bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intimal aortic atherosclerosis in cardiac surgery: surgical strategies to prevent embolic stroke
Authors: Knol Wiebe G , Budde Ricardo P J , Mahtab Edris A F , Bekkers Jos A , Bogers Ad J J C 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Although the incidence of perioperative stroke after cardiac surgery gradually decreased over the last decades, there is much variation between centres. This review aimed to create a concise overview of the evidence on possible surgical strategies to prevent embolic stroke in patients with intimal aortic atherosclerosis.

METHODS
The PubMed and EMBASE databases were searched for studies on surgical management of aortic atherosclerosis and the association with perioperative stroke in cardiac surgery, including specific searches on the most common types of surgery. Articles were screened with emphasis on studies comparing multiple strategies and studies reporting on the patients’ severity of aortic atherosclerosis. The main findings were summarized in a figure, with a grade of the corresponding level of evidence.

RESULTS
Regarding embolic stroke risk, aortic atherosclerosis of the tunica intima is most relevant. Although several strategies in general cardiac surgery seem to be beneficial in severe disease, none have conclusively been proven most effective. Off-pump surgery in coronary artery bypass grafting should be preferred with severe atherosclerosis, if the required expertise is present. Although transcatheter aortic valve replacement is used as an alternative to surgery in patients with a porcelain aorta, the risk profile concerning intimal atherosclerosis remains poorly defined.

CONCLUSIONS
A tailored approach that uses the discussed alternative strategies in carefully selected patients is best suited to reduce the risk of perioperative stroke without compromising other outcomes. More research is needed, especially on the perioperative stroke risk in patients with moderate aortic atherosclerosis.
Grading in Hungarian Primary Schools: Mechanisms of Ethnic Discrimination against Roma Students
Authors: Kisfalusi Dorottya , Janky Béla , Takács Károly 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe present study aims to shed light on the mechanisms of ethnic discrimination in teacher assessments in Hungarian primary schools. For this purpose, we use data collected among Roma minority and non-Roma majority students. First, we identify a considerable ethnic difference in non-blind school grades, which is beyond the ethnic difference in blind standardized test scores. Then, we derive and empirically test predictions from different theories of discrimination that might explain the ethnic difference in grades. We find that stereotype-based theories of discrimination do not explain why minority students receive lower grades than majority students. We do not exclude the possibility that taste-based discrimination exists among teachers against Roma students. A considerable part of ethnic discrimination, however, is explained by teachers’ indirectly discriminatory grading practices: Roma students’ school behaviour is evaluated more negatively by teachers than that of non-Roma students and school behaviour seems to be taken into account in grading without legitimate justification. This practice does not only disadvantage Roma students, but boys and low status students as well.
Serratia marcescens SCH909 as reservoir and source of genetic elements related to wide dissemination of antimicrobial resistance mechanisms
Authors: Gambino Anahí S , Déraspe Maxime , Álvarez Verónica E , Quiroga María Paula , Corbeil Jacques , Roy Paul H , Centrón Daniela 
Published: July 2021

ABSTRACT
Serratia marcescens SCH909 is a multidrug resistant strain isolated in 1988 harboring three class 1 integrons. We wondered if these integrons were retained over time and if there were other antimicrobial resistant determinants contributing to its multidrug resistant profile. Genomic analysis showed a fourth multidrug resistance integron, a Tn7 transposon with dfrA1-sat2-ybeA-ybfA-ybfB-ybgA gene cassettes in the variable region. Insertion sequences were involved in the genesis of novel composite transposons in the L4 subtype plasmid pSCH909, such as Tn6824 carrying an arsenic regulon and two head to head class 1 integrons surrounded by two complete IS1. Remarkably, a novel chromosomal genomic island, SmaR, was identified, closely related to Multiple Antimicrobial Resistance Regions (MARR), usually found in AbaR0-type and AbGRI2-0 from global clones of Acinetobacter baumannii, and in M-type plasmids circulating in Enterobacteriaceae. Maintenance studies showed that the three class 1 integrons were maintained over 1 month without antimicrobial pressure. Since S. marcescens is considered a relevant nosocomial pathogen that can have a wide range of niches – human, plant, animal, soil and inanimate surfaces, our findings support the ability of this species to capture, maintain and spread a broad variety of antimicrobial resistance elements.
Behavior ofSalmonellaEnteritidis andShigella flexneriduring induction and recovery of the viable but nonculturable state
Authors: Oliveira Mayara Messias , de Almeida Felipe Alves , Baglinière François , de Oliveira Leandro Licursi , Vanetti Maria Cristina Dantas 
Published: July 2021

ABSTRACTBacteria may enter into a viable but nonculturable (VBNC) state as a response to stresses, such as those found in food processing. Cells in the VBNC state lose the ability to grow in a conventional culture medium but man recover culturability. The viability, culturability and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) of Salmonella Enteritidis and Shigella flexneri were evaluated under stress conditions to induce a VBNC state. Cells were maintained under nutritional, osmotic and cold stresses (long-term induction) in Butterfield's phosphate solution plus 1.2 M of NaCl at 4°C and under nutritional and oxidative stresses (short-term induction) in 10 mM of H2O2. Culture media, recovery agents, sterilization methods of media and incubation temperature, were combined and applied to recover the culturability of the VBNC cells. Salmonella entered in the VBNC state after 135 days under long-term induction, while Shigella maintained culturability after 240 days. Under short-term induction, Salmonella and Shigella lose culturability after 135 and 240 min, respectively. Flow cytometric analysis revealed viable cells and intracellular ROS in both species in VBNC. It was not possible to recover the culturability of VBNC cells using the 42 combinations of different factors.
Mitochondrial pyruvate carrier regulates the lignocellulosic decomposition rate through metabolism in Ganoderma lucidum
Authors: Xu Wenzhao , Fan Junpei , Wang Yihong , Wang Yunxiao , Zhu Jing , Ren Ang , Yu Hanshou , Shi Liang , Zhao Mingwen 
Published: July 2021

ABSTRACT
The activity of mitochondrial pyruvate carrier (MPC) can be modulated to regulate intracellular metabolism under different culture conditions. In Ganoderma lucidum, the role of MPC in regulating carbon sources remains unknown. By knocking down MPC genes (MPC1 and MPC2), this research found that the loss of MPC increased the growth rate of G. lucidum by ~30% in a medium with wood chips as a carbon source. Then cellulase and laccase activities were tested. Endoglucanase and laccase activity increased by ~50% and ~35%, respectively, in MPC knockdown mutants compared with that in the wild type strain. Finally, the expression levels of genes related to glycolysis were assayed, and the transcription levels of these enzymes were found to be increased by ~250% compared with the wild type strain. In conclusion, the regulation of intracellular metabolism by MPC provides a new way to improve the use of nondominant carbon sources such as lignocellulose.
Metabolites of the oral microbiome: important mediators of multikingdom interactions
Authors: Barbour Abdelahhad , Elebyary Omnia , Fine Noah , Oveisi Morvarid , Glogauer Michael 
Published: July 2021

ABSTRACT
The oral cavity hosts over 700 different microbial species that produce a rich reservoir of bioactive metabolites critical to oral health maintenance. Over the last two decades, new insights into the oral microbiome and its importance in health and disease have emerged mainly due to the discovery of new oral microbial species using next-generation sequencing. This advancement has revolutionized the documentation of unique microbial profiles associated with different niches and health/disease states within the oral cavity and the relation of the oral bacteria to systemic diseases. However, less work has been done to identify and characterize the unique oral microbial metabolites that play critical roles in maintaining equilibrium between the various oral microbial species and their human hosts. This article discusses the most significant microbial metabolites produced by these diverse communities of oral bacteria that can either foster health or contribute to disease. Finally, we shed light on how advances in genomics and genome mining can provide a high-throughput platform for discovering novel bioactive metabolites derived from the human oral microbiome to tackle emerging infectious and systemic diseases.
Association of Vascular Risk Scores and Cognitive Performance in a Diverse Cohort: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis
Authors: Schaich Christopher L , Yeboah Joseph , Espeland Mark A , Baker Laura D , Ding Jingzhong , Hayden Kathleen M , Sachs Bonnie C , Craft Suzanne , Rapp Stephen R , Luchsinger José A , Fitzpatrick Annette L , Heckbert Susan R , Post Wendy S , Burke Gregory L , Allen Norrina B , Hughes Timothy M 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Background
Vascular risk scores are associated with incident dementia. Information regarding their association with cognitive performance and decline in racially/ethnically diverse cohorts is lacking.

Method
In 4 392 Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis participants (aged 60.1 ± 9.4 years; 53% women; 41% White, 11% Chinese American, 26% African American, 21% Hispanic), we compared associations of Exam 1 (2000–2002) Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Aging, and Incidence of Dementia (CAIDE), Framingham Stroke Risk Profile (FSRP), and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease pooled cohort equation (ASCVD-PCE) risk scores with Exam 5 (2010–2012) Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument (CASI), Digit Symbol Coding (DSC), and Digit Span (DS) cognitive test performance using multivariable linear regression, and examined racial/ethnic interactions. In 1 838 participants with repeat CASI data at Exam 6 (2016–2018), we related risk scores to odds of a 1-SD decline in CASI performance using multivariable logistic regression.

Results
SD increments in each risk score were associated with worse cognitive performance. CAIDE had stronger associations with CASI performance than the FSRP and ASCVD-PCE, but associations of ASCVD-PCE with the DSC and DS were similar to CAIDE (difference in β [95% CI] = −0.57 [−1.48, 0.34] and −0.21 [−0.43, 0.01], respectively). Race/ethnicity modified associations. For example, associations between CAIDE and CASI were greater in African Americans and Hispanics than in Whites (difference in β = 0.69 [0.02, 1.36] and 1.67 [0.95, 2.39], respectively). Risk scores were comparably associated with decline in CASI performance.

Conclusions
Antecedent vascular risk scores are associated with cognitive performance and decline in the 4 most common U.S. racial/ethnic groups, but associations differ among risk scores and by race/ethnicity.
Is Reliance on the Affect Heuristic Associated With Age?
Authors: Nolte Julia , Löckenhoff Corinna E 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Objectives
With age, decision makers rely more on heuristic and affect-based processing. However, age differences have not been quantified with respect to the affect heuristic, which derives judgments based on positive and negative feelings toward stimuli and concepts. This study examined whether reliance on the affect heuristic is associated with age, whether these patterns vary by task type, and which covariates account for age effects.

Method
In a preregistered study, an adult life-span sample (N = 195, 21–90 years, Mage = 52.95, 50% female, 71% non-Hispanic White) completed a battery of cognitive, personality, and socioemotional covariates as well as 3 established affect heuristic tasks: (a) a risk–benefit task, (b) a dread–inference task, and (c) an affect–impact task. Reliance on affect was indexed through (a) a negative relationship between perceived food risks and benefits, (b) a positive relationship between feelings of dread and statistical inferences about mortality risks, and (c) a positive relationship between affective responses and impact judgments when evaluating catastrophes.

Results
For all 3 tasks, usage of the affect heuristic was documented at the group and the individual levels. Contrary to hypotheses, age was not associated with affect heuristic use for any of the tasks. Affect heuristic indices did not correlate across tasks and showed no consistent associations with the covariates.

Discussion
Results suggest that the use of affect-based heuristics is context- or stimulus-dependent rather than a stable, age-associated trait. Further research is needed to validate the present results across additional domains, tasks, and stimulus types.
Culturally based coping with COVID-19 pandemic: using constructive roles of the spiritual systems with appropriate function
Authors: Omidvari Sepideh 
Published: July 2021

Summary
Considering the global number of confirmed COVID-19 cases and deaths, it is not strange that COVID-19 disease is a reminiscent of concepts such as death and affliction with a serious disease. Furthermore, it might remind people of issues such as the reason(s) for occurrence of deplorable events in the universe, the meaning of life, individuals’ duties toward themselves and others, the relationship between the nature and human beings, and individuals’ relationship with a higher being (in case there is a belief in a higher being), i.e. the subjects spirituality deals with. The constructive or destructive role of each of religious and non-religious spiritual systems at the time of crises are observed more clearly than ever. The present paper addresses roles which spiritual systems might play in facing the COVID-19 disease crisis, considering different areas of spiritual well-being and the possibility that spiritual systems might be affected by perceived challenges during a pandemic. Because of the problems interfering with overcoming COVID-19 pandemic and the risk of next waves of its epidemics and pandemics, it is necessary for health policy-makers to use all available capacities and capabilities to counteract the disease, including using both internal motivations (such as spiritual beliefs which prohibit hurting oneself and others and which emphasize performing social responsibilities) and external ones (e.g. regulations) to cope with it. It makes sense for public health officials in different countries to use more actively the potential of those spiritual systems that support COVID-19 public health recommendations, as a culturally based intervention and policy.
Balanced harvest as a potential management strategy for tropical small-scale fisheries
Authors: Pelage Latifa , Bertrand Arnaud , Ferreira Beatrice Padovani , Lucena-Frédou Flávia , Justino Anne K S , Frédou Thierry 
Published: July 2021

AbstractTropical small-scale fisheries (SSFs) are characterised by their multidimensionality (fleets, gears, habitats, and species). As many targeted species move between habitats throughout their life cycle, managing coexisting fleets exploiting the same resource is challenging. However, the SSFs operating over multiple habitats target a variety of species and sizes and could benefit from a management strategy such as balanced harvest (BH)—harvesting all species and sizes in proportion to their production rate. To test this hypothesis, we characterised the fishing pattern (distribution of overall fishing pressure on species and sizes) of northeast Brazil SSFs targeting migratory species along an estuarine-shelf break gradient. Specifically, we described the relative captures by gear type and developed a conceptual model to understand fishers’ strategies. All ontogenetic classes of the twelve selected species were caught along the estuary-shelf break gradient, achieving a fishing pattern in line with BH. Young individuals and low trophic level species predominated in most gears. In that context, size limitations would not be sufficient to prevent overfishing and could prejudice the fleets that target small sizes. An ecosystem-based approach like BH, aiming to regulate the overall fishing pressure and consistent with the existing fishing pattern, should instead be promoted.
Making Sense of Patient-Derived iPSCs, Transdifferentiated Neurons, Olfactory Neuronal Cells, and Cerebral Organoids as Models for Psychiatric Disorders
Authors: Unterholzner Jakob , Millischer Vincent , Wotawa Christoph , Sawa Akira , Lanzenberger Rupert 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The improvement of experimental models for disorders requires a constant approximation towards the dysregulated tissue. In psychiatry, where an impairment of neuronal structure and function is assumed to play a major role in disease mechanisms and symptom development, this approximation is an ongoing process implicating various fields. These include genetic, animal, and post-mortem studies. To test hypotheses generated through these studies, in vitro models using non-neuronal cells such as fibroblasts and lymphocytes have been developed. For brain network disorders, cells with neuronal signatures would, however, represent a more adequate tissue. Considering the limited accessibility of brain tissue, research has thus turned towards neurons generated from induced pluripotent stem cells as well as directly induced neurons, cerebral organoids, and olfactory neuroepithelium. Regarding the increasing importance and amount of research using these neuronal cells, this review aims to provide an overview of all these models to make sense of the current literature. The development of each model system and its use as a model for the various psychiatric disorder categories will be laid out. Also, advantages and limitations of each model will be discussed, including a reflection on implications and future perspectives.
The perceptions of informal carers of older people with dementia about the role of their pharmacists
Authors: El-Saifi Najwan N F , Moyle Wendy , Jones Cindy J , Tuffaha Haitham W A 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Objectives
As medication experts, pharmacists can play a significant role in helping people living with dementia and their informal carers make the best use of medications. However, little is known about this population’s needs and expectations of their pharmacists. The objective of this study was to report informal carers’ perceptions about the role of their pharmacists.

Methods
In a previous study, informal carers were interviewed to explore factors influencing medication adherence in older people living with dementia. The interview transcripts from the previous study were analysed thematically using an inductive approach to explore carers’ perceptions about the role of community pharmacists in helping carers and people living with dementia use medications as prescribed.

Key findings
The interviews of 20 informal carers were analysed. Carers were primarily females (85%), married (60%), completed university (60%) and unemployed (70%). The majority of care recipients had comorbidities (75%), and the number of medications ranged from 1 to 20. Three significant roles emerged: (1) provision of medication information, (2) advising on medication organisation and (3) conducting medication reviews.

Conclusions
Informal carers face several challenges in administering the medications to older people living with dementia. Pharmacists are expected to play a more active role in helping people living with dementia, and their carers make safe and effective use of medications.
Factors Predicting Blood Culture Positivity in Children With Enteric Fever
Authors: Srinivasan Manikandan , Sindhu Kulandaipalayam Natarajan , Ramanujam Karthikeyan , Ramasamy Ranjith Kumar , Subramaniam Sathyapriya , Ganesan Santhosh Kumar , Vajja Swathi , David Anita Shirley , Lankala Pramitha , Rose Winsley , Moses Prabhakar D , Grassly Nicholas C , Kang Gagandeep , John Jacob 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Background
Blood culture, despite low sensitivity, is the gold standard for enteric fever diagnosis. Understanding predictors of blood culture positivity may help design strategies to optimize enteric fever diagnosis.

Methods
A cohort of 6760 children aged 0.5–15 years was followed for 3 years for enteric fever with blood cultures in an automated system, for fevers &gt;3 days. Factors affecting test positivity in fevers and participant-level predictors for culture refusals were analyzed using regression models.

Results
Overall, 6097 suspected typhoid/paratyphoid fever (STF) episodes were reported, of which 5703 (93.5%) STFs had sampling for blood cultures, with 394 (6.5%) refusals. Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi/Paratyphi positivity was culture-confirmed in 3.8% (218/5703) of STF episodes. Older children (odds ratio [OR], 1.96 [95% CI, 1.39–2.77]), larger blood volume inoculated (OR, 2.82 [95% CI, 1.71–4.66]), higher temperatures during fever (OR, 3.77 [95% CI, 2.89–4.91]), and fevers diagnosed as suspected typhoid or acute undifferentiated fever (OR, 6.06 [95% CI, 3.11–11.78]) had a higher probability of culture positivity. Antibiotics before culture did not decrease culture positivity. Blood culture refusals were higher for children from wealthier households or with milder illness.

Conclusions
Performing blood cultures in older children with fever, especially those fevers with toxic presentation and increasing blood volume for inoculation are strategies to improve enteric fever detection in surveillance settings.
Conceptualizing equidistant diplomacy in international relations: the case of Singapore
Authors: Teo Ang Guan , Koga Kei 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
How can we systematically conceptualize equidistant diplomacy? This article argues that while ‘equidistant diplomacy’ has its own tactical utility to signal and shape a state’s image of political neutrality to the target states, it is not indicative of the state strategy. This is because state strategy is generally determined by material capabilities and is categorized as balancing, bandwagoning, and hedging. Rather, equidistant diplomacy is perception managementmerely an independent diplomatic tactic aimed at signaling a neutral image through three main tools: paralleling, downplaying, and broadcasting. This diplomatic tactic is most likely to be part of ‘hedging’ behavior. However, states can similarly employ equidistant diplomacy for balancing or bandwagoning if they desire to project a neutral image and their target states do not force them to alter this tactic with diplomatic or material sanctions. With this conceptual framework, Singapore’s diplomatic behavior vis-a-vis the United States and China from the 1990s will be examined.