bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Postoperative Outcomes Among Patients Undergoing Cancer Surgery
Authors: Khan Muhammad M. M. , Munir Muhammad M. , Woldesenbet Selamawit , Khalil Mujtaba , Endo Yutaka , Katayama Erryk , Tsilimigras Diamantis , Rashid Zayed , Altaf Abdullah , Dillhoff Mary , Tsai Susan , Pawlik Timothy M. 
Published: June 2024

Objective:
We sought to characterize postoperative outcomes among patients who underwent an oncologic operation relative to whether the treating surgeon was an international medical graduate (IMG) versus a United States medical graduate (USMG).

Background:
IMGs comprise approximately one quarter of the physician workforce in the United States.

Methods:
The 100% Medicare Standard Analytic Files were utilized to extract data on patients with breast, lung, hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB), and colorectal cancer who underwent surgical resection between 2014 and 2020. Entropy balancing and multivariable regression analysis were performed to evaluate the association between postoperative outcomes among USMG and IMG surgeons.

Results:
Among 285,930 beneficiaries, 242,914 (85.0%) and 43,016 (15.0%) underwent surgery by a USMG or IMG surgeon, respectively. Overall, 129,576 (45.3%) individuals were male, and 168,848 (59.1%) patients had a Charlson Comorbidity Index score >2. Notably, IMG surgeons were more likely to care for racial/ethnic minority patients (14.7% vs 12.5%) and individuals with a high social vulnerability index (33.3% vs 32.1%) (all P<0.001). On multivariable analysis after entropy balancing, patients treated by an IMG surgeon were less likely to experience adverse postoperative outcomes, including 90-day readmission [odds ratio (OR) 0.89, 95% CI: 0.80–0.99] and index complications (OR: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.74–0.95) versus USMG surgeons (all P<0.05). Patients treated by IMG versus USMG surgeons had no difference in likelihood to achieve a textbook outcome (OR: 1.10, 95% CI: 0.99–1.21; P=0.077).

Conclusions:
Postoperative outcomes among patients treated by IMG surgeons were roughly equivalent to those of USMG surgeons. In addition, IMG surgeons were more likely to care for patients with multiple comorbidities and individuals from vulnerable communities.
Gut microbial metabolite imidazole propionate impairs endothelial cell function and promotes the development of atherosclerosis
Authors: Nageswaran Vanasa , Carreras Alba , Reinshagen Leander , Beck Katharina R. , Steinfeldt Jakob , Ståhlman Marcus , Ramezani Rad Pegah , Lim Joseph , Strässler Elisabeth T. , Verhaar Barbara , Döring Yvonne , Weber Christian , König Maximilian , Steinhagen-Thiessen Elisabeth , Demuth Ilja , Kränkel Nicolle , Leistner David M. , Nieuwdorp Max , Knaus Petra , Ferrell Marc , Potente Michael , Hazen Stanley L. , Landmesser Ulf , Bäckhed Fredrik , Haghikia Arash 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe microbially generated amino acid-derived metabolite imidazole propionate (ImP) contributes to the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. However, the effect of ImP on endothelial cell physiology and its role in atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (CAD) is unknown. Using both human and animal model studies, we investigated the potential contributory role of ImP in the development of atherosclerosis.MethodsPlasma levels of ImP were measured in patients undergoing elective cardiac angiography (n = 831) by means of ultra high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. Odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals for CAD were calculated based on the ImP quartiles using both univariable and multivariable logistic regression models. Atheroprone apolipoprotein E-/-(Apoe-/-) mice fed a high-fat diet were additionally treated with ImP (800 µg) or vehicle and aortic atherosclerotic lesion area was evaluated after 12 weeks. In a mouse model of carotid artery injury, the effect of ImP on vascular regeneration was examined. Using human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) the effect of ImP on functional properties of endothelial cells were assessed. Next-generation sequencing, western blot analysis, siRNA-based gene knockdown and tamoxifen-inducible Cre-loxP experiments were performed to investigate ImP-mediated molecular mechanisms.ResultsPlasma ImP levels in subjects undergoing cardiac evaluation were associated with increased risk for prevalent CAD. In atheroproneApoe-/-mice ImP increased atherosclerotic lesion size. We found that ImP dose-dependently impaired migratory and angiogenic properties of human endothelial cells, and promoted an increased inflammatory response. Long-term exposure to ImP impaired the repair potential of the endothelium after an arterial insult. Mechanistically, ImP attenuated insulin receptor signaling by suppressing PI3K/AKT pathway leading to the sustained activation of the forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1) transcription factor. Genetic inactivation of endothelial FOXO1 signaling in ImP-treated mice enhanced the angiogenic activity and preserved the vascular repair capacity of endothelial cells after carotid injury.ConclusionsOur findings reveal a hitherto unknown role of the microbially produced histidine-derived metabolite ImP in endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis, suggesting that ImP metabolism is a potential therapeutic target in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Comparing Midline and Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters – a Randomized Feasibility Trial
Authors: Burek Alina G. , Porada Kelsey , Plunk Matthew R , Bauer Sarah Corey , Liegl Melodee , Pan Amy , Flynn Kathryn E , Brousseau David C , Gedeit Reiner , Ullman Amanda J. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractObjectivesThe most effective use of midline catheters in children is not well understood. We aimed to test the feasibility of a trial comparing peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) to midline catheters in hospitalized children in need of durable vascular access.MethodsOur study combined a single site, randomized controlled feasibility trial and a prospective observational study comparing PICCs to midline catheters. Hospitalized children ages 2-17 years old in need of non-central, medium-term vascular access (5-14 days) were enrolled for one year; enrollment goal of 30 participants/trial arm. The primary outcome was a four-measure feasibility outcome. Secondary outcomes included time-to-device removal and all-cause failure. Multi-method approaches explored patient/family experience.ResultsBetween 8/2022-8/2023, only 43 of 260 screened patients met eligibility criteria due to a decrease in eligible PICCs used at our site. A total of 35 patients were enrolled: 8/10 in the trial (4 in each arm) and 27/33 in the observational study (21 midline catheters, 6 PICCs). Our trial eligibility goal was not met. The other feasibility measures were met (n=10): (1) 80% of eligible patients enrolled; (2) 100% received the assigned intervention; (3) 96% of catheter inserters found the study acceptable; (4) no missing data.ConclusionsDue to a decrease in PICC use for non-central, medium-term vascular access needs, a trial comparing devices may not be a practical way to assess the effective use of midline catheters in hospitalized children. Next steps may include an implementation-based study evaluating an intravenous catheter selection algorithm that incorporates midline catheters.
Respiratory Viral Infection Patterns in Hospitalised Children before and after COVID-19 in Hong Kong
Authors: Sang Pun Jason Chun , Tao Kin Pong , Yam Stacy Lok , Hon Kam Lun , Sheung Chan Paul Kay , Li Albert Martin , Yi Chan Renee Wan 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIn the wake of Hong Kong’s zero-COVID policy, this study comprehensively analyses the epidemiological shift in respiratory viruses among hospitalized pediatric patients. The research leverages a unique natural experiment created by the policy’s stringent measures, which led to a significant reduction in virus circulation from 2020 to early 2023. The study highlights two distinct periods: pre-COVID-19 and post-mask mandate. We used pediatric hospitalization records from January 2015 to December 2019 and March 2023 to February 2024 to reveal a notable rebound in respiratory viruses. The age-stratified analysis indicated a shift in virus susceptibility. The odds ratio of having a co-infection was significantly increased in hospitalized children aged <1 to 12 years old during the post-COVID-19 mask mandate. Moreover, the adenovirus infection in younger children was more prominent, while RSV expanded its prevalence to older children aged>6 years old and raised health concerns. The study underscores the potential long-term impacts of interrupted virus exposure on children’s immune development and the need for vigilant monitoring of respiratory virus trends. It calls for further research to elucidate the causal relationships between SARS-CoV-2 exposure, subsequent respiratory virus susceptibility, and the implications for paediatric health in the post-pandemic era.Highlights-Children (4.37 ± 0.05 years old) hospitalized after COVID-19 and tested for respiratory viruses were significantly older than those (3.49 ± 0.03 years old) before COVID-19.-The odds ratio of having a co-infection was significantly increased in hospitalized children aged <1 to 12 years old during the post-COVID-19 era.-In the post-COVID-19 era, the adenovirus infection in younger children was more prominent while RSV expanded its prevalence to older children aged>6 years old
Validity and Reliability of the Executive Function Scale (UEF-1) in Cuban University Students
Authors: Díaz-Guerra Diego D. , Hernández-Lugo Marena de la C. , Ramos-Galarza Carlos , Broche-Pérez Yunier 
Published: June 2024

AbstractsIntroductionExecutive functions are higher cognitive skills involved in planning, organization, decision-making, impulse control, and working memory. It is essential to have tools that allow for the accurate and reliable assessment of this construct in university students. This study aims to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Executive Functions Scale for University Students (UEF-1) in the Cuban population.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in which an online survey was administered to 1092 Cuban university students representing 14 of the country’s 16 provinces. Descriptive analyses, confirmatory factor analyses, and Pearson correlation analyses were used to assess the psychometric properties of the scale.ResultsSignificant correlations were obtained between the scale factors, and the original seven-factor structure was confirmed. The scale demonstrated good internal consistency and overall reliability (α = .91, ω = .91).ConclusionsThe study provided evidence that the UEF-1 is a reliable and valid tool for assessing executive functions in Cuban university students. This measure provides a comprehensive understanding of the cognitive abilities and functioning of Cuban university students, allowing for the identification of specific areas of executive functioning that may benefit from additional support or intervention.
Attention improvement to transcranial alternating current stimulation at gamma frequency over the right frontoparietal network: a preliminary report
Authors: Lee Tien-Wen , Almeida Sergio , Tramontano Gerald 
Published: June 2024

AbstractObjectiveApplying transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) at 40 Hz to the frontal and parietal regions can improve cognitive dysfunctions. This study aimed to explore the influence of tACS at gamma frequency over right fronto-parietal (FP) region on attention.MethodsWe administered Test of Variables of Attention (TOVA; visual mode) to 44 participants with various neuropsychiatric diagnoses before and after 12 sessions of tACS treatment. Alternating currents at 2.0 mA were delivered to the electrode positions F4 and P4, following the 10-20 EEG convention, for 20 minutes in each session.ResultsWe observed significant improvement across 3 indices of the TOVA, including reduction of variability in reaction time (RT;P=0.0002), increase in d-Prime (separability of targets and non-targets;P=0.0157), and decrease in commission error rate (P=0.0116). The mean RT and omission error rate largely remained unchanged.ConclusionArtificial injection of tACS at 40 Hz over right FP network may improve attention function, especially in the domains of consistency in performance, target/non-target discrimination, and inhibitory control.
Health Coaching 2.0: Redefining a Key Lifestyle Medicine Intervention, PrioMed Pilot Program Evaluation
Authors: Langinkoski Ari , Hämäläinen Johanna , Rapo Krista , Rinta Mikko , Aroviita Pekka , Venojärvi Mika 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe world is suffering from a global epidemic of non-communicable diseases. Previous research has suggested that health coaching might be an effective way to help curb the epidemic. However, the ambiguous definition of health coaching hinders its widespread practical implementation.We redefined the coaching process in the universal language of behavior change techniques with evidence of effectiveness, postulating this would make the process more efficient to teach and to apply and lead to results with excellent time efficiency.This pilot study (n = 25) investigated the feasibility of such an approach. Despite the relatively short total time spent (< 4 hours per participant), the surveys conducted at baseline and six months showed significant improvements in customer-reported physical and mental health with implications of clinical significance.These promising results pave the way for a universal definition of the coaching process, signaling a brighter future for the practice that merits further exploration.
Myocardial infarction creates a critical time window for AAV gene therapy
Authors: Chen Gonglie , Zhang Yueyang , Chen Zhan , Yang Luzi , Gao Fei , Dong Erdan , Guo Yuxuan 
Published: June 2024

AbstractRecombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) is a major gene delivery vector for cardiac gene therapy. The factors that influence AAV-based cardiac gene transfer remain incompletely understood. This study showed that myocardial infarction (MI) enhanced cardiac AAV transduction and gene expression in mice after systemic administration, peaking at the third day post MI. These additional AAV vectors enriched at the infarcted region, correlated with the pathological permeabilization of the coronary vessels. The outcome of AAV-base gene therapy for MI, viaCamk2dbase editing, was significantly improved when AAV was injected at the third day post MI. Together, our findings uncovered a critical therapeutic time window after MI that facilitated AAV-based cardiac gene transfer, which could be harnessed to boost both basic and translational cardiology.MethodsAdult C57BL/6 mice were subjected to left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery ligation. Permanent LAD ligation created the MI model while 30min ligation followed by reperfusion established the ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) model. 2×1011AAV vectors were injected into the mice via tail vein. The AAV vectors carried transgenes that were activated by the cardiomyocyte-specificTnnt2promoter or the constitutively active CMV promoter. AAV expressed luciferase with the hemagglutinin (HA) tag. The amount of AAV vectors were quantified by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) analysis of genomic DNA. Transgene expression was measured by RT-qPCR at the mRNA level or HA tag immunofluorescence imaging and western blot at the protein level. Luciferase activity was measured via bioluminescence imaging.
Scaffold-enabled high-resolution cryo-EM structure determination of RNA
Authors: Haack Daniel B. , Rudolfs Boris , Jin Shouhong , Weeks Kevin M. , Toor Navtej 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACTCryo-EM structure determination of protein-free RNAs has remained difficult with most attempts yielding low to moderate resolution and lacking nucleotide-level detail. These difficulties are compounded for small RNAs as cryo-EM is inherently more difficult for lower molecular weight macromolecules. Here we present a strategy for fusing small RNAs to a group II intron that yields high resolution structures of the appended RNA, which we demonstrate with the 86-nucleotide thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) riboswitch, and visualizing the riboswitch ligand binding pocket at 2.5 Å resolution. We also determined the structure of the ligand-free apo state and observe that the aptamer domain of the riboswitch undergoes a large-scale conformational change upon ligand binding, illustrating how small molecule binding to an RNA can induce large effects on gene expression. This study both sets a new standard for cryo-EM riboswitch visualization and offers a versatile strategy applicable to a broad range of small to moderate-sized RNAs, which were previously intractable for high-resolution cryo-EM studies.
NMDA receptor antagonist memantine selectively affects recurrent processing during perceptual inference
Authors: Noorman Samuel , Stein Timo , Zantvoord Jasper , Fahrenfort Johannes J. , van Gaal Simon 
Published: June 2024

AbstractPerceptual inference requires the integration of visual features through recurrent processing, the dynamic exchange of information between higher and lower level cortical regions. While animal research has demonstrated a crucial role of NMDA receptors in recurrent processing, establishing a causal link between NMDA-mediated recurrent processing and human perception has remained challenging. Here, we report two pharmacological studies with randomized, double-blind, crossover designs in which we administered the NMDA antagonist memantine, while collecting human electroencephalography (EEG). We trained and tested EEG classiﬁers to reflect the processing of speciﬁc stimulus features with increasing levels of complexity, namely differences in stimulus contrast, collinearity between local line elements, and illusory surfaces of a Kanizsa triangle. In two experiments involving different participants and visual tasks, we found that memantine selectively affected decoding of the Kanizsa illusion, known to depend on recurrent processing, while leaving decoding of contrast and collinearity largely unaffected. Interestingly, the results from an attentional blink (experiment 1) and task-relevance manipulation (experiment 2) showed that memantine was only effective when the stimulus was attended and consciously accessed. These ﬁndings demonstrate that NMDA inhibition selectively affects recurrent processing, especially for attended objects, and thereby provide a crucial step toward bridging animal and human research, shedding light on the neural mechanisms underpinning perceptual inference and conscious perception.
Spontaneous emergence of alternating hippocampal theta sequences in a simple 2D adaptation model
Authors: Widloski John , Foster David J. 
Published: June 2024

SUMMARYSpatial sequences encoded by cells in the hippocampal-entorhinal region have been observed to spontaneously alternate across the animal’s midline during navigation in the open field, but it is unknown how this occurs. We show that sinusoidal sampling patterns emerge rapidly and robustly in a simple model of the hippocampus that makes no assumptions about sequence direction. We corroborate our findings using hippocampal data from rats navigating in the open field.
Design study of a low emittance complex bend achromat lattice
Authors: Song Minghao , Shaftan Timur 
Published: June 2024

Light sources worldwide have experienced rapid growth in the last decades, pushing toward higher brightness with lower emittance to meet growing demands from the user community. The quest for higher brightness motivates the development of low-emittance ring lattices. At this point, all fourth-generation storage ring light sources employ variations of the multibend achromat (MBA) lattice. In this paper, we discuss an extension of this approach, known as complex bend achromat lattice in relation to the future NSLS-II upgrade. A detailed approach for the lattice design will be described and the developed lattice will be presented. The advantages of using our complex bend approach are evident in reaching a natural emittance as low as 23 pm at a beam energy of 3 GeV, providing a straight section of 8.4 m for long insertion devices, and acquiring a ratio of about 50% of free space with respect to the ring circumference. The design includes the use of permanent magnets largely reducing the need for power supplies. Our new approach provides an extension to the MBA concept for the next-generation light source lattice design.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
X-ray phase-contrast tomography of cells manipulated with an optical stretcher
Authors: Burchert Jan-Philipp , Frohn Jasper , Rölleke Ulrike , Bruns Hendrik , Yu Boram , Gleber Sophie-Charlotte , Stange Roland , Busse Madleen , Osterhoff Markus , Salditt Tim , Köster Sarah 
Published: June 2024

X-rays can penetrate deeply into biological cells and thus allow for examination of their internal structures with high spatial resolution. In this study, X-ray phase-contrast imaging and tomography is combined with an X-ray-compatible optical stretcher and microfluidic sample delivery. Using this setup, individual cells can be kept in suspension while they are examined with the X-ray beam at a synchrotron. From the recorded holograms, 2D phase shift images that are proportional to the projected local electron density of the investigated cell can be calculated. From the tomographic reconstruction of multiple such projections the 3D electron density can be obtained. The cells can thus be studied in a hydrated or even living state, thus avoiding artifacts from freezing, drying or embedding, and can in principle also be subjected to different sample environments or mechanical strains. This combination of techniques is applied to living as well as fixed and stained NIH3T3 mouse fibroblasts and the effect of the beam energy on the phase shifts is investigated. Furthermore, a 3D algebraic reconstruction scheme and a dedicated mathematical description is used to follow the motion of the trapped cells in the optical stretcher for multiple rotations.
Study on the screening of marine beneficial bacteria and the inhibition of sulfate-reducing bacteria corrosion in marine oil field produced water
Authors: Wang Jian , Zhang Xinyi , Du Min , Shan Xueyan , Tian Zhiyu 
Published: June 2024

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to provide ideas and theoretical guidance for green, environmentally friendly and efficient “bacteriostasis with bacteria” technology.

Design/methodology/approach
In this paper, a beneficial strain of bacteria was extracted and purified from marine mud. Weight-loss test, morphological observation and electrochemical test were used to systematically study the effect of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB)-induced corrosion inhibition on X65 steel in simulated offshore oil field production water.

Findings
The results showed that a beneficial strain was selected and identified as Vibrio alginolyticus. Under the condition of co-culture of SRB, the average corrosion rate of X65 steel was significantly reduced. In the mixed bacterial system, the surface of X65 steel samples was relatively flat, and the structure of biofilm and corrosion product film was dense. The number of corrosion pits, the average diameter and depth of corrosion pits were significantly reduced. The localized corrosion of X65 steel was significantly inhibited.

Originality/value
The complex and changing marine environment makes the corrosion problem of marine steel increasingly severe, and the microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) caused by SRB is particularly serious. The research and development of environmentally friendly corrosion protection technology is a long-term and difficult problem. The use of beneficial microorganisms to control MIC is a green and efficient anticorrosion measure. Compared with terrestrial microorganisms, marine microorganisms can adapt to complex environments, and their metabolites exhibit special biological activities. The use of marine beneficial bacteria can inhibit SRB activity to achieve the corrosion inhibition effect.