bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neighbourhood assets and early pregnancy cardiometabolic risk factors
Authors: Assibey‐Mensah Vanessa , Fabio Anthony , Mendez Dara D. , Lee Pei‐Chen , Roberts James M. , Catov Janet M. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractBackgroundPrepregnancy cardiometabolic risk factors are associated with increased risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Neighbourhood features may reflect prepregnancy exposures that contribute to poor cardiometabolic health before pregnancy and may contribute to racial disparities in pregnancy outcomes.MethodsEarly pregnancy measurements from 1504 women enrolled in the Prenatal Exposures and Preeclampsia Prevention study were linked to a 2000 Census‐based measure of neighbourhood socio‐economic status and commercial data (food, alcohol, and retail density) during 1997‐2001. Multilevel random‐intercept linear regression was used to separately estimate the association between levels of neighbourhood assets (low, mid‐low, mid‐high, high) and C‐reactive protein (CRP), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and body mass index (BMI) in cross‐sectional analyses. Low neighbourhood assets have high‐poverty/low‐retail, whereas high neighbourhood assets have low‐poverty/high‐retail. Models were adjusted for individual‐level factors (age and race), and we assessed effect modification by race.ResultsLow compared with high neighbourhood assets were associated with higher BMI (β 1.95 kg/m2, 95% CI 0.89, 3.00), after adjusting for individual‐level covariates. After adjusting for BMI and other covariates, low compared with high assets were associated with higher CRP concentrations (β 0.20 ng/mL, 95% CI 0.01, 0.39). Neighbourhood assets were not associated with SBP. Race did not modify the association between neighbourhood assets and cardiometabolic risk factors.ConclusionsEarly pregnancy adiposity is related to neighbourhood features independent of individual factors. Further, inflammation beyond accounting for adiposity is related to neighbourhood features. Strategies that address neighbourhood assets during preconception and interconception may be promising approaches to improve prepregnancy health.
Molecular systematics of the arctiine tribe Syntomini (Lepidoptera, Erebidae)
Authors: Przybyłowicz Łukasz , Lees David C. , Zenker Mauricio M. , Wahlberg Niklas 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThe Old World tribe Syntomini is the most neglected of the three major groups of the subfamily Arctiinae – the most megadiverse lineage (c. 11 000 species) of the superfamily Noctuoidea, comprising about a quarter of its entire species diversity. In none of the previous morphogenetic studies was Syntomini (which are often conspicuously spotted, aposematic moths) sampled adequately enough to provide information about the tribe's systematic diversity and relationships above species level. As such data are of crucial importance for a comprehensive understanding of arctiine diversity and evolution, we have investigated the relationships of the major lineages of Syntomini based on up to eight mitochondrial and nuclear genes and 91 species, representing 39 genera. We cover most of the known genera and major geographic regions, including, for the first time, Madagascar, where there is a significant syntomine radiation. We find that the thyretines, in particular, which are restricted to the Afrotropical region, are paraphyletic. As a result we propose to treat Thyretinasyn.n.(Thyretini sensu Przybyłowicz, 2009) as an artificial assemblage and synonymize it under Syntomini.ThyretesBoisduval andPseudothyretesDufrane stand on their own close to the Madagascan radiation, whereas all but one of the Madagascan syntomines comprise a monophylum, with the genusFletcheriniaGriveaud instead being related to at least one species ofCeryxWallengren in Africa. Also surprising from a biogeographical point of view is that the genusDysauxesHübner, which includes the European Handmaiden moth, is nested within the Madagascan radiation. Our study also makes it clear that much more detailed studies are needed to revise not onlyCeryxfrom Asia and Africa but the Afrotropical syntomine genera, many of which do not form clades in our phylogenetic reconstruction, and to further inventory the diversity that is present in the Afrotropics. Based on our results, we considerThyretarctiaStrandstat. rev.,DaphaeniscaKiriakoffstat.n.andCallobalacraKiriakoffstat.n.as valid genera. We also moveAnapisaKiriakoff and returnMeganacliaAurivillius andNacliodesStrand to Syntomini.
Variation and change in English /r/ among Tamil Indian Singaporeans
Authors: Starr Rebecca Lurie , Balasubramaniam Brinda 
Published: January 2019

AbstractSingapore's multiethnic population has historically been found to differ in their use of a range of English features. As English continues to eclipse the country's other languages, it gains potential as a site for the performance of ethnic identity. At the same time, English‐dominant Singaporeans may be less likely to use features perceived as resulting from non‐native transfer. Integration policies and transnational migration have also arguably reduced the salience of ethnicity in the local sociolinguistic landscape. This study investigates a feature linked to Indian identity, tapped and trilled prevocalic /r/, in the speech of 30 Tamil Singaporeans. A significant change in apparent time is observed, with younger speakers using almost entirely approximant /r/. Variation in /r/ also correlates with home language, cultural context, and phonological environment. We argue that, while non‐approximant /r/ is becoming rarer among Tamil Singaporeans, it continues to serve as a means of indexing Indianness.
Cerebral and skeletal muscle feed artery vasoconstrictor responses in a mouse model with greater large elastic artery stiffness
Authors: Walker Ashley E. , Kronquist Elise K. , Chinen Kerrick T. , Reihl Kelly D. , Li Dean Y. , Lesniewski Lisa A. , Donato Anthony J. 
Published: January 2019

New Findings
What is the central question of this study?
Greater large artery stiffness is associated with dysfunctional resistance artery vasodilatory responses, impaired memory and greater risk of Alzheimer's disease. However, it is unknown whether stiffer large arteries affect cerebral and skeletal muscle feed artery responses to vasoconstrictors.

What is the main finding and its importance?
In a mouse model with greater large artery stiffness (Eln+/−), we find an exacerbated vasoconstrictor response to angiotensin II in cerebral arteries, but not skeletal muscle feed arteries, thus implicating altered cerebral artery angiotensin II responsiveness in the poor brain outcomes associated with greater large artery stiffness.

AbstractGreater stiffness of the large elastic arteries is associated with end‐organ damage and dysfunction. At the same time, resistance artery vasoconstrictor responsiveness influences vascular tone and organ blood flow. However, it is unknown whether large elastic artery stiffness modulates the responsiveness to vasoconstrictors in resistance arteries of the cerebral or skeletal muscle circulations. We previously described the elastin haploinsufficient (Eln+/−) mouse as a model with greater aortic stiffness, but with similar cerebral and skeletal muscle feed artery stiffness to wild‐type (Eln+/+) mice. Here, we used this model to examine the relationship between large elastic artery stiffness and resistance artery vasoconstrictor responses. In middle cerebral arteries (MCAs), vasoconstriction in response to angiotensin II (Ang II) was ∼40% greater in Eln+/− compared with Eln+/+ mice (P = 0.02), and this group difference was ameliorated by losartan, indicating a role for Ang II type 1 receptors (AT1Rs). In gastrocnemius feed arteries, Eln+/− and Eln+/+ mice did not differ in the response to Ang II. In addition, the vasoconstrictor responses to noradrenaline, endothelin‐1 and potassium chloride were not different between Eln+/− and Eln+/+ mice for either MCAs or gastrocnemius feed arteries. The MCA AT1R gene expression did not differ between groups, whereas Ang II type 2 receptor gene expression was ∼50% lower in MCAs from Eln+/− versus Eln+/+ mice (P = 0.01). In conclusion, greater large elastic artery stiffness is associated with an exacerbated vasoconstriction response to Ang II in cerebral arteries, but is not associated with the responses to other vasoconstrictors in either cerebral or skeletal muscle feed arteries.
Comparison of four different Shear Wave Elastography platforms according to abdominal wall thickness in liver fibrosis evaluation: a phantom study
Authors: Lee San Min , Chang Won , Kang Hyo-Jin , Ahn Su Joa , Lee Jeong-Hoon , Lee Jeong Min 
Published: January 2019

Aims: To compare the applicability, reliability and stiffness values of four different shear wave elastography (SWE) platforms and to determine the influence of abdominal wall thickness on those of four SWE platforms evaluating liver fibrosis. Material and methods: We used four different SWE platforms: transient elastography (TE), pSWE (S-shear wave), 2D SWE/ SSI (SuperSonic Imagine) and 2D SWE/GE (GE Health care). To identify the effect of abdominal wall thickness, five commercially available liver fibrosis phantoms were covered in 1.3 cm and 2.3 cm thick porcine abdominal walls, respectively. All measurements were performed by three observers. Absolute repeatability of each measurement was evaluated using coefficients of variation (CVs). Applicability rate, CVs and mean stiffness values were compared according to platforms and abdominal wall thickness.Results: Applicability rates were significantly different among the four SWE platforms (p<0.001): 2DSWE/SSI showed the lowest applicability rate (68.9%) compared with the other three platforms (TE, 95.6%, pSWE, 93.3%, 2D SWE/GE, 97.8%) due to higher technical failure rates in phantoms with thick wall. Repeatability was significantly different according to the platform and abdominal wall thickness. Stiffness values did not significantly differ according to abdominal wall thickness, even though the values were significantly different among four platforms in all phantoms.Conclusions: The applicability, repeatability, and stiffness value were different depending on SWE platforms. Further, the applicability and repeatability would be more affected by abdominal wall thickness. Thus, careful consideration should be given to an appropriate SWE platform, when evaluating liver fibrosis in patients with thick abdominal wall.
Preoperative difficult airway prediction using suprahyoid and infrahyoid ultrasonography derived measurements in anesthesiology
Authors: Petrisor Cristina , Dîrzu Dan , Trancă Sebastian , Hagău Natalia , Bodolea Constantin 
Published: January 2019

Airway management is one of the most important skills in everyday practice of anesthesia. Improper airway management might contribute to significant morbidity and mortality. In some patients, clinical parameters do not anticipate all difficulties related to airway management. Ultrasonography (US) might confer a potential screening tool for difficult airway. Suprahyoid and infrahyoid US measurements have been investigated for difficult airway prediction in anesthesiology. The most extensively investigated parameter was the anterior neck soft tissue thickness measured at different levels: anterior to the hyoid bone, epiglottis and vocal cords commissure. Hyomental distances measured with the head placed in neutral, sniffing or maximal hyperextended position and the derived hyomental distance ratios have also been evaluated for difficult airway prediction. For the evaluation of the tongue, measurements such as thickness, cross-sectional area, width, volume and tongue-to-oral cavityratio can be used. Thus, anesthesiologists have many available potential US measurements, which could provide information regarding airway anatomy during the preoperative airway assessment and could serve as potential screening parameters for difficult airway. Still, we do not yet know which of these provides optimal predictive accuracy and larger sample size studiesare required to validate their use in the preoperative evaluation of the airway.
Understanding the role of echocardiography in remodeling after acute myocardial infarction and development of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Tomoaia Raluca , Beyer Ruxandra Stefana , Simu Gelu , Serban Adela Mihaela , Pop Dana 
Published: January 2019

Despite the use of reperfusion therapies in the last decades, acute myocardial infarction further remains one of the most frequent causes of mortality. This is mainly caused by changes in the ventricular architecture leading to ventricular remodeling, followed by progressive development of heart failure. Transthoracic echocardiography is a non-invasive instrument which can provide information about the extent of the ischemic process and its consequences but can also predict the outcomes after myocardial infarction. Although standard echocardiographic parameters are currently used for risk stratification of these patients, they might not truly reflect left ventricular systolic dysfunction in acute myocardial infarct patients, since the detection of subtle changes in the myocardial function is beyond their limits. The aim of this review is to underline the use of advanced echocardiographic parameters in identifying patients at risk for developing post-acute myocardial infarction heart failure and subsequent adverse events. Advanced echocardiographic parameters derived from speckle tracking echocardiography provide a detailed assessment on the global and regional left ventricular deformation. Therefore, speckle tracking echocardiography has a major role in predicting the prognosis of acute myocardial infarction patients and particularly in the development ofsubsequent heart failure, which might be prevented with early initiation of adequate therapy.
Capsular Polysaccharide of Group AStreptococcus
Authors: Wessels Michael R. 
Published: January 2019

ABSTRACTMost clinical isolates ofStreptococcus pyogeneselaborate a capsular polysaccharide, which is composed of hyaluronic acid, a high-molecular-mass polymer of alternating residues ofN-acetyl glucosamine and glucuronic acid. Certain strains, particularly those of the M18 serotype, produce abundant amounts of capsule, resulting in formation of large, wet-appearing, translucent or “mucoid” colonies on solid media, whereas strains of M-types 4 and 22 produce none. Studies of acapsular mutant strains have provided evidence that the capsule enhances virulence in animal models of infection, an effect attributable, at least in part, to resistance to complement-mediated opsonophagocytic killing by leukocytes. The presence of the hyaluronic acid capsule may mask adhesins on the bacterial cell wall. However, the capsule itself can mediate bacterial attachment to host cells by binding to the hyaluronic-acid binding protein, CD44. Furthermore, binding of theS. pyogenescapsule to CD44 on host epithelial cells can trigger signaling events that disrupt cell-cell junctions and facilitate bacterial invasion into deep tissues. This article summarizes the biochemistry, genetics, regulation, and role in pathogenesis of this important virulence determinant.
The impact of user charges on health outcomes in low-income and middle-income countries: a systematic review
Authors: Qin Vicky Mengqi , Hone Thomas , Millett Christopher , Moreno-Serra Rodrigo , McPake Barbara , Atun Rifat , Lee John Tayu 
Published: January 2019

BackgroundUser charges are widely used health financing mechanisms in many health systems in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) due to insufficient public health spending on health. This study systematically reviews the evidence on the relationship between user charges and health outcomes in LMICs, and explores underlying mechanisms of this relationship.MethodsPublished studies were identified via electronic medical, public health, health services and economics databases from 1990 to September 2017. We included studies that evaluated the impact of user charges on health in LMICs using randomised control trial (RCT) or quasi-experimental (QE) study designs. Study quality was assessed using Cochrane Risk of Bias and Risk of Bias in Non-Randomized Studies—of Intervention for RCT and QE studies, respectively.ResultsWe identified 17 studies from 12 countries (five upper-middle income countries, five lower-middle income countries and two low-income countries) that met our selection criteria. The findings suggested a modest relationship between reduction in user charges and improvements in health outcomes, but this depended on health outcomes measured, the populations studied, study quality and policy settings. The relationship between reduced user charges and improved health outcomes was more evident in studies focusing on children and lower-income populations. Studies examining infectious disease–related outcomes, chronic disease management and nutritional outcomes were too few to draw meaningful conclusions. Improved access to healthcare as a result of reduction in out-of-pocket expenditure was identified as the possible causal pathway for improved health.ConclusionsReduced user charges were associated with improved health outcomes, particularly for lower-income groups and children in LMICs. Accelerating progress towards universal health coverage through prepayment mechanisms such as taxation and insurance can lead to improved health outcomes and reduced health inequalities in LMICs.Trial registration numberCRD 42017054737.
Endoscopic scar assessment after colorectal endoscopic mucosal resection scars: when is biopsy necessary (EMR Scar Assessment Project for Endoscope (ESCAPE) trial)
Authors: Kandel Pujan , Brand Eelco Christiaan , Pelt Joe , Ball Colleen T , Chen Wei-Chung , Bouras Ernest P , Gomez Victoria , Raimondo Massimo , Woodward Timothy A , Wallace Michael B 
Published: January 2019

ObjectiveIt is unclear whether endoscopic assessment of scars after colorectal endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) has to include biopsies, even if endoscopy is negative. Vice versa, endoscopic diagnosis of recurrent adenoma may not require biopsy before endoscopic reinterventions. We prospectively analysed various endoscopic modalities in the diagnosis of recurrence following EMR.DesignWe conducted a prospective study of patients undergoing colonoscopy after EMR of large (≥20 mm) colorectal neoplasia. Endoscopists predicted recurrence and confidence level with four imaging modes: high-definition white light (WL) and narrow-band imaging (NBI) with and without near focus (NF). Separately, 26 experienced endoscopists assessed offline images.ResultsTwo hundred and thirty patients with 255 EMR scars were included. The prevalence of recurrent adenoma was 24%. Diagnostic values were high for all modes (negative predictive value (NPV) ≥97%, positive predictive value (PPV) ≥81%, sensitivity ≥90%, specificity ≥93% and accuracy ≥93%). In high-confidence cases, NBI with NF had NPV of 100% (95% CI 98% to 100%) and sensitivity of 100% (95% CI 93% to 100%). Use of clips at initial EMR increased diagnostic inaccuracy (adjusted OR=1.68(95% CI 1.01 to 2.75)). In offline assessment, specificity was high for all imaging modes (mean: ≥93% (range: 55%–100%)), while sensitivity was significantly higher for NBI-NF (82%(72%–93%)%)) compared with WL (69%(38%–86%); p<0.001), WL-NF (68%(55%–83%); p<0.001) and NBI (71%(59%–90%); p<0.001).ConclusionOur study demonstrates very high sensitivity and accuracy for all four imaging modalities, especially NBI with NF, for diagnosis of recurrent neoplasia after EMR. Our data strongly suggest that in cases of high confidence negative optical diagnosis based on NBI-NF, no biopsy is needed to confirm absence of recurrence during colorectal EMR follow-up. A high confidence positive optical diagnosis can lead to immediate resection of any suspicious area. In all cases of low confidence, biopsy is still required.Trial registration numberNCT02668198.
Estimating effects of Uber ride-sharing service on road traffic-related deaths in South Africa: a quasi-experimental study
Authors: Huang Jonathan Yinhao , Majid Farhan , Daku Mark 
Published: January 2019

BackgroundRoad traffic deaths are a substantial barrier to population health improvement in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). In South Africa, the road-traffic injury mortality (RTM) rate of 27 per 100 000 population is twice the global average, over 60% of which are alcohol-related. Recent US studies suggest the Uber ride-sharing service may reduce alcohol-related RTM, however RTM burden in the USA is relatively low and transport behaviours differ from LMICs.MethodsUsing certification data from all deaths occurring in South Africa in the years 2010–2014 (n=2 498 216), we investigated the relative change in weekly road traffic-related death counts between provinces which received Uber services (beginning in 2013) against those that did not using a difference-in-differences approach.ResultsWeekly road traffic-related deaths in provinces with Uber were lower following Uber introduction than in comparison provinces without Uber. The effect size was larger in the province which had Uber the longest (Gauteng) and among young adult males (aged 17–39 years). However, the absolute effects were very small (<2 deaths per year) and may coincide with seasonal variation.ConclusionsOverall, findings did not support either an increase or large decrease in province-level road traffic-related deaths associated with Uber introduction to South Africa. More localised investigations in South Africa and other LMICs are needed.
Long-term effects of compulsory schooling on physical, mental and cognitive ageing: a natural experiment
Authors: Courtin Emilie , Nafilyan Vahe , Glymour Maria , Goldberg Marcel , Berr Claudine , Berkman Lisa F , Zins Marie , Avendano Mauricio 
Published: January 2019

BackgroundLonger schooling is associated with better physical, mental and cognitive functioning, but there is controversy as to whether these associations are causal. We examine the long-term health impact of a policy that increased compulsory schooling by 2 years in France for cohorts born on or after January 1953, offering a natural experiment.MethodsData came from Constances, a randomly selected cohort of the French population assessed for cognition, depressive symptoms and physical functioning at ages 45 and older (n=18 929). We use a Regression Discontinuity Design to estimate the impact of increased schooling duration on health. Cognition was measured based on five validated neuropsychological tests and combined into an overall score. The Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale was used to assess depressive symptoms levels. Physical functioning was included as finger tapping, hand grip strength and walking speed.ResultsThe reform increased average schooling, particularly among participants from disadvantaged families. Estimates suggest that for men, this reform improved cognitive scores (β=0.15, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.27), but had no impact on physical functioning. Among women, the reform did not increase cognitive scores or physical functioning but led to higher levels of depressive symptoms (β=1.52, 95% CI 0.32 to 2.72). Results were robust to a range of sensitivity analyses.ConclusionThese findings highlight the need to carefully consider the potential limits of policies that increase the length of compulsory schooling as strategies to improve population health.