bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Post hocpatient satisfaction with the choice of valve prosthesis for aortic valve replacement: results of a single-centre survey
Authors: Bryssinck Laure , De Vlieger Siel , François Katrien , Bové Thierry 
Published: February 2021

AbstractOBJECTIVESOur goal was to examine post hoc patient satisfaction and the decision-making process of choosing a prosthesis for aortic valve replacement (AVR).METHODSWe surveyed 113 patients who were operated on for AVR at 60–70 years of age, including 74 patients with a mechanical valve (MECH) and 39 with a bioprosthesis (BIO). The study focused on quality of life and the decision pathway in relation to prosthesis choice and valve-related complications. Decisional conflict was defined as the post hoc uncertainty perceived by patients regarding their choice of prosthesis.RESULTSThe survey was performed at a median of 5.2 (3.2–8.1) years after the AVR. Patients with a biological valve were older (BIO: 68.4 years [66.2–69.4] vs MECH: 63.9 [61.9–66.7]; P &lt; 0.001). Global post hoc satisfaction with prosthesis choice was high in both groups (MECH: 95.9%; BIO: 100%), and 85.1% (MECH) and 92.3% (BIO) of them would repeat their choice. Conflict about their decision was equal (MECH: 30.3%; BIO: 32.6%) for different reasons: MECH patients experienced more anticoagulation-related inconvenience (25.9% vs 0%), fear of bleeding (31.1% vs 0%) and prosthesis noise (26.2% vs 0%), whereas more BIO patients feared prosthesis failure (39.7% vs 17.4%) or reoperation (43.5% vs 18.1%). Active involvement in the decision (odds ratio 0.37, 95% confidence interval 0.16–0.85; P = 0.029) and adequate information about the prosthesis (odds ratio 0.34, 95% confidence interval 0.14–0.86; P = 0.020) decreased the risk of conflict about the decision.CONCLUSIONSAlthough 30% of the responders showed a decisional conflict related to prosthesis-specific interferences, global patient satisfaction with the prosthesis choice for AVR is excellent. Increasing the patient’s involvement in the prosthesis choice through shared accountability and improved information is recommended to decrease the choice-related uncertainty.
Air filtration improvement of konjac glucomannan-based aerogel air filters through physical structure design
Authors: Qian Hong , Fang Ying , Wu Kao , Wang Hao , Li Bin , Jiang Fatang 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
This study presents two methods to improve the air filtration performance of konjac glucomannan (KGM)-based aerogel air filters through physical structure design by changing the pore-size distribution and the surface area, using an air purifier. Results indicated that KGM-based aerogels had a comparable filtration effect with the commercial air filter with a longer purification time. This purification time could be shortened by over 50%, by changing the pore-size distribution from large size to small size or increase the surface area with the fold structure. This should boost the development of polysaccharide-based aerogel used as the air filter.
Distributed information-theoretic clustering
Authors: Pichler Georg , Piantanida Pablo , Matz Gerald 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
We study a novel multi-terminal source coding setup motivated by the biclustering problem. Two separate encoders observe two i.i.d. sequences $X^n$ and $Y^n$, respectively. The goal is to find rate-limited encodings $f(x^n)$ and $g(z^n)$ that maximize the mutual information $\textrm{I}(\,{f(X^n)};{g(Y^n)})/n$. We discuss connections of this problem with hypothesis testing against independence, pattern recognition and the information bottleneck method. Improving previous cardinality bounds for the inner and outer bounds allows us to thoroughly study the special case of a binary symmetric source and to quantify the gap between the inner and the outer bound in this special case. Furthermore, we investigate a multiple description (MD) extension of the CEO problem with mutual information constraint. Surprisingly, this MD-CEO problem permits a tight single-letter characterization of the achievable region.
Controllability of non-linear fractional-order systems with damping behaviour and multiple delays
Authors: Arthi G , Suganya K 
Published: February 2021

AbstractA controllability analysis of both linear and non-linear fractional-order systems with damping behaviour and multiple delays is studied. We derived the controllability result for damped system with multi-term fractional order and multiple delays by introducing some lemmas with the help of Laplace transform properties and Mittag–Leffler function. Further, some new sufficient conditions ensuring controllability for a class of non-linear multi-term fractional-order damped systems with multiple delays are established by utilizing fractional Caputo derivatives and Schauder’s fixed point theorem. Moreover, as applications that demonstrate the proposed results, two examples are presented.
Effectiveness of vancomycin plus cloxacillin compared with vancomycin, cloxacillin and daptomycin single therapies in the treatment of methicillin-resistant and methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus in a rabbit model of experimental endocarditis
Authors: Castañeda Ximena , García-De-la-Mària Cristina , Gasch Oriol , Pericàs Juan M , Soy Dolors , Cañas-Pacheco Maria-Alejandra , Falces Carlos , García-González Javier , Hernández-Meneses Marta , Vidal Bàrbara , Almela Manel , Quintana Eduard , Tolosana Jose M , Fuster David , Llopis Jaume , Dahl Anders , Moreno Asuncion , Marco Francesc , Miró Jose M ,   the Hospital Clínic Endocarditis Study Group, Miró Jose M , Hernández-Meneses Marta , Ambrosioni Juan , Dahl Anders , Téllez Adrian , Pericàs Juan M , Moreno Asuncion , García de la Mària Cristina , Cañas Maria Alexandra , García-González Javier , Almela Manel , Casals Climent , Morales Francisco-Javier , Marco Francesc , Vila Jordi , Quintana Eduard , Sandoval Elena , Paré Juan C , Falces Carlos , Pereda Daniel , Cartañá Ramon , Ninot Salvador , Azqueta Manel , Sitges Marta , Vidal Barbara , Andrea Rut , Pomar José L , Castella Manuel , Tolosana José M , Ortiz José , Fita Guillermina , Rovira Irene , Perissinotti Andrés , Fuster David , Ramírez Jose , Soy Dolors , Castro Pedro , Llopis Jaume 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Objectives
To investigate if the addition of cloxacillin to vancomycin enhances the activity of both monotherapies for treating MSSA and MRSA experimental endocarditis (EE) in rabbits.

Methods
Vancomycin plus cloxacillin was compared with the respective monotherapies and daptomycin. In vitro time–kill studies were performed using standard (105 cfu) and high (108 cfu) inocula of five MRSA, one glycopeptide-intermediate (GISA) and five MSSA strains. One MSSA (MSSA-678) and one MRSA (MRSA-277) strain were selected to be used in the in vivo model. A human-like pharmacokinetics model was applied and the equivalents of cloxacillin 2 g/4 h IV and daptomycin 6 mg/kg/day IV were administered. To optimize vancomycin activity, dosage was adjusted to achieve an AUC/MIC ≥400.

Results
Daptomycin sterilized significantly more vegetations than cloxacillin (13/13, 100% versus 9/15, 60%; P = 0.02) and showed a trend of better activity than vancomycin (10/14, 71%; P = 0.09) and vancomycin plus cloxacillin (10/14, 71%; P = 0.09) against MSSA-678. Addition of cloxacillin to vancomycin (13/15, 87%) was significantly more effective than vancomycin (8/16, 50%; P = 0.05) and showed similar activity to daptomycin (13/18, 72%; P = 0.6) against MRSA-277. In all treatment arms, the bacterial isolates recovered from vegetations were re-tested and showed the same daptomycin susceptibility as the original strains.

Conclusions
Vancomycin plus cloxacillin proved synergistic and bactericidal activity against MRSA. Daptomycin was the most efficacious option against MSSA and similar to vancomycin plus cloxacillin against MRSA. In settings with high MRSA prevalence, vancomycin plus cloxacillin might be a good alternative for empirical therapy of S. aureus IE.
Electronic phenotyping of health outcomes of interest using a linked claims-electronic health record database: Findings from a machine learning pilot project
Authors: Gibson Teresa B , Nguyen Michael D , Burrell Timothy , Yoon Frank , Wong Jenna , Dharmarajan Sai , Ouellet-Hellstrom Rita , Hua Wei , Ma Yong , Baro Elande , Bloemers Sarah , Pack Cory , Kennedy Adee , Toh Sengwee , Ball Robert 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Objective
Claims-based algorithms are used in the Food and Drug Administration Sentinel Active Risk Identification and Analysis System to identify occurrences of health outcomes of interest (HOIs) for medical product safety assessment. This project aimed to apply machine learning classification techniques to demonstrate the feasibility of developing a claims-based algorithm to predict an HOI in structured electronic health record (EHR) data.

Materials and Methods
We used the 2015-2019 IBM MarketScan Explorys Claims-EMR Data Set, linking administrative claims and EHR data at the patient level. We focused on a single HOI, rhabdomyolysis, defined by EHR laboratory test results. Using claims-based predictors, we applied machine learning techniques to predict the HOI: logistic regression, LASSO (least absolute shrinkage and selection operator), random forests, support vector machines, artificial neural nets, and an ensemble method (Super Learner).

Results
The study cohort included 32 956 patients and 39 499 encounters. Model performance (positive predictive value [PPV], sensitivity, specificity, area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve) varied considerably across techniques. The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve exceeded 0.80 in most model variations.

Discussion
For the main Food and Drug Administration use case of assessing risk of rhabdomyolysis after drug use, a model with a high PPV is typically preferred. The Super Learner ensemble model without adjustment for class imbalance achieved a PPV of 75.6%, substantially better than a previously used human expert-developed model (PPV = 44.0%).

Conclusions
It is feasible to use machine learning methods to predict an EHR-derived HOI with claims-based predictors. Modeling strategies can be adapted for intended uses, including surveillance, identification of cases for chart review, and outcomes research.
A patient-centered digital scribe for automatic medical documentation
Authors: Wang Jesse , Lavender Marc , Hoque Ehsan , Brophy Patrick , Kautz Henry 
Published: February 2021

AbstractObjectiveWe developed a digital scribe for automatic medical documentation by utilizing elements of patient-centered communication. Excessive time spent on medical documentation may contribute to physician burnout. Patient-centered communication may improve patient satisfaction, reduce malpractice rates, and decrease diagnostic testing expenses. We demonstrate that patient-centered communication may allow providers to simultaneously talk to patients and efficiently document relevant information.Materials and MethodsWe utilized two elements of patient-centered communication to document patient history. One element was summarizing, which involved providers recapping information to confirm an accurate understanding of the patient. Another element was signposting, which involved providers using transition questions and statements to guide the conversation. We also utilized text classification to allow providers to simultaneously perform and document the physical exam. We conducted a proof-of-concept study by simulating patient encounters with two medical students.ResultsFor history sections, the digital scribe was about 2.7 times faster than both typing and dictation. For physical exam sections, the digital scribe was about 2.17 times faster than typing and about 3.12 times faster than dictation. Results also suggested that providers required minimal training to use the digital scribe, and that they improved at using the system to document history sections.ConclusionCompared to typing and dictation, a patient-centered digital scribe may facilitate effective patient communication. It may also be more reliable compared to previous approaches that solely use machine learning. We conclude that a patient-centered digital scribe may be an effective tool for automatic medical documentation.
Determining the range of validity of quasar X-ray and UV flux measurements for constraining cosmological model parameters
Authors: Khadka Narayan , Ratra Bharat 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACT
We use six different cosmological models to study the recently released compilation of X-ray and UV flux measurements of 2038 quasars (QSOs) which span the redshift range 0.009 ≤ z ≤ 7.5413. We find, for the full QSO data set, that the parameters of the X-ray and UV luminosities LX−LUV relation used to standardize these QSOs depend on the cosmological model used to determine these parameters, i.e. it appears that the full QSO data set includes QSOs that are not standardized and so cannot be used for the purpose of constraining cosmological parameters. Subsets of the QSO data, restricted to redshifts z ≲ 1.5–1.7 obey the LX−LUV relation in a cosmological-model-independent manner, and so can be used to constrain cosmological parameters. The cosmological constraints from these lower z, smaller QSO data subsets are mostly consistent with, but significantly weaker than, those that follow from baryon acoustic oscillation and Hubble parameter measurements.
Tumor metabolism and neurocognition in CNS lymphoma
Authors: Geng Huimin , Tsang Mazie , Subbaraj Lakshmipriya , Cleveland Joseph , Chen Lingjing , Lu Ming , Sharma Jigyasa , Vigneron Daniel B , Kurhanewicz John , LaFontaine Marisa , Luks Tracy , Barshop Bruce A , Gangoiti Jon , Villanueva-Meyer Javier E , Rubenstein James L 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Background
The mechanistic basis for neurocognitive deficits in central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma and other brain tumors is incompletely understood. We tested the hypothesis that tumor metabolism impairs neurotransmitter pathways and neurocognitive function.

Methods
We performed serial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) metabolomic analyses using liquid chromatography-electrospray tandem mass spectrometry to evaluate changes in the tumor microenvironment in 14 patients with recurrent CNS lymphoma, focusing on 18 metabolites involved in neurotransmission and bioenergetics. These were paired with serial mini-mental state examination (MMSE) and MRI studies for tumor volumetric analyses. Patients were analyzed in the setting of the phase I trial of lenalidomide/rituximab. Associations were assessed by Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficient. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) models were also established, adjusting for within-subject repeated measures.

Results
Of 18 metabolites, elevated CSF lactate correlated most strongly with lower MMSE score (P &lt; 8E-8, ρ = −0.67). High lactate was associated with lower gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), higher glutamate/GABA ratio, and dopamine. Conversely, high succinate correlated with higher MMSE scores. Serial analysis demonstrated a reproducible, time-dependent, reciprocal correlation between changes in lactate and GABA concentrations. While high lactate and low GABA correlated with tumor contrast-enhancing volume, they correlated more significantly with lower MMSE scores than tumor volumes.

Conclusions
We provide evidence that lactate production and Warburg metabolism may impact neurotransmitter dysregulation and neurocognition in CNS lymphomas. We identify novel metabolomic biomarkers that may be applied in future studies of neurocognition in CNS lymphomas. Elucidation of mechanistic interactions between lymphoma metabolism, neurotransmitter imbalance, and neurocognition may promote interventions that preserve cognitive function.
Spiritual well-being and its association with health-related quality of life in primary brain tumor patients
Authors: Randazzo Dina M , McSherry Frances , Herndon James E , Affronti Mary L , Lipp Eric S , Miller Elizabeth S , Woodring Sarah , Healy Patrick , Jackman Jennifer , Crouch Brian , Desjardins Annick , Ashley David M , Friedman Henry S , Peters Katherine B 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Background
Spirituality can impact patients’ attitudes and decisions about treatment and end-of-life care when coping with cancer. Previous studies documented health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and spiritual well-being (SWB) as positively correlated within a general cancer patient population, but little is known about their association in the primary brain tumor population. We sought to measure SWB in primary brain tumor patients and evaluate whether it was associated with HRQoL.

Methods
Six-hundred and six patients treated at The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke between December 16, 2013 and February 28, 2014 with data in the PRoGREss registry are included in this retrospective analysis. Each patient completed the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual Well-Being 12 (FACIT-Sp-12) and -Fatigue (FACIT-F), and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General and -Brain (FACT-G and FACT-Br).

Results
Mean age was 49.1 years (SD = 13.5 years), male (N = 328, 54.1%), married (N = 404, 66.7%), at least college-educated (N = 381, 62.9%), and diagnosed with a high-grade glioma (N = 412, 68.0%). Multiple regression analyses were performed on both the FACT-G and the FACT-Br using the FACIT-Sp-12 sub-scales of Meaning/Peace and Faith, FACIT-F, belief in God or a higher power, prayer, gender, tumor grade, and Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) as predictors. We found that greater SWB (measured by FACIT-Sp-12) was associated with better HRQoL (measured by FACT-G and FACT-Br; p &lt; .0001).

Conclusion
The association between reported SWB and reported improved HRQoL emphasizes the importance of spirituality in primary brain tumor patients, suggesting SWB must be considered in strategies to improve HRQoL.
Take-home and digital Lenten filter ashes for Ash Wednesday: creative ritual practices of faith during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Deguma Jabin J , Capuno Reylan G , Deguma Melona C , Igot Vicente J , Lumayag Charisma G 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Before the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, previous research cautioned that complex and meaningful quotidian rituals involving intimate touch need re-evaluation as these pose a hygienic concern in pandemic culture. Faith-based practices entail human-to-human contact that could inevitably cause the virus infection contagion if not appropriately addressed. In a World Health Organization document, the crucial role of inter-faith collaboration and sharing of best practices to combat the spread of the virus are encouraged. In this correspondence, we assert that taking home ashes and launching digital Lenten ashes filter are non-traditional yet creative ways for the Catholic Church to perform the ritual practice in celebrating Ash Wednesday. We argued that such creative ritual practices changed the landscape of faith-based practices and implied trans-local participation of the Catholic community as witnesses of faith while upkeeping public health.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases: insights from patient-generated data on social media
Authors: Reuter Katja , Deodhar Atul , Makri Souzi , Zimmer Michael , Berenbaum Francis , Nikiphorou Elena 
Published: February 2021

AbstractObjectivesDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, much communication occurred online, through social media. This study aimed to provide patient perspective data on how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs), using Twitter-based patient-generated health data (PGHD).MethodsA convenience sample of Twitter messages in English posted by people with RMDs was extracted between 1 March and 12 July 2020 and examined using thematic analysis. Included were Twitter messages that mentioned keywords and hashtags related to both COVID-19 (or SARS-CoV-2) and select RMDs. The RMDs monitored included inflammatory-driven (joint) conditions (ankylosing spondylitis, RA, PsA, lupus/SLE and gout).ResultsThe analysis included 569 tweets by 375 Twitter users with RMDs across several countries. Eight themes emerged regarding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people with RMDs: (i) lack of understanding of SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19; (ii) critical changes in health behaviour; (iii) challenges in healthcare practice and communication with healthcare professionals; (iv) difficulties with access to medical care; (v) negative impact on physical and mental health, coping strategies; (vi) issues around work participation; (vii) negative effects of the media; and (viii) awareness-raising.ConclusionThe findings show that Twitter serves as a real-time data source to understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people with RMDs. The platform provided ‘early signals’ of potentially critical health behaviour changes. Future epidemics might benefit from the real-time use of Twitter-based PGHD to identify emerging health needs, facilitate communication and inform clinical practice decisions.
Palmar erythema and palmar papules as predictors for dermatomyositis-related acute/subacute interstitial lung disease: a retrospective study
Authors: Lu Jinghao , Liu Chaofan , Zhou Xing , Tang Jiaxuan , Liu Shiying , Tang Min , Li Ming , Zhu Lubing 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Objectives
DM-related acute/subacute interstitial lung disease (A/S-ILD) remains a big therapeutic challenge due to its insidious onset and rapid development. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the association between clinical features of DM and ILD.

Methods
We retrospectively assessed skin manifestations, muscle damage, laboratory tests, concurrent ILD and malignancy in 207 patients with DM and analysed the high-risk factors for ILD.

Results
In the 207 DM patients, 153 patients had ILD, in which 131 had chronic ILD (CILD) and 22 had A/S-ILD. The proportions of mechanic’s hands, palmar papules and muscle weakness, as well as anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5) antibody and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and ferritin in the ILD group were significantly higher compared with the non-ILD group. The onset age over 56 years, mechanic’s hands and muscle weakness were independent predictive factors for ILD. The proportions of palmar papules, palmar erythema, anti-MDA5 antibody, ALT, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), LDH and ESR in the A/S-ILD group were higher compared with the CILD group. Palmar erythema and palmar papules were independent predictive factors for A/S-ILD. Palmar papules were positively correlated with anti-MDA5 antibody.

Conclusion
The onset age over 56 years, mechanic’s hands or muscle weakness predicted the incidence of DM-related ILD, while palmar erythema or palmar papules could predict potential DM-related A/S-ILD.
Is Perception Reality? Using Person-in-Context Simulation to Promote Empathic Understanding of Dementia Among Nurse Practitioner Students
Authors: Harrington Candace C. , Neil Janice A. , Hardin Sonya R. , Roberson Donna W. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
This one-group nonexperimental pretest/posttest repeated-measures design plus interpretative phenomenological analysis explored nurse practitioner students’ perceptions of dementia using virtual simulation. Perceptions of dementia and its associated challenges differed after the simulation. A critical theme that emerged was “developing empathic understanding”; the two subthemes were “mirroring dementia behaviors” and “provoking emotions.” Virtual dementia simulation is an inexpensive, low-fidelity strategy to challenge assumptions and preconceived belief systems about dementia. Person-in-context experiential learning is valuable in nurse practitioner education for facilitating empathic understanding. Further research is needed to explore the correlation between empathic understanding and altruistic helping behaviors in professional practice.