bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Integrating data mining and transmission theory in the ecology of infectious diseases
Authors: Han Barbara A. , O’Regan Suzanne M. , Paul Schmidt John , Drake John M. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractOur understanding of ecological processes is built on patterns inferred from data. Applying modern analytical tools such as machine learning to increasingly high dimensional data offers the potential to expand our perspectives on these processes, shedding new light on complex ecological phenomena such as pathogen transmission in wild populations. Here, we propose a novel approach that combines data mining with theoretical models of disease dynamics. Using rodents as an example, we incorporate statistical differences in the life history features of zoonotic reservoir hosts into pathogen transmission models, enabling us to bound the range of dynamical phenomena associated with hosts, based on their traits. We then test for associations between equilibrium prevalence, a key epidemiological metric and data on human outbreaks of rodent‐borne zoonoses, identifying matches between empirical evidence and theoretical predictions of transmission dynamics. We show how this framework can be generalized to other systems through a rubric of disease models and parameters that can be derived from empirical data. By linking life history components directly to their effects on disease dynamics, our mining‐modelling approach integrates machine learning and theoretical models to explore mechanisms in the macroecology of pathogen transmission and their consequences for spillover infection to humans.
Active case finding of dementia in ambulatory care settings: a comparison of three strategies
Authors: Liew T. M. 
Published: May 2020

Background and purposeTo reduce the diagnostic gap of dementia, three strategies can be employed for case finding of cognitive impairment in ambulatory care settings, namely using informant report, brief cognitive test or a combination of informant report and brief cognitive test. The right strategy to adopt across different healthcare settings remains unclear. This diagnostic study compared the performance of the three strategies for detecting dementia (primary aim), as well as for detecting both mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia (secondary aim).MethodsParticipants aged ≥65 years (n = 11 057) were recruited from Alzheimer’s Disease Centers across the USA. Participants provided data on an informant report (Functional Activities Questionnaire), brief cognitive test (four‐item short variant of Montreal Cognitive Assessment) and a combined measure with informant report and brief cognitive test (sum of Functional Activities Questionnaire and Montreal Cognitive Assessment short variant). They also received standardized assessments (clinical history, physical examination and neuropsychological testing) to diagnose MCI and dementia. Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUCs) of the three strategies were compared using the DeLong method, with AUC > 90% indicating excellent performance.ResultsAll three strategies had excellent performance in detecting dementia, although informant report [AUC, 95.9%; 95% confidence intervals (CI), 95.4–96.3%] was significantly better than brief cognitive test (AUC, 93.0%; 95% CI, 92.4–93.6%) and the combined measure had the best performance (AUC, 97.0%; 95% CI, 96.7–97.4%). However, to detect both MCI and dementia, only the combined measure had excellent performance (AUC, 93.0%; 95% CI, 92.5–93.4%), whereas stand‐alone informant report or brief cognitive test performed suboptimally (AUC < 90%). Performance of the three strategies was not affected by participants’ age, educational attainment or underlying prevalence of MCI and dementia.ConclusionsFor case finding of dementia in ambulatory care settings, informant reports would suffice as first‐line measures and brief cognitive tests may optionally be added on, in services with available resources, to further improve the accuracy of detection. For case finding of both MCI and dementia, a combination of informant reports and brief cognitive tests remains the most appropriate strategy.
Dose–response relationship between physical exercise and risk of physician‐diagnosed dementia in 206 073 Thai community‐dwelling men and women: HCUR study
Authors: Boongird P. , Chamnan P. , Laptikultham S. , Krittayapoositpot P. , Nitiyanant W. , Aekplakorn W. , Mangklabruks A. ,   HCUR investigators
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackground and purposeLittle evidence exists to describe the incidence and risk factors for dementia in developing countries. This study aimed to examine the incidence and factors associated with the risk of developing dementia in a Thai general population.MethodsData on 206 073 men and women aged ≥50 years participating in the Health Check Ubon Ratchathani Project in 2006 were merged with diagnostic information from the hospital’s electronic medical records in the following 6 years (2006–2012). The incidence of physician‐diagnosed dementia over 6 years was examined. Factors associated with the risk of developing dementia were examined using multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression.ResultsOver a total time at risk of 1 196 433 person‐years, 480 individuals developed dementia; the incidence rate was 0.40 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.37–0.44] per 1000 person‐years. Dementia incidence rose exponentially with increasing age to 1.37 (95% CI 1.07–1.75) per 1000 person‐years in those aged 80–84 years and dropped after the age of 85 years. Factors independently associated with the risk of developing dementia included increasing age, diabetes and lack of physical exercise. The risk of dementia rose by 7% for every 1 year of age older [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.07, 95% CI 1.06–1.08]. Diabetes increased the risk of dementia by 51% (aHR 1.51, 95% CI 1.12–2.03). Compared to no physical exercise, having 3–5 days/week and> 5 days/week of physical exercise reduced the risk of dementia by 37% and 59% (aHR 0.63, 95% CI 0.50–0.79, and 0.41, 95% CI 0.26–0.66, respectively).ConclusionsDementia incidence in a Thai population was lower than Western populations and its independent risk factors included increasing age, diabetes and a lack of physical exercise. Adequate physical exercise may counterbalance the ageing process, the main drive of dementia.
Recent CO2 rise has modified the sensitivity of tropical tree growth to rainfall and temperature
Authors: Zuidema Pieter A. , Heinrich Ingo , Rahman Mizanur , Vlam Mart , Zwartsenberg Sophie A. , van der Sleen Peter 
Published: May 2020

AbstractAtmospheric CO2 (ca) rise changes the physiology and possibly growth of tropical trees, but these effects are likely modified by climate. Such ca × climate interactions importantly drive CO2 fertilization effects of tropical forests predicted by global vegetation models, but have not been tested empirically. Here we use tree‐ring analyses to quantify how ca rise has shifted the sensitivity of tree stem growth to annual fluctuations in rainfall and temperature. We hypothesized that ca rise reduces drought sensitivity and increases temperature sensitivity of growth, by reducing transpiration and increasing leaf temperature. These responses were expected for cooler sites. At warmer sites, ca rise may cause leaf temperatures to frequently exceed the optimum for photosynthesis, and thus induce increased drought sensitivity and stronger negative effects of temperature. We tested these hypotheses using measurements of 5,318 annual rings from 129 trees of the widely distributed (sub‐)tropical tree species, Toona ciliata. We studied growth responses during 1950–2014, a period during which ca rose by 28%. Tree‐ring data were obtained from two cooler (mean annual temperature: 20.5–20.7°C) and two warmer (23.5–24.8°C) sites. We tested ca × climate interactions, using mixed‐effect models of ring‐width measurements. Our statistical models revealed several significant and robust ca × climate interactions. At cooler sites (and seasons), ca × climate interactions showed good agreement with hypothesized growth responses of reduced drought sensitivity and increased temperature sensitivity. At warmer sites, drought sensitivity increased with increasing ca, as predicted, and hot years caused stronger growth reduction at high ca. Overall, ca rise has significantly modified sensitivity of Toona stem growth to climatic variation, but these changes depended on mean climate. Our study suggests that effects of ca rise on tropical tree growth may be more complex and less stimulatory than commonly assumed and require a better representation in global vegetation models.
Use of ultrasound for assessment of musculoskeletal disease in persons with haemophilia: Results of an International Prophylaxis Study Group global survey
Authors: Ignas Danial M. , Doria Andrea S. , von Drygalski Annette , Blanchette Victor S. , Chang Eric Y. , Dover Saunya , Fischer Kathelijn , Gibikote Sridhar , Keshava Shyamkumar N. , Querol Felipe , Abad Audrey , Babyn Paul 
Published: May 2020

AbstractAimThe objective of this survey was to understand the global trends of imaging assessments in persons with haemophilia, focusing on point‐of‐care ultrasound (POCUS). Insights into the barriers impeding its widespread proliferation as a frontline imaging modality were obtained.MethodsThe survey opened in September of 2017 and closed in May of 2018. Haemophilia Treatment Centres (HTCs) treating both paediatric/adult patients were the population of interest. A REDCap survey of 25 questions was disseminated to 232 clinical staff in 26 countries.ResultsThe majority of respondents (88.3%, 91/103) reported that POCUS is most useful to confirm or rule out a presumed acute joint bleed. European HTCs reported the highest routine use of POCUS at 59.5% (22/37) followed by HTCs in the “Other” countries of the world at 46.7% (7/15) and North American HTCs at 43.9% (25/57). At the time of the survey, physiotherapists were identified as the clinical staff who perform POCUS 52.8% (28/53) of the time, in contrast with nurses/nurse practitioners who represent only 5.7% (3/53) of users. The greatest perceived barriers to the implementation of POCUS are the lack of trained healthcare professionals who can perform POCUS at 69.2% (74/107) and the overall time commitment required at 68.2% (73/107).ConclusionDespite POCUS being used in 49.5% (54/109) of sampled HTCs, it is still utilized almost 30% less globally than full diagnostic ultrasound. A list of barriers has been identified to inform HTCs which challenges they will likely need to overcome should they choose to incorporate this imaging modality into their practice.
Falling into a deep dark hole: Tongan people’s perceptions of being at risk of developing type 2 diabetes
Authors: Faletau Julienne , Nosa Vili , Dobson Rosie , Heather Maryann , McCool Judith 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundPrediabetes is a precursor for type 2 diabetes. Compared to the New Zealand/European and other population groups (24.6%), the prevalence of prediabetes is higher within Pacific groups (29.8%). The diagnosis of prediabetes presents a potential opportunity to intervene to prevent progression to type 2 diabetes.ObjectiveTo develop an understanding of how being ‘at risk’ of developing type 2 diabetes is perceived by Tongan people with prediabetes living in Auckland, New Zealand.MethodsThe Kakala and Talanga Tongan methodologies underpinned this study. Twelve one‐on‐one, semi‐structured interviews with Tongan patients who had prediabetes from a primary health‐care clinic in Auckland, New Zealand, were conducted. Thematic analysis was used to identify recurrent themes from the data.ResultsParticipants were not aware of their prediabetes diagnosis, emotions associated with the diagnosis reflected fear and disbelief and a perception of imminent danger. Family history informed perceptions of the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Participants could not differentiate prediabetes from type 2 diabetes, and recollections of being ‘back in the Islands’ of Tonga were consistent with healthy lifestyles.ConclusionsPrediabetes appeared to be poorly understood and was believed to be irreversible, which could discourage behaviour change, social and physical improvements in health. Appropriate culturally tailored messages to accompany a prediabetes diagnosis, including cause and management, would be beneficial for Pacific peoples.
Non‐invasive papillary urothelial carcinoma with ‘micropapillary’ architecture: clinicopathological study of 18 patients emphasising clinical outcomes
Authors: Sangoi Ankur R , Cox Roni M , Higgins John P , Quick Charles M , McKenney Jesse K 
Published: May 2020

AimsInvasive micropapillary carcinoma is a recognised aggressive urothelial carcinoma variant. One prior study focusing on non‐invasive (pTa) high‐grade papillary urothelial carcinoma with micropapillary architecture has been reported.Methods and resultsWe collected bladder transurethral resection specimens showing non‐invasive high‐grade papillary urothelial carcinoma with non‐hierarchical secondary papillae lacking fibrovascular cores (i.e. micropapillary architecture). Cases with any invasive component or any prior history of invasive urothelial carcinoma were excluded. Twenty cases were identified from 16 male and two female patients (aged 55–86 years). Micropapillary architecture comprised from 10 to 95% (mean = 31%), but non‐invasive cribriform (15 cases, comprising 5–60%, mean = 19%) and villoglandular patterns (nine cases, comprising 5–60%, mean = 24%) were commonly admixed. Treatment data were available for 16 patients: surveillance (n = 13), cystoprostatectomy (n = 1), BCG plus mitomycin (n = 1) and BCG (n = 1). Follow‐up data were available from 16 patients (range = 1–128 months, mean = 50 months): 13 patients had no new occurrences to date (81%), two had stage progression to pT1 papillary urothelial carcinoma (13%) with one dying of other causes, and one died of other causes with no evidence of disease (6%).ConclusionNon‐invasive urothelial carcinomas with micropapillary architecture are often admixed with non‐invasive cribriform and villoglandular patterns. Stage progression to lamina propria invasion in only two of 16 patients (13%) is not higher than expected for otherwise typical pTa high‐grade urothelial carcinomas and no progression to invasive micropapillary carcinoma was identified, adding further support to the current World Health Organisation recommendation excluding use of the term ‘micropapillary’ for pTa urothelial carcinoma.
The optimal time to test for sero‐reversion in HIV‐exposed uninfected infants: the later the better?
Authors: Hindocha A , Randell P , Seery P , Rahimi T , Kirkhope N , Raghunanan S , Foster C , Tudor‐Williams G , Lyall H 
Published: May 2020

ObjectivesHIV‐exposed uninfected (HEU) infants are tested for loss of maternal antibody (sero‐reversion) at 18 months of age. Highly sensitive fourth‐generation antigen/antibody assays can detect very low levels of antibody, leading to retesting. We audited serological screening outcomes in HEU infants at two National Health Service (NHS) Trusts.MethodsHEU infants born between January 2013 and August 2016 were identified via case records. Data collected included gestation; age at testing; test results and assay type.ResultsOne hundred and forty‐two infants were identified, of whom 21 were excluded from analysis. One hundred and one (83%) were born at term and 20 (17%) preterm (< 37/40 weeks of gestation), and the median age at first serology was 19.1 [interquartile range (IQR) 18.1; 21.4] months. Initial serology was positive in 10 of 121 infants (8.3%), and the median age of these 10 infants was 18.3 (IQR 18.1; 18.8) months, whereas those with negative serology (n = 111) had a median age of 19.2 (IQR 18.1; 21.5) months (P = 0.12). All infants with positive HIV serology were born at term. Seven of 10 infants had reactive serology on two fourth‐generation assays. Subsequent serology was available for eight of 10 infants, with a median age of 21.3 months. Five of the eight (63%) were negative. One was reactive but HIV RNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was negative, and one was reactive on screening but negative on confirmatory testing. The remaining child was still seropositive at 24.7 months but had a non‐reactive result at 29.4 months.ConclusionsOverall, 8.3% of HEU infants required repeat testing to confirm loss of antibody. Delaying testing until 22 months of age reduces retesting to < 2%, with associated resource and emotional implications. Positive serology at 22 months should prompt an HIV RNA PCR to exclude infection.
Rheological fingerprinting as an effective tool to guide development of personal care formulations
Authors: Ozkan S. , Alonso C. , McMullen R. L. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractObjectiveConventional rheological techniques in the linear viscoelastic region provide insights about the spatial configuration of the microstructural components of personal care formulations in their ‘at‐rest’ state. However, they fail to describe the textural experience associated with large and fast deformations during daily consumer application. In this study we present a non‐conventional rheological technique—large amplitude oscillatory shear (LAOS)—for probing the transformation of a material during its application. This technique is proposed a practical tool for formulators in their efforts to design products with desired textural attributes.MethodsA non‐linear rheological technique termed LAOS was utilized to capture the textural expression perceived by consumers. Lissajous plots (stress vs. strain or strain rate) provide a fingerprint of the formula and are utilized to both analyse the thickening mechanism and monitor the influence of various parameters, such as the chemistry, molecular properties, colloidal parameters and processing conditions.ResultsIn this study, we showcased several approaches for modifying the texture of personal care formulations and show the influence of various parameters on the characteristics of the Lissajous curves and their relation to sensorial perception. This fingerprinting technique shows that increasing the molecular weight or hydrophobic modification boosts the elasticity and thickening efficiency of a given polymer. Differences in the chemistry of rheological ingredients also influence the characteristic Lissajous fingerprint. In high concentration surfactant systems, which tend to form worm‐like micelles, their unique Lissajous fingerprints indicate structure rebuild because of fast kinetics at large but slow deformations. Analysis of lamellar gel‐based hair conditioner formulations demonstrates the unique high yield stress of these types of materials, accompanied by the fast breakdown transition from a solid to viscous structure because of their crystalline lamellar gel structure.ConclusionThe LAOS technique presented in this article is intended to better capture the textural expression perceived by consumers. Lissajous plots—generated from the LAOS experimental data—provide a fingerprint of the tested formula and are utilized to both analyse the thickening mechanism and monitor the influence of various parameters, such as the chemistry and molecular weight of the thickener, pH of the formula medium and influence of other ingredients in the formula (surfactants, emulsifiers, etc.).
First come, first served: Possible role for priority effects in marine populations under different degrees of dispersal potential
Authors: de Leeuw Christiaan A. , Peijnenburg Katja T. C. A. , Gillespie Rosemary G. , Maas Diede L. , Hanzawa Naoto , Tuti Yosephine , Toha Abdul Hamid A. , Aji Ludi Parwadani , Becking Leontine E. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractAimStudying clearly delineated populations in marine lakes, islands of sea, we investigated the interplay of habitat size, dispersal potential, and priority effects in shaping marine population genetic structure.LocationMarine lakes and coastal locations in Indonesia, Palau, Papua New Guinea and Australia.TaxonMussels (Mytilidae, Brachidontes spp.)MethodsPopulations were sampled from four coastal locations and 22 marine lakes of similar age (~8,000 years), yet differing in size (0.04–4.7 km2) and degree of connection to the adjacent sea. While some lakes are highly connected, allowing potential influx of larvae from the sea, others have very limited water exchange. We assessed the phylogeographical structure and demographic history using mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequence data, and combined this with geometric morphometrics. The effects of lake characteristics on population genetic diversity and structure were tested using linear regression and Mantel tests.ResultsEach lake contained one of six distinct genetic lineages, which were characterized by deep phylogenetic splits and significant morphometric differences. These lineages likely represent separate species. The lineages showed similar demographic patterns, with lakes containing founder populations that rapidly expanded and diverged. Genetic diversity within lake populations was significantly correlated with lake area, but not with physical connection to the adjacent sea. Within lineages that occurred in multiple lakes there was strong population structure (average ΦST 0.65), which did not conform to an isolation‐by‐distance pattern or to the degree of dispersal potential.Main ConclusionsMarine lakes across a gradient of physical isolation show strong population structure and evidence for in situ divergence. We hypothesize that the observed genetic structure is the result of priority effects. In addition, reduction of habitat size appears to reduce genetic diversity, even at very small spatial scales. Our findings are relevant in the context of ongoing alterations to coastal hydrodynamics, which lead to habitat reduction and influence migration among populations at fine spatial scales.
Association of triglyceride glucose index and its combination of obesity indices with prehypertension in lean individuals: A cross‐sectional study of Chinese adults
Authors: Zeng Zhen Yu , Liu Su Xuan , Xu Hao , Xu Xia , Liu Xing Zhen , Zhao Xian Xian 
Published: May 2020

AbstractFor normal‐weight population, the management of prehypertension may be more beneficial by identifying insulin resistance (IR) status than relying solely on traditional indicators of obesity. We investigated the association of triglyceride glucose (TyG) index, a simple surrogate marker of IR, and its combination of obesity indices with prehypertension in lean individuals. A total of 105 070 lean adults without hypertension were included in this analysis. Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist‐to‐height ratio (WtHR), and TyG were calculated according to the corresponding formula; TyG‐BMI, TyG‐WC, and TyG‐WHtR were calculated by multiplying the corresponding two parameters. Gardner‐Altman plots, partial correlation, and logistic regression analyses were applied to explore the associations in continuous variables and quartiles. The prehypertensive ones had higher mean values of TyG, TyG‐BMI, TyG‐WC, and TyG‐WHtR than normotensive individuals. All the four indicators showed positive correlations with systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure. After full adjustment, only TyG‐BMI and TyG‐WC were significantly associated with prehypertension in both genders. Furthermore, TyG‐BMI had the highest OR for prehypertension. Our study showed that TyG‐BMI might be an accessible and complementary monitor in the hierarchical management of non‐obese prehypertensive patients.