bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Governing the transboundary risks of offshore methane hydrate exploration in the seabed and ocean floor—an analysis on international provisions and Chinese law†
Authors: Yan Dong , Farah Paolo Davide , Ötvös Tivadar , Gaskova Ivana 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Considering the fact that its existence is abundant while maintaining the ability to generate freshwater while burning, methane hydrates have been classified as sources of sustainable energy. China currently maintains an international role in developing technology meant to explore offshore methane hydrates buried under the mud of the seabed, their primary laboratory being the South China Sea. However, such a process does not come without its hazards and fatal consequences, ranging from the destruction of the flora and fauna, the general environment, and—the greatest hazard of all—the cost of human life. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (hereinafter ‘UNCLOS’), being an important international legal regime and instrument, has assigned damage control during the exploration of methane hydrates, as being the responsibilities and liability of individual sovereign states and corporations. China adopted the Deep Seabed Mining Law (hereinafter the DSM Law) on 26 February 2016, which came into force on the 1 of May 2016; a regulation providing the legal framework also for the Chinese government’s role in methane hydrate exploratory activities. This article examines the role of the DSM Law and its provisions, as well as several international documents intended to prevent transboundary environmental harm from arising, as a result of offshore methane hydrate extraction. Despite the obvious risk of harm to the environment, the DSM Law has made great strides in regulating exploratory activities so as to meet the criteria of the UNCLOS. However, this article argues that neither the UNCLOS nor the DSM Law are adequately prepared to address transboundary harm triggered by the exploitation of offshore methane hydrates. In particular, the technology of such extraction is still at an experimental stage, and potential risks remain uncertain—and even untraceable—for cross-jurisdictional claims. The article intends to seek available legal instruments or models, to overhaul the incapacity within the current governing framework, and offers suggestions supporting national and international legislative efforts towards protecting the environment during methane hydrate extraction.
Optimizing exoplanet atmosphere retrieval using unsupervised machine-learning classification
Authors: Hayes J J C , Kerins E , Awiphan S , McDonald I , Morgan J S , Chuanraksasat P , Komonjinda S , Sanguansak N , Kittara P ,   (SPEARNET)
Published: April 2020

ABSTRACT
One of the principal bottlenecks to atmosphere characterization in the era of all-sky surveys is the availability of fast, autonomous, and robust atmospheric retrieval methods. We present a new approach using unsupervised machine learning to generate informed priors for retrieval of exoplanetary atmosphere parameters from transmission spectra. We use principal component analysis (PCA) to efficiently compress the information content of a library of transmission spectra forward models generated using the platon package. We then apply a k-means clustering algorithm in PCA space to segregate the library into discrete classes. We show that our classifier is almost always able to instantaneously place a previously unseen spectrum into the correct class, for low-to-moderate spectral resolutions, R, in the range R = 30−300 and noise levels up to 10 per cent of the peak-to-trough spectrum amplitude. The distribution of physical parameters for all members of the class therefore provides an informed prior for standard retrieval methods such as nested sampling. We benchmark our informed-prior approach against a standard uniform-prior nested sampler, finding that our approach is up to a factor of 2 faster, with negligible reduction in accuracy. We demonstrate the application of this method to existing and near-future observatories, and show that it is suitable for real-world application. Our general approach is not specific to transmission spectroscopy and should be more widely applicable to cases that involve the repetitive fitting of trusted high-dimensional models to large data catalogues, including beyond exoplanetary science.
MEGA: Merger graphs of structure formation
Authors: Roper William J , Thomas Peter A , Srisawat Chaichalit 
Published: April 2020

ABSTRACT
When following the growth of structure in the Universe, we propose replacing merger trees with merger graphs, in which haloes can both merge and split into separate pieces. We show that this leads to smoother mass growth and eliminates catastrophic failures in which massive haloes have no progenitors or descendants. For those who prefer to stick with merger trees, we find that trees derived from our merger graphs have similar mass growth properties to previous methods, but again without catastrophic failures. For future galaxy formation modelling, two different density thresholds can be used to distinguish host haloes (extended galactic haloes, groups, and clusters) from higher density subhaloes: sites of galaxy formation.
Beta-Hemolytic Streptococcal Infective Endocarditis: Characteristics and Outcomes From a Large, Multinational Cohort
Authors: Fernández Hidalgo Núria , Gharamti Amal A , Aznar María Luisa , Almirante Benito , Yasmin Mohamad , Fortes Claudio Querido , Plesiat Patrick , Doco-Lecompte Thanh , Rizk Hussein , Wray Dannah , Lamas Cristiane , Durante-Mangoni Emanuele , Tattevin Pierre , Snygg-Martin Ulrika , Hannan Margaret M , Chu Vivian H , Kanafani Zeina A 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Background
Beta-hemolytic streptococci (BHS) are an uncommon cause of infective endocarditis (IE). The aim of this study was to describe the clinical features and outcomes of patients with BHS IE in a large multinational cohort and compare them with patients with viridans streptococcal IE.

Methods
The International Collaboration on Endocarditis Prospective Cohort Study (ICE-PCS) is a large multinational database that recruited patients with IE prospectively using a standardized data set. Sixty-four sites in 28 countries reported patients prospectively using a standard case report form developed by ICE collaborators.

Results
Among 1336 definite cases of streptococcal IE, 823 were caused by VGS and 147 by BHS. Patients with BHS IE had a lower prevalence of native valve (P &lt; .005) and congenital heart disease predisposition (P = .002), but higher prevalence of implantable cardiac device predisposition (P &lt; .005). Clinically, they were more likely to present acutely (P &lt; .005) and with fever (P = .024). BHS IE was more likely to be complicated by stroke and other systemic emboli (P &lt; .005). The overall in-hospital mortality of BHS IE was significantly higher than that of VGS IE (P = .001). In univariate analysis, variables associated with in-hospital mortality for BHS IE were age (odds ratio [OR], 1.044; P = .004), prosthetic valve IE (OR, 3.029; P = .022), congestive heart failure (OR, 2.513; P = .034), and stroke (OR, 3.198; P = .009).

Conclusions
BHS IE is characterized by an acute presentation and higher rate of stroke, systemic emboli, and in-hospital mortality than VGS IE. Implantable cardiac devices as a predisposing factor were more often found in BHS IE compared with VGS IE.
Trichomonas vaginalis in Pregnancy
Authors: Kim Tesia G. , Young Marisa R. , Goggins Emily R. , Williams Rachel E. , HogenEsch Elena , Workowski Kimberly A. , Jamieson Denise J. , Haddad Lisa B. 
Published: April 2020

OBJECTIVE:
To identify factors associated with testing for and diagnosis of trichomoniasis in pregnancy and to describe patterns of treatment and tests of reinfection or persistence.

METHODS:
We conducted a retrospective cohort study of women who delivered from July 2016 to June 2018 at one institution. Testing for Trichomonas vaginalis infection was done by wet mount microscopy or by nucleic acid amplification testing for routine prenatal testing or symptomatic visits. Poisson regression was used to identify factors associated with testing for trichomoniasis and testing positive in pregnancy. Treatment and re-testing patterns also were assessed.

RESULTS:
Among 3,265 pregnant women, 2,489 (76%) were tested for T vaginalis infection. Of the total sample, 1,808 (55%) were tested by wet mount microscopy, 1,661 (51%) by nucleic acid amplification testing, and 980 (30%) by both modalities. The sensitivity for microscopy compared with nucleic acid amplification testing was 26%, with a specificity of 99%. Factors associated with increased likelihood of being tested included younger age (adjusted risk ratio [aRR] 0.99, 95% CI 0.99–1.00) and bacterial vaginosis (aRR 1.17, 95% CI 1.01–1.37). Prevalence of trichomoniasis was 15% among those tested by any modality (wet mount or nucleic acid amplification testing). Risk factors for trichomoniasis included younger age (aRR 0.97, P<.01), being of black race (aRR 2.62, P<.01), abnormal vaginal discharge (aRR 1.45, P<.01), and chlamydia during the current pregnancy (aRR 1.70, P<.01). Women diagnosed by microscopy had a shorter time to treatment compared with those diagnosed by nucleic acid amplification testing. Most (75%) women with positive infections had a test of reinfection; 29% of these were positive. Bacterial vaginosis was associated with decreased risk of a positive test of reinfection.

CONCLUSION:
Although testing for and treatment of trichomoniasis during pregnancy is not routinely recommended, the high burden of infection among some pregnant women demonstrates a need to further understand patterns of T vaginalis testing and infection. Opportunities exist for improving timely treatment of trichomoniasis and test of reinfection.
First Twin in Breech Presentation and Neonatal Mortality and Morbidity According to Planned Mode of Delivery
Authors: Korb Diane , Goffinet François , Bretelle Florence , Parant Olivier , Riethmuller Didier , Sentilhes Loïc , Verspyck Eric , Schmitz Thomas ,   for the JUmeaux MODe d'Accouchement (JUMODA) Study Group* and the Groupe de Recherche en Obstétrique et Gynécologie (GROG)
Published: April 2020

OBJECTIVE:
To compare neonatal mortality and morbidity of first twins according to the planned mode of delivery when the first twin is in breech presentation, in a country where planned vaginal delivery is an option.

METHODS:
This is a planned secondary analysis of the JUMODA (JUmeaux MODe d'Accouchement) cohort, a national prospective population-based study of twin deliveries conducted in 176 French hospitals. We analyzed pregnancies with first twins in breech presentation and applied the inclusion criteria of the Twin Birth Study (except the criterion for first-twin presentation): both fetuses alive, with a birth weight between 1,500 g and 4,000 g, at or after 32 0/7 weeks of gestation. The primary outcome was a composite of neonatal mortality and morbidity. We used multivariate Poisson regression models to control for potential confounders and propensity score analyses, that is, matching and inverse probability of treatment weighting to control for indication bias.

RESULTS:
Among the 1,467 women with a breech-presenting first twin included in this analysis, 1,169 (79.7%) had planned cesarean and 298 (20.3%) planned vaginal births, of whom 185 (62.1%) delivered both twins vaginally. The neonatal mortality and severe morbidity rate for first twins was 1.7% (5/298) in the planned vaginal and 1.9% (22/1,169) in the planned cesarean delivery groups (crude relative risk [RR] 0.90, 95% CI 0.34–2.34). Planned vaginal delivery was not associated with higher neonatal mortality and morbidity than planned cesarean delivery, regardless of the statistical method used: adjusted RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.27–1.86; RR 0.61, 95% CI 0.20–1.83 after matching for propensity score; RR 0.63, 95% CI 0.23–1.74 with inverse probability of treatment weighting. Analyses of neonatal mortality and morbidity of second twins yielded similar results.

CONCLUSION:
Although our sample size precluded a robust assessment for small differences in outcomes between planned cesarean and planned vaginal delivery in twin pregnancies in which the first twin was in breech presentation, in our cohort planned vaginal delivery was not associated with higher neonatal mortality and morbidity for either twin.
Pregnancy Prevalence and Outcomes in U.S. Jails
Authors: Sufrin Carolyn , Jones Rachel K. , Mosher William D. , Beal Lauren 
Published: April 2020

OBJECTIVE:
To describe the number of admissions of pregnant people to U.S. jails and the outcomes of pregnancies that end in custody.

METHODS:
We prospectively collected pregnancy data from six U.S. jails, including the five largest jails, on a monthly basis for 12 months. Jails reported de-identified, aggregate numbers of pregnant people admitted, births, preterm births, cesarean deliveries, miscarriages, induced abortions, ectopic pregnancies, and maternal and newborn deaths.

RESULTS:
There were 1,622 admissions of pregnant people in 12 months in the selected jails. The highest 1-day count of pregnant people at a single jail was 65. The majority of these admissions involved the release of a pregnant person. Of the 224 pregnancies that ended in jail, 144 (64%) were live births, 41 (18%) were miscarriages, 33 (15%) were induced abortions, and four were ectopic (1.8%). One third of the births were cesarean deliveries and 8% were preterm. There were two stillbirths, one newborn death, and no maternal deaths.

CONCLUSION:
About 3% of admissions of females to U.S. jails are of pregnant people; extrapolating study results to national female jail admission rates suggests nearly 55,000 pregnancy admissions in 1 year. It is feasible to track pregnancy statistics about this overlooked group.
Implant Sonication versus Tissue Culture for the Diagnosis of Spinal Implant Infection
Authors: Carlson Bayard C. , Hines Jeremy T. , Robinson William A. , Sebastian Arjun S. , Greenwood-Quaintance Kerryl E. , Patel Robin , Huddleston Paul M. 
Published: April 2020

Mini
We compared the sensitivity and specificity of peri-implant tissue culture to the vortexing–sonication technique for the diagnosis of spinal implant infection (SII). Lower thresholds of sonicate fluid culture positivity showed increased sensitivity with maintained specificity. We recommend a threshold of 20 CFU/10 mL for sonicate culture positivity for the diagnosis of SII.

Study Design.
This is a retrospective study comparing the diagnosis of spinal implant infection (SII) by peri-implant tissue culture to vortexing–sonication of retrieved spinal implants.

Objective.
We hypothesized that vortexing–sonication would be more sensitive than peri-implant tissue culture.

Summary of Background Data.
We previously showed implant vortexing–sonication followed by culture to be more sensitive than standard peri-implant tissue culture for diagnosing of SII. In this follow-up study, we analyzed the largest sample size available in the literature to compare these two culture methods and evaluated thresholds for positivity for sonicate fluid for SII diagnosis.

Methods.
We compared peri-implant tissue culture to the vortexing–sonication technique which samples bacterial biofilm on the surface of retrieved spinal implants. We evaluated different thresholds for sonicate fluid positivity and assessed the sensitivity and specificity of the two culture methods for the diagnosis of SII.

Results.
A total of 152 patients were studied. With more than 100 colony forming units (CFU)/10 mL as a threshold for sonicate fluid culture positivity, there were 46 patients with SII. The sensitivities of peri-implant tissue and sonicate fluid culture were 65.2% and 79.6%; the specificities were 88.7% and 93.4%, respectively. With more than 50 CFU/10 mL as a threshold, there were 50 patients with SII. The sensitivities of peri-implant tissue and sonicate fluid culture were 68.0% and 76.0%; the specificities were 92.2% for both methods. Finally, with more than or equal to 20 CFU/10 mL as a threshold, there were 52 patients with SII. The sensitivities of peri-implant tissue and sonicate fluid culture were 69.2% and 82.7%; the specificities were 94.0% and 92.0%, respectively.

Conclusion.
Implant sonication followed by culture is a sensitive and specific method for the diagnosis of SII. Lower thresholds for defining sonicate fluid culture positivity allow for increased sensitivity with a minimal decrease in specificity, enhancing the clinical utility of implant sonication.

Level of Evidence: 4
Misinformation During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Outbreak: How Knowledge Emerges From Noise
Authors: Rochwerg Bram , Parke Rachael , Murthy Srinivas , Fernando Shannon M. , Leigh Jeanna Parsons , Marshall John , Adhikari Neill K. J. , Fiest Kirsten , Fowler Rob , Lamontagne François , Sevransky Jonathan E. 
Published: April 2020

Objectives:
Although the amount of information generated during this most recent coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic is enormous, much is of uncertain trustworthiness. This review summaries the many potential sources of information that clinicians turn to during pandemic illness, the challenges associated with performing methodologically sound research in this setting and potential approaching to conducting well done research during a health crisis.

Data Sources:
Not applicable.

Study Selection:
Not applicable.

Data Extraction:
Not applicable.

Data Synthesis:
Not applicable.

Conclusions:
Pandemics and healthcare crises provide extraordinary opportunities for the rapid generation of reliable scientific information but also for misinformation, especially in the early phases, which may contribute to public hysteria. The best way to combat misinformation is with trustworthy data produced by healthcare researchers. Although challenging, research can occur during pandemics and crises and is facilitated by advance planning, governmental support, targeted funding opportunities, and collaboration with industry partners. The coronavirus disease 2019 research response has highlighted both the dangers of misinformation as well as the benefits and possibilities of performing rigorous research during challenging times.
Perspectives on Sleep from Multiethnic Community Parents, Pediatric Providers, and Childcare Providers
Authors: Sadler Lois S. , Banasiak Nancy , Canapari Craig , Crowley Angela A. , Fenick Ada , O'Connell Meghan , Ordway Monica R. , Sude Leslie , Trevino Sandra , Redeker Nancy S. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract:

Objective:
To describe the perceptions of (1) parents, childcare, and health care providers regarding sleep health among multiethnic infants and toddlers living with socioeconomic adversity, (2) factors that contribute to sleep health and its consequences, and (3) best ways to promote sleep health in these children.

Methods:
Nested within a larger community-engaged mixed methods study, we used a descriptive qualitative design to describe the experience of multiethnic young parents who were raising 6- to 36-month-old children, pediatric health care providers, and childcare providers living and working in an urban under-resourced community. Semistructured interviews with 25 parents and 16 providers were conducted, transcribed, coded, and analyzed using thematic analysis by a 6-member research team. Interviews continued until themes were saturated.

Results:
Parent responses and provider responses resulted in overlapping and divergent findings. Common themes among all respondents were the importance of sleep, interest and desire for more sleep health information, and common environmental/social impediments to healthy family sleep. Divergent themes included the importance of bedtime routines and timing, views on the family bed, importance of naps, and healthy sleep aids. Childcare centers were suggested as good sites for sleep health promotion programs.

Conclusion:
Sleep is a topic of interest and importance for young families. There are unique family challenges to be considered in any sleep health promotion program tailored to the needs of the community. The voices of parents and community providers are valuable assets informing the development of novel family-friendly approaches for decreasing sleep disparities and improving the health of young children and families.
Prevalence of High-risk Nonavalent Vaccine-type Human Papillomavirus Infection Among Unvaccinated, Sexually Active Asian Female Adolescents With and Without Perinatally Acquired HIV Infection
Authors: Sricharoenchai Sirintip , Kerr Stephen J. , Gatechompol Sivaporn , Hansudewechakul Rawiwan , Dang Hanh Le Dung , Tran Dan Ngoc Hanh , Teeratakulpisarn Nipat , Chalermchockcharoenkit Amphan , Achalapong Jullapong , Teeraananchai Sirinya , Singtoroj Thida , Phanuphak Nittaya , Sohn Annette H. , Chokephaibulkit Kulkanya ,   on behalf of Steering Committee of the HPV in Adolescents Study
Published: April 2020

Background:
We studied the prevalence of 7, high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) types in the nonavalent vaccine (HRVT-7: HPV 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, 58) among vaccine-naïve, sexually active Asian female adolescents with and without perinatally acquired HIV infection (PHIV).

Methods:
PHIV female adolescents 12–24 years of age and HIV-uninfected controls matched by age and number of lifetime sex partners were enrolled in a 3-year observational cohort study in Thailand and Vietnam. Samples from the oral cavity, anus, cervix and vagina were collected for HRVT-7 HPV genotyping, and serum collected for HPV 16 and 18 antibody testing. Baseline data were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression.

Results:
We included 93 PHIV (median CD4 593 cells/mm3, 62% with HIV RNA suppression) and 99 HIV-uninfected adolescents (median lifetime sex partners 2). The overall prevalence of HRVT-7 infection was 53% in PHIV and 49% in HIV-uninfected adolescents (P = 0.66). Cervical HRVT-7 DNA was detected more frequently in PHIV than HIV-uninfected adolescents (37% vs. 23%, P = 0.04). Overall, more lifetime partners [≥3 vs. 1; odds ratio (OR) 2.99 (1.38–6.51), P = 0.02] and having other sexually transmitted infections [OR 3.30 (1.51–7.21), P = 0.003] increased the risk of HRVT-7 infection and/or positive HPV 16/18 antibodies; while detectable HIV RNA [OR 2.78 (1.05–7.36), P = 0.04] increased the risk among PHIV adolescents.

Conclusions:
Half of sexually active Asian female adolescents, regardless of HIV infection, had already acquired HRVT-7 infection. This underscores the need for earlier access to HPV vaccine in the region.