bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Association Between Asymmetric Information, Hospital Competition and Quality of Healthcare: Evidence from Italy
Authors: Berta Paolo , Martini Gianmaria , Moscone Francesco , Vittadini Giorgio 
Published: August 2016

SummaryWe study the effect of competition on adverse hospital health outcomes in a context in which information about hospital quality is not publicly available. We use data on patients who were admitted to hospitals in the Lombardy region of Italy. Although risk-adjusted hospital rankings are estimated yearly in this region, such rankings are provided to hospital managers only and are not available to general practitioners or citizens. Hence, patients may choose the hospital where to be admitted on the basis of different criteria such as their geographical closeness to the hospital, local network information and referrals by general practitioners. We first estimate a model of patient hospital choices and include among the determinants a variable capturing social interaction, which represents a proxy for the quality of hospitals perceived by patients. Using patient-predicted choice probabilities, we then construct a set of competition indices and measure their effect on a composite index of mortality and readmission rates that represents, in our settings, hospital quality in terms of adverse health outcomes. Our results show that no association exists between such adverse events and hospital competition. Our finding may be the result of asymmetric information, as well as the difficulty of building good quality health indicators.
Draft Genome Sequences of Eight Obligate Methane Oxidizers Occupying Distinct Niches Based on Their Nitrogen Metabolism
Authors: Heylen Kim , De Vos Paul , Vekeman Bram 
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACT

The genome sequences of
Methylomonas methanica
(NCIMB 11130
T
, R-45363, and R-45371),
Methylomonas koyamae
(R-45378, R-45383, and R-49807),
Methylomonas lenta
(R-45370), and
Methylosinus
sp. (R-45379) were obtained. These aerobic methanotrophs were isolated from terrestrial ecosystems, and their distinct phenotypes related to nitrogen assimilation and dissimilation were previously reported.
Draft Genome Sequences of Two Avian Pathogenic
Escherichia coli
Strains of Clinical Importance, E44 and E51
Authors: Ronco Troels , Stegger Marc , Andersen Paal S. , Pedersen Karl , Li Lili , Thøfner Ida C. N. , Olsen Rikke H. 
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACT

Avian pathogenic
Escherichia coli
strains have remarkable impacts on animal welfare and the production economy in the poultry industry worldwide. Here, we present the draft genomes of two isolates from chickens (E44 and E51) obtained from field outbreaks and subsequently investigated for their potential for use in autogenous vaccines for broiler breeders.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Planomonospora sphaerica
JCM9374, a Rare Actinomycete
Authors: Dohra Hideo , Suzuki Tomohiro , Inoue Yuto , Kodani Shinya 
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACT

Planomonospora sphaerica
is a rare actinomycete that is a potential antibiotic producer. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
P. sphaerica
strain JCM9374. This is the first genome report of a bacterium belonging to the genus
Planomonospora
. The genome information of
P. sphaerica
will contribute to studies on the structure and function of antibiotics.
Ten-year change in sedentary behaviour, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, cardiorespiratory fitness and cardiometabolic risk: independent associations and mediation analysis
Authors: Knaeps Sara , Bourgois Jan G , Charlier Ruben , Mertens Evelien , Lefevre Johan , Wijndaele Katrien 
Published: August 2016

BackgroundWe aimed to study the independent associations of 10-year change in sedentary behaviour (SB), moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and objectively measured cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), with concurrent change in clustered cardiometabolic risk and its individual components (waist circumference, fasting glucose, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, triglycerides and blood pressure). We also determined whether associations were mediated by change in CRF (for SB and MVPA), waist circumference (for SB, MVPA and CRF) and dietary intake (for SB).MethodsA population-based sample of 425 adults (age (mean±SD) 55.83±9.40; 65% men) was followed prospectively for 9.62±0.52 years. Participants self-reported SB and MVPA and performed a maximal cycle ergometer test to estimate peak oxygen uptake at baseline (2002–2004) and follow-up (2012–2014). Multiple linear regression and the product of coefficients method were used to examine independent associations and mediation effects, respectively.ResultsGreater increase in SB was associated with more detrimental change in clustered cardiometabolic risk, waist circumference, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides, independently of change in MVPA. Greater decrease in MVPA was associated with greater decrease in HDL cholesterol and increase in clustered cardiometabolic risk, waist circumference and fasting glucose, independent of change in SB. Greater decrease in CRF was associated with more detrimental change in clustered cardiometabolic risk and all individual components. Change in CRF mediated the associations of change in SB and MVPA with change in clustered cardiometabolic risk, waist circumference and, only for MVPA, HDL cholesterol. Change in waist circumference mediated the associations between change in CRF and change in clustered cardiometabolic risk, fasting glucose, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides.ConclusionsA combination of decreasing SB and increasing MVPA, resulting in positive change in CRF, is likely to be most beneficial towards cardiometabolic health.
Protocol for a national blood transfusion data warehouse from donor to recipient
Authors: van Hoeven Loan R , Hooftman Babette H , Janssen Mart P , de Bruijne Martine C , de Vooght Karen M K , Kemper Peter , Koopman Maria M W 
Published: August 2016

IntroductionBlood transfusion has health-related, economical and safety implications. In order to optimise the transfusion chain, comprehensive research data are needed. The Dutch Transfusion Data warehouse (DTD) project aims to establish a data warehouse where data from donors and transfusion recipients are linked. This paper describes the design of the data warehouse, challenges and illustrative applications.Study design and methodsQuantitative data on blood donors (eg, age, blood group, antibodies) and products (type of product, processing, storage time) are obtained from the national blood bank. These are linked to data on the transfusion recipients (eg, transfusions administered, patient diagnosis, surgical procedures, laboratory parameters), which are extracted from hospital electronic health records.ApplicationsExpected scientific contributions are illustrated for 4 applications: determine risk factors, predict blood use, benchmark blood use and optimise process efficiency. For each application, examples of research questions are given and analyses planned.ConclusionsThe DTD project aims to build a national, continuously updated transfusion data warehouse. These data have a wide range of applications, on the donor/production side, recipient studies on blood usage and benchmarking and donor–recipient studies, which ultimately can contribute to the efficiency and safety of blood transfusion.
Active faulting in a populated low-strain setting (Lower Rhine Graben, Central Europe) identified by geomorphic, geophysical and geological analysis
Authors: Kübler S. , Streich R. , Lück E. , Hoffmann M. , Friedrich A. M. , Strecker M. R. 
Published: August 2016

Abstract

The Lower Rhine Graben (Central Europe) is a prime example of a seismically active low-strain rift zone characterized by pronounced anthropogenic and climatic overprint of structures, and long recurrence intervals of large earthquakes. These factors render the identification of active faults and surface ruptures difficult. We investigated two fault scarps in the Lower Rhine Graben, to decipher their structural character, offset and potential seismogenic origin. Both scarps were modified by anthropogenic activity. The Hemmerich site lies
c.
20 km SW of Cologne, along the Erft Fault. The Untermaubach site lies SW of Düren, where the Schafberg Fault projects into the Rur River valley. At the Hemmerich site, geomorphic and geophysical data, as well as exploratory coring reveal evidence of repeated normal faulting. Geophysical analysis and palaeoseismological excavation at the Untermaubach site reveal a complex fault zone in Holocene gravels characterized by subtle gravel deformation. Differentiation of tectonic and fluvial features was only possible with trenching, because fault structures and grain sizes of the sediments were below the resolution of the geophysical data. Despite these issues, our investigation demonstrates that valuable insight into past earthquakes and seismogenic deformation in a low-strain environment can be revealed using a multidisciplinary approach.
A single dose of histamine-receptor antagonists before downhill running alters markers of muscle damage and delayed-onset muscle soreness
Authors: Ely Matthew R. , Romero Steven A. , Sieck Dylan C. , Mangum Joshua E. , Luttrell Meredith J. , Halliwill John R. 
Published: August 2016

Histamine contributes to elevations in skeletal muscle blood flow following exercise, which raises the possibility that histamine is an important mediator of the inflammatory response to exercise. We examined the influence of antihistamines on postexercise blood flow, inflammation, muscle damage, and delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) in a model of moderate exercise-induced muscle damage. Subjects consumed either a combination of fexofenadine and ranitidine (blockade, n = 12) or nothing (control, n = 12) before 45 min of downhill running (−10% grade). Blood flow to the leg was measured before and throughout 120 min of exercise recovery. Markers of inflammation, muscle damage, and DOMS were obtained before and at 0, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h postexercise. At 60 min postexercise, blood flow was reduced ~29% with blockade compared with control ( P < 0.05). Markers of inflammation were elevated after exercise (TNF-ɑ, IL-6), but did not differ between control and blockade. Creatine kinase concentrations peaked 12 h after exercise, and the overall response was greater with blockade (18.3 ± 3.2 kU·l−1·h−1) compared with control (11.6 ± 2.0 kU·l−1·h−1; P < 0.05). Reductions in muscle strength in control (−19.3 ± 4.3% at 24 h) were greater than blockade (−7.8 ± 4.8%; P < 0.05) and corresponded with greater perceptions of pain/discomfort in control compared with blockade. In conclusion, histamine-receptor blockade reduced postexercise blood flow, had no effect on the pattern of inflammatory markers, increased serum creatine kinase concentrations, attenuated muscle strength loss, and reduced pain perception following muscle-damaging exercise.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Histamine appears to be intimately involved with skeletal muscle during and following exercise. Blocking histamine’s actions during muscle-damaging exercise, via common over-the-counter antihistamines, resulted in increased serum creatine kinase, an indirect marker of muscle damage. Paradoxically, blocking histamine’s actions attenuated muscle strength loss and reduced perceptions of muscle pain for 72 h following muscle-damaging exercise. These results indicate that exercise-induced histamine release may have a broad impact on protecting muscle from exercise-induced damage.
Deletion of LR11 Attenuates Hypoxia-Induced Pulmonary Arterial Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation With Medial Thickening in Mice
Authors: Jiang Le , Konishi Hakuoh , Nurwidya Fariz , Satoh Kimio , Takahashi Fumiyuki , Ebinuma Hiroyuki , Fujimura Kengo , Takasu Kiyoshi , Jiang Meizi , Shimokawa Hiroaki , Bujo Hideaki , Daida Hiroyuki 
Published: August 2016

Objective—
We aimed to determine whether LR11 (low-density lipoprotein receptor with 11 binding repeats) is a potential key regulator of smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation during the progression of hypoxia-induced medial thickening in mice and whether sLR11 (soluble LR11) can serve as a biomarker in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Approach and Results—

The role of LR11 in pulmonary arterial hypertension was investigated using mouse and cell models of induced hypoxia. The expression of LR11 and of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α was significantly increased in lung tissues from C57Bl/6 mice after 3 weeks of exposure to hypoxia compared with normoxia. Serum sLR11 levels were also increased. Physiological and histochemical analyses showed that increased right ventricular systolic pressure, right ventricular hypertrophy, and medial thickening induced under hypoxia in wild-type mice were attenuated in LR11
−/−
mice. The proliferation rates stimulated by hypoxia or platelet-derived growth factor-BB were attenuated in SMC derived from LR11
−/−
mice, compared with those from wild-type mice. Exogenous sLR11 protein increased the proliferation rates of SMC from wild-type mice. The expression of LR11 and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α was increased in cultured SMC under hypoxic conditions, and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α knockdown almost abolished the induction of LR11. Serum sLR11 levels were significantly higher in patients with, rather than without, pulmonary arterial hypertension. sLR11 levels positively correlated with pulmonary vascular resistance and mean pulmonary arterial pressure.

Conclusions—
LR11 regulated SMC proliferation during the progression of hypoxia-induced medial thickening in mice. The findings obtained from mice, together with those in humans, indicate that sLR11 could serve as a novel biomarker that reflects the pathophysiology of proliferating medial SMC in pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Pregnancy and the Risk of Aortic Dissection or Rupture
Authors: Kamel Hooman , Roman Mary J. , Pitcher Alex , Devereux Richard B. 
Published: August 2016

Background:
Case series have described aortic dissection and rupture in pregnancy. Few population-based data exist to support an association.

Methods:
We performed a cohort-crossover study using data on all emergency department visits and acute care hospitalizations at nonfederal healthcare facilities in California, Florida, and New York. We included women ≥12 years of age with labor and delivery or abortive pregnancy outcome between 2005 and 2013. Our outcome was a composite of aortic dissection or rupture. Based on the timing of reported aortic complications during pregnancy, we defined the period of risk as 6 months before delivery until 3 months after delivery. We compared each patient’s likelihood of aortic complications during this period with an equivalent 270-day period exactly 1 year later. Incidence rates and incidence rate ratios were computed using conditional Poisson regression with robust standard errors.

Results:
Among 6 566 826 pregnancies in 4 933 697 women, we identified 36 cases of aortic dissection or rupture during the pregnancy or postpartum period and 9 cases during the control period 1 year later. The rate of aortic complications was 5.5 (95% confidence interval, 4.0–7.8) per million patients during pregnancy and the postpartum period, in comparison with 1.4 (95% confidence interval, 0.7–2.9) per million during the equivalent period 1 year later. Pregnancy was associated with a significantly increased risk of aortic dissection or rupture (incidence rate ratio, 4.0; 95% confidence interval, 2.0–8.2) in comparison with the control period 1 year later.

Conclusions:
The risk of aortic dissection or rupture is elevated during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
Blood Pressure, Carotid Flow Pulsatility, and the Risk of Stroke
Authors: Chuang Shao-Yuan , Cheng Hao-Min , Bai Chyi-Huey , Yeh Wen-Ting , Chen Jiunn-Rong , Pan Wen-Harn 
Published: August 2016

Background and Purpose—
High blood pressure is a major cause of cardiovascular events, and carotid flow pulsatility may be associated with cardiovascular events. However, the combined effect of blood pressure and flow pulsatility on the development of stroke remains unclear. Therefore, we investigated the combined influence of central blood pressure and pulsatility index (PI) on the incidence of stroke.

Methods—
Baseline data from 2033 adults (≥30 years) without stroke history in the Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factor Two-Township Study were linked to incident stroke. Common carotid flow PI was calculated by peak systolic velocity, end-diastolic velocity, and mean vessel velocity, which were measured in the common carotid artery. Hazard ratios for the risk of total stroke resulting from high central systolic blood pressure (CSBP) and high PI were calculated with Cox proportional hazard models.

Results—

Over a median follow-up of 9.81 years, 132 people incurred stroke events. The incidence rates of stroke were 1.3, 6.4, and 13.2 per 1000 person-years for tertile groups of CSBP (
P
for trend<0.05) and 4.3, 7.0, and 9.4 per 1000 person-years for tertile groups of PI (
P
for trend<0.05). Compared with the first tertile of CSBP, hazard ratios were 4.88 (95% confidence interval, 2.29–10.43) for the second tertile and 10.42 (5.05–21.53) for the third tertile. Hazard ratios of PI were 2.18 (1.39–3.42; third tertile) and 1.64 (1.02–2.63; second tertile) compared with the first tertile. The individuals with a high CSBP and high PI had a 13-fold higher stroke risk compared with those with low CSBP and low PI (13.2; 1.75–99.71) after adjusting for age, sex, and traditional cardiovascular risk.

Conclusions—
CSBP and common carotid PI jointly and independently predicted future stroke. Carotid flow pulsatility may play an important role in the development of stroke.
Good Intracranial Collaterals Trump Poor ASPECTS (Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score) for Intravenous Thrombolysis in Anterior Circulation Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Tan Benjamin Y.Q. , Wan-Yee Kong , Paliwal Prakash , Gopinathan Anil , Nadarajah Mahendran , Ting Eric , Venketasubramanian Narayanaswamy , Seet Raymond C.S. , Chan Bernard P.L. , Teoh Hock L. , Rathakrishnan Rahul , Sharma Vijay K. , Yeo Leonard L.L. 
Published: August 2016

Background and Purpose—
In acute ischemic stroke, large early infarct size estimated by the Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) is associated with poorer outcomes and is a relative contraindication for recanalization therapies. The state of the intracranial collateral circulation influences the functional outcome and may be a variable to consider before thrombolysis. We evaluated the prognostic effect of the collateral circulation in patients with thrombolyzed acute ischemic stroke who have large early infarct sizes as indicated by low ASPECTS.

Materials and Methods—
Patients with anterior circulation acute ischemic stroke who received a computed tomographic angiogram and subsequent treatment with intravenous tissue-type plasminogen activator from 2010 to 2013 were studied. Two independent neuroradiologists determined their ASPECTS. We stratified patients using ASPECTS into 2 groups: large volume infarcts (ASPECTS≤7 points) and small volume infarcts (ASPECTS 8–10). In addition, we evaluated a third group with very large volume infarcts (ASPECTS≤5 points). We then analyzed the 3 subgroups using the Maas, Tan, and ASPECTS-collaterals grading systems of the computed tomographic angiogram intracranial collaterals. Good outcomes were defined by modified Rankin Scale score of 0 to 2 at 3 months.

Results—

A total of 300 patients were included in the final analysis. For patients with very large volume infarcts (ASPECTS≤5 points), univariable analysis showed that younger age, male sex, lower National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), lower systolic blood pressure, and good collaterals by Maas, Tan, or ASPECTS-collaterals grading were predictors of good outcomes. On multivariate analysis, younger age (odds ratio, 0.93; 95% confidence interval, 0.89–0.97;
P
=0.002) and good collaterals by ASPECTS-collaterals system (odds ratio, 1.34; 95% confidence interval, 1.15–1.57;
P
<0.001) were associated with good outcomes.

Conclusions—
In patients with large and very large volume infarcts, good collaterals as measured by the ASPECTS-collaterals system is associated with improved outcomes and can help select patients for intravenous thrombolysis.
The Potential Predictability of Fire Danger Provided by Numerical Weather Prediction
Authors: Di Giuseppe Francesca , Pappenberger Florian , Wetterhall Fredrik , Krzeminski Blazej , Camia Andrea , Libertá Giorgio , San Miguel Jesus 
Published: August 2016

AbstractA global fire danger rating system driven by atmospheric model forcing has been developed with the aim of providing early warning information to civil protection authorities. The daily predictions of fire danger conditions are based on the U.S. Forest Service National Fire-Danger Rating System (NFDRS), the Canadian Forest Service Fire Weather Index Rating System (FWI), and the Australian McArthur (Mark 5) rating systems. Weather forcings are provided in real time by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts forecasting system at 25-km resolution. The global system’s potential predictability is assessed using reanalysis fields as weather forcings. The Global Fire Emissions Database (GFED4) provides 11 yr of observed burned areas from satellite measurements and is used as a validation dataset. The fire indices implemented are good predictors to highlight dangerous conditions. High values are correlated with observed fire, and low values correspond to nonobserved events. A more quantitative skill evaluation was performed using the extremal dependency index, which is a skill score specifically designed for rare events. It revealed that the three indices were more skillful than the random forecast to detect large fires on a global scale. The performance peaks in the boreal forests, the Mediterranean region, the Amazon rain forests, and Southeast Asia. The skill scores were then aggregated at the country level to reveal which nations could potentially benefit from the system information to aid decision-making and fire control support. Overall it was found that fire danger modeling based on weather forecasts can provide reasonable predictability over large parts of the global landmass.
Natural and Anthropogenic Aerosol Trends from Satellite and Surface Observations and Model Simulations over the North Atlantic Ocean from 2002 to 2012
Authors: Jongeward Andrew R. , Li Zhanqing , He Hao , Xiong Xiaoxiong 
Published: August 2016

AbstractAerosols contribute to Earth’s radiative budget both directly and indirectly, and large uncertainties remain in quantifying aerosol effects on climate. Variability in aerosol distribution and properties, as might result from changing emissions and transport processes, must be characterized. In this study, variations in aerosol loading across the eastern seaboard of the United States and the North Atlantic Ocean during 2002 to 2012 are analyzed to examine the impacts of anthropogenic emission control measures using monthly mean data from MODIS, AERONET, and IMPROVE observations and Goddard Chemistry Aerosol Radiation and Transport (GOCART) model simulation. MODIS observes a statistically significant negative trend in aerosol optical depth (AOD) over the midlatitudes (−0.030 decade−1). Correlation analyses with surface AOD from AERONET sites in the upwind region combined with trend analysis from GOCART component AOD confirm that the observed decrease in the midlatitudes is chiefly associated with anthropogenic aerosols that exhibit significant negative trends from the eastern U.S. coast extending over the western North Atlantic. Additional analysis of IMPROVE surface PM2.5 observations demonstrates statistically significant negative trends in the anthropogenic components with decreasing mass concentrations over the eastern United States. Finally, a seasonal analysis of observational datasets is performed. The negative trend seen by MODIS is strongest during spring (MAM) and summer (JJA) months. This is supported by AERONET seasonal trends and is identified from IMPROVE seasonal trends as resulting from ammonium sulfate decreases during these seasons.