bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risk scoring tool to predict respiratory syncytial virus hospitalisation in premature infants
Authors: Blanken Maarten O. , Paes Bosco , Anderson Evan J. , Lanari Marcello , Sheridan‐Pereira Margaret , Buchan Scot , Fullarton John R. , Grubb ElizaBeth , Notario Gerard , Rodgers‐Gray Barry S. , Carbonell‐Estrany Xavier 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe objective was to develop a risk scoring tool which predicts respiratory syncytial virus hospitalisation (RSVH) in moderate‐late preterm infants (32‐35 weeks’ gestational age) in the Northern Hemisphere.MethodsRisk factors for RSVH were pooled from six observational studies of infants born 32 weeks and 0 days to 35 weeks and 6 days without comorbidity from 2000 to 2014. Of 13 475 infants, 484 had RSVH in the first year of life. Logistic regression was used to identify the most predictive risk factors, based on area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). The model was validated internally by 100‐fold bootstrapping and externally with data from a seventh observational study. The model coefficients were converted into rounded multipliers, stratified into risk groups, and number needed to treat (NNT) calculated.ResultsThe risk factors identified in the model included (i) proximity of birth to the RSV season; (ii) second‐hand smoke exposure; and (iii) siblings and/or daycare. The AUROC was 0.773 (sensitivity: 68.9%; specificity: 73.0%). The mean AUROC from internal bootstrapping was 0.773. For external validation with data from Ireland, the AUROC was 0.707 using Irish coefficients and 0.681 using source model coefficients. Cut‐off scores for RSVH were ≤19 for low‐ (1.0%), 20‐45 for moderate‐ (3.3%), and 50‐56 (9.5%) for high‐risk infants. The high‐risk group captured 62.0% of RSVHs within 23.6% of the total population (NNT 15.3).ConclusionsThis risk scoring tool has good predictive accuracy and can improve targeting for RSVH prevention in moderate‐late preterm infants.
Laryngeal ultrasound for the diagnosis of laryngomalacia in infants
Authors: Friedman Shirley , Sadot Efraim , Gut Guy , Armoni Domany Keren , Sivan Yakov 
Published: February 2018

AbstractIntroductionLaryngomalacia is the most prevalent cause of congenital stridor. Flexible laryngobronchoscopy (FLB) is the gold standard for diagnosis. However, FLB requires venous access, deep sedation or general anesthesia, and is associated with patient's and parental discomfort and a considerable cost. Laryngeal ultrasound (LUS) has been shown to provide good evaluation of the normal anatomy and the dynamic motion of laryngeal structures. We investigated the yield of LUS in the diagnosis of laryngomalacia in infants with congenital stridor compared to FLB.MethodsA prospective blind study of consecutive infants referred for FLB due to congenital stridor with unknown cause. The presence of arytenoids adduction on LUS during inspiration was used to diagnose laryngomalacia. LUS was followed by FLB under anesthesia. The physician performing the FLB was blinded to the LUS results.ResultsTwenty‐four patients participated in the study (54% males). Median (IQR) age and weight were 3.5 (1‐7.7) months and 5.1 (4‐8.4) kg, respectively. LUS was well tolerated in all infants. Compared to FLB, LUS correctly diagnosed laryngomalacia in 11/14 (78.6%) infants. In 10 infants FLB ruled out laryngomalacia of whom LUS concurred in 9 infants and one was falsely diagnosed with laryngomalacia. LUS had a sensitivity of 78.5% (CI 52‐95%), specificity of 90% (CI 49‐94%), NPV of 75%, and PPV of 92%. ROC analysis demonstrated AUC of 0.84 (P < 0.01, 95%CI: 0.67‐1.0).ConclusionWe suggest that LUS has a role in screening congenital stridor in otherwise healthy infants when laryngomalacia is highly probable.
Safety and Observations from a Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study to Assess Use of Autologous Umbilical Cord Blood Stem Cells to Improve Symptoms in Children with Autism
Authors: Chez Michael , Lepage Christopher , Parise Carol , Dang-Chu Ashley , Hankins Andrea , Carroll Michael 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe aim of this exploratory study was to assess the safety and clinical effects of autologous umbilical cord blood (AUCB) infusion in children with idiopathic autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Twenty-nine children 2 to 6 years of age with a confirmed diagnosis of ASD participated in this randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover trial. Participants were randomized to receive AUCB or placebo, evaluated at baseline, 12, and 24 weeks, received the opposite infusion, then re-evaluated at the same time points. Evaluations included assessments of safety, Expressive One Word Picture Vocabulary Test, 4th edition, Receptive One Word Picture Vocabulary Test, 4th edition, Clinical Global Impression, Stanford-Binet Fluid Reasoning and Knowledge, and the Vineland Adaptive Behavior and Socialization Subscales. Generalized linear models were used to assess the effects of the response variables at the 12- and 24-week time periods under each condition (AUCB, placebo). There were no serious adverse events. There were trends toward improvement, particularly in socialization, but there were no statistically significant differences for any endpoints. The results of this study suggest that autologous umbilical cord infusions are safe for children with ASD. Tightly controlled trials are necessary to further progress the study of AUCB for autism.
Uncovering the Rab5‐Independent Autophagic Trafficking of Influenza A Virus by Quantum‐Dot‐Based Single‐Virus Tracking
Authors: Wu Qiu‐Mei , Liu Shu‐Lin , Chen Gang , Zhang Wei , Sun En‐Ze , Xiao Geng‐Fu , Zhang Zhi‐Ling , Pang Dai‐Wen 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAutophagy is closely related to virus‐induced disease and a comprehensive understanding of the autophagy‐associated infection process of virus will be significant for developing more effective antiviral strategies. However, many critical issues and the underlying mechanism of autophagy in virus entry still need further investigation. Here, this study unveils the involvement of autophagy in influenza A virus entry. The quantum‐dot‐based single‐virus tracking technique assists in real‐time, prolonged, and multicolor visualization of the transport process of individual viruses and provides unambiguous dissection of the autophagic trafficking of viruses. These results reveal that roughly one‐fifth of viruses are ferried into cells for infection by autophagic machineries, while the remaining are not. A comprehensive overview of the endocytic‐ and autophagic‐trafficking process indicates two distinct trafficking pathway of viruses, either dependent on Rab5‐positive endosomes or autophagosomes, with striking similarities. Expressing dominant‐negative mutant of Rab5 suggests that the autophagic trafficking of viruses is independent on Rab5. The present study provides dynamic, precise, and mechanistic insights into the involvement of autophagy in virus entry, which contributes to a better understanding of the relationship between autophagy and virus entry. The quantum‐dot‐based single‐virus tracking is proven to hold promise for autophagy‐related fundamental research.
Comparison of Gait Biomechanics in Patients with and without Knee Osteoarthritis during Different Phases of Gait
Authors: Monil Karia , Milad Masjedi , Lynsey Duffell , Margarita Kotti , Alison McGregor 
Published: February 2018

Background This study aimed to characterise knee adduction angles (KAA) and knee adduction moments (KAM) and compare this with foot centre of pressure (COP) in volunteers with and without knee osteoarthritis (OA). Methods A total of 108 participants were recruited; 84 had no known pathology, 18 had medial knee OA, and six had lateral knee OA. Linear regression was used to determine correlations between the normalised COP, KAM, and KAA during each phase of gait for all participants. Results The first phase of gait demonstrated significant differences between groups for all measures: KAA in all phases, COP in phases one and two, and KAM in phase one only. Conclusion The largest mechanical changes are seen in the first phase of gait in osteoarthritic patients. Although COP is an easy to measure tool, it is not as sensitive as KAA and did not demonstrate a significant difference between healthy and medial OA patients.
The role of perceived effectiveness on the acceptability of choice architecture
Authors: BANG H. MIN , SHU SUZANNE B. , WEBER ELKE U. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe success of choice architecture, including its adoption in government policy and practice, has prompted questions of whether choice architecture design decisions are sufficiently transparent and publicly acceptable. We examined whether disclosing to decision-makers that a particular choice architecture is in place reduces its effectiveness and whether an understanding of the effectiveness of choice architecture design decisions increases their acceptability. We find that disclosure of the design decision does not reduce its effectiveness and that individuals perceive the effectiveness of specific designs to be higher for others than for themselves. Perceived effectiveness for self increases when individuals have actually experienced the effect of a design decision rather than having it simply described to them. Perceived effectiveness for oneself and others increases the acceptability of the designs. We also find that the intentions of the source matter more than who the source actually is. Important for policy-makers, then, is that disclosure of design decisions does not reduce their effectiveness, and their acceptability depends on their perceived effectiveness and the inferred motivations of the design architect.
A Kriging-based elliptic extended anisotropic model for the turbulent boundary layer wall pressure spectrum
Authors: Slama Myriam , Leblond Cédric , Sagaut Pierre 
Published: February 2018

The present study addresses the computation of the wall pressure spectrum for a turbulent boundary layer flow without pressure gradient, at high Reynolds numbers, using a new model, the Kriging-based elliptic extended anisotropic model (KEEAM). A space–time solution to the Poisson equation for the wall pressure fluctuations is used. Both the turbulence–turbulence and turbulence–mean shear interactions are taken into account. It involves the mean velocity field and space–time velocity correlations which are modelled using Reynolds stresses and velocity correlation coefficients. We propose a new model, referred to as the extended anisotropic model, to evaluate the latter in all regions of the boundary layer. This model is an extension of the simplified anisotropic model of Gavin (PhD thesis, 2002, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA) which was developed for the outer part of the boundary layer. It relies on a new expression for the spatial velocity correlation function and new parameters calibrated using the direct numerical simulation results of Sillero et al. (Phys. Fluids, vol. 26, 2014, 105109). Spatial correlation coefficients are related to space–time coefficients with the elliptic model of He & Zhang (Phys. Rev. E, vol. 73, 2006, 055303). The turbulent quantities necessary for the pressure computation are obtained by Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes solutions with a Reynolds stress turbulence model. Then, the pressure correlations are evaluated with a self-adaptive sampling strategy based on Kriging in order to reduce the computation time. The frequency and wavenumber–frequency wall pressure spectra obtained with the KEEAM agree well with empirical models developed for turbulent boundary layer flows without pressure gradient.
Convexity in complex networks
Authors: MARC TILEN , ŠUBELJ LOVRO 
Published: February 2018

AbstractMetric graph properties lie in the heart of the analysis of complex networks, while in this paper we study their convexity through mathematical definition of a convex subgraph. A subgraph is convex if every geodesic path between the nodes of the subgraph lies entirely within the subgraph. According to our perception of convexity, convex network is such in which every connected subset of nodes induces a convex subgraph. We show that convexity is an inherent property of many networks that is not present in a random graph. Most convex are spatial infrastructure networks and social collaboration graphs due to their tree-like or clique-like structure, whereas the food web is the only network studied that is truly non-convex. Core–periphery networks are regionally convex as they can be divided into a non-convex core surrounded by a convex periphery. Random graphs, however, are only locally convex meaning that any connected subgraph of size smaller than the average geodesic distance between the nodes is almost certainly convex. We present different measures of network convexity and discuss its applications in the study of networks.
Association of gut microbial communities with plasma lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) in premenopausal women
Authors: Citronberg Jessica S , Curtis Keith R , White Emily , Newcomb Polly A , Newton Katherine , Atkinson Charlotte , Song Xiaoling , Lampe Johanna W , Hullar Meredith A J 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe mechanisms by which obesity increases cancer risk are unclear, but some lines of evidence suggest that gut microbial communities (GMC) may contribute to chronic inflammation in obese individuals through raised systemic levels of lipopolysaccharides (LPS). We evaluated associations of the GMC in stool with plasma LPS-binding protein (LBP, a measure of LPS) and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations in 110 premenopausal women in the United States. Diet was assessed using 3-day food records and GMCs were evaluated using pyrosequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. OTUs were identified at 97% sequence similarity. Taxonomic classification and functional genes were imputed from 16S rRNA genes, and alpha and beta diversity were assessed using the Shannon index and MRPP, respectively. Multivariable linear regression analysis was used to assess the relation between LBP, specific bacterial genera identified with indicator species analysis, and CRP. Dietary fat intake, particularly saturated fat, and CRP were positively associated with increased LBP. GMC beta diversity, but not alpha diversity, was statistically significantly different between groups using unweighted Unifrac. Several taxa, particularly those in the Clostridia class, were more prevalent in women with low LBP, while Bacteroides were more prevalent in those with high LBP. Genes associated with gram-negative cell wall material synthesis were also associated with LBP and CRP. In contrast, Phascolarctobacterium was associated with lower concentrations of LBP and CRP. We found distinct differences between tertiles of LBP regarding the diversity and composition of the microbiome, as well as differences in functional genes that potentially activate LBP.
Adherence and quality of life in adults and children during 3-years of SLIT treatment with Grazax—a real life study
Authors: Kiotseridis Hampus , Arvidsson Peter , Backer Vibeke , Braendholt Vagn , Tunsäter Alf 
Published: February 2018

AbstractRespiratory allergic disease represents a global health problem, 30% of the population suffers from allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and 20% suffer from asthma. Allergy immunotherapy induce immunological tolerance and thereby modify the response to allergens and sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) offers the possibility of home administration of allergen therapy, but adherence is more uncertain. The aim of the study was to investigate the adherence with GRAZAX in adults and children ≥ 5 years during three consecutive years of treatment. This was a non-interventional, prospective, observational, multi-center, open-label study to investigate adherence, quality of life, safety and tolerability of GRAZAX in adult and pediatric patients in a real-life setting. During the 3-years study period estimation of adherence was done regularly. Quality of life as well as symptom score was also assessed. In total, 399 patients (236 adults and 163 children) were included in the study. At baseline, 100% suffered from moderate-severe eyes and nose symptoms, and 31% had asthma in the grass pollen season. Overall, 55% completed a 3-years treatment period, whereas 37% stopped before end of study and 8% were lost to follow up. After 3 years, the adherence rate decreased from 98.2% (first month), 93.7% (first year), 93.2% (second year) and 88.9% (third year) and adverse events were the main reason for pre-term termination. The study suggests a good adherence to treatment in a real life setting among the patients finalizing 3-years SLIT therapy. The treatment was effective both on symptoms and HRQL.
Goodbye to the bioassay
Authors: Goodman Jay I. 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
It is time to say goodbye to the standard two-year rodent bioassay. While a few, primarily genotoxic, compounds which are clearly associated with human cancer test positive in the bioassay, there is no science-based, sound foundation for presuming it provides either a valid broad (across different chemicals) capability for discerning potential human carcinogens or a valid starting point for making human risk assessment decisions. The two basic assumptions underlying the bioassay are: (1) rodent carcinogens are human carcinogens; and (2) results obtained at high doses are indicative of results that will occur at lower, environmentally relevant, doses. Both of these assumptions are not correct. Furthermore, a reevaluation of National Toxicology Program bioassay data has revealed that if the dose group size were increased from 50 to 200 rodents per group the number of bioassays deemed to be positive would increase from approximately 50% to very close to 100%. Thus, under the extreme conditions of the bioassay (e.g., high doses, lifetime exposure and, at times, a non-physiological route of administration) virtually all chemicals tested could be made into rodent carcinogens. In recent years there have been a number of proposals to move away from the standard bioassay. In particular, a recently formulated decision tree (Cohen, 2017), which places an emphasis on dose–response relationships and invites the use of MOA information, provides a sound basis for moving on from the bioassay and towards a rational approach to both identify chemicals which appear to have the potential to cause cancer in humans and take dose–response relationships into consideration in order to place the extent, if any, of the risk they might pose into proper perspective.
Biocompatibility and bioactivity behaviour of coelectrospun silk fibroin‐hydroxyapatite nanofibres using formic acid
Authors: Zadegan Sara , Vahidi Bahman , Nourmohammadi Jhamak , Haghighipour Nooshin 
Published: February 2018

Appending hydroxyapatite (HAp) to non‐osteogenic silk fibroin (SF) scaffolds is an undeniable fact about the bone tissue engineering. The present research aimed to fabricate the uniform coelectrospun SF‐HAp composites with 1, 3 and 5 wt% of nano‐particles using acid solution to access fibres with favourable mechanical strength simultaneous with the enhanced bone cell compatibility. SEM images displayed that the average diameter of nanofibres increased from 90 ± 12 in SF nanofibres to 227 ± 13 in SF‐5%HAp. Meanwhile, the elastic modulus and breaking strain were equal to 63.4 ± 1.08 MPa and 2.57 ± 0.04, respectively, for SF‐3% HAp which was significantly higher than the SF fibres. Bioactivity property was evaluated after immersion in simulated body fluid by the SEM/EDS analysis. The results, which were confirmed by XRD and FTIR, asserted calcium phosphate deposition after 7 days rather than the SF mats. Finally, the MTT assay, Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) activity, calcium deposition and cell adhesion approved that the SF‐HAp nano‐composite could raise the cell viability and significantly enhance osteogenic differentiation and mineralisation process by increasing osteoblast cell migration and adhesion to the surface of nanofibres. In brief, it can be concluded that the SF‐HAp nanofibres can be considered as the superlative candidates for application in the bone tissue engineering.
Successful Salvage of an Extracardiac Fontan in the Setting of Purulent Mediastinitis using Antibiotic-Impregnated Beads
Authors: Wallis Gonzalo , Kirshbom Paul , Maxey Thomas , Coghill Matthew 
Published: February 2018

AbstractPost-cardiotomy mediastinitis is an especially serious complication after the implantation of prosthetic vascular grafts. Standard of care is irrigation, debridement, and removal of all prosthetic material present in the surgical field. The use of antibiotic impregnated beads at the site of infection has been reported in the salvage of vascular grafts in the adult population. We present the case of a 3-year-old child with hypoplastic left heart syndrome who developed mediastinitis following the Fontan operation. In a nontraditional approach, the Fontan conduit, which was surrounded by gross purulence, was successfully salvaged with the adjunctive use of vancomycin-impregnated beads.
A Transpatellar Approach to Treat Distal Femoral Type C3 Fractures Combined with Patellar Fractures
Authors: Lee Seung , Sim Jae , Han Do , Kim Min 
Published: February 2018

AbstractWe report our surgical method used to treat type C distal femur fractures accompanied by patella fractures whereby we approach the articular surface of the femur through the already-fractured patella. We treated 10 patients with type C3 distal femur and patella fractures between May 2013 and April 2015. Because the patella was fractured in all cases, we could approach the articular surface of the distal femur through the transverse gap between the retracted patellar fracture fragments, “transpatellar approach.” Any surgical complications were recorded. Knee function was evaluated using the Böstman system. The average age of the 10 patients (8 males) was 42.9 years (range, 22.0–58.0 years). All distal femur fractures were type C3, combined with patella fractures. Bony union of the distal femur and patella was achieved in all but one patient, who required an additional bone graft (without any change in the implant). Overall, three patients (30%) reported excellent results and seven (70%) reported good results, based on the Böstman system. A midline anterior approach through a patella fracture adequately exposes the entire joint surface of the distal femur, except the posterior surface. This approach is useful when treating a type C distal femur fracture accompanied by a patella fracture. The level of evidence is IV.
Diät, Mikrobiom und Multiple Sklerose
Authors: Haghikia Aiden , Linker Ralf 
Published: February 2018

ZusammenfassungDie Ursachenforschung auf dem Gebiet der Multiplen Sklerose (MS) hat dank neuer molekularbiologischer Techniken und großer Konsortien in den letzten Jahren vor allem hinsichtlich des genetischen Risikos immense Fortschritte erlebt. Allerdings bleibt die funktionelle Relevanz krankheitsassoziierter Risiko-Genvarianten unklar und spielt mit ca. einem Drittel des Gesamtrisikos die Genetik gegenüber den Umwelt-Risikofaktoren eher eine untergeordnete Rolle. Somit ist die weitere Identifikation und ggf. Prävention von Umwelt-Risiken aktuell im Fokus der Forschung. Hier haben sich jüngst vor allem Risikofaktoren für die MS gezeigt, die eng mit Lifestyle und Ernährung in Zusammenhang stehen, wie die sog. westliche Diät und Lebensstil, u. a. mit hohem Kochsalzkonsum und Zigarettenrauch. Darüber hinaus rückt der menschliche Darm immer weiter in den Fokus der Forschung: Mit seiner großen Oberfläche bietet der Darm immense Interaktionsmöglichkeiten zwischen den im Darm ansässigen Bakterien, der Nahrung und ihren Stoffwechselprodukten sowie dem Darm assoziierten Immunsystem. In der vorliegenden Arbeit fassen wir bisherige Erkenntnisse aus dem stetig wachsenden Forschungsgebiet zusammen, das sich mit dem Darm, der Ernährung und der MS befasst und diskutieren, wie diese Erkenntnisse, wie zuletzt für Fettsäuren von uns gezeigt, translational-therapeutisches Potenzial haben könnten.