bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of antidiabetic medication adherence in the Lebanese population: development of the Lebanese Diabetes Medication Adherence Scale
Authors: Ayoub Dana , Mroueh Lara , El-Hajj Maya , Awada Sanaa , Rachidi Samar , Zein Salam , Al-Hajje Amal
Published: July 2019

Objective

To evaluate factors affecting adherence to oral antidiabetic treatment in the Lebanese population and to develop the Diabetes Medication Adherence Scale (DMAS) based on these factors.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of Lebanese diabetic patients. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. The level of adherence was measured using the Lebanese Medication Adherence Scale (LMAS-14). Bivariate analyses and multivariable analysis was done using SPSS. Psychometric evaluation of DMAS included an assessment of internal consistency, factor analysis, evaluation of sensitivity and specificity. Criterion-related validity was assessed by comparison with LMAS-14 measure of adherence.

Key findings

A total of 500 patients were recruited. 39.2% were adherent to treatment. Long working hours, increased number of oral antidiabetic medication per day, drug discontinuation when travelling, longer duration of diabetes and treatment burden were among factors that decreased adherence. While understanding the treatment regimen, following up physician recommendations and following up the recommended diet contributed to good medication adherence. The final 7-item scale (DMAS) had a good internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.612) and a good correlation and agreement with LMAS-14 (Spearman’s rho = 0.699, Cohen’s kappa = 0.566). Patients with high DMAS scores were significantly more likely to have controlled glycaemia (P < 0.05). Sensitivity and specificity reached 70.39% and 51.47%, respectively.

Conclusion

Adherence to oral antidiabetic treatment is suboptimal in Lebanon. The DMAS is a reliable instrument for assessing adherence and predicting poor glycaemic control in clinical practice, but requires further validation in other populations.
Evaluation of Tailored Falls Education on Older Adults' Behavior Following Hospitalization
Authors: Naseri Chiara , McPhail Steven M. , Haines Terrence P. , Morris Meg E. , Etherton‐Beer Christopher , Shorr Ronald , Flicker Leon , Bulsara Max , Netto Julie , Lee Den‐Ching A. , Francis‐Coad Jacqueline , Waldron Nicholas , Boudville Amanda , Hill Anne‐Marie
Published: July 2019

BACKGROUND

Older adults recently discharged from the hospital are known to be at risk of functional decline and falls. This study evaluated the effect of a tailored education program provided in the hospital on older adult engagement in fall prevention strategies within 6 months after hospital discharge.

METHODS

A process evaluation of a randomized controlled trial that aimed to improve older adult fall prevention behaviors after hospital discharge. Participants (n = 390) were aged 60 years and older with good cognitive function (greater than 7 of 10 Abbreviated Mental Test Score), discharged home from three hospital rehabilitation wards in Perth, Australia. The primary outcomes were engagement in fall prevention strategies, including assistance with daily activities, home modifications, and exercise. Data were analyzed using generalized linear modeling.

RESULTS

There were 76.4% (n = 292) of participants who completed the final interview (n = 149 intervention, n = 143 control). There were no significant differences between groups in engagement in fall prevention strategies, including receiving instrumental activity of daily living (IADL) assistance (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.3 [95% confidence interval {CI} = 0.7‐2.1]; P = .3), completion of home modifications (AOR = 1.2 [95% CI = 0.7‐1.9]; P = .4), and exercise (AOR = 1.3 [95% CI = 0.7‐2.2]; P = .3). There was a high proportion of unmet ADL needs within both groups, and levels of participant dependency remained higher at 6 months compared to baseline levels at admission. The proportion of all participants who engaged in exercise following hospital discharge increased by 30%; however, the mean duration of exercise reduced from 3 hours per week at baseline to 1 hour per week at 6‐month follow‐up (SD = 1.12 hours per week).

CONCLUSION

Tailored education did not increase older adult engagement in fall prevention strategies after hospital discharge compared to usual care. Further research is required to evaluate older adults’ capacity to change their behaviors once they return home from hospital, which may enable a safer recovery of their independence. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:2274–2281, 2019
Shielding internet intermediaries from copyright liability—A comparative discourse on safe harbours in Singapore and India
Authors: Marsoof Althaf , Gupta Indranath
Published: July 2019

Without intermediaries that provide access to, host and link content, the internet will not be the vibrant place it is today. Yet with the rising number of online copyright infringements, right holders have increasingly shifted their focus to intermediaries in their efforts to curb infringements. This has led to internet intermediaries being increasingly exposed to copyright liability. In light of this, safe harbours that provide certain classes of intermediaries with conditional immunity play an important role in maintaining a healthy balance between the interests of right holders and third parties. In the copyright context, the Digital Millennium Copyright Act 1998 (DMCA) enacted in the United States was the first instance where such a safe harbour was afforded to internet intermediaries. During the two decades of the DMCA's operation, it has been used as a blueprint to shape safe harbours in other jurisdictions. This article focusses on two such jurisdictions—namely, Singapore and India—and provides a comparative and in‐depth analysis of the safe harbour frameworks in the said jurisdictions, while mapping out how they compare with the DMCA. In the process, the article highlights a number of features in the DMCA that have been remodelled in Singapore and India.
Individualized breastfeeding support for acutely ill, malnourished infants under 6 months old
Authors: Mwangome Martha , Murunga Sheila , Kahindi Jane , Gwiyo Prinilla , Mwasho Grace , Talbert Alison , Kiige Laura , Samburu Betty , Mturi Neema , Abubakar Amina , Jones Caroline , Berkley James A.
Published: July 2019

Reestablishing exclusive breastfeeding is the cornerstone of the 2013 World Health Organization (WHO) treatment guidelines for acute malnutrition in infants less than 6 months. However, no studies have investigated guideline implementation and subsequent outcomes in a public hospital setting in Africa. To facilitate implementation of the WHO 2013 guidelines in Kilifi County Hospital, Kenya, we developed standard operating procedure, recruited, and trained three breastfeeding peer supporters (BFPS). Between September 2016 and January 2018, the BFPS provided individual breastfeeding support to mothers of infants aged 4 weeks to 4 months admitted to Kilifi County Hospital with an illness and acute malnutrition (mid‐upper‐arm circumference < 11.0 cm OR weight‐for‐age z score < −2 OR weight‐for‐length z score < ‐2). Infants were followed daily while in hospital then every 2 weeks for 6 weeks after discharge with data collected on breastfeeding, infant growth, morbidity, and mortality. Of 106 infants with acute malnutrition at admission, 51 met the inclusion criteria for the study. Most enrolled mothers had multiple breastfeeding challenges, which were predominantly technique based. Exclusive breastfeeding was 55% at admission and 81% at discharge; at discharge 67% of infants had attained a weight velocity of >5 g/kg/day for three consecutive days on breastmilk alone. Gains in weight‐for‐length z score and weight‐for‐age z score were generally not sustained beyond 2 weeks after discharge. BFPS operated effectively in an inpatient setting, applying the 2013 updated WHO guidelines and increasing rates of exclusive breastfeeding at discharge. However, lack of continued increase in anthropometric Z scores after discharge suggests the need for more sustained interventions.
Transcriptional remodelling upon light removal in a model cnidarian: Losses and gains in gene expression
Authors: Leach Whitney B. , Reitzel Adam M.
Published: July 2019

Organismal responses to light:dark cycles can result from two general processes: (a) direct response to light or (b) a free‐running rhythm (i.e., a circadian clock). Previous research in cnidarians has shown that candidate circadian clock genes have rhythmic expression in the presence of diel lighting, but these oscillations appear to be lost quickly after removal of the light cue. Here, we measure whole‐organism gene expression changes in 136 transcriptomes of the sea anemone Nematostella vectensis, entrained to a light:dark environment and immediately following light cue removal to distinguish two broadly defined responses in cnidarians: light entrainment and circadian regulation. Direct light exposure resulted in significant differences in expression for hundreds of genes, including more than 200 genes with rhythmic, 24‐hr periodicity. Removal of the lighting cue resulted in the loss of significant expression for 80% of these genes after 1 day, including most of the hypothesized cnidarian circadian genes. Further, 70% of these candidate genes were phase‐shifted. Most surprisingly, thousands of genes, some of which are involved in oxidative stress, DNA damage response and chromatin modification, had significant differences in expression in the 24 hr following light removal, suggesting that loss of the entraining cue may induce a cellular stress response. Together, our findings suggest that a majority of genes with significant differences in expression for anemones cultured under diel lighting are largely driven by the primary photoresponse rather than a circadian clock when measured at the whole animal level. These results provide context for the evolution of cnidarian circadian biology and help to disassociate two commonly confounded factors driving oscillating phenotypes.
Association of vascular endothelial growth factor and renal thrombotic microangiopathy‐like lesions in patients with Castleman's disease
Authors: Sun Ping‐Ping , Yu Xiao‐Juan , Wang Su‐Xia , Zhou Xu‐Jie , Qu Lei , Zhang Fan , Ma Yi‐Yi , Liu Gang , Yang Li
Published: July 2019

Aim

Renal thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) is a common pathological manifestation of Castleman's disease (CD)‐associated renal lesions. Increased level of plasma vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been shown in single‐case reports. We aimed to investigate the dysregulation of VEGF in the pathogenesis of CD‐associated TMA‐like lesions (CD‐TMA) in a larger cohort.

Methods

Nineteen patients with clinico‐pathologically diagnosed CD with renal involvement were enrolled. Ten patients with pregnancy TMA or TMA of unknown reasons were enrolled as TMA control group. The plasma levels of VEGF, soluble Flt‐1 and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) were detected using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kits. The expression of VEGF in the kidney biopsied tissue sections and the lymph node specimens were detected by immunostaining.

Results

The plasma levels of VEGF and IL‐6 levels were the highest in CD‐TMA group compared to TMA control group and healthy controls. The levels of plasma VEGF was positively correlated with that of IL‐6, and increased expression of VEGF and IL‐6 was also observed in the lymph nodes from CD‐TMA patients. However, the expression of VEGF in the glomerular podocytes was significantly decreased in CD‐TMA group as well as in the TMA control.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that renal VEGF expression might be important in the pathogenetic mechanism of CD‐associated TMA‐like lesions.
Nutlet micromorphology of Iranian Nepeta (Lamiaceae) species
Authors: Amirmohammadi Fatemeh‐Zahra , Azizi Majid , Neamati Seyyed Hossein , Memariani Farshid , Murphy Ryan
Published: July 2019

To evaluate nutlets characteristics for systematic relationships, a comprehensive morphological and micro‐morphological study of the nutlets of 16 Iranian taxa of Nepeta (Lamiaceae) was conducted using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Differences in surface ornamentation, size, shape and color were observed between the species. The studied taxa were categorized in two basic types based on surface ornamentation: non‐sculptured (smooth‐type) and sculptured nutlets. The non‐sculptured nutlets type could be further divided into four sub‐types, including smooth, granulate, undulate‐cellular and reticulate. In the sculptured nutlets, three subtypes of tuberculate, tuberculate‐cellular and verrucate were recognized. The shape of nutlets were described as oblong, ovoid‐oblong, oblong‐linear, to elliptic‐oblong and their size range are 1.2–2.0 mm in length and 0.5–2.0 mm in width. Based on micrographs, the areole form and location were defined as bi‐lobed, straight, basal, sub‐basal or lateral. Nutlet micromorphological characteristics such as surface ornamentation can be useful for classification and identification of e.g. medicinal species of Nepeta in Iran.
Desiccation time during drought is highly predictable across species of Eucalyptus from contrasting climates
Authors: Blackman Chris J. , Li Ximeng , Choat Brendan , Rymer Paul D. , De Kauwe Martin G. , Duursma Remko A. , Tissue David T. , Medlyn Belinda E.
Published: July 2019

Catastrophic failure of the water transport pathway in trees is a principal mechanism of mortality during extreme drought. To be able to predict the probability of mortality at an individual and landscape scale we need knowledge of the time for plants to reach critical levels of hydraulic failure.

We grew plants of eight species of Eucalyptus originating from contrasting climates before allowing a subset to dehydrate. We tested whether a trait‐based model of time to plant desiccation tcrit, from stomatal closure gs90 to a critical level of hydraulic dysfunction Ψcrit is consistent with observed dry‐down times.

Plant desiccation time varied among species, ranging from 96.2 to 332 h at a vapour‐pressure deficit of 1 kPa, and was highly predictable using the tcrit model in conjunction with a leaf shedding function. Plant desiccation time was longest in species with high cavitation resistance, strong vulnerability segmentation, wide stomatal‐hydraulic safety, and a high ratio of total plant water content to leaf area.

Knowledge of tcrit in combination with water‐use traits that influence stomatal closure could significantly increase our ability to predict the timing of drought‐induced mortality at tree and forest scales.
Using Topic Modeling to Detect and Describe Self‐Injurious and Related Content on a Large‐Scale Digital Platform
Authors: Franz Peter J. , Nook Erik C. , Mair Patrick , Nock Matthew K.
Published: July 2019

Objective

Self‐injurious thoughts and behaviors (SITBs) are a complex and enduring public health concern. Increasingly, teenagers use digital platforms to communicate about a range of mental health topics. These discussions may provide valuable information that can lead to insights about complex issues like SITBs. However, the field of clinical psychology currently lacks an easy‐to‐implement toolkit that can quickly gather information about SITBs from online sources. In the present study, we applied topic modeling, a natural language processing technique, to identify SITBs and related themes online, and we validated this approach using human coders.

Method

We separately used topic modeling software and human coders to identify themes present in text from a popular online Internet support forum for teenagers. We then determined the degree to which results from the software's topic model aligned with themes identified by human coders.

Results

We found that topic modeling detected SITBs and related themes in online discussions in a way that accurately distinguishes between relevant and irrelevant human‐coded themes.

Conclusions

This approach has the potential to drastically increase our understanding of SITBs and related issues discussed on digital platforms, as well as our ability to identify those at risk for such outcomes.
Archiving
Authors: Patchett Merle
Published: July 2019

What do animals teach us about historiography? This intervention explores this provocation by restaging a methods workshop that sought to radically rethink the archive as animal and archiving as an iteration of animal play and politics. To do so it recounts what happened when a group of human geography Master's students, armed only with a few key readings and some gloves, were introduced to a collection of feathered remains. With no interpretive materials to accompany these remains, the students were prompted to respond to their immediacy and materiality and thus place them at the heart of archival enquiry.
Prognostic and predictive significance of KIT protein expression and c‐kit gene mutation in canine cutaneous mast cell tumours: A consensus of the Oncology‐Pathology Working Group
Authors: Thamm Douglas H. , Avery Anne C. , Berlato Davide , Bulman‐Fleming Julie , Clifford Craig A. , Hershey A. Elizabeth , Intile Joanne L. , Jones Pamela D. , Kamstock Debra A. , Liptak Julius M. , Pavuk Alana , Peauroi John , Powell Roger , Rissetto Kerry , Valli Victor E. O. , Webster Joshua D.
Published: July 2019

One of the primary objectives of the Oncology‐Pathology Working Group (OPWG), a joint initiative of the Veterinary Cancer Society and the American College of Veterinary Pathologists, is for oncologists and pathologists to collaboratively generate consensus documents to standardize aspects of and provide guidelines for oncologic pathology. Consensus is established through critical review of peer‐reviewed literature relevant to a subgroup's particular focus. Subsequent acceptance and approval of the document by the OPWG membership at large establishes consensus. The intent of this publication is to help educate practitioners and pathologists on the value of diagnostics related to the KIT receptor tyrosine kinase for canine cutaneous mast cell tumours and to provide a guide for the use of these tests in veterinary medicine. This document represents the opinions of the OPWG and the authors and does not constitute a formal endorsement by the American College of Veterinary Pathologists or the Veterinary Cancer Society.
Carriage of carbapenemase‐ and extended‐spectrum cephalosporinase‐producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae in humans and livestock in rural Cambodia; gender and age differences and detection of blaOXA‐48 in humans
Authors: Atterby Clara , Osbjer Kristina , Tepper Viktoria , Rajala Elisabeth , Hernandez Jorge , Seng Sokerya , Holl Davun , Bonnedahl Jonas , Börjesson Stefan , Magnusson Ulf , Järhult Josef D.
Published: July 2019

Objectives

This study investigates the frequency and characteristics of carbapenemase‐producing Escherichia coli/Klebsiella pneumoniae (CPE/K) and extended‐spectrum cephalosporinase‐producing E. coli/K. pneumoniae (ESCE/K) in healthy humans and livestock in rural Cambodia. Additionally, household practices as risk factors for faecal carriage of ESCE/K are identified.

Methods

Faecal samples were obtained from 307 humans and 285 livestock including large ruminants, pigs and poultry living in 100 households in rural Cambodia in 2011. Each household was interviewed, and multilevel logistic model determined associations between household practices/meat consumption and faecal carriage of ESCE/K. CPE and ESCE/K were detected and further screened for colistin resistance genes.

Results

CPE/K isolates harbouring blaOXA‐48 were identified in two humans. The community carriage of ESCE/K was 20% in humans and 23% in livestock. The same ESBL genes: blaCTX‐M‐15, blaCTX‐M‐14, blaCTX‐M‐27, blaCTX‐M‐55, blaSHV‐2, blaSHV‐12, blaSHV‐28; AmpC genes: blaCMY‐2, blaCMY‐42, blaDHA‐1; and colistin resistance genes: mcr‐1‐like and mcr‐3‐like were detected in humans and livestock. ESCE/K was frequently detected in women, young children, pigs and poultry, which are groups in close contact. The practice of burning or burying meat waste and not collecting animal manure indoors and outdoors daily were identified as risk factors for faecal carriage of ESCE/K.

Conclusions

Faecal carriage of E. coli and K. pneumoniae harbouring extended‐spectrum cephalosporinase genes are common in the Cambodian community, especially in women and young children. Exposure to animal manure and slaughter products are risk factors for intestinal colonization of ESCE/K in humans.
Does respiratory drive modify the cerebral vascular response to changes in end‐tidal carbon dioxide?
Authors: Ogoh Shigehiko , Suzuki Kazuya , Washio Takuro , Tamiya Kazuki , Saito Shotaro , Bailey Tom G. , Shibata Shigeki , Ito Go , Miyamoto Tadayoshi
Published: July 2019

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

There is an interaction between the regulatory systems of respiration and cerebral blood flow, because the mediator (CO2) is the same for both physiological systems. We examined whether the traditional method for determining cerebrovascular reactivity to CO2 is modified by changes in respiration.

What is the main finding and its importance?

Cerebrovascular reactivity was modified by voluntary changes in respiration during hypercapnia. This finding suggests that an alteration in the respiratory system may result in under‐ or overestimation of cerebrovascular reactivity determined by traditional methods in healthy adults.

The cerebral vasculature is sensitive to changes in the arterial partial pressure of CO2. This physiological mechanism has been well established as a cerebrovascular reactivity to CO2 (CVR). However, arterial CO2 may not be an independent variable in the traditional method for assessment of CVR, because the cerebral blood flow response is also affected by the activation of respiratory drive or higher centres in the brain. We hypothesized that CVR is modified by changes in respiration. To test our hypothesis, in the present study, 10 young, healthy subjects performed hyper‐ or hypoventilation to change end‐tidal CO2 () with different concentrations of CO2 in the inhaled gas (0, 2.0 and 3.5%). We measured middle cerebral artery mean blood flow velocity by transcranial Doppler ultrasonography to identify the cerebral blood flow response to change in during each set of conditions. In each set of conditions, was significantly altered by changes in ventilation, and middle cerebral artery mean blood flow velocity changed accordingly. However, the relationship between changes in middle cerebral artery mean blood flow velocity and as a response curve of CVR was reset upwards and downwards by hypo‐ and hyperventilation, respectively, compared with CVR during normal ventilation. The findings of the present study suggest the possibility that an alteration in respiration might lead to under‐ or overestimation of CVR determined by the traditional methods.
Antibodies to Borrelia turicatae in Experimentally Infected Dogs Cross-React with Borrelia burgdorferi Serologic Assays
Authors: Gettings Jenna R. , Lopez Job E. , Krishnavajhala Aparna , Armstrong Brittany A. , Thompson Alec T. , Yabsley Michael J.
Published: July 2019

Tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF) is caused by several
Borrelia
spp. (including
Borrelia turicatae
), which are primarily transmitted by
Ornithodoros
ticks. Relapsing fever group species are found worldwide, except for Antarctica. Approximately 500 human cases were reported between 1990 and 2011 in the United States (likely an underestimate), while cases in domestic and wild dogs were reported from Florida, Texas, and Washington. TBRF spirochetes are related to
Borrelia burgdorferi
, the agent of Lyme borreliosis.
Molecular Subtyping of Human Rhinovirus in Children from Three Sub-Saharan African Countries
Authors: Baillie Vicky L. , Moore David P. , Mathunjwa Azwifarwi , Morailane Palesa , Simões Eric A. F. , Madhi Shabir A.
Published: July 2019

The pathogenesis of human rhinovirus (HRV) during severe respiratory disease remains undefined; thus, we aimed to explore the relationship between the HRV molecular subtyping results obtained during severe and asymptomatic childhood infections. Nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal swabs from children (1 to 59 months of age) hospitalized with pneumonia and from age-frequency-matched controls were collected between August 2011 and August 2013.
HIV Infection Stabilizes Macrophage-T Cell Interactions To Promote Cell-Cell HIV Spread
Authors: Lopez Paul , Koh Wan Hon , Hnatiuk Ryan , Murooka Thomas T.
Published: July 2019

Once HIV enters the lymphoid organs, exponential viral replication in T cells ensues. Given the densely packed nature of these tissues, where infected and uninfected cells are in nearly constant contact with one another, efficient HIV spread is thought to occur through cell-cell contactsin vivo. However, this has not been formally demonstrated. In this study, we performed live-cell imaging studies within a 3-dimensional space to recapitulate the dynamic aspects of the lymphoid microenvironment and asked whether HIV can alter the morphology, migration capacity, and cell-cell contact behaviors between macrophages and T cells. We show that HIV-infected macrophages can engage T cells in stable contacts through binding of virus- and host-derived adhesive molecules and that stable macrophage-T cell contacts were required for high viral spread. Thus, HIV alters physiological macrophage-T cell interactions in order to access and restrain large numbers of susceptible, motile T cells, thereby playing an important role in HIV progression.
Regulation of Bacterial Gene Expression by Transcription Attenuation
Authors: Turnbough Charles L.
Published: July 2019

A wide variety of mechanisms that control gene expression in bacteria are based on conditional transcription termination. Generally, in these mechanisms, a transcription terminator is located between a promoter and a downstream gene(s), and the efficiency of the terminator is controlled by a regulatory effector that can be a metabolite, protein, or RNA.
First Complete Genome Sequence of a Subgenotype Vd Newcastle Disease Virus Isolate
Authors: Goraichuk Iryna V. , Msoffe Peter L. M. , Chiwanga Gaspar H. , Dimitrov Kiril M. , Afonso Claudio L. , Suarez David L.
Published: July 2019

A Newcastle disease virus was isolated from a chicken from a live bird market in the Mbeya region of Tanzania. Complete genome characterization of the isolate identified it as a member of subgenotype Vd. This is the first complete genome sequence of this subgenotype.
Complete Genome Sequence of Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium Siphophage Skate
Authors: Rohren Matthew , Xie Yicheng , O’Leary Chandler , Kongari Rohit , Gill Jason , Liu Mei
Published: July 2019

Salmonella entericaserovar Typhimurium is a Gram-negative pathogen and a primary cause of foodborne illnesses worldwide. Here, we present the complete 47,393-bp genome sequence of the siphophage Skate, which was isolated againstS.Typhimurium strain LT2.
Draft Genome Sequence of an Escherichia coli Sequence Type 155 Strain Isolated from Sewage in Kerala, India
Authors: Salim Amrita , Babu Pradeesh , Mohan Keerthi , Moorthy Manju , Raj Devika , Kallampillil Thirumeni Swathy , Suresh Sagarbabu , Madhavan Ajith , Nair Bipin G. , Chattopadhyay Sujay , Pal Sanjay
Published: July 2019

We report the draft genome sequence of
Escherichia coli
ASBT-1, a representative of
E. coli
sequence type 155 (ST155), obtained from India. Considering the known wide variety of pathogenic and antibiotic resistance potentials, this strain should be of great interest for detailed comparative genomic analysis.
mSphere of Influence: Finding a Direction—How Do Mitochondria Know Where To Go?
Authors: Pernas Lena
Published: July 2019

Lena Pernas works in the field of metabolism of infection. In this mSphere of Influence article, she reflects on how work by Brian Cunniff (B. Cunniff, A. J. McKenzie, N. H. Heintz, and A. K. Howe, Mol Biol Cell 27:2662–2674, 2016,
https://doi.org/10.1091/mbc.e16-05-0286
) and Thomas Schwarz (G. Pekkurnaz, J. C. Trinidad, X. Wang, D. Kong, and T. L. Schwarz, Cell 158:54–68, 2014,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2014.06.007
) helped her reframe the study of the interaction between a microbe and mitochondria.
Anti-Factor H Antibody Reactivity in Young Adults Vaccinated with a Meningococcal Serogroup B Vaccine Containing Factor H Binding Protein
Authors: Sharkey Kelsey , Beernink Peter T. , Langley Joanne M. , Gantt Soren , Quach Caroline , Dold Christina , Liu Qin , Galvan Manuel , Granoff Dan M.
Published: July 2019

Meningococci are bacteria that cause sepsis and meningitis. Meningococcal species are subdivided into serogroups on the basis of different sugar capsules. Vaccines that target serogroup A, C, Y, and W capsules are safe and highly effective. New serogroup B (MenB) vaccines target a bacterial protein that can bind to a blood protein called complement factor H (FH). While serogroup B vaccines appear to be safe and effective, there is a theoretical risk that immunization with a bacterial protein that binds host FH might elicit anti-FH autoantibodies. Autoantibodies to FH have been detected in healthy persons but in rare cases can cause certain autoimmune diseases. We found small and/or transient increases in serum antibody to FH after MenB immunization. While no serious adverse events were reported in the subjects with elevated anti-FH titers, since onset of autoimmune disease is a rare event and may occur months or years after vaccination, additional, larger studies are warranted.
Internal hernia of caecum through the foramen of Winslow
Authors: Ayoob Faez , Michael Rami , Chadnick Zachary , Fasanya Charles
Published: July 2019

Internal hernias through the foramen of Winslow are very rare. An 80-year-old female patient presented with epigastric and right upper quadrant pain associated with abdominal distention, nausea and vomiting for 1 day. A CT scan showed an internal hernia with terminal ileum and caecum identified within the lesser sac. The diagnosis was confirmed by laparotomy. A right hemicolectomy was performed to prevent further recurrence. We reviewed case reports with the same presentation by searching the Pubmed database using the keywords: ‘foramen Winslow hernia, cecum’. We identified 23 publications. Our review extracted the following information: presentation, anatomical findings, pathological causes and surgical management. Misdiagnosis was common due to the limitations of plain abdominal X-rays. Abdominal CT scan is now the preferred radiological study and is more effective in establishing a diagnosis. Surgical treatment options varied. Right hemicolectomy has emerged as the preferred procedure to decrease the rate of recurrence.
Treatment of patella tendinopathy by distalising tibial tubercle osteotomy
Authors: Dan Michael J , Walsh William R , Cross Mervyn J , Caldwell Bruce
Published: July 2019

Patella tendinopathy condition is often resistant to conservative treatment. We report a case of patella tendinopathy treated by distalisation of the tibial tubercle with excellent long-term result.
Prenatal diagnosis of a bundle branch block based on the fetal ECG
Authors: Noben Lore , Clur Sally-Ann , van Laar Judith OEH , Vullings Rik
Published: July 2019

A non-invasive fetal ECG was performed on a 36-year-old pregnant woman at 24+6 weeks of gestation as part of ongoing clinical research. A paediatric cardiologist suspected an incomplete bundle branch block based on the averaged ECGs from the recording. The characteristic terminal R’ wave was present in multiple leads of the fetal ECGs. A fetal anomaly scan had been performed at 20 weeks of gestation and showed no abnormalities. An incomplete right bundle branch block was confirmed on an ECG recorded at the age of 2 years. This case shows the possibility of novel non-invasive fetal ECG technology as an adjunct to the diagnosis of fetal cardiac anomalies in the future.
Trends in mental health related contacts among mothers of Aboriginal children in Western Australia (1990–2013): a linked data population-based cohort study of over 40 000 children
Authors: Lima Fernando , Shepherd Carrington , Wong Janice , O’Donnell Melissa , Marriott Rhonda
Published: July 2019

Objective

This study examines the scale of maternal mental health related contacts among Australian Aboriginal children over time, and associations with socio-economic characteristics, geographical remoteness and maternal age.

Design

A retrospective cohort study of the prevalence of maternal mental health related contacts among Aboriginal children born in Western Australia between 1990 and 2013.

Setting

Population of Western Australia with de-identified linked administrative data from the Western Australian Department of Health.

Participants

All Aboriginal children born in Western Australia between 1990 and 2013 and their mothers.

Primary outcome measure

Prevalence of maternal mental health related contacts among Aboriginal children born between 1990 and 2013. Mental health related contacts were identified using mental health related inpatient hospitalisations and outpatient contacts.

Results

Almost 30% of cohort children were born to a mother with at least one mental health contact in the 5 years prior to birth, with 15% reported in the year prior to birth and the year post birth. There was a distinct increase in the prevalence of maternal mental health contacts between 1990 and 2013 (4–5% per year, with a peak in 2007). Maternal mental health contacts were associated with living in more disadvantaged areas and major cities, and having a mother aged over 20 years at birth.

Conclusions

The study affirms that mental health issues place a considerable burden on Aboriginal Australia, and suggests that many of the mental health issues that women develop earlier in life are chronic at the time of conception, during pregnancy and at birth. Early intervention and support for women in the earliest stages of family planning are required to alleviate the burden of mental health problems at birth and after birth. There is a clear need for policies on the development of a holistic healthcare model, with a multisector approach, offering culturally appropriate services for Aboriginal people.
Mental health of UK Members of Parliament in the House of Commons: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Poulter Daniel , Votruba Nicole , Bakolis Ioannis , Debell Frances , Das-Munshi Jayati , Thornicroft Graham
Published: July 2019

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to assess (1) the overall mental health of Members of Parliament (MPs) and (2) awareness among MPs of the mental health support services available to them in Parliament.

Design

An anonymous self-completed online cross-sectional survey was conducted in December 2016.

Setting

56th UK House of Commons.

Participants

All 650 members of the 56th UK House of Commons were invited to participate; 146 MPs (23%) completed the survey.

Outcomes

The General Health Questionnaire-12 was used to assess age- and sex-standardised prevalence of probable common mental disorders (CMD). Results were compared with a nationally representative survey, the Health Survey for England (HSE) 2014. Core demographic questions, MPs’ awareness of available mental health services, their willingness to discuss mental health issues with party Whips and fellow MPs and the effects of employment outside Parliament were assessed.

Results

Comparison of MP respondents with HSE comparator groups found that MPs have higher rates of mental health problems (age- and sex-standardised prevalence of probable CMD in 49 surveyed MPs 34% (95% CI 27% to 42%) versus 17% (95% CI 13% to 21%) in the high-income comparison group). Survey respondents were younger, more likely to be female and more educated compared with all MPs. 77% of MPs (n=112) did not know how to access in-house mental health support. 52% (n=76) would not discuss their mental health with party Whips or other MPs (48%; n=70).

Conclusions

MPs in the study sample had higher rates of mental health problems than rates seen in the whole English population or comparable occupational groups. Most surveyed MPs are unaware of mental health support services or how to access them. Our findings represent a relatively small sample of MPs. There is a need for MPs to have better awareness of, and access to, mental health support.
Labour room violence in Uttar Pradesh, India: evidence from longitudinal study of pregnancy and childbirth
Authors: Goli Srinivas , Ganguly Dibyasree , Chakravorty Swastika , Siddiqui Mohammad Zahid , Ram Harchand , Rammohan Anu , Acharya Sanghmitra Sheel
Published: July 2019

Objectives

The major objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of labour room violence (LRV) (one of the forms of obstetric violence) faced by the women during the time of delivery in Uttar Pradesh (UP) (the largest populous state of India which is also considered to be a microcosm of India). Furthermore, this study also analyses the association between prevalence of obstetric violence and socioeconomic characteristics of the respondents.

Design

The study was longitudinal in design with the first visit to women made at the time of first trimester. The second visit was made at the time of second trimester and the last visit was made after the delivery. However, we have continuously tracked women over phone to keep record of developments and adverse consequences.

Settings

Urban and rural areas of UP, India.

Participants

Sample of 504 pregnant women was systematically selected from the Integrated Child Development Scheme Register of pregnant women.

Outcome

We aimed to assess the levels and determinants of LRV using data collected from 504 pregnant women in a longitudinal survey conducted in UP, India. The dataset comprised three waves of survey from the inception of pregnancy to childbirth and postnatal care. Logistic regression model has been used to assess the association between prevalence of LRV faced by the women at the time of delivery and their background characteristics.

Result

About 15.12% of women are facing LRV in UP, India. Results from logistic regression model (OR) show that LRV is higher among Muslim women (OR 1.8, 95% CI 0.7 to 4.3) relative to Hindu women (OR 1). The prevalence of LRV is higher among lower castes relative to general category, and is higher among those women who have no mass media exposure (OR 4.7, 95% CI 1.7 to 12.8) compared with those who have (OR 1).

Conclusion

In comparison with global evidence, the level of LRV in India is high. Women from socially disadvantaged communities are facing higher LRV than their counterparts.
Risk of Psychiatric Disorders in Pulmonary Embolism: A Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Tzeng Nian-Sheng , Chung Chi-Hsiang , Chang Shan-Yueh , Yeh Chin-Bin , Lu Ru-Band , Chang Hsin-An , Kao Yu-Chen , Chou Yu-Ching , Yeh Hui-Wen , Chien Wu-Chien
Published: July 2019

This study aims to investigate the association between pulmonary embolism (PE) and the risk of psychiatric disorders. A total of 21,916 patients aged ≥20 years with PE between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2015, were selected from the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan, along with 65,748 (1:3) controls matched for sex and age. Cox regression model revealed the crude HR was 1.539 (95% CI 1.481 to 1.599; p<0.001), and after adjusting all the covariates, the adjusted HR was 1.704 (95% CI 1.435 to 1.991, p<0.001), for the risk of psychiatric disorders in the PE cohort. PE was associated with the overall psychiatric disorders, dementia, anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders, after the exclusion of the psychiatric diagnoses in the first year. PE was associated with the overall psychiatric disorders, dementia, anxiety, and depression, after the exclusion of the psychiatric diagnoses in the first 5 years. The patients with PE were associated with psychiatric disorders. This finding could serve as a reminder to the physicians to be more watchful and aware in the long-term follow-up of patients with PE for their care and potential mental health problems.
Flow diverters as a scaffold for treating direct carotid cavernous fistulas
Authors: Baranoski Jacob F , Ducruet Andrew F , Przbylowski Colin J , Almefty Rami O , Ding Dale , Catapano Joshua S , Brigeman Scott , Fredrickson Vance L , Cavalcanti Daniel D , Albuquerque Felipe C
Published: July 2019

Background

Direct carotid–cavernous sinus fistulas (dCCFs) are high flow arteriovenous shunts between the internal carotid artery and the cavernous sinus. Recently, we have used the pipeline embolization device (PED) to treat dCCFs.

Methods

We describe our experience treating patients with dCCFs in whom the PED was placed as the primary treatment modality.

Results

Five patients with dCCFs were treated with PEDs deployed in the ipsilateral internal carotid artery spanning the fistula. All patients also underwent either adjunctive transvenous or transarterial embolization. The PED served both as the primary treatment modality and as a scaffold that facilitated safe and efficacious transvenous embolysate administration by altering the flow dynamics through the fistula and providing a physical barrier that protected the internal carotid artery. No intraoperative or perioperative complications occurred. One of the five patients exhibited complete angiographic resolution of the fistula immediately after the procedure. The remaining four patients experienced complete obliteration of the fistula without additional treatment, which suggests that the PED induced alteration promoted thrombosis of the fistula. Therefore, 100% of patients in this series exhibited complete and durable obliteration of the fistula and complete resolution of symptoms following treatment.

Conclusions

We believe that use of the PED to treat dCCFs may be a safe and efficacious strategy that facilitates parent vessel protection during transvenous embolization. Furthermore, the flow alterations induced by the PED may promote thrombosis of incompletely occluded fistulas. This is the largest reported series of non-iatrogenic dCCFs treated with use of the PED as the primary initial treatment strategy.
Finite element analysis of mixed-in-place (MIP) columns supporting excavations in slopes considering tension-softening
Authors: Choosrithong Kamchai , Schweiger Helmut F. , Marte Roman
Published: July 2019

The use of mixed-in-place (MIP) columns can be considered as an attractive alternative to sheet pile, diaphragm or bored pile walls for supporting deep excavations, even in difficult ground conditions. In this paper, results from a numerical study based on a case history are presented, where MIP columns are used to support an excavation in a slope. The special feature of this project is that tied-back anchors were not feasible as an additional support measure because structural elements were not allowed to be installed within the neighbouring ground. Thus, the MIP columns were placed in such a way that they formed an arch, including buttresses capable of transferring the load acting on the backside of the wall into the ground. In this study, an advanced constitutive model for the MIP columns is applied to capture the development of possible cracking. Variations in geometry have been performed to investigate the potential for optimization. Finally, some analyses have been conducted to show that a design of such structures compatible with Eurocode 7 requirements is perfectly feasible by means of the finite element method.
Effect of peptidases secreted by the opportunistic pathogen Scedosporium aurantiacum on human epithelial cells
Authors: Han Zhiping , Kautto Liisa , Meyer Wieland , Chen Sharon C.-A. , Nevalainen Helena
Published: July 2019

Peptidases secreted by a clinical high-virulence Scedosporium aurantiacum isolate (strain WM 06.482; CBS 136046) under normoxic and hypoxic conditions were separated via size-exclusion chromatography, and peptidase activities present in each fraction were determined using class-specific substrates. The fractions demonstrating peptidase activity were assessed for their effects on the attachment and viability of A549 human lung epithelial cells in vitro. Of the peptidases detected in the size-exclusion chromatography fractions, the elastase-like peptidase reduced cell viability, the chymotrypsin-like peptidase was associated with cell detachment, and the cysteine peptidases were able to abolish both cell attachment and viability. The loss of cell viability and attachment became more prominent with an increase in the peptidase activity and could also be specifically prevented by addition of class-specific peptidase inhibitors. Our findings indicate that peptidases secreted by S. aurantiacum can breach the human alveolar epithelial cell barrier and, thus, may have a role in the pathobiology of the organism.
Realizing interactions between dark matter and dark energy using k-essence cosmology
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Abhijit , Chatterjee Anirban
Published: July 2019

In this paper, we exploit dynamics of a [Formula: see text]-essence scalar field to realize interactions between dark components of universe resulting in an evolution consistent with observed features of late-time phase of cosmic evolution. Stress–energy tensor corresponding to a [Formula: see text]-essence Lagrangian [Formula: see text] (where [Formula: see text]) is shown to be equivalent to an ideal fluid with two components having same equation of state. Stress–energy tensor of one of the components may be generated from a constant potential [Formula: see text]-essence Lagrangian of form [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text] constant) and that of other from another Lagrangian of form [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text]. We have shown that the unified dynamics of dark matter and dark energy described by a single scalar field [Formula: see text] driven by a [Formula: see text]-essence Lagrangian [Formula: see text] may be viewed in terms of diffusive interactions between the two hypothetical fluid components “1” and “2” with stress–energy tensors equivalent to that of Lagrangians [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], respectively. The energy transfer between the fluid components is determined by functions [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and their derivatives. Such a realization is shown to be consistent with the Supernova Ia data with certain constraints on the temporal behavior of [Formula: see text]-essence potential [Formula: see text]. We have described a methodology to obtain such constraints.
Analysis of the D̄Σc, D̄Σc∗, D̄∗Σc and D̄∗Σc∗ pentaquark molecular states with QCD sum rules
Authors: Wang Zhi-Gang
Published: July 2019

In this paper, we study the [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] pentaquark molecular states with the QCD sum rules by carrying out the operator product expansion up to the vacuum condensates of dimension [Formula: see text] in a consistent way. The present calculations support assigning the [Formula: see text] to be the [Formula: see text] pentaquark molecular state with [Formula: see text], assigning the [Formula: see text] to be the [Formula: see text] pentaquark molecular state with [Formula: see text], assigning the [Formula: see text] to be the [Formula: see text] pentaquark molecular state with [Formula: see text] or the [Formula: see text] pentaquark molecular state with [Formula: see text]. Special attention is paid to the operator product expansion.
Parametrization of the Yukawa matrix in the scotogenic model and single-zero textures of the neutrino mass matrix
Authors: Kitabayashi Teruyuki
Published: July 2019

As the first topic, we propose a new parametrization of the complex Yukawa matrix in the scotogenic model. The new parametrization is compatible with the particle data group parametrization of the neutrino sector. Some analytical expressions for the neutrino masses with the new parametrization are shown. As the second topic, we consider the phenomenology of the scotogenic model with the one-zero-textures of the neutrino flavor mass matrix. One of the six patterns of the neutrino mass matrix is favorable for the real Yukawa matrix. On the other hand, for the complex Yukawa matrix, five of the six patterns are compatible with observations of the neutrino oscillations, dark matter relic abundance and branching ratio of the [Formula: see text] process.