bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Soluble nondigestible carbohydrates improve intestinal function and increase caecal coliform load in broiler chickens
Authors: Molnár Andor , Dublecz Fanni , Pál László , Wágner László , Hess Claudia , Hess Michael , Husvéth Ferenc , Dublecz Károly
Published: September 2018

Diets rich in various soluble nondigestible carbohydrates (sNDCs) were evaluated on different intestinal characteristics (histological, physico‐chemical and microbiological) of chickens and compared with a maize‐based diet as a control. A total of 160 Ross 308 male chickens were kept in deep litter pens (n = 40) and fed their appropriate diets from Day 1 to Day 35 of life. Four isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets, differing in their sNDC content, were composed; control (containing maize as the only cereal), maize–wheat‐based (M + W) and maize‐based supplemented with either 20 g/kg inulin (M + I) or 30 g/kg lactose (M + L). All of the diets tested decreased ileal crypt depth, ileal muscle layer thickness and increased caecal coliform counts relative to the control group. Villus–crypt ratio increased only in the M + L group. Ileal digesta of chickens fed the M + W diet had the highest ileal viscosity and the highest caecal butyrate, valerate and total short‐chain fatty acid concentrations while the lowest pH was observed in caecal contents of chickens fed the M + I diet. The diet had no effect on ileal or caecal goblet cell and intraepithelial lymphocyte numbers. Lactobacillus counts in the caecal content remained unchanged. According to the present study, various sNDC sources may have beneficial gut health effects, however, some of the intestinal variables are dependent on the type of sNDCs.
Clinical utility of currently available biomarkers in inflammatory enteropathies of dogs
Authors: Heilmann Romy M. , Steiner Jörg M.
Published: September 2018

Chronic inflammatory enteropathies (CIE) in dogs are a group of disorders that are characterized by chronic persistent or recurrent signs of gastrointestinal disease and histologic evidence of mucosal inflammation. These CIEs are classified as either food‐responsive, antibiotic‐responsive, or immunosuppressant‐responsive enteropathy. Patients not clinically responding to immunomodulatory treatment are grouped as nonresponsive enteropathy and dogs with intestinal protein loss as protein‐losing enteropathy. Disease‐independent clinical scoring systems were established in dogs for assessment of clinical disease severity and patient monitoring during treatment. Histopathologic and routine clinicopathologic findings are usually not able to distinguish the subgroups of CIE. Treatment trials are often lengthy and further diagnostic tests are usually at least minimally invasive. Biomarkers that can aid in defining the presence of disease, site of origin, severity of the disease process, response to treatment, or a combination of these would be clinically useful in dogs with CIE. This article summarizes the following biomarkers that have been evaluated in dogs with CIE during the last decade, and critically evaluates their potential clinical utility in dogs with CIE: functional biomarkers (cobalamin, methylmalonic acid, folate, α1‐proteinase inhibitor, immunoglobulin A), biochemical biomarkers (C‐reactive protein, perinuclear anti‐neutrophilic cytoplasmic antibodies, 3‐bromotyrosine, N‐methylhistamine, calprotectin, S100A12, soluble receptor of advanced glycation end products, cytokines and chemokines, alkaline phosphatase), microbiomic biomarkers (microbiome changes, dysbiosis index), metabolomic biomarkers (serum metabolome), genetic biomarkers (genomic markers, gene expression changes), and cellular biomarkers (regulatory T cells). In addition, important performance criteria of diagnostic tests are briefly reviewed.
Activator‐type R2R3‐MYB genes induce a repressor‐type R2R3‐MYB gene to balance anthocyanin and proanthocyanidin accumulation
Authors: Zhou Hui , Lin‐Wang Kui , Wang Furong , Espley Richard V. , Ren Fei , Zhao Jianbo , Ogutu Collins , He Huaping , Jiang Quan , Allan Andrew C. , Han Yuepeng
Published: September 2018

Anthocyanin and proanthocyanidin (PA) accumulation is regulated by both myeloblastosis (MYB) activators and repressors, but little information is available on hierarchical interactions between the positive and negative regulators. Here, we report on a R2R3‐MYB repressor in peach, designated PpMYB18, which acts as a negative regulator of anthocyanin and PA accumulation.

PpMYB18 can be activated by both anthocyanin‐ and PA‐related MYB activators, and is expressed both at fruit ripening and juvenile stages when anthocyanins or PAs, respectively, are being synthesized.

The PpMYB18 protein competes with MYB activators for binding to basic Helix Loop Helixes (bHLHs), which develops a fine‐tuning regulatory loop to balance PA and anthocyanin accumulation. In addition, the bHLH binding motif in the R3 domain and the C1 and C2 repression motifs in the C‐terminus of PpMYB18 both confer repressive activity of PpMYB18.

Our study also demonstrates a modifying negative feedback loop, which prevents cells from excess accumulation of anthocyanin and PAs, and serves as a model for balancing secondary metabolite accumulation at the transcriptional level.
The epistemic value of expert autonomy
Authors: Dellsén Finnur
Published: September 2018

According to an influential Enlightenment ideal, one shouldn’t rely epistemically on other people's say‐so, at least not if one is in a position to evaluate the relevant evidence for oneself. However, in much recent work in social epistemology, we are urged to dispense with this ideal, which is seen as stemming from a misguided focus on isolated individuals to the exclusion of groups and communities. In this paper, I argue that that an emphasis on the social nature of inquiry should not lead us to entirely abandon the Enlightenment ideal of epistemically autonomous agents. Specifically, I suggest that it is an appropriate ideal for those who serve as experts in a given epistemic community, and develop a notion ofexpert acceptanceto make sense of this. I go on to show that, all other things being equal, this kind of epistemic autonomy among experts makes their joint testimony more reliable, which in turn brings epistemic benefits both to laypeople and to experts in other fields.
Sparse Generalized Eigenvalue Problem: Optimal Statistical Rates via Truncated Rayleigh Flow
Authors: Tan Kean Ming , Wang Zhaoran , Liu Han , Zhang Tong
Published: September 2018

The sparse generalized eigenvalue problem (GEP) plays a pivotal role in a large family of high dimensional statistical models, including sparse Fisher’s discriminant analysis, canonical correlation analysis and sufficient dimension reduction. The sparse GEP involves solving a non-convex optimization problem. Most existing methods and theory in the context of specific statistical models that are special cases of the sparse GEP require restrictive structural assumptions on the input matrices. We propose a two-stage computational framework to solve the sparse GEP. At the first stage, we solve a convex relaxation of the sparse GEP. Taking the solution as an initial value, we then exploit a non-convex optimization perspective and propose the truncated Rayleigh flow method (which we call ‘rifle’) to estimate the leading generalized eigenvector. We show that rifle converges linearly to a solution with the optimal statistical rate of convergence. Theoretically, our method significantly improves on the existing literature by eliminating structural assumptions on the input matrices. To achieve this, our analysis involves two key ingredients: a new analysis of the gradient-based method on non-convex objective functions, and a fine-grained characterization of the evolution of sparsity patterns along the solution path. Thorough numerical studies are provided to validate the theoretical results.
Comparative evaluation of platelet counts in two hematology analyzers and potential effects on prophylactic platelet transfusion decisions
Authors: Hummel Kornelia , Sachse Michaela , Hoffmann Johannes J.M.L. , van Dun Ludi P.J.M.
Published: September 2018

BACKGROUND

Decisions on prophylactic platelet (PLT) transfusions are generally based on the recipient's PLT count, but few clinicians are aware of precision and accuracy of the PLT counting methods used by the clinical laboratory. Each PLT counting technology has its specific inaccuracy, especially in thrombocytopenic samples and therefore may impact decisions on PLT transfusions.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Five routine PLT counting methods available in two hematology analyzers (Sysmex XN‐2000 and Abbott CELL‐DYN Sapphire) were investigated (impedance and optical on both analyzers and fluorescent on XN‐2000), using the CD61 immunologic PLT method as a reference. The impact of counting inaccuracy on imaginary transfusion decisions was examined at various common PLT thresholds.

RESULTS

In total 341 samples were analyzed, 178 of which had PLT counts of less than 35 × 109/L. Despite excellent overall correlation with the reference method (r > 0.99), thrombocytopenic samples showed only modest correlation for impedance and XN‐2000 optical methods. Sapphire optical and XN‐2000 fluorescent methods correlated very well with the reference, albeit with bias in the very low range. We noticed potential risk of undertransfusion (ranging from 2% to 90%), depending on the threshold used. The risk of overtransfusion was small (<10%).

CONCLUSIONS

The XN‐2000 fluorescent PLT counting method showed excellent correlation with the CD61 reference count, closely followed by the CELL‐DYN Sapphire optical method. XN‐2000 impedance and optical and Sapphire impedance methods are not accurate enough for basing transfusion decisions on. Only XN‐2000 fluorescent, Sapphire optical, and CD61 methods are sufficiently accurate for making appropriate clinical decisions in patients with severe thrombocytopenia.
Fear of blood draw is associated with inflated expectations of faint and prefaint reactions to blood donation
Authors: France Christopher R. , France Janis L.
Published: September 2018

BACKGROUND

Although the risk of fainting and prefaint reactions (e.g., dizziness, lightheadedness) is low during blood donation, there is evidence that this risk remains a concern for many donors. This study sought to measure perceived risk for such reactions within the general population and to relate perceived risk to individual reports of fear of having blood drawn.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

A sample of 1019 men and women (52.2% male; mean ± SD age, 37.2 ± 12.3 years; range, 18‐80 years) completed an anonymous online survey that included questions that asked about their 1) estimation of the frequency of faint and prefaint symptoms experienced by blood donors and 2) fear of having blood drawn.

RESULTS

Survey respondents overestimated the risk of both faint and prefaint reactions to blood donation, with estimates of fainting risk being more than 20 times the actual risk. Further, the perceived risk of both faint reactions (F(4,1008) = 25.88, p < 0.001) and prefaint reactions (F(4,1008) = 17.37, p < 0.001) was higher among those who reported greater fear of having blood drawn.

CONCLUSION

The general public has inflated expectations of the risk for faint and prefaint reactions to blood donation, suggesting that efforts to educate prospective donors with accurate information may help to reduce this relatively common concern.
Czech privatisation 25 years later
Authors: Louzek Marek
Published: September 2018

Privatisation is still a hot political topic today and divides economists as well as politicians and the general public. The paper aims to capture the Czech privatisation in its historical, economic and political contexts. The first part explains the difference between transitional privatisation and standard privatisation. The second part examines the interests in the privatisation process. The third part discusses the privatisation methods used in the Czech Republic. The fourth part offers an international comparison.
Blood transfusion in sub‐Saharan Africa: understanding the missing gap and responding to present and future challenges
Authors: Barro Lassina , Drew Victor J. , Poda Ghislain G. , Tagny Claude T. , El‐Ekiaby Magdy , Owusu‐Ofori Shirley , Burnouf Thierry
Published: September 2018

Blood transfusion in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) is at a crossroad. Significant recent developments may help meet local needs in safe blood products and fulfil a global health target, as highlighted by the World Health Organization (WHO) Millennium and Sustainable Development Goals, in improving supply and safety, and ensuring the gradual implementation of selective haemotherapy. When WHO recommended the evaluation of convalescent blood or plasma to treat Ebola‐infected patients during the recent epidemics, substantial gaps in local blood collection, testing and technology infrastructure and safety, as compared to best accepted quality standards, became evident. This evidence should now serve as an ‘electro‐shock’/awakening call used to highlight the needs for local governments to support National Blood Transfusion Services and establish robust national regulatory authorities that are mandated to bear regulatory responsibilities of blood establishments. A nationally co‐ordinated blood programme is the best tool to gather reliable epidemiological data, address local needs in blood and blood products and serve public health. A literature review using WHO website and PubMed was conducted in this article to outline the current clinical use of blood products and plasma derivatives in SSA. This text also intends to highlight the gaps to be filled in the coming years with respect to quality, safety, supply and efficacy of blood and plasma products, in line with WHO guidelines for transfusion.
The Principles, Features and Techniques of Data Journalism
Authors: Kalatzi Olga , Bratsas Charalampos , Veglis Andreas
Published: September 2018

Digital and computational technology is steadily developing and continually bringing changes in the field of journalism, which faces a major crisis, as people’s trust in the media continues to decrease. This paper studies the subject of data journalism which is increasing in popularity and is considered to be at the forefront of these changes. This kind of journalism may be a way to re-establish and strengthen journalism’s value, as well as to reassure its sustainability. Datasets, tools, policies on Freedom of Information and transparency and professionals become constantly available for data journalism to flourish. However, there are still many challenges along with skepticism and confusion around its role and value in the field. In the near future, data journalism seems to gain more trust by the news organization and the public, as both start to comprehend its potentials.
Identification of Compounds Targeting Hepatitis B Virus Core Protein Dimerization through a Split Luciferase Complementation Assay
Authors: Wei Xia-Fei , Gan Chun-Yang , Cui Jing , Luo Ying-Ying , Cai Xue-Fei , Yuan Yi , Shen Jing , Li Zhi-Ying , Zhang Wen-Lu , Long Quan-Xin , Hu Yuan , Chen Juan , Tang Ni , Guo Haitao , Huang Ai-Long , Hu Jie-Li
Published: September 2018

The capsid of the hepatitis B virus is an attractive antiviral target for developing therapies against chronic hepatitis B infection. Currently available core protein allosteric modulators (CpAMs) mainly affect one of the two major types of protein-protein interactions involved in the process of capsid assembly, namely, the interaction between the core dimers.
Comparison of the Drug-Drug Interaction Potential of Daptomycin in Combination with Rifampin in Healthy Adult Volunteers
Authors: Benefield Russell J. , Slechta E. Susan , Gast Christopher M. , Spivak Emily S. , Hanson Kimberly E. , Alexander Donald P.
Published: September 2018

We evaluated the effects of rifampin coadministration and
MDR1
single nucleotide polymorphisms on the disposition of daptomycin in twelve healthy adults. There were no significant changes from baseline in the clearance (0.53 versus 0.55 liters/h,
P = 
1.00), volume of distribution (7.0 versus 7.2 liter,
P = 
0.62), or half-life (9.7 versus 9.6 h,
P = 
0.89) of daptomycin after exposure to rifampin.
Diversity of Active Viral Infections within the Sphagnum Microbiome
Authors: Stough Joshua M. A. , Kolton Max , Kostka Joel E. , Weston David J. , Pelletier Dale A. , Wilhelm Steven W.
Published: September 2018

Sphagnum
-dominated peatlands play an important role in maintaining atmospheric carbon dioxide levels by modifying conditions in the surrounding soil to favor the growth of
Sphagnum
over that of other plant species. This lowers the rate of decomposition and facilitates the accumulation of fixed carbon in the form of partially decomposed biomass. The unique environment produced by
Sphagnum
enriches for the growth of a diverse microbial consortia that benefit from and support the moss's growth, while also maintaining the hostile soil conditions. While a growing body of research has begun to characterize the microbial groups that colonize
Sphagnum
, little is currently known about the ecological factors that constrain community structure and define ecosystem function. Top-down population control by viruses is almost completely undescribed. This study provides insight into the significant viral influence on the
Sphagnum
microbiome and identifies new potential model systems to study virus-host interactions in the peatland ecosystem.
A New Group of Modular Xylanases in Glycoside Hydrolase Family 8 from Marine Bacteria
Authors: Chen Xiu-Lan , Zhao Fang , Yue Yong-Sheng , Zhang Xi-Ying , Zhang Yu-Zhong , Li Ping-Yi
Published: September 2018

Xylanases play a crucial role in natural xylan degradation and have been extensively used in industries such as food processing, animal feed, and kraft pulp biobleaching. Some marine bacteria have been found to secrete xylanases. Characterization of novel xylanases from marine bacteria has significance for both the clarification of xylan degradation mechanisms in the sea and the development of new enzymes for industrial application. With
G. mesophila
XynB as a representative, this study reveals a new group of the GH8 xylanases from marine bacteria, which have a distinct domain architecture and contain a novel carbohydrate-binding module. Thus, this study offers new knowledge on marine xylanases.
Genomic Sequencing of High-Efficiency Transducing Streptococcal Bacteriophage A25: Consequences of Escape from Lysogeny
Authors: McCullor Kimberly , Postoak Brandon , Rahman Maliha , King Catherine , McShan W. Michael
Published: September 2018

Bacteriophages (bacterial viruses) play an important role in the shaping of bacterial populations as well as the dissemination of bacterial genetic material to new strains, resulting in the spread of virulence factors and antibiotic resistance genes. This study identified the genetic origins ofStreptococcus pyogenesphage A25 and uncovered the molecular mechanism employed to promote horizontal transfer of DNA by transduction to new strains of this bacterium as well as identified the basis for its host range.
Atypical Bacterial Growth within Units of Platelets Challenges Transfusion Medicine Dogma
Authors: Gehrie Eric A.
Published: September 2018

Although transfusion-transmitted bacterial infection is relatively rare, mitigation of bacterial contamination of platelet units is arguably the top current transfusion-related safety concern. Several different technologies have been employed to detect or neutralize bacteria in platelet concentrates.
Relation between illness representation and self-reported degree-of-worry in patients calling out-of-hours services: a mixed-methods study in Copenhagen, Denmark
Authors: Thilsted Sita LeBlanc , Egerod Ingrid , Lippert Freddy Knudsen , Gamst-Jensen Hejdi
Published: September 2018

Objectives

To examine the relation between patients’ illness representations, presented in telephone consultation to out-of-hours (OOH) services, and self-reported degree-of-worry (DOW), as a measure of self-evaluated urgency. If a clear relation is found, incorporating DOW during telephone triage could aid the triage process, potentially increasing patient safety.

Design

A convergent parallel mixed methods design with quantitative data; DOW and qualitative data from recorded telephone consultations. Thematic analysis of the qualitative data was used to explore the content of the quantitatively scaled DOW, using the Common-Sense Model of Self-Regulation (CSM).

Setting

A convenience sampling of calls to the OOH services in Copenhagen, Denmark, during 3 days was included in the study.

Participants

Calls from adults (≥15 years of age) concerning somatic illness during the data collection period were eligible for inclusion. Calls made on behalf of another person, calls concerning perceived life-threatening illness or calls regarding logistical/practical problems were excluded, resulting in analysis of 180 calls.

Results

All five components of the CSM framework, regardless of DOW, were present in the data. All callers referred to identity and timeline and were least likely to refer to consequence (37%). Through qualitative analysis, themes were defined. Callers with a strong identity, illness duration of less than 24 hours, clear cause and solution for cure/control seemed to present a lower DOW. Callers with a medium identity, illness duration of more than 24 hours and a high consequence seemed to present a higher DOW.

Conclusion

This study suggests a relation between a patient’s illness representation and self-evaluation of urgency. Incorporating a patient’s DOW during telephone triage could aid the triage process in determining urgency and type of healthcare needed, potentially increasing patient safety. Research on patient outcome after DOW-assisted triage is needed before implementation of the DOW scale is recommended.
Incidence of unintended pregnancy among female sex workers in low-income and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ampt Frances H , Willenberg Lisa , Agius Paul A , Chersich Matthew , Luchters Stanley , Lim Megan S C
Published: September 2018

Objectives

To determine the incidence of unintended pregnancy among female sex workers (FSWs) in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Design

We searched MEDLINE, PsychInfo, Embase and Popline for papers published in English between January 2000 and January 2016, and Web of Science and Proquest for conference abstracts. Meta-analysis was performed on the primary outcomes using random effects models, with subgroup analysis used to explore heterogeneity.

Participants

Eligible studies targeted FSWs aged 15–49 years living or working in an LMIC.

Outcome measures

Studies were eligible if they provided data on one of two primary outcomes: incidence of unintended pregnancy and incidence of pregnancy where intention is undefined. Secondary outcomes were also extracted when they were reported in included studies: incidence of induced abortion; incidence of birth; and correlates/predictors of pregnancy or unintended pregnancy.

Results

Twenty-five eligible studies were identified from 3866 articles. Methodological quality was low overall. Unintended pregnancy incidence showed high heterogeneity (I²>95%), ranging from 7.2 to 59.6 per 100 person-years across 10 studies. Study design and duration were found to account for heterogeneity. On subgroup analysis, the three cohort studies in which no intervention was introduced had a pooled incidence of 27.1 per 100 person-years (95% CI 24.4 to 29.8; I2=0%). Incidence of pregnancy (intention undefined) was also highly heterogeneous, ranging from 2.0 to 23.4 per 100 person-years (15 studies).

Conclusions

Of the many studies examining FSWs’ sexual and reproductive health in LMICs, very few measured pregnancy and fewer assessed pregnancy intention. Incidence varied widely, likely due to differences in study design, duration and baseline population risk, but was high in most studies, representing a considerable concern for this key population. Evidence-based approaches that place greater importance on unintended pregnancy prevention need to be incorporated into existing sexual and reproductive health programmes for FSWs.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42016029185
Group cognitive remediation therapy for adults with obesity prior to behavioural weight loss treatment: study protocol for a randomised controlled superiority study (CRT study)
Authors: Hilbert Anja , Blume Marie , Petroff David , Neuhaus Petra , Smith Evelyn , Hay Phillipa J , Hübner Claudia
Published: September 2018

Introduction

Individuals with obesity show deficits in executive functioning which have been implicated in decreased weight loss outcome. Preliminary evidence suggests that cognitive remediation therapy (CRT) improves executive functioning and weight loss in obesity. However, confirmatory support, especially for pre-weight loss use, is lacking. The CRT study aims at determining the efficacy of CRT versus no treatment control in patients with obesity before entering behavioural weight loss (BWL) treatment. It is hypothesised that individuals who receive CRT will show better weight loss outcome, improved executive functioning, greater weight loss-related behavioural changes and higher attendance of BWL treatment, 6 and 12 months after cessation of CRT.

Methods and analysis

In a single-centre, assessor-blinded, randomised, two-armed parallel-group superiority trial, 260 adults with body mass index ≥35.0 kg/m2are centrally randomised to 8-week group-based CRT versus no treatment, before entering BWL treatment. Primary outcome is the amount of weight loss (%) at 6-month follow-up, compared with pre-treatment, derived from measured body weight. Secondary outcomes include improvement in executive functioning post-treatment and in weight loss-related behaviour, mental and physical health, and attendance to BWL treatment at 6-month and 12-month follow-up. Maintenance of weight loss at 12-month follow-up will be determined. Mixed model analyses based on intent-to-treat will be used to compare the CRT and control groups with respect to differences in weight change between pre-treatment and 6-month follow-up. Similar models will be used for analysing 12-month follow-up data and secondary outcomes. Further analyses will include additional covariates to identify predictors of treatment outcome.

Ethics and dissemination

The study was approved by the Ethical Committee of the University of Leipzig (256-15-13072015, version ‘Final 1.0 from 28 May 2015). The study results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications.

Trial registration number

DRKS00009333; Pre-results.
Management of sepsis in out-of-hours primary care: a retrospective study of patients admitted to the intensive care unit
Authors: Loots Feike J , Smits Marleen , van Steensel Carlijn , Giesen Paul , Hopstaken Rogier M , van Zanten Arthur R H
Published: September 2018

Objectives

Timely recognition and treatment of sepsis is essential to reduce mortality and morbidity. Acutely ill patients often consult a general practitioner (GP) as the first healthcare provider. During out-of-hours, GP cooperatives deliver this care in the Netherlands. The aim of this study is to explore the role of these GP cooperatives in the care for patients with sepsis.

Design

Retrospective study of patient records from both the hospital and the GP cooperative.

Setting

An intensive care unit (ICU) of a general hospital in the Netherlands, and the colocated GP cooperative serving 260 000 inhabitants.

Participants

We used data from 263 patients who were admitted to the ICU due to community-acquired sepsis between January 2011 and December 2015.

Main outcome measures

Contact with the GP cooperative within 72 hours prior to hospital admission, type of contact, delay from the contact until hospital arrival, GP diagnosis, initial vital signs and laboratory values, and hospital mortality.

Results

Of 263 patients admitted to the ICU, 127 (48.3%) had prior GP cooperative contacts. These contacts concerned home visits (59.1%), clinic consultations (18.1%), direct ambulance deployment (12.6%) or telephone advice (10.2%). Patients assessed by a GP were referred in 64% after the first contact. The median delay to hospital arrival was 1.7 hours. The GP had not suspected an infection in 43% of the patients. In this group, the in-hospital mortality rate was significantly higher compared with patients with suspected infections (41.9% vs 17.6%). Mortality difference remained significant after correction for confounders.

Conclusion

GP cooperatives play an important role in prehospital management of sepsis and recognition of sepsis in this setting proved difficult. Efforts to improve management of sepsis in out-of-hours primary care should not be limited to patients with a suspected infection, but also include severely ill patients without clear signs of infection.
Witnessing violence in early secondary school predicts subsequent student impairment
Authors: Janosz Michel , Brière Frédéric N , Galand Benoît , Pascal Sophie , Archambault Isabelle , Brault Marie-Christine , Moltrecht Brigitte , Pagani Linda S
Published: September 2018

Background

Past research suggests that adolescents who witness violence are at risk of adjustment problems. However, few studies have implemented a longitudinal design and have accounted for direct experiences of victimisation and other major confounders. This prospective study examines the relationship between witnessing school violence and subsequent impairment and whether such associations depend on the kind of violence witnessed.

Methods

3936 adolescents from Quebec (Canada) were followed from ages 12 through 15 years. Linear regression tested associations between witnessing school violence at age 13 and subsequent antisocial behaviour (drug use, delinquency), emotional distress (social anxiety, depressive symptoms) and academic adjustment (school achievement, engagement) at age 15. We compared the relative contribution of differing forms of witnessing school violence versus being victimised directly.

Results

General school violence predicted later impairment. The adjusted associations between indirectly experiencing violence as a bystander and subsequent impairment were comparable to those of direct victimisation. Witnessing covert and major violence was associated with drug use and delinquency. Witnessing minor violence was associated with increases in drug use, social anxiety, depressive symptoms and decreases in school engagement.

Conclusions

Almost all students witnessed school violence, which predicted impairment. Witnessing violence was associated with risk of subsequent adjustment problems 2 years later. Directly experienced victimisation showed a comparable magnitude of risk. This suggests that when it comes to symptoms of conduct disorder, witnessing violence might have the same impact as experiencing it directly. Witnessing earlier covert and major violence predicted social impairment whereas minor violence predicted psychological and academic impairment.
A comparison of direct aspiration versus stent retriever as a first approach (‘COMPASS’): protocol
Authors: Turk Aquilla S , Siddiqui Adnan H , Mocco J
Published: September 2018

Background and objective

Acute ischemic stroke is a potentially devastating condition and leading cause of morbidity and mortality, affecting an estimated 800 000 people per year in the USA. The natural history of untreated or unrevascularized large vessel occlusions in acute stroke patients results in mortality rates approaching 30%, with only 25% achieving good neurologic outcomes at 90 days. Recently, data have demonstrated that early endovascular recanalization of large vessel occlusions results in better outcomes than medical therapy alone. However, the majority of patients in these studies were treated with a stent retriever based approach. The purpose of COMPASS is to evaluate whether patients treated with a direct aspiration first pass (ADAPT) approach have non-inferior functional outcomes to those treated with a stent retriever as the firstline (SRFL) approach.

Materials and methods

All patients who meet the inclusion and exclusion criteria and consent to participate will be enrolled at participating centers. Treatment will be randomly assigned by a central web based system in a 1:1 manner to treatment with either ADAPT or SRFL thrombectomy. Statistical methodology is prespecified with details available in the statistical analysis plan.

Results

The trial recently completed enrollment, and data collection/verification is ongoing. The final results will be made available on completion of enrollment and follow-up.

Conclusions

This paper details the design of the COMPASS trial, a randomized, blinded adjudicator, concurrent, controlled trial of patients treated with either ADAPT or SRFL approaches in order to evaluate whether ADAPT results in non-inferior functional outcome.

Trial registration number

NCT02466893, Results.
Sexual relationships, intimate partner violence and STI partner notification in Cape Town, South Africa: an observational study
Authors: Mathews Catherine , Kalichman Moira O , Laubscher Ria , Hutchison Cameron , Nkoko Koena , Lurie Mark , Kalichman Seth C
Published: September 2018

Objectives

We aimed to identify individual and sexual partnership characteristics associated with partner notification (PN) among people with STI. We hypothesised that PN would be less likely in more casual sexual partnerships and in partnerships with intimate partner violence (IPV).

Methods

We conducted an observational study among the first 330 patients with STI enrolled in a trial of a behavioural intervention to reduce STI incidence, at a clinic in a poor, Cape Town community. We included 195 index patients (those reporting STI symptoms), and conducted longitudinal analyses using participant-completed questionnaires on the day of diagnosis and 2 weeks later. Using partnership data for five recent sexual partners, we assessed factors associated with reported PN with logistic regressions, adjusting for repeated measurements on the same participant for each partner.

Results

The sample included 99 males with 303 partners and 96 females with 158 partners. Males reported perpetrating IPV in 46.2% of partnerships. Females reported being IPV victims in 53.2% of partnerships. Males notified 58.1%, females 75.4% of partners during the 2 weeks following diagnosis. Type of partner was an independent correlate of PN for males and females, with the odds of PN lower in more casual partnerships. For males, reporting physical IPV perpetration in the partnership was an independent correlate of PN. For females, there was no association between IPV victimisation in a partnership and PN.

Conclusions

Efforts to decrease the pool of infectious partners need to have a strong focus on the promotion of PN in casual relationships and one-night stands. IPV was not identified as a barrier to PN. In future, we need to investigate the association between IPV with an objective measure of PN success such as partner testing or treatment, or index patient reinfection.

Clinical trial registration

PACTR201606001682364; Pre-results.
Suppressing the Noise in Measured Signals for the Control of Helicopters
Authors: Dube Deepali Y. , Patel Hiren G.
Published: September 2018

This paper concerns with the non-linear system having multiple-inputs multiple-outputs (MIMO). The plant mainly comprises: bench-top helicopter, tail and main rotor of a helicopter system. The dynamics are presented with control methodologies where a conventional strategy proves the instability of the system while the deadbeat and sliding mode control with linear matrix inequality regulates the future estimates. There have been disturbances like presence of unwanted ripples in the output of the non-linear systems (in case of stability also after 100[Formula: see text]s) and in the tracking of states accurately by updating the minimization error regularly. These problems originate mainly from the rotor section and are visited carefully by studying the dynamics of the blade, whereas, the design of filter makes the solution more appealing. The adaptive filter is capable of handling the frequency spectra of noise (reducing noise by 10[Formula: see text]dB), Euler angle deviations and travel angle accurately. Also, the stability analysis does not confirm the behavior in the case of bounded and a varying range of initial angular velocity. Hence, the problem of fluctuations is overcome by deadbeat and SMC-LMI approach which not only improved the ripples but also allowed the final response of the future states to be more exact and noiseless. As the previous research involved in position tracking (either translational or rotational) of these MIMO systems was concerned with software tools like MATLAB. This paper justifies its validation tested experimentally on OPAL RT hardware. The key findings involve the comparison of frequency spectra, the Euler deviation plot compared to CSL Helicopter and the three set-point variations providing accuracy in results in four modes — desired, actual, with controller-without filter and with controller-with filter. The use of adaptive filter with controllers have encouraged the suppression of noisy waveforms in the bench-top system very smoothly. The details regarding hardware setup are also discussed.
A Role-Dependent Data-Driven Approach for High-Density Crowd Behavior Modeling
Authors: Zhao Mingbi , Zhong Jinghui , Cai Wentong
Published: September 2018

In this article, we propose a role-dependent (RD) data-driven modeling approach to simulate pedestrians’ motion in high-density scenes. It is commonly observed that pedestrians behave quite differently when walking in a dense crowd. Some people explore routes toward their destinations. Meanwhile, some people deliberately follow others, leading to lane formation. Based on these observations, two roles are included in the proposed model: leader and follower. The motion behaviors of leader and follower are modeled separately. Leaders’ behaviors are learned from real crowd motion data using state-action pairs, while followers’ behaviors are calculated based on specific targets that are obtained dynamically during the simulation. The proposed RD model is trained and applied to different real-world datasets to evaluate its generality and effectiveness. The simulation results demonstrate that the RD model is capable of simulating crowd behaviors in crowded scenes realistically and reproducing collective crowd behaviors such as lane formation.
Geometry of Pictorial Relief
Authors: Koenderink Jan J. , van Doorn Andrea J. , Wagemans Johan
Published: September 2018

Pictorial relief is a quality of visual awareness that happens when one looks into (as opposed to at) a picture. It has no physical counterpart of a geometrical nature. It takes account of cues, mentally identified in the tonal gradients of the physical picture—pigments distributed over a planar substrate. Among generally recognized qualities of relief are color, pattern, texture, shape, and depth. This review focuses on geometrical properties, the spatial variation of depth. To be aware of an extended quality like relief implies a “depth” dimension, a nonphysical spatial entity that may smoothly vary in a surface-like manner. The conceptual understanding is in terms of formal geometry. The review centers on pertinent facts and formal models. The facts are necessarily so-called brute facts (i.e., they cannot be explained scientifically). This review is a foray into the speculative and experimental phenomenology of the visual field.
Vision During Saccadic Eye Movements
Authors: Binda Paola , Morrone Maria Concetta
Published: September 2018

The perceptual consequences of eye movements are manifold: Each large saccade is accompanied by a drop of sensitivity to luminance-contrast, low-frequency stimuli, impacting both conscious vision and involuntary responses, including pupillary constrictions. They also produce transient distortions of space, time, and number, which cannot be attributed to the mere motion on the retinae. All these are signs that the visual system evokes active processes to predict and counteract the consequences of saccades. We propose that a key mechanism is the reorganization of spatiotemporal visual fields, which transiently increases the temporal and spatial uncertainty of visual representations just before and during saccades. On one hand, this accounts for the spatiotemporal distortions of visual perception; on the other hand, it implements a mechanism for fusing pre- and postsaccadic stimuli. This, together with the active suppression of motion signals, ensures the stability and continuity of our visual experience.
Metastatic Prostate Carcinoma from Imperial Rome (1st to 2nd Centuries AD)
Authors: Minozzi Simona , Lunardini Agata , Caldarini Carla , Caramella Davide , Fornaciari Gino , Catalano Paola , Giuffra Valentina
Published: September 2018

Objective: This study describes and discusses a rare case of metastatic carcinoma that affected the skeleton of an adult male recovered in the necropolis of Casal Bertone in Rome (Italy). The necropolis, which dates back to the Imperial Age (1st to 2nd century AD), is located near some residential structures and a large place identified as a fullery (fullonica). Methods: Anthropological and paleopathological studies of the skeletal remains were performed via careful macroscopic, microscopic, radiological (X-ray and CT scan), and histological investigation. Results: The skeleton displayed mixed osteoclastic and osteoblastic lesions that mainly involved the axial bones, in particular the sternum, the ribs, the spine, and the scapular and pelvic girdles. The anatomical distribution and the destructive and proliferative nature of the lesions suggested diffuse metastases arising from a soft-tissue primary cancer. The age and sex of the individual, as well as radiographic and histological pictures, allowed diagnosis of an advanced prostate cancer with extensively diffused bone metastases. Conclusion: At present, this is the only case of prostate cancer from the Imperial Age recovered in Rome.
Measuring Empowerment in Patients with Chronic Disease: Psychometric Qualities of the Portuguese Rheumatic Disease Empowerment Scale
Authors: Alves Marta Pereira , Cunha Ana Isabel , Lopes Tatiana , Abreu Pedro , Vaz Cláudia
Published: September 2018

Empowerment is usually defined as a process of promoting the sense of competence and control as a means of capacitating individuals to improve their life conditions. The aim of this study was to describe the psychometric qualities of the Portuguese Rheumatic Disease Empowerment Scale (P-RES-8), an 8-item measure of empowerment for patients with rheumatic disease. The study enrolled 81 patients with rheumatic diseases. Participants filled in the P-RES-8, the Portuguese validated version of the Medical Outcomes Survey Short Form-36 (MOS SF-36), and a questionnaire including sociodemographic data and disease-related variables. To evaluate the dimensionality of the P-RES-8 scale, an exploratory factor analysis was conducted, and its reliability was assessed by Cronbach’s α. The validity of this measure was assessed by analyzing the correlations between empowerment, quality of life, and other relevant variables (education level and illness duration). The P-RES-8 proved to be a reliable 1-dimensional measure of empowerment in patients with rheumatic disease (Cronbach’s α = 0.94). Empowerment was positively related to quality of life. Particularly, the findings showed positive associations between empowerment, assessed by the P-RES-8, and each of the 8 domains of the MOS SF-36. The associations were stronger for mental health and general health perception. The results also revealed that empowerment is positively associated with a higher education and more years after the diagnosis. The findings provide support for the adequacy of the P-RES-8 as a measure of empowerment in patients with rheumatic disease. Moreover, empowerment showed to be an important variable in the assessment of patients’ quality of life.
Congenital Pouch Colon: Role of Genetics or Environmental Influence?
Authors: Mathur Praveen , Nunia Vandana , Sharma Rakesh , Simlot Anita , Medicherla Krishna Mohan
Published: September 2018

Background: Congenital pouch colon (CPC), a high type of anorectal malformation, is a sporadic disease and several environmental factors are known to be involved in its pathology. To the best of our knowledge, no familial incidence of CPC has been reported anywhere in the literature so far. Aim: In the present study, which is first of its kind, we have reported the familial incidences of CPC and also tried to elucidate the role of genetics in this pathology. Methods: We have reported 1 familial pedigree of CPC and 2 incidences of dizygotic twins (DZ), out of them one is affected and another one is normal. Highly comprehensive microarray CytoScan HD from Affymetrix was employed to understand the defects underlying submicroscopic genomic imbalance like segment duplication and deletion of the twin patients vis-à-vis their parents and unaffected siblings in these DZ twins. Results: A total of 21 copy number variations (CNVs) were reported in the patient samples that did not overlap with the CNVs in normal parents and healthy sibling, including 5 loss, 3 LOH and 13 gain with size varied from 95 bp to 77 kbp. Genetic analysis revealed involvement of 12 potential genetic loci on Chr 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 11, and 16. Conclusion: Genetic study found that CPC could be a developmental disorder. These findings are important for further elucidating genetic causes of CPC pathogenesis.
Ethical, Legal, and Regulatory Issues for the Implementation of Omics-Based Risk Prediction of Women’s Cancer: Points to Consider
Authors: Lévesque Emmanuelle , Kirby Emily , Bolt Ineke , Knoppers Bartha Maria , de Beaufort Inez , Pashayan Nora , Widschwendter Martin
Published: September 2018

Background and Objective: Advances in omics open new opportunities for cancer risk prediction and risk-based screening interventions. However, implementation of risk prediction in clinical practice may impact the ethical, legal, and regulatory aspects of current cancer screening programs. In order to support decision-making, we analyzed the ethical, legal, and regulatory issues and developed a set of Points to Consider to support management of these issues. Methods: We analyzed the legal and policy frameworks applicable to breast and cervical cancer screening programs in 7 European countries. We identified the most relevant issues to be considered, and we developed considerations for their management, based on the literature, the legal and policy frameworks, and our experience with similar issues. Results: The considerations focus on five topics: (A) health services planning, (B) information and invitation, (C) consent and data/sample collection, (D) risk calculation and communication of results, and (E) storage of data and residual samples. Conclusion: Current frameworks might not be adequate to implement a risk prediction approach using omics factors due to the different characteristics of such approaches.