bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The emergency department as a setting‐specific opportunity for population‐based hepatitis C screening: An economic evaluation
Authors: Mendlowitz Andrew B. , Naimark David , Wong William W. L. , Capraru Camelia , Feld Jordan J. , Isaranuwatchai Wanrudee , Krahn Murray 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackground and AimsThe World Health Organization's hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination strategy recognizes the need for interventions that identify populations most affected by infection. The emergency department (ED) has been suggested as a setting for HCV screening. The study objective was to explore the health and economic impact of HCV screening in the ED setting.MethodsWe used a microsimulation model to conduct a cost‐utility analysis evaluating two ED setting‐specific strategies: no screening, and screening and subsequent treatment. Strategies were examined for two populations: (a) the general ED patient population; and (b) ED patients born between 1945 and 1975. The analysis was conducted from a healthcare payer perspective over a lifetime time horizon. A reference and high ED HCV seroprevalence measure were examined in the Canadian healthcare setting.US costs of chronic infection were used for a scenario analysis of screening in the US healthcare setting.ResultsFor birth cohort screening, in comparison to no screening, one liver‐related death was averted for every 760 and 123 persons screened for the reference and high seroprevalence measures. For general population screening, one liver‐related death was averted for every 831 and 147 persons screened for the reference and high seroprevalence measures. In comparison to no screening, birth cohort screening was cost‐effective at CAN$25,584/quality‐adjusted life year (QALY) and US$42,615/QALY. General population screening was cost‐effective at CAN$19,733/QALY and US$32,187/QALY.ConclusionsED screening may represent a cost‐effective component of population‐based strategies to eliminate HCV. Further studies are warranted to explore the feasibility and acceptability of this approach.
Selenoprotein genetic variants may modify the association between serum selenium and oral cancer risk
Authors: Bao Xiaodan , Yan Lingjun , Lin Jing , Chen Qing , Chen Lin , Zhuang Zhaocheng , Wang Rui , Hong Yihong , Qian Jiawen , Wang Jing , Chen Fa , Liu Fengqiong , Wang Jing , He Baochang 
Published: April 2020

AbstractObjectiveThe relationship between selenium (Se) and oral cancer is still controversial, and the selenoprotein genes play crucial roles in selenium metabolism. We aim to investigate the potential effect of selenoprotein genes (including GPx and TXNRD) in the association of serum Se with oral cancer risk.MethodsA case–control study including 235 oral cancer cases and 406 controls from September 2011 to December 2018 was conducted in Fujian, China. The peripheral blood samples were obtained from each participant. Genotyping was performed by MassARRAY system, and serum Se levels were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS).ResultsCompared with the lowest tertile of Se concentration, those with Se levels in the third tertile were associated with the lower risk of oral cancer (OR = 0.228; 95% CI: 0.135, 0.384). After additional adjustment for genetic risk score (GRS, derived from selenoprotein genetic variants), the model demonstrated the superior goodness of fit. When stratified by GRS, the negative correlation of serum Se was more pronounced among those with low risk (i.e., lower GRS). Moreover, there is a multiplicative interaction between serum Se and GRS for the risk of oral cancer (p = .001).ConclusionsThe present study suggests that serum Se levels may be significantly associated with oral cancer risk, yet the association may be modified by the effects of selenoprotein genetic variants.
OsSQD1 at the crossroads of phosphate and sulfur metabolism affects plant morphology and lipid composition in response to phosphate deprivation
Authors: Sun Yafei , Jain Ajay , Xue Yong , Wang Xiaowen , Zhao Gengmao , Liu Lu , Hu Zhi , Hu Siwen , Shen Xing , Liu Xiuli , Ai Hao , Xu Guohua , Sun Shubin 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIn phosphate (Pi)‐deprived Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), phosphatidylglycerol (PG) is substituted by sulfolipid for maintaining Pi homeostasis. Sulfoquinovosyl diacylglycerol1 (AtSQD1) encodes a protein, which catalyzes uridine diphosphate glucose (UDPG) and sulfite (SO32−) to UDP‐sulfoquinovose, which is a key component in the sulfolipid biosynthetic pathway. In this study, a reverse genetics approach was employed to decipher the function of the AtSQD1 homolog OsSQD1 in rice. Differential expressions of OsSQD1 in different tissue and response to −P and −S also detected, respectively. The in vitro protein assay and analysis suggests that OsSQD1 is a UDP‐sulfoquinovose synthase. Transient expression analysis showed that OsSQD1 is located in the chloroplast. The analyses of the knockout (ossqd1) and knockdown (Ri1 and Ri2) mutants demonstrated reductions in Pi and total P concentrations, 32Pi uptake rate, expression levels of Pi transporters and altered developmental responses of root traits, which were accentuated during Pi deficiency. The inhibitory effects of the OsSQD1 mutation were also evident in the development of reproductive tissue. Furthermore, OsSQD1 differently affects lipid composition under different Pi regime affects sulfur (S) homeostasis. Together, the study revealed that OsSQD1 affects Pi and S homeostasis, and lipid composition in response to Pi deprivation.
A framework for covariate balance using Bregman distances
Authors: Josey Kevin P. , Juarez‐Colunga Elizabeth , Yang Fan , Ghosh Debashis 
Published: April 2020

AbstractA common goal in observational research is to estimate marginal causal effects in the presence of confounding variables. One solution to this problem is to use the covariate distribution to weight the outcomes such that the data appear randomized. The propensity score is a natural quantity that arises in this setting. Propensity score weights have desirable asymptotic properties, but they often fail to adequately balance covariate data in finite samples. Empirical covariate balancing methods pose as an appealing alternative by exactly balancing the sample moments of the covariate distribution. With this objective in mind, we propose a framework for estimating balancing weights by solving a constrained convex program, where the criterion function to be optimized is a Bregman distance. We then show that the different distances in this class render identical weights to those of other covariate balancing methods. A series of numerical studies are presented to demonstrate these similarities.
Towards a new framework of personalized psychological interventions to improve intergroup relations and promote peace
Authors: Halperin Eran , Schori‐Eyal Noa 
Published: April 2020

AbstractRecent increases in intergroup tensions and violence have global negative implications and underline the need for effective interventions to ameliorate conflictual relations. Despite the ongoing trend in social psychology toward an interventionist approach, there is still a theoretical and empirical gap in personalizing intergroup interventions to achieve optimal effectiveness. Integrating interventions aimed at prejudice reduction and promoting peace, we present a theoretical framework for personalizing these intergroup interventions. We propose a three‐layer model: personalization parameters, intergroup interventions, and mechanisms that link parameter and intervention. To illustrate the model, three sample parameters are described (ideology, dominant emotional sentiments, and Big Five personality types) and three corresponding mechanisms (level of intervention congruency; the degree to which an intervention addresses core appraisal theme; and a needs‐based mechanism). We demonstrate how the parameters and mechanisms map onto different established intergroup interventions, and suggest some empirical directions to test and later apply the theoretical framework. Finally, we discuss the potential of personalized interventions to substantially improve intergroup relations.
Strength Analysis of Buried Polyethylene Pipeline Under Ground Subsidence Considering Multivariate Influence
Authors: Wu Ying , Zhang Yuan , Zha Sixi , Qin Guojin 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Due to the combined effects of natural and human factors, the ground subsidence is aggravated, which brings potential hazards to the normal operation of buried polyethylene (PE) pipelines. A variety of variables influences the safety of buried pipelines, while the existing research lacks detailed analysis on the issue. A finite element model of buried PE pipeline was developed to analyze how various factors affected the strength of PE pipeline under ground subsidence. Furthermore, the orthogonal test combined with the gray correlation degree was used to analyze the significance of each influencing factor. The results show that (1) the strain rate of the pipe is different at different ground subsidence rates, and the maximum equivalent stress of the pipe increases with the increase of the strain rate; (2) the maximum equivalent stress diminishes with the increasing wall thickness of the pipeline and the length of the transition section; and (3) the factor that has the most significant influence on the maximum equivalent stress of the pipeline is the settlement, followed by the strain rate and the length of the transition section. The internal pressure has the least influence on the maximum equivalent stress in the context of ground subsidence induced stresses.
Numerical and Experimental Study of Plastic Deformation During Flash Butt Welding of X65 Pipeline Steel
Authors: Zhao P. C. , Hu Y. T. , Wang L. L. , Liu Z. W. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe plastic deformation during flash-butt welding (FBW) and its effects on weld quality are investigated by using numerical and experimental methods. The electro-thermo-mechanical coupling model of FBW is validated by comparing the calculated temperature and plastic deformation to measured one, obtaining reasonable agreement. The calculation results reveal that a thin liquid metal film forms at the contact interface during accelerating flash stage to provide temperature conditions for upsetting. The length of liquid metal (including burning and expelled losses) is 29.7 mm for one piece pipeline tube under the given condition. The stress and strain at contact surface are both almost zero at the initial stage of upsetting due to the thin liquid metal film existing at the contact interface, and they rapidly increase to 58.0 MPa and 17.7, respectively, while the liquid metal are excluded from the contact interface between two tubes to be welded. The maximum plastic deformation is 18.1 mm at the given condition under the action of upsetting force. The experimental results illustrate that the microstructure of X65 FBW joints consists of massive ferrite, grain boundary pre-eutectic ferrite, pearlite, and widmannstatten, while the microstructure in heat-affected zone is fine ferrite and pearlite. The coarse grain size and gray spots in the butt joint severely decrease the tension strength and impact toughness.
Identification of a Putative
Salmonella enterica
Serotype Typhimurium Host Range Factor with Homology to IpaH and YopM by Signature-Tagged Mutagenesis
Authors: Tsolis Renée M. , Townsend Stacy M. , Miao Edward A. , Miller Samuel I. , Ficht Thomas A. , Adams L. Garry , Bäumler Andreas J. 
Published: April 2020

ABSTRACT

The genetic basis for the host adaptation of
Salmonella
serotypes is currently unknown. We have explored a new strategy to identify
Salmonella enterica
serotype Typhimurium (
S. typhimurium
) genes involved in host adaptation, by comparing the virulence of 260 randomly generated signature-tagged mutants during the oral infection of mice and calves. This screen identified four mutants, which were defective for colonization of only one of the two host species tested. One mutant, which only displayed a colonization defect during the infection of mice, was further characterized. During competitive infection experiments performed with the
S. typhimurium
wild type, the mutant was defective for colonization of murine Peyer's patches but colonized bovine Peyer's patches at the wild-type level. No difference in virulence between wild type and mutant was observed when calves were infected orally with 10
10
CFU/animal. In contrast, the mutant possessed a sixfold increase in 50% lethal morbidity dose when mice were infected orally. The transposon in this mutant was inserted in a 2.9-kb pathogenicity islet, which is located between
uvrB
and
yphK
on the
S. typhimurium
chromosome. This pathogenicity islet contained a single gene, termed
slrP
, with homology to
ipaH
of
Shigella flexneri
and
yopM
of
Yersinia pestis
. These data show that comparative screening of signature-tagged mutants in two animal species can be used for scanning the
S. typhimurium
genome for genes involved in host adaptation.
Interaction of Cationic Peptides with Lipoteichoic Acid and Gram-Positive Bacteria
Authors: Scott Monisha G. , Gold Michael R. , Hancock Robert E. W. 
Published: April 2020

ABSTRACTCompounds with antiendotoxin properties have been extensively studied for their potential as therapeutic agents for sepsis attributable to gram-negative bacteria. However, with the increasing incidence of gram-positive sepsis, there is interest in identifying compounds with a broad spectrum of action against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. A series of synthetic α-helical cationic peptides related to bee melittin and silk moth cecropin have previously been shown to bind lipopolysaccharide (LPS) with high affinity, inhibit LPS-induced tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) production in vitro and in vivo, and kill gram-negative bacteria. In this study, we analyzed whether these peptides were active against gram-positive bacteria; whether they could bind to lipoteichoic acid (LTA), the major proinflammatory structure on gram-positive bacteria; and whether they could block the ability of LTA to promote the release of cytokines by the RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cell line. We found that the cationic peptides demonstrated moderate growth-inhibitory activity toward gram-positive bacteria. In addition, the peptides bound LTA with high affinity. This correlated with the ability of the peptides to block LTA-induced production of TNF and interleukin-6 by RAW 264.7 cells but did not correlate with their ability to kill the bacteria. The peptides also effectively inhibited LTA-induced TNF production in a whole human blood assay. The peptides were also able to partly block the ability of heat-killedStaphylococcus aureus, as well as soluble products of liveS. aureus, to stimulate cytokine production by macrophages. Our results indicate that these cationic peptides may be useful to prevent sepsis and inflammation caused by both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria.
Autoantibodies to Brain Components and Antibodies to
Acinetobacter calcoaceticus
Are Present in Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy
Authors: Tiwana Harmale , Wilson Clyde , Pirt John , Cartmell William , Ebringer Alan 
Published: April 2020

ABSTRACT

Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) is a neurological disorder, predominantly of British cattle, which belongs to the group of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies together with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), kuru, and scrapie. Autoantibodies to brain neurofilaments have been previously described in patients with CJD and kuru and in sheep affected by scrapie. Spongiform-like changes have also been observed in chronic experimental allergic encephalomyelitis, at least in rabbits and guinea pigs, and in these conditions autoantibodies to myelin occur. We report here that animals with BSE have elevated levels of immunoglobulin A autoantibodies to brain components, i.e., neurofilaments (
P
< 0.001) and myelin (
P
< 0.001), as well as to
Acinetobacter calcoaceticus
(
P
< 0.001), saprophytic microbes found in soil which have sequences cross-reacting with bovine neurofilaments and myelin, but there were no antibody elevations against
Agrobacterium tumefaciens
or
Escherichia coli
. The relevance of such mucosal autoantibodies or antibacterial antibodies to the pathology of BSE and its possible link to prions requires further evaluation.
Fibronectin-Binding Proteins of
Staphylococcus aureus
Are Involved in Adherence to Human Airway Epithelium
Authors: Mongodin Emmanuel , Bajolet Odile , Cutrona Jérôme , Bonnet Noël , Dupuit Florence , Puchelle Edith , Bentzmann Sophie de 
Published: April 2020

ABSTRACT

This study was designed to investigate the molecular mechanisms of
Staphylococcus aureus
adherence to human airway epithelium. Using a humanized bronchial xenograft model in the nude mouse and primary cultures of human airway epithelial cells (HAEC), we showed that
S. aureus
adhered mainly to undifferentiated HAEC whereas weak adherence (11- to 20-fold lower) to differentiated HAEC was observed (
P
< 0.01). A fibronectin (FN)-binding protein (FnBP)-deficient strain of
S. aureus
had a fivefold-lower adherence level to undifferentiated HAEC than did the parental strain (
P
< 0.005), suggesting that
S. aureus
FN-binding capacity is involved in the adherence to HAEC. We also showed that 97% of 32
S. aureus
clinical strains, isolated from the airway secretions of cystic fibrosis patients (
n
= 18) and patients with nosocomial pneumonia (
n
= 14), possessed the two
fnb
genes. The strains from pneumonia patients had a significantly (
P
< 0.05) higher FN-binding capacity than did the strains from CF patients. This result was confirmed by the expression of FnBPs, investigated by Western ligand affinity blotting. Our results suggest a major role of FnBPs in the colonization of the airways by
S. aureus
and point to the importance of the adhesin regulatory pathways in the staphylococcal infectious process.
Blue LED phototherapy in preterm infants: effects on an oxidative marker of DNA damage
Authors: van der Schoor Lori W E , van Faassen Martijn H J R , Kema Ido , Baptist Dyvonne H , Olthuis Annelies J , Jonker Johan W , Verkade Henkjan J , Groen Henk , Hulzebos Christian V 
Published: April 2020

BackgroundPhototherapy is used on the majority of preterm infants with unconjugated hyperbilirubinaemia. The use of fluorescent tube phototherapy is known to induce oxidative DNA damage in infants and has largely been replaced by blue light-emitting diode phototherapy (BLP). To date, it is unknown whether BLP also induces oxidative DNA damage in preterm infants.ObjectiveTo determine whether BLP in preterm infants induces oxidative DNA damage as indicated by 8-hydroxy-2′deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG).DesignObservational cohort study.MethodsUrine samples (n=481) were collected in a cohort of 40 preterm infants (24–32 weeks’ gestational age) during the first week after birth. Urine was analysed for the oxidative marker of DNA damage 8-OHdG and for creatinine, and the 8-OHdG/creatinine ratio was calculated. Durations of phototherapy and levels of irradiance were monitored as well as total serum bilirubin concentrations.ResultsBLP did not alter urinary 8-OHdG/creatinine ratios (B=0.2, 95% CI −6.2 to 6.6) at either low (10–30 µW/cm2/nm) or high (>30 µW/cm2/nm) irradiance: (B=2.3, 95% CI −5.7 to 10.2 and B=−3.0, 95% CI −11.7 to 5.6, respectively). Also, the 8-OHdG/creatinine ratios were independent on phototherapy duration (B=−0.1, 95% CI −0.3 to 0.1).ConclusionsBLP at irradiances up to 35 µW/cm2/nm given to preterm infants ≤32 weeks’ gestation does not affect 8-OHdG, an oxidative marker of DNA damage.
Alterations to cardiac morphology and function among high-altitude workers: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Han Shurong , Zhao Lin , Ma Shiwei , Chen Zhangjian , Wu Shiping , Shen Min , Xia Guobin , Jia Guang 
Published: April 2020

ObjectivesExposure to high altitude can affect human health, including the development of adverse cardiovascular effects. This study aimed to investigate alterations in cardiac morphology and function in high-altitude workers and to identify risk factors associated with cardiac abnormalities.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted with 286 Qinghai-Tibetan Railroad maintenance workers. Participant data were collected from company personnel records. Data on echocardiography and diagnosis of cardiac abnormalities were extracted from participants’ medical records. Time-to-event analysis was used to investigate the risk of cardiac abnormalities among participants with different baseline characteristics and identify risk factors associated with cardiac abnormalities that developed as a result of working at high altitude.ResultsA total of 173 participants had developed cardiac abnormalities during the follow-up period. The most common cardiac abnormality was right atrial enlargement, followed by left ventricular diastolic dysfunction and tricuspid regurgitation. Among participants with cardiac abnormalities, the median follow-up time was 17 months. Compared with participants who were younger than 20 years and working at altitude <4000 m, participants older at employment and working at extremely high altitude were more likely to develop cardiac abnormalities. Nearly 40% of the participants who worked at altitude <4000 m remained without cardiac abnormalities during the follow-up period.ConclusionsOver 60% of participants developed cardiac abnormalities after working at high altitude, predominantly right heart enlargement and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction. Age at employment and workplace altitude were significant risk factors for cardiac abnormalities. Enhanced regular physical examinations are recommended for high-altitude workers.
Educational differences in the influence of health on early work exit among older workers
Authors: De Breij Sascha , Mäcken Jana , Qvist Jeevitha Yogachandiran , Holman Daniel , Hess Moritz , Huisman Martijn , Deeg Dorly J H 
Published: April 2020

ObjectivesPrevious research has shown that poor physical and mental health are important risk factors for early work exit. We examined potential differences in this association in older workers (50+) across educational levels.MethodsCoordinated analyses were carried out in longitudinal data sets from four European countries: the Netherlands (Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam), Denmark (Danish Longitudinal Study of Ageing), England (English Longitudinal Study of Ageing) and Germany (German Ageing Survey). The effect of poor self-rated health (SRH), functional limitations and depression on different types of early work exit (early retirement, economic inactivity, disability and unemployment) was examined using Cox regression analysis. We examined educational differences in these effects by testing interaction terms.ResultsPoor physical and mental health were more common among the lower educated. Poor SRH, functional limitations, and depression were all associated with a higher risk of early work exit. These health effects were strongest for the disability exit routes (poor SRH: HRs 5.77 to 8.14; functional limitations: HRs 6.65 to 10.42; depression: HRs 3.30 to 5.56). In the Netherlands (functional limitations) and England (functional limitations and SRH), effects were stronger in the lower educated.ConclusionsThe prevalence of health problems, that is, poor SRH, functional limitations and depression, was higher in the lower educated workers. All three health indicators increase the risk of early work exit. In some countries, health effects on early exit were stronger in the lower educated. Thus, lower educated older workers are an important target group for health policy and intervention.