bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Extraction outcomes of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator leads vary by manufacturer and model family
Authors: Hayashi Katsuhide , Callahan Thomas , Rickard John , Younis Arwa , Baranowski Bryan , Martin David , Nakhla Shady , Tabaja Chadi , Wilkoff Bruce L 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Aims
Transvenous lead extraction (TLE) of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) leads is considered challenging. The structure of each ICD leads is variable between manufacturer and model families. The net impact of lead family on the safety and effectiveness of TLE is poorly characterized. We assessed the safety and efficacy of ICD TLE and the impact of manufacturer ICD model family on the outcomes.

Methods and results
The study cohort included all consecutive patients with ICD who underwent TLE between 2013 and 2022 and are enrolled in the Cleveland Clinic Prospective TLE Registry. A total of 885 ICD leads (median implant duration 8 years) in 810 patients were included. Complete ICD TLE success was achieved in 97.2% of the leads (n = 860) and in 98.0% of the patients (n = 794). Major complications occurred in 22 patients (2.7%). Complete procedural success rate varied by manufacturer and lead family; Medtronic 98.9%, Abbott 95.9%, Boston Scientific 95.0%, Biotronik 91.2%, P = 0.03, and Linox family leads had the lowest, 89.7% P = 0.02. Multivariable predictors of incomplete ICD lead removal included ICD lead age &gt; 10 years and Linox family lead. Multivariable predictors of major complications included ICD lead age &gt; 15 years and longer lead extraction time, and predictors of all-cause mortality within 30 days included lead extraction for infection, end-stage renal disease, and higher New York Heart Association functional class.

Conclusion
Complete and safe ICD lead removal rate by TLE is extremely high but varied by manufacturer and lead family. Linox family lead and &gt;10 years lead age were independent predictors of incomplete lead removal.
The evolution of female-biased genital diversity in bedbugs (Cimicidae)
Authors: Roth Steffen , Siva-Jothy Michael T , Balvín Ondřej , Morrow Edward H , Willassen Endre , Reinhardt Klaus 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Rapid genitalia evolution is believed to be mainly driven by sexual selection. Recently, noncopulatory genital functions have been suggested to exert stronger selection pressure on female genitalia than copulatory functions. In bedbugs (Cimicidae), the impact of the copulatory function can be isolated from the noncopulatory impact. Unlike in other taxa, female copulatory organs have no function in egg-laying or waste-product expulsion. Males perform traumatic mating by piercing the female integument, thereby imposing antagonistic selection on females and suspending selection to morphologically match female genitalia. We found the location of the copulatory organ evolved rapidly, changing twice between dorsal and ventral sides, and several times along the anteroposterior and the left–right axes. Male genital length and shape varied much less, did not appear to follow the positional changes seen in females, and showed no evidence for coevolution. Female genitalia position evolved 1.5 times faster than male genital length and shape and showed little neutral or geographic signals. Instead, we propose that nonmorphological male traits, such as mating behavior, may drive female genitalia morphology in this taxon. Models of genitalia evolution may benefit from considering morphological genital responses to nonmorphological stimuli, such as male mating behavior or copulatory position.
rec-1 loss of function increases recombination in the central gene clusters at the expense of autosomal pairing centers
Authors: Parée Tom , Noble Luke , Ferreira Gonçalves João , Teotónio Henrique 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Meiotic control of crossover (CO) number and position is critical for homologous chromosome segregation and organismal fertility, recombination of parental genotypes, and the generation of novel genetic combinations. We here characterize the recombination rate landscape of a rec-1 loss of function modifier of CO position in Caenorhabditis elegans, one of the first ever modifiers discovered. By averaging CO position across hermaphrodite and male meioses and by genotyping 203 single-nucleotide variants covering about 95% of the genome, we find that the characteristic chromosomal arm-center recombination rate domain structure is lost in the loss of function rec-1 mutant. The rec-1 loss of function mutant smooths the recombination rate landscape but is insufficient to eliminate the nonuniform position of CO. Lower recombination rates in the rec-1 mutant are particularly found in the autosomal arm domains containing the pairing centers. We further find that the rec-1 mutant is of little consequence for organismal fertility and egg viability and thus for rates of autosomal nondisjunction. It nonetheless increases X chromosome nondisjunction rates and thus male appearance. Our findings question the maintenance of recombination rate heritability and genetic diversity among C. elegans natural populations, and they further suggest that manipulating genetic modifiers of CO position will help find quantitative trait loci located in low-recombining genomic regions normally refractory to discovery.
Gravity inversion usingL0 norm for sparse constraints
Authors: Zhu Dan , Hu Xiangyun , Liu Shuang , Cai Hongzhu , Xu Shan , Meng Linghui , Zhang Henglei 
Published: November 2023

SUMMARYGravity surveys constitute an important method for investigating the Earth's interior based on density contrasts related to Earth material differentials. Because lithology depends on the environment and the period of formation, there are generally clear boundaries between rocks with different lithologies. Inversions with convex functions for approximating the L0 norm are used to detect boundaries in reconstructed models. Optimizations can easily be found because of the convex transformations; however, the volume of the reconstructed model depends on the weighting parameter and the density constraint rather than the model sparsity. To determine and adapt the modelling size, a novel non-convex framework for gravity inversion is proposed. The proposed optimization aims to directly reduce the L0 norm of the density matrix. An improved iterative hard thresholding algorithm is developed to linearly reduce the L0 penalty during the inner iteration. Accordingly, it is possible to determine the modelling scale during the iteration and achieve an expected scale for the reconstructed model. Both simple and complex model experiments demonstrate that the proposed method efficiently reconstructs models. In addition, granites formed during the Yanshanian and Indosinian periods in the Nanling region, China, are reconstructed according to the modelling size evaluated in agreement with the magnetotelluric profile and density statistics of rock samples. The known ores occur at the contact zones between the sedimentary rocks and the reconstructed Yanshanian granites. The ore-forming bodies, periods, and processes are identified, providing guidance for further deep resource exploration in the study area.
Knockout of the intellectual disability-linked gene Hs6st2 in mice decreases heparan sulfate 6-O-sulfation, impairs dendritic spines of hippocampal neurons, and affects memory
Authors: Moon Sohyun , Lee Hiu Ham , Archer-Hartmann Stephanie , Nagai Naoko , Mubasher Zainab , Parappurath Mahima , Ahmed Laiba , Ramos Raddy L , Kimata Koji , Azadi Parastoo , Cai Weikang , Zhao Jerry Yingtao 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Heparan sulfate (HS) is a linear polysaccharide that plays a key role in cellular signaling networks. HS functions are regulated by its 6-O-sulfation, which is catalyzed by three HS 6-O-sulfotransferases (HS6STs). Notably, HS6ST2 is mainly expressed in the brain and HS6ST2 mutations are linked to brain disorders, but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. To determine the role of Hs6st2 in the brain, we carried out a series of molecular and behavioral assessments on Hs6st2 knockout mice. We first carried out strong anion exchange-high performance liquid chromatography and found that knockout of Hs6st2 moderately decreases HS 6-O-sulfation levels in the brain. We then assessed body weights and found that Hs6st2 knockout mice exhibit increased body weight, which is associated with abnormal metabolic pathways. We also performed behavioral tests and found that Hs6st2 knockout mice showed memory deficits, which recapitulate patient clinical symptoms. To determine the molecular mechanisms underlying the memory deficits, we used RNA sequencing to examine transcriptomes in two memory-related brain regions, the hippocampus and cerebral cortex. We found that knockout of Hs6st2 impairs transcriptome in the hippocampus, but only mildly in the cerebral cortex. Furthermore, the transcriptome changes in the hippocampus are enriched in dendrite and synapse pathways. We also found that knockout of Hs6st2 decreases HS levels and impairs dendritic spines in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons. Taken together, our study provides novel molecular and behavioral insights into the role of Hs6st2 in the brain, which facilitates a better understanding of HS6ST2 and HS-linked brain disorders.
Results of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery versus thoracotomy for lung cancer in a mixed practice medium-volume hospital: a propensity-matched study
Authors: Niskakangas Anne , Mustonen Olli , Puro Iiris , Karjula Topias , Helminen Olli , Yannopoulos Fredrik 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study was to compare the short- and long-term results of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and thoracotomy for non-small-cell lung cancer in a medium-volume centre, where cardiothoracic surgeons perform both cardiac and general thoracic surgery. The primary outcome of interest was 5-year overall survival and disease-specific survival. Secondary outcomes were short-term postoperative complications, length of hospital stay and lymph node yield.

METHODS
This was a retrospective cohort study including 670 lung cancer patients undergoing VATS (n = 207) or open surgery (n = 463) with a curative intent in Oulu University Hospital between the years 2000–2020. Propensity score matching was implemented with surgical technique as the dependent and age, sex, Charlson comorbidity index, pulmonary function, pathological stage, histological type and the year of the operation as covariates resulting in 127 pairs.

RESULTS
In the propensity-matched cohort, 5-year overall survival was 64.3% after VATS and 63.2% after thoracotomy (P = 0.969). Five-year disease-specific survival was 71.6% vs 76.2% (P = 0.559). There were no differences in overall (34.6% vs 44.9%, p = 0.096) or major postoperative complications (8.7% vs 14.2%, P = 0.167) between the study groups. The average length of hospital stay was shorter (5.8 vs 6.6 days, P = 0.012) and the median lymph node yield was lower (4.0 vs 7.0, P &lt; 0.001) in the VATS group compared to the thoracotomy group.

CONCLUSIONS
According to this study, the long-term results of lung cancer surgery in a mixed practice are comparable between VATS and open surgery.
Analytical study to assess the impact of health service quality on patient satisfaction in Hamad Medical Corporation Hospitals in Qatar: using SERVQUAL
Authors: Alrwashdh Saddam , Alishaq Moza 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Objective
The study aims to assess the impact of the five dimensions of service quality on patient satisfaction and determine which dimension has the greatest impact on patient satisfaction. We can judge service quality through the delivery of excellent services concerning patients’ expectations. Consequently, we can define it as the difference between the patient’s expectations and experiences (patient views, subjectively).

Methods
A total of 400 patients were randomly selected in this study. This study was conducted in Hamad Medical Corporation Hospital, Qatar, in the first half of 2019. We utilized the cross-sectional method using a modified Assessment of Service Quality Questionnaire. The response was recorded on a 5-point Likert scale, wherein ‘one’ indicates ‘strongly disagree’ and ‘five’ indicates ‘strongly agree.’ In addition to these items, global satisfaction was measured by a single item asking participants how they felt after the delivery of health services.

Results
Univariable and multivariable linear regressions were made to test the predefined hypotheses. The study findings showed a statistically significant impact of health service quality on patient satisfaction (P = 0.00). The Standardized Beta proved that the empathy dimension had the greatest impact on patient satisfaction, while assurance had the lowest (β = 0.23 and 0.05, respectively). Also, socio-demographic data have a significant impact on patient satisfaction. The study sample showed that 81% were single, 55.5% were males, and 79.8% were non-Qatari. All hospitals have significant values (P &lt; 0.05). There is variation in patient satisfaction between the newly opened hospitals and the old ones.

Conclusion
Hospital management and policymakers must improve and maintain patient confidentiality, encouraging staff to build confidence and trust in the patient. The management must consider contemporary managerial orientation’s crucial role in delivering quality services and patient satisfaction.
Needs assessment of global pharmaceutical development goals: an explanatory mixed-methods study of 21 countries
Authors: Aqqad Farah , Meilianti Sherly , John Christopher , Koudmani Diala , Akel Marwan , Bates Ian 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Objectives
Investment in the development of the pharmacy workforce has been recognized as crucial for achieving universal health coverage. The 21 International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) Development Goals (DGs) have been used when conducting national needs assessments in several countries to provide evidence-based policy on workforce development. This study aimed to explore factors contributing to education and training in a FIP sample of mainly low- to middle-income countries (LMICs), and current national policy initiatives and priorities, mapped against the FIP DGs.

Methods
The study employed a mixed-methods approach, including an online survey questionnaire and interviews with representatives from 26 national professional organizations from 21 countries. A Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA), descriptive analysis, and thematic analysis were carried out to analyse the data.

Key findings
A total of 26 national professional organizations from 21 countries participated in this study. The quantitative MCA results indicated categorical correlations with variables related to the maintenance of licensed pharmacy practice and mechanisms for personal career development and advancement, such as the availability of competency development frameworks. Six themes emerged from the qualitative analysis of ongoing national programmes in the sampled countries: strengthening initial education and training, competency and career development programmes, initiatives related to pharmacists’ role in patient safety, communicable diseases, and antimicrobial stewardship, pharmaceutical care and medicines access, strengthening research to improve pharmacists’ impact, and outcomes and policy review and development.

Conclusion
This study provided an evidence-based needs assessment exploring factors contributing to workforce development and identifying pharmaceutical development priorities mapped to the FIP DGs across a cohort of nations.
Adaptive minimax density estimation on ℝd for Huber’s contamination model
Authors: Zhang Peiliang , Ren Zhao 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
We address the problem of adaptive minimax density estimation on $\mathbb{R}^{d}$ with $L_{p}$ loss functions under Huber’s contamination model. To investigate the contamination effect on the optimal estimation of the density, we first establish the minimax rate with the assumption that the density is in an anisotropic Nikol’skii class. We then develop a data-driven bandwidth selection procedure for kernel estimators, which can be viewed as a robust generalization of the Goldenshluger-Lepski method. We show that the proposed bandwidth selection rule can lead to the estimator being minimax adaptive to either the smoothness parameter or the contamination proportion. When both of them are unknown, we prove that finding any minimax-rate adaptive method is impossible. Extensions to smooth contamination cases are also discussed.
Janus kinase inhibitors ameliorate clinical symptoms in patients with STAT3 gain-of-function
Authors: Kaneko Shuya , Sakura Fumiaki , Tanita Kay , Shimbo Asami , Nambu Ryusuke , Yoshida Masashi , Umetsu Shuichiro , Inui Ayano , Okada Chizuru , Tsumura Miyuki , Yamada Mamiko , Suzuki Hisato , Kosaki Kenjiro , Ohara Osamu , Shimizu Masaki , Morio Tomohiro , Okada Satoshi , Kanegane Hirokazu 
Published: November 2023

Summary
Germline gain-of-function (GOF) variants in the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) gene is an inborn error of immunity presenting with autoimmunity and lymphoproliferation. Symptoms can vary widely, and no effective treatment has been established. This study investigated the efficacy of Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors (JAKi) in patients with STAT3-GOF. Four patients were enrolled and their clinical symptoms before and after the initiation of treatment with JAKi were described. A cell stimulation assay was performed using Epstein-Barr virus transformed lymphoid cell lines (EBV-LCLs) that were derived from the patients with STAT3-GOF. The patients presented with various symptoms, and these symptoms mostly improved after the initiation of JAKi treatment. Upon interleukin-6 stimulation, the EBV-LCLs of patients showed enhanced STAT3 phosphorylation compared with those of the EBV-LCLs of healthy controls. In conclusion, four Japanese patients with STAT3-GOF were successfully treated with JAKi. JAKi ameliorated various symptoms and therefore, the use of JAKi could be an effective treatment option for patients with STAT3-GOF.
Use of Transcriptional Signatures to Differentiate Pathogen-Specific and Treatment-Specific Host Responses in Patients With Bacterial Bloodstream Infections
Authors: Thaden Joshua T , Ahn Richard , Ruffin Felicia , Gjertson David W , Hoffmann Alexander , Fowler Vance G , Yeaman Michael R 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background
Clinical outcomes in bacterial bloodstream infections (BSIs) are influenced by bacterial species, host immunity, and antibiotic therapy. The mechanisms by which such factors influence outcomes are poorly understood. We aimed to identify bacterial- and antibiotic-specific host transcriptional signatures in patients with bacterial BSI.

Methods
RNA sequencing was performed on blood samples from patients with BSI due to gram-negative (GN) versus gram-positive (GP) pathogens: Escherichia coli (n = 30) or Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 28) versus methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) (n = 24) or methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) (n = 58). Patients were matched by age, sex, and race.

Results
No significant host transcriptome differences were detected in patients with E. coli versus K. pneumoniae BSI, so these were considered together as GN BSI. Relative to S. aureus BSI, patients with GN BSI had increased activation of the classic complement system. However, the most significant signal was a reduction in host transcriptional signatures involving mitochondrial energy transduction and oxidative burst in MRSA versus MSSA. This attenuated host transcriptional signature remained after controlling for antibiotic therapy.

Conclusions
Given the importance of immune cellular energetics and reactive oxygen species in eliminating hematogenous or intracellular MRSA, these findings may offer insights into its persistence relative to other bacterial BSIs.
Alarming Trends in Dengue Incidence and Mortality in Bangladesh
Authors: Mahmud Ayesha S , Bhattacharjee Joyita , Baker Rachel E , Martinez Pamela P 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Bangladesh is currently experiencing the country's largest and deadliest dengue outbreak on record. This year's outbreak has been characterized by an early seasonal surge in cases, rapid geographic spread, and a high fatality rate. The alarming trends in dengue incidence and mortality this year is an urgent wake-up call for public health policymakers and researchers to pay closer attention to dengue dynamics in South Asia, to strengthen the surveillance system and diagnostic capabilities, and to develop tools and methods for guiding strategic resource allocation and control efforts.
Culturing the unculturables: strategies, challenges, and opportunities for gut microbiome study
Authors: Yadav Asha , Ahlawat Shruti , Sharma Krishna K 
Published: November 2023

AbstractMetagenome sequencing techniques revolutionized the field of gut microbiome study. However, it is equipped with experimental and computational biases, which affect the downstream analysis results. Also, live microbial strains are needed for a better understanding of host-microbial crosstalks and for designing next-generation treatment therapies based on probiotic strains and postbiotic molecules. Conventional culturing methodologies are insufficient to get the dark gut matter on the plate; therefore, there is an urgent need to propose novel culturing methods that can fill the limitations of metagenomics. The current work aims to provide a consolidated evaluation of the available methods for host-microbe interaction with an emphasis on in vitro culturing of gut microbes using organoids, gut on a chip, and gut bioreactor. Further, the knowledge of microbial crosstalk in the gut helps us to identify core microbiota, and key metabolites that will aid in designing culturing media and co-culturing systems for gut microbiome study. After the deeper mining of the current culturing methods, we recommend that 3D-printed intestinal cells in a multistage continuous flow reactor equipped with an extended organoid system might be a good practical choice for gut microbiota-based studies.
Pouring Cold Water on Fake News: A Qualitative Review of Misinformation Related to Burns First Aid
Authors: O’Leary Annmarie , O’Connor Cathal , Gibson Louise , Murphy Michelle 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Health misinformation is pervasive on the internet and social media and can have wide-ranging and devastating repercussions. Burn injuries are highly prevalent, especially in resource-poor countries with less rigorous health and safety regulations and reduced access to quality healthcare, and especially among the pediatric population who rely on caregivers to tend to their injuries. Correct first aid is crucial to improving burn outcomes and avoiding further complications. The aim of this study was to qualitatively assess the content of misinformation related to burns online. A literature search was conducted on PubMed using the search terms “burns” OR “burn injury” OR “burns trauma” OR “major burns” AND “first aid” AND “conspiracy” OR “disinformation” OR “misinformation” OR “fake news.” Combinations of these terms were searched via Google, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and PubMed. Key areas of misinformation included unfounded use of “natural” remedies, injudicious use of antibiotics, omission of key steps of first aid, and errors in specific details of first aid. Clinicians should be aware of misinformation available online related to first aid for burns, be aware that patients presenting with burns may have caused further injury with insufficient first aid or inappropriate home remedies, and lead public health campaigns to educate on the initial emergency management of burns.