bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gender differences in the impact of health literacy on hospital readmission among older heart failure patients: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Son Youn‐Jung , Won Mi Hwa 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAimsTo investigate the impact of limited health literacy on 1‐year hospital readmission among both older men and women with heart failure.DesignProspective cohort study.MethodsA total of 286 patients with heart failure (men = 144, women = 142) aged 65 years or older at baseline from two tertiary hospitals were enrolled from June–November 2017. Patients were followed up until November 2018. The Brief Health Literacy Screening Tool was used to assess baseline health literacy. One‐year readmission after discharge was assessed via medical records or telephone interview. A hierarchical logistic regression was performed.ResultsThe prevalence rates of limited health literacy and 1‐year hospital readmission among older women were 74.7% and 35.9%, respectively, compared with 48.6% and 27.1% in older men. Limited health literacy significantly increased the risk of 1‐year hospital readmission in both older men and women with heart failure. More importantly, older women with limited health literacy had a much higher risk of hospital readmission (odds ratio: 10.17, 95% confidence interval: 2.19–47.14) than did older men with limited health literacy (odds ratio: 5.27, 95% confidence interval: 2.04–13.59).ConclusionsOur findings highlight that a baseline assessment of health literacy would help prevent unplanned hospital readmissions after discharge in both older men and women with heart failure. Health professionals should recognize that women with limited health literacy are more vulnerable to re‐hospitalization than are men with limited health literacy.ImpactFew studies have addressed gender differences in the link between health literacy and hospital readmission among patients with heart failure. We found that older women with limited health literacy had a much higher risk of hospital readmission than did their male counterparts. Health professionals should be aware of gender differences in health literacy in discharge planning, including self‐management counselling for older patients with heart failure.
Standardizing the assessment of emotional development in adults with intellectual and developmental disability
Authors: Sappok Tanja , Došen Anton , Zepperitz Sabine , Barrett Brian , Vonk Jolanda , Schanze Christian , Ilic Marie , Bergmann Thomas , De Neve Leen , Birkner Joana , Zaal Sandra , Bertelli Marco O. , Hudson Mark , Morisse Filip , Sterkenburg Paula 
Published: February 2020

AbstractObjectiveThe Scale of Emotional Development—Short (SED‐S) is an instrument to assess the level of emotional development (ED) in people with intellectual and developmental disability. Index cases are developed as a didactic tool to standardize the application of the scale.MethodIn a stepwise process, a European working group from six countries developed five index cases, one for each level of ED. All cases were first scored by 20 raters using the SED‐S and then rephrased to reduce inter‐rater variations (SD > 0.5).ResultsAll five index cases yielded overall ratings that matched the intended level of ED. Across the range of ED, Regulating Affect needed rephrasing most to ensure a distinct description within each level of ED.ConclusionsThe tri‐lingual, cross‐cultural evolution of five index cases contributes to a standardized application of the SED‐S and can serve as training material to improve the inter‐rater reliability of the SED‐S across different cultures and languages.
Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and management of hypertension at a cardiac clinic in Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana
Authors: Nsutebu Ntani Suh , Owusu Isaac Kofi , Buabeng Kwame Ohene , Bonsu Kwadwo Osei 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAmbulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) is considered a good intervention strategy to avoid misdiagnosis of hypertension and allow for targeted treatment of patients with hypertension. This study sought to assess the contribution of ABPM to blood pressure (BP) control and antihypertensive therapy at a cardiac clinic in Ghana. Medical records of 97 patients, aged 18‐85 years (mean 55), were reviewed. Among patients with clinic BP (CBP) and ambulatory BP recorded on the same day, we assessed for the different hypertension phenotypes, CBP control 6 months following ABPM, and changes to antihypertensive therapy after review of the ABPM records in patients with controlled and uncontrolled ambulatory BP. From the clinic and ambulatory BP records measured at baseline, the proportion of patients with white‐coat uncontrolled hypertension (WUCH) was 19.5% (17/87) and those with masked uncontrolled hypertension (MUCH) was 16.1% (n = 14). A significant reduction in average systolic CBP in the overall cohort (−6.2 mm Hg, P < .01) and in the uncontrolled subgroup (−8.8 mm Hg, P < .001) at follow‐up was observed. After review of the ABPM records, 51.7% of the patients on treatment had changes made in their antihypertensive therapy. Antihypertensive therapy was deintensified or left unchanged in majority of the patients with WUCH and sustained controlled hypertension. In patients with MUCH and true uncontrolled hypertension (TUCH), therapy was intensified. In conclusion, ABPM improved clinical decision‐making for antihypertensive therapy and BP control. ABPM should therefore be used more often in hypertension and cardiac clinics in low/middle‐income countries for optimal care.
Preliminary prediction of the basic reproduction number of the Wuhan novel coronavirus 2019‐nCoV
Authors: Zhou Tao , Liu Quanhui , Yang Zimo , Liao Jingyi , Yang Kexin , Bai Wei , Lu Xin , Zhang Wei 
Published: February 2020

AbstractObjectivesTo estimate the basic reproduction number of the Wuhan novel coronavirus (2019‐nCoV).MethodsBased on the susceptible‐exposed‐infected‐removed (SEIR) compartment model and the assumption that the infectious cases with symptoms occurred before 26 January, 2020 are resulted from free propagation without intervention, we estimate the basic reproduction number of 2019‐nCoV according to the reported confirmed cases and suspected cases, as well as the theoretical estimated number of infected cases by other research teams, together with some epidemiological determinants learned from the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).ResultsThe basic reproduction number fall between 2.8 and 3.3 by using the real‐time reports on the number of 2019‐nCoV‐infected cases from People's Daily in China and fall between 3.2 and 3.9 on the basis of the predicted number of infected cases from international colleagues.ConclusionsThe early transmission ability of 2019‐nCoV is close to or slightly higher than SARS. It is a controllable disease with moderate to high transmissibility. Timely and effective control measures are needed to prevent the further transmissions.
Utility of two PCR‐RFLP‐based techniques for identification of Candida parapsilosis complex blood isolates
Authors: Marcos‐Arias Cristina , Mateo Estibaliz , Jurado‐Martín Irene , Pena‐Fernández Nerea , Cantón Emilia , Pemán Javier , Quindós Guillermo , Eraso Elena 
Published: February 2020

SummaryBackgroundCandida parapsilosis is the second or third most frequently isolated Candida species related to nosocomial infections, even overtaking Candida albicans in some hospitals. C. parapsilosis constitutes a complex of closely related species: Candida parapsilosis sensu stricto, Candida orthopsilosis and Candida metapsilosis. Accurate detection of these species is of importance, as the incidence of C. orthopsilosis has been reported to surpass that of Candida krusei.ObjectiveTo evaluate the diagnostic utility of two PCR‐RFLP methods targeting the SADH and FKS1 genes and to determine the prevalence of cryptic species in 96 bloodstream isolates of C. parapsilosis from 93 patients.MethodsRestriction patterns of the SADH and FKS1 genes were analysed, and sequencing of the D1/D2 regions of the ribosomal RNA was used to evaluate the reliability of both PCR‐RFLP methods.ResultsIn our study, 77 C. parapsilosis sensu stricto, 13 C. orthopsilosis and five C. metapsilosis were identified by sequencing. Both PCR‐RFLP methods demonstrated strong agreement with D1/D2 sequencing in the identification of C. parapsilosis and C. orthopsilosis, while both methods were unable to identify the C. metapsilosis isolates. Moreover, unexpected restriction patterns were observed for two isolates on SADH PCR‐RFLP and for four isolates on FKS1 PCR‐RFLP. Mixed bloodstream infections of C. parapsilosis sensu stricto and C. orthopsilosis were detected for three patients, for which differential growth characteristics were observed.ConclusionThe molecular method chosen for identification could have an impact on determination of the real prevalence of C. metapsilosis in candidaemia, and mixed fungaemias can remain undetected.
CEP receptor signalling controls root system architecture in Arabidopsis and Medicago
Authors: Chapman Kelly , Ivanovici Ariel , Taleski Michael , Sturrock Craig J. , Ng Jason L. P. , Mohd‐Radzman Nadiatul A. , Frugier Florian , Bennett Malcolm J. , Mathesius Ulrike , Djordjevic Michael A. 
Published: February 2020

Summary

Root system architecture (RSA) influences the effectiveness of resources acquisition from soils but the genetic networks that control RSA remain largely unclear.

We used rhizoboxes, X‐ray computed tomography, grafting, auxin transport measurements and hormone quantification to demonstrate that Arabidopsis and Medicago CEP (C‐TERMINALLY ENCODED PEPTIDE)‐CEP RECEPTOR signalling controls RSA, the gravitropic set‐point angle (GSA) of lateral roots (LRs), auxin levels and auxin transport.

We showed that soil‐grown Arabidopsis and Medicago CEP receptor mutants have a narrower RSA, which results from a steeper LR GSA. Grafting showed that CEPR1 in the shoot controls GSA. CEP receptor mutants exhibited an increase in rootward auxin transport and elevated shoot auxin levels. Consistently, the application of auxin to wild‐type shoots induced a steeper GSA and auxin transport inhibitors counteracted the CEP receptor mutant’s steep GSA phenotype. Concordantly, CEP peptides increased GSA and inhibited rootward auxin transport in wild‐type but not in CEP receptor mutants.

The results indicated that CEP–CEP receptor‐dependent signalling outputs in Arabidopsis and Medicago control overall RSA, LR GSA, shoot auxin levels and rootward auxin transport. We propose that manipulating CEP signalling strength or CEP receptor downstream targets may provide means to alter RSA.
Light Fluence Rate and Tissue Oxygenation (StO2) Distributions Within the Thoracic Cavity of Patients Receiving Intraoperative Photodynamic Therapy for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
Authors: Dupre Pamela J. , Ong Yi Hong , Friedberg Joseph , Singhal Sunil , Carter Shirron , Simone Charles B. , Finlay Jarod C. , Zhu Timothy C. , Cengel Keith A. , Busch Theresa M. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe distributions of light and tissue oxygenation (StO2) within the chest cavity were determined for 15 subjects undergoing macroscopic complete resection followed by intraoperative photodynamic therapy (PDT) as part of a clinical trial for the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). Over the course of light delivery, detectors at each of eight different sites recorded exposure to variable fluence rate. Nevertheless, the treatment‐averaged fluence rate was similar among sites, ranging from a median of 40–61 mW cm−2 during periods of light exposure to a detector. StO2 at each tissue site varied by subject, but posterior mediastinum and posterior sulcus were the most consistently well oxygenated (median StO2 >90%; interquartile ranges ~85–95%). PDT effect on StO2 was characterized as the StO2 ratio (post‐PDT StO2/pre‐PDT StO2). High StO2 pre‐PDT was significantly associated with oxygen depletion (StO2 ratio < 1), although the extent of oxygen depletion was mild (median StO2 ratio of 0.8). Overall, PDT of the thoracic cavity resulted in moderate treatment‐averaged fluence rate that was consistent among treated tissue sites, despite instantaneous exposure to high fluence rate. Mild oxygen depletion after PDT was experienced at tissue sites with high pre‐PDT StO2, which may suggest the presence of a treatment effect.
Prioritizing Judicial Nominations after Presidential Transitions
Authors: King Jonathan M. , Ostrander Ian 
Published: February 2020

AbstractNew presidents now commonly inherit a backlog of judicial vacancies. Lifetime judicial appointments provide presidents with lasting policy influence, but time and energy are rarely more valuable than after transitions while the selection and vetting of new judicial nominations are costly. Attempting to alter the ideological character of the courts could yield opposition that further increases the cost of each nomination. How then do new presidents prioritize vacancies? We use a unique data set of all district court vacancies that exist at the start of a new presidency to investigate. We find significant variation in the time to nominate within administrations and that presidents tend to prioritize necessity and expediency when filling transition vacancies.
The prostaglandin E2 increases the production of IL‐17 and the expression of costimulatory molecules on γδ T cells in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Du Boyu , Zhu Min , Li Youling , Li Gang , Xi Xueyan 
Published: February 2020

Abstractγδ T cells play important roles in the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) through their antigen‐presenting capacity, release of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, immunomodulatory properties, interaction with CD4+CD25+ Tregs and promotion of antibody production by helping B cells. Although prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) was proved to have the ability to enhance the antigen‐presenting function of dendritic cells and IL‐17 production of CD4+ αβ T cells in RA, the role of PGE2 in γδ T cells from RA disease has not yet been clarified. The goal of this study was to determine the role of PGE2 in γδ T cells in RA. We first demonstrated that the population of γδT17 cells increased in patients with RA compared to healthy controls. Then, IL‐17A level in patients with RA was shown to increase compared to healthy controls. After adding PGE2 to γδ T cells from patients with RA, the IL‐17A level increased accordingly, and the expression of the costimulatory molecules, CD80 and CD86, on these cells also increased. These results suggest that PEG2 can increase the production of IL‐17A and the expression of CD80 and CD86 on γδ T cells in patients with RA. These findings will benefit to explore new therapeutic targets for RA disease.
Heat flow estimates offshore Haiti in the Caribbean plate
Authors: Rolandone Frédérique , Lucazeau Francis , Poort Jeffrey , Leroy Sylvie 
Published: February 2020

AbstractHeat‐flow in the Caribbean is poorly known and generally low in the major basins and the Greater Antilles arc, but with some high values in active zones, like in the Cayman trough or in the Lesser Antilles Arc. Here we present new heat‐flow data for offshore Haiti, which is part of the Greater Antilles arc. We obtain new heat‐flow estimates from in situ measurements and Bottom Simulating Reflector (BSR). Both methods suggest a regionally low heat‐flow, respectively 46 ± 7 and 44 ± 12 mW/m2, with locally high values exceeding 80 mW/m2. The high heat‐flow values are generally located near faults, and could be related to fluid circulations. Our study confirms a low heat‐flow pattern at the scale of the Caribbean but points out the existence of local‐scale variability with high heat‐flow along the northern faults of the Caribbean region.
Flow Regimes for Laminar Film Condensation on a Vertical Plate With an Upward Vapor Flow
Authors: Kanatani Kentaro 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Laminar film condensation on a vertical plate with an upward vapor flow is studied. An approximate integral model of the condensate film and the boundary layer of the vapor is numerically solved, taking into account both gravity and interfacial shear. Here, three types of solution are examined: (i) zero film thickness at the bottom; (ii) zero flowrate with a finite film thickness at the bottom; and (iii) negative flowrates at the bottom. The film thickness and the average Nusselt number are shown as functions of the distance along the plate and the plate length, respectively. The terminal lengths of the solutions of the types (i) and (ii) are calculated against the degree of the subcooling. Moreover, the results are compared with those derived using the approximation method where the shearing stress on the vapor–liquid interface is composed of only the momentum transferred by the suction mass (the Shekriladze–Gomelauri approach). It is found that the average Nusselt number is well described by the Shekriladze–Gomelauri model in the range of the solution type (ii), while the average Nusselt number for the thinnest-film solution of the type (iii) is asymptotically consistent with the Shekriladze–Gomelauri value for long plates.
Demonstration Reactor System for the Indirect Solar-Thermochemical Reduction of Redox Particles—The Particle Mix Reactor
Authors: Richter Sebastian , Brendelberger Stefan , Gersdorf Felix , Oschmann Tobias , Sattler Christian 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
In contrast to thermal receivers that provide heat for steam cycles, in solar thermochemistry often receiver-reactors are used, where materials undergo a reaction while being irradiated by concentrated sunlight. When applied to two-step redox cycles, multiple processes take place in such receiver-reactors, though on different timescales. This leads to design compromises and to high technical requirements for the implementation. A concept for an indirect particle-based system for thermochemical cycles was therefore proposed in which the heat required for the reduction of redox particles is provided by inert heat transfer particles that absorb concentrated solar radiation in a dedicated particle receiver. The novel and central component in this indirect system is the particle mix reactor. It functions by mixing the two particle types for heat transfer and establishing a controlled atmosphere under decreased oxygen partial pressures in a common reactor chamber. The design of an experimental setup for demonstration and investigation of the particle mix reactor is presented in this work. Potential operation modes and design options for particle heater, mixing unit, and oxygen partial pressure decrease are discussed and illustrated. The selection of a mixer type is based on the homogeneity of the obtained mixture. It is supported by the use of discrete element method (DEM) simulations, which were compared to experimental results from a separate setup. Heat loss estimations for the mixing process in the selected mixer geometry are performed for alumina heat transfer particles and strontium iron oxide redox particles. The components' geometries, the overall experimental setup design, as well as operation steps are presented.
Single Solution That Reduces Power Plants Heat Rates, Emissions, and Operating Costs
Authors: Kravets A. , Favale A. , Barba J. , Grace D. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
This article presents background and the test results for a NOx control solution applicable to pulverized coal-fired power plants (E-NOx) that resolve the operating challenges related to the use of low/ultra-low-NOx burners (LNB) for in-furnace control and SCR or SNCR for post-combustion nitrogen oxides reduction. The major results of CFD modeling and test data are presented, which confirm E-NOx capabilities to reduce NOx and consequently the consumption of ammonia/urea for units using post-combustion NOx control. Basic steam plant performance analysis per ASME codes in combination with test data suggested an appreciable reduction in the plant heat rate. The results of economic studies of E-NOx applications for power plants with different means of NOx control are presented in this article, demonstrating a simple payback period to be within 8–16 months. This is the first environmental technology that pays for itself thanks to a decrease in both fuel and NOx reducing reactants consumption, thus lowering operating and maintenance costs in comparison with best available current and retrofit technologies.
Maternal postload 1-hour glucose level during pregnancy and offspring’s overweight/obesity status in preschool age
Authors: Shi Xiulin , Huang Peiying , Wang Liying , Lu Wei , Su Weijuan , Yan Bing , Liu Changqin , Xiao Fangsen , Song Haiqu , Lin Mingzhu , Li Xuejun 
Published: February 2020

BackgroundChildhood obesity is associated with adverse outcomes such as metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases in adulthood. Identifying risk factors related to excessive adiposity in early childhood is of great importance for obesity intervention. The results of studies for associations between maternal with gestational diabetes and offspring obesity are conflicting. Nonetheless, the association of maternal glucose across a spectrum of glucose values with childhood adiposity outcomes is less clear.AimTo assess the association of maternal glucose across a spectrum of glucose values with childhood adiposity at age 5 years.MethodsA population-based cohort study was conducted between 2011 and 2018. Using the healthcare records data were from the Medical Birth Registry in Xiamen, China. The primary outcome was offspring obese/obesity. Primary predictors were maternal oral glucose tolerance test values during pregnancy.Results6090 mother–child pairs were analyzed. The mean age of the children at follow-up was 5.2 years. At multiple logistic regression, after adjustment for variables, including maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), birth weight of offspring, and insulin therapy, ORs for offspring overweight/obesity were 1.13 (95% CI 0.90 to 1.42) for maternal fasting glucose levels, 1.12 (95% CI 1.04 to 1.22) for 1-hour glucose, and 1.04 (95% CI 0.95 to 1.14) for 2-hour glucose. The adjusted association of offspring BMI Z-score with maternal 1-hour glucose level remained significant. There were no significant associations between BMI Z-score and maternal fasting glucose and 2-hour glucose level. Exploratory sex-specific analyses indicated generally consistent associations for boys and girls.ConclusionMaternal postload 1-hour glucose across a spectrum of glucose values during pregnancy was an independent risk for offspring weight gain at age 5 years, indicating the importance of screen and management of maternal 1-hour glucose level, except for fasting glucose and 2-hour glucose level during pregnancy in order to prevent offspring weight gain in early childhood.