bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pathological, ultrasonographic, and electrophysiological characterization of clinically diagnosed cases of pure neuritic leprosy
Authors: Shukla Bhaskar , Verma Rajesh , Kumar Vijay , Kumar Manoj , Malhotra Kiran P. , Garg Ravindra K. , Malhotra Hardeep S. , Sharma Praveen K. , Kumar Neeraj , Uniyal Ravi , Pandey Shweta , Rizvi Imran 
Published: April 2020

AbstractA subset of neuritic form of leprosy, called pure neuritic leprosy (PNL), seen in a minority of leprosy patients, is characterized by peripheral neuropathy without skin lesions and an absence of acid‐fast bacilli on skin smears. Patients with PNL are often started on drug therapy without confirmation of diagnosis. We, therefore, did a prospective study of clinically diagnosed PNL patients with correlation of ultrasonographic and biopsy findings. A total of 100 consecutive patients with PNL, diagnosed according to the consensus case definition, were included in the study. All patients underwent nerve conduction study, peripheral nerve ultrasonography, and sural nerve biopsy. Multiple mononeuropathies were present in 75% of cases, mononeuropathy in 18%, and polyneuropathy in the remaining 7%. Compared to clinical examination, ultrasonographic assessment of the peripheral nerves was not only better at the detection of thickening but also helped in characterization of their fascicular architecture, echogenicity, and vascularity. A total of 32 cases were confirmed on nerve biopsy, out of which 75% had demonstrable lepra bacilli. Cranial nerve involvement, presence of trophic ulcers, and bilateral thickening of the great auricular nerve were significantly associated with the positivity of lepra bacilli. A significant improvement in the disability score happened after multidrug therapy. A comprehensive electrophysiologic, ultrasonographic, and histological evaluation may be helpful in establishing a diagnosis of PNL with greater confidence, while ruling out other non‐leprosy diagnoses.
Efficacy of ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi L.) seed at graded levels of dietary threonine on growth performance, serum metabolites, intestinal morphology and microbial population in broiler chickens
Authors: Kolbadinejad Alireza , Rezaeipour Vahid 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe present study investigated the influence of dietary threonine (Thr) levels and ajwain seed (AS) on the growth performance, immunity, blood metabolites, ileal microflora and jejunum morphology of broiler chickens. A total of 600‐day‐old male broiler chickens (Ross 308) were randomly allocated among five replicates of eight dietary treatments according to a 4 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments, including four different levels of Thr (100, 105, 110 and 115% of requirements) and two inclusion rates of AS (0 or 10 g/kg of the diet). Body weight gain and FCR improved in broiler chickens fed 105% Thr supplement during the starter, finisher and whole periods of the experiment (p < .05). The broiler chickens fed AS supplemented diet had a greater weight gain (25–42 days) and better FCR (1–10 and 25–42 days) than those without AS (p < .05). A significant interaction was observed between Thr and AS supplementation for lymphocyte, heterophil/lymphocyte (H/L), bursa and spleen (p < .05). The liver enzyme activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) was higher in the chicks that received diet without AS supplement than those fed AS diet (p < .05). Inclusion of 105% dietary Thr and 10 g/kg AS increased the viable cell counts of Lactobacilli and decreased the population of the Escherichia coli in broilers (p < .05). In jejunum morphology, the broiler chickens fed 105% Thr diet had a greater villus length, width and crypt depth (p < .05). Also, the villus length was longer in broilers that received AS supplemented diet (p < .05). It is concluded that the dietary 105% of Thr and AS supplement individually improved growth performance, ileal microbial population and jejunum morphology of broiler chickens.
Aversion of the invasive Asian longhorned tick to the white‐footed mouse, the dominant reservoir of tick‐borne pathogens in the U.S.A.
Authors: Ronai I. , Tufts D. M. , Diuk‐Wasser M. A. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe Asian longhorned tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis) was reported for the first time in the U.S.A. in 2017 and has now spread across 12 states. The potential of this invasive tick vector to transmit pathogens will be determined through its association to hosts, such as the white‐footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus), which is the primary reservoir for the causative agent of Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi) and other zoonotic pathogens. Larval H. longicornis were placed on P. leucopus; 65% of the larvae (n = 40) moved off the host within a short period of time, and none engorged. By contrast, larval blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis) did not move from where they were placed in the ear of the mouse. A laboratory behavioural assay was then conducted to assess the interaction of H. longicornis with the hair of potential mammalian host species in the U.S.A. H. longicornis larvae were significantly less likely to enter the hair zone of P. leucopus and humans compared to the hair of domestic cats, domestic dogs and white‐tailed deer. This study identifies a tick–host interaction behaviour, which can be quantified in a laboratory assay to predict tick–host associations and provides insights into how ticks select a host.
Rubisco and carbon‐concentrating mechanism co‐evolution across chlorophyte and streptophyte green algae
Authors: Goudet Myriam M. M. , Orr Douglas J. , Melkonian Michael , Müller Karin H. , Meyer Moritz T. , Carmo‐Silva Elizabete , Griffiths Howard 
Published: April 2020

Summary

Green algae expressing a carbon‐concentrating mechanism (CCM) are usually associated with a Rubisco‐containing micro‐compartment, the pyrenoid. A link between the small subunit (SSU) of Rubisco and pyrenoid formation in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii has previously suggested that specific RbcS residues could explain pyrenoid occurrence in green algae.

A phylogeny of RbcS was used to compare the protein sequence and CCM distribution across the green algae and positive selection in RbcS was estimated. For six streptophyte algae, Rubisco catalytic properties, affinity for CO2 uptake (K0.5), carbon isotope discrimination (δ13C) and pyrenoid morphology were compared.

The length of the βA–βB loop in RbcS provided a phylogenetic marker discriminating chlorophyte from streptophyte green algae. Rubisco kinetic properties in streptophyte algae have responded to the extent of inducible CCM activity, as indicated by changes in inorganic carbon uptake affinity, δ13C and pyrenoid ultrastructure between high and low CO2 conditions for growth.

We conclude that the Rubisco catalytic properties found in streptophyte algae have coevolved and reflect the strength of any CCM or degree of pyrenoid leakiness, and limitations to inorganic carbon in the aquatic habitat, whereas Rubisco in extant land plants reflects more recent selective pressures associated with improved diffusive supply of the terrestrial environment.
Individual risk factors associated with exertional heat illness: A systematic review
Authors: Westwood Caroline S. , Fallowfield Joanne L. , Delves Simon K. , Nunns Michael , Ogden Henry B. , Layden Joseph D. 
Published: April 2020

New FindingsWhat is the topic of this review?
Exertional heat illness (EHI) remains a persistent problem for athletes and individuals. This threat remains despite numerous athletic position statements and occupational guidance policies. This review explores primary evidence that demonstrates a direct association between ‘known’ risk factors and EHI.

What advances does it highlight?
Primary evidence to support ‘known’ risk factors associated with EHI is not comprehensive. Furthermore, it is not evident that single individual factors predispose individuals to greater risk. In fact, the evidence indicates that EHI can manifest in non‐hostile compensable environments when a combination of risk factors is prevalent.
AbstractDespite the widespread knowledge of exertional heat illness (EHI) and clear guidance for its prevention, the incidence of EHI remains high. We carried out a systematic review of available literature evaluating the scientific evidence underpinning the risk factors associated with EHI. Medline, PsycINFO, SportDiscus and Embase were searched from inception to January 2019 with no date limitation, with supplementary searches also being performed. Search terms included permutations of risk and heat illness, with only studies in English included. Study selection, data extraction and quality assessment, using the QUALSYST tool, were performed by two independent reviewers. Of 8898 articles identified by the searches, 42 were included in the systematic review as primary evidence demonstrating a link between a risk factor and EHI. The quality scores ranged from 57.50 to 100%, and studies were generally considered to be of strong quality. The majority of risks attributable to EHI were categorized as those associated with lifestyle factors. The findings from the systematic review suggest complex manifestation of EHI through multiple risk factors rather than any one factor in isolation. Further research is needed to explore the accumulation of risk factors to help in development of effective preventative measures.
Post-rift magmatism on the northern South China Sea margin
Authors: Sun Qiliang , Alves Tiago M. , Zhao Minghui , Sibuet Jean-Claude , Calvès Gérôme , Xie Xinong 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Intense magmatism in the form of widespread volcanoes and lava flows is identified in high-resolution 3-D seismic data over a post-rift sequence of the northern South China Sea (SCS). Such a magmatism post-dates the end of seafloor spreading in the SCS by at least 6.8 m.y. A detachment (boundary) fault propagating into a deep-seated magma chamber provided the main vertical pathway for magma migration. In turn, normal faults and dykes constituted a shallow plumbing system through which the magma migrated from the boundary fault and was extruded onto the paleo-seafloor. Volcanism occurred in the study area from ca. 8.2 Ma to ca. 1.1 Ma in the form of two distinct events, dated ca. 5.2 Ma and ca. 2.8 Ma, which are correlated with the Dongsha Event. Extrusive magma formed volcano edifices and extensive lava flows; the latter of which were confined to the troughs of sediment waves or, instead, flowed along submarine canyons. As a corollary, this study shows that in the SCS: (1) young magmatism is widespread on the northern continental margin, (2) seafloor morphology greatly influences the architecture of deep-water volcanoes, and (3) syn-rift faults (especially detachment faults) reactivated by regional tectonics closely control the magma plumbing systems.
Impact of Mean and Variability of High‐Density Lipoprotein‐Cholesterol on the Risk of Myocardial Infarction, Stroke, and Mortality in the General Population
Authors: Han Byung‐Hun , Han Kyungdo , Yoon Kun‐Ho , Kim Mee Kyoung , Lee Seung‐Hwan 
Published: April 2020

Background

A low level of high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol (
HDL
‐C) is a well‐known risk factor for cardiovascular events. Recent studies have also suggested that
HDL
‐C variability has a predictive role in patients with coronary artery disease. We investigated the combined effect of the mean and variability of
HDL
‐C on the risk of myocardial infarction (
MI
), stroke, and mortality in the general population.

Methods and Results

We selected 5 433 098 subjects in the Korean National Health Insurance System cohort who had no history of
MI
or stroke and who underwent ≥3 health examinations between 2009 and 2013. Visit‐to‐visit
HDL
‐C variability was calculated using the coefficient of variation, variability independent of the mean and average real variability. The low‐mean and high‐variability groups were defined as the lowest and highest quartiles of
HDL
‐C mean and variability, respectively. There were 27 605 cases of
MI
, 31 162 cases of stroke, and 50 959 deaths during the median follow‐up of 5.1±0.6 years. A lower mean or higher variability (coefficient of variation) of
HDL
‐C was associated with a higher risk of adverse outcomes, and the 2 measures had an additive effect. In the multivariable‐adjusted model, the hazard ratios (95% CIs) of the low‐mean/high‐variability group compared with the high‐mean/low‐variability group were 1.47 (1.41–1.54) for
MI
, 1.23 (1.18–1.28) for stroke, and 1.41 (1.36–1.45) for all‐cause mortality. Results were consistent when variability was modeled using variability independent of the mean or average real variability, and in various sensitivity and subgroup analyses.

Conclusions

Low mean and high variability of
HDL
‐C is associated with an increased risk of
MI
, stroke, and mortality.
Barrier Effect of the Indo-Pacific Maritime Continent on MJO Propagation in Observations and CMIP5 Models
Authors: Chen Guiwan , Ling Jian , Li Chongyin , Zhang Yuanwen , Zhang Chidong 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThis study explores possible mechanisms for the barrier effect of the Indo-Pacific Maritime Continent (MC) on MJO propagation. In particular, this study examines whether similar mechanisms can be found in both observations and CMIP5 simulations. All models simulate individual MJO events but underestimate the percentage of MJO events propagating into the MC. The simulations are grouped into the top and bottom 50% based on their capability of reproducing the MJO spectral signal. When compared with the observations, the bottom 50% of the simulations significantly underestimate the MJO strength and exaggerate the barrier effect intensity, whereas these discrepancies are not significant in the top 50% of the simulations. From the top 50% of the simulations, the MJO strength, moisture processes, and surface evaporation in the MC all play important roles in constituting the barrier effect. No such evidence is found in observations. The discrepancies may come from small observed sample size and/or misrepresentations of key physical processes in the models. A consistent result is found in the observations and simulations: Whether MJO events can cross the MC depends on the degree to which dominant precipitation over land shifts to over water in the MC as MJO convection centers approach the MC and cross it. This result emphasizes the critical role of precipitation over water in carrying convective signals of the MJO through the MC. The results suggest that diagnosing the model alone on mechanisms for the barrier effect could be misleading; further investigations using a combination of observations, global gridded data, and high-resolution models are needed.
Comparison of Methods Accounting for Subgrid-Scale Model Error in Convective-Scale Data Assimilation
Authors: Zeng Yuefei , Janjić Tijana , de Lozar Alberto , Rasp Stephan , Blahak Ulrich , Seifert Axel , Craig George C. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Different approaches for representing model error due to unresolved scales and processes are compared in convective-scale data assimilation, including the physically based stochastic perturbation (PSP) scheme for turbulence, an advanced warm bubble approach that automatically detects and triggers absent convective cells, and additive noise based on model truncation error. The analysis of kinetic energy spectrum guides the understanding of differences in precipitation forecasts. It is found that the PSP scheme results in more ensemble spread in assimilation cycles, but its effects on the root-mean-square error (RMSE) are neutral. This leads to positive impacts on precipitation forecasts that last up to three hours. The warm bubble technique does not create more spread, but is effective in reducing the RMSE, and improving precipitation forecasts for up to 3 h. The additive noise approach contributes greatly to ensemble spread, but it results in a larger RMSE during assimilation cycles. Nevertheless, it considerably improves the skill of precipitation forecasts up to 6 h. Combining the additive noise with either the PSP scheme or the warm bubble technique reduces the RMSE within cycles and improves the skill of the precipitation forecasts, with the latter being more beneficial.
Differences in Nutrient Intake and Diet Quality Between Non-Hispanic Black and Non-Hispanic White Men in the United States
Authors: Thompson Terry L. , Singleton Chelsea R. , Springfield Sparkle E. , Thorpe Roland J. , Odoms-Young Angela 
Published: April 2020

Objectives Non-Hispanic black (NHB) men have higher rates of chronic disease than men in other racial/ethnic groups. Poor diet quality is one risk factor for chronic disease, but research on the diet quality and nutrient intake of NHB men is sparse. The objective of this study was to describe and compare the diet quality and nutrient intake of NHB and non-Hispanic white (NHW) men in the United States. Methods We analyzed cross-sectional data on 5050 men (31.3% NHB, 68.7% NHW) who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) during 2007-2012. To assess diet quality, we calculated Healthy Eating Index (HEI)–2010 scores from each participant’s 24-hour recall data. We used logistic regression models to determine if NHB men had lower odds of meeting dietary recommendations for nutrient intake than NHW men. We used linear regression models to identify significant differences in HEI-2010 scores between NHB and NHW men. Results After adjusting for sociodemographic measures, NHB and NHW men had similar diet quality ( P = .59). Compared with NHW men, NHB men had lower odds of meeting recommendations for dietary fiber and cholesterol intake and higher odds of meeting recommendations for saturated fat and sodium intake. Conclusion Differences between NHB and NHW men in the intake of certain nutrients may be related to chronic disease disparities. Future research should consider racial/ethnic differences in dietary intake among men and the impact these differences have on men’s health.
Improving Notifiable Disease Case Reporting Through Electronic Information Exchange–Facilitated Decision Support: A Controlled Before-and-After Trial
Authors: Dixon Brian E. , Zhang Zuoyi , Arno Janet N. , Revere Debra , Joseph Gibson P. , Grannis Shaun J. 
Published: April 2020

Objective Outbreak detection and disease control may be improved by simplified, semi-automated reporting of notifiable diseases to public health authorities. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of an electronic, prepopulated notifiable disease report form on case reporting rates by ambulatory care clinics to public health authorities. Methods We conducted a 2-year (2012-2014) controlled before-and-after trial of a health information exchange (HIE) intervention in Indiana designed to prepopulate notifiable disease reporting forms to providers. We analyzed data collected from electronic prepopulated reports and “usual care” (paper, fax) reports submitted to a local health department for 7 conditions by using a difference-in-differences model. Primary outcomes were changes in reporting rates, completeness, and timeliness between intervention and control clinics. Results Provider reporting rates for chlamydia and gonorrhea in intervention clinics increased significantly from 56.9% and 55.6%, respectively, during the baseline period (2012) to 66.4% and 58.3%, respectively, during the intervention period (2013-2014); they decreased from 28.8% and 27.5%, respectively, to 21.7% and 20.6%, respectively, in control clinics ( P < .001). Completeness improved from baseline to intervention for 4 of 15 fields in reports from intervention clinics ( P < .001), although mean completeness improved for 11 fields in both intervention and control clinics. Timeliness improved for both intervention and control clinics; however, reports from control clinics were timelier (mean, 7.9 days) than reports from intervention clinics (mean, 9.7 days). Conclusions Electronic, prepopulated case reporting forms integrated into providers’ workflow, enabled by an HIE network, can be effective in increasing notifiable disease reporting rates and completeness of information. However, it was difficult to assess the effect of using the forms for diseases with low prevalence (eg, salmonellosis, histoplasmosis).
Acute hematogenous osteomyelitis in pediatric patients: epidemiology and risk factors of a poor outcome
Authors: Popescu Bogdan , Tevanov Iulia , Carp Madalina , Ulici Alexandru 
Published: April 2020

Objective Acute hematogenous osteomyelitis (AHO) has declining incidence in developed countries. AHO can cause rapid destruction of bone that can lead to functional impairment or even death if misdiagnosed and not treated urgently. In this study, we aimed to identify the main factors that may lead to a poor outcome and to establish a profile of patients with AHO who might have a negative outcome. Methods We conducted a retrospective single-center study including 94 patients with AHO, over a 10-year interval. Complete medical history including age at diagnosis, sex, socioeconomic status, symptoms, entry portal, pathogenic agent, location of infection, radiological features, treatment, and outcome were recorded. Results Male predominance was observed, with boys from rural areas more prone to a poor outcome. This is likely because they are more exposed to trauma and do not have proper access to emergency medical care. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common etiologic agent, with 84 patients testing positive. Disease evolution was toward chronicity in patients diagnosed late. The most frequent complications were sepsis and pathological fractures. Conclusions In our study, patients with negative outcomes were characterized by young age, repeated negative cultures, delayed surgery, rural residence, and male sex.
Financial Globalization and Economic Growth in South Asia
Authors: Bhanumurthy N. R. , Kumawat Lokendra 
Published: April 2020

The article examines relationship between financial globalization and economic growth in South Asian countries namely Bhutan, Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Following the framework of Bekaert et al. (2005) and with the help of Panel VAR and Panel causality (in GMM framework) models the study concludes that the causation from financial globalization to growth in the region appears to be weak. There appears reverse causation running from growth to financial globalization. We found that domestic macroeconomic policies such as fiscal prudence act as pull factors for foreign capital. The article has some interesting results at individual country level. JEL: C33, F21, F36, F65
Toward mitigating pressure injuries: Detecting patient orientation from vertical bed reaction forces
Authors: Wong Gordon , Gabison Sharon , Dolatabadi Elham , Evans Gary , Kajaks Tara , Holliday Pamela , Alshaer Hisham , Fernie Geoff , Dutta Tilak 
Published: April 2020

Introduction Prolonged bed rest without repositioning can lead to pressure injuries. However, it can be challenging for caregivers and patients to adhere to repositioning schedules. A device that alerts caregivers when a patient has remained in the same orientation for too long may reduce the incidence and/or severity of pressure injuries. This paper proposes a method to detect a person’s orientation in bed using data from load cells placed under the legs of a hospital grade bed. Methods Twenty able-bodied individuals were positioned into one of three orientations (supine, left side-lying, or right side-lying) either with no support, a pillow, or a wedge, and the head of the bed either raised or lowered. Breathing pattern characteristics extracted from force data were used to train two machine learning classification systems (Logistic Regression and Feed Forward Neural Network) and then evaluate for their ability to identify each participant’s orientation using a leave-one-participant-out cross-validation. Results The Feed Forward Neural Network yielded the highest orientation prediction accuracy at 94.2%. Conclusions The high accuracy of this non-invasive system’s ability to a participant’s position in bed shows potential for this algorithm to be useful in developing a pressure injury prevention tool.