bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Causal effects of education on chronic kidney disease: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Park Sehoon , Lee Soojin , Kim Yaerim , Lee Yeonhee , Kang Min Woo , Kim Kwangsoo , Kim Yong Chul , Han Seung Seok , Lee Hajeong , Lee Jung Pyo , Joo Kwon Wook , Lim Chun Soo , Kim Yon Su , Kim Dong Ki 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Poor socio-economic status, including low education attainment, has been reported in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. We aimed to investigate the causal effects of education attainment on the risk of CKD.

Methods
The study was an observational cohort study including Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. First, the clinical association between education attainment years as the exposure and prevalent CKD Stages 3–5 as the outcome was investigated by multivariable logistic regression in 308 741 individuals 40–69 years of age from the UK Biobank. MR analysis was performed with a previously reported genetic instrument from a genome-wide association meta-analysis of education attainment. Two-sample MR was performed with summary statistics for CKD in 567 460 individuals with European ancestry in the CKDGen genome-wide association meta-analysis. The findings were replicated by allele score–based MR in 321 260 individuals of white British ancestry in the UK Biobank with quality-controlled genetic data.

Results
Higher education attainment was significantly associated with lower adjusted odds for CKD in the clinical analysis {&gt;17 years versus &lt;16 years, adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.910 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.849–0.975]}. The causal estimates obtained by the inverse variance method in the two-sample MR indicated that higher genetically predicted education attainment causally reduced the risk of CKD [OR 0.934 (95% CI 0.873–0.999)]. Allele score–based MR also supported that higher education attainment was causally linked to a decreased risk of CKD [adjusted OR 0.944 (95% CI 0.922–0.966)].

Conclusion
The study suggests that higher education attainment causally reduces the risk of CKD development in the general population.
Genome sequence of Hydrangea macrophylla and its application in analysis of the double flower phenotype
Authors: Nashima Kenji , Shirasawa Kenta , Ghelfi Andrea , Hirakawa Hideki , Isobe Sachiko , Suyama Takuro , Wada Takuya , Kurokura Takeshi , Uemachi Tatuya , Azuma Mirai , Akutsu Midori , Kodama Masaharu , Nakazawa Yoshiko , Namai Kiyoshi 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Owing to its high ornamental value, the double flower phenotype of hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla) is one of its most important traits. In this study, genome sequence information was obtained to explore effective DNA markers and the causative genes for double flower production in hydrangea. Single-molecule real-time sequencing data followed by a Hi-C analysis were employed. Two haplotype-phased sequences were obtained from the heterozygous genome of hydrangea. One assembly consisted of 3,779 scaffolds (2.256 Gb in length and N50 of 1.5 Mb), the other also contained 3,779 scaffolds (2.227 Gb in length, and N50 of 1.4 Mb). A total of 36,930 genes were predicted in the sequences, of which 32,205 and 32,222 were found in each haplotype. A pair of 18 pseudomolecules was constructed along with a high-density single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genetic linkage map. Using the genome sequence data, and two F2 populations, the SNPs linked to double flower loci (djo and dsu) were discovered. DNA markers linked to djo and dsu were developed, and these could distinguish the recessive double flower allele for each locus, respectively. The LEAFY gene is a very likely candidate as the causative gene for dsu, since frameshift was specifically observed in the double flower accession with dsu.
Reinterpreting patterns of variation in human thyroid function
Authors: Keestra Sarai , Högqvist Tabor Vedrana , Alvergne Alexandra 
Published: November 2020

Lay SummaryThyroid hormone reference intervals—used to determine normal thyroid function —currently don’t take into account many significant factors that can cause variation in thyroid hormone levels. These factors include age, sex, ethnicity, season, time of day, iodine content in the diet, socioeconomic status, stress levels, body composition, immune status, menstrual cycle phase, and overall health status. This paper shows how early life experiences as well as short term stressors may affect variation in thyroid function. These are energetic challenges to which the thyroid physiology can respond to. Our investigation shows that much variation in thyroid function is natural. It may result from a complex interplay of evolutionary, genetic, developmental, and physiological factors in response to energetic challenges in the environment, beyond what is currently considered in biomedicine. A new research agenda for thyroid health should explore the way that diversity in thyroid function has evolved as a response to different contexts people live in—like focusing on how people’s metabolisms adapt to the energetic requirements of their environments.
Chronic Pain and Risk of Injurious Falls in Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Cai Yurun , Leveille Suzanne G , Shi Ling , Chen Ping , You Tongjian 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Fall injuries are a leading cause of death in older adults. The potential impact of chronic pain characteristics on risk for injurious falls is not well understood. This prospective cohort study examined the relationship between chronic pain and risk for injurious falls in older adults.

Method
The MOBILIZE Boston Study enrolled 765 community-dwelling adults aged 70 years and older living in and around Boston, Massachusetts. Chronic pain characteristics, including pain severity, pain interference, and pain distribution, were measured at baseline using the Brief Pain Inventory subscales and a joint pain questionnaire. Occurrence of falls and fall-related injuries were recorded using monthly fall calendar postcards and fall follow-up interviews during the 4-year follow-up period.

Results
Negative binomial regression models showed that pain interference and pain distribution, but not pain severity, independently predicted injurious falls adjusting for potential confounders. Participants in the highest third of pain interference scores had a 61% greater risk of injurious falls compared to those reporting little or no pain interference. Compared to no pain, multisite pain was associated with a 57% greater risk of injurious falls. Stratified by gender, the association was only significant in women. In the short term, moderate-to-severe pain in a given month was associated with increased risk of injurious falls in the subsequent month.

Conclusions
Global pain measures are associated with increased risk of injurious falls in older adults. Pain assessment should be incorporated into fall risk assessments. Interventions are needed to prevent fall injuries among elders with chronic pain.
Medical Staffing Organization and Quality of Care Outcomes in Post-acute Care Settings
Authors: Wagner Laura M , Katz Paul , Karuza Jurgis , Kwong Connie , Sharp Lori , Spetz Joanne 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background and Objectives
Medical providers are significant drivers of care in post-acute long-term care (PALTC) settings, yet little research has examined the medical provider workforce and its role in ensuring quality of care.

Research Design and Methods
This study examined the impact of nursing home medical staffing organization (NHMSO) dimensions on the quality of care in U.S. nursing homes. The principal data source was a survey specifically designed to study medical staff organization for post-acute care. Respondents were medical directors and attending physicians providing PALTC. We linked a number of medical provider and nursing home characteristics to the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services Nursing Home Compare quality measures hypothesized to be sensitive to input by medical providers.

Results
From the sample of nursing home medical providers surveyed (n = 1,511), 560 responses were received, yielding a 37% response rate; 425 medical provider responses contained sufficient data for analysis. The results of the impact of NHMSO dimensions were mixed, with many domains not having any significance or having negative relationships between provider characteristics and quality measures. Respondents who reported having a formal process for granting privileges and nursing homes with direct employment of physicians reported significantly fewer emergency visits.

Discussion and Implications
Further research is needed regarding what quality measures are sensitive to both medical provider characteristics and NHMSO characteristics.
CopyDetective: Detection threshold–aware copy number variant calling in whole-exome sequencing data
Authors: Sandmann Sarah , Wöste Marius , de Graaf Aniek O , Burkhardt Birgit , Jansen Joop H , Dugas Martin 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Copy number variants (CNVs) are known to play an important role in the development and progression of several diseases. However, detection of CNVs with whole-exome sequencing (WES) experiments is challenging. Usually, additional experiments have to be performed.

Findings
We developed a novel algorithm for somatic CNV calling in matched WES data called “CopyDetective". Different from other approaches, CNV calling with CopyDetective consists of a 2-step procedure: first, quality analysis is performed, determining individual detection thresholds for every sample. Second, actual CNV calling on the basis of the previously determined thresholds is performed. Our algorithm evaluates the change in variant allele frequency of polymorphisms and reports the fraction of affected cells for every CNV. Analyzing 4 WES data sets (n = 100) we observed superior performance of CopyDetective compared with ExomeCNV, VarScan2, ControlFREEC, ExomeDepth, and CNV-seq.

Conclusions
Individual detection thresholds reveal that not every WES data set is equally apt for CNV calling. Initial quality analyses, determining individual detection thresholds—as realized by CopyDetective—can and should be performed prior to actual variant calling.
Health literacy on oral health practice and condition in an adult and elderly population
Authors: Silva-Junior Manoelito Ferreira , Rosário de Sousa Maria da Luz , Batista Marília Jesus 
Published: November 2020

Summary
The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of health literacy (HL) on health practices and oral health outcomes in an adult and elderly population in Brazil. A cross-sectional study nested in a cohort study was followed up over a period of four years (2011 and 2015) and assessed individuals between 23 and 69 years old from Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil. Data were collected by means of oral examinations (coronal caries, periodontal disease and visible biofilm) and interviews (socioeconomic, demographic, oral health-related quality of life, health practices and HL). The 14-item Health Literacy Scale (HLS) was used for HL data, which was the main explanatory variable. The result of the sum of the HLS-14 questionnaire for each participant was dichotomized into the median (46 points): ‘high’ and ‘low’ HL. Binary/multinomial logistic regressions were performed on health practice and oral health outcomes, controlled by age and sex (Model 1) and age, sex and socioeconomic status (Model 2; p &lt; 0.05). The final sample consisted of 137 subjects and 43.8% (n = 60) presented low HL (LHL). LHL was associated with health practices, such as use of public dental services in Model 1 (odds ratio [OR] = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.14–0.87) and use of dental services for emergency in Model 1 (OR = 2.69, 95% CI: 1.29–5.51) and Model 2 (OR = 2.93, 95% CI: 1.17–7.30). Based on age and sex, LHL was associated with use of public dental service and use of emergency dental visits. Based on age, sex and socioeconomic status, LHL was associated with use of emergency dental visits.
Affine Random Walks on the Torus
Authors: He Weikun , Lakrec Tsviqa , Lindenstrauss Elon 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
We study quantitative equidistribution of random walks on the torus by affine transformations. Under the assumption that the Zariski closure of the group generated by the linear part acts strongly irreducibly on ${{\mathbb{R}}}^d$ and is either Zariski connected or contains a proximal element, we give quantitative estimates (depending only on the linear part of the random walk) for how fast the random walk equidistributes unless the initial point and the translation part of the affine transformations can be perturbed so that the random walk is trapped in a finite orbit of small cardinality. In particular, we prove that the random walk equidistributes in law to the Haar measure if and only if the random walk is not trapped in a finite orbit.
Analytical and Clinical Analysis of Two Automated Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Immunoassays in Pre-Pandemic and Pandemic Patient Populations
Authors: Yang Jianbo , Pederson Edward C , Hamilton Christopher , Neibauer Terri , Robyak Kimberly , McGhee Pamela , Speicher Teresa , Zhu Yusheng 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
In the absence of a safe, effective vaccine, the worldwide spread of COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) infection will continue. Laboratory tests with ideal precision, sensitivity, and specificity should be used in public health and clinical settings to gauge the extent of virus exposure. Toward this end, we evaluated the analytical and clinical performance of the Abbott SARS-CoV-2 IgG and the Roche Anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoassays.

Methods
Quality control, pooled COVID-19, and non-COVID-19 patient specimens were used for the imprecision study. Two hundred and forty-six specimens from 70 patients with COVID-19 diagnosis were tested to study the sensitivity. Seventy-three non-COVID-19 control specimens were measured to study the specificity. All specimens were analyzed by both assays.

Results
Total analytic variability (CV) of the negative and positive controls were 5.5% and 3.6% for the Abbott assay and 4.5% and 1.9% for the Roche assay. Both assays demonstrated 100% qualitative reproducibility of negative and positive controls. The clinical specificities of the Abbott and the Roche assays were 100% (95% CI: 94%—100%) and 97% (95% CI: 90%—100%), respectively. The clinical sensitivities of the Abbott assay were 49% (95% CI: 41%—56%), 86% (95% CI: 74%—93%), and 100% (95% CI: 76%—100%) for samples collected at 0–6 days, 7–13 days, and ≥14 days after the first RT-PCR, while the sensitivities of the Roche assay were 55% (95% CI: 47%—62%), 86% (95% CI: 74%—93%), and 100% (95% CI: 76%—100%).

Conclusions
This study demonstrates similar analytical and clinical performance of the Abbott and the Roche SARS-CoV-2 antibody assays, but the Roche assay may be slightly more sensitive for patients tested within 0–6 days after first positive RT-PCR of SARS-CoV-2.
COVID-19 is a respiratory infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2. Laboratory tests with ideal precision, sensitivity, and specificity should be used in public health and clinical settings. We analyzed analytical and clinical performance of the Roche and Abbott SARS-CoV-2 antibody assays in pre-pandemic and pandemic patient populations. Additionally, we analyzed the sensitivity of both assays in patients at different stages of the disease. The 2 assays showed similar analytical and clinical performance, but the Roche assay may be slightly more sensitive for patients tested within 0–6 days after first positive RT-PCR of SARS-CoV-2. Our findings help other clinical labs select appropriate assays for SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing.
Digital Breast Tomosynthesis: Technique and Common Artifacts
Authors: Lai Yi-Chen , Ray Kimberly M , Mainprize James G , Kelil Tatiana , Joe Bonnie N 
Published: November 2020

AbstractImage optimization at digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) involves a series of trade-offs between multiple variables. Wider sweep angles provide better separation of overlapping tissues, but they result in decreased in-plane resolution as well as increased scan times that may be prone to patient motion. Techniques to reduce scan time, such as continuous tube motion and pixel binning during detector readout, reduce the chances of patient motion but may degrade the in-plane resolution. Image artifacts are inherent to DBT because of the limited angular range of the acquisition. Iterative reconstruction algorithms have been shown to reduce various DBT artifacts.
Broflanilide, a Meta-Diamide Insecticide Seed Treatment for Protection of Wheat and Mortality of Wireworms (Agriotes obscurus) in the Field
Authors: van Herk Willem G , Vernon Robert S , Goudis Lindsey , Mitchell Terisha 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Following the deregistration of lindane, several neonicotinoid insecticides have been registered as seed treatments for controlling wireworms in cereal crops. Unlike lindane, which did both, neonicotinoids provide crop protection but do not reduce wireworm populations. Hence populations of various economic species are growing in key wheat production areas of the United States and Canada, and there is a need for novel seed treatments that match the efficacy of lindane. Herein we evaluated broflanilide, a novel GABA-gated Cl- channel allosteric modulator that differs from the cyclodienes (e.g., lindane) in that it binds to a unique site in the GABA receptor. As such, broflanilide confers a new mode of insecticidal action (Group 30 MOA), and is the first meta-diamide insecticide developed. When evaluated in field trials over 7 yr at various rates, broflanilide at 5.0 g [AI]/100 kg wheat seed was as effective at protecting wheat stand from wireworm (Agriotes obscurus) injury as the current industry standard thiamethoxam at 20–30 g [AI]/100 kg seed. In addition, broflanilide at 5.0 g reduced neonate wireworms (produced from eggs laid in established wheat during the growing season) and resident wireworms (in the field at time of planting) by 73.1 and 81.1%, respectively, which is comparable to that reported for the previous industry standard lindane (75.3 and 57.6%, respectively). These studies show that broflanilide at 5.0 g [AI] will provide consistent wheat stand protection (equal to thiamethoxam at 20–30 g [AI]), and A. obscurus wireworm population reduction (equal to lindane at 59 g [AI]), and will do so at far lower dosages per hectare.
Pre-operative comparisons for a return to running protocol in recreational athletes following hip arthroscopy
Authors: Reynolds Alan W , McGovern Ryan P , Nickel Beth , Christoforetti John J 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
The purpose of the current study was to present pre-operative comparisons for recreational athletes attempting a return to running following hip arthroscopy, and the return to running progression protocol used to guide them. A prospective, non-randomized cohort study was conducted to evaluate recreational athletes that returned to running following hip arthroscopy. Return to running was the primary outcome measure and defined as the ability to run at least one mile three times weekly while maintaining patient-reported relief of pre-operative symptoms. Patients included were correlated with the following pre-operative patient-reported outcome measures: hip outcome score (HOS), 12-item international outcome tool (iHOT-12), visual analog scale for pain (VAS) and the Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12). Of the 99 included patients, 94 (95%) returned to running successfully with an average return of 4.8 months. There was no statistical difference in pre-operative comparisons between patients that returned to running and did not return to running (P ≥ 0.154). Evaluation of pre-operative clinical outcomes demonstrated no statistical difference between individuals that returned and did not return to running (P ≥ 0.177), but a large difference between the two groups was identified for HOS-ADL (64.8 versus 53.7, returned versus did not return), iHOT-12 (33.8 versus 25.4) and VAS (58.6 versus 69.3). Patients who returned to running demonstrated similar intraoperative procedures as those that did not return to running (P ≥ 0.214). The current study successfully establishes a management plan and progression protocol for patients identifying a return to recreational running following hip arthroscopy. Level of evidence: 3.
TEM and STEM-EDS evaluation of metal nanoparticle encapsulation in GroEL/GroES complexes according to the reaction mechanism of chaperonin
Authors: Yoda Hiromi , Koike-Takeshita Ayumi 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Escherichia coli chaperonin GroEL, which is a large cylindrical protein complex comprising two heptameric rings with cavities of 4.5 nm each in the center, assists in intracellular protein folding with the aid of GroES and adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Here, we investigated the possibility that GroEL can also encapsulate metal nanoparticles (NPs) up to ∼5 nm in diameter into the cavities with the aid of GroES and ATP. The slow ATP-hydrolyzing GroELD52A/D398A mutant, which forms extremely stable complexes with GroES (half-time of ∼6 days), made it possible to analyze GroEL/GroES complexes containing metal NPs. Scanning transmission electron microscopy–energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis proved distinctly that FePt NPs and Au NPs were encapsulated in the GroEL/GroES complexes. Dynamic light scattering measurements showed that the NPs in the GroEL/GroES complex were able to maintain their dispersibility in solution. We previously described that the incubation of GroEL and GroES in the presence of ATP·BeFx and adenosine diphosphate·BeFx resulted in the formation of symmetric football-shaped and asymmetric bullet-shaped complexes, respectively. Based on this knowledge, we successfully constructed the football-shaped complex in which two compartments were occupied by Pt or Au NPs (first compartment) and FePt NPs (second compartment). This study showed that metal NPs were sequentially encapsulated according to the GroEL reaction in a step-by-step manner. In light of these results, chaperonin can be used as a tool for handling nanomaterials.
The Long Jihad: The Boom–Bust Cycle behind Jihadist Durability
Authors: Ahmad Aisha 
Published: November 2020

AbstractOne of the most frustrating features of modern jihadist insurgencies is their ability to endure and resurge, even after seeming defeats. What explains this jihadist resilience? In this paper, I present a new “boom–bust” economic theory for why jihadist groups can withstand serious losses, survive periods of decline, and then reclaim power. Using new evidence from Somalia, I demonstrate that jihadists learn how to adapt to fluctuations in their degree of territorial control, so that they can survive—and even thrive—during periods of decline. During a “boom” period, when jihadists enjoy a monopoly on force, they tax and govern as a proto-state. However, during a “bust,” when they are pushed out of power, jihadists shift their efforts to illicit business activities and insurgent warfare. When pressure abates, they again shift back to taxing and governing as a proto-state. This cyclical and long-term approach to order-making allows jihadists to adapt to changing battlefield conditions and survive serious setbacks. Jihadists establish their proto-states to varying degrees, governing in pockets and coves wherever and whenever the opportunities present themselves. They are as orderly as they can afford to be.