bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Atrial fibrillation screening: feasible approaches and implementation challenges across Europe
Authors: Engler D , Hanson C , Desteghe L , Boriani G , Diederichsen S Z , Freedman B , Pala E , Potpara T , Witt H , Heidbuchel H , Neubeck L , Schnabel R B ,   AFFECT-EU
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Background
Atrial fibrillation (AF) screening has the potential to increase early detection and possibly reduce complications of AF. Guidelines recommend screening, but the most appropriate approaches are unknown.

Purpose
We aimed to explore the views of stakeholders across Europe about the opportunities and challenges of implementing four different AF screening scenarios.

Method
This qualitative study included 21 semi-structured interviews with healthcare professionals and regulators potentially involved in AF screening implementation in nine European countries. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results
Three themes evolved. 1) Current approaches to screening: there are no national AF screening programmes, with most AF detected in symptomatic patients. Patient-led screening exists via personal devices, creating screening inequity by the reach of screening programmes being limited to those who access healthcare services. 2) Feasibility of screening approaches: single time point opportunistic screening in primary care using single lead ECG devices was considered the most feasible approach and AF screening may be possible in previously unexplored settings such as dentists and podiatrists. Software algorithms may aid identification of patients suitable for screening and telehealth services have the potential to support diagnosis. However, there is a need for advocacy to encourage the use of telehealth to aid AF diagnosis, and training for screening familiarisation and troubleshooting.
3) Implementation requirements: sufficient evidence of benefit is required. National rather than pan-European screening processes must be developed due to different payment mechanisms and health service regulations.
There is concern that the rapid spread of wearable devices for heart rate monitoring may increase workload due to false positives in low risk populations for AF. Data security and inclusivity for those without access to primary care or personal devices must be addressed.

Conclusions
There is an overall awareness of AF screening. Opportunistic screening appears to be most feasible across Europe. Challenges that need to be addressed concern health inequalities, identification of best target groups for screening, streamlined processes, the need for evidence of benefit, and a tailored approach adapted to national realities.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – EU funding. Main funding source(s): H2020 Screening ScenariosGraphical abstract
Nonresponse bias in change estimation: a national forest inventory example
Authors: Westfall James A , Wilson Barry T 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Nonresponse in national forest inventories primarily occurs in forested areas due to accessibility issues or where hazardous conditions exist. As with all surveys, nonresponse has the potential to impart empirical bias into sample-based estimates and care should be taken to minimize any effects. A less-studied aspect is the effects of nonresponse when estimating change between two points in time. In this study, potential bias in change estimates was evaluated using imputed values for nonresponse inventory plots to compare differences between response and nonresponse means. Analysis of forest area and tree biomass density attributes revealed that systematic differences in probabilities of nonresponse that occur due to ownership type and forest/nonforest status produce overall estimates of change that are too small. The empirical bias appears to worsen as nonresponse rates increase. Underestimation of change inhibits detection of statistically significant shifts in forest resource attributes and concurrently thwarts effective management and policy responses. Thus, further study to ameliorate this issue is warranted, including improved strategies for defining populations and strata to better conform to nonresponse assumptions and/or alternative estimation methods that account for differential nonresponse probabilities due to ownership or forest/nonforest status.
Sole Family Survivors: Older Adults Lacking Family of Origin Kin
Authors: Brown Susan L , Mellencamp Kagan A , Lin I-Fen 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Objectives
We introduced a unique form of kinlessness: sole family survivorship, which describes the lack of family of origin (i.e., biological parents and siblings) kin. This form of kinlessness may be particularly consequential for older adults who experience other forms of kinlessness (e.g., no spouse/partner or no children) as they are especially likely to have relied on their family of origin for support.

Methods
Data from the 1998–2014 Health and Retirement Study (N = 148,346 person-waves) were used to estimate the prevalence of sole family survivorship among adults aged 55 and older and men and women aged 55–74 and 75+. Variation in prevalence levels of sole family survivorship across sociodemographic characteristics, health indicators, and family factors were also estimated. Finally, we tracked cohort trends in sole family survivorship.

Results
More than 1 in 10 adults aged 55+ were sole family survivors and this figure rose to more than 1 in 4 among those aged 75+. Adults with no spouse/partner and no children were especially likely to be sole family survivors, meaning they face a double burden of kinlessness.

Discussion
Sole family survivorship represents the culmination of loss of multiple, lifelong kin ties. It is more common among those lacking other close kin, signaling the presence of a uniquely vulnerable group of older adults who experience multiple forms of kinlessness. Future research should address how older adults and society at large adapt to kinlessness to ensure successful aging.
Causal Association Between Atopic Dermatitis and Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A 2-Sample Bidirectional Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Meisinger Christa , Freuer Dennis 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Background
Observational studies postulated an association between atopic dermatitis (AD) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, it remains unclear whether this relationship is causal.

Methods
To determine whether AD is causally related to IBD and vice versa, a 2-sample Mendelian randomization study was conducted. Independent genetic instruments from the largest available genome-wide association study for AD (EAGLE eczema consortium without the 23andMe study including 10,788 cases and 30,047 controls) were used to investigate the association with IBD in the UK Biobank study (7045 cases, 456,327 controls) and a second European IBD sample (12,882 cases, 21,770 controls).

Results
Atopic dermatitis was strongly associated with higher risk of IBD as a whole (odds ratio [OR], 1.107; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.035; 1.183; P = .003) in the UK Biobank study. The positive association was not significant in the other IBD study (OR, 1.114; 95% CI, 0.956; 1.298), but in meta-analyses of results from the 2 studies, the strong association could be confirmed (OR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.04; 1.18). When evaluating the causal relationship in the other direction, IBD as a whole did not show an association with AD. Subtype analyses revealed that AD was suggestively associated with ulcerative colitis (UC; OR, 1.149; 95% CI, 1.018; 1.297) but not Crohn’s disease (CD). However, there was a suggestive association between CD and AD (OR, 1.034; 95% CI, 1.004; 1.064) but not UC and AD.

Conclusions
This study supports a causal effect between AD and IBD—but not between IBD and AD. There seems to be considerable differences between UC and CD regarding their specific associations with AD. These findings have implications for the management of IBD and AD in clinical practice.
Multiple interfaces to recognize nucleosomal targets
Authors: Nakamura Rinko , Nakayama Jun-ichi 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
In eukaryotic cells, DNA is tightly compacted as chromatin. Chromatin states must be dynamically changed to increase the accessibility of transcription factors (TFs) to chromatin or to stably silence genes by higher-order chromatin structures known as heterochromatin. The regulation of chromatin needs cooperative action performed by a variety of proteins. Specific binding of TFs to target DNA is the initial step of chromatin regulation and promotes changes in the post-translational modifications of histone tails, which themselves are recognized by a set of histone reader proteins. Recent biochemical studies have revealed that some TFs that recognize specific DNA sequences can also interact with histones. Furthermore, histone reader proteins that recognize specific histone tail modifications have been shown to have the ability to directly bind to DNA. In this commentary, we introduce recent advances in the elucidation of how chromatin regulating factors recognize nucleosomal targets.
Basis for diurnal exacerbation of neuropathic pain hypersensitivity and its application for drug development
Authors: Koyanagi Satoru , Kusunose Naoki , Yasukochi Sai , Ohdo Shigehiro 
Published: December 2021

Summary
In addition to diurnal rhythms in physiology and behavior, a variety of pathological conditions also exhibit marked day–night changes in symptom intensity, exemplified by allergic rhinitis, arthritis, asthma, myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, stroke and chronic pain disorders. Currently, novel therapeutic approaches are facilitated by the development of chemical compounds targeted to key proteins that cause diurnal exacerbation of pathological events. Neuropathic pain is a chronic condition that occurs by tumor-induced nerve compression, cancer cell infiltration into the nerve, diabetes and herpes virus infection. One troublesome hallmark symptom of neuropathic pain is hypersensitivity to normally innocuous stimuli known as ‘mechanical allodynia’ that is often refractory to common analgesic therapies. Millions of patients worldwide presently endure neuropathic pain. We summarize the recent insights gained into the mechanism of diurnal exacerbation of neuropathic pain hypersensitivity and introduce the strategy of circadian clock-based drug development.
Evolution and properties of alanine racemase from Synechocystis sp. PCC6803
Authors: Ashida Hiroyuki , Murakami Kaho , Inagaki Kenji , Sawa Yoshihiro , Hemmi Hisashi , Iwasaki Yugo , Yoshimura Tohru 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Alanine racemase (EC 5.1.1.1) depends on pyridoxal 5′-phosphate and catalyses the interconversion between L- and D-Ala. The enzyme is responsible for the biosynthesis of D-Ala, which is an essential component of the peptidoglycan layer of bacterial cell walls. Phylogenetic analysis of alanine racemases demonstrated that the cyanobacterial enzyme diverged before the separation of gram-positive and gram-negative enzymes. This result is interesting considering that the peptidoglycans observed in cyanobacteria seem to combine the properties of those in both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. We cloned the putative alanine racemase gene (slr0823) of Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 in Escherichia coli cells, expressed and purified the enzyme protein and studied its enzymological properties. The enzymatic properties of the Synechocystis enzyme were similar to those of other gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial enzymes. Alignment of the amino acid sequences of alanine racemase enzymes revealed that the conserved tyrosine residue in the active centre of most of the gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial enzymes has been replaced with tryptophan in most of the cyanobacterial enzymes. We carried out the site-directed mutagenesis involving the corresponding residue of Synechocystis enzyme (W385) and revealed that the residue is involved in the substrate recognition by the enzyme.
Acute presentation of multi-cystic peritoneal mesothelioma
Authors: Redden Mark , Riddell Andrew 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Multi-cystic peritoneal mesothelioma (MCPM) is a rare intra-abdominal neoplasm that occurs most commonly in young females. The disease usually presents as an incidental finding or with sub-acute abdominal pain. The mainstay of treatment is complete excision; however, local recurrence frequently occurs and malignant transformation has been reported. We describe a unique case of MCPM that presented with acute abdominal pain.
A 32-year-old female presented with a 24-hour history of abdominal pain. Computed tomography abdomen demonstrated a low-density mass with surrounding inflammatory changes anterior to the ascending colon, which was initially thought to represent an abscess. A percutaneous drain was inserted; however, only clear fluid was aspirated and the lesion did not resolve. The patient subsequently underwent laparoscopy which identified a cystic structure overlying the ascending colon. The structure was excised whole with histology demonstrating MCPM. The patient recovered from surgery and will undergo a period of surveillance.
A case of esophageal ulcer and hemorrhage due to aberrant subclavian in a COVID positive patient
Authors: Hlayhel Ahmad , Foran Lindsey , Trivedi Aakash , Zuberi Jamshed , Cerda Luis , Danks John 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), a global pandemic, is a respiratory infection that impairs the lungs among many other organs. We report a case of a COVID-19 positive patient requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation with nasogastric tube for enteral feeding, leading to esophageal ulcer and hemorrhage, from an aberrant right subclavian artery.
Repeatability of tumor perfusion kinetics from dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI in glioblastoma
Authors: Woodall Ryan T , Sahoo Prativa , Cui Yujie , Chen Bihong T , Shiroishi Mark S , Lavini Cristina , Frankel Paul , Gutova Margarita , Brown Christine E , Munson Jennifer M , Rockne Russell C 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Background
Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) parameters have been shown to be biomarkers for treatment response in glioblastoma (GBM). However, variations in analysis and measurement methodology complicate determination of biological changes measured via DCE. The aim of this study is to quantify DCE-MRI variations attributable to analysis methodology and image quality in GBM patients.

Methods
The Extended Tofts model (eTM) and Leaky Tracer Kinetic Model (LTKM), with manually and automatically segmented vascular input functions (VIFs), were used to calculate perfusion kinetic parameters from 29 GBM patients with double-baseline DCE-MRI data. DCE-MRI images were acquired 2–5 days apart with no change in treatment. Repeatability of kinetic parameters was quantified with Bland–Altman and percent repeatability coefficient (%RC) analysis.

Results
The perfusion parameter with the least RC was the plasma volume fraction (vp), with a %RC of 53%. The extra-cellular extra-vascular volume fraction (ve) %RC was 82% and 81%, for extended Tofts-Kety Model (eTM) and LTKM respectively. The %RC of the volume transfer rate constant (Ktrans) was 72% for the eTM, and 82% for the LTKM, respectively. Using an automatic VIF resulted in smaller %RCs for all model parameters, as compared to manual VIF.

Conclusions
As much as 72% change in Ktrans (eTM, autoVIF) can be attributable to non-biological changes in the 2–5 days between double-baseline imaging. Poor Ktrans repeatability may result from inferior temporal resolution and short image acquisition time. This variation suggests DCE-MRI repeatability studies should be performed institutionally, using an automatic VIF method and following quantitative imaging biomarkers alliance guidelines.
Methicillin-Resistant and Methicillin-Sensitive Staphylococcus aureus Hospitalizations: National Inpatient Sample, 2016–2019
Authors: Klein Eili Y , Zhu Xianming , Petersen Molly , Patel Eshan U , Cosgrove Sara E , Tobian Aaron A R 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Data from the National Inpatient Sample demonstrate that methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)–related septicemia hospitalizations increased from 1.67 (95% CI, 1.63–1.72) to 1.94 (95% CI, 1.88–2.00; Ptrend &lt; .001) discharges per 1000 hospitalizations between 2016 and 2019. Regionally, the trends were similar. Rates of MSSA-related septicemia and pneumonia hospitalizations also increased significantly over this time period.
Model-Based Efficacy and Toxicity Comparisons of Moxifloxacin for Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis
Authors: Yun Hwi-Yeol , Chang Vincent , Radtke Kendra K , Wang Qianwen , Strydom Natasha , Chang Min Jung , Savic Radojka M 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Background
Moxifloxacin (MOX) is used as a first-choice drug to treat multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB); however, evidence-based dosing optimization should be strengthened by integrative analysis. The primary goal of this study was to evaluate MOX efficacy and toxicity using integrative model-based approaches in MDR-TB patients.

Methods
In total, 113 MDR-TB patients from 5 different clinical trials were analyzed for the development of a population pharmacokinetics (PK) model. A final population PK model was merged with a previously developed lung-lesion distribution and QT prolongation model. Monte Carlo simulation was used to calculate the probability target attainment value based on concentration. An area under the concentration-time curve (AUC)-based target was identified as the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of MOX isolated from MDR-TB patients.

Results
The presence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) increased clearance by 32.7% and decreased the AUC by 27.4%, compared with HIV-negative MDR-TB patients. A daily dose of 800 mg or a 400-mg, twice-daily dose of MOX is expected to be effective in MDR-TB patients with an MIC of ≤0.25 µg/mL, regardless of PK differences resulting from the presence of HIV. The effect of MOX in HIV-positive MDR-TB patients tended to be decreased dramatically from 0.5 µg/mL, in contrast to the findings in HIV-negative patients. A regimen of twice-daily doses of 400 mg should be considered safer than an 800-mg once-daily dosing regimen, because of the narrow fluctuation of concentrations.

Conclusions
Our results suggest that a 400-mg, twice-daily dose of MOX is an optimal dosing regimen for MDR-TB patients because it provides superior efficacy and safety.
Spatiotemporal development of suberized barriers in cork oak taproots
Authors: Leal Ana Rita , Sapeta Helena , Beeckman Tom , Barros Pedro M , Oliveira M Margarida 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The longevity and high activity of the cork cambium (or phellogen) from Quercus suber L. (cork oak) are the cornerstones for the sustainable exploitation of a unique raw material. Cork oak is a symbolic model to study cork development and cell wall suberization, yet most genetic and molecular studies on these topics have targeted other model plants. In this study, we explored the potential of taproots as a model system to study phellem development and suberization in cork oak, thereby avoiding the time constraints imposed when studying whole plants. In roots, suberin deposition is found in mature endodermis cells during primary development and in phellem cells during secondary development. By investigating the spatiotemporal characteristics of both endodermis and phellem suberization in young seedling taproots, we demonstrated that secondary growth and phellogen activity are initiated very early in cork oak taproots (approx. 8 days after sowing). We further compared the transcriptomic profile of root segments undergoing primary (PD) and secondary development (SD) and identified multiple candidate genes with predicted roles in cell wall modifications, mainly lignification and suberization, in addition to several regulatory genes, particularly transcription factor- and hormone-related genes. Our results indicate that the molecular regulation of suberization and secondary development in cork oak roots is relatively conserved with other species. The provided morphological characterization creates new opportunities to allow a faster assessment of phellogen activity (as compared with studies using stem tissues) and to tackle fundamental questions regarding its regulation.
Retrospective analysis and nursing management of inpatient falls
Authors: Liu Xiaoyan , Zhu Xiaoling , Song Yan 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Background:
Falls are common adverse events: approximately 1 million falls occur in hospitals annually, accounting for approximately 70% of inpatient accidents.

Objectives:
This study aimed to identify the characteristics of adverse fall events in our hospital from January 2019 to October 2021; it also had the goal of formulating nursing management countermeasures to reduce the occurrence of falls in our hospital. Identify the impact of formulated fall prevention and Group standards.

Methods:
Details of falls were obtained from the nursing adverse event reporting system of the Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University from January 2019 to December 2020. We analyzed 76 falls reported to the nursing department using a nonpunitive reporting system. We established fall prevention and Group standards. And compared with falls from March to October 2021.

Results:
In the study period, before the intervention, 76 falls occurred in the hospital: 18 in the day shift and 58 in the night shift. Among the falls, 32 (42.1%) occurred at the bedside; that figure was followed by 26 in the toilet (34.2%) and 18 in other places outside the ward (23.7%). The top 3 causes of the falls accounted for 84.2% of the cases: 14 were caused by nurses; 20 were caused by the patients themselves; and 30 cases were caused by concomitant factors. Regarding the consequences of the falls, 18 patients were uninjured, 22 had a mild injury, 12 were moderately injured, and 24 suffered severe injuries. After the intervention, there were fewer falls per patient day and when patients were less likely to be injured in a fall (P < .05).

Conclusions:
Enhancing awareness of factors that lead to inpatients falls may reduce the risk of concomitant injuries. Group standards should be established to prevent falls. In accordance with standards, it is necessary to consider health education and process supervision; it is also important to encourage inpatients to participate in safety management and to effectively ensure the safety of patients.
Analysis of dental amalgam fillings on primary Sjögren's syndrome
Authors: Chen Kun-Huang , Yu Hui-Chieh , Chang Yu-Chao 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Primary Sjören's syndrome (pSS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by the inflammatory infiltrate and progressive dysfunction of salivary glands. Dental amalgam with mercury has been raised the public concerns regarding its purported mercury toxicity from dental amalgam to possible systemic inflammatory and immune reactions.
In this study, a nationwide population-based database was employed to investigate the association of amalgam filling (AMF) and the risk of pSS. A retrospective case-control study was sourced from the Taiwanese National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) from 2000 to 2013. Case and control groups were matched by sex, age, urbanization level, monthly income, and comorbidities using the propensity score method with a 1:1 ratio. In this study, 5848 cases and 5848 controls were included.
The results demonstrated no statistically significant differences between AMF and pSS (odds ratio [OR]: 0.974, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.904–1.049). In addition, pSS was also not associated with AMF for women (OR: 0.743, 95% CI = 0.552–1.000) and men (OR: 1.006, 95% CI = 0.670–1.509), respectively.
Taken together, evidence demonstrated that the association of AMF and pSS was inconsistent from this robust register databank.