bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functionally Graded Hollow Sphere With Piezoelectric Internal and External Layers Under Asymmetric Transient Thermomechanical Loads
Authors: Jabbari M. , Mousavi S. M. , Kiani M. A. 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
In this paper, an analytical method is developed to obtain the solution for the two-dimensional (2D) (r,θ) transient thermal and mechanical stresses in a hollow sphere made of functionally graded (FG) material and piezoelectric layers. The FGM properties vary continuously across the thickness, according to the power functions of radial direction. The temperature distribution as a function of radial and circumferential directions and time is obtained solving the energy equation, using the method of separation of variables and Legendre series. The Navier equations are solved analytically using the Legendre polynomials and the system of Euler differential equations.
Mycobacterium abscessus Displays Fitness for Fomite Transmission
Authors: Malcolm Kenneth C. , Caceres Silvia M. , Honda Jennifer R. , Davidson Rebecca M. , Epperson L. Elaine , Strong Michael , Chan Edward D. , Nick Jerry A. 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT

Mycobacterium abscessus
is a rapidly growing nontuberculous mycobacterium (NTM) increasingly reported in soft tissue infections and chronic lung diseases, including cystic fibrosis. The environmental source of
M. abscessus
has not been definitively identified, but NTM have been detected in soil and water. To determine the potential of soil-derived
M. abscessus
as an infectious source, we explored the association, growth, and survival of
M. abscessus
with defined mineral particulates, including kaolin, halloysite, and silicone dioxide, and house dust as possible
M. abscessus
fomites.
M. abscessus
physically associated with particulates, and the growth of
M. abscessus
was enhanced in the presence of both kaolin and house dust.
M. abscessus
survived desiccation for 2 weeks but was not viable after 3 weeks. The rate of decline of
M. abscessus
viability during desiccation was reduced in the presence of house dust. The evidence for enhanced growth and survival of
M. abscessus
during alternating growth and drying periods suggests that dissemination could occur when in wet or dry environments. These studies are important to understand environmental survival and acquisition of NTM.

IMPORTANCE
The environmental source of pulmonary
Mycobacterium abscessus
infections is not known. Fomites are nonliving carriers of infectious agents and may contribute to acquisition of
M. abscessus
. This study provides evidence that
M. abscessus
growth is enhanced in the presence of particulates, using kaolin, an abundant natural clay mineral, and house dust as experimental fomites. Moreover,
M. abscessus
survived desiccation for up to 2 weeks in the presence of house dust, kaolin, and several chemically defined mineral particulates; mycobacterial viability during extended periods of dessication was enhanced by the presence of house dust. The growth characteristics of
M. abscessus
with particulates suggest that a fomite mechanism of transmission may contribute to
M. abscessus
acquisition, which may lead to strategies to better control infections by
M. abscessus
and related organisms.
Metagenomic Analysis of Dairy Bacteriophages: Extraction Method and Pilot Study on Whey Samples Derived from Using Undefined and Defined Mesophilic Starter Cultures
Authors: Muhammed Musemma K. , Kot Witold , Neve Horst , Mahony Jennifer , Castro-Mejía Josué L. , Krych Lukasz , Hansen Lars H. , Nielsen Dennis S. , Sørensen Søren J. , Heller Knut J. , van Sinderen Douwe , Vogensen Finn K. 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT

Despite being potentially highly useful for characterizing the biodiversity of phages, metagenomic studies are currently not available for dairy bacteriophages, partly due to the lack of a standard procedure for phage extraction. We optimized an extraction method that allows the removal of the bulk protein from whey and milk samples with losses of less than 50% of spiked phages. The protocol was applied to extract phages from whey in order to test the notion that members of
Lactococcus lactis
936 (now
Sk1virus
), P335, c2 (now
C2virus
) and
Leuconostoc
phage groups are the most frequently encountered in the dairy environment. The relative abundance and diversity of phages in eight and four whey mixtures from dairies using undefined mesophilic mixed-strain cultures containing
Lactococcus lactis
subsp.
lactis
biovar diacetylactis and
Leuconostoc
species (i.e., DL starter cultures) and defined cultures, respectively, were assessed. Results obtained from transmission electron microscopy and high-throughput sequence analyses revealed the dominance of
Lc. lactis
936 phages (order
Caudovirales
, family
Siphoviridae
) in dairies using undefined DL starter cultures and
Lc. lactis
c2 phages (order
Caudovirales
, family
Siphoviridae
) in dairies using defined cultures. The 936 and
Leuconostoc
phages demonstrated limited diversity. Possible coinduction of temperate P335 prophages and satellite phages in one of the whey mixtures was also observed.

IMPORTANCE
The method optimized in this study could provide an important basis for understanding the dynamics of the phage community (abundance, development, diversity, evolution, etc.) in dairies with different sizes, locations, and production strategies. It may also enable the discovery of previously unknown phages, which is crucial for the development of rapid molecular biology-based methods for phage burden surveillance systems. The dominance of only a few phage groups in the dairy environment signifies the depth of knowledge gained over the past decades, which served as the basis for designing current phage control strategies. The presence of a correlation between phages and the type of starter cultures being used in dairies might help to improve the selection and/or design of suitable, custom, and cost-efficient phage control strategies.
Anterior, posterior and biomechanical parameters of cornea during pregnancy in healthy eyes: a cohort study
Authors: Naderan Mohammad , Jahanrad Ali 
Published: July 2017

BackgroundTo investigate the effect of pregnancy on anterior, posterior and biomechanical corneal parameters of healthy eyes.MethodIn this prospective cohort study, 70 pregnant participants with clinically healthy eyes underwent corneal topographic imaging evaluation by Pentacam and biomechanical assessment by Ocular Response Analyzer (ORA) before pregnancy, at the third trimester of pregnancy (34th week of pregnancy) and 12 months after delivery. The same number of age-matched non-pregnant females was evaluated at the corresponding appointments as the control group.ResultsAssessment of the tomographic, topographic and ORA measurements before pregnancy, at the third trimester of pregnancy and 12 months post partum revealed no statistically significant changes in anterior and posterior corneal flat, steep and mean keratometry, anterior and posterior elevation measurements, central and thinnest corneal thickness, corneal hysteresis, corneal resistance factor and intraocular pressure measurements (p>0.05, repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA)). All of the study parameters returned to their baseline levels 1 year after delivery. The ophthalmic parameters of the non-pregnant group remained significantly unchanged during the study period (p>0.05, all comparisons, repeated measures ANOVA). Moreover, no statistically significant differences were found between pregnant and non-pregnant groups in the second (34th week of pregnancy) and third (post partum) appointments (p>0.05, all comparisons, one-way ANOVA).ConclusionOur findings may suggest a physiological nature for ocular changes during pregnancy that these changes return to baseline values after delivery. The differences between tomographic, topographic and biomechanical corneal parameters before pregnancy, during pregnancy and post partum were not statistically or clinically significant.
A comprehensive strength testing protocol offers no clinical value in predicting risk of hamstring injury: a prospective cohort study of 413 professional football players
Authors: van Dyk Nicol , Bahr Roald , Burnett Angus F , Whiteley Rod , Bakken Arnhild , Mosler Andrea , Farooq Abdulaziz , Witvrouw Erik 
Published: July 2017

BackgroundHamstring injuries remain prevalent across a number of professional sports. In football, the incidence has even increased by 4% per year at the Champions League level over the last decade. The role of muscle strength or strength ratios and their association with risk of hamstring injury remain restricted by small sample sizes and inconclusive results.PurposeThe purpose of this study is to identify risk factors for hamstring injury in professional football players in an adequately powered, prospective cohort study. Using both established (isokinetic) and novel (eccentric hamstring test device) measures of muscle strength, we aimed to investigate the relationship between these strength characteristics over the entire range of motion with risk of hamstring injury.MethodsAll teams (n=18) eligible to compete in the premier football league in Qatar underwent a comprehensive strength assessment during their annual periodic health evaluation at Aspetar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital in Doha, Qatar. Variables included isokinetic strength, Nordic hamstring exercise strength and dynamic hamstring: quadriceps ratios.ResultsOf the 413 players included (68.2% of all league players), 66 suffered a hamstring injury over the two seasons. Only isokinetic quadriceps concentric at 300°/s (adjusted for bodyweight) was associated with risk of hamstring injury when considered categorically. Age, body mass and playing position were also associated with risk of hamstring injury. None of the other 23 strength variables examined were found to be associated with hamstring injury.ConclusionThe clinical value of isolated strength testing is limited, and its use in musculoskeletal screening to predict future hamstring injury is unfounded.
Sports injury and illness incidence in the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympic Summer Games: A prospective study of 11274 athletes from 207 countries
Authors: Soligard Torbjørn , Steffen Kathrin , Palmer Debbie , Alonso Juan Manuel , Bahr Roald , Lopes Alexandre Dias , Dvorak Jiri , Grant Marie-Elaine , Meeuwisse Willem , Mountjoy Margo , Pena Costa Leonardo Oliveira , Salmina Natalia , Budgett Richard , Engebretsen Lars 
Published: July 2017

ObjectiveTo describe the pattern of injuries and illnesses sustained during the Games of the XXXI Olympiad, hosted by Rio de Janeiro from 5 to 21 August 2016.MethodsWe recorded the daily incidence of athlete injuries and illnesses (1) through the reporting of all National Olympic Committee (NOC) medical teams and (2) in the polyclinic and medical venues by the Rio 2016 medical staff.ResultsIn total, 11 274 athletes (5089 women, 45%; 6185 men, 55%) from 207 NOCs participated in the study. NOC and Rio 2016 medical staff reported 1101 injuries and 651 illnesses, equalling 9.8 injuries and 5.4 illnesses per 100 athletes over the 17-day period. Altogether, 8% of the athletes incurred at least one injury and 5% at least one illness. The injury incidence was highest in BMX cycling (38% of the athletes injured), boxing (30%), mountain bike cycling (24%), taekwondo (24%), water polo (19%) and rugby (19%), and lowest in canoe slalom, rowing, shooting, archery, swimming, golf and table tennis (0%–3%). Of the 1101 injuries recorded, 40% and 20% were estimated to lead to ≥1 and >7 days of absence from sport, respectively. Women suffered 40% more illnesses than men. Illness was generally less common than injury, with the highest incidence recorded in diving (12%), open-water marathon (12%), sailing (12%), canoe slalom (11%), equestrian (11%) and synchronised swimming (10%). Illnesses were also less severe; 18% were expected to result in time loss. Of the illnesses, 47% affected the respiratory system and 21% the gastrointestinal system. The anticipated problem of infections in the Rio Olympic Games did not materialise, as the proportion of athletes with infectious diseases mirrored that of recent Olympic Games (3%).ConclusionOverall, 8% of the athletes incurred at least one injury during the Olympic Games, and 5% an illness, which is slightly lower than in the Olympic Summer Games of 2008 and 2012.
Gender bias in under-five mortality in low/middle-income countries
Authors: Costa Janaína Calu , da Silva Inacio Crochemore Mohnsam , Victora Cesar Gomes 
Published: July 2017

IntroductionDue to biological reasons, boys are more likely to die than girls. The detection of gender bias requires knowing the expected relation between male and female mortality rates at different levels of overall mortality, in the absence of discrimination. Our objective was to compare two approaches aimed at assessing excess female under-five mortality rate (U5MR) in low/middle-income countries.MethodsWe compared the two approaches using data from 60 Demographic and Health Surveys (2005–2014). The prescriptive approach compares observed mortality rates with historical patterns in Western societies where gender discrimination was assumed to be low or absent. The descriptive approach is derived from global estimates of all countries with available data, including those affected by gender bias.ResultsThe prescriptive approach showed significant excess female U5MR in 20 countries, compared with only one country according to the descriptive approach. Nevertheless, both models showed similar country rankings. The 13 countries with the highest and the 10 countries with the lowest rankings were the same according to both approaches. Differences in excess female mortality among world regions were significant, but not among country income groups.ConclusionBoth methods are useful for monitoring time trends, detecting gender-based inequalities and identifying and addressing its causes. The prescriptive approach seems to be more sensitive in the identification of gender bias, but needs to be updated using data from populations with current-day structures of causes of death.
Assessing the effects of changes in care commissioning guidelines at a tertiary centre in London on the provision of NHS-funded procedures of limited clinical effectiveness: an 11-year retrospective database analysis
Authors: Rahman Shafiq , Langridge Benjamin , Hachach-Haram Nadine , Hansen Esther , Bootle Anna , Bystrzonowski Nicola , Hamilton Stephen , Mosahebi Afshin 
Published: July 2017

ObjectivesThe main objective of this study was to assess the impact of changes in care commissioning policies on National Health Service (NHS)-funded cosmetic procedures over an 11-year period at our centre.SettingThe setting was a tertiary care hospital in London regulated by the North Central London Hospitals NHS Trust care commissioning group.ParticipantsWe included all patients logged on to our database at the time of the study which was 2087 but later excluded 61 from analysis due to insufficient information.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe main outcome measures were the results of tribunal assessment for different cosmetic surgeries which were either accepted, rejected or inconclusive based on the panel meeting.ResultsThere were a total of 2087 patient requests considered between 2004 and 2015, of which 715 (34%) were accepted, 1311 (63%) were declined and 61 (3%) had inconclusive results. The implementation of local care commissioning guidelines has reduced access to cosmetic surgeries. Within this period, the proportion of procedures accepted has fallen from 36% in 2004 to 21% in 2015 (χ2; p<0.05, 95% CI).ConclusionLocal guidance on procedures of limited clinical effectiveness is a useful, although not evidence-based selection process to reduce access to cosmetic surgery in line with increasing financial constraints. However, patients with a physical impairment may not receive treatment in comparison to previous years, and this can have a negative impact on their quality of life.
Relationship between initial therapy and blood pressure control for high-risk hypertension patients in the UK: a retrospective cohort study from the THIN general practice database
Authors: Weir Sharada , Juhasz Attila , Puelles Jorge , Tierney Travis S 
Published: July 2017

ObjectiveTo examine the UK practice patterns in treating newly diagnosed hypertension and to determine whether subgroups of high-risk patients are more or less likely to follow particular therapeutic protocols and to reach blood pressure goals.DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingThis study examined adults in The Health Improvement Network (THIN) UK general practice medical records database who were initiated on medication for hypertension.Participants48 131 patients with essential hypertension diagnosed between 2008 and 2010 who were registered with a participating practice for a minimum of 13 months prior to, and 6 months following, initiation of therapy. We excluded patients with gestational hypertension or secondary hypertension. Patients were classified into risk groups based on blood pressure readings and comorbid conditions.Primary and secondary outcome measuresOdds of receiving single versus fixed or free-drug combination therapy and odds of achieving blood pressure control were assessed using multivariable logistic regression.ResultsThe vast majority of patients (95.8%) were initiated on single drug therapy. Patients with high cardiovascular risk (patients with grade 2–3 hypertension or those with high normal/grade 1 hypertension plus at least one cardiovascular condition pretreatment) had a statistically significant benefit of starting immediately on combination therapy when blood pressure control was the desired goal (OR: 1.23; 95% CI: 1.06 to 1.42) but, surprisingly, were less likely than patients with no risk factors to receive combination therapy (OR: 0.53; 95% CI: 0.47 to 0.59).ConclusionsOur results suggest that combination therapy may be indicated for patients with high cardiovascular risk, who accounted for 60.6% of our study population. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guideline CG34 of 2006 (in effect during the study period) recommended starting with single drug class therapy for most patients, and this advice does seem to have been followed even in cases where a more aggressive approach might have been considered.
Treatment and clinicopathological characteristics of lupus nephritis with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody positivity: a case–control study
Authors: Li Cui , Zhou Min-Lin , Liang Dan-Dan , Wang Jing-Jing , Yang Jing , Zeng Cai-Hong , Liu Zhi-Hong , Zhang Hai-Tao 
Published: July 2017

ObjectiveTo assess the clinical features, pathological presentations, treatments and outcomes of lupus nephritis (LN) with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) positivity.DesignA case–control study.MethodsPatients (n=49) were retrospectively included from Jinling Hospital in China if presenting with biopsy-proven ANCA-positive LN between 1985 and 2008. Clinicopathological characteristics and outcomes were analysed and compared with those of a control group (n=1279). We further compared treatment responses and outcomes of ANCA-positive LN patients based on the treatment issued.ResultsThe study included 40 women and 9 men (median age 33 years at biopsy): 38 with myeloperoxidase (MPO)-ANCA, 7 with proteinase 3(PR3)-ANCA and 4 with double positivity. ANCA-positive LN patients exhibited higher haematuria, serum creatinine levels and systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index scores. On pathological evaluation, class IV LN was predominant, accounting for 61.22% of cases. Light microscopy revealed significantly higher activity index and chronicity index scores, including cellular crescents, interstitial inflammation, tubular atrophy and interstitial fibrosis. ANCA-positive LN patients receiving mycophenolate mofetil as induction therapy had a higher remission rate and better renal outcomes than those receiving cyclophosphamide. During follow-up, end-stage renal disease developed in seven (14.29%) ANCA-positive LN patients, all of them were MPO-ANCA positive.ConclusionsThe characteristics of ANCA-positive LN were massive haematuria and advanced renal insufficiency. We observed a higher remission rate and better prognoses when using mycophenolate mofetil than when using cyclophosphamide as induction therapy.
Impact of intrapatient variability (IPV) in tacrolimus trough levels on long-term renal transplant function: multicentre collaborative retrospective cohort study protocol
Authors: Goldsmith Petra M , Bottomley Matthew J , Okechukwu Okidi , Ross Victoria C , Ghita Ryan , Wandless David , Falconer Stuart J , Papachristos Stavros , Nash Philip , Androshchuk Vitaliy , Clancy Marc 
Published: July 2017

IntroductionHigh intrapatient variability (IPV) in tacrolimus trough levels has been shown to be associated with higher rates of renal transplant failure. There is no consensus on what level of IPV constitutes a risk of graft loss. The establishment of such a threshold could help to guide clinicians in identifying at-risk patients to receive targeted interventions to improve IPV and thus outcomes.Methods and analysisA multicentre Transplant Audit Collaborative has been established to conduct a retrospective study examining tacrolimus IPV and renal transplant outcomes. Patients in receipt of a renal transplant at participating centres between 2009 and 2014 and fulfilling the inclusion criteria will be included in the study. The aim is to recruit a minimum of 1600 patients with follow-up spanning at least 2 years in order to determine a threshold IPV above which a renal transplant recipient would be considered at increased risk of graft loss. The study also aims to determine any national or regional trends in IPV and any demographic associations.Ethics and disseminationConsent will not be sought from patients whose data are used in this study as no additional procedures or information will be required from participants beyond that which would normally take place as part of clinical care. The study will be registered locally in each participating centre in line with local research and development protocols. It is anticipated that the results of this audit will be disseminated locally, in participating NHS Trusts, through national and international meetings and publications in peer-reviewed journals.