bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Peyronie's Disease Intervention Studies: An Exploration of Modern-Era Challenges in Study Design and Evaluating Treatment Outcomes
Authors: Ziegelmann Matthew J. , Trost Landon W. , Russo Giorgio I. , Levine Laurence A. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractIntroductionPeyronie's disease (PD) is characterized by pain, deformity, sexual dysfunction, and psychological bother. Several treatments are available with varying levels of efficacy, and significant limitations exist with the currently available literature.AimTo explore modern-era methodological challenges inherent to PD research as they pertain to intervention studies.MethodsWe performed a critical review of the PD intervention literature to identify common methodological challenges with emphasis on aspects of patient assessment and treatment outcomes, study design, and statistical analysis. The key objective was to provide an impetus on which to build future research protocols, rather than focus on weaknesses with any individual studies.Main Outcome MeasureExpert opinion was used to summarize limitations with commonly reported objective outcomes such as penile curvature, girth, and length along with imaging modalities and objective questionnaires. Appropriate study design and statistical analysis were also reviewed to discuss common pitfalls in the PD literature.ResultsThere are multiple shortcomings inherent to studying objective PD outcomes such as penile curvature, girth, and length. These include lack of standardized protocols for preintervention and postintervention assessment, interobserver and intraobserver variability, and lack of consistent definitions for what defines an objective outcome as clinically “meaningful” for patients. Similarly, imaging studies including penile ultrasound are subject to marked variation, thereby limiting their utility to measure predefined primary or secondary study outcomes including cavernosal artery hemodynamics and penile plaque size. Objective and validated questionnaires such as the Peyronie's Disease Questionnaire and International Index of Erectile Function require that patients have recently engaged in sexual activity, which is challenging for many patients as a result of penile deformity with PD. Finally, careful study design and statistical analysis (including appropriate study power) are imperative to ensure reliable results. Current shortcomings in the majority of studies contribute to the low level of evidence available for most PD interventions.Clinical ImplicationsFuture PD intervention studies should focus on optimizing study design and statistical analysis. Furthermore, authors must incorporate standardized protocols for assessing preintervention and postintervention outcomes.Strength & LimitationsThe current analysis and recommendations for future study are based on the expertise and opinion of the manuscript authors.ConclusionMultiple areas of weakness in study design, statistical analysis, and patient outcomes assessment limit the reliability of data derived from PD intervention studies in the modern era. The global themes identified herein should serve as a basis upon which to build future research protocols.
Does Stigma Toward Anal Sexuality Impede HIV Prevention Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in the United States? A Structural Equation Modeling Assessment
Authors: Kutner Bryan A. , Simoni Jane M. , King Kevin M. , Goodreau Steven M. , Norcini Pala Andrea , Creegan Emma , Aunon Frances M. , Baral Stefan D. , Rosser B.R. Simon 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Introduction
Men who have sex with men (MSM) are suboptimally engaged in efficacious HIV interventions, due in part to stigma.

Aim
We sought to validate the Anal Health Stigma Model, developed based on theory and prior qualitative data, by testing the magnitude of associations between measures of anal sex stigma and engagement in HIV prevention practices, while adjusting for covariates.

Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional online survey of 1,263 cisgender MSM living in the United States and analyzed data with structural equation modeling. We tested a direct path from Anal Sex Stigma to Engagement in HIV Prevention alongside 2 indirect paths, 1 through Anal Sex Concerns and another through Comfort Discussing Anal Sexuality with Health Workers. The model adjusted for Social Support, Everyday Discrimination, and Sociodemographics.

Main Outcome Measure
Engagement in HIV Prevention comprised an ad hoc measure of (i) lifetime exposure to a behavioral intervention, (ii) current adherence to biomedical intervention, and (iii) consistent use of a prevention strategy during recent penile-anal intercourse.

Results
In the final model, anal sex stigma was associated with less engagement (β = −0.22, P &lt; .001), mediated by participants' comfort talking about anal sex practices with health workers (β = −0.52; β = 0.44; both P &lt; .001), adjusting for covariates (R2 = 67%; χ2/df = 2.98, root mean square error of approximation = 0.040, comparative fit index = 0.99 and Tucker-Lewis index = 0.99). Sex-related concerns partially mediated the association between stigma and comfort (β = 0.55; β = 0.14, both P &lt; .001). Modification indices also supported total effects of social support on increased comfort discussing anal sex (β = 0.35, P &lt; .001) and, to a lesser degree, on decreased sex-related concerns (β = −0.10; P &lt; .001).

Clinical Implications
Higher stigma toward anal sexuality is associated with less engagement in HIV prevention, largely due to discomfort discussing anal sex practices with health workers.

Strength & Limitations
Adjustment for mediation in a cross-sectional design cannot establish temporal causality. Self-report is vulnerable to social desirability and recall bias. Online samples may not represent cisgender MSM in general. However, findings place HIV- and health-related behaviors within a social and relational context and may suggest points for intervention in health-care settings.

Conclusion
Providers' willingness to engage in discussion about anal sexuality, for example, by responding to questions related to sexual well-being, may function as social support and thereby bolster comfort and improve engagement in HIV prevention.
Expert Deference about the Epistemic and Its Metaepistemological Significance
Authors: Palmira Michele 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThis paper focuses on the phenomenon of forming one’s judgement about epistemic matters, such as whether one has some reason not to believe false propositions, on the basis of the opinion of somebody one takes to be an expert about them. The paper pursues three aims. First, it argues that some cases of expert deference about epistemic matters are suspicious. Secondly, it provides an explanation of such a suspiciousness. Thirdly, it draws the metaepistemological implications of the proposed explanation.
Molecular Classification of Diffuse Gliomas
Authors: Kalidindi Navya , Or Rosemarylin , Babak Sam , Mason Warren 
Published: January 2020

ABSTRACT:Technological advances in the field of molecular genetics have improved the ability to classify brain tumors into subgroups with distinct clinical features and important therapeutic implications. The World Health Organization’s newest update on classification of gliomas (2016) incorporated isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 and 2 mutations, ATRX loss, 1p/19q codeletion status, and TP53 mutations to allow for improved classification of glioblastomas, low-grade and anaplastic gliomas. This paper reviews current advances in the understanding of diffuse glioma classification and the impact of molecular markers and DNA methylation studies on survival of patients with these tumors. We also discuss whether the classification and grading of diffuse gliomas should be based on histological findings, molecular markers, or DNA methylation subgroups in future iterations of the classification system.
How are US institutions implementing the new key information requirement?
Authors: Mozersky Jessica , Wroblewski Matthew P. , Solomon Erin D. , DuBois James M. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractRecent revisions to the Federal Policy for the Protections of Human Subjects require that informed consent documents begin with a “concise and focused presentation” of the key information a participant requires. Key information “must be organized and presented in a way that facilitates comprehension.” The regulations do not specify what information be included, nor how it must be presented to facilitate comprehension. It is unknown how institutions and Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) are interpreting the current regulations. We conducted a review of randomly sampled available key information templates at 46 US medical institutions to determine how they are implementing the new regulations.
Building capacity for dissemination and implementation to maximize research impact in a CTSA: The University of Wisconsin story
Authors: Quanbeck Andrew , Mahoney Jane , Kies Kim , Judge Kate , Smith Maureen 
Published: January 2020

AbstractWe report results of an 8-year process of stakeholder engagement aimed at building capacity in Dissemination and Implementation (D&I) research at the University of Wisconsin as part of the National Institutes of Health’s Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA). Starting in 2008, annual individual interviews were held with leaders of the Wisconsin CTSA’s community engagement core for strategic planning purposes. Interviews were followed by annual planning meetings that employed a facilitated group decision-making process aimed at identifying and prioritizing gaps in the translational research spectrum. In 2011, the stakeholder engagement process identified D&I as a primary gap limiting overall impact of the institution’s research across the translational spectrum. Since that time, our CTSA has created an array of D&I resources falling into four broad categories: (1) relationship building with D&I partners, (2) D&I skill building, (3) translational research resources, and (4) resources to support D&I activities. Our systematic process of stakeholder engagement has increased the impact of research by providing D&I resources to meet investigator and community needs. CTSAs could engage with leaders of their community engagement cores, which are common to all CTSAs, to adapt or adopt these resources to build D&I capacity.
How frequently should sink drains be disinfected?
Authors: Ramos-Castaneda Jorge A. , Faron Matthew L. , Hyke Joshua , Bell-Key Dominique , Buchan Blake W. , Nanchal Rahul , Pintar Paula , Graham Mary Beth , Huerta Susan , Munoz-Price L. Silvia 
Published: January 2020

AbstractPreviously, we showed that disinfection of sink drains is effective at decreasing bacterial loads. Here, we report our evaluation of the ideal frequency of sink-drain disinfection and our comparison of 2 different hydrogen peroxide disinfectants.
Surveillance of external ventricular drainage-associated meningitis and ventriculitis in German intensive care units
Authors: Bischoff Peter , Schröder Christin , Gastmeier Petra , Geffers Christine 
Published: January 2020

AbstractObjective:In light of the infection risk associated with external ventricular drainage (EVD), we decided to establish the surveillance of EVD-associated meningitis/ventriculitis in German intensive care units (ICUs) in the framework of the German national nosocomial infection surveillance system (KISS). Here, we present the current reference data and subsequent risk-factor analysis for EVD-associated meningitis/ventriculitis rates.Methods:The surveillance method corresponds with the surveillance methods for device-associated infections recommended by the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN). All ICUs participating for at least 1 month from 2008 to 2016 in the module ICU-KISS were included in the reference dataset and the multivariate analysis.Results:Current reference data (2008–2016) are based on input from 157 ICUs. The mean EVD-associated meningitis/ventriculitis rate per 1,000 EVD days was 3.96, with little variation between neurosurgical, surgical, interdisciplinary (hospitals with >400 beds), and neurological ICUs. In total, 893 EVD-associated meningitis/ventriculitis cases and 225,351 EVD days were included in the risk-factor analysis. After multivariate analysis, 2 factors remained significant: (1) stay in an ICU labeled other than neurosurgical, surgical, interdisciplinary (>400 beds), and neurological as a protective factor and (2) EVD utilization rate above the 75th quantile as a risk factor for acquisition of EVD-associated meningitis/ventriculitis.Conclusions:EVD-associated meningitis and ventriculitis are frequent complications of care in intensive care patients at risk. A long hospital stay and/or the presence of the EVD puts the patient at high risk for pathogen acquisition with subsequent infection.
Researching secret spaces: A reflexive account on negotiating risk and academic integrity
Authors: Burgis-Kasthala Michelle 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThis article uses the case study of the Commission for International Justice and Accountability (CIJA) and its work on Syria as a way to reflect on the challenges international lawyers face in conducting research in relation to secret, highly constrained spaces. In particular, the article engages with debates within anthropology on the nature of para-ethnographic research as a way to think about research relationships between international legal scholars and practitioners as conducive of collaboration, (inter)dependency and dialogue. Yet this type of research, especially without the grounding of legal texts, raises questions about the legal researcher’s integrity and author(ity). Thus, the article’s core concern is to explore the inter-relationship between a variety of risks that can occur for both scholars and research subjects operating in secret spaces.
Large-scale Lassa fever outbreaks in Nigeria: quantifying the association between disease reproduction number and local rainfall
Authors: Zhao Shi , Musa Salihu S. , Fu Hao , He Daihai , Qin Jing 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Lassa fever (LF) is increasingly recognised as an important rodent-borne viral haemorrhagic fever presenting a severe public health threat to sub-Saharan West Africa. In 2017–18, LF caused an unprecedented epidemic in Nigeria and the situation was worsening in 2018–19. This work aims to study the epidemiological features of epidemics in different Nigerian regions and quantify the association between reproduction number (R) and state rainfall. We quantify the infectivity of LF by the reproduction numbers estimated from four different growth models: the Richards, three-parameter logistic, Gompertz and Weibull growth models. LF surveillance data are used to fit the growth models and estimate the Rs and epidemic turning points (τ) in different regions at different time periods. Cochran's Q test is further applied to test the spatial heterogeneity of the LF epidemics. A linear random-effect regression model is adopted to quantify the association between R and state rainfall with various lag terms. Our estimated Rs for 2017–18 (1.33 with 95% CI 1.29–1.37) was significantly higher than those for 2016–17 (1.23 with 95% CI: (1.22, 1.24)) and 2018–19 (ranged from 1.08 to 1.36). We report spatial heterogeneity in the Rs for epidemics in different Nigerian regions. We find that a one-unit (mm) increase in average monthly rainfall over the past 7 months could cause a 0.62% (95% CI 0.20%–1.05%)) rise in R. There is significant spatial heterogeneity in the LF epidemics in different Nigerian regions. We report clear evidence of rainfall impacts on LF epidemics in Nigeria and quantify the impact.
More frequent cooking at home is associated with higher Healthy Eating Index-2015 score
Authors: Wolfson Julia A , Leung Cindy W , Richardson Caroline R 
Published: January 2020

AbstractObjective:To examine the association between cooking frequency and Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2015, overall and by income, among US adults.Design:Cross-sectional analysis using multivariable linear regression models to examine the association between cooking frequency and total HEI-2015 score adjusted for sociodemographic variables, overall and stratified by income.Setting:Nationally representative survey data from the USA.Participants:Adults aged ≥20 years (with 2 d of 24 h dietary recall data) obtained from the 2007 to 2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (n 8668).Results:Compared with cooking dinner 0–2 times/week, greater cooking frequency was associated with higher HEI-2015 score overall (≥7 times/week: +3·57 points, P < 0·001), among lower-income adults (≥7 times/week: +2·55 points, P = 0·001) and among higher-income adults (≥7 times/week: +5·07 points, P < 0·001). Overall, total HEI-2015 score was higher among adults living in households where dinner was cooked ≥7 times/week (54·54 points) compared with adults living in households where dinner was cooked 0–2 times/week (50·57 points). In households in which dinner was cooked ≥7 times/week, total HEI-2015 score differed significantly based on income status (lower-income: 52·51 points; higher-income: 57·35 points; P = 0·003). Cooking frequency was associated with significant differences in HEI-2015 component scores, but associations varied by income.Conclusions:More frequent cooking at home is associated with better diet quality overall and among lower- and higher-income adults, although the association between cooking and better diet quality is stronger among high-income adults. Strategies are needed to help lower-income Americans consume a healthy diet regardless of how frequently they cook at home.
Characterization of seedling and adult plant resistance to stripe rust in recombinant inbred lines derived from wheat landrace PI388222 × Avocet cross
Authors: Aman Yesrab , Khalid Fatima , Shaukat Muzaffar , Mahmood Tariq , Hasan Syed Wasim , Mirza Javed Iqbal 
Published: January 2020

AbstractStripe rust caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), is a devastating fungal disease of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The best economical technique for disease control is breeding for genetic resistance to stripe rust. To find resistance genes in landrace PI388222 from Pakistan, a segregating population was developed by a cross between PI388222 and susceptible Australian spring wheat line Avocet ‘S’. The F2:4 seeds were harvested and seeds were planted in the greenhouse of Washington State University Pullman, to grow F4:5 recombinant inbred lines (RIL). A variable set of seedling reactions were noted when a set of 136 F5 and parental lines were screened with four Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici races (PSTv-37, PSTv-40, PSTv-4 and PSTv-51). The great proportion of RILs showed resistant reaction displayed by the RILs was against PSTv-40, for which 85% of the RILs showed resistant reaction, while less resistance to the race PSTv-37 was detected against which the resistance was for only 49% of the RILs. The RIL population was further evaluated at two locations; Palouse Conservation Field Station (PCFS) and Mount Vernon (MV). In MV field, 76% of RILs displayed resistant reaction while 15% of RILs exhibited moderate reaction. About 53% of RILs exhibited resistant reaction to four P. tritici races that were used in glasshouse screening and they were also resistant in field environments at PCFS and MV. This study demonstrates that landrace comprises partial resistance in the range of resistant to moderately resistant lines.
Experimental proof of Joule heating-induced switched-back regions in OLEDs
Authors: Kirch Anton , Fischer Axel , Liero Matthias , Fuhrmann Jürgen , Glitzky Annegret , Reineke Sebastian 
Published: January 2020

AbstractOrganic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) have become a major pixel technology in the display sector, with products spanning the entire range of current panel sizes. The ability to freely scale the active area to large and random surfaces paired with flexible substrates provides additional application scenarios for OLEDs in the general lighting, automotive, and signage sectors. These applications require higher brightness and, thus, current density operation compared to the specifications needed for general displays. As extended transparent electrodes pose a significant ohmic resistance, OLEDs suffering from Joule self-heating exhibit spatial inhomogeneities in electrical potential, current density, and hence luminance. In this article, we provide experimental proof of the theoretical prediction that OLEDs will display regions of decreasing luminance with increasing driving current. With a two-dimensional OLED model, we can conclude that these regions are switched back locally in voltage as well as current due to insufficient lateral thermal coupling. Experimentally, we demonstrate this effect in lab-scale devices and derive that it becomes more severe with increasing pixel size, which implies its significance for large-area, high-brightness use cases of OLEDs. Equally, these non-linear switching effects cannot be ignored with respect to the long-term operation and stability of OLEDs; in particular, they might be important for the understanding of sudden-death scenarios.
Electret formation in transition metal oxides by electrochemical amorphization
Authors: Kim Yong-Jin , Yang Chan-Ho 
Published: January 2020

AbstractTransition metal oxides (TMOs) are an important class of materials that show a wide range of functionalities involving spin, charge, and lattice degrees of freedom. The strong correlation between electrons in d-orbitals and the multivalence nature give rise to a variety of exotic electronic states ranging from insulator to superconductor and cause intriguing phase competition phenomena. Despite a burst of research on the multifarious functionalities in TMOs, little attention has been paid to the formation and integration of an electret—a type of quasi-permanent electric field generator useful for nanoscale functional devices as an electric counterpart to permanent magnets. Here, we find that an electret can be created in LaMnO3 thin films by tip-induced electric fields, with a considerable surface height change, via solid-state electrochemical amorphization. The surface charge density of the formed electret area reaches ~400 nC cm−2 and persists without significant charge reduction for more than a year. The temporal evolution of the surface height, charge density, and electric potential are systematically examined by scanning probe microscopy. The underlying mechanism is theoretically analyzed based on a drift-diffusion-reaction model, suggesting that positively charged particles, which are likely protons produced by the dissociation of water, play crucial roles as trapped charges and a catalysis to trigger amorphization. Our finding opens a new horizon for multifunctional TMOs.