bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The relation between thrombus burden and early mortality risk in inpatients diagnosed with COVID-19-related acute pulmonary embolism: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Ozden Sertcelik Umran , Ozkan Erdem , Sertcelik Ahmet , Karalezli Aysegul 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundCOVID-19-related acute pulmonary thromboembolism (APE) is associated with poor outcomes in patients with COVID-19. There are studies investigating the association between thrombus burden and high risk of early mortality in the pre-COVID-19 period. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between clot burden and early mortality risk in COVID-19-related APE patients.MethodsIn this single-center retrospective cohort study, the data of hospitalized adult patients followed up for COVID-19-related APE between April 1, 2020, and April 1, 2021, were electronically collected. A radiologist evaluated the computed tomography (CT) findings and calculated the Mastora scores to determine clot burden. The early mortality risk group of each patient was determined using 2019 the European Society of Cardiology guidelines.ResultsOf the 87 patients included in the study, 58 (66.7%) were male, and the mean age was 62.5±16.2 years. There were 53 (60.9%) patients with a low risk of mortality, 18 (20.7%) with an intermediate-low risk, and 16(18.4%) with an intermediate-high/high risk. The median total simplified Mastora scores were 11.0, 18.5, and 31.5 in the low, the intermediate-low, and the intermediate-high/high-risk groups, respectively (p = 0.002). With the 80.61% ofpost-hocpower of the study, intermediate-high/high early mortality risk was associated statistically significantly with the total simplified Mastora score (adj OR = 1.06, 95%CI = 1.02–1.11,p = 0.009). Total simplified Mastora score was found to predict intermediate-high/high early mortality risk with a probability of 0.740 (95% CI = 0.603–0.877): At the optimal cut-off value of 18.5, it had 75.0% sensitivity, 66.2% specificity, 33.3% positive predictive value, and 92.2% negative predictive value.ConclusionsThe total simplified Mastora score was found to be positively associated with early mortality risk and could be useful as decision support for the risk assessment in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Evaluation of thrombus burden on CT angiography performed for diagnostic purposes can accelerate the decision of close monitoring and thrombolytic treatment of patients with moderate/high risk of early mortality.
Increased difficulty and complications of delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy following percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage in acute cholecystitis: a retrospective study
Authors: Liu Ya-qi , Cai Xuan , Zheng Zhi-xue , Xu Fang-jingwei , Bi Jing-tao 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage (PTGBD) is a relatively less invasive alternative treatment to cholecystostomy. However, the influence of the difficulty of delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy (DLC) after PTGBD on clinical outcomes remains unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical effects of DLC following PTGBD.

Methods
The clinical data of 113 patients diagnosed with moderate (grade II) acute cholecystitis according to the 2018 Tokyo Guidelines in the acute phase and who underwent DLC in our hospital from January 2018 to February 2022 were retrospectively collected and separated into two groups according to whether they received PTGBD treatment in the acute stage. The PTGBD group comprised 27 cases, and the no-PTGBD group included 86 cases. The TG18 difficulty score was used to evaluate every surgical procedure in the cases by reviewing the surgical videos. The clinical baseline characteristics and post-treatment outcomes were also evaluated.

Results
Both groups showed significant differences in length of postoperative stay, blood loss, operation time, and difficulty score. The PTGBD group showed a significantly longer postoperative stay and operation time, more blood loss, and a much higher difficulty score than the no-PTGBD group. Conversion rates did not differ. The morbidity rate in the PTGBD group was statistically higher.

Conclusions
PTGBD is an efficient way to relieve the symptoms of acute cholecystitis. However, it may increase the difficulty and complications of DLC.
Comparison of invisalign mandibular advancement and twin-block on upper airway and hyoid bone position improvements for skeletal class II children: a retrospective study
Authors: Yue Zheng , Yi Zian , Liu Xinyi , Chen Mengting , Yin Shuhui , Liu Qianqian , Chen Xuefeng , Hu Jiangtian 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
This study is to evaluate and compare the improvement of upper airway morphology and hyoid bone position in children with Class II mandibular retrusion treated with Invisalign mandibular advancement (MA) and Twin-Block (TB) appliances, utilizing cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Methods
32 children aged between 8 and 11.5 years old were included in this study, with an average age of 10.2 years old. These children were divided into two groups, MA and TB, with 16 children in each group. Changes in upper airway morphology and hyoid bone position before and after treatment were analyzed using CBCT.

Results
(1) Changes in upper airway before and after treatment: the oropharynx volume (Or-V), the oropharynx minimum cross-sectional area (Or-mCSA), the hypopharynx volume (Hy-V), and the hypopharynx minimum cross-sectional area (Hy-mCSA) in both the MA and TB groups increased after treatment, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05) compared to pre-treatment status. (2) Changes in hyoid bone position before and after treatment: The distances between H point and third cervical vertebra (H-C3), H point and pogonion (H-RGN), H point and mandibular plane (H-MP), H point and Frankfort horizontal plane (H-FH), H and S point (H-S), and H point and palatal plane (H-PP) in both the MA and TB groups increased after treatment, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05).

Conclusion
Both MA and TB appliances effectively improved the structural narrowness of the upper airway and reduced respiratory resistance, thus improving breath quality. However, MA showed more effectiveness in improving the narrowest part of the hypopharynx compared to TB. Both appliances also promoted anterior downward movement of the hyoid bone, which opens the upper airway of the oropharynx and hypopharynx and helps the upper airway morphology return to normal range.
Volumetric reduction in large cystic jaw lesions postoperative enucleation: a longitudinal clinical study
Authors: Al-Qurmoti Sarah , Mahyoub Mueataz A. , Elhoumed Mohamed , Al-Moraissi Essam Ahmed , Tao Zhuo‑Ying , Hou Xiaoru , Li Jing , Bi Sisi , Wu Haiyan , Zhang Jing , Lv Huanhuan , Jiao Lina , Al-Karmati Sokina , Acharya Kiran , Hu Xiaoyi , Li Jinfeng 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Enucleation, a surgical procedure, is commonly used to treat large jaw cysts, unicystic ameloblastomas and keratocysts. However, it remains unclear to what extent the jaw bone regenerates after enucleation. We aimed to evaluate the percentage and the survival analysis of jaw bone regeneration, in terms of cavity volume residual (CVR), in patients who underwent enucleation of large jaw cysts, unicystic ameloblastomas and keratocysts.

Methods
We collected data longitudinally from 75 patients who underwent jaw cystic lesions enucleation at the Stomatological Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, between January 2015 and June 2021. All patients had both preoperative and postoperative cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging data. CBCT images were analyzed using Image J. Changes in the CVR were assessed at various follow-up time points, and the Kaplan-Meier method was utilized to evaluate the CVR over time.

Results
The patients had a mean age of 31.7 years (range: 5.5–72 years) with 58.66% of them being male. The postoperative CVR was 32.20% at three months, 21.10% at six months, 15.90% at 12 months, and 5.60% at 24 months. The percentage of CVR during follow-up periods for the initial size Quartile (Q)1 (212.54-1569.60 mm3) was substantially lower than those of Q2 and Q3 at and after seven months of follow-up and became statistically significant at the 12-month mark.

Conclusion
This study demonstrates that spontaneous bone regeneration can occur after enucleation of large jaw cysts, unicystic ameloblastomas and keratocysts, even without the use of filler materials. The initial size of the lesion had a significant impact on the outcome of cystic lesion enucleation over time. To minimize the risks associated with radiation exposure and expenses, we recommend reducing the frequency of CT imaging follow-ups for patients with small initial cavity sizes (ranging from 212.54 to 1569.60 mm3).
A new scale assessing the stressors and rewards of children’s hospice work
Authors: Papworth Andrew , Bedendo Andre , Taylor Jo , Beresford Bryony , Mukherjee Suzanne , Fraser Lorna K , Ziegler Lucy 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundThere is a workforce shortage in the children’s hospice sector, but there has been little research on the specific challenges of working in this setting and on how these challenges might be alleviated. To identify appropriate interventions to improve staff wellbeing, the drivers of wellbeing in children’s hospices need to be known and measured. This paper reports on the development of two measures, one for work-related rewards and one for work-related stressors, for use in children’s hospice care teams.MethodsA mixed-methods, four-stage study; the first three phases focused on the development of the scales, and the last stage focused on the validation of the scales. Participants of all stages were children’s hospice care team staff members in the UK. Stage 1: survey assessing the relevance and comprehensiveness of the original scale items (N = 60); Stages 2 (focus groups;N = 16) and 3 (cognitive interviews;N = 14) to assess content validity; Stage 4: UK-wide survey (N = 414) to validate the final version of the new, children’s hospice-specific scales using Rasch Analysis (RA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA).ResultsDue to poor fitting indices shown in the results from the RA, five items (out of 36) were removed from the new rewards scale used in the UK-wide survey and 20 (out of 62) were removed from the new stressors scale. CFA also supported the removal of the items and showed a one-factor structure for the rewards scale and a three-factor structure for the stressors scale were adequate—the sub-scales for the stressors scale related to caring for an ill or dying child (“Child” sub-scale), working with parents and families (“Parent” sub-scale), and stressors related to organisational factors, such as team conflict and workload (“Organisation” sub-scale).ConclusionsBoth of the new scales showed good psychometric properties and can be useful in clinical settings and research to assess the perceived intensity of the work-related rewards and stressors for children’s hospice staff.
The dynamics of deltamethrin resistance evolution in Aedes albopictus has an impact on fitness and dengue virus type-2 vectorial capacity
Authors: Guo Yijia , Hu Ke , Zhou Jingni , Xie Zhensheng , Zhao Yijie , Zhao Siyu , Gu Jinbao , Zhou Xiaohong , Yan Guiyun , James Anthony A. , Chen Xiao-Guang 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Worldwide invasion and expansion of Aedes albopictus, an important vector of dengue, chikungunya, and Zika viruses, has become a serious concern in global public health. Chemical insecticides are the primary means currently available to control the mosquito populations. However, long-term and large-scale use of insecticides has selected for resistance in the mosquito that is accompanied by a genetic load that impacts fitness.

Results
A number of laboratory strains representing different resistance mechanisms were isolated and identified from laboratory-derived, deltamethrin-resistant Ae. albopictus recovered in previous work. Resistance levels and fitness costs of the strains were evaluated and compared to characterize the evolution of the resistance genotypes and phenotypes. The heterozygous F1534S mutation (1534F/S) in the voltage gated sodium channel (vgsc) gene product (VGSC), first detected in early stages of resistance evolution, not only confers high-level resistance, but also produces no significant fitness costs, leading to the rapid spread of resistance in the population. This is followed by the increase in frequency of homozygous F1534S (1534S/S) mosquitoes that have significant fitness disadvantages, prompting the emergence of an unlinked I1532T mutation with fewer side effects and a mating advantage better adapted to the selection and reproductive pressures imposed in the experiments. Metabolic resistance with no significant fitness cost and mediating a high-tolerance resistance phenotype may play a dominant role in the subsequent evolution of resistance. The different resistant strains had similar vector competence for dengue virus type-2 (DENV-2). Furthermore, a comparative analysis of vectorial capacity revealed that increased survival due to deltamethrin resistance balanced the negative fitness cost effects and contributed to the risk of dengue virus (DENV) transmission by resistant populations. The progressive evolution of resistance results in mosquitoes with both target-site insensitivity and metabolic resistance with lower fitness costs, which further leads to resistant populations with both high resistance levels and vectorial capacity.

Conclusions
This study reveals a possible mechanism for the evolution of deltamethrin resistance in Aedes albopictus. These findings will help guide practical strategies for insecticide use, resistance management and the prevention and control of mosquito-borne disease.
Economical synthesis of γ-cyclodextrin catalyzed by oriented cyclodextrin glycosyltransferase displayed on bacterial polyhydroxyalkanoate nanogranules
Authors: Duan Menglu , Wang Yan , Tan Dan , Yang Guowu , Deng Yuan , Ran Ganqiao , Li Jiao 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
The advantages of γ-cyclodextrin (γ-CD) include its high solubility, ability to form inclusion complexes with various poorly water-soluble molecules, and favorable toxicological profile; thus, γ-CD is an attractive functional excipient widely used in many industrial settings. Unfortunately, the high cost of γ-CD caused by the low activity and stability of γ-cyclodextrin glycosyltransferase (γ-CGTase) has hampered large-scale production and application.

Results
This study reports the in vivo one-step production of immobilized γ-CGTase decorated on the surface of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) nanogranules by the N-terminal fusion of γ-CGTase to PHA synthase via a designed linker. The immobilized γ-CGTase-PHA nanogranules showed outstanding cyclization activity of 61.25 ± 3.94 U/mg (γ-CGTase protein) and hydrolysis activity of 36,273.99 ± 1892.49 U/mg, 44.74% and 18.83% higher than that of free γ-CGTase, respectively. The nanogranules also exhibited wider optimal pH (cyclization activity 7.0–9.0, hydrolysis activity 10.0–11.0) and temperature (55–60 °C) ranges and remarkable thermo- and pH-stability, expanding its utility to adapt to wider and more severe reaction conditions than the free enzyme. A high yield of CDs (22.73%) converted from starch and a high ratio (90.86%) of γ-CD in the catalysate were achieved at pH 9.0 and 50 °C for 10 h with 1 mmol/L K+, Ca2+, and Mg2+ added to the reaction system. Moreover, γ-CGTase-PHA beads can be used at least eight times, retaining 82.04% of its initial hydrolysis activity and 75.73% of its initial cyclization activity.

Conclusions
This study provides a promising nanobiocatalyst for the cost-efficient production of γ-CD, which could greatly facilitate process control and economize the production cost.
Factors influencing drug switching and changes in low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels with atorvastatin: a real-world observational study
Authors: Lim Yu-Cheol , Lee Eui-Kyung , Park Mi-Hai 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Although generic drugs have been approved with the assurance of interchangeable applications with original drugs, some physicians, and patients still view their efficacy and interchangeability negatively. Using real-world data, we aimed to determine factors that impact switching between drugs that contain the same active ingredient, i.e., atorvastatin, and, in turn, whether this ‘switch’ could alter clinical outcomes.

Methods
Using the National Health Insurance Service senior cohort, a retrospective cohort study was conducted to assess patients who had newly started atorvastatin 10 mg and had at least two records of national health examinations from 2010 to 2014. Drug switching, which was defined as a change in the atorvastatin product administered 90 days before the first and second examinations, was assessed. Greedy propensity score matching (1:2) was performed between switchers and non-switchers to control for potential confounders. Factors influencing switching were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression to estimate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Changes in low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels attributable to drug switching were evaluated using difference-in-differences regression.

Results
A total of 1,588 patients were included, of whom 25.3% switched drugs (1,187 non-switchers and 401 switchers). Compared to patients taking generics before the first examination, those taking the original drugs had a lower odds ratio (0.31; 95% CI [0.21, 0.46]) for subsequent drug switching. A change in medical institution was associated with a significantly higher odds ratio (6.83; 95% CI [4.66, 10.02]). There were no significant differences in LDL-C alterations between switchers and non-switchers (0.42 mg/dL; 95% CI [-2.29, 3.13]).

Conclusion
The type of first-time drug administered and changes in medical institution can influence drug switching. No significant changes in LDL-C values were observed in the various switching scenarios between the original and generic drugs, suggesting their interchangeable application in real-world clinical practice.
EMG feedback improves grasping of compliant objects using a myoelectric prosthesis
Authors: Tchimino Jack , Dideriksen Jakob Lund , Dosen Strahinja 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Closing the control loop in myoelectric prostheses by providing artificial somatosensory feedback is recognized as an important goal. However, designing a feedback interface that is effective in realistic conditions is still a challenge. Namely, in some situations, feedback can be redundant, as the information it provides can be readily obtained through hearing or vision (e.g., grasping force estimated from the deformation of a compliant object). EMG feedback is a non-invasive method wherein the tactile stimulation conveys to the user the level of their own myoelectric signal, hence a measurement intrinsic to the interface, which cannot be accessed incidentally.

Methods
The present study investigated the efficacy of EMG feedback in prosthesis force control when 10 able-bodied participants and a person with transradial amputation used a myoelectric prosthesis to grasp compliant objects of different stiffness values. The performance with feedback was compared to that achieved when the participants relied solely on incidental cues.

Results
The main outcome measures were the task success rate and completion time. EMG feedback resulted in significantly higher success rates regardless of pin stiffness, indicating that the feedback enhanced the accuracy of force application despite the abundance of incidental cues. Contrary to expectations, there was no difference in the completion time between the two feedback conditions. Additionally, the data revealed that the participants could produce smoother control signals when they received EMG feedback as well as more consistent commands across trials, signifying better control of the system by the participants.

Conclusions
The results presented in this study further support the efficacy of EMG feedback when closing the prosthesis control loop by demonstrating its benefits in particularly challenging conditions which maximized the utility of intrinsic feedback sources.
The genetic variability of grapevine Pinot gris virus (GPGV) in Australia
Authors: Kaur Kamalpreet , Rinaldo Amy , Lovelock David , Rodoni Brendan , Constable Fiona 
Published: September 2023

AbstractGrapevine Pinot gris virus (GPGV; genus Trichovirus in the family Betaflexiviridae) was detected in Australia in 2016, but its impact on the production of nursery material and fruit in Australia is still currently unknown. This study investigated the prevalence and genetic diversity of GPGV in Australia. GPGV was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in a range of rootstock, table and wine grape varieties from New South Wales, South Australia, and Victoria, with 473/2171 (21.8%) samples found to be infected. Genomes of 32 Australian GPGV isolates were sequenced and many of the isolates shared high nucleotide homology. Phylogenetic and haplotype analyses demonstrated that there were four distinct clades amongst the 32 Australian GPGV isolates and that there were likely to have been at least five separate introductions of the virus into Australia. Recombination and haplotype analysis indicate the emergence of new GPGV strains after introduction into Australia. When compared with 168 overseas GPGV isolates, the analyses suggest that the most likely origin of Australian GPGV isolates is from Europe. There was no correlation between specific GPGV genotypes and symptoms such as leaf mottling, leaf deformation, and shoot stunting, which were observed in some vineyards, and the virus was frequently found in symptomless grapevines.