bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ex vivo evaluation of 3 different right ventricular outflow tract substitutes
Authors: Saisho Hiroyuki , Geisler Ioana , Scharfschwerdt Michael , Sadat Najla , Zhang Xiling , Puehler Thomas , Ensminger Stephan , Fujita Buntaro , Aboud Anas 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
The Ross procedure represents an excellent treatment option in younger patients with aortic stenosis but is limited by poor availability of homografts. In this study, we investigated the hydrodynamic performance of 3 different types of right ventricular outflow tract replacement with pericardium or synthetic material.

METHODS
Three different types of valved conduits were constructed using pericardium and/or synthetic material (Group PEPE: pericardial cusps and pericardial conduit, Group PEPR: pericardial cusps and Dacron conduit, Group PRPR: expanded polytetrafluoroethylene cusps and Dacron conduit). The conduits were designed according to the Ozaki method. Their hydrodynamic performance (effective orifice area, mean pressure gradient and leakage volume) were evaluated in a mock circulation loop at different hydrodynamic conditions.

RESULTS
Hydrodynamic assessment showed significantly larger effective orifice area of PEPE and PEPR compared to PRPR under all conditions and there were no significant differences between PEPE and PEPR [for condition 2: PEPE 2.43 (2.35–2.54) cm2, PEPR: 2.42 (2.4–2.5) cm2, PRPR: 2.08 (1.97–2.21) cm2, adjusted pairwise comparisons: PEPE versus PEPR: P = 0.80, PEPE versus PRPR: P  &lt; 0.001, PEPR versus PRPR: P  &lt; 0.001]. Mean pressure gradient was significantly lower for PEPE and PEPR compared with PRPR, whereas no significant differences were seen between PEPE and PEPR. Leakage volume was significantly lower for PEPE and PEPR compared with PRPR under all conditions while leakage was similar between PEPE and PEPR.

CONCLUSIONS
Pulmonary graft reconstruction with pericardium cusps showed superior hydrodynamic performance compared with polytetrafluoroethylene cusps. Our results suggest that it could be considered as an alternative substitute for right ventricular outflow tract replacement during the Ross procedure.
Chest tube removal at different gas flows in prolonged air leak: a randomized non-inferiority trial
Authors: Li Xinyang , Yang Hang , Cai Yongsheng , Ye Xin , Chen Qirui , Ji Ying , Wang Jing , Fu Yili , Hu Bin , Miao Jinbai 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the safety and feasibility of removing drainage tubes at larger size of air leak in patients with prolonged air leak after pulmonary surgery.

METHODS
Ninety-five patients who underwent pulmonary surgery with prolonged air leak in our centre were enrolled in this randomized controlled, single-centre, non-inferiority study. The drainage tube was clamped with a stable size of air leak observed over the last 6 h, which was quantified by gas flow rate using the digital drainage system. The control group (n = 48) and the study group (n = 46) had their drainage tube clamped at 0–20 ml/min and 60–80 ml/min, respectively. We continuously monitored clinical symptoms, conducted imaging and laboratory examinations, and decided whether to reopen the drainage tube.

RESULTS
The reopening rate in the study group was not lower than that in the control group (2.08% vs 6.52%, P &gt; 0.05). The absolute difference in reopening rate was 4.44% (95% confidence interval –0.038 to 0.126), with an upper limit of 12.6% below the non-inferiority margin (15%). There were significant differences in the length of stay [16.5 (13–24.75) vs 13.5 (12–19.25), P = 0.017] and the duration of drainage [12 (9.25–18.50) vs 10 (8–12.25), P = 0.007] between the control and study groups. No notable differences were observed in chest X-ray results 14 days after discharge or in the readmission rate.

CONCLUSIONS
For patients with prolonged air leak, removing drainage tubes at larger size of air leak demonstrated similar safety compared to smaller size of air leak, and can shorten both length of stay and drainage duration.

Clinical trial registration number
Name of registry: Gas flow threshold for safe removal of chest drainage in patients with alveolar-pleural fistula prolonged air leak after pulmonary surgery. Registration number: ChiCTR2200067120. URL: https://www.chictr.org.cn/
Sex differences in long-term survival after total arterial coronary artery bypass grafting
Authors: Ren Justin , Bowyer Andrea , Tian David H , Reid Christopher M , Hwang Bridget , Royse Colin , El-Ansary Doa , Royse Alistair 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
It is uncertain if the evidence on improved long-term survival of total arterial coronary artery bypass grafting applies to female patients. This study aims to compare the long-term survival outcomes of using total arterial revascularization (TAR) versus at least 1 saphenous vein graft separately for men and women.

METHODS
This retrospective analysis of the Australian and New Zealand Society of Cardiac-Thoracic Surgical Database had administrative linkage to the National Death Index. We identified all patients undergoing primary isolated coronary bypass from June 2001 to January 2020 inclusive. Following sex stratification, propensity score matching with 36 variables and Cox proportional hazard regression were used to facilitate adjusted comparisons. A Cox interaction-term analysis was performed to investigate the impact of sex on TAR survival benefit. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality.

RESULTS
Of the 69 624 eligible patients receiving at least 2 grafts, 13 019 (18.7%) were female patients. Matching generated 14 951 male and 3530 female pairs. Compared to vein-dependent procedures, TAR was associated with significantly reduced incidence of long-term all-cause mortality for both male (hazard ratio, 0.86; 95% confidence interval, 0.81–0.91; P &lt; 0.001) and female (hazard ratio, 0.82; 95% confidence interval, 0.73–0.91; P &lt; 0.001) cohorts. Interaction-term analysis indicated no significant subgroup effect from sex (P = 0.573) on the survival advantage of TAR. The treatment effect provided by TAR remained significant across most sex-stratified disease subgroups.

CONCLUSIONS
TAR, when compared to the use of at least 1 saphenous vein graft, provides comparable superior long-term survival outcomes in both females and males.
Anti-Solutionism and Anti-Formalism in Global Algorithmic Governance Studies
Authors: Mignot-Mahdavi Rebecca 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Digital and non-digital modes of governing the international legal order co-exist. This imbrication brings with it a particular constellation of actors, new sites and processes of governance and new modalities of law-making. Claudia Aradau and Tobias Blanke, in Algorithmic Reason, guide us through the complex cartographies of global governance. They eloquently map the networks and infrastructures of algorithmic governance and show how they affect the relations between the governing and the governed. Thereby, they help us visualize the imbrication of the local and the global, of private and public infrastructural logics beyond the static binaries that shape our traditional understanding of the international legal order. Throughout multiple case studies, two major transversal claims emerge in the book that are relevant to international lawyers. The book, in my view, argues for (i) an anti-solutionist and (ii) an anti-formalist analysis of global algorithmic governance. As these two transversal claims are not always fully unpacked and explicitly embraced, this review essay aims to draw the contours of these claims, unpack them and show how valuable they can be to think about global algorithmic governance and the functions of international law in the equation.
Reductions in remnant cholesterol and VLDL cholesterol through inhibition of ANGPTL3 protein synthesis: an analysis from the TRANSLATE-TIMI 70 trial
Authors: Zimerman Andre , Wiviott Stephen D , Park Jeong-Gun , Murphy Sabina A , Ran Xinhui , Bramson Candace R , Curto Madelyn , Ramos Vesper , Jevne Alexandra , Kuder Julia F , Verma Subodh , Wojakowski Wojtek , Terra Steven G , Sabatine Marc S , Bergmark Brian A , Marston Nicholas A 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Aims
Remnant cholesterol and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) are increasingly recognized risk factors for atherosclerotic disease with few therapeutic options. Angiopoietin-like 3 (ANGPTL3), a key protein in the metabolism of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, is a promising target.

Methods and results
TRANSLATE-TIMI 70 was a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial testing seven dose regimens of vupanorsen, an antisense oligonucleotide against ANGPTL3, in adults with non-HDL-C ≥ 100 mg/dL and triglycerides 150–500 mg/dL. The primary endpoint of this analysis was percentage change in remnant cholesterol (total cholesterol minus directly measured LDL-C minus HDL-C) and VLDL-C (directly measured) over 24 weeks. Two hundred eighty-six patients were enrolled, with a median age of 64 years and 44% female. Median baseline remnant cholesterol and VLDL-C were 42 and 31 mg/dL, respectively (reference: &lt;30 mg/dL). Vupanorsen lowered remnant cholesterol by 42–59% at 24 weeks over placebo (P &lt; 0.001), achieving a median level of 18 mg/dL at the highest dose. Over the same period, VLDL-C was reduced by 52–67% over placebo (P &lt; 0.001), with a median achieved level of 2.5 mg/dL at the highest dose. The effect of vupanorsen on remnant cholesterol and VLDL-C reduction was dose-dependent and directly associated with the degree of ANGPTL3 inhibition: at 90% ANGPTL3 reduction, there was a 61% and 81% decrease in remnant cholesterol and VLDL-C, respectively.

Conclusion
Inhibition of ANGPTL3 protein synthesis significantly lowered remnant cholesterol and VLDL-C in patients with hypertriglyceridaemia. The magnitude of reduction was associated with the degree of ANGPTL3 inhibition. These findings support ANGPTL3 inhibition as a promising target for lowering cholesterol on triglyceride-rich lipoproteins.
Optimal Mating of Pinus taeda L. Under Different Scenarios Using Differential Evolution Algorithm
Authors: Goda Khushi , Isik Fikret 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
A newly developed software, AgMate, was used to perform optimized mating for monoecious Pinus taeda L. breeding. Using a computational optimization procedure called differential evolution, AgMate was applied under different breeding population sizes scenarios (50, 100, 150, 200, and 250) and candidate contribution scenarios (maximum use of each candidate was set to 1 or 8), to assess its efficiency in maximizing the genetic gain while controlling inbreeding. A population of 962 Pinus taeda parents with a known pedigree from the North Carolina State University Tree Improvement Program was used to optimize objective functions accounting for the coancestry of parents and expected genetic gain and inbreeding of the future progeny. AgMate results were compared with those from another widely used mating software called MateSel. For the proposed mating list of 200 progenies, AgMate resulted in an 83.7% increase in genetic gain compared with the candidate population. There was evidence that AgMate performed similarly to MateSel in managing coancestry and expected genetic gain, but MateSel was superior in avoiding inbreeding in proposed mate pairs. The developed algorithm was computationally efficient in maximizing the objective functions and flexible for practical application in monoecious diploid conifer breeding. AgMate, with its open-source software, free-to-modify algorithm and front-end ShinyApp, is a necessary addition for the advancement of conifer breeding.
Study Implications: A dataset from a breeding population of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) was analyzed using an optimal mating software, AgMate (developed by the authors), to optimize the selection, contribution, and mating of candidates simultaneously. The software helps breeders decide on trees to cross and the crossing frequency, such that the trees are unrelated and would result in the best-performing progenies. AgMate is effective in meeting the breeding objectives for monoecious diploid species. The open-source, easy-to-use, and flexible AgMate software, also accessible via a website, is invaluable in helping breeders create optimal matings for future generations, which balances the pursuit of maximizing genetic gain while maintaining genetic diversity.
On FRAND as a Means of Information Access
Authors: Kokoulina Olga 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
FRAND (fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory) is a highly debated acronym that has been scrutinised, expounded and tested in scholarly works, courtrooms, and policy discussions. Initially employed as a remedy means and access tool in sector-specific and standards-setting contexts, FRAND has recently made its way into the emerging EU data governance regime. Given this new position, it is appropriate to examine FRAND critically as a universal access mechanism of the information law domain at large.
Drawing on a narrative of FRAND in SEP licensing, this article reflects on the innate capacity of FRAND to act as a flexible governance instrument. Examining regulatory forces and patterns guiding the interpretation of FRAND, the article presents the interplay of self-governance, national and EU layers of regulation. As shown, the determination of FRAND is firmly grounded on institutional and procedural norms, both in a standardisation context and beyond. The analysis highlights the fact that such a regulatory approach has costs and opportunities. To harness the flexibility of FRAND as a universal information access tool, it is essential to gain more clarity as to the content and goals of FRAND-enabled transactions. It is also critical to ensure that the efficiency of such a regulatory approach does not come at the cost of compromising on the protection afforded by EU fundamental rights and freedoms.
Implementation of the split-beam function to Mills cross multibeam echo sounder for target strength measurements
Authors: Matte Guillaume , Gauthier Tehei , Rousselot Nathan , Guillard Jean , Lamouret Marie , Lerda Olivier , Tallon Benoit , Roux Phillipe , Mosca Frederic 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Modern challenges in the increasing exploitation of aquatic ecosystems require efficient, reliable, and noninvasive technologies to acquire biomass information on a large scale. For the past 40 years, hydroacoustics has been an essential tool to analyse fish populations and their relationship with the environment. Currently, split-beam echo sounders are standard tools used to reliably and accurately record data in oceans, estuaries, and lakes. To maximize the coverage volume and to increase target detection, and therefore data quality, the use of multi-beam echo sounders is a real asset. We propose here an innovative method for target strength (TS) calculation based on the signal from a reversible Mills cross multi-beam sonar, SeapiX (Exail), which also includes the analytical capability of a split-beam echo sounder. This innovative approach provides new original information when using a multi-beam sonar. The case study in Lake Bourget was based on a comparison of the simultaneous recordings of SeapiX and EK80 (SIMRAD) to prove the validity of this multi split-beam processing, as well as to estimate the in situ TS of fish.
Mortality in women with a history of incarceration in Norway: a 20-year national cohort study
Authors: Svendsen Vegard G , Bukten Anne , Skardhamar Torbjørn , Stavseth Marianne Riksheim 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Women carry a substantial burden of psychiatric, somatic and lifestyle-related morbidity in the prison context. By describing causes of death and estimating the risk and burden of mortality compared with the general population, this study investigates how mortality operates in this highly marginalized and under-researched population.

Methods
In this registry-based study of all women incarcerated in Norwegian prisons from 2000 to 2019 (N = 11 313), we calculated crude mortality rates, years of lost life and, by using mortality in age-matched women from the general population as a reference, age-standardized mortality ratios and years of lost life rates.

Results
Over a mean follow-up time of 10.7 years, at a median age of 50 years, 9% of the population had died (n = 1005). Most deaths (80%) were premature deaths from an avoidable cause. Drug-induced causes and deaths from major non-communicable diseases (NCDs) were most frequent (both 32%). Compared with women in the general population, women with a history of incarceration were more likely to die from any cause. Trends in annual age-standardized years of lost life rates suggest that the mortality burden associated with major NCDs has gradually replaced drug-induced causes.

Conclusions
Women with a history of incarceration die at a greater rate than their peers and largely from avoidable causes. The profile of causes contributing to the substantial burden of mortality placed on this population has changed over time and has important implications for future efforts to reduce morbidity and the risk of premature death following release from prison.
Patient perspectives on the vital primary care role of community pharmacists in Nova Scotia, Canada: qualitative findings from the PUPPY Study
Authors: Isenor Jennifer E , Renaud Lauren , Mathews Maria , Morrison Bobbi , Murphy Andrea L , Bishop Andrea , Bowles Susan K , Kennie-Kaulbach Natalie , Peddle Sarah , Breton Mylaine , Green Michael E , Marshall Emily G 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Community pharmacists play an important role in primary care access and delivery for all patients, including patients with a family physician or nurse practitioner (“attached”) and patients without a family physician or nurse practitioner (“unattached”). During the COVID-19 pandemic, community pharmacists were accessible care providers for unattached patients and patients who had difficulty accessing their usual primary care providers (“semi-attached”). Before and during the pandemic, pharmacist services expanded in several Canadian provinces. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore patient experiences receiving care from community pharmacists, and their perspectives on the scope of practice of community pharmacists.

Methods
Fifteen patients in Nova Scotia, Canada, were interviewed. Participant narratives pertaining to pharmacist care were analyzed thematically.

Key findings
Attached, “semi-attached,” and unattached patients valued community pharmacists as a cornerstone of care and sought pharmacists for a variety of health services, including triaging and system navigation. Patients spoke positively about expanding the scope of practice for community pharmacists, and better optimization of pharmacists in primary care.

Conclusions
System decision-makers should consider the positive role community pharmacists can play in achieving primary care across the Quintuple Aim (population health, patient and provider experiences, reducing costs, and supporting equity in health).
Empirical antimicrobial prescribing for pyelonephritis in patients discharged from 15 US Emergency Departments: an opportunity for improvement
Authors: Rech Megan A , Faine Brett A , Gross Alan E , Vakkalanka Priyanka , Brown Caitlin S , Harding Stephanie J , Slocum Giles , Zimmerman David , Zepeski Anne , Rewitzer Stacey , Howington Gavin T , Campbell Matt , Dawson Jordan , Treu Cierra N , Nelson Lucas , Jones Mandy , Flack Tara , Porter Blake , Sarangarm Preeyaporn , Mattson Alicia E , Bailey Abby , Kelly Gregory , Talan David A 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are commonly treated in the emergency department (ED), and unfortunately, resistance to first-line agents is increasing.

Objectives
To characterize treatment of pyelonephritis in a nationally representative sample of ED patients and to identify patient- and treatment-specific factors associated with receiving initial inactive antibiotics.

Methods
We conducted a multicentre, observational cohort study utilizing the Emergency Medicine PHARMacotherapy Research NETwork (EMPHARM-NET), comprising 15 geographically diverse US EDs. All patients ≥18 years of age with a diagnosis of pyelonephritis between 2018 and 2020 were included. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients who received initial inactive empirical antibiotic therapy and to identify predictive factors of inactive antibiotic therapy.

Results
Of the 3714 patients evaluated, 223 had culture-positive pyelonephritis. Median patient age was 50.1 years and patients were mostly female (78.3%). Overall, 40.4% of patients received an IV antibiotic, most commonly ceftriaxone (86.7%). The most frequently prescribed antibiotics were cefalexin (31.8%), ciprofloxacin (14.3%), cefdinir (13.5%) and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (12.6%). Overall, 10.3% of patients received initial inactive therapy. After adjustment in a multivariable analysis, long-acting IV antibiotic was predictive of inactive therapy (OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.07–0.83).

Conclusions
In our prospective, multicentre observational study, we found that only 40.4% of patients with pyelonephritis received empirical IV antibiotics in the ED, contributing to inactive therapy. Receipt of long-acting IV antibiotics was independently associated with a decreased rate of initial inactive therapy. This reinforces guideline recommendations to administer long-acting IV antibiotics empirically in the ED upon suspicion of pyelonephritis.
Calcium trafficking and gastrointestinal physiology following an acute lipopolysaccharide challenge in pigs
Authors: Opgenorth Julie , Mayorga Edith J , Abeyta Megan A , Goetz Brady M , Rodriguez-Jimenez Sonia , Freestone Alyssa D , Stahl Chad H , Baumgard Lance H 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The influence of systemic immune activation on whole-body calcium (Ca) trafficking and gastrointestinal tract (GIT) physiology is not clear. Thus, the study objectives were to characterize the effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on Ca pools and GIT dynamics to increase understanding of immune-induced hypocalcemia, ileus, and stomach hemorrhaging. Twelve crossbred pigs [44 ± 3 kg body weight (BW)] were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 intramuscular treatments: (1) control (CON; 2 mL saline; n = 6) or (2) LPS (40 µg LPS/kg BW; n = 6). Pigs were housed in metabolism stalls to collect total urine and feces for 6 h after treatment administration, at which point they were euthanized, and various tissues, organs, fluids, and digesta were weighed, and analyzed for Ca content. Data were analyzed with the MIXED procedure in SAS 9.4. Rectal temperature and respiration rate increased in LPS relative to CON pigs (1.4 °C and 32%, respectively; P ≤ 0.05). Inflammatory biomarkers such as circulating alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, and total bilirubin increased in LPS compared with CON pigs whereas albumin decreased (P ≤ 0.02). Plasma glucose and urea nitrogen decreased and increased, respectively, after LPS (43% and 80%, respectively; P &lt; 0.01). Pigs administered LPS had reduced circulating ionized calcium (iCa) compared to CON (15%; P &lt; 0.01). Considering estimations of total blood volume, LPS caused an iCa deficit of 23 mg relative to CON (P &lt; 0.01). Adipose tissue and urine from LPS pigs had reduced Ca compared to CON (39% and 77%, respectively; P ≤ 0.05). There did not appear to be increased Ca efflux into GIT contents and no detectable increases in other organ or tissue Ca concentrations were identified. Thus, while LPS caused hypocalcemia, we were unable to determine where circulating Ca was trafficked. LPS administration markedly altered GIT dynamics including stomach hemorrhaging, diarrhea (increased fecal output and moisture), and reduced small intestine and fecal pH (P ≤ 0.06). Taken together, changes in GIT physiology suggested dyshomeostasis and alimentary pathology. Future research is required to fully elucidate the etiology of immune activation-induced hypocalcemia and GIT pathophysiology.