bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lipoteichoic acid of Enterococcus faecalis interferes with Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide signaling via IRAK‐M upregulation in human periodontal ligament cells
Authors: Im Jintaek , Baik Jung Eun , Lee Dongwook , Kum Kee‐Yeon , Yun Cheol‐Heui , Park Ok‐Jin , Han Seung Hyun 
Published: April 2020

AbstractPeriodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the gum caused by infection with multispecies oral bacteria. Since the periodontopathic bacteria, Porphyromonas gingivalis together with Enterococcus faecalis are frequently detected in patients with a severe form of periodontitis, interactions between their virulence factors might play an important role in progression of the disease. P. gingivalis and E. faecalis possess lipopolysaccharide (Pg.LPS) and lipoteichoic acid (Ef.LTA), respectively, as the major virulence factors inducing inflammatory responses. However, the combinatorial effect of these virulence factors on chemokine expression was poorly understood. Here, we examined the interaction between Ef.LTA and Pg.LPS on IL‐8 induction in human periodontal ligament (PDL) cells. Pg.LPS, but not Ef.LTA, induced IL‐8 expression at both mRNA and protein levels, which was suppressed in the presence of Ef.LTA. Although Ef.LTA and Pg.LPS could stimulate Toll‐like receptor 2 (TLR2), Ef.LTA did not interfere with Pg.LPS induced‐TLR2 activation. However, Ef.LTA decreased Pg.LPS‐induced phosphorylation of ERK, JNK, and p38 kinase. Furthermore, Ef.LTA suppressed Pg.LPS‐induced IL‐8 promoter activity as well as AP‐1, NF‐IL6 and NF‐κB transcription factors, which are indispensable for IL‐8 expression. Interestingly, Ef.LTA enhanced only IL‐1 receptor‐associated kinase‐M (IRAK‐M) expression among the tested negative regulators of TLR intracellular signaling cascades in the presence of Pg.LPS. In addition, silencing IRAK‐M restored the decreased IL‐8 expression by Ef.LTA in the presence of Pg.LPS. Collectively, these results suggest that Ef.LTA inhibits Pg.LPS‐induced IL‐8 expression in human PDL cells via inducing the expression of a negative regulator of TLR signaling cascades, IRAK‐M.
Expiratory variability index (EVI) is associated with the severity of acute bronchial obstruction in small children: A proof‐of‐concept study
Authors: Seppä Ville‐Pekka , Turkalj Mirjana , Hult Anton , Maloča Vuljanko Ivana , Plavec Davor ,   Collaborators, Erceg Damir , Petković Giorgie 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundLung function testing in small children is cumbersome. However, reduced variability of tidal breathing recorded using impedance pneumography (IP) during sleep was recently found to be a potential objective marker of wheeze in children aged 1‐5 years. We aimed to investigate how an acute bronchial obstruction (BO) and its severity, and recovery thereof reflect in expiratory variability index (EVI).MethodsEVI was measured using a wearable IP system (Ventica®) during sleep in 40 healthy controls (aged 1.5‐5.9 years) and 30 patients hospitalized due to acute BO (aged 1.3‐5.3 years). In healthy controls, EVI was measured for 1‐3 nights at their homes. Patients were measured for several nights during hospitalization, as practically feasible, and at home 2 and 4 weeks post‐discharge.ResultsWe received 79 EVI results from 39 controls and 139 from 30 patients. 90% had previous BO episodes, 30% used asthma controller medication before and 100% after hospitalization. Compared to controls, EVI was significantly lower during hospitalization (P < .0001) having significant correlation with number of days to discharge (r = −.38, P = .004). At 2 or 4 weeks post‐discharge, EVI was not significantly different from the controls (P = .14, P = .49, respectively). EVI was significantly associated with chest auscultation findings (P = .0001) being 17.5 (4.9) (median, IQR) with normal auscultation, 15.6 (7.4) in those with prolonged expiration and 11.4 (6.8) in those with wheeze and/or rales and crackles.ConclusionsEVI was found to be a sensitive, objective marker of acute BO, showing strong association with changes in clinical status in wheezy children aged 1‐5 years.
Rediscovering Li Zehou: From the perspective of philosophy of language
Authors: Yang Xiaobo 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThis article seeks to shed new light on Li Zehou's thought by examining the long‐neglected dimension of the philosophy of language in his philosophical system. In addition, an effort is made to analyze how this dimension is generated by Li's creative combination of Marxism and Chinese philosophy. Insisting on the priority of life and practice to language, Li attacks the ‘linguistic turn’ so as to lead the focus of philosophy from language back to life. Li's treatment of language consistently seeks to keep pace with the development of his thinking, incorporating an evolutionary continuum from practice to life. One of the primary approaches adopted by Li in the construction of his philosophy is to deconstruct the language‐centered ontology that resulted from the ‘linguistic turn’ in the West. Notwithstanding this, his deconstruction still performs the same task as the philosophy of language typically does, that is, addressing philosophical problems through clarifying the nature of language. What is distinctive, however, is that he goes beyond this to expose the limitations of language.
Recent work on the proof paradox
Authors: Ross Lewis D. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractRecent years have seen fresh impetus brought to debates about the proper role of statistical evidence in the law. Recent work largely centers on a set of puzzles known as the “proof paradox.” While these puzzles may initially seem academic, they have important ramifications for the law: raising key conceptual questions about legal proof, and practical questions about DNA evidence. This article introduces the proof paradox, why we should care about it, and new work attempting to resolve it.
Characterizing the resting metabolic rate ratio in ovulatory exercising women over 12 months
Authors: Strock Nicole C. A. , Koltun Kristen J. , Mallinson Rebecca J. , Williams Nancy I. , De Souza Mary Jane 
Published: April 2020

PurposeA reduced resting metabolic rate (RMR) ratio and suppressed total triiodothyronine (TT3) have been demonstrated to reflect metabolic compensation to chronic energy deficiency. However, it is unknown whether the relationship between RMR ratio and TT3 remains constant over time.ObjectiveTo examine the relationship between RMR ratio and TT3 in free‐living exercising, ovulatory, weight‐stable women (n = 14) for a 12‐month observational period.MethodsDual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) and indirect calorimetry provided data on anthropometrics and energy expenditure. Harris‐Benedict, DXA, and Cunningham (1980 and 1991) equations estimated RMR and RMR ratio (measured RMR/predicted RMR). Repeated measures analysis assessed changes over time (ANOVA and Friedman). Generalized linear modeling tested whether RMR ratio threshold predicted TT3 > 73.2 ng/dL or TT3 > 80 ng/dL over 12‐months.ResultsWomen were 25.9 ± 5.4 years, weighed 59.6 ± 5.2 kg with BMI 22.3 ± 1.4 kg/m2 at baseline, which remained constant throughout the study (weight: P = .523; BMI: P = .511). There was no significant effect of time for RMR (P = .886), TT3 (P = .890), energy availability (P = .212), and RMR ratio (Harris‐Benedict: P = .852; DXA: P = .607; Cunningham1980: P = .754; Cunningham1991: P = .739). When TT3 > 73.2 ng/dL, each RMR ratio threshold (Harris‐Benedict: P = .021; DXA: P = .019; Cunningham1980: P = .019; Cunningham1991: P = .016) significantly predicted participants as energy replete; however, when using a more lenient clinical TT3 threshold of >80 ng/dL, only the DXA ratio threshold yielded a significant prediction of TT3 (P < .001).ConclusionsThe relationship between RMR ratio and TT3 remains significant and consistent over time in free‐living exercising women, validating the use of RMR ratio for the longitudinal characterization of energetic status in this population (ie, prospective serial monitoring).
From industrial restructuring to the financial crisis: Mainstream nationalism and minimum income in the Basque Country
Authors: Sanzo González Luis 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe uneven development of minimum incomes in Spain is one of the factors that explain the significant differences in the poverty indicators that characterize the Spanish regions, generally in favour of the territories most committed to these policies (Basque Country, Navarra and Asturias). However, there are other aspects that deserve some consideration when interpreting the specific method of developing minimum incomes in southern Europe. One aspect has to do with the differing dynamics of countries, such as Spain and Italy, which have opted for a decentralized regional model. In this regard, the regional autonomous initiative of the Basque Country played a decisive role in promoting minimum income programs in the late 1980s. Without its leadership in the launch of the regional minimum income policy, Spanish trade unions would probably not have opted for this method as a mechanism for combating poverty in the 1990s. No Italian region went on to play this driving role at that time. This article analyses the ideological foundations of the Basque minimum income policy introduced in the late 1980s and which grew significantly before and during the crisis that started in 2007‐2008. It examines the dominant political narrative on this issue by analysing the discourse of some of the key nationalist leaders involved in the birth and development of the minimum income scheme. The approach shows that the experience of social decline linked to industrial restructuring processes was instrumental in the construction of the nationalist narrative.
An Overview of Saharon Shelah's Contributions to Mathematical Logic, in Particular to Model Theory
Authors: Väänänen Jouko 
Published: April 2020

AbstractI will give a brief overview of Saharon Shelah's work in mathematical logic. I will focus on three transformative contributions Shelah has made: stability theory, proper forcing and PCF theory. The first is in model theory and the other two are in set theory.
The process of implementing child mortality reviews in low‐ and middle‐income countries: a narrative systematic review
Authors: Young Andrew , Duke Trevor 
Published: April 2020

AbstractObjectivesThis review aims to describe the processes that have been used to implement child mortality reviews in LMICs and to identify the facilitators and barriers to their implementation and impact. This will help to inform healthcare professionals and managers planning to implement a child mortality review in their setting.MethodsMEDLINE and Embase databases were searched for papers published between January 1996 and April 2019. Studies reporting the implementation of a child mortality review process in LMICs were considered eligible. A narrative approach was used to describe the stages in the audit process outlined in the WHO ‘Operational guide for facility‐based audit and review of paediatric mortality’ which were completed, and to synthesise the barriers and facilitators to implementation and impact of the child mortality review process.ResultsFrom 776 potentially relevant articles, seven studies were included. In six studies, problems contributing to child deaths and possible solutions were identified, in four, these solutions were implemented, and in one, this implementation was monitored. Key factors influencing implementation and impact were attendance at meetings, use of a blame‐free approach, allocating adequate human and financial resources to make changes, and level of engagement from leadership.ConclusionsDespite the common use of mortality reviews in paediatric departments, there are few studies published on this topic. The transition from identifying problems and solutions to implementing and monitoring action plans appears to be the most difficult aspect of the process, which requires commitment of adequate resources and strong leadership.
Stoichiometry of two plant glycine decarboxylase complexes and comparison with a cyanobacterial glycine cleavage system
Authors: Wittmiß Maria , Mikkat Stefan , Hagemann Martin , Bauwe Hermann 
Published: April 2020

SummaryThe multienzyme glycine cleavage system (GCS) converts glycine and tetrahydrofolate to the one‐carbon compound 5,10‐methylenetetrahydrofolate, which is of vital importance for most if not all organisms. Photorespiring plant mitochondria contain very high levels of GCS proteins organised as a fragile glycine decarboxylase complex (GDC). The aim of this study is to provide mass spectrometry‐based stoichiometric data for the plant leaf GDC and examine whether complex formation could be a general property of the GCS in photosynthesizing organisms. The molar ratios of the leaf GDC component proteins are 1L2‐4P2‐8T‐26H and 1L2‐4P2‐8T‐20H for pea and Arabidopsis, respectively, as determined by mass spectrometry. The minimum mass of the plant leaf GDC ranges from 1550 to 1650 kDa, which is larger than previously assumed. The Arabidopsis GDC contains four times more of the isoforms GCS‐P1 and GCS‐L1 in comparison with GCS‐P2 and GCS‐L2, respectively, whereas the H‐isoproteins GCS‐H1 and GCS‐H3 are fully redundant as indicated by their about equal amounts. Isoform GCS‐H2 is not present in leaf mitochondria. In the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, GCS proteins concentrations are low but above the complex formation threshold reported for pea leaf GDC. Indeed, formation of a cyanobacterial GDC from the individual recombinant GCS proteins in vitro could be demonstrated. Presence and metabolic significance of a Synechocystis GDC in vivo remain to be examined but could involve multimers of the GCS H‐protein that dynamically crosslink the three GCS enzyme proteins, facilitating glycine metabolism by the formation of multienzyme metabolic complexes. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD018211.
Efficacy of three disinfectant formulations and a hydrogen peroxide/silver fogging system on surfaces experimentally inoculated with meticillin‐resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius
Authors: Soohoo Julie , Daniels Joshua B. , Brault Stephanie A. , Rosychuk Rod A.W. , Schissler Jennifer R. 
Published: April 2020

BackgroundEffective environmental disinfection is necessary to prevent nosocomial infections from meticillin‐resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP). However, there are currently no commercial disinfectant sprays or fogging systems with label claims against MRSP.Hypothesis/objectivesTo evaluate the efficacy of a quaternary ammonium product (QAC), an accelerated hydrogen peroxide product (AHP), a hydrogen peroxide and silver product (HAL), and a hydrogen peroxide and silver fogging system (FOG) against MRSP.Methods and materialsSterile plastic surfaces inoculated with MRSP were treated with 200 µL of QAC, AHP or HAL for the recommended contact times. For FOG, inoculated samples were placed in eight positions within a sealed room before fogging for the recommended contact time. Post‐treatment bacterial counts were compared to untreated positive controls. Sterile uninoculated surfaces served as negative controls.ResultsLeast‐squares mean reduction (log10) in colony forming units (cfu) was 3.55 log10 for QAC (P < 0.0001), 3.60 log10 for AHP (P < 0.0001), 1.66 log10 for HAL (P < 0.0001) and 0.32 log10 for FOG (P = 0.004). QAC, AHP and HAL reduced MRSP cfu by 99.97%, 99.98% and 97.81%, respectively. FOG reduced cfu by 52.14%.Conclusions and clinical importanceQAC and AHP effectively disinfected surfaces inoculated with MRSP. Although HAL provided lower MRSP reduction, it may be considered clinically acceptable. FOG as a sole means of MRSP disinfection was not supported yet may have utility as an adjunctive disinfectant in clinical areas with bacterial densities lower than our experimental inoculum.
Inactivation of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in plasma and platelet products using a riboflavin and ultraviolet light‐based photochemical treatment
Authors: Keil Shawn D. , Ragan Izabela , Yonemura Susan , Hartson Lindsay , Dart Nicole K. , Bowen Richard 
Published: April 2020

Background and ObjectiveSevere acute respiratory distress syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), is a member of the coronavirus family. Coronavirus infections in humans are typically associated with respiratory illnesses; however, viral RNA has been isolated in serum from infected patients. Coronaviruses have been identified as a potential low‐risk threat to blood safety. The Mirasol Pathogen Reduction Technology (PRT) System utilizes riboflavin and ultraviolet (UV) light to render blood‐borne pathogens noninfectious, while maintaining blood product quality. Here, we report on the efficacy of riboflavin and UV light against the pandemic virus SARS‐CoV‐2 when tested in both plasma and platelets units.Materials and MethodsStock SARS‐CoV‐2 was grown in Vero cells and inoculated into either plasma or platelet units. Those units were then treated with riboflavin and UV light. The infectious titres of SARS‐CoV‐2 were determined by plaque assay using Vero cells. A total of five (n = 5) plasma and three (n = 3) platelet products were evaluated in this study.ResultsIn both experiments, the measured titre of SARS‐CoV‐2 was below the limit of detection following treatment with riboflavin and UV light. The mean log reductions in the viral titres were ≥3·40 and ≥4·53 for the plasma units and platelet units, respectively.ConclusionRiboflavin and UV light effectively reduced the titre of SARS‐CoV‐2 in both plasma and platelet products to below the limit of detection in tissue culture. The data suggest that the process would be effective in reducing the theoretical risk of transfusion transmitted SARS‐CoV‐2.
How many species of angulate tortoises occur in Southern Africa? (Testudines: Testudinidae: Chersina)
Authors: Spitzweg Cäcilia , Vamberger Melita , Ihlow Flora , Fritz Uwe , Hofmeyr Margaretha D. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractUsing range‐wide sampling and 1,143 bp of mtDNA (cytochrome b gene) and 14 microsatellite loci, we examined genetic differentiation in the widely distributed Southern African angulate tortoise (Chersina angulata). We found evidence for two genealogical lineages that differ in both genetic marker systems and their preferred habitat conditions. According to a fossil‐calibrated molecular clock for all African tortoise lineages using 1,870 bp mitochondrial and 1,416 bp nuclear DNA, the two lineages of C. angulata diverged in the Pliocene (approx. 3.8 million years ago). Species distribution models reveal that the ranges of the two lineages shifted little since the Last Glacial Maximum, which is in agreement with the demographic population descriptors suggestive of stationary populations that did not experience expansion. One lineage occurs in the west, and the other in the south of the extant distribution range. In the geographic contact zone, the two lineages hybridize extensively, providing evidence for their conspecificity under the biological species concept. Each lineage could be recognized as a distinct subspecies, but the ill‐defined geographic origins of the type material of the available names prevent their identification with any taxon. With respect to the nuclear genomic markers, the western lineage shows further north‐south substructuring. A few genetically mismatched tortoises are interpreted as human translocations. Our study underlines that confiscated or captive angulate tortoises of unknown geographic provenance should not be released without prior genetic screening to avoid genetic pollution of wild populations.
Validating women’s reports of antenatal and postnatal care received in Bangladesh, Cambodia and Kenya
Authors: McCarthy Katharine J , Blanc Ann K , Warren Charlotte , Bajracharya Ashish , Bellows Benjamin 
Published: April 2020

BackgroundGlobal indicators for monitoring progress in maternal and newborn health have tended to rely on contact coverage indicators rather than the content of services received. As part of the effort to improve measurement of progress in maternal and newborn health, this study examines how accurately women can report on information and health interventions received during an antenatal or postnatal health consultation at health facilities in Bangladesh, Cambodia and Kenya.MethodsWe conducted secondary analysis of matched observation and client interview data to compare women’s reports of care received at exit interview with observation by a trained third-party observer. We assessed indicator accuracy by calculating sensitivity, specificity, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and inflation factor (IF). Indicators considered to have both high individual accuracy (an AUC value of 0.70 or greater) and low population-level bias (0.75<IF<1.25) were considered to have acceptable validity. In addition, we considered the number of countries where both validation criteria were met.ResultsFor indicators of antenatal care, we found 16 of 18 indicators in Bangladesh, 3 of 6 in Cambodia and 3 of 8 in Kenya met both validation criteria. For postnatal care, we found evidence of acceptable validity for 6 of 8 indicators in Bangladesh, 5 of 14 in Cambodia and 3 of 16 in Kenya. In general, we documented higher validity for indicators related to concrete, observable actions, as opposed to information or advice given. Women were more likely to recall care received for themselves, rather than for their newborn.ConclusionsWomen reported accurately on multiple aspects of antenatal and postnatal care. While we describe broad patterns in the types of indicators likely to be recalled with accuracy, differences by setting warrant further investigation. Findings inform efforts to better monitor the coverage and quality of maternal and newborn health interventions.
Extending an open-source tool to measure data quality: case report on Observational Health Data Science and Informatics (OHDSI)
Authors: Dixon Brian E , Wen Chen , French Tony , Williams Jennifer L , Duke Jon D , Grannis Shaun J 
Published: April 2020

IntroductionAs the health system seeks to leverage large-scale data to inform population outcomes, the informatics community is developing tools for analysing these data. To support data quality assessment within such a tool, we extended the open-source software Observational Health Data Sciences and Informatics (OHDSI) to incorporate new functions useful for population health.MethodsWe developed and tested methods to measure the completeness, timeliness and entropy of information. The new data quality methods were applied to over 100 million clinical messages received from emergency department information systems for use in public health syndromic surveillance systems.DiscussionWhile completeness and entropy methods were implemented by the OHDSI community, timeliness was not adopted as its context did not fit with the existing OHDSI domains. The case report examines the process and reasons for acceptance and rejection of ideas proposed to an open-source community like OHDSI.