bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Decreasing the number of arthroscopies in knee osteoarthritis – a service evaluation of a de-implementation strategy
Authors: Barlow Timothy , Rhodes-Jones Timothy , Ballinger Sue , Metcalfe Andrew , Wright David , Thompson Peter 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
The Personalised Knee Improvement Programme (P-KIP) was developed based on previously published work, with the hypothesis that surgeons would refer patients to a well-structured conservative management intervention instead of for arthroscopy (de-implementation of arthroscopy by substitution with P-KIP). This meets NICE guidelines and international recommendations but such programmes are not widely used in the UK. Our aim was to determine whether P-KIP would reduce the number of arthroscopies performed for knee osteoarthritis.

Methods
P-KIP is a conservative care pathway including a group education session followed by individually tailored one-to-one dietician and physiotherapy sessions. Virtual clinic follow-up is conducted three to 6 months after completion of the programme. The service began in July 2015.
The number of arthroscopies saved, measured from hospital level coding data, is the primary outcome measure. Interrupted time series analysis of coding data was conducted. As a quality assurance process, patient reported outcome measures (Oxford Knee Score; Euroqol 5D) were collected at baseline and at follow up.

Results
Time series analysis demonstrates that the programme saved 15.4 arthroscopies a month (95% confidence interval 9–21; p < 0.001), equating to 184 arthroscopies a year in a single hospital. The PROMs data demonstrated improvements in patient reported outcome scores consistent with previous published reports of conservative interventions in similar patient populations.

Conclusions
Results suggest that P-KIP reduces the number of arthroscopies performed, and patients who took part in P-KIP had an improvement in their knee and general health outcomes. P-KIP has the potential to deliver efficiency savings and relive pressure on operative lists, however replication in other sites is required.
The impact of PM2.5 on mortality in older adults: evidence from retirement of coal-fired power plants in the United States
Authors: Fan Maoyong , Wang Yi 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundEvidence of causal relationship between mortality of older adults and low- concentration PM2.5remains limited.ObjectivesThis study investigates the effects of low-concentration PM2.5on the mortality of adults older than 65 using the closure of coal-fired power plants in the Eastern United States as a natural experiment.MethodsWe investigated power plants in the Eastern United States (US) that had production changes through unit shutdown or plant retirement between 1999 and 2013. We included only non-clustered power plants without scrubbers and with capacities greater than 50 MW. We used instrumental variable (IV) and difference-in-differences (DID) approaches to estimate the causal impact of PM2.5concentrations on mortality among Medicare beneficiaries. We compared changes in monthly age-adjusted mortality before and after the retirement of coal-fired plants between the treated and control counties; we accounted for annual wind direction in our selection of treated and control counties. In the models, we initially included only county and monthly fixed effects, and then adjusted for covariates including: 1) only weather variables (temperature, dew point, pressure); and 2) weather variables and socio-economic variables (median household income and poverty rate).ResultsThe monthly age-adjusted mortality rate averaged across all plants was approximately 423 per 100,000 (SD = 69) and was higher for males than females. Mean PM2.5concentrations across all counties were 12 μg/m3(SD = 3.78). Using the IV method, we found that reductions in PM2.5concentrations significantly decreased monthly mortality among older adults. IV results show that a 1-μg/m3reduction in PM2.5concentrations leads to 7.17 fewer deaths per 100,000 per month, or a 1.7% lower monthly mortality rate among people older than 65 years. Using the DID approach, we found that power plant retirement significantly decreased: 1) monthly PM2.5levels by 2.1 μg/m3, and 2) monthly age-adjusted mortality by approximately 15 people per 100,000 (or 3.6%) in treated counties relative to control counties. The mortality effects were higher among males than females and its impact was the greatest among people older than 75 years.ConclusionThese findings provide evidence of the effectiveness of local, plant-level control measures in reducing near-plant PM2.5and mortality among U.S. Medicare beneficiaries.
Impacts of food contact chemicals on human health: a consensus statement
Authors: Muncke Jane , Andersson Anna-Maria , Backhaus Thomas , Boucher Justin M. , Carney Almroth Bethanie , Castillo Castillo Arturo , Chevrier Jonathan , Demeneix Barbara A. , Emmanuel Jorge A. , Fini Jean-Baptiste , Gee David , Geueke Birgit , Groh Ksenia , Heindel Jerrold J. , Houlihan Jane , Kassotis Christopher D. , Kwiatkowski Carol F. , Lefferts Lisa Y. , Maffini Maricel V. , Martin Olwenn V. , Myers John Peterson , Nadal Angel , Nerin Cristina , Pelch Katherine E. , Fernández Seth Rojello , Sargis Robert M. , Soto Ana M. , Trasande Leonardo , Vandenberg Laura N. , Wagner Martin , Wu Changqing , Zoeller R. Thomas , Scheringer Martin 
Published: March 2020

AbstractFood packaging is of high societal value because it conserves and protects food, makes food transportable and conveys information to consumers. It is also relevant for marketing, which is of economic significance. Other types of food contact articles, such as storage containers, processing equipment and filling lines, are also important for food production and food supply. Food contact articles are made up of one or multiple different food contact materials and consist of food contact chemicals. However, food contact chemicals transfer from all types of food contact materials and articles into food and, consequently, are taken up by humans. Here we highlight topics of concern based on scientific findings showing that food contact materials and articles are a relevant exposure pathway for known hazardous substances as well as for a plethora of toxicologically uncharacterized chemicals, both intentionally and non-intentionally added. We describe areas of certainty, like the fact that chemicals migrate from food contact articles into food, and uncertainty, for example unidentified chemicals migrating into food. Current safety assessment of food contact chemicals is ineffective at protecting human health. In addition, society is striving for waste reduction with a focus on food packaging. As a result, solutions are being developed toward reuse, recycling or alternative (non-plastic) materials. However, the critical aspect of chemical safety is often ignored. Developing solutions for improving the safety of food contact chemicals and for tackling the circular economy must include current scientific knowledge. This cannot be done in isolation but must include all relevant experts and stakeholders. Therefore, we provide an overview of areas of concern and related activities that will improve the safety of food contact articles and support a circular economy. Our aim is to initiate a broader discussion involving scientists with relevant expertise but not currently working on food contact materials, and decision makers and influencers addressing single-use food packaging due to environmental concerns. Ultimately, we aim to support science-based decision making in the interest of improving public health. Notably, reducing exposure to hazardous food contact chemicals contributes to the prevention of associated chronic diseases in the human population.
Pathological modeling of TBEV infection reveals differential innate immune responses in human neurons and astrocytes that correlate with their susceptibility to infection
Authors: Fares Mazigh , Cochet-Bernoin Marielle , Gonzalez Gaëlle , Montero-Menei Claudia N. , Blanchet Odile , Benchoua Alexandra , Boissart Claire , Lecollinet Sylvie , Richardson Jennifer , Haddad Nadia , Coulpier Muriel 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is a member of the Flaviviridae family, Flavivirus genus, which includes several important human pathogens. It is responsible for neurological symptoms that may cause permanent disability or death, and, from a medical point of view, is the major arbovirus in Central/Northern Europe and North-Eastern Asia. TBEV tropism is critical for neuropathogenesis, yet little is known about the molecular mechanisms that govern the susceptibility of human brain cells to the virus. In this study, we sought to establish and characterize a new in vitro model of TBEV infection in the human brain and to decipher cell type-specific innate immunity and its relation to TBEV tropism and neuropathogenesis.

Method
Human neuronal/glial cells were differentiated from neural progenitor cells and infected with the TBEV-Hypr strain. Kinetics of infection, cellular tropism, and cellular responses, including innate immune responses, were characterized by measuring viral genome and viral titer, performing immunofluorescence, enumerating the different cellular types, and determining their rate of infection and by performing PCR array and qRT-PCR. The specific response of neurons and astrocytes was analyzed using the same approaches after enrichment of the neuronal/glial cultures for each cellular subtype.

Results
We showed that infection of human neuronal/glial cells mimicked three major hallmarks of TBEV infection in the human brain, namely, preferential neuronal tropism, neuronal death, and astrogliosis. We further showed that these cells conserved their capacity to mount an antiviral response against TBEV. TBEV-infected neuronal/glial cells, therefore, represented a highly relevant pathological model. By enriching the cultures for either neurons or astrocytes, we further demonstrated qualitative and quantitative differential innate immune responses in the two cell types that correlated with their particular susceptibility to TBEV.

Conclusion
Our results thus reveal that cell type-specific innate immunity is likely to contribute to shaping TBEV tropism for human brain cells. They describe a new in vitro model for in-depth study of TBEV-induced neuropathogenesis and improve our understanding of the mechanisms by which neurotropic viruses target and damage human brain cells.
Silence of miR-32-5p promotes endothelial cell viability by targeting KLF2 and serves as a diagnostic biomarker of acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Dai Yunxiang , Yan Tingguo , Gao Yuming 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been investigated in various cardiovascular diseases. As a fatal disease, acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a serious global health burden. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of miR-32-5p in AMI patients and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) to explore novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for AMI.

Methods
A target prediction tool miRanda and the luciferase activity assay were used to confirm the interaction of miR-32-5p with Kruppel-like factor 2 (KLF2). Effect of miR-32-5p on HUVECs viability was examined using CCK-8 assay. Serum miR-32-5p expression was measured using quantitative Real-Time PCR, and its correlation with myocardial damage and endothelial injury markers and pro-inflammatory cytokines was assessed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to evaluate the diagnostic value of miR-32-5p in AMI patients.

Results
miR-32-5p, as a direct regulator of KLF2, could suppress the cell proliferation of HUVECs. Serum miR-32-5p expression was elevated in AMI patients and positively correlated with the biomarker levels of myocardial damage and endothelial injury and pro-inflammatory cytokines. The area under the ROC curve for miR-32-5p was 0.949, indicating the relatively high diagnostic accuracy of miR-32-5p in AMI patients.

Conclusion
The data of this study revealed that the increased serum miR-32-5p expression serves as a candidate diagnostic biomarker of AMI, and that miR-32-5p may be involved in the myocardial damage, endothelial injury and inflammatory responses of AMI by targeting KLF2, indicating the potential of miR-32-5p as a diagnostic biomarker and molecular target to improve the treatment of AMI.
Longitudinal survey of microbiome associated with particulate matter in a megacity
Authors: Qin Nan , Liang Peng , Wu Chunyan , Wang Guanqun , Xu Qian , Xiong Xiao , Wang Tingting , Zolfo Moreno , Segata Nicola , Qin Huanlong , Knight Rob , Gilbert Jack A. , Zhu Ting F. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
While the physical and chemical properties of airborne particulate matter (PM) have been extensively studied, their associated microbiome remains largely unexplored. Here, we performed a longitudinal metagenomic survey of 106 samples of airborne PM2.5 and PM10 in Beijing over a period of 6 months in 2012 and 2013, including those from several historically severe smog events.

Results
We observed that the microbiome composition and functional potential were conserved between PM2.5 and PM10, although considerable temporal variations existed. Among the airborne microorganisms, Propionibacterium acnes, Escherichia coli, Acinetobacter lwoffii, Lactobacillus amylovorus, and Lactobacillus reuteri dominated, along with several viral species. We further identified an extensive repertoire of genes involved in antibiotic resistance and detoxification, including transporters, transpeptidases, and thioredoxins. Sample stratification based on Air Quality Index (AQI) demonstrated that many microbial species, including those associated with human, dog, and mouse feces, exhibit AQI-dependent incidence dynamics. The phylogenetic and functional diversity of air microbiome is comparable to those of soil and water environments, as its composition likely derives from a wide variety of sources.

Conclusions
Airborne particulate matter accommodates rich and dynamic microbial communities, including a range of microbial elements that are associated with potential health consequences.
Antibiofilm activity of symbiotic Bacillus species associated with marine gastropods
Authors: Viju Nadarajan , Punitha Satniuslas Mary Josephine , Satheesh Sathianeson 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Purpose
Generally, symbiotic marine bacteria are renowned for the synthesis of compounds with bioactive properties, and this has been documented in many previous studies. Therefore, the present study was aimed to isolate novel bacterial symbionts of gastropods that have the ability to synthesize bioactive compounds. These bioactive compounds could be used effectively as antibiofilm agents in order to overcome the problems associated with biofilm.

Methods
The bacteria associated with the surface of marine gastropods were isolated and characterized. Following this, the bacterial metabolites were extracted and their antibiofilm effect was evaluated on biofilm-forming bacteria on artificial substrates. Moreover, the biofilm-forming bacterium Alteromonas sp. was treated with the extracts of symbiotic bacteria in order to evaluate the influence of extracts over the synthesis of extracellular polymeric substance (EPS). Besides, the biologically active chemical constituents of the extracts were separated using thin-layer chromatography and subjected to gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis for characterization.

Results
Three bacterial strains belonging to the species Bacillus firmus, Bacillus cereus and Bacillus subtilis were identified from the bacterial community associated with the gastropods. The antibiofilm assays revealed that the extract of three symbiotic bacteria significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the biofilm formation by the marine bacterium Alteromonas sp. on artificial materials. Also, the EPS synthesis by Alteromonas sp. was significantly inhibited due to symbiotic bacterial extract treatment. The chemical composition of the bioactive fraction isolated from the symbiotic bacteria extract revealed that most of the detected compounds were belonging to aromatic acid, fatty acid and carboxylic acid.

Conclusion
The results of this study clearly revealed that the bacteria belonging to the above listed Bacillus species can be considered as a promising source of natural antibiofilm agents.
Extended versus inpatient thromboprophylaxis with heparins following major open abdominopelvic surgery for malignancy: a systematic review of efficacy and safety
Authors: Heijkoop B. , Nadi S. , Spernat D. , Kiroff G. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
Patients undergoing open abdominopelvic procedures for malignancy are at high risk of postoperative venous thromboembolism (VTE). This risk can be mitigated with prophylaxis; however, optimum duration in this population remains unknown. Our objective was to conduct a systematic review of contemporary literature on the use of heparin thromboprophylaxis following major open pelvic surgery for malignancy, comparing the efficacy and safety of extended duration to inpatient treatment.

Methods
A study protocol describing search strategy and inclusion and exclusion criteria was developed and registered with PROSPERO. A literature review was conducted in accordance with the protocol.

Results
Literature review identified only 4 studies directly comparing extended and inpatient duration prophylaxis, with a combined population of 3198 and 3135 patients for VTE rate and bleeding events, respectively. Despite many studies reporting lower VTE rates in patients receiving extended prophylaxis, no statistically significant difference in rates of postoperative VTE (p = 0.18) or bleeding complications (p = 0.43) was identified between patients receiving extended duration prophylaxis and those receiving inpatient only prophylaxis.

Conclusion
On the review of contemporary literature, no significant difference was found in rates of postoperative VTE or bleeding complications between patients receiving extended duration heparin VTE prophylaxis and those receiving inpatient prophylaxis after open abdominopelvic surgery for malignancy.
This raises the question of how extended duration prophylaxis has become common practice in this population, and whether this needs to be re-evaluated.
Development of a 3D Printer for Concrete Structures: Laboratory Testing of Cementitious Materials
Authors: Jo Jun Ho , Jo Byung Wan , Cho Woohyun , Kim Jung-Hoon 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThis study deals with (a) the development of a prototype 3D printer for concrete structures having a bed size of 1 × 1 × 1 m for a laboratory testing and (b) laboratory testing of cementitious materials with different design mixes to find their suitability and efficacy for the developed 3D printer. In this printer, a program with the concept of computer numerical controlled milling was adopted to control the nozzle motion using an easy graphic user interface program. The experiment was carried out to test mechanical control and proper material properties of the printer. Thus, the optimum values of water-cement ratio of cementitious materials for the 3D concrete printer were determined by experimental trials. Also, the adequate viscosity of the material for layering and dispensing is determined by a slump-flow test. The suitable size of sands for the dispensing system was found through the trials. However, shrinkage cracks occurred during the hardening process for the paste and mortar that polyvinyl alcohol fibers are added to prevent the cracking and build an improved quality 3D printed structure. After suitable and efficient mix ratio is found, compressive strength is measured for the mechanical property. The experiments demonstrated possibility of printing concrete structure using the 3D printer.
Leveraging emergency department visits to connect older adults at risk for malnutrition and food insecurity to community resources: design and protocol development for the BRIDGE study
Authors: Morris Andrea M. , Engelberg Anderson Jessa K. , Schmitthenner Brenda , Aylward Aileen F. , Shams Rayad B. , Hurka-Richardson Karen , Platts-Mills Timothy F. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
Malnutrition is a complex and costly condition that is common among older adults in the United States (US), with up to half at risk for malnutrition. Malnutrition is associated with several non-medical (i.e., social) factors, including food insecurity. Being at risk for both malnutrition and food insecurity likely identifies a subset of older adults with complex care needs and a high burden of social vulnerability (e.g., difficulty accessing or preparing meals, lack of transportation, and social isolation). US emergency departments (EDs) are a unique and important setting for identifying older patients who may benefit from the provision of health-related social services. This paper describes the protocol development for the Building Resilience and InDependence for Geriatric Patients in the Emergency Department (BRIDGE) study. BRIDGE was designed to assess the feasibility of an ED-based screening process to systematically identify older patients who are at risk for malnutrition and food insecurity and link them to health-related social services to address unmet social needs and support their health and well-being.

Methods
Phase 1 efforts will be formative and focused on identifying screening tools, establishing screening and referral workflows, and conducting initial feasibility testing with a cohort of older patients and ED staff. In phase 2, which includes process and outcome evaluation, the screening and referral process will be piloted in the ED. A partnership will be formed with an Area Agency on Aging (AAA) identified in phase 1, to assess resource needs and identify community-based social services for older ED patients who screen positive for both malnutrition risk and food insecurity. Data on screening, referrals, linkage to community-based social services, and patient-reported quality of life and healthcare utilization will be used to assess feasibility.

Discussion
The tools and workflows developed and tested in this study, as well as learnings related to forming and maintaining cross-sector partnerships, may serve as a model for future efforts to utilize EDs as a setting for bridging the gap between healthcare and social services for vulnerable patients.
Does a ban on trans fats improve public health: synthetic control evidence from Denmark
Authors: Spruk Rok , Kovac Mitja 
Published: March 2020

AbstractWe examine the impact of the trans fat ban on a variety of public health outcomes. To this end, we consider a de facto trans fat ban that was introduced by Denmark in 2001. Using the synthetic control method, parallel trends between Denmark and countries in a control group in the years prior to the ban are used to construct a “synthetic Denmark” without any such trans fat ban. Our synthetic control estimates suggest the ban led to substantial improvements in public health. Following the ban, cardiovascular mortality dropped considerably, while the trends of adolescent and child obesity came to a halt and decreased significantly compared to the synthetic control group. Our findings provide new insights into the benefits for public health arising from the banning of trans fats.