bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functional connectivity changes in infants with varying degrees of unilateral hearing loss
Authors: Liu Yidi , Li Hong , Zhou Xin , Chen Yingrui , Wang Xuetong , Lin Zhihan , Niu Haijing , Liu Haihong 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
It has been proved that unilateral hearing loss (UHL) can cause functional connectivity alterations in adults. However, the mechanism of the human brain coping with the challenge of unilateral hearing deprivation at very early developmental phases remains poorly understood. Here, we performed a resting-state functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) study on 3- to 10-month-old infants with varying degrees of unilateral hearing loss to investigate the effect of unilateral auditory deprivation in infants. Using network-based statistics, increased functional connectivity was observed in single-sided deafness (SSD) compared with normal hearing infants, and the right middle temporal gyrus was the most involved nodes. In addition, changes in cortical function in infants were related to the degree of hearing loss, with significantly increased functional connectivity in infants with severe to profound unilateral hearing loss compared with the ones with mild to moderate. Moreover, more significant cortical functional recombination changes were found in right-SSD than in left-SSD infants. For the first time, our study provides evidence for the effects of unilateral hearing deprivation on the early cortical development of the human brain, which would also act as a reference for intervention decisions in children with unilateral hearing loss in clinical settings.
Intracardiac echocardiography probe via oesophageal to guide percutaneous left atrial appendage closure procedure: a case series
Authors: Laterra Giulia , Artale Claudia , Sacchetta Giorgio , Contarini Marco 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Background
Left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) can be an alternative to oral anticoagulant therapy in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation, characterized by high risk of stroke (CHA2D2VASC ≥ two for men and CHA2D2VA2SC ≥ three for women) and high risk of bleeding (HASBLED = 3).

Case summary
We describe three case reports in which an intracardiac echocardiography probe was used via the oesophageal route as an alternative to traditional transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE) or ICE methods to guide LAAC. Guiding the procedure via conventional TEE, even if feasible, could be difficult in these patients due to different causes: one patient was affected by Brugada syndrome while the other two patients reported oropharyngeal abnormalities. For these reasons, we performed an alternative use of the ICE probe to guide the entire LAAC procedure.

Discussion
Currently, LAAC is performed using intracardiac or transoesophageal echocardiography. This alternative use of ICE probe via oesophageal (ICE-TEE) is reported in previous studies that describe the feasibility of this technique both in excluding the presence of thrombus in left atrial appendage before cardioversion and in guiding percutaneous foramen ovale closure. Therefore, the ICE probe has been used as an intraoperative transoesophageal echocardiographic probe to repair congenital heart disease in infants or children with oropharyngeal abnormalities.
This case series reports the first use of ICE-TEE to guide the entire LAAC procedure, guaranteeing the visualization of all echocardiographic views needed to perform it. The present case series highlights the potential of ICE-TEE to safely perform both pre-procedural and intraoperative evaluations in LAAC procedure.
A systematic assessment of the characteristics of randomized controlled trials cited by acute coronary syndrome clinical practice guidelines
Authors: Gonzalez-Del-Hoyo Maribel , Mas-Llado Caterina , Siquier-Padilla Joan , Blaya-Peña Laura , Coughlan J J , Peral Vicente , Rossello Xavier 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Aims
The aim of this study was to describe the methodological features of the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) cited in American and European clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS).

Methods and results
Out of 2128 non-duplicated references cited in the 2013 and 2014 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association and 2017 and 2020 European Society of Cardiology CPGs for STEMI and NSTE-ACS, we extracted data for 407 RCTs (19.1% of total references). The majority were multicenter studies (81.8%), evaluated pharmacological interventions (63.1%), had a 2-arm (82.6%), and superiority (90.4%) design. Most RCTs (60.2%) had an active comparator, and 46.2% were funded by industry. The median observed sample size was 1001 patients (84.2% of RCTs achieved ≥80% of the intended sample size). Most RCTs had a single primary outcome (90.9%), which was a composite in just over half (51.9%). Among the RCTs testing for superiority, 44.0% reported a P-value of ≥0.05 for the primary outcome and 61.9% observed a risk reduction of &gt;15%. The observed treatment effect was lower-than-expected in 67.6% of RCTs, with 34.4% having at least a 20% lower-than-expected treatment effect. The calculated post hoc statistical power was ≥80% for 33.9% of cited RCTs.

Conclusions
This analysis demonstrates that RCTs cited by CPGs can still have significant methodological issues and limitations, highlighting that a better understanding of the methodological aspects of RCTs is crucial in order to formulate recommendations relevant to clinical practice.
Association of polycystic ovary syndrome with cardiovascular disease among female hospitalizations in the United States
Authors: Dwivedi Alok Kumar , Vishwakarma Deepanjali , Dubey Pallavi , Reddy Sireesha 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Objective
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex disorder characterized by a wide range of symptoms related to ovulatory dysfunction and androgen overproduction. Although PCOS is associated with multiple cardiovascular disease (CVD)-risk factors, previous studies have reported controversial associations between PCOS and different types of CVD events. We sought to determine the association of PCOS with various CVD outcomes among hospitalized women.

Methods
All women hospitalizations between the ages of 15 and 65 years recorded in the National Inpatient Sample database, 2017 were analyzed with sampling-weighted logistic regression analysis. The International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision, codes were used to define outcomes including composite CVD, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke/cerebrovascular accident (CVA), heart failure (HF), arterial fibrillation (AF) or arrhythmia, pulmonary heart disease (PHD), myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest, and diabetes.

Results
Among the total hospitalizations of women, 13 896 (0.64) had a PCOS diagnosis. Polycystic ovary syndrome was found to be associated with most CVD outcomes, including composite CVD (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.73, 95% CI, 1.55-1.93, P &lt; .001), MACE (aOR = 1.31, 95% CI, 1.12-1.53, P &lt; .001), CHD (aOR = 1.65, 95% CI, 1.35-2.01, P &lt; .001), stroke/CVA (aOR = 1.46, 95% CI, 1.08-1.98, P = .014), HF (aOR = 1.30, 95% CI, 1.07-1.57, P = .007), AF/arrhythmia (aOR = 2.20, 95% CI, 1.88-2.57, P &lt; .001), and PHD (aOR = 1.58, 95% CI, 1.23-2.03, P &lt; .001) among hospitalized women with an age of ≤40 years. However, the associations between PCOS and CVD outcomes were mediated by obesity and metabolic syndrome conditions.

Conclusions
Polycystic ovary syndrome is associated with CVD events and the association is mediated by obesity and metabolic syndrome conditions, particularly among hospitalized women aged ≤40 years in the United States.
Use of new paediatric VO2max reference equations to evaluate aerobic fitness in overweight or obese children with congenital heart disease
Authors: Amedro Pascal , Mura Thibault , Matecki Stefan , Guillaumont Sophie , Requirand Anne , Jeandel Claire , Kollen Laura , Gavotto Arthur 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Aims
Overweight and obesity in children with congenital heart disease (CHD) represent an alarming cardiovascular risk. Promotion of physical activity and cardiac rehabilitation in this population requires assessing the level of aerobic fitness (VO2max) by a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET). Nevertheless, the interpretation of CPET in overweight/obese children with CHD remains challenging as VO2max is affected by both the cardiac condition and the body mass index (BMI). The new paediatric VO2max Z-score reference equations, based on a logarithmic function of VO2max, height and BMI, were applied to overweight/obese children with a CHD and compared with overweight/obese children without any other chronic condition.

Methods and results
In this cross-sectional controlled study, 344 children with a BMI &gt; 85th percentile underwent a CPET (54% boys; mean age 11.5 ± 3.1 years; 100 CHD; 244 controls). Using the VO2max Z-score equations, aerobic fitness was significantly lower in obese/overweight CHD children than that in matched obese/overweight control children (−0.43 ± 1.27 vs. −0.01 ± 1.09; P = 0.02, respectively), and the proportion of children with impaired aerobic fitness was significantly more important in obese/overweight CHD children than in matched controls (17% vs.6%, P = 0.02, respectively). The paediatric VO2max Z-score reference equations also identified specific complex CHD at risk of aerobic fitness impairment (univentricular heart and right outflow tract anomalies). Using Cooper’s weight- and height-based linear equations, similar matched-comparisons analyses found no significant group differences.

Conclusions
As opposed to the existing linear models, the new paediatric VO2max Z-score equations can discriminate the aerobic fitness of obese/overweight children with CHD from that of obese/overweight children without any chronic disease.

Registration
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04815577.
Proposal to transfer Bacillus dafuensis and Bacillus massiliigabonensis to the genus Cytobacillus as Cytobacillus dafuensis comb. nov., and Cytobacillus massiliigabonensis comb. nov., respectively
Authors: Liu Bing-Bing , Liu Guo-Hong , Dhulappa Awalagaway , Narsing Rao Manik Prabhu 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
In the present study, the taxonomic position of Bacillus dafuensis and Bacillus massiliigabonensis was evaluated using genome-based comparison. The 16S rRNA gene sequence obtained from the Bacillus dafuensis FJAT-25496T genome showed 99.7% similarity with the type strain of Cytobacillus citreus, while Bacillus massiliigabonensis Marseille-P2639T showed 98.7% similarity with the type species of Cytobacillus solani. The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity of Bacillus dafuensis FJAT-25496T and Bacillus massiliigabonensis Marseille-P2639T with Cytobacillus members was above the threshold (94.5%) for genus delineation. In phylogenetic (based on 16S rRNA gene sequences) and phylogenomic (based on 71 bacterial single-copy genes) trees, Bacillus dafuensis and Bacillus massiliigabonensis clustered with Cytobacillus members. The 16S rRNA gene sequence, amino acid identity and percentage of conserved proteins analysis indicated Bacillus dafuensis FJAT-25496T and Bacillus massiliigabonensis Marseille-P2639T as a member of the genus Cytobacillus. The digital DNA–DNA hybridization and the average nucleotide identity values of Bacillus dafuensis FJAT-25496T and Bacillus massiliigabonensis Marseille-P2639T with Cytobacillus members was below the cut-off value (70/94%–95%) for species delineation. Based on the results we propose to transfer Bacillus dafuensis and Bacillus massiliigabonensis to the genus Cytobacillus as Cytobacillus dafuensis comb. nov., and Cytobacillus massiliigabonensis comb. nov., respectively.
Cell density dependent restriction of N2O reductase in denitrifyingPseudomonasspp., a potential driver of N2O emissions in natural systems
Authors: Kellermann Ricarda , Vick Silas Harry Watts , Lindtveit Kristine , Milligan Daniel Aleksanteri , Bergaust Linda Liberg 
Published: June 2023

AbstractDenitrification is a major biological source and sink for the ozone-depleting greenhouse gas N2. Thus, the respiratory physiology of denitrifiers and the mechanisms determining their propensity for accumulation of N-oxides are of fundamental interest. Here, we report a pervasive positive correlation between cell density and N2O accumulation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and P. fluorescens F113. We show that this was a result of quorum sensing by comparing the P. aeruginosa PAO1-UW wild type to a rhlI/lasI knockout mutant able to sense, but not synthesize the N-acyl-homoserine lactones (AHL) of the Rhl and Las circuits. Neither the transcription of nosZ (encoding N2O reductase, N2OR) nor the abundance of peptides of known relevance to denitrification could explain the restriction of N2O reduction in AHL-affected cultures. However, a protein shown to be involved in synthesis and repair of iron–sulphur (Fe–S) centers under NO stress, CyaY, was significantly downregulated in the AHL producing wild type. This hints to a possible route of N2OR-suppression via compromised Fe–S centers in the ancillary protein NosR. While the exact mechanism remains obscure, it appears that quorum sensing driven restriction of N2OR activity is common. Thus, given its ubiquity among prokaryotes, and the potential for cross-species and -strain effects, quorum sensing is plausibly a driver of N2O emissions in a range of systems.
Turnkey algorithmic approach for the evaluation of gastroesophageal reflux disease after bariatric surgery
Authors: Ghanem Omar M , Ghazi Rabih , Abdul Razzak Farah , Bazerbachi Fateh , Ravi Karthik , Khaitan Leena , Kothari Shanu N , Abu Dayyeh Barham K 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Bariatric surgeries are often complicated by de-novo gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or worsening of pre-existing GERD. The growing rates of obesity and bariatric surgeries worldwide are paralleled by an increase in the number of patients requiring post-surgical GERD evaluation. However, there is currently no standardized approach for the assessment of GERD in these patients. In this review, we delineate the relationship between GERD and the most common bariatric surgeries: sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), with a focus on pathophysiology, objective assessment, and underlying anatomical and motility disturbances. We suggest a stepwise algorithm to help diagnose GERD after SG and RYGB, determine the underlying cause, and guide the management and treatment.
Defining and Measuring Preclinical Mobility Limitation: An Expert Consensus Exercise Informed by a Scoping Review
Authors: Richardson Julie , Beauchamp Marla , Bean Jonathan , Brach Jennifer , Chaves Paulo H M , Guralnik Jack M , Jette Alan M , Leveille Suzanne G , Hoenig Helen , Manini Todd , Marottoli Richard , Porter Michelle M , Sinclair Susanne , Letts Lori , Kuspinar Ayse , Vrkljan Brenda , Morgan Ashley , Mirbaha Shaghayegh 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Background
Early change in function in older adults has been termed preclinical disability (PCD). PCD has been understudied compared to other stages of disability because it is unlikely to receive comparative priority in clinical settings. It has major implications for prevention and population health as it may be the optimal time to intervene to prevent further decline. A standardized approach to research in PCD, including a common definition and measurement approaches, is needed to advance this work.

Methods
The process to establish how PCD should be defined and measured was undertaken in 2 stages: (1) a scoping review of the literature, which was used to inform (2) a web-enabled consensus meeting with content experts.

Results
The scoping review and the consensus meeting support the use of the term preclinical mobility limitation (PCML) and that it should be measured using both patient-reported and performance-based measures. It was agreed that the definition of PCML should include modification of frequency and/or method of task completion, without overt disability, and that requisite mobility tasks include walking (distance and speed), stairs, and transfers.

Conclusions
Currently, there are few standardized assessments that can identify PCML. PCML is the term that most clearly describes the stage where people experience a change in routine mobility tasks, without a perception of disability. Further evaluation into the reliability, validity, and responsiveness of outcome measures is needed to advance research on PCML.
Comparing cross-sectional and longitudinal approaches to tuberculosis patient cost surveys using Nepalese data
Authors: Bengey Daisy , Thapa Anchal , Dixit Kritika , Dhital Raghu , Rai Bhola , Paudel Puskar , Paudel Rajan , Majhi Govind , Aryal Tara Prasad , Sah Manoj Kumar , Pandit Ram Narayan , Mishra Gokul , Khanal Mukti Nath , Kibuchi Eliud , Caws Maxine , de Siqueira-Filha Noemia Teixeira 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
The World Health Organization has supported the development of national tuberculosis (TB) patient cost surveys to quantify the socio-economic impact of TB in high-burden countries. However, methodological differences in the study design (e.g. cross-sectional vs longitudinal) can generate different estimates making the design and impact evaluation of socio-economic protection strategies difficult. The objective of the study was to compare the socio-economic impacts of TB estimated by applying cross-sectional or longitudinal data collections in Nepal. We analysed the data from a longitudinal costing survey (patients interviewed at three time points) conducted between April 2018 and October 2019. We calculated both mean and median costs from patients interviewed during the intensive (cross-sectional 1) and continuation (cross-sectional 2) phases of treatment. We then compared costs, the prevalence of catastrophic costs and the socio-economic impact of TB generated by each approach. There were significant differences in the costs and social impacts calculated by each approach. The median total cost (intensive plus continuation phases) was significantly higher for the longitudinal compared with cross-sectional 2 (US$119.42 vs 91.63, P &lt; 0.001). The prevalence of food insecurity, social exclusion and patients feeling poorer or much poorer were all significantly higher by applying a longitudinal approach. In conclusion, the longitudinal design captured important aspects of costs and socio-economic impacts, which were missed by applying a cross-sectional approach. If a cross-sectional approach is applied due to resource constraints, our data suggest that the start of the continuation phase is the optimal timing for a single interview. Further research to optimize methodologies to report patient-incurred expenditure during TB diagnosis and treatment is needed.
Have we overlooked the role of mifepristone for the medical management of tubal ectopic pregnancy?
Authors: Oltman Julia , Balachander Sanjana , Mol Ben W , Woolner Andrea M F 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Ectopic pregnancy is a risk of both spontaneous and assisted reproduction pregnancies. The majority of ectopic pregnancies abnormally implant within a fallopian tube (extrauterine pregnancies). In haemodynamically stable women, medical or expectant treatment can be offered. Currently accepted medical treatment is using a drug called methotrexate. However, methotrexate has potential adverse effects, and a significant proportion of women will still require emergency surgery (up to 30%) to remove the ectopic pregnancy. Mifepristone (RU-486) has anti-progesterone effects and has a role in managing intrauterine pregnancy loss and termination of pregnancy. On reviewing the literature and given progesterone’s pivotal role in sustaining pregnancy, we propose that we may have overlooked the role of mifepristone in the medical management of tubal ectopic pregnancy in haemodynamically stable women.
Numerical analysis of a finite volume scheme for charge transport in perovskite solar cells
Authors: Abdel Dilara , Chainais-Hillairet Claire , Farrell Patricio , Herda Maxime 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
In this paper, we consider a drift-diffusion charge transport model for perovskite solar cells, where electrons and holes may diffuse linearly (Boltzmann approximation) or nonlinearly (e.g., due to Fermi–Dirac statistics). To incorporate volume exclusion effects, we rely on the Fermi–Dirac integral of order $-1$ when modeling moving anionic vacancies within the perovskite layer, which is sandwiched between electron and hole transport layers. After nondimensionalization, we first prove a continuous entropy-dissipation inequality for the model. Then, we formulate a corresponding two-point flux finite volume scheme on Voronoi meshes and show an analogous discrete entropy-dissipation inequality. This inequality helps us to show the existence of a discrete solution of the nonlinear discrete system with the help of a corollary of Brouwer’s fixed point theorem and the minimization of a convex functional. Finally, we verify our theoretically proven properties numerically, simulate a realistic device setup and show exponential decay in time with respect to the $L^2$ error as well as a physically and analytically meaningful relative entropy.
Metabolomic profiling and biological evaluations of Spongia irregularis-associated actinomycetes supported by multivariate statistical analysis
Authors: Abdelaleem Enas Reda , Samy Mamdouh Nabil , Rateb Mostafa E , Hendawy Omnia Magdy , Abdelmohsen Usama Ramadan , Yehia Desoukey Samar 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Aim
Metabolomic analysis using LC–HRESIMS of 12 extracts of Spongia irregularis-associated actinomycetes for dereplication purposes in addition to evaluation of cytotoxic and antiviral activities of the extracts.

Methods and results
In this study, three actinomycetes belonging to the genera Micromonospora, Streptomyces, and Rhodococcus were recovered from the marine sponge Spongia irregularis. Applying the OSMAC approach, each strain was fermented on four different media, resulting in 12 extracts. All extracts were subjected to metabolomic analysis using LC–HRESIMS for dereplication purposes. Multivariate data statistical analysis was carried out for the differentiation between extracts. Additionally, the cytotoxic and anti-hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) potentials of extracts were evaluated. Most of extracts showed strong to moderate cytotoxicity effects against HepG-2, CACO-2, and MCF-7 cell lines with a general IC50 range of 2.8–8.9 µg/ml. Moreover, the extracts of Micromonospora sp. UR44 using ISP2 and OLIGO media and Streptomyces sp. UR32 using ISP2 medium exhibited anti-HCV activity with IC50 of 4.5 ± 0.22, 3.8 ± 0.18, and 5.7 ± 0.15 µM, respectively.

Conclusion
Metabolomic analysis of 12 extracts of S. irregularis-associated actinomycetes led to the identification of a large number of secondary metabolites. Morever, investigation of cytotoxic and antiviral activities of the extracts revealed that only three extracts exhibited antiviral activity and seven extracts exhibited cytotoxic activity.