bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risk stratification and cost‐effectiveness analysis of adult patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Liao Min‐Tsun , Lin Ming‐Hsien , Tsai Hsiao‐En , Wu Jo‐Hsuan , Caffrey James L. , Lin Jou‐Wei , Wang Chih‐Hsien , Yu Hsi‐Yu , Chen Yih‐Sharng 
Published: April 2022

AbstractRationale, Aims, and ObjectivesA more effective allocation of critical care resources is important as the cost of intensive care increases. A model has been developed to predict the probability of in‐hospital death among patients who received extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Cost‐effectiveness analyses (CEA) were performed regarding the relationship between hospitalization expenses and predicted survival outcomes.MethodsAdult patients who received ECMO in a medical center in Taiwan (2005–2016) were included. A logistic regression model was applied to a spectrum of clinical measures obtained before and during ECMO institutions to identify the risk variables for in‐hospital mortality. CEA were reported as a predictive risk in quintiles and defined as the cost of each quality‐adjusted life‐year (QALY). The distribution of the cost‐effectiveness ratio (CER) was measured by the ellipse and acceptability curve methods.ResultsA total of 919 patients (659 males, mean age: 53.7 years) were enrolled. Ten variables emerged as significant predictors of in‐hospital death. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.75 (95% confidence interval: 0.72–0.79). In‐hospital and total follow‐up times were 40,366 and 660,205 person‐days, respectively. The total in‐hospital expense was $31,818,701 USD and the total effectiveness was 1687.3 QALY. For the lowest to the highest risk quintile, the mean mortality risks were 0.30, 0.48, 0.61, 0.75, and 0.88, and mean adjusted CER were $24,230, $43,042, $54,929, $84,973, and $149,095 per QALY, respectively.ConclusionsThe efficient allocation of limited and costly resources is most important when one is forced to decide between groups of critically ill patients. The current analyses of ECMO outcomes should assist in identifying candidates with the greatest prospect for survival while avoiding futile treatments.
A multilayer soil approach for seepage process analysis in earthen levees
Authors: Bonaccorsi Bianca , Moramarco Tommaso , Noto Leonardo Valerio , Barbetta Silvia 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe analysis of seepage through earthen levees is fundamental to investigate the levee safety condition, since that the seepage phenomenon can often lead to piping causing the collapse of the levee (Saghaee et al., 2012). This work proposes a new approach for identifying the location of the saturation line through the earthen levee by using a multilayer soil approach that assumes the levee body and the levee foundation as two different layers, characterized by using a different hydraulic conductivity parameter. The main purpose is to investigate the difference in the predicted saturation line identified through the proposed method and the one based on the single layer analytical solution of the seepage flow suggested by Marchi (1961). On comparison of the saturation lines provided by two different approaches, the ratio between the river water head and the groundwater thickness or depth increases; allowing the determination of a ratio threshold above which the Marchi equation should no longer be applied. The proposed multilayer (levee and foundation) soil approach is also used to assess the seepage vulnerability of the methodology proposed by Barbetta et al. (2017). The results show that the differences between the seepage vulnerabilities evaluated using the multilayer approach and the single layer method are quite low. Although notably, significant modifications of the seepage probability are observed when the distance between the ground level and the groundwater table changes.
Magnetic resonance imaging metrics and the predictability of adverse outcomes in on‐treatment Asian chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Hui Rex Wan‐Hin , Chiu Keith Wan‐Hang , Mak Lung Yi , Chang Hing‐Chiu , Cheung Ka‐Shing , Fung James , Yuen Man‐Fung , Seto Wai‐Kay 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackground and AimLiver fibrosis and steatosis are important factors affecting chronic hepatitis B (CHB) disease outcome. Multiparametric magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the liver measures fibroinflammation, fat, and iron through iron‐corrected T1 relaxation time (cT1), proton density fat fraction (PDFF), and T2*‐weighted imaging, respectively. We assessed the utility of MR metrics for prognostication in CHB.MethodsChronic hepatitis B patients receiving nucleos(t)ide analogs with advanced fibrosis documented by vibration‐controlled transient elastography were recruited. Paired multiparametric MR liver and transient elastography were performed at baseline and after at least 2 years. Adverse outcomes including death, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and liver decompensation were monitored.ResultsOne hundred and ninety‐two patients (mean age 60.3 ± 8.5 years; 76.0% male) were recruited. Eight patients (4.2%) developed HCC after 11.6 (8.8–22.8) months, and increased baseline liver iron independently predicted HCC (hazard ratio 2.329 [1.030–5.266]; P = 0.042). Liver MR metrics were not predictive of death or hepatic decompensation. Among 150 patients with follow‐up liver MR at 30.3 (25.2–35.6) months, longitudinal liver PDFF increase was associated with liver cT1 increase (odds ratio 1.571 [1.217–2.029]; P = 0.001). Ninety patients received simultaneous multiparametric MR pancreas during the follow‐up MR. Pancreatic PDFF correlated with liver PDFF (r = 0.501, P < 0.001), while pancreatic T1 had no correlation with liver cT1 (r = −0.092, P = 0.479). Pancreatic T1 and PDFF were not associated with adverse outcomes.ConclusionAmong CHB patients with advanced disease, liver iron level on MR predicts HCC. Multiparametric MR can also simultaneously assess the pancreas and the liver. Multiparametric MR should be further studied as a one‐stop option for monitoring and prognosticating CHB.
Maternal cell contamination in embryonic chromosome analysis of missed abortions
Authors: Ouchi Nozomi , Takeshita Toshiyuki , Kasano Sayuri , Yokote Ryoko , Yonezawa Mirei , Kurashina Ryuhei , Ichikawa Tomoko , Kawabata Ikuno , Kuwabara Yoshimitsu , Suzuki Shunji 
Published: April 2022

AbstractAimThe fetal sample used for embryonic chromosome analysis is often contaminated with maternal cells, making it difficult to evaluate the fetal chromosomes. We examined on the rate of maternal cell contamination and its relationship with maternal information in the embryonic chromosome analysis of missed abortions using the Giemsabanding method.MethodsChromosome analysis was performed in 200 cases of delayed miscarriages in first trimester between July 1, 2000 and May 31, 2019. Chorionic villi were collected and were analyzed using the Giemsa banding method. Among the 20 cells for which chromosomal examination was performed, cells wherein 46,XX chromosomes were found together with normal male karyotype or abnormal chromosomes were defined as maternal cell contamination.ResultsOf the 200 cases analyzed, 136 had abnormal chromosomes. The normal female karyotype (n = 52) was four times more prevalent than the normal male karyotype (n = 12). Maternal cell contamination was seen in 15.4% of the abnormal chromosome cases and 8.3% of the normal male karyotype cases. There was no significant difference in the gestational age between the contaminated and noncontaminated groups at the time of miscarriage diagnosis. However, miscarriage before fetal heartbeat confirmation was significantly associated with higher maternal cell contamination.ConclusionWe found maternal cell contamination in 15% of all the cases. Moreover, in many cases of the normal female karyotype, it was suspected that only maternal chromosomes were cultured. When performing embryonic chromosome analysis in recurrent miscarriages, we should pay attention to maternal cell contamination and interpret the results accordingly.
A new biomarker neuropeptide Y and bioinformatics analysis of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy
Authors: Feng Fan , Xu Di , Shao Yong 
Published: April 2022

AbstractAimTo explore the expression of neuropeptide Y (NPY) and bioinformatics characteristics of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP).MethodsGene chip data of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy were searched from the GEO database with bioinformatics method, and GSE46157 gene chip was downloaded. Differentially expressed genes in normal pregnant placenta tissue and ICP pregnant placenta tissue (bile acid concentration > 40 μmol/L) were screened by GEO2R. Functional annotation (GO) and pathway analysis (KEGG) were performed with DAVID. STRING online database and Cytoscape software were used for protein interaction network analysis. Maternal serum NPY level of 63 cases of ICP pregnant women and 20 normal pregnant women were investigated by ELISA.ResultsAfter screening 3896 differential genes and protein interaction, the top 14 hub genes were selected with nine up‐regulated and five down‐regulated genes. ICP patients were divided into three subgroups according to serum TBA and ALT levels. Maternal serum NPY levels of pregnant women in ICP subgroups 1, 2, and 3 were significantly higher than those in the normal pregnant women. The number of premature births, meconium‐staining amniotic fluid, neonatal asphyxia, and NICU admission was significantly higher in the ICP subgroup 1 than in the ICP subgroups 2 and 3, and than in the normal pregnant women.ConclusionThis study indicates that many differentially expressed genes and signaling pathways are involved in the pathophysiological procedure of ICP. NPY could be a new biomarker of ICP.
The personality meta‐trait of stability and carotid artery atherosclerosis
Authors: Ringwald Whitney R. , Kaurin Aleksandra , DuPont Caitlin M. , Gianaros Peter J. , Marsland Anna L. , Muldoon Matthew F. , Wright Aidan G. C. , Manuck Stephen B. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundSeveral personality traits increase the risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Because many of these traits are correlated, their associations with disease risk could reflect shared variance, rather than unique contributions of each trait. We examined a higher‐order personality trait of Stability as related to preclinical atherosclerosis and tested whether any such relationship might be explained by correlated variation in cardiometabolic risk factors.MethodAmong 798 community volunteers, lower‐order traits of Neuroticism, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness were modeled as latent variables (from self‐ and informant ratings) and used to estimate the second‐order factor, Stability. Cardiometabolic risk was similarly modeled from indicators of glycemic control, blood pressure, adiposity, and lipids. Carotid artery atherosclerosis was measured as intima‐media thickness (IMT) by duplex ultrasonography.ResultA structural equation model incorporating direct and indirect effects showed lower Stability associated with greater IMT, and this relationship was accounted for by the indirect pathway via cardiometabolic risk. Secondary analyses showed that: (1) Neuroticism, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness were unrelated to IMT independent of Stability; and (2) Stability predicted variation in IMT when estimated from informant‐, but not self‐rated, traits.ConclusionPersonality traits may associate with atherosclerotic burden through their shared, rather than unique, variance, as reflected in Stability.
Buyer abusive behavior and supplier welfare: An empirical study of truck owner–operators
Authors: Kim Seongtae , Chae Sangho , Wagner Stephan M. , Miller Jason W. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe increase in stakeholder pressure for responsible business draws closer public scrutiny when buyers use their power advantage illegitimately to exploit weaker suppliers. In this study, we develop the novel concept ofbuyer abusive behavior(BAB) and examine BABs exerted by buyers of trucking services against truck owner–operators as their suppliers. This focus is timely given the recent emergence of online platform businesses where precarious work and associated worker abuse are prevalent. Building on the theory of power imbalance and risk‐taking behavior, we elaborate on how BAB can jeopardize supplier welfare that comprises performance and safety. The analysis of the data pertaining to 260 owner–operators in South Korea shows that contract‐unrelated BAB (e.g., buyer's request for money and valuables) harms supplier performance and supplier safety while contract‐related BAB (e.g., buyer's unfair subcontract price decision) does not. Furthermore, the positive relationship between supplier performance and supplier safety is attenuated by contract‐related BAB but reinforced by contract‐unrelated BAB. We contribute to the growing body of the literature on decent work by exposing BAB as a major detriment to supplier worker welfare and laying the groundwork for the development of theories on power abuse and working conditions in multi‐tiered subcontracting work environments.
Acceptability of an interstage home monitoring mobile application for caregivers of children with single ventricle physiology: Toward technology‐integrated family management
Authors: Blair Lisa , Vergales Jeffrey , Peregoy Leslie , Seegal Hallie , Keim‐Malpass Jessica 
Published: April 2022

AbstractPurposeInfants with single ventricle physiology experience numerous vulnerable transitions, and the interstage period for shunt‐dependent children represents the time of highest risk for morbidity and mortality. Data exchange, physiological monitoring, and communication between clinicians and caregivers through interstage home monitoring are critical. The purpose of this study is to report on the acceptability of a technology‐enhanced home monitoring mobile application for interstage family management of children with single ventricle physiology.Design and MethodsThis study employed a qualitative descriptive study design and recruited caregivers that were part of a broader quality improvement project where they were beta users of a mobile health application specifically developed for the interstage home monitoring time period.ResultsEleven caregivers were enrolled in this study that was a part of the early phases of beta testing the mobile application from a human‐centered design perspective. In general, the participants had a favorable sentiment toward the technology‐integrated family management aspects that the mobile application allowed for during the interstage process. The acceptability findings can be organized through the following themes: time needed for mobile application, family as integrated members of care team, connectedness and confidence, and resolving technical issues.ConclusionsEvaluation of the feasibility and acceptability of this technology from the perspective of family/caregivers is a critical component of human‐centered design. The integration of technology‐facilitated communication shows immense promise for patient populations undergoing vulnerable transitions in care. Future study is needed to determine the role mobile applications have in improved clinical outcomes, enhanced provider clinical‐decision support, and family engagement in care.
Rare liver diseases are not rare in China
Authors: Lv Tingting , Jia Jidong 
Published: April 2022

AbstractRare diseases, also known as orphan diseases, are a group of diseases that affect a relatively small number of people. Low incidence rates, atypical symptoms, imperfect diagnosis criteria and few treatment options impose medical, psychological and financial stress on the local healthcare system. The spectrum of liver diseases in China has changed in the past decades due to successful control of once highly prevalent viral hepatitis B and C. Furthermore, the increased awareness and improved availability of specific laboratory tests have also facilitated the diagnosis of rare diseases such as autoimmune, cholestatic and genetic liver diseases. Finally, considering the huge population, the total number of many rare liver diseases in China is not as rare as once deemed. In this mini‐review article, we will outline the current clinical and epidemiological profiles of some rare liver diseases that are no longer rare in China.
The novel protein ScrA acts through the SaeRS two‐component system to regulate virulence gene expression in Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Wittekind Marcus A. , Frey Andrew , Bonsall Abigail E. , Briaud Paul , Keogh Rebecca A. , Wiemels Richard E. , Shaw Lindsey N. , Carroll Ronan K. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractStaphylococcus aureus is a Gram‐positive commensal that can also cause a variety of infections in humans. S. aureus virulence factor gene expression is under tight control by a complex regulatory network, which includes, sigma factors, sRNAs, and two‐component systems (TCS). Previous work in our laboratory demonstrated that overexpression of the sRNA tsr37 leads to an increase in bacterial aggregation. Here, we demonstrate that the clumping phenotype is dependent on a previously unannotated 88 amino acid protein encoded within the tsr37 sRNA transcript (which we named ScrA for S. aureus clumping regulator A). To investigate the mechanism of action of ScrA we performed proteomics and transcriptomics in a ScrA overexpressing strain and show that a number of surface adhesins are upregulated, while secreted proteases are downregulated. Results also showed upregulation of the SaeRS TCS, suggesting that ScrA is influencing SaeRS activity. Overexpression of ScrA in a saeR mutant abrogates the clumping phenotype confirming that ScrA functions via the Sae system. Finally, we identified the ArlRS TCS as a positive regulator of scrA expression. Collectively, our results show that ScrA is an activator of the SaeRS system and suggests that ScrA may act as an intermediary between the ArlRS and SaeRS systems.
Predictors of vision‐related quality of life in patients with macular oedema receiving intra‐vitreal anti‐VEGF treatment
Authors: Rausch‐Koster Petra T. , Rennert Katharina N. , Heymans Martijn W. , Verbraak Frank D. , van Rens Ger H. M. B. , van Nispen Ruth M. A. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractPurposeTo determine which demographic and clinical characteristics are predictive of vision‐related quality of life (VrQoL) and quality of life (QoL) in patients with macular oedema receiving intravitreal anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatment.MethodsVision‐related quality of life (VrQoL) and quality of life (QoL) were measured in 712 patients with retinal exudative disease receiving anti‐VEGF treatment at baseline, 6 and 12 months. VrQoL was measured using an item‐response theory based 47‐question item bank (EyeQ), whereas QoL was measured using the EuroQol Five Dimensions (EQ‐5D) questionnaire. The EQ‐5D score was dichotomized into a perfect score of 1 and a suboptimal score of <1. Demographic and clinical patient characteristics were considered as possible predictors of (Vr)QoL. Prediction models for (Vr)QoL were created with linear mixed models and generalised estimating equations, using a forward selection procedure.ResultsA worse VrQoL was predicted by poorer LogMAR visual acuity of the better eye, female sex, single civil status, older age, longer length of anti‐VEGF treatment at baseline and the presence of non‐ocular and ocular comorbidities. Suboptimal EQ‐5D scores were predicted by poorer LogMAR visual acuity of the better eye, female sex, single civil status, older age, the presence of non‐ocular comorbidities and a lower educational background.ConclusionsAlong with visual acuity of the better eye, which is the main factor used in clinical decision making, other patient characteristics should also be considered for the risk assessment of (Vr)QoL, such as sex, age, civil status, comorbidities and length of anti‐VEGF treatment.
The nationalization of school superintendent elections
Authors: Weinschenk Aaron C. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractObjectiveScholars have demonstrated that the U.S. presidential vote is increasingly correlated with voting patterns in House, Senate, gubernatorial, state legislative, and state judicial elections, a phenomenon called nationalization. In this article, I examine the relationship between vote share in presidential and school superintendent elections.MethodsI conduct correlation and regression analyses using an original data set containing county‐level election results from 2000 to 2021 for all states that hold statewide school superintendent elections.ResultsI find that there is a statistically significant relationship between presidential and superintendent voting in both partisan and nonpartisan elections even after accounting for incumbency, although the relationship is appreciably stronger in states that hold partisan school superintendent elections. In addition, there has been an uptick in the strength of the relationship between presidential and state superintendent vote patterns over time in both partisan and nonpartisan states, although the increase is more pronounced in nonpartisan states.ConclusionsThe results indicate that even some of the most low‐salience, down‐ballot elections have nationalized.
Paul the apostle and distance educator: Ancient pedagogy for the pandemic era
Authors: Yuckman Colin H. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractPerceptions about remote theological education inevitably cluster around questions of embodiment, community, and unity. The letters of the apostle Paul have quite a bit to say about these themes. This essay examines Paul's treatment of distance in the formation and education of Christians, focused around the image of the “body of Christ” in 1 Corinthians and the “presence” of Paul's absence through his letter‐writing. Reflecting on distance education with reference to Paul's Corinthian correspondence proves useful in developing a biblical and theological grammar for understanding remote formation, including an alternative to traditional theological anthropology. The 2020–2022 global pandemic has underscored the importance and urgency of developing such a reassessment of theological formation. Following the lessons learned from Paul as distance educator, the essay concludes with a series of questions for institutions to ask themselves as they seek a way forward in the pandemic era.
Gypsy retrotransposon‐derived maize lncRNA GARR2 modulates gibberellin response
Authors: Li Wei , Chen Yudong , Wang Yali , Zhao Jia , Wang Yijun 
Published: April 2022

SUMMARYLong non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) mediate diverse biological events mainly through the modulation of transcriptional hierarchy. The phytohormone gibberellin (GA) is essential for various aspects of plant growth and development. However, the roles of lncRNAs in the regulation of the GA response remain largely unknown. Through sequencing multiple strand‐specific and ribosomal‐depleted RNA libraries, we delineated the landscape of lncRNAs in maize (Zea mays). Out of identified lncRNAs, 445 GIBBERELLIN‐RESPONSIVE lncRNAs (GARRs) were differentially expressed upon GA application. By the intersection of GARRs from normal‐height and dwarf plants from an advanced backcross population, four shared GARRs (GARR1 to GARR4) were identified. Out of these four shared GARRs, GARR2 was derived from a Gypsy LTR retrotransposon. GA‐responsive element P‐boxes were identified upstream of GARR2. GARR2‐edited lines exhibited a GA‐induced phenotype. Editing of GARR2 resulted in changes in the transcriptional abundance of GA pathway components and endogenous GA contents. Besides GA, GARR2 affected the primary auxin response. An RNA pull‐down assay revealed the HECT ubiquitin–protein ligase family member ZmUPL1 as a potential interaction target of GARR2. GARR2 influenced the abundance of ZmUPL1 in the GA response. Our study uncovers lncRNA players involved in the modulation of the GA response and guides the development of plant height ideotype driven by knowledge of the phytohormone GA.