bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Do Options Matter? Settling Behavior, Stylet Sheath Counts, and Oviposition of Aster Leafhoppers (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) in Two-Choice Bioassays
Authors: Romero Berenice , Olivier Chrystel , Wist Tyler , Prager Sean M 
Published: December 2021

AbstractPolyphagous insects are characterized by a broad diet comprising plant species from different taxonomic groups. Within these insects, migratory species are of particular interest, given that they encounter unpredictable environments, with abrupt spatial and temporal changes in plant availability and density. Aster leafhoppers (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Macrosteles quadrilineatus Forbes) arrive in the Canadian Prairies in spring and early summer and are the main vector of a prokaryotic plant pathogen known as Aster Yellows Phytoplasma (AYp) (Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris). Host choice selection behavior of Aster leafhoppers was evaluated through two-choice bioassays, using domesticated and wild plants species commonly found in the Canadian Prairies. Leaf tissues from these plants were collected and stained to quantify the number of stylet sheaths and eggs. To assess possible effects due to insect infection, two-choice bioassays were repeated using leafhoppers infected with AYp and a subset of plant species. When two domesticated or wild plant species were presented together, similar numbers of uninfected Aster leafhoppers were observed on both plant species in most combinations. In domesticated–wild plant bioassays, uninfected Aster leafhoppers preferred to settle on the domesticated species. There was little to no association between settling preferences and stylet sheath and egg counts. These findings provide a better understanding of AY epidemiology and suggest that after domesticated species germination, leafhoppers could move from nearby wild plants into the preferred cereals (Poales: Poaceae) to settle on them, influencing the risk of AYp infection in some of these species.
COVID-19 and postural tachycardia syndrome: a case series
Authors: Parker William H , Moudgil Rohit , Wilson Robert G , Tonelli Adriano R , Mayuga Kenneth A , Singh Tamanna K 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Background
Postural tachycardia syndrome (PTS) is a novel identified sequela of COVID-19 infection. This observational study describes clinical presentation, testing, and treatment response in seven patients diagnosed with PTS following COVID-19 infection.

Case summary
A total of seven active patients (three collegiate athletes, one recreational athlete, two registered nurses, one hospitality employee), age 24 ± 6 years, and six females were followed for a mean of 152 ± 105 days after contracting COVID-19. Tilt table was performed to establish the diagnosis. The most common presenting symptoms were palpitations (7/7), dyspnoea (6/7), and gastrointestinal complaints (5/7). One patient required hospitalization for symptom management. The mean latency of PTS onset following COVID-19 was 21 ± 15 days. Electrocardiograms (ECGs) demonstrated sinus rhythm in all patients, one with resting sinus tachycardia. Echocardiogram demonstrated normal systolic and diastolic left ventricular function in all patients. On tilt table testing, baseline heart rate (HR) was 72 ± 12 with maximum HR reaching 136 ± 13. Six of seven patients failed to respond to supportive therapy alone, and two patients failed medical management with ivabradine, midodrine, and/or metoprolol. Of three severely symptomatic patients, two demonstrated some degree of clinical recovery with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG).

Discussion
This novel case series describes the development of PTS in the context of COVID-19 infection. Severity of symptoms and response to treatment was heterogeneous. Interestingly, patients were poorly responsive to traditional PTS treatments, but IVIG showed potential as a possible therapeutic strategy for refractory PTS in two patients, particularly following COVID-19 infection.
Quantifying preload alterations using a sensitive chest-mounted accelerometer
Authors: Schmidt S E , Kristensen C B , Soerensen K , Soegaard P , Mogelvang R 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Seismocardiography (SCG) is a technology where the chest wall vibrations from the beating heart are measured using a highly sensitive accelerometer. SCG offers continuous measurement of cardiac function and potential applications include remote monitoring, diagnostic assessments, prognostic health checks and biventricular pacemaker optimization.

Aim
In the current study we examined how changes in preload influence SCG time intervals, by acute saline infusion.

Methods
We included twenty-six subjects, sixteen subjects with cardiac disease such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, dilated cardiomyopathy, aortic valve disease or ischemic heart disease (age 45.8±17.7 years and 93% male) and ten subjects without known cardiac conditions (age 42.1±14.4 years and 70% male). SCG was recorded from the xiphoid process using a custom-made sensor before and after acute infusion saline (median 2.0 L). The SCG signals were sampled with 5000 samples per second in 60 seconds, the individual heartbeats were identified using a dedicated segmentation algorithm and an average SCG beat was computed and used for the data analysis. Using a recently proposed nomenclature the following SCG fiducial points was identified: Es which coinciding with mitral valve closure, Gs which to some degree coincides with aortic opening, Bd coinciding with aortic valve closure and Fd coinciding with mitral valve opening [1]. The Es-Gs time interval was used as a measure of isovolumetric contraction time (IVCT), the Gs-Bd time interval was used as an estimate of ejection time (ET) and the Bd-Fd time interval as an estimate of isovolumetric relaxation time (IVRT). Paired t-test was used to test for significant response after infusion, while a two sample t-test was used to test for a significant difference in the observed response in subjects with or with our cardiac disease.

Results
For two subjects SCG after infusion was not obtained thus, twenty-four subjects were included in the final data analysis. In the whole group, acute saline infusion shortened the IVRT (Bd-Fd) from 91.0±15.3 ms to 82.7±15.3 ms (p=0.004) and prolonged the ET (Gs-Bd) from 329.4±35 ms to 343.4±33 ms (p&lt;0.001). There was no significant change in IVCT (Es-Gs) which was 39.5±15.1 ms at baseline and 38.1±14.9 ms post-infusion (p=0.88). There was no significant difference in response between subjects with or without cardiac disease.

Conclusion
Increase in preload shortened the SCG time intervals related to the isovolumetric relaxation period and prolonged the period related to ejection time. SCG time intervals capture changes in preload, which demonstrates that the SCG is a potential modality for quantification of cardiac dynamics.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None.
Telerobotic interventions from a distance: an initial experience in 3D phantom mapping
Authors: Ailoaei S , Wright P , Griffiths S , Jansen M , Ernst S 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Introduction
The current COVID-19 pandemic has fostered several accelerations in “remote” patient care such as video and telephone clinics, as well as multidisciplinary collaborations using online platforms with experts consulting the local teams from a distance. The next logical step would be to also offer remote-controlled interventions which the expert operator not on site, but in support of the local team. This is especially valuable for complex interventions when either patient or expert operator can not be present at the same place.

Purpose
We aimed to demonstrate that an expert operator located at far distance (Austria) could directly interact with the remote magnetic navigation system in London (UK) whilst mapping a 3D phantom using an electroanatomical mapping system.

Method
Two experienced operators of the magnetic navigation system were tasked with creating fast anatomic maps (FAM) of the atrial and ventricular chambers of a 3D phantom using remote magnetic navigation in combination with 3D electroanatomical mapping. One was located in the control room of the magnetic catheter lab (UK) and the second one was in Tirol, Austria and connected through a secure remote desktop connection (via high speed fibre optic cable). Using a solid tip magnetic catheter connected to a mechanical drive, all interactions with the system were carried out via the Odyssey platform. Acquisitions for right and left atrium, as well as right and left ventricles plus aorta was compared with regards to mapping duration, map completeness (as judged by the average distance of surface points from 3D CT scan reconstruction), total 3D map volume and need for additional radiation exposure during the mapping process.

Results
Mapping time and map completeness when performed by the distant operator was not inferior to the local operator and both did not require any additional radiation exposure during the mapping process. Table 1 demonstrates the mean parameters for each chamber, respectively. Figure 1 depicts the matched data for chamber completeness as compared for the LA (green= local operator, pink= distant operator) using a contrast CT scan as the gold standard.

Conclusion
Telerobotic 3D mapping of a 3D phantom from a distance was equally fast delivered from the control room as compared to an operator located 1200 km away without compromising on map completeness. This demonstrates the feasibility of telerobotic interventions and stress the need for remote collaboration which is especially valuable when travel of patients and/or physician experts is restricted.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None. Matched data for aorta
Specialised IP Judiciary: What Are the Key Elements to Consider when Establishing or Reforming an Effective IP Court?
Authors: Gurgula Olga , Padamczyk Maciej , Shemtov Noam 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Intellectual property (‘IP’) is one of the key instruments for fostering innovation and promoting the growth of national economies. Given both the economic significance and the legal complexities associated with IP rights due to constant technological development, the benefits of having a specialised IP judiciary are being increasingly recognised across the globe. Many countries have either established or have been considering the introduction of various forms of such a specialised judiciary. This paper examines this trend and explores some key considerations in relation to the efficacy of an IP judiciary. It draws on some of the findings of a recently completed project funded by the UK government on the creation and functioning of a new IP court in Ukraine. While there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ model when creating a specialised IP judiciary, the discussion in this article sheds light on a number of key factors that should be taken into account and carefully assessed when establishing or reforming such a judiciary. This includes specific considerations related to the structure of an IP judiciary, its location, the specialisation of IP judges, exclusive jurisdiction and other procedural issues. We believe that the guidance provided in this article will assist policymakers in their choices regarding the most suitable design of an IP judiciary for a particular jurisdiction, leading to the enhancement of its operation for the benefit of all the stakeholders in the IP enforcement system.
Social singing, culture and health: interdisciplinary insights from the CHIME project for perinatal mental health in The Gambia
Authors: Stewart Lauren , McConnell Bonnie B , Darboe Buba , Glover Vivette , Huma Hajara B , Sanfilippo Katie Rose M , Cross Ian , Ceesay Hassoum , Ramchandani Paul , Cornelius Victoria 
Published: December 2021

SummaryArts in Health initiatives and interventions to support health have emerged from and been applied to mainly WEIRD (Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich and Democratic) contexts. This overlooks the rich cultural traditions that exist across the globe, where community groups often make prolific use of participatory song and dance as a part of ceremonies, ritual and gatherings in everyday life. Here, we argue that these practices can provide a valuable starting point for the co-development of health interventions, illustrated by the CHIME project for perinatal mental health in The Gambia, which worked with local Kanyeleng groups (female fertility societies) to design and evaluate a brief intervention to support maternal mental health through social singing. Here, we use the project as a lens through which to highlight the value of co-creation, cultural embeddedness and partnership building in global health research.
Measurement of soluble PD-1 and soluble PD-L1 as well as PD-L1 and PD-1 from perioperative patients with gastric carcinoma
Authors: Wei Hangzhi , Wu Fahong , Mao Yudong , Zhang Youcheng , Leng Guangxian , Wang Jia , Zhang Wei , Wang Tianwei 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Background
Till now, no experiment has been performed to detect programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1)/programmed death 1 (PD-1), soluble PD-L1/soluble PD-1 simultaneously in perioperative patients of gastric carcinoma. Our experiment aims at determining the clinical significance and possible mechanism of soluble PD-L1/soluble PD-1 in gastric carcinoma.

Methods
Thirty patients undergone gastrectomy were selected as the experimental group. Tissue’s programmed death ligand 1 and peripheral programmed death 1 were detected using immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. Soluble PD-L1 and soluble PD-1 were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results
First, preoperative programmed death 1 was higher than control group and decreased to normal post-operatively. Preoperatively ,elevated levels of programmed death 1 on cluster of differentiation (CD)4 T cells indicated less lymphatic metastasis (P &lt; 0.01) and small tumor volume (P &lt; 0.01); elevated programmed death 1 of CD8 T cells indicated big tumor volume (P &lt; 0.01) and well histological differentiation (P &lt; 0.01). Second, preoperative soluble PD-L1 and soluble PD-1 are lower than in control group. Post-operatively, the soluble PD-1 rose to normal, but the soluble PD-L1 showed no change. Third, programmed death ligand 1 can be observed in carcinoma tissue. Fourth, the area under the curve of soluble PD-1 (0.675) for diagnosis was worse than that of soluble PD-L1 (0.885). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that soluble PD-1 &lt; 245.26 pg/ml in post-operative serum predicted a poor prognosis (overall survival percentage: 60%) at 2 years (P &lt; 0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that carcinoembryonic antigen (&gt;5 ng/l) and soluble PD-1 after gastrectomy (&gt;245.26 pg/ml) were independent prognostic factors for overall survival (hazard ratio: 20.812, 95% confidence interval: 1.217–355.916, P = 0.036; hazard ratio: 0.028, 95% confidence interval: 0.001–0.786, P = 0.036, respectively).

Conclusions
We propose that soluble PD-1 combined with programmed death ligand 1 are effective not only in protecting T cells from the adhesion by programmed death ligand 1 but also in preventing the occurrence and the development of tumor as well. Through multivariate analysis, we found that soluble PD-1 was an independent protective factor for post-operative prognosis of gastric carcinoma patients, which indirectly verified the vital function of soluble PD-1. Soluble PD-1 might be promising predictive biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of gastric carcinoma patients.
Effect of GLIM-defined malnutrition on postoperative clinical outcomes in patients with colorectal cancer
Authors: Song Hao-Nan , Wang Wen-Bin , Luo Xin , Huang Dong-Dong , Ruan Xiao-Jiao , Xing Chun-Gen , Chen Wei-Zhe , Dong Qian-Tong , Chen Xiao-Lei 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Background
Malnutrition is common in colorectal cancer patients. Malnutrition is recognized as a risk factor for adverse postoperative outcomes, yet there are no consistent diagnostic criteria for it. Thus, the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition published new universal criteria. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of malnutrition with the application of Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition criteria, and explore the correlations between Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition-defined malnutrition and postoperative clinical outcomes in colorectal cancer patients.

Methods
We included a cohort of 918 patients who underwent radical resection surgery for colorectal cancer from July 2014 to October 2019. Malnutrition was diagnosed based on the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition criteria. The associations between nutritional status and postoperative clinical outcomes were analyzed by the Kaplan–Meier method, logistic and Cox regression analyses.

Results
Among the included patients, 23.6% were diagnosed as malnutrition based on Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition criteria. Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition-defined malnutrition was associated with total postoperative complications [odds ratio: 1.497 (1.042–2.152), P = 0.029]. Further, Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition-diagnosed malnutrition was an independent risk factor for overall survival [hazard ratio: 1.647 (1.048–2.587), P = 0.030] and disease-free survival [hazard ratio: 1.690 (1.169–2.441), P = 0.005].

Conclusions
The Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition criteria is effective to assess malnutrition. Preoperative malnutrition is associated with postoperative complications, overall survival and disease-free survival in colorectal cancer patients after radical resection surgery.
Pre-existing chromatin accessibility of switchable repressive compartment delineates cell plasticity
Authors: Ma Xiaolong , Cao Xuan , Zhu Linying , Li Ying , Wang Xuelong , Wu Baihua , Wei Gang , Hui Lijian 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Cell plasticity endows differentiated cells with competence to be reprogrammed to other lineages. Although extrinsic factors driving cell-identity conversion have been extensively characterized, it remains elusive which intrinsic epigenetic attributes, including high-order chromatin organization, delineate cell plasticity. By analysing the transcription-factor-induced transdifferentiation from fibroblasts to hepatocytes, we uncovered contiguous compartment-switchable regions (CSRs) as a unique chromatin unit. Specifically, compartment B-to-A CSRs, enriched with hepatic genes, possessed a mosaic status of inactive chromatin and pre-existing and continuous accessibility in fibroblasts. Pre-existing accessibility enhanced the binding of inducible factor Foxa3, which triggered epigenetic activation and chromatin interaction as well as hepatic gene expression. Notably, these changes were restrained within B-to-A CSR boundaries that were defined by CTCF occupancy. Moreover, such chromatin organization and mosaic status were detectable in different cell types and involved in multiple reprogramming processes, suggesting an intrinsic chromatin attribute in understanding cell plasticity.
Prospective Nasal Screening for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Critically Ill Patients With Suspected Pneumonia
Authors: Raush Nicholas , Betthauser Kevin D , Shen Karen , Krekel Tamara , Kollef Marin H 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
We carried out a prospective de-escalation study based on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) nasal cultures in intensive care unit patients with suspected pneumonia. Days of anti-MRSA therapy was significantly reduced in the intervention group (2 [0–3] days vs 1 [0–2] day; P &lt; .01). Time to MRSA de-escalation was also shortened in the intervention group.
Suboptimal Uptake, Retention, and Adherence of Daily Oral Prexposure Prophylaxis Among People With Opioid Use Disorder Receiving Hepatitis C Virus Treatment
Authors: Brokus Christopher , Kattakuzhy Sarah , Gayle Britt , Narayanan Shivakumar , Davis Ashley , Cover Amelia , Eyasu Rahwa , Ebah Emade , Ogbumbadiugha-Weekes Onyinyechi , Hoffmann Jennifer , Silk Rachel , Stevens Jasmine , Mount Julia , Gannon Catherine , Nussdorf Laura , Mathur Poonam , Bijole Phyllis , Jones Miriam , Kier Randy , Sternberg David , Greenblatt Aaron , Weintraub Eric , Masur Henry , Kottilil Shyamasundaran , Rosenthal Elana 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Background
Daily oral preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)/emtricitabine (FTC) prevents human immunodeficiency (HIV) among people who inject drugs (PWID). Despite rising HIV incidence and injection drug use (IDU), PrEP use remains low and there is limited research about uptake, adherence, and retention among PWID.

Methods
The ANCHOR investigation evaluated a community-based care model collocating hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment, medication for opioid use disorder (OUD), and PrEP in individuals in Washington, DC, and Baltimore, Maryland. PrEP counseling was conducted from HCV treatment day 0 until week 24. Subjects could start any time during this window, were followed for 48 weeks, and were assessed for adherence by self-report and dried blood spot TDF analysis.

Results
One hundred ninety-eight participants were enrolled, of whom 185 (93%) were HIV negative. Twenty-nine individuals (15.7% of HIV-negative cohort) initiated PrEP. One hundred sixteen participants (62.7%) met 2014 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) PrEP criteria due to IDU (82 [44.3%]), sex (9 [4.9%]), or both practices (25 [13.5%]). Providers recommended PrEP to 94 individuals (50.8%), and recommendation was associated with PrEP uptake. Median treatment duration was 104 days (interquartile range, 28–276 days), with 8 participants retained through week 48. Adherence was variable over time by self-report and declined by TDF analysis. No HIV seroconversions occurred.

Conclusions
This cohort of people with HCV and OUD experienced low uptake of PrEP despite the majority meeting CDC criteria. High rates of disruption and discontinuation, compounded by variable adherence, made TDF/FTC a suboptimal prevention strategy. Emerging modalities like long-acting formulations may address these barriers, but PWID have been excluded from their development to date.
Implementation research to increase treatment coverage of possible serious bacterial infections in young infants when a referral is not feasible: lessons learnt
Authors: Ariff Shabina , Soofi Sajid Bashir , Suhag Zamir , Chanar Suhail , Bhura Maria , Dahar Zaib , Ahmed Imran , Turab Ali , Habib Atif , Nisar Yasir Bin , Aboubaker Samira , Wall Steve , Soomro Abdul Wahab , Qazi Shamim Ahmad , Bahl Rajiv , Bhutta Zulfiqar A 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe objective was to achieve high coverage of possible serious bacterial infections (PSBI) treatment using the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline for managing it on an outpatient basis when referral to a hospital is not feasible.MethodsWe implemented this guideline in the programme settings at 10 Basic Health Units (BHU) in two rural districts of Sindh in Pakistan using implementation research. A Technical Support Unit supported the programme to operationalize guidelines, built capacity of health workers through training, monitored their clinical skills, mentored them and assured quality. The community-based health workers visited households to identify sick infants and referred them to the nearest BHU for further management. The research team collected data.ResultsOf 17 600 identified livebirths, 1860 young infants with any sign of PSBI sought care at BHUs and 1113 (59.8%) were brought by families. We achieved treatment coverage of 95%, assuming an estimated 10% incidence of PSBI in the first 2 months of life and that 10% of young infants came from outside the study catchment area. All 923 infants (49%; 923/1860) 7–59 days old with only fast breathing (pneumonia) treated with outpatient oral amoxicillin were cured. Hospital referral was refused by 83.4% (781/937) families who accepted outpatient treatment; 92.2% (720/781) were cured and 0.8% (6/781) died. Twelve (7.6%; 12/156) died among those treated in a hospital.ConclusionIt is feasible to achieve high coverage by implementing WHO PSBI management guidelines in a programmatic setting when a referral is not feasible.