bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Novel insights into the assessment of risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in decompensated cirrhotic children
Authors: Bonnet Nicolas , Paul Jérôme , Helleputte Thibault , Veyckemans Francis , Pirotte Thierry , Prégardien Caroline , Eeckhoudt Stéphane , Hermans Cédric , Detaille Thierry , Clapuyt Philippe , Menten Renaud , Dumitriu Dana , Reding Raymond , Scheers Isabelle , Varma Sharat , Smets Françoise , Sokal Etienne , Stéphenne Xavier 
Published: March 2019

AbstractObjectivesCirrhotic children wait‐listed for liver transplant are prone to bleeding from gastrointestinal varices. Grade 2‐3 esophageal varices, red signs, and gastric varices are well‐known risk factors. However, the involvement of hemostatic factors remains controversial because of the rebalanced state of coagulation during cirrhosis.MethodsChildren suffering from decompensated cirrhosis were prospectively included while being on waitlist. Portal hypertension was assessed by ultrasound and endoscopy. Coagulopathy was evaluated through conventional tests, thromboelastometry, and platelet function testing. The included children were followed up until liver transplantation, and all bleeding episodes were recorded. Children with or without bleeding were compared according to clinical, radiological, endoscopic, and biological parameters. In addition, validation of a predictive model for risk of variceal bleeding comprising of grade 2‐3 esophageal varices, red spots, and fibrinogen level <150 mg/dL was applied on this cohort.ResultsOf 20 enrolled children, 6 had upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Significant differences were observed in fibrinogen level, adenosine diphosphate, and thrombin‐dependent platelet aggregation. The model used to compute the upper gastrointestinal bleeding risk had an estimated predictive performance of 81.0%. Platelet aggregation analysis addition improved the estimated predictive performance up to 89.0%.ConclusionsWe demonstrated an association between hemostatic factors and the upper gastrointestinal bleeding risk. A low fibrinogen level and platelet aggregation dysfunction may predict the risk of bleeding in children with decompensated cirrhosis. A predictive model is available to assess the upper gastrointestinal bleeding risk but needs further investigations.Clinicaltrials.gov number: NCT03244332
Hydrogen peroxide as a mediator of 5‐aminolevulinic acid‐induced Na+ retention in roots for improving salt tolerance of strawberries
Authors: Wu Wen‐Wen , He Sha‐Sha , An Yu‐Yan , Cao Rong‐Xiang , Sun Yong‐Ping , Tang Quan , Wang Liang‐Ju 
Published: March 2019

To explore the mechanisms of 5‐aminolevulinic acid (ALA)‐improved plant salt tolerance, strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa Duch. cv. ‘Benihoppe’) were treated with 10 mg l−1 ALA under 100 mmol l−1 NaCl stress. We found that the amount of Na+ increased in the roots but decreased in the leaves. Laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) observations showed that ALA‐induced roots had more Na+ accumulation than NaCl alone. Measurement of the xylem sap revealed that ALA repressed Na+ concentrations to a large extent. The electron microprobe X‐ray assay also confirmed ALA‐induced Na+ retention in roots. qRT‐PCR showed that ALA upregulated the gene expressions of SOS1 (encoding a plasma membrane Na+/H+ antiporter), NHX1 (encoding a vacuolar Na+/H+ antiporter) and HKT1 (encoding a protein of high‐affinity K+ uptake), which are associated with Na+ exclusion in the roots, Na+ sequestration in vacuoles and Na+ unloading from the xylem vessels to the parenchyma cells, respectively. Furthermore, we found that ALA treatment reduced the H2O2 content in the leaves but increased it in the roots. The exogenous H2O2 promoted plant growth, increased root Na+ retention and stimulated the gene expressions of NHX1, SOS1 and HKT1. Diphenyleneiodonium (DPI), an inhibitor of H2O2 generation, suppressed the effects of ALA or H2O2 on Na+ retention, gene expressions and salt tolerance. Therefore, we propose that ALA induces H2O2 accumulation in roots, which mediates Na+ transporter gene expression and more Na+ retention in roots, thereby improving plant salt tolerance.
Modest meta‐philosophical skepticism
Authors: Licon Jimmy Alfonso 
Published: March 2019

AbstractIntractable disagreement among philosophers is ubiquitous. An implication of such disagreement is that many philosophers hold false philosophical beliefs (i.e. at most only one party to a dispute can be right). Suppose that we distribute philosophers along a spectrum arranged from philosophers with mostly true philosophical beliefs on one end (high‐reliability), to those with mostly false philosophical beliefs on the other (low‐reliability), and everyone else somewhere in‐between (call this is the reliability spectrum). It is hard to see how philosophers could accurately locate themselves on the reliability spectrum; they are prima facie as well positioned as their peers with respect to philosophical matters (call this the placement problem). In this paper, I argue that the reliability spectrum and placement problem lend support to modest meta‐philosophical skepticism: we have a pro tanto (but not an all‐things‐considered) reason to withhold ascent to philosophical claims.
Phase angle is associated with the physical fitness of HIV‐infected children and adolescents
Authors: Martins Priscila Custódio , de Lima Luiz Rodrigo Augustemak , Silva Analiza Mónica , Petroski Edio Luiz , Moreno Yara Maria Franco , Silva Diego Augusto Santos 
Published: March 2019

The objective of this study was to identify the association of phase angle with physical fitness in children and adolescents infected with HIV. Sixty‐four children and adolescents infected with HIV (8‐15 years old) were tested for vertical transmission. The electrical bioimpedance was used to obtain the phase angle. Body fat (BF) and lean soft tissue mass (LSTM) were measured by x‐ray absorptiometry, and the manual grip strength was evaluated by dynamometry. The peak oxygen consumption (VO2 peak) was measured by respiratory change in a submaximal incremental test. Moderate‐vigorous physical activity (MVP) and sedentary behavior were measured using accelerometers and were used as covariates. Multiple linear regression was used. The linear correlation analyses demonstrated that the phase angle was inversely proportional to relative BF (r = −0.26), but was not associated with absolute body fat (r = −0.02). The phase angle was directly associated with LSTM (r = 0.57), handgrip strength, and (r = 0.43) peak VO2 (r = 0.55). The phase angle was not associated with absolute BF (β = −0.017, P = 0.413) and relative (β = −0.014, P = 0.175). The phase angle presented a direct association with LSTM (β = 0.041, P = 0.019) and peak VO2 (β = 0.005; P = 0.019), regardless of age, sex, sexual maturation, MVPA, sedentary behavior, antiretroviral drugs, and viral load. No association was found between phase angle and handgrip strength (β = 0.153; P = 0.199). It was concluded that phase angle was associated with LSTM and the aerobic fitness in HIV‐infected children and adolescents.
Sustained submaximal contraction yields biphasic modulation of soleus Post‐activation depression in healthy humans
Authors: Oza Preeti D. , Dudley‐Javoroski Shauna , Shields Richard K. 
Published: March 2019

The amplitude of the H‐reflex during the development and progression of fatigue reflects a complex interplay between central and peripheral factors. The purpose of this study is to characterize H‐reflex homosynaptic post‐activation depression (PAD) in an online fashion during a sustained submaximal fatigue task. The task required a high motor output in order to increase the likelihood of creating partial muscle ischemia with accumulation of fatigue metabolites, an important potential inhibitory influence upon the H‐reflex during the progression of fatigue. Eleven subjects without neurologic impairment maintained volitional, isometric plantar flexion at 60% of maximal voluntary contraction until exhaustion. A paired‐pulse stimulus (2 Hz) was delivered to the tibial nerve to elicit paired H‐reflexes before, during, and after the fatigue protocol. The normalized amplitude of the second H‐reflex (depression ratio) served as an estimate of PAD. Depression ratio increased during the first half of the fatigue protocol (P < 0.001), indicating a diminution of PAD, and then returned as exhaustion approached. The biphasic behavior of homosynaptic H‐reflex depression during fatigue to exhaustion suggests a role for metabolic mediators of post‐activation depression during fatigue.
Evaluation of positive patch test reactions using optical coherence tomography: A pilot study
Authors: Rajabi‐Estarabadi Ali , Tsang Darren C. , Nouri Keyvan , Tosti Antonella 
Published: March 2019

AbstractIntroductionPatch testing is the gold standard for evaluating allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), yet current interpretation methods are limited by their subjectivity and possible variability between observers. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging enables noninvasive in vivo skin visualization and holds promise as an objective method of patch test interpretation.ObjectiveTo evaluate the micromorphological changes of patch test reactions and identify objective, quantitative OCT markers that correlate with clinically graded patch test reactions.ResultsA total of 25 patch test reactions (7 grade‐0, 4 grade‐1+, 14 grade‐2+) from 7 patients underwent OCT evaluation. Increased epidermal thickness and density was qualitatively observed in grade 1+ and grade 2+ allergic reactions while well‐demarcated, signal‐free cavities were observed in all grade 2+ reactions. Attenuation coefficients significantly increased across the three reaction grades (2.58 ± 0.092, 2.96 ± 0.121, 3.05 ± 0.065; P < 0.01). Cutaneous blood flow at 0.35 mm monotonically increased with reaction grade severity and blood measurements significantly differed across the three reaction grades (0.053 ± 0.011 mm/s, 0.078 ± 0.015 mm/s, and 0.121 ± 0.008 mm/s; P < 0.01).Conclusions and RelevanceAttenuation coefficient and cutaneous blood flow at 0.35 mm correlate with clinically graded patch test reactions and hold promise as objective, quantitative markers. OCT may help dermatologists differentiate clinical scoring of allergic reactions in patch test and thereby improve their diagnostic accuracy and interpretation of patch test reactions.
Evaluation of a pre‐tied ligature loop for canine total lung lobectomy
Authors: Cronin Anna M. , Pustelnik Sasja B. , Owen Laura , Hall Jon L. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the ability of a pre‐tied ligature loop (PLL) to create a seal against physiological airway pressures after total lung lobectomy and report outcomes in dogs requiring lung lobectomy.Study designEx vivo experimental randomized study and clinical case study.Sample populationThirty cadaveric canine lung lobes and 5 client‐owned dogs.MethodsThirty canine lung lobes from dogs weighing 22.5–35 kg were randomized to lobectomy with stapler, PLL, or suture ligation. After lobectomy, each bronchial stump was submerged in water, and the mainstem airway pressure was increased to 80 mm Hg. Leakage was compared between techniques. The PLL was subsequently used in 5 dogs (17–25 kg) with neoplastic disease requiring total lung lobectomy.ResultsTwo stapled and 4 sutured bronchial stumps leaked at supraphysiological pressures >15 mm Hg. One stapled bronchial stump failed at a physiological airway pressure (5 mm Hg). None of the PLL lobectomies leaked. The incidence of bronchial stump failures did not differ among techniques (P = .15). Lung lobectomy was performed successfully with the PLL in 5 clinical cases with no intraoperative or postoperative complications; median follow‐up time was 6 months.ConclusionBronchial ligation with the PLL reliably resisted physiological airway pressures and performed comparably to current standard techniques in cadavers. The PLL provided an adequate air and vascular seal in 5 clinical cases undergoing total lung lobectomy.Clinical relevancePre‐tied ligature loops provide an alternative method for total lung lobectomy in dogs.
Site‐specific management is crucial to managing Mikania micrantha
Authors: Clements D R , Day M D , Oeggerli V , Shen S C , Weston L A , Xu G F , Zhang F D , Zhu X 
Published: March 2019

SummaryIncreasingly, weeds have been taking on global distributions. With the proliferation of invasive weeds has come the challenge of managing these species over broad geographical regions, with diverse habitats and political jurisdictions. Here, we review the management of Mikania micrantha Kunth (Asteraceae; mile‐a‐minute) throughout its invaded range, extending through most of the Pacific islands and southern and south‐east Asia. Context matters when determining the best course of action for managing M. micrantha, as it has invaded a large variety of agricultural and natural systems. In Queensland, Australia and Florida, USA, M. micrantha has been targeted in relatively successful eradication campaigns, highlighting the importance of early detection and rapid response methods, while elsewhere in its invaded range, populations are either still increasing or showing limited signs of decline. An inter‐regional approach to research and management should incorporate successful management strategies employed throughout the invaded range including, but not limited to, chemical and cultural control practices, manual and mechanical control, classical biological control using the rust fungus Puccinia spegazzinii, plant–plant competition and integrated approaches utilising two or more control methods concurrently. Additional knowledge of M. micrantha genetics is required to determine if management approaches could be fine‐tuned for particular populations. Countries bordering the Mekong River formed a network in 2011 to co‐ordinate the management of invasive species such as M. micrantha. Expanding such a collaborative approach to other regions could further reduce populations of M. micrantha and limit its spread.
Neonatal outcomes in preterm multiples receiving delayed cord clamping
Authors: Jegatheesan Priya , Belogolovsky Esther , Nudelman Matthew , Song Dongli , Govindaswami Balaji 
Published: March 2019

ObjectiveTo compare neonatal outcomes in singletons versus multiples, first-born versus second-born multiples and monochorionic versus dichorionic/trichorionic multiples <33 weeks’ gestational age (GA) who received delayed cord clamping (DCC).DesignRetrospective, observational study of 529 preterm infants receiving ≥30 s DCC. Generalised estimating equations and mixed effects models were used to compare outcomes in singletons versus multiples and monochorionic versus dichorionic/trichorionic multiples. Wilcoxon signed-rank and McNemar tests were used to compare first-born versus second-born multiples.SettingLevel III neonatal intensive care unit, California, USA.Patients433 singletons and 96 multiples <33 weeks’ GA, born January 2008–December 2017, who received DCC.Results86% of multiples and 83% of singletons received DCC. Multiples had higher GA (31.0 weeks vs 30.6 weeks), more caesarean sections (91% vs 54%), fewer males (48% vs 62%) and higher 12–24 hour haematocrits (54.3 vs 50.5) than singletons. Haematocrit difference remained significant after adjusting for birth weight, delivery type and sex. Compared with first-born multiples, second-born multiples were smaller (1550 g vs 1438 g) and had lower survival without major morbidity (91% vs 77%). Survival without major morbidity was not significant after adjusting for birth weight. Compared with dichorionic/trichorionic multiples, monochorionic multiples had slightly lower admission temperatures (37.0°C vs 36.8°C), although this difference was not clinically significant. There were no other differences in delivery room, respiratory, haematological or neonatal outcomes between singletons and multiples or between multiples’ subgroups.ConclusionsNeonatal outcomes in preterm infants receiving DCC were comparable between singletons and multiples, first and second order multiples and monochorionic and dichorionic/trichorionic multiples.
Quality gap in maternal and newborn healthcare: a cross-sectional study in Myanmar
Authors: Okawa Sumiyo , Win Hla Hla , Leslie Hannah H , Nanishi Keiko , Shibanuma Akira , Aye Phyu Phyu , Jimba Masamine 
Published: March 2019

IntroductionAccess to maternal and newborn healthcare has improved in Myanmar. However, regular contact with skilled care providers does not necessarily result in quality care. We assessed adequate contact made by women and newborns with skilled care providers, reception of high-quality care and quality-adjusted contacts during antenatal care (ANC), peripartum care (PPC) and postnatal care (PNC) in Myanmar.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted in a predominantly urban township of Yangon and a predominantly rural township of Ayeyawady in March 2016. We collected data from 1500 women. We measured quality-adjusted contact, which refers to adequate contact with high-quality care, as follows: ≥4 ANC contacts and receiving 11–14 of 14 intervention items; facility-based delivery assisted by skilled care providers, receiving 7 of 7 PPC intervention items; and receiving the first PNC contact ≤24 hours postpartum and ≥2 additional contacts, and receiving 16–17 of 17 intervention items. Using multilevel logistic regression analysis with a random intercept at cluster level, we identified factors associated with adequate contact and high-quality ANC, PPC and PNC.ResultsThe percentage of crude adequate contact was 60.9% for ANC, 61.3% for PPC and 11.5% for PNC. However, the percentage of quality-adjusted contact was 14.6% for ANC, 15.2% for PPC and 3.6% for PNC. Adequate contact was associated with receiving high-quality care at ANC, PPC and PNC. Being a teenager, low educational level, multiparity and low level in the household wealth index were negatively associated with adequate contact with healthcare providers for ANC and PPC. Receiving a maternal and child health handbook was positively associated with adequate contact for ANC and PPC, and with receiving high-quality ANC, PPC and PNC.ConclusionWomen and newborns do not receive quality care during contact with skilled care providers in Myanmar. Continuity and quality of maternal and newborn care programmes must be improved.
‘Management of a spoiled identity’: systematic review of interventions to address self-stigma among people living with and affected by HIV
Authors: Pantelic Marija , Steinert Janina I , Park Jay , Mellors Shaun , Murau Fungai 
Published: March 2019

BackgroundSelf-stigma, also known as internalised stigma, is a global public health threat because it keeps people from accessing HIV and other health services. By hampering HIV testing, treatment and prevention, self-stigma can compromise the sustainability of health interventions and have serious epidemiological consequences. This review synthesised existing evidence of interventions aiming to reduce self-stigma experienced by people living with HIV and key populations affected by HIV in low-income and middle-income countries.MethodsStudies were identified through bibliographic databases, grey literature sites, study registries, back referencing and contacts with researchers, and synthesised following Cochrane guidelines.ResultsOf 5880 potentially relevant titles, 20 studies were included in the review. Represented in these studies were 9536 people (65% women) from Ethiopia, India, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Nepal, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Thailand, Uganda and Vietnam. Seventeen of the studies recruited people living with HIV (of which five focused specifically on pregnant women). The remaining three studies focused on young men who have sex with men, female sex workers and men who inject drugs. Studies were clustered into four categories based on the socioecological level of risk or resilience that they targeted: (1) individual level only, (2) individual and relational levels, (3) individual and structural levels and (4) structural level only. Thirteen studies targeting structural risks (with or without individual components) consistently produced significant reductions in self-stigma. The remaining seven studies that did not include a component to address structural risks produced mixed effects.ConclusionStructural interventions such as scale-up of antiretroviral treatment, prevention of medication stockouts, social empowerment and economic strengthening may help substantially reduce self-stigma among individuals. More research is urgently needed to understand how to reduce self-stigma among young people and key populations, as well as how to tackle intersectional self-stigma.
The impact of New Labour’s English health inequalities strategy on geographical inequalities in infant mortality: a time-trend analysis
Authors: Robinson Tomos , Brown Heather , Norman Paul D , Fraser Lorna K , Barr Ben , Bambra Clare 
Published: March 2019

BackgroundThe English health inequalities strategy (1999–2010) aimed to reduce health inequalities between the most deprived local authorities and the rest of England. The multifaceted strategy included increased investment in healthcare, the early years, education and neighbourhood renewal. The objective of this study was to investigate whether the strategy was associated with a reduction in geographical inequalities in the infant mortality rate (IMR).MethodsWe used segmented regression analysis to measure inequalities in the IMR between the most deprived local authorities and the rest of England before, during and after the health inequalities strategy period.ResultsBefore the strategy was implemented (1983–1998), absolute inequalities in the IMR increased between the most deprived local authorities and the rest of England at a rate of 0.034 annually (95% CI 0.001 to 0.067). Once the strategy had been implemented (1999–2010), absolute inequalities decreased at a rate of −0.116 annually (95% CI −0.178 to −0.053). After the strategy period ended (2011–2017), absolute inequalities increased at a rate of 0.042 annually (95% CI −0.042 to 0.125). Relative inequalities also marginally decreased during the strategy period.ConclusionThe English health inequalities strategy period was associated with a decline in geographical inequalities in the IMR. This research adds to the evidence base suggesting that the English health inequalities strategy was at least partially effective in reducing health inequalities, and that current austerity policies may undermine these gains.