bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing reinforcing versus aversive consequences in a real-time secondhand smoke intervention
Authors: Berardi Vincent , Bellettiere John , Nguyen Benjamin , Klepeis Neil E , Hughes Suzanne C , Adams Marc A , Hovell Melbourne 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Few studies have examined the relative effectiveness of reinforcing versus aversive consequences at changing behavior in real-world environments. Real-time sensing devices makes it easier to investigate such questions, offering the potential to improve both intervention outcomes and theory. This research aims to describe the development of a real-time, operant theory-based secondhand smoke (SHS) intervention and compare the efficacy of aversive versus aversive plus reinforcement contingency systems. Indoor air particle monitors were placed in the households of 253 smokers for approximately three months. Participants were assigned to a measurement-only control group (N = 129) or one of the following groups: 1.) aversive only (AO, N = 71), with aversive audio/visual consequences triggered by the detection of elevated air particle measurements, or 2.) aversive plus reinforcement (AP, N = 53), with reinforcing consequences contingent on the absence of SHS added to the AO intervention. Residualized change ANCOVA analysis compared particle concentrations over time and across groups. Post-hoc pairwise comparisons were also performed. After controlling for Baseline, Post-Baseline daily particle counts (F = 6.42, p = 0.002), % of time &gt;15,000 counts (F = 7.72, p &lt; 0.001), and daily particle events (F = 4.04, p = 0.02) significantly differed by study group. Nearly all control versus AO/AP pair-wise comparisons were statistically significant. No significant differences were found for AO versus AP groups. The aversive feedback system reduced SHS, but adding reinforcing consequences did not further improve outcomes. The complexity of real-world environments requires the nuances of these two contingency systems continue to be explored, with this study demonstrating that real-time sensing technology can serve as a platform for such research.
Aristolochic acid I induces impairment in spermatogonial stem cell in rodents
Authors: Liu Yongzhen , He Xiang , Wang Yuli , Zhou Houzu , Zhang Yuan , Ma Jianyun , Wang Zhaochu , Yang Fangfang , Lu Henglei , Yang Yifu , Deng Zhongping , Qi Xinming , Gong Likun , Ren Jin 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Aristolochic acid I (AAI) is a natural bioactive substance found in plants from the Aristolochiaceae family and impairs spermatogenesis. However, whether AAI-induced spermatogenesis impairment starts at the early stages of spermatogenesis has not yet been determined. Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are undifferentiated spermatogonia that balance self-renewing and differentiating divisions to maintain spermatogenesis throughout adult life and are the only adult stem cells capable of passing genes onto the next generation. The objective of this study was to investigate whether AAI impairs SSCs during the early stages of spermatogenesis. After AAI treatment, we observed looser, smaller and fewer colonies, decreased cell viability, a decreased relative cell proliferation index, and increased apoptosis in SSCs in a concentration- and/or time-dependent manner. Additionally, AAI promoted apoptosis in SSCs, which was accompanied by upregulation of caspase 3, P53 and BAX expression and downregulation of Bcl-2 expression, and suppressed autophagy, which was accompanied by upregulation of P62 expression and downregulation of ATG5 and LC3B expression, in a concentration-dependent manner. Then we found that AAI impaired spermatogenesis in rats, as identified by degeneration of the seminiferous epithelium, and increased apoptosis of testicular cells. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that AAI causes damage to SSCs and implicate apoptosis and autophagy in this process. The impairment of SSCs may contribute to AAI-induced testicular impairment. Our findings provide crucial information for the human application of botanical products containing trace amounts of AAI.
Factors associated with early age at menarche among female secondary school students in Asmara: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Idris Idris M. , Wolday Samuel J. , Habteselassie Feven , Ghebremichael Luwam , Andemariam Makda , Azmera Rahwa , Ghebrewoldi Frezghi H. 
Published: April 2021

Objective:
Several factors appeared to influence the onset of menarche. The current study was aimed to determine the mean age of menarche and the factors influencing its onset among female high school students in Asmara.

Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to February 2017 among secondary school female students of Asmara city. A 2 stage stratified sampling design was adopted to select the number of schools and students for the study. A structured and pretested questionnaire was used to collect the data through interview. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 22. Descriptive results were summarized using frequencies and percentages in tables and graphs. Moreover, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was done to find out the association of earlier onset of menarche and the predictor variables.

Results:
A total of 300 female students participated in the study. The mean age of the participants was 16.1 years (SD=1.3) with majority of them (57.3%) between the ages of 16 and 18 years. The mean age at menarche was 13.8 years (SD=1.2). About 39% of the participants have the onset of their menarche earlier (before 14 y). An earlier onset of menarche was observed among younger age (above 16) respondents {adjusted odds ratio [AOR] [95% confidence interval (CI)]: 1.8 (0.96, 4.88), P-value: 0.02}, having higher body mass index [AOR (95% CI): 3.8 (1.92, 7.85), P-value: 0.001] and from richer family. Lack of engaging in any kind of physical activity [AOR (95% CI): 2.56 (1.13, 5.27), P-value: 0.012] and more sleeping hours [AOR (95% CI): 2.2 (0.36, 4.18), P-value: 0.04] were also factors influencing earlier onset of menarche.

Conclusion:
The mean age at menarche was relatively low. Factors related to higher body mass index, physical inactivity, more sleeping hours, good socioeconomic status, and younger age were associated with earlier onset of menarche. Initiatives on awareness creation are required to increase lifestyle modifications at individual level.
The Effect of Telehealth Services on Provider Productivity
Authors: Stefos Theodore , Carey Kathleen , Shen Mei-Ling , Poe Stacy , Oh Dennis H. , Moran Eileen 
Published: April 2021

Background:
Telehealth services historically have played a small role in the provision of health care in the United States. However during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, public and private insurers rapidly expanded access to telehealth in order to reduce exposure and avoid transmission. It is unknown whether telehealth will become a more regular substitute for in-person care beyond the pandemic.

Objective:
Our objective was to provide evidence on the value of telehealth by comparing the productivity of physicians and other specialized clinicians who provide telehealth with the productivity of those who do not.

Research Design:
We conducted a retrospective data analysis of 17,705 unique providers in the areas of internal medicine, cardiology, dermatology, psychiatry, psychology, and optometry practicing in the US veterans affairs health care system during the period 2015 to 2018. For each year, we measured individual providers productivity by the total number of relative value units (RVUs) per full-time equivalent (FTE). We estimated the impact of providing telehealth on RVUs/FTE using fixed effects regression models estimated on a panel dataset of 58,873 provider-year observations and controlling for provider and patient characteristics.

Results:
Overall provider productivity increased in veterans affairs over the period, particularly in cardiology and dermatology. Providers of telehealth had above average productivity by 124 RVUs/FTE, or ∼4% of average total provider productivity. For the highest quartile of telehealth providers, average productivity was 188 RVUs/FTE higher than productivity of other providers.

Conclusion:
Strategies that encourage long-term integration of telehealth into provider practices may contribute to overall health care value.
Timing is everything: the relationship between COVID outcomes and the date at which mask mandates are relaxed
Authors: Shoukat Affan , Galvani Alison P. , Fitzpatrick Meagan C. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractImportanceSeveral states including Texas and Mississippi have lifted their mask mandates, sparking concerns that this policy change could lead to a surge in cases and hospitalizations.ObjectiveTo estimate the increase in incidence, hospitalizations, and deaths in Texas and Mississippi following the removal of mask mandates, and to evaluate the relative reduction of these outcomes if policy change is delayed by 90 days.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis study uses an age-stratified compartmental model parameterized to incidence data in Texas and Mississippi to simulate increased transmission following policy change in March or June 2021, and to estimate the resulting number of incidence, hospitalizations, and deaths.Main Outcomes and MeasuresThe increase in incidence, hospitalizations, and deaths if mask mandates are lifted on March 14 compared to lifting on June 12.ResultsIf transmission is increased by 67% when mask mandates are lifted, we projected 11.39 (CrI: 11.22 - 11.55) million infections, 170,909 (CrI: 167,454 - 174,379) hospitalizations, and 5647 (5511 - 5804) deaths (Figure 1) in Texas from March 14 through the end of 2021. Delaying NPI lift until June reduces the average number of infections, hospitalizations, and deaths by 36%, 65%, and 62%, respectively. Proportionate differences were similar for the state of Mississippi. Peak hospitalization rates would be reduced by 79% and 63% in Texas and Mississippi, respectively.Conclusions and RelevanceRemoval of mask mandates in March 2021 is premature. Delaying this policy change until June 2021, when a larger fraction of the population has been vaccinated, will avert more than half of the expected COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths, and avoid an otherwise likely strain on healthcare capacity.
South to North Migration Patterns of Tuberculosis Patients Diagnosed in the Mexican Border with Texas
Authors: Curry Jennifer S. , Abdelbary Bassent , García-Viveros Moncerrato , Ignacio Garcia Juan , Yotebieng Marcel , Rendon Adrian , Torrelles Jordi B. , Restrepo Blanca I. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundImmigration is a determinant of tuberculosis (TB) epidemiology. The US-Mexican border state of Tamaulipas serves as a migration waypoint for further immigration to the US, and has the second highest incidence of TB in Mexico. Here, we determined the contribution and characteristics of immigrants to the TB burden in Tamaulipas.MethodsTB surveillance data from Tamaulipas (2006-2013) was used to conduct a cross-sectional characterization of TB immigrants (born outside Tamaulipas) and identify their association with TB treatment outcomes.ResultsImmigrants comprised 30.8% of the TB patients, with >99% originating from internal Mexican migration. Most migration was from South to North, with cities adjacent to the US border as destinations. Immigrants had higher odds of risk factors for TB [older age (≥ 65 yr old, OR 2.4, 95% CI 2.1, 2.8), low education (OR 1.3, 95% CI 1.2, 1.4), diabetes (OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.1, 1.4)], or abandoning TB treatment (adjusted OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.0, 1.5).ConclusionsThe US port of entry of Tamaulipas has a predominant south to north migration, positively impacting TB prevalence in this region. There is a need to identify strategies to prevent and manage TB more effectively in this Mexican migration waypoint.
Targeting properdin - Structure and function of a novel family of tick-derived complement inhibitors
Authors: Braunger Katharina , Ahn Jiyoon , Jore Matthijs M. , Johnson Steven , Tang Terence , Pedersen Dennis V. , Andersen Gregers R. , Lea Susan M. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractActivation of the serum-resident complement system begins a cascade that leads to activation of membrane-resident complement receptors on immune cells, thus coordinating serum and cellular immune responses. Whilst many molecules act to control inappropriate activation, Properdin is the only known positive regulator of the human complement system. By stabilising the alternative pathway C3 convertase it promotes complement self-amplification and persistent activation boosting the magnitude of the serum complement response by all triggers.We have identified a novel family of alternative pathway complement inhibitors, hereafter termed CirpA. Functional and structural characterisation reveals that CirpA family directly bind to properdin, inhibiting its ability to promote complement activation, and leading to potent inhibition of the complement response in a species specific manner.For the first time this study provides a full functional and structural characterization of a properdin inhibitor, opening avenues for future therapeutic approaches.
Characterization of heart rate changes associated with autonomic dysreflexia during penile vibrostimulation and urodynamics
Authors: Rietchel Lauren , Ramirez Andrea L. , Hocaloski Shea , Elliott Stacy , Walter Matthias , Krassioukov Andrei V. 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACTPurposeAutonomic dysreflexia, often accompanied by heart rate changes, increases the risk of cardio-cerebrovascular complications in individuals with spinal cord injury. Thus, our aim was to characterize these changes during penile vibrostimulation and urodynamics.Materials and MethodsWe analyzed the cardiovascular (i.e. blood pressure and heart rate) data from two prospective studies, i.e. 21 individuals with chronic spinal cord injuries and history of autonomic dysreflexia, who underwent penile vibrostimulation (n=11, study 1) or urodynamics (n=10, study 2).ResultsThe cohort’s median age was 41 years (range 22 −53). Overall 47 episodes of autonomic dysreflexia were recorded (i.e. penile vibrostimulation n=37, urodynamics n=10), while at least one episode was recorded in each participant. At the threshold of autonomic dysreflexia, bradycardia was observed during penile vibrostimulation and urodynamics in 43% and 30% of all episodes, respectively. At the peak of autonomic dysreflexia during penile vibrostimulation and urodynamics, bradycardia was observed in 65% and 50%, respectively. In contrast, tachycardia was detected only once during urodynamics.ConclusionOur findings reveal that heart rate changes associated with autonomic dysreflexia during penile vibrostimulation and urodynamics appear to be related to the magnitude of systolic blood pressure increases. Thus, highly elevated systolic blood pressure associated with bradycardia suggest the presence of severe autonomic dysreflexia, which can lead to devastating cerebro-cardiovascular consequences. Therefore, we recommend cardiovascular monitoring during penile vibrostimulation and urodynamics to detect autonomic dysreflexia and stop assessments before systolic blood pressure is dangerously increasing, thereby reducing the risk of potentially life-threatening complications in this cohort.
The ventral striatum harbours patient specific intracranial neural signatures of obsessions and compulsions
Authors: Fridgeirsson Egill A , Bais MN , Eijsker N , Thomas RM , Smit DJA , Bergfeld IO , Schuurman PR , van den Munckhof P , de Koning P , Vulink N , Figee M , Mazaheri A , van Wingen GA , Denys D 
Published: April 2021

AbstractDeep brain stimulation is a treatment option for patients with refractory obsessive-compulsive disorder. A new generation of stimulators hold promise for closed loop stimulation, with adaptive stimulation in response to biological signals Here we aimed to discover a suitable biomarker in the ventral striatum in patients with obsessive compulsive disorder using local field potentials. We induced obsessions and compulsions and trained a deep learning model on the recorded time series. Average classification sensitivities were 47% for obsessions and 66% for compulsions for patient specific models at 25% chance level. Sensitivity for obsessions reached over 90% in one patient, whereas performance was near chance level when the model was trained across patients. Optimal sensitivity for obsessions and compulsions was obtained at different recording sites. This study shows that closed loop stimulation is a viable option for OCD, but that intracranial biomarkers for obsessive-compulsive disorder are patient and not disorder specific.
Multi-omics approach identifies germline regulatory variants associated with hematopoietic malignancies in retriever dog breeds
Authors: Evans Jacquelyn M. , Parker Heidi G. , Rutteman Gerard R. , Plassais Jocelyn , Grinwis Guy CM , Harris Alexander C. , Lana Susan E. , Ostrander Elaine A. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractHistiocytic sarcoma is an aggressive hematopoietic malignancy of mature tissue histiocytes with a poorly understood etiology in humans. A histologically and clinically similar counterpart affects flat-coated retrievers (FCRs) at unusually high frequency, with 20% developing the lethal disease. The similar clinical presentation combined with the closed population structure of dogs, leading to high genetic homogeneity, makes dogs an excellent model for genetic studies of cancer susceptibility. To determine the genetic risk factors underlying histiocytic sarcoma in FCRs, we conducted multiple genome-wide association studies (GWASs), identifying two loci that confer significant risk on canine chromosomes (CFA) 5 (Pwald=4.83×10−9) and 19 (Pwald=2.25×10−7). We subsequently undertook a multi-omics approach that has been largely unexplored in the canine model to interrogate these regions, generating whole genome, transcriptome, and chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing. These data highlight the PI3K pathway genePIK3R6on CFA5, and proximal candidate regulatory variants that are strongly associated with histiocytic sarcoma and predicted to impact transcription factor binding. The CFA5 association colocalizes with susceptibility loci for two hematopoietic malignancies, hemangiosarcoma and B-cell lymphoma, in the closely related golden retriever breed, revealing the risk contribution this single locus makes to multiple hematological cancers. By comparison, the CFA19 locus is unique to the FCR and harbors risk alleles associated with upregulation ofTNFAIP6, which itself affects cell migration and metastasis. Together, these loci explain ~35% of disease risk, an exceptionally high value that demonstrates the advantages of domestic dogs for complex trait mapping and genetic studies of cancer susceptibility.
Unique protein features of SARS-CoV-2 relative to otherSarbecoviruses
Authors: Cotten Matthew , Robertson David L. , Phan My V.T. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractDefining the unique properties of SARS-CoV-2 protein sequences, has potential to explain the range of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) severity. To achieve this we compared proteins encoded by allSarbecovirusesusing profile Hidden Markov Model similarities to identify protein features unique to SARS-CoV-2. Consistent with previous reports, a small set of bat and pangolin-derivedSarbecovirusesshow the greatest similarity to SARS-CoV-2 but unlikely to be the direct source of SARS-CoV-2. Three proteins (nsp3, spike and orf9) showed differing regions between the batSarbecovirusesand SARS-CoV-2 and indicate virus protein features that might have evolved to support human infection and/or transmission. Spike analysis identified all regions of the protein that have tolerated change and revealed that the current SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) have sampled only a fraction (~31%) of the possible spike domain changes which have occurred historically inSarbecovirusevolution. This result emphasises the evolvability of these coronaviruses and potential for further change in virus replication and transmission properties over the coming years.
Sensitivity factors of aircraft mass for the conceptual design
Authors: Kretov Anatolii 
Published: April 2021

Purpose
The purpose of this work is to further develop the methodology for calculating the aircraft take-off mass and its main functional components for the conceptual analysis and synthesis of new projects.

Design/methodology/approach
The method is based on the assessment of changes in the take-off gross mass (TOGM) of the already developed project or already existing a basic version of the aircraft when making local mass changes for its modification or for the numerical researches to create a more advanced project. The method is based on the “sensitivity factors of mass” (SFM) of aircraft, which represents the ratio of TOGM to initial (local) mass changes of its main functional components. The method of analytical refined calculation of SFM for the initial mass change and the main aerodynamic characteristics is given.

Findings
In comparison with the long-known method based on weight (mass) growth factors, which were considered constant, this method takes into account the dependence from the value of the initial local mass change and its functional purpose.

Practical implications
This method allows the designer to calculate more strictly the final changes in the TOGM on the initial stages of conceptual design when finding new project solutions. Numerical calculations are given on the example of passenger aircraft. The dependence of SFM and TOGM and its functional masses on the value of the initial change of the structure mass are shown. This method is used in the educational process at the college of Aerospace Engineering in the Aircraft Design department.

Originality/value
The considered method based on SFM is simple and convenient and more accurate for conducting project research on many project parameters when analyzing and synthesizing a new project.
Exploring the meaning of usable security – a literature review
Authors: Lennartsson Markus , Kävrestad Joakim , Nohlberg Marcus 
Published: April 2021

Purpose
For decades, literature has reported on the perceived conflict between usability and security. This mutual trade-off needs to be considered and addressed whenever security products are developed. Achieving well-balanced levels of both is a precondition for sufficient security as users tend to reject unusable solutions. To assess it correctly, usability should be evaluated in the context of security. This paper aims to identify and describe universally applicable and solution-independent factors that affect the perceived usability of security mechanisms.

Design/methodology/approach
The selected methodology was a systematic literature review during which multiple database resources were queried. Application of predefined selection criteria led to the creation of a bibliography before backward snowballing was applied to minimize the risk of missing material of importance. All 70 included publications were then analyzed through thematic analysis.

Findings
The study resulted in the identification of 14 themes and 30 associated subthemes representing aspects with reported influence on perceived usability in the context of security. While some of them were only mentioned sparsely, the most prominent and thus presumably most significant ones were: simplicity, information and support, task completion time, error rates and error management.

Originality/value
The identified novel themes can increase knowledge about factors that influence usability. This can be useful for different groups: end users may be empowered to choose appropriate solutions more consciously, developers may be able to avoid common usability pitfalls when designing new products and system administrators may benefit from a better understanding of how to configure solutions and how to educate users efficiently.