bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Which Type of Temporary Hemodialysis Catheter Should Be Used for the Right Internal Jugular Vein? Prospective Observational Study of Straight vs. Precurved Catheters
Authors: Sahutoglu Tuncay , Erinc Osman , Avsar Fevzi Necati , Beyaz Meral , Batu Aziz , Atay Kadri , Ozdemir Erman , Erinc Aysegul , Sahutoglu Elif 
Published: November 2018

AbstractWeak evidence is present for choosing amongst different temporary hemodialysis catheter (THC) designs with regards to the risk of venous thrombosis, therefore two THC designs for the right internal jugular vein (RIJV) were compared. Patients aged ≥18 years who needed THC insertion into the RIJV for acute hemodialysis due to either acute or chronic renal failure were included. The type of THC (precurved/straight) was dependent on the date of hospital admission. Clinical and ultrasonographic surveillance was conducted prospectively. Thrombosis of the RIJV was the primary objective. Precurved and straight catheters were inserted into 32 and 23 patients (mean age 63 ± 15 years, females 28), respectively. The baseline characteristics and catheter dwell‐times were similar in both groups. Partial and total thrombosis of the RIJV during catheter dwell‐time developed at a higher rate in the straight group (52% vs. 9.3%, P = 0.000; 47.8% vs. 9.3%, P = 0.001, respectively). At least 2 weeks after catheter removal, total thrombosis was found in 43.4% vs. 9.6% (P = 0.004) of patients with straight and precurved THCs, respectively. The hazard ratios for total thrombosis was 0.161 (P = 0.006) during catheter dwell‐time and 0.190 (P = 0.012) after catheter removal. Catheter dysfunction did not occur and only one catheter‐related bloodstream infection (CRBI) was seen. Thrombosis rates of the RIJV were higher with straight vs. precurved THCs, both during catheter dwell‐time and after catheter removal. Catheter dysfunction was not noted in any group and the rate of CRBI was extremely low.
Serotonin and aggressive behaviour in children and adolescents: a systematic review
Authors: Runions K. C. , Morandini H. A. E. , Rao P. , Wong J. W. Y. , Kolla N. J. , Pace G. , Mahfouda S. , Hildebrandt C. S. , Stewart R. , Zepf F. D. 
Published: November 2018

ObjectiveThe role of serotonin (5‐HT) in human aggression has been the subject of a large number of studies, mostly with adults. Meta‐analyses indicate a small but significant inverse relationship between central nervous 5‐HT availability and aggression, but genetically informed studies suggest two pathways: one to reactive aggression and the other to proactive aggression.MethodWe conducted a systemic review on central nervous 5‐HT function in children and adolescents, with attention to the function of aggression.ResultsIn total, 675 articles were screened for relevance, with 45 reviewed. These included blood assays (e.g. plasma, 5‐HIAA; platelet 5‐HTR2A), epigenetic studies, retrospective PET studies and 5‐HT challenge paradigms (e.g. tryptophan depletion). Overall, findings were mixed, with support both for negative and for positive associations of central nervous 5‐HT function with aggression in children and adolescents.ConclusionWe propose factors that may be blurring the picture, including problems in the conceptualization and measurement of aggression in young people, the lack of prospective designs and the bias towards clinical samples of boys. Research needs to account for variance in the both motivation for and implementation of aggression, and look to the behavioural economics literature to consider the roles of reward, vengeance and self‐control more clearly.
Examining determinants of health service utilisation among Filipino older people: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Cotingting Crystle T , Apal Zenas Harvey L , Franco Mark Benjamin M , Lozano Patrick Nicolo Mari G , Quion Ellen Mae C , Tang Clinton S , Cabigon Jhason John J 
Published: November 2018

ObjectiveThis study was done to study, using Andersen's Behavioral Model, factors affecting health service utilisation among older Filipinos.MethodsA total of 237 older people from Marikina City, Philippines, were randomly selected and surveyed face‐to‐face on factors affecting health service utilisation, specifically age, civil status, educational level, employment status, sex, health insurance coverage, household income, chronic disease status and perceived health status.ResultsSeventy‐nine per cent had used health services in the past year (mean: 5.7 visits per year). Female sex and having a chronic disease were significantly associated with health service utilisation. The odds of using health services was 3.1 times higher for those who had a chronic disease and 2.2 times higher for female sex, assuming all other variables are held constant.ConclusionFindings of this study support targeting men in health promotion campaigns and implementing population‐based, chronic disease screening programs to improve the reach of health services among Filipino older people.
Disentangling the heterogeneity of allergic respiratory diseases by latent class analysis reveals novel phenotypes
Authors: Amaral Rita , Bousquet Jean , Pereira Ana M. , Araújo Luís M. , Sá‐Sousa Ana , Jacinto Tiago , Almeida Rute , Delgado Luís , Fonseca Joao A. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundRefined phenotyping of allergic diseases may unravel novel phenotypes. Conjunctivitis as an independent disorder has never been approached.AimTo identify distinct classes of allergic respiratory diseases using latent class analysis (LCA) and distinguish each class using classification and regression tree (CART) analysis.MethodsSeven hundred and twenty‐eight adults from the Portuguese general population study ICAR had a structured medical interview combined with blood collection, skin prick tests, spirometry with bronchodilation, and exhaled nitric oxide. LCA was applied to 19 variables. The CART algorithm selected the most likely variables distinguishing LCA‐classes.ResultsA six‐class model was obtained. Class 1 (25%): nonallergic participants without bronchial or ocular symptoms. Classes 2 (22%) and 3 (11%): nasal and ocular (low levels) symptoms without nasal impairment, monosensitized (Class 2) or polysensitized (Class 3). Class 4 (13%): polysensitized participants with high levels of nasal and ocular symptoms, and nasal impairment. Classes 5 (16%) and 6 (14%): high level of nasal, bronchial and ocular symptoms with nasal impairment (non‐allergic or polysensitized, respectively). Participants in classes 5 and 6 had more bronchial exacerbations and unscheduled medical visits (P < 0.001). Ocular symptoms were significantly higher in classes with nasal impairment, compared to those without impairment (P < 0.001) or no nasal symptom (P < 0.001). CART highlighted ocular symptoms as the most relevant variable in distinguishing LCA‐classes.ConclusionNovel severe phenotypes of participants with co‐occurrence of ocular, nasal and bronchial symptoms, and exacerbation‐prone were identified. The tree algorithm showed the importance of the ocular symptoms in the expression of allergic diseases phenotypes.
Regulation of heterologously expressed 5‐HT1B receptors coupling to potassium channels in AtT‐20 cells
Authors: Heblinski Marika , Bladen Christopher , Connor Mark 
Published: November 2018

Background and Purpose5‐HT1B receptors are widely expressed GPCRs and a target of triptans, the most commonly prescribed anti‐migraine drugs. There is very limited information about the acute, agonist‐induced regulation of 5‐HT1B receptor signalling and so we sought to characterize this in a neuron‐like system.Experimental ApproachEpitope‐tagged human 5‐HT1B receptors were expressed in mouse AtT20 cells. 5‐HT1B receptor signalling was assessed using whole‐cell patch‐clamp recordings of endogenous G protein‐gated inwardly rectified potassium (GIRK) channels, and receptor localization measured using immunofluorescence.Key Results5‐HT (EC50 65 nM) and sumatriptan (EC50 165 nM) activated GIRK channels in AtT20 cells expressing 5‐HT1B receptors. Continuous application of both 5‐HT (EC50 120 nM) and sumatriptan (EC50 280 nM) produced profound desensitization of 5‐HT1B receptor signalling within a few minutes. Complete recovery from desensitization was observed after 10 min. Both 5‐HT and sumatriptan induced significant heterologous desensitization of SRIF (somatostatin)‐activated GIRK currents, with the 5‐HT‐induced heterologous desensitization being blocked by the protein kinase inhibitor staurosporine. Both agonists induced modest 5‐HT1B receptor internalization, with a time course much slower than receptor desensitization.Conclusions and ImplicationsIn AtT‐20 cells, 5‐HT1B receptors undergo rapid and reversible desensitization at concentrations of agonist similar to those required to activate the receptor. Desensitization is incomplete, and the continued signalling of the receptor in the presence of the agonist may lead to cellular adaptations. Finally, 5‐HT1B receptor activation causes significant heterologous desensitization, which may lead to a reduced effectiveness of unrelated drugs in vivo.
Immunomodulatory activity of lenvatinib contributes to antitumor activity in the Hepa1‐6 hepatocellular carcinoma model
Authors: Kimura Takayuki , Kato Yu , Ozawa Yoichi , Kodama Kotaro , Ito Junichi , Ichikawa Kenji , Yamada Kazuhiko , Hori Yusaku , Tabata Kimiyo , Takase Kazuma , Matsui Junji , Funahashi Yasuhiro , Nomoto Kenichi 
Published: November 2018

AbstractAngiogenesis inhibitors such as lenvatinib and sorafenib, and an immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI), nivolumab, are used for anticancer therapies against advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Combination treatments comprising angiogenesis inhibitors plus ICIs are promising options for improving clinical benefits in HCC patients, and clinical trials are ongoing. Here, we investigated the antitumor and immunomodulatory activities of lenvatinib (a multiple receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor targeting vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1‐3, fibroblast growth factor receptor 1‐4, platelet‐derived growth factor receptor α, KIT and RET) and the combined antitumor activity of lenvatinib plus anti‐programmed cell death 1 (PD‐1) antibody in the Hepa1‐6 mouse HCC syngeneic model. We found that the antitumor activities of lenvatinib and sorafenib were not different in immunodeficient mice, but lenvatinib showed more potent antitumor activity than sorafenib in immunocompetent mice. The antitumor activity of lenvatinib was greater in immunocompetent mice than in immunodeficient mice and was attenuated by CD8+ T cell depletion. Treatment with lenvatinib plus anti‐PD‐1 antibody resulted in more tumor regression and a higher response rate compared with either treatment alone in immunocompetent mice. Single‐cell RNA sequencing analysis demonstrated that treatment with lenvatinib with or without anti‐PD‐1 antibody decreased the proportion of monocytes and macrophages population and increased that of CD8+ T cell populations. These data suggest that lenvatinib has immunomodulatory activity that contributes to the antitumor activity of lenvatinib and enhances the antitumor activity in combination treatment with anti‐PD‐1 antibody. Combination treatment of lenvatinib plus anti‐PD‐1 antibody therefore warrants further investigation against advanced HCC.
Individual risk assessment tool for school‐age asthma prediction in UK birth cohort
Authors: Wang Ran , Simpson Angela , Custovic Adnan , Foden Phil , Belgrave Danielle , Murray Clare S. 
Published: November 2018

SummaryBackgroundCurrent published asthma predictive tools have moderate positive likelihood ratios (+LR) but high negative likelihood ratios (−LR) based on their recommended cut‐offs, which limit their clinical usefulness.ObjectiveTo develop a simple clinically applicable asthma prediction tool within a population‐based birth cohort.MethodChildren from the Manchester Asthma and Allergy Study (MAAS) attended follow‐up at ages 3, 8 and 11 years. Data on preschool wheeze were extracted from primary‐care records. Parents completed validated respiratory questionnaires. Children were skin prick tested (SPT). Asthma at 8/11 years (school‐age) was defined as parentally reported (a) physician‐diagnosed asthma and wheeze in the previous 12 months or (b) ≥3 wheeze attacks in the previous 12 months. An asthma prediction tool (MAAS APT) was developed using logistic regression of characteristics at age 3 years to predict school‐age asthma.ResultsOf 336 children with physician‐confirmed wheeze by age 3 years, 117(35%) had school‐age asthma. Logistic regression selected 5 significant risk factors which formed the basis of the MAAS APT: wheeze after exercise; wheeze causing breathlessness; cough on exertion; current eczema and SPT sensitisation(maximum score 5). A total of 281(84%) children had complete data at age 3 years and were used to test the MAAS APT. Children scoring ≥3 were at high risk of having asthma at school‐age (PPV > 75%; +LR 6.3, −LR 0.6), whereas children who had a score of 0 had very low risk(PPV 9.3%; LR 0.2).ConclusionMAAS APT is a simple asthma prediction tool which could easily be applied in clinical and research settings.
Understanding Moment‐to‐Moment Processing of Visual Narratives
Authors: Hutson John P. , Magliano Joseph P. , Loschky Lester C. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractWhat role do moment‐to‐moment comprehension processes play in visual attentional selection in picture stories? The current work uniquely tested the role of bridging inference generation processes on eye movements while participants viewed picture stories. Specific components of the Scene Perception and Event Comprehension Theory (SPECT) were tested. Bridging inference generation was induced by manipulating the presence of highly inferable actions embedded in picture stories. When inferable actions are missing, participants have increased viewing times for the immediately following critical image (Magliano, Larson, Higgs, & Loschky, ). This study used eye‐tracking to test competing hypotheses about the increased viewing time: (a) Computational Load: inference generation processes increase overall computational load, producing longer fixation durations; (b) Visual Search: inference generation processes guide eye‐movements to pick up inference‐relevant information, producing more fixations. Participants had similar fixation durations, but they made more fixations while generating inferences, with that process starting from the fifth fixation. A follow‐up hypothesis predicted that when generating inferences, participants fixate scene regions important for generating the inference. A separate group of participants rated the inferential‐relevance of regions in the critical images, and results showed that these inferentially relevant regions predicted differences in other viewers’ eye movements. Thus, viewers’ event models in working memory affect visual attentional selection while viewing visual narratives.
The microfinance promise—can it be kept? A macro perspective
Authors: Alimukhamedova Nargiza 
Published: November 2018

AbstractAfter five decades of rapid expansion of microfinance worldwide, little is known about its aggregate effects and whether the “microfinance promise” of poverty reduction holds at the macro level. Challenging questions have arisen. Here we explore the dynamic response of microfinance on economic growth, financial deepening and income inequality. Countries are grouped into three broad clusters (stable, moderate and poor) based on macro‐institutional variables. Our results show that microfinance has a significant long‐term ability to affect the broader economy. However, the impact and dynamics of microfinance differ substantially across macro‐institutional environments. It grows in weaker environments, reaches its peak in developing economies, and then gradually “dies out” in more stable economies. While there is evidence of a positive impact of microfinance at the aggregate level, the response is different depending on whether countries are poor, moderately developed or economically stable. Once countries climb up the macro‐institutional “ladder,” microfinance can take a different shape and its relationship with other macroeconomic fundamentals can change. Our results indicate that microfinance has the strongest effect when the external environment is supportive and proactive; in weak environments, microfinance cannot grow sufficiently. Therefore, more attention should be given to supporting the socioeconomic dimensions of economies.
Log‐ratio transformation is the key to determining soil organic carbon fractions with near‐infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Jaconi A. , Poeplau C. , Ramirez‐Lopez L. , Van Wesemael B. , Don A. 
Published: November 2018

SummaryInformation about soil organic carbon fractions is important in understanding the vulnerability of soil carbon to climate change and land management. Soil organic carbon can be divided into fractions that are labile and others that are more stable. All existing methods to fractionate soil organic carbon are time consuming and complex. Near‐infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) is a rapid analytical technique. In this study we evaluated and optimized the use of NIRS to predict soil organic carbon fractions with the constraint that the carbon fractions (labile and stabilized) should add up to 100% (total organic carbon content). We used samples from two datasets from agricultural and forest sites in Germany (dataset A) and Europe (dataset B). Samples were fractionated by two different methods (density and physical‐chemical fractionation) as reference methods. Soil samples were scanned in the NIR range and calibration models were developed using partial least squares regression. The key to improving model performance was the log‐ratio transformation proposed by Aitchison for compositional data that enabled us to model the fractions as dependent variables. Traditional methods for the optimization of NIRS models, such as selection of wavelength range and pretreatment of spectra, showed no effective reduction in error. With the constraint that both fractions add to 100% (log‐ratio transformation), the ratio of performance to deviation (RPD) increased from 1.6 to 2.8 for the labile C fraction and from 1.5 to 3.2 for the stabilized C fraction. Root mean square error of cross‐validation of the labile fraction was 4.3 g C kg−1for dataset A and 2.7 g C kg−1for dataset B, which corresponds to anR2of 0.88–0.80 and RPD of 2.9–2.2, respectively. The models performed equally well for different soil textures and land‐use types. With log‐ratio transformation, more precise calibrations of NIRS for C fractions could be obtained.HighlightsNear‐infrared spectroscopy can predict soil carbon fractions at different spatial extentsLog‐ratio transformation satisfies the constraint that fractions should add up to 100%Log‐ratio transformation is the key to improving calibrations for soil C fractions.The NIR models were tested with two fractionation schemes comprising different land uses and soil texture
Deficient or excessive CuO‐TiO2 phase influence on dielectric properties of CaCu3Ti4O12 ceramics
Authors: Gelfuso Maria Virginia , Uribe Juan Oswaldo Montoya , Thomazini Daniel 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe influence of the CuO–TiO2 phase (CT) on dielectric properties of the CCTO ceramic was investigated. CaCuXTiYO12 (CCXTYO) powders were prepared based on the coprecipitated method, where 2.70 ≤ x ≤ 3.30 and 3.25 ≤ y ≤ 4.75. XRD patterns confirmed the presence of CCTO and also the secondary phases as CuO, TiO2, and CaTiO3 for each sample and aided in its quantification. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) shows secondary phases evolution in the grain boundaries, and its influence on size and morphology of the grains. Impedance spectroscopy measurements showed that the ceramics with lower amount of CuO and TiO2 phases (CT/deficient ceramics) exhibited the highest ε′ values (2.1 × 104 at 1 kHz for CC2.9T3.75O ceramic). Also, CT/deficient ceramics showed lower tanδ values (0.090 at 1 kHz for CC2.9T3.75O ceramic) than ceramics prepared with excessive CuO–TiO2 phase (0.241 at 1 kHz for CC3.1T4.25O ceramics). The deficiency of CuO and TiO2 phases associated with high percentage of CCTO and CaTiO3 phases resulted in ceramics with the higher ε′ values.
Food cooking methods contribute to the reduced vitamin C content of foods prepared in hospitals and care facilities: a systematic review
Authors: Armstrong Emma , Jamieson Rachel , Porter Judi 
Published: November 2018

SummaryRecent cases of scurvy within health care have been reported internationally. One potential reason is vitamin C losses associated with food cooking methods. This review systematically synthesised the published literature to determine the extent that vitamin C in food is lost secondary to food cooking methods used in hospitals or care facilities. The review followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines, and was prospectively registered in the Prospective Register for Systematic Reviews. Searches were run in three databases with no date restrictions, complemented by an internet search and reference checking. Search terms focused on the intervention and outcome. The final review included seven publications including longitudinal studies and comparison to reference standards. All studies identified vitamin C losses between preparation and service resulting from food cooking methods. Quality was rated as positive for four papers and neutral for the remainder of the included library.
Rapid immunofluorescence assay for staphylococcal enterotoxin A using magnetic nanoparticles
Authors: Becheva Zlatina , Ivanov Yavor , Gabrovska Katya , Godjevargova Tzonka 
Published: November 2018

SummaryA competitive immunoassay for staphylococcal enterotoxin A (SEA) detection in milk was developed, using immobilised antibody onto magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs). MNPs were prepared and then modified to introduce amino groups on them. The morphology and size of the obtained both unmodified and modified MNPs were characterized using TEM analyses. Monoclonal anti‐SEA antibody was immobilised onto the modified MNPs (MNP‐Ab). Staphylococcal enterotoxin A was conjugated with fluorescent dye ATTO620NHS. The characteristics of fluorescence conjugate were examined. The amount of MNP‐Ab and concentration of the fluorescent conjugate used for competitive immunoassay were optimized: 0.25 mg and 53 μg mL−1, respectively. The detection limit of developed immunoassay was determined – 0.23 ng mL−1 SEA in spiked milk samples. The immunoassay takes only 30 min, the magnetic separation is fast (<10 s) and the volume of the sample for analysis is very small (200 μL).