bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cost-effectiveness of an antibacterial envelope for infection prevention in patients undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy reoperations in Denmark
Authors: Frausing Maria Hee Jung Park , Johansen Jens Brock , Afonso Daniela , Jørgensen Ole Dan , Olsen Thomas , Gerdes Christian , Johansen Mette Lundsby , Wolff Claudia , Mealing Stuart , Nielsen Jens Cosedis , Kronborg Mads Brix 
Published: June 2023

AbstractAimsUse of an absorbable antibacterial envelope during implantation prevents cardiac implantable electronic device infections in patients with a moderate-to-high infection risk. Previous studies demonstrated that an envelope is cost-effective in high-risk patients within German, Italian, and English healthcare systems, but these analyses were based on limited data and may not be generalizable to other healthcare settings.Methods and resultsA previously published decision-tree-based cost-effectiveness model was used to compare the costs per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) associated with adjunctive use of an antibacterial envelope for infection prevention compared to standard-of-care intravenous antibiotics. The model was adapted using data from a Danish observational two-centre cohort study that investigated infection-risk patients undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) reoperations with and without an antibacterial envelope (n = 1943). We assumed a cost-effectiveness threshold of €34 125/QALY gained, based on the upper threshold used by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (£30 000). An antibacterial envelope was associated with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of €12 022 per QALY in patients undergoing CRT reoperations, thus indicating that the envelope is cost-effective when compared with standard of care. A separate analysis stratified by device type showed ICERS of €6227 (CRT defibrillator) and €29 177 (CRT pacemaker) per QALY gained.ConclusionsCost-effectiveness ratios were favourable for patients undergoing CRT reoperations in the Danish healthcare system, and thus are in line with previous studies. Results from this study can contribute to making the technology available to Danish patients and align preventive efforts in the pacemaker and ICD area.
Ostial vs. wide area circumferential ablation guided by the Ablation Index in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation
Authors: Sousa Pedro A , Barra Sérgio , Saleiro Carolina , Khoueiry Ziad , Adão Luís , Primo João , Lagrange Philippe , Lebreiro Ana , Fonseca Paulo , Pereira Mariana , Puga Luís , Oliveiros Bárbara , Elvas Luís , Gonçalves Lino 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Aims
Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) guided by the Ablation Index (AI) has shown high acute and mid-term efficacy in the treatment of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). Previous data before the AI-era had suggested that wide-area circumferential ablation (WACA) was preferable to ostial ablation. However, with the use of AI, we hypothesize that ostial circumferential ablation is non-inferior to WACA and can improve outcomes in paroxysmal AF.

Methods and results
Prospective, multicentre, non-randomized, non-inferiority study of consecutive patients were referred for paroxysmal AF ablation from January 2020 to September 2021. All procedures were performed using the AI software, and patients were separated into two different groups: WACA vs. ostial circumferential ablation. Acute reconnection, procedural data, and 1-year arrhythmia recurrence were assessed. During the enrolment period, 162 patients (64% males, mean age of 60 ± 11 years) fulfilled the study inclusion criteria—81 patients [304 pulmonary vein (PV)] in the WACA group and 81 patients (301 PV) in the ostial group. Acute PV reconnection was identified in 7.9% [95% confidence interval (CI), 4.9–11.1%] of PVs in the WACA group compared with 3.3% (95% CI, 1.8–6.1%) of PVs in the ostial group [P &lt; 0.001 for non-inferiority; adjusted odds ratio 0.51 (95% CI, 0.23–0.83), P = 0.05]. Patients in the WACA group had longer ablation (35 vs. 29 min, P = 0.001) and procedure (121 vs. 102 min, P &lt; 0.001) times. No significant difference in arrhythmia recurrence was seen at 1-year of follow-up [11.1% in WACA vs. 9.9% in ostial, hazard ratio 1.13 (95% CI, 0.44–1.94), P = 0.80 for superiority].

Conclusion
In paroxysmal AF patients treated with tailored AI-guided PVI, ostial circumferential ablation is not inferior to WACA with regard to acute PV reconnection, while allowing quicker procedures with less ablation time.
Platelet-localized ST6Gal1 does not impact IgG sialylation
Authors: Glendenning Leandre M , Zhou Julie Y , Kukan Emily N , Gao Chao , Cummings Richard D , Joshi Smita , Whiteheart Sidney W , Cobb Brian A 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
The IgG antibody class forms an important basis of the humoral immune response, conferring reciprocal protection from both pathogens and autoimmunity. IgG function is determined by the IgG subclass, as defined by the heavy chain, as well as the glycan composition at N297, the conserved site of N-glycosylation within the Fc domain. For example, lack of core fucose promotes increased antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, whereas α2,6-linked sialylation by the enzyme ST6Gal1 helps to drive immune quiescence. Despite the immunological significance of these carbohydrates, little is known about how IgG glycan composition is regulated. We previously reported that mice with ST6Gal1-deficient B cells have unaltered IgG sialylation. Likewise, ST6Gal1 released into the plasma by hepatocytes does not significantly impact overall IgG sialylation. Since IgG and ST6Gal1 have independently been shown to exist in platelet granules, it was possible that platelet granules could serve as a B cell-extrinsic site for IgG sialylation. To address this hypothesis, we used a platelet factor 4 (Pf4)-Cre mouse to delete ST6Gal1 in megakaryocytes and platelets alone or in combination with an albumin-Cre mouse to also remove it from hepatocytes and the plasma. The resulting mouse strains were viable and had no overt pathological phenotype. We also found that despite targeted ablation of ST6Gal1, no change in IgG sialylation was apparent. Together with our prior findings, we can conclude that in mice, neither B cells, the plasma, nor platelets have a substantial role in homeostatic IgG sialylation.
Communication costs in science: evidence from the National Science Foundation Network
Authors: Goldstein Ezra G 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
How do communication costs affect the creation of scientific output? This study examines changes in scientific output and citation patterns following an institution’s connection to the National Science Foundation Network (NSFNET), an early version of the Internet. Established in 1985 to connect five NSF-sponsored supercomputers, the NSFNET national internet backbone quickly expanded to universities across the United States by linking existing and newly formed, wide-area regional computer networks. I estimate the effect of connection to the national internet backbone on citations per paper by exploiting plausibly exogenous variation in the connection times of the regional NSFNET networks. Following connection to the national NSFNET, average citations per paper increase by over 10% relative to the pre-connection mean. Subgroup analyses reveal that the net effect was driven largely by middle- and top-tier institutions. Finally, I show that NSFNET connection led to a decline in interdisciplinary citations and an increase in within-field citations.
Predicting the value of Chinese patents using patent characteristics: evidence based on a Chinese patent auction
Authors: Yin Zhifeng , Sun Zhen 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
This study revisits the question of predicting patent value with observed patent statistics, exploiting a rare public auction of patents in China in which the starting prices are used as approximates of patent private value. Family size and the number of assignees come out as the most consistent indicators, while notably, forward citations turn out to be not important. This discrepancy with past studies is investigated. We propose some of the institutional features in the Chinese patent system could lead to the forward citations not as informative as their counterpart in other jurisdictions. The findings bear important implications as Chinese patent data are increasingly being used in innovation studies.
Talk or Text? The Role of Communication Modalities in the Adoption of a Non-directive, Goal-Attainment Coaching Chatbot
Authors: Terblanche N H D , Wallis G P , Kidd M 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Despite the proliferation of chatbots (conversational agents) in increasingly varied contexts, user satisfaction with chatbot interactions remains a challenge. We do not yet fully understand chatbot usability and adoption factors or how to customize chatbots based on users' personality traits. One important and under researched aspect of chatbot design is users' perceptions of different communication modalities such as voice and text. In this between-group study (n = 393 participants), we asked participants to rate an equivalent text-based (n = 189) and voice-based (n = 204) non-directive, goal-attainment coaching chatbot in terms of usability, performance expectancy and risk perception. We also considered participants' personality in terms of extraversion. For usability across all participants, there was no difference between the chatbots for all participants; however, a higher rating of the voicebot was observed in the group classified as introverts and no difference was found for participants classified as extroverts. For performance expectancy all participants, extroverts and introverts rated the textbot higher. Risk ratings showed no difference between bots for all participants, extroverts and introverts. The results suggest that the voicebot was considered slightly easier to use for some participants while the textbot was considered to perform better by all participants. Creators of chatbots should consider using voice as a modality to attract users and text as a mode to accomplish complex tasks. Extraversion did not play a significant part in chatbot communication modality choice. These results may assist in designing context and audience-specific chatbots for increased efficacy and user satisfaction.
In vivo emergence of a still uncommon resistance to fidaxomicin in the urgent antimicrobial resistance threat Clostridioides difficile
Authors: Marchandin Hélène , Anjou Cyril , Poulen Gaëtan , Freeman Jane , Wilcox Mark , Jean-Pierre Hélène , Barbut Frédéric 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Background
Fidaxomicin is a first-line treatment for Clostridioides difficile infections (CDIs). Fidaxomicin resistance has rarely been reported in this urgent antimicrobial resistance threat as defined by the CDC.

Objectives
To report a case of fidaxomicin-resistant C. difficile isolation in a patient treated by fidaxomicin, characterize the genetic determinant for resistance and the consequences on pathophysiological traits, and review the literature.

Patient and methods
A 38-year-old male patient with several risk factors for CDI experienced three episodes of hospital-acquired CDI and received fidaxomicin for the first episode. The successive isolates were subjected to phenotypic characterization (antimicrobial susceptibility, growth, sporulation ability and toxin production) and WGS analysis to evaluate clonality and modifications associated with resistance.

Results
Resistance to fidaxomicin arose in isolates from the recurrences of CDI (MIC: 16 mg/L). WGS analysis showed a close genetic link between strains suggestive of relapses in this patient. A T3428G mutation in the rpoB gene might be associated with fidaxomicin resistance. The resistance was associated with defects in growth, sporulation and production of toxins. A review of the literature found only three previous fidaxomicin-resistant C. difficile clinical strains.

Conclusions
Although rarely reported, resistance to fidaxomicin may quickly emerge in vivo after a single course of treatment. This observation supports the need for prospective surveillance of the susceptibility of C. difficile to treatment antibiotics. However, the clinical relevance of fidaxomicin resistance still needs to be elucidated, particularly due to its apparent rareness and associated fitness cost.
Vancomycin population pharmacokinetics analysis in Chinese paediatric patients with varying degrees of renal function and ages: development of new practical dosing recommendations
Authors: Chen Jihui , Huang Xiaohui , Yu Liting , Li Jiru , Yang Rui , Li Lixia , Zhou Jia , Yao Huijuan , Bu Shuhong 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Objectives
To describe the pharmacokinetics of vancomycin in a large Chinese paediatric cohort with varying degrees of renal function and ages and to develop practical dosing guidelines.

Patients and methods
We conducted a retrospective population pharmacokinetic study using data from paediatric patients who received vancomycin between June 2013 and June 2022. A non-linear mixed-effect modelling approach with a one-compartment model structure was applied. Monte Carlo simulations were used to stimulate an optimal dosage regimen to achieve the target of AUC24/MIC between 400 and 650.

Results
We analysed a total of 673 paediatric patients and 1547 vancomycin serum concentrations. Covariate analysis revealed that physiological maturation, renal function, albumin and cardiothoracic surgery (CTS) significantly affected vancomycin pharmacokinetics. The typical clearance and volume of distribution, standardized to 70 kg, were 7.75 L/h (2.3% relative standard error, RSE) and 36.2 L (1.7% RSE), respectively. Based on the model, we proposed an optimal dosing regimen that considers the patient’s age and estimate glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) to achieve a target AUC24/MIC for CTS and non-CTS patients. We also found that a loading dose of 20 mg/kg can help patients with an eGFR of &lt;60 mL/min/1.73 m2 achieve the target AUC on the first day of treatment.

Conclusions
We established vancomycin pharmacokinetic parameters in Chinese paediatric patients and proposed a dosing guideline integrating eGFR, age and CTS status, potentially improving clinical outcomes and reducing nephrotoxicity risk.
Low-diversity microbiota and an increased metabolism of arginine and aromatic amino acids: a hallmark of hepatic encephalopathy in western Mexican patients with alcohol-associated cirrhosis
Authors: Baltazar-Díaz Tonatiuh Abimael , Riggen-Bueno Verónica , Cortina-Romero Donovan Brandon , del Toro-Arreola Susana , Haramati Jesse , Bastidas-Ramírez Blanca Estela , Bueno-Topete Miriam Ruth 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Aims
To evaluate the composition and functions of the gut microbiota in patients with decompensated alcohol-associated cirrhosis, with and without hepatic encephalopathy (HE).

Methods and results
Faecal samples from 31 inpatients (20 with HE, 11 without HE), and from 18 age-balanced healthy controls (HC), were included. Microbial composition was determined by 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and analysed using QIIME2. Metabolic pathways were inferred by PICRUSt2, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) quantification was performed by gas chromatography. The gut microbiota of patients with HE was characterized by a diminished α-diversity, compared to no-HE (P &lt; 0.01) and HC (P &lt; 0.001) groups; β-diversity also differed between HE vs no-HE patients (P &lt; 0.05), and between HE vs HC (P &lt; 0.001). In patients with HE, Escherichia/Shigella, Burkholderiales and Lactobacillales taxa predominated. In contrast, patients without HE were characterized by Veillonella and Bacteroides. Reduced levels of faecal SCFAs in both groups correlated with a depletion of beneficial taxa, such as Ruminococcus or Faecalibacterium. PICRUSt2 analysis showed both an enhanced catabolism of arginine through ammonia-producing pathways and chorismate biosynthesis in HE patients, a key precursor of aromatic amino acids.

Conclusions
The gut microbiota of HE patients exhibits a proinflammatory dysbiotic profile, plus metabolic pathways that produce potentially neurotoxic byproducts.
Streptococcus agalactiae virulence factors isolated from bovine mastitis and antibiotic treatment response
Authors: Torres Giovanny , Macias Diana , Reyes-Vélez Julián , Rios-Agudelo Paola , Caraballo-Guzmán Arley 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Aims
This study aims to characterize the virulence factors of Streptococcus agalactiae strains isolated from bovine mastitis and their potential association with the antibiotic treatment response.

Methods and results
Four different profiles were identified among the 181 S. agalactiae strains using polymerase chain reaction, of which hyl B and cylE were found in 100% of the isolated strains, followed by cfb (99.5%), scpB (40.3%), and lmb (15.5%). The cell invasion assay showed that lmb-positive strains exhibited higher invasion ability than lmb-negative. There was a significant association (P = 0.018) between lmb gene and cows that required more than one treatment cycle.

Conclusions
These results showed that intramammary infections caused by lmb-carrier S. agalactiae strains did not adequately respond to the antibiotics administered, likely because of the presence of this virulence factor, which potentially favours the cell invasion capacity of these strains.
Visualization of health information within immersive virtual reality environments
Authors: Ferguson Allyson , Goldsmith Denise M , Flatley Brennan Patricia 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
The Advanced Visualization Branch of the National Institute of Nursing Research uses computer technologies to study information visualization in support of self-care management. Advanced technologies, such as immersive virtual reality (IVR), afford researchers the opportunity to study health information visualization where user-initiated information search in visually dense settings precedes acquisition, interpretation, and use. While IVR has broad applicability in healthcare, we chose to target lay people managing chronic disease because of the growing unmet need to translate clinical recommendations into everyday behaviors. To explore how lay people seek, acquire, and interpret health information in everyday settings, we developed an IVR grocery store. In this environment, a person can locate food products, read and compare nutrition labels, and use information to make food selections. The goal of this perspective is to introduce the opportunities afforded by IVR to both present and study health information visualization and to highlight critical design considerations.
How to Choose the Right AFM Probe for Your Experiment
Authors: Ted Limpoco F , Beck David E 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Atomic force microscopes (AFMs) have emerged as the principal enabling tool for nanotechnology research. They are used ubiquitously in a wide range of fields: from 2D materials, semiconductors, ferroelectrics, and batteries to biomolecules, polymers, and cell biology. As the name implies, AFMs are microscopes. However, rather than using focused light or electrons to magnify sample features, AFMs scan a mechanical probe with a very sharp tip over the surface to create a high-resolution 3D topographical image. Further, by modifying the probe composition or structure, other material properties (electrical, mechanical, magnetic, etc.) can be simultaneously measured and mapped onto the topographic image for precise structure/property correlation. Clearly, the probe is key to unlocking the power of the AFM, thus, choosing the right probe is critical. In this article, we will provide novice and experienced users with basic information and guidelines to simplify the AFM probe selection process.
Endothermic self-interacting dark matter in Milky Way-like dark matter haloes
Authors: O’Neil Stephanie , Vogelsberger Mark , Heeba Saniya , Schutz Katelin , Rose Jonah C , Torrey Paul , Borrow Josh , Low Ryan , Adhikari Rakshak , Medvedev Mikhail V , Slatyer Tracy R , Zavala Jesús 
Published: June 2023

ABSTRACT
Self-interacting dark matter (SIDM) offers the potential to mitigate some of the discrepancies between simulated cold dark matter (CDM) and observed galactic properties. We introduce a physically motivated SIDM model to understand the effects of self interactions on the properties of Milky Way and dwarf galaxy sized haloes. This model consists of dark matter with a nearly degenerate excited state, which allows for both elastic and inelastic scattering. In particular, the model includes a significant probability for particles to up-scatter from the ground state to the excited state. We simulate a suite of zoom-in Milky Way-sized N-body haloes with six models with different scattering cross sections to study the effects of up-scattering in SIDM models. We find that the up-scattering reaction greatly increases the central densities of the main halo through the loss of kinetic energy. However, the physical model still results in significant coring due to the presence of elastic scattering and down-scattering. These effects are not as apparent in the subhalo population compared to the main halo, but the number of subhaloes is reduced compared to CDM.
A theory of mass transfer in binary stars
Authors: Cehula Jakub , Pejcha Ondřej 
Published: June 2023

ABSTRACT
Calculation of the mass transfer (MT) rate $\dot{M}_\text{d}$ of a Roche lobe overflowing star is a fundamental task in binary star evolution theory. Most of the existing MT prescriptions are based on a common set of assumptions that combine optically thick and optically thin regimes with different flow geometries. In this work, we develop a new model of MT based on the assumption that the Roche potential sets up a nozzle converging on the inner Lagrangian point and that the gas flows mostly along the axis connecting both stars. We derive a set of 1D hydrodynamic equations governing the gas flow with $\dot{M}_\text{d}$ determined as the eigenvalue of the system. The inner boundary condition directly relates our model to the structure of the donor obtained from 1D stellar evolution codes. We obtain an algebraic solution for the polytropic equation-of-state (EOS). This gives $\dot{M}_\text{d}$ within a factor of 0.9 to 1.0 of existing optically thick prescriptions and reduces to the existing optically thin prescription for isothermal gas. For a realistic EOS, we find that $\dot{M}_\text{d}$ differs by up to a factor of 4 from existing models. We illustrate the effects of our new MT model on a $30\, M_\odot$ low-metallicity star undergoing intensive thermal time-scale MT and find that it is more likely to become unstable to L2 overflow and common-envelope evolution than expected according to MT prescriptions. Our model provides a framework to include additional physics such as radiation or magnetic fields.