bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development and Implementation of Multiplex TaqMan Array Cards for Specimen Testing at Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance Site Laboratories
Authors: Diaz Maureen H , Waller Jessica L , Theodore M Jordan , Patel Nishi , Wolff Bernard J , Benitez Alvaro J , Morris Timothy , Raghunathan Pratima L , Breiman Robert F , Whitney Cynthia G , Blau Dianna M , Winchell Jonas M 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS) laboratories are employing a variety of laboratory methods to identify infectious agents contributing to deaths of children <5 years old and stillbirths in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. In support of this long-term objective, our team developed TaqMan Array Cards (TACs) for testing postmortem specimens (blood, cerebrospinal fluid, lung tissue, respiratory tract swabs, and rectal swabs) for >100 real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targets in total (30–45 per card depending on configuration). Multipathogen panels were configured by syndrome and customized to include pathogens of significance in young children within the regions where CHAMPS is conducted, including bacteria (57 targets covering 30 genera), viruses (48 targets covering 40 viruses), parasites (8 targets covering 8 organisms), and fungi (3 targets covering 3 organisms). The development and application of multiplex real-time PCR reactions to the TAC microfluidic platform increased the number of targets in each panel while maintaining assay efficiency and replicates for heightened sensitivity. These advances represent a substantial improvement in the utility of this technology for infectious disease diagnostics and surveillance. We optimized all aspects of the CHAMPS molecular laboratory testing workflow including nucleic acid extraction, quality assurance, and data management to ensure comprehensive molecular testing of specimens and high-quality data. Here we describe the development and implementation of multiplex TACs and associated laboratory protocols for specimen processing, testing, and data management at CHAMPS site laboratories.
Dynamics of Submicroscopic Plasmodium falciparum Infections Throughout Pregnancy: A Preconception Cohort Study in Benin
Authors: Hounkonnou Cornélia P A , Briand Valérie , Fievet Nadine , Accrombessi Manfred , Yovo Emmanuel , Mama Atikatou , Sossou Darius , Vianou Bertin , Massougbodji Achille , Ndam Nicaise Tuikue , Cot Michel , Cottrell Gilles 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Background
In the context of global malaria elimination efforts, special attention is being paid to submicroscopic Plasmodium falciparum infections. In pregnant, sub-Saharan African women, such infections are more prevalent than microscopic infections, and are thought to have adverse effects on both mothers’ and newborns’ health. However, no study has studied the dynamics and determinants of these infections throughout pregnancy. Retard de Croissance Intra-uterin et Paludisme (RECIPAL), a preconception cohort study carried out in Benin between 2014 and 2017, represented a unique opportunity to assess this issue.

Methods
We used data from 273 pregnant Beninese women who were followed-up from preconception to delivery. We studied the dynamics of and factors influencing submicroscopic (and microscopic) P. falciparum infections during the 3 trimesters of pregnancy, using an ordinal logistic mixed model.

Results
The incidence rate of submicroscopic P. falciparum infections during pregnancy was 12.7 per 100 person-months (95% confidence interval [CI] 10.8–14.9), compared to 6.7 per 100 person-months (95% CI 5.5–8.1) for microscopic infections. The prevalences were highest in the first trimester for both submicroscopic and microscopic infections. After adjustment for potential confounding factors, we found that those of young age and those with a submicroscopic P. falciparum infection prior to pregnancy were at significantly higher risks of submicroscopic and microscopic infections throughout pregnancy, with a more pronounced effect in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Conclusions
The first trimester of pregnancy is a particularly high-risk period for P. falciparum infection during pregnancy, especially for the youngest women. Malaria prevention tools covering the preconception period and early pregnancy are urgently needed to better protect pregnant women and their newborns.
Likely oscillatory motions of stochastic hyperelastic solids
Authors: Mihai L Angela , Fitt Danielle , Woolley Thomas E , Goriely Alain 
Published: August 2019

AbstractStochastic homogeneous hyperelastic solids are characterized by strain-energy densities where the parameters are random variables defined by probability density functions. These models allow for the propagation of uncertainties from input data to output quantities of interest. To investigate the effect of probabilistic parameters on predicted mechanical responses, we study radial oscillations of cylindrical and spherical shells of stochastic incompressible isotropic hyperelastic material, formulated as quasi-equilibrated motions where the system is in equilibrium at every time instant. Additionally, we study finite shear oscillations of a cuboid, which are not quasi-equilibrated. We find that, for hyperelastic bodies of stochastic neo-Hookean or Mooney–Rivlin material, the amplitude and period of the oscillations follow probability distributions that can be characterized. Further, for cylindrical tubes and spherical shells, when an impulse surface traction is applied, there is a parameter interval where the oscillatory and non-oscillatory motions compete, in the sense that both have a chance to occur with a given probability. We refer to the dynamic evolution of these elastic systems, which exhibit inherent uncertainties due to the material properties, as ‘likely oscillatory motions’.
Testing for the Diffusion Matrix in a Continuous-Time Markov Process Model with Applications to the Term Structure of Interest Rates
Authors: Li Fuchun 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
For each component in the diffusion matrix of a d-dimensional diffusion process, we propose a test for the parametric specification of this component. Overall, d(d−1)/2 test statistics are constructed for the off-diagonal components, while d test statistics being for the main diagonal components. Using theories of degenerate U-statistics, each of all these test statistics is shown to follow an asymptotic standard normal distribution under null hypothesis, while diverging to infinity if the component is misspecified over a significant range. We obtain new empirical findings by applying our tests to evaluate a variety of three-factor affine term structure models in modeling the volatility dynamics of monthly U.S. Treasury yields.
The Asymmetric Judicial Dialogue Between the ICJ and the IACtHR: An Empirical Analysis
Authors: Almeida Paula Wojcikiewicz 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
This article evaluates the judicial dialogue between the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACtHR). It aims to discuss, on the one hand, the use of the ICJ jurisprudence in the case law of the Inter-American Court and the use of the IACtHR jurisprudence in the case law of the ICJ, on the other hand. Being aware that the ICJ and the IACtHR are placed in different levels and possess structural differences, the judicial dialogue between these two courts is inevitably marked by asymmetries. The empirical analysis of the interaction between the ICJ and the IACtHR aims to identify the functions of the judicial dialogue, which encompass the general cross-fertilization function and the function of enhancing the persuasiveness, authority or legitimacy of individual judicial decisions.
Does Tranexamic Acid Increase the Incidence of Thromboembolism After Spinal Fusion Surgery?
Authors: Ko Bong-Seong , Cho Kyu-Jung , Kim Young-Tae , Park Jae-Woo , Kim Nak-Chul 
Published: August 2019

Study Design:
This was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data.

Objective:
To investigate the incidence of thromboembolism in patients who received tranexamic acid (TXA) after lumbar spine fusion and determine the diagnostic value of lower limb duplex sonography as a screening test.

Summary of Background Data:
TXA is effective in reducing blood drainage in spine fusion surgery but some studies have reported increased incidence of venous thromboembolism associated with TXA.

Materials and Methods:
One hundred twenty-two patients who underwent lumbar fusion for degenerative spinal disease received intravenous TXA in doses equivalent to 10 mg/kg for 48 hours after surgery. As a control group, 85 patients received intravenous administration of the same amount of normal saline. D-dimer levels were checked on the day of admission and the seventh postoperative day (POD#7). All patients underwent duplex sonography on POD#7, and patients with abnormal results were further evaluated with computed tomography angiography and pulmonary arterial angiography.

Results:
None of the patients showed symptoms of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Suspicious signs of DVT were observed in 5 patients in the TXA group and 4 patients in the control group in lower limb duplex sonography. Finally, DVT was confirmed by computed tomography angiography in one of 122 patients (0.8%) in the TXA group and in one of 85 patients (1.2%) in the control group. D-dimer levels on POD#7 were higher in the patients with DVT than in patients without DVT. Average postoperative blood drain was 421.3±133.1 mL in the TXA group and 635.2±151.2 mL in the control group (P<0.001), which showed TXA was effective to reduce postoperative hemorrhage.

Conclusions:
The incidence of thromboembolism after using TXA in lumbar fusion surgery was 0.8%, as comparable as the incidence of thromboembolism in the control group. Lower limb duplex sonography is not recommended for screening test of DVT because of high false-positive rate.

Level of Evidence:
Level III.
Potential Role of Paraspinal Musculature in the Maintenance of Spinopelvic Alignment in Patients With Adult Spinal Deformities
Authors: Katsu Marina , Ohba Tetsuro , Ebata Shigeto , Oba Hiroki , Koyama Kensuke , Haro Hirotaka 
Published: August 2019

Study Design:
A retrospective observational study.

Objectives:
To (1) compare skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) and the composition of paraspinal muscles between patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) and adult spinal deformity (ASD) who underwent spinal surgery, (2) determine whether paraspinal muscles influence low back pain in ASD, and (3) ascertain which radiographic spinal parameters of ASD are predominantly influenced by paraspinal muscles.

Summary of Background Data:
Relative muscle cross-sectional area (rmCSA; total CSA minus intramuscular fat CSA) determined using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is useful when evaluating not only muscle volume but also muscle quality. Currently, no study has examined paraspinal muscles using rmCSAs to determine which radiographic spinopelvic parameters identified in patients with severe spinal deformities make them candidates for thoracolumbar corrective surgery.

Materials and Methods:
Paraspinal muscle rmCSAs were calculated using preoperative T2-weighted MRIs at the L3/4 axial level. Whole-body bone mineral density and lean, soft tissue mass were measured using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. SMI was calculated as appendicular (upper and lower limbs) lean, soft tissue mass (kg/m2). Correlations between low back pain according to the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire, Oswestry Disability Index, spinopelvic parameters, and rmCSA were evaluated for 110 consecutive patients with ASD and 50 consecutive patients with LSS who underwent spinal surgery.

Results:
There was no significant difference in the total SMI and morbidity rate of sarcopenia between patients with ASD and LSS. A significant negative correlation between Oswestry Disability Index and the rmCSA of the multifidus muscles and the rmCSA of the erector muscles were observed. There was a significant positive correlation between pelvic tilt/sacral slope and multifidus/erector muscles.

Conclusions:
Paraspinal muscles evaluated with MRI were more significantly associated with the pathology of ASD compared with appendicular skeletal muscle evaluations with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. The present study indicates that multifidus and erector muscles significantly influenced the maintenance of the pelvic alignment.

Level of Evidence:
Level III.
A Multicenter Comparison of Reconstruction Strategies after Wide Excision for Severe Axillary Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Authors: Ovadja Zachri N. , Bartelink Sophieke A.W. , van de Kar Annekatrien L. , van der Horst Chantal M.A.M. , Lapid Oren 
Published: August 2019

Background:
An appropriate reconstruction strategy after wide excision for severe cases of axillary hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is important to optimize outcomes, but no consensus exists on which reconstruction strategy should be preferred.

Objective:
Evaluate which reconstruction strategy after wide excision in patients with severe axillary HS is associated with improved outcomes in terms of recurrence rate, complications, post-reconstruction limb function, aesthetics, and patient satisfaction.

Methods:
Retrospective analysis between 2008 and 2018 of wide excision and reconstruction by primary closure (PC), secondary intention healing (SIH), split thickness skin grafts (STSG), or fasciocutaneous flaps (FCF). The primary endpoint was the rate of recurrence during follow-up.

Results:
A total of 107 surgical interventions were performed on 54 patients. The overall recurrence rate was 31.8% after a median follow-up of 30 months, with a significant difference between PC (48%), SIH (16%), STSG (29%), and FCF (10%) (P = 0.03). Surgical complications requiring reoperation occurred in 2% after PC, 0% after SIH, 13% after STSG, and 15% after FCF (P = 0.11). The median score regarding function, aesthetics, and satisfaction after all interventions was 17 out of 20 points, but the score was lower after FCF than PC, SIH, and STSG (P = 0.03).

Conclusions:
Reconstruction by PC should be reserved for patients with limited HS lesions, whereas FCF was most effective in avoiding recurrence, but was associated with unfavorable short-term results and patient-reported outcomes regarding function and aesthetics. FCF should generally be reserved for patients with recurrent, severe HS comprising an extensive surface of the axillary skin.
Treatment Attitudes and Adherence Among Patients with Bipolar Disorder: A Systematic Review of Quantitative and Qualitative Studies
Authors: Chakrabarti Subho 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Background
Systematic reviews about treatment attitudes of patients influencing adherence in bipolar disorder (BD) are rare.

Methods
A systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines and principles of thematic synthesis. Selectively identified quantitative and qualitative studies were used to examine the attitude-adherence relationship in BD, the types and correlates of treatment attitudes, and the impact of psychosocial interventions on attitudes.

Results
The final list of 163 articles included 114 observational reports (incorporating 21 psychosocial intervention trials), 45 qualitative/descriptive studies, and 4 patient surveys. A positive association between treatment attitudes and adherence was found in most quantitative and qualitative studies, though the strength of the relationship was unclear. Thematic analysis of qualitative studies suggested that patient attitudes influencing adherence were based on perceived advantages and disadvantages of treatment. The principal correlates of patients’ attitudes were family attitudes, the clinician-patient alliance, social support, and patients’ knowledge of BD. Though negative attitudes such as denial, concerns about adverse treatment consequences, and stigmatizing effects of treatment were common, many patients believed treatment to be beneficial and necessary. The limited data on the effect of psychosocial interventions indicated that treatments selectively targeting attitudes enhanced adherence.

Limitations
The studies were heterogeneous in design; the quality was uneven (fair to poor); and the risk of bias moderate to high.

Conclusions
Despite these flaws, awareness of the existing evidence on the attitude-adherence association and other aspects of treatment attitudes in BD can help in efforts to address nonadherence in BD.
Surgical Outcomes of Prolene Gonioscopy-assisted Transluminal Trabeculotomy in Patients With Moderate to Advanced Open-Angle Glaucoma
Authors: Aktas Zeynep , Ucgul Ahmet Y. , Bektas Caglar , Sahin Karamert Selin 
Published: August 2019

Précis:
The present study demonstrates that surgical success rate of gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy (GATT) is 83.7% according to target intraocular pressure (IOP) ≤21 mm Hg and ≥20% reduction from baseline in patients with moderate to advanced glaucoma, with an average follow-up of 19.4 months.

Purpose:
The aim of the study was to assess the outcomes of GATT in eyes with moderate to advanced open-angle glaucoma.

Patients and Methods:
A retrospective study included 104 eyes of 104 patients, with a mean age of 58.9±18.5 (15 to 87) years, who underwent GATT using the 6/0 prolene suture to treat open-angle glaucoma. The GATT procedure was carried out alone or in combination with phacoemulsification. IOP at baseline, third, sixth, ninth, 12th, and 18th months of follow-up; need of antiglaucoma medication; need of further glaucoma surgery; cup/disc ratio; and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were recorded. Patients with prior incisional glaucoma surgery were excluded. Surgical success was determined for both IOP <21 and <18 mm Hg and also ≥20% reduction from baseline without further glaucoma surgery.

Results:
A total of 65 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and 39 patients with secondary open-angle glaucoma (SOAG), including pseudoexfoliative, pigmentary, uveitic, and steroid-induced glaucoma underwent GATT. Preoperative mean IOP was 25.0±7.3 mm Hg. Preoperative average number of antiglaucoma medications was 3.4±0.6. The average follow-up time was 19.4±8.1 (6 to 37) months. Preoperative average BCVA was 0.51±0.24, and cup/disc ratio was 0.85±0.14. Surgical success was achieved in 87 of 104 (83.7%). Seven patients had medically uncontrolled glaucoma after GATT surgery, and they underwent further surgery. Patients with POAG had a higher percentage of IOP reduction than patients with SOAG at 18th month of follow-up (40.1% vs. 27.6%). Need for medication at final visit was similar between POAG and SOAG.

Conclusion:
GATT procedure is a safe and successful option for the treatment of moderate to advanced open-angle glaucoma. Surgical success could be maintained up to ∼18 months.
Older Drivers and Glaucoma in India: Driving Habits and Crash Risks
Authors: Deshmukh Ajinkya V. , Murthy Gowri J. , Reddy Ayyappa , Murthy Praveen R. , Kattige Jyothi , Murthy Vinay R. 
Published: August 2019

Précis:
In India, older drivers with glaucoma show greater driving difficulty but are not involved in higher number of on-road accidents. To achieve balance between safety aspects and independence for drivers with glaucoma is important.

Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to analyze driving habits of patients with glaucoma and to compare their driving behavior, driving difficulties, and accident rates with nonglaucoma controls.

Patients:
Patients with glaucoma aged older than 40 years were recruited. Subjects with best-corrected visual acuity ≤6/24 in the better-seeing eye and those having primary eye disorder other than glaucoma were excluded. Age-matched nonglaucoma controls were recruited. Subjects with clinically significant cataract and/or with best-corrected visual acuity ≤6/24 in both eyes were excluded. All cases and controls were legally licensed to drive.

Materials and Methods:
In this study, Driving Habits Questionnaire was used. Collected data were statistically analyzed using SAS, version 9.2 (GLM procedure), and IBM SPSS, version 22. P-values <0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results:
All controls and 84% (n=84/100) of cases were current drivers. Among them, 16% (n=16/100) cases had stopped driving, of which 31.25% (n=5/16) had stopped because of self-reported ocular causes. Cases drove lesser number of days per week (P=0.001) and had more driving dependence on other drivers (44%, n=37/84) compared with controls. Glaucoma was significantly associated with driving difficulty in the rain, in rush-hour traffic, and at night. Comparing driving difficulty scores and visual field index within glaucoma group showed statistical significance [F(1,82)=22.12, P<0.001]. Composite scores of driving difficulty (P<0.001) and driving space (P=0.003) between the 2 groups showed strong statistical significance. Controls had higher number of self-reported accidents (P<0.001).

Conclusions:
Patients with glaucoma show greater driving difficulty, self-regulate their driving behavior, and restrict their driving. Older patients with glaucoma in India are not involved in higher rates of on-road crash risks compared with nonglaucoma drivers.
Physician Assistant Students' Perceptions of Cultural Competence in Providing Care to Diverse Populations
Authors: Sherer Erin L. , Allegrante John P. 
Published: August 2019

PurposeTo determine physician assistant (PA) students' perceived levels of preparedness to treat patients from culturally diverse backgrounds.MethodsAn online survey with quantitative and qualitative components was distributed to students at 8 PA programs in different geographic locations of the United States. The survey used a modified version of the previously validated Self-Assessment of Perceived Level of Cultural Competence Questionnaire and evaluated PA students' knowledge, skills, encounters, attitudes, awareness, and abilities regarding cultural competence, as well as students' evaluation of these components of their education. Descriptive statistics were generated using SPSS software, and qualitative findings were analyzed for common themes.ResultsPA students rated their attitudes, awareness, and abilities about cultural competence as significantly greater than their cultural knowledge, skills, and encounters. Second-year students and racial minority students reported higher personal ratings for levels of cultural competence. Most PA students reported being well prepared (39%) or moderately prepared (46%), compared to those who did not feel at all prepared (15%). Students indicated that specific classes focusing on cultural topics, discussions about cultural issues, and clinical experiences were the most useful for promoting cross-cultural education.ConclusionWhile PA students perceive cultural competence to be important, they appear to be deficient in the areas of cultural knowledge, skills, and encounters. Integrating cultural competence courses, cultural discussions, and clinical rotations involving diverse patient populations should be encouraged throughout PA training as they may strengthen students' preparedness to provide cross-cultural care.