bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of 2 assays for measuring serum total thyroxine concentration in dogs and cats
Authors: Wolff Ewan D. S. , Bilbrough Graham , Moore George , Guptill Lynn , Scott‐Moncrieff J. Catharine 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundNo gold standard assay for serum total thyroxine (TT4) concentration in small animals exists. The Microgenics DRI TT4 (MTT4) assay is used by most reference laboratories.Hypothesis/ObjectivesIDEXX Catalyst Total T4 (CTT4) and Immulite 2000 TT4 (ITT4) results will agree with MTT4 results.AnimalsResidual small animal sera were randomized before reanalysis (dogs, CTT4 versus MTT4: n = 176, ITT4 versus MTT4: n = 74; cats, CTT4 versus MTT4: n = 319, ITT4 versus MTT4: n = 79).MethodsValidation and method comparison study. Serum TT4 concentration was measured on all analyzers. Pairwise Pearson correlation, cumulative sum linearity test, regression, and Bland‐Altman method were performed.ResultsCTT4 versus MTT4 in dogs: constant bias (y‐intercept) was 0.10 μg/dL (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.05‐0.15), proportional bias (slope) was 0.86 μg/dL (95% CI, 0.83‐0.89); in cats, constant bias was 0.13 μg/dL (95% CI, 0.08‐0.20) and proportional bias was 1.01 μg/dL (95% CI, 0.98‐1.03), but the test for linearity failed. Bland‐Altman plots identified increasing disagreement with increasing serum TT4 concentrations.ITT4 versus MTT4 in dogs, constant bias was 0.14 μg/dL (95% CI, 0.04‐0.22) and 0.22 μg/dL (95% CI, 0.09‐0.33) for cats; proportional bias was 0.76 (95% CI, 0.72‐0.80) for dogs and 0.71 (95% CI, 0.69‐0.74) for cats.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceDifferences in CTT4 and MTT4 results affect interpretation at higher serum TT4 concentrations. The ITT4 proportional bias will underestimate serum TT4 concentrations in dogs and cats, compared to MTT4. Serial TT4 measurements should be done using the same assay.
The effects of ulimorelin, a ghrelin agonist, on liquid gastric emptying and colonic transit in humans
Authors: James Joyce , Mair Stuart , Doll Walter , Sandefer Erik , Wurtman David , Maurer Alan , Deane Adam M , Harris M. Scott 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundUlimorelin, a small molecule ghrelin agonist and prokinetic agent, was effective in animal models of gastroparesis and delayed transit. However, employing once daily administration, it failed in clinical trials of postoperative ileus (POI), a condition in which colonic motility recovers last. The aim of this study was to evaluate drug dosing and regional differences in drug activity between stomach and colon.MethodsGastric emptying was assessed by scintigraphy in healthy adults at single doses of 600‐1200 µg kg−1 and multiple doses of 80‐600 µg kg−1 Q8H for 7 days. Colonic motility was assessed by 7‐region scintigraphic analysis at a dose of 600 µg kg−1 for 2 days. The primary endpoints were percent change in time to 50% (∆t50) liquid gastric emptying on Days 1, 4, and 6 and the geometric mean center of colonic transit at 24 hours (GC24). Plasma concentrations of free and total ulimorelin were measured for pharmacokinetic and exposure‐response modeling.Key ResultsUlimorelin 150‐600 µg kg−1 every 8 hours resulted in statistically significant improvements (∆t50 = 23% to 46% (P < .05)) in gastric emptying from baseline that were sustained through Day 6. However, no effects on GC24 were observed. Pharmacokinetic analyses suggested that the free concentrations of ulimorelin achieved in POI trials and dosing frequency may have been inadequate.Conclusions and InferencesUlimorelin is a potent gastric prokinetic but lacks evidence of activity in the human colon, pointing to the stomach as the predominant site of action of ghrelin in humans; ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02993055.
Comparison of antegrade continence enema treatment and sacral nerve stimulation for children with severe functional constipation and fecal incontinence
Authors: Vriesman Mana H. , Wang Lyon , Park Candice , Diefenbach Karen A. , Levitt Marc A. , Wood Richard J. , Alpert Seth A. , Benninga Marc A. , Vaz Karla , Yacob Desale , Di Lorenzo Carlo , Lu Peter L. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundTo compare antegrade continence enema (ACE) treatment and sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) in children with intractable functional constipation (FC) and fecal incontinence (FI).MethodsWe performed a retrospective review of children 6‐18 years old with FC and FI treated with either ACE or SNS at our institution. We recorded symptoms at baseline, 6 months, 12 months, 24 months, and their most recent visit after starting treatment. We compared improvement in FI, bowel movement (BM) frequency, abdominal pain, laxative use, and complications. Patients were contacted to evaluate perceived benefit using the Glasgow Children's Benefit Inventory.Key ResultsWe included 23 patients treated with ACE (52% female, median age 10 years) and 19 patients treated with SNS (74% female, median age 10 years). Improvement in FI was greater with SNS than ACE at 12 months (92.9% vs 57.1%, P = .03) and 24 months (100% vs 57.1%, P = .02). Improvement in BM frequency was greater with ACE, and children were more likely to discontinue laxatives at all follow‐up time points (all P < .05). Improvement in abdominal pain was greater with ACE at the most recent visit (P < .05). Rate of complications requiring surgery was similar between groups (26.3% vs 21.7%). Benefit was reported in 83.3% and 100% of ACE and SNS groups, respectively (NS).Conclusions and InferencesAlthough both ACE and SNS can lead to durable improvement in children with FC and FI, SNS appears more effective for FI and ACE more effective in improving BM frequency and abdominal pain and in discontinuation of laxatives.
Rising prevalence of BMI ≥40 kg/m2: A high‐demand epidemic needing better documentation
Authors: Williamson Kath , Nimegeer Amy , Lean Michael 
Published: February 2020

SummaryWhilst previously rare, some surveys indicate substantial increases in the population with body mass index (BMI) ≥40 kg/m2 since the 1980s. Clinicians report emerging care challenges for this population, often with high resource demands. Accurate prevalence data, gathered using reliable methods, are needed to inform health care practice, planning, and research. We searched digitally for English language sources with measured prevalence data on adult BMI ≥40 collected since 2010. The search strategy included sources identified from recent work by NCD‐RisC (2017), grey sources, a literature search to find current sources, and digital snowball searching. Eighteen countries, across five continents, reported BMI ≥40 prevalence data in surveys since 2010: 12% of eligible national surveys examined. Prevalence of BMI ≥40 ranged from 1.3% (Spain) to 7.7% (USA) for all adults, 0.7% (Serbia) to 5.6% (USA) for men, and 1.8% (Poland) to 9.7% (USA) for women. Limited trend data covering recent decades support significant growth of BMI ≥40 population. Methodological limitations include small samples and data collection methods likely to exclude people with very high BMIs. BMI ≥40 data are not routinely reported in international surveys. Lack of data impairs surveillance of population trends, understanding of causation, and societal provision for individuals living with higher weights.
Milestones in the fight to eliminate trachoma
Authors: West Sheila K 
Published: February 2020

AbstractPurposeTrachoma, a chronic conjunctivitis that can result in vision loss from trichiasis, is targeted for global elimination by 2020. Several milestones in the long process towards elimination are noteworthy for the impact they have had on changing or accelerating progress. The purpose of this review is to describe the milestones and the impact they have had both for trachoma elimination and beyond.FindingsEight milestones are presented. They are discovery of the causative agent; development of a clinical grading scheme; establishment of the World Health Organization Alliance for the Global Elimination of Trachoma by 2020; setting targets that define elimination; building an evidence base for trichiasis surgery; azithromycin donation programme; use of the SAFE strategy (Surgery, Antibiotics, Facial cleanliness, and Environmental improvement); and The Global Trachoma Mapping Project.SummaryThese milestones have significantly pushed the progress towards elimination. Despite challenges to achieving the goal of elimination by 2020, there is continued commitment into the future to ensure that this preventable cause of blindness is no longer a threat.
New perspectives in gene therapy for inherited disorders
Authors: Cicalese Maria Pia , Aiuti Alessandro 
Published: February 2020

AbstractGene therapy has become promising in many fields of medicine, as a single treatment could allow long‐lasting and curative benefits. New medicines based on cell gene correction are expected to occur in upcoming years and will be hopefully part of the therapeutic armamentarium for inherited and acquired diseases. Issues related to the costs of these new therapies and access to care for all patients, and procedures and expertise needed to facilitate their application worldwide require to be addressed, together with long‐term safety and efficacy monitoring.
Eosinophilic esophagitis and other eosinophilic disorders of the gastrointestinal tract
Authors: Cianferoni Antonella 
Published: February 2020

AbstractEosinophilic disorders of the gastrointestinal tract (EGID) are a group of diseases characterized by an eosinophilic inflammation limited to the GI tract. EoE is by far the most common EGID and is an atopic chronic/relapsing eosinophilic inflammation of the esophagus. It is now recognized as an increasingly common cause of esophageal dysfunction, fibrosis, stricture, and food impaction in children and adults. There are globally accepted guidelines for its treatment that are based on the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPI), corticosteroids, and diet. Many clinical trials have been published on the use of biologics in this disease. Non‐EoE‐EGID is a rare, more severe disease. No globally accepted guidelines exist for their treatment and diagnosis. Corticosteroids are at the moment the most effective treatment of those diseases.
Macrophage activation syndrome in pediatrics
Authors: Alongi Alessandra , Naddei Roberta , De Miglio Laura , Natoli Valentina , Ravelli Angelo 
Published: February 2020

AbstractMacrophage activation syndrome (MAS) is a serious, potentially life‐threatening, hyperinflammatory condition, which belongs to the spectrum of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) and can complicate several immunologic and rheumatic disorders. MAS is characterized by a dysfunctional immune response that is similar to that seen in other forms of HLH. Because MAS may pursue a rapidly fatal course, prompt recognition of its clinical and laboratory features and immediate therapeutic intervention are fundamental. Recently, a set of classification criteria for MAS complicating sJIA has been developed through a multinational collaborative effort. High‐dose parenteral corticosteroids remain the mainstay of treatment of MAS.
Photoreactive DNA as a Tool to Study Replication Protein A Functioning in DNA Replication and Repair
Authors: Rechkunova Nadejda I. , Lavrik Olga I. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractReplication protein A (RPA), eukaryotic single‐stranded DNA‐binding protein, is a key player in multiple processes of DNA metabolism including DNA replication, recombination and DNA repair. Human RPA composed of subunits of 70‐, 32‐ and 14‐kDa binds ssDNA with high affinity and interacts specifically with multiple proteins. The RPA heterotrimer binds ssDNA in several modes, with occlusion lengths of 8–10, 13–22 and 30 nucleotides corresponding to global, transitional and elongated conformations of protein. Varying the structure of photoreactive DNA, the intermediates of different stages of DNA replication or DNA repair were designed and applied to identify positioning of the RPA subunits on the specific DNA structures. Using this approach, RPA interactions with various types of DNA structures attributed to replication and DNA repair intermediates were examined. This review is dedicated to blessed memory of Prof. Alain Favre who contributed to the development of photoreactive nucleotide derivatives and their application for the study of protein–nucleic acids interactions.
Gangs, identity, and cultural performance
Authors: Lauger Timothy R. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAlthough the notion of identity has received substantial attention from sociologists and psychologists, it has not been well developed in the gang literature. Identity accounts for a person's sense of self, which is based on meaningful social interactions and group participation, and becomes a source for publicly performing social roles. Gang membership is one such role that merits significant attention, and existing theories about identity and role performance can help explain variations in criminal behavior among members. This article applies multiple perspectives on social, personal, and collective identity to gangs and gang members. It offers principles to explain how gang identities fuel social performances that mimic, induce, or involve criminal behavior.
Environmental and anthropogenic factors associated with increased malaria incidence in South‐Kivu Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Bigirinama R. N. , Ntaongo J. A. , Batumbo D. , Sam‐Agudu N. A. , Katoto P. D. M. C. , Byamungu L. N. , Karume K. , Nachega J. B. , Bompangue D. N. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo examine environmental and human factors that affect the spatial and temporal dynamism of malaria in DRC’s South‐Kivu province.MethodsIn a cross‐sectional study conducted between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2015, spatial distribution was determined through thematic maps of malaria attack rate. SatScan ™ software and Monte Carlo test were used to identify spatial risk clusters. Temporal evolutions were analysed using the Cleveland algorithm. Generalized Additive Models for Location Scale and Shape and negative binomial regression were used to assess the independent human and environmental factors associated with incident malaria.ResultsThe cumulative annual incidence of malaria increased from 10 968/100 000 in 2013 to 15 501/100 000 in 2015 (P for trend ˂0.001); malaria lethality increased from 0.1% in 2013 to 0.3% in 2015 (P for trend = 0.62). Between 2010 and 2015, 18 of 34 health zones consistently reported the highest attack rates, which ranged from 25 000 to 50 000/100 000. Four risk clusters areas were identified, with relative risk (RR) of 1.2 to 3.0, from which malaria was reported continuously during each year. Factors significantly associated with malaria cases were agro‐pisciculture practices (Incidence Risk Ratio [IRR]: 1.96; 95% CI: 1.23–3.13) and the presence of a lake in the health zone (IRR: 2.48, 95% CI: 1.51–4.42).ConclusionsMalaria control in this setting must be intensified in peri‐lacustrine areas and those in which the population is intensively engaged in standing water‐associated activities.
Sustainability and Outcomes of a Suicide Prevention Program for Nurses
Authors: Davidson Judy E. , Accardi Rachael , Sanchez Courtney , Zisook Sidney , Hoffman Laura A. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundWe now know that nurses are at greater risk for suicide than others in the general population. It is known that job stressors are prevalent in nurses who die by suicide. Yet, little is known about targeted suicide prevention for nurses. The first nurse‐centric Healer Education Assessment and Referral (HEAR) suicide prevention program was piloted for 6 months in 2016. The HEAR program was effective in identifying at‐risk nurses.AimThe purpose of this paper is to report the 3‐year sustainability and outcomes of this nurse suicide prevention program.MethodsDescriptive statistics are provided of program outcomes over the course of 3 years.ResultsOver the 3 years, 527 nurses have taken advantage of the screening portion of the program. Of these, 254 (48%) were Tier 1 high risk, and 270 (51.2%) were Tier 2 moderate risk. A startling 48 (9%) had expressed thoughts of taking their own life, 51 (9.7%) had a previous suicide attempt, whereas only 79 (15%) were receiving counseling or therapy. One hundred seventy‐six nurses received support from therapists electronically, over the phone, or in person; 98 nurses accepted referral for treatment. The number of group emotional debriefs rose from eight in 2016 to 15 in 2017 to 38 in fiscal year 2019. Many of the debriefs are now requested (vs. offered), demonstrating the development of a culture open to reaching out for mental health treatment.Linking Evidence to ActionThe initial success of this pilot program has been sustained. A nurse suicide prevention program of education, assessment, and referral is feasible, well‐received, proactively identifies nurses with reported suicidality and facilitates referral for care. The HEAR program has provided service to physicians and residents for 10 years and now supports effectiveness in nurses. The HEAR program is portable and ready for replication at other institutions.
Authentic Connections Groups: A Pilot Test of an Intervention Aimed at Enhancing Resilience Among Nurse Leader Mothers
Authors: Chesak Sherry S. , Bhagra Anjali , Cutshall Susanne , Ingram Alexandra , Benoit Renee , Medina‐Inojosa Jose R. , Hayes Sharonne N. , Carolan Bridget J. , Luthar Suniya 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundNurse leaders who are mothers are at significant risk for experiencing stress, burnout, and occupational fatigue. Authentic Connections (AC) Groups is an intervention shown to be effective for fostering resilience among at‐risk moms, including physicians; however, it has not previously been tested with nurse leaders.AimsOur aims were to test the feasibility and acceptability of the AC Groups intervention with nurse leader mothers and examine its effects on participant resilience, as measured by increased self‐compassion and decreased distress, depression, perceived stress, and burnout.MethodsA randomized controlled trial design was employed for this pilot study, with 36 nurse leaders at Mayo Clinic. AC participants attended group sessions for an hour per week for 12 weeks. Control group members were provided 1 hr per week of free time over 12 weeks. Multiple self‐report psychological measures were completed at baseline, post‐intervention, and 3‐month follow‐up.ResultsThe AC Groups intervention was feasible and well‐received by nurse leaders. Session attendance rates averaged 92%. Despite the small n’s, repeated measures of Analysis of Variance showed significantly greater improvements (p < .05) for participants in the AC Groups than control condition for depression, self‐compassion, and perceived stress, with large effect sizes ( 0.18–0.22). In addition, effect sizes for anxiety and feeling loved approximated the moderate range ( 0.05 and .07).Linking Evidence to ActionThe AC intervention shows promise as a feasible intervention for mitigating nurse leader mothers’ stress by positively impacting indices of well‐being, including depression, self‐compassion, and perceived stress. Given, the prevalence of stress and burnout among nurse leaders, the effectiveness of the AC intervention in fostering resilience in this population has significant implications for research and practice. Further research is warranted with larger numbers from multiple sites, longer follow‐up periods, and biomarker measures of stress.
Vortex Tube Operational Temperature Regime
Authors: Bargiel Paweł , Skorek Janusz , Usón Sergio , Klimanek Adam , Kostowski Wojciech 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
New temperature limits model of the Ranque–Hilsch vortex tube has been proposed within the presented paper. The model originates from the local compression/expansion and inner friction hypothesis anticipated to be responsible for the Ranque–Hilsch effect. The model in a presented form provides a fair estimation of the temperature limits at each outlet, hence enabling its application on new thermodynamic cycles studies that include vortex tube in the process. The drawback of the proposed model is its simplification by neglecting the impact of kinetic energy on the anticipated temperature values at each outlet.
Flame Stability in Inverse Coaxial Injector Using Repetitive Nanosecond Pulsed Plasma
Authors: Zare Saeid , Lo Hao Wei , Askari Omid 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Recently, methane has been investigated as a feasible fuel for propulsion systems. The higher boiling point and higher density of methane, compared with hydrogen, makes its storage tank lighter, cheaper, and smaller to launch. Methane is abundant in the outer solar system and can be harvested on Mars, Titan, Jupiter, and many other planets and therefore, it can be used in reusable rocket engines. However, there are still some technological challenges in the methane engines development path. For example, ignition reliability and flame stability are of great importance. These challenges can be addressed by integrating low-temperature plasma (LTP) through repetitive nanosecond pulsed (RNP) discharge to the injector design. This research focuses on air/CH4 jet flames in a single-element coaxial shear injector coupled with RNP plasma discharge to study the influence of LTP on ignition characteristics and flame stability using advanced diagnostic techniques. The experiments have been performed for different fuel composition, jet velocities, discharge voltages, and frequencies at atmospheric conditions. The transient flame behavior including flame oscillation is studied using direct photography by CMOS high-speed camera. The effect of plasma discharge location on flame stability is also investigated. To demonstrate the effectiveness of RNP discharge on liftoff and blowout/blowoff velocities, the jet velocity at the critical conditions is measured and the enhancements of flame stability are then evaluated. The collected experimental data have shown that the RNP discharge can significantly extend the stability by reducing the liftoff height and increasing the velocity of blowout/blowoff phenomena.