bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mid‐esophageal bicaval versus short‐axis view of interatrial septum in two‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography for diagnosis and measurement of atrial septal pouches
Authors: Hołda Mateusz K. , Krawczyk‐Ożóg Agata , Koziej Mateusz , Sorysz Danuta , Hołda Jakub , Dudek Dariusz , Klimek‐Piotrowska Wiesława
Published: February 2018

Background

Recent studies suggest that the left‐sided septal pouch (SP) may increase the risk of cryptogenic stroke and act as an arrhythmogenic substrate. The aim of this study was to compare two transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) projections of the interventricular septum: mid‐esophageal bicaval and short‐axis views toward evaluating their ability to detect SPs.

Materials and methods

A total of 146 patients with both bicaval and short‐axis TEE views were included in this study. The presence of SPs was determined, and they were evaluated for morphology.

Results

Irrespective of TEE projection view, the left SP was detected in 74 cases (50.7%), right SP in 16 cases (11.0%), and double in one case (0.7%). Agreement between both projections occurred in 119 cases (81.5%) with a weighted kappa coefficient of 0.68 (good agreement). We detected more left SPs from the bicaval view compared to the short‐axis view; however, the observed difference was statistically insignificant (72 vs 59, P = .13). The detection of right SPs was higher in the short‐axis view, but also statistically insignificant (9 vs 13, P = .38). Bland–Altman analysis revealed a significant difference in the left SP depth with higher values in the bicaval than short‐axis view (systematic difference = 1.17 mm, LoA: −4.88–7.22 mm, P = .02, ICC = 0.58).

Conclusions

The mid‐esophageal bicaval view should be preferable over mid‐esophageal short‐axis view of interatrial septum for the diagnosis and measurement of the left SP.
HIV/HCV/HBV testing in the emergency department: a feasibility and seroprevalence study
Authors: Bradshaw D , Rae C , Rayment M , Turner N , Turner R , Pickard G , Pillay K , Roberts P , Foxton M , Sullivan AK
Published: February 2018

Objectives

The aims of this study were to to assess the feasibility of simultaneous testing for the blood‐borne viruses (BBV), HIV, hepatitis C (HCV) and hepatitis B (HBV), in the Emergency Department (ED) and ascertain the seroprevalence for these three viruses in this setting.

Methods

A pilot BBV testing program was undertaken as part of routine clinical care in the ED. All ED attendees aged between 16 and 65 years old who were able to consent were tested over a 55 week period on an opt out basis. Patients with positive test results were linked to clinical services. Interventions aimed at improving testing rates were implemented and evaluated by quality improvement (QI) methodology.

Results

Of 25,520 age‐eligible ED attendees, 6108 (24%) underwent BBV testing; an additional 1160 (4.5%) underwent a standalone HIV test (total of 7268 (28%) individuals).There were 83/7268 (1.1%) non‐negative (ie reactive or equivocal) results for HIV and 103/6108 (1.7%) and 32/6108 (0.52%) for anti‐HCV IgG and HBsAg, respectively. Of these, 12 (0.17%), 16 (0.26%) and 8 (0.13%) were new reactive tests for HIV, HCV and HBV, respectively, which were able to be confirmed on a second test. Specific QI interventions led to temporary increases in testing rates.

Conclusions

An opt out BBV testing program in the ED is feasible and effective at finding new cases. However, the testing rate was low at 24%. Although QI interventions led to some improvement in testing rates, further studies are required to identify ways to achieve sustained increases in testing in this setting.
BCN Checkpoint: same‐day confirmation of reactive HIV rapid test with Point Of Care HIV‐RNA accelerates linkage to care and reduces anxiety
Authors: Meulbroek M , Pujol F , Pérez F , Dalmau‐Bueno A , Taboada H , Marazzi G , Carrillo A , Cabas A , Gata A , Aldabó E , Roldán B , Coll P , Añez F , Pantaleón J , Mochales M , Gómez V , Marín O , Mir JF , Decoca J , Saz J
Published: February 2018

Background

The introduction in 2006 of the rapid HIV test by BCN Checkpoint in a non‐clinical setting has been a successful step forwards in the uptake of testing. Nevertheless, HIV serostatus should be reported as HIV positive only when a reactive result has been tested again using a different assay (WHO guidelines 2015). The standard confirmation test has been the Western Blot (WB) test. However confirmation results take around 7 days to come back.

Aims

This study explores the possibility of Point of Care PCR testing for a same‐day confirmation.

Materials and Methods

Between March 2015 and September 2016 a POC PCR test (Xpert® HIV‐1 Qual) was performed in parallel to the Western Blot test after a reactive HIV rapid test (Alere Determine™ HIV‐1/2 Ag/Ab Combo and Alere™ HIV Combo). HIV confirmed positive cases received emotional support by peers, were informed and prepared for treatment initiation and rapidly linked to HIV clinic.

Results

During the study period 11 455 tests were performed to 7163 clients. A total of 249 reactive rapid HIV tests were found. For analysis a total of 33 cases were excluded due to the lack of PCR and/or WB test. Results of comparison of the 216 cases showed 194 concordant positive confirmations and 14 concordant negative results. In three cases PCR was positive and WB negative. In five cases PCR was negative and WB positive.

Conclusion

The POC PCR assay is easy to use and feasible in a community‐based center. Reducing time for confirmation to 90 min has been possible in 91.2% (197/216) of cases with positive PCR result. In cases of a negative PCR result an additional test (WB, Elisa or PCR quantitative) was needed to distinguish false positive results (6.5%) from viral load results below level of detection (2.3%). Clients expressed satisfaction with same‐day confirmation and less anxiety.
Dental hygiene education exceeds the degrees granted: A pilot study
Authors: O'Hehir T
Published: February 2018

Objective

Despite expansion of the scope of practice and clinical responsibilities of dental hygienists since 1945, the degrees granted for dental hygiene remain the same. The majority of dental hygienists complete 4 or even 5 years of college to receive an associate's degree while a few earn a baccalaureate degree. The aim of this study was to determine whether an associate's degree appropriately matches the current level of dental hygiene education.

Methodology

This retrospective, analytical pilot study compared contact hours required for dental hygiene programmes in 1945 and three community college dental hygiene programmes and one university programme in Arizona currently. Comparisons were made to determine the relationship between contact hours and credits granted today and how these credit levels relate to the degrees conferred.

Results

Today, an associate's degree requires 60 credits. Descriptive statistics revealed that 2‐year dental hygienists in 1945 completed the equivalent of 112 contact hours compared to 157 contact hours for associate degree dental hygienists today, a difference of 45 contact hours. Bachelor degree dental hygienists complete 170 contact hours, a difference of 13 contact hours more than associate degree dental hygienists today. This pilot study is limited by the small sample size of dental hygiene programmes included. Further studies are needed that include a broad diversity of dental hygiene programmes.

Conclusion

Dental hygiene education has grown and expanded significantly since 1945, surpassing the requirements for a 2‐year associate's degree.
THE RETURN TO COLLEGE: SELECTION AND DROPOUT RISK
Authors: Hendricks Lutz , Leukhina Oksana
Published: February 2018

This article studies the effect of graduating from college on lifetime earnings. We develop a quantitative model of college choice with uncertain graduation. Departing from much of the literature, we model in detail how students progress through college. This allows us to parameterize the model using transcript data. College transcripts reveal substantial and persistent heterogeneity in students' credit accumulation rates that are strongly related to graduation outcomes. From these data, the model infers a large ability gap between college graduates and high school graduates that accounts for 59% of the college lifetime earnings premium.
On PAR: A feasibility study of the Promoting Adult Resilience programme with mental health nurses
Authors: Foster Kim , Shochet Ian , Wurfl Astrid , Roche Michael , Maybery Darryl , Shakespeare‐Finch Jane , Furness Trentham
Published: February 2018

Mental health settings are recognized as complex, unpredictable environments, and challenging interpersonal situations are common for nurses in acute adult mental health services. Occupational stressors include verbal aggression and physical assault and are correlated with poor physical and mental health outcomes for nurses. There is a clear need for proactive approaches that address the negative impacts of stressors on the mental health nursing workforce. Resilience interventions are a preventive approach to strengthening skills for addressing workplace stress, improving health and well‐being, and preventing adverse outcomes associated with occupational stressors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a workplace resilience education programme for nurses in high‐acuity adult mental health settings. The outcomes were measured using a single‐group pretest post‐test design with follow‐up at 3 months postintervention. The feasibility and acceptability of the programme were identified with descriptors of mental health, well‐being, resilience, facilitator fidelity checklists, and participant satisfaction questionnaires. The programme was found to be feasible for nurses working in high‐acuity inpatient settings. There were significant changes to mental health, well‐being, and workplace resilience. The programme was delivered with fidelity by facilitators and accepted with high levels of satisfaction by participants. The study findings indicated that nurses can benefit from resilience education that equips them with cognitive, emotion regulation, and relational skills, in conjunction with available external supports and resources, to address workplace challenges. There is a need for comprehensive organizational approaches that include individual, work unit, and organizational‐level strategies to support staff well‐being.
The depth of follicular extension in actinic keratosis correlates with the depth of invasion in squamous cell carcinoma: implication for clinical treatment
Authors: Fernández‐Figueras M.T. , Saenz‐Sardà X. , Vargas P. , Thompson C.T. , Carrato C. , Puig L. , Ferrándiz C. , Ariza A.
Published: February 2018

Background

Actinic keratosis (AK) may show extension down follicles, not only in cases with full‐thickness epidermal atypia (‘bowenoid’ AK), but also in cases with atypia limited to the epidermal basalis. Previous studies have demonstrated that, in bowenoid AK, follicular extension is usually superficial, being limited to the upper follicular segment. Little is known about the depth of follicular involvement in cases of invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the skin (iSCC) arising from AK and the role of the follicle in iSCC pathogenesis.

Objective

This study investigated the relationship between follicular extension of atypical keratinocytes in an AK and the development of iSCC from the follicular wall. The depth of follicular extension was correlated with the depth invasion of iSCC. Differences between the differentiated and classical pathways of iSCC were also examined.

Methods

We performed a retrospective histologic review of 193 biopsy specimens of iSCC with an associated AK. We assessed the presence and depth of follicular extension of atypical keratinocytes in the AK, using tumour (Breslow) thickness and the follicular unit level (infundibular, isthmic and subisthmic), as well as iSCC being present directly adjacent to the follicular basalis.

Results

Follicular extension was present in 25.9% of the cases (50 cases), usually extending into the lower follicular segment. The iSCC was present directly adjacent to the follicular basalis in 58% of the cases (29 cases), correlating highly with the depth of follicular extension (infundibular: 3/12; isthmic: 21/33; subisthmic 5/5).

Conclusion

The depth of follicular extension of atypical keratinocytes in an AK correlates with the development of depth of invasion of an associated iSCC, irrespective of the pathway of origin. It is therefore important to note the presence and the depth of follicular extension when diagnosing an AK, as follicular extension likely accounts for a significant proportion of recurrent AK and the development of iSCC following superficial treatment modalities.
Predictors and Outcomes of Revisits in Older Adults Discharged from the Emergency Department
Authors: de Gelder Jelle , Lucke Jacinta A. , de Groot Bas , Fogteloo Anne J. , Anten Sander , Heringhaus Christian , Dekkers Olaf M. , Blauw Gerard J. , Mooijaart Simon P.
Published: February 2018

Objectives

To study predictors of emergency department (ED) revisits and the association between ED revisits and 90‐day functional decline or mortality.

Design

Multicenter cohort study.

Setting

One academic and two regional Dutch hospitals.

Participants

Older adults discharged from the ED (N=1,093).

Measurements

At baseline, data on demographic characteristics, illness severity, and geriatric parameters (cognition, functional capacity) were collected. All participants were prospectively followed for an unplanned revisit within 30 days and for functional decline and mortality 90 days after the initial visit.

Results

The median age was 79 (interquartile range 74–84), and 114 participants (10.4%) had an ED revisit within 30 days of discharge. Age (hazard ratio (HR)=0.96, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.92–0.99), male sex (HR=1.61, 95% CI=1.05–2.45), polypharmacy (HR=2.06, 95% CI=1.34–3.16), and cognitive impairment (HR=1.71, 95% CI=1.02–2.88) were independent predictors of a 30‐day ED revisit. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve to predict an ED revisit was 0.65 (95% CI=0.60–0.70). In a propensity score–matched analysis, individuals with an ED revisit were at higher risk (odds ratio=1.99 95% CI=1.06–3.71) of functional decline or mortality.

Conclusion

Age, male sex, polypharmacy, and cognitive impairment were independent predictors of a 30‐day ED revisit, but no useful clinical prediction model could be developed. However, an early ED revisit is a strong new predictor of adverse outcomes in older adults.
A Better Trigger: Indices for Insurance
Authors: Teh Tse‐Ling , Woolnough Christopher
Published: February 2018

Index triggers have enabled the extension of insurance to a wide range of risks, by providing a simple mechanism to determine payment. However, the resulting coverage generates basis risk, the variability over time in the level of insurance payouts relative to the level of losses. We analyze basis risk to rank binary and multivalue indices for any risk‐averse individual. Our ranking provides methods to select an index that is optimal for a heterogeneous group and illustrates that higher correlation between loss and index, does not necessarily equate to a better index.
Preparation of large Stardust aluminum foil craters for analysis
Authors: Wozniakiewicz Penelope J. , Kearsley Anton T. , Burchell Mark J. , Price Mark C. , Ishii Hope A. , Cole Michael J.
Published: February 2018

Over the last decade, silica aerogel tracks and aluminum foil craters on the Stardust collector have been studied extensively to determine the nature of captured cometary dust grains. Analysis of particles captured in aerogel has been developed to a fine art, aided by sophisticated preparation techniques, and yielding revolutionary knowledge of comet dust mineralogy. The Stardust foil craters can be interpreted in terms of impacting particle size and structure, but almost all studies of composition for their contents have relied on in situ analysis techniques or relatively destructive extraction of materials. This has limited their examination and interpretation. However, numerous experimental hypervelocity impact studies under Stardust‐Wild 2 encounter conditions have shown that abundant dust components are preserved in foil craters of all sizes. Using some of these analogue materials, we have previously shown that modern, nondestructive scanning electron microscope imaging and X‐ray microanalysis techniques can document distribution of dust remnants both quickly and thoroughly within foil craters prior to any preparation. Here we present findings from our efforts to quantify the amount of residue and demonstrate a simple method of crater shape modification which can bring material into positions where it is much more accessible for in situ analysis, or safe removal of small subsamples. We report that approximately 50% of silicate‐dominated impactors were retained as impact crater residue; however, <3% of organic impactors remained in the craters after impact.
Relationship of nurses’ intrapersonal characteristics with work performance and caring behaviors: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Geyer Nelouise‐Marié , Coetzee Siedine K. , Ellis Suria M. , Uys Leana R.
Published: February 2018

This study aimed to describe intrapersonal characteristics (professional values, personality, empathy, and job involvement), work performance as perceived by nurses, and caring behaviors as perceived by patients, and to examine the relationships among these variables. A cross‐sectional design was employed. A sample was recruited of 218 nurses and 116 patients in four private hospitals and four public hospitals. Data were collected using self‐report measures. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, hierarchical linear modelling, correlations, and structural equation modeling. Nurses perceived their work performance to be of high quality. Among the intrapersonal characteristics, nurses had high scores for professional values, and moderately high scores for personality, empathy and job involvement. Patients perceived nurses' caring behaviors as moderately high. Professional values of nurses were the only selected intrapersonal characteristic with a statistically significant positive relationship, of practical importance, with work performance as perceived by nurses and with caring behaviors as perceived by patients at ward level. Managers can enhance nurses' work performance and caring behaviors through provision of in‐service training that focuses on development of professional values.
Research frontiers for improving our understanding of drought‐induced tree and forest mortality
Authors: Hartmann Henrik , Moura Catarina F. , Anderegg William R. L. , Ruehr Nadine K. , Salmon Yann , Allen Craig D. , Arndt Stefan K. , Breshears David D. , Davi Hendrik , Galbraith David , Ruthrof Katinka X. , Wunder Jan , Adams Henry D. , Bloemen Jasper , Cailleret Maxime , Cobb Richard , Gessler Arthur , Grams Thorsten E. E. , Jansen Steven , Kautz Markus , Lloret Francisco , O'Brien Michael
Published: February 2018

Accumulating evidence highlights increased mortality risks for trees during severe drought, particularly under warmer temperatures and increasing vapour pressure deficit (VPD). Resulting forest die‐off events have severe consequences for ecosystem services, biophysical and biogeochemical land–atmosphere processes. Despite advances in monitoring, modelling and experimental studies of the causes and consequences of tree death from individual tree to ecosystem and global scale, a general mechanistic understanding and realistic predictions of drought mortality under future climate conditions are still lacking. We update a global tree mortality map and present a roadmap to a more holistic understanding of forest mortality across scales. We highlight priority research frontiers that promote: (1) new avenues for research on key tree ecophysiological responses to drought; (2) scaling from the tree/plot level to the ecosystem and region; (3) improvements of mortality risk predictions based on both empirical and mechanistic insights; and (4) a global monitoring network of forest mortality. In light of recent and anticipated large forest die‐off events such a research agenda is timely and needed to achieve scientific understanding for realistic predictions of drought‐induced tree mortality. The implementation of a sustainable network will require support by stakeholders and political authorities at the international level.
Property Rights, Predation, and Productivity*
Authors: del Río Fernando
Published: February 2018

I develop a neoclassical growth model with imperfect property rights in which predation entails both waste of resources and deadweight losses. According to the model, in the United States, the welfare costs of crime represent a loss of 18.6 percent of consumption per capita. This loss is 57.8 percent for a country in the average of the last decile of the distribution of an index of business costs of crime across 94 countries. An increase of one standard deviation in the institutional quality index increases GDP per worker by 23 percent for a country in the average of the last decile of its distribution.
Identifying N+N compounding in Modern Standard Arabic and Jordanian Arabic
Authors: Altakhaineh Abdel Rahman Mitib
Published: February 2018

This study aims to identify types of compounds in Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) and Jordanian Arabic (JA) by applying the cross‐linguistic criteria for compoundhood discussed in the relevant literature, with a special focus on English and Hebrew. These criteria – orthographic, phonological, syntactic and semantic in nature – have been proposed to make a distinction between compounds and phrases cross‐linguistically. The analysis reveals that the most reliable cross‐linguistic criteria to distinguish between compounds and phrases in MSA and JA are adjacency and referentiality. With regard to the former criterion, no intervening elements can be inserted between the head and the non‐head of compounds, whilst such insertion is allowed in phrases. With regard to the latter criterion, the non‐head of a compound is normally non‐referential, whereas the non‐head of a phrase is always referential. Other criteria have been found to be partially applicable, e.g. compositionality, possibilities for modification and coordination, and free pluralisation of the non‐head. In this study, I also suggest two reliable criteria that are exclusive to Arabic, or potentially Semitic languages in general. The first criterion is the appearance/absence of the possessive marker li‐/la ‘for/of’ when the first element is definite. The second criterion deals with the appearance/absence of the possessive marker li‐/la ‘for/of’ when the first element is preceded by a cardinal number. The study concludes with recommendations for further research.
Sb-incorporation in MBE-grown metamorphic InAsSb for long-wavelength infrared applications
Authors: Tomasulo Stephanie , Affouda Chaffra A. , Mahadik Nadeemullah A. , Twigg Mark E. , Yakes Michael K. , Aifer Edward H.
Published: February 2018

InAs1-xSbx is a unique semiconductor as it possesses the lowest bandgap (Eg) of the conventional III–V materials, yielding emission out to nearly 15 μm at room temperature. As such, it is well-suited as the absorber material in long-wavelength infrared (IR) applications such as chemical sensing and large format IR imaging. However, the compositions at the longest wavelengths are significantly lattice-mismatched to conventional substrates. Overcoming this lattice-mismatch requires using thick graded buffers, and to date, little work has focused on the effect of growth conditions on the Sb-incorporation or optical quality of the longest-wavelength InAs1-xSbx materials. Here, the authors investigate the molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) growth of this potential absorber material by using solid source MBE to grow InAs1-xSbx on step-graded buffers on GaSb substrates. The authors have achieved cap-layer compositions as high as x ≈ 0.55 under various substrate temperatures (Tsub) and V/III beam equivalent pressure ratios. By using InAs1-xSbx as the grading material as well as the cap material, the authors can measure Sb-content as a function of growth conditions over many compositions. The author's results show good agreement between x and Eg compared with previous reports, obtaining T = 8 K photoluminescence (PL) emission approaching 11 μm. However, the authors also found that Sb-incorporation falls off for x > 0.2 and worsens with increasing Tsub, suggesting that Sb-incorporation rates increase with reduced adatom mobility. Additionally, the PL of the samples show improved intensity when either Tsub or V/III were increased, while cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy revealed a significant decrease in threading dislocation density with increased V/III. Ultimately, the authors found that under the proper growth conditions, optically active InAs1-xSbx with x over 0.55 can be attained, and with an optimized grading structure, could be a low-cost alternative to HgCdTe for long-wavelength infrared optoelectronics.
Fast direct neuronal signaling via the IL-4 receptor as therapeutic target in neuroinflammation
Authors: Vogelaar Christina F. , Mandal Shibajee , Lerch Steffen , Birkner Katharina , Birkenstock Jerome , Bühler Ulrike , Schnatz Andrea , Raine Cedric S. , Bittner Stefan , Vogt Johannes , Kipnis Jonathan , Nitsch Robert , Zipp Frauke
Published: February 2018

Targeting neuronal interleukin-4 signaling is beneficial for clinical progression and axon pathology in different neuroinflammation models.
Draft Genome Sequence of Plant Growth-Promoting and Drought-Tolerant Bacillus altitudinis FD48, Isolated from Rice Phylloplane
Authors: Kumaravel Sowmya , Thankappan Sugitha , Raghupathi Sridar , Uthandi Sivakumar
Published: February 2018

The genome sequence of a temperature-tolerant strain,
Bacillus altitudinis
FD48, is described here. The reads were assembled into contigs with a total size of 3.7 Mb. The genome information will aid in understanding its role in alleviating stress in crop plants as a potential bioinoculant for agricultural applications.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Radioresistant Bacterium Deinococcus aerius TR0125, Isolated from the High Atmosphere above Japan
Authors: Satoh Katsuya , Arai Hiroki , Sanzen Toshihiko , Kawaguchi Yuko , Hayashi Hidenori , Yokobori Shin-ichi , Yamagishi Akihiko , Oono Yutaka , Narumi Issay
Published: February 2018

Deinococcus aerius
strain TR0125 is a bacterium isolated from the high atmosphere above Japan that shows strong resistance to desiccation, UV-C, and gamma radiation. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
D. aerius
(4.5 Mb), which may provide useful genetic information supporting its biochemical features.
Genome Sequences of Two Single-Stranded DNA Viruses Identified in
Varroa destructor
Authors: Kraberger Simona , Visnovsky Gabriel A. , van Toor Ron F. , Male Maketalena F. , Waits Kara , Fontenele Rafaela S. , Varsani Arvind
Published: February 2018

Varroa destructor
is a ubiquitous and parasitic mite of honey bees, infecting them with pathogenic viruses having a major impact on apiculture. We identified two novel circular replication-associated protein (Rep)-encoding single-stranded (CRESS) DNA viruses from
V. destructor
sampled from a honey bee hive near Christchurch in New Zealand.
Draft Genome Sequence of Streptomyces sp. Strain DH-12, a Soilborne Isolate from the Thar Desert with Broad-Spectrum Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Jiao Junjing , Paterson Julia , Busche Tobias , Rückert Christian , Kalinowski Jörn , Harwani Dharmesh , Gross Harald
Published: February 2018

Strain DH-12 exhibits broad-spectrum antibacterial activity toward Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens. The 7.6-Mb draft genome sequence gives insight into the complete secondary metabolite production capacity and reveals genes putatively responsible for its antibacterial activity, as well as genes which enable the survival of the organism in an extreme arid environment.
More medicines for children: impact of the EU paediatric regulation
Authors: Nordenmalm Sofia , Tomasi Paolo , Pallidis Chrissi
Published: February 2018

Introduction

This paper focuses on the authorisation of new medicines, new indications and new pharmaceutical forms or strengths for use in children and also on the availability of paediatric information in the product information of centrally authorised medicinal products following the enforcement of the Paediatric Regulation on 26 January 2007.

Objectives

To investigate whether the Paediatric Regulation has led to more medicines available for children in the European Union (EU) and if more information on paediatric use is now available in the product information of medicines authorised via the centralised procedure.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively analysed the centrally authorised medicinal products in the EU that had an approval for an initial marketing authorisation, a type II variation, or a line extension during the years 2004–2006 and 2012–2014. Medicinal products not subjected to the obligations of the Paediatric Regulation were excluded.

Results

In 2004–2006, 20 new medicines and 10 new indications were centrally authorised for paediatric use compared with 26 new medicines and 37 new indications in 2012–2014. The number of medicines with a new pharmaceutical form or strength for use in children was eight in 2004–2006 and seven in 2012–2014. There was a huge increase in the number of products with changes of paediatric relevance in the summary of product characteristics in 2012–2014 compared with 2004–2006.

Conclusions

The entry into force of the Paediatric Regulation has had a positive impact on paediatric drug development with more medicines available for children in the EU and substantially more information available for clinicians on paediatric use in the product information.
Estimating the HIV undiagnosed population in Catalonia, Spain: descriptive and comparative data analysis to identify differences in MSM stratified by migrant and Spanish-born population
Authors: Reyes-Urueña Juliana Maria , Campbell Colin N J , Vives Núria , Esteve Anna , Ambrosioni Juan , Tural Cristina , Ferrer Elena , Navarro Gemma , Force Lluis , García Isabel , Masabeu Àngels , Vilaró Josep M , García de Olalla Patricia , Caylà Joan Artur , Miró Josep M , Casabona Jordi
Published: February 2018

Objective

Undiagnosed HIV continues to be a hindrance to efforts aimed at reducing incidence of HIV. The objective of this study was to provide an estimate of the HIV undiagnosed population in Catalonia and compare the HIV care cascade with this step included between high-risk populations.

Methods

To estimate HIV incidence, time between infection and diagnosis and the undiagnosed population stratified by CD4 count, we used the ECDC HIV Modelling Tool V.1.2.2. This model uses data on new HIV and AIDS diagnoses from the Catalan HIV/AIDS surveillance system from 2001 to 2013. Data used to estimate the proportion of people enrolled, on ART and virally suppressed in the HIV care cascade were derived from the PISCIS cohort.

Results

The total number of people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Catalonia in 2013 was 34 729 (32 740 to 36 827), with 12.3% (11.8 to 18.1) of whom were undiagnosed. By 2013, there were 8458 (8101 to 9079) Spanish-born men who have sex with men (MSM) and 2538 (2334 to 2918) migrant MSM living with HIV in Catalonia. A greater proportion of migrant MSM than local MSM was undiagnosed (32% vs 22%). In the subsequent steps of the HIV care cascade, migrants MSM experience greater losses than the Spanish-born MSM: in retention in care (74% vs 55%), in the proportion on combination antiretroviral treatment (70% vs 50%) and virally suppressed (65% vs 46%).

Conclusions

By the end of 2013, there were an estimated 34 729 PLHIV in Catalonia, of whom 4271 were still undiagnosed. This study shows that the Catalan epidemic of HIV has continued to expand with the key group sustaining HIV transmission being MSM living with undiagnosed HIV.
Danish Observational Study of Eldercare work and musculoskeletal disorderS (DOSES): a prospective study at 20 nursing homes in Denmark
Authors: Karstad Kristina , Jørgensen Anette F B , Greiner Birgit A , Burdorf Alex , Søgaard Karen , Rugulies Reiner , Holtermann Andreas
Published: February 2018

Purpose

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), sickness absence and premature retirement are highly prevalent among eldercare workers. We conducted a prospective observational workplace study with the main purpose to investigate longitudinal associations between physical and psychosocial working conditions and occurrence of MSD and its consequences (pain-related interference with daily work activities and sickness absence) among Danish eldercare workers.

Participants

At 20 Danish nursing homes, a total of 941 eldercare workers employed in day and evening shifts were invited to the study. Of those, 553 participated in the baseline measurements, and 441 completed the total period of 12 months follow-up.

Findings to date

Data were collected from September 2013 to January 2016. Physical and psychosocial working conditions were assessed with multiple methods (observations, accelerometer measurements and work schedules), and multiple levels of information (nursing home, ward, resident and eldercare worker) were incorporated in the data collection. MSD and the consequences hereof were assessed monthly during a 1-year follow-up. Study participants and non-participants were comparable on most of the 27 sociodemographic, health and working condition characteristics at baseline. The exceptions were higher neck–shoulder pain intensity, less sickness absence, more exposure to negative behaviour from residents and a higher percentage of working day shifts and fewer evening shifts among participants compared with non-participants.

Future plans

The first publications will report on the associations of physical and psychosocial working conditions with occurrence of MSD and its consequences. In addition, the cohort gives the opportunity to investigate the importance of organisational, management and team factors for distribution of physical work demands and development of MSD among the workers. This will provide important knowledge for future workplace interventions to reduce MSD and sickness absence.
The effects of early sandbar formation on the abundance and ecology of coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) and steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in a central California coastal lagoon
Authors: Osterback Ann-Marie K. , Kern Cynthia H. , Kanawi Emerson A. , Perez Jeffrey M. , Kiernan Joseph D.
Published: February 2018

We investigated how extreme drought conditions influenced the abundance, growth, movement, and seawater readiness of juvenile coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) and steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in a small central California coastal lagoon. In 2015, the seasonal sandbar at the mouth of Scott Creek formed over 2 months earlier than average, effectively trapping fish in the lagoon for 7 additional months (mid-May through December) before outmigration opportunities eventually resumed. Monthly mark–recapture sampling demonstrated that juvenile coho salmon and steelhead were able to persist in the lagoon during extended periods of high water temperature and low dissolved oxygen concentration. Both salmonid species exhibited similar temporal trends in abundance, growth, and Na+-K+-ATPase activity levels during lagoon residence; however, abundance and growth rates were consistently higher for steelhead. Stationary passive integrated transponder tag antenna detections revealed recurrent movement of individuals between the warm lagoon and cooler lower mainstem creek, suggesting individuals regulated key physiological processes by moving between the adjacent habitats. Our study provides new insight concerning the consequences of drought for imperiled salmonid populations and underscores the importance of life-history diversity during extreme climatic events.
The planes of satellite galaxies problem, suggested solutions, and open questions
Authors: Pawlowski Marcel S.
Published: February 2018

Satellite galaxies of the Milky Way and of the Andromeda galaxy have been found to preferentially align in significantly flattened planes of satellite galaxies, and available velocity measurements are indicative of a preference of satellites in those structures to co-orbit. There is an increasing evidence that such kinematically correlated satellite planes are also present around more distant hosts. Detailed comparisons show that similarly anisotropic phase-space distributions of sub-halos are exceedingly rare in cosmological simulations based on the [Formula: see text]CDM paradigm. Analogs to the observed systems have frequencies of [Formula: see text] 0.5% in such simulations. In contrast to other small-scale problems, the satellite planes issue is not strongly affected by baryonic processes because the distribution of sub-halos on scales of hundreds of kpc is dominated by gravitational effects. This makes the satellite planes one of the most serious small-scale problems for [Formula: see text]CDM. This review summarizes the observational evidence for planes of satellite galaxies in the Local Group and beyond, and provides an overview of how they compare to cosmological simulations. It also discusses scenarios which aim at explaining the coherence of satellite positions and orbits, and why they all are currently unable to satisfactorily resolve the issue.
The effects of spatial dynamics on a wormhole throat
Authors: Alias Anuar , Wan Abdullah Wan Ahmad Tajuddin
Published: February 2018

Previous studies on dynamic wormholes were focused on the dynamics of the wormhole itself, be it either rotating or evolutionary in character and also in various frameworks from classical to braneworld cosmological models. In this work, we modeled a dynamic factor that represents the spatial dynamics in terms of spacetime expansion and contraction surrounding the wormhole itself. Using an RS2-based braneworld cosmological model, we modified the spacetime metric of Wong and subsequently employed the method of Bronnikov, where it is observed that a traversable wormhole is easier to exist in an expanding brane universe, however it is difficult to exist in a contracting brane universe due to stress–energy tensors requirement. This model of spatial dynamic factor affecting the wormhole throat can also be applied on the cyclic or the bounce universe model.
Signals of the first generation scalar leptoquarks at LHeC
Authors: Zhang Jian , Yue Chong-Xing , Liu Zhi-Cheng
Published: February 2018

We consider single production of the first generation scalar leptoquarks (SLQs) at large hadron electron collider (LHeC) in the context of two simplified SLQ models. Our numerical results show that the production cross-sections are much larger than those at LHC. The possible signals of SLQs might be discovered at LHeC in the near future.
Ear Recognition Based on Fusion of Ear and Tragus Under Different Challenges
Authors: Alqaralleh Esraa , Toygar Önsen
Published: February 2018

This paper proposes a 2D ear recognition approach that is based on the fusion of ear and tragus using score-level fusion strategy. An attempt to overcome the effect of partial occlusion, pose variation and weak illumination challenges is done since the accuracy of ear recognition may be reduced if one or more of these challenges are available. In this study, the effect of the aforementioned challenges is estimated separately, and many samples of ear that are affected by two different challenges concurrently are also considered. The tragus is used as a biometric trait because it is often free from occlusion; it also provides discriminative features even in different poses and illuminations. The features are extracted using local binary patterns and the evaluation has been done on three datasets of USTB database. It has been observed that the fusion of ear and tragus can improve the recognition performance compared to the unimodal systems. Experimental results show that the proposed method enhances the recognition rates by fusion of parts that are nonoccluded with tragus in the cases of partial occlusion, pose variation and weak illumination. It is observed that the proposed method performs better than feature-level fusion methods and most of the state-of-the-art ear recognition systems.
Attractor models in scalar–tensor theories of inflation
Authors: Bhattacharya Sukannya , Das Kumar , Dutta Koushik
Published: February 2018

In this work, we study the cosmological attractor models of inflation in connection with certain scalar–tensor theories of gravity, e.g. [Formula: see text] gravity and Brans–Dicke theory. For some particular choices of the functional degrees of freedom in these theories, one obtains Starobinsky-like predictions in the ([Formula: see text]) observable plane. We have demonstrated that these choices in the Lagrangian density of certain [Formula: see text] and Brans–Dicke theories fulfil the condition of the cosmological attractors. That explains why known predictions of [Formula: see text] and Brans–Dicke theories in certain cases appear to be the predictions of the much discussed attractor theories. In addition, we did an analysis showing how the predictions of an attractor model are preserved with respect to the variation in the functional freedom of the theory.
OPTIMAL DOSING STRATEGIES AGAINST SUSCEPTIBLE AND RESISTANT BACTERIA
Authors: KHAN ADNAN , IMRAN MUDASSAR
Published: February 2018

Mathematical models can be very useful in determining efficient and successful antibiotic dosing techniques against bacterial infections. There are several challenging issues involved, the presence of drug resistant bacteria being one. Recent rise in antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria is a grave public health hazard, hence there is a need to develop dosing protocols taking into account the presence of these resistant strains. In this study, we consider a model for antibiotic treatment of a bacterial infection where the bacteria are divided into two sub-populations: susceptible and resistant. The mechanism of acquisition of resistance by the susceptible bacteria considered is via the process of conjugation. We find the steady-state solutions under an antibiotic protocol of discrete periodic doses and analyze their stability. We also prove an extension of a result that pertains to the persistence of bacteria. In addition, we perform the bifurcation analysis under this dosing protocol and show that bi-stability exists for the bacterial population. Furthermore, efficient treatment strategies are devised that ensure bacterial elimination while minimizing the quantity of antibiotic used. Such treatments are necessary to decrease the chances of further development of resistance in bacteria and to minimize the overall treatment cost. We consider the cases of varying antibiotic costs, different initial bacterial densities and bacterial attachment to solid surfaces, and obtain the optimal strategies for all the cases. The results show that the optimal treatments ensure disinfection for a wide range of scenarios.
Forecasting New Features and Market Adoption of Wearable Devices Using TRIZ and Growth Curves: Case of Fitness Tracking Products
Authors: Sengupta Sowmini , Kim Jisun , Kim Seong Dae
Published: February 2018

This paper describes the application of a combination of TRIZ and Bass modeling to forecast the technology growth projections for one of the wearable devices, fitness trackers. For the TRIZ modeling, the fitness tracking system was divided into three subsystems and each was analyzed as per the technology trends from current literature. The subsystems’ combined assessment was then visualized via a radar plot. The analysis showed the technology to be in an emergent state with primary growth in the hardware and software subsystem areas. The Bass model showed the market peaking at eight and saturating in 15 years.
The Immune Response toMycobacterium tuberculosisin HIV-1-Coinfected Persons
Authors: Esmail Hanif , Riou Catherine , du Bruyn Elsa , Lai Rachel Pei-Jen , Harley Yolande X.R. , Meintjes Graeme , Wilkinson Katalin A. , Wilkinson Robert J.
Published: February 2018

Globally, about 36.7 million people were living with HIV infection at the end of 2015. The most frequent infection co-occurring with HIV-1 is Mycobacterium tuberculosis—374,000 deaths per annum are attributable to HIV-tuberculosis, 75% of those occurring in Africa. HIV-1 infection increases the risk of tuberculosis by a factor of up to 26 and alters its clinical presentation, complicates diagnosis and treatment, and worsens outcome. Although HIV-1-induced depletion of CD4+T cells underlies all these effects, more widespread immune deficits also contribute to susceptibility and pathogenesis. These defects present a challenge to understand and ameliorate, but also an opportunity to learn and optimize mechanisms that normally protect people against tuberculosis. The most effective means to prevent and ameliorate tuberculosis in HIV-1-infected people is antiretroviral therapy, but this may be complicated by pathological immune deterioration that in turn requires more effective host-directed anti-inflammatory therapies to be derived.
Computational Photophysics in the Presence of an Environment
Authors: Nogueira Juan J. , González Leticia
Published: February 2018

Most processes triggered by ultraviolet (UV) or visible (vis) light in nature take place in complex biological environments. The first step in these photophysical events is the excitation of the absorbing system or chromophore to an electronically excited state. Such an excitation can be monitored by the UV-vis absorption spectrum. A precise calculation of the UV-vis spectrum of a chromophore embedded in an environment is a challenging task that requires the consideration of several ingredients, besides an accurate electronic-structure method for the excited states. Two of the most important are an appropriate description of the interactions between the chromophore and the environment and accounting for the vibrational motion of the whole system. In this contribution, we review the most common theoretical methodologies to describe the environment (including quantum mechanics/continuum and quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics models) and to account for vibrational sampling (including Wigner sampling and molecular dynamics). Further, we illustrate in a series of examples how the lack of these ingredients can lead to a wrong interpretation of the electronic features behind the UV-vis absorption spectrum.
Complicit States and the Governing Strategy of Privilege Violence: When Weakness Is Not the Problem
Authors: Kleinfeld Rachel , Barham Elena
Published: February 2018

This article seeks to explain why some high-capacity democracies have high levels of internal violence. These regimes present a puzzle: Why are bureaucratically capable states that ostensibly answer to voters failing to provide security? Challenging the “weak states” paradigm, we argue that states with high capacity and significant violence within marginalized populations exhibit a governance pattern in which governing factions deliberately weaken security services and collude with nonstate violent actors to maintain power and ensure extreme levels of privilege and impunity. Although these states do not feature ideal-type institutions, they are not weak. Instead, economic and political elites are complicit in enforcing a system of material inequality and uneven democratic incorporation maintained by violence. As politicized security agencies become incapacitated and repressive, citizens turn to nonstate security providers for protection, from private firms to criminals and insurgents, increasing social violence and obscuring the state origins of what we term privilege violence.