bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transradial intervention in dialysis patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention: a Japanese nationwide registry study
Authors: Kuno Toshiki , Yamaji Kyohei , Aikawa Tadao , Sawano Mitsuaki , Ando Tomo , Numasawa Yohei , Wada Hideki , Amano Tetsuya , Kozuma Ken , Kohsaka Shun 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Aims
Transradial intervention (TRI) for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is used to reduce periprocedural complications. However, its effectiveness and safety for patients on dialysis are not well established. We aimed to investigate the association of TRI with in-hospital complications in dialysis patients undergoing PCI.

Methods and results
We included 44 462 patients on dialysis who underwent PCI using Japanese nationwide PCI registry data (2019–21) regardless of acute or chronic coronary syndrome. Patients were categorized based on access site: TRI, transfemoral intervention (TFI). Periprocedural access site bleeding complication requiring transfusion was the primary outcome and in-hospital death, and other periprocedural complications were the secondary outcomes. Matched weighted analysis was performed for TRI and TFI. Here, 8267 (18.6%) underwent TRI, and 36 195 (81.4%) underwent TFI. Patients who received TRI were older and had lower rates of comorbidities than those who received TFI. Access site bleeding rate and in-hospital death were significantly lower in the TRI group (0.1% vs. 0.7%, P &lt; 0.001; 1.8% vs. 3.2%, P &lt; 0.001, respectively). After adjustment, TRI was associated with a lower risk of access site bleeding (odds ratio [OR] [95% confidence interval (CI)]: 0.19 [0.099–0.38]; P &lt; 0.001) and in-hospital death (OR [95% CI]: 0.79 [0.65–0.96]; P = 0.02). Other periprocedural complications between TRI and TFI were not significantly different.

Conclusion
In patients undergoing dialysis and PCI, TRI had a lower risk of access site bleeding and in-hospital death than TFI. This suggests that TRI may be safer for this patient population.
Intestinal and Renal Adaptations to Changes of Dietary Phosphate Concentrations in Rat
Authors: Lucea Susana , Chopo-Escuin Gema , Guillén Natalia , Sosa Cecilia , Sorribas Víctor 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
We have studied the role of the intestine, kidney, and several hormones when adapting to changes in dietary P concentration. Normal and parathyroidectomized (PTX) rats were fed pH-matched diets containing 0.1%, 0.6%, and 1.2% P concentrations. 32Pi uptake was determined in the jejunum and kidney cortex brush border membrane vesicles. Several hormone and ion concentrations were determined in the blood and urine of rats. Both jejunum and kidney cortex Pi transport was regulated with 5 d of chronic feeding of P diets in normal rats. Acute adaptation was determined by switching foods on day 6, which was only clearly observed in the kidney cortex of normal rats, with more statistical variability in the jejunum. However, no paradoxical increase of Pi uptake in the jejunum was reproduced after the acute switch to the 1.2% P diet. Pi uptake in the jejunum was parathyroid hormone (PTH)-independent, but in the kidney, the chronic adaptation was reduced, and no acute dietary adaptations were observed. The NaPi2a protein was more abundant in the PTX than the sham kidneys, but contrary to the modest or absent changes in Pi uptake adaptation, the transporter was similarly regulated by dietary P, as in the sham rats. PTH and fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) were the only hormones regulated by all diet changes, even in fasting animals, which exhibited regulated Pi transport despite similar phosphatemia. Evidence of Pi appetite effects was also observed. In brief, our results show new characteristics of Pi adaptations, including a lack of correlation between Pi transport, NaPi2a expression, and PTH/FGF23 concentrations.
An affordable and convenient diagnostic marker to identify male and female hop plants
Authors: Clare Shaun J , King Ryan M , Tawril Anna L , Havill Joshua S , Muehlbauer Gary J , Carey Sarah B , Harkess Alex , Bassil Nahla , Altendorf Kayla R 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Hop production utilizes exclusively female plants, whereas male plants only serve to generate novel variation within breeding programs through crossing. Currently, hop lacks a rapid and accurate diagnostic marker to determine whether plants are male or female. Without a diagnostic marker, breeding programs may take 1–2 years to determine the sex of new seedlings. Previous research on sex-linked markers was restricted to specific populations or breeding programs and therefore had limited transferability or suffered from low scalability. A large collection of 765 hop genotypes with known sex phenotypes, genotyping-by-sequencing, and genome-wide association mapping revealed a highly significant marker on the sex chromosome (LOD score = 208.7) that predicted sex within our population with 96.2% accuracy. In this study, we developed a PCR allele competitive extension (PACE) assay for the diagnostic SNP and tested three quick DNA extraction methodologies for rapid, high-throughput genotyping. Additionally, the marker was validated in a separate population of 94 individuals from 15 families from the USDA-ARS hop breeding program in Prosser, WA with 96% accuracy. This diagnostic marker is located in a gene predicted to encode the basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor protein, a family of proteins that have been previously implicated in male sterility in a variety of plant species, which may indicate a role in determining hop sex. The marker is diagnostic, accurate, affordable, and highly scalable and has the potential to improve efficiency in hop breeding.
Subsoil density field reconstruction through 3-D FWI: a systematic comparison between vertical- and horizontal-force seismic sources
Authors: Kawasaki Yusuke , Minato Shohei , Ghose Ranajit 
Published: November 2023

SUMMARYBulk-density (ρ) of soil is an important indicator of soil compaction and type. A knowledge of the spatial variability of in situ soil density is important in geotechnical engineering, hydrology and agriculture. Surface geophysical methods have so far shown limited success in providing an accurate and high-resolution image of 3-D soil-density distribution. In this pursuit, 3-D seismic full-waveform inversion (FWI) is promising, provided the robustness and accuracy of density inversion via this approach can be established in the near-surface scale. However, simultaneous reconstruction of ρ and seismic wave velocities through multiparameter FWI remains a challenging task. Near-surface seismic data are commonly dominated by dispersive surface waves whose velocities are controlled by the value and distribution of shear-wave velocity (VS). One major difficulty in estimating reliably ρ from near-surface seismic data is due to the relatively low sensitivity of the seismic wavefield to ρ compared to seismic velocities. Additionally, the accuracy of the estimated ρ decreases due to error in VS—an issue known as parameter coupling. Parameter coupling makes it difficult to estimate accurately ρ within the framework of conventional gradient-based FWI. More sophisticated optimization approaches (e.g. truncated Newton) can reduce the effect of parameter coupling, but these approaches are commonly not affordable in near-surface applications due to heavy computational burden. In this research, we have investigated how choosing correctly the force direction of the seismic source can contribute to a higher accuracy of ρ estimates through 3-D FWI. Using scattered wavefields, the Hessian, and inversion tests, an in-depth and systematic investigation of data sets corresponding to different force directions has been carried out. A comparison of the scattered wavefields due to a point-localized ρ perturbation for different force directions shows the robustness of the horizontal-force data set to noise compared to the vertical-force data set. Furthermore, for a point-scatterer model, an analysis of the gradients of the misfit function using the Hessian shows that utilizing a horizontal-force source enables one to reconstruct the high-resolution gradient with relatively small parameter coupling. Finally, inversion tests for two different subsoil models demonstrate that 3-D FWI on a horizontal-force-source seismic data set is capable of providing a more accurate 3-D ρ distribution in soil compared to a vertical-force-source data set. Our results show that the use of a horizontal-force source might allow avoiding computationally demanding, costly optimization approaches in 3-D FWI.
Procedural fairness and the resilience of health financing reforms in Ukraine
Authors: Dzhygyr Yuriy , Dale Elina , Voorhoeve Alex , Gopinathan Unni , Maynzyuk Kateryna 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
In 2017, Ukraine’s Parliament passed legislation establishing a single health benefit package for the entire population called the Programme of Medical Guarantees,‎ financed through general taxes and administered by a single national purchasing agency. This legislation was in line with key principles for financing universal health coverage. However, health professionals and some policymakers have been critical of elements of the reform, including its reliance on general taxes as the source of funding. Using qualitative methods and drawing on deliberative democratic theory and criteria for procedural fairness, this study argues that the acceptance and sustainability of these reforms could have been strengthened by making the decision-making process fairer. It suggests that three factors limited the extent of stakeholders’ participation in this process: first, a perception among reformers that fast-paced decision-making was required because there was only a short political window for much needed reforms; second, a lack of trust among reformers in the motives, representativeness, and knowledge of some stakeholders; and third, an under-appreciation of the importance of dialogic engagement with the public. These findings highlight a profound challenge for policymakers. In retrospect, some of those involved in the reform’s design and implementation believe that a more meaningful engagement with the public and stakeholders who opposed the reform might have strengthened its legitimacy and durability. At the same time, the study shows how difficult it is to have an inclusive process in settings where some actors may be driven by unconstrained self-interest or lack the capacity to be representative or knowledgeable interlocutors. It suggests that investments in deliberative capital (the attitudes and behaviours that facilitate good deliberation) and in civil society capacity may help overcome this difficulty.
Procedural fairness in decision-making for financing a National Health Insurance Scheme: a case study from The Gambia
Authors: Njie Hassan , Dale Elina , Gopinathan Unni 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Achieving universal health coverage (UHC) involves difficult policy choices, and fair processes are critical for building legitimacy and trust. In 2021, The Gambia passed its National Health Insurance (NHI) Act. We explored decision-making processes shaping the financing of the NHI scheme (NHIS) with respect to procedural fairness criteria. We reviewed policy and strategic documents on The Gambia’s UHC reforms to identify key policy choices and interviewed policymakers, technocrats, lawmakers, hospital chief executive officers, private sector representatives and civil society organizations (CSOs) including key CSOs left out of the NHIS discussions. Ministerial budget discussions and virtual proceedings of the National Assembly’s debate on the NHI Bill were observed. To enhance public scrutiny, Gambians were encouraged to submit views to the National Assembly’s committee; however, the procedures for doing so were unclear, and it was not possible to ascertain how these inputs were used. Despite available funds to undertake countrywide public engagement, the public consultations were mostly limited to government institutions, few trade unions and a handful of urban-based CSOs. While this represented an improved approach to public policy-making, several CSOs representing key constituents and advocating for the expansion of exemption criteria for insurance premiums to include more vulnerable groups felt excluded from the process. Overload of the National Assembly’s legislative schedule and lack of National Assembly committee quorum were cited as reasons for not engaging in countrywide consultations. In conclusion, although there was an intent from the Executive and National Assembly to ensure transparent, participatory and inclusive decision-making, the process fell short in these aspects. These observations should be seen in the context of The Gambia’s ongoing democratic transition where institutions for procedural fairness are expected to progressively improve. Learning from this experience to enhance the procedural fairness of decision-making can promote inclusiveness, ownership and sustainability of the NHIS in The Gambia.
The passage and implementation of a Health Promotion Levy in South Africa as a case study of fair financing procedures
Authors: Kruger Petronell , Goldstein Susan , Hofman Karen 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Procedural fairness is an accepted requirement for health decision-making. Fair procedures promote the acceptability and quality of health decisions while simultaneously advancing broader goals of participatory democracy. We conducted a case study of the Sugary Beverage Tax in South Africa known as the Health Promotion Levy (HPL), which was legislated in 2018. The case study examines the process around the adoption of the HPL from the perspective of procedural fairness with the view of identifying local gaps and lessons transferable to other local decision-making processes and other jurisdictions. We conducted a desk review of publically available data relating to the passage and implementation of the HPL, including a review of the policy documents, public submissions during the public participation process, response documents from policymakers, review of national legislative committee minutes, legal instruments and academic literature capturing public awareness, stakeholder views and media content. The data collection is novel in terms of the large scope of data considered, as well as the variety of sources. An analytical framework consisting of key criteria for procedural fairness, informed by a scoping review of the literature, guided the analysis of the decision-making process in South Africa. The process of the adoption and passage of the HPL met the majority of the procedural fairness criteria. However, a shortcoming, which impacted several criteria, was the failure to actively source the participation of community representatives and the larger public. Non-governmental organizations did not adequately fulfil this representative role. Industry interests were also disproportionately considered. The case study highlights the overall importance of viewing general members of the public as interested parties in health policies and the dangers of over-involving policy opponents under a mistaken understanding that this constitutes meaningful public engagement in decision-making procedures.
The challenges of modelling and assessing fisheries resources
Authors: Pennino Maria Grazia , Coll Marta , Cerviño Santiago 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Many years after the publication of Beverton and Holt’s on the Dynamics of Exploited Fish Populations in 1957, many of the problems that they highlighted remain unsolved. For example, accurately estimating critical biological and fishing processes such as growth, natural mortality, recruitment, and selectivity continues to be challenging. Despite the lack of progress in some areas, there have been advances in our understanding of other areas of fisheries modelling and analysis, including the development of integrative studies of marine resources for the application of an ecosystem-based fisheries management. In this context, ICES Journal of Marine Science solicited contributions to the themed article set (TS) “Advances and challenges in the modelling and assessment of fishery resources”. Here, we summarize the contributions included in this TS that provide examples of emerging tools that are able to account for different issues of a stocks’ assessments and integrated analyses.
Retrospective investigation of &gt;400 patients undergoing thoracic endovascular aortic repair with or without cerebrospinal fluid drainage
Authors: Mutter Charlotte , Benk Julia , Berger Tim , Kondov Stoyan , Chikvatia Salome , Humburger Frank , Rösslein Martin , Ulbrich Felix , Czerny Martin , Rylski Bartosz , Kreibich Maximilian 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study was to analyse the risks and benefits of cerebrospinal fluid drainage (CSFD) placement in patients undergoing thoracic endovascular aortic repair.

METHODS
Between 2009 and 2020, 411 patients underwent thoracic endovascular aortic repair in 1 institution where 236 patients (57%) received a preoperative CSFD. Patient and outcome characteristics were retrospectively analysed and compared between patients with and without preoperative CSFD placement.

RESULTS
Preoperative CSFD was performed significantly more frequently in elective patients, especially those undergoing distal stent graft extension following frozen elephant trunk-stent placement (P &lt; 0.001). Significantly fewer CSFD was placed in patients with acute aortic injury (P &lt; 0.001). The incidence of permanent spinal cord ischaemia (SCI) was higher in patients without preoperative CSFD [10 patients (2%) vs 1 patient (0.2%), P = 0.001]. Postoperative CSFD was placed in 3 patients (0.7%). Severe CSFD-associated complications affected 2 patients (0.5%) namely, a subdural spinal haematoma causing permanent paraplegia in one of those 2 patients.

CONCLUSIONS
CSFS placement is associated with low procedural risk and can potentially help to prevent SCI. However, the SCI incidence is most likely also associated with other preoperative factors including the patient’s haemodynamics. Hence, a general recommendation for placing a preoperative CSFD cannot be made when relying on the present evidence.
Impact of Nutritional Status on Antibody Titer After Booster mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine Among Elderly Adults in Japan
Authors: Mori Masahiko , Doi Takashi , Murata Miho , Moriyama Yuichi , Akino Kozo , Moriyama Tadayoshi , Maekawa Takafumi , Doi Nobumasa 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background
Published studies on mRNA coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine effects focus on younger individuals, comprising the majority of the workforce. Studies in elderly adults are sparse.

Methods
In total, 107 subjects were recruited (median age 78; interquartile range [IQR], 58.5–90.5; range, 35–105 years). Factors associated with antibody titer after the third mRNA COVID-19 vaccination were compared between 49 elderly (age ≥80; median, 94; IQR, 86–97; range, 80–105 years) and 58 younger (age ≤79; median, 61; IQR, 46–71; range, 35–79 years) adults.

Results
Among body mass index (BMI) categories, the group of underweight elderly adults had a lower antibody titer compared to those with normal weight (P &lt; .01 after 1, 3, and 5 months). Elderly adults were less likely to maintain effective antibody titer (≥4160 AU/mL) compared to younger adults: 76% versus 98%, P &lt; .001 after 1 month, and 45% versus 78%, P &lt; .001 after 3 months. Elderly adults who maintained effective antibody titer for 5 months had a higher BMI (22.9 kg/m2 vs 20.1 kg/m2, P = .02), and were less likely to have underweight BMI (0% vs 31%, P = .02) compared to the subjects who failed to maintain effective antibody titer.

Conclusions
These results highlight the impact of nutritional status and the deleterious effect of underweight BMI on antibody titer and its maintenance among elderly adults following booster mRNA COVID-19 vaccination.
SARS-CoV-2 Infection in the Pediatric Oncology Population: The Definitive Comprehensive Report of the Infectious Diseases Working Group of AIEOP
Authors: Zama Daniele , Zanaroli Andrea , Corbelli Agnese , Lo Vecchio Andrea , Del Bene Margherita , Colombini Antonella , Compagno Francesca , Barone Angelica , Fontanili Ilaria , Rosaria D’Amico Maria , Papa Maria Rosaria , Petris Maria Grazia , Calore Elisabetta , Montalto Shana , Meneghello Linda , Brescia Letizia , Mura Rosamaria , La Spina Milena , Muggeo Paola , Rinieri Simona , Meazza Cristina , Perruccio Katia , Cellini Monica , Spadea Manuela , Mercolini Federico , Petroni Valeria , De Santis Raffaella , Soncini Elena , Provenzi Massimo , Giurici Nagua , Ziino Ottavio , Tridello Gloria , Cesaro Simone 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Objective
The objective of this study was to assess the clinical impact and outcome of the SARS-CoV-2 infection on children with cancer or those who received a hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Methods
AIEOP (Italian Association of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology) performed a nationwide multicenter observational cohort study, including consecutive patients between April 2020 and November 2022.

Results
Twenty-five Italian centers participated and 455 patients were enrolled. We reported a significant increasing trend of symptomatic cases over the years, while the number of nonmild infections remained stable. Early infection after oncologic diagnosis (&lt;60 days) and severe neutropenia were identified as independent risk factors for developing moderate, severe, or critical infections. The percentage of patients who were asymptomatic and mildly symptomatic and who stopped chemotherapy reduced over the years of the pandemic. Nine patients died, but no death was attributed to SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Conclusions
SARS-CoV-2 infection presented a self-limiting benign course in the Italian pediatric oncohematology population during the pandemic, and its main consequence has been the discontinuation of cancer-directed therapies. The rate of patients who were asymptomatic and stopped chemotherapy reduced over the years, suggesting that the continuation of chemotherapy is a feasible option.
Epidemiology of Rotavirus in Humans, Animals, and the Environment in Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Njifon Hermann Landry Munshili , Kenmoe Sebastien , Ahmed Sharia M , Roussel Takuissu Guy , Ebogo-Belobo Jean Thierry , Njile Daniel Kamga , Bowo-Ngandji Arnol , Mbaga Donatien Serge , Kengne-Nde Cyprien , Mouiche Mohamed Moctar Mouliom , Njouom Richard , Perraut Ronald , Leung Daniel T 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background
Globally, rotavirus infections are the most common cause of diarrhea-related deaths, especially among children under 5 years of age. This virus can be transmitted through the fecal-oral route, although zoonotic and environmental contributions to transmission are poorly defined. The purpose of this study is to determine the epidemiology of rotavirus in humans, animals, and the environment in Africa, as well as the impact of vaccination.

Methods
We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Africa Index Medicus, and African Journal Online, identifying 240 prevalence data points from 224 articles between 2009 and 2022.

Results
Human rotavirus prevalence among patients with gastroenteritis was 29.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 28.1%–31.5%; 238 710 participants), with similar estimates in children under 5 years of age, and an estimated case fatality rate of 1.2% (95% CI, .7%–2.0%; 10 440 participants). Prevalence was estimated to be 15.4% and 6.1% in patients with nongastroenteritis illnesses and apparently healthy individuals, respectively. Among animals, prevalence was 9.3% (95% CI, 5.7%–13.7%; 6115 animals), and in the environmental water sources, prevalence was 31.4% (95% CI, 17.7%–46.9%; 2530 samples).

Discussion
Our findings highlight the significant burden of rotavirus infection in Africa, and underscore the need for a One Health approach to limiting the spread of this disease.