bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inverse Modeling of Global and Regional Energy and Water Cycle Fluxes using Earth Observation Data
Authors: Thomas Christopher M. , Dong Bo , Haines Keith 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe NASA Energy and Water Cycle Study (NEWS) climatology is a self-consistent coupled annual and seasonal cycle solution for radiative, turbulent, and water fluxes over Earth’s surface using Earth observation data covering 2000–09. Here we seek to improve the NEWS solution, particularly over the ocean basins, by considering spatial covariances in the observation errors (some evidence for which is found by comparing five turbulent flux products over the oceans) and by introducing additional horizontal transports from ocean reanalyses as weak constraints. By explicitly representing large error covariances between surface heat flux components over the major ocean basins we retain the flux contrasts present in the original data and infer additional heat losses over the North Atlantic Ocean, more consistent with a strong Atlantic overturning. This change does not alter the global flux balance but if only the errors in evaporation and precipitation are correlated then those fluxes experience larger adjustments (e.g., the surface latent heat flux increases to 85 ± 2 W m−2). Replacing SeaFlux v1 with J-OFURO v3 (Japanese Ocean Flux Data Sets with Use of Remote Sensing Observations) ocean fluxes also leads to a considerable increase in the global latent heat loss as well as a larger North Atlantic heat loss. Furthermore, including a weak constraint on the horizontal transports of heat and freshwater from high-resolution ocean reanalyses improves the net fluxes over the North Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and Arctic Ocean, without any impact on the global flux balances. These results suggest that better characterized flux uncertainties can greatly improve the quality of the optimized flux solution.
Modal Analysis of Internal Wave Propagation and Scattering over Large-Amplitude Topography
Authors: Lahaye Noé , Llewellyn Smith Stefan G. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractCoupled-mode equations describing the propagation and scattering of internal waves over large-amplitude arbitrary topography in a two-dimensional stratified fluid are derived. They consist of a simple set of ordinary differential equations describing the evolution of modal amplitudes, based on an orthogonality condition that allows one to distinguish leftward- and rightward-propagating modes. The coupling terms expressing exchange of energy between modes are given in an analytical form using perturbation theory. This allows the derivation of a weak-topography approximate solution, generalizing previous linear solutions for a barotropic forcing that were described in 2002 by Llewellyn Smith and Young . In addition, the orthogonality condition derived is valid for a different set of eigenmodes defined on a sloping bottom, which shows a better convergence rate when compared with the standard set of modes. The work presented here provides a useful and simple framework for the investigation of internal wave propagation in an inhomogeneous ocean, along with theoretical insight.
Deglutition in Patients With Hypernasality Associated With Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate Evaluated With High-Resolution Manometry
Authors: Kallusky Johanna , Zimmerer Rüdiger , Tavassol Frank , Gellrich Nils-Claudius , Ptok Martin , Jungheim Michael 
Published: November 2019

Objective: To evaluate pharyngeal pressure profiles during swallowing in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) and identify compensation mechanisms. Design: Prospective experimental study. Setting: University Hospital and Medical School. Participants: Ten volunteers and 10 patients with nonsyndromic repaired UCLP with hypernasality (age: 19-27 years, 5 females and 5 males per group) were included. Interventions: All participants swallowed 2 and 10 mL of water and underwent high-resolution manometry (HRM). Main Outcome Measures: Pharyngeal and upper esophageal sphincter (UES) parameters were measured using HRM. Student t test was used for statistical intergroup comparisons. Additionally, the Sydney Swallowing Questionnaire (SSQ) was used as a subjective measure. Results: Patients exhibited reduced velopharyngeal closing pressure and velopharyngeal and tongue base (TB) region contraction times, compared to volunteers ( P < .05). The UES opening and closing functions did not change. The SSQ revealed nasal regurgitation in some patients. Conclusions: In patients with UCLP, velopharyngeal region alterations are caused by impaired muscle force and function. The reduced TB contraction time may be a compensation mechanism allowing bolus transportation without nasal regurgitation. However, deglutition is not completely altered since UES function remains normal. Future studies will need to reveal at which point a decrease in velopharyngeal closing pressure will result in velopharyngeal insufficiency.
Human models of NUP98-KDM5A megakaryocytic leukemia in mice contribute to uncovering new biomarkers and therapeutic vulnerabilities
Authors: Cardin Sophie , Bilodeau Mélanie , Roussy Mathieu , Aubert Léo , Milan Thomas , Jouan Loubna , Rouette Alexandre , Laramée Louise , Gendron Patrick , Duchaine Jean , Decaluwe Hélène , Spinella Jean-François , Mourad Stéphanie , Couture Françoise , Sinnett Daniel , Haddad Élie , Landry Josette-Renée , Ma Jing , Humphries R. Keith , Roux Philippe P. , Hébert Josée , Gruber Tanja A. , Wilhelm Brian T. , Cellot Sonia 
Published: November 2019

Key PointsEngineered human models of high-fatality pediatric leukemia are relevant to uncover disease biomarkers and therapeutic vulnerabilities. NUP98-KDM5A–associated AMKL expresses SELP, MPIG6B, and NEO1 biomarkers and is sensitive to pharmacologic inhibition with ruxolitinib.
Variation in the initial assessment and investigation for ovarian cancer in symptomatic women: a systematic review of international guidelines
Authors: Funston Garth , Van Melle Marije , Baun Marie-Louise Ladegaard , Jensen Henry , Helsper Charles , Emery Jon , Crosbie Emma J. , Thompson Matthew , Hamilton Willie , Walter Fiona M. 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Women with ovarian cancer can present with a variety of symptoms and signs, and an increasing range of tests are available for their investigation. A number of international guidelines provide advice for the initial assessment of possible ovarian cancer in symptomatic women. We systematically identified and reviewed the consistency and quality of these documents.

Methods
MEDLINE, Embase, guideline-specific databases and professional organisation websites were searched in March 2018 for relevant clinical guidelines, consensus statements and clinical pathways, produced by professional or governmental bodies. Two reviewers independently extracted data and appraised documents using the Appraisal for Guidelines and Research Evaluation 2 (AGREEII) tool.

Results
Eighteen documents from 11 countries in six languages met selection criteria. Methodological quality varied with two guidance documents achieving an AGREEII score ≥ 50% in all six domains and 10 documents scoring ≥50% for “Rigour of development” (range: 7–96%). All guidance documents provided advice on possible symptoms of ovarian cancer, although the number of symptoms included in documents ranged from four to 14 with only one symptom (bloating/abdominal distension/increased abdominal size) appearing in all documents. Fourteen documents provided advice on physical examinations but varied in both the examinations they recommended and the physical signs they included. Fifteen documents provided recommendations on initial investigations. Transabdominal/transvaginal ultrasound and the serum biomarker CA125 were the most widely advocated initial tests. Five distinct testing strategies were identified based on the number of tests and the order of testing advocated: ‘single test’, ‘dual testing’, ‘sequential testing’, ‘multiple testing options’ and ‘no testing’.

Conclusions
Recommendations on the initial assessment and investigation for ovarian cancer in symptomatic women vary considerably between international guidance documents. This variation could contribute to differences in the way symptomatic women are assessed and investigated between countries. Greater research is needed to evaluate the assessment and testing approaches advocated by different guidelines and their impact on ovarian cancer detection.
Suppression of nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase expression by miR-154 reduces the viability of breast cancer cells and increases their susceptibility to doxorubicin
Authors: Bolandghamat Pour Zahra , Nourbakhsh Mitra , Mousavizadeh Kazem , Madjd Zahra , Ghorbanhosseini Seyedeh Sara , Abdolvahabi Zohreh , Hesari Zahra , Ezzati Mobasser Samira 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) enzyme acts as the major enzyme in the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) synthesis salvage pathway. Deregulation of NAD could be associated with progression of several cancers such as breast cancer. Here, the consequence of NAMPT inhibition by miR-154 was investigated on breast cancer cells.

Methods
MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cancer cell lines were transfected with the mimic and inhibitors of miR-154-5p and their corresponding negative controls. Consequently, levels of NAMPT and NAD were assayed employing qRT-PCR, Western blotting and enzymatic method, respectively. Subsequently, flow cytometry and colorimetric methods were performed to evaluate apoptosis and cell viability. Bioinformatics analyses as well as luciferase assay were done to investigate whether the 3′-UTR of NAMPT is directly targeted by miR-154.

Results
According to the obtained results, NAMPT was recognized as a target for binding of miR-154 and the levels of this miRNA was inversely associated with both mRNA and protein levels of NAMPT in breast cancer cell lines. Functionally, miR-154 inhibited the NAD salvage pathway leading to a remarkable decrease in cell viability and increased rate of cell death. When breast cancer cells were simultaneously treated with doxorubicin and miR-154 mimic, cell viability was considerably reduced compared to treatment with doxorubicin alone in both cell lines.

Conclusions
It was concluded that the inhibition of NAD production by miR-154 might be introduced as an appropriate therapeutic approach in order to improve breast cancer outcome either alone or in combination with other conventional chemotherapeutic agents.
Systemic high-dose intravenous methotrexate in patients with central nervous system metastatic breast cancer
Authors: Bazan F. , Dobi E. , Royer B. , Curtit E. , Mansi L. , Menneveau N. , Paillard M. J. , Meynard G. , Villanueva C. , Pivot X. , Chaigneau L. 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Infusion of high-dose intravenous methotrexate (MTX) has been demonstrating to penetrate the blood-brain barrier. The aim of this present study was to assess the efficacy and safety of high dose MTX in patients with central nervous system (CNS) metastases of breast cancer.

Methods
Twenty-two patients with CNS metastases treated by MTX (3 g/m2) between April 2004 and October 2009 were enrolled. Clinical response rate, time to progression (TTP), overall survival (OS), and safety were assessed.

Results
In terms of brain metastases, 2 patients (9%) achieved a partial response, 10 patients (45%) had disease stabilization, and 10 patients (45%) had disease progression. In others metastatic sites, 7 patients (39%) achieved a disease stabilization, and 11 patients (61%) had disease progression. TTP and OS were 2.1 (95%CI 1.4–2.9) and 6.3 (95%CI 1.8–10) months, respectively.

Conclusion
High-dose MTX demonstrated a moderate activity at 3 g/m2. Nonetheless, the favorable toxicity profile should suggest the possibility to increase the dosage and further study are planned.
A clinical trial of enteral Levetiracetam for acute seizures in pediatric cerebral malaria
Authors: Birbeck Gretchen L. , Herman Susan T. , Capparelli Edmund V. , Dzinjalamala Fraction K. , Abdel Baki Samah G. , Mallewa Macpherson , Toto Neema M. , Postels Douglas G. , Gardiner Joseph C. , Taylor Terrie E. , Seydel Karl B. 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Acute seizures are common in pediatric cerebral malaria (CM), but usual care with phenobarbital risks respiratory suppression. We undertook studies of enteral levetiracetam (eLVT) to evaluate pharmacokinetics (PK), safety and efficacy including an open-label, randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing eLVT to phenobarbital.

Methods
Children 24–83 months old with CM were enrolled in an eLVT dose-finding study starting with standard dose (40 mg/kg load, then 30 mg/kg Q12 hours) titrated upward until seizure freedom was attained in 75% of subjects.
The RCT that followed randomized children to eLVT vs. phenobarbital for acute seizures and compared the groups on minutes with seizures based upon continuous electroencephalogram. Due to safety concerns, midway through the study children allocated to phenobarbital received the drug only if they continued to have seizures (either clinically or electrographically) after benzodiazepine treatment. Secondary outcomes were treatment failure requiring cross over, coma duration and neurologic sequelae at discharge. PK and safety assessments were also undertaken.

Results
Among 30 comatose CM children, eLVT was rapidly absorbed and well-tolerated. eLVT clearance was lower in patients with higher admission serum creatinine (SCr), but overall PK parameters were similar to prior pediatric PK studies. Within 4 h of the first dose, 90% reached therapeutic levels (> 20 μg/mL) and all were above 6 μg/mL. 7/7 children achieved seizure freedom on the initial eLVT dose.
Comparing 23 eLVT to 21 phenobarbital patients among whom 15/21 received phenobarbital, no differences were seen for minutes with seizure, seizure freedom, coma duration, neurologic sequelae or death, but eLVT was safer (p = 0.019). Phenobarbital was discontinued in 3/15 due to respiratory side effects.

Conclusion
Enteral LVT offers an affordable option for seizure control in pediatric CM and is safer than phenobarbital.

Trial registration
NCT01660672.
NCT01982812.
Bacterial profile and antibacterial susceptibility of otitis media among pediatric patients in Hawassa, Southern Ethiopia: cross-sectional study
Authors: Tadesse Bereket , Shimelis Techalew , Worku Mesfin 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Otitis Media (OM) is the most common disease of childhood. Twenty thousand people die each year from otitis media. It is an important cause of preventable hearing loss, affects children's intellectual performance and language development. There are very small numbers of studies done in Ethiopia concerning this topic. This study aimed to identify bacterial pathogens related to ear infection and to assess antibacterial susceptibility of isolated organisms.

Method
A cross-sectional study was conducted on 152 children from April 2018 to July 2018 at selected health facilities in Hawassa city, SNNPR, Ethiopia. All pediatric patients having ear discharge were included. Convenient sampling technique was used to collect clinical and demographic data using standard questionnaires after child care-takers signed the consent. Ear discharge specimens were collected using a sterile swab, and transported using Amies transport media to Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital laboratory. Bacterial isolates were characterized based on colony appearance, Gram reaction, culture characteristics, and biochemical tests after inoculating on appropriate culture media. Antibacterial susceptibility testing was performed using the disc diffusion method according to the criteria of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI).

Results
Among 152 children included, 115(75.6%) of them demonstrated pathogenic bacterial growth. Staphylococcus aureus 41(27%) was the most frequently isolated pathogen, followed by Proteus mirabilis 19 (12.5%). Of the total isolates, 11.2 and 7.3% were resistant to gentamicin and ciprofloxacin respectively. Over three-fourth (85.2%) of the isolates were resistant to ampicillin. More than two-third of the isolates were resistant to both penicillin (71.4%) and trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole (72.0%).

Conclusions
S. aureus is the most commonly isolated bacterial pathogen from ear discharge among children. Even though gentamicin is a parenteral drug and ciprofloxacin is rarely used in children due to concerns of bone/joint effects, these two drugs were highly effective antibiotics and thus should be considered in treating children with otitis media since most organisms were resistance or poor response to first line drugsHigh level of antibiotic resistance was observed so antimicrobial susceptibility test is needed before prescribing drugs for treatment of OM.
Characterization of mental health in cannabis dispensary users, using structured clinical interviews and standardized assessment instruments
Authors: Yau Jade C. , Yu Shu Min , Panenka William J. , Pearce Hadley , Gicas Kristina M. , Procyshyn Ric M. , MacCallum Caroline , Honer William G. , Barr Alasdair M. 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Cannabis is commonly used for its medical properties. In particular, cannabis is purported to have beneficial effects on a wide range of neuropsychiatric conditions. Studies assessing mental health in cannabis dispensary users typically evaluate symptoms using self-report check lists, which provide limited information about symptom severity, and whether subjects meet criteria for a psychiatric diagnosis. There is, therefore, a need for studies which assess mental health in dispensary users with standardized and well validated scientific instruments, such as those used in clinical drug trials.

Methods
One hundred medical cannabis users were recruited from a community dispensary. All subjects completed a structured clinical interview with the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI). Subjects also completed the Perceived Stress Scale-10, PROMIS Fatigue Scale, PROMIS Sleep Disturbance Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, the Patient Health Questionnaire-15 and the Brief Pain Inventory. Details about cannabis use were also recorded.

Results
Lifetime prevalence of mental illness in this cohort was high, and a large proportion of subjects endorsed psychological symptoms. The proportion of subjects who met criteria for classification of a current psychiatric disorder was low for mood disorders, but high for anxiety disorders and substance abuse/dependence. Cannabis use differed between the main psychiatric conditions.

Conclusions
The present results indicate that rates of mental illness may be high in medical cannabis dispensary users. Use of structured clinical assessments combined with standardized symptom severity questionnaires provide a feasible way to provide a more rigorous and detailed evaluation of conditions and symptoms in this population.
Effect and cost of two successive home visits to increase HIV testing coverage: a prospective study in Lesotho, Southern Africa
Authors: Labhardt Niklaus Daniel , Ringera Isaac , Lejone Thabo Ishmael , Amstutz Alain , Klimkait Thomas , Muhairwe Josephine , Glass Tracy Renee 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Home-based HIV testing and counselling (HB-HTC) is frequently used to increase awareness of HIV status in sub-Saharan Africa. Whereas acceptance of HB-HTC is usually high, testing coverage may remain low due to household members being absent during the home visits. This study assessed whether two consecutive visits, one during the week, one on the weekend, increase coverage.

Methods
The study was a predefined nested-study of the CASCADE-trial protocol and conducted in 62 randomly selected villages and 17 urban areas in Butha-Buthe district, Lesotho. HB-HTC teams visited each village/urban area twice: first during a weekday, followed by a weekend visit to catch-up for household members absent during the week. Primary outcome was HTC coverage after first and second visit. Coverage was defined as all individuals who knew their HIV status out of all household members (present and absent).

Results
HB-HTC teams visited 6665 households with 18,286 household members. At first visit, 69.2 and 75.4% of household members were encountered in rural and urban households respectively (p < 0.001) and acceptance for testing was 88.5% in rural and 79.5% in urban areas (p < 0.001), resulting in a coverage of 61.8 and 61.5%, respectively. After catch-up visit, the HTC coverage increased to 71.9% in rural and 69.4% in urban areas. The number of first time testers was higher at the second visit (47% versus 35%, p < 0.001). Direct cost per person tested and per person tested HIV positive were lower during weekdays (10.50 and 335 USD) than during weekends (20 and 1056 USD).

Conclusions
A catch-up visit on weekends increased the proportion of persons knowing their HIV status from 62 to 71% and reached more first-time testers. However, cost per person tested during catch-up visits was nearly twice the cost during first visit.

Trial registration
NCT02692027 (prospectively registered on February 21, 2016).
Assessment of factors affecting vaccine cold chain management practice in public health institutions in east Gojam zone of Amhara region
Authors: Bogale Hewan Adam , Amhare Abebe Feyissa , Bogale Alemtsehay Adam 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundMaintaining quality of vaccines is one of the main challenges of immunization programs in Ethiopia. The objectiveof this study is to assess the factor affecting vaccine cold chain management practice in immunization health institutions in East Gojam zone of Amhara region, Ethiopia.MethodAn institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted from March to April 2017 in ten districts of East Gojam zone of Amhara Region. Descriptive statistics and Logistic regression analysis were carried out to identify factors related to the practice of cold chain management.ResultAmong 60 health institutions, only 46(76.7%) had functional refrigerators. Twenty-one (35%) had a functional generator for backup service and 28(46.6%) had a car/motorbike for transportation of vaccines in case of refrigerator/power failure. Twenty-nine (48.3%) had known the correct vaccine storage temperature (2 °C – 8 °C) in the refrigerator and the results of this study revealed that only 23(38.3%) of respondents had sufficient knowledge about vaccine cold chain management. The finding of this study also revealed that 35(58.3%) had appropriate vaccine cold chain management practice and the rest 25(41.7%) had inappropriate practice. Logistic regression showed us the knowledge gap and profession were significantly associated with vaccine cold chain management practice atP < 0.05.ConclusionThis study indicates that there was a knowledge gap of health workers who are working on cold chain management. There is an urgent need to improve knowledge and practice on cold chain management through improved supervision and training at a different level of health care system.