and supervision. Associations of these outcomes will be established with logistic regression. The utility of RTO-provided training versus in-practice training in preparing the early career GP for unsupervised post-Ffellowship practice in particular aspects of practice will be assessed with χ2tests.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval is by the University of Newcastle Human Research Ethics Committee, approval numbers H-2018-0333 and H-2009-0323. The findings of this study will be widely disseminated via conference presentations and publication in peer-reviewed journals, educational practice translational workshops and the GP Synergy Research subwebsite.
Small head circumference at birth: an 8-year retrospective cohort study in China
Authors: Liu Shiliang , Pan Yanmei , Auger Nathalie , Sun Wen , Dai Lijuan , Li Sihui , Xie Sushan , Wen Shi Wu , Chen Dunjin
Published: May 2019

Objective

Head circumference is considered a reliable assessment of the volume of the underlying brain. We sought to identify risk factors (maternal factors or antenatal antecedents) for microcephaly and to assess the effects of microcephaly on neonatal outcomes.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Data for all births in 2009-2017 were obtained from the Guangzhou Maternal-Fetal Care Database.

Participants

All singleton liveborn infants between 33 and 42 weeks’ gestation (n=45 663) were categorised using the Intergrowth-21st standard for microcephaly.

Main outcome measures

Prevalence of mild, absolute and relative microcephaly at birth. We estimated associations of (1) maternal characteristics including Cantonese origin, parity, exposure to teratogens, TORCH infections (ie,Toxoplasmagondii, rubella virus, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus), in vitro fertilisation conception, pre-eclampsia and maternal congenital anomalies with risk of each category of microcephaly, and (2) microcephaly with risk of in-hospital mortality and severe morbidity.

Results

A total of 2709 infants had a head circumference z-score >2 SD, resulting in an overall prevalence of microcephaly of 59.3 per 1000 infants, consisting of mild (54.1 per 1000), absolute (2.8 per 1000) and relative microcephaly (2.4 per 1000). In multiple logistic regression, absolute microcephaly was associated with in utero exposure to teratogens (OR 4.2, 95% CI 2.0 to 8.8) and TORCH agents (OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.1 to 9.5). Mild microcephaly was associated with Cantonese descent (OR) 1.5, 95% CI 1.3 to 1.7) and primiparity (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.5 to 2.0). Absolute microcephaly was associated with a significantly higher odds of neonatal seizure (OR 8.7, 95% CI 1.1 to 69.1). Mild microcephaly was not associated with adverse neonatal outcomes overall.

Conclusions

Cantonese origin, exposure to teratogens, pre-eclampsia and TORCH infection may be risk factors for microcephaly. The high prevalence of relative microcephaly and associated poor outcomes suggests that high-risk women merit closer clinical management and follow-up to maximise fetal head development during pregnancy.
Interpretation of tracheal wash samples in horses
Authors: Smith Sarah
Published: May 2019

Respiratory tract disease is among the most common diseases in horses causing poor performance and compromising health. Determining a diagnosis can be challenging due to non‐specific clinical signs; therefore, due to ease and rapidity, respiratory tract endoscopy and tracheal wash (TW) are often used during initial testing. However, interpretation of tracheal wash fluid (TWF) is complicated by the fact that there is no universally accepted cytological reference range. This article discusses obtaining, processing and interpreting the results of a TW sample to provide the maximum information, so that a diagnosis can be made and an appropriate treatment selected.
Cross-country comparison of cigarette and vaping product marketing exposure and use: findings from 2016 ITC Four Country Smoking and Vaping Survey
Authors: Cho Yoo Jin , Thrasher James , Cummings Michael , Yong Hua H , Hitchman Sara C , McNeill Ann , Fong Geoffrey T , Hammond David , Hardin James , Li Lin , Lindblom Eric N
Published: May 2019

Objective

To compare exposure to and use of certain cigarette and vaping product marketing among adult smokers and vapers in four countries with contrasting regulations—Australia (AU), Canada, England and the USA.

Data sources

Adult smokers and vapers (n=12 294) from the 2016 International Tobacco Control (ITC) Four Country Smoking and Vaping Survey (4CV1).

Analysis

Self-reported exposure to cigarette and vaping product advertising through point-of-sale, websites/social media, emails/texts, as well as exposure to and use of price offers were assessed for country differences using logistic regression models adjusted for multiple covariates.

Results

Reported exposure to cigarette advertising exposure at point-of-sale was higher in the USA (52.1%) than in AU, Canada and England (10.5%–18.5%). Exposure to cigarette advertising on websites/social media and emails/texts was low overall (1.5%–10.4%). Reported exposure to vaping ads at point-of-sale was higher in England (49.3%) and USA (45.9%) than in Canada (32.5%), but vaping ad exposure on websites/social media in Canada (15.1%) was similar with England (18.4%) and the USA (12.1%). Exposure to vaping ads via emails/texts was low overall (3.1%–9.9%). Exposure to, and use of, cigarette price offers was highest in the USA (34.0 % and 17.8 %, respectively), but the use rate among those exposed was highest in AU (64.9%). Exposure to, and use of, price offers for vaping products was higher in the USA (42.3 % and 21.7 %) than in AU, Canada and England (25.9%–31.5 % and 7.4%–10.3 %).

Conclusions

Patterns of cigarette and vaping product marketing exposure generally reflected country-specific policies, except for online vaping ads. Implications for research and policy are discussed.
A potential degradation mechanism in RF MEMS ohmic switches
Authors: Huang Qinwen , Dong Xianshan , Zhu Junhua , Yang Shaohua , Wang Yunhui
Published: May 2019

A study of electrical breakdown across bias and top electrodes and its effect on the reliability of RF MEMS ohmic switches is presented. Tests under two situations were applied to study the electrical breakdown characteristic between bias and top electrodes, the first is the 10 h continuous stress under on state and the second is the voltage sweep from 0 V to 80 V. During the test, the switch ohmic contact resistance and current across bias and top electrodes were monitored simultaneously. Current across bias and top electrodes is observed in both of the two situations. Further analysis by FIB and SEM shows the breakdown damage on the surface of the bias electrode, which leads to the pull-in voltage shift of the RF MEMS ohmic switches.
Community Detection Using Fireworks Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Messaoudi Imane , Kamel Nadjet
Published: May 2019

Since community detection is an important tool for understanding the complex structure of social networks, an improved fireworks algorithm is proposed in this paper. The algorithm generates the initial population with the Affinity Propagation approach to have high initialization quality. The algorithm optimizes the modularity density as objective function by calculating the amplitude, the number of sparks and exploring the sparks. One firework is mutated twice, randomly and according to the label of its neighbors. Experiments on both real and synthetic networks show that the proposed algorithm achieves more accurate results in terms of modularity and normalized mutual information.
Improved Finite Element Model for Lateral Stability Analysis of Axially Functionally Graded Nonprismatic I-beams
Authors: Soltani Masoumeh , Asgarian Behrouz , Mohri Foudil
Published: May 2019

This paper investigates the lateral buckling of simply supported nonprismatic I-beams with axially varying materials by a novel finite element formulation. The material properties of the beam are assumed to vary continuously through the axis according to the volume fraction of the constituent materials based on an exponential or a power law. The torsion governing equilibrium equation of the simply supported beam with free warping is numerically solved by employing the power series approximation. To this end, all the mechanical properties and displacement components are expanded in terms of the power series to a known degree. Then the shape functions are obtained by representing the deformation shape of the axially functionally graded (AFG) web and/or flanges tapered thin-walled beam in a power series form. At the end, new [Formula: see text] elastic and buckling stiffness matrices are exactly determined from the weak form expression of the governing equation. Three comprehensive examples each of axially nonhomogeneous and homogeneous tapered beams with doubly symmetric I-sections are presented to evaluate the effects of different parameters such as axial variation of material properties, tapering ratio and load height parameters on the lateral buckling strength of the beam. The numerical outcomes of this paper can serve as a benchmark for future studies on lateral-torsional critical loads of AFG beams with varying I-sections.
Optimal Control for Footbridges’ Vibration Reduction Based on Semiactive Control Through Magnetorheological Dampers
Authors: Contreras-Lopez Joaquin , Ornelas-Tellez Fernando , Espinosa-Juarez Elisa
Published: May 2019

A footbridge is a structure designed for pedestrians or animals to cross roads, water or railways, safely. Modern ones are designed as slender and light structures to be more aesthetic and economic, but may lack enough stiffness and damping that might produce excessive vibrations under service conditions, overpassing comfort limits for users and compromise structural integrity. This work presents the synthesis of a nonlinear optimal control strategy for reducing vibrations in footbridges by means of using magnetorheological dampers. The proposed optimal controller considers both, the footbridge linear dynamics and the damper nonlinear dynamics, as the complete system to be controlled. For analysis purposes, the continuous structure of a footbridge is conveniently idealized as an [Formula: see text]-degrees-of-freedom discretized model, such that it can be handled as an [Formula: see text]-order system. Parameters from an actual footbridge are used to propose a discretized model system of 11 translational degrees of freedom and to analyze the system response as a case study. The dynamical response involves displacement, velocity and acceleration for different number of pedestrians crossing in groups. The investigation rests on comparing the structural response over time for two different conditions: with no control device installed and with one magnetorheological damper installed at the span center. Results obtained with the use of the proposed optimal controller show to be an effective way of reducing the structural motion response.
Using Only Elastic Stiffness in Nonlinear and Postbuckling Analysis of Structures
Authors: Yang Y. B. , Chen Anquan , Yan Yuanyuan , Wang Zhilu
Published: May 2019

This paper presents a new attempt for geometric nonlinear and postbuckling analysis of structures using only elastic stiffness. This can be achieved not without reasons. Aside from a correct updating of the structural geometry in the incremental sense, there are two concerns for iterations: (i) The local strategy is that the element forces recovered in each iteration should not violate the rigid body rule, in order not to induce any fictitious forces. (ii) The global strategy is that the path-tracing scheme should be able to deal with multi critical points, such as limit and snap-back points. Both strategies will be explained via the mechanism of iterations, which seems not new, but can shed some new lights. The results obtained using only the elastic stiffness will be compared with the normal case including the geometric stiffness, with the level of approximation assessed by the general stiffness parameter (GSP). Through the study of a number of trusses, beams and shell structures, it is confirmed that the elastic stiffness alone can be used to solve the nonlinear and postbuckling responses of a wide range of structures, with only an increase in the number of iterations. This paper represents a limit application of the elastic stiffness to nonlinear structural analysis.
Deficient perfect numbers with four distinct prime factors
Authors: Dutta Parama , Saikia Manjil P.
Published: May 2019

For a positive integer [Formula: see text], if [Formula: see text] denotes the sum of the positive divisors of [Formula: see text], then [Formula: see text] is called a deficient perfect number if [Formula: see text] for some positive divisor [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we prove some results about odd deficient perfect numbers with four distinct prime factors.
Mini-dental implants for definitive prosthesis retention — A synopsis of the current evidence
Authors: Wang Ben , Ho Kok Sen , Neo Tee Khin , Cheng Ansgar C.
Published: May 2019

Background: This narrative review provides an evidence-based overview of the comparison between mini-dental implants (MDI) and conventional dental implants for definitive prosthesis retention. In addition, recommendations are made on whether the use of reduced diameter dental implants is more appropriate.

Method: A literature review was conducted via electronic search addressing the following topics: (1) osseointegration, (2) peri-implant soft tissue characteristics, (3) biomechanics, (4) implant survival and (5) implant success.

Conclusion: The procedure for dental implant prosthetic rehabilitation should preferentially include conventional dental implants (i.e. [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]mm fixture diameter). Small (3–3.25[Formula: see text]mm) and narrow (3.3–3.5[Formula: see text]mm) dental implants should primarily be used in non-load-bearing regions. MDI ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]mm) should be considered to retain definitive prosthesis, only for reasons of anatomy or patient-centred preferences and as a last resort. If MDI are to be used, patients should be made aware of the lack of long-term, high-quality evidence as a part of the informed consent process and that most of the prospective data available pertain to MDI retaining complete dentures.
Nitrous oxide inhalation sedation in dentistry: An overview of its applications and safety profile
Authors: Yee Ruixiang , Wong Danny , Chay Pui Ling , Wong Vivian Yung Yee , Chng Chai Kiat , Hosey Marie Therese
Published: May 2019

Nitrous oxide in oxygen (N2O/O2) inhalation sedation is used less commonly by Singapore dentists than their counterparts in the United Kingdom and the United States. Using this technique, trained dentists often perform the dual roles of a sedationist and an operating dentist. This paper describes the mechanism of action of N2O and highlights the modern gas delivery system commonly used in dentistry. The built-in safety features of this unique system helps to ensure that patient-specific therapeutic dosages are effectively and safely administered by dentists. Existing evidence for adverse events and the safety profile of the N2O/O2inhalation sedation is discussed. Finally, recommendations of equipment, training and techniques for safe N2O/O2inhalation sedation are provided.
Online Heterogeneous Transfer Learning by Knowledge Transition
Authors: Wu Hanrui , Yan Yuguang , Ye Yuzhong , Min Huaqing , Ng Michael K. , Wu Qingyao
Published: May 2019

In this article, we study the problem of online heterogeneous transfer learning, where the objective is to make predictions for a target data sequence arriving in an online fashion, and some offline labeled instances from a heterogeneous source domain are provided as auxiliary data. The feature spaces of the source and target domains are completely different, thus the source data cannot be used directly to assist the learning task in the target domain. To address this issue, we take advantage of unlabeled co-occurrence instances as intermediate supplementary data to connect the source and target domains, and perform knowledge transition from the source domain into the target domain. We propose a novel online heterogeneous transfer learning algorithm called
O
nline
H
eterogeneous
K
nowledge
T
ransition (OHKT) for this purpose. In OHKT, we first seek to generate pseudo labels for the co-occurrence data based on the labeled source data, and then develop an online learning algorithm to classify the target sequence by leveraging the co-occurrence data with pseudo labels. Experimental results on real-world data sets demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed algorithm.
CRONOS
Authors: Shaabana Ala , Zheng Rong
Published: May 2019

Data synchronization is crucial in ubiquitous computing systems, where heterogeneous sensor devices, modalities, and different communication capabilities and protocols are the norm. A common notion of time among devices is required to make sense of their sensing data. Traditional synchronization methods rely on wireless communication between devices to synchronize, potentially incurring computational and power costs. Furthermore, they are unsuitable for synchronizing data streams that have already been collected. We present CRONOS: a post-hoc, data-driven framework for sensor data synchronization for wearable and Internet-of-Things devices that takes advantage of independent, omni-present motion events in the data streams of two or more sensors. Experimental results on pairwise and multi-sensor synchronization show a drift improvement as high as 98% and a mean absolute synchronization error of approximately 6ms for multi-sensor synchronization with sensors sampling at 100Hz.
Recognizing Multi-Agent Plans When Action Models and Team Plans Are Both Incomplete
Authors: Zhuo Hankz Hankui
Published: May 2019

Multi-Agent Plan Recognition (MAPR) aims to recognize team structures (which are composed of team plans) from the observed team traces (action sequences) of a set of intelligent agents. In this article, we introduce the problem formulation of MAPR based on partially observed team traces, and present a weighted MAX-SAT–based framework to recognize multi-agent plans from partially observed team traces with the help of two types of auxiliary knowledge to help recognize multi-agent plans, i.e., a library ofincompleteteam plans and a set ofincompleteaction models. Our framework functions with two phases. We first build a set ofhardconstraints that encode the correctness property of the team plans, and a set ofsoftconstraints that encode the optimal utility property of team plans based on the input team trace, incomplete team plans, and incomplete action models. After that, we solve all of the constraints using a weighted MAX-SAT solver and convert the solution to a set of team plans that bestexplainthe structure of the observed team trace. We empirically exhibit both effectiveness and efficiency of our framework in benchmark domains from International Planning Competition (IPC).