bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Frailty assessment as part of transplant listing: yes, no or maybe?
Authors: McAdams-DeMarco Mara A , Thind Amarpreet K , Nixon Andrew C , Woywodt Alexander 
Published: December 2022

ABSTRACT
Frailty, characterized by a decreased physiological reserve and an increased vulnerability to stressors, is common among kidney transplant (KT) candidates and recipients. In this review, we present and summarize the key arguments for and against the assessment of frailty as part of KT evaluation. The key arguments for including frailty were: (i) sheer prevalence and far-reaching consequences of frailty on KT, and (ii) the ability to conduct a more holistic and objective evaluation of candidates, removing the inaccuracy associated with ‘eye-ball’ assessments of transplant fitness. The key argument against were: (i) lack of agreement on the definition of frailty and which tools should be used in renal populations, (ii) a lack of clarity on how, by whom and how often frailty assessments should be performed, and (iii) a poor understanding of how acute stressors affect frailty. However, it is the overwhelming opinion that the time has come for frailty assessments to be incorporated into KT listing. Although ongoing areas of uncertainty exist and further evidence development is needed, the well-established impact of frailty on clinical and experiential outcomes, the invaluable information obtained from frailty assessments, and the potential for intervention outweigh these limitations. Proactive and early identification of frailty allows for individualized and improved risk assessment, communication and optimization of candidates.
Discrepancies of fungi and plants in the pattern of beta-diversity with environmental gradient imply a comprehensive community assembly rule
Authors: Masumoto Shota , Kitagawa Ryo , Kaneko Ryo , Nishizawa Keita , Matsuoka Shunsuke , Uchida Masaki , Mori Akira S 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Beta-diversity partitioning has shown that the nestedness component is developed with environmental stress in a variety of taxa. However, soil fungal community may maintain its turnover components in contrast to the development of plants’ nestedness component, and the potential causes remain unclear. To investigate the process of species turnover of soil fungi along a stress gradient in the Arctic, we divided species turnover component into sub-components: βsim_hete and βsim_homo representing species turnover with and without a change in the guilds, respectively. The results indicate that fungal communities maintain their turnover components, unlike plant communities; however, their βsim_hete increased under stressful conditions. Additionally, GDM analysis showed that βsim_hete was mainly explained by stress gradient and plant nestedness, suggesting that the functionality of soil fungi was ecologically filtered by environmental stress and plant community structure. The discordant trend of beta-diversity values between plant and fungi (i.e. development of plant nestedness and maintenance of fungal turnover) is possibly not caused by different assembly rules working in parallel on the two taxa, but according to an ecological rule that reflects plant–fungal interaction.
Phylotranscriptomic Analyses of Mycoheterotrophic Monocots Show a Continuum of Convergent Evolutionary Changes in Expressed Nuclear Genes From Three Independent Nonphotosynthetic Lineages
Authors: Timilsena Prakash Raj , Barrett Craig F , Piñeyro-Nelson Alma , Wafula Eric K , Ayyampalayam Saravanaraj , McNeal Joel R , Yukawa Tomohisa , Givnish Thomas J , Graham Sean W , Pires J Chris , Davis Jerrold I , Ané Cécile , Stevenson Dennis W , Leebens-Mack Jim , Martínez-Salas Esteban , Álvarez-Buylla Elena R , dePamphilis Claude W 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Mycoheterotrophy is an alternative nutritional strategy whereby plants obtain sugars and other nutrients from soil fungi. Mycoheterotrophy and associated loss of photosynthesis have evolved repeatedly in plants, particularly in monocots. Although reductive evolution of plastomes in mycoheterotrophs is well documented, the dynamics of nuclear genome evolution remains largely unknown. Transcriptome datasets were generated from four mycoheterotrophs in three families (Orchidaceae, Burmanniaceae, Triuridaceae) and related green plants and used for phylogenomic analyses to resolve relationships among the mycoheterotrophs, their relatives, and representatives across the monocots. Phylogenetic trees based on 602 genes were mostly congruent with plastome phylogenies, except for an Asparagales + Liliales clade inferred in the nuclear trees. Reduction and loss of chlorophyll synthesis and photosynthetic gene expression and relaxation of purifying selection on retained genes were progressive, with greater loss in older nonphotosynthetic lineages. One hundred seventy-four of 1375 plant benchmark universally conserved orthologous genes were undetected in any mycoheterotroph transcriptome or the genome of the mycoheterotrophic orchid Gastrodia but were expressed in green relatives, providing evidence for massively convergent gene loss in nonphotosynthetic lineages. We designate this set of deleted or undetected genes Missing in Mycoheterotrophs (MIM). MIM genes encode not only mainly photosynthetic or plastid membrane proteins but also a diverse set of plastid processes, genes of unknown function, mitochondrial, and cellular processes. Transcription of a photosystem II gene (psb29) in all lineages implies a nonphotosynthetic function for this and other genes retained in mycoheterotrophs. Nonphotosynthetic plants enable novel insights into gene function as well as gene expression shifts, gene loss, and convergence in nuclear genomes.
Testing management scenarios for the North Sea ecosystem using qualitative and quantitative models
Authors: Olsen Erik , Tomczak Maciej T , Lynam Christopher P , Belgrano Andrea , Kenny Andrew 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
The complexities of ecosystem-based management require stepwise approaches, ideally involving stakeholders, to scope key processes, pressures, and impact in relation to sustainability and management objectives. Use of qualitative methods like Fuzzy Cognitive Mapping (FCM) with a lower skill and data threshold than traditional quantitative models afford opportunity for even untrained stakeholders to evaluate the present and future status of the marine ecosystems under varying impacts. Here, we present the results applying FCM models for subregions of the North Sea. Models for the southern North Sea, Skagerrak, Kattegat, and the Norwegian Trench were developed with varying level of stakeholder involvement. Future scenarios of increased and decreased fishing, and increased seal biomass in the Kattegat, were compared with similar scenarios run on two quantitative ecosystem model. Correspondence in response by the models to the same scenarios was lowest in the southern North Sea, which had the simplest FCM model, and highest in Norwegian Trench. The results show the potential of combining FCM and quantitative modelling approaches in integrated ecosystem assessments (IEAs) and in future ecosystem-based management advice, but to facilitate such comparisons and allow them to complement and enhance our IEAs, it is important that their components are aligned and comparable.
The Return of the Chinese Tribute System? Re-viewing the Belt and Road Initiative
Authors: Hobson John , Zhang Shizhi 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThis piece moves beyond orthodox international relations conceptions of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) by re-viewing it as a neo-tribute system that shares some of the key properties of the historical Chinese tribute system (CTS). We argue that neither of these projects embody imperialist properties but are based rather on relatively harmonious and peaceful relations between China and the members of these respective systems. The principal reason why we think a case can be made for viewing the BRI as a kind of neo-tribute system lies in its entwined economic and symbolic dimensions. While the historical CTS was ultimately designed to enhance the legitimacy of the Chinese emperor and the Chinese social system by attracting tribute states through the carrot of economic access to China's lucrative economy, the neo-tribute system today seeks to enhance the domestic legitimacy of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) by forging strong economic links with BRI states. More specifically, we argue that China's rulers gained legitimacy during the era of the tribute system through the symbolic practice of tribute state envoys demonstrating their status (although not political) inferiority by kowtowing in front of the emperor in the Chinese capital as a condition that is required in order to gain economically and politically. Likewise, BRI states today, in joining the system, provide tacit legitimacy to the Chinese state while also performing the symbolic practice of withholding public criticism of the CCP as the core condition of gaining economically from membership.
Comparative Phylogeography in the Taiwan–Luzon Volcanic Belt Indicates Fast Diversification History of Pachyrhynchus Weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: Ye Yan-Jhih , Huang Jen-Pan , Nguyen Hung N , Villanueva Reagan Joseph T , Amarga Ace Kevin S , Tseng Hui-Yun 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Geological isolation with limited gene flow can shape phenotypic diversification among different populations or species. From Luzon northward to Taiwan lies a series of isolated volcanic islands (the Taiwan–Luzon volcanic belt) where three Pachyrhynchus species [P. sarcitis (Behrens, 1887), P. nobilis (Heller, 1912) and P. semperi (Heller, 1912)] (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Entiminae: Pachyrhynchini) are sympatrically distributed. With intraspecific color variation across different islands, these three weevil species provide a unique opportunity to study genetic divergence associated with geographic isolation and/or phenotypic differences. In this study, genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data derived from ddRAD-seq was used to reconstruct the speciation history and to delimit species within each of the three species. Our results indicate all three species have ancient diversification histories in southern islands of the Taiwan–Luzon volcanic belt instead of more recent diversification histories in northern islands. Ancestral effective population size estimations also support a scenario of a series of founder colonization events from southern to northern islands in the volcanic belt. Most island populations are monophyletic, and early-divergent populations with deep genetic structures are supported statistically as distinct species. However, color variations could occur between populations with very recent diversification, indicating a fast-evolving rate in the change of coloration, possibly due to müllerian mimicry or founder effects across this region.
Assessing the technical feasibility of a flexible, integrated Internet-of-things connected for asthma (C4A) system to support self-management: a mixed method study exploring patients and healthcare professionals perspectives
Authors: Hui Chi Yan , McKinstry Brian , Mclean Susannah , Buchner Mark , Pinnock Hilary 
Published: December 2022

Abstract

Background
A connected system with smart devices could transform patient care and empower patients control of their asthma.

Objective
To explore how a connected-for-asthma system (C4A) with smart devices from multiple companies (smart-inhaler; smart-watch; smart-peak-flow meter, manual digital thermometer during the Coronavirus disease (COVID)-pandemic) could support asthma self-management.

Methods
In a proof-of-concept mixed-methods study (Winter 2021/2022), we collected data from devices linked via the C4A app enabling patients to self-monitor and share a monitoring summary (in PDF format) with their clinician. Ten patients (range of age/gender, asthma experience, Apple/Android user) via social media, used C4A for a month. We conducted pre/post-interviews with patients, and a single post-interview with an asthma nurse and 3 general practitioners. Thematic analysis, informed by the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology was triangulated with descriptive analysis of usage data.

Results
The system was perceived as “easy” to use. During the study, 7517 data points were collected from 10 patients; monitoring reduced over the month. Patients used devices if they trusted their “accuracy,” and adopted the system to monitor new medication or assess troublesome symptoms. One patient lost contact (because of COVID), 8 wanted to keep using C4A to manage their asthma, though were selective about the most useful devices. Clinicians wanted the report to provide an asthma score/status and reliever usage.

Conclusion
A connected system could enable flexible digital care by linking data from several devices to support self-management. To promote adoption/adherence, setup has to be simple, and patients need to trust that the devices accurately reflect their condition.
Designing and implementing smart glass technology for emergency medical services: a sociotechnical perspective
Authors: Zhang Zhan , Ramiya Ramesh Babu Noubra Ashika , Adelgais Kathleen , Ozkaynak Mustafa 
Published: December 2022

Abstract

Objective
This study aims to investigate key considerations and critical factors that influence the implementation and adoption of smart glasses in fast-paced medical settings such as emergency medical services (EMS).

Materials and Methods
We employed a sociotechnical theoretical framework and conducted a set of participatory design workshops with 15 EMS providers to elicit their opinions and concerns about using smart glasses in real practice.

Results
Smart glasses were recognized as a useful tool to improve EMS workflow given their hands-free nature and capability of processing and capturing various patient data. Out of the 8 dimensions of the sociotechnical model, we found that hardware and software, human-computer interface, workflow, and external rules and regulations were cited as the major factors that could influence the adoption of this novel technology. EMS participants highlighted several key requirements for the successful implementation of smart glasses in the EMS context, such as durable devices, easy-to-use and minimal interface design, seamless integration with existing systems and workflow, and secure data management.

Discussion
Applications of the sociotechnical model allowed us to identify a range of factors, including not only technical aspects, but also social, organizational, and human factors, that impact the implementation and uptake of smart glasses in EMS. Our work informs design implications for smart glass applications to fulfill EMS providers’ needs.

Conclusion
The successful implementation of smart glasses in EMS and other dynamic healthcare settings needs careful consideration of sociotechnical issues and close collaboration between different stakeholders.
Development and evaluation of an interoperable natural language processing system for identifying pneumonia across clinical settings of care and institutions
Authors: Chapman Alec B , Peterson Kelly S , Rutter Elizabeth , Nevers Mckenna , Zhang Mingyuan , Ying Jian , Jones Makoto , Classen David , Jones Barbara 
Published: December 2022

Abstract

Objective
To evaluate the feasibility, accuracy, and interoperability of a natural language processing (NLP) system that extracts diagnostic assertions of pneumonia in different clinical notes and institutions.

Materials and Methods
A rule-based NLP system was designed to identify assertions of pneumonia in 3 types of clinical notes from electronic health records (EHRs): emergency department notes, radiology reports, and discharge summaries. The lexicon and classification logic were tailored for each note type. The system was first developed and evaluated using annotated notes from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Interoperability was assessed using data from the University of Utah (UU).

Results
The NLP system was comprised of 782 rules and achieved moderate-to-high performance in all 3 note types in VA (precision/recall/f1: emergency = 88.1/86.0/87.1; radiology = 71.4/96.2/82.0; discharge = 88.3/93.0/90.1). When applied to UU data, performance was maintained in emergency and radiology but decreased in discharge summaries (emergency = 84.7/94.3/89.3; radiology = 79.7/100.0/87.9; discharge = 65.5/92.7/76.8). Customization with 34 additional rules increased performance for all note types (emergency = 89.3/94.3/91.7; radiology = 87.0/100.0/93.1; discharge = 75.0/95.1/83.4).

Conclusion
NLP can be used to accurately identify the diagnosis of pneumonia across different clinical settings and institutions. A limited amount of customization to account for differences in lexicon, clinical definition of pneumonia, and EHR structure can achieve high accuracy without substantial modification.
Differences in Disease Non-battle Injury Between Combatant Commands
Authors: Hall Andrew , Ahmed Anwar E , Cieurzo Christopher , Payne Chelsea , Wilson Ramey L 
Published: December 2022

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Disease and non-battle injury (DNBI) have historically been a major or primary medical burden in expeditionary military populations. The United States has multiple deployed populations conducting operations across the world. This study aims to determine if DNBI rates are different between military populations by comparing the United States Africa Command (USAFRICOM) and United States Central Command (USCENTCOM) areas of responsibility.

Materials and Methods
The study period was from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2021. Individual evacuation data including date, necessary specialty care, and combatant command (CCMD) were acquired via United States Transportation Command Regulating and Command & Control Evacuation System. Total population data was acquired from USAFRICOM and USCENTCOM headquarters. Total inpatient and outpatient encounters at each CCMD were acquired via Theater Medical Data Store. The proportions and evacuation rates of DNBI types within USAFRICOM and USCENTCOM were compared.

Results
USCENTCOM had significantly higher proportions of outpatient and inpatient services for mental disorders, musculoskeletal diseases, and neurologic conditions compared to USAFRICOM. USCENTCOM had a significantly lower evacuation rate compared to USAFRICOM for every year analyzed: 2017 (P-value &lt; .0001; relative risk [RR] = 0.834; 95% CI = 0.80-0.87), 2018 (P-value &lt; .0001; RR = 0.818; 95% CI = 0.78-0.85), 2019 (P-value &lt; .0001; RR = 0.785; 95% CI = 0.75-0.82), 2020 (P-value &lt; .0001; RR = 0.889; 95% CI = 0.84-0.94), and 2021 (P-value &lt; .0001; RR = 0.868; 95% CI = 0.83-0.91).

Conclusions
The evacuation rates of different categories of DNBI vary between CCMDs. There will be CCMD-specific factors that impact the effectiveness of initiatives to reduce the DNBI burden.
ASSESSMENT OF PCXMC MONTE CARLO SIMULATIONS IN SLOT-SCANNING-BASED EXAMINATIONS: COMPARISON WITH IN-PHANTOM THERMOLUMINESCENT DOSIMETRY
Authors: Piai A , Loria A , Tiberio P , Magnino S , Campoleoni M , Sconfienza L M , del Vecchio A 
Published: December 2022

AbstractSlot-scanning technology is nowadays a valid solution for the follow-up of chronic musculoskeletal disorders on children and adolescent patients, but there is no commercial software designed for simulating this X-ray beam geometry. PC Program for X-ray Monte Carlo (PCXMC) is a widespread Monte Carlo software developed for dose computation in projection radiography. In this study, experimental measurements were performed to evaluate its applicability in examinations with a slit-beam device. Physical phantoms corresponding to an adult and a 5-y-old child with calibrated thermoluminescent dosemeters were used for experiments. Different simulation approaches were investigated. Differences between measured and calculated organ doses ranged from −95 to 67% and were statistically significant for almost all organs. For both patients, PCXMC underestimated the effective dose of about 25%. This study suggests that PCXMC is not suited for organ dose evaluation in examinations with slot-scanning devices. It is still a useful tool for effective dose estimation when a proper correction factor is applied.
Evaluation of Weeds as Alternative Hosts of Xanthomonas phaseoli pv. manihotis, the Causal Agent of Cassava Bacterial Blight in Burkina Faso
Authors: Yameogo Florence , Wonni Issa , Sanou Adama , Sere Issiaka , Somda Irénée , Szurek Boris , Gagnevin Lionel 
Published: December 2022

Cassava bacterial blight (CBB), caused by Xanthomonas phaseoli pv . manihotis ( Xpm), is one of the most important diseases threatening cassava and has recently been reported in Burkina Faso. Better management of CBB calls for the combined use of genetically resistant varieties and appropriate cultural practices. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the potential role of weed plants present in cassava fields as inoculum reservoirs for CBB. An inventory of weeds growing in eight cassava fields at four locations in Burkina Faso, and the cultivation of soil samples from the same eight fields, indicated the existence of 27 different species, reaching 28.32 plants per square meter. Field characterization led to the identification of seven species of weeds displaying symptoms reminiscent of Xpm infection, but no Xpm could be isolated from or detected in those plants. Artificial inoculations with Xpm resulted in 21 species producing symptoms of necrosis around the inoculation points. The presence of Xpm in the leaves of all these weed species was confirmed by re-isolation of the pathogen 2 weeks after inoculation. Thus, weeds that can harbor Xpm were prevalent in the cassava fields we studied, but their role as potential sources of Xpm inoculum for CBB epidemics remains to be demonstrated. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
TRPA1 protects mice from pathogenic Citrobacter rodentium infection via maintaining the colonic epithelial barrier function
Authors: Liu Lin , Xu Min , Zhang Zhudi , Qiao Zhao , Tang Zongxiang , Wan Fengyi , Lan Lei 
Published: December 2022

AbstractTransient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) is expressed in gastrointestinal tract and plays important roles in intestinal motility and visceral hypersensitivity. However, the potential role of TRPA1 in host defense, particularly against intestinal pathogens, is unknown. Here, we show that Trpa1 knockout mice exhibited increased susceptibility to Citrobacter rodentium infection, associated with the increased severity of diarrhea and intestinal permeability associated with the disrupted tight junctions (TJs) in colonic epithelia. We further demonstrated the expression of TRPA1 in murine colonic epithelial cells (CECs) and human epithelial Caco‐2 cells both at protein level and transcription level. Using calcium imaging, TRPA1 agonists allyl isothiocyanates (AITC) and hydrogen peroxide were observed to induce a transient Ca2+ response in Caco‐2 cells, respectively. Moreover, TRPA1 knockdown in Caco‐2 cells resulted in the decreased expression of TJ proteins, ZO‐1 and Occludin, and in the increased paracellular permeabilities and the reduced TEER values of Caco‐2 monolayers in vitro. Furthermore, inhibition of TRPA1 by HC‐030031 in the confluent Caco‐2 cells caused the altered distribution and expression of TJ proteins, ZO‐1, Occludin, and Claudin‐3, and exacerbated the bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced damage to these TJ proteins and actin cytoskeleton. By contrast, AITC pretreatment restored the distribution and expression of these TJ proteins in the confluent Caco‐2 cells upon LPS challenge. Our results identify an unrecognized protective role of TRPA1 in host defense against an enteric bacterial pathogen by maintaining colonic epithelium barrier function, at least in part, via preserving the distribution and expression of TJ proteins in CECs.