bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How Old Is He Really? The Association Between “Gay Age” and Sexual Behaviors Among Men Who Have Sex With Men
Authors: Exten Cara , Vasilenko Sara A. , Rosenberger Joshua G. 
Published: January 2023

Time since first engaging in oral or anal sex with another man may act as a marker of engagement in sexual behaviors associated with sexually transmitted infection/HIV transmission among men who have sex with men.

Background
Men who have sex with men (MSM) are disproportionately impacted by HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, with sexual behaviors acting as a primary predictor of disease acquisition. Predictors of engagement in specific sexual behaviors may act as key targets for preventive strategies. We hypothesized that time since first engaging in oral or anal sex with another man, or one's “gay age,” is associated with sexual behavior among MSM.

Methods
We examined 5280 MSM aged 18 to 40 years who were recruited from social and sexual connection Web sites. We used modified Poisson regression to examine associations between gay age and 4 sexual behaviors (enema use, group sex, receptive anal intercourse, insertive anal intercourse). We used time-varying effect models to examine how the prevalence of these behaviors varies across gay age.

Results
In total, 76% of participants reported receptive anal intercourse in the past year, and 76% reported insertive anal intercourse. Group sex and enema use in the past year were reported by 39% and 36%, respectively. Modified Poisson and time-varying effect model analyses indicated that the prevalence of enema use, group sex, and insertive anal intercourse significantly increased with increasing gay age.

Conclusions
Gay age may serve as an important marker of engagement in sexual behaviors associated with sexually transmitted infection/HIV acquisition among MSM.
Addressing the Operational Challenges for Outpatient Stroke Rehabilitation
Authors: Jenkins La’Tai , Gonzaga Spencer , Jedlanek Erin , Kim Gina , Raghavan Preeti 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
The traditional model of rehabilitation services includes clear requirements for provision of services in the acute inpatient rehabilitation setting. However, there are fewer guidelines on the frequency and duration of rehabilitation services beyond the acute setting. Recent research has suggested that neurorehabilitation interventions that are provided frequently enough upon discharge from acute inpatient rehabilitation to facilitate repeated practice and feedback improve long-term stroke outcomes. However, it is challenging to provide high-frequency outpatient rehabilitation, as the logistics of scheduling and insurance limitations often do not allow it. The Sheikh Khalifa Stroke Institute at Johns Hopkins Medicine innovated a new model to provide the appropriate frequency of therapy for stroke rehabilitation in the outpatient setting. This article describes the restructured operational infrastructure for outpatient stroke rehabilitation to facilitate high-frequency transdisciplinary stroke rehabilitation in the real world, including the development of the outpatient postacute therapy programs and the identification of appropriate patients for each program, the development of scheduling matrices and treating teams to deliver the postacute therapy programs, the implementation of transdisciplinary neurorehabilitation, and the steps taken to empower patients to engage in rehabilitation at home and address barriers to accessing the programs. We assessed the effect of the operational restructuring on schedule utilization, no-show rates, and cancellation rates in the 3 mos before and after implementation of the program and show that it increased schedule utilization and reduced no-show rates and cancellation rates, suggesting that it may increase compliance with rehabilitation. It is possible to create the infrastructure needed to bridge the continuum of care for poststroke recovery and rehabilitation.
Acute and subacute postsurgical pain in women with breast cancer: incidence and associations with biopsychosocial predictors—a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Munk Alice , Jacobsen Henrik Børsting , Schnur Julie , Montgomery Guy , Reme Silje Endresen 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

Introduction:
Women who undergo breast cancer surgery risk suffering from postsurgical pain long after their surgery. Still, research on postsurgical pain in the subacute phase has been neglected.

Objective:
This study aims to investigate the incidence, intensity, unpleasantness, and presurgical predictors of acute and subacute postsurgical pain after breast cancer surgery.

Methods:
The study used an observational design through secondary analyses of the control group in a randomized controlled trial. Data from 102 women undergoing breast cancer surgery were included. Levels of acute and subacute pain intensity and unpleasantness were measured using 100 mm Visual Analogue Scales on the day of surgery and 4 weeks postsurgery. Linear regression analyses were performed to identify presurgical biopsychosocial predictors of acute and subacute postsurgical pain.

Results:
Average levels of postsurgical pain intensity and unpleasantness were as follows: 22.7 mm for acute pain intensity, 19.0 mm for acute pain unpleasantness, 10.3 mm for subacute pain intensity, and 11.7 mm for subacute pain unpleasantness. Pain expectancy predicted acute pain intensity (R2 = 0.04, p = 0.047) and acute unpleasantness (R2 = 0.06, p = 0.02). Perceived social support inversely predicted acute pain unpleasantness (R2 = 0.04, p = 0.014).

Conclusion:
Mild and moderate acute pain intensity and unpleasantness are common after breast cancer surgery, whereas levels of subacute pain intensity and unpleasantness are low. Pain expectancy predicts acute postsurgical pain intensity and unpleasantness, whereas expected social support inversely predicts acute postsurgical pain unpleasantness.
Recommendations from the ISPO lower-limb COMPASS: Patient-reported and performance-based outcome measures
Authors: Tan Jade M. , Halford Gregory R. J. , Lukin Martina , Kohler Friedbert 
Published: January 2023

Background:
Outcome measures (patient-reported and performance-based) are used widely but not uniformly within the clinical setting for individuals with lower-limb absence (LLA). The need for more detailed information by funding bodies, service planners and providers, and researchers requires the systematic and routine use of outcome measures. Currently, there is no consensus on which outcome measure(s) should be used for individuals with LLA. The aim of the International Society of Prosthetics and Orthotics (ISPO) lower-limb Consensus Outcome Measures for Prosthetic and Amputation Services (COMPASS) was to produce a recommended list of outcome measures to be actively promoted for routine use within clinical practice before and after an episode of care.

Methods:
Between May and June 2021, 46 users, clinicians, researchers, managers, and policymakers working in the field of LLA and prosthetic users met virtually. Consensus participants were first asked to complete an online survey with questions based on the results from a systematic review and the outcomes from an expert panel. A modified Delphi technique was used to determine outcome measures for use in routine clinical practice. This paper discusses the ISPO lower-limb COMPASS process from which recommendations were made.

Results:
The ISPO lower-limb COMPASS resulted in the following 6 recommendations: (1) Amputee Mobility Predictor, Timed Up and Go, Two-Minute Walk Test, Prosthetic Evaluation Questionnaire—Residual Limb Health, Prosthetic Evaluation Questionnaire—Utility, and Trinity Amputation and Prosthesis Experience Scales-Revised, which make up the ISPO lower-limb COMPASS; (2) Comprehensive High-Level Activity Mobility Predictor and Six-Minute Walk Test are 2 additional outcome measures recommended for higher-activity-level individuals with LLA, which make up the COMPASS+; (3) Patient-Specific Function Scale makes up the COMPASS Adjunct; (4) a generic health-related quality of life outcome measure such as the European Quality of Life-5D-5L or Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System—29 item can be used to supplement the COMPASS; (5) outcome measures suited to low- and middle-income countries need to be developed with a focus on activities such as sitting cross-legged, kneeling, squatting, and other culturally important mobility-related activities; and (6) translation, validation, and open sharing of translated outcome measures included in the COMPASS, COMPASS+, and COMPASS Adjunct occurs.

Conclusion:
The above recommendations represent the current status of knowledge on outcome measures for LLA based on research and international consensus and hence, will change over time. This work has been developed for clinicians and researchers to improve knowledge on outcome measures to guide clinical decision-making and future research initiatives.
Altered Biodistribution on 99mTc-Dimercaptosuccinic Acid Renal Scan
Authors: Mercer Megan K. , Parisi Marguerite T. , Revels Jonathan W. , Blacklock Lisa , Elojeimy Saeed 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

99mTc-dimercaptosuccinic acid (99mTc-DMSA) scans are used to evaluate renal cortical defects typically related to parenchymal scarring or pyelonephritis, and ectopic renal parenchyma. 99mTc-DMSA binds to metalloproteins in proximal tubular cells and typically localizes to the renal cortex, with minimal excretion. Planar and SPECT images are obtained 2 to 4 hours after IV administration of 99mTc-DMSA. Altered 99mTc-DMSA biodistribution has been reported in various conditions, including renal injury, technical issues, infiltrative processes, and hematologic disorders. Here, we present a case of altered biodistribution, with hepatic and splenic radiotracer uptake in the setting of hepatosplenomegaly and hematologic abnormalities concerning for a systemic hematologic disorder/lymphohistiocytosis.
Timing is everything: Early versus late palliative care consults in trauma
Authors: Spencer Audrey L. , Miller Preston R. , Russell Gregory B. , Cornea Isabella , Marterre Buddy 
Published: January 2023

BACKGROUND
The incorporation of dedicated palliative care (PC) services in the care of the critically injured trauma patient is not yet universal. Preexisting data demonstrate both economic and clinical value of PC consults, yet patient selection and optimal timing of these consults are poorly defined, possibly leading to underutilization of PC services. Prior studies in geriatric patients have shown benefits of PC when PC clinicians are engaged earlier during hospitalization. We aim to compare hospitalization metrics of early versus late PC consultation in trauma patients.

METHODS
All patients 18 years or older admitted to the trauma service between January 1, 2019, and March 31, 2021, who received a PC consult were included. Patients were assigned to EARLY (PC consult ≤3 days after admission) and LATE (PC consult >3 days after admission) cohorts. Demographics, injury and underlying disease characteristics, outcomes, and financial data were compared. Length of stay (LOS) in the EARLY group is compared with LOS-3 in the LATE group.

RESULTS
A total of 154 patient records met the inclusion criteria (60 EARLY and 94 LATE). Injury Severity Score, head Abbreviated Injury Scale score, and medical comorbidities (congestive heart failure, dementia, previous stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, malignancy) were similar between the groups. The LATE group was younger (69.9 vs. 75.3, p = 0.04). Patients in the LATE group had significantly longer LOS (17.5 vs. 7.0 days, p < 0.01) and higher median hospital costs ($53,165 vs. $17,654, p < 0.01). Patients in the EARLY group had reduced ventilator days (2.4 vs. 7.0, p < 0.01) and reduced rates of tracheostomies and surgical feeding tubes (1.7% vs. 11.7%, p = 0.03).

CONCLUSION
Trauma patients with early PC consultation had shorter LOS, reduced ventilator days, reduced rates of invasive procedures, and lower costs even after correcting for delay to consult in the late group. These findings suggest the need for mechanisms leading to earlier PC consult in critically injured patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Therapeutic/Care Management; Level IV.
A Validated Method to Identify Neuro-Ophthalmologists in a Large Administrative Claims Database
Authors: Feng Yilin , Lin Chun Chieh , Hamedani Ali G. , De Lott Lindsey B. 
Published: January 2023

Background:
Validated methods to identify neuro-ophthalmologists in administrative data do not exist. The development of such method will facilitate research on the quality of neuro-ophthalmic care and health care utilization for patients with neuro-ophthalmic conditions in the United States.

Methods:
Using nationally representative, 20% sample from Medicare carrier files from 2018, we identified all neurologists and ophthalmologists billing at least 1 office-based evaluation and management (E/M) outpatient visit claim in 2018. To isolate neuro-ophthalmologists, the National Provider Identifier numbers of neuro-ophthalmologists in the North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society (NANOS) directory were collected and linked to Medicare files. The proportion of E/M visits with International Classification of Diseases-10 diagnosis codes that best distinguished neuro-ophthalmic care (“neuro-ophthalmology–specific codes” or NSC) was calculated for each physician. Multiple logistic regression models assessed predictors of neuro-ophthalmology specialty designation after accounting for proportion of ophthalmology, neurology, and NSC claims and primary specialty designation. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value (PPV) for varying proportions of E/M visits with NSC were calculated.

Results:
We identified 32,293 neurologists and ophthalmologists who billed at least 1 outpatient E/M visit claim in 2018 in Medicare. Of the 472 NANOS members with a valid individual National Provider Identifier, 399 (84.5%) had a Medicare outpatient E/M visit in 2018. The model containing only the proportion of E/M visits with NSC best predicted neuro-ophthalmology specialty designation (odds ratio 1.05 [95% confidence interval 1.04, 1.05]; P < 0.001; area under the receiver operating characteristic [AUROC] = 0.91). Model predictiveness for neuro-ophthalmology designation was maximized when 6% of all billed claims were for NSC (AUROC = 0.89; sensitivity: 84.0%; specificity: 93.9%), but PPV was low (14.9%). The threshold was unchanged when limited only to neurologists billing ≥1% ophthalmology claims or ophthalmologists billing ≥1% neurology claims, but PPV increased (33.3%).

Conclusions:
Our study provides a validated method to identify neuro-ophthalmologists who can be further adapted for use in other administrative databases to facilitate future research of neuro-ophthalmic care delivery in the United States.
Molecular elements: novel approaches for molecular building
Authors: Wang Ruowen , Wang Xueqiang , Xie Sitao , Zhang Yanyan , Ji Dingkun , Zhang Xiaobing , Cui Cheng , Jiang Jianhui , Tan Weihong 
Published: January 2023

Classically, a molecular element (ME) is a pure substance composed of two or more atoms of the same element. However, MEs, in the context of this review, can be any molecules as elements bonded together into the backbone of synthetic oligonucleotides (ONs) with designed sequences and functions, including natural A, T, C, G, U, and unnatural bases. The use of MEs can facilitate the synthesis of designer molecules and smart materials. In particular, we discuss the landmarks associated with DNA structure and related technologies, as well as the extensive application of ONs, the ideal type of molecules for intervention therapy aimed at correcting disease-causing genetic errors (indels). It is herein concluded that the discovery of ON therapeutics and the fabrication of designer molecules or nanostructures depend on the ME concept that we previously published. Accordingly, ME will be our focal point as we discuss related research directions and perspectives in making molecules and materials.
This article is part of the theme issue ‘Reactivity and mechanism in chemical and synthetic biology’.
Rethinking nucleic acids from their origins to their applications
Authors: Benner Steven A. 
Published: January 2023

Reviewed are three decades of synthetic biology research in our laboratory that has generated alternatives to standard DNA and RNA as possible informational systems to support Darwinian evolution, and therefore life, and to understand their natural history, on Earth and throughout the cosmos. From this, we have learned that:

•
the core structure of nucleic acids appears to be a natural outcome of non-biological chemical processes probably in constrained, intermittently irrigated, sub-aerial aquifers on the surfaces of rocky planets like Earth and/or Mars approximately 4.36 ± 0.05 billion years ago;

•
however, this core is not unique. Synthetic biology has generated many different molecular systems able to support the evolution of molecular information;

•
these alternatives to standard DNA and RNA support biotechnology, including DNA synthesis, human diagnostics, biomedical research and medicine;

•

in particular, they support laboratory
in vitro
evolution (LIVE) with performance to generate catalysts at least 10
4
–10
5
fold better than standard DNA libraries, enhancing access to receptors and catalysts on demand. Coupling nanostructures to the products of LIVE with expanded DNA offers new approaches for disease therapy; and

•

nevertheless, a polyelectrolyte structure and size regular building blocks are required for
any
informational polymer to support Darwinian evolution. These features serve as universal and agnostic biosignatures, useful for seeking life throughout the Solar System.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Reactivity and mechanism in chemical and synthetic biology’.
Vaccine effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2 Delta and Omicron infection and infectiousness within households in the Netherlands between July 2021 and August 2022
Authors: Hoeve Christina E. , de Gier Brechje , Huiberts Anne J. , de Melker Hester E. , Hahné Susan J.M. , van den Hof Susan , Knol Mirjam J. 
Published: January 2023

ABSTRACTIntroductionWe aimed to estimate vaccine effectiveness against infection (VE- infection) and infectiousness (VE-infectiousness) in a household setting during Delta and Omicron. Knowing these effects can aid policy makers in deciding which groups to prioritize for vaccination.MethodsParticipants with a positive SARS-CoV-2 test were asked about COVID-19 vaccination status and SARS-CoV-2 testing of their household members one month later. VE-infection and VE-infectiousness was estimated using GEE logistic regression adjusting for age and vaccination status, calendar week and household size.Results3,409 questionnaires concerning 4,123 household members were included. During the Delta-period, VE-infection of primary series was 47% (95% CI: −27%-78%) and VE-infectiousness of primary series was 70% (95% CI: 28%-87%). During the Omicron-period, VE-infection was −36% (95% CI: −88%-1%) for primary series and −30% (95% CI: −80%-6%) for booster vaccination. The VE-infectiousness was 45% (95% CI: −14%-74%) for primary series and 64% (95% CI: 31%-82%) for booster vaccination.DiscussionOur study shows that COVID-19 vaccination is effective against infection with SARS-CoV-2 Delta and against infectiousness of SARS-CoV-2 Delta and Omicron. Estimation of VE against infection with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron was limited by several factors. Our results support vaccination for those in close contact with vulnerable people to prevent transmission.
Assessment of AlphaFold structures and optimization methods for virtual screening
Authors: Peng Yanfei , Wu Xia , Lin Liang , Deng Zhiluo , Zhao Limin , Ke Hao 
Published: January 2023

AbstractRecent advancements in artificial intelligence such as AlphaFold, have enabled more accurate prediction of protein three-dimensional structure from amino acid sequences. This has attracted significant attention, especially for the application of AlphaFold in drug discovery. However, how to take full advantage of AlphaFold to assist with virtual screening remains elusive. We evaluate the AlphaFold structures of 51 selected targets from the DUD-E database in virtual screening. Our analyses show that the virtual screening performance of about 35% of the AlphaFold structures is equivalent to that of DUD-E structures, and about 25% of the AlphaFold structures yield better results than the DUD-E structures. Remarkably, AlphaFold structures produce slightly better results than the Apo structures. Moreover, we develop a new consensus scoring method based on Z-score standardization and exponential function, which shows improved screening performance compared to traditional scoring methods. By implementing a multi-stage virtual screening process and the new consensus scoring method, we are able to improve the speed of virtual screening by about nine times without compromising the enrichment factor. Overall, our results provide insights into the potential use of AlphaFold in drug discovery and highlight the value of consensus scoring and multi-stage virtual screening.
Heritable microbiome variation is correlated with source environment in locally adapted maize varieties
Authors: He Xiaoming , Wang Danning , Jiang Yong , Li Meng , Delgado-Baquerizo Manuel , McLaughlin Chloee , Marcon Caroline , Guo Li , Baer Marcel , Moya Yudelsy A.T. , Wirén Nicolaus von , Deichmann Marion , Schaaf Gabriel , Piepho Hans-Peter , Yang Zhikai , Yang Jinliang , Yim Bunlong , Smalla Kornelia , Goormachtig Sofie , de Vries Franciska T. , Hüging Hubert , Sawers Ruairidh J. H. , Reif Jochen C. , Hochholdinger Frank , Chen Xinping , Yu Peng 
Published: January 2023

AbstractBeneficial interactions with microorganisms are pivotal for crop performance and resilience. However, it remains unclear how heritable the microbiome is with respect to the host plant genotype and to what extent host genetic mechanisms can modulate plant-microbe interactions in the face of environmental stress. Here, we surveyed the root and rhizosphere microbiome of 129 accessions of locally adaptedZea mays, sourced from diverse habitats and grown under control and different stress conditions. We quantified treatment and host genotype effects on the microbiome. Plant genotype and source environment were predictive of microbiome composition. Genome wide association analysis identified host genetic variants linked to both rhizosphere microbiome composition and source environment. We identified transposon insertions in a candidate gene linked to both the abundance of a keystone microbeMassiliaand source total soil nitrogen, finding mutant plants to show a reduction in lateral root density. We conclude that locally adapted maize varieties exert patterns of genetic control on their root and rhizosphere microbiomes that follow variation in their home environments, consistent with a role in tolerance to prevailing stress.