bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence, characteristics and risk factors of frequently readmitted patients to an internal medicine service
Authors: Tong Brian C. Y. , Osborne Christine D. I. , Horwood Chris M. , Hakendorf Paul H. , Woodman Richard J. , Li Jordan Y. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundUnplanned hospital readmissions (HRA), which have been used as key performance index of healthcare quality, are becoming more prevalent. They are associated with substantial financial burden to hospital systems and considerable impacts on patients' physical and mental health. Patients with frequent readmissions are not well studied.AimsTo determine the prevalence, characteristics and risk factors associated with frequent readmissions (FRA) to an internal medicine service at a tertiary public hospital.MethodA retrospective observational study was conducted at an internal medicine service in a tertiary teaching hospital between 1 January 2010 and 30 June 2016. FRA was defined as four or more readmissions within 12 months of discharge from the index admission (IA). Demographic and clinical characteristics and potential risk factors were evaluated.ResultsA total of 50 515 patients was included; 1657 (3.3%) had FRA and were associated with nearly 2.5 times higher in 12‐month mortality rates. They were older, had higher rates of indigenous Australians (3.2%), more disadvantaged status (index of relative socio‐economic disadvantage decile of 5.3) and more comorbidities (mean Charlson comorbidity index 1.4) in comparison, to infrequent readmission group. The mean length of hospital stay during the IA was 6 days for FRA group (21.4% staying more than 7 days) with higher incidence of discharge against medical advice (2.0% higher). Intensive care unit admission rate was 6.6% for FRA group compared with 3.9% for infrequent readmission group. Multivariate analysis showed mental disease and disorders, neoplastic, alcohol/drug use and alcohol/drug‐induced organic mental disorders are associated with FRA.ConclusionThe risk factors associated with FRA were older age, indigenous status, being socially disadvantaged, having higher comorbidities and discharging against medical advice. Conditions that lead to FRA were mental disorders, alcohol/drug use and alcohol/drug‐induced organic mental disorders and neoplastic disorders.
Supraphysiological estradiol promotes human T follicular helper cell differentiation and favours humoural immunity during in vitro fertilization
Authors: Hu Cong , Liu HongLei , Pang Bo , Wu Hao , Lin Xiuying , Zhen Yu , Yi Huanfa 
Published: May 2021

AbstractDuring pregnancy, humoural immunity is essential for protection against many extracellular pathogens; however, autoimmune diseases may be induced or aggravated. T follicular helper (Tfh) cells contribute to humoural immunity. The aim of this study was to test whether Tfh cell function can be manipulated via hormones. Seventy‐four women who underwent in vitro fertilization were recruited and divided into four groups: menstrual period (MP), controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH), embryo transfer (ET) and pregnant after embryo transfer (P). A flow cytometry analysis was performed to identify Tfh cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Bioinformatics analysis revealed a possible pathway between Tfh and B cells. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays were used to detect interleukin (IL)‐21 and IL‐6. The quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed to quantify BCL‐6, BACH2, XBP‐1, IRF‐4 and G protein‐coupled (GP)ER‐1 mRNA expression. Compared with the MP group, the COH, ET and P groups showed more Tfh and B cells, as well as higher IL‐21, IL‐6, BCL‐6 and BACH2 expression. Furthermore, Tfh cell frequency in PBMCs, as well as serum IL‐21 and IL‐6 levels, were all positively correlated with serum estradiol (E2) levels; the B cell percentage also correlated positively with Tfh cells in PBMCs. Combined with the bioinformatics analysis, XBP‐1, IRF‐4 and GPER‐1 expression was related to E2 levels, both in vivo and in vitro. We speculate that E2 augments Tfh cells and favours humoural immunity. This study indicates that Tfh cell regulation may be a novel target in maintaining the maternal‐foetal immune balance.
Governing by Enabling in Multilevel Systems: Capacity Building and Local Climate Action in the European Union
Authors: Domorenok Ekaterina , Prontera Andrea 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis article investigates whether, how and under what conditions European Union (EU) capacity‐building programmes actually contribute to improving the action capacity of target actors in view of common policy objectives. The empirical analysis focuses on the European Local Energy Assistance (ELENA) technical facility that aims to enhance local authorities' project development and management capacities in the field of renewables and energy efficiency. Our findings show that favourable contextual conditions and the actual functional demand for more capacities cannot explain the implementation dynamics of this programme across EU countries. Conversely, the availability of basic starting resources or the ability to draw from EU funds emerge as key factors behind these dynamics. Evidence is provided demonstrating that the effectiveness of such programmes can be hampered by a persistent capacity trap if barriers to their implementation are not carefully considered in advance.
Evaluation of change in metabolome caused by comprehensive diabetes treatment: A prospective observational study of diabetes inpatients with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry‐based non‐target metabolomic analysis
Authors: Taya Naohiro , Katakami Naoto , Omori Kazuo , Arakawa Shoya , Hosoe Shigero , Watanabe Hirotaka , Takahara Mitsuyoshi , Miyashita Kazuyuki , Nishizawa Hitoshi , Matsuoka Taka‐Aki , Furuno Masahiro , Bamba Takeshi , Iida Junko , Fukusaki Eiichiro , Shimomura Iichiro 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAims/IntroductionDiabetes patients develop a variety of metabolic abnormalities in addition to hyperglycemia. However, details regarding change in various metabolites after comprehensive diabetes treatment remain unknown. This study aimed to identify the short‐term change in metabolome in inpatients who were subject to comprehensive diabetes treatment, using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry‐based non‐target metabolomics techniques.Materials and MethodsParticipants of the present study were randomly recruited from the patients with type 2 diabetes hospitalized due to problems with glycemic control (n = 31) and volunteers without diabetes (n = 30), both of whom were aged between 20 and 75 years. A metabolomic analysis of fasting plasma samples on the 2nd (pre‐treatment) and 16th hospital (post‐treatment) day with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry using a multiple reaction monitoring mode was carried out.ResultsA principal component analysis showed that metabolome of fasting plasma was different between individuals with and without diabetes. The metabolome of fasting plasma in diabetes patients after treatment was different from that of pre‐treatment, as well as individuals without diabetes. Many amino acids (proline, glycine, serine, threonine, methionine, pyroglutamic acid, glutamine and lysine) were significantly increased by >10% after administering the inpatient diabetes treatment. A hierarchical clustering analysis showed that in the case of patients with markedly decreased monosaccharide levels and increased 1,5‐anhydroglucitol, the levels of amino acids increased more significantly.ConclusionsAfter a 2‐week comprehensive treatment, the plasma levels of various amino acids increased in conjunction with the reduction in monosaccharide levels in poorly controlled type 2 diabetes patients.
Effects of subcutaneous injection of λ/κ‐carrageenin on the immune and liver antioxidant status of gilthead seabream (Sparusaurata)
Authors: Campos‐Sánchez José Carlos , Guardiola Francisco A. , García Beltrán José María , Ceballos‐Francisco Diana , Esteban María Ángeles 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis study investigated the acute inflammatory response induced by subcutaneous injection of carrageenin (1%) or phosphate‐buffered saline (control) in gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata). Skin mucus, serum, head kidney (HK) and liver were sampled at 1.5, 3 and 6 hr post‐injection (p.i.) to determine the immune and antioxidant status of this fish species. The skin mucus of the carrageenin group showed increased superoxide dismutase and peroxidase activities, lysozyme abundance, bactericidal activity against Vibrio anguillarum and Photobacterium damselae, and total immunoglobulins compared with those of the control group. However, the carrageenin‐injected fish sampled at 6 hr p.i. showed decreased protease activity in the skin mucus and peroxidase activity in the HK leucocytes compared with the control. Moreover, the carrageenin injection had no effects on the systemic immune system, but it reduced the liver catalase activities at both 3 and 6 hr in the carrageenin group relative to those in the control group. The expression levels of several proinflammatory and cell marker genes in the HK and liver were also determined. In the HK, the expression levels of interleukin‐1β and prostaglandin D synthase 1 were upregulated at 1.5 and 3 hr, respectively, in the carrageenin group compared with those in the control group. Contrarily, the expression of the NADPH oxidase subunit phox40 (an acidophilic granulocyte marker) in the carrageenin group at 6 hr was downregulated compared with that in the control group. These results suggested that subcutaneous injection of κ/λ‐carrageenin in gilthead seabream triggered an acute skin inflammation characterized by the rapid recruitment of acidophilic granulocytes and the release of humoral mediators into the skin mucus.
Cytomegalovirus Infection in Pregnancy: Prevention, Presentation, Management and Neonatal Outcomes
Authors: Pesch Megan H. , Saunders Natalie A. , Abdelnabi Samia 
Published: May 2021

AbstractCongenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) is the most common congenital infection in the United States, with 1 of 200 live births affected. It is the leading viral cause of intrauterine fetal demise and miscarriage. It is a common cause of neonatal hearing loss, second only to genetic factors. Yet, health care provider awareness remains low. The purpose of this article is to provide a brief overview of the epidemiology, presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of antenatal cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and cCMV in the neonate. Maternal CMV infection in pregnancy often presents with mild cold‐like symptoms or is asymptomatic. The virus can be vertically transmitted to a growing fetus, the risk of transmission and severity of fetal impact varying by timing of exposure during pregnancy. Most neonates born with cCMV show no signs at birth, yet 15% to 25% will have long‐term adverse neurodevelopmental conditions. Misconceptions that cCMV cannot be prevented or that neonates born without signs of the disease will be unaffected are common. Evidence supporting antenatal education around behavioral change to lower a woman's risk of acquiring CMV during pregnancy is mounting. CMV infection during pregnancy should be co‐managed with a maternal‐fetal medicine specialist. There is early evidence for the use of antiviral medication in reducing risk of vertical transmission. Identification of cCMV during pregnancy may help ensure the neonate receives timely treatment after birth. Midwives can play an important role in providing antenatal education about cCMV risk reduction and in initiating a diagnostic evaluation when there is clinical suspicion.
From ‘Publish or Perish’ to Societal Impact: Organizational Repurposing Towards Responsible Innovation through Creating a Medical Platform
Authors: Rauch Madeleine , Ansari Shahzad (Shaz) 
Published: May 2021

AbstractWhy would an academic project incentivized towards scientific publications be repurposed to become a medical platform for responsible innovation? Patient Innovation, a non‐profit medical platform that focuses on the sharing and dissemination of innovations to find solutions for rare and chronic diseases, was initially set up as an academic research project. However, team members reframed their core purpose from conducting research on user innovation to providing global access to these innovations and creating societal impact. Using a framing lens to understand organizational repurposing, we illuminate how serendipitous inspiration, moral emotions and the power of socially conscious users and catalysts drove this emergent reframing of core purpose and develop a model of organizational repurposing. We show how a frame drift towards a change in purpose occurs spontaneously in interactions, as actors frame and reframe situations and feel inspired and morally motivated to transcend their immediate self‐interests and serve collective goals.
What can whiskers tell us about mammalian evolution, behaviour, and ecology?
Authors: Grant Robyn A. , Goss Victor G. A. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Most mammals have whiskers; however, nearly everything we know about whiskers derives from just a handful of species, including laboratory rats Rattus norvegicus and mice Mus musculus, as well as some species of pinniped and marsupial.

We explore the extent to which the knowledge of the whisker system from a handful of species applies to mammals generally. This will help us understand whisker evolution and function, in order to gain more insights into mammalian behaviour and ecology.

This review is structured around Tinbergen’s four questions, since this method is an established, comprehensive, and logical approach to studying behaviour. We ask: how do whiskers work, develop, and evolve? And what are they for?

While whiskers are all slender, curved, tapered, keratinised hairs that transmit vibrotactile information, we show that there are marked differences between species with respect to whisker arrangement, numbers, length, musculature, development, and growth cycles.

The conservation of form and a common muscle architecture in mammals suggests that early mammals had whiskers. Whiskers may have been functional even in therapsids.

However, certain extant mammalian species are equipped with especially long and sensitive whiskers, in particular nocturnal, arboreal species, and aquatic species, which live in complex environments and hunt moving prey.

Knowledge of whiskers and whisker use can guide us in developing conservation protocols and designing enriched enclosures for captive mammals.

We suggest that further comparative studies, embracing a wider variety of mammalian species, are required before one can make large‐scale predictions relating to evolution and function of whiskers. More research is needed to develop robust techniques to enhance the welfare and conservation of mammals.
Improved first trimester maternal iodine status with preconception supplementation: The Women First Trial
Authors: Young Amy E. , Kemp Jennifer F. , Uhlson Charis , Westcott Jamie L. , Ali Sumera A. , Saleem Sarah , Garcès Ana , Figueroa Lester , Somannavar Manjunath S. , Goudar Shivaprasad S. , Hambidge K. Michael , Hendricks Audrey E. , Krebs Nancy F. ,   the Women First Preconception Maternal Nutrition Trial Group
Published: May 2021

AbstractMaternal iodine (I) status is critical in embryonic and foetal development. We examined the effect of preconception iodine supplementation on maternal iodine status and on birth outcomes. Non‐pregnant women in Guatemala, India and Pakistan (n ~ 100 per arm per site) were randomized ≥ 3 months prior to conception to one of three intervention arms: a multimicronutrient‐fortified lipid‐based nutrient supplement containing 250‐μg I per day started immediately after randomization (Arm 1), the same supplement started at ~12 weeks gestation (Arm 2) and no intervention supplement (Arm 3). Urinary I (μg/L) to creatinine (mg/dl) ratios (I/Cr) were determined at 12 weeks for Arm 1 versus Arm 2 (before supplement started) and 34 weeks for all arms. Generalized linear models were used to assess the relationship of I/Cr with arm and with newborn anthropometry. At 12 weeks gestation, adjusted mean I/Cr (μg/g) for all sites combined was significantly higher for Arm 1 versus Arm 2: (203 [95% CI: 189, 217] vs. 163 [95% CI: 152, 175], p < 0.0001). Overall adjusted prevalence of I/Cr < 150 μg/g was also lower in Arm 1 versus Arm 2: 32% (95% CI: 26%, 38%) versus 43% (95% CI: 37%, 49%) (p = 0.0052). At 34 weeks, adjusted mean I/Cr for Arm 1 (235, 95% CI: 220, 252) and Arm 2 (254, 95% CI: 238, 272) did not differ significantly but were significantly higher than Arm 3 (200, 95% CI: 184, 218) (p < 0.0001). Nominally significant positive associations were observed between I/Cr at 12 weeks and birth length and head circumference z‐scores (p = 0.028 and p = 0.005, respectively). These findings support the importance of first trimester iodine status and suggest need for preconception supplementation beyond salt iodization alone.
An infant‐led approach to complementary feeding is positively associated with language development
Authors: Webber Charlotte , Blissett Jacqueline , Addessi Elsa , Galloway Amy T. , Shapiro Laura , Farrow Claire 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe timing and strategy with which parents first introduce their infants to solid foods may be an important predictor of subsequent developmental outcomes. Recent years have seen a decline in the prevalence of traditional parent‐led feeding of soft, puréed food and a rise in the prevalence of infant‐led complementary feeding. Although there has been some research espousing the benefits of infant‐led complementary feeding for improving food fussiness and self‐regulation, there has been little exploration of this approach that may impact on other developmental outcomes in children. The current study explores whether aspects of the infant‐led approach, specifically the child eating unaided and consuming finger foods and eating with the family, are related to child language outcomes. One hundred thirty one parents of children aged 8–24 months completed questionnaires about their approach to complementary feeding, their current feeding practices, their child's experiences with family foods and child language comprehension/production. The findings suggest that an approach to complementary feeding which promotes infant autonomy in feeding (i.e., eating finger foods rather than puréed foods) and consuming more family foods is related to more advanced child language production and comprehension. Specifically, the prevalence of eating family foods mediated the relationship between eating unaided at the onset of the complementary feeding period and later language outcomes. This study is the first to find a significant relationship between different approaches to introducing solid foods and child language outcomes and these findings highlight the potential for different complementary feeding approaches to influence behaviour beyond mealtimes.
Four times out of Europe: Serial invasions of the winter moth, Operophtera brumata, to North America
Authors: Andersen Jeremy C. , Havill Nathan P. , Caccone Adalgisa , Elkinton Joseph S. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractReconstructing the geographic origins of non‐native species is important for studying the factors that influence invasion success, however; these analyses can be constrained by the amount of diversity present in the native and invaded regions, and by changes in the genetic background of the invading population following bottlenecks and/or hybridization events. Here we explore the geographical origins of the invasive winter moth (Operopthera brumata L.) that has caused widespread defoliation to forests, orchards, and crops in Nova Scotia, British Columbia, Oregon, and the northeastern United States. It is not known whether these represent independent introductions to North America, or a “stepping stone” spread among regions. Using a combination of Bayesian assignment and approximate Bayesian computation methods, we analysed a population genetic data set of 24 microsatellite loci. We estimate that winter moth was introduced to North America on at least four occasions, with the Nova Scotian and British Columbian populations probably being introduced from France and Sweden, respectively; the Oregonian population probably being introduced from either the British Isles or northern Fennoscandia; and the population in the northeastern United States probably being introduced from somewhere in Central Europe. We discuss the impact of genetic bottlenecks on analyses meant to determine region of origin.
[Fe–S] biogenesis and unusual assembly of the ISC scaffold complex in the Plasmodium falciparum mitochondrion
Authors: Mohammad Sadik  , Mohammad Afsar  , Ramachandran Ravishankar , Habib Saman 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe malaria parasite harbors two [Fe–S] biogenesis pathways of prokaryotic origin–the SUF and ISC systems in the apicoplast and mitochondrion, respectively. While the SUF machinery has been delineated, there is little experimental evidence on the ISC pathway. We confirmed mitochondrial targeting of Plasmodium falciparum ISC proteins followed by analyses of cysteine desulfurase, scaffold, and [Fe–S]‐carrier components. PfIscU functioned as the scaffold in complex with the PfIscS–PfIsd11 cysteine desulfurase and could directly assemble [4Fe–4S] without prior [2Fe–2S] formation seen in other homologs. Small angle X‐ray scattering and spectral studies showed that PfIscU, a trimer, bound one [4Fe–4S]. In a deviation from reported complexes from other organisms, the P. falciparum desulfurase‐scaffold complex assembled around a PfIscS tetramer instead of a dimer, resulting in a symmetric hetero‐hexamer [2× (2PfIscS–2PfIsd11–2PfIscU)]. PfIscU directly transferred [4Fe–4S] to the apo‐protein aconitase B thus abrogating the requirement of intermediary proteins for conversion of [2Fe–2S] to [4Fe–4S] before transfer to [4Fe–4S]‐recipients. Among the putative cluster‐carriers, PfIscA2 was more efficient than PfNifU‐like protein; PfIscA1 primarily bound iron, suggesting its potential role as a Fe2+ carrier/donor. Our results identify the core P. falciparum ISC machinery and reveal unique features compared with those in bacteria or yeast and human mitochondria.