bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Early-Life Socioeconomic Position and the Accumulation of Health-Related Deficits by Midlife in the 1958 British Birth Cohort Study
Authors: Rogers Nina T , Blodgett Joanna M , Searle Samuel D , Cooper Rachel , Davis Daniel H J , Pinto Pereira Snehal M 
Published: February 2021

AbstractReducing population levels of frailty is an important goal, and preventing its development in midadulthood could be pivotal. There is limited evidence on associations between childhood socioeconomic position (SEP) and frailty. Using data on the 1958 British birth cohort (followed from 1958 to 2016; n = 8,711), we aimed to 1) establish the utility of measuring frailty in midlife, by examining associations between a 34-item frailty index at age 50 years (FI50y) and mortality at ages 50–58 years, and 2) examine associations between early-life SEP and FI50y and investigate whether these associations were explained by adult SEP. Hazard ratios for mortality increased with increasing frailty; for example, the sex-adjusted hazard ratio for the highest quintile of FI50y versus the lowest was 4.07 (95% confidence interval (CI): 2.64, 6.25). Lower early-life SEP was associated with higher FI50y. Compared with participants born in the highest social class, the estimated total effect on FI50y was 42.0% (95% CI: 35.5, 48.4) for participants born in the lowest class, with the proportion mediated by adult SEP being 0.45% (95% CI: 0.35, 0.55). Mediation by adult SEP was negligible for other early-life SEP classes. Findings suggest that early-life SEP is associated with frailty and that adult SEP only partially explains this association. Results highlight the importance of improving socioeconomic circumstances across the life course to reduce inequalities in midlife frailty.
Unspeakable Conventionality: The Perversity of the Kindle
Authors: McGurl Mark 
Published: February 2021

AbstractWhat has the rise of Amazon meant for the novel? This essay argues that in shifting the scene of innovation from the novel’s form to the ways and means of its distribution, the company has redefined authorship as the entrepreneurial provision of good service to readers and reading itself as a repeatable experience of erotic self-care. Conceived in this way, all fiction is “genre fiction,” including so-called literary fiction, which for Amazon is simply one modality of the perverse pursuit of customer satisfaction among others. As an occasion for felicitous repetition, genre fiction takes the lead in defining the situation of the novel now, suggesting a new set of emphases in the critical analysis of the contemporary literary field.
Parallel computing for genome sequence processing
Authors: Zou You , Zhu Yuejie , Li Yaohang , Wu Fang-Xiang , Wang Jianxin 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe rapid increase of genome data brought by gene sequencing technologies poses a massive challenge to data processing. To solve the problems caused by enormous data and complex computing requirements, researchers have proposed many methods and tools which can be divided into three types: big data storage, efficient algorithm design and parallel computing. The purpose of this review is to investigate popular parallel programming technologies for genome sequence processing. Three common parallel computing models are introduced according to their hardware architectures, and each of which is classified into two or three types and is further analyzed with their features. Then, the parallel computing for genome sequence processing is discussed with four common applications: genome sequence alignment, single nucleotide polymorphism calling, genome sequence preprocessing, and pattern detection and searching. For each kind of application, its background is firstly introduced, and then a list of tools or algorithms are summarized in the aspects of principle, hardware platform and computing efficiency. The programming model of each hardware and application provides a reference for researchers to choose high-performance computing tools. Finally, we discuss the limitations and future trends of parallel computing technologies.
Living well with kidney disease by patient and care partner empowerment: kidney health for everyone everywhere
Authors: Kalantar-Zadeh Kamyar , Li Philip Kam-Tao , Tantisattamo Ekamol , Kumaraswami Latha , Liakopoulos Vassilios , Lui Siu-Fai , Ulasi Ifeoma , Andreoli Sharon , Balducci Alessandro , Dupuis Sophie , Harris Tess , Hradsky Anne , Knight Richard , Kumar Sajay , Ng Maggie , Poidevin Alice , Saadi Gamal , Tong Allison ,   for the World Kidney Day Steering Committee, Li Philip Kam-Tao , Kalantar-Zadeh Kamyar , Andreoli Sharon , Balducci Alessandro , Dupuis Sophie , Kumaraswami Latha , Liakopoulos Vassilios , Lui Siu-Fai , Saadi Gamal , Ulasi Ifeoma 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with hardships for patients and their care partners. Empowering patients and their care partners, including family members or friends involved in their care, may help minimize the burden and consequences of CKD-related symptoms to enable life participation. There is a need to broaden the focus on living well with kidney disease and re-engagement in life, including an emphasis on patients being in control. The World Kidney Day (WKD) Joint Steering Committee has declared 2021 the year of ‘Living Well with Kidney Disease’ in an effort to increase education and awareness on the important goal of patient empowerment and life participation. This calls for the development and implementation of validated patient-reported outcome measures to assess and address areas of life participation in routine care. It could be supported by regulatory agencies as a metric for quality care or to support labeling claims for medicines and devices. Funding agencies could establish targeted calls for research that address the priorities of patients. Patients with kidney disease and their care partners should feel supported to live well through concerted efforts by kidney care communities including during pandemics. In the overall wellness program for kidney disease patients, the need for prevention should be reiterated. Early detection with a prolonged course of wellness despite kidney disease, after effective secondary and tertiary prevention programs, should be promoted. WKD 2021 continues to call for increased awareness of the importance of preventive measures throughout populations, professionals and policymakers, applicable to both developed and developing countries.
Intraoperative surgical strategy changes in patients with chronic and end-stage renal disease undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting
Authors: Rosenfeld Ethan S , Trachiotis Gregory D , Sparks Andrew D , Napolitano Michael A , Lee K. Benjamin , Wendt Daniel , Kieser Teresa M , Puskas John D , DiGiammarco Gabriele , Taggart David P 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Factors such as more diffuse atherosclerosis, plaque instability and accelerated vascular calcification in patients with chronic and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) can potentially present intraoperative challenges in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) procedures. We evaluated whether patients with chronic and ESRD experienced more surgical strategy changes and/or graft revisions than patients with normal renal function when undergoing CABG procedures according to a protocol for intraoperative high-frequency ultrasound and transit-time flow measurement (TTFM).

METHODS
Outcomes of CABG for patients with chronic and ESRD and patients with normal renal function enrolled in the multicentre prospective REQUEST (REgistry for QUality assESsmenT with Ultrasound Imaging and TTFM in Cardiac Bypass Surgery) study were compared retrospectively. The primary end point was frequency of intraoperative surgical strategy changes. The secondary end point was post-protamine TTFM parameters.

RESULTS
There were 95 patients with chronic and ESRD and 921 patients with normal renal function. Patients with chronic and ESRD undergoing CABG according to a protocol for intraoperative high-frequency ultrasound and TTFM had a higher rate of strategy changes overall [33.7% vs 24.3%; odds ratio (OR) = 1.58; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.01–2.48; P = 0.047] and greater revisions per graft (7.0% vs 3.4%; odds ratio = 2.14; 95% CI = 1.17–3.71; P = 0.008) compared to patients with normal renal function. Final post-protamine graft TTFM parameters were comparable between cohorts.

CONCLUSIONS
Patients with chronic and ESRD undergoing CABG procedures with high-frequency ultrasound and TTFM experience more surgical strategy changes than patients with normal renal function while achieving comparable graft flow.

Clinical trial registration number
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02385344
Are missed appointments in an outpatient clinic for adults with congenital heart disease the harbinger for care gaps?
Authors: Goossens Eva , van Deyk Kristien , Budts Werner , Moons Philip 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAimsLife-long follow-up is vital for patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) to safeguard longevity. Missing scheduled appointments might be prodromal to subsequent care gaps, but our understanding of their occurrence and impact is limited. This study determined the occurrence and predictors of missed appointments (MA), assess its predictive value for care gaps, and explored if MA or care gaps are associated with increased mortality.Methods and resultsFrom 2007 to 2009, the occurrence of MA in 2075 CHD patients was documented at an adult CHD clinic. The frequency of outpatient visits in 1363 adults with moderate to complex CHD was calculated from 2009 to 2012. Patients without a visit were considered to have a care gap. Data on mortality were collected from 2013 to 2017. Missed appointments occurred in 11% of patients and were more common in men [odds ratio (OR) = 1.57; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.18–2.08], without a history of cardiac procedures (OR = 1.46; 95% CI: 1.08–1.97), and for morning visits (OR = 1.45; 95% CI: 1.10–1.92). Care gaps were identified in 6% of moderate to complex CHD. A MA was significantly associated with an increased likelihood of care gaps (OR = 19.55; 95% CI: 11.92–32.07; R2 = 26.5%). In moderate to complex CHD, no difference in mortality rates was related to the occurrence of discontinued care.ConclusionThe occurrence of MA was related to patients’ gender, no history of cardiac interventions, and time of day of the outpatient visits. Care gaps were associated by the preceding MA. No association with increased mortality rates was observed. Interventions reducing missed appointments, such as SMS-reminders prior to visits, need investigation.
Reasons for the relocation of contracted family physicians and job satisfaction
Authors: Karayurek Yusuf , Demirci Hakan 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Aim
The aim of this study was to determine the reasons for the relocation of contracted family physicians and the relationship of this situation with burnout and job satisfaction status.

Methods
This study was conducted with contracted family physicians in Bursa province between May 2019 and December 2019. The physicians were visited in the family health centres where they worked. The participants were asked to fill out a socio-demographic data form, Maslach Burnout Inventory Scale and Minnesota Job Satisfaction Questionnaire. In addition, physicians who had relocated were asked to fill out a questionnaire examining the reasons for this change.

Results
The most common reasons for the relocation of physicians were distance from home (65.30%), novelty seeking (25.60%) and burnout (24.80%). Being female (P = 0.004), duration of medical experience (P &lt; 0.001), shorter time passed in family practice (P = 0.043) and job dissatisfaction (P = 0.006) were risk factors for relocation in a regression analysis model. Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed a cut-off point value for the Minnesota overall score as ≤3.

Conclusions
In family practice, it is favourable to provide continuity of care to the patient with the same physician. However, migration of physicians within the province for social and cultural reasons to more prosperous regions, often to where they live, was observed. Young female family doctors will probably continue to migrate to better locations within the city regardless of payment advantages in poor settlements. The roles of female physicians in society (as mother, wife and daughter) may have an effect on this preference.
Co-infecting pathogen lineages have additive effects on host bacterial communities
Authors: Medina Daniel , Greenspan Sasha E , Carvalho Tamilie , Becker C Guilherme , Toledo Luís Felipe 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACTAmphibian skin bacteria may confer protection against the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), but responses of skin bacteria to different Bd lineages are poorly understood. The global panzootic lineage (Bd-GPL) has caused amphibian declines and extinctions globally. However, other lineages are enzootic (Bd-Asia-2/Brazil). Increased contact rates between Bd-GPL and enzootic lineages via globalization pose unknown consequences for host-microbiome-pathogen dynamics. We conducted a laboratory experiment and used 16S rRNA amplicon-sequencing to assess: (i) whether two lineages (Bd-Asia-2/Brazil and Bd-GPL) and their recombinant, in single and mixed infections, differentially affect amphibian skin bacteria; (ii) and the changes associated with the transition to laboratory conditions. We determined no clear differences in bacterial diversity among Bd treatments, despite differences in infection intensity. However, we observed an additive effect of mixed infections on bacterial alpha diversity and a potentially antagonistic interaction between Bd genotypes. Additionally, observed changes in community composition suggest a higher ability of Bd-GPL to alter skin bacteria. Lastly, we observed a drastic reduction in bacterial diversity and a change in community structure in laboratory conditions. We provide evidence for complex interactions between Bd genotypes and amphibian skin bacteria during coinfections, and expand on the implications of experimental conditions in ecological studies.
Loss of nuclear UBE3A activity is the predominant cause of Angelman syndrome in individuals carrying UBE3A missense mutations
Authors: Bossuyt Stijn N V , Punt A Mattijs , de Graaf Ilona J , van den Burg Janny , Williams Mark G , Heussler Helen , Elgersma Ype , Distel Ben 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Angelman syndrome (AS) is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder caused by deletion (~75%) or mutation (~10%) of the ubiquitin E3 ligase A (UBE3A) gene, which encodes a HECT type E3 ubiquitin protein ligase. Although the critical substrates of UBE3A are unknown, previous studies have suggested a critical role of nuclear UBE3A in AS pathophysiology. Here, we investigated to what extent UBE3A missense mutations disrupt UBE3A subcellular localization as well as catalytic activity, stability and protein folding. Our functional screen of 31 UBE3A missense mutants revealed that UBE3A mislocalization is the predominant cause of UBE3A dysfunction, accounting for 55% of the UBE3A mutations tested. The second major cause (29%) is a loss of E3-ubiquitin ligase activity, as assessed in an Escherichia coli in vivo ubiquitination assay. Mutations affecting catalytic activity are found not only in the catalytic HECT domain, but also in the N-terminal half of UBE3A, suggesting an important contribution of this N-terminal region to its catalytic potential. Together, our results show that loss of nuclear UBE3A E3 ligase activity is the predominant cause of UBE3A-linked AS. Moreover, our functional analysis screen allows rapid assessment of the pathogenicity of novel UBE3A missense variants which will be of particular importance when treatments for AS become available.
Outcome of the frozen elephant trunk procedure as a redo operation
Authors: Demal Till Joscha , Bax Lennart , Brickwedel Jens , Kölbel Tilo , Vettorazzi Eik , Sitzmann Franziska , Reichenspurner Hermann , Detter Christian 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
The goal of this study was to determine the outcome of patients undergoing an elective frozen elephant trunk (FET) procedure as a redo operation following previous cardiac surgery.

METHODS
One hundred and eighteen consecutive patients underwent FET procedures between October 2010 and October 2019 at our centre. Patients were registered in a dedicated database and analysed retrospectively. Clinical and follow-up characteristics were compared between patients undergoing a FET operation as a primary (primary group) or a redo procedure (redo group) using logistic regression and Cox regression analysis. Emergency procedures (n = 33) were excluded from the analysis.

RESULTS
A total of 36.5% (n = 31) of the FET procedures were redo operations (redo group) and 63.5% (n = 54) of the patients underwent primary surgery (primary group). There was no significant difference in the 30-day mortality [primary group: 7.4%; redo group: 3.2%; 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.19–35.29); P = 0.63] and the 3-year mortality [primary group: 22.2%; redo group: 16.7%; 95% CI (0.23–3.23); P = 0.72] between redo and primary cases. Furthermore, the adjusted statistical analysis did not reveal significant differences between the groups in the occurrence of transient or permanent neurological deficit, paraplegia, acute renal failure and resternotomy. The redo group showed a higher rate of recurrent nerve palsy, which did not reach statistical significance [primary group: 3.7% (n = 2); redo group: 19.4% (n = 6); P = 0.091].

CONCLUSIONS
Elective FET procedures as redo operations performed by a dedicated aortic team following previous cardiac surgery demonstrate an adequate safety profile.
Factors influencing length of intensive care unit stay following a bidirectional cavopulmonary shunt
Authors: Kido Takashi , Ono Masamichi , Anderl Lisa , Burri Melchior , Strbad Martina , Balling Gunter , Cleuziou Julie , Hager Alfred , Ewert Peter , Hörer Jürgen 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
The goal of this study was to identify the risk factors for prolonged length of stay (LOS) in the intensive care unit (ICU) after a bidirectional cavopulmonary shunt (BCPS) procedure and its impact on the number of deaths.

METHODS
In total, 556 patients who underwent BCPS between January 1998 and December 2019 were included in the study.

RESULTS
Eighteen patients died while in the ICU, and 35 died after discharge from the ICU. Reduced ventricular function was significantly associated with death during the ICU stay (P = 0.002). In patients who were discharged alive from the ICU, LOS in the ICU [hazard ratio (HR) 1.04, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02–1.06; P &lt; 0.001] and a dominant right ventricle (HR 2.41, 95% CI 1.03–6.63; P = 0.04) were independent risk factors for death. Receiver operating characteristic analysis identified a cut-off value for length of ICU stay of 19 days. Mean pulmonary artery pressure (HR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01–1.05; P = 0.04) was a significant risk factor for a prolonged ICU stay.

CONCLUSIONS
Prolonged LOS in the ICU with a cut-off value of 19 days after BCPS was a significant risk factor for mortality. High pulmonary artery pressure at BCPS was a significant risk factor for a prolonged ICU stay.
ESBL-producing strains isolated from imported cases of enteric fever in England and Wales reveal multiple chromosomal integrations of blaCTX-M-15 in XDR Salmonella Typhi
Authors: Nair Satheesh , Chattaway Marie , Langridge Gemma C , Gentle Amy , Day Martin , Ainsworth Emma V , Mohamed Iman , Smith Robert , Jenkins Claire , Dallman Timothy J , Godbole Gauri 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Background
There are approximately 300 cases of enteric fever reported annually from England and Wales; most are imported infections. Clinical management of enteric fever remains a challenge with the emergence of ESBL-producing strains, especially XDR Salmonella Typhi from Sindh, Pakistan.

Methods
All strains of S. Typhi and Salmonella Paratyphi A isolated from cases presenting with symptoms of enteric fever in England and Wales, between 1 April 2014 and 31 March 2020, were characterized using WGS. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using an agar dilution method.

Results
ESBL strains contributed to 69 cases of enteric fever (S. Typhi n = 68, S. Paratyphi A n = 1); 68 were imported (Pakistan n = 64, Iraq n = 2, Bangladesh n = 1 and India n = 1). Ages ranged from 1 to 56 years, 36/69 (52%) were children, 52% were female and the duration of hospital stay ranged from 1 to 23 days. The ESBL phenotype was conferred by the presence of blaCTX-M-15 (S. Typhi n = 67 and S. Paratyphi A n = 1) or blaCTX-M-55 (S. Typhi n = 1). An IncY plasmid harbouring blaCTX-M-15 and qnr was detected in 56 strains from Pakistan. The IncY plasmid was absent in the remaining strains and there was evidence of a 4 kb ISEcpl-blaCTX-M-15-tnp gene cassette insertion into the chromosome at one of three integration points.

Conclusions
Chromosomal integration of blaCTX-M-15 within the XDR Sindh strains may lead to the maintenance of resistance in the absence of antibiotic selection pressure. Empirical treatment of cases of complicated enteric fever returning from Pakistan will henceforth have to include a carbapenem.
Phenotypic and genetic barriers to establishment of horizontally transferred genes encoding ribosomal protection proteins
Authors: Yadav Kavita , Garoff Linnéa , Huseby Douglas L , Hughes Diarmaid 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundRibosomal protection proteins (RPPs) interact with bacterial ribosomes to prevent inhibition of protein synthesis by tetracycline. RPP genes have evolved from a common ancestor into at least 12 distinct classes and spread by horizontal genetic transfer into a wide range of bacteria. Many bacterial genera host RPP genes from multiple classes but tet(M) is the predominant RPP gene found in Escherichia coli.ObjectivesWe asked whether phenotypic barriers (low-level resistance, high fitness cost) might constrain the fixation of other RPP genes in E. coli.MethodsWe expressed a diverse set of six different RPP genes in E. coli, including tet(M), and quantified tetracycline susceptibility and growth phenotypes as a function of expression level, and evolvability to overcome identified phenotypic barriers.ResultsThe genes tet(M) and tet(Q) conferred high-level tetracycline resistance without reducing fitness; tet(O) and tet(W) conferred high-level resistance but significantly reduced growth fitness; tetB(P) conferred low-level resistance and while mutants conferring high-level resistance were selectable these had reduced growth fitness; otr(A) did not confer resistance and resistant mutants could not be selected. Evolution experiments suggested that codon usage patterns in tet(O) and tet(W), and transcriptional silencing associated with nucleotide composition in tetB(P), accounted for the observed phenotypic barriers.ConclusionsWith the exception of tet(Q), the data reveal significant phenotypic and genetic barriers to the fixation of additional RPP genes in E. coli.