bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A functioning Björk–Shiley aortic valve after 36 years without anticoagulation
Authors: Helms Florian , Rosebrock Frauke , Haverich Axel , Rustum Saad 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThere is a broad consensus among all clinical guidelines that lifelong oral anticoagulation is mandatory after mechanical valve prosthesis implantation. However, in rare cases, patients do not receive anticoagulation or anticoagulation therapy is withdrawn over time. We present a case of an exceptionally durable Björk–Shiley mechanical aortic valve prosthesis still functioning 49 years after implantation. Remarkably, the patient did not receive any anticoagulation or antiplatelet therapy for the first 36 years after implantation. Despite this, no thromboembolic or valve-related adverse events occurred to date. Upon thorough echocardiographic assessment, excellent valve function with a mean transvalvular gradient of 13 mmHg and no prosthetic valve insufficiency was found. This makes the case presented here one of the longest functioning mechanical valve replacements reported.
Lower bounds, elliptic reconstruction and a posteriori error control of parabolic problems
Authors: Georgoulis Emmanuil H , Makridakis Charalambos G 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
A popular approach for proving a posteriori error bounds in various norms for evolution problems with partial differential equations uses reconstruction operators to recover conforming objects from the approximate solutions. So far, lower bounds in reconstruction-based a posteriori error estimators have been proven only for time-discrete schemes for parabolic problems; the proof of lower bounds for fully discrete schemes in reconstruction-based a posteriori error estimators has eluded. In this work, we provide a complete framework addressing this issue for energy-type norms. We consider Backward Euler discretizations and time-discontinuous Galerkin schemes, combined with dynamically changing conforming finite element methods in space, approximating linear parabolic problems. The results presented include sharp upper and lower a posteriori error bounds. Localized versions of the lower bounds are also considered.
Allostatic load and cardiovascular outcomes in males with prostate cancer
Authors: Stabellini Nickolas , Cullen Jennifer , Bittencourt Marcio S , Moore Justin X , Cao Lifen , Weintraub Neal L , Harris Ryan A , Wang Xiaoling , Datta Biplab , Coughlin Steven S , Garcia Jorge , Shanahan John , Hamerschlak Nelson , Waite Kristin , Fillmore Nathanael R , Terris Martha , Montero Alberto J , Barnholtz-Sloan Jill S , Guha Avirup 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBackgroundCardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in men with prostate cancer (PC). Accumulated stress plays an important role in CVD development. The cumulative burden of chronic stress and life events can be measured using allostatic load (AL).MethodsThe initial cohort included males aged 18 years and older diagnosed with PC (2005-2019). AL was modeled as an ordinal variable (0-11). Fine-Gray competing risk regressions measured the impact of precancer diagnosis AL and postdiagnosis AL in 2-year major cardiac events (MACE). The effect of AL changes over time on MACE development was calculated via piecewise Cox regression (before, and 2 months, 6 months, and 1 year after PC diagnosis).ResultsWe included 5261 PC patients of which 6.6% had a 2-year MACE. For every 1-point increase in AL before and within 60 days after PC diagnosis, the risk of MACE increased 25% (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] =1.25, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.18 to 1.33) and 27% (aHR = 1.27, 95% CI = 1.20 to 1.35), respectively. Using AL as a time-varying exposure, the risk of MACE increased 19% (aHR = 1.19, 95% CI = 1.11 to 1.27), 22% (aHR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.14 to 1.33), 28% (aHR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.23 to 1.33), and 31% (aHR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.27 to 1.35) for every 1-point increase in AL before, 2 months after, 6 months after, and 1 year after PC diagnosis, respectively.ConclusionAL and its changes over time are associated with MACE in PC patients, suggesting a role of a biological measure of stress as a marker of CVD risk among men with PC.
System Structure, Unjust War, and State Excusability
Authors: Rubin David 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThis article seeks to bridge the interdisciplinary gap between just war theory (JWT) and international relations (IR) by introducing into the former discipline key theoretical and empirical insights from the latter discipline. Specifically, the article argues that traditional JWT is deficient as a normative account of war because it constitutes what Kenneth Waltz calls a “unit-level” theory, operating at the level of the individual state and evaluating the morality of a given war solely by reference to a list of state-level factors (e.g., just cause, proportionality, etc.). In this manner, JWT fails to take account of the systemic, or structural, correlates of international armed conflict. In particular, it fails to incorporate insights from the leading mainstream IR theories of neorealism, institutionalism, and constructivism in regard to how the international distribution of material capabilities, institutions, and ideas codetermines the nature and likelihood of war. To remedy these inadequacies of JWT, a “multilevel” approach to the morality of war is put forward according to which unit-level factors are required to be weighted by systemic factors. Pursuant to this approach, if a state has initiated or participated in a war that is assessed as unjust through the unit-level lens of traditional JWT, the state itself can still sometimes be partially excused for that war once systemic factors have been considered.
Palynomorphological Observations on the GenusSabulinaRchb. (Caryophyllaceae) from Turkey Using Light Microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy
Authors: Özbek Funda 
Published: February 2023

AbstractPollen morphology of 28 taxa belonging to the genus Sabulina Rchb. (Caryophyllaceae) from Turkey was examined and compared using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The current study aimed to describe the palynological characteristics of the Sabulina taxa and to assess the diagnostic value of these features for taxonomic implications. The pollen grains of Sabulina are radially symmetrical, apolar, rarely isopolar, and pantopolyporate with 8–28 pores. Their shape is prolate-spheroidal with the A axes (long axes) 19.5 μm and the B axes (short axes) 19–39.5 μm. Exine sculpturing is microechinate-punctate in all taxa. Principal component analysis was used to evaluate the significant pollen morphological characters for distinguishing the taxa, with three components accounting for 95.112% of the total variance. Numerical analysis revealed that pollen sizes, pore diameters, pore numbers, distance between pores, spinule density, and punctum numbers are particularly the most useful variables for separating the Sabulina taxa. The results also display a partial relationship between the Sabulina taxa clusters based on pollen morphology and the systematics of these taxa based on general macromorphology.
Far infrared treatment on the arteriovenous fistula induces changes in sVCAM and sICAM in patients on hemodialysis
Authors: Lindhard Kristine , Jensen Boyle L , Pedersen Brian L , Meyer-Olesen Christine , Rix Marianne , Hansen Henrik P , Schalkwijk Casper , Waarenburg Marjo , Heaf James , Hansen Ditte 
Published: February 2023

ABSTRACT

Introduction
There is a substantial risk of developing stenosis and dysfunction in the arteriovenous fistula (AVF) in patients on hemodialysis (HD). Far infrared radiation (FIR) is a non-invasive local intervention with a potentially beneficial effect on AVF patency. The underlying mechanism is not clear. It was hypothesized that a single FIR treatment reduces factors of inflammation and promotes endothelial vasodilators in the AVF.

Methods
Forty HD patients with an AVF were included in an open-label intervention study. Patients were randomized to receive either FIR (FIR group) or no FIR (control group). Blood samples were drawn directly from the AVF and from a peripheral vein in the non-AVF arm before (T0) and 40 min after (T40) treatment during a HD session. The changes [median (interquartile range)] in circulating factors of inflammation, endothelial function and vasoreactivity during FIR were measured.

Results
In the AVF a single FIR treatment during dialysis resulted in a significantly diminished decrease in soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule, sVCAM [−31.6 (−54.3; 22.1) vs −89.9 (−121.6; −29.3), P = .005] and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule, sICAM [−24.2 (−43.5; 25.3) vs −49 (−79.9; −11.6), P = .02] compared with the control group. Other factors, such as interleukins, nitrite, nitrate and tumor necrosis factor 1, also declined during dialysis, but with no significant differences related to FIR in either the AVF or the non-AVF arm.

Conclusion
A single FIR treatment attenuated the decrease in sVCAM and sICAM in the AVF compared with a control group during HD. Findings do not support the hypothesis of a vaso-protective effect of FIR. The long-term effects of FIR on the AVF are unknown.
Soil and vegetation water content identify the main terrestrial ecosystem changes
Authors: Bueso Diego , Piles Maria , Ciais Philippe , Wigneron Jean-Pierre , Moreno-Martínez Álvaro , Camps-Valls Gustau 
Published: February 2023

ABSTRACTEnvironmental change is a consequence of many interrelated factors. How vegetation responds to natural and human activity still needs to be well established, quantified and understood. Recent satellite missions providing hydrologic and ecological indicators enable better monitoring of Earth system changes, yet there is no automatic way to address this issue directly from observations. Here, we develop an observation-based methodology to capture evidence of changes in global terrestrial ecosystems and attribute these changes to natural or anthropogenic activity. We use the longest time record of global microwave L-band soil moisture and vegetation optical depth as satellite data and build spatially explicit maps of change in soil and vegetation water content and biomass reflecting large ecosystem changes during the last decade, 2010–20. Regions of prominent trends (from $-8\%$ to 9% per year) are observed, especially in humid and semi-arid climates. We further combine such trends with land cover change maps, vegetation greenness and precipitation variability to assess their relationship with major documented ecosystem changes. Several regions emerge from our results. They cluster changes according to human activity drivers, including deforestation (Amazon, Central Africa) and wildfires (East Australia), artificial reforestation (South-East China), abandonment of farm fields (Central Russia) and climate shifts related to changes in precipitation variability (East Africa, North America and Central Argentina). Using the high sensitivity of soil and vegetation water content to ecosystem changes, microwave satellite observations enable us to quantify and attribute global vegetation responses to climate or anthropogenic activities as a direct measure of environmental changes and the mechanisms driving them.
Regional Variation in Outpatient Antibiotic Prescribing for Acute Respiratory Tract Infections in a Commercially Insured Population, United States, 2017
Authors: Bizune Destani , Tsay Sharon , Palms Danielle , King Laura , Bartoces Monina , Link-Gelles Ruth , Fleming-Dutra Katherine , Hicks Lauri A 
Published: February 2023

Abstract

Background
Studies have shown that the Southern United States has higher rates of outpatient antibiotic prescribing rates compared with other regions in the country, but the reasons for this variation are unclear. We aimed to determine whether the regional variability in outpatient antibiotic prescribing for respiratory diagnoses can be explained by differences in prescriber clinical factors found in a commercially insured population.

Methods
We analyzed the 2017 IBM MarketScan Commercial Database of commercially insured individuals aged &lt;65 years. We included visits with acute respiratory tract infection (ARTI) diagnoses from retail clinics, urgent care centers, emergency departments, and physician offices. ARTI diagnoses were categorized based on antibiotic indication. We calculated risk ratios and 95% CIs stratified by ARTI tier and region using log-binomial models controlling for patient age, comorbidities, care setting, prescriber type, and diagnosis.

Results
Of the 14.9 million ARTI visits, 40% received an antibiotic. The South had the highest proportion of visits with an antibiotic prescription (43%), and the West the lowest (34%). ARTI visits in the South are 34% more likely receive an antibiotic for rarely antibiotic-appropriate ARTI visits when compared with the West in multivariable modeling (relative risk, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.33–1.34).

Conclusions
It is likely that higher antibiotic prescribing in the South is in part due to nonclinical factors such as regional differences in clinicians' prescribing habits and patient expectations. There is a need for future studies to define and characterize these factors to better inform regional and local stewardship interventions and achieve greater health equity in antibiotic prescribing.
Nationwide Measles and Rubella Outbreaks in South Sudan, 2019
Authors: Peck Megan E , Maleghemi Sylvester , Kayembe Lidia , Hercules Margaret , Anyuon Atem , Bunga Sudhir , McFarland Jeff , Olu Olushayo 
Published: February 2023

Abstract

Background
South Sudan confirmed a measles outbreak in December 2018. An investigation was conducted to assess underlying causes of the outbreak.

Methods
Vaccination coverage and measles surveillance data were analyzed. A suspected measles case had fever, maculopapular rash, and cough or conjunctivitis. A confirmed measles case had generalized maculopapular rash lasting &gt;3 days, a temperature &gt;38°C, and cough or conjunctivitis; or serologic confirmation (anti-measles immunoglobin M [IgM] antibody detection) in serum samples collected ≤30 days from rash onset. A confirmed rubella case tested measles IgM-negative and rubella IgM-positive.

Results
Nationwide, 3727 suspected measles cases were reported in 2019. Seventy-five percent of all suspected measles cases were in children aged &lt;5 years. Thirty-six percent of patients with suspected measles were admitted to the hospital, and 36 measles-related deaths were reported. Among cases, 922 (25%) were tested for measles; of these, 317 (34%) were measles IgM-positive. Among cases that tested measles IgM-negative, 149 (33%) were rubella IgM-positive. Immunization coverage for 1 dose of measles-containing vaccine (MCV) varied by state, ranging from 6% to 67%.

Conclusions
Measles and rubella remain public health problems in South Sudan. To reduce measles incidence, South Sudan needs to achieve &gt;95% coverage with 2 doses of MCV.
InvasiveScedosporiumandLomentospora prolificansInfections in Australia: A Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Neoh Chin Fen , Chen Sharon C A , Crowe Amy , Hamilton Kate , Nguyen Quoc A , Marriott Debbie , Trubiano Jason A , Spelman Tim , Kong David C M , Slavin Monica A 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBackgroundManagement of Scedosporium/Lomentospora prolificans infections remains challenging. We described predisposing factors, clinical manifestations, and outcomes of these rare mold infections, including predictors of early (1-month) and late (18-month) all-cause mortality and treatment failure.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective Australian-based observational study of proven/probable Scedosporium/L prolificans infections from 2005 to 2021. Data on patient comorbidities, predisposing factors, clinical manifestations, treatment, and outcomes up to 18 months were collected. Treatment responses and death causality were adjudicated. Subgroup analyses, multivariable Cox regression, and logistic regression were performed.ResultsOf 61 infection episodes, 37 (60.7%) were attributable to L prolificans. Forty-five of 61 (73.8%) were proven invasive fungal diseases (IFDs), and 29 of 61 (47.5%) were disseminated. Prolonged neutropenia and receipt of immunosuppressant agents were documented in 27 of 61 (44.3%) and 49 of 61 (80.3%) episodes, respectively. Voriconazole/terbinafine was administered in 30 of 31 (96.8%) L prolificans infections, and voriconazole alone was prescribed for 15 of 24 (62.5%) Scedosporium spp infections. Adjunctive surgery was performed in 27 of 61 (44.3%) episodes. Median time to death post–IFD diagnosis was 9.0 days, and only 22 of 61 (36.1%) attained treatment success at 18 months. Those who survived beyond 28 days of antifungal therapy were less immunosuppressed with fewer disseminated infections (both P &lt; .001). Disseminated infection and hematopoietic stem cell transplant were associated with increased early and late mortality rates. Adjunctive surgery was associated with lower early and late mortality rates by 84.0% and 72.0%, respectively, and decreased odds of 1-month treatment failure by 87.0%.ConclusionsOutcomes associated with Scedosporium/L prolificans infections is poor, particularly with L prolificans infections or in the highly immunosuppressed population.
Predictors of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Uptake in a Sexual Health Clinic With Rapid PrEP Initiation
Authors: Wagner Gabriel A , Wu Kuan-Sheng , Anderson Christy , Burgi Alina , Little Susan J 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBackgroundImproved pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake is essential for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention initiatives. Offering PrEP at the time of HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing can improve uptake. We offered rapid PrEP initiation in a sexual health clinic and assessed predictors of PrEP interest, initiation, linkage, and retention.MethodsBetween November 2018 and February 2020, PrEP-eligible individuals who presented to a sexual health clinic were offered a free 30-day supply of PrEP plus linkage to continued PrEP care. Univariable and multivariable analyses of demographic and HIV risk data were conducted to determine predictors of PrEP uptake.ResultsOf 1259 adults who were eligible for PrEP (99.7% male, 42.7% White, 36.2% Hispanic), 456 were interested in PrEP, 249 initiated PrEP, 209 were linked, and 67 were retained in care. Predictors of PrEP interest included younger age (P &lt; .01), lower monthly income (P = .01), recreational drug use (P = .02), and a greater number of sexual partners (P &lt; .01). Negative predictors of PrEP initiation included lower monthly income (P = .04), testing positive for chlamydia (P = .04), and exchanging money for sex (P = .01). Negative predictors of linkage included self-identifying as Black (P = .03) and testing positive for an STI (P &lt; .01). Having health insurance positively predicted both linkage (P &lt; .01) and retention (P &lt; .03).ConclusionsA minority of PrEP-eligible HIV and STI testers initiated PrEP when offered, suggesting that easy PrEP access in sexual health clinics alone may not improve uptake. Predictors of uptake included established HIV risk factors and markers of higher socioeconomic status, suggesting that those aware of their risk and with the means to utilize health services engaged best with this model.
Investigating Epidemiologic and Molecular Links Between Patients With Community- and Hospital-Acquired Influenza A: 2017–2018 and 2019–2020, Michigan
Authors: Wan Tiffany , Lauring Adam S , Valesano Andrew L , Fitzsimmons William J , Bendall Emily E , Kaye Keith S , Petrie Joshua G 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBackgroundHospital-acquired influenza virus infection (HAII) can cause severe morbidity and mortality. Identifying potential transmission routes can inform prevention strategies.MethodsWe identified all hospitalized patients testing positive for influenza A virus at a large, tertiary care hospital during the 2017–2018 and 2019–2020 influenza seasons. Hospital admission dates, locations of inpatient service, and clinical influenza testing information were retrieved from the electronic medical record. Time-location groups of epidemiologically linked influenza patients were defined and contained ≥1 presumed HAII case (first positive ≥48 hours after admission). Genetic relatedness within time-location groups was assessed by whole genome sequencing.ResultsDuring the 2017–2018 season, 230 patients tested positive for influenza A(H3N2) or unsubtyped influenza A including 26 HAIIs. There were 159 influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 or unsubtyped influenza A–positive patients identified during the 2019–2020 season including 33 HAIIs. Consensus sequences were obtained for 177 (77%) and 57 (36%) of influenza A cases in 2017–2018 and 2019–2020, respectively. Among all influenza A cases, there were 10 time-location groups identified in 2017–2018 and 13 in 2019–2020; 19 of 23 groups included ≤4 patients. In 2017–2018, 6 of 10 groups had ≥2 patients with sequence data, including ≥1 HAII case. Two of 13 groups met this criteria in 2019–2020. Two time-location groups from 2017–2018 each contained 3 genetically linked cases.ConclusionsOur results suggest that HAIIs arise from outbreak transmission from nosocomial sources as well as single infections from unique community introductions.
Bictegravir-Induced Drug Reaction With Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms in a Patient With Acute Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Authors: DiLorenzo Madeline A , Medrano Nicola , Chen Jason N , Bawany Fatima , Tran Duy C , Taunk Pulkit , Meehan Shane A , Pomeranz Miriam Keltz , Mgbako Ofole 
Published: February 2023

AbstractAlthough drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) is associated with antiretrovirals, there are no published reports of bictegravir-induced DRESS. Bictegravir is recommended as first-line treatment for patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Recognition of DRESS, its skin manifestations, and potential complications is vital for appropriate care and management of acute HIV.