bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Decision‐making processes behind seeking regular cardiac checkups for individuals with Marfan syndrome: A grounded theory study
Authors: Haruyama Sayoko , Torishima Masako , Kawasaki Hidenori , Wada Takahito , Kosugi Shinji 
Published: November 2023

AbstractPatients with Marfan syndrome (MFS) present with various symptoms, such as aortic aneurysm/dissection, tall stature, and lens deviation. Among them, acute aortic dissection is a complication that leads to sudden death. Some individuals with MFS are reluctant to see a cardiologist and discontinue regular checkups until they develop life‐threatening complications. We conducted a grounded theory study to investigate how individuals with MFS decided whether to adhere to healthcare recommendations, specifically to attend cardiology appointments. The study recruited individuals with a clinical or genetic diagnosis of MFS from a Japanese university hospital and individuals from a support group. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 28 consenting participants. In this study, we identified the decision‐making processes of individuals with MFS concerning their cardiology visits. We extracted “perception of the gap between their health status and medical recommendations” as the central category. This decision‐making process consisted of three parts: (A) the process by which an individual with MFS sees a cardiologist for the first time, (B) the process by which an individual with MFS keeps up with cardiology checkups, and (C) the process by which parents bring their children with MFS to the cardiologist. Individuals who learned of the possibility of MFS decided whether to adhere to medical recommendations depending on how they perceived the gap between their health status and the medical recommendations. In addition to medical information and treatment experience, adaptation to MFS, which changed through interactions with others, influenced the perception of the gap. This study suggests the role of genetic counseling and molecular genetic diagnosis as factors that may facilitate adaptation to MFS. The involvement of genetic counselors is important for helping individuals with MFS keep up with regular checkups while affirming their own experiences. These results provide insight into adherence to medical recommendations for individuals with MFS.
Made in Africa – How to make local agricultural machinery manufacturing thrive
Authors: Daum Thomas , Adegbola Ygué Patrice , Kamau Geoffrey , Kergna Alpha Oumar , Daudu Christogonus , Adebowale Wahab Akeem , Adegbola Carine , Bett Charles , Mulinge Wellington , Zossou Roch Cedrique , Nientao Abdoulaye , Kirui Oliver , Oluwole Fatunbi Abiodun 
Published: November 2023

AbstractManufacturing has the potential to drive economic growth, job creation and poverty reduction, but African manufacturers face challenges in competing with global markets. Agricultural machinery manufacturing may be one niche where African manufacturers can succeed. This paper examines the challenges and opportunities facing local agricultural manufacturers in Africa based on a survey of 386 manufacturers in four countries and qualitative methods. Results show that small, dedicated entrepreneurs have created vibrant local machinery markets. These manufacturers have several comparative advantages, in particular, the ability to develop machinery adapted to local agroecological conditions but face challenges related to financing, human resources, utilities, raw materials, production equipment and the regulatory environment. The paper offers recommendations on how to support local manufacturers to make “Made in Africa” the first choice for African farmers and agro‐food processors.
Integrative single‐cell transcriptome analysis provides new insights into post‐COVID‐19 pulmonary fibrosis and potential therapeutic targets
Authors: Kim Yumin , Kim Yeongmin , Lim Hyobin Julianne , Kim Dae‐Kyum , Park Ji‐Hwan , Oh Chang‐Myung 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe global COVID‐19 pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 virus has resulted in a significant number of patients experiencing persistent symptoms, including post‐COVID pulmonary fibrosis (PCPF). This study aimed to identify novel therapeutic targets for PCPF using single‐cell RNA‐sequencing data from lung tissues of COVID‐19 patients, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients, and a rat transforming growth factor beta‐1‐induced fibrosis model treated with antifibrotic drugs. Patients with COVID‐19 had lower alveolar macrophage counts than healthy controls, whereas patients with COVID‐19 and IPF presented with elevated monocyte‐derived macrophage counts. A comparative transcriptome analysis showed that macrophages play a crucial role in IPF and COVID‐19 development and progression, and fibrosis‐ and inflammation‐associated genes were upregulated in both conditions. Functional enrichment analysis revealed the upregulation of inflammation and proteolysis and the downregulation of ribosome biogenesis. Cholesterol efflux and glycolysis were augmented in both macrophage types. The study suggests that antifibrotic drugs may reverse critical lung fibrosis mediators in COVID‐19. The results help clarify the molecular mechanisms underlying pulmonary fibrosis in patients with severe COVID‐19 and IPF and highlight the potential efficacy of antifibrotic drugs in COVID‐19 therapy. Collectively, all these findings may have significant implications for the development of new treatment strategies for PCPF.
Integrative proteomics and metabolomics study reveal enhanced immune responses by COVID‐19 vaccine booster shot against Omicron SARS‐CoV‐2 infection
Authors: Wang Beili , Yang Wenjing , Tong Yexin , Sun Mingjun , Quan Sheng , Zhu Jing , Zhang Qianwen , Qin Zhaoyu , Ni Yanxia , Zhao Ying , Wang Kouqiong , Zhang Chunyan , Zhang Yichi , Wang Zhenxin , Song Zhenju , Liu Huafen , Fang Hao , Kong Ziqing , Ding Chen , Guo Wei 
Published: November 2023

AbstractSince its outbreak in late 2021, the Omicron variant of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) has been widely reported to be able to evade neutralizing antibodies, becoming more transmissible while causing milder symptoms than previous SARS‐CoV‐2 strains. Understanding the underlying molecular changes of Omicron SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and corresponding host responses are important to the control of Omicron COVID‐19 pandemic. In this study, we report an integrative proteomics and metabolomics investigation of serum samples from 80 COVID‐19 patients infected with Omicron SARS‐CoV‐2, as well as 160 control serum samples from 80 healthy individuals and 80 patients who had flu‐like symptoms but were negative for SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. The multiomics results indicated that Omicron SARS‐CoV‐2 infection caused significant changes to host serum proteome and metabolome comparing to the healthy controls and patients who had flu‐like symptoms without COVID‐19. Protein and metabolite changes also pointed to liver dysfunctions and potential damage to other host organs by Omicron SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. The Omicron COVID‐19 patients could be roughly divided into two subgroups based on their proteome differences. Interestingly, the subgroup who mostly had received full vaccination with booster shot had fewer coughing symptom, changed sphingomyelin lipid metabolism, and stronger immune responses including higher numbers of lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophils, and upregulated proteins related to CD4+ T cells, CD8+ effector memory T cells (Tem), and conventional dendritic cells, revealing beneficial effects of full COVID‐19 vaccination against Omicron SARS‐CoV‐2 infection through molecular changes.
Prognosis of programmed ventricular stimulation in adult patients with syncope of unexplained origin: A historical cohort
Authors: Finkler Bruno Schaaf , Sant'Anna Roberto , Pinos Javier , Zanotta Danilo Barros , Moreira Thiago Camargo , de Jesus Felipe Della Barba , Batista Pedro Dutra , da Rocha Helena Guedes , de Lima Barbara Adelmann , Saffi Marco Aurélio Lumertz , de Lima Gustavo Glotz , Kruse Marcelo , Leiria Tiago Luiz Luz 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundProgrammed ventricular stimulation (PVS) during electrophysiological study (EPS), is a globally accepted tool for risk stratification of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in some specific clinical situations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognosis of ventricular arrhythmia induction in a cohort of patients with syncope of undetermined origin (SUO).MethodsThis is a historical cohort study in a population of patients with SUO referred for EPS between the years 2008–2021. In this interval, 575 patients underwent the procedure.ResultsPatients with induced ventricular arrhythmias had a higher occurrence of structural heart disease (36.7% vs. 76.5%), ischemic heart disease (28.2 vs. 57.1%), heart failure (15.5% vs. 34.4%), and lower left ventricular ejection fraction (59.16% vs. 47.51%), when compared to the outcome with a negative study. PVS triggered ventricular arrhythmias in 98 patients, 62 monomorphic and 36 polymorphic. During a median follow‐up of 37.6 months, 100 deaths occurred. Only the induction of sustained ventricular arrhythmias showed a significant association with the primary outcome (all‐cause mortality) with a p value <.001. After the performance of EPS, 142 patients underwent cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) implantation. At study follow‐up, 30 patients had therapies by the device. Only the induction of sustained monomorphic ventricular arrhythmia showed statistically significant association with appropriate therapies by the device (p = .012).ConclusionIn patients with SUO, the induction of sustained monomorphic ventricular arrhythmia after programmed ventricular pacing is related to a worse prognosis, with a higher incidence of mortality and appropriate therapies by the ICD.
Robust assessment of associations between weather and eastern wild turkey nest success
Authors: Boone Wesley W. , Moorman Christopher E. , Moscicki David J. , Collier Bret A. , Chamberlain Michael J. , Terando Adam J. , Pacifici Krishna 
Published: November 2023

AbstractTemperature and precipitation have been identified as factors that potentially influence eastern wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) reproduction, but robust analyses testing the relationship between weather parameters and turkey nest success are lacking. Therefore, we assessed how weather influenced turkey daily nest survival using 8 years of data collected from 715 nests across the southeastern United States. We also conducted exploratory analyses investigating if weather conditions during or prior to nesting best predicted nest success. We then assessed the possible implications of climate change through 2041–2060 for future eastern wild turkey daily nest survival and nest success for variables determined significant in analyses. During incubation, positive anomalies of minimum daily temperature were associated with greater daily nest survival. Precipitation during nesting was not a good predictor of daily nest survival. Exploratory analyses unexpectedly indicated that weather conditions in January prior to incubation were more important to nest success than weather conditions during incubation. In January, negative anomalies of minimum temperature and greater average daily precipitation were associated with greater nest success. Projections of future nest success or daily nest survival based on these relationships with the predictive covariates, and informed by climate models, suggest that nest success may increase as January precipitation increases and that daily nest survival may increase as temperature during incubation increases. These positive associations could be offset by a negative association between nest success and the expected increases in January minimum average temperature. Additional research is needed to investigate causes of these relationships and assess the implications of climate change for eastern wild turkey poult survival.
Video‐Based Decision Aids Improve Sleep Surgery Decision‐Making: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Gulati Arushi , Abdulbaki Hasan , Callander Jacquelyn K. , Cai Yi , Chang Jolie L. 
Published: November 2023

ObjectivesDecisional conflict (DC) is high in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) surgical candidates interested in positive airway pressure (PAP) alternatives. We evaluated the impact of pre‐consultation video decision aids on patient DC and decision readiness.MethodsPrior to consultation for PAP alternatives, adult OSA patients were enrolled and completed a questionnaire querying DC (scored 0 [no conflict]–100 [high conflict]) and decision readiness. Those considering ≥3 treatment options were categorized as “high‐conflict.” Patients were randomized to either an intervention group with video review about PAP and surgical options prior to their visit or to a control group that received no video review. Audio recordings of clinic visits were analyzed for patient engagement.ResultsTwenty‐five participants (control: n = 12, intervention: n = 13) were found to have comparably high DC (mean score: 40.0). Both groups experienced post‐visit improvements in DC scores (post‐consult: 25.2, p = 0.003) which did not differ between the two groups (intervention: 20.5 ± 15.1 vs. control: 11.7 ± 12.1 points, p = 0.13). The intervention group showed significant improvement in decision‐making stage after the visit, with 72.7% “close to selecting an option” (p = 0.04) versus 41.7% in the control group. Use of videos was not associated with any differences in patient satisfaction, engagement, or decision to pursue surgery (all p > 0.05). High‐conflict patients (n = 5) who reviewed pre‐visit videos (intervention sub‐group) spoke fewer words during the visit (687 ± 139 vs. 1120 ± 389 words, p = 0.047) and had shorter visit times (18.7 ± 2.9 vs. 24.3 ± 3.1 min, p = 0.02) than high‐conflict control patients.ConclusionsPatients have high levels of DC when considering PAP alternatives. Use of video decision aids prior to sleep surgery consultation may improve the treatment decision‐making process.Level of Evidence2 Laryngoscope, 134:2958–2963, 2024
Prognostic Significance of Regional Disease in Young Patients with Oral Cancer: A Comparative Study
Authors: Yosefof Eyal , Tsur Nir , Zavdy Ofir , Kurman Noga , Dudkiewicz Dean , Yehuda Moshe , Bachar Gideon , Shpitzer Thomas , Mizrachi Aviram , Tzelnick Sharon 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundRegional metastases are considered the most important prognostic factor in OSCC patients. We aimed to investigate the impact of regional disease among different age groups with OSCC.MethodsA retrospective comparison between patients 40 years old or younger, 41–69 years old, and 70 years or older treated for OSCC between 2000 and 2020 in a tertiary‐care center.Results279 patients were included. The mean age was 65 ± 17.7 and 133 were male (47.7%). Thirty‐six (12.9%) were 40 years old or younger, 101 (36.2%) were 41–69 years and 142 (50.9%) were 70 years or older. Five‐year overall survival and disease‐specific survival (DSS) were significantly better among patients younger than 40 compared to the mid‐age group and patients 70 years or older (76.7% vs. 69.4% vs.48.2%, Log‐rank p < 0.001, and 76.7% vs. 75.3% vs. 46.5%, Log‐rank p < 0.001, respectively). While an association between regional spread and overall survival and DSS was demonstrated among all age groups, the odds ratio (OR) for death of any cause and death of disease regarding cervical metastasis was much higher among patients younger than 40 compared with the 41–69 and 70+ age groups (death of any cause‐OR = 23, p‐value = 0.008, OR = 2.6, p‐value = 0.026, OR = 2.4, p‐value = 0.13, respectively. Death of disease‐OR = 23, p‐value = 0.008, OR = 2.3, p‐value = 0.082, OR = 4.1, p‐value = 0.001, respectively). In univariate  analysis, regional metastasis was associated with disease‐free survival only among patients younger than 40 (p‐value = 0.04).ConclusionsRegional metastases correspond with worse prognosis in young patients compared to older patients. These patients may benefit from a comprehensive treatment approach with close post‐treatment follow‐up.Level of Evidence3 Laryngoscope, 134:2212–2220, 2024
Soil enrichment of potentially toxic elements in relation to land‐use types in an alpine meadow of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau
Authors: Luo Caiyun , Zuo Chao , Pan Sichen , Chen Jingrui , Chao Le , Sun Jiachen , Zhao Liang 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, a fragile ecosystem with unique biodiversity, is particularly susceptible to soil contamination from increasing anthropogenic activities like grazing and farming. However, research exploring the relationship between these factors remains limited. Our study examines soil changes and potentially toxic elements (PTEs) after converting alpine meadows, providing insight into the impact of land‐use in this area. We found significant differences in the concentrations of PTEs (Cd, Cr, Hg, and Pb) among the three land‐use types. Soil from Oat Field (OF) had lower levels of Cd, Cr, Hg, and Pb compared with Fence Enclosure (FE) and Winter Grazing (WG), indicating a potential uptake/phytoextraction of these elements by oats. Different profiles of soil physiochemical properties were also detected, particularly in the OF soil, which showed significantly lower available potassium, microbial carbon, and microbial nitrogen but higher soil bulk density and total and available phosphorus. Additionally, significant stratification was observed in soil concentrations of most studied PTEs and nutrients in FE and WG, but not in OF. Specifically, lower levels of As, Cr, and most nutrients were found in the top layer (0–10 cm) compared with the bottom layer (20–30 cm). By comparison, Cd and Hg showed higher concentrations in the top layer in FE. These contrasting trends suggest potential differences in the mobility or bioavailability of these elements in the soil of the alpine meadow. Furthermore, significantly negative correlations were found between most soil nutrients, and the concentrations of As, Cr, and Pb, whereas significantly positive associations were observed for soil nutrients with Cd and Hg. However, such relationships predominantly existed in soils of WG and FE, but not OF. Collectively, our results suggest the potentially disrupted PTE accumulation and nutrient distribution by anthropogenic activities, particularly agricultural practices within the studied land‐use types, and warrant further evaluation of the associated ecotoxicological risks.
Complications of eustachian tube balloon dilation: Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database analysis and literature review
Authors: Chisolm Paul F. , Hakimi Amir A. , Maxwell Jessica H. , Russo Mark E. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo provide an analysis of complications following eustachian tube balloon dilation as well as their treatments and outcomes.Data SourcesPubMed, Ovid Embase, and MAUDE Database.Review MethodsA systematic approach following PRISMA guidelines was used to identify publications pertaining to balloon dilation of the eustachian tube from PubMed and Ovid Embase databases was used. Once these publications were critically reviewed, the primary outcome extracted were reported complications. Additional complications were collected in the Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database using the product class “eustachian tube dilation device” and searching through relevant manufacturers. Complications and outcomes were compared between these sources.ResultsFifty five full‐length manuscripts involving 7155 patients were included and 98 complications reported for a 1.4% complication rate. The most frequently reported adverse events were subcutaneous emphysema of the head and neck (19%), epistaxis (12%), and acute otitis media (11%). The MAUDE search returned 18 distinct patient entries, of which 12 (67%) reported complications. The most reported complications in the MAUDE database included subcutaneous emphysema (8, 67%) and pneumomediastinum (3, 25%). The most serious complication was a carotid artery dissection reported in one patient in the MAUDE database.ConclusionEustachian tube dilation is rarely associated with complications, which nevertheless may lead to morbidity and medical emergencies. Patients and providers should recognize potential risks associated with this intervention as well as methods to manage complications.
Investigation on mechanical properties and corrosion behavior of dissimilar joints of 5083 and 6005A alloy welded by friction stir welding
Authors: Chang Yongpeng , Han Bin , Shi Yunjia , Wang Xiangnan , Liu Nian , Guo Jiaqi , Dou Shengchuan , Zhang Guopeng , Li Mengjia , Cai Bin 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIn this paper, the microstructure, mechanical properties, and corrosion behavior of friction stir welded (FSW) joints of the two aluminum alloys 6005A‐5083 were investigated and their correlation was discussed. In contrast to FSW joints of the same aluminum material, this results in a “V” shape curve of hardness distributed nonsymmetrically along the weld. The lowest hardness area occurs at the interface between the heat‐affected zone and the thermo‐mechanically affected zone of 6005A (6‐HAZ and 6‐TMAZ) due to the transformation of the β" phase under the influence of heat input during the stir friction process. This also leads to all tensile specimens fracturing in this area. The corrosion behavior of the FSW joint in acidic solution containing Cl− was determined by an exfoliation corrosion (EXCO) test, an intergranular corrosion (IGC) test, and potentiodynamic polarization measurements, based on the potential application in acid rain environment. The results showed that the corrosion resistance order in the acidic solution is: 6‐HAZ > NZ > 6‐BM > 5‐HAZ > 5‐BM. The 5‐BM has the worst corrosion resistance due to the high corrosion sensitivity of Al3Mg2 in acidic solution. However, good corrosion resistances are shown in NZ and 6‐HAZ, which is related to a relatively homogeneous microstructure in NZ and a dissolution or coarsening of β" phases in 6‐HAZ because of frictional heat input.
Nickel‐based alloy corrosion in CANDU steam generators: E–pH diagrams of the Ni–NH3–H2O and Ni–CH3COO−–H2O ternary systems
Authors: Khollari Mohammad Amin Razmjoo , Zebardast Hamid , Asselin Edouard 
Published: November 2023

AbstractNuclear power plant steam generator (SG) tubes contain nickel as the main alloying element and there is concern about their corrosion. We optimized models for calculating the high‐temperature and high‐pressure thermodynamic properties of common nuclear alloy elements. Subsequently, we calculated the E–pH diagrams for nickel in different concentrations of ammonia or acetate ion at temperatures ranging from 100°C to 260°C and a pressure of 4.7 MPa. This information is used to predict the corrosion behavior of nickel in the secondary circuit conditions of Canadian Deuterium Uranium (CANDU) SGs. Increasing the ammonia or acetate ion concentration resulted in the predominance of Ni(NH3)n2+ or Ni(Ac)n(2−n) at the expense of Ni2+ and NiO, indicating a higher risk of nickel corrosion. Calculations showed that under normal operating conditions with [NH3]tot = 5 × 10−5 and [CH3COO−]tot = 10−8 m at 260°C and 4.7 MPa, nickel will be passivated as NiO, preventing the rapid degradation of nickel‐based alloys. However, in the presence of a crevice that allows the acetate ion to concentrate, nickel would dissolve in the form of the Ni2+ ion, endangering safe operation of CANDU SGs.