bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Silicosis in rhinestone-manufacturing workers in South China
Authors: Wen C , Wen X , Li R , Su S , Xu H 
Published: July 2019

Abstract

Background
Silicosis is caused by long-term exposure to silica dust. Crystal rhinestone workers can be exposed to high levels of silica dust and are at risk of silicosis.

Aims
To explore silicosis cases, silica dust exposure and control measures in a rhinestone factory in South China.

Methods
We extracted and analysed data on new silicosis cases reported to China’s occupational disease and occupational health information monitoring system between 2006 and 2012 from a rhinestone factory in South China. We measured the quartz content of bulk dust, static total and respirable dust samples.

Results
Ninety-eight silicosis cases were reported between 2006 and 2012. The mean duration of silica dust exposure was 9.2 years (range 3–16). Drilling and polishing workers accounted for 96 (98%) of cases. We collected 1479 static samples including 690 total dust and 789 respirable dust samples. Mean dust levels for drilling were 1.01 mg/m3 (range 0.20–3.80) for total dust and 0.51 mg/m3 (range 0.04–1.70) for respirable dust. Mean dust levels for polishing were 0.59 mg/m3 (range 0.20–2.10) for total dust and 0.28 mg/m3 (range 0.08–0.71) for respirable dust. Over a third [289/789 (37%)] of total dust samples and 129/690 (19%) respirable dust samples exceeded the national permissible exposure limit.

Conclusion
Exposure to silica dust, ineffective dust control measures and inefficient health surveillance may have contributed to the incidence of silicosis in the factory we studied. Identification of silica dust exposure and effective dust control measures would reduce the risk of silicosis in rhinestone workers.
Resection of Cavernous Sinus Meningioma via Lateral Orbitotomy Approach: 2-Dimensional Operative Video
Authors: Cohen Michael A , Couldwell William T 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Cavernous sinus meningiomas are rare benign tumors arising from the dural wall of the cavernous sinus. These complex lesions are difficult to access surgically but can lead to cranial nerve palsies if left untreated. The case described in this video involved a 14-yr-old girl who presented initially with right ocular pain at 9 yr old. Strabismus of the right eye developed when she was 10 yr old; it was treated surgically without improvement. She developed ptosis and worsening strabismus at age 13 yr, at which time magnetic resonance imaging revealed a lesion in the anterior cavernous sinus and superior orbital fissure. Given the progressively worsening oculomotor palsy and potential for future tumor growth because of her young age, the patient's family wished to pursue surgical rather than radiation treatment. The patient underwent a right lateral orbitotomy for exploration and resection of the lesion. She tolerated the procedure well. Postoperatively, she experienced improvement in her ocular pain and persistent oculomotor nerve palsy without any new neurologic deficits. Her cosmetic results from this incision were satisfactory. Postoperative computed tomography demonstrated thinning of the right lateral orbital wall and removal of the tumor. The pathological analysis of the tissue was consistent with a grade 1 meningioma. This video demonstrates the opportunity to resect a lesion from the cavernous sinus that prevents progressive cranial neuropathies. Some cavernous meningiomas are well circumscribed and can be resected totally. The patient's parents provided consent for publication.
The Legality of Prisoner of War Labour In England, 1648–1655*
Authors: Tycko Sonia 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Prisoners of war formed a legally distinct category amongst the many thousands of people forcibly employed in England and the English American colonies in the mid-seventeenth century, but they have yet to be studied as such. Focusing on 1648 to 1655, this article explains how a succession of English governments sent their war captives into servitude with private masters despite the prohibition of hard labour for Christian prisoners in the customary laws of war. They instead operated under the logic of the English poor law, in which the indigent could meaningfully consent to serve a master even while under duress. The case of Scottish and Dutch prisoners of war in the Bedford Level fen drainage project shows how the Council of State and the drainage company board members conceptualized common prisoners as willing workmen. Prisoners, ambassadors, and a variety of English observers instead thought that war captives should not have to work for their subsistence or their captors' profit. Nevertheless, common prisoners continued to labour under the aegis of free contracts into the eighteenth century.
Generation of the Mt Kinabalu Granite by Crustal Contamination of Intraplate Magma Modelled by Equilibrated Major Element Assimilation with Fractional Crystallization (EME-AFC)
Authors: Burton-Johnson A , Macpherson C G , Ottley C J , Nowell G M , Boyce A J 
Published: July 2019

AbstractNew geochemical data are presented for the composite units of the Mount Kinabalu granitoid intrusion of Borneo and utilised to explore the discrimination between crustal- and mantle-derived granitic magmas. The geochemical data demonstrate that the units making up this composite intrusion became more potassic through time. This was accompanied by an evolution of isotope ratios from a continental-affinity towards a slightly more mantle-affinity (87Sr/86Sri ∼0·7078; 143Nd/144Ndi ∼0·51245; 206Pb/204Pbi ∼18·756 for the oldest unit compared to 87Sr/86Sri ∼0·7065, 143Nd/144Ndi ∼0·51250 and 206Pb/204Pbi ∼18·721 for the younger units). Oxygen isotope ratios (calculated whole-rock δ18O of +6·5–9·3‰) do not show a clear trend with time. The isotopic data indicate that the magma cannot result only from fractional crystallization of a mantle-derived magma. Alkali metal compositions show that crustal anatexis is also an unsuitable process for genesis of the intrusion. The data indicate that the high-K units were generated by fractional crystallization of a primary, mafic magma, followed by assimilation of the partially melted sedimentary overburden. We present a new, Equilibrated Major Element -Assimilation with Fractional Crystallization (EME-AFC) approach for simultaneously modelling the major element, trace element, and radiogenic and oxygen isotope compositions during such magmatic differentiation; addressing the lack of current AFC modelling approaches for felsic, amphibole- or biotite-bearing systems. We propose that Mt Kinabalu was generated through low degree melting of upwelling fertile metasomatized mantle driven by regional crustal extension in the Late Miocene.
Improving folding properties of computationally designed proteins
Authors: Bjerre Benjamin , Nissen Jakob , Madsen Mikkel , Fahrig-Kamarauskaitė Jūratė , Norrild Rasmus K , Holm Peter C , Nordentoft Mathilde K , O’Shea Charlotte , Willemoës Martin , Johansson Kristoffer E , Winther Jakob R 
Published: July 2019

AbstractWhile the field of computational protein design has witnessed amazing progression in recent years, folding properties still constitute a significant barrier towards designing new and larger proteins. In order to assess and improve folding properties of designed proteins, we have developed a genetics-based folding assay and selection system based on the essential enzyme, orotate phosphoribosyl transferase from Escherichia coli. This system allows for both screening of candidate designs with good folding properties and genetic selection of improved designs. Thus, we identified single amino acid substitutions in two failed designs that rescued poorly folding and unstable proteins. Furthermore, when these substitutions were transferred into a well-structured design featuring a complex folding profile, the resulting protein exhibited native-like cooperative folding with significantly improved stability. In protein design, a single amino acid can make the difference between folding and misfolding, and this approach provides a useful new platform to identify and improve candidate designs.
Bank Deposits and the Stock Market
Authors: Lin Leming 
Published: July 2019

AbstractI show that households’ demand for retail deposits decreases during stock market booms, which induces a contraction in bank lending and a decrease in real activity in bank-dependent firms. I identify this channel using geographic heterogeneity in households’ stock market participation. Banks in areas with greater stock ownership see a greater reduction in deposit growth when stock returns are high. This holds even across branches of the same bank and across ZIP codes within counties. Counties served by banks financed by more stock-active depositors see a greater decline in bank lending and bank-dependent-firm employment following high stock returns.
Corporate Governance and Pollution Externalities of Public and Private Firms*
Authors: Shive Sophie A , Forster Margaret M 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
The number of U.S. publicly traded firms has halved in 20 years. How will this shift in ownership structure affect the economy’s externalities? Using comprehensive data on greenhouse gas emissions from 2007 to 2016, we find that independent private firms are less likely to pollute and incur EPA penalties than are public firms, and we find no differences between private sponsor-backed firms and public firms, controlling for industry, time, location, and a host of firm characteristics. Within public firms, we find a negative association between emissions and mutual fund ownership and board size, suggesting that increased oversight may decrease externalities.
Geo-epidemiology and socioeconomic aspects of human sporotrichosis in the municipality of Duque de Caxias, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, between 2007 and 2016
Authors: Alzuguir Claudia L C , Pereira Sandro A , Magalhães Mônica A F M , Almeida-Paes Rodrigo , Freitas Dayvison F S , Oliveira Liliane F A , Pimentel Maria Inês F 
Published: July 2019

Abstract

Background
Sporotrichosis is usually caused by the traumatic inoculation of pathogenic species of fungi of the genus Sporothrix. The most prevalent species in Brazil is Sporothrix brasiliensis, which is generally associated with transmission involving infected cats. Sporotrichosis is hyperendemic in the state of Rio de Janeiro and Duque de Caxias is one of the most affected municipalities.

Methods
This was a cross-sectional, geo-epidemiological and socioeconomic study of human sporotrichosis in the municipality of Duque de Caxias using geoprocessing information for the construction of thematic maps.

Results
Eight hundred and twenty-seven cases of sporotrichosis from Duque de Caxias were reported between 2007 and 2016, most of them in women from 25-59 years. The most affected areas had low per capita income and scarce supply of treated water. Human sporotrichosis expanded throughout the territory of the municipality over time.

Conclusions
An increase in both the number of reported cases and their spatial distribution occurred throughout the studied decade. The concentration of the disease was more intense in areas with greater vulnerability of the population, expressed by low per capita income and deficient provision of basic sanitation services. Sporotrichosis requires measures to better control the disease in Duque de Caxias and in the state of Rio de Janeiro.
Sitagliptin decreases visceral fat and blood glucoses in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome
Authors: Devin Jessica K. , Nian Hui , Celedonio Jorge E. , Wright Patricia , Brown Nancy J. 
Published: July 2019

ContextWomen with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) have decreased growth hormone (GH), which can increase visceral adiposity (VAT) and impair vascular function. GH releasing hormone, a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) substrate, stimulates GH secretion.ObjectiveWe tested the hypothesis that DPP4 inhibition increases GH and improves glucose levels and vascular function in women with PCOS.MethodsEighteen women with PCOS participated in a double-blinded, cross-over study. They received sitagliptin 100 mg vs. placebo daily for one month separated by an eight-week washout. During each treatment, women underwent a 75-gram oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), assessment of vascular function and body composition. Overnight GH secretion was assessed via venous sampling every 10 minutes for 12 hours and analyzed using an automated deconvolution algorithm.ResultsDuring OGTT, sitagliptin increased GLP-1 (p<0.001), early insulin secretion (from mean insulinogenic index 1.9±1.2 (SD) to 3.2±3.1; p=0.02) and decreased peak glucose (mean −17.2 mg/dL [95% CI −27.7, −6.6]; p<0.01). At one month, sitagliptin decreased VAT (from 1141.9±700.7 to 1055.1±710.1 g; p=0.02) but did not affect vascular function. Sitagliptin increased GH half-life (from 13.9±3.6 to 17.0±6.8 min, N=16; p=0.04) and interpulse interval (from 53.2±20.0 to 77.3±38.2 min, N=16; p<0.05) but did not increase mean overnight GH (p=0.92 vs. placebo).ConclusionsSitagliptin decreased the maximal glucose response to OGTT and VAT. Sitagliptin did not increase overnight GH but increased GH half-life and the interpulse interval.PrecisSitagliptin improved body composition and blood glucoses following oral glucose load in women with PCOS. Sitagliptin potentiated GH half-life but did not increase overnight GH levels.
Design of a computer model for the identification of adolescent swimmers with low BMD
Authors: Marin-Puyalto Jorge , Gomez-Cabello Alba , Gomez-Bruton Alejandro , Matute-Llorente Angel , Gonzalez-Aguero Alejandro , Casajus Jose Antonio , Vicente-Rodriguez German 
Published: July 2019

AbstractObjectivesThis paper aims to elaborate a decision tree for the early detection of adolescent swimmers at risk of presenting low bone mineral density (BMD), based on easily measurable fitness and performance variables.MethodsBone mineral status of 78 adolescent swimmers was determined using DXA scans at the hip and subtotal body. Participants also underwent physical fitness (upper and lower body strength, running speed and cardiovascular endurance) and performance (swimming history, speed and ranking) assessments. A gradient boosting machine regression tree was built in order to predict BMD of the swimmers and to further develop a simpler individual decision tree, using a subtotal BMD height-adjusted Z-score of −1 as threshold value.ResultsThe predicted BMD using the gradient boosted model was strongly correlated with the actual BMD values obtained from DXA (r=0.960, p<0.0001) with a root mean squared error of 0.034 g/cm2. According to a simple decision tree, that showed a 73.9% of classification accuracy, swimmers with a body mass index (BMI) lower than 17 kg/m2 or a handgrip strength inferior to 43kg with the sum of both arms could be at higher risk of having low BMD.ConclusionEasily measurable fitness variables (BMI and handgrip strength) could be used for the early detection of adolescent swimmers at risk of suffering from low BMD. The presented decision tree could be used in training settings to determine the necessity of further BMD assessments.Summary boxWhat are the new findings?Adolescent swimmers with a low BMI or handgrip strength seem more likely to be at higher risk of having low BMD.Subtotal BMD values predicted from our regression model are strongly correlated with DXA measurements.How might it impact on clinical practice in the futureHealthcare professionals could easily detect adolescent swimmers in need of a DXA scan.The computer-based regression tree could be included in low BMD management and screening strategies.
Childhood immune imprinting to influenza A shapes birth year-specific risk during seasonal H1N1 and H3N2 epidemics
Authors: Gostic Katelyn M , Bridge Rebecca , Brady Shane , Viboud Cécile , Worobey Michael , Lloyd-Smith James O 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAcross decades of co-circulation in humans, influenza A subtypes H1N1 and H3N2 have caused seasonal epidemics characterized by different age distributions of infection and mortality. H3N2 causes the majority of cases in high-risk elderly cohorts, and the majority of overall deaths, whereas H1N1 causes incidence shifted towards young and middle-aged adults, and fewer deaths. These contrasting age profiles may result from differences in childhood exposure to H1N1 and H3N2 or from differences in evolutionary rate between subtypes. Here we analyze a large epidemiological surveillance dataset to test whether childhood immune imprinting shapes seasonal influenza epidemiology, and if so, whether it acts primarily via immune memory of a particular influenza subtype or via broader immune memory that protects across subtypes. We also test the impact of evolutionary differences between influenza subtypes on age distributions of infection. Likelihood-based model comparison shows that narrow, within-subtype imprinting is the strongest driver of seasonal influenza risk. The data do not support a strong effect of evolutionary rate, or of broadly protective imprinting that acts across subtypes. Our findings emphasize that childhood exposures can imprint a lifelong immunological bias toward particular influenza subtypes, and that these cohort-specific biases shape epidemic age distributions. As a result, newer and less “senior” antibody responses acquired later in life do not provide the same strength of protection as responses imprinted in childhood. Finally, we project that the relatively low mortality burden of H1N1 may increase in the coming decades, as cohorts that lack H1N1-specific imprinting eventually reach old age.
Effects of vitamin D supplementation and seasonality on circulating cytokines in adolescents: analysis of data from a feasibility trial in Mongolia
Authors: Yegorov Sergey , Bromage Sabri , Boldbaatar Ninjin , Ganmaa Davaasambuu 
Published: July 2019

ABSTRACTVitamin D deficiency is prevalent in human populations and has been linked to immune dysfunction. Here we explored the effects of cholecalciferol supplementation on circulating cytokines in severely vitamin D deficient (blood 25(OH)D3 << 30 nmol/L) adolescents aged 12-15 from Mongolia. The study included 28 children receiving 800 IU daily cholecalciferol for 6 months spanning winter and spring, and 30 children receiving placebo during the same period. The levels of 25(OH)D3 were assessed at baseline, three and six months. Twenty-one cytokines were measured in serum at baseline and at six months. The median blood 25(OH)D3 concentration at baseline was 13.7 nmol/L (IQR=10.0-21.7). Supplementation tripled blood 25(OH)D3 levels (p<0.001) and reversed the direction of change for most cytokines (16/21, 86%). Supplementation was associated with elevated interleukin (IL)-6 (p=0.043). The placebo group had reduced MIP-1α (p=0.007) and IL-8 (p=0.034) at six months. These findings suggest that cholecalciferol supplementation and seasonality have a measurable impact on circulating cytokines in adolescents, identifying chemokines as potentially important biomarkers of vitamin D status in this population.ClinicalTrial.org ID:NCT01244204
Earliest infections predict the age distribution of seasonal influenza A cases
Authors: Arevalo Philip , McLean Huong Q. , Belongia Edward A. , Cobey Sarah 
Published: July 2019

AbstractSeasonal variation in the age distribution of influenza A cases suggests that factors other than age shape susceptibility to medically attended infection. We ask whether these differences can be partly explained by protection conferred by childhood influenza infection, which has lasting impacts on immune responses to influenza and protection against new influenza A subtypes (phenomena known as original antigenic sin and immune imprinting). Fitting a statistical model to data from studies of influenza vaccine effectiveness (VE), we find that primary infection appears to reduce the risk of medically attended infection with that subtype throughout life. This effect is stronger for H1N1 compared to H3N2. Additionally, we find evidence that VE varies with both age and birth year, suggesting that VE is sensitive to early exposures. Our findings may improve estimates of age-specific risk and VE in similarly vaccinated populations and thus improve forecasting and vaccination strategies to combat seasonal influenza.
Mediterranean Diet and atherothrombosis biomarkers: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hernáez Álvaro , Castañer Olga , Tresserra-Rimbau Anna , Pintó Xavier , Fitó Montserrat , Casas Rosa , Martínez-González Miguel Ángel , Corella Dolores , Salas-Salvadó Jordi , Lapetra José , Gómez-Gracia Enrique , Arós Fernando , Fiol Miquel , Serra-Majem Lluis , Ros Emilio , Estruch Ramón 
Published: July 2019

ABSTRACTScopeTo assess whether following a Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) improves atherothrombosis biomarkers in high cardiovascular risk individuals.Methods and resultsIn 358 random volunteers from the PREDIMED trial (Prevención con Dieta Mediterránea), we assessed the 1-year effects on atherothrombosis markers of an intervention with MedDiet, enriched with virgin olive oil (MedDiet-VOO;N=120) or nuts (MedDiet-Nuts;N=119) versus a low-fat control diet (N=119). In a secondary, observational approach, we studied whether volunteers with large increments in MedDiet adherence (>2 score points) were associated with 1-year improvements in biomarkers (relative to those worsening their adherence). The MedDiet-VOO intervention increased platelet activating factor-acetylhydrolase activity in high-density lipoproteins (HDLs) by 7.5% [95% confidence interval: 0.17; 14.8] and decreased HDL-bound α1-antitrypsin levels by 6.1% [−11.8; −0.29]. The MedDiet-Nuts one reduced non-esterified fatty acid concentrations by 9.3% [−18.1; −0.53]. Only the low-fat diet was associated with increases in platelet factor-4 and prothrombin factor1+2levels versus baseline (P=0.012 andP=0.003, respectively, according to Wilcoxon signed-rank tests). Finally, large MedDiet increments were associated with less fibrinogen (−9.5% [−18.3; −0.60]) and non-esterified fatty acid concentrations (−16.7% [−31.7; −1.74]).ConclusionFollowing a MedDiet improves atherothrombosis biomarkers in high cardiovascular risk individuals.
Reproducibility and transparency characteristics of oncology research evidence
Authors: Walters Corbin G , Harter Zachery J , Wayant Cole , Vo Nam , Warren Michael , Chronister Justin , Tritz Daniel , Vassar Matt 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIntroductionAs much as 50%-90% of research is estimated to be irreproducible, costing upwards of $28 billion in the United States alone. Reproducible research practices are essential to improving the reproducibility and transparency of biomedical research, such as including pre-registering studies, publishing a protocol, making research data and metadata publicly available, and publishing in open access journals. Here we report an investigation of key reproducible or transparent research practices in the published oncology literature.MethodsWe performed a cross-sectional analysis of a random sample of 300 oncology studies published from 2014-2018. We extracted key reproducibility and transparency characteristics in a duplicative fashion by blinded investigators using a pilot tested Google Form.ResultsOf the 300 studies randomly sampled, 296 studies were analyzed for study reproducibility characteristics. Of these 296 studies, 194 were contained empirical data that could be analyzed for reproducible and transparent research practices. Raw data was available for 9 studies (4.6%). Approximately 5 studies (2.6%) provided a protocol. Despite our sample including 15 clinical trials and 7 systematic reviews/meta-analyses, only 7 included a pre-registration statement. Less than 25% (65/194) of studies provided an author conflict of interest statement.DiscussionWe found that key reproducibility and transparency characteristics were absent from a random sample of published oncology studies. We recommend required pre-registration for all eligible trials and systematic reviews, published protocols for all manuscripts, and deposition of raw data and metadata in public repositories.