bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Portable, visual, and nondestructive detector integrating Vis/NIR spectrometer for sugar content of kiwifruits
Authors: Yang Biao , Guo Wenchuan , Li Weiqiang , Li Qianqian , Liu Dayang , Zhu Xinhua 
Published: January 2019

AbstractA portable sugar content detector for intact kiwifruits was developed using a visible/near‐infrared spectrometer over the wavelength of 350–1,100 nm as spectra collector, a tablet computer as controller, a micro‐halogen lamp as light source, and a self‐made “Y” shape optical fiber as light transmitter and light receiver. The software applied to collect spectra, to establish sugar content prediction model, and to predict sugar content of kiwifruits was developed by Java language. Partial least square regression model was established to determine sugar content of kiwifruits. Contrasted with the sugar content obtained by digital refractometer, the root‐mean‐square error of the developed detector was 0.93% in soluble solids content. The obtained sugar content using the developed detector could be given in 2.5 s. The study shows that the developed portable sugar content detector is a promising tool for on‐site or in field nondestructive measurement on sugar content of kiwifruits.Practical applicationsThe study developed a portable sugar content detector for intact kiwifruits by a handheld visible/near‐infrared spectrometer, a tablet computer, a micro‐halogen lamp, and a self‐made “Y” shape optical fiber. The root‐mean‐square error of the developed detector was 0.93% in soluble solids content, and the obtained sugar content could be given in 2.5 s. The study makes nondestructively detecting the sugar content of kiwifruits in orchard and in‐situ be possible.
Knowledge regarding medicines management of type 2 diabetes amongst patients attending a Community Health Centre in South Africa
Authors: Moosa Afsana , Bezuidenhout Selente , Meyer Johanna C. , Godman Brian 
Published: January 2019

Abstract

Objective
The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is growing in Sub-Saharan countries including South Africa. This is a concern given its appreciable impact on morbidity, mortality and costs with the recent introduction of universal health care in South Africa. The purpose of the study was to assess the knowledge of patients with T2DM attending a typical community health centre (CHC) regarding the management of their disease including risk factors and prevention to guide future initiatives. Typically, patients with T2DM in South Africa are managed in ambulatory care including CHCs.

Method
A quantitative, descriptive study in a CHC. The sample included 217 adults with T2DM who have visited a physician as well as the pharmacy. Face-to-face patient exit interviews were conducted using a structured questionnaire.

Key findings
Females predominated (65%), with the majority of patients &gt;60 years (38.2%) and more than half from the Indian racial category. Most patients did not know how their medication controls their diabetes (79.3%) or did not know any of the side effects (83.9%) from their medication. Less than half of the patients knew how to take their medication, and more than a third of patients indicated that they were not practicing any form of self-care.

Conclusion
The results indicate that these T2DM patients lacked sufficient knowledge regarding the management of their disease. Healthcare managers should consider instigating programmes to improve patients’ knowledge about the management of their disease as part of general initiatives within South Africa to improve the management of patients with chronic diseases in the public sector.
Utilization of Interactive Clinical Video Telemedicine by Rural and Urban Veterans in the Veterans Health Administration Health Care System
Authors: Adams Scott V. , Mader Michael J. , Bollinger Mary J. , Wong Edwin S. , Hudson Teresa J. , Littman Alyson J. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractPurposeInteractive clinical video telemedicine (CVT) has the potential to benefit health care systems and patients by improving access, lowering costs, and more efficiently distributing providers. However, there is a gap in current knowledge around the demand for and potential uses of CVT in large integrated health care systems.MethodsWe conducted an observational study using Veterans Health Administration (VHA) administrative databases to analyze trends in CVT utilization, and types of care received, among 7.65 million veterans during fiscal years (FY) 2009‐2015 (October 1, 2008‐September 30, 2015). Trends were stratified by veteran rurality and analyzed using linear regression. Among 4.95 million veterans in FY2015, we used logistic regression to identify characteristics associated with CVT utilization for any care, mental health care, and major specialties.FindingsOver 6 years, the annual CVT utilization grew from 30 to 124 encounters per 1,000 veterans (>300% increase), with faster growth among rural veterans than urban veterans. Over the study period, ≥50% of all CVT‐delivered care was mental health care. In FY2015, 3.2% of urban and 7.2% of rural veterans utilized CVT for nearly 725,000 clinical encounters. Rural residence, younger age, longer driving distance to VHA facilities, one or more comorbidities, and higher rates of traditional, non‐video utilization were independently associated with higher odds of CVT use.ConclusionsCVT utilization in VHA has increased quickly and exceeds published rates in the private health care market. The availability of CVT has likely increased access to VHA care for rural veterans, especially for mental health care.
Oral clioquinol is effective in the treatment of a fly model of Candida systemic infection
Authors: Pippi Bruna , Merkel Simone , Staudt Keli Jaqueline , Teixeira Mario Lettieri , de Araújo Bibiana Verlindo , Zanette Régis Adriel , Andrade Saulo Fernandes , Fuentefria Alexandre Meneghello 
Published: January 2019

AbstractBackgroundClioquinol was used in the 1950s‐1970s as antimicrobial but its oral formulations were withdrawn from the market due to suspected neurotoxicity. Currently, there is possibility of repositioning of oral clioquinol formulations.ObjectivesTo evaluate the antifungal activity and toxicological parameters of clioquinol and the other two 8‐hydroxyquinoline derivatives using alternative animal models and to study the interaction dynamic of clioquinol with Candida albicans.MethodsWe used Toll‐deficient Drosophila melanogaster to test the protective effect of 8‐hydroxyquinolines against C. albicans infection. Toxicological parameters were investigated in chicken embryo. A mathematical model‐based analysis of the time‐kill data of clioquinol was performed to obtain pharmacodynamic characteristics.ResultsClioquinol fully protected D. melanogaster from the infection. The 8‐hydroxyquinolines did not cause changes in opening of the beak and movement of the chicken embryo; however, clioquinol and compound 2 increased arterial pulsation. Compound 3 was lethal at 1 mg mL−1. Effective concentration found in modelling indicated that clioquinol was highly effective against C. albicans (0.306 μg mL−1) in easily achievable serum levels; clioquinol rapidly achieved kill rate reaching the maximum effect after 13 hours.ConclusionsThese results support the potential of clioquinol to be used as a systemic antifungal agent.
Accuracy of detection of patients with narrow angles by community optometrists in Scotland
Authors: Annoh Roxanne , Loo Cheng Yi , Hogan Brian , Tan Huai Ling , Tang Ling Shan , Tatham Andrew J 
Published: January 2019

AbstractAimTo examine the accuracy of referrals by community optometrists for suspected primary angle closure, including primary angle closure suspects, primary angle closure and primary angle closure glaucoma.MethodsA retrospective review of 769 consecutive patients referred by community optometrists to the glaucoma clinic at a university hospital in Scotland. Ninety‐five of 715 eligible subjects (13%) were referred due to suspected angle closure. All subjects had a comprehensive eye examination in the glaucoma clinic, including gonioscopy, with angle closure defined according to the International Society of Geographical and Epidemiological Ophthalmology classification as iridotrabecular contact over at least 270 degrees.ResultsFifty‐nine of 95 subjects referred due to suspected angle closure were confirmed to have an occludable angle, while 36 of 95 (38%) had open angles (positive predictive value = 62%). Of 620 patients referred to the glaucoma clinic for reasons other than narrow angles, 601 (97%) had open angles on gonioscopy and 19 (3%) had narrow angles.Using the 620 patients referred with ‘open angles’ as a control group, sensitivity was estimated as 76% and specificity 94%. Eleven of 95 (12%) patients referred for possible angle closure were discharged at the first visit compared to 156 of 620 (25%) referred to the glaucoma clinic for other reasons (p = 0.003). In a multivariable model, suspect angle closure detected by the optometrist (OR = 56.0, 95% CI 35.2–89.2, p < 0.001) and female gender (OR = 1.9, 95% CI 1.2–3.1, p = 0.008) were associated with increased odds of angle closure on gonioscopy.ConclusionCommunity optometrists had good ability to detect eyes at risk of angle closure. There was also greater accuracy of referrals for suspected angle closure than for other glaucoma referrals.
Community Resiliency in Declining Small Towns: Impact of Population Loss on Quality of Life over 20 Years
Authors: Peters David J. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThis analysis seeks to understand why some small towns have improved quality of life (QoL) over the past 20 years despite sizable population losses. Using a longitudinal data set of small towns in Iowa collected every 10 years since 1994, I measure the resiliency or vulnerability of declining towns based on change in subjective QoL, and then model the socioeconomic correlates along a resilient‐decline index. Community resiliency is enhanced by the process of creating bridging social capital, not the quantity available for use. By contrast, the quantity of both internal and external linking social capital promotes resiliency by linking residents to local and outside power structures, but the growth of these linkages has no impact. Bonding social capital indirectly helps resiliency by increasing internal linkages that foster local participation, but hinders it by decreasing external ones that limit access to outside resources. Jobs in goods‐producing industries like manufacturing directly promote resiliency by providing more secure employment, plus indirectly promote it by increasing bridging ties and external linkages. Growing poverty and income disparities make declining places more vulnerable by reducing QoL and external linkages. I discuss local strategies promoting resiliency and QoL.
Evaluating CKD/ESRD patient with hepatitis C infection: How to interpret diagnostic testing and assess liver injury
Authors: Cottone Claudia , Bhamidimarri Kalyan Ram 
Published: January 2019

AbstractChronic hepatitis C (CHC) is the most common cause of infection related deaths in USA according to Central Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report in 2016. Hepatitis C is a blood borne virus and is common in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and in hemodialysis (HD) dependent patients. A majority of patients with CHC could remain asymptomatic and are still undiagnosed. Early detection of CHC and linkage of infected patients to care for evaluation and treatment is the standard of care as emphasized by Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcome (KDIGO) and American Association for the Study of Liver Disease‐ Infectious Disease Society of America (AASLD‐IDSA) practice guidelines. Historically, the management of hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐infected CKD patients, including those on dialysis and in the peri‐transplant setting, was a challenge. However, the evolution of various liver assessment tools, HCV tests, therapies and treatment strategies in the recent years has catalyzed a paradigm change in this area. This review provides an update on evaluating methodology, diagnostic tests and the various assessment tools for liver fibrosis pertaining to the CKD/HD patient infected with HCV.
The Rights/Development Nexus: Sen, Olson, and the Obesity Rights Movement*
Authors: Rasmussen David W. 
Published: January 2019

ObjectiveThis article explores how economic development facilitates the creation of interest groups that seek to improve their “capabilities” that, as Amartya Sen has explained, can enhance human freedom. Mancur Olson's work shows that long periods of political stability can foster “distributive coalitions” that benefit small interest groups at the expense of the nation.MethodIn this context, the fat acceptance movement is analyzed. Oriented toward reducing discrimination against overweight people, it works to improve their well‐being.ResultsThe fat acceptance movement represents a new kind of distributive coalition: rather than transferring income to overweight people, it imposes significant medical costs on the rest of society.ConclusionThis externality provides a justification for public policies that can influence weight without compromising the dignity of overweight people
Dependence between the global gold market and emerging stock markets (E7+1): Evidence from Granger causality using quantile and quantile‐on‐quantile regression methods
Authors: Tiwari Aviral Kumar , Adewuyi Adeolu O. , Roubaud David 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThis study examined the dependence between gold and stocks during 2002–18 in seven emerging countries. The study combined the bivariate cross‐quantilogram introduced recently with quantile‐on‐quantile regression (QQR) approaches to conduct comprehensive and complementary analyses. The QQR results for the full sample revealed a weak positive dependence in all the quantiles of gold and stock returns across all the countries selected during mild market conditions. The results for pre and post‐crisis periods largely were consistent with those obtained for the full sample, except for Turkey (pre‐crisis), and China and Indonesia (post‐crisis). The results of the causality test‐in‐mean (return) and that of the causality test‐in‐variance revealed no causal relation between stock and gold in the pre‐crisis period, while causality ran only from gold to some stocks in the post‐crisis period. Further, while there was volatility causality running only from gold to stocks during the pre‐crisis period, the volatility causality between the two markets was very high during the post‐crisis period. Therefore, we suggest that gold may have been a hedge for stocks during the pre‐crisis compared to the post‐crisis period. Further, international risk factors should be considered in optimal investment decisions between domestic and global markets' assets (stocks and gold).
Effects of image brightness and contrast dynamic altering stimuli (DAS) when viewing video content on ocular blood flow
Authors: Siesky Brent , Harris Alon , Gross Joshua , Sechrist Emma , Camp David , Cardenas Andrea , Patel Pooja , Hasnain Fawaz , Kawiecki Rachel , Shah Aaditya , Verticchio Vercellin Alice C 
Published: January 2019

Background/AimBlood flow deficiencies of the retinal and retrobulbar circulations have been previously reported in open-angle glaucoma (OAG) and other eye diseases. Herein we investigated the effects of image brightness and contrast dynamic altering stimuli (DAS) when viewing a video content on ocular blood flow, intraocular pressure (IOP) and ocular perfusion pressure (OPP) in OAG and healthy subjects.MethodsThirty-five subjects, 25 with OAG (mild to moderate) and 10 healthy controls, were evaluated for blood pressure, IOP, OPP and retinal capillary blood flow before, immediately after, 30 min after and 60 min after using ReviView (a dichoptic video goggles device), which stimulates one eye with a DAS video image that is brighter and with greater contrast than the fellow eye (duration of exposure 30 min). Differences between each subject’s eyes and between OAG and healthy subjects were evaluated using repeated-measures analysis of variance with p<0.05 considered statistically significant.ResultsAll subjects demonstrated a significant increase in OPP in both eyes immediately following viewing. In all DAS eyes, retinal capillary blood flow rose immediately after stimulation and remained elevated for an hour postviewing. Viewing DAS increased retinal blood flow compared with control eyes (p=0.0014, 0.0135 superiorly and p=0.0094, 0.0001 inferiorly, at 30 and 60 min, respectively). OAG eyes had a significant reduction in the number of dormant retinal capillaries (p=0.0174), while healthy eyes demonstrated a larger increase in retinal capillary blood flow (p=0.0006 and p=0.0093 at 60 min, superior and inferior, respectively) following DAS viewing.ConclusionViewing DAS video for 30 min using ReviView increased retina blood flow both in healthy subjects and in patients with OAG.Trial registration numberNCT02959593.
Vedolizumab is associated with changes in innate rather than adaptive immunity in patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Zeissig Sebastian , Rosati Elisa , Dowds C Marie , Aden Konrad , Bethge Johannes , Schulte Berenice , Pan Wei Hung , Mishra Neha , Zuhayra Maaz , Marx Marlies , Paulsen Maren , Strigli Anne , Conrad Claudio , Schuldt Dörthe , Sinha Anupam , Ebsen Henriette , Kornell Sabin-Christin , Nikolaus Susanna , Arlt Alexander , Kabelitz Dieter , Ellrichmann Mark , Lützen Ulf , Rosenstiel Philip C , Franke Andre , Schreiber Stefan 
Published: January 2019

ObjectiveVedolizumab, a monoclonal antibody directed against the integrin heterodimer α4β7, is approved for the treatment of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. The efficacy of vedolizumab has been suggested to result from inhibition of intestinal T cell trafficking although human data to support this conclusion are scarce. We therefore performed a comprehensive analysis of vedolizumab-induced alterations in mucosal and systemic immunity in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), using anti-inflammatory therapy with the TNFα antibody infliximab as control.DesignImmunophenotyping, immunohistochemistry, T cell receptor profiling and RNA sequencing were performed using blood and colonic biopsies from patients with IBD before and during treatment with vedolizumab (n=18) or, as control, the anti-TNFα antibody infliximab (n=20). Leucocyte trafficking in vivo was assessed using single photon emission computed tomography and endomicroscopy.ResultsVedolizumab was not associated with alterations in the abundance or phenotype of lamina propria T cells and did not affect the mucosal T cell repertoire or leucocyte trafficking in vivo. Surprisingly, however, α4β7 antibody treatment was associated with substantial effects on innate immunity including changes in macrophage populations and pronounced alterations in the expression of molecules involved in microbial sensing, chemoattraction and regulation of the innate effector response. These effects were specific to vedolizumab, not observed in response to the TNFα antibody infliximab, and associated with inhibition of intestinal inflammation.ConclusionOur findings suggest that modulation of innate immunity contributes to the therapeutic efficacy of vedolizumab in IBD.Trial registration numberNCT02694588
Lysis Timer: a new sensitive tool to diagnose hyperfibrinolysis in liver transplantation
Authors: Roullet Stéphanie , Labrouche Sylvie , Mouton Christine , Quinart Alice , Nouette-Gaulain Karine , Laurent Christophe , Freyburger Geneviève 
Published: January 2019

AimsDiagnosis of hyperfibrinolysis in orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) remains challenging. Euglobulin clot lysis time (ECLT) is not adapted to clinical situations. ROTEM is specific but seldom sensitive to hyperfibrinolysis. The Lysis Timer assesses ‘Global Fibrinolytic Capacity’ in citrated plasma (GFC/LT). GFC/LT associates reagents for in vitro triggering of the clot (thrombin and calcium) and its lysis (tissue-plasminogenactivator (t-PA)), turbidity signal acquisition by the Lysis Timer, and dedicated software converting the digital signal into an optical curve. A visual check of the curves was systematic to ascertain the lysis time values calculated by the software. The primary aim of this prospective observational study was to evaluate the ability of GFC/LT to recognise hyperfibrinolysis during OLT. The secondary aim was to compare its results with ROTEM maximum lysis (EXTEM ML) and with standard laboratory tests.MethodsThirty consecutive adult patients undergoing OLT were included (NCT03012633). Standard laboratory tests, ROTEM, GFC/LT, ECLT and fibrinolysis parameters were assayed at five sample times.ResultsGFC/LT was correlated with ECLT, plasmin activator inhibitor 1 antigen and activity and t-PA activity (r=0.490, 0.681, 0.643 and –0.359, respectively). Hyperfibrinolysis was defined as ECLT ≤60 min. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that GFC/LT with a threshold of 31 min detected hyperfibrinolysis with a sensitivity of 0.88 (95% CI 0.73 to 0.96), a specificity of 0.68 (95% CI 0.56 to 0.78) and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.85 (95% CI 0.74 to 0.94). EXTEM ML >12% did not detect hyperfibrinolysis (sensitivity 0.38 (95% CI 0.24 to 0.55), specificity 0.95 (95% CI 0.86 to 0.99) and AUC 0.60 (95% CI 0.46 to 0.75)).ConclusionsGFC/LT recognised hyperfibrinolysis during OLT with a significant agreement with the other tests of fibrinolysis.Trial registration numberNCT03012633.
Who benefits from social investment? The gendered effects of family and employment policies on cardiovascular disease in Europe
Authors: Morris Katherine Ann , Beckfield Jason , Bambra Clare 
Published: January 2019

BackgroundIn the context of fiscal austerity in many European welfare states, policy innovation often takes the form of ‘social investment’, a contested set of policies aimed at strengthening labour markets. Social investment policies include employment subsidies, skills training and job-finding services, early childhood education and childcare and parental leave. Given that such policies can influence gender equity in the labour market, we analysed the possible effects of such policies on gender health equity.MethodsUsing age-stratified and sex-stratified data from the Global Burden of Disease Study on cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity and mortality between 2005 and 2010, we estimated linear regression models of policy indicators on employment supports, childcare and parental leave with country fixed effects.FindingsWe found mixed effects of social investment for men versus women. Whereas government spending on early childhood education and childcare was associated with lower CVD mortality rates for both men and women equally, government spending on paid parental leave was more strongly associated with lower CVD mortality rates for women. Additionally, government spending on public employment services was associated with lower CVD mortality rates for men but was not significant for women, while government spending on employment training was associated with lower CVD mortality rates for women but was not significant for men.ConclusionsSocial investment policies were negatively associated with CVD mortality, but the ameliorative effects of specific policies were gendered. We discuss the implications of these results for the European social investment policy turn and for future research on gender health equity.