bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Selecting Specific Cohorts for Benchmarking and Interpretation of Emergency Department Patient Satisfaction Scores
Authors: Archual Gregory M. , Panchal Ashish R. , Angelos Mark G. , Way David P.
Published: November 2019

Objectives

Emergency departments (EDs) patient satisfaction metrics are highly valued by hospitals, health systems, and payers, yet these metrics are challenging to analyze and interpret. Accurate interpretation involves selection of the most appropriate peer group for benchmark comparisons. We hypothesized that the selection of different benchmark peer groups would yield different interpretations of Press Ganey (PG) patient satisfaction scores.

Methods

Emergency department PG summary ratings of “doctors section” and “likelihood‐to‐recommend” raw scores and corresponding percentiles were derived for three benchmark peer groups from three academic years (2016, 2017, and 2018). The three benchmarks are: 1) the PG Large database; 2) the PG University HealthSystem Consortium (UHC) database; and 3) the Academy of Administrators in Academic Emergency Medicine (AAAEM) database, which is composed only of EDs from academic health centers with emergency medicine residency training programs. Raw scores were converted to percentile ranks for each distribution and then compared using Welch’s ANOVA and Games‐Howell pairwise comparisons.

Results

For both patient satisfaction raw scores evaluated, the AAAEM database was noted to have significantly higher percentile ranks when compared to the PG Large and PG UHC databases. These results were consistent for all three time frames assessed.

Conclusions

Benchmarking with different peer groups provides different results, with similar patient satisfaction raw scores resulting in higher percentile ranks using the AAAEM database compared to the two PG databases. The AAAEM database should be considered the most appropriate peer group for benchmarking academic EDs.
Does Air Pollution Affect Consumption Behavior? Evidence from Korean Retail Sales*
Authors: Kang Hyunju , Suh Hyunduk , Yu Jongmin
Published: November 2019

Using monthly regional panel data on air quality and large retail store sales in Korea, we empirically examine the effect of air pollution on retail sales. We account for regional heterogeneity in air pollution and control for various macroeconomic and climatic factors that can affect retail sales. We also use the air quality indicator in the west coastal islands (affected by trans‐border pollution but uncorrelated with the economic activity in the mainland) as an instrumental variable. The estimation results show that, in general, 1 additional day of PM10 level higher than 80 μg/m3 reduces monthly retail sales by approximately 0.1 percent. Nonetheless, an adaptive pattern emerges over time, particularly when the level of air pollution in the previous month was severe.
Attachment security and attention to facial emotional expressions in preschoolers: An eye‐tracking study
Authors: Kammermeier Marina , Duran Perez Lena , König Lilith , Paulus Markus
Published: November 2019

According to attachment theory, internal working models of attachment affect the way in which social and emotional information is processed. The current study examined this theoretical claim by investigating the association between attachment security and attention to facial emotional expressions in 5‐year‐old children. Attachment security was assessed on a representational level using an Attachment Story Completion Task. Children's attention to facial emotional expressions was measured during an eye‐tracking task. Gaze data (fixation duration) were collected during the presentation of pictures displaying five different facial emotional expressions (neutral, angry, fearful, sad, and happy) of unfamiliar persons. Moreover, the Emotionality‐Activity‐Sociability Temperament Inventory was used to control for children's temperament and was filled out by children's mothers. Regression analyses revealed that attachment security was a significant predictor of children's attention to neutral and sad expressions while controlling for age, gender, and temperament. Moreover, a t‐test revealed that securely attached children looked longer at the fearful expression than insecurely attached children. These findings provide direct evidence that even on a basic perceptional level attachment security is a predictor of children's emotional information processing.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Attachment representations substantially affect the way in which emotional information is processed.

Insecure attachment representations are negatively related to children's attention to emotional stimuli.

What does this study add?

Eye‐tracking technology was used to measure children's visual attention to facial emotional expressions.

Secure attachment was related to prolonged visual attention to neutral and negative facial emotional expressions.

Attachment security influences children's emotional information processing even on a basic perceptual level.
Zero Hours Contracts and Their Growth
Authors: Farina Egidio , Green Colin , McVicar Duncan
Published: November 2019

This article studies the prevalence and nature of zero hours contracts (ZHCs) in the UK labour market. It is widely argued that the headline count of ZHC workers based on the Labour Force Survey historically underestimated the number of workers in ZHC jobs. Here, we argue that this likely continues to be the case, particularly if one considers other, similar, no‐guaranteed‐hours jobs alongside ZHCs. ZHC jobs and workers are heterogeneous, but ZHCs have become increasingly concentrated among young workers, full‐time students, migrants, black and minority ethnic workers, in personal service and elementary occupations, and in the distribution, accommodation and restaurant sector over time. Compared to other forms of employment, median wages in ZHC jobs have also fallen. The most common prior labour market state for ZHC workers is non‐ZHC employment, particularly part‐time employment, with part of the reported growth in ZHCs driven by reclassification of existing employment relationships. Finally, we show that growth in public awareness of ZHCs contributed substantially to recent growth in reported ZHCs, particularly over the period 2013/14.
A Survey of Visual Analytics for Public Health
Authors: Preim Bernhard , Lawonn Kai
Published: November 2019

We describe visual analytics solutions aiming to support public health professionals, and thus, preventive measures. Prevention aims at advocating behaviour and policy changes likely to improve human health. Public health strives to limit the outbreak of acute diseases as well as the reduction of chronic diseases and injuries. For this purpose, data are collected to identify trends in human health, to derive hypotheses, e.g. related to risk factors, and to get insights in the data and the underlying phenomena. Most public health data have a temporal character. Moreover, the spatial character, e.g. spatial clustering of diseases, needs to be considered for decision‐making. Visual analytics techniques involve (subspace) clustering, interaction techniques to identify relevant subpopulations, e.g. being particularly vulnerable to diseases, imputation of missing values, visual queries as well as visualization and interaction techniques for spatio‐temporal data. We describe requirements, tasks and visual analytics techniques that are widely used in public health before going into detail with respect to applications. These include outbreak surveillance and epidemiology research, e.g. cancer epidemiology. We classify the solutions based on the visual analytics techniques employed. We also discuss gaps in the current state of the art and resulting research opportunities in a research agenda to advance visual analytics support in public health.
Evolutionary subspace clustering using variable genome length
Authors: Peignier Sergio , Rigotti Christophe , Beslon Guillaume
Published: November 2019

Subspace clustering is a data‐mining task that groups similar data objects and at the same time searches the subspaces where similarities appear. For this reason, subspace clustering is recognized as more general and complicated than standard clustering. In this article, we present ChameleoClust+, a bioinspired evolutionary subspace clustering algorithm that takes advantage of an evolvable genome structure to detect various numbers of clusters located in different subspaces. ChameleoClust+ incorporates several biolike features such as a variable genome length, both functional and nonfunctional elements, and mutation operators including large rearrangements. It was assessed and compared with the state‐of‐the‐art methods on a reference benchmark using both real‐world and synthetic data sets. Although other algorithms may need complex parameter settings, ChameleoClust+ needs to set only one subspace clustering ad hoc and intuitive parameter: the maximal number of clusters. The remaining parameters of ChameleoClust+ are related to the evolution strategy (eg, population size, mutation rate), and a single setting for all of them turned out to be effective for all the benchmark data sets. A sensitivity analysis has also been carried out to study the impact of each parameter on the subspace clustering quality.
Contribution of European forests to safeguard wild honeybee populations
Authors: Requier Fabrice , Paillet Yoan , Laroche Fabien , Rutschmann Benjamin , Zhang Jie , Lombardi Fabio , Svoboda Miroslav , Steffan‐Dewenter Ingolf
Published: November 2019

Recent studies reveal the use of tree cavities by wild honeybee colonies in European forests. This highlights the conservation potential of forests for a highly threatened component of the native entomofauna in Europe, but currently no estimate of potential wild honeybee population sizes exists. Here, we analyzed the tree cavity densities of 106 forest areas across Europe and inferred an expected population size of wild honeybees. Both forest and management types affected the density of tree cavities. Accordingly, we estimated that more than 80,000 wild honeybee colonies could be sustained in European forests. As expected, potential conservation hotspots were identified in unmanaged forests, and, surprisingly, also in other large forest areas across Europe. Our results contribute to the EU policy strategy to halt pollinator declines and reveal the potential of forest areas for the conservation of so far neglected wild honeybee populations in Europe.
Input Trade Liberalization and the Export Duration of Products: Evidence from China
Authors: Zhou Dinggen , Yang Jingjing , Lai Mingyong
Published: November 2019

This paper introduces a quasi‐natural experimental framework into trade policy evaluation and reassesses China's trade liberalization through the survival of export products. We use propensity score matching and China's dual trade system to design a quasi‐natural experiment based on Chinese industrial enterprises, customs import and export, and tariff data over the period of 2000–2006; we then use survival analysis to study the impacts of China's trade liberalization on the export duration of manufacturing firms’ products. We find that the substantial reduction in import tariffs after China's accession to the World Trade Organization enhances the export duration of firm products, indicating that trade liberalization ameliorates the survival of export products. The promotion effects of tariff reduction on export duration are obviously stronger for core products than for noncore products.
Family Management Practices and Positive Youth Development in Stepfamilies and Single‐Mother Families
Authors: Beckmeyer Jonathon J. , Su‐Russell Chang , Russell Luke T.
Published: November 2019

Objective

To determine how engagement in family management practices (i.e., parent–youth closeness, knowledge of youth's friends, shared family meals, and media monitoring) is associated with positive developmental outcomes for youth living in diverse family structures.

Background

As patterns of unmarried childbearing, cohabitation, divorce, and remarriage have changed in the United States, youth increasingly live in diverse family structures. Limited research, however, addresses positive youth development in these families. Specific family tasks and caregiver constellations in the home may mean that youth in different family structures benefit differently from family management practices.

Method

Using data from 9,131 households with a 12‐ to 17‐year‐old child in the 2011–2012 National Survey of Children's Health, structural equation modeling was used to test whether four family management practices were associated with two positive youth developmental outcomes (flourishing and extracurricular activity participation). Multigroup analyses tested for differences in the associations across family structures.

Results

Family management practices were generally positively associated with positive youth development. The strength of associations between specific family management practices and positive youth developmental outcomes, however, varied across family structures, suggesting that practices may have differing effectiveness depending on family context.

Conclusion

Understanding mechanisms that promote positive youth developmental outcomes in diverse family structures and how mechanisms may function differently across family contexts can broaden the sophistication of family theories and interventions.
A new adaptation strategy to glucose starvation: modulation of the gluconate shunt and pentose phosphate pathway by the transcriptional repressor Rsv1
Authors: Fraile Rodrigo , Sánchez‐Mir Laura , Hidalgo Elena
Published: November 2019

Survival upon glucose starvation requires a delicate balance between different metabolic pathways. A recent work by the Roe laboratory provides a mechanistic link between glucose deprivation and the regulation of the pentose phosphate pathway, with the transcriptional repressor Rsv1 playing a key role in the process. Rsv1 regulates the flow of glucose into its possible metabolic fates and promotes long‐term survival under low glucose.
Night conditions affect morning incubation behaviour differently across a latitudinal gradient
Authors: Nord Andreas , Cooper Caren B.
Published: November 2019

Intermittently incubating birds alternate between sessions of egg warming and recesses for foraging during the day, but stay on the nest continuously at night. Hence, energy costs of nocturnal incubation (which increase during longer and colder nights) cannot be replenished until the next day. Night conditions might therefore be expected to affect morning incubation behaviour the day after. We tested this prediction by exploring latitudinal and seasonal trends in characteristics of the first recess in Eastern Bluebirds Sialia sialis over a 1400‐km latitudinal gradient in the continental USA. The time from civil dawn to leaving the nest (latency) increased with latitude early in the breeding season but decreased with latitude late in the season. Birds breeding at higher latitudes also took longer first recesses throughout the season, which led to a larger drop in nest temperature. At the local scale, birds rose earlier after longer nights if the night was also cold, but night length did not predict latency following warm nights. The first recess was longer if the night was warmer, probably because birds could replenish reserves at lower risk of low egg temperature. Our study shows that characteristics of the night led to behavioural changes in features of early morning incubation that were evident at both continental and local scales. These responses also affected nest temperature. Hence, night conditions carry over to incubation behaviour the following morning, which in turn may impose thermal constraints on embryonic development.
The effects of intravitreal H2S application on apoptosis in the retina and cornea in experimental glaucoma model
Authors: Erisgin Zuleyha , Ozer Murat Atabey , Tosun Murat , Ozen Serkan , Takir Selcuk
Published: November 2019

One of the most important causes of visual loss (blindness) is glaucoma, which occurs due to the degeneration of the ganglion cells in retina. It has been shown that hydrogen sulphide (H2S) acts an antioxidant, neuroprotective and neuromodulator and provides protection against oxidative stress and apoptosis. This study aims to examine through which apoptotic pathway H2S acts in experimental glaucoma model. Twenty‐two male wistar albino rats were used in this study. Group 1 (n = 6, control group): Intravitreal saline was given in the third week without inducing ocular hypertension (OHT) with laser photocoagulation. Group 2 (n = 8): After the induction of OHT with laser photocoagulation, intravitreal saline was given in the third week. Group 3 (n = 8): After the induction of OHT with laser photocoagulation, intravitreal H2S’s donor sodium hydrosulphide (NaSH) 100 nmol/L was given in the third week. At the end of the 6th week, the eyes of the rats were sacrified under anaesthesia and extracted and then routine tissue follow‐up was undertaken. Besides haematoxylin & eosin (H&E) staining, Bax, Bcl‐2, p53 and caspase‐3 activation were examined immunohistochemically in the retina and the cornea. This showed that ocular hypertension caused apoptosis through the intrinsic pathway, due to Bax and caspase‐3 activation, in both retina and cornea, and that this led to DNA damage due to p53 activation. Also, we found that H2S exposure in glaucoma distinctly suppressed Bax, caspase‐3 and p53 activations in retina but that it has a limited effect on the cornea. According to these results, glaucoma caused apoptosis in the retina through intrinsic pathway, and the damage to the retina could be compensated partially by H2S but would have limited on the cornea.
Preservation of spinach by isochoric (constant volume) freezing
Authors: Bilbao‐Sainz Cristina , Sinrod Amanda G. J. , Dao Lan , Takeoka Gary , Williams Tina , Wood Delilah , Bridges David F. , Powell‐Palm Matthew J. , Ukpai Gideon , Chiou Bor‐Sen , Wu Vivian C. H. , Rubinsky Boris , McHugh Tara
Published: November 2019

Efforts are currently directed towards improving the quality of vegetables after freezing and thawing. One of the methods under investigation is isochoric freezing. In this study, we evaluated isochoric freezing for preserving the quality of baby‐leaf spinach. We compared the properties of thawed spinach frozen to −4°C in an isochoric system with those of fresh spinach, thawed spinach frozen to −4°C in an isobaric system and thawed spinach that were commercially frozen. Spinach leaves frozen under isobaric conditions lost mass and thickness, making them softer and translucent. They also lost much of their nutrient content. In comparison, isochoric freezing maintained cell integrity and turgidity. Thawed leaves remained crunchy with characteristics similar to fresh leaves. Isochoric freezing also preserved nutritional content better than isobaric freezing, although significant nutrient losses still occurred.
Sustaining global partnerships for simulation integration: lessons from the field
Authors: Watts P.I. , White T. , Rae T. , Agu C. , Markaki A.
Published: November 2019

Aim

A reciprocal partnership between two World Health Organization Collaborating Centers in the Americas region aimed to strengthen nursing and midwifery education through innovative integration of high‐fidelity simulation.

Methods/Implementation

Immersion of a visiting scholar in six‐week training within a North American nursing school (host) solidified simulation champion designation, upon return at the home institution. Next, two expert nursing faculty implemented a train‐the‐trainer simulation course on‐site. Following evaluation and virtual debriefing, a midwifery faculty visited the host institution for second‐round training.

Conclusion

This ongoing program targets faculty development needs through a strong academic partnership, built upon global awareness and sustainable engagement.
Early response of barley embryos to low‐ and high‐dose gamma irradiation of seeds triggers changes in the transcriptional profile and an increase in hydrogen peroxide content in seedlings
Authors: Volkova Polina Yu , Duarte Gustavo T. , Soubigou‐Taconnat Ludivine , Kazakova Elizaveta A. , Pateyron Stéphanie , Bondarenko Vladimir S. , Bitarishvili Sofia V. , Makarenko Ekaterina S. , Churyukin Roman S. , Lychenkova Maria A. , Gorbatova Irina V. , Meyer Christian , Geras’kin Stanislav A.
Published: November 2019

At low intensity, certain stress conditions may have a positive effect on growth and development of plants (eustress). Growth stimulation of barley plants after gamma irradiation of seeds in low doses was observed as an increase in root and shoot lengths. Hydrogen peroxide concentrations in shoots of irradiated plants were significantly higher than in control, while the opposite effect was observed in the roots. To elucidate the molecular basis of growth stimulation after gamma irradiation of barley seeds, we performed the transcriptomic analysis of barley embryos at different stages of seed germination. The transcriptomic data were correlated with morphological parameters and the hydrogen peroxide levels in irradiated and control plants. These data indicate that the growth stimulation by low‐dose irradiation involves the transcriptional control of genes related to phytohormones, antioxidant system, late embryogenesis abundant proteins and cell wall components, with possible involvement of jasmonate and ABA signalling. Gamma irradiation of seeds at dose 100 Gy caused significant growth inhibition and promoted expression changes in transcripts related to cell cycle arrest, DNA damage repair and antioxidant system.
Tag‐SNP selection using Bayesian genomewide association study for growth traits in Hereford and Braford cattle
Authors: Campos Gabriel Soares , Sollero Bruna Pena , Reimann Fernando Antonio , Junqueira Vinicius Silva , Cardoso Leandro Lunardini , Yokoo Marcos Jun Iti , Boligon Arione Augusti , Braccini José , Cardoso Fernando Flores
Published: November 2019

The aim of this study was to perform a Bayesian genomewide association study (GWAS) to identify genomic regions associated with growth traits in Hereford and Braford cattle, and to select Tag‐SNPs to represent these regions in low‐density panels useful for genomic predictions. In addition, we propose candidate genes through functional enrichment analysis associated with growth traits using Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). Phenotypic data from 126,290 animals and genotypes for 131 sires and 3,545 animals were used. The Tag‐SNPs were selected with BayesB (π = 0.995) method to compose low‐density panels. The number of Tag‐single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) ranged between 79 and 103 SNP for the growth traits at weaning and between 78 and 100 SNP for the yearling growth traits. The average proportion of variance explained by Tag‐SNP with BayesA was 0.29, 0.23, 0.32 and 0.19 for birthweight (BW), weaning weight (WW205), yearling weight (YW550) and postweaning gain (PWG345), respectively. For Tag‐SNP with BayesA method accuracy values ranged from 0.13 to 0.30 fork‐means and from 0.30 to 0.65 for random clustering of animals to compose reference and validation groups. Although genomic prediction accuracies were higher with the full marker panel, predictions with low‐density panels retained on average 76% of the accuracy obtained with BayesB with full markers for growth traits. The MeSH analysis was able to translate genomic information providing biological meanings of more specific gene products related to the growth traits. The proposed Tag‐SNP panels may be useful for future fine mapping studies and for lower‐cost commercial genomic prediction applications.
The effect of smoking in melanoma outcome still remains an enigma
Authors: Stadler Rudolf
Published: November 2019

Linked article: A. Tejera‐Vaquerizo et al. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2019; 33: 2283–2290. https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.15789.
Success of fishmeal replacement through poultry by‐product meal in aquaculture feed formulations: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Galkanda‐Arachchige Harsha S.C. , Wilson Alan E. , Davis Donald A.
Published: November 2019

Poultry by‐product meal (PBM) is a popular animal‐based protein source tested in aquaculture feed formulations for replacing fishmeal (FM), mainly due to its high protein content, relatively cheap price and broad availability. However, due to the well‐documented variability in success of PBM inclusions, a meta‐analysis approach was utilized to summarize the efficacy and success of PBM inclusion in aquaculture diet formulations substituting FM. Hedges’g effect sizes were calculated by quantitatively comparing final weight and feed conversion ratio (FCR) between animals fed control (100% FM) and PBM‐supplemented FM diets using data from 47 published articles targeting 33 different species (141 and 96 effect size calculations for final weight and FCR, respectively). In addition, several analyses were performed to determine the effect of different moderators as well as variation across species. Meta‐regression was conducted to evaluate the effect of varying PBM proportions of the diet on the response variables. Overall, a non‐significant final weight but a significant higher FCR was detected with aquaculture species fed PBM diets. Similar trends in final weight were observed for subgroups. However, FCR for crustaceans and marine fish fed PBM diets was not significantly different than those fed control diets. In both freshwater and marine fish, ‘species’ was a significant moderator effect on responses, while the ‘level of FM replacement’ was significant only in marine fish. Higher between‐study heterogeneity was detected for fish, which may be due to the influence of certain factors, such as variability in nutritional quality and palatability and digestibility of PBM or due to variability on the fish meal used. In contrast, low between‐study variation was observed in crustaceans indicating consistent success in PBM‐supplemented diets for shrimp compared with fish.
An organ for the seraglio: Thomas Dallam's artificial life
Authors: Trudell Scott A.
Published: November 2019

In the late 1590s, Elizabeth I and the Levant Company hoped to advance their diplomatic and mercantile agendas in the Mediterranean with the gift of a splendid mechanical organ to the Ottoman Sultan Mehmed III. Thomas Dallam, who was charged with installing this fully automated instrument in the Ottoman court, wrote a lively narrative of his journey, including his personal encounter with the Sultan. This essay argues that Dallam is more complex and suggestive writer than scholars have acknowledged, producing not a plainspoken account of his journey but a suggestive sense of belonging among the humans and machines in the Ottoman seraglio. Fueled by a combination of artisan class identity, technological wonder, anxieties about cultural difference, and an expanding sense of personal vulnerability, Dallam imagines a new life at the Topkapı Palace, integrated within an exquisite system of mechanical artifice.
Babo1, formerly Vop1 and Cop1/2, is no eyespot photoreceptor but a basal body protein illuminating cell division in Volvox carteri
Authors: von der Heyde Eva L. , Hallmann Armin
Published: November 2019

In photosynthetic organisms many processes are light dependent and sensing of light requires light‐sensitive proteins. The supposed eyespot photoreceptor protein Babo1 (formerly Vop1) has previously been classified as an opsin due to the capacity for binding retinal. Here, we analyze Babo1 and provide evidence that it is no opsin. Due to the localization at the basal bodies, the former Vop1 and Cop1/2 proteins were renamed V.c. Babo1 and C.r. Babo1. We reveal a large family of more than 60 Babo1‐related proteins from a wide range of species. The detailed subcellular localization of fluorescence‐tagged Babo1 shows that it accumulates at the basal apparatus. More precisely, it is located predominantly at the basal bodies and to a lesser extent at the four strands of rootlet microtubules. We trace Babo1 during basal body separation and cell division. Dynamic structural rearrangements of Babo1 particularly occur right before the first cell division. In four‐celled embryos Babo1 was exclusively found at the oldest basal bodies of the embryo and on the corresponding d‐roots. The unequal distribution of Babo1 in four‐celled embryos could be an integral part of a geometrical system in early embryogenesis, which establishes the anterior–posterior polarity and influences the spatial arrangement of all embryonic structures and characteristics. Due to its retinal‐binding capacity, Babo1 could also be responsible for the unequal distribution of retinoids, knowing that such concentration gradients of retinoids can be essential for the correct patterning during embryogenesis of more complex organisms. Thus, our findings push the Babo1 research in another direction.
High rate of hepatitis C virus and human immunodeficiency virus false‐positive results in serologic screening in sub‐Saharan Africa: adverse impact on the blood supply
Authors: Candotti Daniel , Sauvage Virginie , Cappy Pierre , Boullahi Mohamed Abdallahi , Bizimana Pascal , Mbensa Guy Olivier , Oumar Coulibaly Sekou , Rakoto Alson Aimée Olivat , Soumana Hadiza , Tagny‐Tayou Claude , Murphy Edward L. , Laperche Syria ,   for The Francophone Africa Transfusion Research Network
Published: November 2019

BACKGROUND

False positivity in blood screening may cause unnecessary deferral of healthy donors and exacerbate blood shortages. An international multicenter study was conducted to estimate the frequency of HCV and HIV false seropositivity in seven African countries (Burundi, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, and Niger).

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Blood donations were tested for hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) with rapid detection tests (RDTs), third‐generation enzyme immunoassays (EIAs), or fourth‐generation EIAs. HCV (456/16,613 [2.74%]) and HIV (249/16,675 [1.49%]) reactive samples were then confirmed with antigen/antibody assays, immunoblots, and nucleic acid testing. Partial viral sequences were analyzed when possible.

RESULTS

The HCV reactivity rate with RDTs was significantly lower than with EIAs (0.55% vs. 3.52%; p < 0.0001). The HIV reactivity rate with RDTs was lower than with third‐generation EIAs (1.02% vs. 2.38%; p < 0.0001) but similar to a fourth‐generation assay (1.09%). Only 16.0% (57/357) and 21.5% (38/177) of HCV and HIV initial reactive samples, respectively, were repeatedly reactive. HCV and HIV infections were confirmed in 13.2% and 13.7%, respectively, of repeated reactive donations. The predominant HCV genotype 2 and 4 strains in West and Central Africa showed high genetic variability. HIV‐1 subtype CRF02_AG was most prevalent.

CONCLUSION

High rates (>80%) of unconfirmed anti‐HCV and anti‐HIV reactivity observed in several sub‐Saharan countries highlights the need for better testing and confirmatory strategies for donors screening in Africa. Without confirmatory testing, HCV and HIV prevalence in African blood donors has probably been overestimated.
A novel simple assay system for the detection of human platelet antigen 15 (HPA‐15) alloantibodies based on three techniques: an HPA‐15 expressing cell line, a monoclonal antibody‐specific antigen‐capture method and mixed‐passive haemagglutination
Authors: Koh Yangsook , Nishimiya Hiroko , Inoue Hiroko , Kishigami Ayaka , Tsuji Yukari , Sakamoto Rumi , Hirayama Fumiya , Kuroishi Ayumu
Published: November 2019

Background and objectives

To detect HPA‐15 alloantibodies, we previously developed a human platelet antigen 15 (HPA‐15)‐expressing cell line‐based modified rapid monoclonal antibody immobilization of platelet antigen (CL‐MR‐MAIPA) assay. In this study, the protocol was modified for easier performance by introducing the mixed‐passive haemagglutination (MPHA) principle.

Material and methods

In total, 20 samples that tested negative for HPA alloantibodies and eight that tested positive for HPA‐15 alloantibodies (two and six positive for HPA‐15a and HPA‐15b antibodies, respectively) by CL‐MR‐MAIPA assay were used in this study. HPA‐15 cell lines were incubated with serum/plasma and then solubilized. The lysate was transferred to a round‐bottom well, which was coated with anti‐human CD109 monoclonal antibodies. After incubation and repeated washings, sheep red blood cells, coated with anti‐human IgG, were added to the wells. Haemagglutination was assessed the next day.

Results

The proposed cell line‐based immune complex capture‐dependent mixed‐passive haemagglutination (CL‐IC‐MPHA) assay consisted of four steps, but required only 2 h to perform, except for overnight incubation for haemagglutination. Two HPA‐15a alloantibody samples were reactive only for HPA‐15a cells, and six HPA‐15b alloantibody samples were reactive only for HPA‐15b cells with the CL‐IC‐MPHA assay. The 20 samples that tested negative for HPA alloantibodies did not react with HPA‐15a or HPA‐15b cells. These data indicated that the CL‐IC‐MPHA assay was highly specific and sensitive. Unfortunately, the CL‐IC‐MPHA assay's analytic sensitivity was twofold to eightfold lower than that of the CL‐MR‐MAIPA assay.

Conclusion

A novel, easy‐to‐perform protocol was successfully developed to detect HPA‐15 alloantibodies with high specificity and sensitivity.
A meta-analysis of clinical studies conducted during the West Africa Ebola virus disease outbreak confirms the need for randomized control groups
Authors: Dodd Lori E. , Follmann Dean , Proschan Michael , Wang Jing , Malvy Denis , van Griensven Johan , Ciglenecki Iza , Horby Peter W. , Ansumana Rashid , Jiang Jia-Fu , Davey Richard T. , Lane H. Clifford , Gouel-Cheron Aurelie
Published: November 2019

Randomized controlled clinical trials are critical for evaluating new experimental therapeutics to treat Ebola virus disease.
Myeloid cells: The Trojan horse for T cell invasion into the brain
Authors: Gallardo Gilbert
Published: November 2019

C-type lectin receptors on myeloid cells regulate the activation and infiltration of T cells into the central nervous system in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.
Major Histocompatibility Complex Class II-Restricted, CD4+T Cell-Dependent and -Independent Mechanisms Are Required for Vaccine-Induced Protective Immunity againstCoxiella burnetii
Authors: Ledbetter Lindsey , Cherla Rama , Chambers Catherine , Zhang Yan , Mitchell William J. , Zhang Guoquan
Published: November 2019

To understand the role of major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) and MHC-II in vaccine-mediated protection againstCoxiella burnetii, we evaluated the protective efficacy of a formalin-inactivatedC. burnetiiNine Mile phase I vaccine (PIV) in β2-microglobulin-deficient (B2m KO) and MHC-II-deficient (MHC-II KO) mice. Vaccination reduced disease severity in wild-type (WT) and B2m KO mice but failed to reduce bacterial burden in MHC-II KO mice.
The
IFNL4
Gene Is a Noncanonical Interferon Gene with a Unique but Evolutionarily Conserved Regulation
Authors: Zhou Hao , Møhlenberg Michelle , Terczyńska-Dyla Ewa , Winther Kasper Grønbjerg , Hansen Nanna Hougaard , Vad-Nielsen Johan , Laloli Laura , Dijkman Ronald , Nielsen Anders Lade , Gad Hans Henrik , Hartmann Rune
Published: November 2019

Recent genetic evidence has highlighted how the
IFNL4
gene acts in a counterintuitive manner, as patients with a nonfunctional
IFNL4
gene exhibit increased clearance of hepatitis C virus (HCV) but also increased liver inflammation. This suggests that the
IFNL4
gene acts in a proviral and anti-inflammatory manner. These surprising but quite clear genetic data have prompted an extensive examination of the basic characteristics of the
IFNL4
gene and its gene product, interferon lambda 4 (IFN-λ4). We have investigated the expression of the
IFNL4
gene and found it to be poorly induced by viral infections. A thorough investigation of the
IFNL4
promoter revealed a highly conserved and functional promoter, but also one that lacks the defining characteristic of interferons (IFNs), i.e., the ability to be effectively induced by viral infections. We suggest that the unique function of the
IFNL4
gene is related to its noncanonical transcriptional regulation.
Chronic Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Infection Causes Susceptibility to Mousepox and Impairs Natural Killer Cell Maturation and Function
Authors: Alves-Peixoto Pedro , Férez Maria , Knudson Cory J. , Stotesbury Colby , Melo-Silva Carolina R. , Wong Eric B. , Correia-Neves Margarida , Sigal Luis J.
Published: November 2019

Infection of adult mice with the clone 13 (CL13) strain of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) is extensively used as a model of chronic infection. In this paper, we show that mice chronically infected with CL13 succumb to challenge with ectromelia virus (ECTV; the agent of mousepox) and that natural killer (NK) cells in CL13-infected mice are reduced in numbers and have an immature and partially activated phenotype but do respond to ECTV. These data may provide additional clues why humans chronically infected with certain pathogens are less resistant to viral diseases.
Experimental modeling of cornea wound healing in diabetes: clinical applications and beyond
Authors: Bu Yashan , Shih Kendrick Co , Kwok Sum Sum , Chan Yau Kei , Lo Amy Cheuk-Yin , Chan Tommy Chung Yan , Jhanji Vishal , Tong Louis
Published: November 2019

Diabetes mellitus is the most common cause of blindness in working age populations worldwide. While much of the focus for public health has been on secondary prevention in sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy, the cornea, including its epithelium and nerves, represents a major site of damage by chronic hyperglycemia. On injury, the diabetic cornea exhibits a delayed wound-healing response, as well as an altered ocular surface immune response. This suggests a potential association between the dysfunctional wound healing response and altered inflammation on the ocular surface. However, the presence of potential confounders makes this association difficult to investigate in human epidemiological studies. Thus, we turn to animal diabetic models for a better understanding.

In this review, 20 original studies, published between 2008 and 2018, describe in vivo and in vitro models of diabetic cornea disease. We compared different models of diabetic cornea wound healing and discussed the relative strengths and drawbacks of each model. A number of molecular and cellular components involved in the corneal wound healing response that are altered in the presence of diabetes have been identified in the reviewed studies. Particularly, altered corneal epithelial protein concentrations of lumician and occludin were detected in diabetic eyes compared with controls. Additionally, the importance of IL-1β in modulating the inflammatory response after corneal injury in patients with diabetes and controls was further elucidated. Meanwhile, abnormal P2×7 receptor localization and decreased corneal sub-basal nerve density in diabetic eyes were shown to contribute to altered corneal nerve signaling after injury and thus affecting the wound healing response. Finally, the discovery of the therapeutic effects of topically administered aloe vera, Serpine 1, Resolvin D1 (RvD1), pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) and Pro-His-Ser-Arg-Asn in diabetic animal models of cornea epithelial and nerve injury provide encouraging evidence for the future availability of effective treatment for diabetic keratopathy.
Improving the use of intravenous antihypertensive medications in the hospital setting: a quality improvement initiative for patient safety
Authors: Salman Jacob , Salman Alicja , Kumar Sarwan , Gjeka Rudin , Tegeltija Vesna , Peterson Daymon , Chams Nour , Ross Ian
Published: November 2019

Intravenous (IV) hydralazine, enalapril and labetalol are oftentimes used without indication for the treatment of asymptomatic hypertension in the hospital setting and have been shown to have substantial adverse effects that are associated with increased morbidity and mortality, as well as longer length of stay. Their use is also associated with greater monetary costs. In this project, we studied the frequency of use and consequences of these medications before and after a series of education cycles which clarified when and when not to use intravenous antihypertensives (IVAHs). Our initial aim was to decrease the unindicated use of IVAH by at least 25% in the setting of asymptomatic hypertension in our community hospital within a 1-year period after introducing education on the topic.

Multidisciplinary involvement throughout three Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles yielded favourable results. We focused on education towards a hospital-wide knowledge gap stemming from a lack of guidelines regarding the treatment of asymptomatic hypertension, as well as the guideline indications for IVAH. After three cycles of education targeting different groups, the unindicated use of IVAH fell by a total of 66%, decreasing patient exposure by approximately 248 cases over the total course of the study and ultimately, yielding a 52% increase in patient safety. Secondary outcome included a reduction in cost. It was noted that IV drugs cost more than their oral counterparts. The culture change in switching away from IVAH unless otherwise indicated was driven by repetitive education and group discussion to close the gap created by a lack of guidelines.
Artificial intelligence-guided tissue analysis combined with immune infiltrate assessment predicts stage III colon cancer outcomes in PETACC08 study
Authors: Reichling Cynthia , Taieb Julien , Derangere Valentin , Klopfenstein Quentin , Le Malicot Karine , Gornet Jean-Marc , Becheur Hakim , Fein Francis , Cojocarasu Oana , Kaminsky Marie Christine , Lagasse Jean Paul , Luet Dominique , Nguyen Suzanne , Etienne Pierre-Luc , Gasmi Mohamed , Vanoli Andre , Perrier Hervé , Puig Pierre-Laurent , Emile Jean-François , Lepage Come , Ghiringhelli François
Published: November 2019

Objective

Diagnostic tests, such as Immunoscore, predict prognosis in patients with colon cancer. However, additional prognostic markers could be detected on pathological slides using artificial intelligence tools.

Design

We have developed a software to detect colon tumour, healthy mucosa, stroma and immune cells on CD3 and CD8 stained slides. The lymphocyte density and surface area were quantified automatically in the tumour core (TC) and invasive margin (IM). Using a LASSO algorithm, DGMate (DiGital tuMor pArameTErs), we detected digital parameters within the tumour cells related to patient outcomes.

Results

Within the dataset of 1018 patients, we observed that a poorer relapse-free survival (RFS) was associated with high IM stromal area (HR 5.65; 95% CI 2.34 to 13.67; p<0.0001) and high DGMate (HR 2.72; 95% CI 1.92 to 3.85; p<0.001). Higher CD3+ TC, CD3+ IM and CD8+ TC densities were significantly associated with a longer RFS. Analysis of variance showed that CD3+ TC yielded a similar prognostic value to the classical CD3/CD8 Immunoscore (p=0.44). A combination of the IM stromal area, DGMate and CD3, designated ‘DGMuneS’, outperformed Immunoscore when used in estimating patients’ prognosis (C-index=0.601 vs 0.578, p=0.04) and was independently associated with patient outcomes following Cox multivariate analysis. A predictive nomogram based on DGMuneS and clinical variables identified a group of patients with less than 10% relapse risk and another group with a 50% relapse risk.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that artificial intelligence can potentially improve patient care by assisting pathologists in better defining stage III colon cancer patients’ prognosis.
Equine infectious disease surveillance: surveillance concepts and international outbreak reporting systems
Authors: Browne Christopher , Medlock Jolyon M.
Published: November 2019

Fleur Whitlock of the Animal Health Trust takes a look at equine infectious disease surveillance and the sources of information available.
‘We shouldn't classify pet obesity as a disease’
Authors: Hargreaves Robin
Published: November 2019

Robin Hargreaves argues that the chronic weight gain that leads to obesity in pets is a normal animal behaviour and physiological mechanism, and so should not be regarded as a disease process.
Response in carcass yield, organ weights, and gut morphology of broiler chickens to incremental levels of Vachellia tortilis leaf meal
Authors: Miya A. , Sithole A.N. , Mthethwa N. , Khanyile M. , Chimonyo M.
Published: November 2019

The objective of this study was to assess the carcass yield, organ weights, and gut morphology response to Vachellia tortilis inclusion in broilers. Unsexed 14-d-old Cobb500™ chicks were randomly assigned to six diets containing 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, and 150 g kg−1 dry matter of V. tortilis leaf meal. The slaughter weight (SW), dressed carcass weight (DCW), breast weight, thigh weight (TW), drumstick weight (DW), and internal organs were measured. Villus height (VH), crypt depth (CD), epithelial, submucosa, and muscularis thickness were taken. The apparent villus surface area (AVSA) and villus to crypt ratio were calculated. There was a linear decrease in SW and DCW (P < 0.05) with the increase of V. tortilis leaf meal. The SW and DCW decreased by 0.77 and 5.25 g for each g kg−1 increase in V. tortilis, respectively. The TW and DW showed no relationship with levels of V. tortilis leaf meal. The relative weight of gizzard, intestine, stomach, heart, and kidney increased linearly (P < 0.05) as levels of V. tortilis increased. The relative weight of the liver was not related to V. tortilis inclusion. The VH, AVSA, VH to CD ratio, as well as submucosa, muscularis, and epithelial thicknesses linearly increased as the V. tortilis inclusion level increased. There was no relationship between V. tortilis leaf meal inclusion and CD (P > 0.05). The increased morphological measurements suggest that leaf meal inclusion alters gut physiology and could influence the digestion and absorption of nutrients in broilers.
IS RESOURCE MISALLOCATION LEADING TO PRODUCTIVITY GAPS IN MALAYSIA’S MANUFACTURING SECTOR?
Authors: CHUAH LAY LIAN , LOAYZA NORMAN V. , NGUYEN HA
Published: November 2019

The reallocation of resources from low- to high-productivity firms can generate large aggregate productivity gains. The paper uses data from the Malaysian manufacturing censuses of 2005 and 2010 to measure the country’s hypothetical productivity gains if all misallocation within industries are removed. Comparing the results across the two census waves, we conclude that efficiency gaps (that is, the degree of misallocation) in Malaysia have narrowed by one-fifth. The efficiency gaps, however, appear to be over 40%, indicating a substantial room for improvement. This is important, particularly if total factor productivity growth is expected to support future economic growth. The analysis in this paper accounts only for resource misallocation within sectors. There may be other, possibly large, resource misallocation across sectors. Closing those gaps could boost total factor productivity and gross domestic product growth even further.