bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Propensity score weighting: an application to anEarlyHeadStart dental study
Authors: Burgette Jacqueline M. , Preisser John S. , Rozier R. Gary 
Published: June 2015

AbstractObjectivesNonrandomized group assignment in intervention studies can lead to imbalances in preintervention covariates and biased effect estimates. We use propensity score estimation to account for such imbalances in anEarlyHeadStart (EHS) dataset with rich pretreatment information. We compare propensity score results using standard logistic regression models (LRMs) versus generalized boosted models (GBMs).MethodsWe estimated propensity scores using 47 socio‐demographic characteristics andEHSenrollment criteria obtained by parent interviews from a state‐wide sample of 637EHSand 930 Medicaid‐matched control children.LRMs andGBMs were used to estimate propensity scores related toEHSenrollment. Performance of both approaches was evaluated via a) measures of balance of pretreatment covariate distributions between treated and control subjects, and b) stability of propensity score weights measured by the effective sample size.ResultsDistributions of all variables were balanced forEHSand non‐EHSgroups using propensity score weights calculated withLRMandGBM. Compared withLRM,GBMresulted in better balance between treated and propensity score‐weighted control distributions. The effective sample size of the controls decreased from 930 subjects to 507 withGBMand to 335 withLRM.ConclusionAlthough propensity scores derived fromGBMandLRMboth effectively balanced observed preintervention covariates,GBMresulted in better covariate balance compared withLRM.GBMalso resulted in a larger effective sample size of the control group compared withLRM. Propensity score weighting usingGBMis an effective statistical method to reduce confounding due to imbalanced distributions of measured preintervention covariates in thisEHSintervention study.
LIME silicates in amoeboid olivine aggregates in carbonaceous chondrites: Indicator of nebular and asteroidal processes
Authors: Komatsu Mutsumi , Fagan Timothy J. , Mikouchi Takashi , Petaev Michail I. , Zolensky Michael E. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractMnO/FeO ratios in olivine from amoeboid olivine aggregates (AOAs) reflect conditions of nebular condensation and can be used in concert with matrix textures to compare metamorphic conditions in carbonaceous chondrites. LIME (low‐iron, Mn‐enriched) olivine was identified in AOAs from Y‐81020 (CO3.05), Kaba (CV~3.1), and in Y‐86009 (CV3), Y‐86751 (CV3), NWA 1152 (CR/CV3), but was not identified in AOAs from Efremovka (CV3.1–3.4) or Allende (CV>3.6). According to thermodynamic models of nebular condensation, LIME olivine is stable at lower temperatures than Mn‐poor olivine and at low oxygen fugacities (dust enrichment <10× solar). Although this set of samples does not represent a single metamorphic sequence, the higher subtypes tend to have AOA olivine with lower Mn/Fe, suggesting that Mn/Fe decreases during parent body metamorphism. Y‐81020 has the lowest subtype and most forsteritic AOA olivine (Fo>95) in our study, whereas Efremovka AOAs are slightly Fe‐rich (Fo>92). AOA olivines from Kaba are mostly forsteritic, but rare Fe‐rich olivine precipitated from an aqueous fluid. A combination of precipitation of Fe‐rich olivine and diffusion of Fe into primary olivine grains resulted in iron‐rich compositions (Fo97–59) in Allende AOAs. Variations from fine‐grained, nonporous matrix toward higher porosity and coarser lath‐like matrix olivine can be divided into six stages represented by (1) Y‐81020, Efremovka, NWA 1152; (2) Y‐86751 lithology B; (3) Y‐86009; (4) Kaba; (5) Y‐86751 lithology A; (6) Allende. These stages are inferred to represent general degree of metamorphism, although the specific roles of thermally driven grain growth and diffusion versus aqueous dissolution and precipitation remain uncertain.
Expectations and experiences of older people and their carers in relation to emergency department arrival and care: A qualitative study in Australia
Authors: Stein‐Parbury Jane , Gallagher Robyn , Fry Margaret , Chenoweth Lynn , Gallagher Patrick 
Published: June 2015

AbstractAlthough older people frequently present to the emergency department (ED), little is known about their experiences in this setting, despite increasing attendance rates reported in this population internationally. This study explores the experiences of older people and their carers leading to and during ED care in a metropolitan university hospital in Sydney, Australia. The study forms part of a larger prospective exploratory study on this topic. Individual in‐depth interviews were conducted with 10 people over 65 years of age who had a chronic illness and their carers one month after they presented to the ED. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using general interpretive methods. The results revealed that the participants presented to the ED as a result of escalating symptoms and on their general practitioner's advice. Participants felt uninformed about ED procedures, therefore, families/carers felt the need to advocate for information and basic services. Participants were grateful for the care received and mindful of the busy environment. To meet the expectations of older people, nurses need to provide timely information and advise carers how they can assist.
Interruptions and medication administration in critical care
Authors: Bower Rachel , Jackson Christine , Manning Joseph C 
Published: June 2015

ABSTRACTBackgroundMedication administration has inherent risks, with errors having enormous impact on the quality and efficiency of patient care, particularly in relation to experience, outcomes and safety. Nurses are pivotal to the medication administration process and therefore must demonstrate safe and reliable practice. However, interruptions can lead to mistakes and omissions.AimTo critique and synthesize the existing literature relating to the impact that interruptions have during medication administration within the paediatric critical care (PCC) setting.Search strategyKey terms identified from background literature were used to search three electronic databases (Medline, CINHAL and BNI). Selected sources were critically appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) tool.FindingsThere is confusion within the literature concerning the definition of interruption. Moreover, an assumption that all interruptions have a negative impact on patient safety exists. The literature identifies the multi‐dimensional nature of interruptions and their impact on medication administration and patient safety. The cumulative effect of interruptions depends on what type of task is being completed, when it occurs, what the interruption is and which method of handling is utilized. A conceptual schema has been developed in order to explicate the themes and concepts that emerged.ConclusionsThis review summarizes debates within the international arena concerning the impact of interruptions on medication administration. However, conclusions drawn appear applicable in relation to practice, education and future research to other critical care settings.Relevance to clinical practiceFindings show that no single strategy is likely to improve the negative effect of interruptions without focus on patient safety. Practice education to improve team building interactions is required that equips nurses with the skills in managing interruptions and delegating high priority secondary tasks.
The Big Five in Context: Personality, Diversity and Attitudes toward Equal Opportunities for Immigrants in Switzerland
Authors: Ackermann Kathrin , Ackermann Maya 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThe paper analyzes the link between personality traits and attitudes of Swiss citizens toward equal opportunities for immigrants. In particular, we examine the extent to which this relationship is moderated by the socio‐structural context. We test the assumption that the direct links between personality traits and attitudes toward equal opportunities are strengthened by perceived ethnic diversity. Based on our empirical analyses, we are able to replicate central findings of the research on personality traits and attitudes toward immigrants for the Swiss context. While openness toward experience and agreeableness are positively related to a preference for equal opportunities, conscientiousness is negatively linked to these attitudes. Furthermore, our results reveal that the link between conscientiousness and attitudes toward equal opportunities is significantly moderated by the perceived share of foreigners in the neighborhood. This finding is especially relevant for future research on the effects of personality traits.
Role‐play as a learning modality in Pakistan
Authors: Mumtaz Sadaf , Zahra Tatheer 
Published: June 2015

SummaryObjectivesTo assess the effectiveness of role‐play practised as a part of an integrated modular curriculum at Shifa College of Medicine, Islamabad.MethodsEach class of 100 students from the first to the final years of studying for a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), was split into seven or eight groups. Students divided the roles amongst themselves. Students were given one week's notice to prepare for each session, and had a maximum of 7 minutes for performance and 5 minutes for feedback from faculty members. Faculty staff observed the skills performed and content explored at the level of the students' training. The students' responses were recorded by a formulated questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse quantitative data. The results obtained were presented as frequencies and percentages.ResultsIn this study, 351 (70.2%) of eligible students participated. The advantage of role‐play in alleviating potential difficulties in communicating with patients was agreed by 63 per cent (n = 223). Two hundred and forty‐two students (69%) considered that role‐play promoted teamwork and interpersonnel skills. One hundred and ninety‐three students (55%) agreed that role‐play helped them to integrate knowledge of basic sciences into clinical skills. That these sessions evoked critical thinking among students was reported by 41 per cent (n = 144). The roles created reflected real life scenarios was agreed by 27 per cent (n = 96) students.Students were given one week's notice to prepare for each sessionConclusionRole‐play was accepted to enhance communication skills, the promotion of teamwork and the provision of a healthy environment to integrate learning processes among students.
Diversity and Evolution in the Genome of Clostridium difficile
Authors: Knight Daniel R. , Elliott Briony , Chang Barbara J. , Perkins Timothy T. , Riley Thomas V. 
Published: June 2015

SUMMARY

Clostridium difficile
infection (CDI) is the leading cause of antimicrobial and health care-associated diarrhea in humans, presenting a significant burden to global health care systems. In the last 2 decades, PCR- and sequence-based techniques, particularly whole-genome sequencing (WGS), have significantly furthered our knowledge of the genetic diversity, evolution, epidemiology, and pathogenicity of this once enigmatic pathogen.
C. difficile
is taxonomically distinct from many other well-known clostridia, with a diverse population structure comprising hundreds of strain types spread across at least 6 phylogenetic clades. The
C. difficile
species is defined by a large diverse pangenome with extreme levels of evolutionary plasticity that has been shaped over long time periods by gene flux and recombination, often between divergent lineages. These evolutionary events are in response to environmental and anthropogenic activities and have led to the rapid emergence and worldwide dissemination of virulent clonal lineages. Moreover, genome analysis of large clinically relevant data sets has improved our understanding of CDI outbreaks, transmission, and recurrence. The epidemiology of CDI has changed dramatically over the last 15 years, and CDI may have a foodborne or zoonotic etiology. The WGS era promises to continue to redefine our view of this significant pathogen.
Seropositivity for Antibodies to DRS-G, a Virulence Factor from Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis, Is an Independent Risk Factor for Poststreptococcus Glomerulonephritis and Chronic Kidney Disease in Mumbai, India
Authors: Hule Gouri P. , Karmarkar Mohan G. , Cameron Ainslie , Hase Niwrutti , Khopkar Uday , Mehta Preeti R. , McNeilly Celia L. , McMillan David , Sriprakash Kadaba S. 
Published: June 2015

ABSTRACTThe disease spectrum caused byStreptococcus dysgalactiaesubsp.equisimilisresembles that ofS. pyogenes(group A streptococcus [GAS]). These two bacterial species are closely related and possess many common virulence characteristics. While some GAS strains express virulence factors called streptococcal inhibitor of complement (SIC) and distantly related to SIC (DRS), someS. dysgalactiaesubsp.equisimilisisolates express an orthologue of DRS, which is referred to as DRS-G. We reported previously that seropositivity for either anti-SIC or anti-DRS antibodies (Abs) is associated with poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis (PSGN). However, only seropositivity for anti-SIC Abs is associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We now extend the study to test whether seropositivity for anti-DRS-G Abs is also associated with these renal diseases. Stored serum samples collected for our previous study were tested by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for Abs to DRS-G. The samples represented sera from 100 CKD adult patients, 70 adult end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients, 25 PSGN pediatric patients, and corresponding age-matched control subjects. The proportion of PSGN, CKD, and ESRD patients who showed seroreaction to anti-DRS-G Abs was significantly higher than that of the corresponding age-matched controls, who in general exhibited seropositivity rates commensurate with the isolation rate ofdrsG-positiveS. dysgalactiaesubsp.equisimilisin the community during this study period. Since higher rates of seropositivity for anti-DRS-G Abs in the renal disease categories are resultant of previous infections with DRS-G-positiveS. dysgalactiaesubsp.equisimilisstrains, we conclude the seropositivity is an additional risk factor for these renal diseases. In this regard, anti-DRS-G Abs have attributes similar to those of the anti-SIC Abs.
Structure of the C-Terminal Domain of the Multifunctional ICP27 Protein from Herpes Simplex Virus 1
Authors: Patel Vidhi , Dahlroth Sue-Li , Rajakannan Venkatachalam , Ho Hai Ting , Cornvik Tobias , Nordlund Pär 
Published: June 2015

ABSTRACT

Herpesviruses are nuclear-replicating viruses that have successfully evolved to evade the immune system of humans, establishing lifelong infections. ICP27 from herpes simplex virus is a multifunctional regulatory protein that is functionally conserved in all known human herpesviruses. It has the potential to interact with an array of cellular proteins, as well as intronless viral RNAs. ICP27 plays an essential role in viral transcription, nuclear export of intronless RNAs, translation of viral transcripts, and virion host shutoff function. It has also been implicated in several signaling pathways and the prevention of apoptosis. Although much is known about its central role in viral replication and infection, very little is known about the structure and mechanistic properties of ICP27 and its homologs. We present the first crystal structure of ICP27 C-terminal domain at a resolution of 2.0 Å. The structure reveals the C-terminal half of ICP27 to have a novel fold consisting of α-helices and long loops, along with a unique CHCC-type of zinc-binding motif. The two termini of this domain extend from the central core and hint to possibilities of making interactions. ICP27 essential domain is capable of forming self-dimers as seen in the structure, which is confirmed by analytical ultracentrifugation study. Preliminary
in vitro
phosphorylation assays reveal that this domain may be regulated by cellular kinases.

IMPORTANCE
ICP27 is a key regulatory protein of the herpes simplex virus and has functional homologs in all known human herpesviruses. Understanding the structure of this protein is a step ahead in deciphering the mechanism by which the virus thrives. In this study, we present the first structure of the C-terminal domain of ICP27 and describe its novel features. We critically analyze the structure and compare our results to the information available form earlier studies. This structure can act as a guide in future experimental designs and can add to a better understanding of mechanism of ICP27, as well as that of its homologs.
Newly Emergent Highly Pathogenic H5N9 Subtype Avian Influenza A Virus
Authors: Yu Yang , Wang Xingbo , Jin Tao , Wang Hailong , Si Weiying , Yang Hui , Wu Jiusheng , Yan Yan , Liu Guang , Sang Xiaoyu , Wu Xiaopeng , Gao Yuwei , Xia Xianzhu , Yu Xinfen , Pan Jingcao , Gao George F. , Zhou Jiyong 
Published: June 2015

ABSTRACT
The novel H7N9 avian influenza virus (AIV) was demonstrated to cause severe human respiratory infections in China. Here, we examined poultry specimens from live bird markets linked to human H7N9 infection in Hangzhou, China. Metagenomic sequencing revealed mixed subtypes (H5, H7, H9, N1, N2, and N9). Subsequently, AIV subtypes H5N9, H7N9, and H9N2 were isolated. Evolutionary analysis showed that the hemagglutinin gene of the novel H5N9 virus originated from A/Muscovy duck/Vietnam/LBM227/2012 (H5N1), which belongs to clade 2.3.2.1. The neuraminidase gene of the novel H5N9 virus originated from
human-infective A/Hangzhou/1/2013 (H7N9). The six internal genes were similar to those of other H5N1, H7N9, and H9N2 virus strains. The virus harbored the PQRERRRKR/GL motif characteristic of highly pathogenic AIVs at the HA cleavage site. Receptor-binding experiments demonstrated that the virus binds α-2,3 sialic acid but not α-2,6 sialic acid. Identically, pathogenicity experiments also showed that the virus caused low mortality rates in mice. This newly isolated H5N9 virus is a highly pathogenic reassortant virus originating from H5N1, H7N9, and H9N2 subtypes. Live bird markets represent a potential transmission risk to public health and the poultry industry.

IMPORTANCE
This investigation confirms that the novel H5N9 subtype avian influenza A virus is a reassortant strain originating from H5N1, H7N9, and H9N2 subtypes and is totally different from the H5N9 viruses reported before. The novel H5N9 virus acquired a highly pathogenic H5 gene and an N9 gene from human-infecting subtype H7N9 but caused low mortality rates in mice. Whether this novel H5N9 virus will cause human infections from its avian host and become a pandemic subtype is not known yet. It is therefore imperative to assess the risk of emergence of this novel reassortant virus with potential transmissibility to public health.
Role of Host Cell p32 in Herpes Simplex Virus 1 De-Envelopment during Viral Nuclear Egress
Authors: Liu Zhuoming , Kato Akihisa , Oyama Masaaki , Kozuka-Hata Hiroko , Arii Jun , Kawaguchi Yasushi 
Published: June 2015

ABSTRACT
To clarify the function(s) of the herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) major virion structural protein UL47 (also designated VP13/14), we screened cells overexpressing UL47 for UL47-binding cellular proteins. Tandem affinity purification of transiently expressed UL47 coupled with mass spectrometry-based proteomics technology and subsequent analyses showed that UL47 interacted with cell protein p32 in HSV-1-infected cells. Unlike in mock-infected cells, p32 accumulated at the nuclear rim in HSV-1-infected cells, and this p32 recruitment to the nuclear rim required UL47. p32 formed a complex(es) with HSV-1 proteins UL31, UL34, Us3, UL47, and/or ICP22 in HSV-1-infected cells. All these HSV-1 proteins were previously reported to be important for HSV-1 nuclear egress, in which nucleocapsids bud through the inner nuclear membrane (primary envelopment) and the enveloped nucleocapsids then fuse with the outer nuclear membrane (de-envelopment). Like viral proteins UL31, UL34, Us3, and UL47, p32 was detected in primary enveloped virions. p32 knockdown reduced viral replication and induced membranous invaginations adjacent to the nuclear rim containing primary enveloped virions and aberrant localization of UL31 and UL34 in punctate structures at the nuclear rim. These effects of p32 knockdown were reduced in the absence of UL47. Therefore, the effects of p32 knockdown in HSV-1 nuclear egress were similar to those of the previously reported mutation(s) in HSV-1 regulatory proteins for HSV-1 de-envelopment during viral nuclear egress. Collectively, these results suggested that p32 regulated HSV-1 de-envelopment and replication in a UL47-dependent manner.

IMPORTANCE
In this study, we have obtained data suggesting that (i) the HSV-1 major virion structural protein UL47 interacted with host cell protein p32 and mediated the recruitment of p32 to the nuclear rim in HSV-1-infected cells; (ii) p32 was a component of the HSV-1 nuclear egress complex (NEC), whose core components were UL31 and UL34; and (iii) p32 regulated HSV-1 de-envelopment during viral nuclear egress. It has been reported that p32 was a component of human cytomegalovirus NEC and was required for efficient disintegration of nuclear lamina, which has been thought to facilitate HSV-1 primary envelopment during viral nuclear egress. Thus, p32 appeared to be a core component of herpesvirus NECs, like UL31 and UL34 homologs in other herpesviruses, and to play multiple roles in herpesvirus nuclear egress.
The Nucleocapsid Protein of Coronaviruses Acts as a Viral Suppressor of RNA Silencing in Mammalian Cells
Authors: Cui Lei , Wang Haiying , Ji Yanxi , Yang Jie , Xu Shan , Huang Xingyu , Wang Zidao , Qin Lei , Tien Po , Zhou Xi , Guo Deyin , Chen Yu 
Published: June 2015

ABSTRACT

RNA interference (RNAi) is a process of eukaryotic posttranscriptional gene silencing that functions in antiviral immunity in plants, nematodes, and insects. However, recent studies provided strong supports that RNAi also plays a role in antiviral mechanism in mammalian cells. To combat RNAi-mediated antiviral responses, many viruses encode viral suppressors of RNA silencing (VSR) to facilitate their replication. VSRs have been widely studied for plant and insect viruses, but only a few have been defined for mammalian viruses currently. We identified a novel VSR from coronaviruses, a group of medically important mammalian viruses including Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), and showed that the nucleocapsid protein (N protein) of coronaviruses suppresses RNAi triggered by either short hairpin RNAs or small interfering RNAs in mammalian cells. Mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) is closely related to SARS-CoV in the family
Coronaviridae
and was used as a coronavirus replication model. The replication of MHV increased when the N proteins were expressed
in trans
, while knockdown of Dicer1 or Ago2 transcripts facilitated the MHV replication in mammalian cells. These results support the hypothesis that RNAi is a part of the antiviral immunity responses in mammalian cells.

IMPORTANCE
RNAi has been well known to play important antiviral roles from plants to invertebrates. However, recent studies provided strong supports that RNAi is also involved in antiviral response in mammalian cells. An important indication for RNAi-mediated antiviral activity in mammals is the fact that a number of mammalian viruses encode potent suppressors of RNA silencing. Our results demonstrate that coronavirus N protein could function as a VSR through its double-stranded RNA binding activity. Mutational analysis of N protein allowed us to find out the critical residues for the VSR activity. Using the MHV-A59 as the coronavirus replication model, we showed that ectopic expression of SARS-CoV N protein could promote MHV replication in RNAi-active cells but not in RNAi-depleted cells. These results indicate that coronaviruses encode a VSR that functions in the replication cycle and provide further evidence to support that RNAi-mediated antiviral response exists in mammalian cells.