bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of two different doses of oral vitamin D supplementation on inflammatory biomarkers and maternal and neonatal outcomes
Authors: Motamed Soudabe , Nikooyeh Bahareh , Kashanian Maryam , Hollis Bruce W. , Neyestani Tirang R.
Published: June 2019

Hypovitaminosis D during pregnancy is suggested to have a link with complications in both mother and infant. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of two doses of vitamin D3 supplementation during pregnancy on maternal and cord blood vitamin D status, inflammatory biomarkers, and maternal and neonatal outcomes. A total of 84 pregnant women (gestational age of <12 weeks) were randomly allocated to one of two groups: (a) 1,000‐IU/d vitamin D and (b) 2,000 IU/d. Biochemical assessments (25‐hydroxycalciferol (25(OH)D), hs‐CRP, and cell‐culture supernatant concentrations of IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α) of mothers were performed at the beginning and 34 weeks of gestation. Assessments of infants at delivery comprised cord blood serum concentrations of 25(OH)D, hs‐CRP, IL‐1β, IL‐6, TNF‐α, birth sizes, and Apgar score. Circulating concentrations of 25(OH)D increased in both intervention groups with more increment in 2,000 IU/d than in 1,000 IU/d (46.7 ± 30.7 vs. 24.0 ± 21.07 nmol L−1, P = .001). Concentrations of TNF‐α decreased significantly in group 2,000 (−913.1 ± 1261.3 ng L−1, P = .01). The cord blood concentration of IL‐6 in group 2,000 IU/d, compared with 1,000 IU/d, was significantly lower (25.9 ± 32.0 vs. 4.6 ± 1.4 ng L−1, P = .03). The birth sizes including weight, length, and head circumference of the infants of group 2,000 IU/d were significantly higher than the infants' of group 1,000 IU/d. Supplementation with 2,000‐IU/d vitamin D3 is more effective than 1,000 IU/d in pregnant women in terms of increasing circulating 25(OH)D, ameliorating pro‐inflammatory markers notably TNF‐α in mother and IL‐6 in cord blood, and improving neonatal outcomes including the birth sizes.
Loss‐of‐function mutations in the melanocortin 1 receptor cause disruption of dorso‐ventral countershading in teleost fish
Authors: Cal Laura , Suarez‐Bregua Paula , Braasch Ingo , Irion Uwe , Kelsh Robert , Cerdá‐Reverter Jose Miguel , Rotllant Josep
Published: June 2019

The melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) is the central melanocortin receptor involved in vertebrate pigmentation. Mutations in this gene cause variations in coat coloration in amniotes. Additionally, in mammals MC1R is the main receptor for agouti‐signaling protein (ASIP), making it the critical receptor for the establishment of dorsal‐ventral countershading. In fish, Mc1r is also involved in pigmentation, but it has been almost exclusively studied in relation to melanosome dispersion activity and as a putative genetic factor involved in dark/light adaptation. However, its role as the crucial component for the Asip1‐dependent control of dorsal‐ventral pigmentation remains unexplored. Using CRISPR/Cas9, we created mc1r homozygous knockout zebrafish and found that loss‐of‐function of mc1r causes a reduction of countershading and a general paling of the animals. We find ectopic development of melanophores and xanthophores, accompanied by a decrease in iridophore numbers in the ventral region of mc1r mutants. We also reveal subtle differences in the role of mc1r in repressing pigment cell development between the skin and scale niches in ventral regions.
Bullying bystander behaviors: The role of coping effectiveness and the moderating effect of gender
Authors: Parris Leandra , Jungert Tomas , Thornberg Robert , Varjas Kris , Meyers Joel , Grunewald Stephanie , Shriberg David
Published: June 2019

Researchers have suggested that bystander behaviors and victim coping play an important role in counteracting the negative effects of bullying. The current study investigated the relationship between students’ ratings of coping effectiveness when addressing bullying and their behaviors as bystanders when witnessing bullying. Surveys were administered in a Midwestern, suburban school district. Some associations between perceptions of coping effectiveness and bystander behavior supported our hypotheses (e.g., constructive coping associated with defending bystander behaviors, externalizing associated with pro‐bullying behaviors). However, some findings did not support hypothesized relationships. For example, higher ratings of effectiveness for cognitive distancing as a coping strategy were associated with increased defending behaviors as a bystander. Gender moderated some of these relationships. Pro‐bullying bystander behavior was associated with increased ratings of cognitive distancing and decreased reports of constructive coping effectiveness for girls. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.
Rotavirus infection following post‐transplantation cyclophosphamide based haploidentical hematopoietic cell transplantation in children is associated with hemophagocytic syndrome and high mortality
Authors: Jaiswal Sarita Rani , Bhakuni Prakash , Chakrabarti Aditi , Chakrabarti Suparno
Published: June 2019

We evaluated the incidences and consequences of rotavirus induced diarrhea in a cohort of 115 patients undergoing T‐cell replete haploidentical transplantation. Four out of 115 patients developed rotavirus‐induced diarrhea between 47 and 147 days. The incidence of rotavirus infection was 9.7% in children compared to none in adults (P = .01). This was 25.3% in those with GVHD compared to 1.2% in those without GVHD (P = .001). Rotavirus infection was followed by post–transplantation hemophagocytic syndrome (PTHPS) at a median of 4 days (range, 3‐10 days) in all four patients. Three patients succumbed to the complications related to PTHPS. Only one patient, who is long‐term survivor, was able to eliminate this virus after 2 weeks. Children undergoing T‐replete haploidentical hematopoietic cell transplantation who develop GVHD are at a higher risk of community‐acquired rotavirus infection which was strongly associated with PTHPS with poor outcome.
Hepatozoon canis infection causing a strong monocytosis with intra‐monocytic gamonts and leading to erroneous leukocyte determinations
Authors: Lilliehöök Inger , Tvedten Harold W. , Pettersson Helena K. , Baneth Gad
Published: June 2019

In this case report, a Swedish flat‐coated retriever was diagnosed with an extensive Hepatozoon canis infection. The dog had a prominent monocytosis (14.0 × 109/L) with H canis gamonts detected in most monocytes, but none were found in the neutrophils. On the hematology system ADVIA 2120 peroxidase (PEROX) cytogram, most leukocytes were seen as a distinct cell population above the lymphocytes, which indicated that most of the cells were larger than lymphocytes and had weak myeloperoxidase staining. This distinct cell cluster appeared to be of a single cell type but was incorrectly divided by the ADVIA 2120 into lymphocytes, monocytes, and large unstained cells (LUC). The total leukocyte counts on the ADVIA 2120 WBC basophil (BASO) channel were much higher than that on the WBC PEROX count. The WBC BASO cytogram appeared abnormal with two parallel cell populations, so the BASO WBC count was considered erroneous. Polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequencing verified H canis infection. The dog was treated with subcutaneous imidocarb dipropionate (6 mg/kg) injections every other week. Post‐treatment hematology analyses indicated that the percentage of parasitized leukocytes decreased from 40% to 5% about 4 weeks after the start of treatment and were not found in any monocytes 6 weeks after the beginning of the treatment. In conclusion, H canis infection in this dog was associated with a strong monocytosis, and gamonts were present in many monocytes, which caused aberrant automated leukocyte counts to occur.
Incidence of bacteriuria at presentation and resulting from urinary catheterization in feline urethral obstruction
Authors: Cooper Edward S. , Lasley Emma , Daniels Joshua B. , Chew Dennis J.
Published: June 2019

Objective

To determine the incidence of bacteriuria at the time of presentation and as a result of indwelling urethral catheterization in naturally occurring feline urethral obstruction (UO).

Design

Prospective observational study.

Setting

University teaching hospital.

Animals

A population of 34 male cats with UO admitted for standard medical care.

Interventions

A presenting urine sample was obtained by cystocentesis (precatheterization). After catheterization (performed under strict aseptic technique), a urine sample was obtained through the urinary catheter every 24 hours, as well as just prior to catheter removal. Urine was applied to culture media within 30 minutes of collection or refrigerated immediately at 4°C for subsequent culture the following morning. Samples positive for growth (defined as > 104colony forming units/mL) had bacterial identification and susceptibility testing performed.

Measurements and Main Results

All 34 cats enrolled had initial culture performed. Of these, 1 patient died and 2 were euthanized within 24 hours and therefore subsequent cultures were obtained. The remaining 31 cats had median catheterization time of 42 hours (range 20–110 hours). No urine cultures yielded growth at presentation (0/34). A total of 4 of 31 patients (13%) subsequently had bacterial cultures that yielded growth. In these cases, all yielded growth by the 24‐hour time point, and all had the same organism identified on subsequent cultures. Identified bacteria includedStreptococcusspp. (3) andPasteurellaspp. (1).

Conclusions

The male cats with UO in this study did not have bacteriuria at the time of presentation. The overall incidence of acquired bacteriuria was found to be 13% and could represent a transient bacterial population or true bacterial urinary tract infection. Based on these findings, empirical administration of antibiotics is not warranted in male cats with UO.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Brown Bennett
Published: June 2019

International Journal of Law and Public Administration (IJLPA) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this Volume. Many authors, regardless of whether IJLPA publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this Volume.Reviewers for Volume 2, Number 1 Allison Jean Ballard, University of Canberra, AustraliaAnca-Iulia Stoian, Spiru Haret University, RomaniaBranko Dimeski, St. Kliment Ohridski University, MacedoniaCarmen Garcimartin, University of A Coruña, SpainDiane M. Hartmus, Oakland University, USAElena Atienza-Macias, UPV/EHU, SpainElias Pereira Lopes Júnior, Universidade Federal do Cariri – UFCA, BrazilGeorge Ndi, University of Huddersfield, UKGustavo Costa de Souza, Federal University of Lavras, BrazilIvan Kosnica, University of Zagreb, CroatiaSabina G. Pavlovska-Hilaiel, Hastings College, USASiyi Lin, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, ChinaTatiana Bachvarova, Special Tribunal for Lebanon, BulgariaThomas Prehi Botchway, Chongqing University, China Best Regards, Bennett BrownEditorial AssistantInternational Journal of Law and Public Administration-------------------------------------------Redfame Publishing9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416Beaverton, OR 97008, USATel: 1-503-828-0536 ext. 511Fax: 1-503-828-0537E-mail: ijlpa@redfame.comURL: http://ijlpa.redfame.com
Incidence, prevalence, risk factors and health consequences of polypharmacy in adults in South Asia: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Khan Nusrat , Chattopadhyay Kaushik , Leonardi-Bee Jo
Published: June 2019

Objective:

The objective of the systematic review is to summarize the incidence, prevalence, risk factors and health consequences of polypharmacy in adults in South Asia.

Introduction:

Several studies have been conducted in South Asia on the incidence, prevalence, risk factors and health consequences of polypharmacy in adults. Until now, no systematic review has been conducted on this topic.

Inclusion criteria:

Related epidemiological studies conducted on adults (aged 18 years and over) and residing in any country within South Asia (i.e. Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka) will be eligible for inclusion.

Methods:

MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, BNI, Web of Science, Scopus and AMED databases will be searched to identify published studies. The search for unpublished studies will be undertaken in EThOS, OpenGrey and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses. Databases will be searched from their inception dates and no language restrictions will be applied. The JBI systematic review methodology will be followed to conduct the review. Data synthesis will be conducted using narrative synthesis and meta-analyses, where appropriate.
Activismo artístico y memoria: el caso de la desaparición de Santiago Maldonado
Authors: Capasso Verónica Cecilia , Burgnone Ana Liza
Published: June 2019

En este artículo, proponemos analizar un corpus de inter- venciones estéticas que a través de diversos soportes y ma- terialidades tuvieron lugar en espacios públicos y en las que se pedían por la aparición con vida de Santiago Maldonado. El 1 de agosto de 2017 desapareció Maldonado en Cushamen, provincia de Chubut, Argentina, en el contexto de desalojo de la comunidad mapuche y de una violenta represión por parte de Gendarmería Nacional Argentina. El caso tuvo rápida reper- cusión local e internacional. Se reclamó su aparición con vida y se sucedieron manifestaciones en todo el país, en las que el recurso artístico adquirió centralidad. A partir del análisis del corpus, arribamos a la conclusión de que las imágenes crea- das construyeron enemigos, responsables de la desaparición forzada (principalmente el Estado, a través de la referencia al presidente Mauricio Macri y a la ministra de Seguridad de la Nación, Patricia Bullrich). Además, la utilización del rostro de Maldonado, derivado de una fotografía, retomó la construcción de la imagen de los desaparecidos argentinos durante la última dictadura cívico-militar, que se constituyó, no solo en el soporte material de la memoria, sino también en una conexión entre los desaparecidos en dictadura y en democracia. Por último, los recursos estéticos, emprendidos por diferentes grupos de la sociedad civil, funcionaron como un repertorio de accio- nes sustanciales para la política desde el punto de vista de la oposición al orden dominante, la visibilización de demandas y las prácticas de solidaridad. Metodológicamente, partimos de una perspectiva interdisciplinaria que nos permite describir y analizar las intervenciones estéticas surgidas en el contexto de diferentes acciones sociales y políticas.
Coordinadoras Culturales: formaciones transversales en Chile durante la dictadura
Authors: Varas Alarcon Paulina , Manzi A. Javiera
Published: June 2019

El presente artículo se enfoca en la experiencia que tuvieron en Chile durante la dictadura cívico-militar las coordinadoras culturales. En el escenario represivo, junto con el clima de censura que se vivía en la época, emergieron formas de ar- ticulación colectiva y transversal que vincularon a diferentes agrupaciones y organizaciones del mundo del arte, la cultura, la defensa a los derechos humanos, sindicatos, grupos de poblaciones y parroquias, para sostener las iniciativas cultu- rales y la lucha antidictatorial que coexistía en ese momento. Los objetivos de esta investigación son contextualizar estas experiencias y entregar información valiosa que permita comprender los tipos de organizaciones que participaron, así como algunas de las actividades que se desarrollaron a lo largo de estos diecisiete años. Esta investigación se realizó a partir de archivos y colecciones particulares que algunos artistas chilenos han conservado. Se ha llevado a cabo un análisis documental de este material, así como la utilización de conceptos teóricos para abordar críticamente tales ma- teriales. Las experiencias de las coordinadoras culturales analizadas en el artículo no presentan estudios precedentes y han sido muy poco referenciadas en el escenario nacional, así, este artículo quiere contribuir con este vacío documental del periodo.
Herederos y herederas del (pos)conflicto armado: subjetivación política y regímenes audiovisuales en tres documentales colombianos
Authors: Cristancho Altuzarra José Gabriel
Published: June 2019

El propósito de este artículo es presentar los resultados de una investigación que buscó identificar algunas características de la cultura política colombiana considerando el contexto de (pos) conflicto armado a partir del análisis de los procesos de subje- tivación política y los regímenes audiovisuales presentes en los documentales Pecados de mi padre (2009), La historia que no contaron (2009) y Pizarro (2016). Para tal fin, se partió de la ca- tegoría hegemonía como un concepto clave para comprender lo político como el ejercicio y la disputa por el poder, lo que se da en la vida cotidiana, y se materializa en las producciones cul- turales y en los procesos de subjetivación. Metodológicamente se consideraron cinco ejes de análisis: la lucha revolucionaria, el paramilitarismo, el narcotráfico, los procesos de paz y la par- ticipación política. Se identificó la configuración de una mirada introspectiva sobre la vida privada de los sujetos, lo que logra politizar la intimidad y la experiencia radical del sujeto. Sin em- bargo, lo social queda en segundo plano, hecho que da cuenta de la existencia de regímenes audiovisuales que fragmentan las formas de ver el conflicto armado. Se deduce entonces que, en el terreno cultural, las élites políticas tradicionales lograron el liderazgo ya que posicionaron audiovisualidades que hacen parte de un sentido común que hace borrosas las condiciones estructurales que impiden un país equitativo y naturalizan esta situación. Sin embargo, la búsqueda subjetiva puede ser condi- ción para la articulación de visiones del mundo alternativas que posibiliten nuevos procesos de subjetivación política.
La emergencia de la ideología de género® en Colombia: preferir un hijo muerto que marica
Authors: Posada Gómez Diego Bernardo
Published: June 2019

Este artículo reflexiona, desde una perspectiva situada en una mirada marica, sobre la emergencia de la ideología de género® en Colombia, en el contexto de los acuerdos de paz entre las Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colom- bia (FARC) y el Gobierno, y paralelamente sobre el caso de asedio homofóbico que llevó al suicidio a Sergio Urrego. Por una parte, se revisa la ideología de género® y se procura rastrear la marca registrada de ese término que se natura- liza, pero que tiene una invención y unos fines particulares, por lo que se decide exponer su símbolo de marca regis- trada: ®. Asimismo, se busca entender el funcionamiento y los usos concretos de la ideología de género® dentro de la campaña del no en el plebiscito de refrendación de los acuerdos de paz de La Habana, de la forma en la que sirvió para amalgamar distintos sectores conservadores contra la perspectiva de género de los acuerdos. Paralelamente, se examina el caso de la muerte de Sergio Urrego, que fue el detonante del uso masivo de la ideología de género®. Se utiliza el concepto de marcos, desarrollado por Judith Butler en Marcos de guerra, para entender la forma en la que, en ciertos contextos, como en el colegio de Sergio Urrego, las vidas no heterosexuales no cuentan como vidas y por tanto no son dignas de ser protegidas.
Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting From Roadways Based on Pavement Compatible Package
Authors: Zhang He , Huang Kangxu , Zhang Zhicheng , Xiang Tao , Quan Liwei
Published: June 2019

Scavenging mechanical energy from the deformation of roadways using piezoelectric energy transformers has been intensively explored and exhibits a promising potential for engineering applications. We propose here a new packaging method that exploits MC nylon and epoxy resin as the main protective materials for the piezoelectric energy harvesting (PEH) device. Wheel tracking tests are performed, and an electromechanical model is developed to double evaluate the efficiency of the PEH device. Results indicate that reducing the embedded depth of the piezoelectric chips may enhance the output power of the PEH device. A simple scaling law is established to show that the normalized output power of the energy harvesting system relies on two combined parameters, i.e., the normalized electrical resistive load and normalized embedded depth. It suggests that the output power of the system may be maximized by properly selecting the geometrical, material, and circuit parameters in a combined manner. This strategy might also provide a useful guideline for optimization of piezoelectric energy harvesting system in practical roadway applications.
An Experimental Study of the Effect of a Turbulence Grid on the Stack Performance of an Air-Cooled Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell
Authors: Shakhshir Saher Al , Gao Xin , Berning Torsten
Published: June 2019

In a previous numerical study on heat and mass transfer in air-cooled proton exchange membrane fuel cells, it was found that the performance is limited by heat transfer to the cathode side air stream that serves as a coolant, and it was proposed to place a turbulence grid before the cathode inlet in order to induce a mixing effect to the air and thereby improve the heat transfer and ultimately increase the limiting current and maximum power density. The current work summarizes experiments with different turbulence grids which varied in terms of their pore size, grid thickness, rib width, angle of the pores, and the distance between the grid and the cathode inlet. For all grids tested in this study, the limiting current density of a Ballard Mark 1020 ACS stack was increased by 20%. The single most important parameter was the distance between the turbulence grid and the cathode inlet, and it should be within 5 mm. For the best grid tested, the fuel cell stack voltage and thus the efficiency were increased by up to 20%. The power density was increased by more than 30% and further improvements are believed to be possible.
A Method for Creating Product Social Impact Models of Engineered Products
Authors: Stevenson Phillip D. , Mattson Christopher A. , Dahlin Eric C.
Published: June 2019

All products impact the lives of their users, this is called social impact. Some social impacts are commonly recognized by the engineering community, such as impacts to a user’s health and safety, while other social impacts can be more difficult to recognize, such as impacts on families and gender roles. When engineers make design decisions, without considering social impacts, they can unknowingly cause negative social impacts. Even harming the user and/or society. Despite its challenges, measuring a program’s or policy’s social impact is a common practice in the field of social sciences. These measurements are made using social impact indicators, which are simply the things observed to verify that true progress is being made. While there are clear benefits to predicting the social impact of an engineered product, it is unclear how engineers should select indicators and build predictive social impact models that are functions of engineering parameters and decisions. This paper introduces a method for selecting social impact indicators and creating predictive social impact models that can help engineers predict and improve the social impact of their products. As a first step in the method, an engineer identifies the product’s users, objectives, and requirements. Then, the social impact categories that are related to the product are determined. From each of these categories, the engineer selects several social impact indicators. Finally, models are created for each indicator to predict how a product’s parameters will change these indicators. The impact categories and indicators can be translated into product requirements and performance measures that can be used in product development processes. This method is used to predict the social impact of the proposed, expanded U.S. Mexico border wall.
High-yield fabrication method for high-frequency graphene devices using titanium sacrificial layers
Authors: Theofanopoulos Panagiotis C. , Ageno Scott , Guo Yuqi , Kale Suneet , Wang Qing Hua , Trichopoulos Georgios C.
Published: June 2019

The authors present a fabrication process for the development of high-frequency (>30 GHz) on-wafer graphene devices with the use of titanium sacrificial layers. Graphene patterning requires chemical processes that have deleterious effects on graphene resulting in very low yield. The authors prevent delamination of the delicate graphene from the substrate during the fabrication steps by depositing a blanketing 30 nm titanium layer at the beginning of the process. Additionally, titanium is a low cost, hazardless, and well-established material in the semiconductor industry and, therefore, constitutes an attractive solution for graphene protection. With the proposed blanketing approach, the authors obtain more than 90% device yield, allowing the development of graphene-based reconfigurable, large-area, high-frequency topologies such as antenna arrays. Without the use of this titanium sacrificial layer, they show that the expected yield plummets. In addition, they validate the proposed fabrication procedure through on-wafer measurements in the 220–330 GHz range.
Analysis on scattering characteristics of Love-type wave due to surface irregularity in a piezoelectric structure
Authors: Negi Anil , Kumar Singh Abhishek
Published: June 2019

Surface irregularity in piezoelectric sensors causes scattering of Love-type waves, which may lead to significant signal insertion loss. Also, as the reflected wave field in the piezoelectric sensor is increased due to surface irregularity, the input interdigital transducer (IDT) can be damaged. The present analysis confers the characteristics of Love-type waves scattered through surface irregularity in piezoelectric composite structures with different shaped surface irregularity, e.g., rectangular shaped, parabolic shaped, and triangular notch shaped. The expressions of phase and group velocities of scattered Love-type waves are derived for electrically open and short conditions. Also, expressions of mechanical displacement and electrical potential function due to incident and scattered Love-type waves are deduced for both electrical conditions. It is reported from the analysis that the increase in vertical irregularity parameter causes stronger reflected wave fields. Also, with the increase in piezoelectricity of the superficial layer, signal insertion loss and strength of reflected wave field diminish.
Role of initial magnetic disorder: A time-dependent ab initio study of ultrafast demagnetization mechanisms
Authors: Chen Zhanghui , Wang Lin-Wang
Published: June 2019

We investigate laser-induced ultrafast demagnetization of ferromagnetic systems for high-speed data processing and storage.
Architecting highly hydratable polymer networks to tune the water state for solar water purification
Authors: Zhou Xingyi , Zhao Fei , Guo Youhong , Rosenberger Brian , Yu Guihua
Published: June 2019

Highly hydratable light-absorbing hydrogels with reduced water vaporization energy promote efficient solar water purification.
ATP release drives heightened immune responses associated with hypertension
Authors: Zhao Tuantuan V. , Li Yu , Liu Xiaoli , Xia Shudong , Shi Peng , Li Li , Chen Zexin , Yin Chunyou , Eriguchi Masahiro , Chen Yayu , Bernstein Ellen A. , Giani Jorge F. , Bernstein Kenneth E. , Shen Xiao Z.
Published: June 2019

Hypertension promotes ATP release from erythrocytes, leading to a P2X7-dependent increase in T cell–mediated immune responses.
Acquisition of Cross-Resistance to Bedaquiline and Clofazimine following Treatment for Tuberculosis in Pakistan
Authors: Ghodousi Arash , Rizvi Alamdar Hussain , Baloch Aurangzaib Quadir , Ghafoor Abdul , Khanzada Faisal Masood , Qadir Mehmood , Borroni Emanuele , Trovato Alberto , Tahseen Sabira , Cirillo Daniela Maria
Published: June 2019

We report on the first six cases of acquired resistance to bedaquiline in Pakistan. Seventy sequential isolates from 30 drug-resistant-tuberculosis patients on bedaquiline-containing regimens were retrospectively tested for bedaquiline resistance by MIC testing and by the detection of mutations in relevant genes. We documented cases failing therapy that developed specific mutations in
Rv0678
and had increased MICs associated with cross-resistance to clofazimine during treatment.
The Nucleoprotein and Phosphoprotein Are Major Determinants of the Virulence of Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia Virus in Rainbow Trout
Authors: Vakharia Vikram N. , Li Jie , McKenney Douglas G. , Kurath Gael
Published: June 2019

Rainbow trout farming is a major food source industry worldwide that has suffered great economic losses due to host jumps of fish rhabdovirus pathogens, followed by evolution of dramatic increases in trout-specific virulence. However, the genetic determinants of host jumps and increased virulence in rainbow trout are unknown for any fish rhabdovirus. Previous attempts to identify the viral genes containing trout virulence determinants of viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV) have not been successful. We show here that, somewhat surprisingly, the viral nucleocapsid (N) and phosphoprotein (P) genes together contain the determinants responsible for trout virulence in VHSV. This suggests a novel host-specific virulence mechanism involving the viral polymerase and a host component. This differs from the known virulence mechanisms of mammalian rhabdoviruses based on the viral P or M (matrix) protein.
Treatment of pulmonary blastomycosis with high-dose liposomal amphotericin B in a patient receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Servais Ryan , Ammar Mahmoud A , Gurnani Payal K
Published: June 2019

Blastomycosis-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) has a rare incidence. We report the case of a 29-year-old man with blastomycosis-associated ARDS receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and managed with high-dose liposomal amphotericin B. This case illustrates the importance of timely diagnosis of pulmonary blastomycosis and appropriate dosing of antifungal therapy.
Hypotensive efficacy of topical brimonidine for intraocular pressure spikes following intravitreal injections of antivascular endothelial growth factor agents: a randomised crossover trial
Authors: Felfeli Tina , Hostovsky Avner , Trussart Rachel , Yan Peng , Brent Michael H , Mandelcorn Efrem D
Published: June 2019

Purpose

To determine the effect of topical brimonidine tartrate prophylaxis on intraocular pressure (IOP) spikes following intravitreal injection of antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents.

Methods

This is a randomised crossover trial of consecutive non-glaucomatous eyes receiving intravitreal anti-VEGF injections between December 2016 and July 2017. All eyes were randomly assigned to no prophylaxis or topical brimonidine tartrate 0.15 % administered 20 min prior to injection in one of two consecutive visits. Measurements of IOP were obtained immediately (T0), 10 min (T10) and 20 min (T20) after injection during the visits with and without prophylaxis.

Results

Among the 58 eyes of 55 patients (116 visits), the mean (SD) age was 74.3 (11.6), and 62% were female. The mean baseline IOP was 15.3 (2.3) mm Hg (range: 11–20). On average, the immediate postinjection IOP during the visit without prophylaxis was 41.6 (12) mm Hg (range: 17–81). Compared with no prophylaxis, the visit with preadministered topical brimonidine tartrate had a lower IOP at T0 (p<0.001), T10 (p=0.001) and T20 (p=0.043), and a smaller proportion of eyes with IOP elevation of greater than 20 mm Hg from preinjection (p=0.002) and IOP greater than 50 mm Hg at T0 (p=0.036). Without prophylaxis, two eyes (two patients) had an IOP of greater than 70 mm Hg at T0 and thus underwent anterior chamber paracentesis.

Conclusion

Topical brimonidine tartrate prophylaxis for intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF agents effectively reduces IOP spikes in non-glaucomatous eyes and may be easily incorporated into ophthalmologists’ current practice.

Trial registration number

NCT03513172
Dietary intake and eating patterns of young children with type 1 diabetes achieving glycemic targets
Authors: Seckold Rowen , Howley Peter , King Bruce R , Bell Kirstine , Smith Angela , Smart Carmel E
Published: June 2019

Introduction

Young children with type 1 diabetes (T1D) consume more saturated fat and less fruit and vegetables than recommended. A common challenge in this age group is unpredictable appetite potentially impacting the way parents manage diabetes cares at mealtimes. This small study aimed to assess nutritional intake and mealtime routines of young children with T1D in a clinic where the majority of children were achieving glycemic targets. A secondary aim was to explore association of eating pattern with HbA1c.

Methods

A retrospective, cross-sectional review of children aged less than 7.0 years with T1D attending a pediatric diabetes service in Australia was performed (n=24). Baseline characteristics, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), a 3-day weighed food diary and a mealtime management survey were collected.

Results

Twenty-two children (55% male) were included aged 4.9±1.3 years (mean±SD), HbA1c 47±10 mmol/mol (6.4%±0.9%), body mass index Z-score 0.8±0.9 and diabetes duration 1.7±1.1 years. Preprandial insulin use was reported in 95% of children. Macronutrient distribution (% energy intake) was carbohydrate (48%±4%), protein (16%±2%) and fat (33%±5%) with saturated fat (15%±3%). The majority of children did not meet vegetable and lean meat/protein intake recommendations (0% and 28%, respectively). HbA1c was not correlated with daily total carbohydrate, protein or fat intake (p>0.05). HbA1c was significantly higher in children offered food in a grazing pattern compared with those offered regular meals (mean 61 mmol/mol vs 43 mmol/mol (7.7% vs 6.1%), p=0.01).

Conclusions

Dietary quality is a concern in young children with T1D with excessive saturated fat and inadequate vegetable intake. Our results suggest that young children meeting glycemic targets give insulin before meals and follow a routine eating pattern.
Nutrient composition databases in the age of big data: foodDB, a comprehensive, real-time database infrastructure
Authors: Harrington Richard Andrew , Adhikari Vyas , Rayner Mike , Scarborough Peter
Published: June 2019

Objectives

Traditional methods for creating food composition tables struggle to cope with the large number of products and the rapid pace of change in the food and drink marketplace. This paper introduces foodDB, a big data approach to the analysis of this marketplace, and presents analyses illustrating its research potential.

Design

foodDB has been used to collect data weekly on all foods and drinks available on six major UK supermarket websites since November 2017. As of June 2018, foodDB has 3 193 171 observations of 128 283 distinct food and drink products measured at multiple timepoints.

Methods

Weekly extraction of nutrition and availability data of products was extracted from the webpages of the supermarket websites. This process was automated with a codebase written in Python.

Results

Analyses using a single weekly timepoint of 97 368 total products in March 2018 identified 2699 ready meals and pizzas, and showed that lower price ready meals had significantly lower levels of fat, saturates, sugar and salt (p<0.001). Longitudinal analyses of 903 pizzas revealed that 10.8% changed their nutritional formulation over 6 months, and 29.9% were either discontinued or new market entries.

Conclusions

foodDB is a powerful new tool for monitoring the food and drink marketplace, the comprehensive sampling and granularity of collection provides power for revealing analyses of the relationship between nutritional quality and marketing of branded foods, timely observation of product reformulation and other changes to the food marketplace.
Reciprocal relationship between psychosocial work stress and quality of life: the role of gender and education from the longitudinal study of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe
Authors: Lu Ya-Ke , Qiao Ya-Mei , Liang Xiao , Yao Wu , Yan Zhen , Wang Hui-Xin , Pei Jin-Jing
Published: June 2019

Objective

To investigate the reciprocal relationship between psychosocial work stress and quality of life (QoL) and to examine whether the relationship can be moderated by gender or education.

Design

Longitudinal, population-based study.

Setting

The Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE).

Participants

The study population was derived from the SHARE, and there were 2006 participants with good QoL at baseline, 1109 with high job control and 1072 with high job reward, respectively, who were followed up for 2 years to detect incidence of poor QoL, low job control and low job reward.

Main outcome measures

Logistic regression models were employed to explore the reciprocal relationship between psychological work stress and QoL. Stratification analyses by gender and education were performed.

Results

Participants with low reward (OR=1.53, 95% CI 1.26 to 1.88) and low control (OR=1.40, 95% CI 1.14 to 1.71) at baseline were at higher risk of poor QoL over the 2-year follow-up. The combination of low reward and low control further increased the risk (OR=1.90, 95% CI 1.46 to 2.48). Stratified analyses revealed that these associations were more pronounced among those who had high levels of education. Further, individuals with poor QoL were at significantly higher risk of having low reward (OR=2.14, 95% CI 1.55 to 2.96) but not low control (OR=1.33, 95% CI0.98 to 1.79) at the 2-year follow-up, especially among those who had medium levels of education. No gender differences were found.

Conclusions

There is a reciprocal relationship between psychological work stress and poor QoL. Education may play an important role in the relationship.
Correlations of chlamydia and gonorrhoea among pharyngeal, rectal and urethral sites among Thai men who have sex with men: multicentre community-led test and treat cohort in Thailand
Authors: Hiransuthikul Akarin , Sungsing Thanthip , Jantarapakde Jureeporn , Trachunthong Deondara , Mills Stephen , Vannakit Ravipa , Phanuphak Praphan , Phanuphak Nittaya
Published: June 2019

Objective

Routine screening forChlamydia trachomatis(CT) andNeisseria gonorrhoeae(NG) infections in sexually exposed anatomical sites may be challenging in resource-limited settings. The objective of this study was to determine the proportion of missed CT/NG diagnoses if a single anatomical site screening was performed among men who have sex with men (MSM) by examining the pattern of anatomical sites of CT/NG infections.

Methods

Thai MSM were enrolled to the community-led test and treat cohort. Screening for CT/NG infections was performed from pharyngeal swab, rectal swab and urine using nucleic acid amplification testing. The correlations of CT/NG among the three anatomical sites were analysed.

Results

Among 1610 MSM included in the analysis, 21.7% had CT and 15.5% had NG infection at any anatomical site. Among those tested negative for CT or NG infection at either pharyngeal, rectal or urethral site, 8%–19% had CT infection and 7%–12% had NG infection at the remaining two sites. Of the total 349 CT infections, 85.9%, 30.6% and 67.8% would have been missed if only pharyngeal, rectal or urethral screening was performed, respectively. Of the total 249 NG infection, 55.7%, 39.6% and 77.4% would have been missed if only pharyngeal, rectal or urethral screening was performed, respectively. The majority of each anatomical site of CT/NG infection was isolated to their respective site, with rectal site having the highest proportion of isolation: 78.9% of rectal CT and 62.7% of rectal NG infection.

Conclusions

A high proportion of CT/NG infections would be missed if single anatomical site screening was performed among MSM. All-site screening is highly recommended, but if not feasible, rectal screening provides the highest yield of CT/NG diagnoses. Effort in lowering the cost of the CT/NG screening test or developing affordable molecular technologies for CT/NG detection is needed for MSM in resource-limited settings.

Trial Registration Number

NCT03580512; Results.
Cohort profile: Finnish Health and Early Life Microbiota (HELMi) longitudinal birth cohort
Authors: Korpela Katri , Dikareva Evgenia , Hanski Eveliina , Kolho Kaija-Leena , de Vos Willem M , Salonen Anne
Published: June 2019

Purpose

HELMi (Health and Early Life Microbiota) is a longitudinal, prospective general population birth cohort, set up to identify environmental, lifestyle and genetic factors that modify the intestinal microbiota development in the first years of life and their relation to child health and well-being.

Participants

The HELMi cohort consists of 1055 healthy term infants born in 2016–2018 mainly at the capital region of Finland and their parents. The intestinal microbiota development of the infants is characterised based on nine, strategically selected, faecal samples and connected to extensive online questionnaire-collected metadata at weekly to monthly intervals focusing on the diet, other exposures and family’s lifestyle as well as the health and growth of the child. Motor and cognitive developmental screening takes place at 18 months. Infant’s DNA sample, mother’s breast milk sample and both parent’s spot faecal samples have been collected.

Findings to date

The mean age of the mothers was 32.8 (SD 4.1) and fathers/coparents 34.8 (5.3) years at the time of enrolment. Seventeen percentage (n=180) of the infants were born by caesarean section. Just under half (49%) were firstborns; 50.7% were males. At 3 months of age, 86% of the babies were exclusively breastfed and 2% exclusively formula-fed.

Future plans

The current follow-up from pregnancy to first 24 months will be completed in March 2020, totalling to over 10 000 biological samples and over 50 000 questionnaire entries. The results are expected to identify environmental and host factors that affect early gut microbiota development and health, and hence give indications of how to prevent or reverse microbiota perturbations in infancy. This prospective cohort will be followed up further to identify how the early microbiota relates to later health outcomes, especially weight gain, infections and allergic and other chronic diseases.

Trial registration number

NCT03996304; Pre-results.
Mortality during marathons: a narrative review of the literature
Authors: Dayer Mark Jeremy , Green Ian
Published: June 2019

Background

Millions of community-dwelling individuals run marathons each year. There are infrequent deaths, which are often reported widely, and may create unnecessary alarm about the potential risks. Equally, sensible planning for such eventualities is important when staging an event.

Objective

The aim of the review was to determine the risk of death from running a marathon and the likely location of such deaths in order to inform the public of the likely risks and improve planning for such events.

Design

Narrative review.

Data sources

Primary: PubMed. Secondary: contact was made with the organisers and medical teams of specific marathons and online data sought where necessary.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

Studies had to report the number of participants and deaths during, or within 24 hours of completing the marathon. Results relevant to half marathons or ultramarathons or other endurance events, such as triathlons, were not included. Deaths due to terrorist activity were not included.

Results

The risk of death estimated by these studies was approximately 0.67 per 100 000 finishers, that is, 1 death per 149 968 participants. From those studies that reported deaths by sex, the rate of male deaths was 0.98/100 000 (1 per 102 503) vs 0.41/100 000 (1 per 243 879) in females. Deaths tended to occur in the last quarter of the race.

Summary/conclusion

The risk of death from participating in a marathon is small. Men are more at risk than women. Deaths tend to occur later in the race.
Cortisol awakening response in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hadwin Julie A , Lee Emma , Kumsta Robert , Cortese Samuele , Kovshoff Hanna
Published: June 2019

Background

The cortisol awakening response (CAR) is characterised by an increase in cortisol in the 30 to 60 min after waking. Research has found significant associations between an atypical CAR and symptoms of stress and anxiety in typically developing (TD) children and adolescents. A number of studies have explored the CAR in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but no evidence synthesis is available to date.

Objective and methods

Based on a preregistered protocol (PROSPERO: CRD42017051187), we carried out a systematic review (SR) and meta-analysis (MA) of CAR studies to explore potential significant differences between children and adolescents with ASD and TD controls. Web of Science, PubMed and PsychInfo were searched until January 2019. A random-effects model was used to pool studies and we used the Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS) to assess study quality and risk of bias.

Findings

The SR retrieved a total of nine studies, with mixed findings on the comparison of the CAR between children and adolescents with ASD and TD controls. The MA, based on four studies (ASD; n=117 and TD n=118), suggested no differences between the CAR in ASD and TD populations (SMD: −0.21, 95% CI −0.49 to 0.08). In terms of NOS items, no study specifiedRepresentativeness of the casesandNon-response rate.

Discussion and clinical implications

Given the relatively few studies and lack of appropriately matched TD controls, additional research is needed to further understand and recommend the utility of the CAR as a reliable marker to differentiate ASD and TD.
Potential added value of the new emergency care dataset to ED-based public health surveillance in England: an initial concept analysis
Authors: Morbey Roger , Hughes Helen , Smith Gillian , Challen Kirsty , Hughes Thomas C , Elliot Alex J
Published: June 2019

Introduction

For the London Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012, a sentinel ED syndromic surveillance system was established to enhance public health surveillance by obtaining data from a selected network of EDs, focusing on London. In 2017, a new national standard Emergency Care Dataset was introduced, which enabled Public Health England (PHE) to initiate the expansion of their sentinel system to national coverage. Prior to this initiative, we estimated the added value, and potential additional resource use, of an expansion of the sentinel surveillance system.

Methods

The detection capabilities of the sentinel and national systems were compared using the aberration detection methods currently used by PHE. Different scenarios were used to measure the impact on health at a local, subnational and national level, including improvements to sensitivity and timeliness, along with changes in specificity.

Results

The biggest added value was found to be for detecting local impacts, with an increase in sensitivity of over 80%. There were also improvements found at a national level with outbreaks being detected earlier and smaller impacts being detectable. However, the increased number of local sites will also increase the number of false alarms likely to be generated.

Conclusion

We have quantified the added value of national ED syndromic surveillance systems, showing how they will enable detection of more localised events. Furthermore, national systems add value in enabling timelier public health interventions. Finally, we have highlighted areas where extra resource may be required to manage improvements in detection coverage.