bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The (Mis)Use ofSDas Age Diversity Measure: Introducing the MeanSD
Authors: De Meulenaere Kim , Biemann Torsten , Boone Christophe 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe aging population trend and the associated growing share of older employees lead to high levels of workplace age diversity, which has inspired many researchers to examine the implications. In this article, we show that the prevalent use of the standard deviation (SD) as age diversity measurement may hinder the field in unraveling the effects of age diversity. While SD is known as an operationalization of age diversity as separation—that is, the clustering of work units in distinct age-based subgroups—we argue and show that SD does not fit well with the concept of age separation due to its sensitivity to large age differences. We develop and introduce the mean standard deviation (MSD) as alternative age separation measure. This novel measure is based on SD but is less sensitive to large age differences. We empirically substantiate our concerns and the value of MSD using simple examples of fictitious work units and 2 simulation analyses. We suggest that age diversity scholars use MSD for examining the effects of workplace age diversity as separation. By introducing MSD to the age diversity measurement toolbox, we want to improve the conceptual clarity, measurement, and empirical testing of workplace age diversity.
Diabetes Mellitus Influencing the Bacterial Species in Surgical Site Infections of Orthopedic Trauma Patients
Authors: Angeli Rico , Lippmann Norman , Rodloff Arne C. , Fakler Johannes K. M. , Behrendt Daniel 
Published: December 2021

Objective
Diabetes mellitus is a well-known risk factor for delayed wound healing and surgical site infections (SSIs). With the exception of urinary tract infections, information on changes in bacterial etiology and antimicrobial resistance patterns for patients with diabetics is rare. This study compared the prevalence of bacterial species and their antimicrobial resistance in patients with SSI and with or without diabetes mellitus.

Methods
Patients with a postoperative SSI within 6 weeks after orthopedic surgery due to a fracture or joint injury (in a level 1 trauma center in Germany) were analyzed retrospectively for the time period of 2007 to 2012. Microbiological results were assessed by comparing the prevalence of bacterial species and minimal inhibitory concentration of 34 antimicrobial agents for both patient groups.

Results
Three hundred three patients (female = 140, male = 163) were analyzed. Seventy nine (26.1%) of them had diabetes mellitus. Diabetic patients were older (mean age, 70.7 vs 60.1 years, P < 0.001) and more obese (48.1% vs 17.4%; odds ratio [OR], 4.40 [2.51–7.70], P < 0.001). Infection associated mortality was higher in the diabetes group (10.1% vs 2.7%; OR, 4.09 [1.37–12.20], P = 0.012). Most frequent isolates from wound specimen were Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Enterococcus faecalis was more frequent in diabetic patients (P = 0.030; OR, 1.89 [1.07–3.34]). There was no difference in resistance against cefuroxime and in the frequency of multidrug-resistant strains in both groups.

Conclusions
Patients with diabetes mellitus and postoperative SSI showed a higher frequency of E. faecalis isolate. However, antibiotic prophylaxis with cephalosporins still seems to be effective in most cases.
Appropriate Antibiotic Prescribing in the Emergency Department
Authors: Oomen Patrick G. A. , Dutilh Jacob C. , Logtenberg Susan J. J. , Sankatsing Sanjay U. C. 
Published: December 2021

Background
Data on appropriate antibiotic prescribing in the emergency department (ED) are scarce. The aims of this study were to determine the proportion of ED presentations resulting in antibiotic prescribing and to assess the rate of appropriate antibiotic prescribing in patients receiving antibiotics in the ED over a 4-year period.

Methods
A random sample (10%) of all consecutive patients who visited the ED and received antibiotics between 2013 and 2016 was selected, and 2 independent researchers assessed appropriateness of prescribed antibiotics based on the documented indication. Appropriateness was defined as being in accordance with local antibiotic guidelines at the time. A deviation of antibiotic guidelines with a clearly documented reason was assessed as appropriate. If the indication was surgical prophylaxis, antibiotic appropriateness was not assessed.

Results
Antibiotics were prescribed in 14,461 ED presentations (14.8%), of which 1435 (9.9%) were reviewed. Antibiotic appropriateness was assessed for 1262 indications (excluding surgical prophylaxis). In total, 915 cases (72.5%) were assessed as appropriate, 298 (23.6%) as inappropriate, and 49 (3.9%) were deemed not assessable. The interrater reliability was good (k
= 0.78). Appropriate antibiotic prescribing did not significantly differ between years (P = 0.67). Sepsis was most appropriately treated (93%). Skin and soft tissue infections and upper respiratory infections were treated least appropriately (58.4% and 59.5%). Cultures were obtained in 764 patients (75.4%) receiving antibiotics.

Conclusions
Antibiotics were prescribed in 15% of ED presentations, and 24% of antibiotic prescriptions were assessed as inappropriate, indicating an urgent need to improve awareness and adherence to antibiotic guidelines in the ED.
Prevalence and Predictive Factors of Hypertension Among People Living With HIV in Kebbi State, Nigeria: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Badru Oluwaseun , Oduola Taofik , Abdulrazaq Aisha , Peter Chigozie 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The estimated number of people living with HIV (PLWH) globally in 2018 was 38 million, with sub-Saharan Africa accounting for 70%. Antiretroviral therapy has reduced morbidity among PLWH and has resulted in HIV now being considered a manageable chronic disease rather than a fatal one. The increase in the survival rate of PLWH has led to the emergence of chronic diseases, especially hypertension. The study aimed to assess the prevalence and predictive factors associated with hypertension among PLWH in Kebbi State, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional study was adopted. The blood pressure of 301 PLWH was measured with an automated sphygmomanometer device. The median age of the respondents was 37 years. Females accounted for 61% of the respondents, and the majority were married (55.1%). The prevalence of hypertension was 17%. Older age, lack of exercise, and increasing weight were identified as the predictive factors of hypertension.
Assessment of the Sources of Information by Patients With Rheumatic Diseases
Authors: Izaguirre Germain Maria Pia , Ávila Paola Andrea , Fara Nauan , Pretini Julia , Gaona Maria Elena , Pissani Pia , Saavedra Maira Arias , Aquino Valeria , Espindola Echazu Mariana , Laffont Manuela , Acevedo Magdalena , Garcia Faura Lucrecia , Hassan Romina , Roberts Karen , Brigante Jorge Alejandro , Alvarez Damaris , Micelli Marina Laura , Cosentino Vanesa Laura , Montoya Sandra , Sequeira Gabriel , Kerzberg Eduardo 
Published: December 2021

Objective
The aim of this study was to ascertain the frequency of use, search intent (SI), level of accessibility, and degree of reliability of sources of information (SOIs) in rheumatology.

Methods
A survey among adult outpatients with rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, and spondyloarthritis was conducted. They were asked if they had procured information from 12 selected SOIs during the past year. Search intent was defined as the source they would like to consult. Accessibility and reliability were assessed through 0-to-10 scales (minimum and maximum, respectively).

Results
Four hundred two patients were surveyed. They had consulted a median of 3 SOIs (interquartile range, 2–6) but described a higher SI: median of 5 SOIs (interquartile range 3–8); p = 0.001.
The most consulted SOIs were the physician (83%), other patients (45%), and Facebook (36%). The main differences between SI and the searches actually performed were observed in community lectures by health care professionals (49%), scientific societies (48%), and associations of patients (27%); p < 0.001. These 3 sources showed low level of accessibility. Facebook, press, radio, and YouTube were the least reliable sources.

Conclusions
Patients consulted a median of 3 SOIs but reported a significantly higher SI. Although patients demand more information, the request is leveled at SOIs with difficult accessibility but high reliability.
Psoriatic Spondylitis: A Disease Manifestation in Debate
Authors: Zeidler Henning K. 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
With the advent of classification criteria for psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), patients with axial manifestations associated with psoriasis, initially described in the l950s as a specific entity termed psoriatic spondylitis (PS), are now categorized within PsA, ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and axSpA. Thus, different terms are used to describe axial disease in patients with PsA including PS, axial psoriatic arthritis (axPsA), and psoriatic spondyloarthritis. Patients with PS may present with inflammatory and/or mechanical back pain, but also may display axial disease on imaging despite not complaining of back pain. Cervical spondylitis has been reported in 35% to 75% of patients with PsA. Axial disease is silent in 20% and 25% of patients with axial PsA and PsA, respectively. The majority of axPsA patients have peripheral arthritis alongside the axial involvement, whereas only 2% to 5% of PsA patients have solely axial arthritis with no peripheral arthritis.
A debate is currently underway as to whether inflammatory axial disease and psoriasis represent axSpA with psoriasis or a subset of PsA named axPsA. Studies have recognized that axial disease in PsA patients seems to be different demographically, genetically, clinically, and radiographically when compared with AS with or without psoriasis. This narrative review summarizes current knowledge regarding axial involvement of PsA in terms of history, terminology, classification, epidemiology, clinical presentation, imaging, diagnosis, and treatment, with the aim of providing advice for management of PS in clinical evidence-based practice. Data-driven studies are needed to develop clear, nonoverlapping classification criteria for spinal involvement in PsA.
ANCA-Associated Vasculitis in Latin America
Authors: Pimentel-Quiroz Victor R. , Sattui Sebastian E. , Ugarte-Gil Manuel F. , Alarcón Graciela S. 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Most of the existing literature, including epidemiological studies and clinical trials, on antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA)–associated vasculitis (AAV) include North American (mainly United States and Canada), European, and Asian populations. Few studies have focused on multiethnic populations such as the one from Latin America. Racial and ethnic differences in the incidence of AAV could partially explain the comparatively low number of AAV studies originating in Latin America. However, given the racial/ethnic diversity as well as socioeconomic differences existing in this region, better reporting of AAV presentations and outcomes in Latin America could highlight valuable gaps on the understanding and treatment of these patients. Recently, larger case series and studies have provided better clinical information regarding AAV patients in Latin American countries; however, further information is needed to address gaps such as risk factors, genetic profiles, clinical features, and predictors of clinical outcomes. For these reasons, we have performed a systematic literature review to enhance our understanding of AAV patients in Latin America. We have included 11 articles focused on the epidemiological and clinical features of AAV in Latin America; some similarities and differences with AAV in other regions are shown in these articles. We have identified differences in their prevalence across Latin American countries, which may reflect reporting bias or true ethnic differences among the countries. Our findings should encourage further investigation into AAV in Latin America; such studies will hopefully lead to the optimal management of these patients.
Potential of Donation After Unexpected Circulatory Death Programs Defined by Their Demographic Characteristics
Authors: Brat Aukje , Venema Leonie H. , Bens Bas W.J. , Stieglis Remy , van der Heijden Joris J. , Fondevila Constantino , Reznik Oleg N. , Barrou Benoit , Erasmus Michiel E. , Leuvenink Henri G.D. 
Published: December 2021

Background.
Donation after unexpected circulatory death (uDCD) donors are often suggested to increase the number of donor organs. In 2014, a uDCD protocol was implemented in three transplant centers in the Netherlands which unfortunately did not result in additional transplantations. This study was initiated to identify demographic factors influencing the potential success of uDCD programs.

Methods.
Dutch resuscitation databases covering various demographic regions were analyzed for potential donors. The databases were compared with the uDCD implementation project and successful uDCD programs in Spain, France, and Russia.

Results.
The resuscitation databases showed that 61% of all resuscitated patients were transferred to an emergency department. Age selection reduced this uDCD potential to 46% with only patients aged 18–65 years deemed eligible. Of these patients, 27% died in the emergency department. The urban region of Amsterdam showed the largest potential in absolute numbers (52 patients/y). Comparison with the uDCD implementation project showed large similarities in the percentage of potential donors; however, in absolute numbers, it showed a much smaller potential. Calculation of the potential per million persons and the extrapolation of the potential based on the international experience revealed the largest potential in urban regions.

Conclusions.
Implementation of a uDCD program should not only be based on the number of potential donors calculated from resuscitation databases. They show promising potential uDCD percentages for large rural regions and small urban regions; however, actual numbers per hospital are low, leading to insufficient exposure rates. It is, therefore, recommendable to limit uDCD programs to large urban regions.
The Role of Arterial Stiffness in the Estimation of Cardiovascular Risk in Liver Transplant Recipients
Authors: Sastre Lydia , García Raquel , Gándara Julián-Gonzalo , Fernández-Llama Patricia , Amor Antonio J. , Sierra Cristina , Escudé Laia , Ruiz Pablo , Colmenero Jordi , Ortega Emilio , Navasa Miquel , Crespo Gonzalo 
Published: December 2021

Background.
Long-term cardiovascular (CV) events are a frequent cause of death and disability after liver transplant (LT). Although a more in-depth, risk-adapted control of CV risk factors may result in improved post-LT CV outcomes, an accurate stratification of the CV risk of LT recipients to better implement preventive strategies is lacking. Aortic pulse wave velocity (aPWV) is a surrogate of arterial stiffness that has been suggested as a biomarker of CV risk; it has never been evaluated in adult LT recipients.

Methods.
In a single-center prospective study, we included 122 LT recipients at 12 (n = 39), 60 (n = 45), or 120 (n = 38) mo after LT. aPWV estimation by oscillometry, clinical assessment of CV risk factors, and CV risk estimation by standard clinical scores (systematic coronary risk evaluation and pooled cohort equation) were performed. The incidence of CV events during prospective follow-up was registered.

Results.
aPWV was independently associated with age and the grade of control of blood pressure. After a median follow-up of 35 mo, 15 patients (12%) presented a CV event. Higher aPWV, diabetes, past or present smoking habit, previous CV events, lower eGFR, being in systematic coronary risk evaluation or pooled cohort equation high-risk groups, and higher levels of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, creatinine, and triglycerides were associated with the incidence of CV events at univariate analysis; aPWV, past or present smoking habit, and triglycerides were independent predictors of CV events.

Conclusions.
According to our results, aPWV mirrors CV risk in LT recipients and thus may be a useful CV risk biomarker in this population. Considering these preliminary results, its accuracy in stratifying risk requires confirmation in further studies.
SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Spike recognition by plasma from individuals receiving BNT162b2 mRNA vaccination with a 16-weeks interval between doses
Authors: Chatterjee Debashree , Tauzin Alexandra , Marchitto Lorie , Yu Gong Shang , Boutin Marianne , Bourassa Catherine , Beaudoin-Bussières Guillaume , Bo Yuxia , Ding Shilei , Laumaea Annemarie , Vézina Dani , Perreault Josée , Gokool Laurie , Morrisseau Chantal , Arlotto Pascale , Fournier Éric , Guilbault Aurélie , Delisle Benjamin , Levade Inès , Goyette Guillaume , Gendron-Lepage Gabrielle , Medjahed Halima , De Serres Gaston , Tremblay Cécile , Martel-Laferrière Valérie , Kaufmann Daniel E. , Bazin Renée , Prévost Jérémie , Moreira Sandrine , Richard Jonathan , Côté Marceline , Finzi Andrés 
Published: December 2021

SUMMARYContinuous emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOC) is fueling the COVID-19 pandemic. Omicron (B.1.1.529), is rapidly spreading worldwide. The large number of mutations in its Spike raised concerns about a major antigenic drift that could significantly decrease vaccine efficacy and infection-induced immunity. A long interval between BNT162b2 mRNA doses was shown to elicit antibodies that efficiently recognize Spikes from different VOCs. Here we evaluated the recognition of Omicron Spike by plasma from a cohort of SARS-CoV-2 naïve and previously-infected individuals that received their BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine 16-weeks apart. Omicron Spike was recognized less efficiently than D614G, Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta Spikes. We compared to plasma activity from participants receiving a short (4-weeks) interval regimen. Plasma from individuals of the long interval cohort recognized and neutralized better the Omicron Spike compared to those that received a short interval. Whether this difference confers any clinical benefit against Omicron remains unknown.
Tutorial: Investigating SARS-CoV-2 evolution and phylogeny using MNHN-Tree-Tools
Authors: Haschka Thomas 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe Covid-19 pandemic has caused at more than 3 million deaths by Mai this year [1]. It had a significant impact on the daily life and the global economy [2]. The virus has since its first recorded outbreak in China [3] mutated into new strains [4]. The Nextstrain [5] project has so far been monitoring the evolution of the virus. At the same time we were developing in our lab the MNHN-Tree-Tools [6] toolkit, primarily for the investigation of DNA repeat sequences. We have further extended MNHN-Tree-Tools [6] to guide phylogenetics. As such the toolkit has evolved into a high performance code, allowing for a fast investigation of millions of sequences. Given the context of the pandemic it became evident that we will use our versatile tool to investigate the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 sequences. Our efforts have cumulated in this tutorial that we share with the scientific community.
Bionized nanoferrite particles alter the course of experimental Cryptococcus neoformans pneumonia
Authors: Liporagi Lopes Livia C. , Korangath Preethi , Dos Santos Junior Samuel R. , Gabrielson Kathleen L. , Ivkov Robert , Casadevall Arturo 
Published: December 2021

AbstractCryptococcosis is a devastating fungal disease associated with high morbidity and mortality even when treated with antifungal drugs. Bionized nanoferrite (BNF) nanoparticles are powerful immunomodulators, but their efficacy for infectious diseases has not been investigated. Administration of BNF nanoparticles to mice with experimental cryptococcal pneumonia altered the outcome of infection in a dose response manner as measured by colony forming units and survival. The protective effects were higher at lower doses, with reductions in IL-2, IL-4 and TNF-α, consistent with immune modulation whereby reductions in inflammation translate into reduced host damage, clearance of infection and longer survival.
Combination of Mycobacterium tuberculosis RS ratio and CFU improves the ability of murine efficacy experiments to distinguish between drug treatments
Authors: Dide-Agossou Christian , Bauman Allison A. , Ramey Michelle E. , Rossmassler Karen , Mubarak Reem Al , Pauly Samantha , Voskuil Martin I. , Garcia-Cremades Maria , Savic Rada M. , Nahid Payam , Moore Camille M. , Tasneen Rokeya , Nuermberger Eric L. , Robertson Gregory T. , Walter Nicholas D. 
Published: December 2021

ABSTRACTMurine tuberculosis drug efficacy studies have historically monitored bacterial burden based on colony forming units of M. tuberculosis in lung homogenate. In an alternative approach, a recently described molecular pharmacodynamic marker called the RS ratio quantifies drug effect on a fundamental cellular process: ongoing ribosomal RNA synthesis. Here we evaluated the ability of different pharmacodynamic markers to distinguish between treatments in three BALB/c mouse experiments at two institutions. We confirmed that different pharmacodynamic markers measure distinct biological responses. We found that a combination of pharmacodynamic markers distinguishes between treatments better than any single marker. The combination of the RS ratio with colony forming units showed the greatest ability to recapitulate the rank order of regimen treatment-shortening activity, providing proof of concept that simultaneous assessment of pharmacodynamic markers measuring different properties will enhance insight gained from animal models and accelerate development of new combination regimens. These results suggest potential for a new era in which antimicrobial therapies are evaluated not only on culture-based measures of bacterial burden but also on molecular assays that indicate how drugs impact the physiological state of the pathogen.
A magnetic bead immunoassay to detect human IgG reactive to SARS-CoV-2 Spike S1 RBD produced in Escherichia coli
Authors: Conzentino Marcelo S. , Gonçalves Ana C. A. , Paula Nigela M. , Rego Fabiane G. M. , Zanette Dalila L. , Aoki Mateus N. , Nardin Jeanine M. , Huergo Luciano F. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractImmunological assays to detect SARS-CoV-2 Spike receptor binding domain antigen seroconversion in humans are important tools to monitor the levels of protecting antibodies in the population in response to infection and/or immunization. Here we describe a simple, low cost and high throughput Ni2+ magnetic bead immunoassay to detect human IgG reactive to Spike S1 RBD Receptor Binding Domain produced in Escherichia coli. A 6xHis tagged Spike S1 RBD was expressed in E. coli and purified by affinity chromatography. The protein was mobilized on the surface of Ni2+ magnetic beads and used to investigate the presence of reactive IgG in the serum obtained from pre-pandemic and COVID-19 confirmed cases. The method was validated with a cohort of 290 samples and an area under the receiver operating characteristics curve of 0.94 was obtained. The method operated with>82% sensitivity at 98% specificity and was also able to track human IgG raised in response to vaccination with Comirnaty with 85% sensitivity. The IgG signal obtained with the described method was well correlated with the signal obtained when pre fusion Spike produced in HEK cell lines were used as antigen. This novel low-cost and high throughput immunoassay may act as an important tool to investigate protecting IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in the human population.