bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A new kind of chaotic diffusion: anti-persistent random walks of explosive dissipative solitons
Authors: Albers Tony , Cisternas Jaime , Radons Günter 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
The solitons that exist in nonlinear dissipative media have properties very different from the ones that exist in conservative media and are modeled by the nonlinear Schrödinger equation. One of the surprising behaviors of dissipative solitons is the occurrence of explosions: sudden transient enlargements of a soliton, which as a result induce spatial shifts. In this work using the complex Ginzburg–Landau equation in one dimension, we address the long-time statistics of these apparently random shifts. We show that the motion of a soliton can be described as an anti-persistent random walk with a corresponding oscillatory decay of the velocity correlation function. We derive two simple statistical models, one in discrete and one in continuous time, which explain the observed behavior. Our statistical analysis benchmarks a future microscopic theory of the origin of this new kind of chaotic diffusion.
Enhanced heating rate of black carbon above the planetary boundary layer over megacities in summertime
Authors: Liu Dantong , Zhao Delong , Xie Zhenzhen , Yu Chenjie , Chen Ying , Tian Ping , Ding Shuo , Hu Kang , Lowe Douglas , Liu Quan , Zhou Wei , Wang Fei , Sheng Jiujiang , Kong Shaofei , Hu Dawei , Wang Zhenzhu , Huang Mengyu , Ding Deping 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
The fast development of a secondary aerosol layer was observed over megacities in eastern Asia during summertime. Within three hours, from midday to early afternoon, the contribution of secondary aerosols above the planetary boundary layer (PBL) increased by a factor of three to five, and the coatings on black carbon (BC) also increased and enhanced its absorption efficiency by 50%. This tended to result from the intensive actinic flux received above the PBL which promoted photochemical reactions. The absorption of BC could be further amplified by the strong reflection of solar radiation over the cloud top across the PBL. This enhanced heating effect of BC introduced by combined processes (intensive solar radiation, secondary formation and cloud reflection) may considerably increase the temperature inversion above the PBL. This mechanism should be considered when evaluating the radiative impact of BC, especially for polluted regions receiving strong solar radiation.
Effect of pharmacist-led task force to reduce opioid prescribing in the emergency department
Authors: Acquisto Nicole M , Schult Rachel F , Sarnoski-Roberts Sandra , Wilmarth Jaclyn , Jones Courtney M C , McCann Molly , Dolce Rebecca , Stott Rebecca , Noble Marcy , Davis Colleen , Springer Heidi , Kamali Michael F , Miglani Aekta 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Purpose
Results of a study to determine the effect of a pharmacist-led opioid task force on emergency department (ED) opioid use and discharge prescriptions are presented.

Methods
An observational evaluation was conducted at a large tertiary care center (ED volume of 115,000 visits per year) to evaluate selected opioid use outcomes before and after implementation of an ED opioid reduction program by interdisciplinary task force of pharmacists, physicians, and nurses. Volumes of ED opioid orders and discharge prescriptions were evaluated over the entire 25-month study period and during designated 1-month preimplementation and postimplementation periods (January 2017 and January 2018). Opioid order trends were evaluated using linear regression analysis and further investigated with an interrupted time series analysis to determine the immediate and sustained effects of the program.

Results
From January 2017 to January 2018, ED opioid orders were reduced by 63.5% and discharge prescriptions by 55.8% from preimplementation levels: from 246.8 to 90.1 orders and from 85.3 to 37.7 prescriptions per 1,000 patient visits, respectively. Over the entire study period, there were significant decreases in both opioid orders (β, –78.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], –88.0 to –68.9; R2, 0.93; p < 0.0001) and ED discharge prescriptions (β, –24.4; 95% CI, –27.9 to –20.9; R2, 0.90; p < 0.001). The efforts of the task force had an immediate effect on opioid prescribing practices; results for effect sustainability were mixed.

Conclusion
A clinical pharmacist–led opioid reduction program in the ED was demonstrated to have positive results, with a more than 50% reduction in both ED opioid orders and discharge prescriptions.
Recording of Children and Young People’s Views in Contact Decision-Making
Authors: Porter Robert B 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Children and young people have a right for their views to be heard and considered in decisions affecting their welfare. Fulfilment of this right may be evidenced through views being represented in documents related to the decision. This article reports findings of a study which examined the records of 160 children who were looked after in Scotland from 2013 to 2017. This included 1,200 individual Hearings, which made a total of 2,003 contact decisions. Data on contact decisions, views, and recommendations were extracted and analysed. Clear wishes of children are recorded in relation to just 12 per cent of contact decisions, and there is no recording of views in 64 per cent of contact decisions. Where the child is aged over twelve years, these figures rise to clear views being recorded in 22 per cent of contact decisions, with no recording of views in 42 per cent of contact decisions. These findings are concerning in relation to the value placed on the views of children and young people in decisions affecting their lives. There are implications for the information available to decision makers, social work practice and for policy and research relating to engagement and participation of children and young people in decisions affecting their lives.
A Common NLRC4 Gene Variant Associates With Inflammation and Pulmonary Function in Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Tuberculosis
Authors: Ravimohan Shruthi , Maenetje Pholo , Auld Sara C , Ncube Itai , Mlotshwa Mandla , Chase William , Tiemessen Caroline T , Vangu Mboyo-Di-Tamba , Wallis Robert S , Churchyard Gavin , Weissman Drew , Kornfeld Hardy , Bisson Gregory P 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundInflammasomes mediate inflammation in adults living with both human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and tuberculosis (TB), but the relevance of inflammasome gene polymorphisms in TB-associated pulmonary damage is unknown. We hypothesized that functional single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in inflammasome pathway genes modify systemic and pulmonary inflammation, contributing to respiratory impairment in adults living with HIV/pulmonary TB.MethodsThis was a prospective cohort study set in South Africa following individuals living with HIV/TB up to 48 weeks post-antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation. Ten functional SNPs in 5 inflammasome pathway genes were related to circulating inflammatory biomarkers and lung function assessed by spirometry pre- and post-ART initiation. Analyses used 2-sided t tests, Wilcoxon rank sum tests, Spearman correlation coefficients, linear regression, and generalized estimating equation models.ResultsAmong 102 patients with baseline samples, the minor allele (T) in NLRC4 rs385076 was independently associated with lower levels of interleukin (IL)-18 and IL-6 before and up to 12 weeks post-ART initiation (Benjamini-Hochberg corrected P values &lt; .02). Patients with the CT/TT genotypes also had improved lung function vs CC patients up to 48 weeks post-ART initiation (forced vital capacity, 206 mL higher; 95% confidence interval [CI], 67–345 mL; P = .004 and forced expiratory volume in 1 second, 143 mL higher; 95% CI, 11–274 mL; P = .034).ConclusionsA common SNP in the NLRC4 inflammasome may modify TB-associated inflammation in clinically relevant ways. This SNP may identify high-risk groups for lung damage in TB. Inhibition of NLRC4 activity may be an important approach for TB host-directed therapy.
Inpatient Fluoroquinolone Stewardship Improves the Quantity and Quality of Fluoroquinolone Prescribing at Hospital Discharge: A Retrospective Analysis Among 122 Veterans Health Administration Hospitals
Authors: Suzuki Hiroyuki , Perencevich Eli N , Alexander Bruce , Beck Brice F , Goto Michihiko , Lund Brian C , Nair Rajeshwari , Livorsi Daniel J 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Despite increasing awareness of harms, fluoroquinolones are still frequently prescribed to inpatients and at hospital discharge. Our goal was to describe fluoroquinolone prescribing at hospital discharge across the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and to contrast the volume and appropriateness of fluoroquinolone prescribing across 3 antimicrobial stewardship strategy types.

Methods
We analyzed a retrospective cohort of patients hospitalized at 122 VHA acute-care hospitals during 2014–2016. Data from a mandatory VHA survey were used to identify 9 hospitals that self-reported 1 of 3 strategies for optimizing fluoroquinolone prescribing: prospective audit and feedback (PAF), restrictive policies (RP), and no strategy. Manual chart reviews to assess fluoroquinolone appropriateness at hospital discharge (ie, postdischarge) were performed across the 9 hospitals (3 hospitals and 125 cases per strategy type).

Results
There were 1.7 million patient admissions. Overall, there were 1 727 478 fluoroquinolone days of therapy (DOTs), with 674 918 (39.1%) DOTs prescribed for inpatients and 1 052 560 (60.9%) DOTs prescribed postdischarge. Among the 9 reviewed hospitals, postdischarge fluoroquinolone exposure was lower at hospitals using RP, compared to no strategy (3.8% vs 9.3%, respectively; P = .012). Postdischarge fluoroquinolones were deemed inappropriate in 154 of 375 (41.1%) patients. Fluoroquinolones were more likely to be inappropriate at hospitals without a strategy (52.8%) versus those using either RP or PAF (35.2%; P = .001).

Conclusions
In this retrospective cohort, the majority of fluoroquinolone DOTs occurred after hospital discharge. A large proportion of postdischarge fluoroquinolone prescriptions were inappropriate, especially in hospitals without a strategy to manage fluoroquinolone prescribing. Our findings suggest that stewardship efforts to minimize and improve fluoroquinolone prescribing should also focus on antimicrobial prescribing at hospital discharge.
Association Between the Respiratory Microbiome and Susceptibility to Influenza Virus Infection
Authors: Tsang Tim K , Lee Kyu Han , Foxman Betsy , Balmaseda Angel , Gresh Lionel , Sanchez Nery , Ojeda Sergio , Lopez Roger , Yang Yang , Kuan Guillermina , Gordon Aubree 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Previous studies suggest that the nose/throat microbiome may play an important role in shaping host immunity and modifying the risk of respiratory infection. Our aim is to quantify the association between the nose/throat microbiome and susceptibility to influenza virus infection.

Methods
In this household transmission study, index cases with confirmed influenza virus infection and their household contacts were followed for 9–12 days to identify secondary influenza infections. Respiratory swabs were collected at enrollment to identify and quantify bacterial species via high-performance sequencing. Data were analyzed by an individual hazard-based transmission model that was adjusted for age, vaccination, and household size.

Results
We recruited 115 index cases with influenza A(H3N2) or B infection and 436 household contacts. We estimated that a 10-fold increase in the abundance in Streptococcus spp. and Prevotella salivae was associated with 48% (95% credible interval [CrI], 9–69%) and 25% (95% CrI, 0.5–42%) lower susceptibility to influenza A(H3N2) infection, respectively. In contrast, for influenza B infection, a 10-fold increase in the abundance in Streptococcus vestibularis and Prevotella spp. was associated with 63% (95% CrI, 17–83%) lower and 83% (95% CrI, 15–210%) higher susceptibility, respectively.

Conclusions
Susceptibility to influenza infection is associated with the nose/throat microbiome at the time of exposure. The effects of oligotypes on susceptibility differ between influenza A(H3N2) and B viruses. Our results suggest that microbiome may be a useful predictor of susceptibility, with the implication that microbiome could be modulated to reduce influenza infection risk, should these associations be causal.
Pericardial Manifestations in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Report of Two Cases
Authors: Qazi T , Christian K E , Farraye F A , Cross R K 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Pericardial involvement in the setting of inflammatory bowel disease can occur not only as an adverse event related to medical therapy but also as an extraintestinal manifestation of the disease itself. In the following case series, we describe 2 cases of pericarditis in patients diagnosed with Crohn disease. Our first case reviews the clinical presentation of acute pericarditis as an adverse event associated with anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy. In contrast, our second patient is a case of acute pericarditis as a precursor of the clinical recurrence of Crohn disease following operative resection. Pericardial disease should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute and subacute presentations of chest discomfort and shortness of breath in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing strategies in cardiovascular cells
Authors: Vermersch Eva , Jouve Charlène , Hulot Jean-Sébastien 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases are among the main causes of morbidity and mortality in Western countries and considered as a leading public health issue. Therefore, there is a strong need for new disease models to support the development of novel therapeutics approaches. The successive improvement of genome editing tools with zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs), transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), and more recently with clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated 9 (Cas9) has enabled the generation of genetically modified cells and organisms with much greater efficiency and precision than before. The simplicity of CRISPR/Cas9 technology made it especially suited for different studies, both in vitro and in vivo, and has been used in multiple studies evaluating gene functions, disease modelling, transcriptional regulation, and testing of novel therapeutic approaches. Notably, with the parallel development of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), the generation of knock-out and knock-in human cell lines significantly increased our understanding of mutation impacts and physiopathological mechanisms within the cardiovascular domain. Here, we review the recent development of CRISPR–Cas9 genome editing, the alternative tools, the available strategies to conduct genome editing in cardiovascular cells with a focus on its use for correcting mutations in vitro and in vivo both in germ and somatic cells. We will also highlight that, despite its potential, CRISPR/Cas9 technology comes with important technical and ethical limitations. The development of CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing for cardiovascular diseases indeed requires to develop a specific strategy in order to optimize the design of the genome editing tools, the manipulation of DNA repair mechanisms, the packaging and delivery of the tools to the studied organism, and the assessment of their efficiency and safety.
The optimal drug adherence to maximize the efficacy and safety of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant in real-world atrial fibrillation patients
Authors: Kim Daehoon , Yang Pil-Sung , Jang Eunsun , Yu Hee Tae , Kim Tae-Hoon , Uhm Jae-Sun , Kim Jong-Youn , Sung Jung-Hoon , Pak Hui-Nam , Lee Moon-Hyoung , Lip Gregory Y H , Joung Boyoung 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Aims
To investigate the association between adherence to non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant (NOAC) and clinical outcomes and to determine the optimal cut-off level of NOAC adherence among patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods and results
Using the Korean National Health Insurance Service database, we identified 96 197 patients with non-valvular AF who initiated NOAC or warfarin in 2013–16. We compared clinical outcomes between adherent [proportion of days covered (PDC) ≥80%] vs. non-adherent (PDC &lt;80%) NOAC users, and further with warfarin users. We assessed the outcomes according to different levels of adherence. The proportion of adherent NOAC users was 64.0%. Compared with non-adherent NOAC users, adherent NOAC users were at lower risks of ischaemic stroke/systemic embolism (SE) [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 0.73, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.69–0.79], and myocardial infarction (aHR 0.82, 95% CI 0.72–0.93), whereas there was no significant risk alteration for major bleeding (aHR 1.01, 95% CI 0.91–1.11). Compared with warfarin, non-adherent NOAC use failed to have better efficacy against ischaemic stroke/SE (aHR 0.99, 95% CI 0.93–1.05) and rather had increased risk of myocardial infarction (aHR 1.13, 95% CI 1.03–1.25). In NOAC users, the risks of adverse outcomes decreased according to gradual increase of adherence rates with the lowest risks in ≥90%, except for major bleeding in which there were no significant associations.

Conclusions
In an adherence level-dependent fashion, adherent use of NOAC showed better clinical outcomes without increasing bleeding risk. Maintaining ≥90% of adherence optimizes effectiveness of NOAC therapy without compromising its safety.
Enteroendocrine Cells: Sensing Gut Microbiota and Regulating Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Authors: Yu Yanbo , Yang Wenjing , Li Yanqing , Cong Yingzi 
Published: September 2019

AbstractHost sensing in the gut microbiota has been crucial in the regulation of intestinal homeostasis. Although inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), multifactorial chronic inflammatory conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, have been associated with intestinal dysbiosis, the detailed interactions between host and gut microbiota are still not completely understood. Enteroendocrine cells (EECs) represent 1% of the intestinal epithelium. Accumulating evidence indicates that EECs are key sensors of gut microbiota and/or microbial metabolites. They can secrete cytokines and peptide hormones in response to microbiota, either in traditional endocrine regulation or by paracrine impact on proximal tissues and/or cells or via afferent nerve fibers. Enteroendocrine cells also play crucial roles in mucosal immunity, gut barrier function, visceral hyperalgesia, and gastrointestinal (GI) motility, thereby regulating several GI diseases, including IBD. In this review, we will focus on EECs in sensing microbiota, correlating enteroendocrine perturbations with IBD, and the underlying mechanisms.
Impact of follow-up time and analytical approaches to account for reverse causality on the association between physical activity and health outcomes in UK Biobank
Authors: Strain Tessa , Wijndaele Katrien , Sharp Stephen J , Dempsey Paddy C , Wareham Nick , Brage Søren 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
The advent of very large cohort studies (n &gt; 500 000) has given rise to prospective analyses of health outcomes being undertaken after short (&lt;4 years) follow-up periods. However, these studies are potentially at risk of reverse causality bias. We investigated differences in the associations between self-reported physical activity and all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality, and incident CVD, using different follow-up time cut-offs and methods to account for reverse causality bias.

Methods
Data were from n = 452 933 UK Biobank participants, aged 38–73 years at baseline. Median available follow-up time was 7 years (for all-cause and CVD mortality) and 6.1 years (for incident CVD). We additionally analysed associations at 1-, 2- and 4-year cut-offs after baseline. We fit up to four models: (1) adjusting for prevalent CVD and cancer, (2) excluding prevalent disease, (3) and (4) Model 2 excluding incident cases in the first 12 and 24 months, respectively.

Results
The strength of associations decreased as follow-up time cut-off increased. For all-cause mortality, Model 1 hazard ratios were 0.73 (0.69–0.78) after 1 year and 0.86 (0.84–0.87) after 7 years. Associations were weaker with increasing control for possible reverse causality. After 7-years follow-up, the hazard ratios were 0.86 (0.84–0.87) and 0.88 (0.86–0.90) for Models 1 and 4, respectively. Associations with CVD outcomes followed similar trends.

Conclusions
As analyses with longer follow-up times and increased control for reverse causality showed weaker associations, there are implications for the decision about when to analyse a cohort study with ongoing data collection, the interpretation of study results and their contribution to meta-analyses.
Oral corticosteroids during pregnancy and offspring risk of congenital heart defects: a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Schmidt Amalie Bøggild , Lund Marie , Corn Giulia , Øyen Nina , Wohlfahrt Jan , Melbye Mads 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Pre-pregnancy diabetes is a strong risk factor for congenital heart defects (CHDs), suggesting a role for glucose in the causal pathway. Oral corticosteroids may cause hyperglycemia and maternal use could affect embryonic heart development. The objective of this study was to determine the association between maternal intake of oral corticosteroids 0–8 weeks after conception and CHDs in offspring.

Methods
A register-based nationwide prevalence study including all live singleton births in Denmark, 1996–2016, was conducted. In total, 1 194 687 individuals and their mothers were identified and linked with information on offspring CHDs and the mothers’ use of oral corticosteroids in early pregnancy. Corticosteroid use was defined as a filled prescription for maternal use of oral corticosteroid 0–8 weeks after conception. CHDs were identified through International Classification of Diseases codes. The association was estimated by prevalence (odds) ratios using logistic regression and propensity score-matched analyses.

Results
Among 1 194 687 live births, 2032 had a mother who had used oral corticosteroids 0–8 weeks from conception. Of these offspring, 32 had a heart defect. Among the offspring of never-users of oral corticosteroids, 10 534 had a heart defect. The adjusted prevalence ratio was 1.29 (95% confidence interval, 0.90–1.84) comparing offspring prevalence of heart defects in oral corticosteroid users with that in oral corticosteroid never-users. Propensity score-matched analysis yielded similar results (prevalence ratio 1.38; 95% confidence interval, 0.95–2.02).

Conclusions
This study supports that there is no association between maternal use of oral corticosteroids in the first 8 weeks after conception and CHDs.