bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pneumonia in the developing world: Characteristic features and approach to management
Authors: Aston Stephen J. 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACTCommunity‐acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in adults worldwide, but its epidemiology varies markedly by region. Whilst in high‐income countries, the predominant burden of CAP is in the elderly and those with chronic cardiovascular and pulmonary co‐morbidity, CAP patients in low‐income settings are often of working age and, in sub‐Saharan Africa, frequently HIV‐positive. Although region‐specific aetiological data are limited, they are sufficient to highlight major trends: in high‐burden settings, tuberculosis (TB) is a common cause of acute CAP; Gram‐negative pathogens such as Klebsiella pneumoniae are regionally important; and HIV‐associated opportunistic infections are common but difficult to diagnose. These differences in epidemiology and aetiological profile suggest that modified approaches to diagnosis, severity assessment and empirical antimicrobial therapy of CAP are necessary, but tailored individualized management approaches are constrained by limitations in the availability of radiological and laboratory diagnostic services, as well as medical expertise. The widespread introduction of the Xpert MTB/RIF platform represents a major advance for TB diagnosis, but innovations in rapid diagnostics for other opportunistic pathogens are urgently needed. Severity assessment tools (e.g. CURB65) that are used to guide early management decisions in CAP have not been widely validated in low‐income settings and locally adapted tools are required. The optimal approach to initial antimicrobial therapy choices such as the need to provide early empirical cover for atypical bacteria and TB remain poorly defined. Improvements in supportive care such as correcting hypoxaemia and intravenous fluid management represent opportunities for substantial reductions in mortality.
The respiratory threat posed by multidrug resistant Gram‐negative bacteria
Authors: Rodrigo‐Troyano Ana , Sibila Oriol 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT
Respiratory infections are a major cause of global mortality and morbidity. In recent years, an increased incidence of multidrug‐resistant (MDR) Gram‐negative bacteria (GNB) has been described. Microorganisms such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae or Acinetobacter baumannii have been identified as causative pathogens of different respiratory tract infections. Several studies have detected MDR‐GNB in patients with community‐acquired and nosocomial pneumonia. Furthermore, MDR‐GNB have also been isolated in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and bronchiectasis having acute or chronic bronchial infection. Prevalence varies depending on the geographical area but MDR‐GNB has been reported in the Asia‐Pacific region, Europe and the United States, reaching rates of 70% in hospital‐acquired infection. The presence of MDR‐GNB has been related to poor clinical outcomes, including increased mortality, although data regarding this relationship are limited. This is probably linked to inappropriate selection of empiric antibiotic treatment; this poses a threat of widespread resistance. GNB antibiotic resistance and the absence of new antibiotics are a major concern given limited treatment options; an aspect that deserves future research. We review current literature, highlight prevalence of MDR‐GNB in different respiratory infections and explore their impact on clinical outcomes.
Spirometry reference values for population aged 7–80 years in China
Authors: Zhang Jingzhou , Hu Xiao , Shan Guangliang 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT
Background and objectiveLung function tests are widely used in clinical and public health practice; however, no valid spirometry reference values were available for the general population in China. This study aimed to provide valid spirometry predictive equations for the general population in China, and to evaluate the predictive performance of previously used equations.MethodsData from the China National Health Survey 2012–2015 and the ‘Generalized Additive Models for Location, Scale and Shape’ statistical modelling method were used to establish spirometry predictive equations for forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1
), forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV1/FVC. Paired t‐tests were used to examine differences between spirometry measurements in this sample and predicted values of four previous spirometry predictive equations.ResultsThis study included 3130 lifetime non‐smokers (713 males and 2417 females) aged 7–80 years in China. Spirometry predictive equations with age and height as predictive variables plus age‐specific splines were established separately by gender. Most previous spirometry predictive equations were found to significantly overestimate (maximum of 3.69% in FEV1, 1.87% in FVC and 4.19% in FEV1/FVC for males; 11.46% in FEV1, 7.28% in FVC and 3.78% in FEV1/FVC for females) or underestimate (maximum of 5.75% in FEV1 and 8.12% in FVC for males; 7.89% in FEV1 and 9.32% in FVC for females) lung function measurements when applied to this sample population.ConclusionThis study addressed the urgent need for valid and up‐to‐date spirometry reference values for the general population in China. Moreover, previous spirometry predictive equations showed unfavourable generalizability to this sample population.
Spirometry training courses: Content, delivery and assessment ‐ a position statement from the Australian and New Zealand Society of Respiratory Science
Authors: Swanney Maureen P. , O'Dea Christopher A. , Ingram Emily R. , Rodwell Leanne T. , Borg Brigitte M. ,   for the ANZSRS Spirometry Training Course Working Group
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACTSpirometry training courses are provided by health services and training organizations to enable widespread use of spirometry testing for patient care or for monitoring health. The primary outcome of spirometry training courses should be to enable participants to perform spirometry to international best practice, including testing of subjects, quality assurance and interpretation of results. Where valid results are not achieved or quality assurance programmes identify errors in devices, participants need to be able to adequately manage these issues in accordance with best practice. It is important that potential participants are confident in the integrity of the course they attend and that the course meets their expectations in terms of training. This position statement lists the content that the Australian and New Zealand Society of Respiratory Science (ANZSRS) has identified as required in a spirometry training course to adequately meet the primary outcomes mentioned above. The content requirements outlined in this position statement are based on the current international spirometry standards set out by the American Thoracic Society and European Respiratory Society. Furthermore, recommendations around course delivery for theoretical and practical elements of spirometry testing and post‐course assessment are outlined in this statement.
Child endowments and parental investments: Intra‐household allocation in oportunidades families in Mexico
Authors: Majid Hadia 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThis paper estimates a family fixed‐effects model to test whether parental educational investments are reinforcing or compensating differences in child height and body mass index (BMI) within Oportunidades households. The results indicate that allocations are not made in response to endowment differences in isolation, but depend on the interaction of child endowment, gender, and beneficiary status. Moreover, investments are made so as to counterbalance efficiency and equity considerations: widening differences in height but closing gaps in BMI, where both strategies maximize returns given the earnings–endowment function for height and BMI in Mexico. Finally, household socio‐economic status matters. Thus, discriminatory responses within the better‐off urban beneficiary households are smaller. In contrast, indigenous beneficiary households, which have the lowest average endowment z‐scores and fraction spent on education, see the largest differences in educational outlay between child subgroups. While the economic effects seem small, these are measured relative to the mean of the base category. In some cases, then, parents are dedicating nearly a quarter of all expenditures to education for a standard deviation increase in endowment over mean sibling endowment. Hence, it seems that the success of the Oportunidades program in improving overall human capital formation may be masking rising inequalities within recipient households.
Food Self‐provisioning in Europe: An Exploration of Sociodemographic Factors in Five Regions
Authors: Vávra Jan , Megyesi Boldizsár , Duží Barbora , Craig Tony , Klufová Renata , Lapka Miloslav , Cudlínová Eva 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThis article presents the results of an international comparative study on food self‐provisioning, an activity still widespread in the countries of the Global North. We collected the data in a sociological survey done in 2010 as a part of the household energy use research project GILDED. We selected a region with urban and rural areas as a case study in each of the five EU countries, including Scotland, the Netherlands, Germany, the Czech Republic, and Hungary. Our article raises two main research questions: (1) What is the level of food self‐provisioning in the regions? (2) Who participates in it? Additionally, we inquired into the motivations of self‐provisioners using the results of analyses of sociodemographic and food consumption habits for their interpretation. We found that the level of self‐provisioning varies considerably among the regions. Its share ranges from 13 percent in Dutch urban areas to 58 percent in German rural areas. The effects of some sociodemographic and geographic factors differ significantly among the countries. However, we can summarize that living in one's own property, living in a house or in a rural area, having a partner or children, being retired, or having a low income increases the probability of food self‐provisioning.
Depositional setting of the 2·1 Ga Francevillian macrobiota (Gabon): Rapid mud settling in a shallow basin swept by high‐density sand flows
Authors: Reynaud Jean‐Yves , Trentesaux Alain , El Albani Abderrazak , Aubineau Jérémie , Ngombi‐Pemba Lauriss , Guiyeligou Grace , Bouton Pascal , Gauthier‐Lafaye François , Weber Francis 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe depositional setting of the 2·1 Ga fill of the Franceville Basin of Gabon is important for understanding the habitat (energy and availability of light and oxygen) and taphonomy of recently discovered early macro‐organisms buried in black shales in Unit FB. The available data bearing on the stratigraphy and sedimentology of Unit FB provide new insight into processes acting on the palaeo‐sea floor. The shales are interpreted to have formed as fluid mud deposits interstratified with structureless sands. The latter (Poubara sandstones) were emplaced during a forced regression during the terminal infill of fault‐bounded sub‐basins following a stage characterized by a ferruginous to anoxic water column. The structureless sandstones were deposited from high‐density gravity currents along with a locally strong bottom oscillation of the water column. Tuft structures preserved in cyanobacterial mats, together with the position of the macro‐organisms at the top of the sandstone beds within associated black shales, point to a water depth of less than 80 m. The relative sea‐level fall that drove deposition of the Poubara sandstones controlled the rise of a phototrophic ecosystem and also possibly favoured the supply of oxygen and nutrients via density flows.
Pre‐sale information and hammer prices for Australian Indigenous art
Authors: Farrell Lisa , Fry Tim R.L. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractUsing sales data from 1987–2011 we investigate the role that pre‐sale price information plays in determining hammer prices for Australian Indigenous artworks. Importantly, we control for the degree of market concentration as this might influence buyers’ perceptions of fairness in relation to price estimates which are provided by auction houses. Auction houses therefore act as important intermediaries between art sellers and art buyers. The results suggest that pre‐sale estimates and market concentration have a differential impact on hammer prices, depending on the point in the conditional realised price distribution under examination.
Prior Commitment and Uncertainty in Complex Economic Systems: Reinstating History in the Core of Economic Analysis
Authors: Foster John 
Published: July 2017

AbstractConventional ‘neoclassical’ economics is very useful in understanding how prices are determined but less so as a general basis for understanding the economic behaviour we observe. What is not taken into account is that economic systems are dissipative structures that are complex, but incompletely connected, networks of rules. It is explained why a degree of prior commitment in decision‐making is inevitable in complex economic systems and the implications of this are examined. It is argued that economic analysis must begin with the reality that choices are made in relation to pre‐existing commitments, both with regard to economic structures built in the past and to prevailing systems of belief, when deciding what to do in a future characterised by uncertainty. It is explained how conventional economic incentives can be dealt with in such a complex historical context building upon the neoclassical perspective of Alfred Marshall over a century ago. It is argued that econometric modelling remains viable and useful in understanding behaviour in complex economic systems. It is shown how we can design and interpret time series econometric modelling from a complex systems perspective.
The beliefs and willingness of men who have sex with men to comply with a one‐year blood donation deferral policy: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Liszewski Walter , Terndrup Christopher , Jackson Nicole R. , Helland Sarah , Lavin Bridget C. 
Published: July 2017

BACKGROUNDIn 2016, the US Food and Drug Administration ended the lifetime blood donation deferral for men who have sex with men (MSM) and replaced it with a 1‐year deferral period. It is currently unknown how many MSM may meet the new deferral policy and how many are willing to comply with it.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSAn anonymous survey was shared on MSM‐focused social media sites between May and July 2016 and enrolled self‐identified American MSM who were at least 18 years old. The survey assessed the willingness of MSM to donate blood, donation history, and knowledge regarding current blood donation needs and testing limitations.RESULTSA total of 764 men met criteria to be included in the final data set. Only 8.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 6.9%‐10.9%) met the current 12‐month deferral criteria, yet 90.6% (95% CI, 88.5%‐92.7%) were interested in donating. Among men interested in donating blood, 57.9% (95% CI, 54.3%‐61.4%) would consider donating blood without meeting the 12‐month deferral criteria. Overall, 26.7% (95% CI, 23.6%‐29.8%) admitted to donating blood at least once in the past despite not meeting deferral criteria.CONCLUSIONSFew MSM met the current deferral criteria, yet many were interested in donating, even without meeting deferral criteria. Possible motivations to donate without meeting deferral criteria may include a perceived shortage of donated blood and infallibility of current blood testing technology to detect human immunodeficiency virus. If the current 1‐year deferral is maintained, it is essential that there is outreach to the MSM community to explain and educate why this policy exists.
Impact of lenalidomide‐based induction therapy on the mobilization of CD34+ cells, blood graft cellular composition, and post‐transplant recovery in myeloma patients: a prospective multicenter study
Authors: Partanen Anu , Valtola Jaakko , Silvennoinen Raija , Ropponen Antti , Siitonen Timo , Putkonen Mervi , Sankelo Marja , Pelkonen Jukka , Mäntymaa Pentti , Varmavuo Ville , Jantunen Esa 
Published: July 2017

BACKGROUNDLenalidomide is an immunomodulatory drug that is also currently used in transplant‐eligible patients with multiple myeloma. Previous studies have suggested a negative impact of lenalidomide on the mobilization of CD34+ cells. No data are available regarding the more detailed composition of blood grafts after lenalidomide.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSIn a multicenter, prospective study, we analyzed the mobilization of CD34+ cells, graft cellular composition, and post‐transplant hematologic recovery in 26 patients with multiple myeloma after lenalidomide‐based induction and in 34 lenalidomide‐naive controls with multiple myeloma. All patients were mobilized with low‐dose cyclophosphamide plus granulocyte‐colony–stimulating factor. The cellular composition of the grafts was analyzed from thawed, cryopreserved samples with flow cytometry. Graft function was evaluated by engraftment data and by complete blood counts until 12 months after the graft infusion.RESULTSPatients in the lenalidomide arm had lower median peak CD34+ counts and approximately 40% lower CD34+ cell yields from the first apheresis session, but these differences were not significant. The median total number of CD34+ cells collected was comparable (6.4 vs. 7.5 × 106/kg). The number of apheresis sessions was higher in the lenalidomide group (2 vs. 1; p = 0.039). The blood graft composition was comparable between the groups. Hematologic recovery within 12 months post‐transplant did not differ between the groups.CONCLUSIONLenalidomide‐based induction seems to have an impact on the number of aphereses performed, but not on the total yields of the CD34+ cells in the graft. Neither cellular composition of the grafts nor post‐transplant recovery was affected by the limited pre‐transplant exposure to lenalidomide.
Determinants of workers’ remittances: An empirical investigation for a panel of eleven developing Asian economies
Authors: Mallick Hrushikesh 
Published: July 2017

AbstractWe explore the key motives of migrant workers’ remittances from abroad for 11 major Asian migrant‐sending countries. Using panel regressions, we find that relative higher growth rate, interest rate and capital market returns of home over the host, investment, financial deepening at home have significant impact on remittance inflows into Asia, along with higher per capita incomes and international crude oil prices. With incorporation of per capita incomes and lagged impact of remittances, we observe an emergence of consumption motives to remit. Therefore, we conclude that both investment and altruistic motives are the driving forces for remittances inflows into the Asian economies.
Migration and institutions: Evidence from internal EU mobility
Authors: Migali Silvia 
Published: July 2017

AbstractDespite the formal achievement of the free movement of labour within the EU, the institutional characteristics of the labour markets of the Member States may influence European mobility. The paper seeks empirical evidence of the relationship between labour market institutions and intra‐EU migrations, estimating a gravity model for bilateral migration for the period 2001–11. The results indicate that trade union density negatively correlates with the size of bilateral migrations: destinations with relatively high union density are associated with lower migration inflows. Since these countries tend to have a relatively flat earnings distribution, it is also investigated whether their earnings structure reduces their attractiveness as destinations hindering the access to their labour market. Even if a dependence between the earnings dispersion and migrations is found, trade union density remains the main driver of migration patterns. Clear effects of employment protection on EU mobility are not found.
Effectiveness of a Behavior Change Program on Physical Activity and Eating Habits in Patients With Hypertension: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Gerage Aline Mendes , Benedetti Tânia Rosane Bertoldo , Ritti-Dias Raphael Mendes , dos Santos Ana Célia Oliveira , de Souza Bruna Cadengue Coêlho , Almeida Fábio Araujo 
Published: July 2017

Background: This study aimed to analyze the effect of a behavior change program, called Vida Ativa Melhorando a Saúde (VAMOS), on physical activity, eating habits, and quality of life in patients with hypertension. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was carried out in 90 patients with hypertension (57.8 ± 9.9 y). They were randomly assigned to 2 groups: VAMOS group (n = 45) and control group (n = 45). The VAMOS group participated in a behavioral change program aimed at motivating changes in physical activity and nutrition behavior for 12 weeks. Physical activity, eating habits, quality of life, self-efficacy, and social support were evaluated at preintervention and postintervention. Results: The control group increased sedentary time (407 ± 87 vs 303 ± 100 min/d; P < .05) and sedentary bouts (434 ± 86 vs 336 ± 98 min/d; P < .05) and reduced total physical activity (553 ± 87 vs 526 ± 86 min/d; P < .05). The VAMOS group improved the general healthy eating habits score (36.9 ± 6.6 vs 43.4 ± 5.8; P < .05) and quality of life (44% vs 92%; P < .05). Conclusion: The VAMOS program was effective in improving eating habits and quality of life in patients with hypertension.
Use of Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing for Diagnosis of Extragenital Sexually Transmitted Infections
Authors: Cosentino Lisa A. , Danby Claire S. , Rabe Lorna K. , Macio Ingrid , Meyn Leslie A. , Wiesenfeld Harold C. , Hillier Sharon L. 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT

Nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) is the preferred method to detect
Chlamydia trachomatis
and
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
, but no commercial tests are cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use with extragenital swab samples. This study evaluated the performance of the Gen-Probe Aptima Combo2 assay (Aptima) and the Cepheid Xpert CT/NG assay (Xpert) to detect
C. trachomatis
and
N. gonorrhoeae
in rectal and pharyngeal samples from 224 men and 175 women reporting a history of anal receptive sexual intercourse. Discordant results between the NAATs were repeated using the assays APTIMA CT or APTIMA GC, which target alternate primers, as the confirmatory tests.
C. trachomatis
was detected from 59 rectal swabs and 8 pharyngeal samples, with 97.7% and 99.5% agreement between the two test systems, respectively. For
C. trachomatis
, Xpert was 95% sensitive (95% CI, 86 to 99%) and Aptima was 92% sensitive (95% CI, 81 to 97%) from rectal swabs, while both systems were 100% sensitive from pharyngeal samples.
N. gonorrhoeae
was detected from 30 rectal and 40 pharyngeal samples, with 99.5% and 97.5% agreement between the two test systems. The sensitivity of Xpert for
N. gonorrhoeae
from rectal swabs was 100% (95% CI, 88 to 100%) versus 93% (95% CI, 78 to 99%) for Aptima. From pharyngeal swab samples, Xpert was 98% sensitive (95% CI, 87 to 99.9%) versus 93% (95% CI, 80 to 98%) for Aptima. For
C. trachomatis
, neither system was >95% sensitive from the rectum, though both were >99.5% specific. For
N. gonorrhoeae
, Xpert had higher sensitivity than Aptima, but with more false positives from pharyngeal samples.