bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Markov Switching Integer-Valued Generalized Auto-Regressive Conditional Heteroscedastic Models for Dengue Counts
Authors: Chen Cathy W. S. , Khamthong Khemmanant , Lee Sangyeol 
Published: March 2019

SummaryThis study models weekly dengue case counts with two climatological variables: temperature and precipitation. Since conventional zero-inflated integer-valued generalized auto-regressive conditional heteroscedastic (GARCH) models and Poisson regression cannot properly illustrate consecutive 0s in time series of counts, the paper proposes a Markov switching Poisson integer-valued GARCH model wherein a first-order Markov process governs the switching mechanism. This newly designed model has some interesting statistical features: lagged dependence, overdispersion, consecutive 0s, non-linear dynamics and time varying coefficients for the meteorological variables governed by a two-state Markov chain structure. We perform parameter estimation and model selection within a Bayesian framework via a Markov chain Monte Carlo scheme. As an illustration, we conduct a simulation study to examine the effectiveness of the Bayesian method and analyse 12-year weekly dengue case counts from five provinces in north-eastern Thailand. The evidence strongly supports that the proposed Markov switching Poisson integer-valued GARCH model with two climatological covariates appropriately describes consecutive 0s, non-linear dynamics and seasonal patterns. The posterior probabilities deliver clear insight into the state changes that are captured in the data set modelled. We use predictive credible intervals for monitoring and for providing early warning signals of outbreaks.
Effectiveness of oral health education on oral hygiene status among schizophrenic patients: A randomized controlled study
Authors: Agarwal Deepali , Kumar Adarsh , B.C. Manjunath , Sethi Sujata , Yadav Vipul , Shyam Radhey , Kumar Vijay 
Published: March 2019

AbstractAimThe study aims to assess the effectiveness of oral health education on oral hygiene status among schizophrenic patients.Methods and resultsA randomized parallel controlled trial was conducted among schizophrenic patients (n = 111) with BPR score of ≤ 48 to assess the role of oral health education on their oral hygiene status. The experimental group (n = 56) received oral health education while the control group (n = 55) were administered standard care advice. Reinforcement in the form of printed calendar was done after 1 month followed by final assessment of KAP (knowledge, attitude and practice) through DCBS (Dental Coping Beliefs Scale), while oral hygiene through the oral hygiene index done after 2 months. Majority of subjects were males with mean age of 34.73 ± 9.9 years and mean duration of illness of 6.41 ± 5.2 years. All domains of the modified DCBS showed significant improvement in the experimental group. Frequency of brushing twice a day increased from 5.4% to 23.2% (p < 0.05) in the experimental group. DI score was 2.28 ± 0.93 versus 2.98 ± 1.3 (p < 0.02) in the experimental group as compared to the control group.ConclusionThe oral health education with reinforcement in the form of printed calendar although showed statistically significant changes but lacked clinical importance.
Oral health and oral care in short‐term care: prevalence, related factors and coherence between older peoples’ and professionals’ assessments
Authors: Koistinen Susanne , Olai Lena , Ståhlnacke Katri , Fält Anna , Ehrenberg Anna 
Published: March 2019

BackgroundOral health is important for well‐being and overall health. Older peoples′ oral health is well described in the residential care context, but remains understudied in short‐term care.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to describe oral health, daily oral care and related factors among older people in short‐term care and to compare self‐perceived oral health with professional assessment.Materials and methodsThis cross‐sectional study included 391 older people in 36 short‐term units in 19 Swedish municipalities. Oral health was assessed professionally by clinical oral assessment and the Revised Oral Assessment Guide (ROAG). The older peoples’ perceptions of their own oral health were measured with a global question on self‐perceived oral health. Self‐care ability was assessed with Katz Index of Activities of Daily Living (Katz‐ADL).ResultsMean age was 82.9 years, 19% of participants were totally edentulous, and 43% had ≥20 teeth. Almost 60% had coating or food debris on their teeth, but only 19% received help with daily oral care. Those who were dependent on help with self‐care had around a sixfold higher risk of having oral problems. There was a low level of agreement between the clinical assessment based on ROAG and self‐perceived oral health.ConclusionProfessionals’ assessments of oral health differed considerably from the older peoples′ own assessments. A higher risk of oral problems and more occurrence of coating or food debris or broken teeth were seen among those dependent on help with self‐care (ADL). This study indicates that in order to improve older peoples′ oral health and oral care we need to provide person‐centred oral care and to develop a close collaboration between nursing and dental staff.
River channel evolution and tsunami impacts recorded in local sedimentary archives – the ‘Fiume Morto’ at Ostia Antica (Tiber River, Italy)
Authors: Hadler Hanna , Fischer Peter , Obrocki Lea , Heinzelmann Michael , Vött Andreas 
Published: March 2019

AbstractOstia, the ancient port of Rome at the mouth of the river Tiber (Italy), flourished until the 2nd Century ad, although massive siltation had already caused the abandonment of its lagoonal harbour in the 1st Century bc. In search of an alternative harbour site, geomorphological and geoarchaeological research was carried out in the ‘Fiume Morto’, an abandoned Tiber meander to the immediate north of the town. To reconstruct its complex development and evaluate the suitability of the river channel as a fluvial harbour, a transect perpendicular to the former river channel's flow axis was systematically explored by a new methodological approach combining electrical resistivity tomography, direct push‐electrical conductivity sensing and vibracores. Together with microfossil, mineralogical and geochemical analyses of sediment samples and 50 radiocarbon dates, in‐depth stratigraphic data support a detailed reconstruction of different Tiber channel generations. Results reveal a meander development closely related to distinct ‘cut and fill’ dynamics. Inactive river channels were repeatedly filled with lagoonal sediments, abruptly followed by phases of intense incision. Yet, the overall Fiume Morto channel structure remained stable and almost in situ over centuries, showing nearly no lateral changes since the southward shift of the Tiber River mouth in the first millennium bc. In the 1st Century bc, channel conditions favoured navigation and transportation of goods with large ships. Open‐water conditions, suitable for anchoring and landing activities, dominate from the 1st Century ad until 1557 ad, when the Fiume Morto meander was finally cut off and silted up within a short time. Within the fluvial deposits, sediments most likely related to tsunami inundations are preserved. These events occurred sometime before the 2nd Century bc, in the early 1st Century ad and in the 17th Century ad or later. Results are consistent with traces of tsunami influence found in Ostia's western lagoonal harbour.
An empirical analysis of the Scottish housing market by property type
Authors: Katsiampa Paraskevi , Begiazi Kyriaki 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThis paper studies house price dynamics of the different property types in Scotland. We find evidence of i) breakpoints around the recent financial crisis in three property types (flats, terraced, semi‐detached) and in the average house prices, ii) volatility clustering in the detached house prices, with theCGARCHbeing the optimal volatility model, iii) negative impact of the unemployment and interest rates on house prices irrespective of the property type and positive effect of theCPIin the prices of the detached, terraced and average houses. Our results have significant implications for appropriate economic policy selection and investment management.
Measuring the vibrancy of urban neighborhoods using mobile phone data with an improved PageRank algorithm
Authors: Jia Chen , Du Yunyan , Wang Siying , Bai Tianyang , Fei Teng 
Published: March 2019

AbstractA neighborhood is a shared space for spatial interaction. The vibrancy of a neighborhood represents a synergy between the people, activities, and values in a place, which increases community vitality and spurs economic opportunity. It can be investigated both qualitatively and quantitatively. However, there are technical challenges involved in accurately charting vibrancy. With the recent advances in communication technology and the prevalence of location‐aware devices such as mobile phones, individual trajectories can be collected and analyzed on a large scale. In previous research, the weights of the vibrancies corresponding to different trajectories were not differentiated. In this study, an improved PageRank algorithm using a weighted bipartite graph is proposed to measure the vibrancy of an urban neighborhood from a different perspective, which highlights the differences between vibrancies arising from different types of citizens. This method connects the land much more closely with human activities and provides a new perspective on, and guidance for, urban resource allocation and urban planning.
Combination antifungal treatment for invasive fungal disease after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in children with hematological disorders
Authors: Qiu Kun‐yin , Liao Xiong‐yu , Fang Jian‐pei , Xu Hong‐gui , Li Yang , Huang Ke , Zhou Dun‐hua 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackgroundInvasive fungal disease (IFD) has a poor prognosis in children with hematological disorders after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). We assessed if drug combinations with different targets may improve the outcome.MethodsRetrospective study to assess the outcome of combination antifungal therapy (CAT) for proven‐probable IFD (PP‐IFD) in children with hematological disorders after HSCT from January 2008 to June 2018.ResultsOver the 10‐year period, 95 PP‐IFD were diagnosed in pediatric recipients, median age of 5.6 years. Twenty‐seven patients received combinations of caspofungin and voriconazole, 28 patients received combinations of caspofungin and amphotericin B, and 40 patients received combinations of voriconazole and amphotericin B. The overall response rate of PP‐IFD was 77.9%, while the 100‐day overall survival rates were 66.8%. Univariate analysis showed that factors that significantly affected the response to combination treatments were type of combination (P = 0.02), the stem cell source (P = 0.04), the donor type (P = 0.03), HLA‐match (P = 0.03), aGVHD (P = 0.02), period of treatment (P = 0.044), use of corticosteroids (0.036), CD4:CD8 ratio (P = 0.014), and CMV viremia (P = 0.033). In addition, multivariate analysis demonstrated that only the type of combination remained a significant factor (odds ratio = 0.335, 95% confidence interval: 0.071‐0.812, P = 0.042). Forty‐three children suffered from mild and reversible adverse reactions, no serious side effects during treatment.ConclusionA variety of factors can affect the outcome of CAT. Combination of caspofungin with voriconazole is a safe and helpful treatment option for HSCT recipients with IFD.
How to Make the Most out of Very Little
Authors: Yang Charles 
Published: March 2019

AbstractI review the problem of referential ambiguity that arises when children learn the meanings of words, along with a number of models that have been proposed to solve it. I then provide a formal analysis of why a resource‐limited model that retains very few meaning hypotheses may be more effective than “big data” models that keep track of all word‐meaning associations.
Clinicopathologic findings of naturally occurring Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus 2 infection in pet rabbits
Authors: Bonvehí Cristina , Ardiaca María , Montesinos Andrés , Juan‐Sallés Carles , Gómez Alicia , Teso Beatriz , Barbero Sergio , Ferrera Sara Ekei 
Published: March 2019

AbstractTwo pet rabbits were presented with an acute decrease in appetite and activity. Rabbit 1 showed severe hypothermia, bradycardia, arrhythmias, a heart murmur, dyspnea, occlusion of the nares with secretions, icterus, dehydration, and gaseous gastrointestinal dilation. The urine was dark yellow. Rabbit 2 was overweight, apathetic, and dehydrated; this animal presented with a heart murmur, gastric dilation, and intermittent nystagmus with dorsal strabismus in the right eye. Blood gas, electrolyte, hematology, plasma clinical biochemistry analysis, coagulation profile, plasma protein electrophoresis, urinalysis, and radiographic examinations were performed. The main shared findings were moderate thrombocytopenia, markedly decreased aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase activities and fibrinogen concentrations, prolonged prothrombin and activated partial thromboplastin times, profoundly increased alkaline phosphatase and gamma‐glutamyl transferase (GGT) activities, and high bile acid and bilirubin concentrations. Rabbit 1 also had respiratory acidosis, marked hypoglycemia, hyperphosphatemia, and a profoundly increased creatine kinase activity. Gastric dilation was observed on both radiographic exams. A low urinary pH of 5‐6, marked bilirubinuria and proteinuria, and high urinary GGT levels were present in both patients. Marked icterus developed before death, which occurred within 22 and 30 hours post admission in rabbits 1 and 2, respectively. The necropsy of rabbit 1 showed a markedly accentuated hepatic lobular pattern, pulmonary hemorrhages, pericardial effusion with adhesions, peritoneal petechiae, and icteric and hemorrhagic abdominal fat. Histopathologic findings included hemorrhagic diathesis, severe centroacinar and midzonal hepatocellular necrosis, severe necrosuppurative bronchopneumonia, and moderate cardiomyocyte necrosis. A liver PCR assay was positive for Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV) 2 (RHDV2) and negative for classic RHDV. This is the first description of the gross clinicopathologic abnormalities associated with naturally occurring RHDV2 infection in pet rabbits.
Feline Sporothrix spp. detection using cell blocks from brushings and fine‐needle aspirates: Performance and comparisons with culture and histopathology
Authors: Gonsales Fernanda F. , Fernandes Natália C. C. A. , Mansho Wilson , Montenegro Hildebrando , Guerra Juliana M. , de Araújo Leonardo José T. , da Silva Silvana M. P. , Benites Nilson R. 
Published: March 2019

BackgroundSporotrichosis is an emerging zoonotic mycosis that presents as a cutaneous lymphatic or disseminated disease, caused by fungi from the Sporothrix schenkii (S schenkii) clinical clade. Its importance is growing, primarily due to an outbreak that occurred in Brazil, affecting mainly cats and people.ObjectivesIn Brazil, an S schenkii diagnosis is often made using cultures, which allows genus identification and sufficient growth to perform molecular biology testing. Despite its advantages, fungal cultures are slow to develop and can delay public health measures, highlighting the importance of developing additional diagnostics techniques.MethodsCell block cytology (CBLC) is an older method that regained importance after liquid‐based cytology (LBC) was introduced, and it has been previously and successfully applied to veterinary diagnostics. We aimed to standardize and compare CBLC from cervical brush exfoliation of open wounds and fine‐needle aspirates with culture and immunohistochemistry of skin biopsies for sporotrichosis in cats, as a novel method.ResultsFor this purpose, we selected 40 cats with skin lesions suspected of having sporotrichosis in Guarulhos city, São Paulo state, Brazil. We achieved 97.5% and 95% positivity using CBLC and culture, respectively, and 100% of feline skin biopsies were positive for Sporothrix spp on histopathology/immunohistochemistry.ConclusionsCell block cytology is an efficient and rapid tool to diagnose sporotrichosis in cats, particularly during epidemics.
Impression cytology of the healthy equine ocular surface: Inter‐observer agreement, filter preservation over time and comparison with the cytobrush technique
Authors: Bonsembiante Federico , Perazzi Anna , Deganello Alessandra , Gelain Maria Elena , Iacopetti Ilaria 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe cytobrush technique is commonly used to sample the equine ocular surface. Impression cytology (IC) is an innovative noninvasive method, which allows for the collection of superficial layers of ocular epithelium.ObjectivesThe aims of this study were to compare the cytobrush and IC techniques on healthy equine ocular surfaces, to assess the agreement between observers with different levels of expertise, and to test the preservability of filters over time.MethodsTwenty‐four horses were sampled within 10 minutes of slaughter using IC on the left eye and the cytobrush technique on the right eye. May‐Grünwald‐Giemsa stained specimens were evaluated by two observers with different levels of expertise. Morphologic features were evaluated using a 4‐grade system. The IC samples were re‐evaluated after 6 months to examine filter preservation.ResultsIn IC samples, corneal and conjunctival cells were clearly separated. Goblet cells were found in five and 17 filters by observer 1 and 2, respectively. Using the cytobrush technique, corneal and conjunctival cells were present but mixed. Goblet cell cellularity, preservation, and enumeration were higher with the IC technique compared with the cytobrush technique (P = 0.013; P = 0.004; P = 0.031, respectively). The inter‐observer agreement for the IC technique was moderate to fair. In 7/24 IC samples re‐evaluated after 6 months, cellular morphology was impaired, and the overall score was significantly lower.ConclusionsIC is an innovative noninvasive method, which allows for sample collection with higher cellularity and preservation. Moreover, the identification of goblet cells is easier. For these reasons, IC could be interesting and useful as a complementary diagnostic cytologic method in clinical practice.
Implementation and Evaluation of Diabetes Clinical Practice Guidelines in a Primary Care Clinic Serving a Hispanic Community
Authors: Marcial Eddy , Graves Barbara Ann 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackgroundDiabetes is a major health concern in the United States. Poor quality diabetes care leads to negative outcomes affecting patients and healthcare systems. Research shows evidence‐based clinical practice guidelines from the American Diabetes Association, Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes—2017, have improved outcomes in management of diabetes.AimsThe aim of this improvement project was to improve diabetes care and outcomes in a primary care clinic serving a Hispanic community in Miami‐Dade, Florida. Specific objectives of the project were to improve primary care provider attitudes and knowledge of American Diabetes Association guidelines and outcomes in patients with diabetes.MethodsThis two‐phase quality improvement project used a pre‐ and post‐test study design. In Phase I, the Diabetes Attitude Survey was administered to determine primary care provider attitudes and knowledge of guidelines. Based on survey results, a 2‐hr educational intervention was developed to inform providers regarding the American Diabetes Association clinical practice guidelines. In Phase II, data were collected for 19 clinical quality diabetes outcome measures from agency reports. Guidelines were implemented into practice, and intervention effectiveness was evaluated.ResultsStatistical analysis (paired‐sample t‐test) revealed postintervention improvement in provider knowledge and attitudes, and patient outcomes. Findings suggest the intervention led to improvements in the quality of diabetes care in this Hispanic clinic.Linking Evidence to ActionProject success supports the importance of evidence‐based clinical practice guideline use to achieve better diabetes outcomes. Implementation of the American Diabetes Association Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes to improve patient outcomes is strongly recommended. It is equally important that clinical agencies educate and update primary care providers to achieve best practice and best patient diabetes outcomes. Other healthcare professionals can use this project design to provide culturally competent care to patients with diabetes.
Circulatory responses at the onset of handgrip exercise in patients with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Sabino‐Carvalho Jeann L. , Samora Milena , Teixeira André L. , Daher Mauricio , Vianna Lauro C. 
Published: March 2019

New Findings
What is the central question of this study?
The initial circulatory response to isometric exercise in young healthy subjects is thought to be cholinergically mediated. Do patients with Parkinson's disease, a specific population known to present cholinergic dysfunction, present impairment in these initial circulatory responses?

What is the main finding and its importance?
The initial reduction in total peripheral resistance was absent in patients with Parkinson's disease and in older subjects, which augmented the pressor response at the onset of isometric handgrip exercise. Given that cholinergic mechanisms play an important role in the circulatory responses at the onset of isometric exercise in humans, our data suggest that cholinergic mechanisms might be compromised with ageing.

AbstractPhysical exercise has been used as coping strategy for Parkinson's disease (PD). Thus, a better understanding of circulatory responses to exercise in this population is warranted. During the onset of isometric handgrip (IHG) exercise there is an increase in blood pressure (BP) and a reduction in the total peripheral resistance (TPR) in young subjects. This immediate reduction of TPR is thought to be mediated by a cholinergic mechanism. Given that PD also affects cholinergic neurons, we hypothesized that patients with PD would present blunted circulatory responses at the onset of IHG exercise. Mean BP, stroke volume, heart rate, cardiac output and TPR were measured during performance of 20 s of IHG at 40% maximal voluntary contraction in 12 patients with PD (66 ± 2 years old, 171 ± 7 cm, 74 ± 7 kg), 11 older subjects (65 ± 9 years old, 171 ± 7 cm, 74 ± 10 kg) and 10 young subjects (21 ± 1 years old, 178 ± 6 cm, 79 ± 9 kg). Isometric handgrip elicited an augmented BP increase in patients with PD and older subjects at 10 and 20 s compared with young subjects. However, the BP augmentation was lower at 20 s in patients with PD. The IHG‐induced reduction in TPR was attenuated in patients with PD and older subjects compared with young subjects. Our results show that the circulatory responses at the onset of IHG are impaired in patients with PD and older subjects. Overall, these findings suggest that the cholinergic mechanism might be compromised with ageing.