bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of novel biomarkers for early pregnancy outcome prediction
Authors: Bollig Kassie J , Senapati Suneeta , Takacs Peter , Robins Jared C , Haisenleder Daniel J , Beer Lynn A , Speicher David W , Koelper Nathanael C , Barnhart Kurt T 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Objective
To assess performance and discriminatory capacity of commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays of biomarkers for predicting first trimester pregnancy outcome in a multi-center cohort.

Design
In a case-control study at three academic centers of women with pain and bleeding in early pregnancy, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays of biomarkers were screened for assay performance. Performance was assessed via functional sensitivity, assay reportable range, recovery/linearity, and intra-assay precision (%Coefficient of Variation). Top candidates were analyzed for discriminatory capacity for viability and location among 210 women with tubal ectopic pregnancy, viable intrauterine pregnancy, or miscarriage. Assay discrimination was assessed by visual plots, area under the curve with 95% confidence intervals, and measures of central tendency with two-sample t-tests.

Results
Of 25 biomarkers evaluated, 22 demonstrated good or acceptable assay performance. Transgelin-2, oviductal glycoprotein, and integrin-linked kinase were rejected due to poor performance. The best biomarkers for discrimination of pregnancy location were pregnancy-specific beta-1-glycoprotein 9, pregnancy-specific beta-1-glycoprotein 1, insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1, kisspeptin (KISS1), pregnancy-specific beta-1-glycoprotein 3, and beta parvin (PARVB). The best biomarkers for discrimination of pregnancy viability were pregnancy-specific beta-1-glycoprotein 9, pregnancy-specific beta-1-glycoprotein 3, EH domain-containing protein 3, KISS1, WAP four-disulfide core domain protein 2 (HE4), quiescin sulfhydryl oxidase 2, and pregnancy-specific beta-1-glycoprotein 1.

Conclusion
Performance of commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays was acceptable for a panel of novel biomarkers to predict early pregnancy outcome. Of these, six and seven candidates demonstrated good discriminatory capacity of pregnancy location and viability, respectively, when validated in a distinct external population. Four markers demonstrated good discrimination for both location and viability.
The effect of voice familiarity on attention to speech in a cocktail party scenario
Authors: Har-shai Yahav Paz , Sharaabi Aviya , Zion Golumbic Elana 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Selective attention to one speaker in multi-talker environments can be affected by the acoustic and semantic properties of speech. One highly ecological feature of speech that has the potential to assist in selective attention is voice familiarity. Here, we tested how voice familiarity interacts with selective attention by measuring the neural speech-tracking response to both target and non-target speech in a dichotic listening “Cocktail Party” paradigm. We measured Magnetoencephalography from n = 33 participants, presented with concurrent narratives in two different voices, and instructed to pay attention to one ear (“target”) and ignore the other (“non-target”). Participants were familiarized with one of the voices during the week prior to the experiment, rendering this voice familiar to them. Using multivariate speech-tracking analysis we estimated the neural responses to both stimuli and replicate their well-established modulation by selective attention. Importantly, speech-tracking was also affected by voice familiarity, showing enhanced response for target speech and reduced response for non-target speech in the contra-lateral hemisphere, when these were in a familiar vs. an unfamiliar voice. These findings offer valuable insight into how voice familiarity, and by extension, auditory-semantics, interact with goal-driven attention, and facilitate perceptual organization and speech processing in noisy environments.
Genomic Characterization of Methicillin-Susceptible Staphylococcus aureus Carriage in Patients on Home Parenteral Nutrition and Their Caregivers
Authors: Gompelman Michelle , van Weerdenburg Ingrid J M , Wezendonk Guus T J , Coolen Jordy P M , Akkermans Reinier P , Rovers Chantal P , Wertheim Heiman F L , Wanten Geert J A 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
In this prospective study, patients on home parenteral nutrition were twice as likely to be colonized with Staphylococcus aureus if their caregivers were carriers. Among S. aureus-positive patients and their caregivers, molecular analysis showed 68% genetically related strains. Despite decolonization, genetically related strains reappeared in 70% of patients.
Angioplasty Guidewire-Assisted vs. Conventional Transseptal Puncture for Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion: a multicentre randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hu Feng , Xu Bin , Qiao Zhiqing , Cheng Fuyu , Zhou Zien , Zou Zhiguo , Zang Minhua , Ding Song , Hong Jun , Xie Yuquan , Zhou Yong , Huang JianFeng , Pu Jun 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Aims
This study was performed to compare the usability, efficiency, and safety of a modified angioplasty guidewire-assisted transseptal puncture (TSP) technique vs. the conventional approach in facilitating access into the left atrium during left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) procedures for the treatment of atrial fibrillation.

Methods and results
The ADVANCE-LAAO trial (Angioplasty Guidewire-Assisted vs. Conventional Transseptal Puncture for Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion) was an investigator-initiated, prospective, multicentre, randomized controlled trial (NCT05125159). Patients with atrial fibrillation who underwent LAAO were prospectively enrolled from four centres and randomly assigned to an angioplasty guidewire-assisted TSP group (n = 131) or to a conventional Brockenbrough needle TSP group (n = 132). The primary endpoint was the one-time success rate of TSP. We also analysed the TSP procedure time, failure rate of the assigned TSP type, radiation dose, contrast dose, and procedural complications in both groups. All patients in the guidewire-assisted group underwent successful TSP, whereas five in the standard conventional group switched to the guidewire-assisted approach. The guidewire-assisted puncture improved the one-time success rate (92.4 vs. 77.3%, P = 0.001), shortened the TSP procedure time (109.2 ± 48.2 vs. 120.5 ± 57.6 s, P = 0.023), and tended to have a higher rate of good coaxial orientation of the sheath with the left atrial appendage during the LAAO procedure (66.4 vs. 54.5%, P = 0.059). No TSP-related complications occurred in the guidewire-assisted TSP group, whereas two complications occurred in the conventional TSP group. There was no significant difference in the failure rate of the assigned TSP type, the total procedure time, the total radiation dose, the rate of successful LAAO implantation, or the procedural complication rate between the two groups (all P &gt; 0.05).

Conclusion
This study confirmed that angioplasty guidewire-assisted puncture can effectively improve the success rate of TSP during LAAO procedures. This novel technique has high potential for application in interventional therapies requiring TSP.
Growth and quality of 16-year-old sessile oak (Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl.) planted in traditional and alternative row planting patterns
Authors: Andrzejczyk Tadeusz , Liziniewicz Mateusz , Bolibok Leszek 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Traditional oak silviculture is costly due to high initial planting density required to obtain management goals of producing high quality timber. New methods therefore reduce the initial planting density and use a planting pattern that allows the inclusion of naturally regenerated trees of other species. The study presents the results of a 13-year experiment on the growth and quality of sessile oak planted in traditional and three alternative planting patterns. We hypothesized that increasing of initial spacing and use of natural regeneration to compensate for lower intra-specific competition does not deteriorate growth and quality parameters of oak. Breast height diameter, height, slenderness, height of the first live branch, diameter of the thickest branch, stem shape and potential future crop oak trees (PFCT) were measured and analysed. The local competition of admixture species was estimated on the basis of the relationship between the height of the oak and the height of admixture trees in its close proximity. The type of planting pattern had no significant effect on oak diameter, but oak height was greater in the traditional pattern than in alternative patterns. Height of the first live branch was the only qualitative trait that differed significantly between the compared planting patterns. The probability of an oak being selected as a PFCT was similar in traditional and alternative patterns, but PFCT absolute number was increasing with an increase of oak planting density. Analysis of competition of admixture species in alternative methods shows that it can reduce height, diameter and stability of oaks. On the other hand, the probability of trees being selected as a PFCT increases significantly with increasing interspecific competition. We conclude that, with controlled competition and at least moderate natural regeneration, the alternative planting patterns can produce oaks with similar growth and quality to those in the traditional pattern.
Addressing community readiness to promote physical activity in older adults in Germany
Authors: Muellmann Saskia , Gansefort Dirk , Zeeb Hajo , Brand Tilman 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Community-based approaches are promising to promote physical activity in old age. The community readiness (CR) model offers a structured approach to assess community capacities to address a certain health topic before and after implementing an intervention. The objective of this study is to assess whether community-based capacity building for physical activity among the elderly has a lasting effect on CR. Four communities (two sub-urban and two urban) in Northwestern Germany were randomly assigned to either intervention or control group. CR was assessed at three time points (2015, 2018 and 2020) by interviewing local key informants (n = 129). Community capacity building was carried out in the two intervention communities after baseline assessment and included the development and implementation of a local physical activity action plan for elderly. Overall CR scores were calculated and random effects regression analysis was performed to analyze group-by-time interaction. At baseline, the overall CR score was 4.62 (standard deviation (SD) = 0.51) indicating that communities were in the preplanning stage of CR. CR scores in the intervention communities did not significantly increase at follow-up assessments compared to control communities [2018: 4.82, coefficient −0.03, 95% confidence interval (CI) (−0.80; 0.73); 2020: 4.54, coefficient 0.19, 95% CI: (−0.59; 0.97)]. The process evaluation indicated several factors facilitating a successful cooperation with community stakeholders. These included building on existing networks, using a structured approach for developing and implementing a local physical activity action plan for older adults, providing financial support for implementing activities and linking activities to existing community events.
Constitucionalismo fuerte y democracia deliberativa: Inconsistencias en Rawls, Dworkin, y AlexyStrong constitutionalism and deliberative democracy: Inconsistencies in Rawls, Dworkin, and Alexy
Authors: Giuffré C Ignacio 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
In the current context, strong constitutionalism is further challenged by the objections to judicial review and the deliberative turn of democracy. Despite the potential of both caveats, the problem is that a juricentric and juristocratic constitutionalism has globally expanded. The paper’s argument is that there is an inconsistency in some theories that—at the democratic level—start from a deliberative conception, but—at the constitutional level—defend such a strong model, which hinders the inclusive dialogue ideal. This is the case of those conceptions of courts as an “exemplar of public reason” (Rawls), a “forum of principles” (Dworkin), or an “argumentative representation institution” (Alexy). To support this argument, the paper is structured as follows. First, it presents the indifference of the predominant constitutional culture to the criticisms of the judicial authority of strong constitutionalism, as well as to the deliberative turn of democracy. Then, it makes explicit the inconsistency of a group of theories which, while subscribing to a deliberative conception of democracy, subscribe to a strong model of constitutionalism. Finally, it argues that, in a context in which the objections to the judicial review and the deliberative turn of democracy have not been taken seriously, it is essential to reinforce both caveats to achieve a better constitutional model.
Strategies to improve antibiotic access and a way forward for lower middle-income countries
Authors: Wasan Himika , Reeta K H , Gupta Yogendra Kumar 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Antibiotics have substantially improved life expectancy in past decades through direct control or prevention of infections. However, emerging antibiotic resistance and lack of access to effective antibiotics have significantly increased the death toll from infectious diseases, making it one of the biggest threats to global health. Addressing the antibiotic crisis to meet future needs require considerable investment in both research and development along with ensuring a viable marketplace to encourage innovation. Fortunately, there has been some improvement in the number of antibiotics approved or in different phases of development through collective global efforts. However, the universal access to these essential novel and generic antibiotics, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), is challenged by poor economic incentives, regulatory hurdles and poor health infrastructure. Recently, the agenda of securing and expanding access has gained global attention. Several mechanisms are now being proposed and implemented to improve access to essential antibiotics. This review provides an insight into the major barriers to antibiotic access as well as the models proposed and implemented to mitigate accessibility issues. These models include but are not limited to market entry rewards, subscription models and transferable exclusivity vouchers. Further, global access programmes including, Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership, Antimicrobial Resistance Action Fund and SECURE Platform are discussed. We also propose the way forward for improving access in LMICs with suggested measures to improve access to generic and novel antibiotics.
Distinguishing the fair use and fair dealing doctrines in copyright law—much ado about nothing?
Authors: Saw Cheng Lim 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
It is often assumed and taken for granted that there is a gulf separating the fair use and fair dealing doctrines in copyright law arising principally from the ‘open v closed’ distinction that is made of the statutory schemes in the respective fair use and fair dealing jurisdictions. It will be argued in this article, after a comparative and comprehensive study of the case law and of the various (overlapping) fairness factors, that this distinction merely reflects a difference as to legislative form, rather than the substance of the fairness analysis that may ultimately bear on the outcome of a fairness determination. Both doctrines, in actuality, are far more aligned than may be immediately apparent and this is where having recourse to US fair use jurisprudence—including the infamous transformative use doctrine—in appropriate cases may well assist in a court’s assessment of fairness in the fair dealing context.
Defining logical systems via algebraic constraints on proofs
Authors: Gheorghiu Alexander V , Pym David J 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
We present a comprehensive programme analysing the decomposition of proof systems for non-classical logics into proof systems for other logics, especially classical logic, using an algebra of constraints. That is, one recovers a proof system for a target logic by enriching a proof system for another, typically simpler, logic with an algebra of constraints that act as correctness conditions on the latter to capture the former; e.g. one may use Boolean algebra to give constraints in a sequent calculus for classical propositional logic to produce a sequent calculus for intuitionistic propositional logic. The idea behind such forms of decomposition is to obtain a tool for uniform and modular treatment of proof theory and to provide a bridge between semantics logics and their proof theory. The paper discusses the theoretical background of the project and provides several illustrations of its work in the field of intuitionistic and modal logics: including, a uniform treatment of modular and cut-free proof systems for a large class of propositional logics; a general criterion for a novel approach to soundness and completeness of a logic with respect to a model-theoretic semantics; and a case study deriving a model-theoretic semantics from a proof-theoretic specification of a logic.
GM-CSF improves endometrial receptivity in a thin endometrium rat model by upregulating HOXA10
Authors: Wei Wei , Wang Na , Zhu Yanwen , Liao Maokun , Wang Bian , Du Tong , Zhang Jie , Mao Xiaoyan 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Endometrial receptivity is a prerequisite for the success of assisted reproduction. Patients with a consistently thin endometrium frequently fail to conceive, owing to low endometrial receptivity, and there are currently very few therapeutic options available. Our previous study demonstrated that intrauterine granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) administration resulted in a significant improvement in clinical pregnancy and implantation rates and was an effective means of increasing endometrial thickness on the day of embryo transfer in patients with thin endometrium. In order to explore the underlying process, an animal model with a thin endometrium was constructed, the homeobox A10 gene (HOXA10) was downregulated, and an inhibitor of the mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway (MAPK/ERK) was employed. Our findings strongly suggest a marked decrease in GM-CSF levels in the thin endometrial rat model, and the suppression of HOXA10 impeded the therapeutic efficacy of GM-CSF in this model. Moreover, we showed that GM-CSF significantly increases endometrial receptivity in the rat model and upregulates HOXA10 via the MAPK/ERK pathway. Our data provide new molecular insights into the mechanisms underlying formation of a thin endometrium and highlight a novel, potential clinical treatment strategy as well as directions for further research.
Quantification of all 12 canonical ribonucleotides by real-time fluorogenic in vitro transcription
Authors: Purhonen Janne , Hofer Anders , Kallijärvi Jukka 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Enzymatic methods to quantify deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates have existed for decades. In contrast, no general enzymatic method to quantify ribonucleoside triphosphates (rNTPs), which drive almost all cellular processes and serve as precursors of RNA, exists to date. ATP can be measured with an enzymatic luminometric method employing firefly luciferase, but the quantification of other ribonucleoside mono-, di-, and triphosphates is still a challenge for a non-specialized laboratory and practically impossible without chromatography equipment. To allow feasible quantification of ribonucleoside phosphates in any laboratory with typical molecular biology and biochemistry tools, we developed a robust microplate assay based on real-time detection of the Broccoli RNA aptamer during in vitro transcription. The assay employs the bacteriophage T7 and SP6 RNA polymerases, two oligonucleotide templates encoding the 49-nucleotide Broccoli aptamer, and a high-affinity fluorogenic aptamer-binding dye to quantify each of the four canonical rNTPs. The inclusion of nucleoside mono- and diphosphate kinases in the assay reactions enabled the quantification of the mono- and diphosphate counterparts. The assay is inherently specific and tolerates concentrated tissue and cell extracts. In summary, we describe the first chromatography-free method to quantify ATP, ADP, AMP, GTP, GDP, GMP, UTP, UDP, UMP, CTP, CDP and CMP in biological samples.
1015. A multicenter evaluation of antimicrobial utilization in hospitalized bone marrow transplant (BMT) and T-cell therapy (CAR-T) patients, and the impact on rates of C. difficile infection (CDI)
Authors: Nagel Jerod , Boeser Kimberly D , Hale Cory , Harris Alyssa , Jain Rupali , Postelnick Mike , Spivak Emily S 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background
Benchmarking antimicrobial utilization through the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) will be a CMS requirement in 2024. NHSN benchmarking is available for some hospitalized populations, but there are currently no benchmarking capabilities for BMT units. Additionally, there are no published manuscripts describing antimicrobial utilization in BMT hospitals.
Intra-Hospital BMT Antimicrobial Utilization
Data from the Vizient Clinical Data Base used with permission of Vizient, Inc. All rights reserved.

Methods
This retrospective multicenter study was conducted by the Vizient Pharmacy Network AMS Committee. Antimicrobial utilization was evaluated for Vizient-member hospitals that treat at least 50 BMT patients per year. Vizient Clinical Database was used to identify patients via ICD10 codes for allogeneic transplant, autologous stem cell transplant and CAR-T therapy. Total antimicrobial days of therapy (DOTs) per 1,000 patient days was evaluated across all hospitals for each type of transplant, and for 9 different groups of antimicrobials (anti-pseudomonal beta-lactams, carbapenems, MDRO gram-negatives, fluoroquinolones, MRSA-active agents, antifungals, CMV-active agents, high-risk C. difficile agents, and C. difficile treatments). ANOVA was used to compare antimicrobial utilization across hospitals and across antimicrobial types.

Results
A total of 90 hospitals and 63,379 patient encounters were included in the analysis from 2018-2021. The median total antimicrobial utilization for allogeneic, autologous, and CAR-T patients were 2,562, 2,083, and 2,187 DOTs per 1,000 patient days, respectively. Figure 1 describes the variability in intra-hospital prescribing for 9 antimicrobial categories. Hospitals with higher antimicrobial utilization rates in allogenic transplant patients were associated with a higher incidence of CDI in this population (p=0.0368).

Conclusion
Significant variation in intra-hospital antimicrobial utilization exists for allogeneic transplant, autologous stem cell transplant, and CAR-T patients; and across 9 different categories of antimicrobials! Increasing rates of antimicrobial utilization were associated with increases in C. difficile infections in allogeneic transplants. Benchmarking antimicrobial utilization in BMT patients may help improve systematic approaches to minimize unnecessary antimicrobial exposure.

Disclosures
All Authors: No reported disclosures