bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of evidence-based approaches in procurement and implementation of health and welfare technologies – a survey among Swedish municipalities
Authors: Richardson Matt X. , Andersson Sarah Wamala 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background

Health and welfare technologies (HWT) are increasingly procured and implemented by public providers in Swedish municipalities, but it remains unclear if and how evidence for these technologies’ effectiveness is used in both processes. The aim of this study was to investigate the use of evidence in Swedish municipal public sector procurement and implementation of HWT.

Methods

A telephone survey of 197 municipalities was conducted with questions regarding the use of evidence in both processes, as well as eventual support needs regarding its use. Standard definitions of HWT and evidence were provided prior to the survey. Response frequencies and percentage proportions calculated per question. Lambda (Λ) values with corresponding significance values were calculated for associations between responses to selected questions and the size and type of municipality, with values of 0.01 to 0.19 designated as weak associations, 0.20 to 0.39 as moderate, and 0.40 and above as strong.

Results

Sixty-four municipalities completed the entire survey. Consistent use of evidence for effectiveness of HWT occurred in less than half of all municipal public procurement processes. Two-thirds of municipalities did not have an established model or process for implementation of HWT that used evidence in any manner. More than three quarters of municipalities lacked a systematic plan for follow-up and evaluation of effectiveness of implemented HWT, and of those that did less than half followed their plan consistently. Most municipalities expressed the need for support in using evidence in HWT-related processes but did not consider evidence and systematic evaluation to be prioritized.

Conclusions

Weaknesses and gaps in using evidence in procurement and implementation processes may create a legacy of sub-optimal implementation of HWT in Swedish municipal health- and social care services, and lost opportunities for real-world evidence generation. There was a clear indication of the need for unified national guidance for using and generating evidence in key HWT-related municipal processes and implementation. Such guidance needs to be developed and effectively communicated.
Soil nematode assemblages respond to interacting environmental changes
Authors: Martinez Laura , Wu Shuqi , Owen-Smith Paul , Patton Mariah , Collins Scott , Rudgers Jennifer 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Recent multi-factor experiments suggest that interactions among environmental changes commonly influence biodiversity and community composition. However, most field experiments focus on single factors, ignoring interacting stressors. Soil food webs are critical to ecosystem health and may be particularly sensitive to interactions among environmental changes that include soil warming, eutrophication, and altered precipitation regimes. Here we asked, how do environmental changes interact to alter nematode diversity, abundance, community composition, and functional groups in a northern Chihuahuan Desert grassland? We used factorial manipulations of nitrogen, winter rainfall, and nighttime warming to match predicted environmental change scenarios for the region. Warming reduced nematode diversity by 25% and genus-level richness by 32%, but these declines dissipated with additional winter rain, suggesting the warming effect may occur via drying. Under ambient precipitation, nitrogen fertilizer reduced bacterivores by 68% and herbivores by 73% but had no significant influence on fungivores. In contrast, when combined with winter rain addition, nitrogen fertilization instead increased bacterivores by 95%, had no effect on herbivores, and doubled the number of fungivores. Interactive effects of precipitation and nitrogen altered community composition of genus-level nematode abundances, but total nematode abundance was less sensitive than composition or diversity, indicating that most change involved the reordering of species abundances. Nematode community metrics were not tightly coupled to plant community composition in this semi-arid grassland, and may instead track microbes, including biocrusts and decomposers. Our results highlight the importance of interactions among environmental change stressors for the composition and function of soil food webs in drylands.
Comparison of the short-term efficacy and safety of bipolar transurethral electro vaporization and holmium laser enucleation of the prostate for moderate and large benign prostatic enlargement
Authors: Hayashi Yutaro , Yoneyama Shuko , Takizawa Akitoshi , Kobayashi Kazuki , Ito Hiroki 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background:
To compare the efficacy and safety of bipolar transurethral vaporization of the prostate (B-TUVP) with holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) for moderate [prostate volume (PV) 30-80 ml] and large (≥ 80 ml) benign prostatic enlargement (BPE).
Materials and Methods:
Male patients with lower urinary tract symptom (LUTS) or urinary retention who underwent B-TUVP or HoLEP treatment in two regional, high-volume centers were respectively enrolled. The patient-oriented and treatment outcomes were retrospectively compared between B-TUVP and HoLEP.
Results:
B-TUVP showed shorter operative time and less hemoglobin decrease than in HoLEP. In uncatheterized patients, voiding symptoms and patients’ quality of life improved after B-TUVP and HoLEP, but these improvement rates were consistently bigger in HoLEP than in B-TUVP. In catheterized patients, the rate of achieving catheter-free status after surgery was higher in HoLEP than in B-TUVP for patients with PV >80 ml. The incidence of postoperative fever was higher in B-TUVP than in HoLEP for patients with PV 30-80 ml but not for those with PV >80 ml.
Conclusions:
This is the first retrospective study investigating the short-term efficacy and safety of second-generation B-TUVP in comparison with HoLEP for moderate and large BPE. Improvement in LUTS and achievement of catheter-free status were predominant in HoLEP, and these outcomes were more prominent in patients with large BPE of PV >80 ml. However, B-TUVP resulted in less blood loss, shorter operative duration, and less urinary incontinence suggesting that B-TUVP is also well-tolerated surgical modality.
Structure and dynamics of the course of chronic non-infectious somatic diseases in patients during war events on the territory of Ukraine
Authors: Kiro Liudmyla , Zak Maksym , Chernyshov Oleh 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background
The work studied and compared the dynamics of changes in the course of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and somatized disorders in Ukrainian population, in the 1st period before war (October 2021 – February 2022) and 2nd period during the war (March -July 2022). The choice of the study of the above-mentioned nosology is due, first of all, to the increase in cases of referrals to outpatient doctors regarding hypertensive crises, the increase in the frequency of patients' complaints about the lability of glycemic indicators during routine monitoring of glucose levels with ambulatory glucometers, the appearance of chronic pain syndrome of unspecified pathology with the beginning of war events.
Methods
272 people were examined in Mykolaiv Region (Ukraine). The patients were divided into three clinical groups: 1st group - 90 people patients with arterial hypertension; 2nd group – 92 people with type 2 diabetes; the 3rd group – 90 people with somatiform disorders.
Results
In the patients of the 1st group during the 2nd period, amount of people with hypertension of the 1st degree increased in 1.8 times (D=2.3804; p=0.0412), with 2nd degree hypertension increased in 2 times (D=2.3129; p= 0.0491) and 3rd degree hypertension increased in 2.5 times (D=2.1827, p= 0.0391); somatized disorders in 3rd group also increased in 4.1 times (D=0.489, p=0.001<0.05); in 2nd group recorded an increase in HbA1c by 0.99±0.57 mmol/l (D=0.9420, p=1.795e-07<0.05), in comparison with the indicators for the 1st observation period.
Conclusions
The war events in Ukraine not only changed the life of every Ukrainian, but also had a significant impact on the dynamics and structure of chronic somatic diseases, in particular due to an increase in patient referrals for hypertensive crises, exacerbations of type 2 diabetes, somatized disorders, and chronic pain syndrome of unknown etiology. Considering these results, it is important to increase the equipment of regional primary care centers with antihypertensive, hypoglycemic and sedative drugs.
Cerebrospinal fluid ceramides and cognition as a function of striatal asymmetry in early Parkinson's disease
Authors: Peron Julie , Nuber-Champier Anthony , Voruz Philippe , Constantin Ioana , Cionca Alexandre 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
A growing interest in studying the impact of brain asymmetry on physiological markers and cognition in people with Parkinson's disease (PwPD) recently emerged. The aim of this study was to test the impact of striatal denervation asymmetry on brain markers such as ceramides accumulation (ng/ml), as well as its impact on cognitive performances in early PwPD. We analysed data from 329 PwPD patients at the beginning of the disease (mean 6.9 months after diagnosis) (72 left-asymmetric, 83 right-asymmetric and 174 symmetric PwPD) and 167 healthy controls. Asymmetry was based on the difference in putamen denervation greater than 20%. Patients with genetic mutations were excluded. We performed generalized linear mixed models introducing the amount of cerebrospinal fluid ceramides (ng/ml) and cognitive functions as discriminating factors. Finally, Spearman correlations were used to highlight the relationship between cognition and cerebrospinal fluid ceramides on the whole pathological group and within each sub-group, as a function of striatal denervation asymmetry. First, a reduced concentration of ceramide (C18:0 CER) in the symmetrical group compared to the asymmetrical group and the control group was observed. More specifically left denervation predominant PwPD had significantly more ceramides (C22:0 CER) than the right and controls. Second, poorer cognitive performance for the symmetric group compared to the asymmetric and control groups was reported. Overall, positive correlations between cognition and ceramides (C18:0, C22:0 CER) was observed. Conversely, glucosylceramide correlation (C22:0 GlcCer) showed a negative link with cognition. This study shows that asymmetry of striatal degeneration in early Parkinson's disease is accompanied by metabolic variations related to cognitive processes.
TNF-α and Poly(I:C) induction of A20 and activation of NF-κB signaling are independent of ABCF1 in human airway epithelial cells
Authors: Cao Quynh To , Ishak Mira , Shpilman Israel , Hirota Jeremy 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
ABCF1 is the most characterized member of the ABCF family in eukaryotes with proposed functions related to innate immunity in fibroblasts, macrophages, and epithelial cells. Currently, a mechanistic link between ABCF1 and immune responses in human airway epithelial cells (HAECs) remains to be clearly defined. The present study aimed at characterizing the function of ABCF1 in the context of nuclear factor nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) mediated proinflammatory responses. We demonstrated that with ABCF1 silencing under basal conditions, TNF Alpha Induced Protein 3 (TNFAIP3/A20) protein expression and downstream expression and activation of transcription factors, NF-κB and Interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF-3), were not disrupted. We followed with investigations of ABCF1 function under a proinflammatory stimuli that are known to be regulated by A20. We demonstrated that under Polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (Poly(I:C)) and tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α) challenge with ABCF1 silencing, there was a significant reduction in secreted levels of interleukin-8 (IL-8) and a trend for reduced IL-6. However, we observed no changes to the expression levels of A20 and the activation status of the transcription factors, NF-κB and IRF-3. Collectively, these studies demonstrate that Poly(I:C) and TNF-α induced IL-8 is regulated by ABCF1 via pathways independent of NF-κB and IRF-3 activation.
Public Opinion, Racial Bias, and Labor Market Outcomes
Authors: Majlesi Kaveh , Prina Silvia , Sullivan Paul 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

The effect of negative shifts in public opinion on the economic lives of minorities is unknown. We study the role of racial bias in the U.S. labor market by investigating sudden changes in public opinion about Asians following the anti-Chinese rhetoric that emerged with the COVID-19 pandemic, and associated changes in employment status and earnings. Using Current Population Survey (CPS) data from January 2019 to May 2021, we find that, unlike other minorities, Asians who worked in occupations or industries with a higher likelihood of face-to-face interactions before the pandemic were more likely to become unemployed afterwards. Consistent with a role for public opinion affecting labor market outcomes, we find that the effects are larger in magnitude in strongly Republican states, where anti-Asian rhetoric might have had more influence. Additionally, we show that, while widespread along the political spectrum, negative shifts in views of Asians were much stronger among those who voted for President Trump in 2016 and those who report watching Fox News channel.
Isolation and characterization of 17 polymorphic microsatellite loci with tri- and tetra- nucleotide repeat motifs for Ayu (Plecoglossus altivelis) using next-generation sequencing
Authors: Tsukagoshi Hideharu , Abe Syuiti 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background
Ayu or sweetfish, Plecoglossus altivelis, an amphidromous fish ranging in Northwest Pacific, is economically important inland fisheries and aquaculture resources. Genetic characterization of wild Ayu and derived culture seeds with competent molecular genetic markers is still insufficient for their sustainable use. Microsatellite DNA markers with larger repeat motifs (e.g. tri- and tetra- nucleotide motifs) are convenient and accurate compared with those having mono- and di-nucleotide motifs, but the latter motifs characterized most Ayu microsatellite markers developed previously.
Methods and results
Here, we isolated and characterized 17 polymorphic microsatellite DNA markers with tri- and tetra-nucleotide repeat motif using next-generation sequencing. Alleles per locus varied from 6 to 23. The observed and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.542 to 1.000 and 0.709 to 0.951, respectively. Polymorphic information content (PIC) of 15 out of the 17 loci were high ( ≧ 0.700), suggesting their increased ability to detect genetic diversity. Twelve of the 17 loci were used for preliminary assignment test among three populations, and successfully allocated the examined fish to the original populations.
Conclusion
The novel polymorphic microsatellite markers developed herein will be useful to examine the genetic diversity and population structure of wild Ayu and the effect of seed transplantation on native populations, providing a tool for conservation and sustainable adaptive management of this species.
Male song of a promiscuous bird without paternal care is more complex than previously thought
Authors: Osiejuk Tomasz Stanisław , Kubacka Justyna 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
The Aquatic Warbler is one of the rarest European passerines, characterised by promiscuity, lack of pair-bonds and female-only parental care. This makes the species an important model for studying the function of avian courtship song. The song of the Aquatic Warbler consists of whistle and rattle phrases produced as discontinuous A-, B- and C-songs, which are built by a single rattle, a rattle and a whistle, and more than two rattle-whistle phrases, respectively. The A- and B-songs are aggressive signals in male-male interactions, while C-songs are important for female choice. Here, we analysed recordings of 40 individually marked males, and determined the enumerated and estimated repertoire size. The males sung 16–158 (mean 99) different phrases. The estimated repertoire size ranged between 18 and 300 (mean 155) and was significantly predicted by the number of C-songs. The rattle repertoire was larger than the whistle repertoire and both positively correlated with the number of C-songs. Our study indicates that in the Aquatic Warbler, the repertoire size is greater than previously believed, and the courtship song is flexible and efficient, enabling both female attraction through quick presentation of large repertoires, and rival deterrence through production of many short and simple A-and B-songs.
Associations of Air Pollutant Concentrations with Longitudinal Renal Function Changes in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Chung Cheng-Yin , Wu Shang-Yu , Chiu Huei-Hsuan , Wu Tzu-Ning , Wang Yu-Tong , Lin Ming-Yen 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
The longitudinal cohort study investigated the associations of air pollutant exposures, including CO, NO, NO2, NOx, O3, PM10, PM2.5, and SO2, with long-term renal function changes in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We enrolled 447 CKD patients who took part in a universal pre-ESRD care program during 2011–2015 at a hospital. The daily average air pollutant exposures were estimated for each patient. We defined different levels of air pollutant concentrations by quartile and rapid renal progression through annual estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) slope reduction over 5 ml/min/1.73 m2. The average age of the study population was 77.1 ± 12.6 years, and almost a quarter of them experienced rapid renal function progression from a median eGFR of 30 ml/min/1.73m2 at baseline during a mean follow-up time of 3.4 years. No candidate air pollutants were significantly associated with an increased likelihood of rapid renal function progression. However, it is worth noting that there was a potentially increased likelihood of fast renal function decline with raised NO quartile (adjusted odds ratio from 1.11 to 2.04). The results encourage more extensive studies to clarify the causal relationships and mechanisms between long-term air pollutant exposures and longitudinal renal function change, especially in CKD populations.
Residual β-cell Function in Long-Duration Brazilian Type 1 Diabetes Is Associated with a Low Prevalence of Nephropathy
Authors: Gabbay Monica Andrade Lima , Crispim Felipe , Dib Sergio Atala 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background: Persistence of β cell-function in Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is associated with glycaemia stability and lower prevalence of microvascular complications. We aimed to assess the prevalence of residual C- peptide secretion in long-term Brazilian childhood onset T1D receiving usual care and its association to clinical, metabolic variables and microvascular complications.
Methods: A cross-sectional observational study with 138 T1D adults with >3 years of diagnosis receiving usual care. Clinical, metabolic variables and microvascular complications were compared between positive ultra-sensitive fasting serum C-peptide (FCP+) and negative (FCP-) participants.
Results: T1D studied had > 5 yrs. of diagnosis and 60% had FCP >1.15pmol/L. FCP+ T1D were older at diagnosis (10 vs 8 yo; p=0.03) and had less duration of diabetes (11 vs 15 yo; p=0.002). There was no association between the FCP+ and other clinical and metabolic variable but was inversely associated with microalbuminuria (28.6% vs 13.4%, p=0.03), regardless of HbA1c. FCP> 47pmol/L were associated with nephropathy protection but were not related to others microvascular complications.
Conclusion: Residual insulin secretion is present in 60% of T1D >3 years of diagnosis in usual care. FCP+ is positively associated with age of diagnosis and negatively with duration of disease and microalbuminuria regardless of HbA1c
A Study Of Cardiac Arrhythmias In Patients With Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) During The First 48 Hours In The Intensive Care Unit And Its Relationship With Age, Sex, Site Of Infarction And Other Risk Factors.
Authors: Khatib Mahmoud Al , Kteifan Abdulrahman , Shamiyeh Marwan 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Introduction: Acute myocardial infarction is one of the leading causes of death in the developed world. The spread of the disease approaches three million people worldwide, with more than one million deaths in the United States annually. Myocardial ischemia and infarction can cause electrophysiological and metabolic changes causing asymptomatic or even life-threatening arrhythmias. About 75% of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients experience arrhythmias during the peri-infarction period. The most common cause of death in patient with AMI in pre-hospitalization is ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation (VT/VF(.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study targeting 150 patients with myocardial infarction attending Damascus Hospital. According to certain acceptance and exclusion criteria.
Results: The sample consisted of 150 patients who suffered from heart infarction, the mean age of patients in the sample was 59.41 years with a standard deviation of 11.02 years, the oldest age in the sample patients was 90 years, and the youngest age was 28 years. Males constituted the largest portion of patients, with 112 males, 75%, and 38 females, 25%. About 90% of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) develop some form of arrhythmia during or immediately after the event, and in 25% of patients, these arrhythmias appear within the first 24 hours. Heartbeat early in the course of acute coronary syndrome (ACS).
Recommendations: One of the most important recommendations of our study is the necessity of keeping the patient under observation for at least 48 hours after myocardial infarction within the hospital to monitor the ECG over a period of 24 hours (Holter) in order to detect arrhythmias. Detection of arrhythmias in every patient with extensive anterior, lateral, or posterior myocardial infarction. And the need to know and take into account ventricular fibrillation and how to manage it in every patient with a heart infarction. And conducting future studies, including a larger number of patients, to study cardiac arrhythmias more precisely.