bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of nutrient supplementation on the acquisition of humoral immunity to Plasmodium falciparum in young Malawian children
Authors: Barua Priyanka , Chandrasiri Upeksha P. , Beeson James G. , Dewey Kathryn G. , Maleta Kenneth , Ashorn Per , Rogerson Stephen J. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundThere is evidence that suggests that undernutrition has a detrimental effect on malarial immunity in children. The aim of the study was to discover whether nutrient supplementation improved development of malarial antibody immunity in children up to 18 months of age.MethodsThe study was conducted with a subset of 432 Malawian children from a randomized controlled trial of nutritional supplements. The arms included pre- and postnatal small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements for both mother and child; prenatal supplementation with iron and folic acid; and pre- and postnatal supplementation with multiple micronutrients. Paired plasma samples were collected at 6 and 18 months of age. The levels of antibodies against merozoite surface protein 1 (MSP1 19kD) and MSP2, erythrocyte binding antigen 175 (EBA175), reticulocyte binding protein homologue 2A (Rh2A9), schizont extract and variant antigens expressed on the surface of infected erythrocytes were measured.ResultsAt 18 months of age, 5.4% of children were parasitaemic by microscopy and 49.1% were anaemic. Antibodies to the tested merozoite antigens and schizont extract increased between 6 and 18 months and this increase was statistically significant for MSP1, MSP2 and EBA175 (p < 0.0001) whereas IgG to variant surface antigens decreased with increasing age (p < 0.0001). However, the supplementation type did not have any impact on the prevalence or levels of antibodies at either 6 or 18 months of age to any of the tested malaria antigens in either univariate analysis or multivariate analysis after adjusting for covariates.ConclusionsPre- and postnatal lipid-based nutrient supplementation did not alter malaria antibody acquisition during infancy, compared to prenatal supplementation with iron and folic acid or pre- and postnatal supplementation with multiple micronutrients.Trail registerationClinicaltrials.gov registration number NCT01239693
Discrimination between some Mycoplasma spp. and Acholeplasma laidlawii in bovine milk using high resolution melting curve analysis
Authors: Al-Farha Abd Al-Bar , Petrovski Kiro , Jozani Razi , Hoare Andrew , Hemmatzadeh Farhid 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Objectives
This study aimed to provide a rapid, accurate and cost-effective diagnostic real time polymerase chain reaction-high resolution melting curve assay (PCR-HRM) to identify and distinguish between four different mycoplasmas and Acholeplasma laidlawii isolated at cow-level from a single commercial dairy farm in South Australia. One set of genus-level universal primers was designed targeting the 16S ribosomal RNA gene.

Results
Real time PCR-HRM analysis was able to identify and distinguish between five different mollicutes, namely A. laidlawii, M. arginini, M. bovirhinis, M. bovis and uncultured Mycoplasma. Results were confirmed through sequencing. Our developed assay provides rapid and accurate screening for Mycoplasma mastitis detection.
Enforcement of labor market regulations: heterogeneous compliance and adjustment across gender
Authors: Viollaz Mariana 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThis paper explores microdata from Argentine household surveys to analyze how changes in the enforcement of labor regulations affect the compliance level and other labor outcomes among men and women. Using information of the highly decentralized labor inspection system in Argentina, I construct an enforcement measure with variation at the province, sector, and time level (share of inspected firms) which I instrument using a measure of the arrival cost of labor inspectors to the firms. The main findings reveal that when enforcement increases, the compliance with mandated benefits and formal wages increase among men, while informal wages decline. Among women, the compliance level declines jointly with informal wages. These heterogenous impacts are explained by labor regulations that make formal and informal men more substitutable in the production process than formal and informal women.
An explanatory model for the concept of mental health in Iranian youth
Authors: Chinekesh Ahdieh , Hosseini Seyed Ali , Mohammadi Farahnaz , Motlagh Mohammad Esmael , Baradaran Eftekhari Monir , Djalalinia Shirin , Ardalan Gelayol 
Published: February 2018

Background: Mental health is considered as an integral and essential component of overall health. Its determinants and related factors are one of the most important research priorities, especially in adolescents and young people. Using a qualitative approach, the present study aimed to identify factors affecting the mental health of youth in Iran. Methods: In 2017, following content analysis principles, and using semi-structured in-depth interviews, we conducted a qualitative study exploring the opinions of young people about mental health. A targeted sampling method was used, and participants were young volunteers aged 18 to 30 who were selected from Tehran province, Iran. Inclusion criteria for participants was willingness to participate in the study, and ability to express their experiences. Data collection was done with individual in-depth interviews. According to the explanatory model, the interviews were directed toward the concept of mental health and path of causality and auxiliary behaviors. Results: 21 young adults participated, who met the study inclusion criteria, of whom 12 participants were male. Their mean age was 24.4 ± 0.41 years and their education varied from primary school to Master’s degree. Mental health was considered as mental well-being and a sense of satisfaction and efficacy, not only the presence of a disease or mental disorder. Based on the opinions of the interviewees, three factors of personal characteristics, family and society are involved in mental health. Individual factors were associated with behavioral and physical problems. One of the most important issues was revealed as tensions in societal and family conflicts. Economic problems and unemployment of young people were also extracted from the social factor. Conclusion: In Iran, social factors such as jobs for the unemployed and job security are considered as important determinants in the mental health of young people.
Portable respiratory polygraphy monitoring of obese mothers the first night after caesarean section with bupivacaine/morphine/fentanyl spinal anaesthesia
Authors: Hein Anette , Jakobsson Jan G. 
Published: February 2018

Background:Obesity, abdominal surgery, and intrathecal opioids are all factors associated with a risk for respiratory compromise. The aim of this explorative trial was to study the apnoea/hypopnea index 1st postoperative night in obese mothers having had caesarean section (CS) in spinal anaesthesia with a combination of bupivacaine/morphine and fentanyl.Methods:Consecutive obese (BMI >30 kg/m 2) mothers, ≥18 years, scheduled for CS with bupivacaine/morphine/fentanyl spinal anaesthesia were monitored with a portable polygraphy device Embletta /NOX on 1stpostoperative night. The apnoea/hypopnea index (AHI) was identified by clinical algorithm and assessed in accordance to general guidelines; number of apnoea/hypopnea episodes per hour: <5 “normal”, ≥5 and <15mild sleep apnoea, ≥15 and <30moderate sleep apnoea,≥ 30severe sleep apnoea. Oxygen desaturation events were in similar manner calculated per hour as oxygen desaturation index (ODI).Results:Forty mothers were invited to participate: 27 consented, 23 were included, but polysomnography registration failed in 3. Among the 20 mothers studied: 11 had an AHI <5 (normal), 7 mothers had AHI ≥5 but <15 (mild OSAS) and 2 mothers had AHI ≥15 (moderate OSA), none had an AHI ≥ 30. The ODI was on average 4.4, and eight patients had an ODI >5. Mothers with a high AHI (15.3 and 18.2) did not show high ODI. Mean saturation was 94% (91-96%), and four mothers had mean SpO290-94%, none had a mean SpO2 <90%.Conclusion:Respiratory polygraphy 1stnight after caesarean section in spinal anaesthesia with morphine in moderately obese mothers showed AHIs that in sleep medicine terms are considered normal, mild and moderate. Obstructive events and episodes of desaturation were commonly not synchronised. Further studies looking at preoperative screening for sleep apnoea in obese mothers are warranted but early postop respiratory polygraphy recording is cumbersome and provided sparse important information.
Comparing manual and mechanically assisted manipulations of the thoracic spine in neck pain patients: A pilot study
Authors: Langenfeld Anke , Humphreys B. Kim , de Bie Rob A. , Swanenburg Jaap 
Published: February 2018

Background: Manipulations of the thoracic spine are a common treatment option in patients with neck pain. This approach avoids the risk of cervical arterial dissection. Currently there are different options available which have been evaluated for their efficacy. The aim of this study was to assess short- and long-term effects of two different methods of manipulating the thoracic spine in combination with a standardized exercise program for neck pain. Methods: This pilot study included patients who were over 18 years of age, able to speak and read German or English, had acute or chronic neck pain, and had not previously undergone manual therapy for the thoracic spine. Patients were recruited from private physical therapy practices. Patients were randomly assigned to two treatment groups by using block randomization. The objective was to compare the effects of manually performed manipulations and electromechanical manipulations on the thoracic spine in patients with neck pain. Primary outcome was the visual analogue pain rating scale. Secondary outcomes included Neck Disability Index, European Quality of Life scale, and Patients’ Global Impression of Change Scale. Results: Ten patients were recruited. Five patients received manual manipulations, and five received electromechanical manipulations. Both groups showed an improvement in pain scores (VAS) (X2 (5) = 14.161, p = 0.015) with no difference between the groups. There were no significant changes in the secondary outcomes. The electromechanical (Impulse iQ®) manipulations group showed a clinically relevant reduction in the neck disability index. Conclusion: Both manual and electromechanical manipulations are well tolerated, and show that they can be both successful treatments for neck pain in combination with exercises. Thoracic manipulations seem to be beneficial for the patient’s complaint of neck pain, while electromechanical manipulations seem to be able to reduce neck disability. Trial registration: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN88585962, registered in January 2013.
Case Report: Cerebral leukodystrophy and the gonadal endocrinopathy: a rare but real association
Authors: Humayun Mohammad , Khan Abidullah 
Published: February 2018

A 30 year old married Pakistani woman presented in January 2018 with an eight month history of progressive left sided weakness, ataxia, spasticity, underdeveloped secondary sexual characteristics and primary infertility. She was the elder sister of a 19 year old bed bound woman who was diagnosed with vanishing white matter (VWM) disease 12 months previously. The MRI scan of the brain demonstrated diffuse leukodystrophy and her hormonal assays were significant for premature ovarian failure. Results from her genetic tests demonstrated a point mutation in eukaryotic initiation factor 2B (EIF2B). Thus, she was the second confirmed case of VWM from her family of 12 siblings with normal parents.
A multi-center prospective cohort study to evaluate the effect of differential pricing and health systems strengthening on access to medicines and management of hypertension and diabetes in Ghana: A study protocol
Authors: Mobula Linda Meta , Sarfo Stephen , Arthur Lynda , Burnham Gilbert , Plange-Rhule Jacob , Ansong Daniel , Gavor Edith , Ofori-Adjei David 
Published: February 2018

Background: There is evidence to suggest that the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), in particular cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, are being recognized as forming a substantial proportion of the burden of disease among populations in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). Access to treatment is likely a key barrier to the control and prevention of NCD outcomes. Differential pricing, an approach used to price drugs based on the purchasing power of patients in different socioeconomic segments, has been shown to be beneficial and leads to improved access and affordability. Methods: This is a quasi-experimental study, with a pragmatic trial design, to be conducted over the course of three years. A mixed methods design will be used to evaluate the effects of health systems strengthening and differential pricing on the management of diabetes, hypertension and selected cancers in Ghana. A public private partnership was established between all sites that will receive multi-level interventions, including health systems strengthening and access to medicines interventions. Study populations and sites: Study participants will include individuals with new or recently diagnosed hypertension and diabetes (n=3,300), who present to two major referral hospitals, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital and Tamale Teaching Hospital, as well as three district hospitals, namely Kings Medical Centre, Agogo Presbyterian District Hospital, and Atua Government Hospital. Discussion: The objective of this study aims to test approaches intended to improve access to drugs for the treatment of hypertension and diabetes, and improve disease control. Patients with these conditions will benefit from health systems strengthening interventions (education, counseling, improved management of disease), and increased access to innovative medicines via differential pricing. Pilot programs also will facilitate health system strengthening at the participating institutions, which includes training of clinicians and updating of guidelines and production of protocols for the treatment of diabetes, hypertension and cancer.
Link lecturers' views on supporting student nurses who have a learning difficulty in clinical placement
Authors: King Liz 
Published: February 2018

Background: literature that reports the experiences of facilitating reasonable adjustments for student nurses who have a learning difficulty (LD) in clinical placement from the viewpoint of link lecturers is limited and warrants further exploration. Research aim: to explore link lecturers' views on reasonable adjustments in clinical placement and whether they are confident with their own knowledge of the processes involved. Methodology: data were collected using interviews with three link lecturers from three fields of nursing (adult, child and mental health). Audio-recorded interviews were transcribed, coded and thematically analysed. Findings: three main themes were identified: student engagement, clarity of link lecturer role and external barriers. Conclusion: findings demonstrate that link lecturers have some confidence with their own knowledge of the processes involved with supporting student nurses with an LD in clinical placement, but these processes are complex with many barriers preventing successful facilitation of available reasonable adjustments.
Establishment of Community-Based Reference Intervals for Fructosamine, Glycated Albumin, and 1,5-Anhydroglucitol
Authors: Selvin Elizabeth , Warren Bethany , He Xintong , Sacks David B , Saenger Amy K 
Published: February 2018

Abstract

BACKGROUND
There is growing interest in fructosamine, glycated albumin, and 1,5-anhydroglucitol (1,5-AG) as alternative measures of hyperglycemia, particularly for use in settings where traditional measures (glucose and HbA1c) are problematic or where intermediate (2–4 weeks) glycemic control is of interest. However, reference intervals for these alternative biomarkers are not established.

METHODS
We measured fructosamine, glycated albumin, and 1,5-AG in a community-based sample of US black and white adults who participated in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study. We calculated reference intervals, evaluated demographic differences, and derived cutoffs aligned with current diagnostic cutpoints for HbA1c and fasting glucose.

RESULTS
In a healthy reference population of 1799 individuals (mean age, 55 years; 51% women; 15% black), the 2.5 and 97.5 percentiles, respectively, were 194.8 and 258.0 μmol/L for fructosamine, 10.7% and 15.1% for glycated albumin, and 8.4 and 28.7 μg/mL for 1,5-AG. Distributions differed by race, sex, and body mass index. Equivalent concentrations of fructosamine and glycated albumin corresponding to an HbA1c of 6.5% (96.5 percentile) were 270.2 μmol/L and 15.6%, respectively. Equivalent concentrations of fructosamine and glycated albumin corresponding to a fasting glucose of 126 mg/dL (93.9 percentile) were 261.7 μmol/L and 15.0%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS
The reference intervals for these biomarkers should inform their clinical use. Diagnostic cutpoint equivalents for fructosamine and glycated albumin could be useful to identify persons with hyperglycemia in settings where fasting glucose or HbA1c are not available or where the interpretation of these traditional measures is problematic.
Sensation transference from plateware to food: The sounds and tastes of plates
Authors: Chen Yi-Chuan , Woods Andy T. , Spence Charles 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
We report two experiments designed to extend the well-known Bouba/Kiki effect to the case of an unusual set of commercially produced plateware, and further to assess the influences of these plates on the expected taste of a dessert based on the theory of crossmodal correspondences. The results demonstrate that plates having a smoother circumference are more likely to be matched to ‘Bouba’, while those with a pointier circumference are more likely to be matched to ‘Kiki’ instead, thus demonstrating the typical Bouba/Kiki effect. Importantly, the shape and colour of the plates modulated people’s ratings of the expected taste and liking of the ice cream/sorbet displayed on them. Specifically, the colour of the plate induced a general effect on the expected tastes that were consistent with the white-sweet and black-bitter associations, and the higher expected liking of the ice cream/sorbet was attributed to the higher colour contrast between the food and plate. The shape of the plate modulated ratings of expected liking for the chocolate ice cream and the expected sweetness of the lemon sorbet. Finally, colour and shape conjointly modulated how sour the lemon sorbet was expected to taste. These results provide relevant insights for those chefs, restaurateurs and Instagrammers wishing to optimize the plateware for specific dishes.
Heaviness and the electric guitar: Considering the interaction between distortion and harmonic structures
Authors: Herbst Jan-Peter 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
In metal music studies, ‘heaviness’ has been acknowledged as an essential element of the genre. Commonly associated with the distorted guitar, most work on heaviness has concentrated on the instrument’s sound. If respective research considered structural aspects of the guitar riff, it did so with a special focus on tempo, rhythm, tonality and form. This article analyses the interaction between distortion and harmonic structures on the electric guitar. Operationalizing heaviness with a psychoacoustic model of sensory consonance, an acoustic experiment explores how guitar distortion affects acoustic features of harmonic structures. Since acoustic studies are limited in predicting perception, a listening test investigates distortion’s influence on listener perception. The findings indicate that both increasing distortion level and harmonic complexity reduce sensory consonance, especially when acting together. Acoustically, distortion has a slightly stronger effect than structure; perceptually, the ratio is dependent on person-specific characteristics. Metalheads seem to be only marginally affected by sensory dissonance.
Constraining Roche-Lobe Overflow Models Using the Hot-Subdwarf Wide Binary Population
Authors: Vos Joris , Vučković Maja 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
One of the important issues regarding the final evolution of stars is the impact of binarity. A rich zoo of peculiar, evolved objects are born from the interaction between the loosely bound envelope of a giant, and the gravitational pull of a companion. However, binary interactions are not understood from first principles, and the theoretical models are subject to many assumptions. It is currently agreed upon that hot subdwarf stars can only be formed through binary interaction, either through common envelope ejection or stable Roche-lobe overflow (RLOF) near the tip of the red giant branch (RGB). These systems are therefore an ideal testing ground for binary interaction models. With our long term study of wide hot subdwarf (sdB) binaries we aim to improve our current understanding of stable RLOF on the RGB by comparing the results of binary population synthesis studies with the observed population. In this article we describe the current model and possible improvements, and which observables can be used to test different parts of the interaction model.
New Pulse Timing Measurements of the sdBV Star CS 1246
Authors: Hutchens Zackary L. , Barlow Brad N. , Soto Alan Vasquez , Reichart Dan E. , Haislip Josh B. , Kouprianov Vladimir V. , Linder Tyler R. , Moore Justin P. 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
CS 1246 is a hot subdwarf B star discovered in 2009 to exhibit a single, large-amplitude radial pulsation. An O-C diagram constructed from this mode revealed reflex motion due to the presence of a low-mass M dwarf, as well as a long-term trend consistent with a decrease in the pulsational period. The orbital reflex motion was later confirmed with radial velocity measurements. Using eight years of data collected with the Skynet Robotic Telescope Network, we show that the pulsation amplitude of CS 1246 is decaying nonlinearly. We also present an updated O-C diagram, which might now indicate a positive Ṗ and a new 2.09 ± 0.05 yr oscillation consistent with orbital reflex motion of the entire inner sdB+dM binary, possibly due to the gravitational influence of a circumbinary planet with minimum mass . However, unlike the presence of the M dwarf, we hesistate to claim this object as a definitive detection since intrinsic variability of the pulsation phase could theoretically produce a similar effect.