bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cranial and large vessel activity on positron emission tomography scan at diagnosis and 6 months in giant cell arteritis
Authors: Sammel Anthony M. , Hsiao Edward , Schembri Geoffrey , Bailey Elizabeth , Nguyen Katherine , Brewer Janice , Schrieber Leslie , Janssen Beatrice , Youssef Peter , Fraser Clare L. , Laurent Rodger
Published: February 2020

Aim

Positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) can detect cranial and large vessel inflammation in giant cell arteritis (GCA). We aimed to determine the change and significance of vascular activity at diagnosis and 6 months.

Method

Newly diagnosed GCA patients underwent time‐of‐flight fluorine‐18‐fluoro‐2‐deoxyglucose PET/CT from vertex to diaphragm within 72 hours of commencing corticosteroids and were followed for 12 months. A 6 months scan was performed in patients with inflammatory features on biopsy or CT aortitis. Vascular uptake was visually graded by 2 blinded readers across 18 artery segments from 0 (no increased uptake) to 3 (very marked uptake). Scores were summed to give a total vascular score (TVS).

Results

We enrolled 21 GCA patients and 15 underwent the serial scan. Twelve (57%) patients experienced a relapse and 5 of these had ischemic features of vision disturbance, jaw or limb claudication. The median TVS fell from 14 (interquartile range [IQR] 4‐24) at baseline to 5 (IQR 0‐10) at 6 months (P < .01) with reduction in both cranial and large artery scores. While the overall relapse rate was similar between patients with a high (≥10) and low baseline TVS, patients with high scores were numerically more likely to experience an ischemic relapse (33% vs 11%, P = .34). Five out of 15 patients had persistent uptake in at least 1 vessel on the serial PET/CT but none experienced a subsequent relapse.

Conclusion

Vascular activity decreased in cranial and large arteries between diagnosis and 6 months. Persistent activity did not predict subsequent relapse.
Translation, validation and cross‐cultural adaptation of the mouth handicap in systemic sclerosis questionnaire into the Turkish language
Authors: Tore Nurten Gizem , Sarì Fulden , Tunà Zeynep , Kucuk Hamit , Haznedaroglu Seminur , Oskay Deran
Published: February 2020

Aim

The aim of this study was to translate and adapt the Mouth Handicap in Systemic Sclerosis (MHISS) Questionnaire into the Turkish language and evaluate its validity and reliability in Turkish systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients.

Method

The MHISS was translated according to Beaton guidelines. Patients being diagnosed with SSc, being between 18‐65 years old and receiving no treatment between test‐retest assessments were included to study. Test‐retest reliability was evaluated, comparing the results of two administrations, with Spearman's correlation. Internal consistency was assessed by Cronbach's α. Validity of the questionnaire was assessed by comparison with mouth opening, total scores of Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire (DASH) and Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ). Construct validity was tested by factor analysis.

Results

Forty‐five SSc patients were included in the study. The Turkish version of the MHISS (MHISS‐T) met set criteria of reliability and validity. Internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.863) and test‐retest reliability were excellent (r = .88). The correlations between MHISS‐T and inter‐incisor distance, MHISS‐T and HAQ and MHISS‐T and DASH were negatively and statistically significant (r = −0.739, P < .001), very good and statistically significant (r = .664, P < .001), good and statistically significant (r = .570, P < .001), respectively. Regarding factor analysis, MHISS‐T has three subscales.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrated that the Turkish version of the MHISS‐T has excellent test‐retest reliability and very good validity. As a result of this study we determined that MHISS‐T is a valid and reliable instrument to measure mouth disabilities in Turkish‐speaking SSc patients.
Basic study on improvement of plastic drape adhesion for surgery: effect of adhesive layer thickness on drape detachment from wound edge
Authors: Namiki Ryosuke , Uemura Akiko , Shimada Kazumi , Yoshida Tomohiko , Ma Danfu , Kitpipatkun Pitipat , Ogawa Shingo , Tanaka Ryou
Published: February 2020

Background

Plastic drapes are used in surgery for a wide range of purposes, but currently marketed drapes often become detached from the wound edge during surgery. The purpose of this study was to determine the appropriate adhesive layer thickness for optimal peel and shear strength and the smallest peeled area to improve surgical drape wound adhesion.

Methods

Thirty‐two rats were randomly assigned to four groups of different adhesive layer thickness (50, 100, 300 and 800–1000 μm). The rats were anaesthetized, and drapes were applied to the dorsal chest. After incision, the peeled area was visualized by dropping ink in the wound site to measure the peeled area over time.

Results

All drapes peeled off from the wound edge, and the peeled area increased over time. The peeled area decreased in the order of 50 μm > 100 μm > 800–1000 μm > 300 μm.

Conclusions

It is possible to control the peeling of plastic drapes during surgery by limiting the peeled area at the time of cutting. Three‐hundred micrometres is the suitable adhesive layer thickness to minimize the peeled area at cutting.
Editorial: choosing an appropriate risk stratification tool for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease—one size does not fit all. Authors' reply
Authors: Jun Dae Won , Nguyen Mindie H.
Published: February 2020

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Kang et al and Shaheen and Swain papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15626 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15640.
Family refusal of emergency medical treatment in China: An investigation from legal, empirical and ethical perspectives
Authors: Jin Pingyue , Zhang Xinqing
Published: February 2020

This paper is an analysis of the limits of family authority to refuse life saving treatment for a family member (in the Chinese medical context). Family consent has long been praised and practiced in many non‐Western cultural settings such as China and Japan. In contrast, the controversy of family refusal remains less examined despite its prevalence in low‐income and middle‐income countries. In this paper, we investigate family refusal in medical emergencies through a combination of legal, empirical and ethical approaches, which is highly relevant to the ongoing discussion about the place of informed consent in non‐Western cultures. We first provide an overview of the Chinese legislation concerning informed consent to show the significance of family values in the context of medical decision‐making and demonstrate the lack of legal support to override family refusal. Next, we present the findings of a vignette question that investigated how 11,771 medical professionals and 2,944 patients in China responded to the family refusal of emergency treatment for an unconscious patient. In our analysis of these results, we employ ethical reasoning to question the legitimacy of family refusal of life‐sustaining emergency treatment for temporarily incompetent patients. Last, we examine some practical obstacles encountered by medical professionals wishing to override family refusal to give context to the discussion.
View on donated life: Construction of philosophical ethics on human organ donation
Authors: Li En‐chang , Yang Yi , Zhu Wen‐pei
Published: February 2020

With the emergence of organ donation and donation technology, the previous indivisibility of the human body becomes divisible, and different human organs form a new life subject. With reference to specific case studies in China, a new life, consisting of donated organs from different bodies by donation, can be called “donated life.” Donated life is a win‐win action between altruism and egoism, that is, to save the lives of others and to regenerate the organs of donors or their relatives. Due to the emergence of this kind of life, traditional social ethics theories based on the marriage‐related family find it difficult to difficult to explain the new realities. Thus, new thinking about social ethics is necessary.
A novel non‐invasive prenatal sickle cell disease test for all at‐risk pregnancies
Authors: van Campen Julia , Silcock Lee , Yau Shu , Daniel Yvonne , Ahn Joo Wook , Ogilvie Caroline , Mann Kathy , Oteng‐Ntim Eugene
Published: February 2020

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most common genetic haematological disorder. The availability of non‐invasive prenatal diagnosis (NIPD) is predicted to increase uptake of prenatal diagnosis for SCD, as it has no perceived procedure‐related miscarriage risk. We report the development of a targeted massively parallel sequencing (MPS) assay for the NIPD of fetal SCD using fetal cell‐free (cf)DNA from maternal plasma, with no requirement for paternal or proband samples. In all, 64 plasma samples from pregnant women were analysed: 42 from SCD carriers, 15 from women with homozygous (Hb SS) SCD and seven from women with compound heterozygous (Hb SC) SCD. Our assay incorporated a relative mutation dosage assay for maternal carriers and a wild type allele detection assay for affected women (Hb SS/Hb SC). Selective analysis of only smaller cfDNA fragments and modifications to DNA fragment hybridisation capture improved diagnostic accuracy. Clinical sensitivity was 100% and clinical specificity was 100%. One sample with a fetal fraction of <4% was correctly called as ‘unaffected’, but with a discordant genotype (Hb AA rather than Hb AS). Six samples gave inconclusive results, of which two had a fetal fraction of <4%. This study demonstrates that NIPD for SCD is approaching clinical utility.
More than medication: Evaluating the role of the pharmacist independent prescriber in a community team for learning disabilities and behaviours deemed to be challenging
Authors: Graham Yitka N. H. , Gerrard David , Laight Samantha , Brown Rebecca , Keith Sarah , Hayes Catherine
Published: February 2020

Accessible Summary

Pharmacists are an important source of support for people with learning disabilities, healthcare professionals and carers.

Pharmacists can support carers and healthcare professionals to manage medicines in line with stopping over‐medication of people with a learning disability, autism or both principles.

Healthcare staff and carers were interviewed to see how they felt about working with a pharmacist and how this helped them to look after people with learning disabilities.

Healthcare professionals and carers felt that the pharmacist was very helpful and listened to them.

Background

The issues surrounding the prescribing and monitoring of medications for people with learning disabilities and behaviours deemed to be challenging, and are complex in their management for patients, healthcare professionals and carers. The aim of the study was to explore the impact of the pharmacist independent prescriber on a medication clinic for people with learning disabilities and challenging behaviours from the perspectives of healthcare professionals and carers in a UK mental health Trust setting.

Materials and Methods

Qualitative methods were used to provide an understanding of the participants' interactions with the pharmacist in the context of the medication clinic. Individual, semi‐structured interviews were carried out with staff and carers, audio‐recorded and transcribed verbatim. A thematic analysis was carried out to identify themes which illuminated the participants' experiences. Recruitment took place December 2017–August 2018.

Results

Nine participants took part (six staff and three full‐time carers). Eight themes were constructed from the data: five from staff and three from the carer cohort: being open to innovation and change in collaborative practice, challenging traditional norms in collaborative approaches to person‐centred care, proactive empowerment via maximisation of expertise and resources, supporting and empowering informed decision‐making, encouraging collaborative debate around medication, establishing authentic and interactive dialogue, gaining trust of the pharmacist independent prescriber's role in the management of patients and feeling empowered to challenge ambiguity and inconsistency in prescribing practice.

Conclusion

The pharmacist independent prescriber is a valued asset, with high levels of interaction between all staff, carers and an integral aspect of services provided.
Genetic screening of children with suspected inherited bleeding disorders
Authors: Andersson Nadine G. , Rossing Maria , Fager Ferrari Marcus , Gabrielaite Migle , Leinøe Eva , Ljung Rolf , Mårtensson Annika , Norström Eva , Zetterberg Eva
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Genetic screening using high‐throughput DNA sequencing has become a tool in diagnosing patients with suspected inherited bleeding disorders (IBD). However, its usefulness and diagnostic efficacy in children is unclear.

Aim

To evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of genetic screening for IBD in children and downstream further testing.

Methods

After informed consent, children (<18 years) with suspected IBD underwent genetic screening with 94 selected genes.

Results

A total of 68 heterozygous class 3‐5 variants were detected in 30 children, 2.3 variants per patient. Directed specific functional testing was performed after genetic screening in a subset of patients. Adhering to the ACMG guidelines, the results of functional testing together with family history and previous publications classified three variants as likely disease causing (class 4) and two variants as disease causing (class 5), all in children with thrombocytopenia. The overall diagnostic rate was 16.7% (5/30). Children with thrombocytopenia had a significantly higher rate of significant genetic findings, 5/9 (55.6%) vs. 0/21 (0%; P = .0009).

Conclusion

We conclude that performing genetic screening in children is an effective tool especially for children with inherited thrombocytopenia and has the possibility to diagnose platelet disorders adequately early in life. Children with bleeding diathesis, normal coagulation work‐up and without thrombocytopenia are unlikely to be diagnosed by genetic screening. Ethical issues such as incidental findings, variants associated with cancer and the interpretation of the genetic results into clinical practice remain problematic.
Low mortality in fetal supraventricular tachycardia: Outcomes in a 30‐year single‐institution experience
Authors: O'Leary Edward T. , Alexander Mark E. , Bezzerides Vassilios J. , Drogosz Monika , Economy Katherine E. , Friedman Kevin G. , Pickard Sarah S. , Tworetzky Wayne , Mah Douglas Y.
Published: February 2020

Objectives

To describe a single institutional experience managing fetuses with supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) and to identify associations between patient characteristics and fetal and postnatal outcomes.

Background

Sustained fetal SVT is associated with significant morbidity and mortality if untreated, yet the optimal management strategy remains unclear.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study including fetuses diagnosed with sustained SVT (>50% of the diagnostic echocardiogram) between 1985 and 2018. Fetuses with congenital heart disease were excluded.

Results

Sustained SVT was diagnosed in 65 fetuses at a median gestational age of 30 weeks (range, 14‐37). Atrioventricular re‐entrant tachycardia and atrial flutter were the most common diagnoses, seen in 41 and 16 cases, respectively. Moderate/severe ventricular dysfunction was present in 20 fetuses, and hydrops fetalis was present in 13. Of the 57 fetuses initiated on transplacental drug therapy, 47 received digoxin first‐line, yet 39 of 57 (68%) required advanced therapy with sotalol, flecainide, or amiodarone. Rate or rhythm control was achieved in 47 of 57 treated fetuses. There were no cases of intrauterine fetal demise. Later gestational age at fetal diagnosis (odds ratio [OR], 1.1, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01‐1.2, P = .02) and moderate/severe fetal ventricular dysfunction (OR, 6.1, 95% CI, 1.7‐21.6, P = .005) were associated with postnatal SVT. Two postnatal deaths occurred.

Conclusions

Fetuses with structurally normal hearts and sustained SVT can be effectively managed with transplacental drug therapy with minimal risk of intrauterine fetal demise. Treatment requires multiple antiarrhythmic agents in over half of cases. Later gestational age at fetal diagnosis and the presence of depressed fetal ventricular function, but not hydrops, predict postnatal arrhythmia burden.
Research methods in articulatory phonetics I: Introduction and studying oral gestures
Authors: Kochetov Alexei
Published: February 2020

This article is Part I of a general overview of current methods in articulatory phonetics research. This part deals with methods used to investigate oral gestures—speech‐related movements of the tongue, the lips, and the jaw (while Part II is concerned with methods studying laryngeal and nasal gestures, and the entire vocal tract). The focus of the article is on electropalatography, ultrasound, and electromagnetic articulography, with some attention also given to static palatography, X‐ray microbeam, and video recording. For comparison purposes, the methods are illustrated using similar articulatory data—productions of the plain‐palatalized contrast in Russian fricatives. Strengths and limitations of each method are discussed, and so are recent developments and trends.
An acoustic perspective on 45 years of infant speech perception. II. Vowels and suprasegmentals
Authors: Narayan Chandan R.
Published: February 2020

In this two‐part review we examine the major results from infant consonant (Part 1), vowel, and suprasegmental (Part 2) discrimination research over the past 45 years from an acoustic perspective—an exegesis of the developmental perception literature that appeals to both acoustic aspects of speech contrasts and historically relevant typological facts about sound systems of the world's languages. We argue that infants’ speech discrimination abilities are best viewed through a lens that considers both synchronic and diachronic aspects of the particular speech contrast. The key to this approach is the notion that acoustic–perceptual salience, or the relative separation of speech categories along perceptually relevant acoustic dimensions and corresponding discrimination performance in adults, is reflected in both infant's perceptual performance and patterns observed in phonological typology and history. The present review highlights challenges offered by four decades of literature, identifies broad patterns in infant vowel perception according to the acoustic properties of speech contrasts, and offers linguistically motivated explanations and directions for future research into the nature of young infants’ discrimination abilities.
Pavement performance assessment using a cost‐effective wireless accelerometer system
Authors: Bajwa Ravneet , Coleri Erdem , Rajagopal Ram , Varaiya Pravin , Flores Christopher
Published: February 2020

Pavement condition monitoring is required to identify pavements in need of maintenance or rehabilitation. Early identification of reduction in pavement's structural resistance and improving the structural resistance by minor repairs can lead to significantly lower maintenance costs for transportation agencies. In this study, a cost‐effective wireless sensor that can be embedded in the road to measure the transient vibrations due to different applied loads was tested to determine its effectiveness in terms of pavement displacement measurements. Test results show that the vibration sensor, combined with the algorithms, can be embedded in new or existing pavements and used as an accurate wireless displacement sensor. The low cost of the sensor system allows the use of these sensors at high densities for monitoring the performance of an entire road network. Outputs from the developed system can be directly used to evaluate the condition and performance of pavement structure (increasing displacement over time indicating increasing pavement damage). In addition, displacement data from the system can be used to backcalculate pavement layer stiffnesses, which can be used to predict long‐term performance of the pavement structure. Reduction in pavement layer stiffness over time can be used to determine long‐term damage accumulation.
Distributional Effects of a Continuous Treatment with an Application on Intergenerational Mobility
Authors: Callaway Brantly , Huang Weige
Published: February 2020

This paper considers the effect of a continuous treatment on the entire distribution of outcomes after adjusting for differences in the distribution of covariates across different levels of the treatment. Our methodology encompasses dose‐response functions, counterfactual distributions, and ‘distributional policy effects’ depending on the assumptions invoked by the researcher. We propose a three‐step estimator that consists of (i) estimating the distribution of the outcome conditional on the treatment and other covariates using quantile regression; (ii) for each value of the treatment, averaging over a counterfactual distribution of the covariates holding the treatment fixed; (iii) converting the resulting counterfactual distribution into parameters of interest that are easy to interpret. We show that our estimators converge uniformly to Gaussian processes and that the empirical bootstrap can be used to conduct uniformly valid inference across a range of values of the treatment. We use our method to study intergenerational income mobility where we consider effects of parents’ income on features of their child's income distribution such as (i) the fraction of children with income below the poverty line; (ii) the variance of child's income; and (iii) the inter‐quantile range of child's income–all as a function of parents’ income.
Variable dependency on associated yeast communities influences host range in Drosophila species
Authors: Koerte Sarah , Keesey Ian W. , Easson Michael L. A. E. , Gershenzon Jonathan , Hansson Bill S. , Knaden Markus
Published: February 2020

The tight association between yeast metabolites and the attraction of fly species provides key evolutionary innovations that generate immense diversity within the genus Drosophila. Why and how changes in Drosophila niche preferences occur, and what role yeasts play in species specialization, is still largely unknown. Here, we analyze adult preference and larval development across three species of Drosophila as well as niche modifications through joint efforts by both insect and yeast. In general, we found that niche specialization is more a result of larval constraints than adult oviposition choice. We also determined that different life stages of fly development vary in their respective yeast preference, which may reduce cross‐generational competition for resources. In this way, natural selection pressures may act quite differently on adult or larval performance, with adaptation events in larval stages likely being the stronger driver of niche evolution. Furthermore, we provide evidence that Drosophila and yeast together process host material to promote mutual benefits. Our data indicate that adult Drosophila flies of different species are flexible in their yeast preference and can be attracted to yeast species from radically different habitats. This argues against stable Drosophila‐yeast associations and for broader acceptance of diverse yeast species across adult individuals in the genus Drosophila.
Deep forehead lipomas in children—A series and review
Authors: Hlela Carol , Mancini Anthony J.
Published: February 2020

Deep forehead lipomas are rare in children and may be confused with other more concerning soft tissue masses. We describe four children with deep forehead lipomas, diagnosed between 2 months and 1 year of age, three of them congenital. Notable findings included association with intracranial lipoma and seizures in one patient and the development of marked alopecia overlying the lipoma in another. While deep forehead lipomas may become less visible over time, alopecia and non‐syndromic extracutaneous involvement may be important associations.
Prehospital transfusion of low titer cold‐stored whole blood through the intraosseous route in a trauma patient with hemorrhagic shock
Authors: Allon Raviv , Epstein Danny , Shavit Itai
Published: February 2020

BACKGROUND

Damage control resuscitation, avoidance of dilutional coagulopathy, and increased blood component therapy reduce mortality after major trauma hemorrhage. Improved outcomes seen in recent warfare have placed whole blood as the preferred product for resuscitation of severe traumatic hemorrhage. As of 2018, flight physicians of the Israeli Airborne Combat Search and Rescue Unit (ACSRU) treat these patients with low titer cold‐stored O‐positive whole blood (LTCSO+WB). Intraosseous (IO) is the preferred route if intravenous access is not available. To date, no study has described the administration of LTCSO+WB via the IO route in the prehospital setting.

CASE REPORT

We present a case of whole blood transfusion via the IO route in a 30‐year‐old car accident patient who suffered major injuries and developed severe hemorrhagic shock. Intravenous access could not be obtained at the scene. En route, two units of LTCSO+WB were administered, using an IO hand drill, and the patientʼs hemodynamic status improved. The patient survived the injury with a good outcome.

CONCLUSION

This is the first report of whole blood infusion via the IO route in traumatic hemorrhagic shock in the prehospital setting. Our positive experience suggests that this approach may have a role in hemorrhagic trauma patients when intravenous access cannot be obtained.
Enhanced remediation of Cr6+ in bacterial‐assisted floating wetlands
Authors: Akram Aysha , Tara Nain , Khan Muhammad Asaf , Abbasi Saddam Akber , Irfan Muhammad , Arslan Muhammad , Afzal Muhammad
Published: February 2020

Hexavalent chromium (Cr6+) is reported to have negative effects on fauna and flora. The present study establishes plant‐bacterial synergism in floating wetlands (FWs) for the maximum removal of Cr6+ from the contaminated water. A common wetland plant, Brachiaria mutica (para grass), was planted in combination with three Cr‐resistant rhizo‐ and endophytic bacteria. Results indicated that FWs vegetated with B. mutica showed the potential to remove Cr (53%) from water and their efficacy was significantly enhanced by bacterial inoculation (88%). The inoculated bacteria were able to colonize the plant interior successfully, that is, roots and shoots. The un‐vegetated control tanks, however, showed the least bacterial persistence in the water. The perceptible phytotoxicity symptoms on B. mutica were only observed for the treatments without bacterial inoculation. The study suggests that B. mutica could be an effective choice as a wetland macrophyte to establish a partnership with the Cr‐resistant bacteria for improved remediation of Cr6+ contamination.
Tunable and Active Phononic Crystals and Metamaterials
Authors: Wang Yan-Feng , Wang Yi-Ze , Wu Bin , Chen Weiqiu , Wang Yue-Sheng
Published: February 2020

Phononic crystals (PCs) and metamaterials (MMs) can exhibit abnormal properties, even far beyond those found in nature, through artificial design of the topology or ordered structure of unit cells. This emerging class of materials has diverse application potentials in many fields. Recently, the concept of tunable PCs or MMs has been proposed to manipulate a variety of wave functions on demand. In this review, we survey recent developments in tunable and active PCs and MMs, including bandgap and bandgap engineering, anomalous behaviors of wave propagation, as well as tunable manipulation of waves based on different regulation mechanisms: tunable mechanical reconfiguration and materials with multifield coupling. We conclude by outlining future directions in the emerging field.
Large Eddy Simulation of Bypass Transition in Vane Passage With Freestream Turbulence
Authors: Kanani Yousef , Acharya Sumanta , Ames Forrest
Published: February 2020

High Reynolds flow over a nozzle guide-vane with elevated inflow turbulence was simulated using wall-resolved large eddy simulation (LES). The simulations were undertaken at an exit Reynolds number of 0.5 × 106 and inflow turbulence levels of 0.7% and 7.9% and for uniform heat-flux boundary conditions corresponding to the measurements of Varty and Ames (2016, “Experimental Heat Transfer Distributions Over an Aft Loaded Vane With a Large Leading Edge at Very High Turbulence Levels,” ASME Paper No. IMECE2016-67029). The predicted heat transfer distribution over the vane is in excellent agreement with measurements. At higher freestream turbulence, the simulations accurately capture the laminar heat transfer augmentation on the pressure surface and the transition to turbulence on the suction surface. The bypass transition on the suction surface is preceded by boundary layer streaks formed under the external forcing of freestream disturbances which breakdown to turbulence through inner-mode secondary instabilities. Underneath the locally formed turbulent spot, heat transfer coefficient spikes and generally follows the same pattern as the turbulent spot. The details of the flow and temperature fields on the suction side are characterized, and first- and second-order statistics are documented. The turbulent Prandtl number in the boundary layer is generally in the range of 0.7–1, but decays rapidly near the wall.
Tedizolid as Step-Down Therapy following Daptomycin versus Continuation of Daptomycin against Enterococci and Methicillin- and Vancomycin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in a Rat Endocarditis Model
Authors: Singh Kavindra V. , Arias Cesar A. , Murray Barbara E.
Published: February 2020

Tedizolid (TZD) and daptomycin (DAP) were assessed in a rat endocarditis model against
Enterococcus faecalis
,
Enterococcus faecium
(resistant to vancomycin and ampicillin), and
Staphylococcus aureus
. As a monotherapy, TZD for 5 days was not effective in a comparison with no-treatment controls, while DAP for 5 days was significantly effective against these bacteria. Step-down therapy (DAP for 3 days followed by TZD for 2 days) was as effective as DAP for 5 days and was comparable to 3 days of DAP plus ceftriaxone against all bacteria and to 3 days of DAP plus gentamicin against
E. faecalis
OG1RF.
Multistep Metabolic Engineering of Bacillus licheniformis To Improve Pulcherriminic Acid Production
Authors: Wang Shiyi , Wang Huan , Zhang Dan , Li Xiaoyun , Zhu Jiang , Zhan Yangyang , Cai Dongbo , Wang Qin , Ma Xin , Wang Dong , Chen Shouwen
Published: February 2020

Pulcherriminic acid is a cyclodipeptide derived from cyclo(
l
-Leu–
l
-Leu), which shares the same iron chelation group with hydroxamate sidephores. Generally, pulcherriminic acid-producing strains could be the perfect candidates for antibacterial and anti-plant-pathogenic fungal agents. In this study, we obtained the promising W4/pHY-
yvmA
pulcherriminic acid-producing strain via a multistep metabolic modification. The engineered W4/pHY-
yvmA
strain is able to achieve 556.1 mg/liter pulcherriminic acid production, which is the highest yield so far to the best of our knowledge.
Complete Genome Sequences of Micrococcus luteus Strains NCCP 15687 and NCCP 16831, Isolated in South Korea
Authors: Lee Sanghyun , An Ye-Won , Choi Chi-Hwan , Yun Mi-Ran , Kim Suyeon , Cheong Hyangmin , Choi Young Sill , Kim Dae-Won
Published: February 2020

In this study, the complete genome sequences of
Micrococcus luteus
strains NCCP 15687 and NCCP 16831 were determined and deposited in the National Culture Collection for Pathogens (NCCP) of South Korea. Genomic DNA was isolated from blood samples from patients infected with
M. luteus
.
Relationship between life satisfaction and preventable hospitalisations: a population-based cohort study in Ontario, Canada
Authors: De Prophetis Eric , Goel Vivek , Watson Tristan , Rosella Laura C
Published: February 2020

Objective

To examine if low life satisfaction is associated with an increased risk of being hospitalised for an ambulatory care sensitive condition (ACSC), in comparison to high life satisfaction

Design and setting

Population-based cohort study of adults from Ontario, Canada. Baseline data were captured through the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) and linked to health administrative data for follow-up information.

Participants

129 467 men and women between the ages 18 and 74.

Main outcome measures

Time to avoidable hospitalisations defined by ACSCs.

Results

Life satisfaction was measured at baseline through the CCHS and follow-up information on ACSC hospitalisations were captured by linking participant respondents to hospitalisation records covered under a single payer health system. Within the study time frame (maximum of 14 years), 3037 individuals were hospitalised. Older men in the lowest household income quintile were more likely to be hospitalised with an ACSC. After controlling for age, sex, socioeconomic status (SES) and other behavioural factors, low life satisfaction at baseline had a strong relationship with future hospitalisations for ACSCs (HR 2.71; 95% CI 1.87 to 3.93). The hazards were highest for those who jointly had the lowest levels of life satisfaction and low household income (HR 3.80; 95% CI 2.13 to 6.73). Results did not meaningful change after running a competing risk survival analysis.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that poor life satisfaction is associated with hospitalisations for ACSCs after adjustment for several confounders. Furthermore, the magnitude of this relationship was greater for those who were more socioeconomically disadvantaged. This study adds to the existing literature on the impact of life satisfaction on health system outcomes by documenting its impact on avoidable hospitalisations in a universal health system.
Effects of maternal smoking on body size and proportions at birth: a register-based cohort study of 1.4 million births
Authors: Rumrich Isabell , Vähäkangas Kirsi , Viluksela Matti , Gissler Mika , de Ruyter Hanna , Hänninen Otto
Published: February 2020

Objectives

The aim of our work was to analyse the effect of maternal smoking on body size and body proportions of newborns when the mother had smoked only during the first trimester, in comparison with continued smoking after the first trimester. Furthermore, we have evaluated how growth restriction associated with maternal smoking contributes to changes in body proportions.

Design

Register-based cohort study

Setting

Maternal Exposure (MATEX) cohort identified from the Finnish Medical Birth Register.

Participants

Singleton births without congenital anomalies and missing data (1.38 million) from 1 January 1991 to 31 December 2016.

Methods

Logistic regression was used to quantify the effect of maternal smoking, stratified by the maternal smoking status.

Outcome measures

Body proportions indicated by low brain-to-body ratio (defined as <10th percentile); high ponderal index and high head-to-length ratio (defined as >90th percentile); small body size for gestational age at birth (defined as weight, length or head circumference <10th percentile) and preterm birth (<37 weeks) and low birth weight (2500 g).

Results

Continued smoking after the first trimester was associated with high ponderal index (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.23 to 1.28), low brain-to-body ratio (1.11, 1.07–1.15) and high head-to-length ratio (1.22, 1.19–1.26), corresponding with absolute risks of 22%, 10% and 19%, respectively). The effects were slightly lower when smoking had been quit during the first trimester. Similar effects were seen for the body size variables and low birth weight. Preterm birth was not associated with smoking only during first trimester.

Conclusions

Maternal smoking, independent of smoking duration during pregnancy, was associated with abnormal body proportions resulting from larger reduction of length and head circumference in comparison to weight. The effects of having quit smoking during the first trimester and having continued smoking after the first trimester were similar, suggesting the importance of early pregnancy as a sensitive exposure window.
Use of social media for cancer prevention and early diagnosis: scoping review protocol
Authors: Kaushal Aradhna , Kassianos Angelos P , Sheringham Jessica , Waller Jo , von Wagner Christian
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Social media platforms offer unique opportunities for health promotion messages focusing on cancer prevention and early diagnosis. However, there has been very little synthesis of the evaluation of such campaigns, limiting the ability to apply learning to the design of future social media campaigns. We aimed to provide a broad overview of the current research base on social media interventions for cancer prevention and early diagnosis, to identify knowledge gaps and to inform policy, practice and future research questions.

Methods

We will use scoping review methodology to explore the available evidence on social media interventions for cancer prevention and early diagnosis, with a focus on methodological approaches. Quantitative and qualitative studies and reports will be identified through searching several research databases, through internet searching for grey literature and by screening the citations of studies included in the review. All identified studies will undergo independent title and abstract screening and full-text screening against inclusion and exclusion criteria. We plan to chart the data from included studies to record the characteristics of the social media interventions, resources, activities, outputs, outcomes and impact. Charted data will be collated and summarised using a narrative synthesis. The interpretation and implications of the findings will be enhanced by consultation with relevant stakeholders such as public health organisations, cancer charities, and patient and public involvement groups when preliminary results are available.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not required for this scoping review. The results will be used to identify research questions for future systematic reviews and to inform the development of future social media interventions. We will disseminate findings in peer-reviewed journals and at relevant conferences.
A multi-cohort consortium for GEnder-Sensitive Analyses of mental health trajectories and implications for prevention (GESA) in the general population in Germany
Authors: Burghardt Juliane , Tibubos Ana Nanette , Otten Danielle , Brähler Elmar , Binder Harald , Grabe Hans , Kruse Johannes , Ladwig Karl Heinz , Schomerus Georg , Wild Philipp S , Beutel Manfred E
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Mental health is marked by gender differences. We formed a multi-cohort consortium to perform GEnder-Sensitive Analyses of mental health trajectories and study their implications for prevention (GESA). GESA aims at (1) identifying gender differences regarding symptoms and trajectories of mental health over the lifespan; (2) determining gender differences regarding the prevalence, impact of risk and protective factors; and (3) determining effects of mental health on primary and secondary outcomes (eg, quality of life, healthcare behaviour and utilisation).

Methods and analysis

We plan to perform secondary analyses on three major, ongoing, population-based, longitudinal cohorts (Gutenberg Health-Study (GHS), Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP), Cooperative Health Research in the Augsburg Region (KORA)) with data on mental and somatic symptoms, medical assessments and diagnoses in north-east, middle and southern Germany (n>40 000). Meta-analytic techniques (using DataSHIELD framework) will be used to combine aggregated data from these cohorts. This process will inform about heterogeneity of effects. Longitudinal regression models will estimate sex-specific trajectories and effects of risk and protective factors and secondary outcomes.

Ethics and dissemination

The cohorts were approved by the ethics committees of the Statutory Physician Board of Rhineland-Palatinate (837.020.07; GHS), the University of Greifswald (BB 39/08; SHIP) and the Bavarian Chamber of Physicians (06068; KORA). Together with stakeholders in medical care and medical training, findings will be translated and disseminated into gender-sensitive health promotion and prevention.
Australian surfers’ awareness of ‘surfer’s ear’
Authors: Simas Vini , Hing Wayne , Pope Rodney , Climstein Mike
Published: February 2020

Objectives

To assess awareness of external auditory exostosis (EAE) among Australian surfers.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional observational study, assessing professional and recreational Australian surfers. Currently, active surfers over 18 years of age, surfing year-round, were eligible to participate. After initial screening, individuals were asked to complete a questionnaire. All included volunteers underwent bilateral otoscopic examination, to assess the presence and severity of EAE.

Results

A total of 113 surfers were included in the study and were divided into two groups, based on surfing status: 93 recreational surfers and 20 professional surfers. Recreational surfers were significantly older (p<0.005), more experienced (greater years surfing; p<0.005), with lower prevalence of otological symptoms (p<0.05). The most common symptoms were water trapping, impacted wax and hearing loss. Prevalence of EAE was high for both groups (95% in the professional surfers and 82.8% in the recreational surfers); however, recreational surfers had mild grade EAE (grade 1) as the most common presentation, as opposed to professionals who had severe grade EAE (grade 3) as the most common presentation (p<0.05 between groups). Awareness of the term ‘surfer’s ear’ was high for both groups, as was knowledge of prevention options. However, fewer considered the condition to be preventable, and an even lower number reported regular use of prevention methods.

Conclusion

Australian surfers had a high level of awareness of EAE; however, few reported using prevention methods, despite having a high prevalence of the condition. Health practitioners should screen susceptible individuals in order to recommend appropriate preventive measures.
Age at period cessation and trajectories of cardiovascular risk factors across mid and later life
Authors: O'Keeffe Linda Marie , Kuh Diana , Fraser Abigail , Howe Laura D , Lawlor Debbie , Hardy Rebecca
Published: February 2020

Objective

To examine the association between age at period cessation and trajectories of anthropometry, blood pressure, lipids and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) from midlife to age 69 years.

Methods

We used data from the UK Medical Research Council National Survey of Health and Development to examine the association between age at period cessation and trajectories of systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) from 36 to 69 years and trajectories of triglyceride, low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and HbA1c from 53 to 69 years.

Results

We found no evidence that age at period cessation was associated with trajectories of log triglyceride, LDL-C and HDL-C from 53 to 69 years and trajectories of SBP or DBP from 36 to 69 years, regardless of whether period cessation occurred naturally or due to hysterectomy. While we found some evidence of associations of age at period cessation with log BMI, log WC and log HbA1c, patterns were not consistent and differences were small at age 69 years, with confidence intervals that spanned the null value.

Conclusion

How and when women experience period cessation is unlikely to adversely affect conventional cardiovascular risk factors across mid and later life. Women and clinicians concerned about the impact of type and timing of period cessation on conventional cardiovascular intermediates from midlife should be reassured that the impact over the long term is small.
Deprivation matters: understanding associations between neighbourhood deprivation, unhealthy food outlets, unhealthy dietary behaviours and child body size using structural equation modelling
Authors: Egli Victoria , Hobbs Matthew , Carlson Jordan , Donnellan Niamh , Mackay Lisa , Exeter Daniel , Villanueva Karen , Zinn Caryn , Smith Melody
Published: February 2020

Background

Children residing in neighbourhoods of high deprivation are more likely to have poorer health, including excess body size. While the availability of unhealthy food outlets are increasingly considered important for excess child body size, less is known about how neighbourhood deprivation, unhealthy food outlets and unhealthy dietary behaviours are interlinked.

Methods

This study involves children aged 8–13 years (n=1029) and resided in Auckland, New Zealand. Unhealthy dietary behaviours (frequency of consumption of unhealthy snacks and drinks) and food purchasing behaviour on the route to and from school were self-reported. Height and waist circumference were measured to calculate waist-to-height ratio (WtHR). Geographic Information Systems mapped neighbourhood deprivation and unhealthy food outlets within individual, child-specific neighbourhood buffer boundaries (800 m around the home and school). Associations between neighbourhood deprivation (calculated using the New Zealand Index of Deprivation 2013), unhealthy food outlets, unhealthy dietary behaviours and WtHR were investigated using structural equation modelling in Mplus V.8.0. Age, sex and ethnicity were included as covariates, and clustering was accounted for at the school level.

Results

Structural equation models showed that unhealthy food outlets were unrelated to unhealthy dietary behaviours (estimate 0.029, p=0.416) and excess body size (estimate −0.038, p=0.400). However, greater neighbourhood deprivation and poorer dietary behaviours (estimate −0.134, p=0.001) were associated with greater WtHR (estimate 0.169, p<0.001).

Conclusion

Excess child body size is associated with neighbourhood deprivation and unhealthy dietary behaviours but not unhealthy outlet density or location of these outlets near home and school.
Patient outcomes associated with post-tuberculosis lung damage in Malawi: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Meghji Jamilah , Lesosky Maia , Joekes Elizabeth , Banda Peter , Rylance Jamie , Gordon Stephen , Jacob Joseph , Zonderland Harmien , MacPherson Peter , Corbett Elizabeth L , Mortimer Kevin , Squire Stephen Bertel
Published: February 2020

Background

Post-tuberculosis lung damage (PTLD) is a recognised consequence of pulmonary TB (pTB). However, little is known about its prevalence, patterns and associated outcomes, especially in sub-Saharan Africa and HIV-positive adults.

Methods

Adult (≥15 years) survivors of a first episode of pTB in Blantyre, Malawi, completed the St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire, 6-minute walk test, spirometry and high-resolution CT (HRCT) chest imaging at TB treatment completion. Symptom, spirometry, health seeking, TB-retreatment and mortality data were collected prospectively to 1 year. Risk factors for persistent symptoms, pulmonary function decline and respiratory-related health-seeking were identified through multivariable regression modelling.

Results

Between February 2016 and April 2017, 405 participants were recruited. Median age was 35 years (IQR: 28 to 41), 77.3% (313/405) had had microbiologically proven pTB, and 60.3% (244/403) were HIV-positive. At pTB treatment completion, 60.7% (246/405) reported respiratory symptoms, 34.2% (125/365) had abnormal spirometry, 44.2% (170/385) had bronchiectasis ≥1 lobe and 9.4% (36/385) had ≥1 destroyed lobe on HRCT imaging. At 1 year, 30.7% (113/368) reported respiratory symptoms, 19.3% (59/305) and 14.1% (43/305) of patients had experienced declines in FEV1or FVC of ≥100 mL, 16.3% (62/380) had reported ≥1 acute respiratory event and 12.2% (45/368) had symptoms affecting their ability to work.

Conclusions

PTLD is a common and under-recognised consequence of pTB that is disabling for patients and associated with adverse outcomes beyond pTB treatment completion. Increased efforts to prevent PTLD and guidelines for management of established disease are urgently needed. Low-cost clinical interventions to improve patient outcomes must be evaluated.