bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and treatment outcomes of routine Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Trichomonas vaginalis testing during antenatal care, Gaborone, Botswana
Authors: Wynn Adriane , Ramogola-Masire Doreen , Gaolebale Ponatshego , Moshashane Neo , Sickboy Ontiretse , Duque Sofia , Williams Elizabeth , Doherty Klara , Klausner Jeffrey D , Morroni Chelsea 
Published: November 2017

ObjectivesChlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) are curable, mostly asymptomatic, STIs that cause adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. Most countries do not test for those infections during antenatal care. We implemented a CT, NG and TV testing and treatment programme in an antenatal clinic in Gaborone, Botswana.MethodsWe conducted a prospective study in the antenatal clinic at Princess Marina Hospital in Gaborone, Botswana. We offered pregnant women who were 18 years or older and less than 35 weeks of gestation, CT, NG and TV testing using self-collected vaginal swabs. Testing was conducted using a GeneXpert® CT/NG and TV system. Those who tested positive were given directly observed antibiotic therapy and asked to return for a test of cure. We determined the prevalence of infections, uptake of treatment and proportion cured. The relationships between positive STI test and participant characteristics were assessed.ResultsWe enrolled 400 pregnant women. Fifty-four (13.5%) tested positive for CT, NG and/or TV: 31 (8%) for CT, 5 (1.3%) for NG and 21 (5%) for TV. Among those who tested positive, 74% (40) received same-day, in person results and treatment. Among those who received delayed results (6), 67% (4) were treated. Statistical comparisons showed that being unmarried and HIV infected were positively association CT, NG and/or TV infection. Self-reported STI symptoms were not associated with CT, NG and/or TV infection.ConclusionThe prevalence of CT, NG and/or TV was high, particularly among women with HIV infection. Among women with CT, NG and/or TV infection, those who received same-day results were more likely to be treated than those who received delayed results. More research is needed on the costs and benefits of integrating highly sensitive and specific STI testing into antenatal care in Southern Africa.
FINANCIAL STABILITY AND FINANCIAL INCLUSION: THE CASE OF SME LENDING
Authors: MORGAN PETER J. , PONTINES VICTOR 
Published: November 2017

Developing economies are seeking to promote financial inclusion, i.e., greater access to financial services for low-income households and firms. This raises the question of whether greater financial inclusion tends to increase or decrease financial stability. A number of studies have suggested both positive and negative impacts on financial stability, but very few empirical studies have been made. This study focuses on the implications of greater financial inclusion for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) for financial stability. It estimates the effects of measures of the share of bank lending to SMEs on two measures of financial stability — bank nonperforming loans and bank Z scores. We find some evidence that an increased share of lending to SMEs aids financial stability by reducing non-performing loans (NPLs) and the probability of default by financial institutions.
Three-phase receiving coil of wireless power transmission system for gastrointestinal robot
Authors: Jia Z. W. , Jiang T. , Liu Y. 
Published: November 2017

Power shortage is the bottleneck for the wide application of gastrointestinal (GI) robot. Owing to the limited volume and free change of orientation of the receiving set in GI trace, the optimal of receiving set is the key point to promote the transmission efficiency of wireless power transmission system. A new type of receiving set, similar to the winding of three-phase asynchronous motor, is presented and compared with the original three-dimensional orthogonal coil. Considering the given volume and the space utilization ratio, the three-phase and the three-orthogonal ones are the parameters which are optimized and compared. Both the transmission efficiency and stability are analyzed and verified by in vitro experiments. Animal experiments show that the new one could provide at least 420 mW power in volume of [Formula: see text] with a uniformity of 78.3% for the GI robot.
Chapter 3 Geomorphological framework: glacial and periglacial sediments, structures and landforms
Authors: Giles D. P. , Griffiths J. S. , Evans D. J. A. , Murton J. B. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
The development of the conceptual ground model (CGM) is a critical component of any desk study or ground engineering project planning process. A key task of the engineering geologist is to develop the CGM in order to predict the occurrence of known terrain units, elements and facets within a given landsystem, and to communicate the lateral and vertical variability of engineering rocks and soils found within that system. This chapter details the significant ground components of glacial and periglacial landsystems within a geomorphological framework describing the sediments, structures and landforms that could reasonably be expected to be encountered in these terrains. Examples are provided of both modern and relict glacial and periglacial landforms, their mode of formation and their field recognition. Glaciogenic and periglacial sediments are described both in terms of their sedimentological and formal engineering description. The chapter provides a suggested naming nomenclature for these sediments that can be used within a BS 5930 description. An extensive photoglossary is presented as a field aide memoir, enabling the engineering geologist to identify these features once on site.
Chapter 5 Periglacial and permafrost ground models for Great Britain
Authors: Murton J. B. , Ballantyne C. K. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

Periglacial
environments are characterized by cold-climate non-glacial conditions and ground freezing. The coldest periglacial environments in Pleistocene Britain were underlain by
permafrost
(ground that remains at or below 0°C for two years or more), while many glaciated areas experienced
paraglacial
modification as the landscape adjusted to non-glacial conditions. The growth and melt of ground ice, supplemented by temperature-induced ground deformation, leads to periglacial disturbance and drives the periglacial debris system. Ice segregation can fracture porous bedrock and sediment, and produce an ice-rich brecciated layer in the upper metres of permafrost. This layer is vulnerable to melting and thaw consolidation, which can release debris into the active layer and, in undrained conditions, result in elevated porewater pressures and sediment deformation. Thus, an important difference arises between ground that is frost-susceptible, and hence prone to ice segregation, and ground that is not. Mass-movement, fluvial and aeolian processes operating under periglacial conditions have also contributed to reworking sediment under cold-climate conditions and the evolution of periglacial landscapes. A fundamental distinction exists between lowland landscapes, which have evolved under periglacial conditions throughout much of the Quaternary, and upland periglacial landscapes, which have largely evolved over the past
c.
19 ka following retreat and downwastage of the last British–Irish Ice Sheet.

Periglacial landsystems provide a conceptual framework to interpret the imprint of periglacial processes on the British landscape, and to predict the engineering properties of the ground. Landsystems are distinguished according to topography, relief and the presence or absence of a sediment mantle. Four landsystems characterize both lowland and upland periglacial terrains:
plateau
landsystems,
sediment-mantled hillslope
landsystems,
rock-slope
landsystems, and
slope-foot
landsystems. Two additional landsystems are also identified in lowland terrains, where thick sequences of periglacial deposits are common:
valley
landsystems and
buried
landsystems. Finally, submerged landsystems (which may contain more than one of the above) exist on the continental shelf offshore of Great Britain. Individual landsystems contain a rich variety of periglacial, permafrost and paraglacial landforms, sediments and sedimentary structures. Key periglacial lowland landsystems are summarized using ground models for limestone plateau-clay-vale terrain and caprock-mudstone valley terrain. Upland periglacial landsystems are synthesized through ground models of relict and active periglacial landforms, supplemented by maps of upland periglacial features developed on bedrock of differing lithology.
The early Quaternary North Sea Basin
Authors: Lamb Rachel M. , Harding Rachel , Huuse Mads , Stewart Margaret , Brocklehurst Simon H. 
Published: November 2017

The onset of the Quaternary (2.58 Ma) corresponds to significant paleo-environmental events, such as the intensification and southward extension of Northern Hemisphere glaciation. In the North Sea Basin a significant late Cenozoic succession has been identified as a high-resolution archive of paleo-environmental changes during the Pliocene and Pleistocene. However, the identification of the base of the Quaternary has been a long-standing issue owing to lack of stratigraphic calibration. This study incorporates continuous, regional 3D seismic data with high-quality chronostratigraphic markers to map the base-Quaternary surface at high resolution across the entire North Sea. Depth conversion, backstripping, seismic geomorphology and sedimentation rate calculations are integrated to analyse the paleogeographical evolution of the North Sea Basin and its infill of
c
. 83 × 10
3
km
3
of northward prograding marine to deltaic sediments. The basin is 600 km long from SSE to NNW and largely localized above residual topography of the Mesozoic graben system. During the earliest Quaternary (2.58 – 2.35 Ma) paleo-water depths were
c.
300 ± 50 m and solid sedimentation rates (calculated from 0% porosity)
c.
32 km
3
ka
−1
. The base-Quaternary provides an important marker for further studies of the changing environment of the Quaternary of NW Europe as well as resource and shallow geohazard analysis.

Supplementary material:
A base Quaternary two-way travel time structure map is available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.3900343
Effects of endothelin-related gene polymorphisms and aerobic exercise habit on age-related arterial stiffening: a 10-yr longitudinal study
Authors: Sugawara Jun , Tomoto Tsubasa , Noda Naohiro , Matsukura Satoko , Tsukagoshi Kazuya , Hayashi Koichiro , Hieda Mutsuko , Maeda Seiji 
Published: November 2017

Increased arterial stiffness has emerged as a strong predictor of future cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality. The aim of this study was to elucidate influences of endothelin (ET)-related genetic polymorphisms and regular physical activity on age-related arterial stiffening through a 10-yr longitudinal study. A decadal change in brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), an index of arterial stiffness, was evaluated retrospectively among 92 volunteers (63 ± 14 yr, 51 men). The targeted single-nucleotide polymorphisms were ET-A receptor SNP rs5333 (ET-A) and ET-B receptor SNP rs5351 (ET-B). Subjects with either ET-A TC or CC genotypes exhibited significantly greater increases in baPWV (+15.3 ± 11.7 and +16.6 ± 15.7%/dec, respectively) than ET-A TT genotype holders (+9.2 ± 9.0%/dec), whereas subjects with the ET-B GG genotype showed a significantly greater increase in baPWV (+17.7 ± 14.1%/dec) than other ET-B genotype holders (AA: +9.5 ± 10.0%/dec; AG: +11.2 ± 9.6%/dec). The combination of these ET-related genetic risks was associated with a 2.4 times greater decadal increase in baPWV compared with no genetic risk (+8.1 ± 8.4 vs. 19.5 ± 16.0%/dec). In contrast, individuals engaging in >15 METs·h/wk of aerobic exercise showed substantially smaller increases in baPWV (+5.0 ± 9.7%/dec) compared with their physically inactive peers (approximately +13%/dec). These differences remained significant after adjusting for confounding factors, including baseline baPWV and ET-related genotype risk. Our current longitudinal study found that ET-related gene polymorphisms contribute to diverse age-related changes in arterial stiffness, and that regular sufficient aerobic exercise attenuates the age-related arterial stiffening independently of ET-related gene polymorphisms. NEW & NOTEWORTHY This 10-yr longitudinal study suggests that endothelin-related gene polymorphisms contribute to divergent increases in arterial stiffness with advancing age, whereas regular sufficient aerobic exercise attenuates age-related arterial stiffening independently of ET-related gene polymorphisms. This notion partly supports prevailing evidence that regular aerobic exercise contributes to a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease.
Quantitative Trait Locus Mapping of Macrophage Cholesterol Metabolism and CRISPR/Cas9 Editing Implicate an ACAT1 Truncation as a Causal Modifier Variant
Authors: Hai Qimin , Ritchey Brian , Robinet Peggy , Alzayed Alexander M. , Brubaker Greg , Zhang Jinying , Smith Jonathan D. 
Published: November 2017

Objective—
Cholesterol metabolism is a dynamic process involving intracellular trafficking, cholesterol esterification, and cholesterol ester hydrolysis. Our objective was to identify genes that regulate macrophage cholesterol metabolism.

Approaches and Results—

We performed quantitative trait loci mapping of free and esterified cholesterol levels and the ratio of esterified to free cholesterol in acetylated low-density lipoprotein–loaded bone marrow–derived macrophages from an AKR×DBA/2 strain intercross. Ten distinct cholesterol modifier loci were identified, and bioinformatics was used to prioritize candidate genes. The strongest locus was located on distal chromosome 1, which we named
Mcmm1
(macrophage cholesterol metabolism modifier 1). This locus harbors the
Soat1
(sterol O-acyltransferase 1) gene, encoding Acyl-coenzyme A:cholesterol acyltransferase 1 (ACAT1), which esterifies free cholesterol. The parental AKR strain has an exon 2 deletion in Soat1, which leads to a 33 amino acid N-terminal truncation in ACAT1. CRISPR/Cas9 editing of DBA/2 embryonic stem cells was performed to replicate the AKR strain Soat1 exon 2 deletion, while leaving the remainder of the genome unaltered. DBA/2 stem cells and stem cells heterozygous and homozygous for the Soat1 exon 2 deletion were differentiated into macrophages and loaded with acetylated low-density lipoprotein. DBA/2 stem cell–derived macrophages accumulated less free cholesterol and more esterified cholesterol relative to cells heterozygous and homozygous for the Soat1 exon 2 deletion.

Conclusions—
A Soat1 deletion present in AKR mice, and resultant N-terminal ACAT1 truncation, was confirmed to be a significant modifier of macrophage cholesterol metabolism. Other Mcmm loci candidate genes were prioritized via bioinformatics.
Clinical Outcomes and Cost-Effectiveness of Fractional Flow Reserve–Guided Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients With Stable Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Fearon William F. , Nishi Takeshi , De Bruyne Bernard , Boothroyd Derek B. , Barbato Emanuele , Tonino Pim , Jüni Peter , Pijls Nico H.J. , Hlatky Mark A. 
Published: November 2017

Background:
Previous studies found that percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) does not improve outcome compared with medical therapy (MT) in patients with stable coronary artery disease, but PCI was guided by angiography alone. FAME 2 trial (Fractional Flow Reserve Versus Angiography for Multivessel Evaluation) compared PCI guided by fractional flow reserve with best MT in patients with stable coronary artery disease to assess clinical outcomes and cost-effectiveness.

Methods:
A total of 888 patients with stable single-vessel or multivessel coronary artery disease with reduced fractional flow reserve were randomly assigned to PCI plus MT (n=447) or MT alone (n=441). Major adverse cardiac events included death, myocardial infarction, and urgent revascularization. Costs were calculated on the basis of resource use and Medicare reimbursement rates. Changes in quality-adjusted life-years were assessed with utilities determined by the European Quality of Life–5 Dimensions health survey at baseline and over follow-up.

Results:

Major adverse cardiac events at 3 years were significantly lower in the PCI group compared with the MT group (10.1% versus 22.0%;
P
<0.001), primarily as a result of a lower rate of urgent revascularization (4.3% versus 17.2%;
P
<0.001). Death and myocardial infarction were numerically lower in the PCI group (8.3% versus 10.4%;
P
=0.28). Angina was significantly less severe in the PCI group at all follow-up points to 3 years. Mean initial costs were higher in the PCI group ($9944 versus $4440;
P
<0.001) but by 3 years were similar between the 2 groups ($16 792 versus $16 737;
P
=0.94). The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for PCI compared with MT was $17 300 per quality-adjusted life-year at 2 years and $1600 per quality-adjusted life-year at 3 years. The above findings were robust in sensitivity analyses.

ConclusionS:
PCI of lesions with reduced fractional flow reserve improves long-term outcome and is economically attractive compared with MT alone in patients with stable coronary artery disease.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01132495.
Cost Justification of the BioFire FilmArray Meningitis/Encephalitis Panel Versus Standard of Care for Diagnosing Meningitis in a Community Hospital
Authors: Soucek Dana K. , Dumkow Lisa E. , VanLangen Kali M. , Jameson Andrew P. 
Published: November 2017

Background: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Gram stain and culture along with CSF viral polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are the current standard of care (SOC) to diagnose meningitis. Unfortunately, these tests take up to 72 hours to provide results and are not always sensitive to detect a pathogen. BioFire FilmArray (FA) meningitis/encephalitis (ME) panel uses PCR to provide quick, accurate identification of the causative organism. For community hospitals, the cost of this technology may be prohibitive. Objective: To compare the institution cost of current SOC versus the anticipated cost of the FA ME panel to diagnose and treat suspected meningitis. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted evaluating adult patients with a lumbar puncture performed and empiric antimicrobials administered for a diagnosis of meningitis. The time to receive CSF culture results and cost associated with empiric antimicrobials were assessed and compared to the theoretical time to results and cost of treatment using the FA ME panel. Results: Thirty-three patients were included in the analysis. The cost of antimicrobials using SOC was $63.43 versus $24.70 per treatment course if using the FA ME panel ( P < .001). When the cost of diagnostic testing supplies per patient was included, the median cost of SOC was $239.63 versus $239.14 per treatment course when using the FA ME panel ( P = .15). Conclusion: There is potential for significant cost savings in direct antibiotic utilization if FA ME is used versus SOC to diagnose meningitis in a community hospital. Antimicrobial cost savings were able to offset the increased cost of testing.
Impact of Pathology Review for Decision Therapy in Localized Prostate Cancer
Authors: Usón Pedro Luiz Serrano , Macarenco Ricardo Silvestre e Silva , Oliveira Fernando Nunes , Smaletz Oren 
Published: November 2017

Background: The Gleason score is an essential tool in the decision to treat localized prostate cancer. However, experienced pathologists can classify Gleason score differently than do low-volume pathologists, and this may affect the treatment decision. This study sought to assess the impact of pathology review of external biopsy specimens from 23 men with a recent diagnosis of localized prostate cancer. Methods: All external biopsy specimens were reviewed at our pathology department. Data were retrospectively collected from scanned charts. Results: The median patient age was 63 years (range: 46-74 years). All patients had a Karnofsky performance score of 90% to 100%. The median prostate-specific antigen level was 23.6 ng/dL (range: 1.04-13.6 ng/dL). Among the 23 reviews, the Gleason score changed for 8 (35%) patients: 7 upgraded and 1 downgraded. The new Gleason score affected the treatment decision in 5 of 8 cases (62.5%). Conclusions: This study demonstrates the need for pathology review in patients with localized prostate cancer before treatment because Gleason score can change in more than one-third of patients and can affect treatment decision in almost two-thirds of recategorized patients.
Lung Cancer Complicated With Asymptomatic Pulmonary Embolism: Clinical Analysis of 84 Patients
Authors: Li Guangsheng , Li Yuechuan , Ma Shuping 
Published: November 2017

Background and Objective: Pulmonary embolism is potentially life-threatening in patients with lung cancer, but the clinical studies on patients with lung cancer having asymptomatic pulmonary embolism were barely reported. Methods: Clinical data of patients with lung cancer were obtained from the Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine of Tianjin Chest Hospital during July 2012 and June 2015 and were reviewed retrospectively. A total of 28 patients with lung cancer having pulmonary embolism (LP group) were enrolled, and another 56 cases with lung cancer alone (LC group) were enrolled as controls. Results: Seventeen (60.7%) of 28 patients in the LP group developed adenocarcinoma, which was more frequent than that in the LC group ( P < .01); the LP group displayed lower counts of hemoglobin and albumin than the LC group ( P < .05); the counts of leukocyte (white blood cell) and d-dimer of patients in the LP group were also higher than those in the LC group ( P < .05). The high-incidence period of pulmonary embolism among 17 asymptomatic cases in the LP group was 3.6 months postdiagnosis (95% confidence interval, 3.2-4.0), showing a significant difference with that of other 11 patients with symptomatic pulmonary embolism, which was 10.5 months (95% confidence interval, 8.88-12.12; P < .01). Survival analysis displayed that median survival time of patients with asymptomatic pulmonary embolism was 7.2 months (95% confidence interval, 5.86-8.56), while that of symptomatic pulmonary embolism was 2.8 months (95% confidence interval, 2.48-3.12). Log-rank examination showed that survival time of asymptomatic pulmonary embolism group was statistically longer than that of symptomatic pulmonary embolism group. Conclusion: Lung adenocarcinoma, chemotherapy, hyperleukocytosis, and d-dimer increment were the risk factors for lung cancer combined with asymptomatic pulmonary embolism.