bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long‐term trends in HIV care entry: over 15 years of clinical experience from Poland
Authors: Siwak E , Horban A , Witak‐Jędra M , Cielniak I , Firląg‐Burkacka E , Leszczyszyn‐Pynka M , Witor A , Muller K , Bociąga‐Jasik M , Kalinowska‐Nowak A , Gąsiorowski J , Szetela B , Jabłonowska E , Wójcik‐Cichy K , Jankowska J , Lemańska M , Olczak A , Grąbczewska E , Grzeszczuk A , Rogalska‐Plonska M , Suchacz M , Mikuła T , Łojewski W , Bielec D , Kocbach P , Błudzin W , Parczewski M 
Published: June 2019

IntroductionDelay in HIV diagnosis and consequently late care entry with low CD4 counts remain a major challenge for the control of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The aim of this study was to analyse the evolution of characteristics of the HIV epidemic in Poland.MethodsCross‐sectional data were collected for 3972 HIV‐infected patients followed up in 14 of 17 Polish HIV treatment centres in the years 2000–2015. Clinical data were analysed and factors associated with late presentation (baseline CD4 count < 350 cells/μL or history of AIDS‐defining illness) and advanced HIV disease (baseline CD4 count < 200 cells/μL or history of AIDS) were identified.ResultsThe majority (57.6%) of patients entered care late, while 35.6% presented with advanced HIV disease. The odds of being linked to care late or with advanced HIV disease increased consistently across age categories, increasing from 2.55 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.46–4.47] for late presentation and 3.13 (95% CI 1.49–6.58) for advanced disease for the 21–30‐year‐old category to 5.2 (95% CI 1.94–14.04) and 8.15 (95% CI 2.88–23.01), respectively, for individuals > 60 years of age. Increased risks of late entry and advanced HIV disease were also observed for injecting drug users [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.74 (95% CI 1.16–2.60) and 1.55 (95% CI 1.05–2.30), respectively], with lower aOR associated with the men who have sex with men transmission route [aOR 0.3 (95% CI 0.31–0.59) and 0.39 (95% CI 0.29–0.53), respectively]. The frequencies of cases in which patients were linked to care late and with advanced HIV disease decreased over time from 67.6% (2000) to 53.5% (2015) (P < 0.0001) and from 43.5% (2000) to 28.4% (2015) (P = 0.001), respectively.ConclusionsDespite improvements over time, most patients diagnosed with HIV infection entered care late, with a third presenting with advanced HIV disease. Late care entry remains common among people who inject drugs and heterosexual groups.
Serum level of advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs) in patients with Henoch–Schonlein purpura and its relationship with aberrant glycosylation of IgA1 and Cosmc mRNA expression
Authors: Liu Qiang , Yang Yun , Ge Shealinna , Huo JianLi , Wang DaHu , Ma YaoHui , Shi ShaoMin , Luo Ding , Deng JieHua , Ren CuiMin , Guo BingShen 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackgroundHenoch–Schonlein purpura (HSP) is a systemic small vessel vasculitis that is mainly caused by IgA1‐type immune complex deposition. Advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs) are specific markers of protein oxidation.ObjectiveTo explore the role of AOPPs in the pathogenesis of HSP.MethodsThere are 51 HSP patients who were divided into four subgroups: (i) skin type – 20 cases; (ii) joint type – 8 cases; (iii) abdominal type – 12 cases; (iv) renal type – 11 cases; and 18 healthy volunteers were enrolled as controls. The serum levels of AOPPs and Gd‐IgA1 were quantified by an HAA‐lectin‐based ELISA. The Cosmc mRNA expression in peripheral B lymphocytes was measured by RT‐PCR.Results1. Advanced oxidation protein products in different subgroups of HSP patients are all higher than the controls, while the renal‐type subgroup is the highest and the skin‐type subgroup is the lowest. 2. Spearman correlation analysis shows that: (i) AOPPs and Gd‐IgA1 in HSP patients are positively correlated; both of them are positively correlated with the disease severity scores; (ii) AOPPs are negatively correlated with the relative expression value (RQ) of Cosmc mRNA.ConclusionAdvanced oxidation protein products play an important role in the pathogenesis of HSP, especially in renal‐type patients.
Integration Needs and Support Offered: The Effects of Support on Young Spaniards in Germany
Authors: Aksakal Mustafa , Schmidt Kerstin 
Published: June 2019

AbstractIn this article we compare the perceived cultural integration challenges by young Spanish migrants in Germany with the support offered by one national government initiative and one local migrant organisation. Based on qualitative interviews, we identified four inequality‐related and interrelated challenges: personal relationships, housing, company culture and bureaucracy. Our findings show that MobiPro‐EU, as an example of a government initiative, emphasises labour market integration and thereby neglects the cultural dimension of integration. The German‐Spanish Association, which is a regional example for migrant self‐support, lacks the financial means, staff and geographic scope to provide large‐scale support. We conclude that both initiatives follow a different support strategy and demonstrate shortcomings in supporting migrants. As a consequence, particularly for migrants who cannot draw on social support, for instance provided by their personal networks, the absence of effective support measures can negatively affect cultural integration into society as well as career development.
Circulation and characterization of seasonal influenza viruses in Cambodia, 2012‐2015
Authors: Horwood Paul F. , Karlsson Erik A. , Horm Srey Viseth , Ly Sovann , Heng Seng , Chin Savuth , Darapheak Chau , Saunders David , Chanthap Lon , Rith Sareth , Y Phalla , Chea Kim Lay , Sar Borann , Parry Amy , Ieng Vanra , Tsuyouka Reiko , Deng Yi‐Mo , Hurt Aeron C. , Barr Ian G. , Komadina Naomi , Buchy Philippe , Dussart Philippe 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackgroundInfluenza virus circulation is monitored through the Cambodian influenza‐like illness (ILI) sentinel surveillance system and isolates are characterized by the National Influenza Centre (NIC). Seasonal influenza circulation has previously been characterized by year‐round activity and a peak during the rainy season (June‐November).ObjectivesWe documented the circulation of seasonal influenza in Cambodia for 2012‐2015 and investigated genetic, antigenic, and antiviral resistance characteristics of influenza isolates.Patients/MethodsRespiratory samples were collected from patients presenting with influenza‐like illness (ILI) at 11 hospitals throughout Cambodia. First‐line screening was conducted by the National Institute of Public Health and the Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences. Confirmation of testing and genetic, antigenic and antiviral resistance characterization was conducted by Institute Pasteur in Cambodia, the NIC. Additional virus characterization was conducted by the WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Influenza (Melbourne, Australia).ResultsBetween 2012 and 2015, 1,238 influenza‐positive samples were submitted to the NIC. Influenza A(H3N2) (55.3%) was the dominant subtype, followed by influenza B (30.9%; predominantly B/Yamagata‐lineage) and A(H1N1)pdm09 (13.9%). Circulation of influenza viruses began earlier in 2014 and 2015 than previously described, coincident with the emergence of A(H3N2) clades 3C.2a and 3C.3a, respectively. There was high diversity in the antigenicity of A(H3N2) viruses, and to a smaller extent influenza B viruses, during this period, with some mismatches with the northern and southern hemisphere vaccine formulations. All isolates tested were susceptible to the influenza antiviral drugs oseltamivir and zanamivir.ConclusionsSeasonal and year‐round co‐circulation of multiple influenza types/subtypes were detected in Cambodia during 2012‐2015.
Desert island papers—A life in variance parameter and quantitative genetic parameter estimation reviewed using 16 papers
Authors: Thompson Robin 
Published: June 2019

AbstractI review my scientific career in terms of eight areas and 16 papers. The first two areas are associated with childhood. The other six are associated with residual maximum likelihood (REML), canonical transformation, inbreeding in selected populations, average information residual maximum likelihood (AIREML), the computer program ASReml and sampling‐based estimation.
Survival and growth of Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus on conventional and low‐sodium bacon—A short communication
Authors: Shin Yeseul , Kim Eungyung , Lee Huyong , Beuchat Larry R. , Ryu Jee‐Hoon , Kim Hoikyung 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThis study was focused on determining survival and growth characteristics of Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus on conventional (16.7 mg of sodium/g) and low‐sodium (10.7 mg of sodium/g) bacon. The two types of bacon were inoculated with the either L. monocytogenes or S. aureus stored at 4, 12, or 25°C for up to 7 days. Populations of L. monocytogenes and S. aureus did not change significantly on bacon stored at 4 and 12°C, regardless of sodium content. L. monocytogenes remained at 1.0–1.5 log cfu/g of conventional bacon stored at 25°C for 7 days but increased to 3.5 log cfu/g on low‐sodium bacon stored for 4 days. Within 1 and 3 days at 25°C, S. aureus increased, respectively, to 4.5 log cfu/g and 7.3 log cfu/g of low‐sodium bacon. Within 7 days at 25°C, populations increased to 8.1 log cfu/g of low‐sodium bacon and 3.7 log cfu/g of conventional bacon. This study shows that L. monocytogenes can grow on low‐sodium bacon stored at 25°C. S. aureus can grow on bacon stored at 25°C, regardless of sodium content, but the presence of 16.7 mg of sodium/g, compared to 10.7 mg/g, retards the rate of growth.Practical applicationsAt 25°C, L. monocytogenes and S. aureus grew more rapidly on low‐sodium bacon than on conventional bacon. Low‐sodium bacons increase concern for microbiological safety. Storage of conventional and low‐sodium bacon at 25°C enables growth of both pathogens. Appropriate temperature for storage is more critical to enhance the microbiological safety of bacons rather than amount of sodium added.
Multi‐season analyses of causative pathogens in children hospitalized with asthma exacerbation
Authors: Abe Nozomi , Yasudo Hiroki , Fukano Reiji , Nakamura Tamaki , Okada Seigo , Wakiguchi Hiroyuki , Okazaki Fumiko , Shirabe Komei , Toda Shoichi , Okamoto Reiko , Ouchi Kazunobu , Ohga Shouichi , Hasegawa Shunji 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackgroundRespiratory viral and mycoplasma infections are associated with childhood asthma exacerbations. Here, we explored epidemiologic profile of causative pathogens and possible factors for exacerbation in a single center over a three‐year period.MethodsHospitalized asthmatic children with attack aged 6 months‐17 years were recruited between 2012 and 2015 (n = 216). Nasopharyngeal mucosa cell samples were collected from the participants and examined by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction to detect rhinovirus (RV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), enterovirus (EV), parainfluenza virus (PIV), Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and others. Clinical features, laboratory data, asthma exacerbation intensity, and asthma severity were compared among participants. Epidemiologic profile of causative pathogens and possible factors for exacerbation were explored.ResultsViruses and/or Mycoplasma pneumoniae were detected in 75% of the participants. Rhinovirus (48%) was the most commonly detected virus in the participants with single infection, followed by RSV (6%). The median age at admission in the RV group was significantly higher than that in the RSV group. Insufficient asthma control and allergen sensitization were significantly related to RV‐associated asthma exacerbation. There was no seasonality of pathogen types associated with asthma exacerbation although a sporadic prevalence of EV‐D68 was observehinovirud. Rhinovirus were repeatedly detected in multiple admission cases.ConclusionOur three‐year analysis revealed that patients with RV infection were significantly prone to repeated RV infection in the subsequent exacerbation and good asthma control could prevent RV‐associated asthma development and exacerbation. Multiple‐year monitoring allowed us to comprehend the profile of virus‐ and/or mycoplasma‐induced asthma exacerbation.
Perinatal maternal mental health is associated with both infections and wheezing in early childhood
Authors: Rusconi Franca , Gagliardi Luigi , Gori Elisa , Porta Daniela , Popovic Maja , Asta Federica , Brescianini Sonia , Richiardi Lorenzo , Ronfani Luca , Stazi Maria Antonietta 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackgroundWheezing and infections are common during infancy, and the role of early‐life exposures in their development is still under investigation. We examined associations between maternal mental health in pregnancy and after delivery and subsequent offspring wheezing and infections.MethodsWe studied 2314 mother‐child pairs recruited in the Piccolipiù birth cohort (Italy) from 2011 to 2015. Maternal mental health was assessed in pregnancy and 12 months after delivery via the General Health Questionnaire‐12 (GHQ‐12). GHQ‐12 Likert scores were collapsed into low (below the upper tercile) and high (above). Risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) between each combination of scores—during pregnancy and 1 year after delivery—and outcomes were computed by log‐binomial regression models.ResultsHigh scores both in pregnancy and after delivery, compared with low scores in both periods, were associated with wheezing (RR: 1.35; 95% CI: 1.08, 1.69), recurrent (≥2 episodes) wheezing (1.35; 0.99, 1.83), any and recurrent (≥4 episodes) upper respiratory infections (1.20; 1.04, 1.41, and 1.45; 1.07, 1.97, respectively), lower respiratory infections (1.31; 1.08, 1.61), and diarrhea (1.49; 1.23, 1.80). High scores either during pregnancy or 1 year after delivery only were less consistently associated with outcomes.ConclusionsMaternal mental health problems extending from pregnancy to the first year after delivery are associated with development of both wheezing and infections. As wheezing is mostly triggered by infections, increased infection susceptibility could represent a possible common biologic mechanism. This study confirms the importance of early‐life exposures on childhood health.
Bad governance: How privatization increases corruption in the developing world
Authors: Reinsberg Bernhard , Stubbs Thomas , Kentikelenis Alexander , King Lawrence 
Published: June 2019

AbstractInternational organizations have become key actors in the fight against corruption. Among these organizations, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) maintains a powerful position over borrowing countries in its ability to mandate far‐ranging policy reforms – so‐called “conditionalities” – in exchange for access to financial assistance. While IMF pressure can force the implementation of anti‐corruption policies, potentially reducing corruption, other IMF policy measures, such as the privatization of state‐owned enterprises, can create rent‐extraction opportunities and limit the capacity of state institutions to limit corrupt behavior. To test these mechanisms, we conduct instrumental‐variable regression analysis using an original dataset on IMF conditionality for up to 141 developing countries from 1982 to 2014. We find that conditions to privatize state‐owned enterprises exert significant detrimental effects on corruption control. Conversely, other areas of IMF intervention are not consistently related to corruption abatement. These findings offer policy lessons regarding the design of conditionality, which should avoid large‐scale privatization, especially under conditions of weak accountability.
Ethical dilemmas related to the use of safety technology in service house environments
Authors: Sallinen Merja , Hentonen Outi , Teeri Sari 
Published: June 2019

BackgroundThe use of technology in care of older adults has increased rapidly in recent years and is anticipated to increase further in the future. Technological devices and appliances have been developed to promote the safety and independence of older adults living in different settings. However, technology may also be perceived as a threat, and using technology could involve characteristics that may restrict especially patients’ autonomy.Aims and methodsThe aim of this study was to explore ethical dilemmas as experienced and expressed by older adults living in service house environment and their family members. The study was carried out in two service house units in Southwest Finland by conducting thematic interviews of service home residents aged 80–92 years (n = 12) and their relatives (n = 5). The interview data were analysed using inductive content analysis to identify similarities and differences across the data. The findings were categorised under three categories: supervision vs. privacy, fear of losing human contact, autonomy and freedom.FindingsThe participants appreciated the homely environment they had and preferred increasing the amount of staff over increasing technological surveillance. However, the residents were willing to accept also technological systems and solutions if they strengthened one’s feeling of security. Fear of losing human contacts and one’s privacy due to implementation technological systems was expressed by the older adults. Both the residents and their relatives emphasised the autonomy of the older adult in decision‐making concerning the use of technological services.ConclusionsIn conclusion, thorough discussion about autonomy, freedom and privacy is needed before applying new technologies to service house environments. Possibilities for drafting a ‘technological will’ where the resident could define under what circumstances technology can be used in his/her case and who can decide about it should be explored in the future.
Professionals’ experiences with palliative care and collaboration in relation to a randomised clinical trial: a qualitative interview study
Authors: Raunkiær Mette , Buch Martin Sandberg , Holm‐Petersen Christina , Timm Helle 
Published: June 2019

BackgroundInternational evidence on the outcome of generalist versus specialist palliative care provision in palliative care trajectories is limited and varied. In general, intervention studies can influence the organisation of palliative care practice and professional collaborations. However, randomised clinical trials in palliative care rarely consider the organisational significance of the studies, as experienced by the professionals involved. DOMUS is the abbreviation for a Danish intervention study designed as a randomised clinical trial, investigating an accelerated transition from oncological to specialist palliative care at home for patients with incurable cancer. Alongside conducting the palliative care intervention study, we wanted to discover the perspectives of the healthcare professionals involved.AimTo explore the organisational significance of the DOMUS intervention study as experienced by the professionals involved.DesignA qualitative interview study, using thematic content analysis and inspired by organisational theory.Setting/participantsThirty‐eight professionals from four units involved in the DOMUS intervention study took part in 10 groups and six individual interviews.ResultsThe DOMUS randomised clinical trial intervention influenced and sometimes disrupted both the ways of organising, collaborating and practising palliative care, and patients’ and relatives’ understanding of their own situation. It did this by (1) referring a broader palliative care target group to specialist palliative care, leading to (2) different palliative care needs, professional tasks, and perceived impact on (3) the organisation of palliative care and (4) professional collaboration.ConclusionProfessionals involved in the DOMUS palliative care intervention found that the study had organisational significance, with an influence on professionals, patients and relatives. Specialist palliative care in Denmark is devoted organisationally and professionally to patients with severe or complex palliative care needs. Hence, new ways of organising palliative care for people in the earlier stages of their disease are needed.
Indeterminacy and Failure of Grounding
Authors: Assadian Bahram , Nassim Jonathan 
Published: June 2019

AbstractCases of grounding failure present a puzzle for fundamental metaphysics. Typically, solutions are thought to lie either in adding ontology such as haecceities or in re‐describing the cases by means of the ideology of metaphysical indeterminacy. The controversial status of haecceities has led some to favour metaphysical indeterminacy as the way to solve the puzzle. We consider two further treatments of grounding failure each of which, we argue, is a more plausible alternative. As such, the initial dichotomy is a false one, and these alternative options deserve consideration before resorting to the heavyweight machinery of metaphysical indeterminacy.
Hydrogen Gas Production from Gasification of Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch (EFB) in a Fluidized Bed Reactor
Authors: Shahlan Siti Suhaili , Kidam Kamarizan , Tuan Abdullah Tuan Amran , Ali Mohamad Wijayanuddin , Pejic Ljiljana Medic , Kamarden Hamidah 
Published: June 2019

Malaysia is one of the largest producers of palm oil and this industry plays an important role in Malaysia economic growth. As this industry grows larger, a significant amount of oil palm waste is generated, creating the problem of overloading biomass waste. Since the oil palm waste has many significant uses such as empty fruit bunches (EFB), the interest in production of hydrogen gas as the renewable energy from EFB also increases. The most common and favorable thermochemical processes to produce the hydrogen gas is gasification process in fluidized bed reactor. Regardless of tremendous experimental studies done on effectiveness of using EFB for production of hydrogen, the process implementation in industry is still discouraging. This is due to lack of proven technology and high capital cost of investment. In this study, a computational modeling was developed for EFB gasification in fluidized bed gasifier using the ASPEN PLUS simulator (v. 8.8) to optimize the gasification temperature, pressure and to study the different of chemical behavior. The results indicated that increase in temperature will increases the production of hydrogen and enhances carbon conversion efficiency. The optimum temperature and pressure was 850 °C and 1.035 bar respectively. The result shows that the char was removed significantly after several gas cleaning process. The final product for purified hydrogen gas is 14.5 kg/hr which is around 21% of hydrogen yield. Based on the result, it indicates that EFB has a potential to be used as a source of energy in a future.