bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preoperative assessment for percutaneous and open surgical arteriovenous fistula creation in patients for haemodialysis
Authors: Khawaja Aurang Z , Tullett Karen A J , Jones Robert G , Inston Nicholas G
Published: August 2019

Preoperative assessment prior to surgical arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) including ultrasound-guided mapping has been shown to have beneficial effects on their immediate success as well as early outcomes. This has led to their wide acceptance and adoption however clinical practice criteria is variable and is reflected in variabilities in practice. When transposing this to percutaneously created endovascular AVFs (endoAVFs), variable preoperative assessment criteria could equally result in variable practice and potentially subsequent and expectant outcomes. We aimed to review literature on reported validated methodologies and workflows of preoperative assessment for surgical AVF creation as reported in highest levels of available evidence, specifically randomized controlled trials. Published practice recommendations and guidelines on best clinical practice as well as systematic reviews and meta-analyses of published studies were also reviewed. Data on practice methodology from identified trial publications and protocols was collated and a summative narrative synthesis was carried out which compared these methodologies to additional assessments that may be required when targeting assessment for percutaneous endoAVF formation, based on our units experience as part of an international multicentre trial. In this review we present a brief overview of published literature and guidelines and propose a unified and uniform workflow for preoperative assessment for surgical AVFs and endoAVFs to aide clinical and imaging practice.
A plasma proteogenomic signature for fibromuscular dysplasia
Authors: Olin Jeffrey W , Di Narzo Antonio F , d’Escamard Valentina , Kadian-Dodov Daniella , Cheng Haoxiang , Georges Adrien , King Annette , Thomas Allison , Barwari Temo , Michelis Katherine C , Bouchareb Rihab , Bander Emir , Anyanwu Anelechi , Stelzer Paul , Filsoufi Farzan , Florman Sander , Civelek Mete , Debette Stephanie , Jeunemaitre Xavier , Björkegren Johan L M , Mayr Manuel , Bouatia-Naji Nabila , Hao Ke , Kovacic Jason C
Published: August 2019

Aims

Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) is a poorly understood disease that predominantly affects women during middle-life, with features that include stenosis, aneurysm, and dissection of medium-large arteries. Recently, plasma proteomics has emerged as an important means to understand cardiovascular diseases. Our objectives were: (i) to characterize plasma proteins and determine if any exhibit differential abundance in FMD subjects vs. matched healthy controls and (ii) to leverage these protein data to conduct systems analyses to provide biologic insights on FMD, and explore if this could be developed into a blood-based FMD test.

Methods and results

Females with ‘multifocal’ FMD and matched healthy controls underwent clinical phenotyping, dermal biopsy, and blood draw. Using dual-capture proximity extension assay and nuclear magnetic resonance-spectroscopy, we evaluated plasma levels of 981 proteins and 31 lipid sub-classes, respectively. In a discovery cohort (Ncases = 90, Ncontrols = 100), we identified 105 proteins and 16 lipid sub-classes (predominantly triglycerides and fatty acids) with differential plasma abundance in FMD cases vs. controls. In an independent cohort (Ncases = 23, Ncontrols = 28), we successfully validated 37 plasma proteins and 10 lipid sub-classes with differential abundance. Among these, 5/37 proteins exhibited genetic control and Bayesian analyses identified 3 of these as potential upstream drivers of FMD. In a 3rd cohort (Ncases = 506, Ncontrols = 876) the genetic locus of one of these upstream disease drivers, CD2-associated protein (CD2AP), was independently validated as being associated with risk of having FMD (odds ratios  = 1.36; P = 0.0003). Immune-fluorescence staining identified that CD2AP is expressed by the endothelium of medium-large arteries. Finally, machine learning trained on the discovery cohort was used to develop a test for FMD. When independently applied to the validation cohort, the test showed a c-statistic of 0.73 and sensitivity of 78.3%.

Conclusion

FMD exhibits a plasma proteogenomic and lipid signature that includes potential causative disease drivers, and which holds promise for developing a blood-based test for this disease.
Reconsideration of a simple approach to quantile regression for panel data
Authors: Besstremyannaya Galina , Golovan Sergei
Published: August 2019

This note discusses two errors in the approach proposed in Canay (2011) for constructing a computationally simple two-step estimator in a quantile regression model with quantile-independent fixed effects. Firstly, we show that Canay’s assumption about n/Ts → 0 for some s > 1 is not strong enough and can entail severe bias or even the non-existence of the limiting distribution for the estimator of the vector of coefficients. The condition n/T → 0 appears to be closer to the required set of restrictions. These problems are likely to cause incorrect inference in applied papers with large n/T, but the impact is less in applications with small n/T. In an attempt to improve Canay’s estimator, we propose a simple correction that may reduce the bias. The second error concerns the incorrect asymptotic standard error of the estimator of the constant term. We show that, contrary to Canay’s assumption, the within estimator has an influence function that is not i.i.d. and this affects inference. Moreover, the constant term is unlikely to be estimable at rate $\sqrt{nT}$, so a different estimator may not be available. However, the issue concerning the constant term does not have an effect on slope coefficients. Finally, we give recommendations to practitioners and conduct a meta-review of applied papers that use Canay’s estimator.
Predicting Within- and Between-Year Variation in Activity of the Invasive Spotted Wing Drosophila (Diptera: Drosophilidae) in a Temperate Region
Authors: Leach Heather , Van Timmeren Steven , Wetzel Will , Isaacs Rufus
Published: August 2019

Invasive insect pests can be challenging to manage because their recent arrival provides limited information on which to build predictive population models. The magnitude and timing of activity by the invasive vinegar fly, Drosophila suzukii, in crop fields has been unpredictable due to its recent arrival in many new regions of the world and changes in methods for its detection. Using 7 yr of consistent trapping of adults at four blueberry farms in Michigan, United States, we modeled the temporal and environmental factors influencing D. suzukii activity. We found that this pest established high levels within 2 yr of being detected, with peak fly activity continuing to increase. Fly activity timing and abundance were predicted by the annual number of days below 0°C, the number of winter and spring days above 10°C, and by the fly activity in the preceding year, providing support for overwintering in our region. We monitored larval infestation for 4 yr at these same sites and found a moderate positive correlation between larvae in fruit and adults in traps. Finally, we developed a generalized additive model to predict D. suzukii fly capture throughout the season based on relevant environmental factors and examined the relative timing and magnitude of activity under varying winter and spring temperature conditions. Our results suggest that D. suzukii activity is predictable and that environmental conditions can be used in temperate regions to provide regional risk warnings as a component of strategies to manage this invasive insect pest.
Combined single-session cardiovascular magnetic resonance: stress perfusion and three-dimensional pulmonary vein angiography for stratification of atrial fibrillation patients with chest pain syndromes prior to catheter ablation
Authors: Oebel Sabrina , Paetsch Ingo , Stegmann Clara , Kircher Simon , Sommer Philipp , Arya Arash , Lindemann Frank , Bollmann Andreas , Hindricks Gerhard , Jahnke Cosima
Published: August 2019

Aims 

To determine the clinical utility of a combined single-session cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging protocol integrating adenosine stress perfusion and three-dimensional pulmonary vein angiography for stratification of atrial fibrillation (AF) patients referred for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) and complaining about chest pain syndromes.

Methods and results 

The preprocedural CMR examination (adenosine stress perfusion, late gadolinium enhancement, and three-dimensional pulmonary vein angiography) was performed in 357 consecutive AF patients with chest pain syndromes referred for PVI. Stress perfusion results were used for stratification: ischaemia positive patients underwent invasive coronary angiography, ischaemia negative patients underwent PVI, and follow-up/outcome data were collected (combined primary endpoint of cardiac death/non-fatal myocardial infarction). The integrated CMR protocol had a high success rate (356/357, 99.7%), a short total examination duration (<30 min in all patients), and delivered high-quality three-dimensional pulmonary vein angiography in all patients undergoing PVI (324/324, 100%). Variants of pulmonary vein anatomy were identified in 33% of all patients (117/357). Stress positivity (28/356, 8%) had a high positive predictive value for identification of obstructive coronary artery disease (86%), while stress negativity carried a low short-term event rate following PVI (cumulative 1-year event-free survival rate, 99.6%).

Conclusion 

Combined single-session CMR as a routine diagnostic workup for AF patients with chest pain syndromes prior to PVI proved to represent a time-efficient and effective stratification tool.
Policing printers and booksellers before and after 1789: a case study in Bordeaux
Authors: McLeod Jane , Girard Renée
Published: August 2019

This article examines the Bordeaux bookseller and printer Arnaud-Antoine Pallandre’s two censorship trials in 1775 and 1790 to compare state–media relations during the late Bourbon monarchy and the French Revolution. An entourage of protectors kept Pallandre in business even though he flouted pre-revolutionary book trade legislation. After 1789, his printing and bookselling shop became a centre of pamphlet sales and counter-revolutionary gatherings that came under intense scrutiny by patriots in the clubs, the National Guard and the crowds, who pressured the municipal governments to end Pallandre’s trade in counter-revolutionary pamphlets. He eventually went to the guillotine in 1794. This article suggests that members of formerly privileged groups continued to wield considerable influence over printers and booksellers in France after 1789, making them objects of both government and popular censorship. In the struggle to achieve limits on a free press, printers and booksellers came to be regarded as individuals with public (potentially dangerous) political affiliations in a new way, a development that may help explain the high levels of media repression in the French Revolution.
Medicaid Contributes Substantial Costs to Dementia Care in an Ethnically Diverse Community
Authors: Zhu Carolyn W , Ornstein Katherine A , Cosentino Stephanie , Gu Yian , Andrews Howard , Stern Yaakov
Published: August 2019

Objectives

The main objective of this study was to estimate effects of dementia on Medicaid expenditures in an ethnically diverse community.

Methods

The sample included 1,211 Medicare beneficiaries who did not have any Medicaid coverage and 568 who additionally had full Medicaid coverage enrolled in the Washington Heights-Inwood Columbia Aging Project (WHICAP), a multiethnic, population-based, prospective study of cognitive aging in northern Manhattan (1999–2010). Individuals’ dementia status was determined using a rigorous clinical protocol. Relationship between dementia and Medicaid coverage and expenditures were estimated using a two-part model.

Results

In participants who had full Medicaid coverage, average annual Medicaid expenditures were substantially higher for those with dementia than those without dementia ($50,270 vs. $21,966, p < .001), but Medicare expenditures did not differ by dementia status ($8,458 vs. $9,324, p = .19). In participants who did not have any Medicaid coverage, average annual Medicare expenditures were substantially higher for those with dementia than those without dementia ($12,408 vs. $8,113, p = .02). In adjusted models, dementia was associated with a $6,278 increase in annual Medicaid spending per person after controlling for other characteristics.

Discussion

Results highlight Medicaid’s contribution to covering the cost of dementia care in addition to Medicare. Studies that do not include Medicaid are unlikely to accurately reflect the true cost of dementia.
Non-parametric spectral modelling of source parameters, path attenuation and site effects from broad-band waveforms of the Alborz earthquakes (2005–2017)
Authors: Ahmadzadeh Somayeh , Javan Doloei G , Parolai Stefano , Oth Adrien
Published: August 2019

S-wave spectral amplitudes from 312 crustal earthquakes recorded at the Iranian National Broadband Seismic Network in the Alborz region between 2005 and 2017 are analysed in order to evaluate earthquake source parameters, path attenuation and site amplification functions using the non-parametric generalized inversion technique (GIT). We exploit a total number of 1117 seismograms with ML 3–5.6 in the frequency range 0.3–20 Hz. The evaluated non-parametric attenuation functions decay uniformly with distance for the entire frequency range and the estimated S-wave quality factor shows low Q values with relatively strong frequency dependence. We assume the omega-square source model to retrieve earthquake source parameters from the inverted source spectra. The obtained stress drops range from 0.02 to 16 MPa with a mean value of 1.1 MPa. Stress drop and radiated energy show fairly self-similar scaling with seismic moment over the available magnitude range; however, the magnitude range of this study is too narrow to draw a definite conclusion on source scaling characteristics. The obtained moment magnitude Mw and the local magnitude ML are linearly correlated and approximately equivalent in the range of Mw 3–4. For larger events, Mw generally underestimates ML by about 0.1–0.5 magnitude units. The estimated site amplification functions for horizontal component (GIT H) are nearly flat with no obvious pre-dominant frequency peaks for most stations, as expected for the sites of permanent broad-band seismic stations located on rock, though a few stations show amplification peaks from 1 to 8 Hz, with a maximum amplification of about a factor of 7 with respect to the reference site. The evaluated site responses for the vertical components present remarkable amplification or deamplification, leading to differences of the H/V amplitude levels in comparison with the GIT H amplification curves. The results of this study provide a valuable basis for predicting appropriate ground motions in a context of seismic hazard assessment.
Assessing the field of health policy and systems research using symposium abstract submissions and machine learning techniques
Authors: Macarayan Erlyn K , Balabanova Dina , Gotsadze George
Published: August 2019

The field of health policy and systems research (HPSR) has grown rapidly in the past decade. Examining recently aggregated data from the Global Symposia on Health Systems Research, a key global fora for HPSR convened by the largest international society—Health Systems Global (HSG)—provides opportunities to enhance existing research on HPSR capacity using novel analytical techniques. This addresses the demand not only to map the field but also to examine potential predictors of acceptance to, and participation at, these global conferences to inform future work and strategies in promoting HPSR. We examined data from the abstracts submitted for two Global Symposia on Health Systems Research in 2016 and 2018 by type of institution, countries, regional groupings and gender. After mapping hotspot areas for HPSR production, we then examined how the corresponding author’s characteristics were associated with being accepted to present at the Global Symposia. Our findings showed that submissions for the Global Symposia increased by 12% from 2016 to 2018. Submissions increased across all participant groups, in particular, the for-profit organizations and research/consultancy firms showing the highest increases, at 58% for both. We also found reduced submissions from high-income countries, whereas submissions from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America, increased substantially revealing the inclusivity values of Symposium organizers. Submissions increased to a larger extent among women than men. Being a woman, coming from a high-income country and having multiple abstracts submitted were found to be significant predictors for an abstract to be accepted and presented in the Symposia. Findings provide critical baseline information on the extent of interest and engagement in a global forum of various institutions and researchers in HPSR that can be useful for setting future directions of HSG and other similar organizations to support the advancement of HPSR worldwide.
From Amsterdam to Bamako: a qualitative case study on diffusion entrepreneurs’ contribution to performance-based financing propagation in Mali
Authors: Gautier Lara , Coulibaly Abdourahmane , De Allegri Manuela , Ridde Valéry
Published: August 2019

For the past 15 years, several donors have promoted performance-based financing (PBF) in Africa for improving health services provision. European and African experts known as ‘diffusion entrepreneurs’ (DEs) assist with PBF pilot testing. In Mali, after participating in a first pilot PBF in 2012–13, the Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene included PBF in its national strategic plan. It piloted this strategy again in 2016–17. We investigated the interactions between foreign experts and domestic actors towards PBF diffusion in Mali from 2009 to 2018. Drawing on the framework on DEs (Gautier et al., 2018), we examine the characteristics of DEs acting at the global, continental and (sub)national levels; and their contribution to policy framing, emulation, experimentation and learning, across locations of PBF implementation. Using an interpretive approach, this longitudinal qualitative case study analyses data from observations (N = 5), interviews (N = 33) and policy documentation (N = 19). DEs framed PBF as the logical continuation of decentralization, contracting policies and existing policies. Policy emulation started with foreign DEs inspiring domestic actors’ interest, and succeeded thanks to longstanding relationships and work together. Learning was initiated by European DEs through training sessions and study tours outside Mali, and by African DEs transferring their passion and tacit knowledge to PBF implementers. However, the short-time frame and numerous implementation gaps of the PBF pilot project led to incomplete policy learning. Despite the many pitfalls of the region-wide pilot project, policy actors in Mali decided to pursue this policy in Mali. Future research should further investigate the making of successful African DEs by foreign DEs advocating for a given policy.
Promoting mental health in out of home care in Australia
Authors: Monson Katherine , Moeller-Saxone Kristen , Humphreys Cathy , Harvey Carol , Herrman Helen
Published: August 2019

Young people in out of home care (OoHC) typically have worse mental health outcomes than peers who grow up within a family of origin. Innovations to improve the mental health of this group have tended to focus on pathology rather than mental health promotion and prevention of mental illnesses, and are often costly and challenging to implement. This qualitative study explored perspectives from young people with experience of OoHC in Melbourne, Australia regarding the promotion of mental health in OoHC. The study informed the subsequent development of a system-level intervention to support workers and carers in OoHC and evaluation of its implementation, the Ripple study. We conducted thematic analysis of data from interviews and focus groups with 14 young people aged 18–24 years with diverse identities and experiences of foster, kinship and residential care. We identified four key themes. These were providing a home-like environment; having someone to talk to; connecting to the wider community and having opportunities to become an active citizen. There is a need for both mental health promotion and treatment approaches in interventions to support workers and carers and young people in OoHC. Mental health promotion strategies should include a focus on enhancing existing capacities of carers and workers. Mental health promotion for young people in OoHC depends on strong intersectoral collaboration and youth participation.
A hypomorphic allele of SLC35D1 results in Schneckenbecken-like dysplasia
Authors: Rautengarten Carsten , Quarrell Oliver W , Stals Karen , Caswell Richard C , De Franco Elisa , Baple Emma , Burgess Nadia , Jokhi Roobin , Heazlewood Joshua L , Offiah Amaka C , Ebert Berit , Ellard Sian
Published: August 2019

We report the case of a consanguineous couple who lost four pregnancies associated with skeletal dysplasia. Radiological examination of one fetus was inconclusive. Parental exome sequencing showed that both parents were heterozygous for a novel missense variant, p.(Pro133Leu), in the SLC35D1 gene encoding a nucleotide sugar transporter. The affected fetus was homozygous for the variant. The radiological features were reviewed, and being similar, but atypical, the phenotype was classified as a ‘Schneckenbecken-like dysplasia.’ The effect of the missense change was assessed using protein modelling techniques and indicated alterations in the mouth of the solute channel. A detailed biochemical investigation of SLC35D1 transport function and that of the missense variant p.(Pro133Leu) revealed that SLC35D1 acts as a general UDP-sugar transporter and that the p.(Pro133Leu) mutation resulted in a significant decrease in transport activity. The reduced transport activity observed for p.(Pro133Leu) was contrasted with in vitro activity for SLC35D1 p.(Thr65Pro), the loss-of-function mutation was associated with Schneckenbecken dysplasia. The functional classification of SLC35D1 as a general nucleotide sugar transporter of the endoplasmic reticulum suggests an expanded role for this transporter beyond chondroitin sulfate biosynthesis to a variety of important glycosylation reactions occurring in the endoplasmic reticulum.
Exome sequencing identifies variants in FKBP4 that are associated with recurrent fetal loss in humans
Authors: Demetriou Charalambos , Chanudet Estelle ,   GOSgene, Joseph Agnel , Topf Maya , Thomas Anna C , Bitner-Glindzicz Maria , Regan Lesley , Stanier Philip , Moore Gudrun E
Published: August 2019

Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is defined as two or more consecutive miscarriages and affects an estimated 1.5% of couples trying to conceive. RPL has been attributed to genetic, endocrine, immune and thrombophilic disorders, but many cases remain unexplained. We investigated a Bangladeshi family where the proband experienced 29 consecutive pregnancy losses with no successful pregnancies from three different marriages. Whole exome sequencing identified rare genetic variants in several candidate genes. These were further investigated in Asian and white European RPL cohorts, and in Bangladeshi controls. FKBP4, encoding the immunophilin FK506-binding protein 4, was identified as a plausible candidate, with three further novel variants identified in Asian patients. None were found in European patients or controls. In silico structural studies predicted damaging effects of the variants in the structure-function properties of the FKBP52 protein. These were located within domains reported to be involved in Hsp90 binding and peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase (PPIase) activity. Profound effects on PPIase activity were demonstrated in transiently transfected HEK293 cells comparing wild-type and mutant FKBP4 constructs. Mice lacking FKBP4 have been previously reported as infertile through implantation failure. This study therefore strongly implicates FKBP4 as associated with fetal losses in humans, particularly in the Asian population.
Fear of Crime, Racial Bias, and Gun Ownership
Authors: Gearhart Michael C , Berg Kristen A , Jones Courtney , Johnson Sharon D
Published: August 2019

Firearm-related violence is a significant threat to public health and safety in America. However, research highlights a critical disparity in firearm-related deaths by race. Researchers often cite racial bias as a contributing factor for the racial disparity in firearm-related deaths. To provide a foundation for potential social work interventions, the present article discusses the results of an assessment of whether explicit racial biases toward four racial and ethnic groups (white, black, Asian, Hispanic/Latino), fear of crime, and the quantity and quality of interactions with neighbors of a different race are predictors of gun ownership. Findings suggest that explicit racial bias toward black, Asian, and Hispanic/Latino individuals is a significant predictor of gun ownership. Fear of crime and more frequent interactions with neighbors of a different race are also significant predictors of gun ownership. Taken as a whole, findings suggest that gun owners are more likely to be more vigilant toward people of color because of stereotypical assumptions that racial and ethnic minorities are more likely to be involved with crime. Social work practice and policy implications include developing interventions aimed at reducing implicit bias and identifying policies that are associated with lower levels of implicit bias among gun owners.
Framing Community-Based Interventions for Gun Violence: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Richardson Monte-Angel
Published: August 2019

Social workers are uniquely situated to lead community-based efforts to reduce gun violence, which has been identified as a prevalent and pressing public health concern. The current literature, however, has not addressed the frameworks guiding community-based interventions for gun violence. In the present article, a systematic literature review examines frameworks used to support community-based interventions for gun violence and to evaluate their outcomes. The search found 13 articles—unique to gun violence interventions—organized by the frameworks shaping perceptions of gun violence and community-based research. The review assessed frameworks based on their relationship to intervention stage and study outcomes. Findings suggest that these community-based gun violence interventions are shaped by systems, public health, and community mobilization frameworks. The article discusses frameworks found to be associated with successful community-based interventions and explains how the findings are relevant to future social work practice and research.
Incomplete expansion of transcatheter aortic valves is associated with propensity for valve thrombosis
Authors: Khodaee Farhan , Barakat Mohammed , Abbasi Mostafa , Dvir Danny , Azadani Ali N
Published: August 2019

OBJECTIVES

Clinical and subclinical leaflet thromboses are increasingly recognized complications following transcatheter aortic valve replacement. Identification of the risk factors is important to mitigate the occurrence of leaflet thrombosis in transcatheter aortic valves (TAVs) and ensure their long-term function. The goal of this study was to determine the effect of incomplete expansion of TAVs on the likelihood of leaflet thrombosis following transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

METHODS

Using experimental and computational methods, 3-dimensional unsteady flow fields of 26-mm SAPIEN 3 valves expanded to 3 different diameters (i.e. 26.0 mm, 23.4 mm and 20.8 mm) were determined in patient-specific geometries. The diameters corresponded to 100%, 90% and 80% stent expansion, respectively. To address the potential difference in the likelihood of leaflet thrombosis, blood residence time (i.e. stasis) and viscous shear stress on the surface of TAV leaflets were quantified and compared.

RESULTS

The results indicated that TAV underexpansion increased blood stasis on the TAV leaflets. Blood residence time on the surface of the leaflets after 80% and 90% TAV expansion on average was 9.4% and 4.1% more than that of the fully expanded TAV, respectively. In addition, areas of blood stasis time of more than 0.5 s, which are highly prone to platelet activation, increased linearly as the degree of TAV underexpansion increased.

CONCLUSIONS

Incomplete expansion of TAVs increases blood stasis on the surface of TAV leaflets. Regions of blood stasis promote platelet activation and thrombotic events. TAV underexpansion can therefore increase the risk of leaflet thrombosis in patients with transcatheter aortic valve replacement.
Chest wall reconstruction with a novel titanium mesh after partial sternectomy for chondrosarcoma
Authors: Aprile Vittorio , Korasidis Stylianos , Crisci Roberto , Ambrogi Marcello Carlo
Published: August 2019

Primitive malignant sternal tumours are extremely rare and represent less than 1% of all chest wall tumours. A combination of radical surgery and accurate reconstruction is mandatory to ensure adequate stability and to reduce paradoxical movement. To date, this is one of the few reports on a successful sternal reconstruction using a rigid titanium mesh to restore the skeletal integrity, which was then covered by bilateral muscular flaps.
On the Pronunciation Dictionaries of Contemporary German: Principles of Selection and Lemmatization of Lexical Material
Authors: Nycz Krzysztof , Tęcza Zygmunt
Published: August 2019

The aim of the present paper is to discuss some specific differences between four modern pronunciation dictionaries of the German language: the Großes Wörterbuch der deutschen Aussprache of 1982, DUDEN Aussprachewörterbuch of 2000, Deutsches Aussprachewörterbuch of 2009, and DUDEN Aussprachewörterbuch of 2015. This paper focuses on the principles of entry selection and lemmatization in diverse vocabulary groups (such as compounds, prefixed verbs, female noun forms denoting persons and professions, multiword expressions, foreign words, and inflected forms of individual word classes). Furthermore, sources used by the dictionaries’ authors in order to obtain entries are briefly discussed.
The potential of phase change materials in mitigating cooling load of buildings in UAE
Authors: Rashid Yasir , Ziauddin Mohammed , Mathew Bobby , Alnaimat Fadi
Published: August 2019

Integration of phase change materials (PCM) into building elements is explored extensively in the last decade to reduce air-conditioning demand for indoor thermal comfort. The PCM could absorb and release thermal energy as latent heat in a narrow temperature range. Several experimental studies reported energy saving and indoor temperature drop in summer conditions. However, the matter is sparsely researched in the environment of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a region of high heat flux throughout the year. The current research provides an overview of the integration of PCM in buildings for indoor thermal comfort and energy saving in the UAE. The research highlights the problems of building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), e.g. efficiency drop. The significance of the PCM application in the built environment and its research gap is highlighted by reporting all the previous findings on the topic including the application of PCM in glazing, concrete and BIPV.
Widespread Changes in Positive Allosteric Modulation of the Muscarinic M1 Receptor in Some Participants With Schizophrenia
Authors: Hopper Shaun , Pavey Geoffrey Mark , Gogos Andrea , Dean Brian
Published: August 2019

Background

Preclinical and some human data suggest allosteric modulation of the muscarinic M1 receptor (CHRM1) is a promising approach for the treatment of schizophrenia. However, it is suggested there is a subgroup of participants with schizophrenia who have profound loss of cortical CHRM1 (MRDS). This raises the possibility that some participants with schizophrenia may not respond optimally to CHRM1 allosteric modulation. Here we describe a novel methodology to measure positive allosteric modulation of CHRM1 in human CNS and the measurement of that response in the cortex, hippocampus, and striatum from participants with MRDS, non-MRDS and controls.

Methods

The cortex (Brodmann’s area 6), hippocampus, and striatum from 40 participants with schizophrenia (20 MRDS and 20 non-MRDS) and 20 controls were used to measure benzyl quinolone carboxylic acid-mediated shift in acetylcholine displacement of [3H]N-methylscopolamine using a novel in situ radioligand binding with autoradiography methodology.

Results

Compared with controls, participants with schizophrenia had lower levels of specific [3H]N-methylscopolamine binding in all CNS regions, whilst benzyl quinolone carboxylic acid-modulated binding was less in the striatum, Brodmann’s area 6, dentate gyrus, and subiculum. When divided by subgroup, only in MRDS was there lower specific [3H]N-methylscopolamine binding and less benzyl quinolone carboxylic acid-modulated binding in all cortical and subcortical regions studied.

Conclusions

In a subgroup of participants with schizophrenia, there is a widespread decreased responsiveness to a positive allosteric modulator at the CHRM1. This finding may have ramifications it positive allosteric modulators of the CHRM1 are used in clinical trials to treat schizophrenia as some participants may not have an optimal response.
Status of the Rollout of the Meningococcal Serogroup A Conjugate Vaccine in African Meningitis Belt Countries in 2018
Authors: Bwaka Ado , Bita André , Lingani Clément , Fernandez Katya , Durupt Antoine , Mwenda Jason M , Mihigo Richard , Djingarey Mamoudou H , Ronveaux Olivier , Preziosi Marie-Pierre
Published: August 2019

Background

A novel meningococcal serogroup A conjugate vaccine (MACV [MenAfriVac]) was developed as part of efforts to prevent frequent meningitis outbreaks in the African meningitis belt. The MACV was first used widely and with great success, beginning in December 2010, during initial deployment in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. Since then, MACV rollout has continued in other countries in the meningitis belt through mass preventive campaigns and, more recently, introduction into routine childhood immunization programs associated with extended catch-up vaccinations.

Methods

We reviewed country reports on MACV campaigns and routine immunization data reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Africa from 2010 to 2018, as well as country plans for MACV introduction into routine immunization programs.

Results

By the end of 2018, 304 894 726 persons in 22 of 26 meningitis belt countries had received MACV through mass preventive campaigns targeting individuals aged 1–29 years. Eight of these countries have introduced MACV into their national routine immunization programs, including 7 with catch-up vaccinations for birth cohorts born after the initial rollout. The Central African Republic introduced MACV into its routine immunization program immediately after the mass 1- to 29-year-old vaccinations in 2017 so no catch-up was needed.

Conclusions

From 2010 to 2018, successful rollout of MACV has been recorded in 22 countries through mass preventive campaigns followed by introduction into routine immunization programs in 8 of these countries. Efforts continue to complete MACV introduction in the remaining meningitis belt countries to ensure long-term herd protection.
Childhood familial environment and adulthood depression: evidence from a Chinese population-based study
Authors: Zhou Qin , Yin Zhichao , Wu Wei , Li Ning
Published: August 2019

Background

Mental disorders have become an important public health issue and evidence is lacking on the impact of childhood experience on adulthood mental health in regions of low and middle income. Using national representative data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, we aimed to explore the impact of childhood familial environment on adulthood depression.

Methods

A total of 19 485 subjects were interviewed. The survey collected information on demographic variables, variables of childhood familial environment and potential pathway variables, including childhood health status, adulthood physical health status, adulthood social support and adulthood socio-economic status (SES). Depressive symptoms were measured by the 10-item version of the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale.

Results

Parents’ physical and mental health during the subjects’ childhood were significantly associated with adulthood mental health. Mothers’ smoking, unfair treatment and low family SES were associated with higher depressive symptoms in adulthood. Childhood physical and mental health status, adulthood physical health and adulthood SES might be important mediators in the pathways of childhood familial environment affecting adulthood depressive symptoms.

Conclusions

This study is the first to explore the relationship of childhood familial environment and adulthood depression in China. The results indicate that parents’ physical and mental health, health behaviour and treatment equity among children a important predictors for adult depression.
In vitro bactericidal activity of amoxicillin combined with different cephalosporins against endocarditis-associated Enterococcus faecalis clinical isolates
Authors: Peiffer-Smadja Nathan , Guillotel Elena , Luque-Paz David , Maataoui Naouale , Lescure F -Xavier , Cattoir Vincent
Published: August 2019

Background

The combination of amoxicillin with cefazolin could be an interesting regimen for the empirical therapy of severe infective endocarditis, but its activity against enterococci is unknown.

Objectives

To evaluate in vitro the bactericidal activity of the combination of amoxicillin with different cephalosporins including cefazolin.

Methods

Combinations of amoxicillin (at MIC×¼) with cefazolin, cefotaxime, ceftriaxone, cefepime, ceftaroline or ceftobiprole (at the mean free plasma concentration) were studied using time–kill experiments for 10 endocarditis-associated Enterococcus faecalis strains and 2 reference strains.

Results

The combinations amoxicillin/cefazolin, amoxicillin/cefotaxime, amoxicillin/ceftriaxone and amoxicillin/cefepime were synergistic at 12 and 24 h against 12/12 strains and amoxicillin/ceftobiprole and amoxicillin/ceftaroline against 10/12 strains. The combination amoxicillin/cefepime was bactericidal at 24 h against 9/12 strains, the combination amoxicillin/cefazolin against 8/12 strains, the combinations amoxicillin/ceftaroline, amoxicillin/cefotaxime and amoxicillin/ceftobiprole against 7/12 strains and the combination amoxicillin/ceftriaxone against 6/12 strains.

Conclusions

The combination amoxicillin/cefazolin is as synergistic and bactericidal in vitro as amoxicillin/cefotaxime or amoxicillin/ceftriaxone against E. faecalis.
Deep neural networks ensemble for detecting medication mentions in tweets
Authors: Weissenbacher Davy , Sarker Abeed , Klein Ari , O’Connor Karen , Magge Arjun , Gonzalez-Hernandez Graciela
Published: August 2019

Objective

Twitter posts are now recognized as an important source of patient-generated data, providing unique insights into population health. A fundamental step toward incorporating Twitter data in pharmacoepidemiologic research is to automatically recognize medication mentions in tweets. Given that lexical searches for medication names suffer from low recall due to misspellings or ambiguity with common words, we propose a more advanced method to recognize them.

Materials and Methods

We present Kusuri, an Ensemble Learning classifier able to identify tweets mentioning drug products and dietary supplements. Kusuri (薬, “medication” in Japanese) is composed of 2 modules: first, 4 different classifiers (lexicon based, spelling variant based, pattern based, and a weakly trained neural network) are applied in parallel to discover tweets potentially containing medication names; second, an ensemble of deep neural networks encoding morphological, semantic, and long-range dependencies of important words in the tweets makes the final decision.

Results

On a class-balanced (50-50) corpus of 15 005 tweets, Kusuri demonstrated performances close to human annotators with an F1 score of 93.7%, the best score achieved thus far on this corpus. On a corpus made of all tweets posted by 112 Twitter users (98 959 tweets, with only 0.26% mentioning medications), Kusuri obtained an F1 score of 78.8%. To the best of our knowledge, Kusuri is the first system to achieve this score on such an extremely imbalanced dataset.

Conclusions

The system identifies tweets mentioning drug names with performance high enough to ensure its usefulness, and is ready to be integrated in pharmacovigilance, toxicovigilance, or more generally, public health pipelines that depend on medication name mentions.
Effect of l-carnitine supplementation and sugar beet pulp inclusion in gilt gestation diets on gilt live weight, lactation feed intake, and offspring growth from birth to slaughter1
Authors: Rooney Hazel B , O’Driscoll Keelin , O’Doherty John V , Lawlor Peadar G
Published: August 2019

This study evaluated the effects of l-carnitine (CAR) and sugar beet pulp (SBP) inclusion in gilt gestation diets on gilt live weight, cortisol concentration, lactation feed intake, and lifetime growth of progeny. Eighty-four pregnant gilts (Large White × Landrace) were randomly assigned to a treatment at day 38 of gestation until parturition; Control (0% SBP, 0 g CAR), CAR (0.125 g/d CAR), SBP (40% SBP), and SBP plus CAR (40% SBP, 0.125 g/d CAR). Gilts were weighed and back-fat depth was recorded on day 38, day 90, and day 108 of gestation and at weaning. Gilt saliva samples were collected pre-farrowing and fecal consistency was scored from entry to the farrowing room until day 5 post-partum. The number of piglets born (total, live, and stillborn) and individual birth weight was recorded. Piglet blood glucose concentration was measured 24 h post-partum and pigs were weighed on day 1, day 6, day 14, day 26, day 76, day 110, and day 147 of life. Carcass data were collected at slaughter. There was no interaction between CAR and SBP for any variable measured. The SBP-fed gilts were heavier on day 90 and day 108 of gestation (P < 0.05) and lost more weight during lactation (P < 0.05) than control gilts. They also had a greater fecal consistency score (P < 0.01). Total farrowing duration, piglet birth interval, and lactation feed intakes were similar between treatments (P > 0.05). The number of piglets born (total, live, and stillborn) and piglet birth weight was likewise similar between treatments (P > 0.05). Piglets from CAR-fed gilts had lower blood glucose concentrations (P < 0.01), while piglets from SBP-fed gilts had greater blood glucose concentrations (P < 0.01). Piglets from CAR gilts had a lower average daily gain between day 1 and day 6 (P < 0.05) and day 14 and day 26 post-partum (P < 0.05) compared to piglets from control gilts. However, CAR gilts weaned a greater number of pigs (P = 0.07). Live weight and carcass weight at slaughter were heavier for pigs from CAR gilts (P < 0.05) and from SBP gilts (P < 0.05). Pigs from CAR gilts (P < 0.01) and SBP gilts (P < 0.05) had increased carcass muscle depth. In conclusion, no benefit was found from the combined feeding of CAR and SBP. Fed separately, CAR increased the live weight, carcass weight, and muscle depth of progeny at slaughter. Feeding a high SBP diet increased fecal consistency in gilts pre-farrowing and increased live weight and carcass muscle depth of progeny.
Observations on the habitat, color polymorphism, and sexual system of the semi-terrestrial shrimp Merguia oligodon (De Man, 1888) (Decapoda: Caridea: Merguiidae)
Authors: Malay Maria Celia (Machel) D , Rañises Dina Mae L
Published: August 2019

We report the semi-terrestrial shrimp Merguia oligodon (De Man, 1888) (Merguiidae Christofferson, 1987) from surveys of the mangrove forests fringing Taklong Island, Guimaras, Western Visayas, Philippines. This remarkable species is capable of walking and even jumping on dry land. We found that the Taklong Island population is fully nocturnal, and during night-time low tides the shrimp are found in small aggregations under logs well above the water line, while during night-time high tides they occur singly just above the water line or about a centimeter below the water surface. Observations of sexual characters indicate that M. oligodon is likely a protandric hermaphrodite, which has implications for the probable ancestral condition in caridean shrimps. Live color patterns appear to change ontogenetically and are not identical with other reported populations elsewhere in the Indo-West Pacific. The mangroves of Taklong Island were heavily impacted by the 2006 M/T Solar I oil spill, and the presence of M. oligodon in this mangrove forest is a sign of recovery from the effects of the bunker-oil spill.
Toxicity of Fipronil and Emamectin Benzoate and Their Mixtures Against Cotton Leafworm, Spodoptera littoralis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) With Relation to GABA Content
Authors: Kandil Mohamed A , Fouad Eman A , El Hefny Dalia E , Abdel-Mobdy Yasmin E
Published: August 2019

Fipronil and emamectin benzoate (EMB) are effective insecticides for controlling cotton leafworm, Spodoptera littoralis. Fipronil works by blocking gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) gated chloride. In contrast, EMB is activating GABA transporters. The objectives of our study were to assess relative toxicity of the technical fipronil and EMB alone and in mixture against S. littoralis. In addition, the GABA content was simultaneously determined using HPLC. Technical fipronil and EMB and their mixtures were applied topically to the fourth-instar larvae, and their LD50 values were estimated after 48 h. Results demonstrated that the LD50 for EMB applied alone was 0.751 ng/larva which was much less than for fipronil 7.271 ng/larva. Each of the two insecticides alone showed a significant decrease in GABA content at LD10, LD25, and LD50 doses, while their mixtures induced GABA levels. The highest potentiation was observed when both insecticides were in a mixture at the ratio of LD10:LD10 which was associated with higher increase in GABA levels. Moreover, the weight of the alive larvae was less than that was in the untreated control. However, all mixtures exhibited potentiation effect, except for the mixture of fipronil at LD50 with EMB at LD10, LD25, and LD50 that had antagonistic effect correlated with the lowest decrease in GABA level. Results suggested that lower doses of both insecticides in a binary mixture had potentiation effect against S. littoralis. This mixture could be used in combination as field application for successful and effective control of S. littoralis and would also help in managing insecticide resistance.