bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical and prognostic associations of autoantibodies recognizing adrenergic/muscarinic receptors in patients with heart failure
Authors: Markousis-Mavrogenis George , Minich Waldemar B , Al-Mubarak Ali A , Anker Stefan D , Cleland John G F , Dickstein Kenneth , Lang Chim C , Ng Leong L , Samani Nilesh J , Zannad Faiez , Metra Marco , Seemann Petra , Hoeg Antonia , Lopez Patricio , van Veldhuisen Dirk J , de Boer Rudolf A , Voors Adriaan A , van der Meer Peter , Schomburg Lutz , Bomer Nils ,   The BIOSTAT-CHF Consortium
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Aims
The importance of autoantibodies (AABs) against adrenergic/muscarinic receptors in heart failure (HF) is not well-understood. We investigated the prevalence and clinical/prognostic associations of four AABs recognizing the M2-muscarinic receptor or the β1-, β2-, or β3-adrenergic receptor in a large and well-characterized cohort of patients with HF.

Methods and results
Serum samples from 2256 patients with HF from the BIOSTAT-CHF cohort and 299 healthy controls were analysed using newly established chemiluminescence immunoassays. The primary outcome was a composite of all-cause mortality and HF rehospitalization at 2-year follow-up, and each outcome was also separately investigated. Collectively, 382 (16.9%) patients and 37 (12.4%) controls were seropositive for ≥1 AAB (P = 0.045). Seropositivity occurred more frequently only for anti-M2 AABs (P = 0.025). Amongst patients with HF, seropositivity was associated with the presence of comorbidities (renal disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, stroke, and atrial fibrillation) and with medication use. Only anti-β1 AAB seropositivity was associated with the primary outcome [hazard ratio (95% confidence interval): 1.37 (1.04–1.81), P = 0.024] and HF rehospitalization [1.57 (1.13–2.19), P = 0.010] in univariable analyses but remained associated only with HF rehospitalization after multivariable adjustment for the BIOSTAT-CHF risk model [1.47 (1.05–2.07), P = 0.030]. Principal component analyses showed considerable overlap in B-lymphocyte activity between seropositive and seronegative patients, based on 31 circulating biomarkers related to B-lymphocyte function.

Conclusions
AAB seropositivity was not strongly associated with adverse outcomes in HF and was mostly related to the presence of comorbidities and medication use. Only anti-β1 AABs were independently associated with HF rehospitalization. The exact clinical value of AABs remains to be elucidated.
Diagnostic accuracy of cardiovascular magnetic resonance strain analysis and atrial size to identify heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Ng Ming-Yen , Kwan Chi Ting , Yap Pui Min , Fung Sau Yung , Tang Hok Shing , Tse Wan Wai Vivian , Kwan Cheuk Nam Felix , Chow Yin Hay Phoebe , Yiu Nga Ching , Lee Yung Pok , Fong Ambrose Ho Tung , Hwang Subin , Fong Zachary Fai Wang , Ren Qing-Wen , Wu Mei-Zhen , Wan Eric Yuk Fai , Lee Ka Chun Kevin , Leung Chun Yu , Li Andrew , Montero David , Vardhanabhuti Varut , Hai JoJo , Siu Chung-Wah , Tse Hung-Fat , Pennell Dudley John , Mohiaddin Raad , Senior Roxy , Yiu Kai-Hang 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Aims
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) continues to be a diagnostic challenge. Cardiac magnetic resonance atrial measurement, feature tracking (CMR-FT), tagging has long been suggested to diagnose HFpEF and potentially complement echocardiography especially when echocardiography is indeterminate. Data supporting the use of CMR atrial measurements, CMR-FT or tagging, are absent. Our aim is to conduct a prospective case-control study assessing the diagnostic accuracy of CMR atrial volume/area, CMR-FT, and tagging to diagnose HFpEF amongst patients suspected of having HFpEF.

Methods and results
One hundred and twenty-one suspected HFpEF patients were prospectively recruited from four centres. Patients underwent echocardiography, CMR, and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) measurements within 24 h to diagnose HFpEF. Patients without HFpEF diagnosis underwent catheter pressure measurements or stress echocardiography to confirm HFpEF or non-HFpEF. Area under the curve (AUC) was determined by comparing HFpEF with non-HFpEF patients. Fifty-three HFpEF (median age 78 years, interquartile range 74–82 years) and thirty-eight non-HFpEF (median age 70 years, interquartile range 64–76 years) were recruited. Cardiac magnetic resonance left atrial (LA) reservoir strain (ResS), LA area index (LAAi), and LA volume index (LAVi) had the highest diagnostic accuracy (AUCs 0.803, 0.815, and 0.776, respectively). Left atrial ResS, LAAi, and LAVi had significantly better diagnostic accuracy than CMR-FT left ventricle (LV)/right ventricle (RV) parameters and tagging (P &lt; 0.01). Tagging circumferential and radial strain had poor diagnostic accuracy (AUC 0.644 and 0.541, respectively).

Conclusion
Cardiac magnetic resonance LA ResS, LAAi, and LAVi have the highest diagnostic accuracy to identify HFpEF patients from non-HFpEF patients amongst clinically suspected HFpEF patients. Cardiac magnetic resonance feature tracking LV/RV parameters and tagging had low diagnostic accuracy to diagnose HFpEF.
The legacy of Covid-19 in education
Authors: Werner Katharina , Woessmann Ludger 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
If school closures and social-distancing experiences during the Covid-19 pandemic impeded children’s skill development, they may leave a lasting legacy in human capital. Our parental survey during the second German school lockdown provides new measures of socio-emotional development and panel evidence on how students’ time use and educational inputs adapted over time. Children’s learning time decreased severely during the first school closures, particularly for low-achieving students, and increased only slightly 1 year later. In a value-added model, learning time increases with daily online class instruction, but not with other school activities. Parental assessments of children’s socio-emotional development are mixed. Discussing our findings in light of the emerging literature on substantial achievement losses, we conclude that unless remediated, the school closures will persistently increase inequality and reduce skill development, lifetime income and economic growth.
Market structure and creative cluster formation: the origins of urban clusters in German literature, 1700–1932
Authors: Kuld Lukas , Mitchell Sara 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Using yearly data on 153 prominent German authors (1700–1932), we show how changes in the political and economic environment facilitated the formation of literary clusters. Early authors follow general population patterns, leading to geographic dispersion in a patronage system characterized by spatial competition. At the end of the nineteenth century, authors concentrate in large economic and political capitals. These changes in location patterns mirror trends in political and territorial consolidation and the professionalization of authorship. The last cohort shows large-scale migration into literary centers around the age of 20 years. Therefore, these literary clusters are not due to changing birth locations.
Quantitative PCR versus metagenomics for monitoring antibiotic resistance genes: balancing high sensitivity and broad coverage
Authors: Ferreira Catarina , Otani Saria , Aarestrup Frank Møller , Manaia Célia M 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The widespread occurrence of clinically relevant antibiotic resistance within humans, animals, and environment motivates the development of sensitive and accurate detection and quantification methods. Metagenomics and quantitative PCR (qPCR) are amongst the most used approaches. In this study, we aimed to evaluate and compare the performance of these methods to screen antibiotic resistance genes in animal faecal, wastewater, and water samples. Water and wastewater samples were from hospital effluent, different treatment stages of two treatment plants, and of the receiving river at the discharge point. The animal samples were from pig and chicken faeces. Antibiotic resistance gene coverage, sensitivity, and usefulness of the quantitative information were analyzed and discussed. While both methods were able to distinguish the resistome profiles and detect gradient stepwise mixtures of pig and chicken faeces, qPCR presented higher sensitivity for the detection of a few antibiotic resistance genes in water/wastewater. In addition, the comparison of predicted and observed antibiotic resistance gene quantifications unveiled the higher accuracy of qPCR. Metagenomics analyses, while less sensitive, provided a markedly higher coverage of antibiotic resistance genes compared to qPCR. The complementarity of both methods and the importance of selecting the best method according to the study purpose are discussed.
Evaluation of an oral health programme targeting prison inmates in Saudi Arabia
Authors: AlHumaid Jehan , Gaffar Balgis , Alluhaidan Tasneem , AlSulaimi Leenah , AlShuraim Faris , Aljamaan Ibrahim , Al Onaizan Faisal 
Published: March 2023

SummaryThis paper aimed to evaluate the impact of an oral health programme targeting prisoners in eastern Saudi Arabia. The reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation and maintenance (RE-AIM) strategy was used as the evaluation framework to assess both process and outcome. This annual programme included four stations: an interview, an educational session, dental examination and treatment. Programme indicators included the number of prisoners reached, percent improvement in oral health practices, teeth present in the mouth and percent reduction in dental treatment needs. A non-experimental pre- and post-programme evaluation design was implemented. Prisons in eastern Saudi Arabia were visited once a year from 2016 to 2019. The evaluation used primary data collected during the visits in the form of clinical examination and surveys. The number of beneficiaries increased from 270 to 634, and three cities within the Eastern province were covered. The percent of inmates who smoke and consume sugary drinks decreased by 24 and 30%, respectively; however, there was a 25% reduction in regular toothbrushing using a fluoridated toothpaste. The long-term outcomes showed an improvement in the overall oral health condition and treatment needs: periodontal treatment needs and surgical procedures were reduced by 91 and 79%, respectively. The programme was successful based on the RE-AIM framework. This is the first sustainable oral health programme targeting prison inmates in the Middle East. The findings indicate that the oral health programme had positive effects on prisoners’ oral health and achieved its objectives. Such programmes can help address health disparities among populations.
Access to school-based eye health programs in Central Region, Malawi: a qualitative case study
Authors: Yashadhana Aryati , Lee Ling , Serova Nina , Nthete Evaristous , Burnett Anthea M 
Published: March 2023

Summary
Vision impairment among children is associated with lower levels of educational attainment. School-based eye health programs have the potential to provide high-quality and cost-effective services that assist in the prevention of blindness and uncorrected vision impairment, particularly in low-resources settings. The aim of this study was to identify key factors that inhibit or facilitate the provision of school-based eye health programs, including referral to eye care services, for Malawian children in the Central Region. In-depth interviews (n = 10) and focus groups (n = 5) with children, parents, school staff, eye care practitioners, government and NGO workers (total participants n = 44) in rural and urban contexts within central region, Malawi, were conducted. Taking a rights-based approach, we used the AAAQ (availability, accessibility, acceptability, quality) framework to identify barriers and enablers to school eye health programs. Complex factors shape access to school-based eye health programs. While intersectoral collaboration between ministries was present, infrastructure and resourcing restricted the delivery of school eye health programs. School staff were supportive of being trained as vision screeners. Parents voiced geographic access to follow up eye care, and spectacle cost as a barrier; and children revealed experiences of stigma related to spectacle as barriers to uptake. School-based eye care may be facilitated through teachers, community informants and health workers through; the provision of school vision screening; increased awareness of the impact of vision impairment on education and future employment; and through educational approaches that seek to decrease stigma and misconceptions associated with wearing spectacles.
Patient trust and positive attitudes maximize non-communicable diseases management in rural Tanzania
Authors: Sato Hideko , Nakamura Keiko , Kibusi Stephen , Seino Kaoruko , Maro Isaac I , Tashiro Yuri , Bintabara Deogratius , Shayo Festo K , Miyashita Ayano , Ohnishi Mayumi 
Published: March 2023

SummaryThe objectives of this study were to identify difficulties and their related contexts non-communicable disease (NCD) patients in rural Tanzania experienced, examine how patients managed the situation by seeking better treatment of the diseases, and propose a realistic approach for optimizing disease management with long-term perspectives in resource-limited settings, based on views of patients (PTs), health-care providers (HPs), and health volunteers (HVs). Nine focus group discussions were performed with 56 participants of PTs, HPs, and HVs in three district hospitals in the Dodoma region. Their views and self-care practices were extracted, and the verbatim data were analyzed to derive codes and categories. The types of NCDs reported by the PTs were hypertension (HT), diabetes mellitus (DM), and HT/DM comorbidity. Reported barriers to disease management included discontinuation of treatment due to various factors and a lack of positive messages regarding disease management in NCD care. The following points were addressed in relation to the improved management of NCDs: (i) positive attitudes and coping skills, (ii) support from family members, (iii) good communication between PTs and HPs, and (iv) trustworthy relationships with HVs. The findings suggest that to gain the trust of PTs in optimizing disease control in overstretched health-care systems, patient support systems should be strengthened by empowering positive attitudes.
The causes of and responses to today’s inflation
Authors: Stiglitz Joseph E , Regmi Ira 
Published: March 2023

AbstractOver the last couple years, the world has experienced the highest levels of inflation in more than four decades. This paper provides a framework for analyzing the causes and the appropriate responses. We show that it is not caused by an excess of aggregate demand, and in particular, not caused by any excess consumption arising from excessive pandemic spending, but by supply-side shocks, largely induced by the pandemic (e.g., chips), and also by the war in Ukraine, combined with sectoral demand shifts. We analyze the role played by market power and the lack of resilience. Increases in interest rates, beyond normalizing levels, will do little to address the underlying problems and may exacerbate them, impeding effective responses to supply shortages. The paper describes alternative fiscal and other measures that, while addressing current inflation, have further long-term welfare benefits.
Coffee and tea intake with long-term risk of irritable bowel syndrome: a large-scale prospective cohort study
Authors: Wu Shanshan , Yang Zhirong , Yuan Changzheng , Liu Si , Zhang Qian , Zhang Shutian , Zhu Shengtao 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Background
To investigate prospective association of coffee and tea intake with incident irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in a long-term cohort.

Methods
Participants free of IBS, coeliac disease, inflammatory bowel disease and any cancer at baseline from UK Biobank were included. Coffee and tea intake was measured separately via baseline touchscreen questionnaire, with four categories for each intake (0, 0.5–1, 2–3 and ≥4 cups/day). Primary outcome was incident IBS. Cox proportional hazard model was used to estimate associated risk.

Results
Among 425 387 participants, 83 955(19.7%) and 186 887(43.9%) consumed ≥4 cups/day of coffee and tea at baseline, respectively. During median 12.4-year follow-up, incident IBS was identified in 7736 participants. Compared with no coffee intake, consumption of 0.5–1, 2–3 and ≥4 cups/day was associated with lower IBS risk [hazard ratio (HR)=0.93, 95% CI: 0.87–0.99; 0.91, 0.85–0.97; 0.81, 0.76–0.88; Ptrend &lt; 0.001]. Specifically, decreased risk was evident in individuals who consumed instant (HR = 0.83, 0.78–0.88) or ground coffee (HR = 0.82, 0.76–0.88) compared with no coffee drink. Regarding tea intake, protective association was only found in individuals who consumed 0.5–1 cup/day (HR = 0.87, 0.80–0.95), whereas no significant association was detected in those who consumed 2–3 (HR = 0.94, 0.88–1.01) or ≥4 cups/day (HR = 0.95, 0.89–1.02) compared with no-tea intake (Ptrend = 0.848).

Conclusions
Higher intake of coffee, particularly instant and ground coffee, is associated with lower risk of incident IBS, with significant dose–response relationship. Moderate-tea intake (0.5–1 cup/day) is associated with lower IBS risk.
A Meta-Analysis of Neural Correlates of Reward Anticipation in Individuals at Clinical Risk for Schizophrenia
Authors: Zeng Jianguang , Yan Jiangnan , You Lantao , Liao Tingting , Luo Ya , Cheng Bochao , Yang Xun 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackgroundAberrant striatal responses to reward anticipation have been observed in schizophrenia. However, it is unclear whether these dysfunctions predate the onset of psychosis and whether reward anticipation is impaired in individuals at clinical high risk for schizophrenia (CHR).MethodsTo examine the neural correlates of monetary anticipation in the prodromal phase of schizophrenia, we performed a whole-brain meta-analysis of 13 functional neuroimaging studies that compared reward anticipation signals between CHR individuals and healthy controls (HC). Three databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect) were systematically searched from January 1, 2000, to May 1, 2022.ResultsThirteen whole-brain functional magnetic resonance imaging studies including 318 CHR individuals and 426 HC were identified through comprehensive literature searches. Relative to HC, CHR individuals showed increased brain responses in the medial prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex and decreased activation in the mesolimbic circuit, including the putamen, parahippocampal gyrus, insula, cerebellum, and supramarginal gyrus, during reward anticipation.ConclusionsOur findings in the CHR group confirmed the existence of abnormal motivational-related activation during reward anticipation, thus demonstrating the pathophysiological characteristics of the risk populations. These results have the potential to lead to the early identification and more accurate prediction of subsequent psychosis as well as a deeper understanding of the neurobiology of high-risk state of psychotic disorder.
The infection efficacy ofMetarhiziumstrains (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) against the Queensland fruit flyBactrocera tryoni(Diptera: Tephritidae)
Authors: McGuire Amy V , Edwards William , Northfield and Tobin D 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe Queensland fruit fly (Qfly), Bactrocera tryoni Froggatt, is a devastating pest of Australia’s commercial fruit systems. Fruit fly mitigation is heavily centered around the use chemical insecticides, with limited investigation into microbial control alternatives. The wet tropics of northern Queensland is a highly biodiverse ecosystem containing many species of insect pathogenic fungi, but it is unclear whether any of these entomopathogens could contribute to Qfly management programs. In laboratory trials, we investigated the potential for Qfly microbial control by 3 locally sourced strains of entomopathogenic fungi comprising 2 species, Metarhizium guizhouense (Chen and Guo) and Metarhizium lepidiotae (Driver and Milner). Additionally, we evaluated 2 different inoculation methods to derive the most effective way to expose the flies to conidia—either through dry conidia or in a conidial suspension. All 3 strains were successful in causing Qfly mortality. Metarhizium lepidiotae resulted in the highest mean mortality over the trials, while M. guizhouense resulted in the highest mortality in a single replicate. Laboratory experiments revealed exposure through dry conidia to be the most effective method to inoculate the flies. These results suggest that fungal entomopathogens could be a viable pathway to Qfly suppression.
Disentangling morphology and genetics in two voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus and M. ochrogaster) in a region of sympatry
Authors: Everson Kathryn M , McGinnis Robert C , Burdine Olivia P , Huddleston Taniece R , Hylick Tyler M , Keith Audrey L , Moore Savannah C , O’Brien Aidan E , Vilardo Ava L , Krupa James J 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Species in recent, rapid radiations can be difficult to distinguish from one another due to incomplete sorting of traits, insufficient time for novel morphologies to evolve, and elevated rates of hybridization and gene flow. The vole genus Microtus (58 spp.) is one such system where all three factors are likely at play. In the central United States, the prairie vole, Microtus ochrogaster, and the eastern meadow vole, M. pennsylvanicus, occur in sympatry and can be distinguished on the basis of molar cusp patterns but are known to be exceptionally difficult to distinguish using external morphological characters. Using a combination of morphometrics, pelage color analyses, and phylogenetics, we explored which traits are most effective for species identification and whether these same traits can be used to identify the subspecies M. o. ohionensis. While we were able to identify six traits that differed significantly between M. ochrogaster and M. pennsylvanicus, we also found substantial measurement overlap which limits the utility of these traits for species identification. The subspecies M. o. ohionensis was particularly difficult to distinguish from M. p. pennsylvanicus, and we did not find any evidence that this subspecies forms a distinct genetic clade. Furthermore, the full species M. ochrogaster and M. pennsylvanicus did not form reciprocal clades in phylogenetic analyses. We discuss several possible reasons for these patterns, including unrecognized variation in molar cusp patterns and/or localized hybridization. Overall, our results provide useful information that will aid in the identification of these species and subspecies in the future, and provides a case study of how genetics, morphometrics, and fur color analyses can be used to disentangle signatures of evolutionary history and hybridization.