bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An Examination of COVID‐19 Mortality in High‐Minority Nursing Homes
Authors: Weech‐Maldonado Robert , Lord Justin , Davlyatov Ganisher , Ghiasi Akbar , Orewa Gregory 
Published: September 2021

Research ObjectiveRacial/ethnic disparities in healthcare have been highlighted by the recent COVID‐19 pandemic. Using the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ Nursing Home COVID‐19 Public File, we examined the relationship between nursing home racial/ethnic mix and COVID‐19 resident mortality. Additionally, we examined the effects of resident characteristics, market resource availability, and organizational characteristics as it relates to nursing home racial/ethnic disparities in COVID‐19 mortality.Study DesignMultivariate regressions were used to model the relationship between COVID‐19 deaths and the proportion of racial/ethnic minority residents (Black and Hispanic residents). Given the over‐dispersion of the count dependent variable (number of COVID‐19 deaths), negative binomial regressions were used. We used four nested sequential models to examine the separate contributions of facility‐level resident characteristics, resource availability, and other organizational characteristics to racial/ethnic disparities in COVID‐19 deaths. In addition, we controlled for size and interstate differences using state fixed effects.Population StudiedThe study sample consisted of all US nursing homes included in the CMS Nursing Home COVID‐19 Public File, or 15,382 nursing homes, which mirrors the national census of facilities.Principal FindingsAs of October 25, 2020, high minority nursing homes reported 6.5 COVID‐19 deaths as compared to 2.6 deaths for nursing homes that had no racial/ethnic minorities. After controlling for interstate differences, facility‐level resident characteristics, resource availability, and organizational characteristics, high‐minority nursing homes had 61% more COVID‐19 deaths (Incidence Rate Ratio [IRR] = 1.61; p < 0.001) as compared to nursing facilities with no minorities.ConclusionsFrom a policy perspective, nursing homes, that serve primarily minority populations, may need additional resources, such as, funding for staffing and personal protective equipment in the face of the pandemic. The COVID‐19 pandemic has sharpened the focus on healthcare disparities and societal inequalities in the delivery of long‐term care.Implications for Policy or PracticeThis study shows the disparate effect that COVID‐19 has had on nursing home mortality based on resident racial/ethnic mix. Even after controlling for interstate differences, facility‐level resident characteristics, resource availability, and organizational characteristics, high‐minority nursing homes had almost three times the probability of having COVID‐19 deaths compared to those with no minorities. These findings highlight the existing and systemic health disparities in nursing homes and the tangible impact it has on racial/ethnic minorities. Death due to COVID‐19 is greater risk for racial/ethnic minorities in nursing homes relative to White residents. Nursing homes that serve larger minority populations may need additional resources to combat this crisis.
Identification of essential β‐oxidation genes and corresponding metabolites for oestrogen degradation by actinobacteria
Authors: Hsiao Tsun‐Hsien , Lee Tzong‐Huei , Chuang Meng‐Rong , Wang Po‐Hsiang , Meng Menghsiao , Horinouchi Masae , Hayashi Toshiaki , Chen Yi‐Lung , Chiang Yin‐Ru 
Published: September 2021

SummarySteroidal oestrogens (C18) are contaminants receiving increasing attention due to their endocrine‐disrupting activities at sub‐nanomolar concentrations. Although oestrogens can be eliminated through photodegradation, microbial function is critical for removing oestrogens from ecosystems devoid of sunlight exposure including activated sludge, soils and aquatic sediments. Actinobacteria were found to be key oestrogen degraders in manure‐contaminated soils and estuarine sediments. Previously, we used the actinobacterium Rhodococcus sp. strain B50 as a model microorganism to identify two oxygenase genes, aedA and aedB, involved in the activation and subsequent cleavage of the estrogenic A‐ring respectively. However, genes responsible for the downstream degradation of oestrogen A/B‐rings remained completely unknown. In this study, we employed tiered comparative transcriptomics, gene disruption experiments and mass spectrometry‐based metabolite profile analysis to identify oestrogen catabolic genes. We observed the up‐regulation of thiolase‐encoding aedF and aedK in the transcriptome of strain B50 grown with oestrone. Consistently, two downstream oestrogenic metabolites, 5‐oxo‐4‐norestrogenic acid (C17) and 2,3,4‐trinorestrogenic acid (C15), were accumulated in aedF‐ and aedK‐disrupted strain B50 cultures. Disruption of fadD3 [3aα‐H‐4α(3'‐propanoate)‐7aβ‐methylhexahydro‐1,5‐indanedione (HIP)‐coenzyme A‐ligase gene] in strain B50 resulted in apparent HIP accumulation in oestrone‐fed cultures, indicating the essential role of fadD3 in actinobacterial oestrogen degradation. In addition, we detected a unique meta‐cleavage product, 4,5‐seco‐estrogenic acid (C18), during actinobacterial oestrogen degradation. Differentiating the oestrogenic metabolite profile and degradation genes of actinobacteria and proteobacteria enables the cost‐effective and time‐saving identification of potential oestrogen degraders in various ecosystems through liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis and polymerase chain reaction‐based functional assays.
Exploring relationships between alcohol consumption, inflammation, and brain structure in a heavy drinking sample
Authors: Karoly Hollis C. , Skrzynski Carillon J. , Moe Erin N. , Bryan Angela D. , Hutchison Kent E. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundChronic alcohol consumption is associated with structural brain changes and increased inflammatory signaling throughout the brain and body. Increased inflammation in the brain has been associated with structural damage. Recent studies have also shown that neurofilament light polypeptide (NfL) is released into the systemic circulation following neuronal damage. Although NfL has thus been proposed as a biomarker for neurodegenerative diseases, its connection to alcohol use disorder has not been explored. For this secondary data analysis, we proposed a conceptual model linking alcohol consumption, the pro‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐6, brain structure, and NfL in heavy drinking participants.MethodsOf the 182 individuals enrolled in this study, 81 participants had usable data on gray matter (GM) thickness and 80 had usable data on white matter (WM) diffusivity. A subset of participants had NfL (n = 78) and IL‐6 (n = 117) data. An estimate of GM thickness was extracted from middle frontal brain regions using FreeSurfer. Estimated mean WM diffusivity values were extracted from Tract Based Spatial Statistics. NfL and IL‐6 were measured in blood. Regression models were used to test individual linkages in the conceptual model. Based on significant regression results, we created a simplified conceptual model, which we tested using path analysis.ResultsIn regressions, negative relationships emerged between GM and both drinks per drinking day (DPDD) (p = 0.018) and NfL (p = 0.004). A positive relationship emerged between WM diffusivity and DPDD (p = 0.033). IL‐6 was not significantly associated with alcohol use, GM or WM. The final path model demonstrated adequate fit to the data and showed significant, negative associations between DPDD and middle frontal gyrus (MFG) thickness, and between MFG thickness and NfL, but the association between DPDD and NfL was not significant.ConclusionsThis is the first study to show that heavy drinking is associated with lower GM thickness and higher WM diffusivity and that lower GM thickness is associated with higher circulating NfL. The analyses also show that the effects of drinking do not involve the pro‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐6.
Depressive symptoms interfere with the improvement in exercise capacity by cardiac rehabilitation after left ventricular assist device implantation
Authors: Kitagaki Kazufumi , Ono Rei , Shimada Yukihiro , Yanagi Hidetoshi , Konishi Harumi , Nakanishi Michio 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundAlthough depressive symptoms are associated with an increased risk of readmission after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation, it is unclear whether they affect the efficacy of exercise‐based cardiac rehabilitation (EBCR). This study aimed to investigate the effect of depressive symptoms on EBCR efficacy.MethodsWe analyzed 48 patients who participated in EBCR after LVAD implantation (mean age 45 ± 12 years; 60% male). Patients were classified into two groups using the Zung Self‐Rating Depression Scale (SDS): depressive group (SDS ≥40, n = 27) and non‐depressive group (SDS <40, n = 21). We examined changes in peak oxygen uptake (VO2), knee extensor muscular strength (KEMS), and quality of life (QOL) during EBCR using analysis of covariance.ResultsAlthough baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups, the non‐depressive group was less likely to receive diuretics (22% vs. 52%, p = 0.030). Peak VO2, KEMS, and QOL significantly increased over time in both groups (all p < 0.05). The depressive group had a significantly lower change in peak VO2 than the non‐depressive group (2.7 vs. 1.6 ml/kg/min; mean difference: −1.1 ml/kg/min, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.045 to −2.17; p = 0.041, d = 0.59). There was no between‐group difference regarding the change in KEMS or QOL. Adjusting for the baseline value, a significant difference between groups was observed only in peak VO2 (p = 0.045).ConclusionsAlthough EBCR significantly improved exercise capacity after LVAD implantation, depressive symptoms interfered with this improvement. Further studies are needed to determine whether psychological interventions for depression, in addition to EBCR, would improve the response to EBCR after LVAD implantation.
The impact of virtuality on team effectiveness in organizational and non‐organizational teams: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Purvanova Radostina K. , Kenda Renata 
Published: September 2021

AbstractWe meta‐analytically assess the virtuality‐team effectiveness relationship using 73 samples of organizational teams (5738 teams) reporting on a wide range of productive (e.g. earnings), performance (e.g. customer ratings), social (e.g. cohesion), and team member (e.g. project satisfaction) outcomes. Our results suggest that in work organizations, virtuality is not a direct input—negative or positive—to team effectiveness. In contrast, using 109 samples of non‐organizational teams (5620 teams), we show that virtuality is a significant negative input to team effectiveness. We also meta‐analytically assess the issue of results generalizability from non‐organizational to organizational settings, and find that overall, results from non‐organizational studies largely fail to generalize to organizational virtual teams. Using moderator analysis, we explore a number of study features that may explain the poor results generalizability from non‐organizational to organizational studies. We find that results from non‐organizational studies using undergraduate students, short team duration, and laboratory settings drive the non‐generalizability effect, whereas results from non‐organizational studies using graduate students, longer team duration, and classroom settings produce results comparable to those of organizational studies of virtual teams. Theoretical, methodological, and practical implications are discussed.
More than a solo method: Netnography’s capacity to enhance offline research methods
Authors: Wu Di 
Published: September 2021

AbstractAs the use of the Internet has become ubiquitous and pervasive in people’s work and day‐to‐day life, netnography has been increasingly adopted to study online communities and activities in a range of social science disciplines, including Geography. The literature has identified that netnography is an effective research method in its own right. This paper aims to contribute to the literature on netnography by revealing novel possibilities that emerge when netnography is combined with offline research methods. It finds that a more active and participatory approach to netnography can significantly facilitate and smooth offline research methods such as interviews and observations in two major ways. First, it increases social and cognitive proximity between researchers and their participants. Second, it enables the spatial and temporal extension of researchers’ fieldwork.
A qualitative and quantitative comparison of IgE antibody profiles with two multiplex platforms for component‐resolved diagnostics in allergic patients
Authors: Scala Enrico , Caprini Elisabetta , Abeni Damiano , Meneguzzi Giorgia , Buzzulini Francesca , Cecchi Lorenzo , Villalta Danilo , Asero Riccardo 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundClinically complex phenotypes require more and more sophisticated and comprehensive diagnostic approaches, able to discriminate genuine sensitizations from cross‐reactivity. Interpretative complexity of multiplex diagnostic arrays has somewhat limited their diffusion. This study compares two currently available methods, namely ISAC® test and ALEX2® test.MethodsIn total, 140 allergic individuals, with a history of atopic dermatitis, adverse food reactions, allergic rhinitis and/or bronchial asthma were studied by Allergy Explorer‐ALEX2® macroarray and ImmunoCAP ISAC112®. Lin's concordance correlation coefficient, intraclass correlation coefficient and Bland–Altman plots were used to verify the agreement between continuous values. Cohen's kappa coefficient (k) was assessed for the molecules available in both tests. The degree of relationship was analysed using Spearman's correlation (quantitative variables) and Pearson's χ2 or Fisher's exact test (categorical variables).ResultsA substantial agreement (κ = 0.795) was observed between the two methods with 94,3% concordant results when results were dichotomized as negative or positive, but if double‐negative results were discarded, the agreement dropped to 71%. Conversely, little or no concordance was observed comparing raw data. Considering the 102 molecules shared by both systems, 28/102 (27%) showed an almost perfect agreement (k > 0.81), and concordance was good (k > 0.61) in a further 32 (31%) cases. A perfect to substantial agreement was observed by comparing species‐specific aeroallergens. Heterogeneous results emerged comparing panallergens (co‐recognition ranging from 30% for tropomyosin/serum albumins to 70% for PR‐10/profilin). The correlation among LTP, profilin and PR‐10 assayed with ISAC® was better than ALEX2®, but the latter identified more positive cases due to the wider number of molecules available. The CCD blocker provided by ALEX® test abolishes the carbohydrate determinants signal in 60% of the 33 cases reactive to MUXF3 on the ISAC® test.ConclusionDespite the excellent concordance of the species‐specific markers, the analysis of the panallergens provided in both methods suggests a better performance of the ISAC® test on those components, while the ALEX2® test, which includes a larger number of allergens, allowing a broader molecular detection.
Influence of age on surgical treatment and postoperative outcomes of patients with colorectal cancer in Denmark and Yorkshire, England
Authors: Taylor John C. , Iversen Lene H. , Burke Dermot , Finan Paul J. , Howell Simon , Pedersen Lars , Iles Mark M. , Morris Eva J. A. , Quirke Philip ,   the YCR BCIP Study Group
Published: September 2021

AbstractAimDenmark and Yorkshire are demographically similar and both have undergone changes in their management of colorectal cancer to improve outcomes. The differential provision of surgical treatment, especially in the older age groups, may contribute to the magnitude of improved survival rates. This study aimed to identify differences in the management of colorectal cancer surgery and postoperative outcomes according to patient age between Denmark and Yorkshire.MethodThis was a retrospective population‐based study of colorectal cancer patients diagnosed in Denmark and Yorkshire between 2005 and 2016. Proportions of patients undergoing major surgical resection, postoperative mortality and relative survival were compared between Denmark and Yorkshire across several age groups (18–59, 60–69, 70–79 and ≥80 years) and over time.ResultsThe use of major surgical resection was higher in Denmark than in Yorkshire, especially for patients aged ≥80 years (70.5% versus 50.5% for colon cancer, 49.3% versus 38.1% for rectal cancer). Thirty‐day postoperative mortality for Danish patients aged ≥80 years was significantly higher than that for Yorkshire patients with colonic cancer [OR (95% CI) = 1.22 (1.07, 1.38)] but not for rectal cancer or for 1‐year postoperative mortality. Relative survival significantly increased in all patients aged ≥80 years except for Yorkshire patients with colonic cancer.ConclusionThis study suggests that there are major differences between the management of elderly patients with colorectal cancer between the two populations. Improved selection for surgery and better peri‐ and postoperative care in these patients appears to improve long‐term outcomes, but may come at the cost of a higher 30‐day mortality.
Natural infection of Pinus contorta var. latifolia, Pinus banksiana and their hybrid by Dothistroma septosporum in Alberta, Canada
Authors: Ramsfield Tod , Myrholm Colin , Tomm Bradley 
Published: September 2021

AbstractSeedlings of lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta var. latifolia), jack pine (P. banksiana), and their hybrid were infected by Dothistroma septosporum under natural conditions in Alberta, Canada, after planting these taxa within a heavily infected stand of lodgepole pine. This experiment has further proven that all three of these taxa are hosts for the pathogen. This information is necessary for assessing the risk of eastward movement of the pathogen from Alberta through populations of P. banksiana in the boreal forest.
MicroRNA regulation of B cell receptor signaling
Authors: Borbet Timothy C. , Hines Marcus J. , Koralov Sergei B. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractB lymphocytes play a central role in host immune defense. B cell receptor (BCR) signaling regulates survival, proliferation, and differentiation of B lymphocytes. Signaling through the BCR signalosome is a multi‐component cascade that is tightly regulated and is important in the coordination of B cell differentiation and function. At different stages of development, B cells that have BCRs recognizing self are eliminated to prevent autoimmunity. microRNAs (miRNAs) are small single‐stranded non‐coding RNAs that contribute to post‐transcriptional regulation of gene expression and have been shown to orchestrate cell fate decisions through the regulation of lineage‐specific transcriptional profiles. Studies have identified miRNAs to be crucial for B cell development in the bone marrow and their subsequent population of the peripheral immune system. In this review, we focus on the role of miRNAs in the regulation of BCR signaling as it pertains to B lymphocyte development and function. In particular, we discuss the most recent studies describing the role of miRNAs in the regulation of both early B cell development and peripheral B cell responses and examine the ways by which miRNAs regulate signal downstream of B cell antigen receptor to prevent aberrant activation and autoimmunity.
A novel mechanism of imeglimin‐mediated insulin secretion via the cADPR‐TRP channel pathway
Authors: Funazaki Shunsuke , Yoshida Masashi , Yamada Hodaka , Kakei Masafumi , Kawakami Masanobu , Nagashima Shuichi , Hara Kazuo , Dezaki Katsuya 
Published: September 2021

ABSTRACTAims/IntroductionImeglimin is a novel oral hypoglycemic agent that improves blood glucose levels through multiple mechanisms of action including the enhancement of glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS), however, the details of this mechanism have not been clarified. In the process of GSIS, activation of the transient receptor potential melastatin 2 (TRPM2) channel, a type of non‐selective cation channel (NSCCs) in β‐cells, promotes plasma membrane depolarization. The present study aimed to examine whether imeglimin potentiates GSIS via the TRPM2 channel in β‐cells.Materials and MethodsPancreatic islets were isolated by collagenase digestion from male wild‐type and TRPM2‐knockout (KO) mice. Insulin release and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) production in islets were measured under static incubation. NSCC currents in mouse single β‐cells were measured by patch‐clamp experiments.ResultsBatch‐incubation studies showed that imeglimin enhanced GSIS at stimulatory 16.6 mM glucose, whereas it did not affect basal insulin levels at 2.8 mM glucose. Imeglimin increased the glucose‐induced production of NAD+, a precursor of cADPR, in islets and the insulinotropic effects of imeglimin were attenuated by a cADPR inhibitor 8‐Br‐cADPR. Furthermore, imeglimin increased NSCC current in β‐cells, and abolished this current in TRPM2‐KO mice. Imeglimin did not potentiate GSIS in the TRPM2‐KO islets, suggesting that imeglimin’s increase of NSCC currents through the TRPM2 channel is causally implicated in its insulin releasing effects.ConclusionsImeglimin may activate TRPM2 channels in β‐cells via the production of NAD+/cADPR, leading to the potentiation of GSIS. Developing approaches to stimulate cADPR‐TRPM2 signaling provides a potential therapeutic tool to treat type 2 diabetes.
Prevalence and persistency of deficiency citations in Florida assisted living facilities
Authors: Sharma Hari 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundAssisted living facilities (ALFs) are plagued with quality issues but there are limited studies on the quality of ALFs. In Florida, state surveyors conduct inspections of ALFs and cite and/or fine facilities that are in violation of regulations. Yet, we do not know the types of quality problems identified and the extent to which facilities repeat such problems. In this study, we begin to fill this gap in our understanding of ALFs quality by summarizing the deficiency citations in Florida ALFs.MethodsWe obtained inspection citation data on 957 large ALFs (bed size ≥ 25) in Florida from 2012 to 2018. Citation data are summarized at the facility‐year level and classified into different groups such as resident care, admissions, medication, staffing, and training. We examined the trends in citations over time and stratified citations by profit status, license type, and facility size. We also assessed repeat citations among the ALFs.ResultsOf the 957 large ALFs operating in Florida, 87% of the facilities were cited one or more times from 2012 to 2018. In 2018, the most common citations were related to medications (26.2%), resident care (25.3%), training (25.3%), admissions (21.1%), and staffing (20.8%). For‐profit facilities, facilities with beds over 100, and facilities with limited mental health license tended to be cited more often across most types of deficiencies. Repeat citations are common with over 40% of facilities cited in two or more years for resident care and medication from 2012 to 2018.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that repeat citations are common and ALFs do not improve quality on a long‐term basis after citations. If we want to improve ALFs quality, we may need to provide appropriate incentives and resources to ALFs along with stringent enforcement of regulations.