bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Solid Waste Management and Social Inclusion of Wastepickers: Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: Marello Marta , Helwege Ann 
Published: August 2017

As informal workers, wastepickers gather recyclable material without adequate social benefits and occupational protection. In response to wastepicker demands for legalization and access to the waste stream, cities have created inclusion programs to improve livelihoods and promote recycling. While inclusion yields benefits for many participants, it brings challenges at each step of development. In the poorest countries, workers lack the skills, capital, and managerial experience to operate profitably, while projects in wealthier cities employ few wastepickers and face stiff competition from the formal sector. The most sophisticated municipal systems mechanize waste processing and threaten wastepickers’ livelihoods because capital-intensive methods yield few jobs. To realize genuine inclusion, policies to support wastepickers must enable workers to compete throughout the broader economy. Como trabajadores informales, los recolectores de basura se encargan de recoger materiales reciclables sin prestaciones sociales o protección laboral adecuadas. En respuesta a sus demandas de legalización y acceso al flujo de residuos, las ciudades han creado programas de inclusión para mejorar las condiciones de vida y promover el reciclaje. Mientras que dicha inclusión brinda beneficios a muchos participantes, también conlleva retos en cada etapa del desarrollo. En los países más pobres, los trabajadores carecen de las habilidades, capital y experiencia administrativa necesarias para operar de manera rentable, mientras que los proyectos en las ciudades más ricas emplean pocos recolectores que enfrentan una dura competencia por parte del sector formal. Los sistemas municipales más sofisticados mecanizan el procesamiento de los desechos y amenazan los medios de subsistencia de los recolectores dado que los métodos intensivos en capital generan pocos puestos de trabajo. Para que haya una genuina inclusión, las políticas de apoyo a los recolectores de basura deben permitir que dichos trabajadores compitan en el grueso de la economía.
Spectrum of Off-Label Nitric Oxide Utilization After Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Among Centers of Varying Surgical Volume
Authors: Gupta Punkaj , Rettiganti Mallikarjuna , Wilcox Andrew , Eble Brian K. , Schmitz Michael L. , Zakaria Dala 
Published: August 2017

Objective: Nitric oxide is utilized after pediatric cardiac surgery as an off-label medication without much evidence, is expensive, and varies among centers of varying surgical volume. The objective of our study was to describe the spectrum of nitric oxide utilization and to evaluate the effect of nitric oxide utilization on outcomes among patients cared for in centers of varying surgical volume using Pediatric Health Information system. Methods: Patients aged ≤18 years undergoing heart surgery were included (2004-2015). Multivariable mixed-effects logistic regression models were fitted to evaluate association of center volume with odds of nitric oxide utilization among patients undergoing heart operations. Centers were classified into 3 volume categories based on tertiles of number of cardiopulmonary bypass cases performed (low volume: 34 792 patients, 21 centers; medium volume: 38 362 patients, 13 centers; high volume: 30 560 patients, 7 centers). Results: A total of 103 714 patients from 41 hospitals were included. Of these, 15 708 (15.1%) patients received nitric oxide after cardiac surgery. Of the patients receiving nitric oxide, only 3936 (25.1%) patients were associated with a diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension. In adjusted models, low- and medium-volume centers were associated with higher nitric oxide utilization after heart operations as compared to high-volume centers (low vs high, odds ratio [OR]: 1.48, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.38-1.60; medium vs high, OR: 1.33, 95% CI: 1.26-1.41). Despite higher nitric oxide utilization, the mortality was worse among patients treated in low- and medium-volume centers, as compared to high-volume centers (low vs high, OR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.26-1.60; medium vs high, OR: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.04-1.25). Conclusions: This study demonstrates variation in nitric oxide utilization after heart operations among centers of varying surgical volume. Further, it raises questions on the benefit of nitric oxide administration after pediatric cardiac surgery.
A new efficient free-rolling tyre-testing procedure for the parameterisation of vehicle dynamics tyre models
Authors: Smith Gregory , Blundell Mike 
Published: August 2017

This paper describes an efficient tyre test procedure that can be used to collect the data required to parameterise empirical tyre models used in the computer simulations of vehicle dynamics. The new GS2MF FreeRolling test procedure develops established methodologies, such as the time measurement procedure from the TIME project and the MICH2MF measurement protocol developed as alternatives to traditional square matrix testing. The new process is designed to reduce the number of expensive tyre tests without compromising the accuracy of the generated tyre model parameters. The process is demonstrated by a programme of tyre testing carried out using the Calspan TIRF tyre testing facility in the USA, and it is shown here how the GS2MF Flat-Trac® tyre test procedure can be used more efficiently to parameterise the pure lateral and self-aligning moment components for the well-known ‘magic formula’ tyre model. This is achieved using a ‘cruise’-type procedure which is more representative of conditions existing when driving a real vehicle. During the tests, a novel automated logic approach is also proposed to manage the temperature of the tyres. Finally, graph sweeps are introduced at the start and the end of the tests, allowing a judgement to be made as to the influence of the tyre wear on the data obtained throughout the tests. The development of accurate and representative tyre models remains a significant challenge as vehicle manufacturers target increased use of virtual prototypes and simulations. This work contributes to this challenge by improving the efficiency of the expensive testing process needed to parameterise the models.
Health Financing in South Asia—The Role of Public–Private Partnerships
Authors: Razvi Saleema , Khan Amir Ullah 
Published: August 2017

Millions of households are pushed into poverty every year because of high out-of-pocket (OOP) expenditure on health care. Globally, each year more than 150 million people face financial catastrophe and around 100 million suffer destitution due to OOP payments made for health care. More than 90 per cent of these people reside in low-income countries. In South Asia, impoverishment due to health payments is significant with at least 32 million people in India alone being pushed into poverty annually due to OOP expenditures on health care. In most health care systems in this region, the role of public spending on health and prepaid schemes, such as tax and social insurance, is limited as is the extent of financial risk protection. The problem is compounded by the large informal sector which is a major challenge to attaining universal health coverage in South Asian countries. Recent literature points to the role of public–private partnerships (PPP) in health care as a viable solution for ensuring equitable access to health care especially for the poor. This article seeks to review the major components of health care financing and reform including financial risk protection, resource generation and pooling, and PPPs in procurement and payment in South Asia. It identifies key lessons across the health financing systems of Asian countries that have attempted to reduce dependence on OOP expenditures, expanded health service delivery and increased pooled health financing mechanisms. It analyses the role and importance of PPPs in mitigating the impoverishing effects of OOP health expenditure in South Asia.
The Role of Urbanisation in the Economic Development Process: Evidence from Nigeria
Authors: Solarin Sakiru Adebola 
Published: August 2017

The aim of this article is to investigate the relationship between urbanisation and economic growth, while controlling for the agricultural sector, industrial development and government expenditure in Nigeria. The autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) approach to cointegration is applied to examine the long-run relationship between the variables over the period 1961–2012. In the process of estimating the long-run coefficients, the ARDL method is augmented with a fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS) estimator and a dynamic ordinary least squares (DOLS) estimator. The direction of causality between the variables is examined through the vector error correction method (VECM) Granger causality test. The results establish the existence of a long-run relationship in the variables. The results of the long-run regressions indicate the presence of long-run causality from urbanisation, agriculture and industrialisation to economic growth. Due to the deficiencies associated with the single-equation methods (including the ARDL model), we also use the structural vector error correction model (SVECM) to analyse the relationship between the variables. The impulse response and variance decomposition analyses derived from the SVECM method suggest that urbanisation, agriculture and industrialisation are important determinants of economic growth. The implications of the results are discussed. JEL Classification: Q43, O55, O18
Imaging Neurotensin Receptor in Prostate Cancer With 64Cu-Labeled Neurotensin Analogs
Authors: Deng Huaifu , Wang Hui , Zhang He , Wang Mengzhe , Giglio Ben , Ma Xiaofen , Jiang Guihua , Yuan Hong , Wu Zhanhong , Li Zibo 
Published: August 2017

Introduction: Neurotensin receptor 1 (NTR-1) is expressed and activated in prostate cancer cells. In this study, we explore the NTR expression in normal mouse tissues and study the positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of NTR in prostate cancer models. Materials and Methods: Three 64Cu chelators (1, 4, 7, 10-tetraazacyclododecane-1, 4, 7, 10-tetraacetic acid [DOTA], 1,4,7-triazacyclononane-N,N′,N″-triacetic acid [NOTA], or AmBaSar) were conjugated to an NT analog. Neurotensin receptor binding affinity was evaluated using cell binding assay. The imaging profile of radiolabeled probes was compared in well-established NTR+ HT-29 tumor model. Stability of the probes was tested. The selected agents were further evaluated in human prostate cancer PC3 xenografts. Results: All 3 NT conjugates retained the majority of NTR binding affinity. In HT-29 tumor, all agents demonstrated prominent tumor uptake. Although comparable stability was observed, 64Cu-NOTA-NT and 64Cu-AmBaSar-NT demonstrated improved tumor to background contrast compared with 64Cu-DOTA-NT. Positron emission tomography/computed tomography imaging of the NTR expression in PC-3 xenografts showed high tumor uptake of the probes, correlating with the in vitro Western blot results. Blocking experiments further confirmed receptor specificity. Conclusions: Our results demonstrated that 64Cu-labeled neurotensin analogs are promising imaging agents for NTR-positive tumors. These agents may help us identify NTR-positive lesions and predict which patients and individual tumors are likely to respond to novel interventions targeting NTR-1.
Frailty is a predictive factor of readmission within 90 days of hospitalization for acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a longitudinal study
Authors: Bernabeu-Mora Roberto , García-Guillamón Gloria , Valera-Novella Elisa , Giménez-Giménez Luz M. , Escolar-Reina Pilar , Medina-Mirapeix Francesc 
Published: August 2017

Background: Readmission after hospital discharge is common in patients with acute exacerbations (AE) of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Although frailty predicts hospital readmission in patients with chronic nonpulmonary diseases, no multidimensional frailty measures have been validated to stratify the risk for patients with COPD. Aim: The aim of this study was to explore multidimensional frailty as a potential risk factor for readmission due to a new exacerbation episode during the 90 days after hospitalization for AE-COPD and to test whether frailty could improve the identification of patients at high risk of readmission. We hypothesized that patients with moderate-to-severe frailty would be at greater risk for readmission within that period of follow up. A secondary aim was to test whether frailty could improve the accuracy with which to discriminate patients with a high risk of readmission. Our investigation was part of a wider study protocol with additional aims on the same study population. Methods: Frailty, demographics, and disease-related factors were measured prospectively in 102 patients during hospitalization for AE-COPD. Some of the baseline data reported were collected as part of a previously study. Readmission data were obtained on the basis of the discharge summary from patients’ electronic files by a researcher blinded to the measurements made in the previous hospitalization. The association between frailty and readmission was assessed using bivariate analyses and multivariate logistic regression models. Whether frailty better identifies patients at high risk for readmission was evaluated by area under the receiver operator curve (AUC). Results: Severely frail patients were much more likely to be readmitted than nonfrail patients (45% versus 18%). After adjusting for age and relevant disease-related factors in a final multivariate model, severe frailty remained an independent risk factor for 90-day readmission (odds ratio = 5.19; 95% confidence interval: 1.26–21.50). Age, number of hospitalizations for exacerbations in the previous year and length of stay were also significant in this model. Additionally, frailty improved the predictive accuracy of readmission by improving the AUC. Conclusions: Multidimensional frailty predicts the risk of early hospital readmission in patients hospitalized for AE-COPD. Frailty improved the accuracy of discriminating patients at high risk for readmission. Identifying patients with frailty for targeted interventions may reduce early readmission rates.
Prohibited Contaminants in Dietary Supplements
Authors: Mathews Neilson M. 
Published: August 2017

Context: With the increasing use of unregulated dietary supplements, athletes are at continued risk from adverse medical events and inadvertent doping. Evidence Acquisition: A review of Clinical Key, MEDLINE, and PubMed databases from 2012 to 2017 was performed using search terms, including dietary supplement, contamination, doping in athletes, inadvertent doping, and prohibited substances. The references of pertinent articles were reviewed for other relevant sources. Study Design: Clinical review. Level of Evidence: Level 3. Results: Poor manufacturing processes and intentional contamination with many banned substances continue to occur in dietary supplements sold in the United States. Certain sectors, such as weight loss and muscle-building supplements, pose a greater threat because they are more likely to be contaminated. Conclusion: Athletes will continue to be at risk for adverse events and failed doping tests due to contaminated dietary supplements until legislation changes how they are regulated. In the interim, there are several steps that can be taken to mitigate this risk, including improved education of medical staff and athletes and use of third party–certified products.
Post-concussion recovery in children and adolescents: A narrative review
Authors: Manzanero Silvia , Elkington Lisa J , Praet Stephan F , Lovell Greg , Waddington Gordon , Hughes David C 
Published: August 2017

Objectives To determine if current evidence supports a slower recovery from concussion in children and adolescents when compared to adults, and to assess current management guidelines in view of this evidence. Design Narrative review. Methods We examined key recent research studies relating to the question “do children take longer to recover from concussion than adults?” Concussion management strategies and a sample of guidelines from different organisations were analysed in view of the current literature. Results Recovery has been defined as return to baseline on self-reported concussion symptoms or measures of cognitive deficit. Some studies have compared measures of recovery between children and young adults, and a number of cross-sectional studies have compared groups of children of different ages. The findings varied; however, most studies suggested that children may take longer to recover than adults. Age-related differences have been considered when designing guidelines for the management of concussion. Conclusions In view of the differences in time to recovery in children, this review supports the use of more conservative concussion management guidelines in children than in adults.
Patterns of Upper Airway Obstruction on Drug‐Induced Sleep Endoscopy in Patients with Sleep‐Disordered Breathing with AHI <5
Authors: Spinowitz Sam , Kim Mimi , Park Steven Y. 
Published: August 2017

ObjectiveTo describe the patterns of upper airway obstruction in patients with sleep‐disordered breathing with apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI) <5 using drug‐induced sleep endoscopy (DISE).Study DesignRetrospective study.SettingTertiary care center.Subjects and MethodsInclusion of patients with sleep‐disordered breathing with AHI <5 on polysomnography who underwent DISE. Patients <18 years of age were excluded. DISE findings were reported with the VOTEL classification system: the level of collapse was described as occurring at the velum, oropharynx, tongue base, epiglottis, and the lingual tonsils. The degree of collapse was reported as complete, partial, or none. The pattern of the obstruction was described as anteroposterior, lateral, or concentric when applicable.ResultsA total of 54 patients with sleep‐disordered breathing with AHI <5 underwent DISE. Ages ranged from 19 to 65 years. DISE was performed alone in 7% (n = 4) of patients and in conjunction with surgery in 93% (n = 50) of patients. The velum was the most frequent site of upper airway obstruction (85%, n = 46), followed by base of tongue (63%, n = 34), epiglottis (39%, n = 21), lingual tonsils (35%, n = 19), and oropharynx (31%, n = 17). Eighty‐three percent (n = 45) of patients had multiple levels of upper airway obstruction, and 15% (n = 8) had a single level of upper airway obstruction.ConclusionPatients with sleep‐disordered breathing with AHI <5 have significant upper airway obstruction as seen on DISE. DISE findings indicate that a majority of these patients have multiple levels of upper airway obstruction, which can lead to significant symptoms.
CD207+CD1a+ cells circulate in pediatric patients with active Langerhans cell histiocytosis
Authors: Carrera Silva Eugenio Antonio , Nowak Wanda , Tessone Licina , Olexen Cinthia Mariel , Ortiz Wilczyñski Juan Manuel , Estecho Ivana Gisele , Elena Graciela , Errasti Andrea Emilse , Rosso Diego Alfredo 
Published: August 2017

Key PointsCD207+CD1a+ cells are present in the circulation of patients with active LCH. TGF-β and TSLP levels are increased in the plasma of patients with active LCH.
EPHB4 is a therapeutic target in AML and promotes leukemia cell survival via AKT
Authors: Merchant Akil A. , Jorapur Aparna , McManus Amy , Liu Ren , Krasnoperov Valery , Chaudhry Parvesh , Singh Mohan , Harton Lisa , Agajanian Mary , Kim Miriam , Triche Timothy J. , Druker Brian J. , Tyner Jeffrey W. , Gill Parkash S. 
Published: August 2017

Key Points
EPHB4 promotes leukemia survival via AKT activation. EPHB4 can be therapeutically targeted in AML with monoclonal antibodies.
Randomized phase 2 trial of regadenoson for treatment of acute vaso-occlusive crises in sickle cell disease
Authors: Field Joshua J. , Majerus Elaine , Gordeuk Victor R. , Gowhari Michel , Hoppe Carolyn , Heeney Matthew M. , Achebe Maureen , George Alex , Chu Hillary , Sheehan Brian , Puligandla Maneka , Neuberg Donna , Lin Gene , Linden Joel , Nathan David G. 
Published: August 2017

Key Points
Regadenoson did not reduce iNKT cell activation to a prespecified level when administered to patients with SCD. Because iNKT cell activation was not reduced, the benefit of iNKT cell-based therapies in SCD cannot be determined.
Medicinal mushrooms in adjuvant cancer therapies: an approach to anticancer effects and presumed mechanisms of action
Authors: Figueiredo Lélia , Régis Wiliam César Bento 
Published: August 2017

AbstractMushrooms have been used for centuries as a source of nourishment and sensory properties. Mushrooms are considered functional foods due to their bioactive compounds and a source of drug and nutraceutical development. More than 50 species present immunological potential that exhibit anticancer activity in vitro or in animal models, and some of them have been investigated in human cancers. Cancer is a major cause of death all over the world, promoting long lasting effects throughout the lifetime of the patient. Mushrooms are a source of ergothioneine, selenium, fiber, and several other vitamins and minerals. They have bioactive compounds used in cancer treatment due to their antitumor and anticarcinogenic effects. They contain β-glucans, β-proteoglycans, lectins, triterpenes, ergosterol, glutamine, and arginine. In the present study, we perform a literature review of studies that analyze positive impacts of mushroom compounds on cancer treatment due to their antitumor and anticarcinogenic effects and possible compatibility with chemotherapy management. The review indicates that a healthy diet with frequent consumption of mushrooms apparently reduces the risk of developing cancer. However, a clearer understanding of how mushrooms’ bioactive principles may affect adjuvant treatments requires further research with long-term double-blind and placebo-controlled studies that evaluate a larger population in clinical trials by each type of cancer. Therefore, more robust statistical results are necessary to verify their efficacy and safety on cancer treatments.
Developing WHO guidelines: Time to formally include evidence from mathematical modelling studies
Authors: Egger Matthias , Johnson Leigh , Althaus Christian , Schöni Anna , Salanti Georgia , Low Nicola , Norris Susan L. 
Published: August 2017

In recent years, the number of mathematical modelling studies has increased steeply. Many of the questions addressed in these studies are relevant to the development of World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, but modelling studies are rarely formally included as part of the body of evidence. An expert consultation hosted by WHO, a survey of modellers and users of modelling studies, and literature reviews informed the development of recommendations on when and how to incorporate the results of modelling studies into WHO guidelines. In this article, we argue that modelling studies should routinely be considered in the process of developing WHO guidelines, but particularly in the evaluation of public health programmes, long-term effectiveness or comparative effectiveness. There should be a systematic and transparent approach to identifying relevant published models, and to commissioning new models. We believe that the inclusion of evidence from modelling studies into the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) process is possible and desirable, with relatively few adaptations. No single “one-size-fits-all” approach is appropriate to assess the quality of modelling studies. The concept of the ‘credibility’ of the model, which takes the conceptualization of the problem, model structure, input data, different dimensions of uncertainty, as well as transparency and validation into account, is more appropriate than ‘risk of bias’.