bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of reference electrode position on motor unit number estimation (MUNE) in the tibialis anterior muscle using MScanFit: test-retest reliability
Authors: Almokdad M , Yang BG , Jantz B , Abrahao A , Jones KE 
Published: September 2023

AbstractObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the effect of varying the reference electrode position, specifically comparing position A3 (medial patella) to routine position 1 (R1) and the MScan multicenter protocol position (M1), on compound muscle action potential (CMAP) and motor unit number estimation (MUNE) in the tibialis anterior muscle of healthy participants.MethodsTwenty healthy participants underwent repeated MScanFit MUNE assessments with a 7-14 day interval between tests. The reference electrode (E2) was placed in three positions at each visit (A3, R1, and M1), while the active electrode (E1) remained constant. An additional seventeen participants were included to establish the minimal detectable true change in MUNE values using MScanFit, with the reference electrode exclusively in the M1 position.ResultsThe reference electrode position significantly influenced CMAP and MUNE, with R1 resulting in lower values. However, no significant difference was observed between M1 and A3 positions. Relative and absolute reliability indicators favored using the M1 position for reference in MScanFit MUNE. In a combined dataset of 37 healthy participants, the average tibialis anterior muscle motor unit count was estimated at 148 (SD 25.2), with a minimal detectable true change of 55 units.ConclusionsThe preference for the M1 position over the alternative A3 position is supported, particularly for MScanFit MUNE assessments in the tibialis anterior muscle. Clinically, a true change in MUNE should consider the minimal detectable change of 55 motor units, underscoring the reality that large changes in MUNE are required to conclude a genuine change beyond measurement error.SignificanceFor MUNE examinations of the tibialis anterior muscle, adhering to the electrode positions outlined in the MScan multicenter protocol is advisable. Awareness of measurement error limitations in MScanFit MUNE underscores its applicability in making longitudinal clinical decisions forindividualpatients.
On some general characteristics of the spread of the COVID epidemic
Authors: Below Denis , Mairanowski Felix G. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractAn analytical model for calculating the spread of the COVID-19 epidemic is described, and it is shown that the main patterns of epidemic development are determined by three dimensionless complexes representing the ratios of transmission rates, contact limitation due to lockdown, and population vaccination. A comparison of statistical data on the growth of the epidemic in Germany, Berlin and its various neighbourhoods shows that the development of the epidemic depends to a large extent on the ethnic composition of the population. In the same way as it is accepted in some sections of physics, it is proposed to use the methods of similarity theory to investigate the regularities of the emergence and development of the epidemic.
Multi-modal profiling of biostabilized human skin modules reveals a coordinated ecosystem response to injected mRNA-1273 COVID-19 vaccine
Authors: Scholaert Manon , Peries Mathias , Braun Emilie , Martin Jeremy , Serhan Nadine , Loste Alexia , Bruner Audrey , Basso Lilian , Chaput Benoît , Merle Eric , Descargues Pascal , Pagès Emeline , Gaudenzio Nicolas 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe field of vaccination is witnessing a remarkable surge in the development of innovative strategies. There is a need to develop technological platforms capable of generating human data prior to progressing to clinical trials. Here we introduce VaxSkin, a flexible solution designed for the comprehensive monitoring of the natural human skin ecosystem’s response to vaccines over time. Based on bioengineering to repurpose surgical resections, it allows a comprehensive analysis of the response to vaccines at both organ and single-cell levels. Upon injection of the mRNA-1273 COVID-19 vaccine, we characterized precise sequential molecular events triggered upon detection of the exogenous substance. We also found that the vaccine consistently targets DC/macrophages and mast cells, regardless of the administration route, while promoting specific cell-cell communications in surrounding immune cell subsets. Given its direct translational relevance, VaxSkin provides a multiscale vision of skin vaccination that could pave the way toward the development of new vaccination development strategies.
Topography influences diurnal and seasonal microclimate fluctuations in hilly terrain environments of coastal California
Authors: John Aji , Olden Julian D. , Oldfather Meagan F. , Kling Matthew M , Ackerly David D. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractUnderstanding the topographic basis for microclimatic variation remains fundamental to predicting the site level effects of warming air temperatures. Quantifying diurnal fluctuation and seasonal extremes in relation to topography offer insight into the potential relationship between site level conditions and changes in regional climate. The present study investigated an annual understory temperature regime for 50 sites distributed across a topographically diverse area (>12 km2) comprised of mixed evergreen-deciduous woodland vegetation typical of California coastal ranges. We investigated the effect of topography and tree cover on site-to-site variation in near-surface temperatures using a combination of multiple linear regression and multivariate techniques. Sites in topographically depressed areas (e.g., valley bottoms) exhibited larger seasonal and diurnal variation. Elevation (at 10 m resolution) was found to be the primary driver of daily and seasonal variations, in addition to local topographic features that measure how depressed a site is compared to the surrounding area, canopy cover and northness. The elevation effect on seasonal mean temperatures was inverted, reflecting large-scale cold-air pooling in the study region, with elevated minimum and mean temperature at higher elevations. Additionally, several of our sites showed considerable buffering (dampened diurnal and seasonal temperature fluctuations) compared to average regional conditions measured by weather station. Results from this study help inform efforts to extrapolate temperature records across large landscapes and have the potential to improve our ecological understanding of fine-scale seasonal climate variation in coastal range environments.
Guilt and Reproductive Decision Making in Patients Inherited Cardiac Diseases
Authors: Smith Emily , Krishnamoorthy Dhurga , Burke-Martindale Carolyn , Weissler-Snir Adaya 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundA diagnosis of an inherited cardiac condition may cause guilt for having the condition (i.e. personal guilt), for passing it to one’s offspring (i.e. reproductive guilt), and may also impact the reproductive decision-making. We sought to identify factors that are associated with guilt and reproduction decision-making amongst patients with inherited cardiomyopathy and arrhythmia syndromes.MethodsWe used an anonymous web-based survey that included validated measures to assess patients’ perceptions of their illness and quality of life and questions on feeling personal guilt and reproductive guilt, genetic testing results, family planning, and cascade screening.ResultsOf 514 potential participants, 128(24.9%) responded to the survey. Most respondents had cardiomyopathy(66.4%). Thirty-eight(29.6%) respondents were probands and 41 (32.0%) had ICDs. Probands had a more severe perception of illness score compared to non-probands(p<0.01). Thirty-four percent(13/38) of probands and 8.8% (8/90) of non-probands reported reproductive guilt(p<0.001). Reproductive guilt was associated with a more severe perception of illness(p<0.001) and a proband status (p=<0.001). After adjusting for illness perception, being a proband was no longer a predictor for reproductive guilt. Twenty-two participants (17.2%) reported experiencing current or past personal guilt, with a trend of more personal guilt amongst patients with inherited arrhythmia (33.3%vs.15%,p=0.06). Personal guilt was associated with a worse illness perception (p<0.001), a lower quality of life (p=0.01) and proband status (p<0.001), with thirty-four percent (13/38) of probands vs. ten percent of non-probands (9/90) (p<0.001) feeling or having felt personal guilt. After adjusting for quality of life and illness perception proband status did not remain an independent predictor for personal guilt.ConclusionPersonal and reproductive guilt are common among individuals with inherited cardiac conditions despite having good quality of life. Probands are more prone to feeling guilt due to a worse illness perception. Better opportunities for psychologic and genetic counseling for these patients are warranted.
Causal Inference for Estimation of Vaccine Effects from Time-to-Event Data
Authors: Li Zhouxuan , Zhang Kai , Talebi Yashar , Wu Hulin , Chan Wenyaw , Boerwinkle Eric , Xiong Momiao 
Published: September 2023

AbstractVaccine is the most efficient method for controlling of infectious disease. Vaccine effectiveness estimation is extremely important in monitoring vaccine efficacy and controlling disease spreading. To study about the COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness from EHR data, we apply the counterfactual reasoning method with deep neural network for vaccine effectiveness estimation from the time-to-event data which are extracted from Optum EHR dataset. The estimated vaccine effectiveness by the counterfactual reasoning is compared with the Cox regression model and Random survival forest model. The preliminary results show that the proposed model is more unbiased than the Cox regression and Random survival forest models.
Process of Use of Evidence Products by Frontline Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Staff at the Facility Level in Ghana
Authors: Abekah-Nkrumah Gordon , Ottie-Boakye Doris , Owusu Richmond , Ermel Johnson , Issiaka Sombié , Baku Anita Asiwome Adzo 
Published: September 2023

AbstractAlthough the use of evidence products has been identified as beneficial in improving reproductive, maternal and child health, very little is known about the processes that facilitate the use of these evidence products by frontline Maternal, Newborn and Child Health and Reproductive and Child Health (RNCH/RCH) practitioners in decision-making on the issues that confront them in their line of work. This study explored the processes that facilitate the use of evidence products in reproductive, maternal and child health service provision in selected healthcare facilities in Ghana. Using a cross-sectional qualitative design, interviews of 24 frontline RNCH/RCH practitioners across 16 healthcare facilities in the Greater Accra, Eastern, and Ashanti regions of Ghana were conducted. The study employed a semi-structured interview guide modelled along the Action Cycle phase of the Knowledge-To-Action (KTA) framework, and the objectives of the study. Themes were built out of the transcribed data. The study revealed that the processes that facilitate the use of evidence products include problem identification activities (such as service evaluation, using accepted benchmarks, inadequate logistics for providing service and client feedback) and, adapting knowledge to their local context. The usual suspects of socio-cultural and health systems-related factors such as resource constraints and human factors were found to hinder the use of evidence products in providing RNCH/RCH services. The study contributes to knowledge by operationaliing the KTA, simplifying the concept of knowledge sustainability and makes it easy for adoption and implementation especially at the frontline. Appropriate interventions that rely on strong education to navigate the societal norms and beliefs that inhibit the uptake of evidence-based care by clients will be essential in improving the use of evidence to inform practice decisions.
Pneumocystis jiroveciipneumonia mortality risk associated with preceding long-term steroid use for the underlying disease: a multicenter, retrospective cohort study
Authors: Miyake Kohei , Senoo Satoru , Shiiba Ritsuya , Itano Junko , Kimura Goro , Kawahara Tatsuyuki , Tamura Tomoki , Kudo Kenichiro , Kawamura Tetsuji , Nakahara Yasuharu , Higo Hisao , Himeji Daisuke , Takigawa Nagio , Miyahara Nobuaki ,   Okayama Respiratory Disease Study Group (ORDSG)
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACTObjectiveLong-term steroid use increases the risk of developing Pneumocystis pneumonia (PcP), but there are limited reports on the relation of long-term steroid and PcP mortality.MethodsRetrospective multicenter study to identify risk factors for PcP mortality, including average steroid dose before the first visit for PcP in non-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-PcP patients. We generated receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for 90-day all-cause mortality and the mean daily steroid dose per unit body weight in the preceding 10 to 90 days in 10-day increments. Patients were dichotomized by 90-day mortality and propensity score-based stabilized inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) adjusted covariates of age, sex, and underlying disease. Multivariate analysis with logistic regression assessed whether long-term corticosteroid use affected outcome.ResultsOf 133 patients with non-HIV-PcP, 37 died within 90 days of initial diagnosis. The area under the ROC curve for 1-40 days was highest, and the optimal cutoff point of median adjunctive corticosteroid dosage was 0.34 mg/kg/day. Past steroid dose, underlying interstitial lung disease and emphysema, lower serum albumin and lower lymphocyte count, higher lactate dehydrogenase, use of therapeutic pentamidine and therapeutic high-dose steroids were all significantly associated with mortality.Underlying autoimmune disease, past immunosuppressant use, and a longer time from onset to start of treatment, were associated lower mortality. Logistic regression analysis after adjusting for age, sex, and underlying disease with IPTW revealed that steroid dose 1-40 days before the first visit for PcP (per 0.1 mg/kg/day increment, odds ratio 1.36 [95% confidence interval = 1.16-1.66],P<0.001), low lymphocyte counts, and high lactate dehydrogenase revel were independent mortality risk factor, while respiratory failure, early steroid, and sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim for PcP treatment did not.ConclusionA steroid dose before PcP onset was strongly associated with 90-day mortality in non-HIV-PcP patients, emphasizing the importance of appropriate prophylaxis especially in this population.
Acupuncture at Sanyinjiao(SP6) for patients with primary dysmenorrhea: Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Xuemei , Yang Jiao , Liu Jing , Yang Yepeng , Zhang Zhiyuan , Xie Ping 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundPrimary dysmenorrhea (PD) is a gynecological disease that seriously affects women’s physical and mental health and quality of life. Sanyinjiao (SP6) is the most used acupoint for acupuncture treatment of PD, and acupuncture SP6 is more commonly used in the clinical treatment of PD, but evidence of effectiveness and safety is lacking. The purpose of this systematic review plan is to develop a study protocol that can evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture SP6 in the treatment of PD.MethodsThe upper limit of retrieval time will be set to September 2023. Foreign and Chinese databases will be searched respectively: Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, Ovid, Korea Med, J-Global, J-Stage databases, and CNKI, CBM, SinoMed, VIP, Wanfang. Randomized controlled trials meeting the inclusion criteria will be screened by two independent reviewers, and data extraction and risk of bias assessment will be carried out. The primary outcome is dysmenorrhea symptoms, and the secondary outcomes include recent clinical cure rate, concomitant symptoms, serum prostaglandins, uterine artery blood flow resistance under ultrasound monitoring, and adverse reactions. Use RevMan V.5.3 software to perform the following operations: data synthesis, subgroup analysis, heterogeneity analysis, and sensitivity analysis. The evidence quality of clinical studies included in this study will be evaluated by the software of “Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation”.ResultsThis study will provide comprehensive clinical evidence for treating PD with acupuncture SP6.ConclusionThis systematic review will confirm whether acupuncture SP6 is safe and effective in treating PD clinically.Registration detailsPROSPERO CRD42020171664.
Antigenicity and receptor affinity of SARS-CoV-2 BA.2.86 spike
Authors: Wang Qian , Guo Yicheng , Liu Liyuan , Schwanz Logan T. , Li Zhiteng , Ho Jerren , Zhang Richard M. , Iketani Sho , Yu Jian , Huang Yiming , Qu Yiming , Valdez Riccardo , Lauring Adam S. , Gordon Aubree , Wang Harris H. , Liu Lihong , Ho David D. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractAlthough the COVID-19 pandemic has officially ended1, SARS-CoV-2 continues to spread and evolve. Recent infections have been dominated by XBB.1.5 and EG.5.1 subvariants2. A new subvariant designated BA.2.86 has just emerged, spreading to 21 countries in 5 continents3. This virus contains 34 spike mutations compared to its BA.2 predecessor, thereby raising concerns about its propensity to evade existing antibodies. We examined its antigenicity using human sera and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Reassuringly, BA.2.86 was not more resistant to human sera than XBB.1.5 and EG.5.1, indicating that the new subvariant would not have a growth advantage in this regard. Importantly, sera from patients who had XBB breakthrough infection exhibited robust neutralizing activity against all viruses tested, suggesting that upcoming XBB.1.5 monovalent vaccines could confer added protection. The finding that the longer genetic distance of BA.2.86 did not yield a larger antigenic distance was partially explained by the mAb data. While BA.2.86 showed greater resistance to mAbs to subdomain 1 (SD1) and receptor-binding domain (RBD) class 2 and 3 epitopes, it was more sensitive to mAbs to class 1 and 4/1 epitopes in the “inner face” of RBD that is exposed only when this domain is in the “up” position. We also identified six new spike mutations that mediate antibody resistance, including E554K that threatens SD1 mAbs in clinical development. The BA.2.86 spike also had a remarkably high receptor affinity. The ultimate trajectory of this new SARS-CoV-2 variant will soon be revealed by continuing surveillance, but its worldwide spread is worrisome.
The Impact of Intermittent Hypoxemia on Type 1 Retinopathy of Prematurity in Preterm Infants
Authors: Rabienia Haratbar Samaneh , Chen Li , Cheng Qiang , Singh Dara , Fathi Faraneh , Mohtasebi Mehrana , Liu Xuhui , Patwardhan Abhijit , Bhandary Prasad , Bada Henrietta S. , Yu Guoqiang , Abu Jawdeh Elie G. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundIntermittent hypoxemia (IH) may influence retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) development in preterm infants, however, previous studies had mixed results. This study aims to assess the influence and evaluate the predictive ability of IH measures on Type 1 ROP, a stage beyond which ROP treatment is indicated.MethodsIH was quantified by continuously monitoring oxygen saturation (SpO2) using high-resolution pulse oximeters during the first 10 weeks of life. Statistical analyses assessed the relationship and predictive ability of weekly and cumulative IH variables for Type 1 ROP development.ResultsUnivariate analyses suggested that IH measures are greater in infants with Type 1 ROP and are predictive of Type 1 ROP development. Multivariable logistic regression analyses revealed that cumulative IH of longer duration during certain postnatal periods are associated with Type 1 ROP development after adjusting for gestational age (GA) or birth weight (BW). Although area under the curve (AUC) analyses revealed added predictivity of cumulative IH variables above GA or BW, these increments in AUC were not statistically significant.ConclusionsThe duration of IH events was associated with Type 1 ROP development. Interventions for reducing the duration of IH events may potentially improve ROP outcomes.ImpactThis study investigates the impact of IH on the development of Type 1 ROP in preterm infants.Univariate analyses revealed that IH measures are greater in infants with Type 1 ROP and are predictive of Type 1 ROP development.Multivariable logistic regression analyses revealed that cumulative IH events of longer duration are associated with Type 1 ROP development after adjusting for GA or BW.Interventions for reducing the duration of IH events during critical postnatal periods may potentially improve ROP outcomes.
Antimicrobial susceptibility testing reveals reduced susceptibility to azithromycin and other antibiotics inLegionella pneumophilaserogroup 1 isolates from Portugal
Authors: Minetti Corrado , Barton Rachael , Farley Caitlin , Spiller Owen Brad , Rodrigues Raquel , Gonçalves Paulo 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundAlthough not fully investigated, studies show thatLegionella pneumophilacan develop antibiotic resistance. As there is limited data available for Portugal, we determined the antibiotic susceptibility profile of PortugueseL. pneumophilaserogroup 1 (LpnSg1) isolates against antibiotics used in the clinical practice in Portugal.MethodsMinimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined forLpnSg1clinical (n=100) and related environmental (n=7) isolates, collected between 2006-2022 in the context of the National Legionnaire’s Disease Surveillance Programme, against azithromycin, clarithromycin, erythromycin, levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, moxifloxacin, rifampicin, doxycycline, tigecycline, and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, using 3 different assays. Isolates were also PCR-screened for the presence of thelpeABgene.ResultsTwelve isolates had azithromycin MICs above the EUCAST tentative highest WT MIC, 9 of which werelpeABnegative; for erythromycin and clarithromycin, all isolates tested within the susceptible range. The number of isolates with MICs above the tentative highest WT MIC for the remaining antibiotics was: ciprofloxacin: 7; levofloxacin: 17; moxifloxacin: 8; rifampicin: 11; doxycycline: 82; tigecycline: 4. EUCAST breakpoints are not available for amoxicillin/clavulanic acid. We estimated the ECOFFs and one isolate had a MIC 8-fold higher than the E-test ECOFF. Additionally, a clinical isolate generated three colonies growing on the E-test inhibition zone that resulted in MICs 4-fold higher than for the parental isolate.ConclusionsWe report, for the first time, elevated MICs against first-line and other antibiotics (including azithromycin, fluoroquinolones and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid commonly used to treat pneumonia patients in Portugal) in PortugueseL. pneumophilastrains. Results point towards decreased susceptibility in circulating strains, justifying further investigation.