bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Heightened Microbial Translocation Is a Prognostic Biomarker of Recurrent Tuberculosis
Authors: Kumar Nathella Pavan , Moideen Kadar , Viswanathan Vijay , Sivakumar Shanmugam , Ahamed Shaik Fayaz , Ponnuraja C , Hissar Syed , Kornfeld Hardy , Babu Subash 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundMicrobial translocation is a known characteristic of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). Whether microbial translocation is also a biomarker of recurrence in PTB is not known.MethodsWe examined the presence of microbial translocation in a cohort of newly diagnosed, sputum smear, and culture positive individuals with drug-sensitive PTB. Participants were followed up for a year following the end of anti-tuberculosis treatment. They were classified as cases (in the event of recurrence, n = 30) and compared to age and gender matched controls (in the event of successful, recurrence free cure; n = 51). Plasma samples were used to measure the circulating microbial translocation markers. All the enrolled study participants were treatment naïve, HIV negative and with or without diabetes mellitus.ResultsBaseline levels of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (P = .0002), sCD14 (P = .0191), and LPS-binding protein (LBP) (P &lt; .0001) were significantly higher in recurrence than controls and were associated with increased risk for recurrence, whereas intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP) and Endocab showed no association. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis demonstrated the utility of these individual microbial markers in discriminating recurrence from cure with high sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC).ConclusionsRecurrence following microbiological cure in PTB is characterized by heightened baseline microbial translocation. These markers can be used as a rapid prognostic tool for predicting recurrence in PTB.
Hepatitis C Virus Reinfection Following Direct-Acting Antiviral Treatment in the Prison Setting: The SToP-C Study
Authors: Carson Joanne M , Dore Gregory J , Lloyd Andrew R , Grebely Jason , Byrne Marianne , Cunningham Evan , Amin Janaki , Vickerman Peter , Martin Natasha K , Treloar Carla , Martinello Marianne , Matthews Gail V , Hajarizadeh Behzad ,   Surveillance and Treatment of Prisoners With Hepatitis C (SToP-C) Study Group, Loveday Stuart , Dore Gregory , Lloyd Andrew , Grebely Jason , Butler Tony , Chambers Georgina , Treloar Carla , Byrne Marianne , Donnelly Roy , McGrath Colette , Bowman Julia , Trevethan Lee , Lagios Katerina , Grant Luke , Murrell Terry , Bath Nicky , Tawil Victor , Stevens Annabelle , Topp Libby , Churchill Alison , Pinnock Kate , Martin Natasha , Drew Steven , Harrod Mary , Dore Gregory , Lloyd Andrew , Hajarizadeh Behzad , Butler Tony , Marks Pip , Tamaddoni Mahshid , Obeid Stephanie , Mercade Gerard Estivill , Martinez Maria , Byrne Marianne , Rawlinson William , Yeang Malinna , Wynn Matthew , Willenborg Christiana , Smith Angela , Williams Ronella , Cooper Brigid , Somes Kelly , Burns Carina , Lobo Camilla , Conroy Karen , McCredie Luke , Café Carolyn , Anlezark Jodie 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Background
Injection drug use (IDU) following treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection may lead to reinfection, particularly if access to harm reduction services is suboptimal. This study assessed HCV reinfection risk following direct-acting antiviral therapy within Australian prisons that had opioid agonist therapy (OAT) programs but did not have needle and syringe programs (NSPs).

Methods
The Surveillance and Treatment of Prisoners With Hepatitis C (SToP-C) study enrolled people incarcerated in 4 prisons between 2014 and 2019. Participants treated for HCV were followed every 3–6 months to identify reinfection (confirmed by sequencing). Reinfection incidence and associated factors were evaluated.

Results
Among 388 participants receiving treatment, 161 had available posttreatment follow-up and were included in analysis (92% male; median age, 33 years; 67% IDU in prison; median follow-up 9 months). Among those with recent (in the past month) IDU (n = 71), 90% had receptive needle/syringe sharing. During 145 person-years (PY) of follow-up, 18 cases of reinfection were identified. Reinfection incidence was 12.5/100 PY (95% confidence interval [CI]: 7.9–19.8) overall, increasing to 28.7/100 PY (95% CI: 16.3–50.6) among those with recent IDU and needle/syringe sharing. In adjusted analysis, recent IDU with needle/syringe sharing was associated with increased reinfection risk (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 4.74 [95% CI: 1.33–16.80]; P = .016) and longer HCV testing interval with decreased risk (ie, chance of detection; aHR, 0.41 per each month increase [95% CI: .26–.64]; P &lt; .001).

Conclusions
A high rate of HCV reinfection was observed within prison. Posttreatment surveillance and retreatment are ­essential to limit the impact of reinfection. High-coverage OAT and NSPs should be considered within prisons.

Clinical Trials Registration
NCT02064049
Evaluation of the Latent Tuberculosis Care Cascade Among Public Health Clinics in the United States
Authors: Holzman Samuel B , Perry Allison , Saleeb Paul , Pyan Alexandra , Keh Chris , Salcedo Katya , Narita Masahiro , Ahmed Amina , Miller Thaddeus L , Pettit April C , Khurana Renuka , Whipple Matthew , Katz Dolly , Largen Angela , Krueger Amy , Shah Maunank ,   Tuberculosis Epidemiologic Studies Consortium
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Background
Tuberculosis (TB) elimination within the United States will require scaling up TB preventive services. Many public health departments offer care for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI), although gaps in the LTBI care cascade are not well quantified. An understanding of these gaps will be required to design targeted public health interventions.

Methods
We conducted a cohort study through the Tuberculosis Epidemiologic Studies Consortium (TBESC) within 15 local health department (LHD) TB clinics across the United States. Data were abstracted on individuals receiving LTBI care during 2016–2017 through chart review. Our primary objective was to quantify the LTBI care cascade, beginning with LTBI testing and extending through treatment completion.

Results
Among 23 885 participants tested by LHDs, 46% (11 009) were male with a median age of 31 (interquartile range [IQR] 20–46). A median of 35% of participants were US-born at each site (IQR 11–78). Overall, 16 689 (70%) received a tuberculin skin test (TST), 6993 (29%) received a Quantiferon (QFT), and 1934 (8%) received a T-SPOT.TB; 5% (1190) had more than one test. Among those tested, 2877 (12%) had at least one positive test result (3% among US-born, and 23% among non-US–born, P &lt; .01). Of 2515 (11%) of the total participants diagnosed with LTBI, 1073 (42%) initiated therapy, of whom 817 (76%) completed treatment (32% of those with LTBI diagnosis).

Conclusions
Significant gaps were identified along the LTBI care cascade, with less than half of individuals diagnosed with LTBI initiating therapy. Further research is needed to better characterize the factors impeding LTBI diagnosis, treatment initiation, and treatment completion.
Universal Clinician Device for improving risk prediction and management of patients with atrial fibrillation: an assumed benefit analysis
Authors: van Husen Georg , Virdone Saverio , Pieper Karen , Kayani Gloria , Fox Keith A A 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Aim
Atrial fibrillation (AF) management guidelines advise using risk tools to optimize AF treatment. This study aims to develop a dynamic and clinically applicable digital device to assess stroke and bleeding risk, and to facilitate outcome improvements in AF patients. The device will provide tailored treatment recommendations according to easily attainable individual patient data.

Methods and Results
This Universal Clinician Device (UCD) was created using the GARFIELD-AF registry using a split sample approach. The GARFIELD-AF risk tool was adapted with two modifications. First, predictors with ≥1000 missing data points were separated, allowing expected risks estimation. Second, recommendations for modifiable risk factors and associated 2-year outcome estimates were incorporated. Outcomes of interest were all-cause mortality, non-haemorrhagic stroke/systemic embolism (SE), and major bleeding. All patients were randomized to a derivation (n = 34853) and validation cohort (n = 17165). In the derivation cohort, predictors were identified using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression. Cox models were fitted with the selected parameters. The UCD demonstrated superior predictive power compared with CHA2DS2VASc for all-cause mortality [0.75(0.75–0.76) vs. 0.71(0.70–0.72)] and non-haemorrhagic stroke/SE [0.68(0.66–0.70) vs. 0.65(0.63–0.67)], and with HAS-BLED for major bleeding [0.69(0.67–0.71) vs. 0.64(0.62–0.65)]. Universal Clinician Device recommendations reduced all-cause mortality (8.45–5.42%) and non-haemorrhagic stroke/SE (2.58–1.50%). Patients with concomitant diabetes and chronic kidney disease benefitted further, reducing mortality risk from 13.15% to 8.67%. One-third of patients with a CHA2DS2VASc score of &gt;1 had the lowest risk of stroke.

Conclusion
The UCD simultaneously predicts mortality, stroke, and bleeding risk in patients using easily attainable individual clinical data and guideline-based optimized treatment plans.

Clinical Trial Registration
URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier for GARFIELD-AF: NCT01090362
Challenges and experiences of general practitioners during the course of the Covid-19 pandemic: a northern Italian observational study—cross-sectional analysis and comparison of a two-time survey in primary care
Authors: Mahlknecht Angelika , Barbieri Verena , Engl Adolf , Piccoliori Giuliano , Wiedermann Christian J 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Background
General practitioners (GPs) have been among the frontline workers since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. Reflecting and analyzing the ongoing pandemic response of general practice provides essential information and serves as a precondition for outlining future health policy strategies.

Objective
To investigate the effects of the pandemic on GPs’ daily work and well-being and to describe needs for improvement in primary care highlighted by the pandemic.

Methods
A 2-time cross-sectional online survey involving GPs in a northern Italian region was conducted in September 2020 and March/April 2021.

Results
Eighty-four GPs (29.6% of invited GPs) participated in the first survey, and 41 GPs (14.4%) in the second survey. Most GPs experienced a notable workload increase which was tendentially higher during the advanced stages of the pandemic. A notable increase between the first and the second survey was noted regarding the frequency of Covid-related patient contacts and phone calls. Communication with health authorities and hospitals was rated as improvable. Psychological distress among GPs tended to increase over time; female GPs were more affected in the first survey. Most practices introduced major changes in their workflow, mainly appointment-based visits and separating Covid-19-suspected patients. Availability of protective equipment considerably increased over time. In the second survey, the GPs felt more prepared to self-protection and outpatient treatment of Covid-affected patients.

Conclusion
The work of GPs has been substantially impacted by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Efforts should be undertaken to efficiently strengthen primary care which plays an important role in pandemic events.
Role of Human Leukocyte Antigen Allele Sharing in Human Papillomavirus Infection Transmission Among Heterosexual Couples: Findings From the HITCH Cohort Study
Authors: Louvanto Karolina , Baral Prativa , Burchell Ann , Ramanakumar Agnihotram , El-Zein Mariam , Tellier Pierre Paul , Coutlée Francois , Roger Michel , Franco Eduardo L 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Background
Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) polymorphism influences innate and adaptive immune responses. Among heterosexual couples in the HPV Infection and Transmission Among Couples Through Heterosexual Activity (HITCH) cohort study, we examined whether allele sharing in a couple predicted the partners’ infections with the same human papillomavirus (HPV) type.

Methods
We tested genital samples from 271 couples for 36 HPV genotypes by polymerase chain reaction. We used direct DNA sequencing to type HLA-B07, -DRB1, -DQB1 and -G. Generalized estimating equations were used to examine the associations between the extent of allele sharing and HPV type concordance in which at least 1 of the partners was HPV positive.

Results
We identified 106 different HLA alleles. The most common HLA alleles among couples were G*01:01:01 (95.6%), G*01:01:02 (60.1%), DQB1*03:01 (57.2%), and DRB1*07:01 (46.9%). Allele sharing was as follows: 19.6% shared none, 43.2% shared 1 only, 25.1% shared 2, and 12.5% shared 3–5. Irrespective of HLA class, grouped or in combination, the extent of allele sharing was not a significant predictor of type-specific HPV concordance in a couple (odds ratio, 1.1 [95% confidence interval, .5–2.1], for 3–5 vs none).

Conclusions
We found no evidence that the extent of HLA allele concordance influences the likelihood of HPV transmission in newly formed heterosexual couples.
Beyond Roll-Call Voting: Sponsorship Dynamics at the UN General Assembly
Authors: Seabra Pedro , Mesquita Rafael 
Published: March 2022

AbstractResearch on the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has often privileged analyses on voting patterns, that is, how countries position themselves whenever a resolution is brought to a vote in each plenary session. However, voted resolutions comprise only a fraction of UNGA output, and much is still unknown about how countries behave before casting any votes. What takes place prior to and leading up to the adoption of resolutions? Even though the study of draft sponsorship remains underdeveloped, it can comprise a more valid empirical strategy to infer state preferences. This research note introduces the UN General Assembly Sponsorship Dataset, which encompasses the sponsorship behavior of every UNGA member from 2009 to 2019. We develop two novel empirical indices, priority and ownership, in order to ascertain draft relevance for each member state. We also use the new data to test longstanding arguments over vote-buying and North versus South coalitions in the UNGA. Our findings confirm mainstream conclusions for the former but challenge prevailing assumptions on the latter.
Co-transfer of last-line antibiotic resistance and virulence operons by an IncFIBk-FII-X3-ColKP3 hybrid plasmid in Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Liu Congcong , Dong Ning , Zeng Yu , Lu Jiayue , Chen Jiawei , Wang Yao , Cai Chang , Chen Kaichao , Chen Gongxiang , Shen Zhangqi , Chen Sheng , Zhang Rong 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Objectives
To characterize a clinical Klebsiella pneumoniae isolate from China co-harbouring tet(X4), blaOXA-181 and the aerobactin operon on an IncFIBk-FII-X3-ColKP3 hybrid plasmid.

Methods
A tigecycline-resistant strain was recovered from the intestinal sample of a patient. It was subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing, conjugation assay, virulence testing, WGS, bioinformatics analysis, plasmid stability testing and fitness cost testing.

Results
The strain K. pneumoniae T877 was resistant to tigecycline, intermediate to piperacillin/tazobactam and ertapenem, and positive for tet(X), blaOXA-181 and the virulence-associated operon iutAiucABCD, which were located on the same plasmid, named pKPT877-hybrid. It was 99.96% identical to the IncFIBk-FII plasmid pSCH6109-Vir (accession number CP050860) from K. pneumoniae strain SCH6109 at 96% coverage with the absence of a 50 kb region on pKPT877-hybrid; this region was highly homologous to the 51 kb IncX3-ColKP3-type, blaOXA-181-carrying plasmid pOXA181-191773 (accession number CP080367). Plasmid pKPT877-hybrid was conjugatively transferable to the ST11 K. pneumoniae strains FJ8 and KP04. pKPT877-hybrid did not have a significant impact on the fitness cost and could be maintained stably in T877.

Conclusions
We report for the first time (to the best of our knowledge) the co-transfer of last-line antibiotic resistance determinants [tet(X4) and blaOXA-181] and the aerobactin operon (iutAiucABCD) by a mobile IncFIBk-FII-X3-ColKP3 hybrid plasmid, which can be stably maintained in K. pneumoniae strains, even in the absence of antibiotic selective pressure. Once the plasmid transfers to a K. pneumoniae with porin deficiency, the strain might have high levels of resistance to carbapenems and tigecycline, which are the last line of defence against infections. Heightened and continuous efforts are needed to control its dissemination.
Combining human and machine intelligence for clinical trial eligibility querying
Authors: Fang Yilu , Idnay Betina , Sun Yingcheng , Liu Hao , Chen Zhehuan , Marder Karen , Xu Hua , Schnall Rebecca , Weng Chunhua 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Objective
To combine machine efficiency and human intelligence for converting complex clinical trial eligibility criteria text into cohort queries.

Materials and Methods
Criteria2Query (C2Q) 2.0 was developed to enable real-time user intervention for criteria selection and simplification, parsing error correction, and concept mapping. The accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 score of enhanced modules for negation scope detection, temporal and value normalization were evaluated using a previously curated gold standard, the annotated eligibility criteria of 1010 COVID-19 clinical trials. The usability and usefulness were evaluated by 10 research coordinators in a task-oriented usability evaluation using 5 Alzheimer’s disease trials. Data were collected by user interaction logging, a demographic questionnaire, the Health Information Technology Usability Evaluation Scale (Health-ITUES), and a feature-specific questionnaire.

Results
The accuracies of negation scope detection, temporal and value normalization were 0.924, 0.916, and 0.966, respectively. C2Q 2.0 achieved a moderate usability score (3.84 out of 5) and a high learnability score (4.54 out of 5). On average, 9.9 modifications were made for a clinical study. Experienced researchers made more modifications than novice researchers. The most frequent modification was deletion (5.35 per study). Furthermore, the evaluators favored cohort queries resulting from modifications (score 4.1 out of 5) and the user engagement features (score 4.3 out of 5).

Discussion and Conclusion
Features to engage domain experts and to overcome the limitations in automated machine output are shown to be useful and user-friendly. We concluded that human–computer collaboration is key to improving the adoption and user-friendliness of natural language processing.
Assessing and addressing COVID-19 information needs via a weather application
Authors: McKillop Mollie M , VanHouten Courtney , Bales Carol , Felix Winnie , Hekmat Rezzan , Purcell Jackson Gretchen 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
We describe implementation and usage of a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) digital information hub delivered through the widely adopted The Weather Company (TWC) application and explore COVID-19 knowledge, behaviors, and information needs of users. TWC deployed the tool, which displayed local case counts and trends, in March 2020. Unique users, visits, and interactions with tool features were measured. In August 2020, a cross-sectional survey assessed respondent characteristics, COVID-19 knowledge, behaviors, and preferences. TWC COVID-19 hub averaged 1.97 million unique users with over 2.6 million visits daily and an average interaction time of 1.63 min. Respondents reported being knowledgeable about COVID-19 (92.3%) and knowing relevant safety precautions (90.9%). However, an average of 35.3% of respondents reported not increasing preventive practices across behaviors surveyed due to information about COVID-19. In conclusion, we find a free weather application delivered COVID-19 data to millions of Americans. Despite confidence in knowledge and best practices for prevention, over one-third of survey respondents did not increase practice of preventive behaviors due to information about COVID-19.
Prospective Associations of Circulating Bile Acids and Short-Chain Fatty Acids With Incident Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Loftfield Erikka , Falk Roni T , Sampson Joshua N , Huang Wen-Yi , Hullings Autumn , Murphy Gwen , Weinstein Stephanie J , Albanes Demetrius , Freedman Neal D , Sinha Rashmi 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundHuman studies investigating the prospective relationship between microbial metabolites and colorectal cancer (CRC) risk are lacking. We tested whether higher serum bile acids (BAs) and lower short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were associated with CRC risk.MethodsIn baseline serum collected more than 30 years before a CRC diagnosis, we quantified concentrations of 15 BAs and 6 SCFAs using targeted liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry assays in 1:1 matched cases and controls from the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian (PLCO) Cancer Screening Trial (men: n = 262 cases; women: n = 233 cases) and the Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta-Carotene Cancer Prevention Study (men: n = 598 cases). We estimated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for BA and SCFA quartiles and summary measures with CRC overall and by anatomic location using multivariable conditional logistic regression models. PLCO analyses were stratified by sex. All statistical tests were 2-sided.ResultsIn PLCO women, 7 BAs were strongly associated with increased CRC risk, including the secondary BAs, deoxycholic (ORQ4 v Q1 = 2.85, 95% CI = 1.45 to 5.60, Qtrend = 0.011), glycodeoxycholic (OR Q4 v Q1 = 3.45, 95% CI = 1.79 to 6.64, Qtrend = 0.006), taurodeoxycholic (OR Q4 v Q1 = 2.36, 95% CI = 1.22 to 4.55, Qtrend = 0.023), and glycolithocholic acid (ORQ4 v Q1 = 2.71, 95% CI = 1.41 to 5.22, Qtrend = 0.015). Women in the highest compared with lowest quartile of total SCFAs had a 45% lower risk of CRC (OR = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.31 to 0.98, Ptrend = .03). Associations for total BAs and SCFAs were strongest among women with proximal colon cancer. No statistically significant associations were observed for BA or SCFA measures among men.ConclusionsSerum concentrations of BAs, particularly downstream microbial metabolites of cholic acid, were strongly associated with increased risk of CRC among women.
Deconstructing Burnout at the Intersections of Race, Gender, and Generation in Local Government
Authors: Barboza-Wilkes Cynthia J , Le Thai V , Resh William G 
Published: March 2022

AbstractIn recent years, there have been multiple calls for public administration scholars to adopt an intersectional approach to the study of diversity within public organizations. This paper empirically examines the simultaneous influence of multiple dimensions of individual identity on employee burnout. We advance a better understanding of disparities in individual well-being outcomes for public servants. Using conservation of resource (COR) theory and applied intersectionality, we systematically measure and model differential vulnerabilities to emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and loss of personal accomplishment for individuals at the intersection of gender, racial, and generational identities. Using survey data on local government employees across two neighboring large cities in California, we use ordinary least squares and ordered logit models to estimate the impact of intersectional identities on different dimensions of burnout. Our results show that younger generations of women of color are particularly vulnerable to burnout, but the experience of burnout is not uniform across groups, with each dimension of burnout revealing different vulnerable groups. These findings highlight the importance of deconstructing burnout into its discrete dimensions to better understand the experience of different socio-demographic groups of employees and develop culturally competent strategies to better support an increasingly diverse public workforce.