bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation between Doppler echocardiography and right heart catheterization assessment of systolic pulmonary artery pressure in patients with severe aortic stenosis
Authors: Schewel Jury , Schlüter Michael , Schmidt Tobias , Kuck Karl‐Heinz , Frerker Christian , Schewel Dimitry
Published: February 2020

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate reliability and accuracy of noninvasive measurement method by echocardiography compared to invasive measurement of systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP) in a large cohort of aortic stenosis (AS) patients.

Background

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is common in patients with cardiac disease, especially in left heart disease like severe AS. Invasive measurement by right heart catheterization (RHC) is the gold standard to assess pulmonary pressures. Nevertheless, echocardiography is widely used in everyday practice for estimation of pulmonary pressures and diagnosing PH.

Methods

A total of 1400 patients with AS and full invasive hemodynamic assessment by RHC and noninvasive measurements by Doppler echocardiography were included.

Results

Mean patient age was 81.5 ± 6.8 years, and 46.3% were males. SPAP was 44.7 ± 15.1 mm Hg by echocardiography and 45.3 ± 15.2 mm Hg by RHC. Pearson's correlation coefficient was r = .820 (P < .0001). Bland–Altman analysis showed a bias of −0.56 mm Hg (95% limits of agreement −18.38 to + 17.26 mm Hg) and 80.6% measurement accuracy. Pulmonary hypertension defined by RHC as a mean PAP ≥25 mm Hg was reliably diagnosed via an echocardiographically measured SPAP of >40 mm Hg (82.2% sensitivity, 80.2% specificity, 83.1% positive predictive value, 79.2% negative predictive value).

Conclusions

In a large cohort of patients with severe aortic stenosis, we could demonstrate a very good correlation of SPAP between Doppler echocardiography and invasive RHC measurement. Pulmonary hypertension could be diagnosed by echocardiography with high sensitivity and specificity.
Why your neighbor matters: Positions in preferential trade agreement networks and export growth in global value chains
Authors: Park Jong Hee , Kim Byung Koo
Published: February 2020

In rapidly expanding global and regional preferential trade agreements (PTA) networks, policy‐makers are keen to situate their countries in a better position, believing that a better position in PTA networks will help their economies trade more and grow faster. In this paper, we provide a theory that explains how changes in countries' PTA network positions affect their trade performance. We argue that a dense and deep “neighbor network” provides a country with a wide access to global value chains, better protection to investment, and strong credibility to their policy commitments. To measure trade performance, we compute value‐added exports at the country, year, and industry level across 43 countries, 56 industries, and 15 years (2000–14). The estimation of network position effects is done by panel fixed‐effects methods and the sample‐splitting and cross‐fitting double machine‐learning method. The findings show that as a country's neighbors have deeper and wider PTA networks, the country's value‐added exports grow faster. Also, the industry‐level analysis shows that sectors heavily engaging in the fragmentation of production stages exhibit faster growth with the improvement of neighbor networks.
Fast‐food addiction and anti‐consumption behaviour: The moderating role of consumer social responsibility
Authors: Farah Maya F. , Shahzad Muhammad Faisal
Published: February 2020

This study aims to understand the drivers of fast‐food addiction and the role of consumer social responsibility (CSR) on the relationship between fast‐food addiction and anti‐consumption. Due to growing health concerns, an increasing number of consumers have been avoiding the consumption of fast food. Based on a sample of 539 respondents, all pertaining to generation Y in Pakistan, this study tests a model including addiction and anti‐consumption behaviour. Empirical results provide strong evidence that individual and sociocultural factors together with advertising practices influence consumers’ fast‐food addiction. Results also reveal that CSR moderates the relationship between fast‐food addiction and anti‐consumption behaviour. Interestingly, the present study pioneers the discussion on how addiction can drive anti‐consumption. The findings can help public policy makers and managers to understand consumers’ anti‐consumption tendencies and help promote healthier consumption habits.
Distribution of hemoglobin levels and prevalence of anemia according to sex, age group, and region in 13 Korean cities
Authors: Nah Eun‐Hee , Cho Seon , Kim Suyoung , Chu Jieun , Kwon Eunjoo , Cho Han‐Ik
Published: February 2020

Introduction

The distribution of hemoglobin (Hb) levels and the prevalence of anemia are significant public health indicators. The aims of this study were to determine the distribution of Hb levels and the prevalence of anemia according to sex, age group, and region throughout Korea.

Methods

The study analyzed data on 1 159 298 subjects who received health checkups at 16 health‐promotion centers in 13 Korean cities during 2018. Anemia and its severity were defined according to the World Health Organization classification for Hb levels as follows: mild anemia (11‐12.9 g/dL in males and 11‐11.9 g/dL in females), moderate anemia (10‐10.9 g/dL in both sexes), and severe anemia (<10.0 g/dL in both sexes).

Results

The Hb level in the general sample was lower in females (13.25 ± 1.13 g/dL, mean ± SD) than in males (15.29 ± 1.22 g/dL). The overall prevalence of anemia was 6.0% (2.98% in males and 8.56% in females), and the prevalence of severe anemia was 0.92% (0.23% in males and 1.51% in females). While the prevalence of anemia increased monotonically with age in males, it was bimodal in females with two peaks at 40‐49 years and ≥80 years. The highest prevalence of anemia in females aged 40‐49 years was attributed to microcytic anemia, while increases in anemia prevalence in males aged ≥50 years and females aged ≥70 years were attributed to macrocytic anemia.

Conclusion

The distribution of Hb levels and the prevalence of anemia overall and by severity differ according to sex, age group, and region throughout Korea.
Thermodynamic assessment of BaO–Ln2O3 (Ln = La, Pr, Eu, Gd, Er) systems
Authors: Gong Weiping , Liu Yanzhi , Xie Yun , Zhao Zhenting , Ushakov Sergey V. , Navrotsky Alexandra
Published: February 2020

Heat capacities and enthalpies of formation of BaGd2O4 were determined by high‐temperature differential scanning calorimetry and high‐temperature oxide melt solution calorimetry, respectively. Thermodynamic stability of BaLn2O4 compounds increases with decreasing Ln3+ ionic radius. Previously reported data on BaNd2O4 and BaSm2O4 corroborate this trend. Missing data for compounds in BaO–Ln2O3 (Ln = La, Pr, Eu, Er) systems were estimated from established relations, thermodynamic assessment was performed, and binary phase diagrams were calculated.
Gender differences in the impact of health literacy on hospital readmission among older heart failure patients: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Son Youn‐Jung , Won Mi Hwa
Published: February 2020

Aims

To investigate the impact of limited health literacy on 1‐year hospital readmission among both older men and women with heart failure.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Methods

A total of 286 patients with heart failure (men = 144, women = 142) aged 65 years or older at baseline from two tertiary hospitals were enrolled from June–November 2017. Patients were followed up until November 2018. The Brief Health Literacy Screening Tool was used to assess baseline health literacy. One‐year readmission after discharge was assessed via medical records or telephone interview. A hierarchical logistic regression was performed.

Results

The prevalence rates of limited health literacy and 1‐year hospital readmission among older women were 74.7% and 35.9%, respectively, compared with 48.6% and 27.1% in older men. Limited health literacy significantly increased the risk of 1‐year hospital readmission in both older men and women with heart failure. More importantly, older women with limited health literacy had a much higher risk of hospital readmission (odds ratio: 10.17, 95% confidence interval: 2.19–47.14) than did older men with limited health literacy (odds ratio: 5.27, 95% confidence interval: 2.04–13.59).

Conclusions

Our findings highlight that a baseline assessment of health literacy would help prevent unplanned hospital readmissions after discharge in both older men and women with heart failure. Health professionals should recognize that women with limited health literacy are more vulnerable to re‐hospitalization than are men with limited health literacy.

Impact

Few studies have addressed gender differences in the link between health literacy and hospital readmission among patients with heart failure. We found that older women with limited health literacy had a much higher risk of hospital readmission than did their male counterparts. Health professionals should be aware of gender differences in health literacy in discharge planning, including self‐management counselling for older patients with heart failure.
Standardizing the assessment of emotional development in adults with intellectual and developmental disability
Authors: Sappok Tanja , Došen Anton , Zepperitz Sabine , Barrett Brian , Vonk Jolanda , Schanze Christian , Ilic Marie , Bergmann Thomas , De Neve Leen , Birkner Joana , Zaal Sandra , Bertelli Marco O. , Hudson Mark , Morisse Filip , Sterkenburg Paula
Published: February 2020

Objective

The Scale of Emotional Development—Short (SED‐S) is an instrument to assess the level of emotional development (ED) in people with intellectual and developmental disability. Index cases are developed as a didactic tool to standardize the application of the scale.

Method

In a stepwise process, a European working group from six countries developed five index cases, one for each level of ED. All cases were first scored by 20 raters using the SED‐S and then rephrased to reduce inter‐rater variations (SD > 0.5).

Results

All five index cases yielded overall ratings that matched the intended level of ED. Across the range of ED, Regulating Affect needed rephrasing most to ensure a distinct description within each level of ED.

Conclusions

The tri‐lingual, cross‐cultural evolution of five index cases contributes to a standardized application of the SED‐S and can serve as training material to improve the inter‐rater reliability of the SED‐S across different cultures and languages.
Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and management of hypertension at a cardiac clinic in Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana
Authors: Nsutebu Ntani Suh , Owusu Isaac Kofi , Buabeng Kwame Ohene , Bonsu Kwadwo Osei
Published: February 2020

Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) is considered a good intervention strategy to avoid misdiagnosis of hypertension and allow for targeted treatment of patients with hypertension. This study sought to assess the contribution of ABPM to blood pressure (BP) control and antihypertensive therapy at a cardiac clinic in Ghana. Medical records of 97 patients, aged 18‐85 years (mean 55), were reviewed. Among patients with clinic BP (CBP) and ambulatory BP recorded on the same day, we assessed for the different hypertension phenotypes, CBP control 6 months following ABPM, and changes to antihypertensive therapy after review of the ABPM records in patients with controlled and uncontrolled ambulatory BP. From the clinic and ambulatory BP records measured at baseline, the proportion of patients with white‐coat uncontrolled hypertension (WUCH) was 19.5% (17/87) and those with masked uncontrolled hypertension (MUCH) was 16.1% (n = 14). A significant reduction in average systolic CBP in the overall cohort (−6.2 mm Hg, P < .01) and in the uncontrolled subgroup (−8.8 mm Hg, P < .001) at follow‐up was observed. After review of the ABPM records, 51.7% of the patients on treatment had changes made in their antihypertensive therapy. Antihypertensive therapy was deintensified or left unchanged in majority of the patients with WUCH and sustained controlled hypertension. In patients with MUCH and true uncontrolled hypertension (TUCH), therapy was intensified. In conclusion, ABPM improved clinical decision‐making for antihypertensive therapy and BP control. ABPM should therefore be used more often in hypertension and cardiac clinics in low/middle‐income countries for optimal care.
Preliminary prediction of the basic reproduction number of the Wuhan novel coronavirus 2019‐nCoV
Authors: Zhou Tao , Liu Quanhui , Yang Zimo , Liao Jingyi , Yang Kexin , Bai Wei , Lu Xin , Zhang Wei
Published: February 2020

Objectives

To estimate the basic reproduction number of the Wuhan novel coronavirus (2019‐nCoV).

Methods

Based on the susceptible‐exposed‐infected‐removed (SEIR) compartment model and the assumption that the infectious cases with symptoms occurred before 26 January, 2020 are resulted from free propagation without intervention, we estimate the basic reproduction number of 2019‐nCoV according to the reported confirmed cases and suspected cases, as well as the theoretical estimated number of infected cases by other research teams, together with some epidemiological determinants learned from the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).

Results

The basic reproduction number fall between 2.8 and 3.3 by using the real‐time reports on the number of 2019‐nCoV‐infected cases from People's Daily in China and fall between 3.2 and 3.9 on the basis of the predicted number of infected cases from international colleagues.

Conclusions

The early transmission ability of 2019‐nCoV is close to or slightly higher than SARS. It is a controllable disease with moderate to high transmissibility. Timely and effective control measures are needed to prevent the further transmissions.
Utility of two PCR‐RFLP‐based techniques for identification of Candida parapsilosis complex blood isolates
Authors: Marcos‐Arias Cristina , Mateo Estibaliz , Jurado‐Martín Irene , Pena‐Fernández Nerea , Cantón Emilia , Pemán Javier , Quindós Guillermo , Eraso Elena
Published: February 2020

Background

Candida parapsilosis is the second or third most frequently isolated Candida species related to nosocomial infections, even overtaking Candida albicans in some hospitals. C. parapsilosis constitutes a complex of closely related species: Candida parapsilosis sensu stricto, Candida orthopsilosis and Candida metapsilosis. Accurate detection of these species is of importance, as the incidence of C. orthopsilosis has been reported to surpass that of Candida krusei.

Objective

To evaluate the diagnostic utility of two PCR‐RFLP methods targeting the SADH and FKS1 genes and to determine the prevalence of cryptic species in 96 bloodstream isolates of C. parapsilosis from 93 patients.

Methods

Restriction patterns of the SADH and FKS1 genes were analysed, and sequencing of the D1/D2 regions of the ribosomal RNA was used to evaluate the reliability of both PCR‐RFLP methods.

Results

In our study, 77 C. parapsilosis sensu stricto, 13 C. orthopsilosis and five C. metapsilosis were identified by sequencing. Both PCR‐RFLP methods demonstrated strong agreement with D1/D2 sequencing in the identification of C. parapsilosis and C. orthopsilosis, while both methods were unable to identify the C. metapsilosis isolates. Moreover, unexpected restriction patterns were observed for two isolates on SADH PCR‐RFLP and for four isolates on FKS1 PCR‐RFLP. Mixed bloodstream infections of C. parapsilosis sensu stricto and C. orthopsilosis were detected for three patients, for which differential growth characteristics were observed.

Conclusion

The molecular method chosen for identification could have an impact on determination of the real prevalence of C. metapsilosis in candidaemia, and mixed fungaemias can remain undetected.
CEP receptor signalling controls root system architecture in Arabidopsis and Medicago
Authors: Chapman Kelly , Ivanovici Ariel , Taleski Michael , Sturrock Craig J. , Ng Jason L. P. , Mohd‐Radzman Nadiatul A. , Frugier Florian , Bennett Malcolm J. , Mathesius Ulrike , Djordjevic Michael A.
Published: February 2020

Root system architecture (RSA) influences the effectiveness of resources acquisition from soils but the genetic networks that control RSA remain largely unclear.

We used rhizoboxes, X‐ray computed tomography, grafting, auxin transport measurements and hormone quantification to demonstrate that Arabidopsis and Medicago CEP (C‐TERMINALLY ENCODED PEPTIDE)‐CEP RECEPTOR signalling controls RSA, the gravitropic set‐point angle (GSA) of lateral roots (LRs), auxin levels and auxin transport.

We showed that soil‐grown Arabidopsis and Medicago CEP receptor mutants have a narrower RSA, which results from a steeper LR GSA. Grafting showed that CEPR1 in the shoot controls GSA. CEP receptor mutants exhibited an increase in rootward auxin transport and elevated shoot auxin levels. Consistently, the application of auxin to wild‐type shoots induced a steeper GSA and auxin transport inhibitors counteracted the CEP receptor mutant’s steep GSA phenotype. Concordantly, CEP peptides increased GSA and inhibited rootward auxin transport in wild‐type but not in CEP receptor mutants.

The results indicated that CEP–CEP receptor‐dependent signalling outputs in Arabidopsis and Medicago control overall RSA, LR GSA, shoot auxin levels and rootward auxin transport. We propose that manipulating CEP signalling strength or CEP receptor downstream targets may provide means to alter RSA.
Light Fluence Rate and Tissue Oxygenation (StO2) Distributions Within the Thoracic Cavity of Patients Receiving Intraoperative Photodynamic Therapy for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
Authors: Dupre Pamela J. , Ong Yi Hong , Friedberg Joseph , Singhal Sunil , Carter Shirron , Simone Charles B. , Finlay Jarod C. , Zhu Timothy C. , Cengel Keith A. , Busch Theresa M.
Published: February 2020

The distributions of light and tissue oxygenation (StO2) within the chest cavity were determined for 15 subjects undergoing macroscopic complete resection followed by intraoperative photodynamic therapy (PDT) as part of a clinical trial for the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). Over the course of light delivery, detectors at each of eight different sites recorded exposure to variable fluence rate. Nevertheless, the treatment‐averaged fluence rate was similar among sites, ranging from a median of 40–61 mW cm−2 during periods of light exposure to a detector. StO2 at each tissue site varied by subject, but posterior mediastinum and posterior sulcus were the most consistently well oxygenated (median StO2 >90%; interquartile ranges ~85–95%). PDT effect on StO2 was characterized as the StO2 ratio (post‐PDT StO2/pre‐PDT StO2). High StO2 pre‐PDT was significantly associated with oxygen depletion (StO2 ratio < 1), although the extent of oxygen depletion was mild (median StO2 ratio of 0.8). Overall, PDT of the thoracic cavity resulted in moderate treatment‐averaged fluence rate that was consistent among treated tissue sites, despite instantaneous exposure to high fluence rate. Mild oxygen depletion after PDT was experienced at tissue sites with high pre‐PDT StO2, which may suggest the presence of a treatment effect.
Prioritizing Judicial Nominations after Presidential Transitions
Authors: King Jonathan M. , Ostrander Ian
Published: February 2020

New presidents now commonly inherit a backlog of judicial vacancies. Lifetime judicial appointments provide presidents with lasting policy influence, but time and energy are rarely more valuable than after transitions while the selection and vetting of new judicial nominations are costly. Attempting to alter the ideological character of the courts could yield opposition that further increases the cost of each nomination. How then do new presidents prioritize vacancies? We use a unique data set of all district court vacancies that exist at the start of a new presidency to investigate. We find significant variation in the time to nominate within administrations and that presidents tend to prioritize necessity and expediency when filling transition vacancies.
The prostaglandin E2 increases the production of IL‐17 and the expression of costimulatory molecules on γδ T cells in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Du Boyu , Zhu Min , Li Youling , Li Gang , Xi Xueyan
Published: February 2020

γδ T cells play important roles in the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) through their antigen‐presenting capacity, release of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, immunomodulatory properties, interaction with CD4+CD25+ Tregs and promotion of antibody production by helping B cells. Although prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) was proved to have the ability to enhance the antigen‐presenting function of dendritic cells and IL‐17 production of CD4+ αβ T cells in RA, the role of PGE2 in γδ T cells from RA disease has not yet been clarified. The goal of this study was to determine the role of PGE2 in γδ T cells in RA. We first demonstrated that the population of γδT17 cells increased in patients with RA compared to healthy controls. Then, IL‐17A level in patients with RA was shown to increase compared to healthy controls. After adding PGE2 to γδ T cells from patients with RA, the IL‐17A level increased accordingly, and the expression of the costimulatory molecules, CD80 and CD86, on these cells also increased. These results suggest that PEG2 can increase the production of IL‐17A and the expression of CD80 and CD86 on γδ T cells in patients with RA. These findings will benefit to explore new therapeutic targets for RA disease.
Heat flow estimates offshore Haiti in the Caribbean plate
Authors: Rolandone Frédérique , Lucazeau Francis , Poort Jeffrey , Leroy Sylvie
Published: February 2020

Heat‐flow in the Caribbean is poorly known and generally low in the major basins and the Greater Antilles arc, but with some high values in active zones, like in the Cayman trough or in the Lesser Antilles Arc. Here we present new heat‐flow data for offshore Haiti, which is part of the Greater Antilles arc. We obtain new heat‐flow estimates from in situ measurements and Bottom Simulating Reflector (BSR). Both methods suggest a regionally low heat‐flow, respectively 46 ± 7 and 44 ± 12 mW/m2, with locally high values exceeding 80 mW/m2. The high heat‐flow values are generally located near faults, and could be related to fluid circulations. Our study confirms a low heat‐flow pattern at the scale of the Caribbean but points out the existence of local‐scale variability with high heat‐flow along the northern faults of the Caribbean region.
Does Ensemble Learning Always Lead to Better Forecasts?
Authors: Hamori Hitoshi , Hamori Shigeyuki
Published: February 2020

Ensemble learning is a common machine learning technique applied to business and economic analysis in which several classifiers are combined using majority voting for better forecasts as compared to those of individual classifier. This study presents a counterexample, which demonstrates that ensemble learning leads to worse classifications than those from individual classifiers, using two events and three classifiers. If there is an outstanding classifier, we should follow its forecast instead of using ensemble learning.
Art Curriculum: Reflections, Discussions, and Concerns
Authors: Wolffenbüttel Cristina Rolim , Brum Lucas Pacheco
Published: February 2020

This essay problematizes the resistance processes present in art school curricula. Some curricula are legitimized by the constant emphasis on sequentiality and chronological succession grounded in the history of art, which often comes only from a scholarly conception centered on the work and life of consecrated artists over the centuries, or rereading of works of art. Besides that most of the school curricula are guided by textbooks that legitimize the continuity of these practices, privileging elitist, ideological, sequential aspects that may exclude other artistic manifestations. There is an imposition of good or bad art. There are several discourses in Art that can produce operations and subjectivations of bodies in and out of school, demanding new ways for subjects to be in and out of the classroom in order to produce resistance in curricula and school spaces as a whole. This essay calls these processes urgencies. It is understood that these urgencies are in conflict and have the power to create reliefs with what is legitimized by the school system as a curriculum in Art. In this process, there is a flow of forces between what is put, the status quo and the urgencies, implying lifestyles, aesthetic choices and the construction of discourses, people, bodies, as well as attitudes, actions and ways of walking, speak and behave, that is, ways of managing life that operate in the processes of subjectivation. This essay deals with the resistance that permeates the art curriculum at school, in view of the curricular conceptions already legitimized by the system.
Flow Regimes for Laminar Film Condensation on a Vertical Plate With an Upward Vapor Flow
Authors: Kanatani Kentaro
Published: February 2020

Laminar film condensation on a vertical plate with an upward vapor flow is studied. An approximate integral model of the condensate film and the boundary layer of the vapor is numerically solved, taking into account both gravity and interfacial shear. Here, three types of solution are examined: (i) zero film thickness at the bottom; (ii) zero flowrate with a finite film thickness at the bottom; and (iii) negative flowrates at the bottom. The film thickness and the average Nusselt number are shown as functions of the distance along the plate and the plate length, respectively. The terminal lengths of the solutions of the types (i) and (ii) are calculated against the degree of the subcooling. Moreover, the results are compared with those derived using the approximation method where the shearing stress on the vapor–liquid interface is composed of only the momentum transferred by the suction mass (the Shekriladze–Gomelauri approach). It is found that the average Nusselt number is well described by the Shekriladze–Gomelauri model in the range of the solution type (ii), while the average Nusselt number for the thinnest-film solution of the type (iii) is asymptotically consistent with the Shekriladze–Gomelauri value for long plates.
Demonstration Reactor System for the Indirect Solar-Thermochemical Reduction of Redox Particles—The Particle Mix Reactor
Authors: Richter Sebastian , Brendelberger Stefan , Gersdorf Felix , Oschmann Tobias , Sattler Christian
Published: February 2020

In contrast to thermal receivers that provide heat for steam cycles, in solar thermochemistry often receiver-reactors are used, where materials undergo a reaction while being irradiated by concentrated sunlight. When applied to two-step redox cycles, multiple processes take place in such receiver-reactors, though on different timescales. This leads to design compromises and to high technical requirements for the implementation. A concept for an indirect particle-based system for thermochemical cycles was therefore proposed in which the heat required for the reduction of redox particles is provided by inert heat transfer particles that absorb concentrated solar radiation in a dedicated particle receiver. The novel and central component in this indirect system is the particle mix reactor. It functions by mixing the two particle types for heat transfer and establishing a controlled atmosphere under decreased oxygen partial pressures in a common reactor chamber. The design of an experimental setup for demonstration and investigation of the particle mix reactor is presented in this work. Potential operation modes and design options for particle heater, mixing unit, and oxygen partial pressure decrease are discussed and illustrated. The selection of a mixer type is based on the homogeneity of the obtained mixture. It is supported by the use of discrete element method (DEM) simulations, which were compared to experimental results from a separate setup. Heat loss estimations for the mixing process in the selected mixer geometry are performed for alumina heat transfer particles and strontium iron oxide redox particles. The components' geometries, the overall experimental setup design, as well as operation steps are presented.
Single Solution That Reduces Power Plants Heat Rates, Emissions, and Operating Costs
Authors: Kravets A. , Favale A. , Barba J. , Grace D.
Published: February 2020

This article presents background and the test results for a NOx control solution applicable to pulverized coal-fired power plants (E-NOx) that resolve the operating challenges related to the use of low/ultra-low-NOx burners (LNB) for in-furnace control and SCR or SNCR for post-combustion nitrogen oxides reduction. The major results of CFD modeling and test data are presented, which confirm E-NOx capabilities to reduce NOx and consequently the consumption of ammonia/urea for units using post-combustion NOx control. Basic steam plant performance analysis per ASME codes in combination with test data suggested an appreciable reduction in the plant heat rate. The results of economic studies of E-NOx applications for power plants with different means of NOx control are presented in this article, demonstrating a simple payback period to be within 8–16 months. This is the first environmental technology that pays for itself thanks to a decrease in both fuel and NOx reducing reactants consumption, thus lowering operating and maintenance costs in comparison with best available current and retrofit technologies.
Population dynamics of Aceria litchii (Keifer) (Acari: Eriophyidae) reveals differential responses of lychee varieties

Authors: Amaral I. , Matta L. G. , Andrade D. J.
Published: February 2020

Lychee productivity (Litchi chinensis) has been decreasing since the appearance of the erinose mite Aceria litchii (Keifer) in the main producing regions. This mite causes erinose formation in leaflets, branches, and fruits, which affects fruit productivity and quality. This study referred to an assessment of the population dynamics of this mite associated with abiotic factors in different lychee varieties during 25 months. For the assessments, the germplasm bank of the Faculty of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, UNESP–Jaboticabal, state of São Paulo, with lychees in full production was used. The assessed varieties were Bengal, Americana, Brewster, Groff, and WB4. Aceria litchii occurred in lychee plants over the years, reaching the highest levels in October and November. These results are considered important for the establishment of a more adequate management program for A. litchii. In this study, we verified that the Bengal variety (widely commercialized) is one of the varieties more susceptible to the mite attack. The variety Americana showed resistance to the mite. Despite the occurrence records for the pest in this variety, the number of individuals and, consequently, the erinose was reduced. Information reported here on the relationships between lychee varieties and the main crop pest is essential to implement plant-breeding programs or even select resistant or tolerant varieties to the erinose mite.
Transient glacial incision in the Patagonian Andes from ~6 Ma to present
Authors: Willett C. D. , Ma K. F. , Brandon M. T. , Hourigan J. K. , Christeleit E. C. , Shuster D. L.
Published: February 2020

Early glaciations in the Patagonian Andes show that fast initial glacial erosion is transient and is not a steady condition.
Evaluation of ID Fungi Plates Medium for Identification of Molds by MALDI Biotyper
Authors: Robert Marie Gladys , Romero Charlotte , Dard Céline , Garnaud Cécile , Cognet Odile , Girard Thomas , Rasamoelina Tahinamandranto , Cornet Muriel , Maubon Danièle
Published: February 2020

MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry (MS) identification of pathogenic filamentous fungi is often impaired by difficulties in harvesting hyphae embedded in the medium and long extraction protocols. The ID Fungi Plate (IDFP) is a novel culture method developed to address such difficulties and improve the identification of filamentous fungi by MALDI-TOF MS. We cultured 64 strains and 11 clinical samples on IDFP, Sabouraud agar-chloramphenicol (SAB), and ChromID Candida agar (CAN2). We then compared the three media for growth, ease of harvest, amount of material picked, and MALDI-TOF identification scores after either rapid direct transfer (DT) or a long ethanol-acetonitrile (EA) extraction protocol.
Draft Genome Sequences of 12 Lactobacillus reuteri Strains of Rodent Origin
Authors: Zhang Shenwei , Özçam Mustafa , van Pijkeren Jan-Peter
Published: February 2020

Lactobacillus reuteri
is a bacterial gut symbiont found in many vertebrate animals. The genetic heterogeneity of
L. reuteri
is likely to contribute to differences in ecological performance within a host. Here, we report the draft genome sequences of 12
L. reuteri
strains of rodent origin.
Draft Genome Sequence ofSaccharibacillussp. Strain WB 17, Isolated from Wheat Phyllosphere
Authors: Besaury Ludovic , Remond Caroline
Published: February 2020

The whole genome ofSaccharibacillussp. strain WB 17, a bacterial strain isolated from wheat phyllosphere, has been sequenced. This microorganism is equipped with several carbohydrate-active enzymes, which would explain its ability to fractionate lignocellulose.
Whole-Genome Sequence of Fish-Pathogenic Enterococcus faecalis Strain BFFF11
Authors: Akter Tasmina , Rahman M. Mahbubur , Tay Alfred Chin Yen , Ehsan Rakib , Islam M. Tofazzal
Published: February 2020

A fish-pathogenic bacterium,
Enterococcus faecalis
strain BFFF11, was isolated from a tilapia suffering from streptococcosis in a fish farm in the Gazipur district of Bangladesh. The whole genome of this strain, BFFF11, was 3,067,042 bp, with a GC content of 37.4%.
Narcotrend-guided intraoperative care of a Trisomy 21 paediatric patient who underwent occipitocervical fusion
Authors: Villa Evangeline Ko , Villa Dominic , Bundoc Rafael C
Published: February 2020

A 9-year-old female with Trisomy 21 with complex craniovertebral instability causing severe cervicomedullary compression underwent occipitocervical fusion. This paper will discuss the anaesthetic management and highlight the use of the Narcotrend monitor not only as a depth of consciousness monitor but more importantly as a tool to detect surgery-induced cerebral hypoperfusion by monitoring the right and left cerebral hemispheres independently and simultaneously.
Mycotic abdominal aortic aneurysm complicated by infective spondylitis due toPseudomonasaeruginosa
Authors: Dsouza Royson , Kota Albert Abhinay , Jain Shriyans , Agarwal Sunil
Published: February 2020

A 67-year-old man with diabetes and hypertension presented with complaints of abdominal pain and lower back ache for 7 months, with intermittent episodes of fever. On examination, there was an expansile mass in the upper abdomen with bruit on auscultation. He also had tenderness in the L1–L2 vertebral space with paraspinal fullness, causing painful restriction of lower limb motor functions but without affecting sensation. On evaluation, he was found to have an abdominal aortic aneurysm with infective lumbar spondylodiscitis. The aspirate from the paravertebral infected tissue and cultures from blood grewPseudomonas aeruginosa, a rare causative agent of mycotic aortic aneurysm. Whether the infective spondylitis spread to the abdominal aorta causing the mycotic aneurysm or vice versa is a dilemma in such a case. However, the mainstay of treatment remains adequate source control and repair of the aneurysm with appropriate antibiotic therapy. Our patient received intravenous antibiotics forP.aeruginosabased on sensitivity, following which he underwent debridement of the infective spondylodiscitis with aneurysmorrhaphy. He had an uneventful recovery and was well at 3-month follow-up.
Maternal postload 1-hour glucose level during pregnancy and offspring’s overweight/obesity status in preschool age
Authors: Shi Xiulin , Huang Peiying , Wang Liying , Lu Wei , Su Weijuan , Yan Bing , Liu Changqin , Xiao Fangsen , Song Haiqu , Lin Mingzhu , Li Xuejun
Published: February 2020

Background

Childhood obesity is associated with adverse outcomes such as metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases in adulthood. Identifying risk factors related to excessive adiposity in early childhood is of great importance for obesity intervention. The results of studies for associations between maternal with gestational diabetes and offspring obesity are conflicting. Nonetheless, the association of maternal glucose across a spectrum of glucose values with childhood adiposity outcomes is less clear.

Aim

To assess the association of maternal glucose across a spectrum of glucose values with childhood adiposity at age 5 years.

Methods

A population-based cohort study was conducted between 2011 and 2018. Using the healthcare records data were from the Medical Birth Registry in Xiamen, China. The primary outcome was offspring obese/obesity. Primary predictors were maternal oral glucose tolerance test values during pregnancy.

Results

6090 mother–child pairs were analyzed. The mean age of the children at follow-up was 5.2 years. At multiple logistic regression, after adjustment for variables, including maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), birth weight of offspring, and insulin therapy, ORs for offspring overweight/obesity were 1.13 (95% CI 0.90 to 1.42) for maternal fasting glucose levels, 1.12 (95% CI 1.04 to 1.22) for 1-hour glucose, and 1.04 (95% CI 0.95 to 1.14) for 2-hour glucose. The adjusted association of offspring BMI Z-score with maternal 1-hour glucose level remained significant. There were no significant associations between BMI Z-score and maternal fasting glucose and 2-hour glucose level. Exploratory sex-specific analyses indicated generally consistent associations for boys and girls.

Conclusion

Maternal postload 1-hour glucose across a spectrum of glucose values during pregnancy was an independent risk for offspring weight gain at age 5 years, indicating the importance of screen and management of maternal 1-hour glucose level, except for fasting glucose and 2-hour glucose level during pregnancy in order to prevent offspring weight gain in early childhood.
The household economic burden of non-communicable diseases in 18 countries
Authors: Murphy Adrianna , Palafox Benjamin , Walli-Attaei Marjan , Powell-Jackson Timothy , Rangarajan Sumathy , Alhabib Khalid F , Avezum Alvaro Jr , Calik Kevser Burcu Tumerdem , Chifamba Jephat , Choudhury Tarzia , Dagenais Gilles , Dans Antonio L , Gupta Rajeev , Iqbal Romaina , Kaur Manmeet , Kelishadi Roya , Khatib Rasha , Kruger Iolanthe Marike , Kutty Vellappillil Raman , Lear Scott A , Li Wei , Lopez-Jaramillo Patricio , Mohan Viswanathan , Mony Prem K , Orlandini Andres , Rosengren Annika , Rosnah Ismail , Seron Pamela , Teo Koon , Tse Lap Ah , Tsolekile Lungiswa , Wang Yang , Wielgosz Andreas , Yan Ruohua , Yeates Karen E , Yusoff Khalid , Zatonska Katarzyna , Hanson Kara , Yusuf Salim , McKee Martin
Published: February 2020

Background

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of death globally. In 2014, the United Nations committed to reducing premature mortality from NCDs, including by reducing the burden of healthcare costs. Since 2014, the Prospective Urban and Rural Epidemiology (PURE) Study has been collecting health expenditure data from households with NCDs in 18 countries.

Methods

Using data from the PURE Study, we estimated risk of catastrophic health spending and impoverishment among households with at least one person with NCDs (cardiovascular disease, diabetes, kidney disease, cancer and respiratory diseases; n=17 435), with hypertension only (a leading risk factor for NCDs; n=11 831) or with neither (n=22 654) by country income group: high-income countries (Canada and Sweden), upper middle income countries (UMICs: Brazil, Chile, Malaysia, Poland, South Africa and Turkey), lower middle income countries (LMICs: the Philippines, Colombia, India, Iran and the Occupied Palestinian Territory) and low-income countries (LICs: Bangladesh, Pakistan, Zimbabwe and Tanzania) and China.

Results

The prevalence of catastrophic spending and impoverishment is highest among households with NCDs in LMICs and China. After adjusting for covariates that might drive health expenditure, the absolute risk of catastrophic spending is higher in households with NCDs compared with no NCDs in LMICs (risk difference=1.71%; 95% CI 0.75 to 2.67), UMICs (0.82%; 95% CI 0.37 to 1.27) and China (7.52%; 95% CI 5.88 to 9.16). A similar pattern is observed in UMICs and China for impoverishment. A high proportion of those with NCDs in LICs, especially women (38.7% compared with 12.6% in men), reported not taking medication due to costs.

Conclusions

Our findings show that financial protection from healthcare costs for people with NCDs is inadequate, particularly in LMICs and China. While the burden of NCD care may appear greatest in LMICs and China, the burden in LICs may be masked by care foregone due to costs. The high proportion of women reporting foregone care due to cost may in part explain gender inequality in treatment of NCDs.
Strengthening medical specialisation policy in low-income and middle-income countries
Authors: Sriram Veena , Bennett Sara
Published: February 2020

The availability of medical specialists has accelerated in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs), driven by factors including epidemiological and demographic shifts, doctors’ preferences for postgraduate training, income growth and medical tourism. Yet, despite some policy efforts to increase access to specialists in rural health facilities and improve referral systems, many policy questions are still underaddressed or unaddressed in LMIC health sectors, including in the context of universal health coverage. Engaging with issues of specialisation may appear to be of secondary importance, compared with arguably more pressing concerns regarding primary care and the social determinants of health. However, we believe this to be a false choice. Policy at the intersection of essential health services and medical specialties is central to issues of access and equity, and failure to formulate policy in this regard may have adverse ramifications for the entire system. In this article, we describe three critical policy questions on medical specialties and health systems with the aim of provoking further analysis, discussion and policy formulation: (1) What types, and how many specialists to train? (2) How to link specialists’ production and deployment to health systems strengthening and population health? (3) How to develop and strengthen institutions to steer specialisation policy? We posit that further analysis, discussion and policy formulation addressing these questions presents an important opportunity to explicitly determine and strengthen the linkages between specialists, health systems and health equity.
Association of ABO blood groups with allergic diseases: a scoping review
Authors: Dahalan Nur Hidayah , Tuan Din Sharifah Azdiana , Mohamad Siti Mardhiana Binti
Published: February 2020

Objective

The objective of this study was to map evidence of the association of ABO blood groups with allergic diseases such as allergic rhinitis (AR), atopic dermatitis (AD) and asthma.

Design

A scoping review.

Data sources

PubMed, Scopus, Direct Open Access Journal, Medline, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, ScienceDirect and SpringerLink were searched from October 2017 until May 2018.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

We selected all types of studies including case-control studies, prospective or retrospective cohort studies, cross-sectional studies and experimental studies, and we included reviews such as literature reviews, systematic reviews with or without meta-analysis and scoping reviews that were published in English and associated the ABO blood group with the three allergic diseases (asthma, AR and AD) in humans of all age groups.

Data extraction and synthesis

Two reviewers independently screened the titles and abstracts and assessed the full-text articles of the abstracts that met the eligibility requirements. Data from the included studies were extracted, evaluated and reported in the form of narrative synthesis.

Results

Of the 10 246 retrieved titles, only 14 articles were selected for a scoping review based on the eligibility criteria. The majority of the studies demonstrated a significant association between ABO blood groups and allergic diseases. We found that blood group O is prominent in patients with AR and asthma, while a non-O blood group is common in patients with AD.

Conclusion

This scoping review serves as preliminary evidence for the association of ABO blood groups with allergic diseases. Further studies need to be conducted so that the relationship between ABO blood groups and allergic diseases can be fully established. This could be helpful for clinicians and health professionals in consulting and managing patients who suffer from allergic diseases in the future.
Supporting care for suboptimally controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus in general practice with a clinical decision support system: a mixed methods pilot cluster randomised trial
Authors: Murphy Mark E , McSharry Jenny , Byrne Molly , Boland Fiona , Corrigan Derek , Gillespie Paddy , Fahey Tom , Smith Susan M
Published: February 2020

Objectives

We developed a complex intervention called DECIDE (ComputeriseD dECisIonal support for suboptimally controlleD typE 2 Diabetes mellitus in Irish General Practice) which used a clinical decision support system to address clinical inertia and support general practitioner (GP) intensification of treatment for adults with suboptimally controlled type2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The current study explored the feasibility and potential impact of DECIDE.

Design

A pilot cluster randomised controlled trial.

Setting

Conducted in 14 practices in Irish General Practice.

Participants

The DECIDE intervention was targeted at GPs. They applied DECIDE to patients with suboptimally controlled T2DM, defined as a glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) ≥70 mmol/mol and/or blood pressure ≥150/95 mmHg.

Intervention

The intervention incorporated training and a web-based clinical decision support system which supported; (i) medication intensification actions; and (ii) non-pharmacological actions to support care. Control practices delivered usual care.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Feasibility and acceptability was determined using thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with GPs, combined with data from the DECIDE website. Clinical outcomes included HbA1c, medication intensification, blood pressure and lipids.

Results

We recruited 14 practices and 134 patients. At 4-month follow-up, all practices and 114 patients were followed up. GPs reported finding decision support helpful navigating increasingly complex medication algorithms. However, the majority of GPs believed that the target patient group had poor engagement with GP and hospital services for a range of reasons. At follow-up, there was no difference in glycaemic control (−3.6 mmol/mol (95% CI −11.2 to 4.0)) between intervention and control groups or in secondary outcomes including, blood pressure, total cholesterol, medication intensification or utilisation of services. Continuation criteria supported proceeding to a definitive randomised trial with some modifications.

Conclusion

The DECIDE study was feasible and acceptable to GPs but wider impacts on glycaemic and blood pressure control need to be considered for this patient population going forward.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN69498919