bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Simulator-Assisted Workshop for Teaching Chemostat Cultivation in Academic Classes on Microbial Physiology
Authors: Hakkaart Xavier D. V. , Pronk Jack T. , van Maris Antonius J. A. 
Published: November 2017

Understanding microbial growth and metabolism is a key learning objective of microbiology and biotechnology courses, essential for understanding microbial ecology, microbial biotechnology and medical microbiology. Chemostat cultivation, a key research tool in microbial physiology that enables quantitative analysis of growth and metabolism under tightly defined conditions, provides a powerful platform to teach key features of microbial growth and metabolism.
Substrate-limited chemostat cultivation can be mathematically described by four equations. These encompass mass balances for biomass and substrate, an empirical relation that describes distribution of consumed substrate over growth and maintenance energy requirements (Pirt equation), and a Monod-type equation that describes the relation between substrate concentration and substrate-consumption rate. The authors felt that the abstract nature of these mathematical equations and a lack of visualization contributed to a suboptimal operative understanding of quantitative microbial physiology among students who followed their Microbial Physiology B.Sc. courses.
The studio-classroom workshop presented here was developed to improve student understanding of quantitative physiology by a set of question-guided simulations. Simulations are run on Chemostatus, a specially developed MATLAB-based program, which visualizes key parameters of simulated chemostat cultures as they proceed from dynamic growth conditions to steady state.
In practice, the workshop stimulated active discussion between students and with their teachers. Moreover, its introduction coincided with increased average exam scores for questions on quantitative microbial physiology. The workshop can be easily implemented in formal microbial physiology courses or used by individuals seeking to test and improve their understanding of quantitative microbial physiology and/or chemostat cultivation.
Are the early predictors of long-term work absence following injury time dependent? Results from the Prospective Outcomes of Injury Study
Authors: Lilley Rebbecca , Davie Gabrielle , Derrett Sarah 
Published: November 2017

ObjectivesFew studies examine the influence of early predictors of work absence beyond 12 months following injury or the time-dependent relative importance of these factors. This study aimed to identify the most important sociodemographic, occupational, health, lifestyle and injury predictors of work absence at 12 and 24 months following injury and to examine changes in the relative importance of these over time.DesignProspective cohort study.SettingThe Prospective Outcomes of Injury Study, New Zealand.Participants2626 injured New Zealand workers aged 18–64 years were identified from the Prospective Outcomes of Injury Study recruited form New Zealand’s monopoly injury compensation provider injury claims register: 2092 completed the 12-month interview (80% follow-up) and 2082 completed the 24-month interview (79% follow-up).Primary and secondary outcomes measuresThe primary outcomes of interest was absence from work at the time of the 12-month and 24-month follow-up interviews.ResultsUsing modified Poisson regression to estimate relative risks, important groups of workers were identified at increased risk of work absence at both 12 and 24 months: males, low-income workers, trade/manual workers, temporary employees, those reporting two or more comorbidities and those experiencing a work-related injury. Important factors unique to predicting work absence at 12 months included financial insecurity, fixed-term employment and long weekly hours worked; unique factors at 24 months included job dissatisfaction, long weekly days worked, a prior injury and sustaining an injury that was perceived to be a threat to life.ConclusionsImportant early predictors of work absence at 12 or 24 months following injury are multidimensional and have a time dependent pattern. A consistent set of predictors was, however, present at both time periods that are prime for early intervention. Understanding the multidimensional, time-dependent patterns of early predictors of long-term disability is important to optimally target timely interventions to prevent long-term work disability.
Impact of preterm birth on parental separation: a French population-based longitudinal study
Authors: Nusinovici Simon , Olliac Bertrand , Flamant Cyril , Müller Jean-Baptiste , Olivier Marion , Rouger Valérie , Gascoin Géraldine , Basset Hélène , Bouvard Charlotte , Rozé Jean-Christophe , Hanf Matthieu 
Published: November 2017

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to investigate both the effects of low gestational age and infant’s neurodevelopmental outcome at 2 years of age on the risk of parental separation within 7 years of giving birth.DesignProspective.Setting24 maternity clinics in the Pays-de-la-Loire region.ParticipantsThis study included 5732 infants delivered at <35 weeks of gestation born between 2005 and 2013 who were enrolled in the population-based Loire Infant Follow-up Team cohort and who had a neurodevelopmental evaluation at 2 years. This neurodevelopmental evaluation was based on a physical examination, a psychomotor evaluation and a parent-completed questionnaire.Outcome measureRisk of parental separation (parents living together or parents living separately).ResultsTen percent (572/5732) of the parents reported having undergone separation during the follow-up period. A mediation analysis showed that low gestational age had no direct effect on the risk of parental separation. Moreover, a non-optimal neurodevelopment at 2 years was associated with an increased risk of parental separation corresponding to a HR=1.49(1.23 to 1.80). Finally, the increased risk of parental separation was aggravated by low socioeconomic conditions.ConclusionsThe effect of low gestational age on the risk of parental separation was mediated by the infant’s neurodevelopment.
Platelet rich Plasma in Achilles Tendon Healing 2 (PATH-2) trial: protocol for a multicentre, participant and assessor-blinded, parallel-group randomised clinical trial comparing platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection versus placebo injection for Achilles tendon rupture
Authors: Alsousou Joseph , Keene David J , Hulley Philippa A , Harrison Paul , Wagland Susan , Byrne Christopher , Schlüssel Michael Maia , Dutton Susan J , Lamb Sarah E , Willett Keith 
Published: November 2017

BackgroundAchilles tendon injuries give rise to substantial long-lasting morbidity and pose considerable challenges for clinicians and patients during the lengthy healing period. Current treatment strategies struggle to curb the burden of this injury on health systems and society due to lengthy rehabilitation, work absence and reinjury risk. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an autologous preparation that has been shown to improve the mechanobiological properties of tendons in laboratory and animal studies. The use of PRP in musculoskeletal injuries is on the increase despite the lack of adequately powered clinical studies.Methods and designThis is a multicentre randomised controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy and mechanism of PRP in patients with acute Achilles tendon rupture (ATR). All adults with acute ATR presenting within 12 days of the injury who are to be treated non-operatively are eligible. A total of 230 consenting patients will be randomly allocated via a remote web-based service to receive PRP injection or placebo injection to the site of the injury. All participants will be blinded to the intervention and will receive standardised rehabilitation to reduce efficacy interference.Participants will be followed up with blinded assessments of muscle–tendon function, quality of life, pain and overall patient’s functional goals at 4, 7, 13, 24 weeks and 24 months post-treatment. The primary outcome is the heel-rise endurance test (HRET), which will be supervised by a blinded assessor at 24 weeks. A subgroup of 16 participants in one centre will have needle biopsy under ultrasound guidance at 6 weeks. Blood and PRP will be analysed for cell count, platelet activation and growth factor concentrations.Ethics and disseminationThe protocol has been approved by the Oxfordshire Research Ethics Committee (Oxfordshire Research Ethics Committee A, reference no 14/SC/1333). The trial will be reported in accordance with the CONSORT statement and published in peer-reviewed scientific journals.Trial registration numberISRCTN: 54992179, assigned 12 January 2015. ClinicalTrials.gov:NCT02302664, received 18 November 2014. UK Clinical Research Network Study Portfolio Database: ID 17850.
Biochemical monitoring after initiation of aldosterone antagonist therapy in users of renin–angiotensin system blockers: a UK primary care cohort study
Authors: Sinnott Sarah-Jo , Mansfield Kathryn E , Schmidt Morten , Bhaskaran Krishnan , Smeeth Liam , Nitsch Dorothea , Tomlinson Laurie A 
Published: November 2017

ObjectiveTo determine the frequency of biochemical monitoring after initiation of aldosterone antagonists(AA) in patients also using angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers (ACEI/ARB).SettingUK primary care.ParticipantsACEI/ARB users who initiated AA between 2004 and 2014.OutcomesWe calculated the proportions with: (1) biochemical monitoring ≤2 weeks post initiation of AA, (2) adverse biochemical values ≤2 months (potassium ≥6 mmol/L, creatinine ≥220 µmol/L and ≥30% increase in creatinine from baseline) and (3) discontinuers of AA in those with an adverse biochemical value. We used logistic regression to study patient characteristics associated with monitoring and adverse biochemical values.ResultsIn 10 546 initiators of AA, 3291 (31.2%) had a record of biochemical monitoring ≤2 weeks post initiation. A total of 2.0% and 2.7% of those with follow-up monitoring within 2 months of initiation experienced potassium ≥6 mmol/L and creatinine ≥220 µmol/L, respectively, whereas 13.5% had a ≥30% increase in creatinine. Baseline potassium (OR 3.59, 95% CI 2.43 to 5.32 for 5.0–5.5 mmol/L compared with <5.0 mmol/L) and estimated glomerular filtration rate 45-59 ml/min/1.73 m2(OR 2.06, 95% CI 1.26 to 3.35 compared with ≥60 ml/min/1.73 m2) were independently predictive of potassium ≥6 mmol/L. Women and people with diabetes had higher odds of ≥30% increase in creatinine.ConclusionLess than one-third of patients taking ACEI/ARB had biochemical monitoring within 2 weeks of initiating AAs. Higher levels of monitoring may reduce adverse biochemical events.
Patient-level and practice-level factors associated with consultation duration: a cross-sectional analysis of over one million consultations in English primary care
Authors: Stevens Sarah , Bankhead Clare , Mukhtar Toqir , Perera-Salazar Rafael , Holt Tim A , Salisbury Chris , Hobbs F D Richard 
Published: November 2017

ObjectivesConsultation duration has previously been shown to be associated with patient, practitioner and practice characteristics. However, previous studies were conducted outside the UK, considered only small numbers of general practitioner (GP) consultations or focused primarily on practitioner-level characteristics. We aimed to determine the patient-level and practice-level factors associated with duration of GP and nurse consultations in UK primary care.Design and settingCross-sectional data were obtained from English general practices contributing to the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) linked to data on patient deprivation and practice staffing, rurality and Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) achievement.Participants218 304 patients, from 316 English general practices, consulting from 1 April 2013 to 31 March 2014.AnalysisMultilevel mixed-effects models described the association between consultation duration and patient-level and practice-level factors (patient age, gender, smoking status, ethnic group, deprivation and practice rurality, number of full-time equivalent GPs/nurses, list size, consultation rate, quintile of overall QOF achievement and training status).ResultsMean duration of face-to-face GP consultations was 9.24 min and 5.32 min for telephone consultations. Nurse face-to-face and telephone consultations lasted 9.70 and 5.73 min on average, respectively. Longer GP consultation duration was associated with female patient gender, practice training status and older patient age. Shorter duration was associated with higher deprivation and consultation rate. Longer nurse consultation duration was associated with male patient gender, older patient age and ever smoking; and shorter duration with higher consultation rate. Observed differences in duration were small (eg, GP consultations with female patients compared with male patients were 8 s longer on average).ConclusionsSmall observed differences in consultation duration indicate that patients are treated similarly regardless of background. Increased consultation duration may be beneficial for older or comorbid patients, but the benefits and costs of increased consultation duration require further study.
Risk factors for recurrent intussusception in children: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Guo Wan-liang , Hu Zhang-chun , Tan Ya-lan , Sheng Mao , Wang Jian 
Published: November 2017

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess the frequency of clinical features and pathological lead points in recurrent intussusception, with a special focus on the risk factors that lead to recurrent intussusception.DesignThis is a retrospective cohort study. A 5-year retrospective study was performed between January 2012 and July 2016 in the Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China, to determine the clinical features and pathological lead points of recurrent intussusception.SettingThis is a retrospective chart review of recurrent intussusception cases in a large university teaching hospital.ParticipantsThe medical records were obtained for 1007 cases with intussusception, including demographics, clinical signs and symptoms, imaging and recurrence times if available.InterventionsUnivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to measure significant factors affecting recurrent intussusception and recurrent intussusception with pathological lead points.ResultsThere were 481 total episodes of recurrence in 191 patients. Among these, 87 had one recurrence and 104 had multiple recurrences. After comparing recurrent and non-recurrent intussusception cases using univariate analysis, it was determined that the factors associated with recurrent intussusception were age (>1 year), duration of symptoms (≤12 hours), the lack of bloody stool, paroxysmal crying or vomiting, the mass location (right abdomen) and pathological lead point (P<0.05). Age (>1 year), duration of symptoms (≤12 hours), the absence of vomiting, mass location (right abdomen) and pathological lead point were significantly independently predictive of recurrent intussusception. The factors associated with recurrent intussusception with lead points present were vomiting and mass location in the right abdomen (P<0.05). Vomiting and mass location (left abdomen) were significantly predictive of recurrent intussusception with lead points.ConclusionsAge (>1 year), symptom duration (≤12 hours), the absence of vomiting, mass location (right abdomen) and pathological lead points were significantly predictive of recurrent intussusception. Vomiting and mass location (left abdomen) were significantly predictive of recurrent intussusception with lead points.
Non-invasive markers of liver fibrosis in fatty liver disease are unreliable in people of South Asian descent
Authors: De Silva Sampath , Li Wenhao , Kemos Polychronis , Brindley James H , Mecci Jibran , Samsuddin Salma , Chin-Aleong Joanne , Feakins Roger M , Foster Graham R , Syn Wing-Kin , Alazawi William 
Published: November 2017

ObjectiveLiver biopsy is the most accurate method for determining stage and grade of injury in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Given risks and limitations of biopsy, non-invasive tests such as NAFLD fibrosis score, aspartate transaminase (AST) to platelet ratio index, Fib-4, AST/alanine transaminase ratio and BARD are used. Prevalence and severity of NAFLD and metabolic syndrome vary by ethnicity, yet tests have been developed in largely white populations. We tested our hypothesis that non-invasive tests that include metabolic parameters are less accurate in South Asian compared with white patients.DesignRetrospective cross-sectional.SettingSpecialist liver centre.PatientsPatients with histologically confirmed NAFLD.InterventionsScores calculated using clinical data taken within 1 week and compared with histology (Kleiner).Main outcome measuresDiagnostic test characteristics.Results175 patients were identified. South Asians (n=90) were younger, had lower body mass index and lower proportion of obesity compared with white patients (n=79), with comparable rates of diabetes and liver injury. Tests are less sensitive at detecting advanced fibrosis in South Asian compared with white patients. Relative risk of correct diagnosis in white patients compared with South Asians is 1.86 (95% CI 1.4 to 2.6). In binary logistic regression models, ethnicity and platelet count predicted accuracy. Transient elastography was equally and highly accurate in both ethnicities.ConclusionsBlood test-based non-invasive scores are less accurate in South Asian patients, irrespective of metabolic parameters. Ethnicity should be considered when devising risk-stratification algorithms for NAFLD.
Cumulative burden of inflammation predicts colorectal neoplasia risk in ulcerative colitis: a large single-centre study
Authors: Choi Chang-Ho Ryan , Al Bakir Ibrahim , Ding Nik-Sheng (John) , Lee Gui-Han , Askari Alan , Warusavitarne Janindra , Moorghen Morgan , Humphries Adam , Ignjatovic-Wilson Ana , Thomas-Gibson Siwan , Saunders Brian P , Rutter Matthew D , Graham Trevor A , Hart Ailsa L 
Published: November 2017

ObjectiveUlcerative colitis (UC) is a dynamic disease with its severity continuously changing over time. We hypothesised that the risk of colorectal neoplasia (CRN) in UC closely follows an actuarial accumulative inflammatory burden, which is inadequately represented by current risk stratification strategies.DesignThis was a retrospective single-centre study. Patients with extensive UC who were under colonoscopic surveillance between 2003 and 2012 were studied. Each surveillance episode was scored for a severity of microscopic inflammation (0=no activity; 1=mild; 2=moderate; 3=severe activity). The cumulative inflammatory burden (CIB) was defined as sum of: average score between each pair of surveillance episodes multiplied by the surveillance interval in years. Potential predictors were correlated with CRN outcome using time-dependent Cox regression.ResultsA total of 987 patients were followed for a median of 13 years (IQR, 9-18), 97 (9.8%) of whom developed CRN. Multivariate analysis showed that the CIB was significantly associated with CRN development (HR, 2.1 per 10-unit increase in CIB (equivalent of 10, 5 or 3.3 years of continuous mild, moderate or severe active microscopic inflammation); 95% CI 1.4 to 3.0; P<0.001). Reflecting this, while inflammation severity based on the most recent colonoscopy alone was not significant (HR, 0.9 per-1-unit increase in severity; 95% CI 0.7 to 1.2; P=0.5), a mean severity score calculated from all colonoscopies performed in preceding 5 years was significantly associated with CRN risk (HR, 2.2 per-1-unit increase; 95% CI 1.6 to 3.1; P<0.001).ConclusionThe risk of CRN in UC is significantly associated with accumulative inflammatory burden. An accurate CRN risk stratification should involve assessment of multiple surveillance episodes to take this into account.
Can a documentary increase help-seeking intentions in men? A randomised controlled trial
Authors: King Kylie Elizabeth , Schlichthorst Marisa , Spittal Matthew J , Phelps Andrea , Pirkis Jane 
Published: November 2017

BackgroundWe investigated whether a public health intervention—a three-part documentary calledMan Upwhich explored the relationship between masculinity and mental health, well-being and suicidality—could increase men’s intentions to seek help for personal and emotional problems.MethodsWe recruited men aged 18 years or over who were not at risk of suicide to participate in a double-blind randomised controlled trial. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) via computer randomisation to viewMan Up(the intervention) or a control documentary. We hypothesised that 4 weeks after viewingMan Upparticipants would report higher levels of intention to seek help than those who viewed the control documentary. Our primary outcome was assessed using the General Help Seeking Questionnaire, and was analysed for all participants. The trial was registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12616001169437, Universal Trial Number: U1111-1186-1459) and was funded by the Movember Foundation.ResultsThree hundred and fifty-four men were assessed for eligibility for the trial and randomised to viewMan Upor the control documentary. Of these, 337 completed all stages (nine participants were lost to follow-up in the intervention group and eight in the control group). Linear regression analysis showed a significant increase in intentions to seek help in the intervention group, but not in the control group (coef.=2.06, 95% CI 0.48 to 3.63, P=0.01).ConclusionsOur trial demonstrates the potential for men’s health outcomes to be positively impacted by novel, media-based public health interventions that focus on traditional masculinity.Trial registration numberACTRN12616001169437, Results.
Homothetic matter collineations of LRS Bianchi type I spacetimes
Authors: Hussain Tahir , Rahim Waqas 
Published: November 2017

A complete classification of locally rotationally symmetric (LRS) Bianchi type I spacetimes via homothetic matter collineations (HMCs) is presented. For non-degenerate energy–momentum tensor, a general form of the vector field generating HMCs is found, subject to some integrability conditions. Solving the integrability conditions in different cases, it is found that the LRS Bianchi type I spacetimes admit 6-, 7-, 8-, 10- or 11-dimensional Lie algebra of HMCs. When the energy–momentum tensor is degenerate, two cases give 6 and 11 HMCs, while the remaining cases produce infinite number of HMCs. Some LRS Bianchi type I metrics are provided admitting HMCs.