bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between body composition and osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Long Huizhong , Xie Dongxing , Zeng Chao , Wei Jie , Wang Yilun , Yang Tuo , Xu Bei , Qian Yuxuan , Li Jiatian , Wu Ziying , Lei Guanghua 
Published: October 2019

AbstractObjectivesTo examine the association between body composition and osteoarthritis (OA).MethodsAn extensive literature review was performed to identify studies that examined the association between body composition and OA. The mean difference (MD), odds ratio (OR), relative risk (RR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were determined using RevMan statistical software.ResultsA total of 19 studies were included. The combined MD showed the fat mass of the subjects with knee OA was higher than that of the control group (MD 4.38, 95% CI: 2.84‐5.92). Both fat mass and fat mass percentage were positively associated with knee OA (ORs ranged from 1.49, 95% CI: 1.15‐1.92, to 2.37, 95% CI: 1.18‐4.74). Similar findings were observed in hip and hand joints as well (ORs ranged from 1.20, 95% CI: 1.08‐1.32, to 1.87, 95% CI: 1.11‐3.15), and such results were also confirmed by most cohort studies of knee and hip OA (RRs ranged from 0.98, 95% CI: 0.95‐1.01, to 3.60, 95% CI: 2.60‐5.00). Lean mass was also positively associated with knee OA (OR 1.48, 95% CI: 1.13‐1.94). However, lean mass percentage was negatively associated with knee OA (OR 0.65, 95% CI: 0.46‐0.92).ConclusionsBoth fat mass and fat mass percentage were likely to be risk factors for knee, hip and hand OA. Similarly, lean mass also seemed to be a risk factor for knee OA, while lean mass percentage seemed to be a protective factor.
A practical method to account for variation in detection range in acoustic telemetry arrays to accurately quantify the spatial ecology of aquatic animals
Authors: Brownscombe Jacob W. , Griffin Lucas P. , Chapman Jacqueline M. , Morley Danielle , Acosta Alejandro , Crossin Glenn T. , Iverson Sara J. , Adams Aaron J. , Cooke Steven J. , Danylchuk Andy J. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Acoustic telemetry is a popular tool for long‐term tracking of aquatic animals to describe and quantify patterns of movement, space use, and diverse ecological interactions. Acoustic receivers are imperfect sampling instruments, and their detection range (DR; the area surrounding the receiver in which tag transmissions can be detected) often varies dramatically over space and time due to dynamic environmental conditions. Therefore, it is prudent to quantify and account for variation in DR to prevent telemetry system performance from confounding the understanding of real patterns in animal space use. However, acoustic receiver DR consists of a complex, dynamic, three‐dimensional area that is challenging to quantify.

Although quantifying the absolute DR of all receivers is infeasible in the context of most acoustic telemetry studies, we outline a practical approach to quantify relative variation among receiver DR over space and time. This approach involves selecting a set of sentinel receivers to monitor drivers of variation in detection range. Each sentinel receiver is subject to a range testing procedure to estimate detection efficiency (DE; the proportion of total transmissions detected by the receiver), at a range of distances from the receiver, to derive the maximum range (MR; distance from the receiver where DE is 5%) and Midpoint (distance from the receiver where DE is 50%). A reference transmitter is then placed at the Midpoint, providing a standardized measure of long‐term variation in DE, with each station having similar freedom of variance. Variation in reference tag DE is then combined with MR to calculate a DR correction factor (DRc). A modelling approach is then used to estimate DRc for all receivers in the array at spatial and temporal scales of ecological interest, which can be used to correct animal detection data in various ways.

We demonstrate this method with a hypothetical dataset, as well as empirical data from an acoustic telemetry array to delineate spatio‐temporal patterns of fish habitat use.

This is a flexible and practical approach to account for variation in acoustic receiver performance, allowing more accurate spatial and temporal patterns in aquatic animal spatial ecology to be revealed.
The Direct Access Colonoscopy Clinic: Improving time to colonoscopy for eligible positive faecal occult blood test patients in Broken Hill NSW
Authors: Whitelaw Laura , Hammond Kellie , Cumming Melissa , Mansfield Kylie , Saurman Emily 
Published: October 2019

AbstractObjectiveThis pilot project aimed to assess whether the Direct Access Colonoscopy Clinic is an effective and safe model to reduce the time from a positive faecal occult blood test referral to a gastroenterologist‐performed colonoscopy, and its effect on meeting the 120‐day recommendation.DesignBefore/after clinical practice and patient file audit.SettingBroken Hill Health Service.ParticipantsDe‐identified data from all positive faecal occult blood test colonoscopies performed in the Broken Hill Health Service in October 2016‐January 2017 (Pre‐Direct Access Colonoscopy Clinic) and October 2017‐January 2018 (Post‐Direct Access Colonoscopy Clinic).Main outcome measuresVariables included referral date, indication, initial appointment date, colonoscopy date, colonoscopy finding, bowel preparation and adverse events. Colonoscopies indicated by positive faecal occult blood test results were the focus.ResultsThe nurse‐consulted Direct Access Colonoscopy Clinic cohort (n = 22) had a significant 139‐day reduction from positive faecal occult blood test referral to colonoscopy compared to the Pre‐Direct Access Colonoscopy Clinic cohort. All Direct Access Colonoscopy Clinic patients met the new 120‐day recommendation for wait‐time from referral to colonoscopy. Following the introduction of the Direct Access Colonoscopy Clinic, no immediate adverse events were documented for patients using either the conventional or Direct Access Colonoscopy Clinic pathways.ConclusionsThe Direct Access Colonoscopy Clinic offers a safe and effective intervention that reduces wait‐time to colonoscopy in eligible patients with positive faecal occult blood test within the recommended 120 days. Further research is recommended, but Direct Access Colonoscopy Clinic has the potential to improve timely access to colonoscopy services and outcomes for all positive faecal occult blood test patients.
The mental health of former refugees in regional Australia: A qualitative study
Authors: Smith Laura A. , Reynish Tamara , Hoang Ha , Mond Jonathan , Hannah Chona , McLeod Kim , Auckland Stuart , Slewa‐Younan Shameran 
Published: October 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the resettlement experiences of former refugees living in regional Australia, focusing on mental health and mental health and support services, including barriers to access.DesignA phenomenological approach utilising a combination of six qualitative, semi‐structured, face‐to‐face focus groups (n = 24) and seven individual interviews. Data were analysed thematically using NVivo 10 software.SettingLaunceston, Tasmania.ParticipantsAdult and youth former refugees from Afghanistan, Bhutan, Burma, Sierra Leone, Sudan and Iran, and essential service providers, residing in Launceston.Main outcome measuresParticipants were asked about experiences of resettlement and mental health.ResultsParticipants reported that their mental health had improved since resettlement; however, major stressors impacted mental health and resettlement included employment and housing access and mastering the English language. Past experiences continued to impact current functioning, with trauma commonly experienced intergenerationally through parenting and attachment and ongoing trauma and feelings of guilt and responsibility experienced with families left behind. Participants noted barriers to accessing services: (a) Language difficulties including lack of interpreters; and (b) lack of culturally sensitive and trauma‐informed practices. Discrimination was experienced through the inconsistent provision of interpreters and lack of due consideration of cultural and religious differences. The use of children as interpreters enhanced a number of risk including miscommunication of medical information, exposure to age‐inappropriate information and the resulting increased risk of trauma for the child.ConclusionCulturally sensitive, trauma‐informed and discrimination‐free practices should be employed across services, where Western‐views surrounding this medical model are not imposed, cultural differences are respected, and timely access to interpreters was provided.
Hygienisation, Gentrification, and Urban Displacement in Brazil
Authors: Garmany Jeff , Richmond Matthew A. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThis article engages recent debates over gentrification and urban displacement in the global South. While researchers increasingly suggest that gentrification is becoming widespread in “Southern” cities, others argue that such analyses overlook important differences in empirical context and privilege EuroAmerican theoretical frameworks. To respond to this debate, in this article, we outline the concept of higienização (hygienisation), arguing that it captures important contextual factors missed by gentrification. Hygienisation is a Brazilian term that describes a particular form of urban displacement, and is directly informed by legacies of colonialism, racial and class stigma, informality, and state violence. Our objective is to show how “Southern” concepts like hygienisation help urban researchers gain better insight into processes of urban displacement, while also responding to recent calls to decentre and provincialise urban theory.
Theoretical turnover rate of the rumen liquid fraction in dairy cows and its relationship to feed intake, rumen fermentation, and milk production
Authors: Mitsumori Makoto , Hasunuma Toshiya , Okimura Tomoko , Shinkai Takumi , Kobayashi Yosuke , Hirako Makoto , Kushibiki Shiro 
Published: October 2019

AbstractRuminant animals are able to convert plant materials (grain and the human‐indigestible portion of carbohydrates) to milk and meat. In this conversion, most of the plant materials are digested by rumen fermentation and are changed to short‐chain fatty acids, microbial cells, and methane, which is released into the atmosphere. The relationships among feed, rumen fermentation, and milk production are poorly understood. Here we report a novel indicator of characteristics of rumen fermentation, theoretical turnover rate (TTOR) of the rumen liquid fraction. The TTOR was calculated from the presumed rumen volume (PRV) which is estimated by dividing the methane yield by the methane concentration of rumen fluid. The formula for the TTOR is: TTOR = PRV/body weight0.75. Our present analyses confirm that the TTOR as an indicator is capable of connecting feed, rumen fermentation, and milk production, because dry matter intake/TTOR showed a strong correlation with milk yield/TTOR. In addition, the TTOR may be related to ruminal pH, as we observed that the ruminal pH decreased as the TTOR increased. We propose that the TTOR is a factor characterizing rumen fermentation and a good indicator of the productivity of ruminants and dysbiosis of the rumen microbiome.
Approximation of bias and mean‐squared error in two‐sample Mendelian randomization analyses
Authors: Deng Lu , Zhang Han , Song Lei , Yu Kai 
Published: October 2019

AbstractMendelian randomization (MR) is a type of instrumental variable (IV) analysis that uses genetic variants as IVs for a risk factor to study its causal effect on an outcome. Extensive investigations on the performance of IV analysis procedures, such as the one based on the two‐stage least squares (2SLS) procedure, have been conducted under the one‐sample scenario, where measures on IVs, the risk factor, and the outcome are assumed to be available for each study participant. Recent MR analysis usually is performed with data from two independent or partially overlapping genetic association studies (two‐sample setting), with one providing information on the association between the IVs and the outcome, and the other on the association between the IVs and the risk factor. We investigate the performance of 2SLS in the two‐sample–based MR when the IVs are weakly associated with the risk factor. We derive closed form formulas for the bias and mean squared error of the 2SLS estimate and verify them with numeric simulations under realistic circumstances. Using these analytic formulas, we can study the pros and cons of conducting MR analysis under one‐sample and two‐sample settings and assess the impact of having overlapping samples. We also propose and validate a bias‐corrected estimator for the causal effect.
Metabolomic Profiling to Identify Molecular Biomarkers of Cellular Response to Methotrexate In Vitro
Authors: Funk Ryan S. , Singh Rakesh K. , Becker Mara L. 
Published: October 2019

Variation in methotrexate (MTX) efficacy represents a significant barrier to early and effective disease control in the treatment of autoimmune arthritis. We hypothesize that the utilization of metabolomic techniques will allow for an improved understanding of the biochemical basis for the pharmacological activity of MTX, and can promote the identification and evaluation of novel molecular biomarkers of MTX response. In this work, erythroblastoid cells were exposed to MTX at the physiologic concentration of 1,000 nM and analyzed using three metabolomic platforms to give a broad spectrum of cellular metabolites. MTX pharmacological activity, defined as cellular growth inhibition, was associated with an altered cellular metabolomic profile based on the analysis of 724 identified metabolites. By discriminant analysis, MTX treatment was associated with increases in ketoisovaleric acid, fructose, galactose, and 2‐deoxycytidine, and corresponding reductions in 2‐deoxyuridine, phosphatidylinositol 32:0, orotic acid, and inosine monophosphate. Inclusion of data from analysis of folate metabolism in combination with chemometric and metabolic network analysis demonstrated that MTX treatment is associated with dysregulated folate metabolism and nucleotide biosynthesis, which is in line with its known mechanism of action. However, MTX treatment was also associated with alterations in a diversity of metabolites, including intermediates of amino acid, carbohydrate, and lipid metabolism. Collectively, these findings support a robust metabolic response following exposure to physiologic concentrations of MTX. They also identify various metabolic intermediates that are associated with the pharmacological activity of MTX, and are, therefore, potential molecular biomarker candidates in future preclinical and clinical studies of MTX efficacy in autoimmune arthritis.
Variation in the achievement of HbA1c, blood pressure and LDL cholesterol targets in type 2 diabetes in general practice and characteristics associated with risk factor control
Authors: Bakke Å. , Dalen I. , Thue G. , Cooper J. , Skeie S. , Berg T. J. , Jenum A. K. , Claudi T. , Fjeld Løvaas K. , Sandberg S. 
Published: October 2019

AimsTo identify population, general practitioner, and practice characteristics associated with the achievement of HbA1c, blood pressure and LDL cholesterol targets, and to describe variation in the achievement of risk factor control.MethodsWe conducted a cross‐sectional survey of 9342 people with type 2 diabetes, 281 general practitioners and 77 general practices in Norway. Missing values (7.4%) were imputed using multiple imputation by chained equations. We used three‐level logistic regression with the achievement of HbA1c, blood pressure and LDL cholesterol targets as dependent variables, and factors related to population, general practitioners, and practices as independent variables.ResultsTreatment targets were achieved for HbA1c in 64%, blood pressure in 50%, and LDL cholesterol in 52% of people with type 2 diabetes, and 17% met all three targets. There was substantial heterogeneity in target achievement among general practitioners and among practices; the estimated proportion of a GPs diabetes population at target was 55–73% (10–90 percentiles) for HbA1c, 36–63% for blood pressure, and 47–57% for LDL cholesterol targets. The models explained 11%, 5% and 14%, respectively, of the total variation in the achievement of HbA1c, blood pressure and LDL cholesterol targets. Use among general practitioners of a structured diabetes form was associated with 23% higher odds of achieving the HbA1c target (odds ratio 1.23, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02–1.47) and 17% higher odds of achieving the LDL cholesterol target (odds ratio 1.17, 95% CI 1.01–1.35).ConclusionsClinical diabetes management is difficult, and few people meet all three risk factor control targets. The proportion of people reaching target varied among general practitioners and practices. Several population, general practitioner and practice characteristics only explained a small part of the total variation. The use of a structured diabetes form is recommended.
Pollination outcomes reveal negative density‐dependence coupled with interspecific facilitation among plants
Authors: Bergamo Pedro J. , Susin Streher Nathália , Traveset Anna , Wolowski Marina , Sazima Marlies 
Published: October 2019

AbstractPollination is thought to be under positive density‐dependence, destabilising plant coexistence by conferring fitness disadvantages to rare species. Such disadvantage is exacerbated by interspecific competition but can be mitigated by facilitation and intraspecific competition. However, pollinator scarcity should enhance intraspecific plant competition and impose disadvantage on common over rare species (negative density‐dependence, NDD). We assessed pollination proxies (visitation rate, pollen receipt, pollen tubes) in a generalised plant community and related them to conspecific and heterospecific density, expecting NDD and interspecific facilitation due to the natural pollinator scarcity. Contrary to usual expectations, all proxies indicated strong intraspecific competition for common plants. Moreover interspecific facilitation prevailed and was stronger for rare than for common plants. Both NDD and interspecific facilitation were modulated by specialisation, floral display and pollinator group. The combination of intraspecific competition and interspecific facilitation fosters plant coexistence, suggesting that pollination can be a niche axis maintaining plant diversity.
Comparing methods for mapping global parasite diversity
Authors: Pappalardo Paula , Morales‐Castilla Ignacio , Park Andrew W. , Huang Shan , Schmidt John P. , Stephens Patrick R. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractAimParasites are a major component of global ecosystems, yet spatial variation in parasite diversity is poorly known, largely because their occurrence data are limited and thus difficult to interpret. Using a recently compiled database of parasite occurrences, we compare different models which we use to infer parasite geographic ranges and parasite species richness across the globe.InnovationTo date, most studies exploring spatial patterns of parasite diversity assumed, with little validation, that the geographic range of a parasite species can be represented by the collective geographic range of its host species. Our study compares this assumption with a suite of other methods to infer parasite distribution from parasite occurrence data (e.g., based on data density, ecoregions and climatic conditions). We highlight diversity hotspots identified by the various methods and compare the effects of sampling intensities in different regions, a crucial factor determining observed parasite diversity.Main conclusionsThe type of model used to infer parasite distributions affects estimates of both total species richness and spatial patterns of hotspots of parasite richness. Overall, the models based on reported occurrences share similar areas of high parasite richness that tend to be biased towards areas of high sampling effort. In contrast, the model based on host distributions showed hotspots of parasite diversity that are biased towards areas of high host species richness. Accounting for sampling effort could only help to reconcile the outcome from the different models in some regions. Further, the non‐saturated species accumulation curves even for the best studied regions of the world such as Europe and North America serve as a call for further sampling effort and development of effective analytic tools that can provide robust accounts of global parasite diversity.
The financial burden of an influenza outbreak in a small rehabilitation centre
Authors: Sendi Parham , Dräger Sarah , Batzer Bettina , Walser Susanne , Dangel Marc , Widmer Andreas F. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractWe report an influenza outbreak in a 75‐bed rehabilitation centre and present the detailed microeconomic impact that it had during the season 2016/2017. The direct medical, direct non‐medical and indirect costs were calculated. The outbreak included 18 patients with influenza and 8 contact patients, leading to 86 days with isolation precautions. During the outbreak month, 25 (15%) employees were absent from work for 89 days (mean 3.6 days, SD ± 1.8), and during the entire influenza season 33 for 175 (5.3 ± SD 4.6) days, respectively. The economic burden related to the outbreak was 114 373 CHF (106 890 €, 112 131 $).
Fabrication, microstructure, and optical properties of Tm:Y3ScAl4O12 laser ceramics
Authors: Feng Yagang , Toci Guido , Patrizi Barbara , Pirri Angela , Hu Zewang , Chen Xiaopu , Wei Jiabei , Pan Hongming , Li Xiaoying , Zhang Xing , Su Sha , Vannini Matteo , Li Jiang 
Published: October 2019

AbstractTransparent 4 at.% Tm:Y3ScAl4O12 (Tm:YSAG) laser ceramics were fabricated by solid‐state reaction combined with vacuum sintering method. The 4 at.% Tm:YSAG ceramic sample sintered at 1800°C for 30 hours possesses homogenous microstructure and excellent optical properties, showing a transmittance of 79.3% at 2000 nm. The absorption and emission spectra of the Tm:YSAG ceramics are studied and compared with those of 4 at.% Tm:Y3Al5O12 ceramics. The introduction of Sc3+ greatly affects the energy levels of the Tm3+, causing the disappearance and degeneration of some absorption and emission peaks in the middle infrared region. The laser performance of the 4 at.% Tm:YSAG ceramics is also tested in the Quasi‐continuous‐wave (QCW) mode by pumping with a 790 nm laser diode (LD). A maximum laser output power of 0.54 W with a slope efficiency of 4.8% is achieved, which is the first laser output for Tm:YSAG ceramics.
An open randomized controlled trial of the effects of linguistic simplification and mediation on the comprehension of “easy read” text by people with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Buell Susan , Langdon Peter E. , Pounds Gabrina , Bunning Karen 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundThis trial aimed to measure the effects of extrinsic and intrinsic factors on users’ comprehension of health information provided in adapted written “easy read” material.MethodSixty adults with intellectual disabilities undertook The Easy Read Task, randomly allocated with stratification by reading ability to one of four conditions (with and without simplified language/with and without mediation).ResultsNeither linguistic complexity of the text nor mediation independently or combined made a significant difference to the understanding of information. Post hoc testing revealed that the group who received simplified language with mediation performed significantly better than the group that had complex text with mediation. None of the other differences between the remaining groups were significant.ConclusionsConstructing meaning needs to extend beyond a consideration of form as found in “easy read” documents to recognize the role of individual capacity for language processing.