bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fractal fracture characteristics and acoustic emission analysis of soft rock‐coal combinations under low‐frequency disturbance
Authors: Wang Jianlong , Wang Dong , Jiang Yujing , Luan Hengjie , Liu Jiankang , Liang Bin 
Published: November 2024

AbstractTo explore the fracture mode and failure characteristics of soft rock‐coal combinations under different disturbance amplitudes, this paper conducted dynamic uniaxial compression tests under different disturbance amplitudes. The results indicate that low‐frequency disturbances can weaken the load‐bearing capacity of the specimen. The failure modes of specimens vary under different disturbance amplitudes, and low amplitude disturbances are not sufficient to cause overall cracking and failure of the specimens. In addition, as the disturbance amplitude increases, the fractal dimension of the composite after fracture shows a fluctuating trend, reaching its maximum value at 3 MPa and its minimum value at 4 MPa, with an overall range of 1–3. Finally, the absolute energy and waveform characteristics of acoustic emission can display the fracture damage of the specimen during the disturbance process. This study provides a theoretical basis for understanding and preventing coal rock dynamic disasters.
A retrospective examination of risk factors for central line‐associated bloodstream infections in home parenteral nutrition patients from a Queensland tertiary hospital
Authors: Hoey Paris , Roche Douglas , Chapman Paul , Kaushik Vishal , Llewellyn Stacey , Adris Niwansa 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackgroundCentral line‐associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) are a potential complication for home parenteral nutrition (HPN) patients.AimWe sought to analyse risk factors of developing HPN‐related CLABSI and assess CLABSI management in the Australian context.MethodsA retrospective observational cohort study was conducted on 34 adult patients receiving HPN via a central venous catheter (CVC) at a Queensland tertiary referral centre between 2016 and 2023. Patient charts were reviewed, and Kaplan–Meier analysis was employed to determine associations between characteristics and time to CLABSI in the first CVC using Peto‐Peto Prentice test.ResultsA total of 39 CLABSI episodes occurred in 19 patients. Patients with ≥1 CLABSI used regular opioids more than those without CLABSI (P = 0.016). Fourteen (41%, n = 14/34) patients developed a CLABSI in their first CVC. No patient or line characteristics were found to be predictive of CLABSI in their first CVC. The CLABSI rate was 1.02/1000 catheter days. Most CLABSIs were caused by Enterobacterales (22%, n = 12/55) and Candida sp. (22%, n = 12/55). Empiric antimicrobial therapy was adequate in only 25% (n = 7/28), and the median time to effective antibiotic therapy was 22.7 h (interquartile range 4.8–29.8). There were three successful CVC salvages (8%, n = 3/39).ConclusionsIn this cohort of patients, regular opioid use was associated with increased risk of developing CLABSI. Based on our findings, an empiric antimicrobial regime of vancomycin, cefepime and caspofungin will provide adequate coverage for most HPN‐related CLABSIs in Australian IF units with a similar antimicrobial distribution and resistance pattern.
Racial Disparities in a Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program: Abstinence‐Only Versus a Comprehensive Sexuality Education Program
Authors: Merritt Breanca , Green Jennifer , Sanchez Louisiana Montserrat , Fluhr Janene , Oman Roy F. 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDDespite overall declines in risky teen sexual activity, racial and ethnic disparities persist. This study compared abstinence‐only and comprehensive teen pregnancy prevention (TPP) programs to explore the effects of the programs on teen sexual activity‐related outcomes that may differ by race/ethnicity.METHODSProgram evaluation data were collected from 7th‐grade students in comprehensive (N = 3244) and abstinence‐only (N = 3172) TPP programs. Differences between outcomes by TPP program were analyzed using chi‐square tests and logistic regression for each racial/ethnic group.RESULTSBlack and Hispanic students were significantly less likely to indicate positive attitudes, intentions, and behaviors at baseline. Only white students significantly improved in both programs from pre‐ to post‐assessment. Native American students in the abstinence‐only program were significantly less likely than Native American students in the comprehensive sexuality programming to improve from pre‐ to post‐assessment regarding male sexuality, refusal skills, sex and teen norms, and sexual abstinence.CONCLUSIONSThe findings suggest that youth of diverse racial/ethnic backgrounds do not enter TPP programs with similar attitudes, intentions, or behavior regarding appropriate sexual behavior and that the impact of such programs also may vary by race and ethnicity.
Clinical outcomes and profitability following rural hospital mergers and acquisitions
Authors: Tsai Thomas C. , Duggan Ciara E. , Zheng Jie , Orav E. John , Epstein Arnold M. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractPurposeAs US hospital markets become increasingly consolidated, empirical evidence is needed on the clinical and financial impacts of mergers on care provided by rural hospitals. We identified characteristics of rural hospitals that underwent mergers or acquisitions and examined changes in profitability, clinical outcomes, and patient experience at acquired versus non‐acquired rural hospitals.MethodsWe identified 145 rural US hospitals that underwent merger or acquisition between 2009 and 2014 and 906 rural non‐acquired control hospitals. For each acquisition year, we used a difference‐in‐differences design to compare that year's acquired hospitals to a randomly chosen set of non‐acquired controls. Adjusted linear regression models were used to assess the relationship between acquisition and changes in profitability, patient experience, and clinical outcomes.FindingsCompared to non‐acquired hospitals, acquired hospitals were more likely to be for‐profit (18.6% vs. 4.6%, p<0.001) and tended to have lower total margins (‐1.1% vs. 1.2%; p<0.05) despite higher average clinical volumes. Changes in acquired hospitals’ total margins, patient satisfaction, and risk‐adjusted 30‐day mortality rates were not different than changes among control hospitals. However, acquisition was associated with lower improvement in 30‐day risk‐adjusted readmission rates (‐0.58 percentage point [p.p.] difference‐in‐differences, 95% confidence interval ‐0.88 to ‐0.28 p.p., p<0.001).ConclusionsOverall, mergers or acquisitions of rural hospitals were not associated with significant improvements in profitability, clinical outcomes, or patient experience. Policymakers may need to closely monitor rural hospital mergers in order to balance preserving access for rural patients with the consequences of health care consolidation.
Long‐term monitoring reveals sex‐ and age‐related survival patterns in griffon vultures
Authors: Gómez‐López G. , Martínez F. , Sanz‐Aguilar A. , Carrete M. , Blanco G. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractSurvival is a key demographic parameter for long‐lived bird species as it strongly influences their population dynamics and persistence. In recent decades, several studies have focused on unravelling differential patterns of survival by sex or age in bird populations, as each group may be affected by different ecological and anthropogenic pressures. Vultures are a highly threatened group of birds where age‐ and especially sex‐dependent survival patterns have been understudied, and therefore, obtaining robust estimates and understanding which factors modulate them is crucial for developing management and conservation strategies. Here, we used a long‐term dataset (1990–2023) from a wild colony of griffon vultures Gyps fulvus in central Spain and a capture‐mark‐recapture framework to address potential sex‐ and age‐mediated patterns of apparent survival and resighting. Resighting probabilities were lower for individuals in their first year of life than for older individuals. Apparent survival probabilities increased with age and were generally higher for males than for females, particularly in subadults. Disentangling whether an unequal survival between sexes is due to female‐biased dispersal or to true mortality is necessary to understand population dynamics and to be able to implement adequate conservation management actions. Our research underlines the importance of considering sex and age interactions in demographic analyses of long‐lived, usually threatened species.
Caudal block, high flow oxygen insufflation and dexmedetomidine sedation for inguinal hernia surgery in infants—A prospective evaluation of an alternative anesthesia technique
Authors: Taverner Fiona J. , Burgoyne Laura L. , Scott‐Weekly Ross , van der Griend Benjamin F. , Chooi Cheryl S. L. , Khurana Sanjeev , Humphreys Susan R. , Leemaqz Shalem , Morris Scott , Roberts Claire T. , von Ungern‐Sternberg Britta S. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackgroundInguinal hernia repair is the most common operation in infants, with well recognized anesthetic and perioperative risks. The aim was to investigate if the combination of caudal block, high‐flow nasal oxygen insufflation and intravenous dexmedetomidine sedation is suitable for infants undergoing inguinal hernia surgery.MethodsA prospective multicenter international study was performed in three centers in Australia and New Zealand. Fifty infants less than 64 weeks post‐menstrual age undergoing inguinal hernia surgery were enrolled. Exclusion criteria were any condition that contraindicated the use of the anesthesia technique. The technique included intravenous dexmedetomidine with a loading dose of 1–2 mcg/kg over 10 min and maintenance of 0.2–3 mcg/kg/h, high‐flow nasal oxygen insufflation 2 L/kg/min with an oxygen blender, and a caudal block using 1 mL/kg 0.2% ropivacaine. The primary outcome was the successful completion of surgery without conversion to general anesthesia.ResultsCompletion of surgery with the technique was successful in 41/50 (82%) infants. Care was provided by 22 anesthesiologists and 11 surgeons. Infants had a low incidence of intraoperative complications, including apnea [1 (2.4%)], bradycardia [2 (4.9%)], hypotension [2 (4.9%)], and desaturation [1 (2.4%)]. Postoperative complications included apnea [3 (7.3%)], bradycardia [3 (7.3%)], hypotension [3 (7.3%)], desaturation [4 (9.8%)]. No infants were intubated in the first 24 h postoperatively.ConclusionCaudal block, high‐flow nasal oxygen insufflation and intravenous dexmedetomidine sedation is a potential alternative to general anesthesia for infant inguinal hernia surgery with a low rate of complications in this small cohort of infants.
Comparative transcriptome analysis highlights resistance regulatory networks of maize in response to Exserohilum turcicum infection at the early stage
Authors: Li MingRui , Qi Xin , Li Dan , Wu Zhiqiang , Liu Meiyi , Yang Weiguang , Zang Zhenyuan , Jiang Liangyu 
Published: November 2024

AbstractNorthern corn leaf blight, caused by Exserohilum turcicum (E. turcicum), is one of the most destructive diseases in maize, leading to serious yield losses. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of E. turcicum infection response in maize remain unclear. In this study, we performed comparative transcriptome analysis in resistant maize inbred line J9D207 (R) and susceptible maize inbred line PH4CV (S) after infecting with E. turcicum at 0 h, 24 h and 72 h, respectively. Compared with 0 h, 9656 (24 h) and 8748 (72 h) differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in J9D207, and 7915 (24 h) and 7865 (72 h) DEGs were identified in PH4CV. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis showed that alpha‐linolenic acid metabolism, benzoxazinoid biosynthesis, flavonoid biosynthesis and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis might be involved in maize defense reactions. Some DEGs coded for transcription factors, such as MYB‐related, ERF, NAC, bZIP, bHLH and WRKY families, which indicated that they may participate in resistance against E. turcicum. In addition, DEGs involved in SA, JA, ABA and ET signaling pathways were revealed. Moreover, 75 SOD activity‐related genes and 421 POD activity‐related genes were identified through weighted gene co‐expression network analysis (WGCNA), respectively. These results provide a novel insight into the resistance mechanism of maize in response to E. turcicum inoculation.
Effects of immunoproteasome inhibition on acute respiratory infection with murine hepatitis virus strain 1
Authors: Steigmann Jacob C. , Zhou Xiaofeng , Suttenberg Lauren N. , Salman Irha , Rehmathullah Zainab F. , Weinberg Jason B. 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

The immunoproteasome (IP) is a predominantly inducible component of the ubiquitin proteasome system that plays key roles in multiple aspects of immune function, inflammation, and protein homeostasis. We used murine hepatitis virus strain 1 (MHV-1), a mouse coronavirus, to define the role of IP activity during acute coronavirus respiratory infection. Expression of the β5i subunit of the IP and cytokines that induce IP activity, including IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IFN-β, increased in lungs and livers of CH3/HeJ mice following intranasal infection with MHV-1. IP inhibition using ONX-0914 did not affect MHV-1 replication in bone marrow-derived dendritic cells
in vitro
. IP inhibition
in vivo
exacerbated virus-induced weight loss and mortality but had no effect on virus replication in lungs or livers. IP inhibition had minimal effect on virus-induced pulmonary inflammation but led to substantially increased liver pathology, including greater upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and histological evidence of inflammation and necrosis. Those findings were associated with evidence of increased endoplasmic reticulum stress although not with accumulation of ubiquitinated protein. Our results indicate that the IP is a protective host factor during acute MHV-1 infection.

IMPORTANCE
Inflammatory responses triggered by acute infection by respiratory viruses such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) drive morbidity and mortality. Infection of mice with murine hepatitis virus strain 1 (MHV-1), a mouse coronavirus, is a useful model to study the pathogenesis of coronavirus respiratory infections. The immunoproteasome is an inducible component of the ubiquitin proteasome system that is poised to contribute to multiple aspects of immune function, inflammation, and protein homeostasis during an infection. We used the MHV-1 model to define the role of the immunoproteasome in coronavirus pathogenesis. We found that immunoproteasome subunit expression increases in the lungs and the liver during acute MHV-1 respiratory infection. Inhibition of immunoproteasome activity did not affect MHV-1 replication but increased MHV-1-induced weight loss, mortality, and inflammation in lungs and livers. Thus, our findings indicate that the immunoproteasome is a critical protective host factor during coronavirus respiratory infection.
Identification of stimuli that enhance human herpesvirus 6A (HHV-6A) replication and reconstitution
Authors: Reich Jana , Serdar Dilan , Weißmann Ann-Christin , Kaufer Benedikt B. 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

Despite the availability of bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) systems for human herpesvirus 6A (HHV-6A), reconstitution of infectious viruses is very challenging and time consuming. In this study, we developed approaches to improve the reconstitution process and enhance virus replication to overcome these technical challenges. Using dimethyl sulfoxide and exonuclease V, we significantly increased the efficiency of BAC transfections into JJHan T cells. We tested several stimulation strategies to enhance lytic replication and identified mitogens and glucocorticoids that, in combination, improve virus replication. In addition, we demonstrated that the interferon-mediated response impairs virus reconstitution and that the JAK1/JAK2 inhibitor ruxolitinib resulted in an immense improvement. Furthermore, hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha stabilization by IOX2 drastically accelerated virus reconstitution, indicating that the hypoxic response is a crucial regulator of HHV-6A replication. Our study sheds light on strategic approaches that improve replication and reconstitution of this ubiquitous human herpesvirus.

IMPORTANCE
HHV-6A is a betaherpesvirus that infects a wide range of human tissues and establishes lifelong latency in the host. Its reactivation has been implicated in several diseases, including multiple sclerosis, encephalitis, myocarditis, and chronic fatigue syndrome, although its pathogenetic role remains elusive. The efficacy of common antiviral drugs is limited, and no specific drugs target HHV-6A infection. The data of this study shed light on stimuli and potential pathways that influence HHV-6A replication and reconstitution. Our strategies not only simplify virus propagation and reconstitution to study HHV-6A biology but also provide the basis for the development of therapeutic strategies.
SGLT-2 inhibitors and mortality among patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: linked database study
Authors: Svanström Henrik , Mkoma George Frederick , Hviid Anders , Pasternak Björn 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Objective
To investigate the association between sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitor use and risk of all cause mortality among patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.

Design
Linked database study.

Setting
National registers in Denmark, July 2020 to June 2023.

Participants
Patients with heart failure, aged ≥45 years, with left ventricular ejection fraction ≤40%.

Main outcome measures
The primary outcome was all cause mortality comparing initiation and continued treatment with SGLT-2 inhibitors versus continued treatment with other standard-of-care heart failure drugs and non-use of SGLT-2 inhibitors; secondary outcomes were the composite of cardiovascular mortality or admission to hospital with heart failure and its individual components. Hazard ratios were estimated using Cox regression adjusted using inverse probability of treatment weighting based on propensity scores.

Results
The study included 6776 patients who started SGLT-2 inhibitors (79% dapagliflozin; 21% empagliflozin) and 14 686 patients who remained on other standard-of-care heart failure drugs and did not use SGLT-2 inhibitors. Most SGLT-2 inhibitor users were male (70%), the mean age was 71.2 (standard deviation 10.6) years, and 20% had type 2 diabetes. During follow-up, 374 deaths occurred among SGLT-2 inhibitor users (incidence rate 5.8 per 100 person years) and 1602 among non-users (8.5 per 100 person years). The weighted hazard ratio for all cause mortality was 0.75 (95% confidence interval 0.66 to 0.85); the weighted incidence rate difference was −1.6 (95% confidence interval −2.5 to −0.8) per 100 person years. Secondary outcomes showed a weighted hazard ratio of 0.94 (0.85 to 1.04) for cardiovascular mortality or hospital admission with heart failure, 0.77 (0.64 to 0.92) for cardiovascular mortality, and 1.03 (0.92 to 1.15) for hospital admission with heart failure. The weighted hazard ratios for all cause mortality were consistent in patients with and without diabetes (0.73 (0.58 to 0.91) and 0.73 (0.63 to 0.85); P=0.99).

Conclusions
In this large database study among patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, SGLT-2 inhibitor use was associated with a 25% lower risk of all cause mortality, supporting their effectiveness in routine clinical practice.
Cost-effectiveness analysis of trifluridine/tipiracil in the treatment of heavily pretreated metastatic gastric cancer from the perspective of Chinese healthcare system
Authors: Ying Ting , Xia Runan , Zhang Yuanyuan , Dai Jiahui , Wang Yadong , Xie Xuefeng 
Published: November 2024

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of trifluridine/tipiracil (FTD/TPI) for heavily pretreated metastatic gastric cancer from the perspective of the Chinese healthcare system.DesignsBased on the overall survival and progression-free survival (PFS) data from the Trifluridine/tipiracil versus placebo in patients with heavily pretreated metastatic gastric cancer (TAGS) trial (NCT02500043), a three-state Markov model (PFS, progressed disease and death) was constructed to analyse the cost-effectiveness of FTD/TPI compared with the placebo in heavily pretreated metastatic gastric cancer. Cost and utility were from pricing records and the literature. The model was simulated for 5 years with monthly cycles. Costs and health outcomes were discounted by 5%. We then conducted sensitivity analyses to evaluate the robustness of the parameters. The model results were from the Chinese healthcare system.Outcome measuresThe output results were the quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER).ResultsAccording to the model results, FTD/TPI generated an additional cost of US$26 855.66 and 0.88 QALYs compared with the placebo. ICER of FTD/TPI compared with the placebo was US$30 494.89 per QALY. Sensitivity analyses revealed that the utility value of the PFS stage and FTD/TPI adverse event costs were the main influencing parameters, and the results were stable. At a threshold of three times per capita gross domestic product of China (US$35 559.34 in 2022), the probability of FTD/TPI being cost-effective compared with placebo was 99.2%.ConclusionFrom the perspective of the Chinese healthcare system, FTD/TPI is a more cost-effective option compared with the placebo for the treatment of heavily pretreated metastatic gastric cancer in patients who have received at least two prior advanced treatment regimens.Trial registration numberThe Chinese population registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2400080940) and clinical trial (NCT05029102).