bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Why measuring outcomes is important in health care
Authors: Pantaleon Lucas
Published: February 2019

A new strategy has been introduced in human health care, namely, achieving the best outcomes for the lowest cost and thus maximizing value for patients. In value‐based care, the only true measures of quality are the outcomes that matter to patients. When outcomes are measured and reported, it fosters improvement and adoption of best practices, thus further improving outcomes. Understanding outcomes is central in providing value and represents an opportunity for redefining veterinary patient care.

Value is created by improving the outcomes of patients with a particular clinical condition over the full cycle of care, which normally involves multiple specialties and care sites. To be successful, a key aspect of value based care is working as teams (integrated practice units) centered around the patient's clinical condition. As veterinary medicine has become more specialized and more complex, multidisciplinary communication and trust among the care team are paramount in providing value to patients (and clients).

Use of patient‐reported outcomes is an essential aspect for improving clinical care, because it enhances the connections among doctors and with patients. Designing and implementing owner‐reported outcomes in veterinary clinical practice will lead to an understanding of the effects of treatments on outcomes and quality of life (QOL) of our patients from the owner's perspective, a key way to assess a veterinary patient's QOL.
Optimization of reinforcement layout of scissor‐type bridge using differential evolution algorithm
Authors: Chikahiro Yuki , Ario Ichiro , Pawlowski Piotr , Graczykowski Cezary , Holnicki‐Szulc Jan
Published: February 2019

Scissors mechanisms are commonly used in safety engineering during the construction of temporary structures, owing to their inherent advantages of foldability, transformability, and reusability. We effectively utilized these scissors mechanism features to develop a lightweight, deployable emergency Mobile Bridge (MB) based on optimization, and control of the folding structure. Here, we discuss the problems of optimal reinforcement layout for the MB by formulating and solving three optimization problems, namely: (a) the load capacity maximization problem, (b) the weight minimization problem, and (c) coupling the load capacity maximization problem and the weight minimization problem. The potential benefits resulting from the application of reinforcement were evaluated using a combination of finite element analysis and an optimization algorithm based on the differential evolution method. The results demonstrate the significant positive influence of the additional reinforcing members. In particular, the limit load was increased by over 10 times, while the weight was decreased to approximately half. The proposed methodology enabled the development of a substantially improved version of the MB characterized by a higher load capacity and lower weight in comparison to the initial bridge design.
In vitro activity of diphenyl diselenide and ebselen alone and in combination with antifungal agents against Trichosporon asahii
Authors: Felli Kubiça Thaís , Bedin Denardi Laura , Silva de Loreto Érico , Zeni Gilson , Weiblen Carla , Oliveira Vanessa , Morais Santurio Janio , Hartz Alves Sydney
Published: February 2019

This study evaluated the in vitro susceptibility of Trichosporon asahii strains to diphenyl diselenide (DPDS) and ebselen (EBS) alone and in combination with amphotericin B (AMB), fluconazole (FCZ), itraconazole (ITZ) and caspofungin (CAS) using the microdilution method. EBS showed in vitro activity against T asahii strains with minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranged from 0.25 to 8.0 μg/mL. For DPDS, the MIC ranged from 8.0 to 64 μg/mL. The combinations demonstrating the greatest synergism rate against fluconazole‐resistant T asahii strains were the following: CAS + DPDS (96.67%), AMB + DPDS (93.33%), FCZ + DPDS (86.67%) and ITZ + DPDS (83.33%). The combinations AMB + DPDS and AMB + EBS exhibited the highest synergism rate against the fluconazole‐susceptible (FS) T asahii strains (90%). Antagonism was observed in the following combinations: FCZ + EBS (80%) and FCZ + DPDS (13.33%) against the FS strains, and ITZ + EBS (20%) against the FR strains. Our findings suggest that the antimicrobial activity of DPDS and EBS against T. asahii and its use as an adjuvant therapy with antifungal agents warrant in vivo experimental investigation.
Supporting individuals’ healthy eating requires genuine engagement with communities
Authors: Hancock C. , Clarke S. K. , Stevens D. E.
Published: February 2019

C3 Collaborating for Health (C3) aims to counter the non‐communicable disease (NCD) epidemic by focusing on the three big risk factors: tobacco use, poor diet and lack of physical activity. Community Health Engagement Survey Solutions (CHESS™) is an innovative strategy to shift decision‐making around prevention and health interventions to local communities, while also reducing inequalities in the broader determinants of health. Emerging from research in India, China, Mexico and the US, C3 has implemented CHESS™ in the UK in eight London boroughs, Halifax and Girvan. A recently completed project in England and Scotland engaged 5000 people (approximately one‐third of the local populations). CHESS™ facilitates communities to act as ‘citizen scientists’ in data‐driven investigations about health and the built environment. Through a mobile tool, communities collect and interpret quantitative and qualitative data on local assets and barriers conducive to good health (or not). These results inform evidence‐based action plans, guided by public health expertise, for interventions that make it easier for all to be healthy. The community enacts the changes they can make themselves and presents recommendations to decision‐makers in a compelling argument for change. Thanks to CHESS™ evidence, communities have received over £2 million to implement health interventions in their neighbourhoods. The Healthy Communities project, completed in September 2017, led to physical activity and healthy eating initiatives, including cooking lessons, gardening, breakfast and tea clubs, and healthy lunches for schoolchildren. Learnings from the project have informed recommendations for those wanting to improve community health, particularly in relation to diet.
Pasture–livestock dynamics with density‐dependent harvest and changing environment
Authors: Bergland Harald , Wyller John , Burlakov Evgenii
Published: February 2019

We model pasture–livestock interactions by means of a predator–prey model, with the biomass vegetation as prey and the herbivores as predators. The harvesting rate is a sigmoidal function of the livestock density. We identify the necessary biological and harvest conditions for different equilibria of this model to exist. The system possesses no interior equilibrium points for the mortality rate exceeding a certain threshold. For the regime of low and moderate values of the mortality rate and a high consumption rate per animal, a unique finite and asymptotically stable state exists. We incorporate the effect of forage resource deterioration over time, causing extra decrease in the herbivore population and in the biomass density. We also include the effect of fluctuations in the availability of fodder by allowing for a seasonal periodic variation in the conversion efficiency. This results in extra oscillations superimposed on the general trends of the unperturbed system.

Recommendations for Resource Managers

Depending on biological and harvest conditions, the system possesses up to three equilibrium states.

Forage resource deterioration over time causes an extra decrease in the herbivore population and in the biomass density.

A seasonal periodic variation in the conversion efficiency results in oscillations mainly in the herbivore density superimposed on the general trends of the unperturbed system.
Evaluating flood extent mapping of two hydraulic models, 1D HEC‐RAS and 2D LISFLOOD‐FP in comparison with aerial imagery observations in Gorgan flood plain, Iran
Authors: Rahimzadeh Omid , Bahremand Abdolreza , Noura Nader , Mukolwe Micah
Published: February 2019

We compared flood mapping techniques using a one‐dimensional (1D) hydraulic model HEC‐RAS and two‐dimensional (2D) LISFLOOD‐FP for a 10‐km reach of Gorgan River in Iran. Both models were run using the same hydrologic input data. The input into the models was a steady discharge of 90 cm, corresponds to a flood peak occurred on March 25, 2012. Flood maps generated using these two models were compared with an observed flood inundation map, using F‐statistic. The roughness coefficients of the models were calibrated by maximizing the value of the F‐statistic. Based on the F‐statistic, LISFLOOD‐FP gives a slightly better result (F = 0.69) than HEC‐RAS (F = 0.67). Visual comparison of the flood extents generated by the two models showed reasonably good agreement. Validation was done using a flood event occurred on May 31, 2014. The LISFLOOD‐FP model gave a better result for validation as well. The 2D model showed more consistency in comparison with the 1D model.
Holiday in Cambodia: Perceived effects of a New Zealand high school international field trip on students
Authors: Wakeford Sarah , Orams Mark B.
Published: February 2019

Using an exploratory case study approach, this research used semi‐structured interviews to investigate the motivations, expectations and experiences of high school students in New Zealand who travelled to Cambodia on a school supervised field‐trip. Findings suggest students are motivated by altruistic behaviour and the desire for unique experiences. Students had very high expectations, predicting the experience to be either life changing or incredibly important. Post‐trip interviews revealed that the volunteer work undertaken was perceived as positive and that experiences of poverty were challenging and influential. Finally, personal development and an increased sense of social responsibility were identified as important effects of the trip.
Reproductive compatibility studies between wild and cultivated strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa) to obtain “bridge species” for breeding programmes
Authors: Luque Ana Catalina , Debes Mario Alberto , Perera María Francisca , Castagnaro Atilio Pedro , Arias Marta Eugenia
Published: February 2019

The Fragaria genus has become relevant due to worldwide economic importance of the octoploid hybrid F. × ananassa. Interspecific hybridizations are widely employed in breeding programmes to introduce useful characteristics from wild species to cultivated varieties, although many reproductive barriers prevent gene flow between species. Hybrid genotypes that can act as a bridge between related wild species and cultivated strawberry could be useful to overcome those barriers. The aim of this work was to obtain interspecific hybrids of Fragaria and to analyse possible reproductive barriers. In the Banco de Germoplasma de Frutilla‐UNT, crossings were carried out among wild species of Fragaria with different ploidy levels and cultivated strawberry. To confirm hybrid condition of genotypes obtained, histological techniques and microsatellite markers were used. When wild species were crossed with cultivated strawberry in both directions, there was low production of achenes, while in crosses between wild species of Fragaria genus, achene production was very high. The percentage of germination of achenes was high when crossed species had the same ploidy level, and very low or null when they presented different ploidy levels. Although pre‐zygotic incompatibility associated to the degree of domestication and postzygotic barriers related to different ploidy levels of the progenitors were detected, new hybrid genotypes of Fragaria were obtained. These new hybrids could be used as “bridge species” in breeding programmes, since preliminary results showed no incompatibility barriers when they were crossed with Duchesnea indica.
Cytomegalovirus and Epstein‐Barr virus infections among pediatric kidney transplant recipients at a center using universal Valganciclovir Prophylaxis
Authors: Paulsen Grant , Cumagun Pia , Mixon Emily , Fowler Karen , Feig Daniel , Shimamura Masako
Published: February 2019

Background

CMV is associated with adverse effects in renal transplant recipients. The objective of this study was to characterize the incidence and timing of CMV and EBV infections in relation to valGCV prophylaxis in a pediatric renal transplant cohort.

Methods

Retrospective cohort of pediatric renal transplant patients given universal valGCV prophylaxis and universal viral surveillance was evaluated. Demographics, prophylaxis, acute rejection, and CMV and EBV infections were abstracted.

Results

A total of 92 pediatric renal allograft recipients, 2008‐2013, were included. One or more viral infections developed in 77/92 (83.7%) of the patients. EBV was the most common in 62/92 (67%) patients, irrespective of valGCV (82% of episodes occurring on valGCV). CMV DNAemia occurred in 30/92 (33%) patients, 14 episodes (47%) occurring on valGCV. Incidence of breakthrough CMV on prophylaxis was 15% and was associated with persistent DNAemia (OR 7.8, CI:1.6‐32.9, P < 0.02). CMV tissue‐invasive disease was not seen. CMV syndrome occurred in 10% of the cohort, only in CMV D+ patients, and only one symptomatic breakthrough infection required treatment. Out of 92, 21 (23%) had simultaneous co‐infections with 2‐3 viruses.

Conclusions

Viral infections in pediatric renal transplant recipients receiving universal valGCV prophylaxis were common. EBV infections were not reduced by valGCV prophylaxis, and nearly half of CMV infections occurred on valGCV. Symptomatic CMV infection while on prophylaxis was rare. valGCV prophylaxis may prevent symptomatic CMV infection but not EBV infection, and frequent CMV surveillance in pediatric renal transplant recipients on prophylaxis may not be necessary.
Fact‐finding survey on diagnostic procedures and therapeutic interventions for parkinsonism accompanying dementia with Lewy bodies
Authors: Manabe Yuta , Odawara Toshinari , Konishi Osamu
Published: February 2019

Background

We performed a questionnaire survey of medical doctors engaged in the management of dementia to identify the actual status of treatment for dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) in Japan.

Methods

Among participating medical doctors, we selected neurologists (Group N) and psychiatrists (Group P) because these physicians are usually involved in the management of DLB patients. The two groups were compared based on their diagnosis and treatment of DLB and in particular, parkinsonism.

Results

Neurological examinations and biomarker tests were less frequently performed by Group P than Group N. Antipsychotics and other psychotropics excluding anti‐dementia drugs were significantly more frequently administered by Group P than Group N. The proportion of physicians who selected L‐dopa as a first‐line therapy for parkinsonism was significantly higher in Group N than in Group P. Despite these between‐group differences, the following findings were common to the two groups: there was a discrepancy between the symptom that patients expressed the greatest desire to treat, and the awareness of physicians regarding the treatment of these symptoms; the initial agent was L‐dopa; and physicians exercised caution against the occurrence of hallucinations, delusions, and other adverse drug reactions.

Conclusions

The results of the present survey offer valuable insight for the formulation of future DLB therapeutic strategies.
Falls and fear of falling in a sample of centenarians: the role of multimorbidity, pain and anxiety
Authors: Teixeira Laetitia , Araújo Lia , Duarte Natália , Ribeiro Oscar
Published: February 2019

Background

To explore the recent history of falls and the existence of fear of falling in a sample of centenarians, and to identify factors associated with both conditions.

Methods

The sample included 109 centenarians from two Portuguese studies. The two main outcomes of this study are fear of falling and history of fall(s).

Results

Results revealed that more than a half (51.4%) of the participants had fallen in the last 5 years and that the percentage of fear of falling was 78.9%. No association was found between the two conditions. The factors associated with each one were found to be different: number of health conditions for history of falls, and pain frequency and anxiety for fear of falling.

Conclusions

The relationship between anxiety and fear of falling reinforces the importance of screening both conditions as it can improve their detection and treatment. The established relationship between a high number of health conditions (common at very advanced ages) and falls demands greater attention in fall prevention initiatives specifically targeted to the extremely elderly.
Unwilling but not unable to control: Ego depletion increases effortful dishonesty with material rewards
Authors: Wu Song , Peng Mengjie , Mei Hongyu , Shang Xinmeng
Published: February 2019

Previous studies have found that ego depletion increases dishonesty. However, it remains unclear whether ego depletion makes participants unable to exert self‐control or unwilling to exert self‐control when it increases dishonesty. The present study aimed to clarify this. Based on the process model, ego depletion causes individuals to pay more attention to material rewards and increases the motivation to act on impulse. Therefore, it is possible that ego‐depleted participants are unwilling, rather than unable, to be honest. We conducted two experiments to examine this hypothesis. Results showed that ego depletion increased material‐based dishonesty even when the dishonest behavior was more complicated and effortful than was the honest behavior. However, participants were reluctant to cheat just for convenience, and ego depletion had no apparent effect on convenience‐based dishonesty without any material rewards. The theoretical implications and future directions of these results are discussed.
Imagining contact reduces prejudice in preschool children
Authors: Birtel Michèle D. , Di Bernardo Gian Antonio , Stathi Sofia , Crisp Richard J. , Cadamuro Alessia , Vezzali Loris
Published: February 2019

We examined the effectiveness of an imagery‐based strategy designed to reduce prejudice in preschoolers in Italy. Three studies involving different target groups (disabled children, Black children) were conducted within Italian preschools. Children (4–6 years) were asked to imagine and draw meeting an outgroup member (Studies 1 and 2) or to imagine writing a letter to an outgroup member (Study 3). Results revealed that preschoolers in the experimental condition, relative to a control group, reported less intergroup bias in the form of contact intentions and resource allocation as well as greater behavioral inclusiveness; effects were mediated by improved intergroup attitudes. Our findings are important in understanding ways that promote positive intergroup relations in ways that align with the interests of young children.
Crowdsourcing to delineate skin affected by chronic graft‐vs‐host disease
Authors: Tkaczyk Eric R. , Coco Joseph R. , Wang Jianing , Chen Fuyao , Ye Cheng , Jagasia Madan H. , Dawant Benoit M. , Fabbri Daniel
Published: February 2019

Background

Estimating the extent of affected skin is an important unmet clinical need both for research and practical management in many diseases. In particular, cutaneous burden of chronic graft‐vs‐host disease (cGVHD) is a primary outcome in many trials. Despite advances in artificial intelligence and 3D photography, progress toward reliable automated techniques is hindered by limited expert time to delineate cGVHD patient images. Crowdsourcing may have potential to provide the requisite expert‐level data.

Materials and methods

Forty‐one three‐dimensional photographs of three cutaneous cGVHD patients were delineated by a board‐certified dermatologist. 410 two‐dimensional projections of the raw photos were each annotated by seven crowd workers, whose consensus performance was compared to the expert.

Results

The consensus delineation by four of seven crowd workers achieved the highest agreement with the expert, measured by a median Dice index of 0.7551 across all 410 images, outperforming even the best worker from the crowd (Dice index 0.7216). For their internal agreement, crowd workers achieved a median Fleiss's kappa of 0.4140 across the images. The time a worker spent marking an image had only weak correlation with the surface area marked, and very low correlation with accuracy. Percent of pixels selected by the consensus exhibited good correlation (Pearson R = 0.81) with the patient's affected surface area.

Conclusion

Crowdsourcing may be an efficient method for obtaining demarcations of affected skin, on par with expert performance. Crowdsourced data generally agreed with the current clinical standard of percent body surface area to assess cGVHD severity in the skin.
Genomic full‐length sequence of HLA‐B*40:54 was identified by full‐length group‐specific sequencing
Authors: Chen Peng , Xu Yunping
Published: February 2019

Genomic full‐length sequence of HLA‐B*40:54 was identified by a group‐specific sequencing approach from China.
Genomic full‐length sequence of HLA‐B*50:31 was identified by full‐length group‐specific sequencing
Authors: Chen Peng , Xu Yunping
Published: February 2019

Genomic full‐length sequence of HLA‐B*50:31 was identified by a group‐specific sequencing approach from China.
Inhibition of the CD40/CD40L complex protects mice against ALI‐induced pancreas degradation
Authors: Tariket Sofiane , Hamzeh‐Cognasse Hind , Arthaud Charles‐Antoine , Laradi Sandrine , Bourlet Thomas , Berthelot Philippe , Garraud Olivier , Cognasse Fabrice
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a severe complication of transfusion. In a previous study, we saw that inhibition of the CD40/CD40L complex allowed restoration of ALI lesions in an experimental mouse model.

OBJECTIVES

This study focused on pancreas‐associated injury development during experimental ALI pathogenesis and its limitation through CD40/CD40L complex inhibition.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An ALI mouse model was established through intraperitoneal lipopolysaccharide and intravenous anti–major histocompatibility complex class I monoclonal antibody injection. Preemption of lesions was achieved with intravenous injection of neutralizing anti‐CD40L monoclonal antibody 30 minutes before the trigger, that is, anti–major histocompatibility complex class I monoclonal antibody administration. Histology and immunoassay analyses were used to evaluate pancreatic lesions.

RESULTS

ALI development induced significant degradation of the lungs and pancreas and was associated with pancreatic lesions. Different scores were established showing more severe injury to the pancreas in ALI conditions; however, injury was significantly reduced through CD40/CD40L complex inhibition.

CONCLUSION

This study supports the idea that several organs are exposed during ALI development, and particularly when such experimental ALI aims at mimicking transfusion‐associated ALI; nevertheless, preventive treatment inhibiting CD40/CD40L (sCD40L) complex formation provides protection from lung disease as well as disease of other organs.
Coculturing Bacteria Leads to Reduced Phenotypic Heterogeneities
Authors: Heyse Jasmine , Buysschaert Benjamin , Props Ruben , Rubbens Peter , Skirtach Andre G. , Waegeman Willem , Boon Nico
Published: February 2019

Laboratory studies have shown the impact of phenotypic heterogeneity on the survival and functionality of isogenic populations. Because phenotypic heterogeneity plays an important role in pathogenicity and virulence, antibiotic resistance, biotechnological applications, and ecosystem properties, it is crucial to understand its influencing factors. An unanswered question is whether bacteria in mixed communities influence the phenotypic heterogeneity of their community partners. We found that coculturing bacteria leads to a reduction in their individual phenotypic heterogeneities, which led us to the hypothesis that the individual phenotypic diversity of a taxon is dependent on the community composition.
Architect of Virus Assembly: the Portal Protein Nucleates Procapsid Assembly in Bacteriophage P22
Authors: Motwani Tina , Teschke Carolyn M.
Published: February 2019

The existence of a single portal ring is essential to the formation of infectious virions in the tailed double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) phages, herpesviruses, and adenoviruses and, as such, is a viable antiviral therapeutic target. How only one portal is selectively incorporated at a unique vertex is unclear. In many dsDNA viruses and phages, the portal protein acts as an assembly nucleator. However, early work on phage P22 assembly
in vivo
indicated that the portal protein did not function as a nucleator for procapsid (PC) assembly, leading to the suggestion that P22 uses a unique mechanism for portal incorporation. Here, we show that portal protein nucleates assembly of P22 procapsid-like particles (PLPs). Addition of portal rings to an assembly reaction increases the rate of formation and yield of particles and corrects improper particle morphology. Our data suggest that procapsid assembly may universally initiate with a nucleation complex composed minimally of portal and scaffolding proteins (SPs).
Therapeutic Mucosal Vaccination of Herpes Simplex Virus 2-Infected Guinea Pigs with Ribonucleotide Reductase 2 (RR2) Protein Boosts Antiviral Neutralizing Antibodies and Local Tissue-Resident CD4
+
and CD8
+
T
RM
Cells Associated with Protection against Recurrent Genital Herpes
Authors: Srivastava Ruchi , Roy Soumyabrata , Coulon Pierre-Gregoire , Vahed Hawa , Prakash Swayam , Dhanushkodi Nisha , Kim Grace J. , Fouladi Mona A. , Campo Joe , Teng Andy A. , Liang Xiaowu , Schaefer Hubert , BenMohamed Lbachir
Published: February 2019

Recurrent genital herpes is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases, with a global prevalence of HSV-2 infection predicted to be over 536 million worldwide. Despite the availability of many intervention strategies, such as sexual behavior education, barrier methods, and the costly antiviral drug treatments, eliminating or at least reducing recurrent genital herpes remains a challenge. Currently, no FDA-approved therapeutic vaccines are available. In this preclinical study, we investigated the immunogenicity and protective efficacy, in the guinea pig model of recurrent genital herpes, of subunit vaccine candidates that were based on eight recombinantly expressed herpes envelope and tegument proteins. We discovered that similar to the
dl
5-29 vaccine, based on a replication-defective HSV-2 mutant virus, which has been recently tested in clinical trials, the RR2 protein-based subunit vaccine elicited a significant reduction in virus shedding and a decrease in both the severity and frequency of recurrent genital herpes sores. This protection correlated with an increase in numbers of functional tissue-resident IFN-γ
+
CRTAM
+
CFSE
+
CD4
+
and IFN-γ
+
CRTAM
+
CFSE
+
CD8
+
T
RM
cells that infiltrate healed sites of the vaginal tissues. Our study sheds new light on the role of T
RM
cells in protection against recurrent genital herpes and promotes the RR2-based subunit therapeutic vaccine to be tested in the clinic.
Complete Genome Sequence of Lactobacillus reuteri PNW1, a Promising Probiotic Candidate
Authors: Alayande Kazeem A. , Aiyegoro Olayinka A. , Ateba Collins N.
Published: February 2019

This study reports the whole-genome sequence of
Lactobacillus reuteri
PNW1 isolated from gastrointestinal tracts of weaned piglets of the indigenous South African Windsnyer pig breed. A total of 5.2 GB data comprising 8,209,104 paired-end reads were generated.
Draft Genome Sequences of
Staphylococcus
Podophages JBug18, Pike, Pontiff, and Pabna
Authors: Culbertson Emma K. , Bari S. M. Nayeemul , Dandu Vidya Sree , Kriznik Jennie M. , Scopel Samuel E. , Stanley Samuel P. , Lackey Kim , Hernandez Adriana C. , Hatoum-Aslan Asma
Published: February 2019

We report here the draft genome sequences of
Staphylococcus
bacteriophages JBug18, Pike, Pontiff, and Pabna, which infect and lyse
S. epidermidis
and
S. aureus
strains. All bacteriophages belong to the morphological family
Podoviridae
and constitute attractive candidates for use as whole-phage therapeutics due to their compact genomes and lytic lifestyles.
Complete Genome Sequence of Helicobacter pylori Strain GD63, Isolated from a Vietnamese Patient with a Gastric Ulcer
Authors: Nguyen-Hoang Thien-Phuc , Nguyen Hoa Trang , Nguyen Tan-Huy , Baker Stephen , Rahman Motiur , Nguyen Thuy-Vy
Published: February 2019

We present here the first complete genome sequence of
Helicobacter pylori
strain GD63, isolated from a 72-year-old male Vietnamese patient with a chronic gastric ulcer. The genome consists of a 1.6-Mbp chromosome and an 8.9-kbp plasmid.
Multiple Genome Sequences of Lactobacillus pentosus Strains Isolated from Biofilms on the Skin of Fermented Green Table Olives
Authors: Calero-Delgado Beatriz , Pérez-Pulido Antonio J. , Benítez-Cabello Antonio , Martín-Platero Antonio M. , Casimiro-Soriguer Carlos S. , Martínez-Bueno Manuel , Arroyo-López Francisco Noé , Jiménez Díaz Rufino
Published: February 2019

The draft genome sequences of five
Lactobacillus pentosus
strains isolated from biofilms on the skin of green table olives are presented here. These genome sequences will assist in revealing the potential probiotic properties of these strains, as the intake of fermented olives implicates the passage of millions of
Lactobacillus
spp.
Near-Complete Genome Sequences of 12 Coxsackievirus Group A Strains from Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease and Herpangina Cases with Different Clinical Symptoms
Authors: Xu Shao-Jian , He Ya-Qing , Zhang Ren-Li , Yang Hong , Yao Xiang-Jie , Zhang Hai-Long , Meng Jun , Chen Long , Lin Qi-Hui
Published: February 2019

Coxsackievirus group A (CV-A) strains are important pathogens of hand, foot, and mouth disease and herpangina. We report here the near-complete genome sequences of 12 CV-A strains isolated from infants and children with different clinical diseases.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Lumpy Skin Disease Virus Recovered from the First Outbreak in the Northern Caucasus Region of Russia in 2015
Authors: Sprygin Alexander , Babin Yuriy , Pestova Yana , Kononova Svetlana , Byadovskaya Olga , Kononov Aleksandr
Published: February 2019

We report here the complete genome sequence of a lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) isolate obtained in the Northern Caucasus region of Russia in 2015. The LSDV/Russia/Dagestan/2015 genome sequence grouped with field LSDV isolates found in Serbia and Greece, suggesting the monophyletic origin of LSDV isolates that recently affected countries in the Northern Hemisphere.
Exploring variation in patient access of post-discharge physiotherapy following total hip and knee arthroplasty under a choice based system in the UK: an observational cohort study
Authors: Hamilton David F , Loth Fanny C , MacDonald Deborah J , MacFarlane Gary J , Beard David J , Simpson A Hamish RW , Patton James T , Howie Colin R
Published: February 2019

Objectives

To assess a targeted ‘therapy as required’ model of post-discharge outpatient physiotherapy provision. Specifically, we investigated what proportion of patients accessed post-discharge physiotherapy following total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA), whether accessing therapy was associated with post-arthroplasty patient reported outcomes and whether it was possible to predict which patients would access post-discharge physiotherapy from pre-operative data.

Design

Prospective, observational, longitudinal cohort study.

Setting

Single National Health Service orthopaedic teaching hospital in the UK.

Participants

1395 patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty and 1374 patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Self-reported access of post-discharge physiotherapy, the Oxford Hip or Knee Score, EuroQol 5-dimension questionnaire and post-operative surgical episode satisfaction metric.

Results

662 (48.2%) patients with TKA and 493 (35.3%) patients with THA accessed additional post-discharge physiotherapy. Patient-reported outcomes (p<0.001) and surgical episode satisfaction (p=0.001) in both THA and TKA were higher in patients that did not participate in post-discharge physiotherapy. Regression models using pre-operative symptom burden and demographic data predicted post-discharge therapy access with an accuracy of only 17% greater than chance in patients with THA and 7% greater than chance in patients with TKA.

Conclusions

In a choice-based service model of ‘therapy as required’ following hip and knee arthroplasty only a third of THA and half of TKA patients accessed post-discharge therapy. Patients who did not access physiotherapy reported greater post-operative outcomes. This variation in the need for post-discharge physiotherapy suggests that targeting of rehabilitation may be a cost-effective model, however it was not possible to reliably predict which patients would access post-discharge physiotherapy from pre-operative data.
Who pays and how much? A cross-sectional study of out-of-pocket payment for modern contraception in Kenya
Authors: Radovich Emma , Dennis Mardieh L , Barasa Edwine , Cavallaro Francesca L , Wong Kerry LM , Borghi Josephine , Lynch Caroline A , Lyons-Amos Mark , Abuya Timothy , Benova Lenka
Published: February 2019

Objectives

Out-of-pocket (OOP) payment for modern contraception is an understudied component of healthcare financing in countries like Kenya, where wealth gradients in met need have prompted efforts to expand access to free contraception. This study aims to examine whether, among public sector providers, the poor are more likely to receive free contraception and to compare how OOP payment for injectables and implants—two popular methods—differs by public/private provider type and user’s sociodemographic characteristics.

Design, setting and participants

Secondary analyses of nationally representative, cross-sectional household data from the 2014 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey. Respondents were women of reproductive age (15–49 years). The sample comprised 5717 current modern contraception users, including 2691 injectable and 1073 implant users with non-missing expenditure values.

Main outcome

Respondent’s self-reported source and payment to obtain their current modern contraceptive method.

Methods

We used multivariable logistic regression to examine predictors of free public sector contraception and compared average expenditure for injectable and implant. Quintile ratios examined progressivity of non-zero expenditure by wealth.

Results

Half of public sector users reported free contraception; this varied considerably by method and region. Users of implants, condoms, pills and intrauterine devices were all more likely to report receiving their method for free (p<0.001) compared with injectable users. The poorest were as likely to pay for contraception as the wealthiest users at public providers (OR: 1.10, 95% CI: 0.64 to 1.91). Across all providers, among users with non-zero expenditure, injectable and implant users reported a mean OOP payment of Kenyan shillings (KES) 80 (US$0.91), 95% CI: KES 78 to 82 and KES 378 (US$4.31), 95% CI: KES 327 to 429, respectively. In the public sector, expenditure was pro-poor for injectable users yet weakly pro-rich for implant users.

Conclusions

More attention is needed to targeting subsidies to the poorest and ensuring government facilities are equipped to cope with lost user fee revenue.
Does neighborhood socioeconomic status predict the risk of preterm birth? A community-based Canadian cohort study
Authors: Adhikari Kamala , Patten Scott B , Williamson Tyler , Patel Alka B , Premji Shahirose , Tough Suzanne , Letourneau Nicole , Giesbrecht Gerald , Metcalfe Amy
Published: February 2019

Objective

This study developed and internally validated a predictive model for preterm birth (PTB) to examine the ability of neighbourhood socioeconomic status (SES) to predict PTB.

Design

Cohort study using individual-level data from two community-based prospective pregnancy cohort studies (All Our Families (AOF) and Alberta Pregnancy Outcomes and Nutrition (APrON)) and neighbourhood SES data from the 2011 Canadian census.

Setting

Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Participants

Pregnant women who were <24 weeks of gestation and >15 years old were enrolled in the cohort studies between 2008 and 2012. Overall, 5297 women participated in at least one of these cohorts: 3341 women participated in the AOF study, 2187 women participated in the APrON study and 231 women participated in both studies. Women who participated in both studies were only counted once.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

PTB (delivery prior to 37 weeks of gestation).

Results

The rates of PTB in the least and most deprived neighbourhoods were 7.54% and 10.64%, respectively. Neighbourhood variation in PTB was 0.20, with an intra-class correlation of 5.72%. Neighbourhood SES, combined with individual-level predictors, predicted PTB with an area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.75. The sensitivity was 91.80% at a low-risk threshold, with a high false-positive rate (71.50%), and the sensitivity was 5.70% at a highest risk threshold, with a low false-positive rate (0.90%). An agreement between the predicted and observed PTB demonstrated modest model calibration. Individual-level predictors alone predicted PTB with an AUC of 0.60.

Conclusion

Although neighbourhood SES combined with individual-level predictors improved the overall prediction of PTB compared with individual-level predictors alone, the detection rate was insufficient for application in clinical or public health practice. A prediction model with better predictive ability is required to effectively find women at high risk of preterm delivery.
Trends in self-poisoning and psychotropic drug use in people aged 5–19 years: a population-based retrospective cohort study in Australia
Authors: Cairns Rose , Karanges Emily A , Wong Anselm , Brown Jared A , Robinson Jeff , Pearson Sallie-Anne , Dawson Andrew H , Buckley Nicholas A
Published: February 2019

Objectives

To characterise trends in self-poisoning and psychotropic medicine use in young Australians.

Design

Population-based retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Calls taken by the New South Wales and Victorian Poisons Information Centres (2006–2016, accounting for 70% of Australian poisoning calls); medicine dispensings in the 10% sample of Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme data (July 2012 to June 2016).

Participants

People aged 5–19 years.

Main outcome measures

Yearly trends in intentional poisoning exposure calls, substances taken in intentional poisonings, a prevalence of psychotropic use (dispensing of antidepressants, antipsychotics, benzodiazepines and medicines for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)).

Results

There were 33 501 intentional poisonings in people aged 5–19 years, with an increase of 8.39% per year (95% CI 6.08% to 10.74%, p<0.0001), with a 98% increase overall, 2006–2016. This effect was driven by increased poisonings in those born after 1997, suggesting a birth cohort effect. Females outnumbered males 3:1. Substances most commonly taken in self-poisonings were paracetamol, ibuprofen, fluoxetine, ethanol, quetiapine, paracetamol/opioid combinations, sertraline and escitalopram. Psychotropic dispensing also increased, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) increasing 40% and 35% July 2012 to June 2016 in those aged 5–14 and 15–19, respectively. Fluoxetine was the most dispensed SSRI. Antipsychotics increased by 13% and 10%, while ADHD medication dispensing increased by 16% and 10%, in those aged 5–14 and 15–19, respectively. Conversely, dispensing of benzodiazepines to these age groups decreased by 4% and 5%, respectively.

Conclusions

Our results signal a generation that is increasingly engaging in self-harm and is increasingly prescribed psychotropic medications. These findings indicate growing mental distress in this cohort. Since people who self-harm are at increased risk of suicide later in life, these results may foretell future increases in suicide rates in Australia.
Minimal important differences for improvement in shoulder condition patient-reported outcomes: a systematic review to inform aBMJRapid Recommendation
Authors: Hao Qiukui , Devji Tahira , Zeraatkar Dena , Wang Yuting , Qasim Anila , Siemieniuk Reed A C , Vandvik Per Olav , Lähdeoja Tuomas , Carrasco-Labra Alonso , Agoritsas Thomas , Guyatt Gordon
Published: February 2019

Objectives

To identify credible anchor-based minimal important differences (MIDs) for patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) relevant to aBMJRapid Recommendations addressing subacromial decompression surgery for shoulder pain.

Design

Systematic review.

Outcome measures

Estimates of anchor-based MIDs, and their credibility, for PROMs judged by the parallelBMJRapid Recommendations panel as important for informing their recommendation (pain, function and health-related quality of life (HRQoL)).

Data sources

MEDLINE, EMBASE and PsycINFO up to August 2018.

Study selection and review methods

We included original studies of any intervention for shoulder conditions reporting estimates of anchor-based MIDs for relevant PROMs. Two reviewers independently evaluated potentially eligible studies according to predefined selection criteria. Six reviewers, working in pairs, independently extracted data from eligible studies using a predesigned, standardised, pilot-tested extraction form and independently assessed the credibility of included studies using an MID credibility tool.

Results

We identified 22 studies involving 5562 patients that reported 74 empirically estimated anchor-based MIDs for 10 candidate instruments to assess shoulder pain, function and HRQoL. We identified MIDs of high credibility for pain and function outcomes and of low credibility for HRQoL. We offered median estimates for the systematic review team who applied these MIDs in Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) evidence summaries and in their interpretations of results in the linked systematic review addressing the effectiveness of surgery for shoulder pain.

Conclusions

Our review provides anchor-based MID estimates, as well as a rating of their credibility, for PROMs for patients with shoulder conditions. The MID estimates inform the interpretation for a linked systematic review and guideline addressing subacromial decompression surgery for shoulder pain, and could also prove useful for authors addressing other interventions for shoulder problems.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42018106531.
Short telomere subtelomeric hypomethylation is associated with telomere attrition in elderly diabetic patients
Authors: Makino Naoki , Maeda Toyoki , Abe Nobuyuki
Published: February 2019

Telomere shortening is well known to be associated with the aging process and aging-associated diseases, including diabetes. The telomere length and subtelomeric methylation status in peripheral leucocytes (LTL) were compared in elderly type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients and diabetes-free controls (C). The methylation status was analyzed between MspI-TRF lengths and HpaII-TRF lengths by using methylation-sensitive and -insensitive restriction enzyme isoschizomers, MspI and HpaII, respectively. The mean telomere lengths, MspI-TRF or HpaII-TRF, were not significantly different between C and T2D patients. The percentage of fractionated densitometry showed that long and middle telomeres (>9.4 kb, 4.4–9.4 kb) were unaltered but short telomeres (<4.4 kb) in T2D patients were increased compared with C group. The methylation status revealed subtelomeric hypomethylation in short telomeres of T2D patients. When some patients with T2D were treated with 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaril coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors (statin), results seen in short telomere of T2D patients were not observed and were not different from C. This suggested that this altered subtelomeric hypomethylation may be associated with the accelerated telomere shortening in elderly diabetic patients. These results also mean that the subtelomeric hypomethylation can also be influenced by statin treatment in T2D.
Probing underlying event in Z-boson events using event shape observables
Authors: Kar Deepak , Rafanoharanara Dimbiniaina Soanasolo
Published: February 2019

Experimental measurements of observables sensitive to the underlying event (UE) in Z-boson events have been performed by both ATLAS and CMS experiments at the LHC. However, in the busy LHC environment, these observables receive substantial contribution from jets originating from initial state radiation (ISR). We probe if using event shape observables in conjunction with the UE observables can help us to disentangle the effect of the UE from jets originating in ISR.
Geometric phase for a two-level atom immersed in a thermal bath in the global monopole space–time
Authors: Wang Zhi , Cai Huabing , Xu Chang
Published: February 2019

In the framework of open quantum systems, and combining with the quantum field theory in curved space–time, we study the geometric phase for a static two-level atom immersed in a thermal bath of a massless scalar field in the background of global monopole space–time. We show that the correction to geometric phase of the atom results from combined effects of both thermal radiation of the thermal bath at finite temperature and the topological property of global monopole. We also discuss the modified geometric phases for this two-level atom purely due to thermal fluctuation of the thermal bath at an effective temperature in Minkowski space–time and also purely resulting from the effect of global monopole space–time. In addition, the numerical results of correction to the geometric phase induced by the effects of thermal environment and the global monopole is presented and discussed. It is clearly seen that the corrections depend crucially on the temperature T of environment and the position r of the atom relative to the global monopole.
Thermodynamic analysis of a long-range interacting spin system
Authors: Yang Zhen-Yu , Hou Ji-Xuan
Published: February 2019

A long-range interacting Fermi chain placed in the uniform and the staggered magnetic field is studied via the micro-canonical approach. The relation between the entropy and the energy of the system is obtained by counting the number of microscopic states. We find that this system is non-ergodic and can exhibit first-order phase transition, second-order phase transition, or both. The microcanonical ensemble predicts negative specific heat regions and temperature jumps. Moreover, the global phase diagram of the system is constructed.
Community detection by enhancing community structure in bipartite networks
Authors: Zhou Wenjie , Wang Xingyuan , Zhang Chuan , Li Rui , Wang Chunpeng
Published: February 2019

Community detection is one of the primary tools to discover useful information that is hidden in complex networks. Some community detection algorithms for bipartite networks have been proposed from various viewpoints. However, the performance of these algorithms deteriorates when the community structure becomes unclear. Enhancing community structure remains a nontrivial task. In this paper, we propose a community detection algorithm, called ECD, that enhances community structure in bipartite networks. In the proposed ECD, the topology of a network is modified by reducing unnecessary edges that are connected to neighboring low-weight communities. Therefore, an ambiguous community structure is converted into a structure that is much clearer than the original structure. The experimental results on both artificial and real-world networks verify the accuracy and reliability of our algorithm. Compared with existing community detection algorithms using state-of-the-art methods, our algorithm has better performance.