bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risk stratification according to diastolic function indices in heart failure patients with mildly reduced or reduced ejection fraction
Authors: Granot Yoav , Topilsky Yan , Sapir Orly , Zahler David , Flint Nir , Havakuk Ofer 
Published: March 2023

AbstractAimsThe aim of the study is to evaluate the risk of all-cause mortality or heart failure hospitalizations in ambulatory patients with heart failure with reduced and mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF or HFmrEF) according to diastolic function indices. Diastolic dysfunction in HF is both common and associated with poor prognosis. However, specific cut-off values of diastolic function parameters for prognostication of hard outcomes in HF have not been conclusively established.Methods and resultsAnalysis of full echocardiographic examination of consecutive ambulatory HFrEF and HFmrEF patients seen at a single tertiary hospital between 2010 and 2021 was retrospectively done. Data on all-cause mortality or heart failure hospitalizations were obtained from the electronic medical records and national mortality registry. Patients with &gt; moderate left heart valvular dysfunction were excluded from the study. The final cohort included 4717 patients (75% males, median age 70 years interquartile range 61.3–78.4). After adjusting for clinical or echocardiographic variables, increased rates of mortality or HF hospitalizations were found when E/e′&gt;10, left atrial volume index (LAVI) &gt; 40 mL/m2, E/A ratio &lt; 0.6, deceleration time (DT) &lt; 180 ms, peak E-wave velocity &gt; 0.78 m/s, and sPAP &gt; 26 mmHg. However, no significant difference in outcomes between near-normal and normal values of E/e′ (&lt; 8 compared with 8–10) or LAVI (≤34 mL/m2 compared with LAVI 34–40 mL/m2) was found.ConclusionIn patients with HFmrEF and HFrEF, slightly abnormal diastolic indices were found to be associated with worse outcomes.SummaryWe have demonstrated that in patients with heart failure with reduced and mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF or HFmrEF), near-normal diastolic indices are associated with worse outcomes with the following cut-off values: max E-wave velocity &gt; 0.78 m/s, E/e′ ratio &gt; 10, a LAVi &gt; 40 mL/m2, DT &gt; 180, E/A between 0.6 and 1.4, and a sPAP &gt; 26 mmHg. Further research is needed to establish these suggested cut-off values.
Key quality indicators in colonoscopy
Authors: Rex Douglas K 
Published: March 2023

AbstractMany quality indicators have been proposed for colonoscopy, but most colonoscopists and endoscopy groups focus on measuring the adenoma detection rate and the cecal intubation rate. Use of proper screening and surveillance intervals is another accepted key indicator but it is seldom evaluated in clinical practice. Bowel preparation efficacy and polyp resection skills are areas that are emerging as potential key or priority indicators. This review summarizes and provides an update on key performance indicators for colonoscopy quality.
De novoAssembly and Comparative Analyses of Mitochondrial Genomes in Piperales
Authors: Yu Runxian , Chen Xudong , Long Lingjie , Jost Matthias , Zhao Ran , Liu Lumei , Mower Jeffrey P , dePamphilis Claude W , Wanke Stefan , Jiao Yuannian 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe mitochondrial genome of Liriodendron tulipifera exhibits many ancestral angiosperm features and a remarkably slow evolutionary rate, while mitochondrial genomes of other magnoliids remain yet to be characterized. We assembled nine new mitochondrial genomes, representing all genera of perianth-bearing Piperales, as well as for a member of the sister clade: three complete or nearly complete mitochondrial genomes from Aristolochiaceae and six additional draft assemblies including Thottea, Asaraceae, Lactoridaceae, and Hydnoraceae. For comparative purpose, a complete mitochondrial genome was assembled for Saururus, a member of the perianth-less Piperales. The average number of short repeats (50–99 bp) was much larger in genus Aristolochia than in other angiosperm mitochondrial genomes, and approximately 30% of repeats (&lt;350 bp) were found to have the capacity to mediate recombination. We found mitochondrial genomes in perianth-bearing Piperales comprising conserved repertories of protein-coding genes and rRNAs but variable copy numbers of tRNA genes. We identified several shifts from cis- to trans-splicing of the Group II introns of nad1i728, cox2i373, and nad7i209. Two short regions of the cox1 and atp8 genes were likely derived from independent horizontal gene transfer events in perianth-bearing Piperales. We found biased enrichment of specific substitution types in different lineages of magnoliids and the Aristolochiaceae family showed the highest ratio of A:T &gt; T:A substitutions of all other investigated angiosperm groups. Our study reports the first mitochondrial genomes for Piperales and uses this new information for a better understanding of the evolutionary patterns of magnoliids and angiosperms in general.
Barriers and Facilitators to Home- and Community-Based Services Access for Persons With Dementia and Their Caregivers
Authors: Waymouth Molly , Siconolfi Daniel , Friedman Esther M , Saliba Debra , Ahluwalia Sangeeta C , Shih Regina A 
Published: March 2023

AbstractObjectivesThe United States has seen increasing shifts toward home- and community-based services (HCBS) in place of institutional care for long-term services and supports. However, research has neglected to assess whether these shifts have improved access to HCBS for persons with dementia. This paper identifies HCBS access barriers and facilitators, and discusses how barriers contribute to disparities for persons with dementia living in rural areas and exacerbate disparities for minoritized populations.MethodsWe analyzed qualitative data from 35 in-depth interviews. Interviews were held with stakeholders in the HCBS ecosystem, including Medicaid administrators, advocates for persons with dementia and caregivers, and HCBS providers.ResultsBarriers to HCBS access for persons with dementia range from community and infrastructure barriers (e.g., clinicians and cultural differences), to interpersonal and individual-level barriers (e.g., caregivers, awareness, and attitudes). These barriers affect the health and quality of life for persons with dementia and may affect whether individuals can remain in their home or community. Facilitators included a range of more comprehensive and dementia-attuned practices and services in health care, technology, recognition and support for family caregivers, and culturally competent and linguistically accessible education and services.DiscussionSystem refinements, such as incentivizing cognitive screening, can improve detection and increase access to HCBS. Disparities in HCBS access experienced by minoritized persons with dementia may be addressed through culturally competent awareness campaigns and policies that recognize the necessity of familial caregivers in supporting persons with dementia. These findings can inform efforts to ensure more equitable access to HCBS, improve dementia competence, and reduce disparities.
QuantifyingP-wave secondary microseisms events: a comparison of observed and modelled backprojection
Authors: Zhang R , Boué P , Campillo M , Ma J 
Published: March 2023

SUMMARYSecondary microseisms are caused by nonlinear interactions between ocean waves of approximately equal wavelengths and opposite propagation directions. This seismic forcing is evaluated using ocean sea-state hindcast data and further modulated by the bathymetric effect. The numerical ocean model provides a global activity representation of the secondary microseisms, from which we isolate major events. We backprojected teleseismic P-wave propagation into the Earth's mantle to validate these events as effective seismic sources. The ocean model provides spectral amplitude information for modelling microseisms generated seismic wavefield. A comparison of the backprojection for P and PP phases from observed and synthetic microseisms forcing indicates high reliability in the ocean model, at least for major sources. A combination of P and PP phases detected across a global network of stations enables global ocean coverage. We improve backprojection images even further by introducing a two-step stacking for the P phase to address the problem of unbalanced station distribution. Thresholds of microseisms events forces valuable for seismic imaging are determined by comparing backprojections and ocean models for the years 2015 and 2020. Finally, we extracted a catalogue of microseisms events every 3-hr from 1994 to 2020 from the ocean hindcast data set. This catalogue is an intriguing resource for future applications of interferometric imaging at large scale.
Designing a Stress and Anxiety Support Tool to Help Young Adults with Autism in Daily Living
Authors: Espinosa Marcela A , Escobedo Lizbeth 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Individuals with autism may experience higher stress and anxiety levels for longer periods than their neurotypical peers. Traditional techniques to provide stress relief and anxiety management include support, which reminds people of how to face stressful situations. Some technological proposals supporting the user include strategies for detecting and monitoring stress levels. In this research, we conducted an iterative user-centered study aiming to understand how young adults with autism deal with stress in real-life situations. We proposed a set of five design principles that will serve as guidelines to develop assistive anxiety management technology for individuals with autism. We then developed a set of low-fi prototypes and selected SATORI, a support tool composed of three interfaces, to help young adults with autism autonomously manage the anxiety caused by stressful situations in their daily life. We evaluated our proposed design principles using SATORI with eight young adults with autism. The results show a positive perception of the design principles on what SATORI is based on, as participants perceived that SATORI could help them in their daily life to manage stress and channel anxiety.
Comparative effectiveness of β-lactams for empirical treatment of methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Buis D T P , van der Vaart T W , Prins J M , van der Meer J T M , Bonten M J M , Sieswerda E , van Werkhoven C H , Sigaloff K C E 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Objectives
Standard once-daily dosing of ceftriaxone may not lead to adequate antibiotic exposure in all cases of Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia (SAB). Therefore, we compared clinical effectiveness of empirical antibiotic treatment with flucloxacillin, cefuroxime and ceftriaxone in adult patients with MSSA bacteraemia

Methods
We analysed data from the Improved Diagnostic Strategies in Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia (IDISA) study, a multicentre prospective cohort study of adult patients with MSSA bacteraemia. Duration of bacteraemia and 30 day SAB-related mortality were compared between the three groups using multivariable mixed-effects Cox regression analyses.

Results
In total, 268 patients with MSSA bacteraemia were included in the analyses. Median duration of empirical antibiotic therapy was 3 (IQR 2–3) days in the total study population. Median duration of bacteraemia was 1.0 (IQR 1.0–3.0) day in the flucloxacillin, cefuroxime and ceftriaxone groups. In multivariable analyses, neither cefuroxime nor ceftriaxone were associated with increased duration of bacteraemia (respectively HR 1.08, 95% CI 0.73–1.60 and HR 1.22, 95% CI 0.88–1.71) compared with flucloxacillin, nor were the cephalosporins associated with higher 30 day SAB-related mortality (respectively, subdistribution HR (sHR) 1.37, 95% CI 0.42–4.52 and sHR 1.93, 95% CI 0.67–5.60).

Conclusions
In this study, we could not demonstrate a difference in duration of bacteraemia and 30 day SAB-related mortality between patients with SAB empirically treated with flucloxacillin, cefuroxime or ceftriaxone. Since sample size was limited, it is possible the study was underpowered to find a clinically relevant effect.
Calcium-binding motif-mediated binding of redundant calcium offers a chimeolysin enhanced bactericidal activity and extended host range under physiological conditions
Authors: Jia Minghui , Zhou Wanli , Luo Dehua , Xue Heng , Hu Fen , Zhang Xiaomei , Zhao Zirong , Zhong Mingyue , Li Xinfeng , He Jin , Wei Hongping , Yang Hang 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Objectives
Calcium-binding motifs are shared by multiple bacteriophage lysins; however, the influence of calcium on the enzymatic activity and host range of these enzymes is still not understood. To address this, ClyF, a chimeric lysin with a putative calcium-binding motif, was used as a model for in vitro and in vivo investigations.

Methods
The concentration of calcium bound to ClyF was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. The influence of calcium on the structure, activity and host range of ClyF was assessed by circular dichroism and time–kill assays. The bactericidal activity of ClyF was evaluated in various sera and a mouse model of Streptococcus agalactiae bacteraemia.

Results
ClyF has a highly negatively charged surface around the calcium-binding motif that can bind extra calcium, thereby increasing the avidity of ClyF for the negatively charged bacterial cell wall. In line with this, ClyF exhibited significantly enhanced staphylolytic and streptolytic activity in various sera containing physiological calcium, including human serum, heat-inactivated human serum, mouse serum and rabbit serum. In a mouse model of S. agalactiae bacteraemia, intraperitoneal administration of a single dose of 25 μg/mouse ClyF fully protected the mice from lethal infection.

Conclusions
The present data collectively showed that physiological calcium improves the bactericidal activity and host range of ClyF, making it a promising candidate for the treatment of infections caused by multiple staphylococci and streptococci.
Sulfur metabolism inRhodococcusspecies and their application in desulfurization of fossil fuels
Authors: Hou Jie , Deng Hong-Kuan , Liu Zi-Xin , Xu Ping , Wang Li-Juan 
Published: March 2023

AbstractOrganosulfur compounds in fossil fuels have been a major concern in the process of achieving zero-sulfur fuel production. Biodesulfurization (BDS) is an environmentally friendly strategy for the removal of refractory organosulfur compounds from fossil fuels. Even though researchers are committed to engineering the desulfurization-specific pathway for improving BDS efficiency, the industrial application of BDS is still difficult. Recently, the sulfur metabolism of Rhodococcus has begun to attract attention due to its influences on the BDS process. In this review, we introduce the sulfur metabolism in Rhodococcus, including sulfur absorption, reduction, and assimilation; and summarize desulfurization in Rhodococcus, including the desulfurization mechanism, the regulation mechanism of the 4S pathway, and the strategies of optimizing the 4S pathway to improve BDS efficiency. In particular, the influence of sulfur metabolism on BDS efficiency is discussed. In addition, we consider the latest genetic engineering strategies in Rhodococcus. An improved understanding of the relationship between sulfur metabolism and desulfurization will enable the industrial application of BDS.
Effects of Low Doses of a Novel dsRNA-based Biopesticide (Calantha) on the Colorado Potato Beetle
Authors: Pallis Samuel , Alyokhin Andrei , Manley Brian , Rodrigues Thais , Barnes Ethann , Narva Kenneth 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is a destructive pest of the cultivated potato, Solanum tuberosum. Members of this species are well-suited to agricultural habitats because of a suite of physiological adaptations and their ability to evolve resistance to multiple insecticides. Recently, a novel double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) insecticide (Calantha, active ingredient ledprona) has been demonstrated as an effective tool to manage Colorado potato beetle populations through RNA interference (RNAi). Previous studies have demonstrated the lethality of the high doses of ledprona but had not assessed possible effects of low doses that may happen due to product degradation in the environment, incomplete spray coverage, and foliage growth. Exposure of fourth instar larvae to low concentrations of ledprona interfered with their pupation. Exposure of adults significantly reduced their mobility after seven days, as well as their fertility. Reproductive effects were stronger in females, especially when exposed before reaching sexual maturity. The observed effects of low doses of ledprona may aid in the overall management of Colorado potato beetles by reducing the size of resident populations, inhibiting beetle movement within and between fields, and reducing the population growth rate.
Workers’ Bargaining Power and the Phillips Curve: A Micro–Macro Analysis
Authors: Lombardi Marco J , Riggi Marianna , Viviano Eliana 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
We use a general equilibrium model to show that a decrease in workers’ bargaining power amplifies the contribution to the output gap of adjustments along the extensive versus intensive margin of labour utilization. Under standard assumptions on the disutility of labour, this mechanism reduces the cyclical movements of inflation relative to those of the output gap. Micro-level evidence, based on a survey of Italian firms, provides support to the relationship between bargaining power and adjustments along the extensive margin versus the intensive one, as well as to attenuated price response when firms adjust labour input mainly through the extensive margin. A Bayesian estimation using Italian aggregate data for the samples 1970–1990 and 1991–2014 confirms that the decline in workers’ bargaining power has weakened the inflation–output gap relationship.
A tale of two paths: The evolution of mitochondrial recombination in bivalves with doubly uniparental inheritance
Authors: Smith Chase H , Pinto Brendan J , Kirkpatrick Mark , Hillis David M , Pfeiffer John M , Havird Justin C 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
In most animals, mitochondrial DNA is strictly maternally inherited and non-recombining. One exception to this pattern is called doubly uniparental inheritance (DUI), a phenomenon involving the independent transmission of female and male mitochondrial genomes. DUI is known only from the molluskan class Bivalvia. The phylogenetic distribution of male-transmitted mitochondrial DNA (M mtDNA) in bivalves is consistent with several evolutionary scenarios, including multiple independent gains, losses, and varying degrees of recombination with female-transmitted mitochondrial DNA (F mtDNA). In this study, we use phylogenetic methods to test M mtDNA origination hypotheses and infer the prevalence of mitochondrial recombination in bivalves with DUI. Phylogenetic modeling using site concordance factors supported a single origin of M mtDNA in bivalves coupled with recombination acting over long evolutionary timescales. Ongoing mitochondrial recombination is present in Mytilida and Venerida, which results in a pattern of concerted evolution of F mtDNA and M mtDNA. Mitochondrial recombination could be favored to offset the deleterious effects of asexual inheritance and maintain mitonuclear compatibility across tissues. Cardiida and Unionida have gone without recent recombination, possibly due to an extension of the COX2 gene in male mitochondrial DNA. The loss of recombination could be connected to the role of M mtDNA in sex determination or sexual development. Our results support that recombination events may occur throughout the mitochondrial genomes of DUI species. Future investigations may reveal more complex patterns of inheritance of recombinants, which could explain the retention of signal for a single origination of M mtDNA in protein-coding genes.
Trocar-site hernia repair after laparoscopic surgery: a case report study
Authors: Bangeas Petros , Hatzikomnitsa Paraskevi , Karatzia Despoina , Mauromatidis Savvas , Papadopoulos Vasileios 
Published: March 2023

AbstractTracer site hernias (TSHs) are extremely uncommon. There have been only a few cases reported in the literature. Here we report a case of TSH after umbilicus laparoscopic hernia repair procedure. Diagnosis was based on patient symptoms and computed tomography. Patient underwent exploratory laparoscopy followed by laparoscopic hernia repair with mesh. We also provide a mini review of the literature in order to highlight that although rare, this pathology should be included in the differential diagnosis of acute abdomen.
Breast sensorisexual function: a novel patient-reported outcome measure of sexual sensory functions of the breast
Authors: Abramsohn Emily M , Pinkerton El A , Wroblewski Kristen , Anitescu Magdalena , Flynn Kathryn E , Hazen Alexes , Schumm Phil , Lindau Stacy Tessler 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Background
A validated measure assessing sexual sensory functions of the breast is needed to optimize sexual and other health outcomes after breast procedures.

Aim
To describe the development of a patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) to assess breast sensorisexual function (BSF).

Methods
We applied the PROMIS standards (Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System) for measure development and evaluation of validity. An initial conceptual model of BSF was developed with patients and experts. A literature review yielded a pool of 117 candidate items that underwent cognitive testing and iteration. Forty-eight items were administered to an ethnically diverse, national panel–based sample of sexually active women with breast cancer (n = 350) or without (n = 300). Psychometric analyses were performed.

Outcomes
The main outcome was BSF, a measure that assesses affective (satisfaction, pleasure, importance, pain, discomfort) and functional (touch, pressure, thermoreception, nipple erection) sensorisexual domains.

Results
A bifactor model fit to 6 domains—excluding 2 domains with only 2 items each and 2 pain-related domains—revealed a single general factor representing BSF that may be adequately measured by the average of the items. This factor, with higher values denoting better function and with the standard deviation set to 1, was highest among women without breast cancer (mean, 0.24), intermediate among women with breast cancer but not bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction (−0.01), and lowest among those with bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction (−0.56). Between women with and without breast cancer, the BSF general factor accounted for 40%, 49%, and 100% of the difference in arousal, ability to orgasm, and sexual satisfaction, respectively. Items in each of 8 domains demonstrated unidimensionality (ie, they measured 1 underlying BSF trait) and high Cronbach’s alphas for the entire sample (0.77-0.93) and the cancer group (0.71-0.95). Correlations with sexual function, health, and quality of life were positive for the BSF general factor and mostly negative for the pain domains.

Clinical Implications
The BSF PROM can be used to assess the impact of breast surgery or other procedures on the sexual sensory functions of the breast in women with and without breast cancer.

Strengths and Limitations
The BSF PROM was developed by using evidence-based standards, and it applies to sexually active women with and without breast cancer. Generalizability to sexually inactive women and other women warrants further study.

Conclusion
The BSF PROM is a measure of women’s breast sensorisexual function with evidence of validity among women affected and unaffected by breast cancer.