bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pulmonary vein isolation with the radiofrequency balloon catheter: a single centre prospective study
Authors: Del Monte Alvise , Almorad Alexandre , Pannone Luigi , Della Rocca Domenico Giovanni , Bisignani Antonio , Monaco Cinzia , Mouram Sahar , Ramak Robbert , Gauthey Anaïs , Overeinder Ingrid , Bala Gezim , Sorgente Antonio , Ströker Erwin , Sieira Juan , Brugada Pedro , La Meir Mark , Chierchia Gian-Battista , de Asmundis Carlo 
Published: February 2023

AbstractAimsThe multielectrode radiofrequency balloon catheter (RFB) has been developed to achieve safe and effective pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) for atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. This single-centre study aimed to evaluate the midterm clinical outcome and predictors of single-shot PVI with the novel RFB.Methods and resultsAll consecutive patients with symptomatic paroxysmal or persistent AF undergoing first-time PVI with the RFB were prospectively included. Clinical and procedural parameters were systematically collected. The primary safety endpoint was defined as any major periprocedural complications. The primary efficacy endpoint consisted of freedom from any atrial tachyarrhythmias (ATas) lasting &gt;30 s during the follow-up after a 3-month blanking period. Persistent single-shot PVI was defined as PVI achieved with a single RFB application without acute reconnection. A total of 104 consecutive patients (mean age 64.3 ± 11.4 years, 56.7% males) were included. 15 patients (14.4%) presented with persistent AF. The procedure time was 59.0 min with a dwell time of 20.0 min. One major complication occurred in one patient. At a mean follow-up of 10.1 ± 5.3 months, freedom from ATas was 82.9%. ATas occurred in 14 patients, 11/69 patients (15.9%) with paroxysmal AF and 3/13 (23.1%) with persistent AF. The best cut-offs to predict persistent single-shot PVI were impedance drop &gt;19.2 Ω [area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC) 0.74] and temperature rise &gt;11.1° C (AUC 0.77).ConclusionIn a large cohort of patients undergoing PVI with the RFB, the complication rate was 1%. At a mid-term follow-up of 10.1 ± 5.3 months, freedom from ATas was 82.9%. Specific cut-offs of impedance drop and temperature rise may be useful to predict persistent single-shot isolation.
Catheter ablation improved ejection fraction in persistent AF patients: a DECAAF-II sub analysis
Authors: Mekhael Mario , Shan Botao , Noujaim Charbel , Chouman Nour , Assaf Alaa , Younes Hadi , El Hajjar Abdel Hadi , Dagher Lilas , Feng Han , He Hua , Zhao Cong , Kreidieh Omar , Lim Chan Ho , Huang Chao , Ayoub Tarek , Kholmovski Eugene , Chelu Mihail , Marrouche Nassir , Donnellan Eoin 
Published: February 2023

AbstractAimsThe aim of our study was to assess differences in post-ablation atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence and burden and to quantify the change in LVEF across different congestive heart failure (CHF) subcategories of the DECAAF-II population.Methods and resultsDifferences in the primary outcome of AF recurrence between CHF and non-CHF groups was calculated. The same analysis was performed for the three subgroups of CHF and the non-CHF group. Differences in AF burden after the 3-month blanking period between CHF and non-CHF groups was calculated. Improvement in LVEF was calculated and compared across the three CHF groups. Improvement was also calculated across different fibrosis stages. There was no significant differences in AF recurrence and AF burden after catheter ablation between CHF and non-CHF patients and between different CHF subcategories. Patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) experienced the greatest improvement in EF following catheter ablation (CA, 16.66% ± 11.98, P &lt; 0.001) compared to heart failure with moderately reduced LVEF, and heart failure with preserved EF (10.74% ± 8.34 and 2.00 ± 8.34 respectively, P-value &lt; 0.001). Moreover, improvement in LVEF was independent of the four stages of atrial fibrosis (7.71 vs. 9.53 vs. 5.72 vs. 15.88, from Stage I to Stage IV respectively, P = 0.115).ConclusionAtrial fibrillation burden and recurrence after CA is similar between non-CHF and CHF patients, independent of the type of CHF. Of all CHF groups, those with HFrEF had the largest improvement in LVEF after CA. Moreover, the improvement in ventricular function seems to be independent of atrial fibrosis in patients with persistent AF.
Occupational Health Literacy Scale (OHLS): development and validation of a domain-specific measuring instrument
Authors: Friedrich Julian , Münch Anne-Kristin , Thiel Ansgar , Voelter-Mahlknecht Susanne , Sudeck Gorden 
Published: February 2023

SummaryOccupational health literacy (OHL) is a domain-specific approach that can empower people to make health-appropriate decisions in the work environment. OHL comprises the knowledge, skills and willingness of people to access and process health-related information and to apply it in work situations. The aim of this study was to evolve a conceptual model and validate a scale for OHL, that can be used in many sectors in the Western industrial countries, which does not yet exist. After piloting, item selection and alteration were carried out in a pretest with n = 163 working adults in diverse small- and medium-sized enterprises in Germany. The resulting OHL items were validated in a main survey with n = 828 participants working in small- and medium-sized enterprises and among them 47.5% people with migration background. The final 12-item questionnaire had good structural characteristics and is reliable and valid for measuring OHL. Using exploratory structural equation modeling, good fit indices (root mean square error of approximation = 0.063, comparative fit index = 0.940) confirmed a two-factor structure: (i) knowledge and skill-based processing of health information (internal consistency α = 0.88) and (ii) willingness and responsibility for occupational health (α = 0.74). The OHL scale fills the gap regarding domain-specific OHL questionnaires for working adults in diverse sectors in Western industrial countries. The Occupational Health Literacy Scale can be used to identify the needs of employees and companies and then to adapt and evaluate health promotion measures. Further research could include validation and use in other countries and large companies.
El nombramiento de las autoridades independientes. Lecciones a partir de la experiencia española y europea
Authors: Alemán Merlo Sara , Castellá Andreu Josep Mª 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
This analysis focuses on the system of appointments of independent authorities as a key to their proper functioning within the democratic constitutional state, based on the Spanish experience and bearing in mind the particularities of the European constitutional context in which these institutions are rooted. To this end, we first refer to the premises underlying the creation of the various authorities. We then set out the measures used to guarantee the independence regarding the appointment and dismissal of the members of these bodies and, finally, we examine the recent problem concerning the renewal of the heads of the Spanish Data Protection Agency, due to non-compliance with the appointment procedure. Finally, the case of the AEPD allows us to examine the effectiveness of certain remedies arising from the court’s intervention with the help of European law.
The stress, satisfaction and fulfilment of early career pharmacists – a qualitative analysis of a survey on their professional and personal lives
Authors: Chee Pui Ying , Tan Li Vern , Lee Caryn Chuen Wei , Choo Britney Bao Ni , Cheong Mark Wing Loong 
Published: February 2023

Abstract

Objectives
This study aims to examine and develop a better understanding of (1) the factors that affect the stress of both their professional and personal lives, (2) the aspects of professional and personal life that affect their satisfaction and fulfilment and (3) what they need to achieve satisfaction and fulfilment in their professional and personal lives.

Methods
A cross-sectional study using a questionnaire was developed. The questionnaire contained 8 questions designed to collect qualitative data on the factors affecting the stress, satisfaction and fulfilment in the professional and personal lives of early career pharmacists (ECPs). Questionnaire responses were analysed using a qualitative content analysis approach and themes describing influential factors were developed.

Key findings
Some of the factors that contribute to the stress, satisfaction and fulfilment of ECPs were identified. The stressors identified include the workplace environment and relationships with colleagues, the demands of a pharmacist career, the lack of career advancement pathways, job insecurity, relationships and their weaknesses. Factors contributing to satisfaction and fulfilment included supportive work environments and relationships, being appreciated and making a difference, growth, supportive relationships and self-care.

Conclusions
Supporting the well-being of ECPs is important for a resilient, engaged and effective pharmacy workforce. Key interventions include eliminating job insecurity, establishing clear career pathways, improving work environments and relationships and investing in the development of clinical, technical, communication and managerial skills.
Hospital accreditation: an umbrella review
Authors: Lewis Katherine , Hinchcliff Reece 
Published: February 2023

AbstractHospital accreditation is an established quality improvement intervention. Despite a growing body of research, the evidence of effect remains contested. This umbrella review synthesizes reviews that examine the impacts of hospital accreditation with regard to health-care quality, highlighting research trends and knowledge gaps. Terms specific to the population: ‘hospital’ and the intervention: ‘accreditation’ were used to search seven databases: CINAHL (via EBSCOhost), Embase, Medline (via EBSCOhost), PubMed, Scopus, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) EBP Database (via Ovid). 2545 references were exported to endnote. After completing a systematic screening process and chain-referencing, 33 reviews were included. Following quality assessment and data extraction, key findings were thematically grouped into the seven health-care quality dimensions. Hospital accreditation has a range of associations with health system and organizational outcomes. Effectiveness, efficiency, patient-centredness, and safety were the most researched quality dimensions. Access, equity, and timeliness were examined in only three reviews. Barriers to robust original studies were reported to have impeded conclusive evidence. The body of research was largely atheoretical, incapable of precisely explaining how or why hospital accreditation may actually influence quality improvement. The impact of hospital accreditation remains poorly understood. Future research should control for all possible variables. Research and accreditation program development should integrate concepts of implementation and behavioural science to investigate the mechanisms through which hospital accreditation may enable quality improvement.
Recent advances in subgrade engineering for high-speed railway
Authors: Liu Xianfeng , Xiao Junhua , Cai Degou , Su Qian , Yang Guangqing , Yuan Shengyang , Jiang Guanlu 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
In the last decade, the design and construction technologies of subgrade in high-speed railway (HSR) developed significantly. This article reviews corresponding development in five aspects, including mechanical properties of fill materials, dynamic performance of subgrade, foundation treatment, retaining structure, and smart construction technologies. It shows that for unbonded granular materials, it is acceptable to use static strength for subgrade design, but for clayey soil it would be more appropriate to base on shakedown theory. The mechanism for lime modified clay has been thoroughly reviewed, and the effect of lime content, curing age, and curing conditions on the behavior of lime-treated clay is discussed. The dynamic response of subgrade, especially the long-term deformation and dynamic stability analysis are important to understanding the behavior of HSR subgrade. The effect of track types, operation speed, etc. on the dynamic response of subgrade are reviewed first. Then, the prediction methods, influencing factors, and corresponding issue for long-term deformation of subgrade are presented, followed by the methods used for dynamic stability analysis. Three types of foundation treatment methods, including geosynthetic-reinforced pile-supported (GRPS) embankment, pile-raft structure, and pile-plate structure are reviewed for the corresponding load transmission mechanism, and application scenario. The static and dynamic behavior of four types of retaining structures are presented, including cantilever retaining wall, geosynthetic reinforced soil retaining wall, anchored retaining structure, and retaining wall reinforced by soil nailing. Finally, a series of new technologies correlated to smart construction are introduced, relating to the survey, design, construction, detection, and management of subgrade.
Frequency matters: comparison of drug resistance mutation detection by Sanger and next-generation sequencing in HIV-1
Authors: Balakrishna Suraj , Loosli Tom , Zaheri Maryam , Frischknecht Paul , Huber Michael , Kusejko Katharina , Yerly Sabine , Leuzinger Karoline , Perreau Matthieu , Ramette Alban , Wymant Chris , Fraser Christophe , Kellam Paul , Gall Astrid , Hirsch Hans H , Stoeckle Marcel , Rauch Andri , Cavassini Matthias , Bernasconi Enos , Notter Julia , Calmy Alexandra , Günthard Huldrych F , Metzner Karin J , Kouyos Roger D 
Published: February 2023

AbstractBackgroundNext-generation sequencing (NGS) is gradually replacing Sanger sequencing (SS) as the primary method for HIV genotypic resistance testing. However, there are limited systematic data on comparability of these methods in a clinical setting for the presence of low-abundance drug resistance mutations (DRMs) and their dependency on the variant-calling thresholds.MethodsTo compare the HIV-DRMs detected by SS and NGS, we included participants enrolled in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study (SHCS) with SS and NGS sequences available with sample collection dates ≤7 days apart. We tested for the presence of HIV-DRMs and compared the agreement between SS and NGS at different variant-calling thresholds.ResultsWe included 594 pairs of SS and NGS from 527 SHCS participants. Males accounted for 80.5% of the participants, 76.3% were ART naive at sample collection and 78.1% of the sequences were subtype B. Overall, we observed a good agreement (Cohen’s kappa &gt;0.80) for HIV-DRMs for variant-calling thresholds ≥5%. We observed an increase in low-abundance HIV-DRMs detected at lower thresholds [28/417 (6.7%) at 10%–25% to 293/812 (36.1%) at 1%–2% threshold]. However, such low-abundance HIV-DRMs were overrepresented in ART-naive participants and were in most cases not detected in previously sampled sequences suggesting high sequencing error for thresholds &lt;3%.ConclusionsWe found high concordance between SS and NGS but also a substantial number of low-abundance HIV-DRMs detected only by NGS at lower variant-calling thresholds. Our findings suggest that a substantial fraction of the low-abundance HIV-DRMs detected at thresholds &lt;3% may represent sequencing errors and hence should not be overinterpreted in clinical practice.
Efficacy of delafloxacin against the biothreat pathogenBacillus anthracis
Authors: McCurdy Sandra , Halasohoris Stephanie A , Babyak Ashley L , Lembirik Sanae , Hoover Randall , Hickman Mark , Scarff Jennifer , Klimko Christopher P , Cote Christopher K , Meinig J Matthew 
Published: February 2023

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate the in vitro activity and in vivo efficacy of delafloxacin against Bacillus anthracis, the causative agent of anthrax.MethodsMICs were obtained according to CLSI guidelines for 30 virulent isolates and 14 attenuated antibiotic-resistant strains. For the in vivo efficacy study, mice were administered delafloxacin (30–62.5 mg/kg) subcutaneously, or ciprofloxacin (30 mg/kg) intraperitoneally beginning at either 24 or 48 ± 1 h post-challenge (post-exposure prophylaxis) and continued every 12 h for 14 days with study termination on day 30. The mean inhaled dose in the study was approximately 103 × LD50 equivalents, and the range was 87–120 × LD50.ResultsDelafloxacin (MIC90 = 0.004 mg/L) was 16-fold more potent than ciprofloxacin (MIC90 = 0.06 mg/L) against a 30-strain set of virulent B. anthracis. Against a panel of attenuated antibiotic-resistant strains, delafloxacin demonstrated potency ≥128-fold over that observed with ciprofloxacin. When evaluated in vivo, mice treated with all delafloxacin doses tested at 24 h post-challenge demonstrated equivalent survival compared with mice treated with the positive control ciprofloxacin. Because of the high challenge dose of spores, mice treated at 48 h showed rapid and high mortality in all groups including the positive control. Surviving animals in all delafloxacin- and ciprofloxacin-treated groups (24 and 48 h) showed complete splenic clearance of infection and &lt;2.2 × 103 cfu/g lung tissue.ConclusionsGiven the high bar set by the 100 × LD50 challenge dose in this study, the results from delafloxacin treatment are promising for the treatment of inhaled anthrax.
A Histogram-Based Technique for Simultaneous Colorimetric Determination of Malachite Green and Brilliant Green Using Triton X-100 Micelle
Authors: Qashqai Negar , Heidari Tahereh 
Published: February 2023

Abstract

Background
Malachite green (MG) and brilliant green (BG) are two synthetic triphenylmethane dyes with applications in the textile and aquaculture industries. They are considered to be environmental contaminants due to their carcinogenic and mutagenic properties. Both dyes have the same bluish-green color in aqueous solutions.

Objective
The aim of this study is to develop a colorimetric analysis as a very simple and cost-effective method to determine the residues of MG and BG simultaneously in aqueous industrial samples.

Method
This method is based on the alterations in red, blue, green (RGB) color histograms of the dyes in the presence and absence of Triton X-100 micelle. The images of the samples were taken by a digital camera and converted to the RGB color system using MATLAB software. Partial least-squares regression as a powerful chemometrics tool was used for multivariate calibrations and quantitative measurements. The performance of the proposed method was compared with a simple spectrophotometric method as a reference.

Results
Relative errors of prediction for colorimetric and spectrophotometric analysis, respectively, in micellar media were 6.56 and 4.61% for MG and 6.38 and 5.24% for BG. The shortest linear ranges for colorimetric and spectrophotometric analysis, respectively, in micellar media were 0.1–10 and 0.5–5 mg/L for MG and 0.1–15 and 0.5–6 mg/L for BG. The recovery percentages obtained from the analysis of the dyes in real samples of fish-pond water and textile wastewater ranged between 91 and 107%.

Conclusions
The good correlation between the results of the colorimetric analysis and the spectrophotometric analysis indicates the reliability of the proposed colorimetric method. Also, the results of the relative recovery study showed insignificant matrix effect.

Highlights
This study demonstrates the ability of the colorimetric analysis coupled with chemometrics tools for simultaneous determination of the analytes even with nearly identical colors.
Laser Treatment of Hypertrophic Scar in a Porcine Model Induces Change to Epidermal Histoarchitecture That Correlates to Improved Epidermal Barrier Function
Authors: Jimenez Lesle M , Oliver Mary A , Keyloun John W , Moffatt Lauren T , Travis Taryn E , Shupp Jeffrey W , Carney Bonnie C 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Mechanisms and timing of hypertrophic scar (HTS) improvement with laser therapy are incompletely understood. Epidermal keratinocytes influence HTS through paracrine signaling, yet they are understudied compared to fibroblasts. It was hypothesized that fractional ablative CO2 laser scar revision (FLSR) would change the fibrotic histoarchitecture of the epidermis in HTS. Duroc pigs (n = 4 FLSR and n = 4 controls) were injured and allowed to form HTS. HTS and normal skin (NS) were assessed weekly by noninvasive skin probes measuring trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) and biopsy collection. There were 4 weekly FLSR treatments. Immediate laser treatment began on day 49 postinjury (just after re-epithelialization), and early treatment began on day 77 postinjury. Punch biopsies from NS and HTS were processed and stained with H&E. Epidermal thickness and rete ridge ratios (RRR) were measured. Gene and protein expression of involucrin (IVL) and filaggrin (FIL) were examined through qRT-PCR and immunofluorescent (IF) staining. After treatment, peeling sheets of stratum corneum were apparent which were not present in the controls. TEWL was increased in HTS vs NS at day 49, indicating decreased barrier function (P = .05). In the immediate group, TEWL was significantly decreased at week 4 (P &lt; .05). The early group was not significantly different from NS at the prelaser timepoint. After four sessions, the epidermal thickness was significantly increased in treated scars in both FLSR groups (immediate: P &lt; .01 and early: P &lt; .001, n = 8 scars). Early intervention significantly increased RRR (P &lt; .05), and immediate treatment trended toward an increase. There was no increase in either epidermal thickness or RRR in the controls. In the immediate intervention group, there was increased IVL gene expression in HTS vs NS that decreased after FLSR. Eight scars had upregulated gene expression of IVL vs NS levels pretreatment (fold change [FC] &gt; 1.5) compared to four scars at week 4. This was confirmed by IF where IVL staining decreased after FLSR. FIL gene expression trended towards a decrease in both interventions after treatment. Changes in epidermal HTS histoarchitecture and expression levels of epidermal differentiation markers were induced by FLSR. The timing of laser intervention contributed to differences in TEWL, epidermal thickness, and RRR. These data shed light on the putative mechanisms of improvement seen after FLSR treatment. Resolution of timing must be further explored to enhance efficacy. An increased understanding of the difference between the natural history of HTS improvement over time and interventional-induced changes will be critical to justifying the continued approved usage of this treatment.