bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Two Contrasting African Easterly Wave Behaviors
Authors: Cheng Yuan-Ming , Thorncroft Chris D. , Kiladis George N. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe dominant structural variability of African easterly waves (AEWs) is explored using an empirical orthogonal function (EOF) approach. The structure of AEWs is obtained by projecting the wind fields from reanalysis data and satellite-derived brightness temperature Tb onto the principal components associated with EOF patterns of filtered Tb (Tb EOF) and 700-hPa meridional wind (v700 EOF). The wave structure depicted by the Tb EOF has confined convection and circulation mostly south of the African easterly jet. It shares many characteristics with AEWs analyzed and discussed in the literature. In contrast, the v700 EOF exhibits less familiar characteristics and includes interactions with the equatorial and subtropical regions. The convective patterns are characterized by a “checkerboard” pattern of convection that has not been emphasized before. The most striking feature is the broad meridional extent, which depicts interactions with a mixed Rossby–gravity wave (MRG) in the equatorial region and interactions with the basic-state potential vorticity in the subtropics. The southern portion of the wave has a modified MRG structure, and this AEW–MRG hybrid cannot be separated using the EOF technique, indicating the prevalence of such structures. The subtropical interaction at mid- to lower levels establishes a vortex off the coast of Morocco that results in dry-air advection into the tropics in tandem with the northern vortex. At upper levels, a subtropical wave train is induced by the AEW-associated convective inflow and outflow. The contrasting AEW circulations are associated with differences in the precipitation rates and patterns over Africa. These results highlight the variability of AEW structures and their interactions with equatorial and subtropical waves.
Diabetes Risk Assessment, A1C Measurement, and Goal Achievement of Standards of Care in Adults Experiencing Homelessness
Authors: Hadenfeldt Cynthia , Knezevich Emily , Black Susannah 
Published: April 2019

Purpose The purpose of this study was to explore diabetes in adults experiencing homelessness by evaluating diabetes risk, A1C measurement, and achievement of the goals of the American Diabetes Association (ADA) Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes. Methods Project Homeless Connect Omaha is a 1-day health and social services event for adults who are homeless. The event seeks to meet immediate needs, identify potential future needs, and provide a connection with community resources for further follow-up for these adults. Health professions students and faculty from the university where the event is held volunteer their time to provide these services. Risk assessment for type 2 diabetes, A1C measurement, and evaluation of the ADA Standards of Medical Care were available for participants of this event. Results Of the 478 participants who completed a risk assessment for diabetes, 91 underwent rapid A1C testing. Four participants at the diabetes station (4%) were newly identified as having diabetes with elevated A1C, and 32% of the participants had elevated A1C levels demonstrating prediabetes. Twelve individuals reported being previously diagnosed with diabetes, and of those, 50% had A1C levels between 7.3% and >13% (56 to 119 mmol/mol). Participants whose A1Cs classified them as having prediabetes or diabetes (n = 40) completed an evaluation of standards of medical care goals. Participants identified eye, foot, and dental examinations; lipid management; and urine protein screening as some of the areas in which the standards were not yet achieved. Conclusion Adults experiencing homelessness have a significant need for diabetes screening and management. Diabetes educators can provide education to equip adults with the ability to effectively manage their illness and prevent complications.
Efficacy and safety of erenumab (AMG334) in episodic migraine patients with prior preventive treatment failure: A subgroup analysis of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
Authors: Goadsby Peter J , Paemeleire Koen , Broessner Gregor , Brandes Jan , Klatt Jan , Zhang Feng , Picard Hernan , Lenz Robert , Mikol Daniel D 
Published: April 2019

Background Erenumab was effective and well tolerated in a pivotal clinical trial of episodic migraine that included subjects both naïve to, and those who had failed, previous preventives. Here we evaluated the efficacy and safety of erenumab (70 mg or 140 mg) versus placebo in the subgroup of patients who had previously failed preventive treatment(s): ≥1 or ≥2 prior failed migraine preventive categories, and in patients who had never failed. Methods Prespecified subgroup analyses evaluated change from baseline to months 4–6 (the primary endpoint of the blinded study phase) in monthly migraine days, achievement of ≥50% and ≥75% reduction in monthly migraine days, and change from baseline in acute migraine-specific medication days. Adverse events were also evaluated. Results Treatment with both doses of erenumab resulted in greater reductions in monthly migraine days at months 4–6 (treatment difference versus placebo [95% CI], never failed subgroup: −0.9 [−1.5, −0.3] for 70 mg and −1.3 [−1.9, −0.7] for 140 mg; ≥1 prior failed medication categories subgroup: −2.0 [−2.8, −1.2] for 70 mg and −2.5 [−3.4, −1.7] for 140 mg; ≥2 prior failed medication categories subgroup: −1.3 [−2.6, 0.0] for 70 mg and −2.7 [−4.0, −1.4] for 140 mg). Similar results were observed in the monthly acute migraine-specific medication days endpoint, and in the achievement of ≥50% and ≥75% reduction in monthly migraine days. For the ≥50% reduction in monthly migraine day endpoint, placebo response in the no prior treatment failed group was 32.6%, in the ≥1 failed treatment 17.5%, and in the ≥2 failed treatments 11.1%. Conclusion Erenumab showed consistent efficacy in episodic migraine patients who had failed prior preventive treatments and was well tolerated across subgroups. The data suggest prior patients with prior treatment failures have lower placebo response rates.
Headaches and sleep problems in US adolescents: Findings from the National Comorbidity Survey – Adolescent Supplement (NCS-A)
Authors: Lateef Tarannum , Witonsky Kailyn , He Jianping , Ries Merikangas Kathleen 
Published: April 2019

Background There is limited research on the association of sleep problems with International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-II)-defined headache subtypes in youth, particularly from community-based samples. This cross-sectional study examines the associations of sleep patterns, symptoms and disorders with specific headache subtypes among adolescents from the general population of the United States. Methods The sample includes 10,123 adolescents in the National Comorbidity Survey – Adolescent Supplement, a face-to-face survey of adolescents aged 13–18 years in the continental USA. Headache subtype diagnoses were based on modified ICHD-III criteria, and mood and anxiety disorders were based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders criteria. The associations of self-reported sleep patterns and insomnia symptoms and headache status were estimated with multivariate regression models that adjust for demographic characteristics and comorbid anxiety and mood disorders. Results There was no significant difference in bedtime between youth with and without headache. However, adolescents with migraine headache reported significantly shorter sleep duration ( p = .022) and earlier wakeup time ( p = .002) than those without headache. Youth with any headache, particularly migraine, had significantly more sleep disturbances than those without headache. With respect to headache subtypes, youth with migraine with aura were more likely to report difficulty maintaining sleep, early morning awakening, daytime fatigue, and persistent insomnia symptoms than those with migraine without aura. However, these associations were largely accounted for by comorbid anxiety and mood disorders. There was a monotonic increase in the number of insomnia symptoms with increasingly restrictive definitions of migraine. Conclusion Pervasive sleep disturbances in adolescents with headache have important implications for the evaluation, treatment and etiology of pediatric headache.
Renal transplantation for lupus nephritis: non-adherence and graft survival
Authors: Ntatsaki E , Vassiliou V S , Velo-Garcia A , Salama A D , Isenberg D A 
Published: April 2019

Objectives Poor adherence to immunosuppressive treatment is common in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and may identify those with lupus nephritis (LN) who have a poorer prognosis. Non-adherence has also been reported to be a potential adverse outcome predictor in renal transplantation (rTp). We investigated whether non-adherence is associated with increased rTp graft rejection and/or failure in patients with LN. Methods Patients with LN undergoing rTp in two major London hospitals were retrospectively included. Medical and electronic records were reviewed for documented concerns of non-adherence as well as laboratory biochemical drug levels. The role of non-adherence and other potential predictors of graft rejection/failure including demographics, comorbidities, age at systemic lupus erythematosus and LN diagnosis, type of LN, time on dialysis prior to rTp and medication use were investigated using logistic regression. Results Out of 361 patients with LN, 40 had rTp. During a median follow-up of 8.7 years, 17/40 (42.5%) of these patients had evidence of non-adherence. A total of 12 (30.0%) patients experienced graft rejection or failure or both. In the adherent group 2/23 (8.7%) had graft rejection, whilst in the non-adherent this rose to 5/17 (29.4%, p = 0.11). Graft failure was seen in 5/23 (21.7%) patients from the adherent group and 4/17 (23.5%) in the non-adherent group ( p = 0.89). Non-adherent patients had a trend towards increased graft rejection, hazard ratio 4.38, 95% confidence interval = 0.73–26.12, p = 0.11. Patients who spent more time on dialysis prior to rTp were more likely to be adherent to medication, p = 0.01. Conclusion Poor adherence to immunosuppressive therapy is common and has been shown to associate with a trend towards increased graft failure in patients with LN requiring rTp. This is the first paper to report that shorter periods on dialysis prior to transplantation might lead to increased non-adherence in lupus patients.
Left ventricular wall motion abnormality is associated with cryptogenic stroke
Authors: Choi Jeong-Yoon , Cha Jaehyung , Jung Jin-Man , Seo Woo-Keun , Oh Kyungmi , Cho Kyung-Hee , Yu Sungwook 
Published: April 2019

Background Left ventricular wall motion abnormality (LVWMA) unrelated to known cardiac risk factors is an uncertain risk for stroke. Aims We evaluated whether LVWMA was associated with cryptogenic stroke. Methods This retrospective, observational study included 4316 acute ischemic stroke patients, and the association between cryptogenic stroke and LVWMA was examined in comparison with other stroke subtypes. Results The prevalence of LVWMA was 10.0% in the study population. In a fully adjusted, binary logistic regression, LVWMA was independently associated with cryptogenic stroke compared with stroke from large artery atherosclerosis (odds ratio = 1.627, 95% confidence interval = 1.129–2.345), small vessel occlusion (odds ratio = 1.948, 95% confidence interval = 1.261–3.010), or other causes (odds ratio = 4.950, 95% confidence interval = 1.145–21.412). Meanwhile, the association of LVWMA with cryptogenic stroke was similar to the associations of LVWMA with cardioembolic stroke (odds ratio = 0.758, 95% confidence interval = 0.525–1.094) and stroke with two or more causes (odds ratio = 0.992, 95% confidence interval = 0.609–1.615). In multinomial regression, LVWMA had the strongest association with cardioembolic stroke, followed by cryptogenic stroke and stroke from two or more causes. The strength of the associations with LVWMA then decreased sequentially in patients with large artery atherosclerosis, small vessel occlusion, and other causes. Conclusions The association of LVWMA with cryptogenic stroke was comparable to that of LVWMA with cardioembolic stroke but stronger than that of LVWMA with non-cardioembolic stroke. LVWMA unrelated to known cardiac risk factors could be considered an independent risk factor for cryptogenic stroke.
Protective Actions of Oral Administration of Bifidobacterium longum CBi0703 in Spontaneous Osteoarthritis in Dunkin Hartley Guinea Pig Model
Authors: Henrotin Yves , Patrier Stéphane , Pralus Amandine , Roche Mathilde , Nivoliez Adrien 
Published: April 2019

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a lyophilized inactivated culture (LIC) from Bifidobacterium longum CBi0703 in a spontaneous model of osteoarthritis (OA) in Dunkin Hartley guinea pigs. Histology of cartilage and synovial membrane was the primary outcome. Biomarkers were also considered to evaluate the treatment efficacy. Design LIC (1 µg/kg) with or without vitamin C (1 mg/kg) were tested in Dunkin Hartley guinea pigs spontaneously developing OA and compared with control (sterile water; CTL). Treatment was initiated orally in 16-week-old animals over a period of 12 weeks. Histological lesions of articular cartilage and synovial membrane were scored according to the OARSI (Osteoarthritis Research Society International) recommendations. Four biomarkers (Coll2-1, PIINAP, Fib3-2, and osteocalcin) were measured in animal sera. Results The global OARSI score increased with time in all group but no significant difference between groups was observed. When score items were analyzed individually, a significant lower score of cartilage structure was observed in the LIC + vitamin C group compared with CTL ( P < 0.0001). Synovial membrane showed a mild inflammatory reaction that was not affected by the treatment. LIC significantly decreased serum levels of Coll2-1 ( P = 0.0004 vs. CTL), a marker of type II collagen degradation and LIC + vitamin C significantly increased PIINAP ( P = 0.0003), a marker of type II collagen synthesis. The ratio Coll2-1/PIINAP was significantly decreased in both LIC groups ( P < 0.001). Conclusion Lyophilized inactivated culture of B. longum CBi0703 administrated orally over a period of 12 weeks decreased cartilage structure lesions and decreased type II collagen degradation suggesting a potential prophylactic effect on OA development.
Efficacy of mobile application interventions for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder: A systematic review
Authors: Wickersham Alice , Petrides Petros Minas , Williamson Victoria , Leightley Daniel 
Published: April 2019

Background Many adults with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are unable to access healthcare services for treatment due to logistical, social, and attitudinal barriers. Interventions delivered via mobile applications (apps) may help overcome these barriers. Objective The aim of this study is to systematically evaluate the most recent evidence from trials investigating the efficacy of mobile apps for treating PTSD. Methods PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, PsycINFO, and Medline were searched in February 2018. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were included if they quantitatively evaluated the efficacy of a mobile app for treating PTSD as part of the primary aim. Findings were presented in a narrative synthesis. Results In the five identified RCTs, the use of app-based interventions appeared to be associated with reductions in PTSD symptoms. However, the strength of evidence for this association appeared to be inconsistent, and there was little evidence that those using the apps experienced greater reductions in PTSD symptoms than those in control conditions. Nonetheless, there was some evidence that app-based interventions are both a feasible and acceptable treatment pathway option. Conclusions Included studies were often limited by small sample sizes, brief intervention, and follow-up periods, and self-reported measures of PTSD. Evidence for the efficacy of mobile interventions for treating PTSD was inconclusive, but promising. Healthcare professionals should exercise caution in recommending app-based interventions until the potentially adverse effects of app use are better understood and larger-scale studies have taken place.
Personalised measures of obesity using waist to height ratios from an Australian health screening program
Authors: Jelinek Herbert F , Stranieri Andrew , Yatsko Andrew , Venkatraman Sitalakshmi 
Published: April 2019

Objectives The aim of the current study is to generate waist circumference to height ratio cut-off values for obesity categories from a model of the relationship between body mass index and waist circumference to height ratio. We compare the waist circumference to height ratio discovered in this way with cut-off values currently prevalent in practice that were originally derived using pragmatic criteria. Method Personalized data including age, gender, height, weight, waist circumference and presence of diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease for 847 participants over eight years were assembled from participants attending a rural Australian health review clinic (DiabHealth). Obesity was classified based on the conventional body mass index measure (weight/height 2 ) and compared to the waist circumference to height ratio. Correlations between the measures were evaluated on the screening data, and independently on data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey that included age categories. Results This article recommends waist circumference to height ratio cut-off values based on an Australian rural sample and verified using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey database that facilitates the classification of obesity in clinical practice. Gender independent cut-off values are provided for waist circumference to height ratio that identify healthy (waist circumference to height ratio ≥0.45), overweight (0.53) and the three obese (0.60, 0.68, 0.75) categories verified on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey dataset. A strong linearity between the waist circumference to height ratio and the body mass index measure is demonstrated. Conclusion The recommended waist circumference to height ratio cut-off values provided a useful index for assessing stages of obesity and risk of chronic disease for improved healthcare in clinical practice.
Effects of Dexmedetomidine on Myocardial Repolarization in Children Undergoing General Anesthesia: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Görges Matthias , Sherwin Elizabeth D. , Poznikoff Andrew K. , West Nicholas C. , Brodie Sonia M. , Whyte Simon D. 
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUND:
Dexmedetomidine is a highly selective α2-adrenergic agonist, which is increasingly used in pediatric anesthesia and intensive care. Potential adverse effects that have not been rigorously evaluated in children include its effects on myocardial repolarization, which is important given that the drug is listed as a possible risk factor for torsades de pointes. We investigated the effect of 3 different doses of dexmedetomidine on myocardial repolarization and transmural dispersion in children undergoing elective surgery with total IV anesthesia.

METHODS:
Sixty-four American Society of Anesthesiologists I–II children 3–10 years of age were randomized to receive dexmedetomidine 0.25 µg/kg, 0.5 µg/kg, 0.75 µg/kg, or 0 µg/kg (control), as a bolus administered over 60 seconds, after induction of anesthesia. Pre- and postintervention 12-lead electrocardiograms were recorded. The interval between the peak and the end of the electrocardiogram T wave (Tp-e; transmural dispersion) and heart rate–corrected QT intervals (myocardial repolarization) were measured by a pediatric electrophysiologist blinded to group allocation. Data were analyzed using an analysis of covariance regression model. The study was powered to detect a 25-millisecond difference in Tp-e.

RESULTS:
Forty-eight children completed the study, with data analyzed from 12 participants per group. There were no instances of dysrhythmias. Tp-e values were unaffected by dexmedetomidine administration at any of the studied doses (F = 0.09; P = .96). Mean (99% CI) within-group differences were all <2 milliseconds (−5 to 8). Postintervention, corrected QT interval increased in the control group, but decreased in some dexmedetomidine groups (F = 7.23; P < .001), specifically the dexmedetomidine 0.5 and 0.75 µg/kg doses. Within groups, the mean (99% CI) differences between pre- and postintervention corrected QT interval were 12.4 milliseconds (−5.8 to 30.6) in the control group, −9.0 milliseconds (−24.9 to 6.9) for dexmedetomidine 0.25 µg/kg, −18.6 milliseconds (−33.7 to −3.5) for dexmedetomidine 0.5 µg/kg, and −14.1 milliseconds (−27.4 to −0.8) for dexmedetomidine 0.75 µg/kg.

CONCLUSIONS:
Of the bolus doses of dexmedetomidine studied, none had an effect on Tp-e and the dexmedetomidine 0.5 and 0.75 µg/kg doses shortened corrected QT intervals when measured at 1 minute after dexmedetomidine bolus injection during total IV anesthesia. There is no evidence for an increased risk of torsades de pointes in this context.
Understanding the Processual and Contextual Aspects of Science by Means of the History of Photosynthesis
Authors: Saka Arzu 
Published: April 2019

<p style="text-align:justify">The aim of this study is to present pre-service biology teachers with reading texts about the research of Van Helmont and Joseph Priestley relate to the subject of photosynthesis, for their familiarization with the processual and contextual aspects of science and their understanding of the nature of science, and to reveal the extent to which these texts contribute to the teacher candidates. The study was carried out by “action research method”. The sample consisted of 66 biology pre-service teachers studying at Karadeniz Technical University between the years of 2016 to 2018. In this study, two separate reading texts were prepared in order to increase pre-service teachers’ processual and contextual understanding, and after the teacher candidates had read the texts, they were asked to answer the related questions. Percentage and frequency values were determined by grouping the answers as “correct, partially correct, incorrect and unanswered”. The fact that in this study, only 47% of the pre-service teachers were able to form a correct hypothesis means that their skills in this regard are in need of development. Candidates experienced some difficulty in interpreting statements that were not given explicitly in the text. The candidates' level of critical thinking is at a good level. It has been determined that they have post-modern view as epistemological belief. There is a need for designing instructional materials covering conceptual, processual, contextual dimensions of science in different subjects at university level and presenting them to biology teachers in book format.</p>