bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Aggregative games and oligopoly theory: short‐run and long‐run analysis
Authors: Anderson Simon P. , Erkal Nisvan , Piccinin Daniel 
Published: June 2020

AbstractWe compile an IO toolkit for aggregative games with positive and normative comparative statics results for asymmetric oligopoly in the short and long run. We characterize the class of aggregative Bertrand and Cournot oligopoly games, and the subset for which the aggregate is a summary statistic for consumer welfare. We close the model with a monopolistically competitive fringe for long‐run analysis. Remarkably, we show strong neutrality properties in the long run across a wide range of market structures. The results elucidate aggregative games as a unifying principle in the literature on merger analysis, privatization, Stackelberg leadership, and cost shocks.
Regional Integration, Health Policy and Global Health
Authors: Nikogosian Haik 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAlthough regional integration processes are mainly shaped around trade, economic and security objectives, health does come into the picture as it has an interface with each of those domains. Yet, reviews of relationships between regional integration and global and public health have so far been confined to specific organizations, geographic areas and thematic issues. This article, in contrast, attempts a comprehensive cross‐cutting analysis of such relationships on a world‐wide basis. The article demonstrates and systematizes mechanisms by which regional integration organizations address various aspects of health services and population health. It also explores how such mechanisms, and regional integration processes in general, contribute to international health cooperation and global health. The article argues that the multidisciplinary landscape of regional integration amplifies opportunities for the multisectoral dimension of – and cross‐sectoral coherence for – public health policy to manifest and function. The author also argues that the health dimension of regional integration processes may serve an important component of the rapidly expanding space of governance for global health.
ST2 expression and release by the bronchial epithelium is downregulated in asthma
Authors: Kaur Davinder , Chachi Latifa , Gomez Edith , Sylvius Nicolas , Singh Shailendra R. , Ramsheh Mohammadali Y. , Saunders Ruth , Brightling Christopher E. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe airway epithelium plays an important role in wound repair, host defense and is involved in the immunopathogenesis of asthma. Genome wide association studies have described associations between ST2/Interleukin (IL)‐33 genes in asthma, but its role in bronchial epithelium is unclear.MethodsST2 expression was examined in subjects with asthma and healthy controls in bronchial epithelium from biopsies (n = 27 versus n = 9) and brushings (n = 34 versus n = 20) by immunohistochemistry and RNA‐Seq. In human primary bronchial epithelial cells ST2 mRNA and protein expression were assessed by qPCR, flow cytometry, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence. IL‐33 function in epithelial cells was examined by intracellular calcium measurements, wound healing assays, and synthetic activation by gene array and ELISA.ResultsBronchial epithelial ST2 protein expression was significantly decreased in biopsies in subjects with asthma compared to healthy controls (P = .039). IL1RL1 gene expression in bronchial brushes was not different between health and disease. In vitro primary bronchial epithelial cells expressed ST2 and IL‐33 stimulation led to an increase in intracellular calcium, altered gene expression, but had no effect upon wound repair. Epithelial cells released sST2 spontaneously, which was reduced following stimulation with TNFα or poly‐IC. Stimulation by TNFα or poly‐IC did not affect the total ST2 expression by epithelial cell whereas surface ST2 decreased in response to TNFα, but not poly‐IC.ConclusionIn asthma, bronchial epithelium protein expression of ST2 is decreased. Our in vitro findings suggest that this decrease might be a consequence of the pro‐inflammatory environment in asthma or in response to viral infection.
Risks to healthcare workers following tracheal intubation of patients with COVID‐19: a prospective international multicentre cohort study
Authors: El‐Boghdadly K. , Wong D. J. N. , Owen R. , Neuman M. D. , Pocock S. , Carlisle J. B. , Johnstone C. , Andruszkiewicz P. , Baker P. A. , Biccard B. M. , Bryson G. L. , Chan M. T. V. , Cheng M. H. , Chin K. J. , Coburn M. , Jonsson Fagerlund M. , Myatra S. N. , Myles P. S. , O’Sullivan E. , Pasin L. , Shamim F. , van Klei W. A. , Ahmad I. 
Published: June 2020

SummaryHealthcare workers involved in aerosol‐generating procedures, such as tracheal intubation, may be at elevated risk of acquiring COVID‐19. However, the magnitude of this risk is unknown. We conducted a prospective international multicentre cohort study recruiting healthcare workers participating in tracheal intubation of patients with suspected or confirmed COVID‐19. Information on tracheal intubation episodes, personal protective equipment use and subsequent provider health status was collected via self‐reporting. The primary endpoint was the incidence of laboratory‐confirmed COVID‐19 diagnosis or new symptoms requiring self‐isolation or hospitalisation after a tracheal intubation episode. Cox regression analysis examined associations between the primary endpoint and healthcare worker characteristics, procedure‐related factors and personal protective equipment use. Between 23 March and 2 June 2020, 1718 healthcare workers from 503 hospitals in 17 countries reported 5148 tracheal intubation episodes. The overall incidence of the primary endpoint was 10.7% over a median (IQR [range]) follow‐up of 32 (18–48 [0–116]) days. The cumulative incidence within 7, 14 and 21 days of the first tracheal intubation episode was 3.6%, 6.1% and 8.5%, respectively. The risk of the primary endpoint varied by country and was higher in women, but was not associated with other factors. Around 1 in 10 healthcare workers involved in tracheal intubation of patients with suspected or confirmed COVID‐19 subsequently reported a COVID‐19 outcome. This has human resource implications for institutional capacity to deliver essential healthcare services, and wider societal implications for COVID‐19 transmission.
Administration of L. salivarius expressing 3D8 scFv as a feed additive improved the growth performance, immune homeostasis, and gut microbiota of chickens
Authors: Sureshkumar Shanmugam , Jung Sun Keun , Kim Dongjun , Oh Keon Bong , Yang Hyeon , Lee Hwi Cheul , Jo Yong Jin , Lee Hae Sun , Lee Sukchan , Byun Sung June 
Published: June 2020

AbstractProbiotics have been defined as live microorganisms that are administered in an appropriate amount to provide health benefits to the host animal. In this study, we investigated the effect of L. salivarius DJ‐sa‐01 secreting the 3D8 single‐chain variable fragment (3D8 scFv) on the growth performance, cytokine secretion, and intestinal microbial flora of chickens. The experiment was divided into the control group and L. salivarius expressing 3D8 scFv experimental group. Chicken was fed 109 colony‐forming units (CFUs) of wild‐type (WT) L. salivarius or 3D8 scFv‐secreting L. salivarius daily for 35 days. The administration of L. salivarius expressing 3D8 scFv significantly improved the body weight of chickens compared with the administration of WT L. salivarius. A 16S ribosomal RNA metagenomic analysis showed that Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Bacteroidetes were the dominant phyla in both experimental groups. At the genus level, Lactobacillus was more abundant (22.82%) in the L. salivarius/3D8 group compared with the WT L. salivarius group. The serum levels of cytokines, such as IL‐8, TNF‐α, IL‐1β, IFN‐γ, IL‐4, and IGF1, were significantly reduced in the L. salivarius/3D8‐treated chickens. In summary, our results suggest that L. salivarius expressing 3D8 scFv could be considered a feed additive for improving the growth performance, immune function, and disease resistance of poultry.
Comparison of selected indices of internal environment and condition of laying hens kept in furnished cages and in aviaries
Authors: Krivankova Tereza , Voslarova Eva , Vecerek Vladimir , Bedanova Iveta , Blahova Jana , Chloupek Jan 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBiochemical and hematological examination of blood and individual assessment of the birds were performed in Lohman Brown laying hens at 45 weeks of age housed in different systems. The biochemical examination revealed higher (p < .01) corticosterone levels, creatine kinase, and aspartate aminotransferase activity and lower (p < .01) levels of lactate, triglycerides, albumin, calcium, and phosphorus in aviary hens compared to hens housed in furnished cages. Hematological examination of hens housed in aviaries revealed higher (p < .05) hematocrit, leukocytes, heterophils, eosinophils, basophils, monocytes, and H/L ratio. Furthermore, hens housed in aviaries had lower (p < .01) body weight than hens in furnished cages, they were worse feathered (p < .001), had more damaged combs (p < .05), and poorer physical condition (p < .01). In contrast, caged hens showed worse (p < .01) feather condition of the wings due to abrasion and claws due to overgrowth. The results have shown that the housing system has a significant impact on the internal environment and condition of birds and that housing in aviaries without taking into account the specifics of such housing may lead to significant stress and disturbance to the welfare of laying hens.
Effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae supplementation on growth performance, plasma metabolites and hormones, and rumen fermentation in Holstein calves during pre‐ and post‐weaning periods
Authors: Takemura Kei , Shingu Hiroyuki , Ikuta Kentaro , Sato Shigeru , Kushibiki Shiro 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThis study aimed to evaluate the effects of supplementing Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC) during the pre‐ and post‐weaning periods on growth, metabolic and hormonal responses, and rumen fermentation in calves. Three‐week‐old Holstein calves were assigned to either control (n = 12) or SC group (n = 12), the latter of which received 2 × 109 cfu/day of SC. The experiment was conducted over a period of 7 weeks around weaning. Daily gain (DG) in the SC group was higher (p < .05) than that in the control group. In the SC group, plasma glucose, insulin, and growth hormone (GH) concentrations were higher (p < .05) and concentrations of glucagon and insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1) tended to be higher (p < .1) than in the control group. Proportion of rumen propionate and concentration of rumen ammonia nitrogen at 10 weeks of age were greater (p < .05) in the SC group than that in the control group. Supplementation of SC around weaning may improve dietary nutrient and energy availability and increase plasma GH and IGF‐1 concentrations. These changes observed in SC‐supplemented calves could be closely related to the improvement of DG.
Validation of the UK myeloma research alliance risk profile, a new clinical prediction model for outcome in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma not eligible for autologous stem cell transplantation; a population‐based study from the Danish national multiple myeloma registry
Authors: Redder Louise , Klausen Tobias W. , Vangsted Annette Juul , Gregersen Henrik , Andersen Niels F. , Pedersen Robert S. , Szabo Agoston G. , Frederiksen Mikael , Frølund Ulf C. , Helleberg Carsten , Nielsen Lene Kongsgaard , Pedersen Per T. , Salomo Morten , Gimsing Peter , Frederiksen Henrik , Abildgaard Niels 
Published: June 2020

SummaryIn 2019 the UK Myeloma Research Alliance introduced the Myeloma Risk Profile (MRP) for prediction of outcome in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM), ineligible for autologous stem cell transplantation. To validate the MRP in a population‐based setting we performed a study of the entire cohort of transplant ineligible MM patients above 65 years in the Danish National MM Registry. Our data confirmed the value of the MRP. In a cohort of 1,377 patients, the MRP score separated patients into three distinct risk‐groups with an observed hazard ratio of 2.91 for early death in high‐risk versus low‐risk patients.
Impact of COVID‐19 stay‐at‐home orders on weight‐related behaviours among patients with obesity
Authors: Almandoz Jaime P. , Xie Luyu , Schellinger Jeffrey N. , Mathew Matthew Sunil , Gazda Chellse , Ofori Ashley , Kukreja Sachin , Messiah Sarah E. 
Published: June 2020

SummaryHow the impact of the COVID‐19 stay‐at‐home orders is influencing physical, mental and financial health among vulnerable populations, including those with obesity is unknown. The aim of the current study was to explore the health implications of COVID‐19 among a sample of adults with obesity. A retrospective medical chart review identified patients with obesity from an obesity medicine clinic and a bariatric surgery (MBS) practice. Patients completed an online survey from April 15, 2020 to May 31, 2020 to assess COVID‐19 status and health behaviours during stay‐at‐home orders. Logistic regression models examined the impact of these orders on anxiety and depression by ethnic group. A total of 123 patients (87% female, mean age 51.2 years [SD 13.0]), mean BMI 40.2 [SD 6.7], 49.2% non‐Hispanic white (NHW), 28.7% non‐Hispanic black, 16.4% Hispanic, 7% other ethnicity and 33.1% completed MBS were included. Two patients tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 and 14.6% reported symptoms. Then, 72.8% reported increased anxiety and 83.6% increased depression since stay‐at‐home orders were initiated. Also 69.6% reported more difficultly in achieving weight loss goals, less exercise time (47.9%) and intensity (55.8%), increased stockpiling of food (49.6%) and stress eating (61.2%). Hispanics were less likely to report anxiety vs NHWs (adjusted odds ratios 0.16; 95% CI, 0.05‐0.49; P = .009). Results here showed the COVID‐19 pandemic is having a significant impact on patients with obesity regardless of infection status. These results can inform clinicians and healthcare professionals about effective strategies to minimize COVID‐19 negative outcomes for this vulnerable population now and in post‐COVID‐19 recovery efforts.
Autophagy changes in lung tissues of mice at 30 days after carbon black‐metal ion co‐exposure
Authors: He Wei , Peng Hongzhen , Ma Jifei , Wang Qisheng , Li Aiguo , Zhang Jichao , Kong Huating , Li Qingnuan , Sun Yanhong , Zhu Ying 
Published: June 2020

AbstractObjectivesAccumulating studies have investigated the PM2.5‐induced pulmonary toxicity, while gaps still remain in understanding its toxic mechanism. Due to its high specific surface area and adsorption capacity similar to nanoparticles, PM2.5 acts as a significant carrier of metals in air and then leads to altered toxic effects. In this study, we aimed to use CBs and Ni as model materials to investigate the autophagy changes and pulmonary toxic effects at 30 days following intratracheal instillation of CBs‐Ni mixture.Materials and methodsGroups of mice were instilled with 100 µL normal saline (NS), 20 µg CBs, and 4 µg Ni or CBs‐Ni mixture, respectively. At 7 and 30 days post‐instillation, all the mice were weighed and then sacrificed. The evaluation system was composed of the following: (a) autophagy and lysosomal function assessment, (b) trace element biodistribution observation in lungs, (c) pulmonary lavage biomedical analysis, (d) lung histopathological evaluation, (e) coefficient analysis of major organs and (f) CBs‐Ni interaction and cell proliferation assessment.ResultsWe found that after CBs‐Ni co‐exposure, no obvious autophagy and lysosomal dysfunction or pulmonary toxicity was detected, along with complete clearance of Ni from lung tissues as well as recovery of biochemical indexes to normal range.ConclusionsWe conclude that the damaged autophagy and lysosomal function, as well as physiological function, was repaired at 30 days after exposure of CBs‐Ni. Our findings provide a new idea for scientific assessment of the impact of fine particles on environment and human health, and useful information for the comprehensive treatment of air pollution.
The function and mechanism of circular RNAs in gastrointestinal tumours
Authors: Nie Hui , Wang Yutong , Liao Zhiming , Zhou Jianhua , Ou Chunlin 
Published: June 2020

AbstractGastrointestinal tumours are tumours that originate in the digestive tract and have extremely high morbidity and mortality. The main categories include: oesophageal, gastric, and colorectal cancers. Circular RNAs are a new class of non‐coding RNAs with a covalent closed‐loop structure without a 5’ cap or a 3’ poly A tail, which can encode a small amount of polypeptide. Recent studies have shown that circRNAs are involved in multiple biological processes during the development of gastrointestinal tumours including proliferation, invasion and metastasis, radio‐ and chemoresistance, and inflammatory responses. Also, the clinical and pathological characteristics of the patient, such as staging and lymph node metastasis, are closely associated with the expression level of circRNAs. Further investigation of the function and the role of circRNAs in the development of gastrointestinal tumours will provide new directions for its clinical diagnosis and treatment.
Early and recurrent hospitalization after kidney transplantation: Analysis of a contemporary canadian cohort of kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Bergman Joel , Tennankore Karthik , Vinson Amanda 
Published: June 2020

AbstractHospital readmission is a common occurrence following kidney transplantation, but less is known about the predictors of early and recurrent hospitalization. We analyzed a cohort of adult kidney transplant recipients in Nova Scotia, Canada, from January 2010 to December 2015. Readmission rates for 30 days, 6 months, and 1 year were calculated as a proportion of total transplants. Factors independently associated with early readmission were investigated using multivariable Cox hazards models with multivariable Anderson‐Gill Cox models being used for factors independently associated with recurrent readmission. Of the 213 patients included, 41 (19.2%), 78 (36.6%), and 88 (41.3%) were readmitted to hospital within 30 days, 6 months, and 1 year, respectively. On multivariable analyses, a history of congestive heart failure (HR 1.741, 95% CI 1.039‐2.918), peptic ulcer disease (HR 2.290, 95% CI 1.054‐4.973), and liver disease (HR 2.492, 95% CI 1.162‐5.344) was associated with higher risk of first rehospitalization. Recurrent hospital admission was associated with initial hospital duration ≥ 8 days (HR 2.140, 95% CI 1.265‐3.618), congestive heart failure (HR 1.366, 95% CI 1.044‐1.787), and liver disease (HR 1.785, 95% CI 1.257‐2.534). Increasing duration of initial hospitalization, congestive heart failure, and liver disease are important to consider when evaluating a patient's risk for recurrent readmission following kidney transplant.
Alcohol use and injury risk in Thailand: A case‐crossover emergency department study
Authors: Sornpaisarn Bundit , Sornpaisarn Sarnti , Shield Kevin D. , Rehm Jürgen 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIntroduction and AimsWhile injuries and alcohol contribute to a large proportion of the disease burden in Thailand, no well‐designed underlying study has yet been published. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between acute alcohol consumption and injury risk in Thailand.Design and MethodsUsing the case‐crossover design, this study examined 520 injured patients aged 18 years and older from two emergency departments in Meuang District, Chiang‐Mai Province, Thailand, from June to August of 2016. The case period was defined as 6 h prior to injury, the two control periods as the same 6‐h period at 1 day and 7 days prior to injury. Alcohol exposure and the amount consumed were measured for these periods.ResultsTwenty percent of injured patients consumed alcohol within the 6 h prior to injury, averaging 6.9 drinks during that time. The odds of injury for those individuals consuming alcoholic beverages was 5.0 (95% confidence interval 3.0, 8.2) times greater compared to non‐exposure individuals; every additional drink consumed increased the odds of injury by 1.3 (95% confidence interval 1.2, 1.4). Alcohol use significantly increased the odds of sustaining an unintentional injury, intentional injury inflicted by someone else or experiencing a road traffic injury (among drivers). The dose–response analysis indicated alcohol use significantly increased the risks of unintentional injury and road traffic injuries (among drivers).Discussion and ConclusionsExposure to alcohol increased the odds of injury in a dose‐dependent fashion; hence, comprehensive, cost‐effective strategies should be implemented in Thailand to reduce alcohol exposure, binge drinking and drunk driving.
Physician variation in ordering of transthoracic echocardiography in outpatient pediatric cardiac clinics
Authors: Stern Kenan W. D. , McCracken Courtney E. , Gillespie Scott E. , Lang Sean M. , Statile Christopher J. , Lopez Leo , Verghese George R. , Choueiter Nadine F. , Sachdeva Ritu 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe pediatric Appropriate Use Criteria (AUC) for outpatient transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) aim to reduce practice variation. Little is known on variation in TTE use between physicians. Understanding this variation will help identify areas for improvement in standardization of TTE use.Methods and ResultsThis is a retrospective review of initial outpatient visits at 6 pediatric cardiology centers in the United States prior to AUC release. Variation in TTE use was examined using multilevel generalized mixed effects models. Forward selection identified combinations of variables that explained the most variance in TTE use between physicians. Due to collinearity, physician compensation model and center were analyzed separately. Of 2883 encounters, the most common indication was murmur (36%), followed by chest pain (15.2%). Overall TTE use was 41.9%, and varied widely between centers (22.9%‐52.6%), and between physicians within centers. Center alone explained 29% of this physician variance. Adding physician characteristics increased the variance explained to 57%, which only minimally improved by adding patient characteristics. The variance explained was driven by subspecialty. The center‐based multivariable model explained more variance over compensation model.ConclusionsCenter was the single largest determinant of physician variance in TTE use, followed by physician subspecialty. Efforts to reduce practice variation, such as the AUC, should be employed across centers and all pediatric cardiac providers. Center appears to have a stronger impact on variance than compensation model, though in this dataset the effect of center and compensation are hard to separate from each other and deserve further evaluation.