bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improvement of oral function and its impact on oral food intake in subacute stroke patients: A prospective study with dental intervention
Authors: Sekimoto Yu , Matsuo Koichiro , Sakai Ayu , Shibata Seiko , Minakuchi Shunsuke 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe association between oral food intake and oral function during the subacute stage of stroke is not well known.ObjectiveTo investigate (1) oral function changes in subacute stroke patients and (2) association between oral function and oral intake status at several time points.MethodsIn a prospective study involving 324 stroke patients at a convalescent rehabilitation unit, four oral function parameters (maximum tongue pressure, MTP; lip‐tongue motor function, LTMF; maximum occlusal force, MOF and oral health assessment tool, OHAT) were quantitatively measured upon admission (T0), at 1 month (T1) and 2 months (T2). Oral feeding status was assessed using the Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) and divided based on the FOIS score into the dysphagic and regular diet groups. The changes in oral functions at the three time points were tested using generalized estimating equation analysis. The association between FOIS groups and oral functions at T1 and T2 was analysed by means of logistic regression analysis.ResultsAll oral function parameters improved significantly over time during the hospital stay (mean differences: 4.9 for MTP, 0.6 for LTMF, 1.1 for MOF and −1.8 for OHAT). The FOIS groups were significantly associated with MTP (p < .05) and OHAT (p < .05) at both T1 and T2.ConclusionOur findings suggest that oral function significantly improves in patients during subacute stroke rehabilitation and better oral health can be associated with better oral intake. Improved oral function through dental intervention and oral rehabilitation may contribute to gains in oral food intake.
Epidemiology, clinical characteristics, outcome and biofilm forming properties in candidaemia: A single‐centre retrospective 4‐year analysis from Hungary
Authors: Kovács Fruzsina , Balla Noémi , Bozó Aliz , Harmath Andrea , Jakab Ágnes , Tóth Zoltán , Nagy Fruzsina , Majoros László , Kovács Renátó 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundCandidaemia is a life‐threatening disease that is associated with high mortality, especially in intensive care units (ICUs). The number of comprehensive studies dealing with the epidemiologic characteristics of biofilm‐related properties is limited.ObjectiveThis study evaluated the clinical characteristics of candidaemia, to assess the biofilm‐forming properties of isolates, and to identify the risk factors of mortality.Patients and MethodsA total of 149 candidaemia episodes from the University of Debrecen, Clinical Centre, between January 2020 and December 2023 were investigated retrospectively. The susceptibility of Candida isolates to fluconazole, amphotericin B, anidulafungin, caspofungin, and micafungin was evaluated and compared to the susceptibility of 1‐day‐old biofilms. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was applied to identify the independent predictors of 30‐day mortality rate.ResultsThe most common Candida species was Candida albicans (41%), followed by C. parapsilosis (20%), C. glabrata (14%), C. tropicalis (13%), rare Candida species (7%), and C. krusei (5%). Sixty‐six percent of Candida isolates were biofilm formers and 44% had high metabolic activity. The 30‐day mortality rate was 52%, which was higher in ICUs (65%). The logistic regression analysis revealed several factors significantly influencing mortality including ICU admission (odds ratio [OR] 2.99, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.17–8.04, p = 0.025), fluconazole treatment (OR 4.12, 95% CI 1.62–11.42, p = .004), and pneumonia (OR 0.261, 95% CI 0.1–0.67, p = .006).ConclusionsThis comprehensive analysis supports the better characterisation of candidaemia in healthcare settings, which ultimately may reduce mortality among patients.
Benchmark dose profiles for bivariate exposures
Authors: Akkaya Hocagil Tugba , Ryan Louise M. , Cook Richard J. , Dang Khue‐Dung , Carter R. Colin , Richardson Gale A. , Day Nancy L. , Coles Claire D. , Carmichael Olson Heather , Jacobson Sandra W. , Jacobson Joseph L. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractWhile benchmark dose (BMD) methodology is well‐established for settings with a single exposure, these methods cannot easily handle multidimensional exposures with nonlinear effects. We propose a framework for BMD analysis to characterize the joint effect of a two‐dimensional exposure on a continuous outcome using a generalized additive model while adjusting for potential confounders via propensity scores. This leads to a dose–response surface which can be summarized in two dimensions by a contour plot in which combinations of exposures leading to the same expected effect are identified. In our motivating study of prenatal alcohol exposure, cognitive deficits in children are found to be associated with both the frequency of drinking as well as the amount of alcohol consumed on each drinking day during pregnancy. The general methodological framework is useful for a broad range of settings, including combinations of environmental stressors, such as chemical mixtures, and in explorations of the impact of dose rate rather than simply cumulative exposure on adverse outcomes.
Binary Vapor Cycle for Waste Heat Recovery from Marine Engine Exhaust
Authors: Machado Kamille V. , Ordonez Juan C. , Souza Jeferson A. , Marques Crístofer H. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The considerable energy waste in maritime transport and the need to obtain alternatives to reduce emissions of polluting gases are factors that have motivated the study of waste heat recovery systems for marine engines. The system studied herein relies on a binary vapor cycle that uses water for the topping cycle while three organic fluids were investigated for the bottoming cycle: R601a, R134a, and R22. Each of these belongs to a different category of fluid, namely, dry fluid, isentropic fluid, and wet fluid, respectively. Two engines of different ratings and two different pressures of the heat recovery steam generator have been considered for each engine. Various outlet pressures for the topping turbine, which is the most liable to erosion and corrosion due to wet steam, have been investigated. The maximum efficiency achieved for the waste heat recovery system peaked at 21% while the maximum electric power accounted for 4.2% of engine brake power. Therefore, the employment of a waste heat recovery system based on a binary cycle seems a promising alternative to harnessing heat from the exhaust gases of marine engines.
Material Classification Map Using Dual-Energy Method at Low-Energy X-Ray Spectrum: An Experimental and Monte Carlo Simulation Study
Authors: Ghafarzadeh Mahdi , Kabir Mostafa , Kejani Mohammad Tavakoli 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The objective of this article is to develop an effective method for material discrimination, distinguishing specifically between light metallic materials and heavy ones at low X-ray energies. In this research, Monte Carlo simulations are employed to investigate the influential factors affecting material discrimination. Initially, for result validation, the experimental setup is fully simulated based on the Monte Carlo method. The X-ray spectrum of 160 keV is simulated, and then it is registered after interacting with step wedges made of iron, aluminum, graphite, and ABS at specific thicknesses, capturing the radiation flux at each step. The results are compared with the experimental findings obtained from a dual-layer detector, demonstrating excellent agreement. In practice, the dual-layer detector comprises a low-energy GOS detector, a copper filter, and a high-energy CsI(Tl) detector. The energy spectra of the registered X-rays on each layer of detectors are obtained using the Monte Carlo method. Materials with low, medium, and high atomic numbers are chosen for analysis. These materials are categorized into three groups: organic materials (comprising both light and heavy organic and biological substances), light metals, and heavy metals. Discrimination between materials is achieved independently of their thickness by utilizing a material classification map (MCM) derived from a graph depicting the transmission ratio of low-energy X-ray photons versus the linear attenuation coefficient ratio for various materials with different atomic numbers. The results have been successfully validated through testing with various materials and thicknesses using both the experimental setup and Monte Carlo simulations.
Peri-Ultrasound Modeling to Investigate the Performance of Different Nonlinear Ultrasonic Techniques for Damage Monitoring in Plate Structures
Authors: Zhang Guangdong , Li Xiongbing , Kundu Tribikram 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Peri-ultrasound modeling which is based on nonlocal peridynamics is found and proven to be effective for modeling nonlinear waves propagating and interacting with damages in structures. This work presents the peri-ultrasound modeling to investigate the performance of three commonly used nonlinear ultrasonic (NLU) techniques—wave mixing, higher harmonic generation (HHG), and sideband peak count-index (or SPC-I) for monitoring damages (or cracks) in three-dimensional (3D) plate structures. Cracks can be defined as “thin cracks” and “thick cracks” according to the horizon size mentioned in peridynamics. Peri-ultrasound modeling results reveal that the SPC-I results are consistent with other reported numerical modeling and experimental results available in the literature. However, the modulation indicator (MI) from the wave mixing model only shows consistent trends for thin cracks but not for thick cracks and its reliability is affected by the initial excitation bandwidth. The relative acoustic nonlinearity factor β from the HHG technique shows consistent trends for thick cracks but not for thin cracks. It can be concluded from the obtained parametric analysis results that the SPC-I technique is more robust and reliable for monitoring damages in engineering structures.
Tribological Properties and Wear Mechanisms of Laser Cladded Cu–Mo Coatings at 25–500 °C
Authors: Ma Jiqiang , Cui Hongxun , Tan Hui , Zhu Shengyu , Cheng Jun , Li Qinglin , Yang Jun 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Surface modification is the major means to improving the wear resistance of copper alloys. In this study, Cu–Mo coatings were prepared on Cu–Cr–Zr alloy by laser cladding, and the high-temperature tribological properties against 7075 aluminum alloy were explored. The results show that the coatings are a two-phase structure of Mo encapsulated in Cu-mesh. The hardness and resistivity of the coatings are 61–73 Hb and (3.2–6.3) × 10−8 Ωm, respectively. The wear resistance of the coatings is determined by the hardness, which is related to the Mo content at lower temperatures, and it is controlled by the tribo-oxides layer composed of copper and molybdenum oxides at higher temperatures. As the temperature increases, the main wear mechanism of the coatings changes from abrasive wear to adhesive wear.
Metagenome-assembled genomes from enrichment cultures grown on xenobiotic solvents
Authors: Jia Chongjian , Wu Cuiyu , Li Yingshi , Wang Shuhuan , Liu Jinhuan , Liu Jiying , Su Haimei , Tian Xin , Li Junhui 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

Microbes play a significant role in the cleanup of xenobiotic contaminants. Based on metagenomes derived from long-term enrichment cultures grown on xenobiotic solvents, we report 166 metagenome-assembled genomes, of which 137 are predicted to be more than 90% complete. These genomes broaden the representation of xenobiotic degraders.
ColiSeq: a multiplex amplicon assay that provides strain level resolution of
Escherichia coli
directly from clinical specimens
Authors: Williamson Charles H. D. , Vazquez Adam J. , Nunnally Amalee E. , Kyger Kristen , Fofanov Viacheslav Y. , Furstenau Tara N. , Hornstra Heidie M. , Terriquez Joel , Keim Paul , Sahl Jason W. 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

Escherichia coli
is a diverse pathogen, causing a range of disease in humans, from self-limiting diarrhea to urinary tract infections (UTIs). Uropathogenic
E. coli
(UPEC) is the most frequently observed uropathogen in UTIs, a common disease in high-income countries, incurring billions of dollars yearly in treatment costs. Although
E. coli
is easily grown and identified in the clinical laboratory, genotyping the pathogen is more complicated, yet critical for reducing the incidence of disease. These goals can be achieved through whole-genome sequencing of
E. coli
isolates, but this approach is relatively slow and typically requires culturing the pathogen in the laboratory. To genotype
E. coli
rapidly and inexpensively directly from clinical samples, including but not limited to urine, we developed and validated a multiplex amplicon sequencing assay, called ColiSeq. The assay consists of targets designed for
E. coli
species confirmation, high resolution genotyping, and mixture deconvolution. To demonstrate its utility, we screened the ColiSeq assay against 230 clinical urine samples collected from a hospital system in Flagstaff, Arizona, USA. A limit of detection analysis demonstrated the ability of ColiSeq to identify
E. coli
at a concentration of ~2 genomic equivalent (GEs)/mL and to generate high-resolution genotyping at a concentration of 1 × 10
5
GEs/mL. The results of this study suggest that ColiSeq could be a valuable method to understand the source of UPEC strains and guide infection mitigation efforts. As sequence-based diagnostics become accepted in the clinical laboratory, workflows such as ColiSeq will provide actionable information to improve patient outcomes.

IMPORTANCE

Urinary tract infections (UTIs), caused primarily by
Escherichia coli
, create an enormous health care burden in the United States and other high-income countries. The early detection of
E. coli
from clinical samples, including urine, is important to target therapy and prevent further patient complications. Additionally, understanding the source of
E. coli
exposure will help with future mitigation efforts. In this study, we developed, tested, and validated an amplicon sequencing assay focused on direct detection of
E. coli
from urine. The resulting sequence data were demonstrated to provide strain level resolution of the pathogen, not only confirming the presence of
E. coli
, which can focus treatment efforts, but also providing data needed for source attribution and contact tracing. This assay will generate inexpensive, rapid, and reproducible data that can be deployed by public health agencies to track, diagnose, and potentially mitigate future UTIs caused by
E. coli
.
Remote neuropsychological assessment of patients with neurological disorders and injuries—a study protocol for a cross-sectional case-control validation study
Authors: Berginström Nils , Andersson Linus 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionThere are great potential benefits of being able to conduct neuropsychological assessments remotely, especially for hard-to-reach or less mobile patient groups. Such tools need to be equivalent to standard tests done in the clinic and also easy to use in a variety of clinical populations.Methods and analysisThis study protocol describes a cross-sectional study aimed at validating the newly developed digitalized neuropsychological test battery Mindmore Remote in patients with neurological disorders and injuries. Diagnoses comprise traumatic brain injury, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, brain tumour and epilepsy. 50 patients in each patient group will be included. In addition, 50 healthy controls will be recruited. All participants will undergo both testing with Mindmore Remote at home and traditional neuropsychological assessment face-to-face in a randomised order. The primary outcome is the association between tests from the Mindmore Remote battery and their equivalent traditional neuropsychological tests. Further, bias between methods and differences between groups will also be investigated.Ethics and disseminationThe study protocol has been approved by the Swedish Ethical Review Authority (2022-06230-01) and adheres to the declaration of Helsinki. All participants will be given oral and written information about the study and sign informed consent forms before entering the study. All participants are informed that they can terminate their participation in the study at any given time, without giving any explanation, and participating in the study or not will not affect their care at the clinic. Neither authors nor personnel involved in the research project are affiliated with Mindmore AB. The results from the study will be published in peer-reviewed scientific journals and presented at national and international conferences on the topic.Trial registration numberNCT05819008.
Abstract 4855: Long-term Effect of Efonidipine Therapy on Plasma Aldosterone and Left Ventricular Mass Index in Patients With Essential Hypertension
Authors: Tsutamoto Takayoshi , Nishiyama Keizo , Yamaji Masayuki , Kawahara Chiho , Fujii Masanori , Yamamoto Takashi , Horie Minoru 
Published: April 2024

Background. Aldosterone (ALD) breakthrough often occurs and is an important issue during long-term treatment with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-I) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB). Previous studies showed that ALD breakthrough the incidence of ALD breakthrough was between 22–53% after 12 months. Recently, it has been reported that efonidipine, a T-type and L-type calcium channel blocker, decreases plasma levels of ALD. However, long-term effects of efonidipine on plasma levels of ALD and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) remain unknown in patients with hypertension.
Methods and Results. Sixty stable outpatients with essential hypertension who had received amlodipine and ACE-I or ARB for more than one year were randomized to two groups [amlodipine group (n=30): continuous amlodipine treatment at a stable dose; efonidipine group (n=30): amlodipine (5mg/day) was changed to efonidipine at a dose of 40mg/day]. There was no difference in the baseline characteristics including LVMI and plasma levels of ALD between two groups. In the amlodipine group, there were no significant changes in blood pressure, LVMI or plasma levels of ALD during 18 months. In the efonidipine group, blood pressure did not change after replacement of amlodipine by efonidipine, although there was a significant decrease in plasma levels of ALD after 6 months and the decrease of ALD was sustained for 18 months (106±49 pg/mL at baseline, 76±30 pg/mL at 6 months, 79±43 pg/mL at 9 months, 77±34 pg/mL at 18 months) and plasma ALD level eventually increased again in only 2 patients (7% aldosterone breakthrough). In addition, LVMI was significantly decreased after 18 months (121±25 vs. 114±21 g/m2, p<0.05). There was a significant correlation between changes in LVMI and % changes of ALD in the efonidipine group (r=0.427, p=0.018).
Conclusion. These findings indicate that the effect of efonidipine on suppression of plasma ALD was sustained for at least 18 months and that long-term efonidipine therapy decreases LVMI in patients with essential hypertension
Abstract 4883: Insulin-like Growth Factor Binding Protein-3 (IGFBP3) Modulates Vascular Tone via Scavenging Receptor-B1 (SRB1)-Dependent Nitric Oxide Release
Authors: Jarajapu Yagna P , Kielczewski Jennifer L , Baxter Robert C , Grant Maria B 
Published: April 2024

Purpose: We recently reported the vascular protective effect of IGFBP3 in experimental models of ischemic vascular injury involving increased homing of circulating endothelial progenitor cells and activation of nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). The vascular protective potential of a molecule is determined in part by its ability to facilitate perfusion to the ischemic areas by dilation of the resident vasculature. Therefore, we hypothesized that IGFBP3 regulates vascular tone by causing vasodilation and thereby, enhances the perfusion of vascular bed.
Methods: We evaluated the effect of intraluminal IGFBP3 on the pressure- and agonist-induced constrictions in rat posterior cerebral arteries (PCAs) and compared with that of HDL, a known activator of SRB1. NO release and endothelial intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) were evaluated by DAF-FM and Fura-2 fluorescence microscopy, respectively, in intact arteries and human microvascular endothelial cells (HMVECs). Signaling pathways mediating the effects of IGFBP3 were delineated in intact arteries and HMVECs. Activation of eNOS by IGFBP3 was evaluated by Western blotting of ser1177 phosphorylated eNOS in HMVECs. IGF-independent effect was confirmed by using a non-IGF-binding mutant of IGFBP3.
Results: Intraluminal IGFBP3 (100ng/ml) or HDL (1mg/ml) caused significant decrease in pressure- (40, 70 and 100 mmHg) and serotonin-induced constrictions of PCAs compared to the vehicle-control. These effects were blocked by L-NAME or SRB1-function blocking antibody (SRB1-ab). NO release was stimulated in PCAs by intraluminal IGFBP3 and HDL with no change in the [Ca2+]i. NO release by IGFBP3, with no change in the [Ca2+]i, in HMVECs was blocked by SRB1-ab, PP2 (cSrc inhibitor), LY294002 (PI3-kinase inhibitor) and triciribin (akt inhibitor) not by KN-92 (CamKII inhibitor). Non-IGF-binding mutant and wild type IGFBP3 showed similar effect in stimulating NO release in HMVECs. Phosphorylation of eNOS at ser1177 was increased in a time-dependent manner by IGFBP3 that was blocked by SRB1-ab.
Conclusions: These results suggest that IGFBP3 modulates vascular tone by NO release via SRB1-dependent cSrc/PI3-kinase/akt pathway and this response may significantly contribute to the vascular protective effect of IGFBP3.
Abstract 4898: Genetic Polymorphism on Type 2 Receptor of Angiotensin II Affects Systemic Inflammatory Process in Hypertensive Individuals
Authors: Tousoulis Dimitris , Koumallos Nikolaos , Antoniades Charalambos , Miliou Antigoni , Antonopoulos Alexis , Mentzikof Dimitris , Marinou Kyriakoula , Bakogiannis Constantinos , Stougiannos Pavlos , Kallikazarou Eftihia , Tsioufis Costas , Stefanadis Christodoulos 
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Evidence suggests that there is a balance between angiotensin II effects on proatherogenic constitutive type 1, and antiatherogenic inducible type 2 (AT2R) receptors. The AT2R gene is located on chromosome X, and the biological effect of a newly described polymorphism (A1675G) in this gene is unclear. Aim: We examined the impact of A1675G polymorphism on AT2R, on the risk for coronary atherosclerosis, and its effect on the expression of proatherogenic inflammatory molecules.
Methods: The study population consisted of 437 males: 155 with coronary artery disease (111 with hypertension) and 282 healthy age-matched controls (121 with hypertension). The presence of A1675G polymorphism on AT2R gene (located in chromosome X) was determined by PCR. Serum levels of C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) were measured in all the participants.
Results: The frequency of the A allele was similar among healthy individuals (41.8% 118/282) and CAD patients (47.7%, 74/155, p = NS). However the presence of the A allele was more frequent in hypertensives with CAD (55%, 59/107) than in hypertensives without CAD (35.8%, 43/120, p <0.01). Importantly, the A allele was associated with increased risk for CAD among hypertensive individuals (OR: 2.201[95%CI: 1.291–3.752], p = 0.004), an effect which was not seen among normotensive subjects (p = NS). Importantly, the presence of the A allele was also associated with significantly higher levels of CRP (mean[25th–95th percentile]: A:3.52[1.98 – 6.08] vs G:1.18[0.66 –1.71] mg/dL, p = 0.0001), fibrinogen (A:407[347–513] vs G:369[320 – 416] mg/dl, p = 0.001), IL-6 (A:1.55[3.63–5.40] vs G:0.99[0.51–2.46] pg/ml, p = 0.002), and sVCAM-1 (A:702[648 –925] vs G:621[476 –799] ng/ml, p = 0.03).
Conclusions: Genetic polymorphism A1675G on AT2R affects systemic inflammatory mechanisms, since the presence of the A allele is associated with higher levels of CRP, fibrinogen, IL-6 and sVCAM-1. In addition, the A allele is associated with elevated cardiovascular risk among hypertensive individuals.