bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Drug‐related harm coinciding with income assistance payments: results from a community‐based cohort of people who use drugs
Authors: Richardson Lindsey , Dong Huiru , Kerr Thomas , Milloy M‐J , Hayashi Kanna 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackground and AimsIncome assistance is critical to the health and wellbeing of socio‐economically marginalized people who use illicit drugs (PWUD). However, past literature paradoxically identifies unintended increases in drug‐related harm coinciding with synchronized payments that may magnify signals for drug use. The scope of such harm has not been fully characterized among non‐institutionalized populations. This study examined socio‐demographic, health and drug use‐related correlates of payment‐coincident drug‐related harm.DesignThis observational study uses data from prospective community‐based longitudinal cohorts of PWUD between December 2013 and May 2018.SettingVancouver, British Columbia, Canada.ParticipantsA total of 1604 PWUD receiving monthly income assistance. Our sample included 586 (36.5%) women, 861 (53.7%) non‐white participants and 685 (42.7%) people living with HIV.MeasurementsThe primary outcome was a self‐reported composite measure of drug‐related harm in the past 6 months coinciding with income assistance, including higher‐frequency substance use, non‐fatal overdose and service barriers or interruptions. Subanalyses disaggregated this outcome.FindingsPayment‐coincident drug‐related harm was reported among 77.7% of participants during the study period. In multivariable models, key correlates positively and significantly associated with payment‐coincident harm included: street‐based income generation [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.48, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.26–1.74, P < 0.001], sex work (aOR = 1.66, 95% CI = 1.35–2.04, P < 0.001), illegal income generation (aOR = 1.57, 95% CI = 1.35–1.83 P < 0.001), homelessness (aOR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.13–1.58, P < 0.001), exposure to violence (aOR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.03–1.66, P = 0.032), daily crack cocaine use (aOR = 1.99, 95% CI = 1.59–2.50, P < 0.001), heavy alcohol use (aOR = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.37–1.97, P < 0.001) and injection drug use (aOR = 2.55, 95% CI = 2.01–3.23, P < 0.001). In subanalyses, specific harms were more likely among individuals reporting social, structural and health vulnerabilities.ConclusionsIn Vancouver, Canada, people who use illicit drugs who receive income assistance report high prevalence of payment‐coincident drug‐related harm, particularly people experiencing socioeconomic and structural marginalization or engaging in high‐intensity drug use.
Efficacy of verbenone and a blend of verbenone and nonhost volatiles for protecting lodgepole pine from mountain pine beetle (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: Fettig Christopher J. , Munson A. Steven 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Significant research has been devoted to the development of semiochemical repellents for mountain pine beetle Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins. Several formulations of the beetle's antiaggregation pheromone verbenone (4,6,6‐trimethylbicyclo[3.1.1]hept‐3‐en‐2‐one) are registered to protect pine trees and stands.
We compared the efficacy of verbenone and Verbenone Plus for protecting individual lodgepole pine Pinus contorta Dougl. ex Loud. and small stands of P. contorta from mortality attributed to D. ponderosae. Verbenone Plus is a blend of semiochemicals [(−)‐verbenone, acetophenone, and (E)‐2‐hexen‐1‐ol + (Z)‐2‐hexen‐1‐ol] originally developed to inhibit aggregation of western pine beetle D. brevicomis LeConte. It is the only effective semiochemical repellent that protects ponderosa pine P. ponderosa Dougl. ex Laws. from mortality attributed to D. brevicomis, but has yet to be registered or commercialized.
Both verbenone and Verbenone Plus were effective for protecting individual P. contorta and small stands of P. contorta from mortality attributed to D. ponderosae. Verbenone alone was as effective as Verbenone Plus.
An obstacle to the broader use of semiochemical repellents for the management of bark beetles is the relatively high cost and specificity of the semiochemicals involved. A semiochemical repellent with efficacy across multiple bark beetle species and hosts, such as Verbenone Plus, would be desirable, assuming the additional components are not cost‐prohibitive or limit registration.
Clinical correlates of rhinovirus infection in preschool asthma
Authors: Jartti Tuomas , Liimatainen Unna , Xepapadaki Paraskevi , Vahlberg Tero , Bachert Claus , Finotto Susetta , Kowalski Marek L , Sobanska Anna , Lukkarinen Heikki , Pasioti Maria , Vuorinen Tytti , Zhang Nan , Zimmermann Theodor , Papadopoulos Nikolaos G 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundInvestigation of preschool asthma is important since not all children outgrow their illness during this age. Data are scarce on the role of rhinovirus (RV) infections in this patient group.ObjectivesTo investigate the role of RV infections in preschool asthma: (i) susceptibility factors, (ii) clinical course, and (iii) medium‐term outcome.MethodsA total of 130 asthmatic children aged 4‐6 years from the multinational PreDicta cohort were prospectively followed for a 12‐month period. Allergy tests and a standard health questionnaire were carried out at study entry. Respiratory virus presence in nasopharyngeal washes was studied at illness visits and at 3 scheduled visits.ResultsAt study entry, mean age of the children was 5.3 years. Of 571 visits, 54% were positive for any virus and 39% for RV. Patient characteristics were only assessed with RV infection due to low number of other viruses. The use of supplementary vitamin D was inversely associated with RV infection (P < .05). RV infection was associated with more severe course of acute illness in terms of more severe nighttime coughing, more sleep disturbances, and more days with runny nose (all P < .05). RV infection was also associated with more severe disease course during the 12‐month follow‐up in terms of more nights with awakenings and more days of exercise‐related symptoms (both P < .05).ConclusionsVitamin D supplementation may have an anti‐rhinovirus effect. Both short‐ and medium‐term outcomes suggest RV infection to be an important clinical marker of instable preschool asthma.
Laser‐facilitated epicutaneous immunotherapy with hypoallergenic beta‐glucan neoglycoconjugates suppresses lung inflammation and avoids local side effects in a mouse model of allergic asthma
Authors: Korotchenko Evgeniia , Schießl Viktoria , Scheiblhofer Sandra , Schubert Mario , Dall Elfriede , Joubert Isabella A. , Strandt Helen , Neuper Theresa , Sarajlic Muamera , Bauer Renate , Geppert Mark , Joedicke David , Wildner Sabrina , Schaller Susanne , Winkler Stephan , Gadermaier Gabriele , Horejs‐Hoeck Jutta , Weiss Richard 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundAllergen‐specific immunotherapy via the skin targets a tissue rich in antigen‐presenting cells, but can be associated with local and systemic side effects. Allergen‐polysaccharide neoglycogonjugates increase immunization efficacy by targeting and activating dendritic cells via C‐type lectin receptors and reduce side effects.ObjectiveWe investigated the immunogenicity, allergenicity, and therapeutic efficacy of laminarin‐ovalbumin neoglycoconjugates (LamOVA).MethodsThe biological activity of LamOVA was characterized in vitro using bone marrow‐derived dendritic cells. Immunogenicity and therapeutic efficacy were analyzed in BALB/c mice. Epicutaneous immunotherapy (EPIT) was performed using fractional infrared laser ablation to generate micropores in the skin, and the effects of LamOVA on blocking IgG, IgE, cellular composition of BAL, lung, and spleen, lung function, and T‐cell polarization were assessed.ResultsConjugation of laminarin to ovalbumin reduced its IgE binding capacity fivefold and increased its immunogenicity threefold in terms of IgG generation. EPIT with LamOVA induced significantly higher IgG levels than OVA, matching the levels induced by s.c. injection of OVA/alum (SCIT). EPIT was equally effective as SCIT in terms of blocking IgG induction and suppression of lung inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness, but SCIT was associated with higher levels of therapy‐induced IgE and TH2 cytokines. EPIT with LamOVA induced significantly lower local skin reactions during therapy compared to unconjugated OVA.ConclusionConjugation of ovalbumin to laminarin increased its immunogenicity while at the same time reducing local side effects. LamOVA EPIT via laser‐generated micropores is safe and equally effective compared to SCIT with alum, without the need for adjuvant.
Robust estimation for longitudinal data under outcome‐dependent visit processes
Authors: Neuhaus John M. , McCulloch Charles E. 
Published: July 2020

SummaryIn longitudinal data where the timing and frequency of the measurement of outcomes may be associated with the value of the outcome, significant bias can occur. Previous results depended on correct specification of the outcome process and a somewhat unrealistic visit process model. In practice, this will never exactly be the case, so it is important to understand to what degree the results hold when those assumptions are violated in order to guide practical use of the methods. This paper presents theory and the results of simulation studies to extend our previous work to more realistic visit process models, as well as Poisson outcomes. We also assess the effects of several types of model misspecification. The estimated bias in these new settings generally mirrors the theoretical and simulation results of our previous work and provides confidence in using maximum likelihood methods in practice. Even when the assumptions about the outcome process did not hold, mixed effects models fit by maximum likelihood produced at most small bias in estimated regression coefficients, illustrating the robustness of these methods. This contrasts with generalised estimating equations approaches where bias increased in the settings of this paper. The analysis of data from a study of change in neurological outcomes following microsurgery for a brain arteriovenous malformation further illustrate the results.
Modelling the travel time of transit vehicles in real‐time through a GTFS‐based road network using GPS vehicle locations
Authors: Elliott Tom , Lumley Thomas 
Published: July 2020

SummaryPredicting the arrival time of a transit vehicle involves not only knowledge of its current position and schedule adherence, but also traffic conditions along the remainder of the route. Road networks are dynamic and can quickly change from free‐flowing to highly congested, which impacts the arrival time of transit vehicles, particularly buses which often share the road with other vehicles, so reliable predictions need to account for real‐time and future traffic conditions. The first step in this process is to construct a framework with which road state (traffic conditions) can be estimated using real‐time transit vehicle position data. Our proposed framework implements a vehicle model using a particle filter to estimate road travel times, which are used in a second model to estimate real‐time traffic conditions. Although development and testing took place in Auckland, New Zealand, we generalised each component to make the framework compatible with other public transport systems around the world. We demonstrate the real‐time feasibility and performance of our approach in real‐time, where a combination of R and C++ was used to obtain the necessary performance results. Future work will use these estimated traffic conditions in combination with historical data to obtain reliable arrival time predictions of transit vehicles.
Review article: prognostic significance of body composition abnormalities in patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Ebadi Maryam , Bhanji Rahima A. , Tandon Puneeta , Mazurak Vera , Baracos Vickie E. , Montano‐Loza Aldo J. 
Published: July 2020

SummaryBackgroundRecent advances in evaluation of body composition show body mass index to be inadequate in differentiating between body compartments in cirrhosis. Given the limitations of body mass index, body composition evaluation using computed tomography has been increasingly used as a non‐invasive clinical tool with prognostic value. Another factor influencing prognosis includes sex‐specific differences in body composition that are seen in cirrhosis.AimTo review current knowledge regarding the frequency and clinical implications of abnormal body composition features in cirrhosis.MethodsWe searched PubMed database and limited the literature search to full‐text papers published in English. Studies using inappropriate landmarks or demarcation of body composition components on computed tomography images were eliminated.ResultsSarcopenia is a well established factor affecting morbidity and mortality in cirrhosis. Other important body composition components that have been overlooked thus far include subcutaneous adipose tissue and visceral adipose tissue. Female patients with cirrhosis and low subcutaneous adiposity have a higher risk of mortality, whereas male patients with high visceral adiposity have a higher risk of hepatocellular carcinoma and recurrence following liver transplantation. Increased adipose tissue radiodensity has been associated with risk of decompensation and mortality.ConclusionsFurther evaluation of body composition abnormalities may help with development of targeted therapeutic strategies and improve outcome in patients with cirrhosis. Moreover, recognition of these abnormalities could improve prioritisation for liver transplantation as our current method based solely on liver function might lead to risk misclassification.
A double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled pilot trial of atorvastatin for nephrogenic diabetes insipidus in lithium users
Authors: Fotso Soh Jocelyn , Beaulieu Serge , Trepiccione Francesco , Linnaranta Outi , Torres‐Platas Gabriela , Platt Robert W. , Renaud Suzane , Su Chien‐Lin , Mucsi Istvan , D’Apolito Luciano , Mulsant Benoit H. , Levinson Andrea , Saury Sybille , Müller Daniel , Schaffer Ayal , Dols Annemiek , Low Nancy , Cervantes Pablo , Christensen Birgitte M. , Herrmann Nathan , Rajji Tarek , Rej Soham 
Published: July 2020

AbstractObjectiveLithium remains an important treatment for mood disorders but is associated with kidney disease. Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI) is associated with up to 3‐fold risk of incident chronic kidney disease among lithium users. There are limited randomized controlled trials (RCT) for treatments of lithium‐induced NDI, and existing therapies can be poorly tolerated. Therefore, novel treatments are needed for lithium‐induced NDI.MethodWe conducted a 12‐week double‐blind pilot RCT to assess the feasibility and efficacy of 20 mg/d atorvastatin vs placebo in the treatment of NDI in chronic lithium users. Patients, recruited between September 2017 and October 2018, were aged 18 to 85, currently on a stable dose of lithium, and determined to have NDI.ResultsUrinary osmolality (UOsm) at 12 weeks adjusted for baseline was not statistically different between groups (+39.6 mOsm/kg [95% CI, −35.3, 114.5] in atorvastatin compared to placebo groups). Secondary outcomes of fluid intake and aquaporin‐2 excretions at 12 weeks adjusted for baseline were −0.13 L [95% CI, −0.54, 0.28] and 98.68 [95% CI, −190.34, 387.70], respectively. A moderate effect size was observed for improvements in baseline UOsm by ≥100 mOsm/kg at 12 weeks in patients who received atorvastatin compared to placebo (38.45% (10/26) vs 22.58% (7/31); Cohen's d = 0.66).ConclusionAmong lithium users with NDI, atorvastatin 20 mg/d did not significantly improve urinary osmolality compared to placebo over a 12‐week period. Larger confirmatory trials with longer follow‐up periods may help to further assess the effects of statins on NDI, especially within patients with more severe NDI.
Rethinking counselling in prenatal screening: An ethical analysis of informed consent in the context of non‐invasive prenatal testing (NIPT)
Authors: Kater‐Kuipers Adriana , de Beaufort Inez D. , Galjaard Robert‐Jan H. , Bunnik Eline M. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractInformed consent is a key condition for prenatal screening programmes to reach their aim of promoting reproductive autonomy. Reaching this aim is currently being challenged with the introduction of non‐invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) in first‐trimester prenatal screening programmes: amongst others its procedural ease—it only requires a blood draw and reaches high levels of reliability—might hinder women’s understanding that they should make a personal, informed decision about screening. We offer arguments for a renewed recognition and use of informed consent compared to informed choice, and for a focus on value‐consistent choices and personalized informational preferences. We argue for a three‐step counselling model in which three decision moments are distinguished and differently addressed: (1) professionals explore women’s values concerning whether and why they wish to know whether their baby has a genetic disorder; (2) women receive layered medical‐technical information and are asked to make a decision about screening; (3) during post‐test counselling, women are supported in decision‐making about the continuation or termination of their pregnancy. This model might also be applicable in other fields of genetic (pre‐test) counselling, where techniques for expanding genome analysis and burdensome test‐outcomes challenge counselling of patients.
Benefits of risk‐adapted and mould‐specific antifungal prophylaxis in childhood leukaemia
Authors: Meryk Andreas , Kropshofer Gabriele , Hutter Julia , Fritz Josef , Salvador Christina , Lass‐Flörl Cornelia , Crazzolara Roman 
Published: July 2020

SummaryFluconazole is one of the most commonly used drugs for antifungal prophylaxis in childhood leukaemia. However, its interaction with vincristine may induce neuropathy and the emergence of antifungal drug resistance contributes to substantial mortality caused by invasive fungal infections (IFIs). In a retrospective single‐centre study, we compared tolerability and outcome of different antifungal prophylaxis strategies in 198 children with acute leukaemia (median age 5·3 years). Until 2010, antifungal prophylaxis with fluconazole was offered to most of the patients and thereafter was replaced by liposomal amphotericin‐B (L‐AMB) and restricted to high‐risk patients only. Vincristine‐induced neurotoxicity was significantly reduced under L‐AMB, as the percentage of patients with severe constipation decreased (15·4% vs. 3·7%, before vs. after 31 December·2010, P = 0·01) and stool frequency increased by up to 38% in polyene‐treated patients (P = 0·005). Before 2011, 10 patients developed confirmed IFIs, most of them were infected with Aspergillus species. After risk adaption in 2011, IFIs were completely prevented (P = 0·007).L‐AMB prophylaxis is beneficial in childhood leukaemia patients, as it offers effective antifungal activity with improved tolerability as compared to fluconazole. The potential impact of our risk‐adapted antifungal treatment should be included in current prophylaxis guidelines for childhood leukaemia.
Mapping public health responses with attitude networks: the emergence of opinion‐based groups in the UK’s early COVID‐19 response phase
Authors: Maher Paul J. , MacCarron Pádraig , Quayle Michael 
Published: July 2020

Partisan patterns of compliance with public health measures are a feature of early COVID‐19 responses. In many cases, these differences in behaviour relate to pre‐existing group identities. However, in times of rapid societal change, novel opinion‐based groups can emerge and provide a new basis for partisan identification and divergent collective behaviour. Here, we use network methods to map the emergence of opposing opinion‐based groups and assess their implications for public health behaviour. In a longitudinal study, we tracked public health attitudes and self‐reported behaviour in a sample of UK participants over four time points. Network visualisation reveal a rift in attitudinal alignment over time and the genesis of two distinct groups characterised by trust, or distrust, in science (Study 1a; N = 253). These groups also diverge in public health behaviour. In a brief follow‐up study (N = 206), we find that this opinion polarization partially reflects underlying societal divides. We discuss implications for opinion‐based group research and public health campaigns.
Neuro‐oxysterols and neuro‐sterols as ligands to nuclear receptors, GPCRs, ligand‐gated ion channels and other protein receptors
Authors: Wang Yuqin , Yutuc Eylan , Griffiths William J. 
Published: July 2020

The brain is the most cholesterol rich organ in the body containing about 25% of the body's free cholesterol. Cholesterol cannot pass the blood–brain barrier and be imported or exported; instead, it is synthesised in situ and metabolised to oxysterols, oxidised forms of cholesterol, which can pass the blood–brain barrier. 24S‐Hydroxycholesterol is the dominant oxysterol in the brain after parturition, but during development, a myriad of other oxysterols are produced, which persist as minor oxysterols after birth. During both development and in later life, sterols and oxysterols interact with a variety of different receptors, including nuclear receptors, membrane bound GPCRs, the oxysterol/sterol sensing proteins INSIG and SCAP, and the ligand‐gated ion channel NMDA receptors found in nerve cells. In this review, we summarise the different oxysterols and sterols found in the CNS whose biological activity is transmitted via these different classes of protein receptors.LINKED ARTICLESThis article is part of a themed issue on Oxysterols, Lifelong Health and Therapeutics. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v178.16/issuetoc
A homozygous pathogenic variant in SHROOM3 associated with anencephaly and cleft lip and palate
Authors: Deshwar Ashish R. , Martin Nicole , Shannon Patrick , Chitayat David 
Published: July 2020

AbstractNeural tube defects (NTD) are among the most common congenital anomalies, affecting about 1:1000 births. In most cases, the etiology of NTD is multifactorial and the genetic variants associated with them remain largely unknown. There is extensive evidence from animal models over the past two decades implicating SHROOM3 in neural tube formation; however, its exact role in human disease has remained elusive. In this report, we present the first case of a human fetus with a homozygous loss of function variant in SHROOM3. The fetus presents with anencephaly and cleft lip and palate, similar to previously described Shroom3 mouse mutants and is suggestive of a novel monogenic cause of NTD. Our case provides clarification on the contribution of SHROOM3 to human development after decades of model organism research.