bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sulfur disproportionating microbial communities in a dynamic, microoxic‐sulfidic karst system
Authors: Aronson Heidi S. , Clark Christian E. , LaRowe Douglas E. , Amend Jan P. , Polerecky Lubos , Macalady Jennifer L. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBiogeochemical sulfur cycling in sulfidic karst systems is largely driven by abiotic and biological sulfide oxidation, but the fate of elemental sulfur (S0) that accumulates in these systems is not well understood. The Frasassi Cave system (Italy) is intersected by a sulfidic aquifer that mixes with small quantities of oxygen‐rich meteoric water, creating Proterozoic‐like conditions and supporting a prolific ecosystem driven by sulfur‐based chemolithoautotrophy. To better understand the cycling of S0 in this environment, we examined the geochemistry and microbiology of sediments underlying widespread sulfide‐oxidizing mats dominated by Beggiatoa. Sediment populations were dominated by uncultivated relatives of sulfur cycling chemolithoautotrophs related to Sulfurovum, Halothiobacillus, Thiofaba, Thiovirga, Thiobacillus, and Desulfocapsa, as well as diverse uncultivated anaerobic heterotrophs affiliated with Bacteroidota, Anaerolineaceae, Lentimicrobiaceae, and Prolixibacteraceae. Desulfocapsa and Sulfurovum populations accounted for 12%–26% of sediment 16S rRNA amplicon sequences and were closely related to isolates which carry out autotrophic S0 disproportionation in pure culture. Gibbs energy (∆Gr) calculations revealed that S0 disproportionation under in situ conditions is energy yielding. Microsensor profiles through the mat‐sediment interface showed that Beggiatoa mats consume dissolved sulfide and oxygen, but a net increase in acidity was only observed in the sediments below. Together, these findings suggest that disproportionation is an important sink for S0 generated by microbial sulfide oxidation in this oxygen‐limited system and may contribute to the weathering of carbonate rocks and sediments in sulfur‐rich environments.
Impact of dietary sodium restriction on falls among middle‐aged and older adults: Results of an 8‐year longitudinal study
Authors: Lin Yu‐Chun , Yan Huang‐Ting 
Published: September 2023

AimThis study aimed to understand the relationship between dietary sodium restriction (DSR) and falling experiences in middle‐aged and older adults.MethodsThe 8‐year follow‐up data from the Taiwan Longitudinal Study on Aging, covering 5131 individuals aged ≥50 years, were analyzed using random‐effects panel logit models. Participants were asked to indicate whether they were told by a physician to reduce or avoid sodium intake from food and whether they had had fall experiences during the past year. We modelled falling experiences as a function of DSR (independent variable), involuntary body weight loss and walking difficulty (mediators), and chronic diseases (moderator), adjusting for individual‐level characteristics.ResultsIndividuals with DSR were at a higher risk of falls compared with those with no DSR (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.30, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.11–1.53). This effect was more prevalent in individuals with a history of stroke (AOR = 1.85, 95% CI = 1.19–2.87). Those told to reduce sodium intake by a physician were likely to lose weight involuntarily (AOR = 1.20, 95% CI = 1.05–1.36) and had difficulty walking up two or three flights of stairs alone (AOR = 2.38, 95% CI = 1.73–3.27), which mediated the effect of DSR on increased fall risk (AOR = 1.15, 95% CI = 0.95–1.38). We found a temporal effect: participant reactions to short‐ and mid‐term DSR were significant.ConclusionsDSR was associated with a greater likelihood of falls among middle‐aged and older adults, particularly those with a history of stroke. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 292–299.
Initial von Willebrand factor antigen values in adolescent females predict future values
Authors: Cohen Clay T. , Zobeck Mark , Powers Jacquelyn M. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIntroductionDiagnosing von Willebrand Disease (VWD) in adolescent females is challenging as menstruation and physiologic stress elevate von Willebrand factor (VWF) laboratory values.AimTo develop a VWF prediction model for adolescent females based on initial VWF results.MethodsWe identified female patients aged 9 to 21 years with any VWF laboratory test over a 5‐year period (2017–2021) at any Texas Children's Hospital facility. Patient demographics, VWF testing, haemoglobin concentration, serum ferritin and site of clinical testing were collected (initial and subsequent laboratory evaluations). A Bayesian linear regression model was developed. Prediction intervals were analysed to identify thresholds for patients in whom repeat testing was unlikely to identify low VWF levels (< 50%), consistent with VWD.ResultsA total of 6125 adolescent females underwent VWF testing; 1204 (19.7%) had repeat testing. Based on the prediction model, initial VWF antigen values of 80%, 90% and ≥100% carried a 92.6%, 96.6% and ≥98.0% probability of having repeat normal repeat VWF values, respectively. Subjects assessed in outpatient adolescent medicine or gynaecology clinics were more likely to have low VWF values compared to those assessed in the acute care setting (p < .001). Median presenting haemoglobin and serum ferritin were 12.4 g/dL and 13 ng/mL, respectively and were similar in those with normal versus low VWF antigen values.ConclusionRepeat testing in adolescent females whose initial VWF antigen values are ≥90% is unlikely to identify additional patients with VWD. Iron deficiency screening should be performed in all adolescent females.
Low‐level HIV viraemia during antiretroviral therapy: Longitudinal patterns and predictors of viral suppression
Authors: Elén S. , Björkman P. , Zazzi M. , Böhm M. , Bernal E. , Sönnerborg A. , Elvstam O. ,   The EuResist Network Study Group
Published: September 2023

AbstractObjectivesOur objective was to characterize longitudinal patterns of viraemia and factors associated with viral suppression in people with HIV and low‐level viraemia (LLV) during antiretroviral therapy (ART).MethodsWe included people with HIV in the EuResist Integrated Database with LLV following ART initiation after 2005. LLV was defined as two or more consecutive viral load (VL) measurements of 51–199 copies/mL 30–365 days apart after >12 months of ART. Viraemia patterns were analyzed over 24 months. Factors associated with viral suppression at 12 months after LLV episodes were identified using univariable and multivariable logistic regression.ResultsOf 25 113 people with HIV, 2474 (9.9%) had LLV. Among 1387 participants with 24 months of follow‐up after LLV, 406 (29%) had persistent suppression, 669 (48%) had transient viraemic episodes, 29 (2%) had persistent LLV, and 283 (20%) had virological failure. Following LLV episodes, the proportion with detectable viraemia declined (p for trend <0.001 and 0.034, in the first and second year, respectively). At 12 months, 68% had undetectable VL, which was associated with suppression before LLV (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.7; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2–2.4) and ART modification after LLV (aOR 1.6; 95% CI 1.0–2.4). The following factors were negatively associated with undetectable VL at 12 months: higher VL during LLV (aOR 0.57 per log10 copies/mL; 95% CI 0.37–0.89), injecting drug use (aOR 0.67; 95% CI 0.47–0.96), and regimens with protease inhibitors (aOR 0.65; 95% CI 0.49–0.87) or combined anchor drugs (aOR 0.52; 95% CI 0.32–0.85).ConclusionMost people with LLV did not experience sustained viral suppression during 24‐month follow‐up, supporting the association between LLV and inferior treatment outcome.
Relationship between nurses’ mood at work and work engagement: Work morale as a mediator
Authors: Wu Hsiu‐Chuan , Hsu Chi‐Ho , Chen Kuan‐Yang 
Published: September 2023

AbstractAimTo determine the effect of nurses’ mood at work (positive and negative) on work engagement and whether work morale mediates this relationship.BackgroundNurses’ work engagement is a key research area, yet limited data regarding the relationship between nurses’ mood at work and work engagement are available. Therefore, how nurses’ positive or negative mood at work affects their work engagement remains unclear.MethodsThis study analyzed nurses from a medical center in Taipei City. A total of 279 completed questionnaires were returned. The data were analyzed using two‐stage structural equation modeling to test the hypothesized relationships.FindingsNurses’ positive mood had a significantly positive effect on work morale, whereas their negative mood had a significantly negative effect on work morale. Additionally, work morale played a mediating role in the relationship between mood at work and work engagement.ConclusionThe results revealed that nurses’ moods affected their work engagement and that this relationship was affected by work morale.Implications for nursing and health policyHealthcare institutions and hospitals could develop a positive work environment to help nurses maintain their good mood and reduce negative affectivity. They should also provide nurses with counseling services, offer morale‐boosting activities, and adopt an inspirational leadership style to maintain their work morale.
A global comparison of nursing and midwifery's and medical efficacy in preventing COVID‐19 deaths 2019–2022
Authors: You Wenpeng , Cusack Lynette , Donnelly Frank 
Published: September 2023

AbstractAimCompare roles of nurses and midwives and physicians in reducing COVID‐19 deaths measured with a case fatality ratio.BackgroundThe roles and responsibilities of different health disciplines to the COVID‐19 pandemic vary. While more difficult to measure, objective assessments of discipline contributions of nurses and midwives and physicians can be viewed through statistical analysis.MethodsPopulation‐level data are analysed with scatter plots, bivariate correlations, partial correlation and multiple linear regression models to illustrate the contributions of nurses and midwives and physicians in reducing COVID‐19 deaths. The role of nurses and midwives and physicians in protecting the community against COVID‐19 deaths is explored and compared using competing effects of affluence, age and urbanization. Data analysis software programs include Excel v.2016, SPSS v.28 and Fisher r‐to‐z transformation.ResultsNurses and midwives reduce COVID‐19 deaths significantly more than physicians. This difference remains while controlling for physician care, economic affluence, median age and urbanization individually or in combination. In contrast, the role of physicians in reducing COVID‐19 deaths is less independent than nurses and midwives. Linear regression results insinuate when nursing and physician care are collated together with other predicting factors, physicians’ contribution to community protection against COVID‐19 case fatality ratio is statistically explained by nursing and midwifery care.DiscussionUnlike physicians, the nursing and midwifery workforce is bigger and located throughout all healthcare system levels and, therefore, is more accessible to the community. This is an important point in explaining the contribution of nurses and midwives to reducing COVID‐19 deaths when compared with physicians.ConclusionThis study suggests that, worldwide, the nursing and midwifery workforce may play a more significant role in protecting the community against COVID‐19 deaths than physicians.Implications for health policy, nursing and midwifery practiceThe findings from this study offer a unique perspective for health authorities to further understand the complementary and independent role of the nursing and midwifery workforce in respect of the healthcare team. This study suggests the importance of a broader range of healthcare services, especially during the pandemic, for example, COVID‐19. With the permission of health authorities, the nursing and midwifery workforce should have further extension of their scope of practice in situations such as pandemics due to their broader access to the community.
Predictive value of preoperative neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and platelet to lymphocyte ratio combined with operating room factors for surgical site infection after laparoscopic radical nephrectomy in renal cell carcinoma patients
Authors: Shen Jun , Xie Xun , Meng Yonghui , Mu Youyou 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundSurgical site infections (SSIs) can pose significant risks to patients undergoing surgical procedures. This study aimed to investigate the risk factors and diagnostic value of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) for SSIs in patients undergoing laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma.MethodsA retrospective analysis of 866 patients at our hospital was conducted between June 2016 and June 2022. The study divided patients into two groups: those with SSIs and those without. General data and operative room‐related information were collected. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were clearly defined. Peripheral blood indicators were analysed, and observation indicators were meticulously selected, including surgery time, usage of a laminar flow operating room and intraoperative hypothermia. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 25.0 software, including univariate, multivariate analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.ResultsThirty‐six out of 866 patients developed SSIs. Statistically significant differences were found for surgery time, usage of non‐laminar flow operating rooms and intraoperative hypothermia (p < 0.05). ROC curve analysis showed an AUC of 0.765 (95% CI: 0.636–0.868) for serum NLR and PLR, with optimal cut‐off values at NLR 4.8 and PLR 196, indicating moderate to strong discriminative ability for SSIs.ConclusionsThe study identified non‐laminar flow operating rooms, extended surgery time, and intraoperative hypothermia as significant risk factors for SSIs. Serum NLR and PLR were found valuable as biomarkers for SSIs diagnosis, holding potential for preoperative risk assessment and improved patient safety in renal cell carcinoma care.
Strategic automation and decision‐making authority
Authors: Dogan Mustafa , Jacquillat Alexandre , Yildirim Pinar 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThis paper studies how automation impacts the structure of decision‐making in organizations. We develop a theoretical model of a firm, where a principal makes a decision about how much to prioritize the new product development division when the division is led by a manager who holds private information specific to this division and has misaligned preferences with the principal. The principal chooses whether to decentralize this decision by delegating it to the manager, resulting in more informed but unbiased decision. In this setting, we investigate how automation which reduces operational variability may alter this choice of organizational structure. The findings from our analysis show that firms deploy automation resources differently depending on their organizational structure: centralized firms choose to automate divisions that face more uncertainty, while decentralized firms do the opposite. Moreover, increasing access to automation results in higher centralization of decision‐making in firms. In the extensions, we show that the strategic use of automation reduces the informativeness of intrafirm communication, and also, that automation can be a strategic substitute to monetary contracts.
Electronic health record time‐tracking provides real‐time data to measure and benchmark dietitian productivity
Authors: Crouse Jennifer , Feuling Mary Beth , Winter Taylor , Goday Praveen S. , Smith Amber 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundTraditional methods for benchmarking dietitian productivity are time‐consuming and fail to accurately measure the total time spent providing nutrition care. An electronic health record (EHR)‐based tool that allows for daily tracking of both face‐to‐face and patient care coordination time for dietitians was created. We assessed whether it provided consistent, continuous measurement of time and productivity.MethodsThis tool was created in an independent paediatric academic healthcare system in the USA. Time spent by dietitians in face‐to‐face settings and care coordination were tracked. Changes in time spent between the years 2013–2016 versus 2018–2019 were also analysed.ResultsThe outpatient dietitian spent a mean total of 66.4 min per patient (37.8 ± 6.0 min in face‐to‐face care and 28.6 ± 5.2 min in care coordination). The total times and fractions spent on face‐to‐face and care coordination time varied by specialty. Comparison of the two periods of time revealed 75% more productivity on average of dietitians in different outpatient settings after including care coordination tracking. In addition, dietitians were more likely to document time spent in 5‐min increments after the institution of this methodology as opposed to 15‐min increments.ConclusionsAn EHR‐based tool that facilitates the documentation of both face‐to‐face time and patient care coordination time is feasible and enables consistent, continuous measurement of time and productivity. The real‐time data from this tool can be used to support adequate dietitian staffing and be used to create a multicentre database to measure the actual time dietitians need to provide care and generate consistent staffing benchmarks.
Identifying Indigenous people: Visual appearance, filiation, and the experience of race in an “Indigenous” soccer championship and in everyday life in Otavalo, Ecuador
Authors: Voirol Jérémie 
Published: September 2023

AbstractWhile Indigenous/mestizo distinction in Latin Americanist anthropology has been mainly thought of as a cultural and/or socioeconomic demarcation, I argue that a conceptualization in terms of race offers some valuable insights. Starting from a soccer championship in the Otavalo region of Ecuador, I show how otavaleño Indigenous people's historical and current experiences of racialization have shaped the criteria that they consider relevant to identification practices, and I illustrate how they build on these to act to some advantage. Building on the assemblage of what I call phenotypization—an extended notion of phenotype—and genealogy, otavaleños create spaces of identification control, striving to maintain the Indigenous/mestizo divide and a sense of belonging upon which they rely for economic activities. Favoring the notion of race, this study lays the groundwork for a Latin Americanist anthropology that considers Indigenous people as part of the same subaltern category as Afro‐descendants.
Circulating markers of extracellular matrix remodelling in severe COVID‐19 patients
Authors: Murphy Sarah Louise , Halvorsen Bente , Holter Jan Cato , Huse Camilla , Tveita Anders , Trøseid Marius , Hoel Hedda , Kildal Anders Benjamin , Holten Aleksander Rygh , Lerum Tøri Vigeland , Skjønsberg Ole Henning , Michelsen Annika E , Aaløkken Trond M ,   NOR‐SOLIDARITY Consortium, The Norwegian SARS‐CoV‐2 study group investigators, Tonby Kristian , Lind Andreas , Dudman Susanne , Granerud Beathe Kiland , Heggelund Lars , Bøe Simen , Dyrholt‐Riise Anne Ma , Aukrust Pål , Barratt‐Due Andreas , Ueland Thor , Dahl Tuva Børresdatter 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundAbnormal remodelling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) has generally been linked to pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis and may also play a role in the pathogenesis of severe COVID‐19. To further elucidate the role of ECM remodelling and excessive fibrogenesis in severe COVID‐19, we examined circulating levels of mediators involved in various aspects of these processes in COVID‐19 patients.MethodsSerial blood samples were obtained from two cohorts of hospitalised COVID‐19 patients (n = 414). Circulating levels of ECM remodelling mediators were quantified by enzyme immunoassays in samples collected during hospitalisation and at 3‐month follow‐up. Samples were related to disease severity (respiratory failure and/or treatment at the intensive care unit), 60‐day total mortality and pulmonary pathology after 3‐months. We also evaluated the direct effect of inactivated SARS‐CoV‐2 on the release of the different ECM mediators in relevant cell lines.ResultsSeveral of the measured markers were associated with adverse outcomes, notably osteopontin (OPN), S100 calcium‐binding protein A12 and YKL‐40 were associated with disease severity and mortality. High levels of ECM mediators during hospitalisation were associated with computed tomography thorax pathology after 3‐months. Some markers (i.e. growth differential factor 15, galectin 3 and matrix metalloproteinase 9) were released from various relevant cell lines (i.e. macrophages and lung cell lines) in vitro after exposure to inactivated SARS‐CoV‐2 suggesting a direct link between these mediators and the causal agent of COVID‐19.ConclusionOur findings highlight changes to ECM remodelling and particularly a possible role of OPN, S100A12 and YKL‐40 in the pathogenesis of severe COVID‐19.
Skin temperature as a predictor of on‐the‐road driving performance in people with central disorders of hypersomnolence
Authors: Vael Veronique E. C. , Bijlenga Denise , Schinkelshoek Mink S. , van der Sluiszen Nick N. J. J. M. , Remmerswaal Aniek , Overeem Sebastiaan , Ramaekers Johannes G. , Vermeeren Annemiek , Lammers Gert Jan , Fronczek Rolf 
Published: September 2023

SummaryExcessive daytime sleepiness is the core symptom of central disorders of hypersomnolence (CDH) and can directly impair driving performance. Sleepiness is reflected in relative alterations in distal and proximal skin temperature. Therefore, we examined the predictive value of skin temperature on driving performance. Distal and proximal skin temperature and their gradient (DPG) were continuously measured in 44 participants with narcolepsy type 1, narcolepsy type 2 or idiopathic hypersomnia during a standardised 1‐h driving test. Driving performance was defined as the standard deviation of lateral position (SDLP) per 5 km segment (equivalent to 3 min of driving). Distal and proximal skin temperature and DPG measurements were averaged over each segment and changes over segments were calculated. Mixed‐effect model analyses showed a strong, quadratic association between proximal skin temperature and SDLP (p < 0.001) and a linear association between DPG and SDLP (p < 0.021). Proximal skin temperature changes over 3 to 15 min were predictive for SDLP. Moreover, SDLP increased over time (0.34 cm/segment, p < 0.001) and was higher in men than in women (3.50 cm, p = 0.012). We conclude that proximal skin temperature is a promising predictor for real‐time assessment of driving performance in people with CDH.