bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of outpatient adaptation to home mechanical ventilation on health-related quality of life in patients with COPD: the OutVent study
Authors: Ribeiro Carla , Jácome Cristina , Oliveira Pedro , Luján Manuel , Conde Sara 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundHome mechanical ventilation (HMV) is indicated in patients with severe hypercapnic COPD. Initiation of HMV commonly occurs during an inpatient period, but there has been increasing interest for outpatient adaptation. This study aimed to evaluate the outpatient initiation and adaptation of HMV and its impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with severe COPD.MethodsA single-group pre-test–post-test study was conducted in an outpatient ventilation clinic of a tertiary hospital in Portugal. Patients with severe COPD and symptoms of chronic respiratory failure with daytime partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2) ≥50 mmHg in a stable condition or with persistent hypercapnia ≥53 mmHg >14 days following an exacerbation with mechanical ventilation were included. After 3 months of HMV, patients completed the severe respiratory insufficiency (SRI), the S3-noninvasive ventilation (S3-NIV) and a patient experience questionnaire.Results53 patients (73.6% male, median 71 (p25–p75 61–77) years), with a median forced expiratory volume in 1 s of 35 (29–40)% and a median baselinePCO2of 53.5 (51.9–56.5) mmHg completed the study. At 3 months patients had a median HMV usage of 6.5 h and decreased theirPCO2by 6.0 mmHg. After 3 months, there was a significant improvement in the SRI summary scale (+5.7), above the minimal clinically import difference of five. Patients who used HMV for more than 5 h had higher S3-NIV total score (6.8versus5.7, p=0.04) and S3-NIV sleep and NIV-related side effects subscore (7.1versus5.7, p=0.03).ConclusionOur findings might indicate that outpatient initiation and adaptation of HMV has a positive impact in short-term HRQoL in patients with COPD and that this approach is perceived as a positive experience by the patients.
Telemedical management of symptomatic COVID-19 outpatients
Authors: von Falkenhausen Aenne S. , Geipel Scott , Gail Antonia , Scherer Clemens , Stockhausen Sven , Sams Lauren E. , Becker Finn , Doldi Philipp M. , Lemmermöhle Eric , de Villèle Paul , Schleef Michael , Becker Marc , Lauterbach Moritz , Massberg Steffen , Kääb Stefan , Sinner Moritz F. 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundCOVID-19 remains a challenge to individual health and healthcare resources worldwide. Telemedical surveillance might minimise hospitalisation and direct patient–physician contacts. Yet, randomised clinical trials evaluating telemedical management of COVID-19 patients are lacking.MethodsCOVID-SMART is a randomised, open-label, controlled clinical trial investigating whether telemedicine reduces the primary end-point of hospitalisation or any unscheduled utilisation of an emergency medical service within 30 days of follow-up. Key secondary end-points included mortality and primary end-point components. We enrolled acutely infected SARS-CoV-2 patients suitable for outpatient care. All presented with ≥1 risk factor for an adverse COVID-19 course. Patients were randomised 1:1 into a control group receiving standard of care and an intervention group receiving smartphone-based assessment of oxygen saturation, heart rate and electrocardiogram, and telemedical counsellingviaa 24/7 emergency hotline.ResultsOf 607 enrolled patients (mean±sdage 46.7±13.5 years), 304 were randomised into the intervention and 303 into the control group. The primary end-point occurred in 6.9% (n=21) of the intervention and in 9.6% (n=29) of the control group (hazard ratio (HR) 0.72, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.41–1.26; p=0.24). No deaths occurred during follow-up. Fewer intervention group participants utilised outpatient-based emergency medical services (HR 0.43, 95% CI 0.20–0.90; p=0.03).ConclusionsCOVID-SMART is the first randomised clinical trial assessing the benefit of telemedicine in an acute respiratory infectious disease. Whereas telemedical management did not reduce the primary end-point of hospitalisation, fewer intervention group patients used outpatient-based emergency services, suggesting a potential benefit for less-acutely infected individuals.
When, at what speed, and how? Resilient transformation of the Vesdre river basin (Belgium) following the 2021 floods
Authors: de Goër de Herve Mathilde , Pot Wieke D. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Dual crises happen when an acute shock unfolds in the context of a creeping crisis. The July 2021 floods in the Vesdre river basin (Wallonia, Belgium) is a typical case of such dual crises in the context of climate change. This study is based on 16 semi-structured interviews (conducted in Spring 2023) with 10 mayors, 4 representatives of the Public Service of Wallonia, 1 person working for the federal government, and 4 project managers, coupled with a document analysis (n = 13). It investigates the temporal strategies that connect short and long-term considerations in the aftermath of this disaster (timing, futuring, pacing, cyclical adaptation, and determining time horizons), at two different governmental levels: river basin and municipal level.

Results
In general, the window of opportunity to improve disaster resilience has been seized. Several studies were initiated by the Walloon region that shape the idea of an ideal future for the river basin and give recommendations for how to reach it. Unfortunately, those recommendations still come late compared to the temporal reality of the reconstruction process. Municipalities wish to strengthen disaster resilience as soon as possible, but they have to prioritize certain actions over others because of limited resources. The recommendations are considered flexible enough to adapt strategies to future contexts, but no monitoring and evaluation system for doing so has been implemented so far. In addition, clear policy agendas with transformational goals are scarce, and they diverge between the river basin and the municipalities. All these temporal strategies are shaped by elements of the institutional policy arrangement: resources, which affect them all, as well as actors, power, and formal rules, which affect some. These policy dimensions notably slow down the implementation of disaster resilience strategies and limit the determination of consensual time horizons.

Conclusions
The temporal strategies are passively shaped by the policy arrangement dimensions to a greater extent than actively chosen by the stakeholders. A structural transformation of the institutional policy arrangement is therefore needed to enable more coherent temporal strategies between different governance levels and to facilitate the consideration of long-term resilience during the recovery process from disasters.
Genome sequence of two novel virulent clinical strains of Burkholderia pseudomallei isolated from acute melioidosis cases imported to Israel from India and Thailand
Authors: Cohen-Gihon Inbar , Zaide Galia , Amit Sharon , Zohar Iris , Schwartz Orna , Maor Yasmin , Israeli Ofir , Bilinsky Gal , Israeli Ma’ayan , Lazar Shirley , Gur David , Aftalion Moshe , Zvi Anat , Beth-Din Adi , Bar-Haim Erez , Elia Uri , Cohen Ofer , Mamroud Emanuelle , Chitlaru Theodor 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Objective
Burkholderia pseudomallei, the etiological cause of melioidosis, is a soil saprophyte endemic in South-East Asia, where it constitutes a public health concern of high-priority. Melioidosis cases are sporadically identified in nonendemic areas, usually associated with travelers or import of goods from endemic regions. Due to extensive intercontinental traveling and the anticipated climate change-associated alterations of the soil bacterial flora, there is an increasing concern for inadvertent establishment of novel endemic areas, which may expand the global burden of melioidosis. Rapid diagnosis, isolation and characterization of B. pseudomallei isolates is therefore of utmost importance particularly in non-endemic locations.

Data description
We report the genome sequences of two novel clinical isolates (MWH2021 and MST2022) of B. pseudomallei identified in distinct acute cases of melioidosis diagnosed in two individuals arriving to Israel from India and Thailand, respectively. The data includes preliminary genetic analysis of the genomes determining their phylogenetic classification in rapport to the genomes of 131 B. pseudomallei strains documented in the NCBI database. Inspection of the genomic data revealed the presence or absence of loci encoding for several documented virulence determinants involved in the molecular pathogenesis of melioidosis. Virulence analysis in murine models of acute or chronic melioidosis established that both strains belong to the highly virulent class of B. pseudomalleii.
Diversity and evolution of transposable elements in the plant-parasitic nematodes
Authors: Dayi Mehmet 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Transposable elements (TEs) are mobile DNA sequences that propagate within genomes, occupying a significant portion of eukaryotic genomes and serving as a source of genetic variation and innovation. TEs can impact genome dynamics through their repetitive nature and mobility. Nematodes are incredibly versatile organisms, capable of thriving in a wide range of environments. The plant-parasitic nematodes are able to infect nearly all vascular plants, leading to significant crop losses and management expenses worldwide. It is worth noting that plant parasitism has evolved independently at least three times within this nematode group. Furthermore, the genome size of plant-parasitic nematodes can vary substantially, spanning from 41.5 Mbp to 235 Mbp. To investigate genome size variation and evolution in plant-parasitic nematodes, TE composition, diversity, and evolution were analysed in 26 plant-parasitic nematodes from 9 distinct genera in Clade IV.

Results
Interestingly, despite certain species lacking specific types of DNA transposons or retrotransposon superfamilies, they still exhibit a diverse range of TE content. Identification of species-specific TE repertoire in nematode genomes provides a deeper understanding of genome evolution in plant-parasitic nematodes. An intriguing observation is that plant-parasitic nematodes possess extensive DNA transposons and retrotransposon insertions, including recent sightings of LTR/Gypsy and LTR/Pao superfamilies. Among them, the Gypsy superfamilies were found to encode Aspartic proteases in the plant-parasitic nematodes.

Conclusions
The study of the transposable element (TE) composition in plant-parasitic nematodes has yielded insightful discoveries. The findings revealed that certain species exhibit lineage-specific variations in their TE makeup. Discovering the species-specific TE repertoire in nematode genomes is a crucial element in understanding the evolution of genomes in plant-parasitic nematodes. It allows us to gain a deeper insight into the intricate workings of these organisms and their genetic makeup. With this knowledge, we are gaining a fundamental piece in the puzzle of understanding the evolution of these parasites. Moreover, recent transpositions have led to the acquisition of new TE superfamilies, especially Gypsy and Pao retrotransposons, further expanding the diversity of TEs in these nematodes. Significantly, the widely distributed Gypsy superfamily possesses proteases that are exclusively associated with parasitism during nematode-host interactions.
These discoveries provide a deeper understanding of the TE landscape within plant-parasitic nematodes.
End-organ damage from neonatal invasive fungal infection: a 14-year retrospective study from a tertiary center in China
Authors: Han Tao , Qiu Meng , Niu Xinxin , wang Shumei , Wang Feng , Cao Jingke , Tang Shanghong , Cheng Liping , Mei Yabo , Liang Huayu , Feng Zhichun , Chen Geyu , Li Qiuping 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Invasive fungal infection (IFI) has become an increasing problem in NICU neonates, and end-organ damage (EOD) from IFI is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in neonates. This study was conducted to summarize clinical data on epidemiology, risk factors, causative pathogens, and clinical outcomes of IFI-associated EOD among neonates in a center in China for the sake of providing references for prevention and treatment of fungal infections in neonates in future.

Methods
The clinical data of IFI neonates who received treatment in a tertiary NICU of China from January 2009 to December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed, including causative pathogens and the incidence of EOD. The neonates were divided into EOD group and non-EOD (NEOD) group. The general characteristics, risk factors and clinical outcomes of the two groups were compared.

Results
Included in this study were 223 IFI neonates (137 male and 86 female) with a median gestational age (GA) of 30.71 (29,35) weeks and a median birth weight (BW) of 1470 (1120,2150) g. Of them, 79.4% were preterm infants and 50.2% were born at a GA of ≥ 28, <32 weeks, and 37.7% with BW of 1000–1499 g. Candida albicans (C. albicans) was the most common Candida spp. in these neonates, accounting for 41.3% of all cases, followed by C. parapsilosis (30.5%) and C. glabrata (7.2%). EOD occurred in 40 (17.9%) of the 223 cases. Fungal meningitis was the most common EOD, accounting for 13.5% of the 40 EOD cases. There was no significant difference in the premature birth rate, delivery mode, GA and BW between EOD and NEOD groups, but the proportion of male infants with EOD was higher than that without. There was no significant difference in antenatal corticosteroid use, endotracheal intubation, invasive procedures, use of antibiotics, total parenteral nutrition, blood transfusion, postnatal corticosteroid use, fungal prophylaxis and the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis between the two groups, but the proportion of C. albicans infection cases in EOD group was higher than that in NEOD group (57.5% vs. 37.7%). Compared with NEOD group, the proportion of cured or improved infants in EOD group was significantly lower (P < 0.05), and the number of infants who died or withdrew from treatment was larger (P < 0.05).

Conclusions
Our retrospective study showed that preterm infants were prone to fungal infection, especially very preterm infants. C. albicans was the most common Candida spp. for IFI, and was a high-risk factor for EOD. EOD can occur in both full-term and premature infants, so the possibility of EOD should be considered in all infants with IFI.
Understanding the impact of congenital infections and perinatal viral exposures on the developing brain using white matter magnetic resonance imaging: a scoping review
Authors: Nyakonda Charmaine Natasha , Wedderburn Catherine J , Williams Simone R , Stein Dan J , Donald Kirsten A 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)-based imaging techniques are useful for assessing white matter (WM) structural and microstructural integrity in the context of infection and inflammation. The purpose of this scoping review was to assess the range of work on the use of WM neuroimaging approaches to understand the impact of congenital and perinatal viral infections or exposures on the developing brain.

Methods
This scoping review was conducted according to the Arksey and O’ Malley framework. A literature search was performed in Web of Science, Scopus and PubMed for primary research articles published from database conception up to January 2022. Studies evaluating the use of MRI-based WM imaging techniques in congenital and perinatal viral infections or exposures were included. Results were grouped by age and infection.

Results
A total of 826 articles were identified for screening and 28 final articles were included. Congenital and perinatal infections represented in the included studies were cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection (n = 12), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection (n = 11) or exposure (n = 2) or combined (n = 2), and herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection (n = 1). The represented MRI-based WM imaging methods included structural MRI and diffusion-weighted and diffusion tensor MRI (DWI/ DTI). Regions with the most frequently reported diffusion metric group differences included the cerebellar region, corticospinal tract and association fibre WM tracts in both children with HIV infection and children who are HIV-exposed uninfected. In qualitative imaging studies, WM hyperintensities were the most frequently reported brain abnormality in children with CMV infection and children with HSV infection.

Conclusion
There was evidence that WM imaging techniques can play a role as diagnostic and evaluation tools assessing the impact of congenital infections and perinatal viral exposures on the developing brain. The high sensitivity for identifying WM hyperintensities suggests structural brain MRI is a useful neurodiagnostic modality in assessing children with congenital CMV infection, while the DTI changes associated with HIV suggest metrics such as fractional anisotropy have the potential to be specific markers of subtle impairment or WM damage in neuroHIV.
Prospective associations of leucocyte subtypes and obesity with the risk of developing cutaneous malignant melanoma in the UK Biobank cohort
Authors: Christakoudi Sofia , Tsilidis Konstantinos K. , Riboli Elio 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Obesity is associated with chronic low-grade inflammation, which is linked to cancer development. Abdominal obesity (a body mass index, ABSI), however, has unusually been associated inversely with cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM), while general obesity (body mass index, BMI) is associated positively. Leucocytes participate in inflammation and are higher in obesity, but prospective associations of leucocytes with cutaneous malignant melanoma are unclear.

Methods
We examined the prospective associations of neutrophil, lymphocyte, and monocyte counts (each individually), as well as the prospective associations of ABSI and BMI, with cutaneous malignant melanoma in UK Biobank. We used multivariable Cox proportional hazards models and explored heterogeneity according to sex, menopausal status, age (≥ 50 years at recruitment), smoking status, ABSI (dichotomised at the median: ≥73.5 women; ≥79.8 men), BMI (normal weight, overweight, obese), and time to diagnosis.

Results
During a mean follow-up of 10.2 years, 2174 CMM cases were ascertained in 398,450 participants. There was little evidence for associations with neutrophil or lymphocyte counts. Monocyte count, however, was associated inversely in participants overall (HR = 0.928; 95%CI: 0.888–0.971; per one standard deviation increase; SD = 0.144*109/L women; SD = 0.169*109/L men), specifically in older participants (HR = 0.906; 95%CI: 0.862–0.951), and more clearly in participants with low ABSI (HR = 0.880; 95%CI: 0.824–0.939), or with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 (HR = 0.895; 95%CI: 0.837–0.958 for overweight; HR = 0.923; 95%CI: 0.848–1.005 for obese). ABSI was associated inversely in pre-menopausal women (HR = 0.810; 95%CI: 0.702–0.935; SD = 4.95) and men (HR = 0.925; 95%CI: 0.867–0.986; SD = 4.11). BMI was associated positively in men (HR = 1.148; 95%CI: 1.078–1.222; SD = 4.04 kg/m2). There was little evidence for heterogeneity according to smoking status. The associations with monocyte count and BMI were retained to at least 8 years prior to diagnosis, but the association with ABSI was observed up to 4 years prior to diagnosis and not for longer follow-up time.

Conclusions
Monocyte count is associated prospectively inversely with the risk of developing CMM in older individuals, while BMI is associated positively in men, suggesting a mechanistic involvement of factors related to monocytes and subcutaneous adipose tissue in melanoma development. An inverse association with ABSI closer to diagnosis may reflect reverse causality or glucocorticoid resistance.
Predicting CBT modality, treatment participation, and reliable improvements for individuals with anxiety and depression in a specialized mental health centre: a retrospective population-based cohort study
Authors: Roshanghalb Afsaneh , Hansen Bojay , Rudoler David , Best Michael W 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is one of the most successful therapeutic approaches for treating anxiety and depression. Clinical trials show that for some clients, internet-based CBT (eCBT) is as effective as other CBT delivery modes. However, the fidelity of these effects may be weakened in real-world settings where clients and providers have the freedom to choose a CBT delivery mode and switch treatments at any time. The purpose of this study is to measure the CBT attendance rate and identify client-level characteristics associated with delivery mode selection and having reliable and clinically significant improvement (RCSI) of treatment in each delivery mode in a real-world CBT outpatient program.

Methods
This is a retrospective cohort analysis of electronic medical records collected between May 1, 2019, and March 31, 2022, at Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences. Regression models were used to investigate the impact of individual client characteristics on participation and achieving RCSI of different CBT delivery modes.

Results
Our data show a high attendance rate for two and more CBT sessions across all modalities (98% of electronic, 94% of group, 100% of individual, and 99% of mixed CBT). Individuals were more likely to enter mixed and group CBT modality if they were younger, reported being employed, and reported higher depression severity at the baseline. Among the four modalities of CBT delivery, group CBT clients were least likely to have RCSI. Of those who started sessions, clients were significantly more likely to experience RCSI on the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-9 and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)-7 if they were employed, reported more severe symptoms at baseline, and were living in the most deprived neighborhoods.

Conclusions
This study will contribute to the body of knowledge about the implementation and treatment planning of different CBT delivery modes in real-world settings. With the changing clinical environment, it is possible to advocate for the adoption of the eCBT intervention to improve therapy practices and achieve better treatment success. The findings can help guide future CBT program planning based on client socio-demographic characteristics, allowing the optimal therapy type to be targeted to the right client at the right time.