bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Left atrium function and deformation in very preterm infants with and without volume load
Authors: de Waal Koert , Phad Nilkant , Boyle Andrew 
Published: September 2018

BackgroundLeft atrium (LA) function can be assessed by volumetric measurements, conventional and tissue Doppler, and more recently, deformation imaging using two‐dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2DSTE). 2DSTE allows for measurement of volume and deformation and can quantify the contribution of the reservoir, conduit, and contraction phase. A common cause for LA dysfunction in very preterm infants is volume overload with a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility and reliability of LA 2DSTE in preterm infants, and describe LA function with and without PDA volume load.MethodsWe prospectively recruited preterm infants <30 weeks of gestation referred for assessment of a possible PDA. A cardiac ultrasound was performed at day 3 and in week 4 of life and analyzed using conventional techniques and 2DSTE.ResultsForty‐eight infants (32 with PDA) were included. LA 2DSTE analysis was feasible in 96% of measurements with good reliability of strain and volume parameters. Strain rate was less reliable. Poorer LA contraction and reservoir function was associated with larger LA volume index, higher inflow over the mitral valve at early diastole, higher EA ratio, and higher Ee’ ratio. Poorer conduit function was associated with higher Ee’ ratio. A larger PDA diameter was found to be an independent contributor to deteriorating LA contraction and reservoir function.ConclusionLA 2DSTE analysis is feasible in preterm infants and provides detailed information on atrium mechanics. Further studies are needed to explore the clinical value of these new parameters in this population.
Ten‐year retrospective review of the incidence of serious infections in patients on biologic disease modifying agents for rheumatoid arthritis in three tertiary hospitals in Western Australia
Authors: Sharma Chanakya , Keen Helen 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackgroundBiologic disease modifying anti‐rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) have significantly improved the prognosis for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, due to their immunosuppressive nature, concerns remain about the potential for infection in patients receiving these medications.AimsTo evaluate the incidence of serious infections (SI) in a Western Australian cohort of patients with RA who are receiving bDMARDs. The role of confounders including age, gender, comorbidities and use of glucocorticoids was also evaluated. The incidence of SI was defined as any infection necessitating admission to the hospital and the use of antibiotics.MethodsA 10‐year retrospective review was conducted of all patients with RA who were receiving bDMARDs at three tertiary hospitals in Western Australia. Discharge summaries and all available clinic letters were reviewed and patient demographics and clinical data were collected. Pearson Chi‐squared test and Student’s t‐test were used for comparing demographic factors and clinical variables between the groups with SI and those without.ResultsOne hundred and two patients met the inclusion criteria for the period 2006–2016, 25 of whom had been admitted with SI, accounting for a total of 46 admissions. Skin and soft tissue infections were the most common (28%) followed by respiratory infections (26%) and urinary tract infections (20%). The incidence rate of SI was 8.98 per 100 person years. The rate was lowest with adalimumab (5.27 per 100 person years) and highest with infliximab (34.5 per 100 person years). Those with SI were older (68 years vs 60 years; P = 0.02) and had been on bDMARDs for longer period of time (6.05 years vs 4.68 years; P = 0.04). There was no significant increase in length of stay due to co‐administration of glucocorticoids. The presence of comorbidities did not play a significant role in increasing the risk of SI.ConclusionAge and duration of bDMARD use were statistically significant factors associated with an increased risk of SI. Comorbidities did not play a significant role in increasing the incidence of SI. Patients who were on both glucocorticoids and bDMARDs did not have a significant increase in length of stay when compared with patients who were just on bDMARDs. More research is needed in this area with larger numbers to draw statistically significant conclusions regarding the role of comorbidities in SI risk and the individual infection risk associated with each bDMARD.
Outcomes of an initiative to improve inpatient safety of small bore thoracostomy tube insertion
Authors: Santos Conceição , Gupta Saurabh , Baraket Melissa , Collett Peter J. , Xuan Wei , Williamson Jonathan P. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackgroundIntercostal chest catheter (ICC) insertion is a common hospital procedure with attendant risks including life‐threatening complications such as pneumothorax and visceral damage.AimTo investigate the effect of a quality improvement (QI) initiative on complications associated with inpatient thoracostomy tube insertion.MethodsFollowing an audit of ICC complications in inpatients over a 2‐year period we implemented a comprehensive QI programme. This involved formal training in and mandatory use of thoracic ultrasound, standardisation of the procedure and documentation, a dedicated procedure room with nurses trained in assisting ICC insertion and senior supervision for medical staff. An audit over 2 years post‐implementation of the QI protocol was compared with pre‐implementation results.ResultsA total of 103 cases were reviewed pre‐implementation and 105 cases were reviewed post‐implementation of the QI programme. All procedures following the QI initiative were image guided compared to 23.3% of cases pre‐implementation. The rate of developing a pneumothorax requiring intervention post‐implementation was less than pre‐implementation (1.9% vs 5.8% (P = 0.023). Post‐implementation, there were no instances of dry taps, viscera perforation, clinically significant bleeding or wrong side ICC insertion and documentation improved.ConclusionQI initiative applied to thoracostomy tube insertion in hospital inpatients can reduce complications and improve procedure documentation.
Front‐line management of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma in Australia. Part 1: follicular lymphoma
Authors: Trotman Judith , Cheah Chan Y. , Marlton Paula , Opat Stephen 
Published: September 2018

AbstractOutcomes with follicular lymphoma (FL) have improved in the modern era and median survival is now beyond 15 years. Therapeutic decisions need to consider this increased survival as well as recent clinical trial data and emerging treatments. In this context, we present here current approaches to front‐line management of FL in Australia. Treatment choices depend on the disease stage, tumour burden, the patient's age, symptoms, comorbidities and preferences. Only about 10–15% of patients with FL are diagnosed with early stage disease. For patients with low‐grade, early stage disease, radiotherapy (RT) is recommended. The addition of chemotherapy has been shown to increase progression‐free survival (PFS) but without demonstrated overall survival advantage. For patients with low‐tumour‐burden, advanced‐stage FL, immediate treatment may not be required and we recommend considering active monitoring. For stage III/IV disease that is symptomatic and/or with high tumour burden, established first‐line treatment is chemotherapy in combination with rituximab, often followed by rituximab maintenance. The listing of bendamustine and now obinutuzumab on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme has expanded the first‐line treatment options in Australia to include bendamustine in combination with rituximab (without rituximab maintenance permitted) or with obinutuzumab plus 2 years obintuzumab maintenance. In the FL subgroup of the Study group indolent Lymphomas (StiL) trial, therapy with bendamustine plus rituximab significantly increased PFS compared with rituximab in combination with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisolone, without rituximab maintenance. Initial tolerability may be more favourable with bendamustine in combination with anti‐CD20 antibody therapy than other therapies overall, but clinical vigilance is still required because of concerns of late infectious toxicities associated with prolonged T‐cell depletion.
Some Theoretical and Practical Aspects of Empirical Likelihood Methods for Complex Surveys
Authors: Zhao Puying , Wu Changbao 
Published: September 2018

SummaryThis paper provides an overview on two parallel approaches to design‐based inference with complex survey data: the pseudo empirical likelihood methods and the sample empirical likelihood methods. The general framework covers parameters defined through smooth or non‐differentiable estimating functions for analytic use of survey data as well as descriptive finite population parameters, and the theory focuses on point estimation, hypothesis tests and variable selection under an arbitrary sampling design. Major practical issues for the implementation of the methods, including computational algorithms, are briefly discussed. Results from simulation studies to compare the finite sample performances of the two approaches are presented.
Information sharing under different warranty policies with cost sharing in supply chains
Authors: Cai Keyuan , He Shuguang , He Zhen 
Published: September 2018

AbstractIn practice, it is found that a product warranty can be provided by either the supplier or the manufacturer. As supply chains are increasingly integrated today, warranty costs are usually shared between the supplier and the manufacturer. In this paper, we model two different warranty policies based on which party provides the warranty: manufacturer warranty and supplier warranty. Considering the demand uncertainty and demand forecast, we analyze the information sharing strategy under these two warranty policies. Our results show that the manufacturer has an incentive to share the demand forecast information under both warranty policies when the cost efficiency in providing a warranty is high, which is different from the existing literature on the incentive for demand information sharing in the supply chain. Moreover, we find that it will hurt the party who determines the warranty period but benefit the other party.
Scientist–Nonscientist Teams Explore Methane Sources in Streams Near Oil/Gas Development
Authors: Wendt Anna K. , Sowers Todd , Hynek Scott , Lemon Jacob , Beddings Erika , Zheng Guanjie , Li Zhenhui , Williams Jennifer Z. , Brantley Susan L. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractNew techniques are needed to distinguish between leakage of methane (CH4) into surface waters from gas wells and natural sources. Here, scientists worked with >50 citizen scientists in a hydrocarbon‐rich basin (Pennsylvania, U.S.A.) to measure methane concentrations ([CH4]) in streams. These measurements were combined with published observations to form a reconnaissance dataset. The dataset was then used to categorize sites as background or as impacted by other sources of gas. For 479 samples at 131 sites, 470 were supersaturated with respect to the atmosphere (>0.08 µg/L). Sites with the lowest concentrations generally were located in low‐productivity, sandstone‐underlain upland streams, while other streams contained CH4 from sources in addition to atmospheric. The median of 63 sites not located near wetland habitats and not affected by known thermogenic influxes yielded an estimate of background [CH4] in the streams, 0.5 µg/L. The highest individual measurements (∼70 µg/L) in the stream dataset were observed in one site near a wetland and one site near a putatively leaking gas well. Inspection of the dataset revealed that values of [CH4] above a threshold for non‐wetland sites, 4 μg/L, signals gas is likely deriving from sources such as leaking gas wells, shallow organic‐rich shales, coal, or landfills. Using historical and local volunteer knowledge, we discovered 12 non‐wetland sites above the threshold that are potentially contaminated by such sources. Although sources of CH4 cannot be proven from such surveys of [CH4], stream sampling with nonscientists nonetheless allows discovery of sites of potential contamination that can be further investigated.
Characterization and significance of localized sources identified by a novel automated algorithm during mapping of human persistent atrial fibrillation
Authors: Verma Atul , Sarkozy Andrea , Skanes Allan , Duytschaever Mattias , Bulava Alan , Urman Roy , Amos Yariv A. , Potter Tom de 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackgroundAutomated algorithms may identify focal (FA) and rotational (RoA) activations during persistent atrial fibrillation (PeAF).ObjectiveTo evaluate an automated algorithm for characterizing and assessing significance of FA/RoA.MethodsEighty‐six PeAF ablation patients (1411 maps) were analyzed. Maps were obtained with a 64‐electrode basket using CARTOFINDER, which filters/annotates atrial unipolar electrograms over 30 seconds. Operators ablated FA/RoA followed by pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). The automated algorithm was retrospectively applied using QS patterns to identify FA and sequential activation gradients for RoA without phase mapping. Algorithm‐identified FA and RoA were validated against blinded adjudicators. Ablation of algorithm‐identified FA/RoA was related to procedural AF termination.Results73% ± 18% of electrodes (65% ± 11% atrial surface area) were adequate for analysis. Compared with adjudicators, the algorithm had a sensitivity of 84% for FA and 86% for RoA. There were 4 ± 2 FA and 2 ± 2 RoA per patient. FA occurred 8 ± 6 times during the 30‐second window (cumulative duration 8 ± 6 seconds). RoA occurred 5 ± 3 times (median 2, consecutive rotations) with a cumulative duration of 3 ± 2 seconds. Compared to patients without procedural AF termination, patients with termination had more FA ablated (75% vs 38%, P = 0.006). AF termination was not predicted by percentage of RoA ablated although there was a trend towards a higher percentage of left atrial RoA ablated (
P = 0.06).ConclusionAn automated algorithm had high sensitivity for FA and RoA. Acute AF termination was associated with FA ablation but not RoA ablation. Future studies need to define the significance of FA and RoA and whether they are overlapping or separate mechanisms.
Lead I R‐wave amplitude to differentiate idiopathic ventricular arrhythmias with left bundle branch block right inferior axis originating from the left versus right ventricular outflow tract
Authors: Xie Shuanglun , Kubala Maciej , Liang Jackson J. , Hayashi Tatsuya , Park Jaeseok , Padros Irene Lucena , Garcia Fermin C. , Santangeli Pasquale , Supple Gregory E. , Frankel David S. , Zado Erica S. , Lin David , Schaller Robert D. , Dixit Sanjay , Callans David J. , Nazarian Saman , Marchlinski Francis E. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractIntroductionDifferentiation of right versus left ventricular outflow tract (RVOT vs. LVOT) arrhythmia origin with left bundle branch block right inferior axis (LBRI) morphology is relevant to ablation planning and risk discussion. Our aim was to determine if lead I R‐wave amplitude is useful for differentiation of RVOT from LVOT arrhythmias with LBRI morphology.MethodsThe R‐wave amplitude in lead I was measured in a retrospective cohort of 75 consecutive patients with LBRI pattern ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) successfully ablated from the RVOT (n = 54), LVOT (n = 16), or the anterior interventricular vein (AIV; n = 5). The optimal R‐wave threshold was identified and diagnostic indices were compared with the previously reported transitional zone (TZ) index and V2S/V3R index.ResultsAn R‐wave amplitude greater than or equal to 0.1 mV predicted LVOT origin with 75% sensitivity and 98.2% specificity. In comparison, the TZ and V2S/V3R indices had 50% and 68.8% sensitivity, and 75.9% and 88.9% specificity, respectively, for predicting LVOT origin. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.85 for lead I R‐wave amplitude, 0.87 for V2S/V3R, and 0.72 for the TZ index. Of 36 cases with QS in lead I, 30 (83.3%) were from the anterior RVOT, three (8.3%) from the LVOT, and three (8.3%) from the AIV.ConclusionThe presence of R‐wave amplitude in lead I (≥0.1 mV) is a simple and useful criterion to identify LVOT cusp or endocardium focus in LBRI arrhythmias. A QS pattern in lead I suggests an origin in the anterior RVOT, or less commonly the adjacent LV summit.
Model food for microwave‐assisted pasteurization of fruit juices and nectars at 915 and 2,450 MHz
Authors: Sobreiro Pedro Henrique , Sato Laura Naomi Isozaki , Gut Jorge Andrey Wilhelms 
Published: September 2018

AbstractA model food based on aqueous solutions of sucrose and sodium chloride is proposed for studying the microwave‐assisted pasteurization of fruit juices and nectars. Relative electrical permittivity, dielectric loss factor, and electrical conductivity of solutions with sucrose up to 40.0 g/100 mL and sodium chloride up to 1.6 g/100 mL were experimentally determined and successfully correlated with concentrations and temperature (from 10 to 90 °C). By adjusting the concentrations of the solutes, it was possible to satisfactorily match the dielectric behavior of 12 examples of products. Thermophysical and flow properties of the model food (density, specific heat, thermal conductivity, and viscosity) could be estimated from literature data, which is useful for process simulation.Practical applicationsContinuous flow microwave heating is an emerging technology with a potential to be used in the thermal processing of liquid foods. Model foods are important to study heating patterns, test prototypes, test process control, or tuning strategies, to be used as sterilization solutions, or carrier of chemical, biological, or enzymatic markers. The model food proposed here can match dielectric properties of fruit juices or nectars.
Aflatoxins in cereals: State of the art
Authors: Mousavi Khaneghah Amin , Eş Ismail , Raeisi Susan , Fakhri Yadolah 
Published: September 2018

AbstractRecently, the contamination of food products, particularity cereals with aflatoxins (AF) as secondary metabolites generated by some of fungal genera species raised serious concerns. AF as the highly toxic compounds could pass through metabolic processes in unaltered forms and consequently accumulate in the tissues of humans and animals. The consumption of AF contaminated cereal, cereal‐based products as both food and feed is considered as a serious issue, which should be controlled through conducting prevention strategies and legislation. However, in some cases, the detoxification or elimination process also can be approached. The current article took an overview regarding physicochemical properties of AF, as well as their absorption, digestion, metabolism, and excretion in cereals. Also, the chronic and acute aflatoxicosis along prevention strategies and control mechanisms were discussed.Practical applicationsCereal and cereal‐based products can be considered as one of the most important sources of food as well as energy in many countries. Despite this, cereals and cereal‐based foods may present contamination by several mycotoxins, as one of the challenging issues in cereal‐based products. The adverse effects of contamination by mycotoxins on food safety and food quality are reserved huge concerns. The knowledge regarding the physicochemical properties of aflatoxins as well as their control can aid the food industry to keep the quality of food products in an acceptable level.
Mercury Levels and Risk Implications Through Fish Consumption on the Sinaloa Coasts (Gulf of California, Northwest Mexico)
Authors: Zamora‐Arellano Nydia‐Yuriana , Betancourt‐Lozano Miguel , Ilizaliturri‐Hernández César , García‐Hernández Jaqueline , Jara‐Marini Matín , Chávez‐Sánchez Cristina , Ruelas‐Inzunza Jorge Ricardo 
Published: September 2018

AbstractFish consumption is the major source of mercury to humans. Fetuses and children are the most sensitive groups of populations to the effects of mercury. Consequently, fish consumption by pregnant women, children, and women of childbearing age is of concern because of the effects of mercury exposure on human health. To assess mercury exposure in a population in northwest Mexico, the allowed daily consumption of fish (which indicates the maximum daily amount of fish that can be consumed without causing adverse noncarcinogenic effects) was calculated for the general population (GP) and fishing‐related population (FRP). The studied groups for both sectors of the population were children A (3–10 years old), children B (11–15 years old), women of childbearing age (16–40 years old), and the rest of the population (men ≥16 years old, and women ≥41 years old). Mercury content in canned and frozen tuna, smoked marlin, tilapia, Pacific sierra, dolphinfish, and bullseye puffer ranged from 0.01 to 0.23 μg/g wet weight; none of the values were above the limit set by Mexico. Regarding mercury concentrations and rates of fish consumption, the GP consumes 1.7–2.7 times the allowed daily consumption, and the FRP consumes 1.6–3.9 that limit. The risk analysis showed the children A and B groups from the GP and adults of FRP to be the highest percentage of the population at risk (approximately 35%). These results highlight the need for adequate strategies that consider mercury exposure as part of public health policies associated with fish consumption in Mexico.
Structural transformation and its relevance for economic growth in Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Busse Matthias , Erdogan Ceren , Mühlen Henning 
Published: September 2018

AbstractIn this paper, we analyze the role of structural transformation in view of the remarkable growth performance of Sub‐Saharan African countries since the late 1990s. Our analysis covers 41 African countries over the period 1980 to 2014 and accounts for structural transformation by employing the analytical frameworks of (1) growth decomposition and (2) growth regression. Even though the low‐productive agricultural sector continues to employ most of the African workforce, our results reveal that structural transformation has taken place and that it has contributed significantly to African growth in the period 1980‐2014.
Occupational segregation by race in South Africa after apartheid
Authors: Gradín Carlos 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThis paper investigates progress in reducing the high level of racial stratification of occupations after apartheid in South Africa. Empirical analysis, using census microdata and Labour Force Surveys, does not provide compelling evidence of sustained or significant desegregation. Occupations remain highly segmented by race, with blacks disproportionally holding low‐paying jobs (compared with whites), although segregation and segmentation also affect in a different way the other population groups (Indians/Asians and Coloureds). Less than a third of the occupational segregation and about half of the segmentation of Africans (with respect to whites) are related to their characteristics, especially their lower educational achievement, a gap that has been reduced over time. Segregation and stratification, however, remain when blacks and whites with similar characteristics are compared.