bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimated glomerular filtration rate, haemodynamics, and mortality in patients with aortic stenosis
Authors: Appert Sharon , Weber Lukas , Breuss Alexander , Haager Philipp K. , Joerg Lucas , Weilenmann Daniel , Chronis Joannis , Rigger Johannes , Rickli Hans , Maeder Micha T. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBackgroundIn aortic stenosis (AS), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is an important prognostic marker but its haemodynamic determinants are unknown. We investigated the correlation between eGFR and invasive haemodynamics and long‐term mortality in AS patients undergoing aortic valve replacement (AVR).MethodsWe studied 503 patients [median (interquartile range) age 76 (69–81) years] with AS [indexed aortic valve area .42 (.33–.49) cm2/m2] undergoing cardiac catheterization prior to surgical (72%) or transcatheter (28%) AVR. Serum creatinine was measured on the day before cardiac catheterization for eGFR calculation (CKD‐EPI formula).ResultsThe median eGFR was 67 (53–82) mL/min/1.73 m2. There were statistically significant correlations between eGFR and mean right atrial pressure (r = −.13; p = .004), mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP; r = −.25; p < .001), mean pulmonary artery wedge pressure (r = −.19; p < .001), pulmonary vascular resistance (r = −.21; p < .001), stroke volume index (r = .16; p < .001), extent of coronary artery disease, and mean transvalvular gradient but not indexed aortic valve area. In multivariate linear regression, higher age, lower haemoglobin, lower mean transvalvular gradient (i.e. lower flow), lower diastolic blood pressure, and higher mPAP were independent predictors of lower eGFR. After a median post‐AVR follow‐up of 1348 (948–1885) days mortality was more than two‐fold higher in patients in the first eGFR quartile compared to those in the other three quartiles [hazard ratio 2.18 (95% confidence interval 1.21–3.94); p = .01].ConclusionIn patients with AS, low eGFR is a marker of an unfavourable haemodynamic constellation as well as important co‐morbidities. This may in part explain the association between low eGFR and increased post‐AVR mortality.
Stabilising effects of karstic groundwater on stream fish communities
Authors: Hitt Nathaniel P. , Rogers Karli M. , Kessler Karmann G. , Briggs Martin A. , Fair Jennifer H. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractAlthough groundwater exchange processes are known to modulate atmospheric influences on stream temperature and flow, the implications for ecological stability are poorly understood. Here, we evaluated temporal change in stream fish communities across a gradient of groundwater influence defined by karst terrain (carbonate parent materials) within the Potomac River basin of eastern North America. We surveyed 12 sites in 2022 that had been sampled 29–30 years previously with similar methods. We also collected stream temperature data from each site and used the regression slope of the air‐water temperature relationship to index stream thermal sensitivity and groundwater exchange processes. Sites in karst terrain exhibited strong groundwater controls on stream temperature, and fish communities were more stable over time in these locations than elsewhere. However, stream thermal sensitivity was a stronger predictor of species persistence than the spatial distribution of karst terrain in contributing areas, highlighting the ecological importance of local variation in groundwater discharge processes. The presence of calcium precipitates (marl) in stream substrates was associated with low thermal sensitivity and ecological stability over time, and we suggest such visible features may be a useful indicator of climate change refugia in stream ecosystems.
Effectiveness of distance learning for preclinical periodontal education
Authors: Oh Se‐Lim , Swiec Gary , Jones Deborah , Chung Thomas 
Published: February 2023

AbstractIntroductionThis study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of distance learning (DL) for the second‐year periodontics course compared to classroom learning (CL).Materials and MethodsDL for Class A (n1 = 126) and CL for Class B (n2 = 133) were implemented. The same instructors recorded or delivered the same lectures in the two learning modules during the second‐year periodontics course. Classes A and B took the same final examinations (a total % score of 200). General linear model (GLM) and ordinal logistic regression (OLR) analyses were conducted after considering individual first‐year final % scores as a covariate to test if the second‐year final % scores and the distributions of letter grades were significantly different between Class A and B.ResultsThe mean second‐year final % score of the DL group (166.4) was significantly higher than that of the CL group (160.8) (independent t‐test, p = .019). However, in GLM, the first‐year final % scores significantly affected the second‐year scores (p = .016); the second‐year final % scores between the two groups were not significantly different (p = .268) after considering the individual first‐year scores. In OLR, there was no difference in the likelihood of getting lower grades in the second‐year course between the two groups (odds ratio = 1.6; 95% confidence interval = [0.95, 2.72], p = .078) after considering the first‐year final % scores.ConclusionWithin the limitations of the study, the DL for preclinical periodontics resulted in comparable student learning outcomes when compared to the traditional CL.
Water availability is a stronger driver of soil microbial processing of organic nitrogen than tree species composition
Authors: Maxwell Tania L. , Augusto Laurent , Tian Ye , Wanek Wolfgang , Fanin Nicolas 
Published: February 2023

AbstractSoil organic nitrogen (N) cycling processes constitute a bottleneck of soil N cycling, yet little is known about how tree species composition may influence these rates, and even less under changes in soil water availability such as those that are being induced by climate change. In this study, we used a 12‐year‐old tree biodiversity experiment in southwestern France to assess the interactive effects of soil water availability (half of the blocks seasonally irrigated to double precipitation) and tree species composition (monocultural vs. mixed plots of coniferous Pinus pinaster, and of broadleaf Betula pendula). We measured gross protein depolymerisation rates using a novel high‐throughput isotope pool dilution method, along with soil microbial biomass carbon and N to calculate microbial biomass‐specific activities of soil organic N processes. Overall, high soil water availability led to a 42% increase in soil protein depolymerisation rates compared to the unirrigated plots, but we found no effect of species composition on these soil organic N cycling processes. When investigating the interactive effect of tree species mixing and soil water availability, the results suggest that mixing tree species had a negative effect on soil organic N cycling processes in the non‐irrigated blocks subject to dry summers, but that this effect tended to become positive at higher soil water availability in irrigated plots. These results put forth that soil water availability could influence potential tree species mixing effects on soil organic N cycling processes in dry conditions.Highlights
Tree species (with different litter C:N ratios) had little effect on protein depolymerisation
Increasing water availability via irrigation accelerated depolymerisation rates
No interactive effect between tree species mixing and water availability, although trends emerged
Positive trend of mixing under high water availability and negative trend under low water
Machine Learning Literacy for Measurement Professionals: A Practical Tutorial
Authors: Nie Rui , Guo Qi , Morin Maxim 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThe COVID‐19 pandemic has accelerated the digitalization of assessment, creating new challenges for measurement professionals, including big data management, test security, and analyzing new validity evidence. In response to these challenges, Machine Learning (ML) emerges as an increasingly important skill in the toolbox of measurement professionals in this new era. However, most ML tutorials are technical and conceptual‐focused. Therefore, this tutorial aims to provide a practical introduction to ML in the context of educational measurement. We also supplement our tutorial with several examples of supervised and unsupervised ML techniques applied to marking a short‐answer question. Python codes are available on GitHub. In the end, common misconceptions about ML are discussed.
Microbial sensitivity to temperature and sulfate deposition modulates greenhouse gas emissions from peat soils
Authors: AminiTabrizi Roya , Graf‐Grachet Nathalia , Chu Rosalie K. , Toyoda Jason G. , Hoyt David W. , Hamdan Rasha , Wilson Rachel M. , Tfaily Malak M. 
Published: February 2023

AbstractPeatlands are among the largest natural sources of atmospheric methane (CH4) worldwide. Microbial processes play a key role in regulating CH4 emissions from peatland ecosystems, yet the complex interplay between soil substrates and microbial communities in controlling CH4 emissions as a function of global change remains unclear. Herein, we performed an integrated analysis of multi‐omics data sets to provide a comprehensive understanding of the molecular processes driving changes in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in peatland ecosystems with increasing temperature and sulfate deposition in a laboratory incubation study. We sought to first investigate how increasing temperatures (4, 21, and 35°C) impact soil microbiome–metabolome interactions; then explore the competition between methanogens and sulfate‐reducing bacteria (SRBs) with increasing sulfate concentrations at the optimum temperature for methanogenesis. Our results revealed that peat soil organic matter degradation, mediated by biotic and potentially abiotic processes, is the main driver of the increase in CO2 production with temperature. In contrast, the decrease in CH4 production at 35°C was linked to the absence of syntrophic communities and the potential inhibitory effect of phenols on methanogens. Elevated temperatures further induced the microbial communities to develop high growth yield and stress tolerator trait‐based strategies leading to a shift in their composition and function. On the other hand, SRBs were able to outcompete methanogens in the presence of non‐limiting sulfate concentrations at 21°C, thereby reducing CH4 emissions. At higher sulfate concentrations, however, the prevalence of communities capable of producing sufficient low‐molecular‐weight carbon substrates for the coexistence of SRBs and methanogens was translated into elevated CH4 emissions. The use of omics in this study enhanced our understanding of the structure and interactions among microbes with the abiotic components of the system that can be useful for mitigating GHG emissions from peatland ecosystems in the face of global change.
The rise of artificial intelligence, the fall of human wellbeing?
Authors: Zhao Yong , Yin Da , Wang Lili , Yu Yihua 
Published: February 2023

AbstractConcerns exist regarding the impact on our lives of the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). Using a large dataset of 137 countries over the period 2005–2018 from multiple sources, we estimate the causal effect of AI on individual‐level subjective wellbeing. Our identification strategy is inferred from the gravity framework and uses merely the variation in exogenous drivers of a country's AI development. We find a significant negative effect of AI on an individual's wellbeing, in terms of current levels or expectations of future wellbeing. The results are robust to alternative measures of AI, identification strategies, and sampling. Moreover, we find evidence of significant heterogeneity in the impact of AI on individual wellbeing. Further, this dampening effect on individual wellbeing resulting from the use of AI is more prominent among young people, men, high‐income groups, high‐skilled groups, and manufacturing workers.
Plasma circulating tumor DNA profiling in patients with chemo‐refractory germ cell tumors
Authors: Sakka Shotaro , Kandori Shuya , Kawai Koji , Kojima Takahiro , Nitta Satoshi , Chihara Ichiro , Nagumo Yoshiyuki , Kawahara Takashi , Mathis Bryan J. , Ishihara Megumi , Shinohara Nobuo , Kishida Takeshi , Ukimura Osamu , Nishimura Kazuo , Kobayashi Yasuyuki , Nishiyama Hiroyuki 
Published: February 2023

ObjectivesMolecular analysis of tumor tissues has been extensively analyzed in germ cell tumors. However, genetic analysis of plasma circulating tumor DNA has been limited. Our objective was to analyze genetic alterations in circulating tumor DNA as well as its impact on prognosis in patients with chemo‐refractory germ cell tumors.MethodsWe included 13 patients with chemo‐refractory germ cell tumors who relapsed after second‐line or higher previous chemotherapy and performed targeted sequencing of plasma cell‐free DNA using an AVENIO Expanded kit.ResultsTumor‐specific genetic alterations were identified in all patients. The most frequently mutated gene was TP53 (53.4%), followed by PTEN (23.1%), GNAS (15.4%) and MTOR (15.4%). Moreover, EGFR amplification (38.5%) and MET amplification (15.4%) were also identified. We defined two or more single nucleotide variants detected in plasma cell‐free DNA as circulating tumor DNA‐positive. Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed that overall survival was significantly shorter in circulating tumor DNA‐positive patients than circulating tumor DNA negative‐patients (median overall survival 3.13 vs. 8.73 months; p = 0.042).ConclusionAnalysis of plasma circulating tumor DNA could detect genetic alterations in patients with chemo‐refractory GCT. Moreover, detectable circulating tumor DNA in plasma was associated with poor prognosis in those patients. These results suggest that liquid biopsy using analysis of plasma circulating tumor DNA may be clinically useful for germ cell tumor patients.
Barriers and facilitators to becoming an alcohol and other drug nurse practitioner in Australia: A mixed methods study
Authors: Searby Adam , Burr Dianna , Blums Colleen , Harrison Jason , Smyth Darren 
Published: February 2023

AbstractAlcohol and other drug (AOD) nurse practitioners have an advanced scope of practice that allows them to diagnose, prescribe pharmacological treatments for alcohol and other substance use disorders, and monitor physical and mental health. The Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW) is used to understand barriers and facilitators to implementation by applying three conditions of behaviour change (capability, opportunity, and motivation—the COM‐B framework). The aim of this paper is to describe the current AOD nurse practitioner workforce, and to explore barriers and facilitators to AOD nurse practitioner uptake in Australia. A mixed method approach was used in this study: a survey to determine the current state of the AOD nurse practitioner workforce (n = 41) and qualitative interviews with 14 participants to determine barriers to endorsement and ongoing work as a nurse practitioner. Interview transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis and mapped to the COM‐B framework. The AOD nurse practitioner is a highly specialized provider of holistic care to people who use alcohol and other drugs, with AOD nurse practitioners performing advanced roles such as prescribing and medication management. However, there are several barriers to the further uptake of AOD nurse practitioners in Australia, including varied organizational support, a lack of support for the higher study required to become a nurse practitioner and a lack of available positions. Arguably, nurse practitioners are key to addressing prescriber shortages inherent in AOD treatment settings. In addition, they are equipped to provide true holistic care. We recommend that barriers are addressed to expand the AOD nurse practitioner workforce in Australia.
Household transmission of SARS‐CoV‐2 during the Omicron wave in Shanghai, China: A case‐ascertained study
Authors: Wei Zhongqiu , Ma Wenjie , Wang Zhonglin , Li Jingjing , Fu Xiaomin , Chang Hailing , Qiu Yue , Tian He , Zhu Yanfeng , Xia Aimei , Wu Qianhui , Liu Gongbao , Zhai Xiaowen , Zhang Xiaobo , Wang Yan , Zeng Mei 
Published: February 2023

AbstractObjectivesWe used a case‐ascertained study to determine the features of household transmission of SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron variant in Shanghai, China.MethodsIn April 2022, we carried out a household transmission study from 309 households of 335 SARS‐CoV‐2 pediatric cases referred to a designated tertiary Children's Hospital. The detailed information can be collected from the 297 households for estimating the transmission parameters. The 236 households were qualified for estimating the secondary infection attack rates (SARI) and secondary clinical attack rates (SARC) among adult household contacts, characterizing the transmission heterogeneities in infectivity and susceptibility, and assessing the vaccine effectiveness.ResultsWe estimated the mean incubation period and serial interval of Omicron variant to be 4.6 ± 2.1 and 3.9 ± 3.7 days, respectively, with 57.2% of the transmission events occurring at the presymptomatic phase. The overall SARI and SARC among adult household contacts were 77.11% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 73.58%–80.63%) and 67.03% (63.09%–70.98%). We found higher household susceptibility in females. Infectivity was not significantly different between children and adults and symptomatic and asymptomatic cases. Two‐dose and booster‐dose of inactivated COVID‐19 vaccination were 14.8% (5.8%–22.9%) and 18.9% (9.0%–27.7%) effective against Omicron infection and 21.5% (10.4%–31.2%) and 24.3% (12.3%–34.7%) effective against the symptomatic disease.ConclusionsWe found high household transmission during the Omicron wave in Shanghai due to presymptomatic and asymptomatic transmission despite implementation of strict interventions, indicating the importance of early detection and timely isolation of SARS‐CoV‐2 infections. Marginal effectiveness of inactivated vaccines against Omicron infection poses a great challenge for outbreak containment.
Associations between continuity of care, perceived control and self‐care and their impact on health‐related quality of life and hospital readmission—A structural equation model
Authors: Säfström Emma , Årestedt Kristofer , Liljeroos Maria , Nordgren Lena , Jaarsma Tiny , Strömberg Anna 
Published: February 2023

AbstractAimThe aim of this study is to examine whether a conceptual model including the associations between continuity of care, perceived control and self‐care could explain variations in health‐related quality of life and hospital readmissions in people with chronic cardiac conditions after hospital discharge.DesignCorrelational design based on cross‐sectional data from a multicentre survey study.MethodsPeople hospitalized due to angina, atrial fibrillation, heart failure or myocardial infarction were included at four hospitals using consecutive sampling procedures during 2017–2019. Eligible people received questionnaires by regular mail 4–6 weeks after discharge. A tentative conceptual model describing the relationship between continuity of care, self‐care, perceived control, health‐related quality of life and readmission was developed and evaluated using structural equation modelling.ResultsIn total, 542 people (mean age 75 years, 37% females) were included in the analyses. According to the structural equation model, continuity of care predicted self‐care, which in turn predicted health‐related quality of life and hospital readmission. The association between continuity of care and self‐care was partly mediated by perceived control. The model had an excellent model fit: RMSEA = 0.06, 90% CI, 0.05–0.06; CFI = 0.90; TLI = 0.90.ConclusionInterventions aiming to improve health‐related quality of life and reduce hospital readmission rates should focus on enhancing continuity of care, perceived control and self‐care.ImpactThis study reduces the knowledge gap on how central factors after hospitalization, such as continuity of care, self‐care and perceived control, are associated with improved health‐related quality of life and hospital readmission in people with cardiac conditions. The results suggest that these factors together predicted the quality of life and readmissions in this sample. This knowledge is relevant to researchers when designing interventions or predicting health‐related quality of life and hospital readmission. For clinicians, it emphasizes that enhancing continuity of care, perceived control and self‐care positively impacts clinical outcomes.Patient or Public ContributionPeople and healthcare personnel evaluated content validity and were included in selecting items for the short version.
Caring through barriers—Newly graduated registered nurses' lived experiences in emergency departments during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Carnesten Hillewi , Wiklund Gustin Lena , Skoglund Karin , von Heideken Wågert Petra 
Published: February 2023

AbstractAimTo illuminate the meaning of newly graduated registered nurses' experiences of caring for patients in emergency departments during the COVID‐19 pandemic.DesignA phenomenological hermeneutical study guided by Lindseth and Norberg.MethodsIn‐depth one‐on‐one interviews with 14 nurses from five hospitals were conducted from March to November 2020 and analysed using thematic analysis. The consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) were used as the reporting guideline.ResultsThe findings comprise one main theme Caring through barriers and three themes with sub‐themes. In the first theme, having intention to care, participants revealed their dedication to care for patients during the pandemic despite extensive stress, little experience and skills. The second theme, with tied hands in human suffering, illuminates experiences of being disconnected from the patient, overwhelmed by responsibility and unable to relieve suffering. The third theme, feeling inadequate, reveals experiences of lack of support and doubts meaning less space to develop into the nurse one wants to be.ConclusionFindings reveal a new understanding of new nurses' experiences during times of crisis. The essence of caring in the emergency department during the pandemic can be explained as mediated through spatial, temporal and emotional barriers preventing new nurses from providing holistic care.ImpactThe results may be used as anticipatory guidance for new nurses and inform targeted support interventions to support new nurses entering the profession in crisis conditions.Public ContributionThis study involved new nurses in semi‐structured interviews.
Research on truckload transportation procurement: A review, framework, and future research agenda
Authors: Acocella Angela , Caplice Chris 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThe body of literature on truckload (TL) transportation procurement decisions by firms (shippers) and their transportation service providers (motor carriers) has been driven by real‐world challenges faced by a large and important segment of the economy. The field has received the attention of researchers from a wide range of domains. While this attention demonstrates the appeal of these complex procurement problems, it also underscores a key challenge: the literature is dispersed and uncoordinated. This makes it difficult to identify meaningful new streams of research, risks slowing progress in the field, and limits the exposure of the research to wider supply chain audiences. With this review of the existing literature, we coordinate the growing set of research in this domain and demonstrate how the TL procurement literature is positioned within the broader streams of service procurement research. We develop a framework that describes the types (make vs. buy) and timing (strategic or execution stage) of decisions about the procurement of TL transportation services, organized by which actor's perspective is taken—the shipper's or the carrier's. We suggest areas of future research informed by an existing set of industry‐led research and the gaps we have identified in the academic literature.