bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum cryptococcal antigen titre as a diagnostic tool and a predictor of mortality in HIV‐infected patients with cryptococcal meningitis
Authors: Chen J , Zhang R , Shen Y , Liu L , Qi T , Wang Z , Mehraj V , Routy JP , Lu H 
Published: October 2018

ObjectivesThe aim was to determine the effectiveness of the serum cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) test in the diagnosis of concurrent cryptococcal meningitis (CM) and as a predictor of mortality in HIV‐infected patients.MethodsIn this retrospective study, all HIV‐infected patients admitted to Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center from 1 January 2014 to 31 August 2016 were screened for serum CrAg using the latex agglutination test. Serum CrAg‐positive patients underwent lumbar puncture to confirm CM prior to the initiation of appropriate antifungal therapy and were followed up for at least 6 months.ResultsOne hundred and four (7.1%) of the total of 1474 HIV‐infected patients screened were serum CrAg‐positive. CM was diagnosed in the majority of serum CrAg‐positive patients (71.3%; 67 of 94) and was confirmed in all (46 of 46) of the patients with headache or coma and in 43.8% (21 of 48) of patients without neurological symptoms. CrAg titres ≥ 1:1024 showed a sensitivity of 82.5% and a specificity of 86.7% for the diagnosis of concurrent CM (P < 0.001). The positive predictive value for CM in this population was 94.3%. A total of 13 serum CrAg‐positive patients [13.8%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 7.5–22.4%] died (11 as a result of CM and two others as a result of bacterial pneumonia) despite early antifungal treatment initiation. Serum CrAg titres ≥ 1:1024 predicted all‐cause mortality (hazard ratio 3.69; P = 0.03).ConclusionsSerum CrAg titres ≥ 1:1024 not only were associated with concurrent CM but also predicted mortality. HIV‐infected patients with a positive serum CrAg test during screening should receive lumbar punctures regardless of symptoms to rule out CM and patients with serum CrAg titres ≥ 1:1024 should be offered immediate care.
Integration and Retention of Refugees in Smaller Communities
Authors: Fang Tony , Sapeha Halina , Neil Kerri 
Published: October 2018

AbstractWhile advanced economies attempt to pursue a regionalized immigration policy, which aims at shifting migration flows away from the most popular urban centre destinations to smaller communities, the experiences of immigrants settling in such locations remains underexplored. This research provides timely knowledge of refugee labour market integration in smaller communities, using Newfoundland and Labrador's provincial capital, St. John's, as an example of such communities. The article examines the resettlement and labour market integration of refugees in a medium‐sized city with particular attention to factors that enhance refugee labour market integration and factors that negatively impact refugee integration and their retention in the receiving community. The study finds that the negative perception of employment opportunities is a significant factor in refugee's decision to move. Securing employment of refugees is facilitated by strong English language skills, social connections and is hampered by discrimination in the labour market.
Family presence during resuscitation in emergency departments: professionals’ attitudes in Brazil
Authors: Barreto M.S. , Garcia‐Vivar C. , Mitchell M. , Marcon S.S. 
Published: October 2018

AimThe study explored the views and attitudes of nurses and physicians on family presence during resuscitation in emergency departments in Brazil.BackgroundInternational emergency associations endorse family presence during resuscitation; however, the extent to which it is practiced remains unclear, particularly in the Brazilian context. Research of emergency staff views and attitudes towards this practice is desirable so that actions can be identified to support families at the bedside.MethodsA qualitative research was conducted. Thirty‐two health professionals (11 physicians and 21 nurses) working in two emergency departments in southern Brazil were purposefully recruited in January 2015. In‐depth interviews were conducted, and data were analysed using content analysis.FindingsNurses and physicians found family presence during resuscitation controversial and the general attitude towards this practice was negative. They reported that ‘changes are needed’ to adapt hospital infrastructures for family presence, and to train staff to respond to the information and emotional needs of families.DiscussionTranslating a family nursing framework into clinical practice involves the need for reassessing educational and management policies in clinical contexts.ConclusionThis research brings new understanding about the attitudes of some Brazilian nurses and physicians on the implementation of family presence during resuscitation and identifies the need to develop policies and strategies to improve family presence in emergency departments.Implications for nursing and health policyHospital‐based policies are required to improve family‐centred care in emergency departments while providing a criterion of legality and safety to professionals to invite families to be present during invasive procedures. Also, family‐focused education in health science degrees, continuing education and in the community is required.
Novel cupric acetate self‐induced, stabilized cupric oxide mesoporous nanosheets via a reflux‐hydrothermal method
Authors: Liu Chong , Liu Chao , Ji Xiujie , Zhao Yangyang , Chen Qiling , Fang Ziyan 
Published: October 2018

AbstractCupric oxide mesoporous nanosheets (CuO‐MNS) were successfully synthesized via a novel cupric acetate self‐induced, stabilized route. X‐ray diffraction analysis showed that CuO‐MNS are well crystallized and present a pure monoclinic phase. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) exhibited that CuO‐MNS are of 8‐24 nm in thickness. Mesopores of 2‐5 nm in diameter were also confirmed and calculated by nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms, which is well consistent with TEM observation. CuO‐MNS have Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller surface area of 34.7 m2/g and pore volume of 0.26 cm3/g. Acetate ion plays the roles of inducing nucleation and growth of CuO nanosheets, as well as inducing and stabilizing mesopores in the nanosheets. Combining with the calculation and Gibbs theory, the synthetic mechanism was proposed in thermodynamics. This novel cupric acetate self‐induced, stabilized route is green, low‐cost, efficient, facile, and surfactant‐free and may be useful for the synthesis of other mesoporous materials.
Stress‐induced anisotropy during sintering of hierarchical porosity ceramics
Authors: Shang Haixia , Olevsky Eugene A. , Bordia Rajendra K. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThere is significant interest in the design and processing of porous ceramics due to their use in a variety of applications including energy storage, catalysis, adsorption, separation, and life science applications. For many of these applications, it is desirable to have a hierarchical porous structure in which there is a distinct difference between sizes of pores. Our previous study has shown that microstructure and properties of porous materials become anisotropic after sinter‐forging. In particular, the small interparticle pores (intrinsic pores) orient parallel to the applied compressive stress, in contrast to large pores from pore formers (extrinsic), which orient perpendicular to the applied stress. However, the pore size, for transition from extrinsic to intrinsic behavior, (transient pore size) has not been quantified. In this study, we report on the effect of applied stresses during sinter‐forging on the morphology (shape and size) of pores of different size. Based on these results, we propose a two‐step approach to predict transient pore size for hierarchically porous ceramics. We use this approach to quantify the effect of applied stresses on the transient pore size. Finally, we postulate that the stress dependence of the transient pore size may be related to sintering stress—a fundamental quantity in continuum models of sintering. In addition, it can be used to calculate the effective surface energy of complex sintering systems.
The influence of the Gondwanan breakup on the biogeographic history of the ziziphoids (Rhamnaceae)
Authors: Hauenschild Frank , Favre Adrien , Michalak Ingo , Muellner‐Riehl Alexandra N. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAimWe investigated whether the fossil‐rich and cosmopolitan buckthorn family (Rhamnaceae, dating back to the Cretaceous) was influenced by vicariance events following the Gondwanan breakup. To answer this question, we focused on the ziziphoid lineage of the buckthorn family, because extant ziziphoid taxa comprise tribes and genera exclusively or at least predominantly distributed in the Southern Hemisphere (Australia, Africa, and South America).LocationWorld‐wide.MethodsWe generated a DNA alignment of 26,989 bp (from plastid, mitochondrial, and nuclear genomes), comprising 575 taxa of Rhamnaceae and related families, including all major lineages within Rhamnaceae and closely related families. We used nine internal fossils to set constraints in our molecular dating analyses. We used ‘BioGeoBEARS’ in R to reconstruct ancestral areas in order to infer the impact of vicariance events on the ziziphoids caused by Gondwanan fragmentation.ResultsOur biogeographic analyses illustrate that the ziziphoid lineage was influenced by both long‐distance dispersal and Gondwanan breakup vicariance events. Yet, these vicariance events cannot explain all divergence events at the backbone of this lineage.Main conclusionsOur study highlights that a taxon's distribution throughout the Northern Hemisphere can be the result of vicariance, but this process may be obliterated by more recent long‐distance dispersal (LDD). Our study also highlights that sufficiently old taxa may sometimes constitute better models to investigate the impact of Gondwanan‐driven vicariance than taxa with a current disjunct distribution in the Southern Hemisphere.
Ancient DNA reveals the origins, colonization histories, and evolutionary pathways of two recently extinct species of giant scops owl from Mauritius and Rodrigues Islands (Mascarene Islands, south‐western Indian Ocean)
Authors: Louchart Antoine , Bastian Fabiola , Baptista Marilia , Guarino‐Vignon Perle , Hume Julian P. , Jacot‐des‐Combes Cécile , Mourer‐Chauviré Cécile , Hänni Catherine , Ollivier Morgane 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAimThe islands of the south‐western Indian Ocean region are home to many endemic bird species, with their closest relatives occurring in Africa and Madagascar, Eurasia, the Sunda Islands, and the Australasian region. Among owls, the extant endemic scops owls (genus Otus) from Madagascar, Comoros, Seychelles, and Socotra are related to the Southeast Asian species, O. sunia, the Oriental scops owl. Three owl species, presumably Otus derivatives, twice the size of standard scops owls and now extinct, once inhabited the Mascarene Islands, and have been placed in a separate genus, Mascarenotus. Insular apomorphies have made their precise relationships difficult to determine. Here we investigate the phylogenetic position of these enigmatic owls.LocationThe Mascarene Islands (Réunion, Mauritius, Rodrigues) in the south‐western Indian Ocean.MethodsPhylogenetic relationships were reconstructed using ancient DNA extracted from subfossil remains. Fragments of cytochrome b gene were amplified and sequenced. The ancient sequences were analysed with modern sequences of 19 ingroup Otus taxa using Bayesian and Maximum Likelihood methods.ResultsThe Mauritian extinct species M. sauzieri was reconstructed as the sister to both O. pauliani (Grand Comoro) and O. rutilus (Madagascar). The Rodrigues extinct species M. murivorus was the sister, in a star‐like differentiation, to the preceding clade as well as the remaining Comorian species and a clade formed by O. insularis (Seychelles) and O. sunia.Main conclusionsThe ancestor of O. sunia simultaneously colonized Rodrigues Island (evolving into Otus murivorus), Madagascar, and part of the Comoros Islands around 3 million years ago. Later, presumably from Madagascar, new lineages colonized Grand Comoro and Mauritius (O. sauzieri). Independently, a more recent O. sunia ancestor colonized the Seychelles Islands and Socotra. These colonizations were probably favoured by Pliocene cyclonic events, stronger and more frequent than today. Several features, including giantism, wing reduction, and a relative decrease in skull and orbit size evolved convergently in the polyphyletic species O. sauzieri and O. murivorus.
Assessment of spatial patterns in benthic macrofauna of the U.S. west coast continental shelf
Authors: Henkel Sarah K. , Nelson Walter G. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAimWe assessed whether currently described marine biogeographic boundaries apply to shelf macrofauna and which environmental drivers were most associated with species differences among regions.LocationPacific coast of North America from the Strait of Juan de Fuca in Washington to the California–Mexico border.MethodsVan Veen grab samples were collected from soft sediment 28–138 m deep and sieved using 1 mm mesh. Spatial patterns of species richness, diversity, and abundance were examined in relation to latitude and environmental parameters (temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, sediment % fines, and total organic carbon). Analyses of latitudinal distribution patterns of individual species were combined with multivariate analyses of community composition to determine biogeographic and habitat boundaries for mid‐depth continental shelf macrofauna.ResultsSpecies richness, diversity, and abundance significantly decreased with increasing latitude, primarily between 32 and 40°N. There were positive associations of richness, diversity (H’), and abundance with upwelling index, sediment % fines, and TOC (<2%). Temperature and DO also were significant for richness and H’ but not abundance. Assessment of individual species ranges found major faunal transitions at latitudes 33–34°, 37°, 44°, and 46–47°. Major assemblage differences were found at 34.5° and 42°. Within each latitudinal region, significantly different macrofauna communities were found in sediment with <5% fines.Main conclusionsThe biogeographic boundaries proposed under the Marine Ecoregions of the World schema are more closely aligned with shelf fauna distributions than those developed using west coast rocky intertidal communities. However, the proposed province boundary at Cape Mendocino is not apparent in the shelf macrofauna, and a transition appears to occur closer to the Oregon–California border. Further, the shelf macrofauna indicate the Channel Islands should be a separate subregion from mainland southern California Bight. Multivariate community analyses minimizing the impact of rare species appeared more useful in determining macrofaunal community biogeographic boundaries than analysis of individual species range endpoints, which are strongly influenced by uncommon species.
Post‐glacial range revolutions in South European hares (Lepus spp.): Insights from ancient DNA and ecological niche modelling
Authors: Lado Sara , Farelo Liliana , Forest Vianney , Acevedo Pelayo , Dalén Love , Melo‐Ferreira José 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAimThe distribution of hares (Lepus spp.) in southern Europe was markedly different at the Last Glacial Maximum. Historical hybridization during range replacements led to high frequencies of mtDNA introgression from Lepus timidus into populations of three other species in northern Iberian Peninsula, even though L. timidus subsequently disappeared from the region. We use palaeontological records to provide new insights on the biogeographic history of these range replacements, combining ancient DNA and ecological niche modelling.LocationSouthern France.TaxonHares (genus Lepus).MethodsDNA was extracted from hare bones collected at Neolithic sites in southern France (5.5–7.5 thousand years before present; kyr bp) with uncertain species assignment. One mtDNA fragment was sequenced and 27 SNPs from 11 nuclear genes with species‐diagnostic information were genotyped. Distributions of L. granatensis, L. europaeus, and L. timidus were modelled using spatial and bioclimatic predictors, and the favourability function. Each model was transferred to 6 kyr bp and favourabilities were combined to determine the species with the highest environmental favourability in each sampled locality.ResultsAncient DNA analysis showed that the screened specimens belong to L. granatensis, a species presently confined to the Iberian Peninsula, but carried mtDNA haplotypes from L. timidus. Niche models show that L. granatensis achieved highest favourability in southern France 6 kyr bp reinforcing the molecular evidences.Main conclusionsL. granatensis replaced L. timidus populations from Iberia to southern France, being present in this region 5.5 kyr bp. Subsequent westwards invasion of L. europaeus likely replaced these L. granatensis populations towards northern Iberia, establishing current ranges. Despite successive species replacements, introgressed mtDNA haplotypes from L. timidus mark the distribution of the species in northern Iberian Peninsula before it disappeared in the region. Characterizing complex biogeographic histories of interacting species is a key to understand processes that led to current distributions of genetic diversity.
Reported obstructive sleep apnea does not diminish the cardiometabolic health benefits from a comprehensive lifestyle intervention program
Authors: Farrehi Peter M. , Brook Robert D. , Godley Robert , Walden Patrick , Jiang Qingmei , Rubenfire Melvyn 
Published: October 2018

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) commonly coexists with the metabolic syndrome, a condition for which behavioral changes are often prescribed. Whether OSA diminishes the cardiometabolic health benefits from lifestyle interventions remains unclear. We evaluated 278 consecutive metabolic syndrome participants enrolled in a 12‐week comprehensive lifestyle intervention program. The changes in blood pressure (BP), along with other metabolic health parameters, from baseline to follow‐up were compared between those with and without OSA. Mean age was 52.4 ± 10.9 years and 37% were male. At enrollment, mean body mass index (BMI) was 38.2 ± 7.7 kg/m2. OSA was reported in 126 of 269 final participants (47%). At baseline, participants with reported OSA were more likely to be male, older, have a higher BMI, waist and neck size (all P < 0.05). At program completion, participants with (−5.8 ± 16.1/−3.0 ± 10.0 mm Hg) and without OSA (−4.7 ± 13.1/−3.3 ± 8.2 mm Hg) had significant reductions in systolic and diastolic BP as well as BMI, fasting glucose, and triglyceride levels. There were no significant differences in the absolute or percentage changes in BP or other metabolic parameters between groups. Our findings support that patients with the metabolic syndrome can derive substantial health benefits, including reductions in BP, by a lifestyle intervention program regardless of the presence of OSA.
The impact of access to consumer data on the competitive effects of horizontal mergers and exclusive dealing
Authors: Kim Jin‐Hyuk , Wagman Liad , Wickelgren Abraham L. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractWe examine the influence of firms’ ability to employ individualized pricing on the welfare consequences of horizontal mergers. In a two‐to‐one merger, the merger reduces consumer surplus more when firms can price discriminate based on individual preferences compared to when they cannot. However, the opposite holds true in a three‐to‐two merger, in which the reduction in consumer surplus is substantially lower with individualized pricing than with uniform pricing. Further, the merger requires an even smaller marginal cost reduction to justify when an upstream data provider can make exclusive offers for its data to downstream firms. We also show that exclusive contracts for consumer data pose significant antitrust concerns independent of merger considerations. Implications for vertical integration and data mergers are drawn.
Should emergentologists follow up on patients diagnosed with UTI having negative urine cultures? Implications for processing post‐discharge laboratory results
Authors: Woodfine Jason D. , van Walraven Carl 
Published: October 2018

AbstractObjectivesAfter patients are discharged from the emergency department (ED), follow‐up of test results focuses on abnormal values. In the elderly, non‐specific symptoms can result in an incorrect diagnosis of urinary tract infection (UTI). This study compared the outcomes of patients discharged from the ED with a diagnosis of UTI based on urine culture results.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study using linked health databases and chart review of a random sample of elderly patients (age > 65 years) discharged from the Ottawa Hospital ED between 2006 and 2014 with a diagnosis of UTI. Patients were categorized based on whether urine cultures were positive and bacterial sensitivity to prescribed antibiotics. Primary outcome was return to ED, admission to hospital, or death within 30 days.ResultsA total of 1001 patients were included in the study (401 culture‐negative; 474 culture‐positive antibiotic‐sensitive; 126 culture positive antibiotic‐insensitive). Patients were elderly (mean age 80 years, SD 7.6) with a high prevalence of dementia (18.0%). Almost a third of patients (n = 313, 31.3%) experienced an outcome. Compared to culture‐positive antibiotic‐sensitive patients, culture negative patients (adjOR 1.45, 95% CI 1.07‐1.97) and culture‐positive antibiotic‐insensitive patients (adjOR 1.49, 95% CI 0.90‐2.14) were significantly more likely to experience an outcome (P = 0.04).ConclusionsPatients discharged from the ED with a diagnosis of UTI have an increased risk of return to ED, urgent readmission or death if the uropathogen is insensitive to the prescribed antibiotic or if the culture is negative. Patients diagnosed with UTI with a negative culture may need further assessment.
Recommendations for identifying pathogenic Vibrio spp. as part of disease surveillance programmes in recirculating aquaculture systems for Pacific white shrimps (Litopenaeus vannamei)
Authors: Bauer Julia , Teitge Felix , Neffe Lisa , Adamek Mikolaj , Jung Arne , Peppler Christina , Steinhagen Dieter , Jung‐Schroers Verena 
Published: October 2018

AbstractDue to their pathogenic potential, identifying Vibrio species from recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) for Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) is of great importance to determine the risk for animal's as well as for the consumer's health. The present study compared identification results for a total of 93 Vibrio isolates, including type strains and isolates from shrimp aquaculture. Results from biochemical identifications, 16S rRNA sequencing, sequencing of the uridylate kinase encoding gene pyrH and analysis of the protein spectra assessed by MALDI‐TOF MS were compared. The results achieved by these different methods were highly divergent for many of the analysed isolates and for several Vibrio spp difficulties in reliably identifying occurred. These difficulties mainly resulted from missing entries in digital databases, a low number of comparable isolates analysed so far, and high interspecific similarities of biochemical traits and nucleotide sequences between the closely related Vibrio species. Due to the presented data, it can be concluded that for identifying Vibrio spp. from samples in routine diagnostics, it is recommended to use MALDI‐TOF MS analysis for a quick and reliable identification of pathogenic Vibrio sp. Nevertheless, editing the database, containing the main spectra of Vibrio is recommended to achieve reliable identification results.