bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differential rates of group B streptococcus (GBS) colonisation in pregnant women in a racially diverse area of London, UK: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Gopal Rao G , Hiles S , Bassett P , Lamagni T 
Published: February 2019

ObjectiveTo describe the epidemiology of maternal group B streptococcus (GBS) colonisation by racial group.DesignCross‐sectional study.SettingAntenatal clinics in London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust.PopulationPregnant women.MethodsGroup B streptococcus (GBS) colonisation status was recorded during a screening programme for the prevention of invasive early‐onset GBS infection. Information regarding age, address, ethnicity, parity, mode of delivery, body mass index (BMI), and diabetes was routinely collected. Data were analysed by multivariable analysis.Main outcome measuresAssociation between GBS colonisation and putative risk factors.ResultsOverall, 29.1% (1836/6309) of the women were colonized with GBS. Multivariable analysis showed significantly higher colonisation among women of black African origin (39.5%; OR = 1.57) compared with white British women (27.4%), and lowest colonisation in women of South Asian origin (23.3%; OR = 0.8). Higher parity (≥2) was associated with higher colonisation (35.3%), with the odds of colonisation over 40% higher than for nulliparous women. Increasing BMI was associated with an incremental rise in colonisation from 23 to 35%. Colonisation was not associated with age, season or mode of testing.ConclusionThis study identified high maternal GBS colonisation rates in a racially and socially diverse population. The highest rates were seen in women of black African origin and also with higher parity and BMI. Further research is needed to understand the relationship between these factors and rectovaginal colonisation.Tweetable abstractStudy of group B streptococcus colonisation in pregnant women in London shows highest rates in black African women and those with high BMI and parity.
Latent Fingermark Aging Patterns (Part IV): Ridge Width as One Indicator of Degradation
Authors: De Alcaraz‐Fossoul Josep , Barrot Feixat Carme , C. Zapico Sara , McGarr Luke , Carreras‐Marin Clara , Tasker Jack , Gené Badia Manel 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThis fourth article of the series is taking an in‐depth analysis at the visible aging of latent fingermarks regarding changes in ridge widths over time. The objective is to quantify and statistically describe significant ridge size variations under controlled indoor conditions. The effect of three environmental variables are examined: type of secretion (sebaceous‐ and eccrine‐rich) and type of substrate (glass and polystyrene) when aged in three light conditions (direct natural light, shade, and dark). Prior to width measurements, fresh and aged fingermarks were powdered with titanium dioxide (TiO2) and sequentially photographed at predetermined times over 6 months. Three independent observers measured the ridges from thirty predetermined locations using strategically placed intersecting lines on the print. Results indicate that fingermarks deposited on glass are more resilient to degradation compared with those deposited on plastic. The presence of direct natural light plays a negligible role on degradation compared to secretion and substrate types.
The first chromosome‐level genome for a marine mammal as a resource to study ecology and evolution
Authors: Fan Guangyi , Zhang Yaolei , Liu Xiaochuan , Wang Jiahao , Sun Zeguo , Sun Shuai , Zhang He , Chen Jianwei , Lv Meiqi , Han Kai , Tan Xiaoxuan , Hu Jie , Guan Rui , Fu Yuanyuan , Liu Shanshan , Chen Xi , Xu Qiwu , Qin Yating , Liu Longqi , Bai Jie , Wang Ou , Tang Jingbo , Lu Haorong , Shang Zhouchun , Wang Bo , Hu Guohai , Zhao Xia , Zou Yan , Chen Ao , Gong Meihua , Zhang Wenwei , Lee Simon M.‐Y. , Li Songhai , Liu Junnian , Li Zhen , Lu Yishan , Sabir Jamal S. M. , Sabir Mumdooh J. , Khan Muhummadh , Hajrah Nahid H. , Yin Ye , Kristiansen Karsten , Yang Huanming , Wang Jian , Xu Xun , Liu Xin 
Published: February 2019

AbstractMarine mammals are important models for studying convergent evolution and aquatic adaption, and thus reference genomes of marine mammals can provide evolutionary insights. Here, we present the first chromosome‐level marine mammal genome assembly based on the data generated by the BGISEQ‐500 platform, for a stranded female sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus). Using this reference genome, we performed chromosome evolution analysis of the sperm whale, including constructing ancestral chromosomes, identifying chromosome rearrangement events and comparing with cattle chromosomes, which provides a resource for exploring marine mammal adaptation and speciation. We detected a high proportion of long interspersed nuclear elements and expanded gene families, and contraction of major histocompatibility complex region genes which were specific to sperm whale. Using comparisons with sheep and cattle, we analysed positively selected genes to identify gene pathways that may be related to adaptation to the marine environment. Further, we identified possible convergent evolution in aquatic mammals by testing for positively selected genes across three orders of marine mammals. In addition, we used publicly available resequencing data to confirm a rapid decline in global population size in the Pliocene to Pleistocene transition. This study sheds light on the chromosome evolution and genetic mechanisms underpinning sperm whale adaptations, providing valuable resources for future comparative genomics.
Comparative efficacy and safety of first‐line treatments for advanced non‐small cell lung cancer with immune checkpoint inhibitors: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Chen Rui , Hou Xiaoming , Yang Liping , Zhao Da 
Published: February 2019

BackgroundNon‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the predominant type of lung cancer, and most clinically curable patients are diagnosed with locally advanced disease. Although the efficacy of standard platinum‐based chemotherapy doublets is relatively limited. The effect of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) remains controversial, and its role in the first‐line treatment of advanced NSCLC is obscure. Thus, we carried out a systematic review and meta‐analysis to compare the efficacy and safety of ICIs for advanced NSCLC.MethodsThe PubMed, Cochrane Central Register Trial, and American Society of Clinical Oncology databases were searched from inception to 30 April 2018. We searched for randomized controlled trials comparing single‐agent programmed cell death protein 1/programmed death‐ligand 1 inhibitors (nivolumab, pembrolizumab, or atezolizumab) or cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte‐associated antigen 4 inhibitor (ipilimumab) with chemotherapy in NSCLC patients. Progression‐free survival, overall survival, objective response rate, and adverse events were pooled for meta‐analysis by Review Manager (RevMan version 5.3) software.ResultsAfter exclusion of ineligible studies, 12 eligible randomized controlled trials were included. Data showed that ICIs significantly improved progression‐free survival (HR 0.66, 95% CI 0.57–0.77, P < 0.00001), overall survival (HR 0.77, 95% CI 0.64–0.91, P = 0.003), and but not objective response rate (RR 1.97, 95% CI 1.25–3.13, P = 0.004) in all unselected NSCLC populations. However, they failed to increase the OS of programmed death‐ligand 1 = 1–49% subgroup (HR 0.78, 95% CI 0.51–1.19, P = 0.25) and PFS of programmed death‐ligand 1<1% subgroup (HR 0.85; 95%CI 0.70 to 1.03, P=0.09) in ICIs+chemotherapy over chemotherapy. Meanwhile, OS of programmed death‐ligand =1‐49% subgroup (HR 0.92; 95%CI 0.77 to 1.10, P=0.36) and PFS of programmed death‐ligand 1≥50% subgroup (HR 0.76; 95%CI 0.52 to 1.11, P=0.15) showed no significant differences in ICIs over chemotherapy. Furthermore, fewer adverse events were observed in the ICIs groups than control groups.ConclusionICIs are overall better tolerated than chemotherapy. Our results provide further evidence supporting the favorable risk/benefit ratio for ICIs.
Application of indocyanine green fluorescence for precision sublobar resection
Authors: Zhang Chao , Lin Huan , Fu Rui , Zhang Tao , Nie Qiang , Dong Song , Yang Xue‐Ning , Wu Yi‐Long , Zhong Wen‐Zhao 
Published: February 2019

BackgroundIncreasing identification of small pulmonary nodules promotes sublobar resection, but localization and surgical margins of non‐palpable pulmonary nodules through sublobar resection are challenging. Our aim was explicate the feasibility of applying indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence to localized nodules, and to carry out surgical resection.MethodsA total of 46 patients with subpleural pulmonary nodules <3 cm were enrolled, including 35 for wedge resection and 11 for segmentectomy. For wedge resection, patients underwent computed tomography‐guided percutaneous injection of ICG preoperatively. Wedge resection was carried out after confirmation of the fluorescence using fluoroscopy. For segmentectomy, ICG was injected through the peripheral vein during surgery and resection of the segmental plain was carried out. Detailed measurements were taken and information was collected for the whole procedure.ResultsA total of 33 out of 35 patients underwent successful wedge resection using ICG fluorescence. Segmentectomy was successfully carried out for all 11 patients who underwent the procedure. For two patiens, the nodules failed to be localized with unclear fluorescence, and one patient with an undetected nodule was altered to perform lobectomy. For wedge resection, the mean tumor size and depth from the pleural surface were 7.8 ± 0.5 mm and 10.5 ± 1.6 mm, respectively. The median time taken for preoperative computed tomography‐guided percutaneous injection was 28 min (range 18–40 min), and 25 min (range 16–30 min) for wedge resection. For segmentectomy, the ICG fluorescence occurred 14 s after injecting ICG through the peripheral vein, and the median duration was 15 min. All surgical margins were negative based on pathological evaluation.ConclusionsThe implementation of ICG fluorescence could provide surgeons carrying out precision sublobar resection with a time‐saving surgical technique with less unnecessary intraoperative damage.
Mixed response to osimertinib and the beneficial effects of additional local therapy
Authors: Shinno Yuki , Goto Yasushi , Sato Jun , Morita Ryo , Matsumoto Yuji , Murakami Shuji , Kanda Shintaro , Horinouchi Hidehito , Fujiwara Yutaka , Yamamoto Noboru , Ohe Yuichiro 
Published: February 2019

BackgroundAlthough non‐small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) harboring EGFR mutations initially respond well to EGFR‐tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), they typically progress after approximately one year. The EGFR T790M mutation is the most common resistance mechanism. NSCLCs with T790M respond well to osimertinib; however, the heterogeneity of NSCLCs may limit the efficacy. Some patients exhibit a mixed response (MR), in which some lesions shrink and others progress, but little is known of the incidence and characteristics of such a response. We sought to determine the frequency and clinical course in MR patients.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the records of patients who had received osimertinib for NSCLC with EGFR T790M.ResultsBetween April and December 2016, 48 patients were administered osimertinib. Seven patients (15%) exhibited one of two MR types: (i) progressive lesions that did not include the re‐biopsy site (5 patients), and (ii) progressive lesions that included the re‐biopsy site (2 patients). The most frequent progressive sites were liver and lung metastases (4 patients). Three patients continued osimertinib following an MR, one of whom had received local therapy for liver metastasis and achieved disease control on osimertinib for an additional four months.ConclusionAn MR was detected in 15% of NSCLC patients with T790M. This finding suggests that several different resistance mechanisms are active within a single patient who develops resistance to EGFR‐TKIs. Osimertinib is basically effective for tumors that acquire resistance to EGFR‐TKIs as a result of T790M mutation. Therefore, additional local therapy may be beneficial for patients who develop an MR to osimertinib.
Systemic immune‐inflammation index (SII) is useful to predict survival outcomes in patients with surgically resected non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Guo Wei , Cai Songhua , Zhang Fan , Shao Fei , Zhang Guochao , Zhou Yang , Zhao Liang , Tan Fengwei , Gao Shugeng , He Jie 
Published: February 2019

BackgroundThe systemic immune‐inflammation index (SII) is correlated with patient survival in various types of solid tumors. However, only a few studies have focused on the prognostic value of the SII in patients with surgically resected non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).MethodsThis study was a single center retrospective analysis of 569 NSCLC patients who underwent curative lobectomy at the Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College between 2006 and 2012. A receiver operating characteristic curve was plotted to compare the discriminatory ability of the SII for overall survival (OS). A Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to perform univariate and multivariate analyses.ResultsThe SII, neutrophil‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and platelet‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR) all correlated with OS in NSCLC patients, and the SII was an independent prognostic factor for OS (hazard ratio 1.256, 95% confidence interval 1.018–1.551; P = 0.034). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the SII (0.547) was larger than the NLR (0.541) and PLR (0.531). Furthermore, the SII retained prognostic significance in the lung adenocarcinoma subgroup.ConclusionThe SII is a promising prognostic predictor for patients with surgically resected NSCLC and retained prognostic significance in the lung adenocarcinoma subgroup. The prognostic value of the SII is superior to the NLR and PLR.
Glutamatergic neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex mediate the formation and retrieval of cocaine‐associated memories in mice
Authors: Zhang Tong , Yanagida Junko , Kamii Hironori , Wada Shintaro , Domoto Masaki , Sasase Hitoki , Deyama Satoshi , Takarada Takeshi , Hinoi Eiichi , Sakimura Kenji , Yamanaka Akihiro , Maejima Takashi , Mieda Michihiro , Sakurai Takeshi , Nishitani Naoya , Nagayasu Kazuki , Kaneko Shuji , Minami Masabumi , Kaneda Katsuyuki 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIn drug addiction, environmental stimuli previously associated with cocaine use readily elicit cocaine‐associated memories, which persist long after abstinence and trigger cocaine craving and consumption. Although previous studies suggest that the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is involved in the expression of cocaine‐addictive behaviors, it remains unclear whether excitatory and inhibitory neurons in the mPFC are causally related to the formation and retrieval of cocaine‐associated memories. To address this issue, we used the designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADD) technology combined with a cocaine‐induced conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm. We suppressed mPFC neuronal activity in a cell‐type– and timing‐dependent manner. C57BL/6J wild‐type mice received bilateral intra‐mPFC infusion of an adeno‐associated virus (AAV) expressing inhibitory DREADD (hM4Di) under the control of CaMKII promotor to selectively suppress mPFC pyramidal neurons. GAD67‐Cre mice received bilateral intra‐mPFC infusion of a Cre‐dependent AAV expressing hM4Di to specifically silence GABAergic neurons. Chemogenetic suppression of mPFC pyramidal neurons significantly attenuated both the acquisition and expression of cocaine CPP, while suppression of mPFC GABAergic neurons affected neither the acquisition nor expression of cocaine CPP. Moreover, chemogenetic inhibition of mPFC glutamatergic neurons did not affect the acquisition and expression of lithium chloride‐induced conditioned place aversion. These results suggest that the activation of glutamatergic, but not GABAergic, neurons in the mPFC mediates both the formation and retrieval of cocaine‐associated memories.
ICSI outcomes using testicular spermatozoa in non‐azoospermic couples with recurrent ICSI failure and no previous live births
Authors: Herrero M. B. , Lusignan M. F. , Son W.‐Y. , Sabbah M. , Buckett W.  , Chan P. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe use of testicular over ejaculated spermatozoa for ICSI has been presented as an alternative to overcome infertility in men with poor semen parameters or high levels of sperm DNA fragmentation.ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of testicular ICSI outcomes in couples with no previous live birth and recurrent ICSI failure using ejaculated spermatozoa by comparison to the outcomes of couples with similar history of recurrent ICSI using ejaculated spermatozoa only.Materials and MethodsA total of 145 couples undergoing ejaculated or testicular ICSI cycles with no previous live births and with at least two previous failed ICSI cycles with ejaculated spermatozoa were evaluated retrospectively. ICSI was performed either with ejaculated (E‐ICSI) or with testicular (T‐ICSI) spermatozoa. Semen parameters and sperm DNA quality were assessed prior to the oocyte collection day. Primary outcomes included cumulative live birth and pregnancy rates. Secondary analysis included percentage of DNA fragmentation in ejaculated spermatozoa (SCSA® and TUNEL).ResultsPatients undergoing T‐ICSI (n = 77) had a significantly higher clinical pregnancy rate/fresh embryo transfer (ET) (27.9%; 17/61) and cumulative live birth rate (23.4%; 15/64) compared to patients using E‐ICSI (n = 68) (clinical pregnancy rate/fresh ET: 10%; 6/60 and cumulative live birth rate: 11.4%; 7/61). Further, T‐ICSI yield significantly better cumulative live birth rates than E‐ICSI for men with high TUNEL (≥36%) (T‐ICSI: 20%; 3/15 vs. E‐ICSI: 0%; 0/7, p < 0.025), high SCSA® (≥25%) scores (T‐ICSI: 21.7%; 5/23 vs. E‐ICSI: 9.1%; 1/11, p < 0.01), or abnormal semen parameters (T‐ICSI: 28%; 7/25 vs. E‐ICSI: 6.7%; 1/15, p < 0.01).ConclusionsThe use of testicular spermatozoa for ICSI in non‐azoospermic couples with no previous live births, recurrent ICSI failure, and high sperm DNA fragmentation yields significantly better live birth outcomes than a separate cohort of couples with similar history of ICSI failure entering a new ICSI cycle with ejaculated spermatozoa.
SERVICE QUALITY IN ELECTRICITY DISTRIBUTION IN BRAZIL: A MALMQUIST APPROACH
Authors: MARINHO Alexandre , RESENDE Marcelo 
Published: February 2019

ABSTRACTThe paper undertakes a dynamic analysis for service quality in the electricity distribution in Brazil between 2010 and 2014 based on Malmquist indexes constructed upon Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) distance functions. The motivation for the less usual consideration of efficiency frontiers for service quality, that does not rely on traditional inputs and outputs but rather on quality indicators, builds on previous static applications in the context of telecommunications. The analysis considers undesirable technical indicators for quality as inputs and desirable consumer satisfaction indicators for quality as outputs in the efficiency frontier analysis. The bootstrap‐corrected Malmquist indexes indicated service quality deterioration in 38.1 per cent, quality stagnation in 40.5 per cent and quality improvement only in 21.4 per cent of the cases. When one decomposes the Malmquist index, the evidence does not suggest relevant frontier shifts and indicates a dominant role for the catch‐up effect. Finally, Malmquist indexes are regressed against variables that may portray heterogeneities, such as firm size, service area, density, ownership and regional dummies in terms of a well‐known two‐stage procedure. The mostly weak significance results reinforce the plausibility of the initial analysis.
A structured review of psychiatric rehabilitation for individuals living with severe mental illness within three regions of the Asia‐Pacific: Implications for practice and policy
Authors: Hill Harry , Killaspy Helen , Ramachandran Padmavati , Ng Roger Man Kin , Bulman Nicole , Harvey Carol 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIntroductionPsychiatric rehabilitation can provide and support recovery‐oriented care by assisting individuals living with severe mental illness to lead full lives. Despite a well‐established evidence‐base, implementation and access to these interventions in clinical practice for people with severe mental illness in the Asia‐Pacific region is low. We therefore aimed to evaluate prominent themes impacting on clinical practice, policy, and the implementation of psychiatric rehabilitation across the Asia‐Pacific region.MethodsA comprehensive review of relevant literature on psychiatric rehabilitation of three regions within the Asia‐Pacific was conducted using a structured search of PubMed and other databases. Eligible articles were selected which focussed on how psychiatric rehabilitation is defined and implemented across the Asia‐Pacific region, as well as the associated successes and challenges. Common themes were generated.ResultsSix themes emerged: the impact of policy, legislation, and human rights; access difficulties; the important role of family; the significance of culture, religion, and spiritual beliefs; the widespread impact of stigma; and the indigenous models of excellence being developed.DiscussionConsideration of the six themes and their implications should help raise awareness of the issues involved in the provision of psychiatric rehabilitation in the Asia‐Pacific region and may improve outcomes for people living with severe mental illness. Suggested strategies include: developing a shared understanding of psychiatric rehabilitation; establishing quality legislation that's well implemented; adapting evidence‐based models to develop culturally appropriate services; implementing stigma reduction and empowerment‐based interventions; and, ensuring coordinated action among all stakeholders, combined with effective leadership.