bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A decline in patient disclosure of heterosexuality in the English General Practice Patient Survey: a longitudinal analysis of cross-sectional data
Authors: Cross Harry , Llewellyn Carrie D 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Background
Persistent health inequalities in relation to both health care experiences and health outcomes continue to exist among patients identifying with a marginalized sexual orientation (MSO).

Objective
To compare the patterns of sexual orientation disclosure within primary care in England over a 5-year period.

Methods
Descriptive analysis of cross-sectional, repeat measure, fully anonymized survey data of adults responding to the General Practice Patient Survey (GPPS) January 2012 to 2017. Participants from each year varied between 808 332 (2017) and 1 037 946 (2011/2012).

Results
The analysis samples comprised between 396 963 and 770 091 individuals with valid sexual orientation data depending on the year. For males, heterosexual disclosure decreased consistently from 92.3% to 91.2% from 2012 to 2017. Male patients reporting gay, bisexual and/or ‘other’ sexual orientations increased from 3.1% to 3.9%. For females, a larger reduction in heterosexual disclosure was recorded from 94% to 92.5%. Those reporting as lesbian, bisexual and/or ‘other’ increased from 1.82% to 2.68%, with the largest increase seen in the reporting of bisexuality, which nearly doubled from 2012 until 2017 (0.56–0.99%).

Conclusion
We found a year-on-year decline in patients reporting a heterosexual identity and an increase in the proportions of people reporting being either gay, bisexual, ‘other sexual orientation’ or preferring not to say. Heteronormative environments extend to health care settings, which may put increased stress on MSO individuals attending a GP practice. The introduction of environmental signs/symbols to show that a practice is inclusive of MSOs could reduce the potential stress experienced by patients.
Application of organic waste glycerol to produce crude extracts of bacterial cells and microbial hydrogenase—the anode enzymes of bio-electrochemical systems
Authors: Poladyan Anna , Blbulyan Syuzanna , Semashko Tatiana , Dziameshka Volha , Zhukouskaya Liudmila , Trchоunian Armen 
Published: March 2020

ABSTRACT
Glycerol is an organic waste material that can be used for the production of microbial biomass, consequently providing valuable biocatalysts promoting the generation of electrical current in microbial fuel cells (MFCs). [NiFe]–Hydrogenases (Hyds) of Escherichia coli and Ralstonia eutropha may be applied as potential anode biocatalysts in MFCs. In this study, E. coli K12 whole cells or crude extracts and R. eutropha HF649 synthesizing Strep-tagged membrane-bound Hyds (MBH) were evaluated as anode enzymes in a bioelectrochemical system. The samples were immobilized on the sensors with polyvinyl acetate support. Mediators like ferrocene and its derivatives (ferrocene-carboxy-aldehyde, ferrocene-carboxylic acid, methyl-ferrocene-methanol) were employed. The maximal level of bioelectrocatalytic activity of Hyds was demonstrated at 500 mV voltage. Depending on the mediator and biocatalyst, current strength varied from 5 to 42 μA. Introduction of ferrocene-carboxylic acid enhanced current strength; moreover, the current flow was directly correlated with H2 concentration. The maximal value (up to 150 μA) of current strength was achieved with a 2-fold hydrogen supply. It may be inferred that Hyds are efficiently produced by E. coli and R. eutropha grown on glycerol, while ferrocene derivatives act as agents mediating the electrochemical activity of Hyds.
Ceramide Biomarkers Predictive of Cardiovascular Disease Risk Increase in Healthy Older Adults After Bed Rest
Authors: Petrocelli Jonathan J , McKenzie Alec I , Mahmassani Ziad S , Reidy Paul T , Stoddard Gregory J , Poss Annelise M , Holland William L , Summers Scott A , Drummond Micah J 
Published: March 2020

AbstractAcute bed rest places older adults at risk for health complications by disrupting homeostasis in many organ systems, including the cardiovascular system. Circulating ceramides are emerging biomarkers predictive of cardiovascular and metabolic health and have recently been shown to be sensitive indices of cardiovascular (CV) risk. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to characterize the time course of changes in circulating ceramides in healthy younger and older adults after 5 days of bed rest and to determine whether short-term bed rest alters CV-related circulating ceramides. We hypothesized that circulating ceramides predictive of poor cardiometabolic outcomes would increase following 5 days of bed rest. Thirty-five healthy younger and older men and women (young: n = 13, old: n = 22) underwent 5 days of controlled bed rest. Fasting blood samples collected daily during the course of bed rest were used to measure circulating ceramides, lipoproteins, adiponectin, and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) levels. The primary findings were that circulating ceramides decreased while ceramide ratios and the cardiac event risk test 1 score were increased primarily in older adults, and these findings were independent of changes in circulating lipoprotein levels. Additionally, we found that changes in circulating adiponectin, FGF21 and the 6-minute walk test (6MW) inversely correlated with CV-related circulating ceramides after bed rest. The results of this study highlight the sensitivity of circulating ceramides to detect potential CV dysfunction that may occur with acute physical disuse in aging.
Stability and resilience in a nutrient-phytoplankton marine ecosystem model
Authors: Kovač Žarko , Platt Trevor , Sathyendranath Shubha 
Published: March 2020

AbstractWe seek to understand, in mathematical terms, the causes of stability in marine phytoplankton biomass. The stability of a simple, mixed-layer-phytoplankton-nutrient model is analysed. Primary production is modelled as a non-linear function of nutrient concentration and light. The steady state of the model system is demonstrated to be stable with a linear relation between steady state biomass and nutrients. The causes of stability are shown to be shading and nutrient limitation. When only light limitation and shading are taken into account, the steady state is a sink node. However, when nutrient limitation is taken into account, without shading, the steady state can be either a sink node or a spiral sink. The transition from a sink node to a spiral sink occurs when normalized mixed layer production becomes larger than the equivalent influx rate of nutrients into the mixed layer, demonstrating that nutrient limitation of production is a necessary, but not a sufficient condition for oscillatory solutions. In both cases, the characteristic return times are derived explicitly. The effect of shading is found to cause the depression of the steady state towards lower biomass than would otherwise be attainable. The influence of mixed-layer depth variation on stability is also analysed.
Application of PID optimization control strategy based on particle swarm optimization (PSO) for battery charging system
Authors: Wu Tiezhou , Zhou Cuicui , Yan Zhe , Peng Huigang , Wu Linzhang 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
The battery charging process has nonlinear and hysteresis properties. PID (Proportion Integration Differentiation) control is a conventional control method used in the battery charging process. The control effect is determined by the PID control parameters ${K}_p$, ${K}_i$ and ${K}_d$. The traditional PID parameter setting method is difficult to give the appropriate parameters, which affects the battery charging efficiency. In this paper, the particle swarm optimization (PSO) is used to optimize the PID parameters. Aiming at the defects of basic PSO, such as slow convergence speed, low convergence precision and easy to be premature, a modified particle swarm optimization algorithm is proposed, and the optimized PID parameters are applied to the battery charging control system. Also, the experimental results show that the battery charging process possesses better dynamic performance and the charging efficiency of the battery has increased from 86.44% to 91.47%, and the charging temperature rise has dropped by 1°C.
Not Just Endocarditis: Hospitalizations for Selected Invasive Infections Among Persons With Opioid and Stimulant Use Diagnoses—North Carolina, 2010–2018
Authors: Sredl Megan , Fleischauer Aaron T , Moore Zack , Rosen David L , Schranz Asher J 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Background
While increases in overdoses, viral hepatitis, and endocarditis associated with drug use have been well-documented in North Carolina, the full scope of invasive drug-related infections (IDRIs) has not. We characterized trends in IDRIs among hospitalized patients in North Carolina.

Methods
We compared invasive infections that were related or not related to drug use among hospitalized patients aged 18–55 years based on retrospective review of administrative records from 2010–2018. Hospitalizations for endocarditis, central nervous system/spine infections, osteomyelitis, and septic arthritis were labeled as IDRIs if discharge codes included opioid and/or amphetamine misuse. Trends, rates, and distributions were calculated.

Results
Among 44 851 hospitalizations for the specified infections, 2830 (6.3%) were IDRIs. The proportion of infections attributable to drug use increased from 1.5% (2010) to 13.1% (2018), and the rate grew from 1.2 to 15.1 per 100 000. Compared with those who had non–drug-related infections, patients with IDRIs were younger (median age, 35 vs 46 years), more likely to be non-Hispanic white (81% vs 56%), and had longer hospitalizations (median, 8 vs 6 days). 43% of hospitalizations for IDRIs involved infective endocarditis.

Conclusions
The rate of IDRIs in North Carolina increased substantially during 2010–2018, indicating an urgent need for enhanced infection prevention, harm reduction, and addiction services aimed at community and inpatient settings.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus Testing, Diagnosis, Linkage to Care, and Prevention Services Among Persons Who Inject Drugs, United States, 2012–2017
Authors: Rao Shubha , Song Wei , Mulatu Mesfin S , Seena Emilie , Essuon Aba , Heitgerd Janet 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Background
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing and early diagnosis is associated with effective disease management and reduction in HIV transmission among persons who inject drugs (PWID). We examined trends in HIV testing outcomes among PWID during 2012–2017.

Methods
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-funded HIV testing data submitted by 61 health departments and 150 directly-funded community-based organizations during 2012–2017 were analyzed. We calculated estimated annual percentage changes (EAPC) to assess trends for HIV testing and testing outcomes.

Results
A total of 19 739 857 CDC-funded HIV tests were conducted during 2012–2017. Of these, 529 349 (2.7%) were among PWID. The percentage of newly diagnosed HIV increased from .7% in 2012 to .8% in 2017 (EAPC, 4.15%). The percentage interviewed for partner services increased from 46.7% in 2012 to 66.3% in 2017 (EAPC, 1.81%). No significant change was identified in trends for linkage to HIV medical care ≤90 days after diagnosis (EAPC, 0.52%) or referral to HIV prevention services (EAPC, 0.98%).

Conclusions
Human immunodeficiency virus testing data revealed an increasing trend in newly diagnosed HIV among PWID but not linkage to HIV medical care or referral to prevention services. Expanding efforts to increase HIV testing and enhance linkage to services can lead to reductions in HIV transmission and improved health outcomes.
Characteristics of sanitation and hygiene facilities in a slum community in Kampala, Uganda
Authors: Ssemugabo Charles , Wafula Solomon Tsebeni , Ndejjo Rawlance , Osuret Jimmy , Musoke David , Halage Abdullah Ali 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Background
This study assessed characteristics of sanitation and hygiene facilities in a slum community in Kampala, Uganda.

Methods
We conducted a household-based cross-sectional study among 395 households in Kasubi slum using a semi-structured questionnaire and observational checklist to collect data.

Results
Almost 98.0% (387/395) of households owned a sanitation facility and 77.0% (298/387) shared it with other households. The most common type of sanitation facility was a pit latrine with slab (66.9% [259/387]). Most (90.5% [305/337]) latrines had a door or shutter, a roof (92.9% [313/337]) and a depth &gt;1.5 m (68.2% [229/337]). Overall, 21.3% (84/395) and 65.6% (259/395) of households had improved and functional sanitation facilities, respectively. Only 16.5% (65/395) of the households had a hand-washing facility. Student-led (adjusted prevalence rate [PR] 2.67 [95% confidence interval [CI] 1.83–3.94]) and households that owned their house (adjusted PR 2.17 [95% CI 1.33–3.53]) were 2.67 and 2.17 times more likely to have improved sanitation facilities, respectively. Households that owned their house (adjusted PR 1.90 [95% CI 1.18–3.05]) were 1.9 times more likely to possess a hand-washing facility.

Conclusions
The coverage of improved sanitation and hygiene facilities was low. The majority of households were using a shared pit latrine with a slab that had no hand-washing facility. Sanitation and hygiene interventions should prioritize improving sanitation and hygiene facilities.
PD-L1 is induced on the hepatocyte surface via CKLF-like MARVEL transmembrane domain-containing protein 6 up-regulation by the anti-HBV drug Entecavir
Authors: Yamamoto Yuichiro , Kakizaki Masatoshi , Shimizu Takayuki , Carreras Joaquim , Chiba Tetsuhiro , Chamoto Kenji , Kagawa Tatehiro , Aoki Taku , Nakamura Naoya , Ando Kiyoshi , Kotani Ai 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B is now controllable when treated with nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), which inhibit hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication. However, once the NRTIs are discontinued, most patients relapse, necessitating lifelong NRTIs treatment. HBV infection relapse is assumed to be caused by the persistent existence of covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) in the nuclei of infected hepatocytes. The mechanism by which cccDNA-positive hepatocytes escape immune surveillance during NRTIs treatment remains elusive. Entecavir (ETV), a commonly used NRTI, post-transcriptionally up-regulates programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), an immune checkpoint molecule, on the cell surface of hepatocytes regardless of HBV infection. Up-regulation by ETV depends on up-regulation of CKLF-like MARVEL transmembrane domain-containing 6, a newly identified potent regulator of PD-L1 expression on the cell surface. ETV-treated hepatic cells suppressed the activity of primary CD3 T cells and programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1)-over-expressed Jurkat cells. Finally, ETV induces PD-L1 in primary hepatocytes infected by HBV. These results provide evidence that ETV considerably up-regulates PD-L1 on the cell surface of infected hepatocytes, which may be one of the mechanisms by which infected hepatocytes subvert immune surveillance.
A qualitative content analysis of retained surgical items: learning from root cause analysis investigations
Authors: Hibbert Peter D , Thomas Matthew J W , Deakin Anita , Runciman William B , Carson-Stevens Andrew , Braithwaite Jeffrey 
Published: March 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo describe incidents of retained surgical items, including their characteristics and the circumstances in which they occur.DesignA qualitative content analysis of root cause analysis investigation reports.SettingPublic health services in Victoria, Australia, 2010–2015.ParticipantsIncidents of retained surgical items as described by 31 root cause analysis investigation reports.Main Outcome Measure(s)The type of retained surgical item, the length of time between the item being retained and detected and qualitative descriptors of the contributing factors and the circumstances in which the retained surgical items occurred.ResultsSurgical packs, drain tubes and vascular devices comprised 68% (21/31) of the retained surgical items. Nearly one-quarter of the retained surgical items were detected either immediately in the post-operative period or on the day of the procedure (7/31). However, about one-sixth (5/31) were only detected after 6 months, with the longest period being 18 months. Contributing factors included complex or multistage surgery; the use of packs not specific to the purpose of the surgery; and design features of the surgical items.ConclusionRetained drains occurred in the post-operative phase where surgical counts are not applicable and clinician situational awareness may not be as great. Root cause analysis investigation reports can be a valuable means of characterizing infrequently occurring adverse events such as retained surgical items. They may detect incidents that are not detected by other data collections and can inform the design enhancements and development of technologies to reduce the impact of retained surgical items.
Evaluating hospital tools and services that were co-produced with patients: A rapid review
Authors: Lim Siew , Morris Heather , Pizzirani Bengianni , Kajewski Duncan , Lee Wai Kit , Skouteris Helen 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Purpose
To describe the process and outcomes of services or products co-produced with patients in hospital settings.

Data sources
Database searches on Medline, CINAHL and Business Source between 2008 and 2019.

Study selection
Studies that evaluate the products of co-production in hospital settings.

Data extraction
Primary outcome is the individual and organizational outcomes resulting from co-production. Study characteristics, co-production process, level of engagement and intensity of engagement were also extracted.

Results of data synthesis
A total of 13 studies were included. Types of co-produced outputs were health services and care processes, tools and resources, and technology-based products, such as mobile application. Most studies engaged patients at a consultative or involvement level, with only four studies engaging patients as partners. Moderate-to-high acceptability and usability by patients and health services were reported for co-produced outputs. Organizational outcomes were also reported qualitatively as producing various positive effects, such as improved communication and diagnostic process. Positive patient outcomes were reported for co-produced outputs in qualitative (e.g. improved social support) and quantitative results (e.g. reduction of clinic wait time). No patient clinical outcomes were reported.

Conclusion
Co-produced outputs have moderate-to-high acceptability, usability or uptake. There is insufficient evidence on other organizational or patient outcomes due to the lack of reporting of outcomes in co-production. Future research should focus on the outcomes (i.e. effects on patients and health service providers), not just the output of co-production. This is critical to provide feedback to advance the knowledge and implementation of co-production.
Studying International Relations through Horror Films: A New Approach and Illustrations fromCannon FodderandFreak Out
Authors: Barak Oren , Inbar Daphne 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThis paper argues that works of popular culture, specifically horror films, offer valuable insights into dominant and critical perceptions of the sources of violence in ongoing armed conflicts—an issue of concern for scholars of International Relations (IR) scholars, which as yet has not received sufficient attention. Accordingly, we present a new approach that IR scholars can utilize in their analysis of works of popular culture, applying it to two recent horror films from Israel/Palestine: Cannon Fodder (2013, dir. Eitan Gafny) and Freak Out (2015, dir. Boaz Armoni). The analysis of these films, combined with a discussion of films dealing with violence from other contexts, reveals how works of popular culture in general, and horror films in particular, can help address the question of whether violence in armed conflicts is perceived as endogenous or exogenous to the groups involved. This can also shed light on specific issues, such as the connection between social representation and violence, the link between the use of military technology and violence, and the blurred boundaries between endogenous and exogenous sources of violence.
Balancing health privacy, health information exchange, and research in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Lenert Leslie , McSwain Brooke Yeager 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe novel coronavirus disease 2019 infection poses serious challenges to the healthcare system that are being addressed through the creation of new unique and advanced systems of care with disjointed care processes (eg, telehealth screening, drive-through specimen collection, remote testing, telehealth management). However, our current regulations on the flows of information for clinical care and research are antiquated and often conflict at the state and federal levels. We discuss proposed changes to privacy regulations such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act designed to let health information seamlessly and frictionlessly flow among the health entities that need to collaborate on treatment of patients and, also, allow it to flow to researchers trying to understand how to limit its impacts.
Phase I trial of the MET inhibitor tepotinib in Japanese patients with solid tumors
Authors: Shitara Kohei , Yamazaki Kentaro , Tsushima Takahiro , Naito Tateaki , Matsubara Nobuaki , Watanabe Morihiro , Sarholz Barbara , Johne Andreas , Doi Toshihiko 
Published: March 2020

AbstractObjectivesTepotinib (MSC2156119J) is an oral, potent and highly selective small molecule mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (MET) inhibitor for which the recommended Phase II dose of 500 mg once daily has been defined, based on the first-in-man trial conducted in the USA and Europe. We carried out a multicenter Phase I trial with a classic `3 + 3' design to determine the recommended Phase II dose in Japanese patients with solid tumors (NCT01832506).MethodsPatients aged ≥20 years with advanced solid tumors (refractory to standard therapy or for whom no effective standard therapy was available) received tepotinib at 215, 300 or 500 mg once daily in a 21-day cycle. Occurrence of dose-limiting toxicities during cycle 1 was used to determine the maximum tolerated dose. Efficacy, safety and pharmacokinetics were also evaluated to support the dose assessment.ResultsTwelve patients were treated. Tepotinib was generally well tolerated with no observed dose-limiting toxicities; treatment-related adverse events were mainly grades 1–2. The tolerability profile of tepotinib was similar to that observed in non-Japanese populations. Pharmacokinetics in Japanese and Western patients was comparable. One patient with gastric cancer and one patient with urachal cancer had stable disease of ≥12 weeks in duration. The observed safety profile and pharmacokinetics are comparable with those in patients from the USA and Europe, and the recommended Phase II dose of tepotinib in Japanese patients was confirmed as 500 mg once daily.ConclusionsThese results, including initial signals of antitumor activity, support further development of tepotinib in Japanese patients with cancer.