bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ethnicity and sexual risk in heterosexual people attending sexual health clinics in England: a cross-sectional, self-administered questionnaire study
Authors: Coyle Rachel Margaret , Miltz Ada Rose , Lampe Fiona C , Sewell Janey , Phillips Andrew N , Speakman Andrew , Dhar Jyoti , Sherr Lorraine , Sadiq S Tariq , Taylor Stephen , Ivens Daniel R , Collins Simon , Elford Jonathan , Anderson Jane , Rodger Alison 
Published: March 2018

ObjectivesIn the UK, people of black ethnicity experience a disproportionate burden of HIV and STI. We aimed to assess the association of ethnicity with sexual behaviour and sexual health among women and heterosexual men attending genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics in England.MethodsThe Attitudes to and Understanding of Risk of Acquisition of HIV is a cross-sectional, self-administered questionnaire study of HIV negative people recruited from 20 GUM clinics in England, 2013–2014. Modified Poisson regression with robust SEs was used to calculate adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) for the association between ethnicity and various sexual risk behaviours, adjusted for age, study region, education and relationship status.ResultsQuestionnaires were completed by 1146 individuals, 676 women and 470 heterosexual men. Ethnicity was recorded for 1131 (98.8%) participants: 550 (48.6%) black/mixed African, 168 (14.9%) black/mixed Caribbean, 308 (27.2%) white ethnic groups, 105 (9.3%) other ethnicity. Compared with women from white ethnic groups, black/mixed African women were less likely to report condomless sex with a non-regular partner (aPR (95% CI) 0.67 (0.51 to 0.88)), black/mixed African and black/mixed Caribbean women were less likely to report two or more new partners (0.42 (0.32 to 0.55) and 0.44 (0.29 to 0.65), respectively), and black/mixed Caribbean women were more likely to report an STI diagnosis (1.56 (1.00 to 2.42)). Compared with men from white ethnic groups, black/mixed Caribbean men were more likely to report an STI diagnosis (1.91 (1.20 to 3.04)), but did not report risk behaviours more frequently. Men and women of black/mixed Caribbean ethnicity remained more likely to report STI history after adjustment for sexual risk behaviours.DiscussionRisk behaviours were reported less frequently by women of black ethnicity; however, history of STI was more prevalent among black/mixed Caribbean women. In black/mixed Caribbean men, higher STI history was not explained by ethnic variation in reported risk behaviours. The association between STI and black/mixed Caribbean ethnicity remained after adjustment for risk behaviours.
‘Ductile v. Brittle’ – Alternative structural interpretations for the Niger Delta
Authors: Restrepo-Pace Pedro A 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
A wealth of subsurface information gathered from over 60 years of hydrocarbon exploration offshore Nigeria provides a reference study area on the interaction between sedimentation, structure and overpressure in a large delta system. The current geological paradigm is that structuration and synkinematic sedimentation is governed by shale mobility from the deeper parts of the delta. This concept is largely the result of interpretations derived from vintage seismic data and insufficient calibration of the deeper parts of the delta. Long-cable seismic data are providing new insights into this interpretation conundrum. A first-order problem, which is of particular interest here, relates to the linkage between the extensional structures updip with the compressional structures downdip. The translational zone between extension and compression is key to unravelling the nature of this link and any associated structural material balance discrepancies. The primary focus of the current paper is to interrogate seismic data and to provide alternative interpretations to the accepted paradigm. Two end-member interpretations of the Niger Delta regional seismic dip lines – referred to here as the ‘ductile model’ and the ‘brittle model’ – are presented. Aside from their internal geometrical dissimilarities, these interpretations suggest fundamentally different kinematic and geomechanical models. The latter may offer a wider scope for deep – largely neglected – hydrocarbon exploration targets. Ultimately, these ideas could provide the conceptual framework that, in conjunction with improved seismic efforts, could lead to rejuvenated exploration portfolios.
Development of a polarized pancreatic ductular cell epithelium for physiological studies
Authors: O’Malley Yunxia , Rotti Pavana G. , Thornell Ian M. , Vanegas Calderón Oriana G. , Febres-Aldana Christopher , Durham Katelin , Yao Jianrong , Li Xiaopeng , Zhu Zheng , Norris Andrew W. , Zabner Joseph , Engelhardt John F. , Uc Aliye 
Published: March 2018

Pancreatic ductular epithelial cells comprise the majority of duct cells in pancreas, control cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR)-dependent bicarbonate ([Formula: see text]) secretion, but are difficult to grow as a polarized monolayer. Using NIH-3T3-J2 fibroblast feeder cells and a Rho-associated kinase inhibitor, we produced well-differentiated and polarized porcine pancreatic ductular epithelial cells. Cells grown on semipermeable filters at the air-liquid interface developed typical epithelial cell morphology and stable transepithelial resistance and expressed epithelial cell markers (zona occludens-1 and β-catenin), duct cell markers (SOX-9 and CFTR), but no acinar (amylase) or islet cell (chromogranin) markers. Polarized cells were studied in Ussing chambers bathed in Krebs-Ringer [Formula: see text] solution at 37°C gassed with 5% CO2 to measure short-circuit currents ( Isc). Ratiometric measurement of extracellular pH was performed with fluorescent SNARF-conjugated dextran at 5% CO2. Cells demonstrated a baseline Isc (12.2 ± 3.2 μA/cm2) that increased significantly in response to apical forskolin-IBMX (∆ Isc: 35.4 ± 3.8 μA/cm2, P < 0.001) or basolateral secretin (∆ Isc: 31.4 ± 2.5 μA/cm2, P < 0.001), both of which increase cellular levels of cAMP. Subsequent addition of apical GlyH-101, a CFTR inhibitor, decreased the current (∆ Isc: 20.4 ± 3.8 μA/cm2, P < 0.01). Extracellular pH and [Formula: see text] concentration increased significantly after forskolin-IBMX (pH: 7.18 ± 0.23 vs. 7.53 ± 0.19; [Formula: see text] concentration, 14.5 ± 5.9 vs. 31.8 ± 13.4 mM; P < 0.05 for both). We demonstrate the development of a polarized pancreatic ductular epithelial cell epithelium with CFTR-dependent [Formula: see text] secretion in response to secretin and cAMP. This model is highly relevant, as porcine pancreas physiology is very similar to humans and pancreatic damage in the cystic fibrosis pig model recapitulates that of humans. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Pancreas ductular epithelial cells control cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR)-dependent bicarbonate secretion. Their function is critical because when CFTR is deficient in cystic fibrosis bicarbonate secretion is lost and the pancreas is damaged. Mechanisms that control pancreatic bicarbonate secretion are incompletely understood. We generated well-differentiated and polarized porcine pancreatic ductular epithelial cells and demonstrated feasibility of bicarbonate secretion. This novel method will advance our understanding of pancreas physiology and mechanisms of bicarbonate secretion.
Predictive Factors of Contralateral Operation after Initial Pyeloplasty in Children with Antenatally Detected Bilateral Hydronephrosis Due to Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction
Authors: Jiang Dapeng , Chen Zhoutong , Lin Houwei , Xu Maosheng , Geng Hongquan 
Published: March 2018

Objectives: This study was performed to analyze the predictive factors of a contralateral operation after initial pyeloplasty in patients with antenatally detected bilateral ureteropelvic junction obstruction. Methods: Patients with prenatally diagnosed bilateral ureteropelvic junction obstruction who underwent initial pyeloplasty (aged <12 months at initial pyeloplasty) were offered to participate in the study. Patients were recruited from January 2012 to December 2015. The anteroposterior renal pelvic diameter, parenchymal thickness, and calyceal dilatation were evaluated. Predictive factors of contralateral pyeloplasty after initial unilateral pyeloplasty were also examined. Results: In total, 82 patients were included in the study (mean age, 2.8 months). Among all patients who underwent initial pyeloplasty, additional contralateral pyeloplasty was required in 11 patients (13.4%). The outcome of contralateral hydronephrosis was assessed as resolution, persistence, or surgery. The median anteroposterior renal pelvic diameter and calyceal dilatation were significantly different among the groups (p < 0.001). Calyceal dilatation of ≥10 mm and a calyceal dilatation/parenchymal thickness ratio of ≥5 strongly suggested the likelihood of a contralateral operation. Conclusions: In most patients with bilateral ureteropelvic junction obstruction, improvement or resolution of contralateral hydronephrosis following initial unilateral pyeloplasty can be expected. Patients with contralateral calyceal dilatation >10 mm and the calyceal dilatation/parenchymal thickness ratio >5 are at higher risk of surgery.
Sex Differences in Timeliness of Reperfusion in Young Patients With ST‐Segment–Elevation Myocardial Infarction by Initial Electrocardiographic Characteristics
Authors: Gupta Aakriti , Barrabes Jose A. , Strait Kelly , Bueno Hector , Porta‐Sánchez Andreu , Acosta‐Vélez J. Gabriel , Lidón Rosa‐Maria , Spatz Erica , Geda Mary , Dreyer Rachel P. , Lorenze Nancy , Lichtman Judith , D'Onofrio Gail , Krumholz Harlan M. 
Published: March 2018

Background
Young women with ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction experience reperfusion delays more frequently than men. Our aim was to determine the electrocardiographic correlates of delay in reperfusion in young patients with ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction.

Methods and Results

We examined sex differences in initial electrocardiographic characteristics among 1359 patients with ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction in a prospective, observational, cohort study (2008–2012) of 3501 patients with acute myocardial infarction, 18 to 55 years of age, as part of the VIRGO (Variation in Recovery: Role of Gender on Outcomes of Young
AMI
Patients) study at 103
US
and 24 Spanish hospitals enrolling in a 2:1 ratio for women/men. We created a multivariable logistic regression model to assess the relationship between reperfusion delay (door‐to‐balloon time >90 or >120 minutes for transfer or door‐to‐needle time >30 minutes) and electrocardiographic characteristics, adjusting for sex, sociodemographic characteristics, and clinical characteristics at presentation. In our study (834 women and 525 men), women were more likely to exceed reperfusion time guidelines than men (42.4% versus 31.5%;
P
<0.01). In multivariable analyses, female sex persisted as an important factor in exceeding reperfusion guidelines after adjusting for electrocardiographic characteristics (odds ratio, 1.57; 95%
CI
, 1.15–2.15). Positive voltage criteria for left ventricular hypertrophy and absence of a prehospital
ECG
were positive predictors of reperfusion delay; and
ST
elevation in lateral leads was an inverse predictor of reperfusion delay.

Conclusions

Sex disparities in timeliness to reperfusion in young patients with ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction persisted, despite adjusting for initial electrocardiographic characteristics. Left ventricular hypertrophy by voltage criteria and absence of prehospital
ECG
are strongly positively correlated and
ST
elevation in lateral leads is negatively correlated with reperfusion delay.
Patient and Caregiver Determinants of Patient Quality of Life and Caregiver Strain in Left Ventricular Assist Device Therapy
Authors: Bidwell Julie T. , Lyons Karen S. , Mudd James O. , Grady Kathleen L. , Gelow Jill M. , Hiatt Shirin O. , Chien Christopher V. , Lee Christopher S. 
Published: March 2018

Background

Although current guidelines emphasize the importance of social support to the success of left ventricular assist device (
LVAD
) therapy, few studies examine the influence of the caregiver on patient outcomes or quantify the impact of
LVAD
caregiving on caregiver outcomes. The purpose of this analysis was to identify patient and caregiver determinants of patient quality of life (
QOL
) and caregiver strain in response to
LVAD
therapy.

Methods and Results

Data on patients receiving LVAD therapy and their caregivers (n=50 dyads) were prospectively collected pre‐implantation and 1, 3, and 6 months post‐implantation. Growth curve modeling was used to describe change in patient
QOL
(Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire) and caregiver strain (Multidimensional Caregiver Strain Index). Patient
QOL
improved most in the first month (β=23.22±3.76,
P
<0.001), followed by gradual gains over 6 months (β=1.90±0.64,
P
<0.01). Caregivers experienced worsening of strain in the first month (β=4.30±1.42,
P
<0.01), followed by gradual resolution to pre‐implantation levels by 6 months (β=−0.71±0.23,
P
<0.01). Worse pre‐implantation patient symptoms were associated with greater improvement in patient
QOL
(β=0.53±0.19,
P
<0.01) but worsening caregiver strain (β=0.15±0.07,
P
=0.04). Better relationship quality was associated with greater improvement in patient
QOL
(β=14.39±5.85,
P
=0.01) and less pre‐implantation caregiver strain (β=−9.31±2.28,
P
<0.001). Nonspousal caregivers experienced less pre‐implantation strain (β=−8.60±3.10,
P
=0.01), and patients with nonspousal caregivers had less improvement in
QOL
(β=−3.70±1.62,
P
=0.02).

Conclusions

A combination of patient and caregiver characteristics predicts patient and caregiver response to
LVAD
therapy. Including caregiver factors in future studies may be helpful in developing interventions that improve patient and caregiver outcomes, together.
Linear and Nonlinear Dynamics of North Atlantic Oscillations: A New Thinking of Symmetry Breaking
Authors: Luo Dehai , Chen Xiaodan , Feldstein Steven B. 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Observations reveal that the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) exhibits a strong asymmetry: large amplitude, long persistence, and westward movement in its negative phase (NAO−) and conversely in its positive phase (NAO+). Further calculations show that blocking days occur frequently over the North Atlantic (Eurasia) after the NAO− (NAO+) peaks, thus indicating that North Atlantic blocking occurs because of the retrogression of the NAO−, whereas blocking occurs over Eurasia because of enhanced downstream energy dispersion of the NAO+.
Motivated by a unified nonlinear multiscale interaction (UNMI) model, the authors define dispersion, nonlinearity, and movement indices to describe the basic characteristics of the NAO. On this basis, the physical cause of the strong asymmetry or symmetry breaking of the NAO is examined. It is revealed that the strong asymmetry between the NAO+ and NAO− may be associated with the large difference of the North Atlantic jet in intensity and latitude between both phases. When the NAO+ grows, the North Atlantic jet is intensified and shifts northward and corresponds to reduced nonlinearity and enhanced energy dispersion because of an increased difference between its group velocity and phase speed related to enhanced meridional potential vorticity gradient. Thus, the NAO+ has smaller amplitude, eastward movement, and less persistence. Opposite behavior is seen for the NAO− because of the opposite variation of the North Atlantic jet during its life cycle. Thus, the above results suggest that the NAO+ (NAO−) tends to be a linear (nonlinear) process as a natural consequence of the NAO evolution because of different changes in the North Atlantic jet between both phases.
Wind-Wave Effects on Estuarine Turbulence: A Comparison of Observations and Second-Moment Closure Predictions
Authors: Fisher Alexander W. , Sanford Lawrence P. , Scully Malcolm E. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractObservations of turbulent kinetic energy, dissipation, and turbulent stress were collected in the middle reaches of Chesapeake Bay and were used to assess second-moment closure predictions of turbulence generated beneath breaking waves. Dissipation scaling indicates that the turbulent flow structure observed during a 10-day wind event was dominated by a three-layer response that consisted of 1) a wave transport layer, 2) a surface log layer, and 3) a tidal, bottom boundary layer limited by stable stratification. Below the wave transport layer, turbulent mixing was limited by stable stratification. Within the wave transport layer, where dissipation was balanced by a divergence in the vertical turbulent kinetic energy flux, the eddy viscosity was significantly underestimated by second-moment turbulence closure models, suggesting that breaking waves homogenized the mixed surface layer to a greater extent than the simple model of TKE diffusing away from a source at the surface. While the turbulent transport of TKE occurred largely downgradient, the intermittent downward sweeps of momentum generated by breaking waves occurred largely independent of the mean shear. The underprediction of stress in the wave transport layer by second-moment closures was likely due to the inability of the eddy viscosity model to capture the nonlocal turbulent transport of the momentum flux beneath breaking waves. Finally, the authors hypothesize that large-scale coherent turbulent eddies played a significant role in transporting momentum generated near the surface to depth.
Prevalence and Incidence of Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders: Implications for Prevention
Authors: Jablensky Assen 
Published: March 2018

Objective This paper reviews the historical and conceptual background to proposals about prevention of schizophrenia through intervention targeting asymptomatic, high-risk individuals. It also examines the outcomes of a hypothetical model of prevention based on a two-stage risk segmenting approach. Method The assumptions and parameters used in the model are derived from actual epidemiological and clinical research. The two risk criteria selected are: (i) genetic risk (having a parent with schizophrenia); and (ii) neurocognitive deficit (abnormal performance on the Continuous Performance Task, CPT). The parameters and risk factors are applied to a hypothetical screening program covering a population of 100 000. Results At the end of the second stage of screening the program using the risk criteria to search for preventable cases will have correctly identified only three out of 20 ‘true’ cases and will have incorrectly assigned to treatment two non-cases. The great majority of people at risk who will eventually develop schizophrenia are likely to remain undetected by current screening or preclinical diagnostic programs, while a certain number of people actually not at risk would be falsely identified as high-risk and offered treatment. Conclusions Reliably identifying, with intention to treat, asymptomatic people in the community who are presumed to be at high risk of developing schizophrenia is at present epidemiologically non-viable. This caveat should not apply to strategies for early diagnosis and treatment of incipient episodes of schizophrenia where strategies to reduce the duration of untreated psychosis are likely to be both feasible and cost-effective.
Screening for Low Prevalence Disorders
Authors: O'Toole Brian I. 
Published: March 2018

Objective To examine the epidemiologic theory of screening as it applies to low prevalence disorders, such as schizophrenia, in order to identify the tasks required for primary and secondary prevention. Method Review of principles of screening, computation of prevented fraction for varying sensitivities, specificities and prevalences of disease, and review of prevalence of schizophrenia in Australian general practice. Results There is no currently available efficient method of screening for schizophrenia or for prodromal symptoms. From the genesis of disease to eventual outcome, the milestones that are passed in the case of schizophrenia are uncertain in their nature and the intervening time periods are of uncertain and possibly varying duration. The extent of false positives and negatives in low prevalence disorders is high unless the specificity is very high. Conclusion It may be feasible to screen for behaviours that are precursors to schizophrenia; however, screening depends upon the existence of a reliable screening instrument that can be shown to discriminate accurately between diseased and disease-free individuals. Development of a method for screening requires comparison against formal clinical assessment of both screen positives and screen negatives. For low prevalence disorders the predictive values may be low unless specificity is high.
Eye Movement Dysfunction as a Biological Marker of Risk for Schizophrenia
Authors: Lee Kwang-Hyuk , Williams Leanne M. 
Published: March 2018

Objective Our aim was to review smooth pursuit eye movement (SPEM) studies in schizophrenia and groups at high risk for schizophrenia, with a view to evaluating the utility of SPEM dysfunction as a biological marker of risk for schizophrenia. Method Smooth pursuit eye movement studies, related saccade function and the unresolved issues in this area of schizophrenia research were addressed. The different perspectives on the trait marker status of SPEM dysfunction, provided by both high-risk studies and related developmental research were considered. Attention was also given to the relationship between eye movement dysfunction and symptom profiles. Results Converging evidence points to the robust and specific nature of SPEM dysfunction in schizophrenia, and highlights the role of frontal lobe and a related network dysfunction. The vast majority of ‘high risk’ studies support the view that SPEM dysfunction is also genetically specific to schizophrenia, and is not simply due to the overt expression of this illness. Studies assessing SPEM in relation to symptomatology show an association with the Disorganisation syndrome in particular. Conclusions Evidence for the specificity of SPEM dysfunction to diagnosed schizophrenia, as well as to healthy individuals with a genetic vulnerability to schizophrenia, suggests that the SPEM task has efficacy as a test of gene carrier status in schizophrenia, and therefore as a trait marker of risk for schizophrenia. Future studies should seek to explore the relationships between SPEM and other eye movement dysfunctions (antisaccades, express saccades), in view of evidence that some of these dysfunctions also show specificity for schizophrenia.