bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Utilization of Interactive Clinical Video Telemedicine by Rural and Urban Veterans in the Veterans Health Administration Health Care System
Authors: Adams Scott V. , Mader Michael J. , Bollinger Mary J. , Wong Edwin S. , Hudson Teresa J. , Littman Alyson J.
Published: January 2019

Purpose

Interactive clinical video telemedicine (CVT) has the potential to benefit health care systems and patients by improving access, lowering costs, and more efficiently distributing providers. However, there is a gap in current knowledge around the demand for and potential uses of CVT in large integrated health care systems.

Methods

We conducted an observational study using Veterans Health Administration (VHA) administrative databases to analyze trends in CVT utilization, and types of care received, among 7.65 million veterans during fiscal years (FY) 2009‐2015 (October 1, 2008‐September 30, 2015). Trends were stratified by veteran rurality and analyzed using linear regression. Among 4.95 million veterans in FY2015, we used logistic regression to identify characteristics associated with CVT utilization for any care, mental health care, and major specialties.

Findings

Over 6 years, the annual CVT utilization grew from 30 to 124 encounters per 1,000 veterans (>300% increase), with faster growth among rural veterans than urban veterans. Over the study period, ≥50% of all CVT‐delivered care was mental health care. In FY2015, 3.2% of urban and 7.2% of rural veterans utilized CVT for nearly 725,000 clinical encounters. Rural residence, younger age, longer driving distance to VHA facilities, one or more comorbidities, and higher rates of traditional, non‐video utilization were independently associated with higher odds of CVT use.

Conclusions

CVT utilization in VHA has increased quickly and exceeds published rates in the private health care market. The availability of CVT has likely increased access to VHA care for rural veterans, especially for mental health care.
Oral clioquinol is effective in the treatment of a fly model of Candida systemic infection
Authors: Pippi Bruna , Merkel Simone , Staudt Keli Jaqueline , Teixeira Mario Lettieri , de Araújo Bibiana Verlindo , Zanette Régis Adriel , Andrade Saulo Fernandes , Fuentefria Alexandre Meneghello
Published: January 2019

Background

Clioquinol was used in the 1950s‐1970s as antimicrobial but its oral formulations were withdrawn from the market due to suspected neurotoxicity. Currently, there is possibility of repositioning of oral clioquinol formulations.

Objectives

To evaluate the antifungal activity and toxicological parameters of clioquinol and the other two 8‐hydroxyquinoline derivatives using alternative animal models and to study the interaction dynamic of clioquinol with Candida albicans.

Methods

We used Toll‐deficient Drosophila melanogaster to test the protective effect of 8‐hydroxyquinolines against C. albicans infection. Toxicological parameters were investigated in chicken embryo. A mathematical model‐based analysis of the time‐kill data of clioquinol was performed to obtain pharmacodynamic characteristics.

Results

Clioquinol fully protected D. melanogaster from the infection. The 8‐hydroxyquinolines did not cause changes in opening of the beak and movement of the chicken embryo; however, clioquinol and compound 2 increased arterial pulsation. Compound 3 was lethal at 1 mg mL−1. Effective concentration found in modelling indicated that clioquinol was highly effective against C. albicans (0.306 μg mL−1) in easily achievable serum levels; clioquinol rapidly achieved kill rate reaching the maximum effect after 13 hours.

Conclusions

These results support the potential of clioquinol to be used as a systemic antifungal agent.
Accuracy of detection of patients with narrow angles by community optometrists in Scotland
Authors: Annoh Roxanne , Loo Cheng Yi , Hogan Brian , Tan Huai Ling , Tang Ling Shan , Tatham Andrew J
Published: January 2019

Aim

To examine the accuracy of referrals by community optometrists for suspected primary angle closure, including primary angle closure suspects, primary angle closure and primary angle closure glaucoma.

Methods

A retrospective review of 769 consecutive patients referred by community optometrists to the glaucoma clinic at a university hospital in Scotland. Ninety‐five of 715 eligible subjects (13%) were referred due to suspected angle closure. All subjects had a comprehensive eye examination in the glaucoma clinic, including gonioscopy, with angle closure defined according to the International Society of Geographical and Epidemiological Ophthalmology classification as iridotrabecular contact over at least 270 degrees.

Results

Fifty‐nine of 95 subjects referred due to suspected angle closure were confirmed to have an occludable angle, while 36 of 95 (38%) had open angles (positive predictive value = 62%). Of 620 patients referred to the glaucoma clinic for reasons other than narrow angles, 601 (97%) had open angles on gonioscopy and 19 (3%) had narrow angles.

Using the 620 patients referred with ‘open angles’ as a control group, sensitivity was estimated as 76% and specificity 94%. Eleven of 95 (12%) patients referred for possible angle closure were discharged at the first visit compared to 156 of 620 (25%) referred to the glaucoma clinic for other reasons (p = 0.003). In a multivariable model, suspect angle closure detected by the optometrist (OR = 56.0, 95% CI 35.2–89.2, p < 0.001) and female gender (OR = 1.9, 95% CI 1.2–3.1, p = 0.008) were associated with increased odds of angle closure on gonioscopy.

Conclusion

Community optometrists had good ability to detect eyes at risk of angle closure. There was also greater accuracy of referrals for suspected angle closure than for other glaucoma referrals.
Community Resiliency in Declining Small Towns: Impact of Population Loss on Quality of Life over 20 Years
Authors: Peters David J.
Published: January 2019

This analysis seeks to understand why some small towns have improved quality of life (QoL) over the past 20 years despite sizable population losses. Using a longitudinal data set of small towns in Iowa collected every 10 years since 1994, I measure the resiliency or vulnerability of declining towns based on change in subjective QoL, and then model the socioeconomic correlates along a resilient‐decline index. Community resiliency is enhanced by the process of creating bridging social capital, not the quantity available for use. By contrast, the quantity of both internal and external linking social capital promotes resiliency by linking residents to local and outside power structures, but the growth of these linkages has no impact. Bonding social capital indirectly helps resiliency by increasing internal linkages that foster local participation, but hinders it by decreasing external ones that limit access to outside resources. Jobs in goods‐producing industries like manufacturing directly promote resiliency by providing more secure employment, plus indirectly promote it by increasing bridging ties and external linkages. Growing poverty and income disparities make declining places more vulnerable by reducing QoL and external linkages. I discuss local strategies promoting resiliency and QoL.
Evaluating CKD/ESRD patient with hepatitis C infection: How to interpret diagnostic testing and assess liver injury
Authors: Cottone Claudia , Bhamidimarri Kalyan Ram
Published: January 2019

Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) is the most common cause of infection related deaths in USA according to Central Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report in 2016. Hepatitis C is a blood borne virus and is common in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and in hemodialysis (HD) dependent patients. A majority of patients with CHC could remain asymptomatic and are still undiagnosed. Early detection of CHC and linkage of infected patients to care for evaluation and treatment is the standard of care as emphasized by Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcome (KDIGO) and American Association for the Study of Liver Disease‐ Infectious Disease Society of America (AASLD‐IDSA) practice guidelines. Historically, the management of hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐infected CKD patients, including those on dialysis and in the peri‐transplant setting, was a challenge. However, the evolution of various liver assessment tools, HCV tests, therapies and treatment strategies in the recent years has catalyzed a paradigm change in this area. This review provides an update on evaluating methodology, diagnostic tests and the various assessment tools for liver fibrosis pertaining to the CKD/HD patient infected with HCV.
The Rights/Development Nexus: Sen, Olson, and the Obesity Rights Movement*
Authors: Rasmussen David W.
Published: January 2019

Objective

This article explores how economic development facilitates the creation of interest groups that seek to improve their “capabilities” that, as Amartya Sen has explained, can enhance human freedom. Mancur Olson's work shows that long periods of political stability can foster “distributive coalitions” that benefit small interest groups at the expense of the nation.

Method

In this context, the fat acceptance movement is analyzed. Oriented toward reducing discrimination against overweight people, it works to improve their well‐being.

Results

The fat acceptance movement represents a new kind of distributive coalition: rather than transferring income to overweight people, it imposes significant medical costs on the rest of society.

Conclusion

This externality provides a justification for public policies that can influence weight without compromising the dignity of overweight people
Dependence between the global gold market and emerging stock markets (E7+1): Evidence from Granger causality using quantile and quantile‐on‐quantile regression methods
Authors: Tiwari Aviral Kumar , Adewuyi Adeolu O. , Roubaud David
Published: January 2019

This study examined the dependence between gold and stocks during 2002–18 in seven emerging countries. The study combined the bivariate cross‐quantilogram introduced recently with quantile‐on‐quantile regression (QQR) approaches to conduct comprehensive and complementary analyses. The QQR results for the full sample revealed a weak positive dependence in all the quantiles of gold and stock returns across all the countries selected during mild market conditions. The results for pre and post‐crisis periods largely were consistent with those obtained for the full sample, except for Turkey (pre‐crisis), and China and Indonesia (post‐crisis). The results of the causality test‐in‐mean (return) and that of the causality test‐in‐variance revealed no causal relation between stock and gold in the pre‐crisis period, while causality ran only from gold to some stocks in the post‐crisis period. Further, while there was volatility causality running only from gold to stocks during the pre‐crisis period, the volatility causality between the two markets was very high during the post‐crisis period. Therefore, we suggest that gold may have been a hedge for stocks during the pre‐crisis compared to the post‐crisis period. Further, international risk factors should be considered in optimal investment decisions between domestic and global markets' assets (stocks and gold).
GPR35 promotes glycolysis, proliferation, and oncogenic signaling by engaging with the sodium potassium pump
Authors: Schneditz Georg , Elias Joshua E. , Pagano Ester , Zaeem Cader M. , Saveljeva Svetlana , Long Kathleen , Mukhopadhyay Subhankar , Arasteh Maryam , Lawley Trevor D. , Dougan Gordon , Bassett Andrew , Karlsen Tom H. , Kaser Arthur , Kaneider Nicole C.
Published: January 2019

A GPCR–Na/K-ATPase interaction alters metabolism and proliferation to enhance intestinal tumor formation.
Draft Genome Sequence of Halomonas elongata MH25661 Isolated from a Saline Creek in the Andes of Peru
Authors: Mamani J. Ilucion , Pacheco Kevin B. , Elorrieta Paola , Romoacca Pedro , Castelan Hugo , Davila Sonia , Sierra Jose L. , Quispe-Ricalde Maria A.
Published: January 2019

Halomonas elongata
strain MH25661, a moderate halophile, was isolated from a saline creek in the Andes of Peru. Genome annotation analyses revealed genes that respond to osmotic stress and oxidative stress, genes that are involved in sporulation, and genes that are involved in transport systems and resistance to antibiotics and toxic compounds.
Proposed New Strain of Canine
Kobuvirus
from Fecal Samples of Brazilian Domestic Dogs
Authors: Barros Bruno de Cássio Veloso , Castro Ceyla Maria Oeiras , Pereira Diego , Ribeiro Laila Graziela , Júnior José Wandilson Barboza Duarte , Casseb Samir Mansour Moraes , Holanda Gustavo Moraes , Cruz Ana Cecília Ribeiro , Júnior Edivaldo Costa Sousa , Mascarenhas Joana D’Arc Pereira
Published: January 2019

A proposed new strain of canine
Kobuvirus
was identified in fecal samples of domestic dogs from a rural community located in the municipality of Peixe-Boi, Pará, Brazil. The nucleotide identity was 92.3% similar to other representatives of the family
Picornaviridae
, genus
Kobuvirus
, and species
Aichivirus A
, which suggests that this is possibly a new strain within this species.
Whole-Genome Sequence of Erwinia persicina B64, Which Causes Pink Soft Rot in Onions
Authors: Cho Heejung , Park Ji Yeon , Kim Yong Ki , Sohn Seong-Han , Park Dong Suk , Kwon Young-Seok , Kim Cheol-Woo , Back Chang-Gi
Published: January 2019

Erwinia persicina
B64 was isolated from rotten onions in cold-storage facilities. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of
E. persicina
B64, which contains 5,070,450 bp with 55.17% GC content. The genome of this isolate is composed of one chromosome and two plasmids.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Cyanotroph Pseudomonas monteilii BCN3
Authors: Jones Lauren B. , Kunz Daniel A.
Published: January 2019

We report here the first draft genome of
Pseudomonas monteilii
BCN3, a cyanotroph isolated from sewage sludge. The genome consists of approximately 6,029,517 bp with a G+C content of 61.89% and 5,369 annotated protein-coding genes.
A Curated, Comprehensive Database of Plasmid Sequences
Authors: Brooks Lauren , Kaze Mo , Sistrom Mark
Published: January 2019

Plasmid sequences are central to a myriad of microbial functions and processes. Here, we have compiled a database of complete plasmid sequences and associated metadata curated from both NCBI’s recent genome database update, which includes plasmids as organisms, and all available annotated bacterial genomes.
Complete Genome Sequences of Three Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli O111:H8 Strains Exhibiting an Aggregation Phenotype
Authors: Parker Craig T. , Huynh Steven , Bono James L. , Miller William G. , Cooley Michael B. , Brandl Maria T.
Published: January 2019

Non-O157 Shiga toxin-producing
Escherichia coli
(STEC) strains are a common source of foodborne illness. STEC O111 is among the most prevalent non-O157 STEC serogroups.
Draft Genome Sequences of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica Serovar Dublin Strains from St. Nectaire and Morbier Cheeses Characterized by Multilocus Variable-Number Tandem-Repeat Analysis Profiles Associated with Two Fatal Outbreaks in France
Authors: Cadel-Six Sabrina , Vignaud Marie-Leone , Mohammed Manal
Published: January 2019

We report here the draft genome sequences of 2
Salmonella enterica
subsp.
enterica
serovar Dublin strains from St. Nectaire and Morbier cheeses having multilocus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis (MLVA) profiles identified during the fatal outbreaks that occurred in France in 2012 and 2015 to 2016, respectively.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Hepatitis E Virus Genotype 1e Strain from an Outbreak in Nigeria, 2017
Authors: Akanbi Olusola Anuoluwapo , Harms Dominik , Wang Bo , Opaleye Oluyinka Oladele , Adesina Olufisayo , Osundare Folakemi Abiodun , Ogunniyi Abiodun , Naidoo Dhamari , Devaux Isabelle , Wondimagegnehu Alemu , Peter Clement , Ifeanyi Okudo , Ogundiran Opeayo , Ugochukwu Uzoma , Mba Nwando , Omilabu Sunday A. , Ihekweazu Chikwe , Bock C.-Thomas
Published: January 2019

Hepatitis E virus genotype 1 (HEV-1) is associated with large epidemics. Notably, HEV subtype 1e (HEV-1e) has caused HEV outbreaks in sub-Saharan Africa.
Draft Genome Sequence of an Onion Basal Rot Isolate of
Fusarium proliferatum
Authors: Armitage Andrew D. , Taylor Andrew , Hulin Michelle T. , Jackson Alison C. , Harrison Richard J. , Clarkson John P.
Published: January 2019

Fusarium proliferatum
is a component of the onion basal rot disease complex. We present an annotated
F. proliferatum
draft genome sequence, totaling 45.8 Mb in size, assembled into 597 contigs, with a predicted 15,418 genes. The genome contains 58 secondary metabolite clusters and homologs of the
Fusarium oxysporum
effector SIX2.
Draft Genome Sequence of Azole-Resistant Aspergillus thermomutatus (Neosartorya pseudofischeri) Strain HMR-AF-39, Isolated from a Human Nasal Septum Abscess Aspirate
Authors: Parent-Michaud Maxime , Dufresne Philippe J. , Fournier Éric , Martineau Christine , Moreira Sandrine , Perkins Vincent , de Repentigny Louis , Dufresne Simon F.
Published: January 2019

Here, we present the draft genome sequence of
Aspergillus thermomutatus
(formerly known as
Neosartorya pseudofischeri
; strain HMR-AF-39/LSPQ-01276), a cryptic species of
Aspergillus
section
Fumigati
. This species is intrinsically resistant to antifungal azoles and is recognized as an agent of invasive aspergillosis among immunocompromised hosts.
Complete Reference Genome Assembly for
Commensalibacter
sp. Strain AMU001, an Acetic Acid Bacterium Isolated from the Gut of Honey Bees
Authors: Siozios Stefanos , Moran Josephine , Chege Mary , Hurst Gregory D. D. , Paredes Juan C.
Published: January 2019

We report here the genome sequence of a
Commensalibacter
sp. strain (AMU001) isolated from honey bees (
Apis mellifera
) from Seychelles.
Complete Genome Sequence of White Spot Syndrome Virus Isolated from Indian White Prawn (
Fenneropenaeus indicus
) in Egypt
Authors: Megahed Mohamed E. , Kanrar Siddhartha , Dhar Arun K.
Published: January 2019

White spot disease, caused by the white spot syndrome virus (WSSV), has caused major losses in shrimp farming in Egypt since 2009. The genome sequence of the WSSV-Egypt isolate will be valuable in epidemiological studies to delineate the origin and spread of WSSV in Egypt and elsewhere in the world.
Effects of image brightness and contrast dynamic altering stimuli (DAS) when viewing video content on ocular blood flow
Authors: Siesky Brent , Harris Alon , Gross Joshua , Sechrist Emma , Camp David , Cardenas Andrea , Patel Pooja , Hasnain Fawaz , Kawiecki Rachel , Shah Aaditya , Verticchio Vercellin Alice C
Published: January 2019

Background/Aim

Blood flow deficiencies of the retinal and retrobulbar circulations have been previously reported in open-angle glaucoma (OAG) and other eye diseases. Herein we investigated the effects of image brightness and contrast dynamic altering stimuli (DAS) when viewing a video content on ocular blood flow, intraocular pressure (IOP) and ocular perfusion pressure (OPP) in OAG and healthy subjects.

Methods

Thirty-five subjects, 25 with OAG (mild to moderate) and 10 healthy controls, were evaluated for blood pressure, IOP, OPP and retinal capillary blood flow before, immediately after, 30 min after and 60 min after using ReviView (a dichoptic video goggles device), which stimulates one eye with a DAS video image that is brighter and with greater contrast than the fellow eye (duration of exposure 30 min). Differences between each subject’s eyes and between OAG and healthy subjects were evaluated using repeated-measures analysis of variance with p<0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results

All subjects demonstrated a significant increase in OPP in both eyes immediately following viewing. In all DAS eyes, retinal capillary blood flow rose immediately after stimulation and remained elevated for an hour postviewing. Viewing DAS increased retinal blood flow compared with control eyes (p=0.0014, 0.0135 superiorly and p=0.0094, 0.0001 inferiorly, at 30 and 60 min, respectively). OAG eyes had a significant reduction in the number of dormant retinal capillaries (p=0.0174), while healthy eyes demonstrated a larger increase in retinal capillary blood flow (p=0.0006 and p=0.0093 at 60 min, superior and inferior, respectively) following DAS viewing.

Conclusion

Viewing DAS video for 30 min using ReviView increased retina blood flow both in healthy subjects and in patients with OAG.

Trial registration number

NCT02959593.
Vedolizumab is associated with changes in innate rather than adaptive immunity in patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Zeissig Sebastian , Rosati Elisa , Dowds C Marie , Aden Konrad , Bethge Johannes , Schulte Berenice , Pan Wei Hung , Mishra Neha , Zuhayra Maaz , Marx Marlies , Paulsen Maren , Strigli Anne , Conrad Claudio , Schuldt Dörthe , Sinha Anupam , Ebsen Henriette , Kornell Sabin-Christin , Nikolaus Susanna , Arlt Alexander , Kabelitz Dieter , Ellrichmann Mark , Lützen Ulf , Rosenstiel Philip C , Franke Andre , Schreiber Stefan
Published: January 2019

Objective

Vedolizumab, a monoclonal antibody directed against the integrin heterodimer α4β7, is approved for the treatment of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. The efficacy of vedolizumab has been suggested to result from inhibition of intestinal T cell trafficking although human data to support this conclusion are scarce. We therefore performed a comprehensive analysis of vedolizumab-induced alterations in mucosal and systemic immunity in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), using anti-inflammatory therapy with the TNFα antibody infliximab as control.

Design

Immunophenotyping, immunohistochemistry, T cell receptor profiling and RNA sequencing were performed using blood and colonic biopsies from patients with IBD before and during treatment with vedolizumab (n=18) or, as control, the anti-TNFα antibody infliximab (n=20). Leucocyte trafficking in vivo was assessed using single photon emission computed tomography and endomicroscopy.

Results

Vedolizumab was not associated with alterations in the abundance or phenotype of lamina propria T cells and did not affect the mucosal T cell repertoire or leucocyte trafficking in vivo. Surprisingly, however, α4β7 antibody treatment was associated with substantial effects on innate immunity including changes in macrophage populations and pronounced alterations in the expression of molecules involved in microbial sensing, chemoattraction and regulation of the innate effector response. These effects were specific to vedolizumab, not observed in response to the TNFα antibody infliximab, and associated with inhibition of intestinal inflammation.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that modulation of innate immunity contributes to the therapeutic efficacy of vedolizumab in IBD.

Trial registration number

NCT02694588
Lysis Timer: a new sensitive tool to diagnose hyperfibrinolysis in liver transplantation
Authors: Roullet Stéphanie , Labrouche Sylvie , Mouton Christine , Quinart Alice , Nouette-Gaulain Karine , Laurent Christophe , Freyburger Geneviève
Published: January 2019

Aims

Diagnosis of hyperfibrinolysis in orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) remains challenging. Euglobulin clot lysis time (ECLT) is not adapted to clinical situations. ROTEM is specific but seldom sensitive to hyperfibrinolysis. The Lysis Timer assesses ‘Global Fibrinolytic Capacity’ in citrated plasma (GFC/LT). GFC/LT associates reagents for in vitro triggering of the clot (thrombin and calcium) and its lysis (tissue-plasminogenactivator (t-PA)), turbidity signal acquisition by the Lysis Timer, and dedicated software converting the digital signal into an optical curve. A visual check of the curves was systematic to ascertain the lysis time values calculated by the software. The primary aim of this prospective observational study was to evaluate the ability of GFC/LT to recognise hyperfibrinolysis during OLT. The secondary aim was to compare its results with ROTEM maximum lysis (EXTEM ML) and with standard laboratory tests.

Methods

Thirty consecutive adult patients undergoing OLT were included (NCT03012633). Standard laboratory tests, ROTEM, GFC/LT, ECLT and fibrinolysis parameters were assayed at five sample times.

Results

GFC/LT was correlated with ECLT, plasmin activator inhibitor 1 antigen and activity and t-PA activity (r=0.490, 0.681, 0.643 and –0.359, respectively). Hyperfibrinolysis was defined as ECLT ≤60 min. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that GFC/LT with a threshold of 31 min detected hyperfibrinolysis with a sensitivity of 0.88 (95% CI 0.73 to 0.96), a specificity of 0.68 (95% CI 0.56 to 0.78) and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.85 (95% CI 0.74 to 0.94). EXTEM ML >12% did not detect hyperfibrinolysis (sensitivity 0.38 (95% CI 0.24 to 0.55), specificity 0.95 (95% CI 0.86 to 0.99) and AUC 0.60 (95% CI 0.46 to 0.75)).

Conclusions

GFC/LT recognised hyperfibrinolysis during OLT with a significant agreement with the other tests of fibrinolysis.

Trial registration number

NCT03012633.
Who benefits from social investment? The gendered effects of family and employment policies on cardiovascular disease in Europe
Authors: Morris Katherine Ann , Beckfield Jason , Bambra Clare
Published: January 2019

Background

In the context of fiscal austerity in many European welfare states, policy innovation often takes the form of ‘social investment’, a contested set of policies aimed at strengthening labour markets. Social investment policies include employment subsidies, skills training and job-finding services, early childhood education and childcare and parental leave. Given that such policies can influence gender equity in the labour market, we analysed the possible effects of such policies on gender health equity.

Methods

Using age-stratified and sex-stratified data from the Global Burden of Disease Study on cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity and mortality between 2005 and 2010, we estimated linear regression models of policy indicators on employment supports, childcare and parental leave with country fixed effects.

Findings

We found mixed effects of social investment for men versus women. Whereas government spending on early childhood education and childcare was associated with lower CVD mortality rates for both men and women equally, government spending on paid parental leave was more strongly associated with lower CVD mortality rates for women. Additionally, government spending on public employment services was associated with lower CVD mortality rates for men but was not significant for women, while government spending on employment training was associated with lower CVD mortality rates for women but was not significant for men.

Conclusions

Social investment policies were negatively associated with CVD mortality, but the ameliorative effects of specific policies were gendered. We discuss the implications of these results for the European social investment policy turn and for future research on gender health equity.
Curative endovascular treatment for low-grade Spetzler-Martin brain arteriovenous malformations: a single-center prospective study
Authors: Iosif Christina , de Lucena Adson Freitas , Abreu-Mattos Luiz Gustavo , Ala Victor Hugo Espindola , El-Ghanam Amin , Saleme Suzana , Caire Francois , Mounayer Charbel
Published: January 2019

Background

The treatment of low grade Spetzler-Martin (SM) brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) has been debated in unruptured cases. Nevertheless, in clinical practice there are cases where treatment is preferred; in these cases a very low complication rate is mandatory. In ruptured cases, early and complete obliteration of the nidus is the preferred strategy.

Objective

To achieve curative embolization, ideally in a single session, by dual microcatheterization techniques with arterial and/or venous access, according to the angioarchitecture.

Materials and methods

This is a prospective, single-center study carried out between January 2008 and January 2016. Patients with ruptured and unruptured brain AVMs, with SM grades I and II, treated by endovascular means, were included. Demographics, clinical presentation, angioarchitecture, and procedure-related complications were analyzed. Angiographic and clinical results were reported.

Results

Seventy-three patients, aged 40.5±17.8 years, were included. More than 60% of the patients presented with ruptured AVMs. Initial SM grades were I for 22% and II for 78% of the patients. Preprocedural modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score was 0–2 for 53 (72.6%), 3 for 12 (16.4%), 4 for 5 (6.8%) and 5 for 3 (4.1%) patients. Procedure-related morbidity was 2.7% and procedure-related mortality was 0%. Ninety percent (90.5%) of the patients were independent in their everyday lives (mRS score 0–2) at 6 months. In all but one case (95%) the embolization was curative.

Conclusion

Stand-alone endovascular treatment for SM grade I and II brain AVMs seems safe and effective, allowing for complete obliteration of the nidus, with low complication rates. A study of larger cohorts is needed.
Rapid recontamination of a farm building occurs after attempted prion removal
Authors: Gough Kevin Christopher , Baker Claire Alison , Hawkins Steve , Simmons Hugh , Konold Timm , Maddison Ben Charles
Published: January 2019

The transmissible spongiform encephalopathy scrapie of sheep/goats and chronic wasting disease of cervids are associated with environmental reservoirs of infectivity. Preventing environmental prions acting as a source of infectivity to healthy animals is of major concern to farms that have had outbreaks of scrapie and also to the health management of wild and farmed cervids. Here, an efficient scrapie decontamination protocol was applied to a farm with high levels of environmental contamination with the scrapie agent. Post‐decontamination, no prion material was detected within samples taken from the farm buildings as determined using a sensitive in vitro replication assay (sPMCA). A bioassay consisting of 25 newborn lambs of highly susceptible prion protein genotype VRQ/VRQ introduced into this decontaminated barn was carried out in addition to sampling and analysis of dust samples that were collected during the bioassay. Twenty‐four of the animals examined by immunohistochemical analysis of lymphatic tissues were scrapie‐positive during the bioassay, samples of dust collected within the barn were positive by month 3. The data illustrates the difficulty in decontaminating farm buildings from scrapie, and demonstrates the likely contribution of farm dust to the recontamination of these environments to levels that are capable of causing disease.
HP–UHP metamorphism and tectonic evolution of orogenic belts: introduction
Authors: Zhang Lifei , Zhang Zeming , Schertl Hans-Peter , Wei Chunjing
Published: January 2019

High pressure (HP) and ultrahigh pressure (UHP) metamorphic rocks play a key role for understanding the tectonic evolution of orogenic belts (Johnson, M.R.W. & Harley, S.L. 2012.
Orogenesis: The Making of Mountains
. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge). They have typically experienced complex changes during subduction and exhumation processes, arising from recrystallization, deformation, element redistribution, fluid–rock interactions and even partial melting, and may therefore carry a valuable record of evolving geodynamic systems in an orogenic belt. Until now, more than 20 UHP metamorphic belts, i.e. belts which contain rocks that experienced pressure–temperature (
P–T
) conditions exceeding the lower limit of the coesite stability field, have been identified all over the world (Carswell, D.A. & Compagnoni, R. 2003.
Ultrahigh Pressure Metamorphism
. Eotvos University Press, European Mineralogical Union, Notes in Mineralogy, Budapest; Liou, J.G., Ernst, W.G., Zhang, R.Y., Tsujimori, T. & Jahn, B.M. 2009. Ultrahigh-pressure minerals and metamorphic terranes – the view from China.
Journal of Asian Earth Sciences,
35
, 199–231; Zheng, Y.F., Zhang, L.F., McClelland, W.C. & Cuthbert, S. 2012. Processes in continental collision zones: preface.
Lithos
,
136
, 1–9). New and innovative studies from different geoscience disciplines have been invaluable in developing a better understanding of the geodynamic evolution of orogenic belts. This special issue contains 15 papers, most of which were presented as part of the session ‘HP–UHP metamorphism and tectonic evolution of orogenic belts’, held at the 35th International Geological Congress in Cape Town, South Africa during 27 August to 4 September, 2016.
Mechanism and Regulation of Centriole and Cilium Biogenesis
Authors: Breslow David K. , Holland Andrew J.
Published: January 2019

The centriole is an ancient microtubule-based organelle with a conserved nine-fold symmetry. Centrioles form the core of centrosomes, which organize the interphase microtubule cytoskeleton of most animal cells and form the poles of the mitotic spindle. Centrioles can also be modified to form basal bodies, which template the formation of cilia and play central roles in cellular signaling, fluid movement, and locomotion. In this review, we discuss developments in our understanding of the biogenesis of centrioles and cilia and the regulatory controls that govern their structure and number. We also discuss how defects in these processes contribute to a spectrum of human diseases and how new technologies have expanded our understanding of centriole and cilium biology, revealing exciting avenues for future exploration.
The Development of the ICD-11 Classification of Personality Disorders: An Amalgam of Science, Pragmatism, and Politics
Authors: Tyrer Peter , Mulder Roger , Kim Youl-Ri , Crawford Mike J.
Published: January 2019

The nomenclature of personality disorders in the 11th revision of the International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems represents the most radical change in the classification history of personality disorders. A dimensional structure now replaces categorical description. It was argued by the Working Group that only a dimensional system was consistent with the empirical evidence and, in the spirit of clinical utility, the new system is based on two steps. The first step is to assign one of five levels of severity, and the second step is to assign up to five prominent domain traits. There was resistance to this structure from those who feel that categorical diagnosis, particularly of borderline personality disorder, should be retained. After lengthy discussion, described in detail here, there is now an option for a borderline pattern descriptor to be selected as a diagnostic option after severity has been determined.
The Right Answer for the Right Reason: My Personal Goal for Quantum Chemistry
Authors: Davidson Ernest R.
Published: January 2019

A brief history of quantum theory is given to illustrate the barriers to progress caused by preconceived ideas. The biases in my own thinking which I had to overcome to approach the right answer for the right reason are discussed. This is followed by a personal autobiography illustrating how I have led a life of serendipity with no real sense of purpose. Chance events have shaped my life. The algorithms for which I am best known are briefly discussed. Then highlights from the many applications of theory to excited states, bonding in ice, spin properties and magnetism, (e,2e) shake-up spectra, and organic reactions are mentioned. This wide range of applications is mostly due to accidental collaboration with colleagues who sought my help. My real interest was in developing methods which could address these problems.
Commentary: Causal Inference for Social Exposures
Authors: Kaufman Jay S.
Published: January 2019

Social epidemiology seeks to describe and quantify the causal effects of social institutions, interactions, and structures on human health. To accomplish this task, we define exposures as treatments and posit populations exposed or unexposed to these well-defined regimens. This inferential structure allows us to unambiguously estimate and interpret quantitative causal parameters and to investigate how these may be affected by biases such as confounding. This paradigm has been challenged recently by some critics who favor broadening the exposures that may be studied beyond treatments to also consider states. Defining the exposure protocol of an observational study is a continuum of specificity, and one may choose to loosen this definition, incurring the cost of causal parameters that become commensurately more vague. The advantages and disadvantages of broader versus narrower definitions of exposure are matters of continuing debate in social epidemiology as in other branches of epidemiology.
The Use of Excise Taxes to Reduce Tobacco, Alcohol, and Sugary Beverage Consumption
Authors: Chaloupka Frank J. , Powell Lisa M. , Warner Kenneth E.
Published: January 2019

In countries around the world, tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, and consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) are significant contributors to the global epidemic of noncommunicable diseases. As a consequence, they contribute, as well, to excess health care costs and productivity losses. A large and growing body of research documents that taxes specific to such products, known as excise taxes, reduce consumption of these products and thereby diminish their adverse health consequences. Although such taxation has historically been motivated primarily by revenue generation, governments are increasingly using these taxes to discourage unhealthy consumption. We review the global evidence on the impact of taxes and prices on the consumption of these products and the health and social consequences. We then evaluate arguments commonly raised against these taxes, identify best practices in excise tax policy, and conclude with a summary of the current status of tobacco, alcohol, and SSB excise taxes globally.
Policies of Exclusion: Implications for the Health of Immigrants and Their Children
Authors: Perreira Krista M. , Pedroza Juan M.
Published: January 2019

Public policies play a crucial role in shaping how immigrants adapt to life in the United States. Federal, state, and local laws and administrative practices impact immigrants’ access to education, health insurance and medical care, cash assistance, food assistance, and other vital services. Additionally, immigration enforcement activities have substantial effects on immigrants’ health and participation in public programs, as well as effects on immigrants’ families. This review summarizes the growing literature on the consequences of public policies for immigrants’ health. Some policies are inclusive and promote immigrants’ adaptation to the United States, whereas other policies are exclusionary and restrict immigrants’ access to public programs as well as educational and economic opportunities. We explore the strategies that researchers have employed to tease out these effects, the methodological challenges of undertaking such studies, their varying impacts on immigrant health, and steps that can be undertaken to improve the health of immigrants and their families.
Happiness and Health
Authors: Steptoe Andrew
Published: January 2019

Research into the relationship between happiness and health is developing rapidly, exploring the possibility that impaired happiness is not only a consequence of ill-health but also a potential contributor to disease risk. Happiness encompasses several constructs, including affective well-being (feelings of joy and pleasure), eudaimonic well-being (sense of meaning and purpose in life), and evaluative well-being (life satisfaction). Happiness is generally associated with reduced mortality in prospective observational studies, albeit with several discrepant results. Confounding and reverse causation are major concerns. Associations with morbidity and disease prognosis have also been identified for a limited range of health conditions. The mechanisms potentially linking happiness with health include lifestyle factors, such as physical activity and dietary choice, and biological processes, involving neuroendocrine, inflammatory, and metabolic pathways. Interventions have yet to demonstrate substantial, sustained improvements in subjective well-being or direct impact on physical health outcomes. Nevertheless, this field shows great potential, with the promise of establishing a favorable effect on population health.
Solving Homelessness from a Complex Systems Perspective: Insights for Prevention Responses
Authors: Fowler Patrick J. , Hovmand Peter S. , Marcal Katherine E. , Das Sanmay
Published: January 2019

Homelessness represents an enduring public health threat facing communities across the developed world. Children, families, and marginalized adults face life course implications of housing insecurity, while communities struggle to address the extensive array of needs within heterogeneous homeless populations. Trends in homelessness remain stubbornly high despite policy initiatives to end homelessness. A complex systems perspective provides insights into the dynamics underlying coordinated responses to homelessness. A constant demand for housing assistance strains service delivery, while prevention efforts remain inconsistently implemented in most countries. Feedback processes challenge efficient service delivery. A system dynamics model tests assumptions of policy interventions for ending homelessness. Simulations suggest that prevention provides a leverage point within the system; small efficiencies in keeping people housed yield disproportionately large reductions in homelessness. A need exists for policies that ensure reliable delivery of coordinated prevention efforts. A complex systems approach identifies capacities and constraints for sustainably solving homelessness.
Stroke and the neurovascular unit: glial cells, sex differences, and hypertension
Authors: Morrison Helena W. , Filosa Jessica A.
Published: January 2019

A functional neurovascular unit (NVU) is central to meeting the brain’s dynamic metabolic needs. Poststroke damage to the NVU within the ipsilateral hemisphere ranges from cell dysfunction to complete cell loss. Thus, understanding poststroke cell-cell communication within the NVU is of critical importance. Loss of coordinated NVU function exacerbates ischemic injury. However, particular cells of the NVU (e.g., astrocytes) and those with ancillary roles (e.g., microglia) also contribute to repair mechanisms. Epidemiological studies support the notion that infarct size and recovery outcomes are heterogeneous and greatly influenced by modifiable and nonmodifiable factors such as sex and the co-morbid condition common to stroke: hypertension. The mechanisms whereby sex and hypertension modulate NVU function are explored, to some extent, in preclinical laboratory studies. We present a review of the NVU in the context of ischemic stroke with a focus on glial contributions to NVU function and dysfunction. We explore the impact of sex and hypertension as modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors and the underlying cellular mechanisms that may underlie heterogeneous stroke outcomes. Most of the preclinical investigative studies of poststroke NVU dysfunction are carried out primarily in male stroke models lacking underlying co-morbid conditions, which is very different from the human condition. As such, the evolution of translational medicine to target the NVU for improved stroke outcomes remains elusive; however, it is attainable with further research.
Circulatory microRNAs are not effective biomarkers of muscle size and function in middle-aged men
Authors: D’Souza Randall F. , Zeng Nina , Poppitt Sally D. , Cameron-Smith David , Mitchell Cameron J.
Published: January 2019

Loss of muscle size and strength with aging is a major cause of morbidity. Although muscle size and strength are measured by imaging or fiber cross-sectional staining and exercise testing, respectively, the development of circulatory biomarkers for these phenotypes would greatly simplify identification of muscle function deficits. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short noncoding RNAs that regulate gene translation and, thereby, contribute to muscle phenotype. To assess circulatory miRNAs (c-miRNAs) applicability as potential biomarkers of muscular phenotypes, fasting plasma and muscle samples were obtained from 50 middle-aged healthy men [mean  (SD); age: 48.8 yr (SD 4.5); BMI: 26.6 kg/m2 (SD 3.3)]. RT-PCR of 38 miRNAs with known regulatory function within skeletal muscle identified four c-miRNAs (miR-221, miR-451a, miR-361, and miR-146a) related to either total body lean mass, leg lean mass, and 50% thigh cross-sectional area (CSA), but not strength. There was no relationship with the expression of these miRNAs in muscle. Six miRNAs within muscle were correlated with whole body lean mass, leg lean mass, and isometric knee extension torque (miR-133a and miR-146a), and 50% thigh CSA (miR-486, miR-208b, miR-133b, and miR-208a). Only miR-23b demonstrated a relationship between tissue and circulatory expression; however, only 10% of the variance was explained. miR-146a in both plasma and muscle was related to phenotype; however, no relationship between plasma and muscle expression was evident. A different subset of miRNAs correlated to muscle phenotype in muscle compared with plasma samples, suggesting that c-miRNA biomarkers of muscle phenotype are likely unrelated to muscle expression in healthy individuals.
Phospholamban deficiency does not alter skeletal muscle SERCA pumping efficiency or predispose mice to diet-induced obesity
Authors: Gamu Daniel , Juracic Emma Sara , Fajardo Val A. , Rietze Bradley Alexander , Tran Khanh , Bombardier Eric , Tupling A. Russell
Published: January 2019

The sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) pump is a major contributor to skeletal muscle Ca2+homeostasis and metabolic rate. SERCA activity can become adaptively uncoupled by its regulator sarcolipin (SLN) to increase the energy demand of Ca2+pumping, preventing excessive obesity and glucose intolerance in mice. Several other SERCA regulators bear structural and functional resemblance to SLN, including phospholamban (PLN). Here, we sought to examine whether endogenous levels of skeletal muscle PLN control SERCA Ca2+pumping efficiency and whole body metabolism. Using PLN-null mice ( Pln−/−), we found that soleus (SOL) muscle’s SERCA pumping efficiency (measured as an apparent coupling ratio: Ca2+uptake/ATP hydrolysis) was unaffected by PLN. Expression of Ca2+-handling proteins within the SOL, including SLN, were comparable between Pln−/−and wild-type (WT) littermates, as were fiber-type characteristics. Not surprisingly then, Pln−/−mice developed a similar degree of diet-induced obesity and glucose intolerance as WT controls when given a “Western” high-fat diet. Lack of an excessively obesogenic phenotype of Pln−/−could not be explained by compensation from skeletal muscle SLN or brown adipose tissue uncoupling protein-1 content. In agreement with several other reports, our study lends support to the notion that PLN serves a functionally distinct role from that of SLN in skeletal muscle physiology.