bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Initial antibiotic therapy for postoperative moderate or severe diabetic foot infections: Broad versus narrow spectrum, empirical versus targeted
Authors: Nieuwland Arend J. , Waibel Felix W. A. , Flury Andreas , Lisy Marcus , Berli Martin C. , Lipsky Benjamin A. , Uçkay İlker , Schöni Madlaina 
Published: August 2023

AbstractAimTo retrospectively evaluate clinical and microbiological outcomes after combined surgical and medical therapy for diabetic foot infections (DFIs), stratifying between the empirical versus the targeted nature, and between an empirical broad versus a narrow‐spectrum, antibiotic therapy.MethodsWe retrospectively assessed the rate of ultimate therapeutic failures for each of three types of initial postoperative antibiotic therapy: adequate empirical therapy; culture‐guided therapy; and empirical inadequate therapy with a switch to targeted treatment based on available microbiological results.ResultsWe included data from 332 patients who underwent 716 DFI episodes of surgical debridement, including partial amputations. Clinical failure occurred in 40 of 194 (20.6%) episodes where adequate empirical therapy was given, in 77 of 291 (26.5%) episodes using culture‐guided (and correct) therapy from the start, and in 73 of 231 (31.6%) episodes with switching from empirical inadequate therapy to culture‐targeted therapy. Equally, a broad‐spectrum antibiotic choice could not alter this failure risk. Group comparisons, Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox regression analyses failed to show either statistical superiority or inferiority of any of the initial antibiotic strategies.ConclusionsIn this study, the microbiological adequacy of the initial antibiotic regimen after (surgical) debridement for DFI did not alter therapeutic outcomes. We recommend that clinicians follow the stewardship approach of avoiding antibiotic de‐escalation and start with a narrow‐spectrum regimen based on the local epidemiology.
Carbon‐iron coupling reduced N2O emissions via promoting the conversion to N2 in paddy soils
Authors: Gan Xuelian , Zhao Jing , Fu Qingling , Zhu Jun , He Huan , Hu Hongqing 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe influence of redox reactions involving carbon‐iron coupling (organic carbon and iron oxides) on nitrous oxide (N2O) production in paddy soils remains poorly understood. In this study, two microcosm experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of carbon‐iron coupling on N2O emissions, and the underlying mechanisms were verified using quantitative denitrification functional genes (nirS, nirK, nosZI and nosZII) and high‐throughput sequencing. The results showed that ferrihydrite (iron) significantly promoted N2O‐N emissions (p < 0.05) after adding ammonium nitrogen, while glucose (carbon) significantly inhibited N2O‐N emissions (p < 0.05). Carbon‐iron coupling significantly decreased N2O‐N emissions (p < 0.05) but did not affect soil total nitrogen loss and increased nitrogen (N2) emissions. After adding high concentrations of acetylene (10% C2H2), the N2O‐N emissions from carbon‐iron coupling treatment increased significantly from 6.4 to 11.9 mg N kg−1 (p < 0.05), which confirmed that the carbon‐iron coupling reduced the N2O emissions by promoting the conversion of N2O to N2. The mechanisms behind carbon‐iron coupling promoting complete denitrification and reducing N2O emissions were attributed to glucose promoting iron reduction and carbon‐iron coupling enhancing the abundance of nosZI (42.7%) and nosZII (16.6%).
Etiology of intracerebral hemorrhage during pregnancy or puerperium: A nationwide study
Authors: Vest Teresa , Rantanen Kirsi , Verho Liisa , Aarnio Karoliina , Korhonen Aino , Richardt Anna , Strbian Daniel , Gissler Mika , Laivuori Hannele , Tikkanen Minna , Ijäs Petra 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackground and purposeIntracerebral hemorrhage during pregnancy or puerperium (pICH) is one of the leading causes of maternal death worldwide. However, limited epidemiological data exist on the etiology and outcomes of pICH, which is required to guide prevention and treatment.MethodsA retrospective nationwide cohort study and a nested case–control study was performed in Finland 1987–2016. We identified women with incident pICH by linking the Medical Birth Register (MBR) and the Hospital Discharge Register (HDR). The clinical details were collected from patient records. Three matched controls with a pregnancy without ICH were selected for each case from the MBR.ResultsIn total, 49 pICH cases were identified. Half of these cases occurred during pregnancy, and the other half during peripartum and puerperium. Based on the SMASH‐U (structural vascular lesion, medication, amyloid angiopathy, systemic disease, hypertension, undetermined) classification, 35.4% of the patients had a systemic disease, most commonly preeclampsia, eclampsia, or HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets) syndrome; 31.3% had a structural vascular lesion; 31.3% had an undetermined etiology; and one patient (2.1%) had hypertension. The most important risk factor was hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP; odds ratio = 3.83, 95% confidence interval = 1.60–9.15), occurring in 31% of the cases. Maternal mortality was 12.5%, and 20.9% of the surviving women had significant disability (modified Rankin Scale = 3–5) 3 months after the pICH. Women with systemic disease had the worst outcomes.ConclusionsEven in a country with a comprehensive pregnancy surveillance system, the maternal mortality rate for pICH is high, and the sequelae are severe. Early recognition and treatment of the key risk factor, HDP, is crucial to help prevent this serious pregnancy complication.
Diagnosis and management of thyroid disorders and thyroid hormone supplementation in adult horses and foals
Authors: Bertin François‐René , Frank Nicholas , Breuhaus Babetta A. , Schott Harold C. , Kritchevsky Janice E. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractEquine thyroid disorders pose a diagnostic challenge in clinical practice because of the effects of nonthyroidal factors on the hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid axis, and the horse's ability to tolerate wide fluctuations in thyroid hormone concentrations and survive without a thyroid gland. While benign thyroid tumours are common in older horses, other disorders like primary hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism in adult horses and congenital hypothyroidism in foals are rare. There is a common misunderstanding regarding hypothyroidism in adult horses, especially when associated with the clinical profile of obesity, lethargy, and poor performance observed in dogs and humans. Low blood thyroid hormone concentrations are often detected in horses as a secondary response to metabolic and disease states, including with the nonthyroidal illness syndrome; however, it is important to note that low thyroid hormone concentrations in these cases do not necessarily indicate hypothyroidism. Assessing equine thyroid function involves measuring thyroid hormone concentrations, including total and free fractions of thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3); however, interpreting these results can be challenging due to the pulsatile secretion of thyroid hormones and the many factors that can affect their concentrations. Dynamic testing, such as the thyrotropin‐releasing hormone stimulation test, can help assess the thyroid gland response to stimulation. Although true hypothyroidism is extremely rare, thyroid hormone supplementation is commonly used in equine practice to help manage obesity and poor performance. This review focuses on thyroid gland pathophysiology in adult horses and foals, interpretation of blood thyroid hormone concentrations, and evaluation of horses with thyroid disorders. It also discusses the use of T4 supplementation in equine practice.
5. Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism: Functional genomics
Authors: Gameiro‐Ros Isabel , Popova Dina , Prytkova Iya , Pang Zhiping P. , Liu Yunlong , Dick Danielle , Bucholz Kathleen K. , Agrawal Arpana , Porjesz Bernice , Goate Alison M. , Xuei Xiaoling , Kamarajan Chella ,   COGA Collaborators, Tischfield Jay A. , Edenberg Howard J. , Slesinger Paul A. , Hart Ronald P. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractAlcohol Use Disorder is a complex genetic disorder, involving genetic, neural, and environmental factors, and their interactions. The Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism (COGA) has been investigating these factors and identified putative alcohol use disorder risk genes through genome‐wide association studies. In this review, we describe advances made by COGA in elucidating the functional changes induced by alcohol use disorder risk genes using multimodal approaches with human cell lines and brain tissue. These studies involve investigating gene regulation in lymphoblastoid cells from COGA participants and in post‐mortem brain tissues. High throughput reporter assays are being used to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms in which alternate alleles differ in driving gene expression. Specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (both coding or noncoding) have been modeled using induced pluripotent stem cells derived from COGA participants to evaluate the effects of genetic variants on transcriptomics, neuronal excitability, synaptic physiology, and the response to ethanol in human neurons from individuals with and without alcohol use disorder. We provide a perspective on future studies, such as using polygenic risk scores and populations of induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived neurons to identify signaling pathways related with responses to alcohol. Starting with genes or loci associated with alcohol use disorder, COGA has demonstrated that integration of multimodal data within COGA participants and functional studies can reveal mechanisms linking genomic variants with alcohol use disorder, and potential targets for future treatments.
Geographical and ecological drivers of coexistence dynamics in squamate reptiles
Authors: Alencar Laura R. V. , Quental Tiago B. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractAimSpecies richness varies widely across space and is determined by underlying factors that drive species coexistence. Such factors include the speciation process (sympatric vs. allopatric), time since divergence, geographic context and intrinsic properties of the organisms. We model for the first time the coexistence dynamics of lizards and snakes across broad temporal and spatial scales, investigating whether an increase in niche divergence, dispersal abilities and inhabiting islands or continents affect their probability of coexistence.LocationGlobal.Time periodCenozoic.Major taxa studiedSquamata.MethodsWe used 447 sister species pairs, their age since divergence, their level of spatial (sympatric or allopatric) and niche overlap and geographical setting (islands or continents) to fit probabilistic models of species coexistence. We measured morphological traits to quantify niche divergence and used range and body size as proxies for dispersal ability. We applied a model‐comparison framework in lizards and snakes separately to evaluate which factors best explained their coexistence dynamics.ResultsAllopatric speciation is the main speciation mode in snakes but we did not find evidence to favour one speciation mode in lizards. In snakes, sympatric pairs tend to occur on islands and to be more different in body size. On the contrary, dispersal ability shaped the coexistence of lizards, where species were more likely to coexist when they have higher dispersal abilities.Main conclusionsDistinct patterns and mechanisms underlie species coexistence within the order Squamata. Snake coexistence is preferentially produced by secondary sympatry favoured by niche divergence and is more likely to occur in more restricted geographical settings (islands vs. continents). Coexistence in lizards is strongly influenced only by dispersal abilities, but the high heterogeneity of processes simultaneously shaping the distribution of different lizard lineages might have masked specific coexistence signals, and future work should compare coexistence dynamics between clades (e.g. families).
Self‐directed self‐management interventions to prevent or address distress in young people with long‐term physical conditions: A rapid review
Authors: Corp Nadia , Bray Lucy , Chew‐Graham Carolyn A. , Polidano Kay , Fisher Tamsin , Farmer Adam D. , McDermott‐Hughes Megan , Saunders Benjamin 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackgroundComorbid distress in adolescents and young adults with physical long‐term conditions (LTCs) is common but can be difficult to identify and manage. Self‐directed self‐management interventions to reduce distress and improve wellbeing may be beneficial. It is unknown, however, which intervention characteristics are successful in supporting young people. This rapid review aimed to identify characteristics of self‐directed self‐management interventions that aimed, in whole or part, to address distress, wellbeing or self‐efficacy in this population.MethodsA systematic search was conducted for relevant controlled studies in six databases. Data on study settings, population, intervention characteristics, outcome measures, process measures and summary effects were extracted. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool v1, and the strength of evidence was rated (informed by Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations). Patient and public involvement members supported the review process, including interpretation of results. The rapid review was registered with PROSPERO (ID: CRD42021285867).ResultsFourteen studies were included, all of which were randomised trials. Heterogeneity was identified in the health conditions targeted; type of intervention; outcome measures; duration of intervention and follow‐up. Three had distress, wellbeing or self‐efficacy as their primary outcome. Four modes of delivery were identified across interventions—websites, smartphone applications, text messages and workbooks; and within these, 38 individual components. Six interventions had a significant benefit in mental health, wellbeing or self‐efficacy; however, intervention characteristics were similar for beneficial and non‐beneficial interventions.ConclusionsThere is a paucity of interventions directly targeting distress and wellbeing in young people with physical LTCs. In those identified, the heterogeneity of interventions and study design makes it difficult to identify which characteristics result in positive outcomes. We propose the need for high‐quality, evidence‐based self‐management interventions for this population; including (1) more detailed reporting of intervention design, content and delivery; (2) robust process evaluation; (3) a core outcome set for measuring mental health and wellbeing for self‐management interventions and (4) consistency in follow up periods.Public ContributionSeven young people with an LTC were involved throughout the rapid review, from the development of the review protocol where they informed the focus and aims, with a central role in the interpretation of findings.
Trainee nursing associates in England: A multisite qualitative study of higher education institution perspectives
Authors: Robertson Steve , King Rachel , Taylor Beth , Laker Sara , Wood Emily , Senek Michaela , Tod Angela , Ryan Tony 
Published: August 2023

AbstractAimTo explore the experiences of university employees on the development and implementation of the nursing associate programme.BackgroundAs part of wider policy initiatives to address workforce shortages, provide progression for healthcare assistants and offer alternative routes into nursing, England recently introduced the nursing associate level of practice. Little research has yet considered university perspectives on this new programme.MethodsAn exploratory qualitative study reported following COREQ criteria. Twenty‐seven university staff working with trainee nursing associates in five universities across England were recruited. Data, collected via semi‐structured interviews from June to September 2021, were analysed through a combined framework and thematic analysis.ResultsThree themes developed: ‘Centrality of partnerships’ considered partnerships between employers and universities and changing power dynamics. ‘Adapting for support’ included responding to new requirements and changing pedagogical approaches. ‘Negotiating identity’ highlighted the university's role in advocacy and helping trainees develop a student identity.ConclusionsNursing associate training in England has changed the dynamics between universities and healthcare employers, shifting learners’ identity more to ‘employee’ rather than ‘student’. Universities have adapted to support trainees in meeting academic and professional standards whilst also meeting employer expectations. While challenges remain, the ability of nurse educators to make adjustments, alongside their commitment to quality educational delivery, is helping establish this new training programme and thereby meet government policy initiatives.Implications for nursing policyThe international movement of apprenticeship models in universities has the potential to change the status of the learner in nursing educational contexts. National policies that encourage this model should ensure that the implications and challenges this change of status brings to learners, employers and education institutions are fully considered prior to their implementation.
The effect of crystal anisotropy on fracture toughness and strength of ZrB2 microcantilevers
Authors: Csanádi Tamás , Azizpour Ahmad , Vojtko Marek , Fahrenholtz William G. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe influence of crystal anisotropy on the micromechanical properties of ceramic grains plays an important role in the design of the macromechanical performance of bulk polycrystalline samples. To this end, the effect of crystal orientation on fracture toughness and strength was investigated by microcantilever bending experiments combined with finite element method (FEM) simulations in grains of a polycrystalline ZrB2 sample. The sample was prepared by hot pressing and the crystal orientations were determined by electron backscatter diffraction after careful surface preparation. The bending tests were carried out on notched and unnotched microcantilevers cut from specific grains along the prismatic (⊥ to c‐axis), basal (∥ to c‐axis), and intermediate (45° to c‐axis) directions of ZrB2 crystals using focused ion beam milling. The fracture toughness and strength were determined by FEM‐derived analytical solutions. The fracture strength was similar with values of about 11–12 GPa in every direction. Enhanced plasticity was found in the intermediate direction of unnotched beams as compared to the other two brittle orientations. The fracture toughness was found to be 30% higher in the intermediate direction (4.1 MPa m0.5) than those measured for the basal (3.1 MPa m0.5) and prismatic directions (3.3 MPa m0.5). These findings were explained by the orientation dependence of slip system activations which provide a new way in the design of textured polycrystalline ZrB2 ceramics toward enhanced damage tolerance.
Amazonian pollen assemblages reflect biogeographic gradients and forest cover
Authors: Blaus A. , McMichael C. N. H. , Raczka M. F. , Herrick C. , Palace M. , Witteveen N. H. , Nascimento M. N. , Bush M. B. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractAimPollen assemblages are commonly used to reconstruct past climates yet have not yet been used to reconstruct past human activities, including deforestation. We aim to assess (i) how pollen assemblages vary across biogeographic and environmental gradients, (ii) the source area of pollen assemblages from lake sediment samples and (iii) which pollen taxa can best be used to quantify deforested landscapes.LocationAmazonia.TaxonPlantae.MethodsPollen assemblages (N = 65) from mud‐water interface samples (representing modern conditions) of lake sediment cores were compared with modern gradients of temperature, precipitation and elevation. Pollen assemblages were also compared with local‐scale estimates of forest cover at 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 40 km buffers around each lake.ResultsOver 250 pollen types were identified in the samples, and pollen assemblages were able to accurately differentiate biogeographic regions across the basin, corresponding with gradients in temperature and precipitation. Poaceae percentages were the best predictor of deforestation, and had a significant negative relationship with forest cover estimates. These relationships were strongest for the 1 km buffer area, weakening as buffer sizes increased.Main conclusionsThe diverse Amazonian pollen assemblages strongly reflect environmental gradients, and percentages of Poaceae best reflect local‐scale variability in forest cover. Our results of modern pollen‐landscape relationships can be used to provide a foundation for quantitative reconstructions of climate and deforestation in Amazonia.
Genetic variants of dipeptidyl peptidase IV are linked to the clinicopathologic development of prostate cancer
Authors: Wen Yu‐Ching , Lin Chia‐Yen , Hsiao Chi‐Hao , Wang Shian‐Shiang , Huang Hsiang‐Ching , Lin Yung‐Wei , Ho Kuo‐Hao , Chang Lun‐Ching , Yang Shun‐Fa , Chien Ming‐Hsien 
Published: August 2023

AbstractCD26/dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP4) is a multifunctional cell‐surface glycoprotein widely found in many cell types, and a soluble form is present in body fluids. There is longstanding evidence indicating a tumour‐promoting or ‐suppressive role of DPP4 in different cancer types. However, studies focusing on the impacts of genetic variants of DPP4 on cancers are very rare. Herein, we conducted a case–control study to evaluate whether single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of DPP4 were associated with the risk or clinicopathologic development of prostate cancer (PCa). We genotyped four loci of DPP4 SNPs, including rs7608798 (A/G), rs3788979 (C/T), rs2268889 (T/C) and rs6741949 (G/C), using a TaqMan allelic discrimination assay in 704 PCa patients and 704 healthy controls. Our results showed that PCa patients with the DPP4 rs7608798 AG+GG genotype or rs2268889 TC+CC genotype had a higher risk of developing an advanced clinical primary tumour (cT) stage (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 1.680, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.062–2.659, p = 0.025; AOR: 1.693, 95% CI: 1.092–2.624, p = 0.018). Additionally, in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, we observed that lower DPP4 expression levels were correlated with higher Gleason scores, advanced cT and pathological stages, tumour metastasis, and shorter progression‐free survival rates in PCa patients. Furthermore, overexpression of DPP4 suppressed migration/invasion of metastatic PC3 PCa cells. Our findings suggest that DPP4 levels may affect the progression of PCa, and the DPP4 rs7608798 and rs2268889 SNPs are associated with the clinicopathologic development of PCa in a Taiwanese population.