bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal Changes in Adiposity and Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Among Older Men
Authors: Bauer Scott R , Harrison Stephanie L , Cawthon Peggy M , Senders Angela , Kenfield Stacey A , Suskind Anne M , McCulloch Charles E , Covinsky Kenneth , Marshall Lynn M 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Background
Adiposity increases risk for male lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), although longitudinal studies have produced conflicting results. No prior studies have evaluated longitudinal associations of changes in adiposity with concurrent LUTS severity among older men.

Methods
We used repeated adiposity measurements from dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), body mass index (BMI), and American Urological Association Symptom Index (AUASI) measured at 4 study visits over a 9-year period among 5 949 men enrolled in the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) study. Linear mixed effect models adjusted for age, health-related behaviors, and comorbidities were created to evaluate the association between baseline and change in visceral adipose tissue (VAT) area, total fat mass, and BMI with change in LUTS severity measured by the AUASI.

Results
A nonlinear association was observed between baseline VAT area and change in AUASI: men in baseline VAT tertile (T) 2 had a lower annual increase in AUASI score compared to men in T1 and T3 (T2 vs T1: β = −0.07; 95% CI −0.12, −0.03; p = .008; T3 vs T1: NS) but differences were small. No significant associations were observed between change in VAT area and change in AUASI score. Neither baseline tertiles nor change in total fat mass or BMI were associated with change in AUASI score.

Conclusions
Changes in VAT area, total fat mass, and BMI were not associated with change in LUTS severity in this cohort. Thus, despite other health benefits, interventions targeting adiposity alone are unlikely to be effective for preventing or treating LUTS among older men.
SS-31 efficacy in a mouse model of Friedreich ataxia by upregulation of frataxin expression
Authors: Liu Yutong , Cai Jing , Shen Jiaqi , Dong Weichen , Xu Li , Fang Maoxin , Lin Yishan , Liu Jiali , Ding Yibing , Qiao Tong , Li Kuanyu 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) is a serious hereditary neurodegenerative disease, mostly accompanied with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, caused by the reduced expression of frataxin (FXN). However, there is still no effective treatment. Our previous studies have shown that SS-31, a mitochondrion-targeted peptide, is capable to upregulate the expression of FXN and improve the mitochondrial function in cells derived from FRDA patients. To further explore the potential of SS-31, we used the GAA expansion-based models, including Y47 and YG8R (Fxn KIKO) mice, primary neurons and macrophages from the mice and cells derived from FRDA patients. After once-daily intraperitoneal injection of 1 mg/kg SS-31 for 1 month, we observed the significant improvement of motor function. The vacuolation in dorsal root ganglia, lesions in dentate nuclei and the lost thickness of myelin sheath of spinal cord were all repaired after SS-31 treatment. In addition, the hypertrophic cardiomyocytes and disarrayed abnormal Purkinje cells were dramatically reduced. Interestingly, we found that SS-31 treatment upregulated FXN expression not only at the translational levels as observed in cell culture but also at mRNA levels in vivo. Consequently, mitochondrial morphology and function were greatly improved in all tested tissues. Importantly, our data provided additional evidence that the maintenance of the therapeutic benefits needed continuous drug administration. Taken together, our findings have demonstrated the effectiveness of SS-31 treatment through the upregulation of FXN in vivo and offer guidance of the potential usage in the clinical application for FRDA.
Right minithoracotomy and resternotomy approach in patients undergoing a redo mitral valve procedure
Authors: Monsefi Nadejda , Makkawi Basel , Öztürk Mahmut , Alirezai Hossien , Alaj Eissa , Bakhtiary Farhad 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
A minimally invasive approach via a thoracotomy is an alternative in challenging redo cardiac procedures. Our goal was to present our early postoperative experience with minimally invasive cardiac surgery via a right minithoracotomy (minimally invasive) and resternotomy in patients undergoing a mitral valve procedure as a reoperation.

METHODS
From 2017 until 2020, reoperation of the mitral valve was performed through a right-sided minithoracotomy in 27 patients and via a resternotomy in 26 patients. Patients with femoral vessels suitable for cannulation underwent a minimally invasive technique. Patients requiring concomitant procedures regarding the aortic valve were operated on via a resternotomy.

RESULTS
The mean age was 66 ± 12 years in the minimally invasive group and 65 ± 12 years in the whole cohort. The average Society of Thoracic Surgeons score was 11 ± 10% in the minimally invasive group and 13 ± 9% in all patients. The majority of the patients underwent reoperation because of severe mitral valve insufficiency (48% and 55%, respectively). The mean time to reoperation was 7 ± 9 years (minimally invasive group). The 30-day mortality was 4% in the minimally invasive group and 11% in the whole cohort. The blood loss was 566 ± 359 ml in the minimally invasive group and 793 ± 410 ml totally. There were no postoperative neurological complications in the minimally invasive group and 1 (2%) in the whole cohort. Postoperative echocardiography revealed competent mitral valve/prosthesis function in all patients.

CONCLUSIONS
A minimally invasive approach for a mitral valve reoperation in selected patients is a safe alternative to resternotomy with a low transfusion requirement. Both surgical techniques are associated with good postoperative outcomes.
Lebesgue Space Estimates for Spherical Maximal Functions on Heisenberg Groups
Authors: Roos Joris , Seeger Andreas , Srivastava Rajula 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
We prove $L^p\to L^q$ estimates for local maximal operators associated with dilates of codimension two spheres in Heisenberg groups; these are sharp up to two endpoints. The results can be applied to improve currently known bounds on sparse domination for global maximal operators. We also consider lacunary variants and extensions to Métivier groups.
Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic analysis of oral fosfomycin against Enterobacterales, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterococcus spp. in an in vitro bladder infection model: impact on clinical breakpoints
Authors: Abbott Iain J , Mouton Johan W , Peleg Anton Y , Meletiadis Joseph 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Objectives
Fosfomycin is an established treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs), yet evidence supporting susceptibility breakpoints is limited. We examine the UTI susceptibility criteria.

Methods
Fosfomycin susceptibility, heteroresistance and in vitro growth in a bladder infection model, after a single 3 g dose of oral fosfomycin, were bridged to human pharmacokinetics with pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic and Monte Carlo analyses. Data from common uropathogens (24 Escherichia coli, 20 Klebsiella pneumoniae, 4 Enterobacter cloacae, 14 Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 8 Enterococcus faecalis and 8 Enterococcus faecium) were compared and analysed to ascertain species-specific PTA.

Results
Glucose-6-phosphate (G6P) increased MICs of E. coli, K. pneumoniae and E. cloacae (median 2-fold dilutions 3–5), but not of P. aeruginosa and Enterococcus. Atypical E. coli lacking G6P potentiation were killed in the bladder infection model despite high MICs (32–128 mg/L). Fosfomycin heteroresistance was uncommon in E. coli (MIC &gt; 2 mg/L) but was detected in the majority of K. pneumoniae (MIC &gt; 1 mg/L) and P. aeruginosa (MIC &gt;8 mg/L). For these species, baseline heteroresistance was a strong predictor for treatment failure in the model. No heteroresistance was found in Enterococcus. The fAUC/MIC targets for stasis were 1935, 3393, 9968, 2738 and 283 for typical E. coli, K. pneumoniae, E. cloacae, P. aeruginosa and E. faecalis, respectively (synthetic human urine medium alone promoted a 1 log10 kill in E. faecium). A &gt;95% PTA for stasis was only found at MIC ≤ epidemiological cut-off (ECOFF) for E. coli (4 mg/L). For other species, PTAs were low for WT populations.

Conclusions
With the exception of E. coli, fosfomycin is a poor target for other uropathogen species. A reduction in oral fosfomycin UTI breakpoints is supported.
Treatment efficacy for rectal Neisseria gonorrhoeae: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Lo Fiona Wing Yu , Kong Fabian Yuh Shiong , Hocking Jane S 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Background
Rectal gonorrhoea is a common sexually transmitted infection with increasing antimicrobial resistance requiring optimization of available treatments.

Objectives
This systematic review aimed to assess the efficacy of current treatments, previously trialled treatments and new emerging treatments for rectal Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG).

Methods
Online bibliographic databases were search from 1 January 1946 to 14 August 2020. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with rectal NG data among participants aged 15 years or above and published in English were included. Random effects meta-analyses were used to estimate overall treatment efficacy, defined as microbiological cure. Sub-group analyses included stratifying by diagnostic assay, by dual versus monotherapy, and by currently recommended treatments (e.g. ceftriaxone ± azithromycin) versus previously trialled but not recommended treatments (e.g. amoxicillin) versus emerging treatments (e.g. zoliflodacin). The study protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42020202998).

Results
54 studies including 1813 participants and 44 treatment regimens were identified. The overall summary treatment efficacy for rectal NG was 100.0% (95% CI: 99.9%–100.0%; I2 = 0.0%; P = 0.86). Efficacy estimates for monotherapies (100.0%; 95% CI: 99.88%–100.0%; I2 = 0.00%; P = 0.97) and dual therapies (100.0%; 95% CI: 97.65%–100.0%; I2 = 56.24%; P = 0.03) were similar. Efficacy was highest for current treatments (100.00%; 95% CI: 99.96%–100.00%; I2 = 0.00%; P = 0.98) versus emerging treatments (97.16%; 95% CI: 86.79%–100.00%; I2 = 0.00%; P = 0.84). There were no trials exclusively investigating rectal NG and small sample size was a limitation in most trials.

Conclusions
Currently recommended treatments containing ceftriaxone, as mono or dual therapy, are effective. Emerging drugs such as zoliflodacin may be potentially useful for rectal NG but further data are needed.
Making Sense of the Global: A Systematic Review of Globalizing and Localizing Dynamics in Refugee Governance
Authors: Brumat Leiza , Geddes Andrew , Pettrachin Andrea 
Published: August 2021

AbstractWhat does the research literature on refugee and asylum migration tell us about the impact of global norms and standards on the protection of asylum-seekers and refugees? Do we see the effective reach of global standards or do we see responses to be dependent on ‘local’ contexts? We conducted a systematic review of the literature across six case countries on two key issues in contemporary refugee governance: ‘mobility’ and ‘containment’. After coding 252 documents, we found that while ‘the global’ has an important normative and aspirational resonance and is an identified source of rights expansion and increased mobility, there is significant evidence for the ‘localisation’ of global standards on asylum and refugee protection. This has important implications for the diffusion of global norms and standards. Our results also reveal a strong focus in the research literature on ‘containment’ policies and on the role of state actors in developing these policies.
A case of effective Delorme’s procedure for colonic mucosal prolapse after intersphincteric resection
Authors: Kohata Akihiro , Shimizu Wataru , Kochi Masatoshi , Takakura Yuji , Ohdan Hideki 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Recent surgical technical improvements, such as endoscopic surgery with intersphincteric resection (ISR), could help avoid a permanent colostomy for patients with low-lying rectal tumors. However, the problems associated with anal dysfunction following ISR remain unresolved. We performed ISR and temporary ileostomy in a patient with low-lying rectal cancer. After evaluating the stability of the anastomosis, we planned to close the ileostomy, but the patient developed post-operative colonic mucosal prolapse (CMP). Although there are treatment methods available for CMP, there is no consensus on the treatment for post-operative CMP. In this case, we performed Delorme’s procedure because the method has been reported to have advantages in terms of improving post-operative anal function. Post-operative anorectal manometry showed improvement in maximum squeeze pressure, and the patient’s anal function improved; subsequently, ileostomy closure was performed. Delorme’s procedure may be useful for patients with CMP after ISR to achieve good post-operative anal function.
Challenging the Comparison in Montgomery Between Patients and ‘Consumers Exercising Choices’
Authors: Jackson Emily 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
In Montgomery v Lanarkshire Health Board, Lords Kerr and Reed referred to the increasing tendency to treat patients ‘as consumers exercising choices’. The question of whether it is helpful to regard patients as consumers is not a new one, but it arises most frequently in discussions about the commercialisation of healthcare. Comparing patients with consumers in relation to informed consent is an interesting development, especially in the light of the growing body of contract and consumer law scholarship which questions the extent to which information disclosures to consumers produce informed choices. If there is evidence that the duties of disclosure which are imposed on retailers, in order to redress the imbalance of knowledge and power in the consumer–retailer relationship, do not always fulfil their intended purpose, might this have any resonance for the duties of disclosure which are imposed upon healthcare professionals?
Not Dying Alone: the Need to Democratize Hospital Visitation Policies During Covid-19
Authors: Sudai Maayan 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Of the many adverse outcomes that may result from the spread of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, known as COVID-19, one stands out as particularly vile: the experience of dying alone. Many healthcare facilities in the US and elsewhere adopted ‘No-Visitor Rules’ in an effort to contain the virus, but these rules mean that the countless people in nursing homes and hospital wards were isolated during their final hours of life. There is no epidemiological or US federal or state requirement to prohibit visitation to (and thereby isolate) dying patients—even those with COVID-19. Instead, constructing pandemic-specific visitation policies is usually left to the discretion of hospitals and healthcare providers. Such policies aim to limit the risk of exposure but fail to account for the individual and social costs associated with dying alone for patients, families, and frontline healthcare workers. As a result, the policies may be overly restrictive and actively cause harm. This article argues that US hospital visitation policies need to be democratised to include the perspectives of community members and patients. By drawing on existing patient rights frameworks, this article outlines several legal strategies to reconceptualise hospital visitation policies as a civil rights issue.
UOCS – VI. UVIT/AstroSat detection of low-mass white dwarf companions to four more blue stragglers in M67
Authors: Pandey Sindhu , Subramaniam Annapurni , Jadhav Vikrant V 
Published: August 2021

ABSTRACTBlue straggler stars (BSSs) in M67 have attracted attention from observations and theory to unravel their formation mechanisms. In the series of Ultra Violet Imaging Telescope (UVIT on AstroSat) study of Open clusters (UOCS), here we report the detection of hot companions to 4 more BSSs (WOCS 2013, WOCS 3013, WOCS 4006, and WOCS 5005), using Far-UV photometry obtained in two epochs from UVIT. We characterize the hot companions to be low to extremely low mass (LM/ELM) white dwarfs (WDs) with Teff ∼ 13–23 kK, R/R⊙ ∼ 0.035–0.051, M/M⊙ ∼ 0.19–0.3, and age ∼25–300 Myr using WD models. Two BSSs (WOCS 1025 and WOCS 3005) showed UV excess, and may have a hot companion, but we are unable to confirm/characterize. 13 BSSs are detected by UVIT in the two epochs of data, of the total 14 present in M67. We have performed detailed analysis on 10 BSSs, including our previous studies. Five BSSs are found to have LM/ELM WD companions, suggesting Case-B mass-transfers (MT) to be prevalent in M67 (with a lower limit of 37.5 per cent, 5/14), along with other mechanisms. Three BS+WD systems have orbital parameters outside the limit for stable MT as per the models. We speculate the following three possibilities – their orbits are altered due to cluster dynamics, some may be in triple systems with LM/ELM WDs in an unknown closer orbit, or a modified MT mechanism may be required to enable their formation.
Physical and numerical instabilities of radiatively cooling shocks in turbulent magnetized media
Authors: Badjin Dmitry A , Glazyrin Semyon I 
Published: August 2021

ABSTRACT
We consider the influence of a fluctuating magnetic field on to the structure formation and instabilities of radiatively cooling blast waves. The study is based on an example of optically thin post-adiabatic supernova remnants (SNRs) in the homogeneous interstellar medium. By means of analytic estimations and full-scale multidimensional simulations, we investigate the roles of thermal, hydrodynamic (corrugation, pulsational, convective, Rayleigh–Taylor, linear and non-linear Vishniac) and numerical instabilities (‘carbuncle’ and grid-forced effects). It is found that of primary importance is the interplay of the thermal instability with quasi-regular and random components of the interstellar field. Bending fluctuations caused by the latter can be strongly amplified by non-linear Vishniac instability in the SNR regions where the regular component is almost normal to the shock. The instabilities driven by counter-directional pressure and density gradients are limited mostly to very narrow post-shock cooling layers, transient perturbations of the same short scales, and rather weakly magnetized environments. Some of these results can also be applied to radiative shocks separating optically thick media from thin or semitransparent ones. Several recommendations and requirements on numerical simulation techniques are formulated.
Disposable E-Cigarette Use Prevalence, Correlates, and Associations With Previous Tobacco Product Use in Young Adults
Authors: Leventhal Adam M , Dai Hongying , Barrington-Trimis Jessica L , Tackett Alayna P , Pedersen Eric R , Tran Denise D 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Introduction
Novel, inexpensive disposable e-cigarettes widely sold in attractive flavors might be exempt from US federal regulations. To inform regulatory and public health priorities, this study examined young adult disposable e-cigarette use uptake among existing tobacco users versus non-users and possible use correlates that could be potential regulatory targets.

Aims and Methods
Prospective cohort data were analyzed in 2021. Among baseline (2018–2019) never disposable e-cigarette users (n = 1903; mean [SD]: 19.3 [0.8] years-old), we tested prospective associations of baseline tobacco product use with follow-up (2020) disposable e-cigarette use initiation, followed by stratified analyses distinguishing baseline exclusive and dual e-cigarette/combustible tobacco use. Exploratory cross-sectional associations of tobacco-related correlate with vaping frequency among current disposable users (n = 266) were tested.

Results
Follow-up ever disposable e-cigarette use initiation was higher among baseline former (22.1%) and current (50.2%) versus never (6.3%) rechargeable (non-disposable) e-cigarette users. In stratified analyses, follow-up disposable e-cigarette use initiation was 0% in baseline never-vaping exclusive current smokers, higher in baseline never-vaping former smokers versus never users of any tobacco product (18.2% vs. 5.7%; adjusted odds ratio [95% CI] = 3.9 [2.1–7.5]), and higher among baseline current dual users versus never-smoking exclusive current vapers (61.3% vs. 42.2%; adjusted odds ratio [95% CI] = 3.0 [1.5–6.0]). Among follow-up current disposable e-cigarette users (overall prevalence = 10.9%), using ice-flavored (vs. fruit/sweet-flavored) e-cigarettes (adjusted rate ratio [95% CI] = 1.5 [1.0–2.1]) and vaping dependence symptoms (adjusted rate ratio [95% CI] = 2.2 [1.5–3.2]) were cross-sectionally associated with more past-month disposable e-cigarette use days.

Conclusions
Young adult disposable e-cigarette use was of appreciable prevalence, including among tobacco product never users and former smokers. Regulation of disposable e-cigarettes, including ice-flavored products, might benefit young adult health.

Implications
Sales of disposable e-cigarette products increased significantly in the United States from 2019 to 2020. These products contain high nicotine concentrations and various flavors that may appeal to young people. This study provides the first evidence that disposable e-cigarette use may be common among young adults, including among tobacco product never users and former smokers. Frequency of disposable e-cigarette use was positively associated with using ice-flavored e-cigarettes and vaping dependence. Regulatory policies and enforcement strategies addressing disposable e-cigarettes merit consideration in young adult health policy and prevention priorities.
Prophylaxis against pneumocystis pneumonia in rheumatoid arthritis patients treated with b/tsDMARDs: insights from 3787 cases in the FIRST registry
Authors: Sonomoto Koshiro , Tanaka Hiroaki , Nguyen Tuan Manh , Yoshinari Hiroko , Nakano Kazuhisa , Nakayamada Shingo , Tanaka Yoshiya 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Objectives
The use of biologic and targeted synthetic (b/ts) DMARDs in the treatment of RA is increasing. Therefore, prevention of b/tsDMARDs-induced infection is important. Here we describe a prophylaxis protocol for preventing pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) in RA patients treated with b/tsDMARDs.

Methods
The study subjects were 3787 RA patients from the FIRST registry. They were divided into cohort 1 (n = 807, requiring prophylaxis against PCP based on physicians’ assessment at the point of new treatment with or switch to b/tsDMARDs) and cohort 2 (n = 2980, receiving strategic PCP prophylaxis). The incidence and risk factors for PCP were investigated.

Results
Twenty-six PCP cases were observed throughout the study. After the introduction of strategic PCP prophylaxis, PCP incidence diminished from 0.51/100 person-years (PYs) to 0.21/100 PYs (risk ratio = 0.42). Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim in combination (SMX–TMP) showed greater efficacy in the prevention of PCP than pentamidine inhalation (P &lt;0.0001). The prophylaxis rate increased chronologically despite the falls in the average SMX–TMP dose and in the incidence of PCP. Subanalysis of the data for 929 patients from both groups who did not receive prophylaxis showed that old age, high BMI, coexisting lung diseases, low lymphocyte count, and low serum IgG levels increased the risk of PCP development. Development of PCP could be predicted (using an equation based on these variables) in patients not treated with glucocorticoids [area under the curve (AUC) = 0.910)], but less accurately in those on glucocorticoids (AUC = 0.746).

Conclusions
Our study clarified the risk factors for PCP in RA patients on b/tsDMARDs treatment and highlighted and defined the criteria for effective prophylaxis against PCP.