bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Efficacy of a Home-Based Functional Skills Training Program for Older Adults With and Without a Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Czaja Sara J , Kallestrup Peter , Harvey Philip D 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background and Objectives
The performance of everyday technology-based tasks, such as online banking or shopping, can be challenging for older adults, especially those with a cognitive impairment. Technology-based tasks are cognitively demanding and require learning new skills. This study explored the efficacy of a technology-based functional skills assessment and training program (FUNSAT) among aging adults with and without mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in home settings.

Research Design and Methods
One hundred and eighty-four racially/ethnically diverse male and female adults aged 65+ participated in the study. The sample included 75 noncognitively impaired (NC) older adults and 109 older adults with MCI. The FUNSAT program includes medication and money management, transportation, and shopping tasks. The MCI participants were randomized to the FUNSAT training or FUNSAT training combined with computer-based cognitive training (FUNSAT/CCT). The nonimpaired adults received the FUNSAT training only. Using alternative forms of the assessment component of the FUNSAT program, assessments occurred at baseline, post-training, and 1- and 3-month post-training. This paper reports the post-training results.

Results
The findings indicated that the performance of both the nonimpaired and MCI participants improved significantly for all 6 tasks post-training. Specifically, training resulted in improvements in task completion time and task errors. Participants also reported greater confidence when performing the tasks in the real world.

Discussion and Implications
Nonimpaired aging adults and those with MCI can learn to perform technology-based everyday tasks. Further, home-based technology training protocols are feasible for aging adults with and without a cognitive impairment.

Clinical Trial Registration
NCT0467944 1
Identification of heparin-binding amino acid residues in antibody HS4C3 with the potential to design antibodies against heparan sulfate domains
Authors: Damen Lars A A , Bui Thao P , van Wessel Thierry , Li Yong , Straten Bart F , Pampiermole Robin , Daamen Willeke F , Fernig David G , van Kuppevelt Toin H 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Heparan sulfate (HS) is a linear polysaccharide with high structural and functional diversity. Detection and localization of HS in tissues can be performed using single chain variable fragment (scFv) antibodies. Although several anti-HS antibodies recognizing different sulfation motifs have been identified, little is known about their interaction with HS. In this study the interaction between the scFv antibody HS4C3 and heparin was investigated. Heparin-binding lysine and arginine residues were identified using a protect and label methodology. Site-directed mutagenesis was applied to further identify critical heparin-binding lysine/arginine residues using immunohistochemical and biochemical assays. In addition, computational docking of a heparin tetrasaccharide towards a 3-D homology model of HS4C3 was applied to identify potential heparin-binding sites. Of the 12 lysine and 15 arginine residues within the HS4C3 antibody, 6 and 9, respectively, were identified as heparin-binding. Most of these residues are located within one of the complementarity determining regions (CDR) or in their proximity. All basic amino acid residues in the CDR3 region of the heavy chain were involved in binding. Computational docking showed a heparin tetrasaccharide close to these regions. Mutagenesis of heparin-binding residues reduced or altered reactivity towards HS and heparin. Identification of heparin-binding arginine and lysine residues in HS4C3 allows for better understanding of the interaction with HS and creates a framework to rationally design antibodies targeting specific HS motifs.
Export performance, innovation, and sectoral efficiency: a multilevel model for Argentinian manufacturing firms
Authors: Cassini Lorenzo 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
This paper assess how innovation is associated with the export performance of manufacturing firms across sectors categorized by their Ricardian, Keynesian, and Schumpeterian efficiencies (Dosi, G. (1988), ‘Institutions and markets in a dynamic world,’ The Manchester School, 56(2), 119–146). Utilizing data from 3691 Argentinian manufacturing firms over the period of 2010–2012, we employ multilevel models for estimation. Our findings indicate that innovation is positively associated with export performance across the entire economy, but this association varies depending on the sector. These results support the adoption of a vertical innovation policy, directing efforts toward the most promising sectors, given the limitations of market information regarding opportunities for technical change. Furthermore, we observe significant variations in the association of innovation and export performance even within sectors sharing the same efficiency. This specific finding highlights the need for improved methodologies to identify sectoral efficiencies or a more appropriate sectoral classification.
Phase retrieval for radar waveform design
Authors: Pinilla Samuel , Mishra Kumar Vijay , Sadler Brian M , Arguello Henry 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
The ability of a radar to discriminate in both range and Doppler velocity is completely characterized by the ambiguity function (AF) of its transmit waveform. Mathematically, it is obtained by correlating the waveform with its Doppler-shifted and delayed replicas. We consider the inverse problem of designing a radar transmit waveform that satisfies the specified AF magnitude. This process may be viewed as a signal reconstruction with some variation of phase retrieval methods. We provide a trust-region algorithm that minimizes a smoothed non-convex least-squares objective function to iteratively recover the underlying signal-of-interest for either time- or band-limited support. The method first approximates the signal using an iterative spectral algorithm and then refines the attained initialization based on a sequence of gradient iterations. Our theoretical analysis shows that unique signal reconstruction is possible using signal samples no more than thrice the number of signal frequencies or time samples. Numerical experiments demonstrate that our method recovers both time- and band-limited signals from sparsely and randomly sampled, noisy and noiseless AFs.
Epidemiology and clinical relevance of persistent bacteraemia in patients with Gram-negative bloodstream infection: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Ong Sean W X , Luo Jin , Fridman Daniel J , Lee Samantha M , Johnstone Jennie , Schwartz Kevin L , Diong Christina , Patel Samir N , Macfadden Derek R , Langford Bradley J , Tong Steven Y C , Brown Kevin A , Daneman Nick 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Objectives
The risk factors and outcomes associated with persistent bacteraemia in Gram-negative bloodstream infection (GN-BSI) are not well described. We conducted a follow-on analysis of a retrospective population-wide cohort to characterize persistent bacteraemia in patients with GN-BSI.

Methods
We included all hospitalized patients &gt;18 years old with GN-BSI between April 2017 and December 2021 in Ontario who received follow-up blood culture (FUBC) 2–5 days after the index positive blood culture. Persistent bacteraemia was defined as having a positive FUBC with the same Gram-negative organism as the index blood culture. We identified variables independently associated with persistent bacteraemia in a multivariable logistic regression model. We evaluated whether persistent bacteraemia was associated with increased odds of 30- and 90-day all-cause mortality using multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for potential confounders.

Results
In this study, 8807 patients were included; 600 (6.8%) had persistent bacteraemia. Having a permanent catheter, antimicrobial resistance, nosocomial infection, ICU admission, respiratory or skin and soft tissue source of infection, and infection by a non-fermenter or non-Enterobacterales/anaerobic organism were associated with increased odds of having persistent bacteraemia. The 30-day mortality was 17.2% versus 9.6% in those with and without persistent bacteraemia (aOR 1.65, 95% CI 1.29–2.11), while 90-day mortality was 25.5% versus 16.9%, respectively (aOR 1.53, 95% CI 1.24–1.89). Prevalence and odds of developing persistent bacteraemia varied widely depending on causative organism.

Conclusions
Persistent bacteraemia is uncommon in GN-BSI but is associated with poorer outcomes. A validated risk stratification tool may be useful to identify patients with persistent bacteraemia.
Off-label use of dalbavancin in children: a case series
Authors: Gamell Anna , Velasco-Arnaiz Eneritz , López-Ramos Maria Goretti , Ríos-Barnés María , Simó-Nebot Sílvia , Fumadó Victoria , Noguera-Julián Antoni , Fortuny Clàudia 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Dalbavancin is an antibiotic active against most Gram-positive bacteria approved for acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI). Owing to its long half-life, it is being increasingly used for other indications.

Patients and methods
We present a case series of children and adolescents treated with dalbavancin for osteoarticular, catheter-related and other non-ABSSSI infections.

Results
Dalbavancin was prescribed to 15 patients. Six (40%) were female and median age at prescription was 11.9 (IQR 1.3–18.0) years. Most of them (12/15) had significant comorbidities. Patients presented mainly with deep surgical site infections, osteoarticular infections and central-line-associated bloodstream infections. The most common isolate was Staphylococcus aureus followed by Staphylococcus epidermidis. Major reasons to prescribe dalbavancin were to ensure compliance and patients’ convenience. Two patients discontinued the drug due to adverse events possibly related to it. The rest of the patients completed the treatment with dalbavancin, with a median duration of 56 days (IQR 17.5, 115.5). All achieved complete resolution and present no relapse after a median follow-up of 9.9 months (IQR 4.8, 16.6).

Conclusions
Dalbavancin was a safe, effective and convenient alternative in selected paediatric patients with complicated non-ABSSSI infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria.
Detection of volatile organic compounds as new paradigm to accelerate antimicrobial susceptibility testing: performance evaluation of VITEK® REVEAL™
Authors: Bianco Gabriele , Boattini Matteo , Comini Sara , Bondi Alessandro , Curtoni Antonio , Piccinini Giorgia , Musso Tiziana , Broccolo Francesco , Cavallo Rossana , Nordmann Patrice , Costa Cristina 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Objectives
The measurement of VOCs release in the headspace of a bacterial culture represents a new approach to rapidly assess antimicrobial susceptibility. Herein, we evaluated the diagnostic performance of the VITEK® REVEAL™ system directly from a collection of Gram-negative positive blood cultures.

Materials and methods
One hundred and twenty-eight positive blood cultures were included in the analysis (Enterobacterales, n = 95; Pseudomonas aeruginosa, n = 21; Acinetobacter baumannii complex, n = 12). Samples were processed using VITEK® REVEAL™ according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, and MICs of 22 antimicrobials were compared with those obtained using reference methods. Categorical agreement (CA), essential agreement (EA) and categorical errors were calculated.

Results
Overall, 2220 strain/antibiotic pair combinations were analysed. Of these, most were classified as resistant by reference antimicrobial susceptibility testing (1091/2220; 48.7%). The overall CA and EA were 97.6% and 97.7%, respectively. CA ranged from 97.5% in Enterobacterales to 97.9% in both P. aeruginosa and A. baumannii complex. The overall number of categorical discrepancies were: 18 very major errors (1.6%), 13 major errors (1.2%) and 22 minor errors (2.4%). EA ranged from 95.2% in P. aeruginosa to 98.1% in Enterobacterales. Screening test for ESBL phenotype was positive, indeterminate and negative in 13.7%, 32.6% and 27.4% of Enterobacterales isolates tested by both VITEK® REVEAL™ and the reference method, showing 100% CA.

Conclusions
VITEK® REVEAL™ represents a reliable tool to obtain antimicrobial susceptibility results of the main Gram-negative species directly from positive blood cultures with time to results of less than 8 h.
A proof-of-principle study for the point-of-care detection of ESBL (CTX-M) by NG-Test® CTX-M MULTI lateral flow assay in urine samples using a simplified method for use in a resource-limited setting
Authors: Nurjadi Dennis , Chalin Arnaud , Hauswaldt Susanne , Olson Linus , Larsson Mattias , Östholm Åse , Velavan Thirumalaisamy P , Boutin Sébastien , Rupp Jan , Nilsson Lennart E , Hanberger Håkan 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
The rise of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales (ESBL-E) in low- and middle-income countries limits treatment options, leading to the frequent use of broad-spectrum antibiotics. Reducing time-to-result for a urinary infection can facilitate correct antibiotic treatment and support antimicrobial and diagnostic stewardship measures. This study compared two simplified enrichment methods for detecting CTX-M directly from urine specimens.

Methods
Two enrichment methods, namely centrifugation of 2 mL urine and filtration of 1 mL urine using the DirecTool adaptor, were compared using 20 culture-positive urine samples (20 suspected ESBL-E and 20 non-ESBL-E). CTX-M production was detected using a lateral flow assay (LFA), NG-Test® CTX-MMULTI. The presence of blaCTX-M genes was confirmed by whole-genome sequencing (WGS).

Results
The results of both enrichment methods were identical, with a sensitivity of 87.5% and a specificity of 100%. In 19/20 (95%) of the urine samples, the results of the CTX-M LFA were identical with the phenotypic confirmation and WGS. Both methods could detect ESBL-E bacteriuria with ≥104 cfu/mL. All ESBL-E-negative samples were identified accurately. Both enrichment methods yielded negative results in one ESBL-E-positive (CTX-M-15) sample despite phenotypic and genotypic confirmation of ESBL production. High leukocyte count (&gt;500 cells/µL), the presence of boric acid or polymicrobial samples did not appear to impact the performance of both enrichment methods.

Conclusions
Our study underscores the feasibility of directly detecting CTX-M in urine. Simplified enrichment methods, particularly with a filtration kit, enhance the assay’s practicality, rendering it suitable for use in primary care, emergency departments or remote laboratories without sophisticated equipment.
Uncovering the function of insulin receptor substrate in termites’ immunity through active immunization
Authors: Zhou Wei , Zhao Xingying , Hassan Ali , Jia Bao , Liu Long , Huang Qiuying 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Insulin receptor substrate (IRS) proteins are key mediators in insulin signaling pathway. In social insect lives, IRS proteins played important roles in caste differentiation and foraging, but there function in disease defenses such as active immunization has not been reported yet. To investigate the issue, we successfully suppressed the IRS gene 3 days after dsRNA injection. Suppressing IRS gene increased the contents of glucose, trehalose, glycogen, and triglyceride and decreased the content of pyruvate in termites, and led to the metabolic disorder of glucose and lipids. IRS suppressing significantly enhanced grooming behaviors of nestmates of fungus-contaminated termites and hence increased the conidial load in the guts of the nestmates. Additionally, IRS suppressing led to significant downregulation of the immune genes Gram-negative bacteria-binding protein2 (GNBP2) and termicin and upregulation of the apoptotic gene caspase8, and hence diminished antifungal activity of nestmates of fungus-contaminated termites. The above abnormal behavioral and physiological responses significantly decreased the survival rate of dsIRS-injected nestmates of the fungus-contaminated termites. These findings suggest that IRS is involved in regulation of active immunization in termites, providing a better understanding of the link between insulin signaling and the social immunity of termites.
Laboratory studies of movement and microenvironment choices of engorged adult female Amblyomma maculatum (Acari: Ixodidae)
Authors: Goddard Jerome , Caprio Michael , Bittner Jennifer , Willeford Kendall , Ward Samuel 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Microenvironmental factors affect ovipositional choices and behavior in ticks. In this study, engorged female Amblyomma maculatum Koch were released in an observation arena covered with garden soil. The arena was evenly split into wet and dry sides, each containing 5 different types of structures (totaling 10). Upon release, observations at particular time points were made over 2 days as to speed, distance, actual paths traveled, and ultimate site selection, presumably for oviposition. In addition, time-lapse videography was utilized to record the track of each individual tick. This scenario was replicated 3 times with different cohorts of ticks (n = 5 per replicate). Of the total 15 ticks released in the arena, all attained a final site selection by 24 h. These final sites were 7/15 (47%) edge of arena; 2/15 (13%) under bark; 2/15 (13%) open soil; 2/15 (13%) at or near release point; 1/15 (7%) tunnel with animal fur; and 1/15 (7%) tunnel with chicken feathers. At final site selection, 11/15 (73%) subsequently burrowed into the soil, 3 of which were completely buried. Time-lapse videography revealed that most ticks (80%) explored the arena in a “looping back” fashion. Overall, engorged Gulf Coast ticks moved at an average speed of 0.09 mm/s, and the total distance traversed by the ticks averaged 2.37 m.
Ovarian cancer risk factors in relation to family history
Authors: Zheng Guoqiao , Baandrup Louise , Wang Jiangrong , Hertzum-Larsen Rasmus , Hannibal Charlotte Gerd , Faber Mette Tuxen , Sundström Karin , Kjær Susanne K 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Women with a family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer have an increased ovarian cancer risk. Yet it remains uncertain if common ovarian cancer risk factors—especially those that are modifiable—affect this high-risk population similarly to the general population.

Methods
Using the Danish and Swedish nationwide registers, we established 2 nested case-control study populations in women with a family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer (2138 ovarian cancers, 85 240 controls) and women without (10 730 ovarian cancers, 429 200 controls). The overall and histology-specific associations were assessed with conditional logistic regression. The country-specific estimates were combined based on a fixed-effect assumption.

Results
Multiparity, hysterectomy, tubal ligation, salpingectomy, and oral contraceptive (OC) use were associated with a reduced risk of ovarian cancer in women with and without a family history, while endometriosis and menopausal hormone therapy were associated with increased risk. Multiparity and OC use presented protective effects across all histologic subtypes except mucinous ovarian cancer, which was not associated with OC use. Menopausal hormone treatment increased the risk of serous ovarian cancer but decreased the risk of the mucinous and clear cell cancers. Endometriosis was especially related to an increased risk of endometrioid and clear cell ovarian cancer.

Conclusion
Factors associated with a decreased ovarian cancer risk were similar between women with and without a family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer. Given the higher baseline risk for women with a family history, special attention should be paid to risk factors like endometriosis and nulliparity in this high-risk population.
Effects of two fillers and process conditions on the water treatment efficiency of a continuous packed bed biofilm reactor
Authors: Fang Yijing , Li Zhifei , Wang Guangjun , Xia Yun , Zhang Kai , Gong Wangbao , Yu Ermeng , Xie Wenping , Li Hongyan , Tian Jingjing , Xie Jun , Xu Qiyou 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
This study evaluated the treatment efficiency of two selected fillers and their combination for improving the water quality of aquaculture wastewater using a packed bed biofilm reactor (PBBR) under various process conditions. The fillers used were nanosheet (NS), activated carbon (AC), and a combination of both. The results indicated that the use of combined fillers and the hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 4 h significantly enhanced water quality in the PBBR. The removal rates of chemical oxygen demand, NO2−─N, total suspended solids（TSS）, and chlorophyll a were 63.55%, 74.25%, 62.75%, and 92.85%, respectively. The microbiota analysis revealed that the presence of NS increased the abundance of microbial phyla associated with nitrogen removal, such as Nitrospirae and Proteobacteria. The difference between the M1 and M2 communities was minimal. Additionally, the microbiota in different PBBR samples displayed similar preferences for carbon sources, and carbohydrates and amino acids were the most commonly utilized carbon sources by microbiota. These results indicated that the combination of NS and AC fillers in a PBBR effectively enhanced the treatment efficiency of aquaculture wastewater when operated at an HRT of 4 h. The findings provide valuable insights into optimizing the design of aquaculture wastewater treatment systems.
Asteroseismology of the fast-rotating high-amplitude δ Scuti star V2367 Cygni
Authors: Daszyńska-Daszkiewicz J , Szewczuk W , Walczak P 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT
We present the comprehensive analysis of the high-amplitude $\delta$ Sct star V2367 Cygni. First, we perform the frequency analysis for the whole available set of the Kepler and TESS photometry. Most of the frequency peaks are harmonics or combinations of the three known independent frequencies with the highest amplitudes, i.e.$\nu _1=5.661\,06$ d$^{-1}$, $\nu _2=7.14898$ d$^{-1}$, and $\nu _3=7.77557$ d$^{-1}$. The total number of independent frequencies is 26 and 25 from the Kepler and TESS light curve, respectively. Then, using the ${\it UBVRI}$ time-series photometry, we unambiguously identify the dominant frequency $\nu _1$ as the radial mode, whereas in the case of frequencies $\nu _2$ and $\nu _3$ the most probable mode degrees are $\ell =0$ or $\ell =2$. However, only the frequency $\nu _2$ can be associated with a radial mode, and only if higher order effects of rotation are taken into account. Including the rotational mode coupling, we constructed complex seismic models of V2367 Cyg, which fit $\nu _1$ and $\nu _2$ as radial modes, and reproduce the amplitude of bolometric flux variations (the parameter f) for the dominant mode. The empirical values of f are derived from the ${\it UBVRI}$ amplitudes and phases. We rely on the Bayesian analysis based on Monte Carlo simulations to derive constraints on evolutionary stage, mass, rotation, overshooting from the convective core, and efficiency of convective transport in the envelope. Our seismic analysis clearly indicates that V2367 Cyg is in a post-main sequence phase of evolution. This is the first extensive seismic modelling that takes into account the effect of rotational coupling between pulsation modes.