bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Ebola Crisis in Sierra Leone: Mediating Containment and Engagement in Humanitarian Emergencies
Authors: Enria Luisa 
Published: August 2019

ABSTRACTThis article explores how framings of the 2014–16 outbreak of Ebola as a crisis, its causes, nature and consequences gave rise to two seemingly contradictory types of interventions within affected communities in Sierra Leone: a militarized state of emergency on the one hand, and efforts to foster local engagement and ownership on the other. Teasing out explicitly the underlying logic of these two modes of response, we are able to discern the convergence between containment and engagement approaches that are at the heart of contemporary humanitarianism. Rather than being opposed or contradictory, the article shows how they were mutually constitutive, through negotiations between different ways of knowing and responding to the Ebola crisis. The resulting divisive practices, juxtaposing ‘Ebola heroes’ and ‘dangerous bodies’, re‐ordered the landscapes that individuals had to navigate in order to manage uncertainty. Tracing these logics through to the ‘subjects’ of intervention, the article tells the story of one traditional healer's ‘epistemic navigations’ in his efforts to survive both the epidemic and its response. Bringing these dynamics and their consequences to the fore in the Sierra Leonean case invites broader reflections on a humanitarian assemblage increasingly reliant on the mutual constitution of containment and engagement, security and resilience, in its approach to managing ‘at risk’ populations.
Six‐year retrospective analysis of endoscopic ultrasonography‐guided pancreatic ductal interventions at a tertiary referral center
Authors: Dalal Ankit , Patil Gaurav , Maydeo Amit 
Published: August 2019

Background and AimEndoscopic ultrasonography‐guided pancreatic ductal intervention (EUS‐PDI) serves as a rescue therapy in patients with failure of retrograde access to the pancreatic duct (PD) at the time of endoscopic retrograde pancreatography (ERP). We review our experience of this procedure.MethodsThis is a retrospective study of patients who underwent EUS‐PDI for an unsuccessful ERP and altered anatomy.ResultsA total of 44 (65.9% male) patients underwent EUS‐PDI with a mean age of 43.5 years, (range: 23–67). Transgastric rendezvous technique was carried out in 23/44 (52.3%), transgastric pancreaticogastrostomy in 18/44 (40.9%) and transduodenal pancreaticobulbostomy in 3/44 (6.8%). Overall technical and clinical success was seen in 88.6% (39/44) and 81.8% (36/44), respectively. Technical success of transgastric rendezvous was 95.6% and that of transgastric pancreaticogastrostomy was 77.8%. Two of seven patients with failure to access the PD had successfully undergone EUS‐PD stenting at subsequent attempt. Ten immediate adverse events (AE) were noted which included abdominal pain (n = 4), pancreatitis (n = 2), fever (n = 2), minor bleeding (n = 1), and stripping of wire (n = 1). Delayed AE included stent blockage in 12/39 (30.8%) and spontaneous stent migration in 5/39 (12.8%) which were managed with stent exchange at follow up. The rendezvous technique was associated with fewer AE than transgastric pancreaticogastrostomy.ConclusionsEndoscopic ultrasonography‐PDI is an effective treatment modality and salvage therapy in patients with unsuccessful ERP. Technical and clinical success seen with this study is comparable to studies conducted across the world. EUS‐PDI needs to show cost‐effectiveness in future studies.
A rapid and holistic approach to screen susceptibility of Prunus species to Armillaria root rot
Authors: Devkota Pratima , Hammerschmidt Raymond 
Published: August 2019

AbstractWe describe a holistic in vitro technique for inoculating roots of Prunus species with Armillaria solidipes, which is faster and more successful than previous methods. This method allows associated active and passive host defences to be assessed. Sterile root segments of three Prunus spp. were placed next to or on top of 14‐day‐old cultures of A. solidipes. At 21 day, the success of fungal penetration and length of the fungal colonization, and host responses were evaluated. Also, an anti‐Armillaria and anti‐Cladosporium activity detection assays were conducted by utilizing the root periderm, the first tissue that needs to be penetrated by fungus. These methods revealed the variation in the relative tolerance of three Prunus spp. to A. solidipes. The overall success of fungal colonization in the wounded and intact root, host defence, and antifungal activity significantly differed among three Prunus spp. Results indicate that this in vitro method can be used as a preliminary step in screening tree species to Armillaria spp.
ALA‐PDT alleviates the psoriasis by inhibiting JAK signalling pathway
Authors: Yi Fei , Zheng Xiaoli , Fang Fang , Zhang Jiaan , Zhou Bingrong , Chen Xiangsheng 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackgroundPhotodynamic therapy (PDT) with 5‐aminolevulinic acid (ALA) is a well‐known treatment for non‐hypertrophic actinic keratoses and superficial basal‐cell carcinomas.ObjectivesIn this study, we first revealed that ALA‐PDT treatment effectively ameliorated the psoriasis‐like lesion in imiquimod (IMQ)‐induced mouse model and further explored the potential molecular mechanism and related signalling pathways during the treatment. Besides, we also confirmed a significant alleviation of ALA‐PDT therapy on IFN‐γ‐induced over‐proliferation of keratinocytes.MethodsH&E staining was conducted to reveal the histological changes of mice in different groups. The different expression levels of RNA were illustrated by using QRT‐PCR. Western blot was performed to confirm the various expression levels of protein in mice. In vitro, cell proliferation and cell cycle were evaluated by cell counting kit‐8 and flow cytometry assay, respectively.ResultsThe result showed that ALA‐PDT’s anti‐proliferation effect and regulation on Socs1/3, JAK1/2 and K17 in IFN‐γ‐induced keratinocytes were largely weakened by NAC, indicating that ALA‐PDT attenuated the proliferation of IFN‐γ‐induced keratinocytes by enhancing ROS level.ConclusionsThese results demonstrated that ALA‐PDT largely activated the productivity of Socs1/3 in a ROS‐dependent manner. Socs1/3 is a potential blocker in JAK signalling pathway and inhibits the proliferation and keratinization of keratinocytes in psoriasis.
Functional analysis of natural PCSK9 mutants in modern and archaic humans
Authors: Mikaeeli Sepideh , Susan‐Resiga Delia , Girard Emmanuelle , Ben Djoudi Ouadda Ali , Day Robert , Prost Stefan , Seidah Nabil G. 
Published: August 2019

PCSK9 is the last member of the proprotein convertases (PCs) family and its gene is mutated in ~ 2% to 3% of individuals with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). This protein enhances the degradation of the low‐density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and hence increases the levels of circulating LDL‐cholesterol (LDLc). Studies of the underlying mechanism(s) regulating the activity of different mutations in the PCSK9 gene are ongoing as they enhance our understanding of the biology and clinical relevance of PCSK9 and its partners. In an attempt to unravel the regulation of PCSK9 transcription and possibly identify mutation ‘hot spot’ regions with alterations in CpG methylation, we present for the first time the complete methylome profile of the PCSK9 gene in modern and archaic humanoids. Our data showed that the genomes of modern humans and archaic PCSK9 exhibit a similar methylation pattern. Next, we defined the mechanistic consequences of three PCSK9 natural mutations (PCSK9‐R96L, ‐R105W, and ‐P174S) and one archaic Denisovan mutation (PCSK9‐H449L) using various complementary cellular and in vitro binding assays. Our results showed that the PCSK9‐H449L is a loss‐of‐function (LOF) mutation, likely due to its lower binding affinity to the LDLR. Similarly, PCSK9‐R96L and ‐R105W are LOF mutations, even though they have been identified in FH patients. The PCSK9‐R105W mutation leads to a significantly lower autocatalytic processing of proPCSK9. PCSK9‐P174S resulted in a LOF in both extracellular and intracellular pathways. In conclusion, our extensive analyses revealed that all studied mutations result in PCSK9 LOF, via various mechanisms, leading to lower levels of LDLc.
Body fat accrual trajectories for a sample of Asian‐Canadian and Caucasian‐Canadian children and youth: A longitudinal DXA‐based study
Authors: McConnell‐Nzunga Jennifer , Naylor Patti‐Jean , Macdonald Heather M. , Rhodes Ryan E. , Hofer Scott M. , McKay Heather A. 
Published: August 2019

SummaryBackgroundBody fat accrual trajectories can be used to monitor trends in body fat mass and identify potential health risks. Currently, no body fat percent (BF%) centile distance and velocity curves exist for Canadian youth.ObjectivesTo develop sex‐specific and ethnic‐specific BF% centile distance and velocity curves for White and Asian‐Canadian youth.MethodsWe utilized 4734 observations from 944 participants (female = 487; Asian = 532) to create sex‐specific BF% velocity curves for age 10 to 18 years and sex‐specific and ethnic‐specific BF% percentile distance curves for ages 9 to 18 years for White and Asian children. BF% was derived from whole body DXA scans.ResultsBF% centile distance curves for Asian and White girls were similar. BF% at most centiles plateaued around age 16 for Asian but not for White boys. Velocity curves for boys declined from age 11 to 13 years and then increased until age 18 years. For girls from 10 to 15 years, velocity curves converged towards the 50th centile then remained flat from 16 to 18 years.ConclusionsBF% distance and velocity centiles can be used to identify when an individual veers from an average BF% accrual trajectory. In future, these curves may be used to investigate differences in fat mass and accrual across Canada.
Introduction of portable bedside echocardiography to acute general medicine
Authors: Maxwell Allan Gordon , Jardine David L. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractWe reviewed the medical records of all patients who underwent portable bedside echocardiography under general medicine over a 15‐month period. The mean age of patients was 67 years (range 16–95) (n = 201). Indications for scanning included syncope (27%), murmur (17%) and dyspnoea (14%); findings included valve abnormalities (46%), left ventricular hypertrophy (26%) and dilated left ventricle (15%). Bedside echocardiography is a useful extension of the physical examination but is operator‐dependent, and its routine use in general medicine will depend on the availability of training, group reporting sessions and quality assurance.
Seasonality of hip fracture and vitamin D deficiency persists in a sub‐tropical climate
Authors: Lara Alvarez Sonia E. , Bell Kate , Ward Nicola , Cooke Cameron , Inder Warrick J. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBoth hip fractures and vitamin D (25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25‐OHD)) deficiency are more common in winter in regions with temperate climates, but few data exist for a sub‐tropical climate. In a South East Queensland tertiary hospital over a 7‐year period, there were significantly more hip fractures in winter than the other three seasons (analysis of variance P = 0.003), with associated higher frequency of 25‐OHD deficiency – 42.5% in winter compared to 28.5% in summer, odds ratio 1.86 (95% confidence interval 1.35–2.56), P = 0.0001. Seasonality of hip fracture and 25‐OHD deficiency occurs even in a sub‐tropical climate.
Effect of furosemide on muscle cramps in patients with liver cirrhosis
Authors: Sawada Yasuhiko , Kawaratani Hideto , Kubo Takuya , Fujinaga Yukihisa , Furukawa Masanori , Saikawa Soichiro , Sato Shinya , Takaya Hiroaki , Kaji Kosuke , Shimozato Naotaka , Moriya Kei , Namisaki Tadashi , Akahane Takemi , Mitoro Akira , Yoshiji Hitoshi 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackground and AimPatients with cirrhosis usually experience muscle cramps of varying severity. Although diuretics have been reported to cause muscle cramps, clinical evidence is limited. Also, it has been pointed out that the use of diuretics is associated with the progression of sarcopenia in patients with cirrhosis. We conducted a questionnaire survey to clarify the effects of diuretics and skeletal muscle loss on muscle cramps.MethodsOverall, we enrolled 152 adults with cirrhosis in this study. Cramp questionnaires were obtained after informed consent. Study variables (demographics, physical findings, serum metabolic panel, and drugs taken that affect muscle cramps) were extracted from medical records. Body composition, including muscle volume, was analyzed using a bioelectrical impedance analysis method, and muscle strength (handgrip) was evaluated at enrollment. Cross‐sectional skeletal muscle area was evaluated on computed tomography imaging at the L3 vertebral level to investigate the relationship between muscle cramps and sarcopenia.ResultsThe proportion of furosemide administration was higher in patients with cramping compared with those without. On a multivariate logistic regression analysis, furosemide use was a significant factor in the presence of muscle cramps. Furthermore, regarding factors contributing to muscle cramp severity, furosemide use was extracted by multivariate logistic regression analysis. In the presence or severity of muscle cramps, skeletal muscles did not show any significant difference.ConclusionsFurosemide use for patients with cirrhosis was considered a risk factor for occurrence and severity of muscle cramps. On the other hand, skeletal muscle mass loss was not associated with muscle cramps.
Driving Fitness in Different Forms of Dementia: An Update
Authors: Toepper Max , Falkenstein Michael 
Published: August 2019

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVESMost forms of dementia are associated with progressive cognitive and noncognitive impairments that can severely affect fitness to drive. Whether safe driving is still possible in the single case, however, is often difficult to decide and may be dependent on both severity and type of the respective dementia syndrome. Particularly in early disease stages, Alzheimer disease dementia (ADD) and different types of non‐Alzheimer dementias, such as vascular dementia (VaD), frontotemporal dementia (FTD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), and Parkinson disease dementia (PDD), might differentially affect fitness to drive.DESIGNTo examine the effects of severity and type of dementia on driving fitness, we conducted a systematic review with qualitative narrative synthesis, involving different driving outcomes in different forms and stages of dementia.SETTINGLiterature research included MEDLINE and PsycINFO databases with a focus on the most relevant and recent publications on the topic.PARTICIPANTSThe population of interest included older drivers in different stages of ADD and different forms of non‐Alzheimer dementias (VaD, FTD, DLB, and PDD).MEASUREMENTSNarrative description of driving outcomes in the population of interest.RESULTSOverall, previous studies suggest that driving fitness is severely impaired in moderate and severe dementia, irrespective of the type of dementia. In milder disease stages, fitness to drive appears to be more severely impaired in non‐Alzheimer dementias than in ADD, since the non‐Alzheimer syndromes are not only associated with driving‐relevant cognitive but noncognitive risk factors, such as behavioral or motor symptoms.CONCLUSIONSBased on these findings, practical recommendations are presented, including a risk evaluation for driving safety, depending on severity and type of different dementia syndromes. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:2186–2192, 2019
BEYOND THE STARS
Authors: Sterck Olivier 
Published: August 2019

AbstractIt is frequent to hear in economic seminars or read in academic papers that an effect is economically significant or economically important. Yet, the economic literature is vague on what economic importance means and how it should be measured. In this paper, I show that existing measures of economic importance are flawed and misused. I derive a new metric that measures, in percentage terms, the contribution of each explanatory variable to deviations in the dependent variable, ceteris paribus. As an illustration, the method is applied to study the determinants of migration and the determinants of fertility.
Establishment of patient‐derived xenograft model in ovarian cancer and its influence factors analysis
Authors: Wu Jianfa , Zheng Yunxi , Tian Qi , Yao Ming , Yi Xiaofang 
Published: August 2019

AbstractAimPatient‐derived xenograft (PDX) model has been applied to the study of breast cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer and other cancers. However, its feasibility in ovarian cancer has not been understood. This study aimed to establish ovarian cancer PDX model and reveal its influence factors.MethodsIn this study, 27 patients in Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital affiliated to Fudan University from May 2015 to May 2016 were employed to explore the method of PDX model in ovarian cancer and verify its feasibility.ResultsFinally, five cases of PDX models were successfully established, and the tumor formation rate (TFR) was 18.52%. In addition, immunohistochemistry and transcriptome sequencing analysis showed that tumor of PDX model have similar gene expression, gene splicing, gene fusion and single nucleotide polymorphisms with primary tumor (R2 = 0.741). Furthermore, it was revealed that compared to epithelial ovarian cancer, the TFR of PDX models with nonepithelial ovarian cancer was higher, while other factors such as the initiation site of tumor, the degree of tumor malignancy, the stage of tumor, the type of tumor and the species of experimental animals were not associated with the TFR.ConclusionOvarian cancer PDX model, as a new scientific research model, can better keep the biological characteristics of primary tumor, which has great research value in ovarian cancer.
The dynamic effect of direct‐acting antiviral treatments on the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Lusivika‐Nzinga Clovis , Fontaine Hélène , Dorival Céline , Simony Mélanie , Pol Stanislas , Carrat Fabrice ,   the ANRS/AFEF Hepather study group
Published: August 2019

AbstractThere is still some controversy over a potentially increased short‐term risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after the initiation of direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) therapy, even though a decreased long‐term risk of HCC has been reported following a sustained virological response in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. We characterized the time‐varying effect of DAAs on the risk of the occurrence of HCC in patients with cirrhosis and HCV infection. We analysed patients with cirrhosis and chronic HCV infection from the ANRS CO22 HEPATHER cohort study. We excluded patients with active HBV coinfection, liver transplantation or a past history of HCC. We used a flexible weighted effect cumulative exposure Cox model to characterize the time‐varying effect of DAAs on the risk of HCC. A total of 3595 patients, mean age 59.3 years old, 65% men, were eligible for the study. Median follow‐up was 36.8 months (IQR 24.6‐47.1). DAAs were started during follow‐up in 3292 patients. Three hundred and fifty‐six HCCs were reported (275 treated, 81 untreated). Overall, a constant decrease in the risk of occurrence of HCC (vs untreated) was found from the start of treatment. Results were similar in patients without a history of decompensated cirrhosis (DC). Analysis of patients with a past history of DC showed a nonsignificant increase in the occurrence of HCC over the first 6 months, while the HR was significantly decreased at 14 months. These findings support the urgent initiation of DAAs in all patients.
A scoping review of social‐behaviour change techniques applied in complementary feeding interventions
Authors: Webb Girard Aimee , Waugh Emma , Sawyer Sarah , Golding Lenette , Ramakrishnan Usha 
Published: August 2019

AbstractEducation and other strategies to promote optimal complementary feeding can significantly improve practices, but little is known about the specific techniques successful interventions use to achieve behaviour change. We reviewed the literature for complementary feeding interventions in low‐/middle‐income countries (LMIC) published since 2000. We systematically applied a validated taxonomy mapping process to code specific behaviour change techniques (BCTs) used in each intervention; effectiveness ratios for each BCT were estimated. Sixty‐four interventions met inclusion criteria, were abstracted, BCTs identified, and coded. Dietary diversity was the most commonly assessed component of complementary feeding, and interpersonal communication, either individually or in groups, was the most commonly used delivery platform. Of the 93 BCTs available for mapping, the 64 interventions included in this review applied a total of 28 BCTs. Interventions used a median of six techniques (max = 13; min = 2). All interventions used “instruction on how to perform the behaviour.” Other commonly applied BCTs included “use of a credible source” (n = 46), “demonstration of the behaviour” (n = 35), and “providing information about health consequences” (n = 30). Forty‐three interventions reported strategies to shift the physical or social environment. Among BCTs used in >20 interventions, five had effectiveness ratios >0.8: “provision of/enabling social support”; “providing information about health consequences”; “demonstration of the behaviour”; and “adding objects to the environment” namely, food, supplements, or agricultural inputs. The limited reporting of theory‐based BCTs in complementary feeding interventions may impede efforts to improve and scale effective programs and reduce the global burden of malnutrition.
Women's bargaining power and child feeding in Nepal: Linkages through nutrition information
Authors: Kulkarni Shibani , Frongillo Edward A. , Cunningham Kenda , Moore Spencer , Blake Christine E. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractWomen's intra‐household bargaining power is an important determinant of child nutritional status, but there is limited evidence on how it relates to infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices. We conducted a cross‐sectional analysis using 2012 baseline data from the impact evaluation of Suaahara, a multisectoral programme in Nepal, focusing on households with children 0–23 months (n = 1787). We examined if women's bargaining power was related to exposure to IYCF information and if exposure to IYCF information was in turn associated with improved IYCF practices: early initiation of breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding, minimum meal frequency and dietary diversity. Bargaining power consisted of four domains: (i) ownership and control of assets; (ii) social participation; (iii) workload; and (iv) household decision‐making control and were primarily measured using additive scales. We used generalized structural equation modelling to examine if exposure to IYCF information mediated the relationship between the bargaining domains and the four IYCF practices, separately. Social participation was positively associated with exposure to IYCF information (β = 0.266, P < .001), which in turn was related to early initiation (β = 0.241, P = .001). We obtained similar results for the relationship between social participation and dietary diversity. Decision‐making control was directly associated with exclusive breastfeeding (β = 0.350, P = .036). No domains were associated with minimum meal frequency. Different domains of women's bargaining power may relate to exposure to nutrition information and IYCF behaviours. Understanding specific domains of bargaining power is critical to developing interventions that can effectively address gender‐related issues that underlie child nutrition outcomes.