bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Epicardial adipose tissue and subclinical incident atrial fibrillation as detected by continuous monitoring: a cardiac magnetic resonance imaging study
Authors: Guldberg Eva , Diederichsen Søren Zöga , Haugan Ketil Jørgen , Brandes Axel , Graff Claus , Krieger Derk , Olesen Morten Salling , Højberg Søren , Køber Lars , Vejlstrup Niels , Bertelsen Litten , Svendsen Jesper Hastrup 
Published: January 2024

AbstractEpicardial adipose tissue (EAT) has endocrine and paracrine functions and has been associated with metabolic and cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to investigate the association between EAT, determined by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR), and incident atrial fibrillation (AF) following long-term continuous heart rhythm monitoring by implantable loop recorder (ILR). This study is a sub-study of the LOOP study. In total, 203 participants without a history of AF received an ILR and underwent advanced CMR. All participants were at least 70 years of age at inclusion and had at least one of the following conditions: hypertension, diabetes, previous stroke, or heart failure. Volumetric measurements of atrial- and ventricular EAT were derived from CMR and the time to incident AF was subsequently determined. A total of 78 participants (38%) were diagnosed with subclinical AF during a median of 40 (37–42) months of continuous monitoring. In multivariable Cox regression analyses adjusted for age, sex, and various comorbidities, we found EAT indexed to body surface area to be independently associated with the time to AF with hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) up to 2.93 (1.36–6.34); p = 0.01 when analyzing the risk of new-onset AF episodes lasting ≥ 24 h. Atrial EAT assessed by volumetric measurements on CMR images was significantly associated with the incident AF episodes as detected by ILR.
Willingness to pay more health taxes? The relevance of personality traits and situational effects
Authors: Pinho Micaela , Madaleno Mara 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe main aim of this paper is to investigate the micro and macro predictors of Portuguese willingness to pay (WTP) more taxes to bolster funds channelled to the National Health Service (NHS). An online questionnaire was used to collect data from 584 Portuguese citizens. The statistical analysis was performed through the application of logistic regressions. The research shows that willingness to support increasing taxes depended on socioeconomic, behavioural, and psychological factors. The WTP more taxes to finance the NHS were associated with younger ages, life satisfaction and dispositional optimism, satisfaction with the NHS performance, current perceived risk exposure, and risk orientation. Identifying and understanding the main influencing factors associated with WTP more taxes for NHS is essential to assist policy-makers in developing healthcare reforms. Decision-makers may take this opportunity to improve the NHS since those who ultimately benefit from the measures can provide an additional source of health financing.
Prevalence of new onset erectile dysfunction among Damietta governorate men after contracting COVID-19
Authors: Ahmed Mostafa A. , Obaid Zakaria M. , Hashem Osama , Elrifai Atef W. , Elsaie Mohamed L. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Several reports showed that sexual function was affected during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Aims
The objective of the study was to demonstrate whether a realistic association exists between the COVID-19 pandemic and erectile dysfunction (ED) among a sampled Egyptian population in Damietta governorate.

Methods
This cross-sectional study consisted of 330 adult males diagnosed with COVID-19 infection. They were categorized in three age groups (18–29, 30–39, and 40–50 years, respectively). COVID-19-confirmed cases were assessed by the Arabic version of the International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire (IIEF) scores.

Results
The prevalence of ED according to the IIEF was 55.1%. The ED was categorized into mild ED which represents 25.8% of the patients, mild to moderate which represents 22.4% of the patients, moderate which represents 7% of the patients, and severe which represents 0% of the patients. We found a significant negative correlation between the age of the patients and the IIEF score. Also, we found an association between the severity of COVID-19 infection and the IIEF score.

Conclusion
An association of new-onset ED in men who suffered COVID-19 infection was established. This may be due to virus-induced endothelial cell dysfunction; however, an underlying mechanism and causation have not yet been clearly elucidated. While it appears that COVID-19 infection may be a risk factor for ED, additional research is needed to establish causality.
Machine learning prediction of the failure of high-flow nasal oxygen therapy in patients with acute respiratory failure
Authors: Wang Ziwen , Chao Yali , Xu Meng , Zhao Wenjing , Hu Xiaoyi 
Published: January 2024

AbstractAcute respiratory failure (ARF) is a prevalent and serious condition in intensive care unit (ICU), often associated with high mortality rates. High-flow nasal oxygen (HFNO) therapy has gained popularity for treating ARF in recent years. However, there is a limited understanding of the factors that predict HFNO failure in ARF patients. This study aimed to explore early indicators of HFNO failure in ARF patients, utilizing machine learning (ML) algorithms to more accurately pinpoint individuals at elevated risk of HFNO failure. Utilizing ML algorithms, we developed seven predictive models. Their performance was evaluated using various metrics, including the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, calibration curve, and precision recall curve. The study enrolled 700 patients, with 490 in the training group and 210 in the validation group. The overall HFNO failure rate was 14.1% among the 700 patients. The ML algorithms demonstrated robust performance in our study. This research underscores the potential of ML techniques in creating clinically relevant models for predicting HFNO outcomes in ARF patients. These models could play a pivotal role in enhancing the risk management of HFNO, leading to more patient-centered and personalized care approaches.
Effekte der pneumologischen Rehabilitation auf dysfunktionale
Atemmuster bei Patienten mit unkontrolliertem Asthma
Authors: Ebert Franziska , Ballenberger Nikolaus , Hayden Markus C. , Möller Dirk , Limbach Matthias , Schuler Michael , Nowak Dennis , Schultz Konrad 
Published: January 2024

Zusammenfassung
Ziel der Studie Als dysfunktionale Atemmuster (DAM) werden Abweichungen
vom physiologischen Atemmuster bezeichnet. DAM scheinen mit einer geringeren
Asthmakontrolle verbunden zu sein. Bisher ist unklar, welchen Einfluss eine
stationäre Rehabilitation auf diese Problematik nehmen kann. Ziel dieser
Arbeit ist es, den Effekt einer pneumologischen Rehabilitation (PR) auf DAM zu
untersuchen.
Methodik Die Daten basieren auf einer randomisierten kontrollieren Studie
mit Wartekontrollgruppe. Die Interventionsgruppe (IG) erhielt 4 Wochen nach
Antragsbewilligung eine PR, die Kontrollgruppe (KG) nach 5 Monaten.
Dysfunktionale Atmung wurde mittels Nijmegen-Questionnaire (NQ) erfasst. Werte
≥ 23 Punkte weisen auf ein existentes DAM hin. Verglichen werden
Werte zu Reha-Ende (T2) und nach drei Monaten (T3) (Kovarianzanalyse).
Ergänzend wurde eine Moderatoranalyse durchgeführt, um zu
prüfen, ob der Effekt der PR mit den Ausgangswerten des NQ-Score
zusammenhängt.
Ergebnisse Zwischen IG (n=202) und KG (n=210) finden sich
signifikante Unterschiede im NQ-Score zu T2 (AMD=10,5; 95%CI [9;
12]; d=1,4; p<0,001) und zu T3 (AMD=5,8; 95%CI
[4,3; 7,3]; d=0,8; p<0,001). Es zeigt sich ein
Interaktionseffekt zwischen der Differenz im NQ-Score der Gruppen zu T2 und dem
Ausgangswert zu T0 (b=5,6; 95%CI [2,2; 11,9]; p<0,001).
Zu T3 ist dieser Interaktionseffekt nicht mehr nachweisbar (b=4,5;
95%CI [−3,1; 14,1]; p=807).
Schlussfolgerung Die stationäre, multimodale und
interdisziplinäre PR geht sowohl zum Entlassungszeitpunkt als auch 3
Monate danach mit einer signifikanten und klinisch relevanten Verbesserung der
DAM einher. Kurzfristig profitieren Patienten mit bestehenden DAM mehr von der
PR als Patienten ohne DAM.
MMDRP: drug response prediction and biomarker discovery using multi-modal deep learning
Authors: Taj Farzan , Stein Lincoln D 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Motivation
A major challenge in cancer care is that patients with similar demographics, tumor types, and medical histories can respond quite differently to the same drug regimens. This difference is largely explained by genetic and other molecular variabilities among the patients and their cancers. Efforts in the pharmacogenomics field are underway to understand better the relationship between the genome of the patient’s healthy and tumor cells and their response to therapy. To advance this goal, research groups and consortia have undertaken large-scale systematic screening of panels of drugs across multiple cancer cell lines that have been molecularly profiled by genomics, proteomics, and similar techniques. These large data drug screening sets have been applied to the problem of drug response prediction (DRP), the challenge of predicting the response of a previously untested drug/cell-line combination. Although deep learning algorithms outperform traditional methods, there are still many challenges in DRP that ultimately result in these models’ low generalizability and hampers their clinical application.

Results
In this article, we describe a novel algorithm that addresses the major shortcomings of current DRP methods by combining multiple cell line characterization data, addressing drug response data skewness, and improving chemical compound representation.

Availability and implementation
MMDRP is implemented as an open-source, Python-based, command-line program and is available at https://github.com/LincolnSteinLab/MMDRP.
tANCHOR cell-based ELISA approach as a surrogate for antigen-coated plates to monitor specific IgG directed to the SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain
Authors: Bernauer Hubert , Maier Josef , Bannert Norbert , Ivanusic Daniel 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) systems use plates coated with peptides or expressed and purified proteins to monitor immunoglobulins derived from patient serum. However, there is currently no easy, flexible, and fast adaptive ELISA-based system for testing antibodies directed against new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants. In this study, we utilized the tANCHOR protein display system that provides a cell surface decorated with the receptor-binding domain (RBD) to monitor specific antibodies derived from SARS-CoV-2 convalescent and vaccinated individuals directed against it. To test sera from vaccinees or convalescent individuals, only the RBD coding sequence needs to be cloned in the tANCHOR vector system and transfected into HeLa cells. Time-consuming protein expression, isolation, and purification followed by coating assay plates are not necessary. With this technique, the immune evasion of new SARS-CoV-2 variants from current vaccination regimes can be examined quickly and reliably.
Fuel cell stack design and modelling with a double-stage boost converter coupled to a single-phase inverter
Authors: Elnagi Basem E , Ismaiel Ahmed M , Mansour Hany S E , Abd-Alwahab M N 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
A comprehensive proton-exchange membrane fuel cell stack model was developed and integrated with a two-stage DC/DC boost converter. It was directly coupled to a single-phase (two levels—four pulses) inverter without a transformer. The pulse-width modulation signal was used to independently regulate every converter phase. The converter was modelled using a MATLAB®/Simulink® environment and an appropriate voltage control method. The analysis features of the suggested circuit were created and, through established experiments, the simulation results were verified. A single-phase (two levels—four pulses) inverter control circuit was tested and it produced a pure sinusoidal waveform with voltage control. It matches the voltage of the network in terms of amplitude and frequency. A sinusoidal pulse-width modulation approach was performed using a single-phase (two levels—four pulses) pulse-width modulation inverter. The results demonstrated an enhancement in the standard of the output wave and tuned the dead time with a reduction of 63 µs compared with 180 µs in conventional techniques.
Advances and opportunities in wind energy harvesting using plasma actuators: a review
Authors: Omidi Javad 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The dielectric barrier discharge plasma actuator has been recognized as a leading technology for controlling fluid flow and has found remarkable applications in wind energy harvesting over the past decade. Wind turbine aerodynamics are critical in this concept and performance is mainly determined by flow controllers, although significant technical progress is still required. This paper examines all the critical studies to investigate the potential application of plasma actuators for airflow control over wind turbines. This approach has been divided into three categories: wind turbine airfoils, horizontal-axis wind turbines and vertical-axis wind turbines aerodynamic performance and generated power. Finally, the potential functions of plasma actuators in current and future wind turbine generators are discussed. These actuators offer promising solutions to increasing power output, minimizing torque fluctuations and enabling self-starting capabilities, particularly in vertical-axis wind turbines. By adjusting blade pitch angles in conjunction with plasma actuators, significant improvements in airflow optimization and power extraction have been demonstrated. Despite the advancements, challenges persist, such as determining optimal actuator placement and overcoming structural limitations, especially concerning 3D effects and high Reynolds numbers. While plasma actuators enhance aerodynamic efficiency, their complexity needs to be balanced against marginal gains in power production, especially in high-megawatt turbines, for which controlling flow at low wind speeds is challenging. Future research must focus on the sustainable integration of plasma actuators, pitch angle adjustments and active control mechanisms to fully exploit the potential of wind energy for a sustainable future.
Achievement of Clinical, Endoscopic, and Histological Outcomes in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis Treated with Etrasimod, and Association with Faecal Calprotectin and C-reactive Protein: Results From the Phase 2 OASIS Trial
Authors: Yarur Andres J , Chiorean Michael V , Panés Julián , Jairath Vipul , Zhang Jinkun , Rabbat Christopher J , Sandborn William J , Vermeire Séverine , Peyrin-Biroulet Laurent 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background and Aims
Etrasimod is an oral, once-daily, selective sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P)1,4,5 receptor modulator for the treatment of moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis [UC]. This post-hoc analysis of the phase 2 OASIS trial [NCT02447302] evaluated its efficacy for endoscopic improvement–histologic remission [EIHR] and assessed correlation between faecal calprotectin [FCP] and C-reactive protein [CRP] levels with efficacy outcomes.

Methods
In total, 156 adults with moderately to severely active UC received once-daily etrasimod (1 mg [n = 52]; 2 mg [n = 50]) or placebo [n = 54] for 12 weeks. Clinical, endoscopic, and histologic variables were evaluated at baseline and Week 12. EIHR was defined as achievement of endoscopic improvement [endoscopic subscore ≤ 1, without friability] and histologic remission [Geboes score &lt; 2.0]. Outcomes included the relationships between FCP and CRP concentration and clinical, endoscopic, and histologic variables.

Results
Achievement of EIHR was significantly higher in patients who received etrasimod 2 mg versus placebo [19.5% vs 4.1%; Mantel–Haenszel estimated difference, 15.4%; p = 0.010]. In the etrasimod 2 mg group, median FCP and CRP levels at Week 12 were significantly lower in patients who achieved clinical remission, endoscopic improvement, histologic remission, and EIHR versus patients who did not [all p &lt; 0.05]. An FCP concentration cutoff of 250 µg/g achieved optimum sensitivity and specificity for efficacy, including EIHR [0.857 and 0.786, respectively; κ coefficient, 0.3584]. Higher proportions of patients with FCP ≤ 250 µg/g achieved efficacy outcomes at Week 12 versus patients with FCP &gt; 250 µg/g.

Conclusions
Etrasimod was effective for inducing EIHR in patients with UC. FCP and CRP may be useful, noninvasive biomarkers to monitor treatment response.

ClinicalTrials.gov number
NCT02447302.
Global biogeography and ecological implications of cobamide-producing prokaryotes
Authors: Wang Jichen , Zhu Yong-Guan , Tiedje James M , Ge Yuan 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Cobamides, a class of essential coenzymes synthesized only by a subset of prokaryotes, are model nutrients in microbial interaction studies and play significant roles in global ecosystems. Yet, their spatial patterns and functional roles remain poorly understood. Herein, we present an in-depth examination of cobamide-producing microorganisms, drawn from a comprehensive analysis of 2862 marine and 2979 soil metagenomic samples. A total of 1934 nonredundant metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) potentially capable of producing cobamides de novo were identified. The cobamide-producing MAGs are taxonomically diverse but habitat specific. They constituted only a fraction of all the recovered MAGs, with the majority of MAGs being potential cobamide users. By mapping the distribution of cobamide producers in marine and soil environments, distinct latitudinal gradients were observed: the marine environment showed peak abundance at the equator, whereas soil environments peaked at mid-latitudes. Importantly, significant and positive links between the abundance of cobamide producers and the diversity and functions of microbial communities were observed, as well as their promotional roles in essential biogeochemical cycles. These associations were more pronounced in marine samples than in soil samples, which suggests a heightened propensity for microorganisms to engage in cobamide sharing in fluid environments relative to the more spatially restricted soil environment. These findings shed light on the global patterns and potential ecological roles of cobamide-producing microorganisms in marine and soil ecosystems, enhancing our understanding of large-scale microbial interactions.
Respiratory Muscle Contraction Characteristics and Potential Mechanisms in Severely Burned Rats
Authors: Hailiang Bai , Xiafen Bai , Xingxia Hao , Jiake Chai , Hongjie Duan 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Postburn hypermetabolism remains an important clinical problem. During this phase, there is a significant loss of diaphragmatic proteins. Better understanding of respiratory muscle dynamics and potential mechanisms affecting respiratory muscle function is necessary for the development of effective therapeutic approaches. Male Wistar rats were subjected to 50% TBSA burns and sham injuries, and respiratory muscle function was assessed with 0, 1, 4, 7, and 14 days postinjury, including pulmonary function, blood gas analysis, transdiaphragmatic pressure, diaphragm ultrasonography, isolated diaphragm contractility, fatigue index, protein oxidative stress content, and ATP levels. Burned rats had significantly reduced inspiratory time, expiratory time, and tidal volume and significantly increased respiratory rate and minute ventilation. At the same time, the isolated diaphragm contractility, specific force during fatigue, and fatigue index were significantly decreased in the burned rats. Pdi, Pdimax, diaphragm thickness, diaphragm thickening fraction, and diaphragm excursion also decreased significantly postburn, whereas the Pdi/Pdimax ratio increased significantly. Finally, the content of protein carbonyls and lactic acid of burned rats was increased, and ATP levels of burned rats were decreased. The present study demonstrates the dynamic changes in diaphragm contractile properties postburn from both in vivo and in vitro perspectives, while cursorily exploring the possibility that protein oxidative stress and reduced ATP production may be the cause of diaphragm dysfunction. This understanding contributes to the development of methods to mitigate the extent of diaphragmatic function loss after severe burns.
Postfracture survival in a population-based study of adults aged ≥66 yr: a call to action at hospital discharge
Authors: Vincent Geneviève , Adachi Jonathan D , Schemitsch Emil , Tarride Jean-Eric , Ho Nathan , Wani Rajvi J , Brown Jacques P 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Postfracture survival rates provide prognostic information but are rarely reported along with other mortality outcomes in adults aged ≥50 yr. The timing of survival change following a fracture also needs to be further elucidated. This population-based, matched-cohort, retrospective database study examined 98 474 patients (73% women) aged ≥66 yr with an index fracture occurring at an osteoporotic site (hip, clinical vertebral, proximal non-hip non-vertebral [pNHNV], and distal non-hip non-vertebral [dNHNV]) from 2011 to 2015, who were matched (1:1) to nonfracture individuals based on sex, age, and comorbidities. All-cause 1- and 5-yr overall survival and relative survival ratios (RSRs) were assessed, and time trends in survival changes were characterized starting immediately after a fracture. In both sexes, overall survival was markedly decreased over 6 yr of follow-up after hip, vertebral, and pNHNV fractures, and as expected, worse survival rates were observed in older patients and males. The lowest 5-yr RSRs were observed after hip fractures in males (66–85 yr, 51.9%–63.9%; ≥86 yr, 34.5%), followed by vertebral fractures in males (66–85 yr, 53.2%–69.4%; ≥86 yr, 35.5%), and hip fractures in females (66–85 yr, 69.8%–79.0%; ≥86 yr, 52.8%). Although RSRs did not decrease as markedly after dNHNV fractures in younger patients, relatively low 5-yr RSRs were observed in females (75.9%) and males (69.5%) aged ≥86 yr. The greatest reduction in survival occurred within the initial month after hip, vertebral, and pNHNV fractures, indicating a high relative impact of short-term factors, with survival-reduction effects persisting over time. Therefore, the most critical period for implementing interventions aimed at improving post-fracture prognosis appears to be immediately after a fracture; however, considering the immediate need for introducing such interventions, primary fracture prevention is also crucial to prevent the occurrence of the initial fracture in high-risk patients.