bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prediction of Esophageal Varices by Liver Stiffness and Platelets in Persons With Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection and Compensated Advanced Chronic Liver Disease
Authors: Merchante Nicolás , Saroli Palumbo Chiara , Mazzola Giovanni , Pineda Juan A , Téllez Francisco , Rivero-Juárez Antonio , Ríos-Villegas Maria José , Maurice James B , Westbrook Rachel H , Judge Rebekah , Guaraldi Giovanni , Schepis Filippo , Perazzo Hugo , Rockstroh Juergen , Boesecke Christoph , Klein Marina B , Cervo Adriana , Ghali Peter , Wong Philip , Petta Salvatore , De Ledinghen Victor , Macías Juan , Sebastiani Giada 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundPeople living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH) are at increased risk of cirrhosis and esophageal varices. Baveno VI criteria, based on liver stiffness measurement (LSM) and platelet count, have been proposed to avoid unnecessary esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) screening for esophageal varices needing treatment (EVNT). This approach has not been validated in PLWH.MethodsPLWH from 8 prospective cohorts were included if they fulfilled the following criteria: (1) compensated advanced chronic liver disease (LSM &gt;10 kPa); (2) availability of EGD within 6 months of reliable LSM. Baveno VI (LSM &lt;20 kPa and platelets &gt;150 000/μL), expanded Baveno VI (LSM &lt;25 kPa and platelets &gt;110 000/μL), and Estudio de las Hepatitis Víricas (HEPAVIR) criteria (LSM &lt;21 kPa) were applied to identify patients not requiring EGD screening. Criteria optimization was based on the percentage of EGDs spared, while keeping the risk of missing EVNT &lt;5%.ResultsFive hundred seven PLWH were divided into a training (n = 318) and a validation set (n = 189). EVNT were found in 7.5%. In the training set, Baveno VI, expanded Baveno VI, and HEPAVIR criteria spared 10.1%, 25.5%, and 28% of EGDs, while missing 0%, 1.2%, and 2.2% of EVNT, respectively. The best thresholds to rule out EVNT were platelets &gt;110 000/μL and LSM &lt;30 kPa (HIV cirrhosis criteria), with 34.6% of EGDs spared and 0% EVNT missed. In the validation set, HEPAVIR and HIV cirrhosis criteria spared 54% and 48.7% of EGDs, while missing 4.9% and 2.2% EVNT, respectively.ConclusionsBaveno VI criteria can be extended to HEPAVIR and HIV cirrhosis criteria while sparing a significant number of EGDs, thus improving resource utilization for PLWH with compensated advanced chronic liver disease.
Shiga Toxin–Producing Escherichia coli Infections Associated With Romaine Lettuce—United States, 2018
Authors: Bottichio Lyndsay , Keaton Amelia , Thomas Deepam , Fulton Tara , Tiffany Amanda , Frick Anna , Mattioli Mia , Kahler Amy , Murphy Jennifer , Otto Mark , Tesfai Adiam , Fields Angela , Kline Kelly , Fiddner Jennifer , Higa Jeffrey , Barnes Amber , Arroyo Francine , Salvatierra Annabelle , Holland April , Taylor Wendy , Nash June , Morawski Bozena M , Correll Sarah , Hinnenkamp Rachel , Havens Jeffrey , Patel Kane , Schroeder Morgan N , Gladney Lori , Martin Haley , Whitlock Laura , Dowell Natasha , Newhart Corinne , Watkins Louise Francois , Hill Vincent , Lance Susan , Harris Stic , Wise Matthew , Williams Ian , Basler Colin , Gieraltowski Laura 
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Background
Produce-associated outbreaks of Shiga toxin–producing Escherichia coli (STEC) were first identified in 1991. In April 2018, New Jersey and Pennsylvania officials reported a cluster of STEC O157 infections associated with multiple locations of a restaurant chain. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) queried PulseNet, the national laboratory network for foodborne disease surveillance, for additional cases and began a national investigation.

Methods
A case was defined as an infection between 13 March and 22 August 2018 with 1 of the 22 identified outbreak-associated E. coli O157:H7 or E. coli O61 pulsed-field gel electrophoresis pattern combinations, or with a strain STEC O157 that was closely related to the main outbreak strain by whole-genome sequencing. We conducted epidemiologic and traceback investigations to identify illness subclusters and common sources. A US Food and Drug Administration–led environmental assessment, which tested water, soil, manure, compost, and scat samples, was conducted to evaluate potential sources of STEC contamination.

Results
We identified 240 case-patients from 37 states; 104 were hospitalized, 28 developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, and 5 died. Of 179 people who were interviewed, 152 (85%) reported consuming romaine lettuce in the week before illness onset. Twenty subclusters were identified. Product traceback from subcluster restaurants identified numerous romaine lettuce distributors and growers; all lettuce originated from the Yuma growing region. Water samples collected from an irrigation canal in the region yielded the outbreak strain of STEC O157.

Conclusions
We report on the largest multistate leafy greens–linked STEC O157 outbreak in several decades. The investigation highlights the complexities associated with investigating outbreaks involving widespread environmental contamination.
Endocardial ventricular pulsed field ablation: a proof-of-concept preclinical evaluation
Authors: Koruth Jacob S , Kuroki Kenji , Iwasawa Jin , Viswanathan Raju , Brose Richard , Buck Eric D , Donskoy Elina , Dukkipati Srinivas R , Reddy Vivek Y 
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Aims
Pulsed field ablation (PFA) is a novel, non-thermal modality that selectively ablates myocardium with ultra-short electrical impulses while sparing collateral tissues. In a proof-of-concept study, the safety and feasibility of ventricular PFA were assessed using a prototype steerable, endocardial catheter.

Methods and results
Under general anaesthesia, the left and right ventricles of four healthy swine were ablated using the 12-Fr deflectable PFA catheter and a deflectable sheath guided by electroanatomic mapping. Using the study catheter, electrograms were recorded for each site and pre-ablation and post-ablation pacing thresholds (at 2.0 ms pulse width) were recorded in two of four animals. After euthanasia at 35.5 days, the hearts were submitted for histology. The PFA applications (n = 39) resulted in significant electrogram reduction without ventricular arrhythmias. In ablation sites where it was measured, the pacing thresholds increased by &gt;16.8 mA in the right ventricle (3 sites) and &gt;16.1 mA in the left ventricle (7 sites), with non-capture at maximum amplitude (20 mA) observable in 8 of 10 sites. Gross measurements, available for 28 of 30 ablation sites, revealed average lesion dimensions to be 6.5 ± 1.7 mm deep by 22.6 ± 4.1 mm wide, with a maximum depth and width of 9.4 mm and 28.6 mm, respectively. In the PFA lesions, fibrous tissue homogeneously replaced myocytes with a narrow zone of surrounding myocytolysis and no overlying thrombus. When present, nerve fascicles and vasculature were preserved within surrounding fibrosis.

Conclusion
We demonstrate that endocardial PFA can be focally delivered using this prototype catheter to create homogeneous, myocardium-specific lesions.
Deciphering belowground nitrifier assemblages with elevational soil sampling in a subtropical forest ecosystem (Mount Lu, China)
Authors: Han Shun , Tan Shuang , Wang Achen , Chen Wenli , Huang Qiaoyun 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACTThe elevational distribution patterns of microbial functional groups have long been attracting scientific interest. Ammonia-oxidizers (ammonia-oxidizing archaea [AOA] and bacteria [AOB]), complete ammonia oxidation (comammox) Nitrospira and nitrite-oxidizers (e.g. Nitrobacter and Nitrospira) play crucial roles in the nitrogen cycle, yet their activities and abundances in response to elevational gradients in a subtropical forest ecosystem remain unclear. Here, we investigated the distribution of potential functions and abundances of these nitrifiers in forest soils along elevational gradients on Mount Lu, China. Our results showed that AOA and Nitrospira abundance was higher than that of their counterparts. Only AOA, Nitrobacter and comammox Nitrospira abundances followed a hump-backed-model with altitude. Soil potential ammonia-oxidation activity (PAO) and nitrite-oxidation activity (PNO) ranged from 0.003 to 0.084 and 0.34 to 0.53 μg NO2−-N g−1 dry soil h−1, respectively. The biotic (AOA, Nitrobacter, Nitrospira and comammox Nitrospira abundances) and abiotic factors (soil variables) jointly affected PAO, whereas the abiotic factors were mainly responsible for PNO. Variance partitioning analysis showed that contemporary environmental disturbance is the most important driver for the biogeography of nitrifier assemblages. Overall, our findings indicate that forest soil nitrifier assemblages exhibit a biogeographic pattern largely shaped by soil chemistry along an elevational gradient.
Guilty Pleasure? Communicating Sexually Explicit Content on Dating Apps and Disillusionment with App Usage
Authors: Niehuis Sylvia , Reifman Alan , Weiser Dana A , Punyanunt-Carter Narissra M , Flora Jeanne , Arias Vladimir S , Oldham C Rebecca 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Some people send or receive sexually explicit images or messages when using dating apps. Seeing unwanted content may produce adverse effects, consistent with expectancy violations theory (EVT), and disillusion some users. To test links between encountering sexually explicit materials and dating app disillusionment (with oneself, with others, and regret over app usage), we surveyed two samples of dating app users. Study 1 (n = 531 college students) focused on Tinder, whereas Study 2 (n = 209 Mechanical Turk workers) examined dating apps broadly. In each study, a latent class analysis sorted users into four groups, based on their dating app engagement with sexual content. Participants who rarely exchanged and did not enjoy sexual content were most regretful, as even one bad experience might have violated their expectations. Contrary to EVT, participants with high enjoyment of explicit materials felt disillusioned with themselves. Participants citing relationship-seeking purposes for app usage were highly disillusioned when heavily involved with explicit content.
Connecting Everyday Talk and Time Alone to Global Well-Being
Authors: Hall Jeffrey A , Merolla Andy J 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Theoretical explanations for associations between characteristics of social interactions and global well-being (e.g., life satisfaction, loneliness) require further development and empirical grounding. We used the Communicate Bond Belong theory to develop six hypotheses linking the frequency, type, relatedness-to-energy ratio, and volition/choice of everyday social interactions with global well-being. Hypotheses were tested using two experience sampling studies and one 28-day diary study (TotalN = 389; Totalobservations = 10,368). Results suggest that number of social interactions is associated with global well-being, and that the portion of interactions with close partners is associated with lower loneliness. Experiencing unsatiated social needs when alone was negatively associated with global well-being and greater interaction choice was positively associated with global well-being. This study contributes to the ongoing discussion about how the pattern and nature of daily sociability are reflective of human thriving.
Effects of the patient education strategy ‘Learning and Coping’ in cardiac rehabilitation on readmissions and mortality: a randomized controlled trial (LC-REHAB)
Authors: Lynggaard V , Zwisler A D , Taylor R S , May O , Nielsen C V 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
We assessed the effects of the patient education strategy ‘Learning and Coping’ (LC) in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) on mortality and readmissions by exploring results from the LC-REHAB trial. In all, 825 patients with ischaemic heart disease or heart failure were randomized to the intervention arm (LC-CR) or the control arm (standard CR) at three hospitals in Denmark. LC-CR was situational and inductive, with experienced patients as co-educators supplemented with two individual interviews. Group-based training and education hours were the same in both arms. Outcomes were time to death or readmission, length of stay and absolute number of deaths or readmissions. No between-arm differences were found in time to death, first readmission, or length of stay. Within 30 days after completion of CR, the absolute number of all-cause readmissions was 117 in the LC arm and 146 in the control arm, adjusted odds ratio 78 (95% CI: 0.61–1.01), P = 0.06. This trend diminished over time. Adding LC strategies to standard CR showed a short term but no significant long-term effect on mortality or readmissions. However, the study was not powered to detect differences in mortality and morbidity. Thus, a risk of overseeing a true effect was present.
A transcriptional and post-transcriptional dysregulation of Dishevelled 1 and 2 underlies the Wnt signaling impairment in type I Gaucher disease experimental models
Authors: Costa Roberto , Bellesso Stefania , Lualdi Susanna , Manzoli Rosa , Pistorio Valeria , Filocamo Mirella , Moro Enrico 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Bone differentiation defects have been recently tied to Wnt signaling alterations occurring in vitro and in vivo Gaucher disease (GD) models. In this work, we provide evidence that the Wnt signaling multi-domain intracellular transducers Dishevelled 1 and 2 (DVL1 and DVL2) may be potential upstream targets of impaired beta glucosidase (GBA1) activity by showing their misexpression in different type 1 GD in vitro models. We also show that in Gba mutant fish a miR-221 upregulation is associated with reduced dvl2 expression levels and that in type I Gaucher patients single-nucleotide variants in the DVL2 3′ untranslated region are related to variable canonical Wnt pathway activity. Thus, we strengthen the recently outlined relation between bone differentiation defects and Wnt/β-catenin dysregulation in type I GD and further propose novel mechanistic insights of the Wnt pathway impairment caused by glucocerebrosidase loss of function.
The state of the HIV epidemic in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: a novel application of disease metrics to assess trajectories and highlight areas for intervention
Authors: Vandormael Alain , Cuadros Diego , Kim Hae-Young , Bärnighausen Till , Tanser Frank 
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Background
South Africa is at the epicentre of the HIV pandemic, with the world's highest number of new infections and the largest treatment programme. Using metrics proposed by the Joint United Nations Programme on AIDS (UNAIDS), we evaluate progress toward epidemic control and highlight areas for intervention in a hyperendemic South African setting.

Methods
The Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI) maintains a comprehensive population-based surveillance system in the Hlabisa sub-district of KwaZulu-Natal. Between 2005 and 2017, we tested 39 735 participants (aged 15–49 years) for HIV and followed 22 758 HIV-negative and 13 460 HIV-positive participants to identify new infections and all-cause AIDS-related deaths, respectively. Using these data, we estimated the percentage reduction in incidence, the absolute incidence rate, the incidence-mortality ratio and the incidence-prevalence ratio over place and time.

Results
We observed a 62% reduction in the number of new infections among men between 2012 and 2017 and a 34% reduction among women between 2014 and 2017. Among men, the incidence-mortality ratio peaked at 4.1 in 2013 and declined to 3.1 in 2017, and among women it fell from a high of 6.4 in 2014 to 4.3 in 2017. Between 2012 and 2017, the female-incidence/male-prevalence ratio declined from 0.24 to 0.13 and the male-incidence/female-prevalence ratio from 0.05 to 0.02.

Conclusions
Using data from a population-based cohort study, we report impressive progress toward HIV epidemic control in a severely affected South African setting. However, overall progress is off track for 2020 targets set by the UNAIDS. Spatial estimates of the metrics, which demonstrate remarkable heterogeneity over place and time, indicate areas that could benefit from additional or optimized HIV prevention services.
The Epidemiology of Herpes Zoster in Immunocompetent, Unvaccinated Adults ≥50 Years Old: Incidence, Complications, Hospitalization, Mortality, and Recurrence
Authors: Tseng Hung Fu , Bruxvoort Katia , Ackerson Bradley , Luo Yi , Tanenbaum Hilary , Tian Yun , Zheng Chengyi , Cheung Bianca , Patterson Brandon J , Van Oorschot Desiree , Sy Lina S 
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Background
Data on the epidemiology of herpes zoster (HZ), particularly in the unvaccinated immunocompetent population, are needed to assess disease burden and the potential impact of vaccination.

Methods
The study at a large health care organization comprised: (1) incidence estimated from immunocompetent adults aged ≥50 years unvaccinated with zoster vaccine live who had incident HZ in 2011–2015; (2) proportion of HZ-related nonpain complications assessed by double abstraction of electronic health records (EHRs) of 600 incident patients 2011–2015; (3) HZ-related hospitalizations among HZ patients diagnosed in 2015; (4) HZ-related death determined from automated data and EHRs; and (5) recurrent HZ identified from a cohort initially diagnosed with HZ in 2007–2008 and followed through 2016.

Results
HZ incidence rate was 9.92/1000 person-years (95% confidence interval [CI], 9.82–10.01). Proportions of cutaneous, neurologic, and other complications were 6.40% (95% CI,1.73%–11.07%), 0.77% (95% CI, .00%–2.36%), and 1.01% (95% CI, .00%–2.93%), respectively. Only 0.86% of patients had an HZ-related hospitalization. The case-fatality rate was 0.04%. Recurrence rate was 10.96/1000 person-years (95% CI, 10.18–11.79) with 10-year recurrence risk of 10.26% (95% CI, 9.36%–11.23%).

Conclusions
These recent HZ epidemiology data among an immunocompetent, unvaccinated population measure real-world disease burden.
306 Welfare implications of husbandry procedures impair piglets’ welfare and production, and farms’ economic
Authors: Morgan Liat , Itina-Swartz Beata , Koren Lee , Meyer Jerrold , Raz Tal 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Piglets commonly undergo a set of invasive procedures, which may include surgical castration, tail docking and teeth clipping. These procedures potentially result in pain and stress, which may negatively affect the animals’ health, welfare and production. Our objective was to examine welfare and production parameters of pigs from birth to slaughter. Litters (n = 32 sows; 329 piglets; 3 days after farrowing) were allocated randomly into 4 groups; G1: Surgical castration, tail docking and teeth clipping, without environmental enrichment; G2: same as G1, but meaningful environmental enrichment was provided; G3: Immunocastration (Improvac®), tail docking, teeth clipping, with environmental enrichment; G4: none of the invasive procedures were performed, piglet were vaccinated (Improvac®), and environmental enrichment was provided. Mixed-effects Linear Regression model revealed that standardized slaughter weight significantly increased when invasive procedures were avoided and environmental enrichment was provided (G1: 99.2±1.07, G2: 99.9±1.4, G3: 103.6±.1.58, G4: 106.5±1.6 Kg; P &lt; 0.05). The odds ratio to be weak, dead or injured in the conventional, non-enriched G1, was 89% higher than in G4 (P &lt; 0.05). Hair Cortisol on weaning day, as a marker for chronic stress, significantly decreased when welfare implications were avoided (G3: -32.18%, P = 0.014; G4: -24.5%, P = 0.102). Saliva Cortisol, from weaning to slaughter, as a marker for acute stress, was significantly lower in all enriched groups as compared to the conventional, non-enriched Group1 (Group2: -0.74±0.37, Group3: -1.1±0.35, Group4: -0.98±0.36; Linear Regression). Anti-GnRH vaccine was effective in reducing serum and hair testosterone, and hair DHEA, similar to surgical castration. An economic model based on this study suggests an expected rise of 1.48 to 1.92 billion USD if applied to the US pig industry. In conclusion, replacing surgical castration by anti-GnRH vaccine, avoiding tail docking and teeth clipping, and providing environmental enrichment, are better alternatives that would substantially benefit both the animals and farmers.
6 Knowledge hybrid vigor: improving beef cattle management with the integration of environmental and behavioral technologies
Authors: Daigle Courtney L 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Historically, technological advancements in beef production have centered on genetic selection, dietary modifications, veterinary products, and feeding strategies to optimize the rumen environment and to maximize cattle health and efficiency. While these efforts have yielded substantial welfare gains, there remains a need to develop integrative technologies that evaluate the relationships among individual animal movement, group dynamics, individual health, and overall productivity. Large scale adoption of precision agriculture is gaining momentum and presents an opportunity to objectively quantify individual animal behavior at the resolution needed and context required to evaluate welfare at the speed of commerce. Behavior monitoring, individual movement patterns and space use, multi-animal network analyses, resource monitoring systems, and algorithm refinements are needed to accelerate our ability to monitor individual animals in group settings – a critical characteristic of evaluating welfare. The combination of the data from these multiple systems and can provide valuable information to the producer regarding the 24-hour cycle of feeding patterns, rumination behavior, activity levels, water consumption, and space use. This approach would establish behavioral expectations and identify deviations from the norm. Each of these technologies contribute different, yet important, pieces of information regarding the holistic evaluation of cattle welfare. While the marketplace is competitive, synthesis of the information (e.g., feeding behavior, water intake, rumination and activity) from these different behavior monitoring systems may result in a type of “knowledge hybrid vigor” regarding our ability to evaluate animal welfare. This approach may provide producers a comprehensive evaluation of each animal – as an individual and within the group context. In the beef industry, technology-based welfare evaluation systems must be sector-specific in design (e.g., cow-calf pairing, stocker grazing behavior, rumen monitoring in feedlots). This type of welfare assessment approach requires individual animal identification; therefore, ubiquitous adoption of individual animal identification is necessary for maximizing cattle welfare.