bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Implementation of a Novel Algorithm to Decrease Unnecessary Hospitalizations in Patients Presenting to a Community Emergency Department With Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: DeMeester Susanne , Hess Rebecca A. , Hubbard Bradley , LeClerc Kara , Ferraro Jane , Albright Jeremy J. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractObjectivesAtrial fibrillation (AFib) is the most common dysrhythmia in the United States. Patients seen in the emergency department (ED) in rapid AFib are often started on intravenous rate‐controlling agents and admitted for several days. Although underlying and triggering illnesses must be addressed, AFib, intrinsically, is rarely life‐threatening and can often be safely managed in an outpatient setting. At our academic community hospital, we implemented an algorithm to decrease hospital admissions for individuals presenting with a primary diagnosis of AFib. We focused on lenient oral rate control and discharge home. Our study evaluates outcomes after implementation of this algorithm.MethodsStudy design is a retrospective cohort analysis pre‐ and postimplementation of the algorithm. The primary outcome was hospital admissions. Secondary outcomes were 3‐ and 30‐day ED visits and any associated hospital admissions. These outcomes were compared before (March 2013–February 2014) and after (March 2015–February 2016) implementation. Chi‐square tests and logistic regressions were run to test for significant changes in the three outcome variables.ResultsA total of 1,108 individuals met inclusion criteria with 586 patients in the preimplementation group and 522 in the postimplementation group. Cohorts were broadly comparable in terms of demographics and health histories. Admissions for persons presenting with AFib after implementation decreased significantly (80.4% pre vs. 67.4% post, adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 3.4, p < 0.001). Despite this difference there was no change in ED return rates within 3 or 30 days (adjusted ORs = 0.93 and 0.89, p = 0.91 and 0.73, respectively).ConclusionsImplementation of a novel algorithm to identify and treat low‐risk patients with AFib can significantly decrease the rate of hospital admissions without increased ED returns. This simple algorithm could be adopted by other community hospitals and help lower costs.
Negotiating Green Space with Landed Interests: The Urban Political Ecology of Greenway in the Pearl River Delta, China
Authors: Chung Calvin King Lam , Zhang Fangzhu , Wu Fulong 
Published: January 2018

AbstractLand‐centred urbanisation has precipitated shortage of green space in Chinese cities. However, in the Pearl River Delta, an ambitious greenway system has recently managed to flourish. It is intriguing to ask how this has become possible. Informed by the perspective of urban political ecology, this paper finds that the greenway project in the Pearl River Delta represents a set of politically realistic endeavours to alleviate urban green space shortage by adapting to, rather than challenging, powerful landed interests. Three interlocking dimensions about land—municipal land quota, rural land use claims, and real estate development—have influenced why, where and how greenways have been created. Based on these findings, we argue that research on China's politics of urban sustainability necessarily needs to understand the country's land politics.
Prenatal phthalate exposure was associated with croup in Swedish infants
Authors: Shu Huan , Wikstrom Sverre , Jönsson Bo A.G. , Lindh Christian H. , Svensson Åke , Nånberg Eewa , Bornehag Carl‐Gustaf 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAimThis study examined whether prenatal phthalate exposure was associated with lower or upper airway inflammation in infants.MethodsFrom 2007 to 2010, we used liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry, adjusted for creatinine, to analyse 14 phthalate metabolites and one phthalate replacement in the urine of 1062 Swedish mothers at a median of 10 weeks of pregnancy. This was used to determine any associations between prenatal phthalate exposure and croup, wheezing or otitis in their offspring until 12 months of age, using logistic regression, adjusted for potential confounders.ResultsThere were significant associations between phthalate metabolites of butyl‐benzyl phthalate (BBzP) and di‐ethyl‐hexyl phthalate (DEHP) concentrations in maternal prenatal urine and croup in 1062 infants during the first year of life, when adjusted for potential confounders. A dose‐response relationship was found between prenatal phthalates exposure and maternal reported croup in the children, with a significant association in boys. There was no clear indication with regard to associations between prenatal phthalate exposure and wheezing or otitis media in the children during the first year of life.ConclusionOur analysis suggests that exposure to BBzP and DEHP phthalates was associated with maternal reports of croup in infants up to 12 months of age.
Early vedolizumab trough levels predict mucosal healing in inflammatory bowel disease: a multicentre prospective observational study
Authors: Yacoub W. , Williet N. , Pouillon L. , Di‐Bernado T. , De Carvalho Bittencourt M. , Nancey S. , Lopez A. , Paul S. , Zallot C. , Roblin X. , Peyrin‐Biroulet L. 
Published: January 2018

SummaryBackgroundThe correlation between vedolizumab trough levels during induction therapy and mucosal healing remains unknown.AimTo compare early vedolizumab trough levels in patients with and without mucosal healing within the first year after treatment initiation.MethodsWe prospectively collected vedolizumab trough levels in all inflammatory bowel disease patients at weeks 2, 6 and 14 of vedolizumab treatment in three French referral centres between 1 June 2014 and 31 March 2017. Results of every patient that underwent mucosal assessment by magnetic resonance imaging and/or endoscopy in the first year after treatment initiation were analysed.ResultsMedian vedolizumab trough levels in the overall population (n = 82) were 27 μg/mL (interquartile range, IQR 21.2‐33.8 μg/mL) at week 2, 23 μg/mL (IQR 15‐34.5 μg/mL) at week 6 and 10.7 μg/mL (IQR 4.6‐20.4 μg/mL) at week 14. Only median vedolizumab trough levels at week 6 differed between patients with and without mucosal healing within the first year after treatment initiation (26.8 vs 15.1 μg/mL, P = 0.035). A cut‐off trough level of 18 μg/mL at week 6 predicted mucosal healing within the first year after the start of vedolizumab with an area under the receiver operating curve of 0.735 (95% confidence interval 0.531‐0.939). A vedolizumab trough level above 18 μg/mL at week 6 was the only independent variable associated with mucosal healing within the first year of treatment (odds ratio 15.7, 95% confidence interval 2.4‐173.0, P = 0.01).ConclusionEarly therapeutic drug monitoring might improve timely detection of vedolizumab‐treated patients in need for an intensified dosing regimen.
A Cross‐Country Comparison of Gender Differences in Job‐Related Training: The Role of Working Hours and the Household Context
Authors: Boll Christina , Bublitz Elisabeth 
Published: January 2018

AbstractTheory suggests that in a partnership, the individual with the lower working hours and earnings position should exhibit lower training participation rates. Since women are more likely to match this description, we investigate whether systematic group differences in earnings position and working hours explain gender variation. Across all countries, male workers are unaffected by their earnings position. For female workers in Germany, not Italy or the Netherlands, working part‐time instead of full‐time corresponds with a decrease in course length by 5.5 hours. Regarding German part‐ (full‐)time employed women, single earners train 5.6 (2.9) hours more than secondary earners.
Physician Awareness of Immune Responses to Polyethylene Glycol‐Drug Conjugates
Authors: McSweeney Morgan D. , Versfeld Zina C. , Carpenter Delesha M. , Lai Samuel K. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAntibodies against polyethylene glycol (PEG) can critically jeopardize the efficacy and safety of PEGylated therapeutics. For some PEG‐drugs, a sizeable fraction of patients develop anti‐PEG antibodies (APA), leading to reduced efficacy and potential adverse events. We surveyed physicians from several specialties to assess their awareness of APA. Overall, 83% of the physicians surveyed indicated that they have recently prescribed PEGylated drugs. Although 91% of respondents were aware of antidrug antibodies in general, only 22% were aware of APA responses. Further, there was limited awareness (35%) of PEG's inclusion in prescribed PEGylated therapeutics. These findings bring to light a need for improved awareness of APA, potentially via targeted education of physicians who prescribe specific PEGylated therapeutics that could induce or are otherwise affected by APA. Finally, it will be critical to quantitate the extent of knowledge transfer from the research community to clinicians, especially on topics of patient safety.
Confusion, Irrationality and the Ends of Philosophy: Horwich's Wittgenstein Inspired Metaphilosophy
Authors: Djordjevic Charles M.K. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThis paper focuses on Horwich's metaphilosophical interpretation of Wittgenstein. Specifically, it focuses on Horwich's charge that all philosophy is irrational. First, I coordinate the various aspects of Horwich's metaphilosophical program to make sense of his charge of irrationality against philosophy. Second, I argue that this metaphilosophical program misfires in two distinct ways. However, third, I close by calling attention to what I posit to be a critical insight of Horwich's account.
Deciphering genetic factors that determine melon fruit‐quality traits using RNA‐Seq‐based high‐resolution QTL and eQTL mapping
Authors: Galpaz Navot , Gonda Itay , Shem‐Tov Doron , Barad Omer , Tzuri Galil , Lev Shery , Fei Zhangjun , Xu Yimin , Mao Linyong , Jiao Chen , Harel‐Beja Rotem , Doron‐Faigenboim Adi , Tzfadia Oren , Bar Einat , Meir Ayala , Sa'ar Uzi , Fait Aaron , Halperin Eran , Kenigswald Merav , Fallik Elazar , Lombardi Nadia , Kol Guy , Ronen Gil , Burger Yosef , Gur Amit , Tadmor Ya'akov , Portnoy Vitaly , Schaffer Arthur A. , Lewinsohn Efraim , Giovannoni James J. , Katzir Nurit 
Published: January 2018

SummaryCombined quantitative trait loci (QTL) and expression‐QTL (eQTL) mapping analysis was performed to identify genetic factors affecting melon (Cucumis melo) fruit quality, by linking genotypic, metabolic and transcriptomic data from a melon recombinant inbred line (RIL) population. RNA sequencing (RNA‐Seq) of fruit from 96 RILs yielded a highly saturated collection of > 58 000 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms, identifying 6636 recombination events that separated the genome into 3663 genomic bins. Bin‐based QTL analysis of 79 RILs and 129 fruit‐quality traits affecting taste, aroma and color resulted in the mapping of 241 QTL. Thiol acyltransferase (CmThAT1) gene was identified within the QTL interval of its product, S‐methyl‐thioacetate, a key component of melon fruit aroma. Metabolic activity of CmThAT1‐encoded protein was validated in bacteria and in vitro. QTL analysis of flesh color intensity identified a candidate white‐flesh gene (CmPPR1), one of two major loci determining fruit flesh color in melon. CmPPR1 encodes a member of the pentatricopeptide protein family, involved in processing of RNA in plastids, where carotenoid and chlorophyll pigments accumulate. Network analysis of > 12 000 eQTL mapped for > 8000 differentially expressed fruit genes supported the role of CmPPR1 in determining the expression level of plastid targeted genes. We highlight the potential of RNA‐Seq‐based QTL analysis of small to moderate size, advanced RIL populations for precise marker‐assisted breeding and gene discovery. We provide the following resources: a RIL population genotyped with a unique set of SNP markers, confined genomic segments that harbor QTL governing 129 traits and a saturated set of melon eQTLs.
Identification and functional study of the endoplasmic reticulum stress sensor IRE1 in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Yamaoka Yasuyo , Choi Bae Young , Kim Hanul , Shin Seungjun , Kim Yeongho , Jang Sunghoon , Song Won‐Yong , Cho Chung H. , Yoon Hwan Su , Kohno Kenji , Lee Youngsook 
Published: January 2018

SummaryIn many eukaryotes, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress activates the unfolded protein response (UPR) via the transmembrane endoribonuclease IRE1 to maintain ER homeostasis. The ER stress response in microalgae has not been studied in detail. Here, we identified Chlamydomonas reinhardtii IRE1 (CrIRE1) and characterized two independent knock‐down alleles of this gene. CrIRE1 is similar to IRE1s identified in budding yeast, plants, and humans, in terms of conserved domains, but differs in having the tandem zinc‐finger domain at the C terminus. CrIRE1 was highly induced under ER stress conditions, and the expression of a chimeric protein consisting of the luminal N‐terminal region of CrIRE1 fused to the cytosolic C‐terminal region of yeast Ire1p rescued the yeast ∆ire1 mutant. Both allelic ire1 knock‐down mutants ire1‐1 and ire1‐2 were much more sensitive than their parental strain CC‐4533 to the ER stress inducers tunicamycin, dithiothreitol and brefeldin A. Treatment with a low concentration of tunicamycin resulted in growth arrest and cytolysis in ire1 mutants, but not in CC‐4533 cells. Furthermore, in the mutants, ER stress marker gene expression was reduced, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) marker gene expression was increased. The survival of ire1 mutants treated with tunicamycin improved in the presence of the ROS scavenger glutathione, suggesting that ire1 mutants failed to maintain ROS levels under ER stress. Together, these results indicate that CrIRE1 functions as an important component of the ER stress response in Chlamydomonas, and suggest that the ER stress sensor IRE1 is highly conserved during the evolutionary history.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Evelyn Angelia 
Published: January 2018

Applied Finance and Accounting [AFA] would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether AFA publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 4, Number 1 Anastasia Kopaneli, University of Patras, GreeceVineet Chouhan, Sir Padampat Singhania University, IndiaYu Peng Lin, University of Detroit Mercy, USAMarco Muscettola, Independent researcher, ItalyWilson E. Herbert, Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa State, NigeriaMohamed Jalloh, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), NigeriaHaitham Nobanee, , UAENikolay Patonov, European Polytechnical University, BulgariaPeibiao Zhao, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, ChinaMojeed Idowu John Odumeso-Jimoh, Noble Integrated Resources & Management, NigeriaFeng Jui Hsu, National Taichung University of Science and Technology, TaiwanFlorin Peci, University of Peja, KosovoGheorghe Morosan, Stefan Cel Mare University Suceava Romania, RomaniaLuca Sensini, University of Salerno, ItalyMeri Boshkoska, Faculty of Economics - Prilep, Republic of MacedoniaNicoleta Radneantu, Romanian – American University, RomanianMazurina Mohd Ali, Universiti Teknologi Mara, MalaysiaAndrey Kudryavtsev, The Max Stern Yezreel Valley Academic College, IsraelIoan Bogdan Robu, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, RomaniaSawsan Saadi Halbouni, Canadian University Dubai, UAEIzidin El Kalak, Kent University, UKFabio Rizzato, University of Turin, ItalyAmira Houaneb, University Ibn Khaldoun, TunisiaLingesiya Kengatharan, University of Jaffna, Sri LankaMohammad Sami Ali Al-Dahrawi, Zarqa University, Jordan Angelia EvelynEditorial AssistantOn behalf of,The Editorial Board of Applied Finance and AccountingRedfame Publishing9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416Beaverton, OR 97008, USAE-mail: afa@redfame.comURL: http://afa.redfame.com
Azole Resistance of Environmental and Clinical Aspergillus fumigatus Isolates from Switzerland
Authors: Riat Arnaud , Plojoux Jérôme , Gindro Katia , Schrenzel Jacques , Sanglard Dominique 
Published: January 2018

ABSTRACT

Aspergillus fumigatus
is a ubiquitous opportunistic pathogen. This fungus can acquire resistance to azole antifungals due to mutations in the azole target (
cyp51A
). Recently,
cyp51A
mutations typical for environmental azole resistance acquisition (for example, TR
34
/L98H) have been reported. These mutations can also be found in isolates recovered from patients. Environmental azole resistance acquisition has been reported on several continents. Here we describe, for the first time, the occurrence of azole-resistant
A. fumigatus
isolates of environmental origin in Switzerland with
cyp51A
mutations, and we show that these isolates can also be recovered from a few patients. While the TR
34
/L98H mutation was dominant, a single azole-resistant isolate exhibited a
cyp51A
mutation (G54R) that was reported only for clinical isolates. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that azole resistance with an environmental signature is present in environments and patients of Swiss origin and that mutations believed to be unique to clinical settings are now also observed in the environment.
De Novo
Genome Assembly of a
Plasmodium falciparum
NF54 Clone Using Single-Molecule Real-Time Sequencing
Authors: Bryant Jessica M. , Baumgarten Sebastian , Lorthiois Audrey , Scheidig-Benatar Christine , Claës Aurélie , Scherf Artur 
Published: January 2018

ABSTRACT

Plasmodium falciparum
is the species of human malaria parasite that causes the most severe form of the disease. Here, we used single-molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing technology from Pacific Biosciences (PacBio) to sequence, assemble
de novo
, and annotate the genome of a
P. falciparum
NF54 clone.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Escherichia coli
Strain M15-4, a Typical Enteropathogenic
E. coli
Strain Isolated in Mexico
Authors: Magaña-Lizárraga José Antonio , Ahumada-Santos Yesmi Patricia , Parra-Unda Jesús Ricardo , Uribe-Beltrán Magdalena de J. , Gómez-Gil Bruno , Báez-Flores María Elena 
Published: January 2018

ABSTRACT

We present here the first draft genome sequence of a typical enteropathogenic
Escherichia coli
serotype O55:H51 strain, M15-4, isolated from a 2-month-old infant girl with acute diarrhea. The study of this Mexican isolate will provide insights to the virulence and drug resistance traits involved in its pathogenic potential.
Performance of the Xpert HIV-1 Viral Load Assay: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Nash Madlen , Huddart Sophie , Badar Sayema , Baliga Shrikala , Saravu Kavitha , Pai Madhukar 
Published: January 2018

ABSTRACT

Viral load (VL) is the preferred treatment-monitoring approach for HIV-positive patients. However, more rapid, near-patient, and low-complexity assays are needed to scale up VL testing. The Xpert HIV-1 VL assay (Cepheid, Sunnyvale, CA) is a new, automated molecular test, and it can leverage the GeneXpert systems that are being used widely for tuberculosis diagnosis. We systematically reviewed the evidence on the performance of this new tool in comparison to established reference standards. A total of 12 articles (13 studies) in which HIV patient VLs were compared between Xpert HIV VL assay and a reference standard VL assay were identified. Study quality was generally high, but substantial variability was observed in the number and type of agreement measures reported. Correlation coefficients between Xpert and reference assays were high, with a pooled Pearson correlation (
n
= 8) of 0.94 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.89, 0.97) and Spearman correlation (
n
= 3) of 0.96 (95% CI, 0.86, 0.99). Bland-Altman metrics (
n
= 11) all were within 0.35 log copies/ml of perfect agreement. Overall, Xpert HIV-1 VL performed well compared to current reference tests. The minimal training and infrastructure requirements for the Xpert HIV-1 VL assay make it attractive for use in resource-constrained settings, where point-of-care VL testing is most needed.
Combination of indoor residual spraying with long-lasting insecticide-treated nets for malaria control in Zambezia, Mozambique: a cluster randomised trial and cost-effectiveness study protocol
Authors: Chaccour Carlos J , Alonso Sergi , Zulliger Rose , Wagman Joe , Saifodine Abuchahama , Candrinho Baltazar , Macete Eusébio , Brew Joe , Fornadel Christen , Kassim Hidayat , Loch Lourdes , Sacoor Charfudin , Varela Kenyssony , Carty Cara L , Robertson Molly , Saute Francisco 
Published: January 2018

BackgroundMost of the reduction in malaria prevalence seen in Africa since 2000 has been attributed to vector control interventions. Yet increases in the distribution and intensity of insecticide resistance and higher costs of newer insecticides pose a challenge to sustaining these gains. Thus, endemic countries face challenging decisions regarding the choice of vector control interventions.MethodsA cluster randomised trial is being carried out in Mopeia District in the Zambezia Province of Mozambique, where malaria prevalence in children under 5 is high (68% in 2015), despite continuous and campaign distribution of long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLINs). Study arm 1 will continue to use the standard, LLIN-based National Malaria Control Programme vector control strategy (LLINs only), while study arm 2 will receive indoor residual spraying (IRS) once a year for 2 years with a microencapsulated formulation of pirimiphos-methyl (Actellic 300 CS), in addition to the standard LLIN strategy (LLINs+IRS). Prior to the 2016 IRS implementation (the first of two IRS campaigns in this study), 146 clusters were defined and stratified per number of households. Clusters were then randomised 1:1 into the two study arms. The public health impact and cost-effectiveness of IRS intervention will be evaluated over 2 years using multiple methods: (1) monthly active malaria case detection in a cohort of 1548 total children aged 6–59 months; (2) enhanced passive surveillance at health facilities and with community health workers; (3) annual cross-sectional surveys; and (4) entomological surveillance. Prospective microcosting of the intervention and provider and societal costs will be conducted. Insecticide resistance status pattern and changes in local Anopheline populations will be included as important supportive outcomes.DiscussionBy evaluating the public health impact and cost-effectiveness of IRS with a non-pyrethroid insecticide in a high-transmission setting with high LLIN ownership, it is expected that this study will provide programmatic and policy-relevant data to guide national and global vector control strategies.Trial registration numberNCT02910934.