bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Atlas-based relaxometry and subsegment analysis of the substantia nigra pars compacta using quantitative MRI: a healthy volunteer study
Authors: Fujiwara Yasuhiro , Ishida Shota , Matta Yuki , Kanamoto Masayuki , Kimura Hirohiko 
Published: March 2022

Objective: Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by neuronal cell loss in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc). We aimed to perform atlas-based relaxometry using an anatomical SNpc atlas and obtain baseline values of SNpc regions in healthy volunteers. Methods: Neuromelanin (NM)-sensitive imaging of the midbrain and whole-brain 3D T1 weighted images of 27 healthy volunteers (20 males; aged 36.3 ± 11.5 years) were obtained. An anatomical SNpc atlas was created using NM-sensitive images in standard space, and divided into medial (MG), dorsal (DG), and ventrolateral (VG) groups. Proton density (PD), T1, and T2 values in these regions were obtained using quantitative MRI. The relationships between PD, T1, and T2 values in each SNpc region and age were evaluated. Results: The VG PD value was significantly higher than the MG and DG values. MG, DG, and VG T1 values were significantly different, whereas the T2 value of the MG was significantly lower than the DG and VG values. Moreover, a significant negative correlation between PD and T1 values of the MG and age was observed. Conclusion: The PD, T1, and T2 values of the SNpc regions measured in standard space using an anatomical atlas can be used as baseline values. PD and T1 values of the SNpc regions may be associated with NM concentrations. Advances in knowledge: An anatomical SNpc atlas was created using NM-sensitive MRI and can be used for the quantitative evaluation of subsegments of the SNpc in standard space.
Alphanumeric vs. Numeric Token Systems and the Healthcare Experience: Field Evidence from Healthcare Delivery in India
Authors: Rathee Shelly , Narula Kritika , Mishra Arul , Mishra Himanshu 
Published: March 2022

Long wait times for patients are an important health policy issue in many countries, especially developing countries in which there is generally poorer health infrastructure, appointments are not very common, and the opportunity cost of competing life priorities is high. In this research, we examine via field experiments in health clinics in India whether providing numeric versus alphanumeric wait tokens can affect pain perceptions of patients and whether the type of tokens can also affect their wait-time perception and visit satisfaction. Our research provides initial evidence that alphanumeric tokens, in most cases, lead to lower pain perception, lower wait-time perception, and higher satisfaction levels with the healthcare system compared with numeric tokens. However, this is not always true; we also demonstrate boundary conditions when numeric tokens perform better and when the differences between tokens are attenuated. We conducted field experiments in three separate clinics and vary the type of tokens (numeric versus alphanumeric) used to test multiple token operationalizations in varied healthcare contexts. We explain our findings using the cognitive strategy of wait-time perception and discuss why this strategy is helpful for a developing country. This paper was accepted by Matthew Shum, marketing. Supplemental Material: The web appendices are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.4389 .
A Rare Case of Elevated Osmolar Gap in Diabetic Ketoacidosis/Hyperosmolar Hyperglycaemic State in the Absence of Concomitant Toxic Alcohol Ingestion
Authors: Fichadiya Hardik , Noori Muhammad Atif Masood , Khandait Harshwardhan , Patel Latika , Jesani Shruti 
Published: April 2022

The serum osmolar gap, defined as the difference between measured osmolality and calculated osmolarity, is a convenient method to screen for toxins in serum. In normal circumstances, the difference between the two is 6–10 mol/kg. Typical contributors to serum osmolarity are sodium bicarbonate, sodium chloride, glucose and urea. An elevated gap, defined as a difference >10 mol/kg, can occur if a sufficient quantity of an additional solute other than those mentioned above is present in the serum or there are inaccuracies in sodium measurement secondary to hyperlipidaemia and hyperproteinaemia. An elevated serum osmolar gap should thus prompt clinicians to check for toxic alcohol levels. Treatment with fomepizole should not be delayed if suspicion is high. Isolated diabetic ketoacidosis can occasionally present with an elevated osmolar gap in the absence of concomitant alcohol ingestion. This finding is attributed to the production of acetone and glycerol. We describe the case of a 62-year-old man presenting with diabetic ketoacidosis/hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic state and an elevated osmolar gap in the absence of toxic alcohol ingestion.
An innovative change from face-to-face to remote assessment of clinical cases in BDS finals exams
Authors: Muthukrishnan Akhila , Hollen Linda , Staines Konrad , Puryer James 
Published: March 2022

Introduction As a response to the lockdown brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, an innovative change was made to a part of the University of Bristol’s Bachelor of Dental Surgery finals examination. Clinical cases, which were previously assessed face-to-face, were rapidly adapted to a remote assessment format and students’ perceptions of the enforced change were explored. Methods The blueprint of intended learning outcomes was carefully considered in making amendments. University level and external examiner approval was obtained for the transition from face-to-face to remote assessment. The connectivity and communication required for the remote format was tested prior to the assessment. A questionnaire was used to obtain feedback from students who undertook this remote assessment. Respondents were asked to rate their agreement with statements using a four-point Likert scale. Results The intended learning outcomes were satisfactorily assessed remotely. The assessment was delivered successfully with broadly positive perceptions of this new remote assessment format. Conclusions Remote clinical case assessments can be a suitable alternative to face-to-face conventional methods. Meticulous preparation is critical, including engagement with both staff and students as stakeholders.
Analysis of human clinical and environmental Leptospira to elucidate the eco-epidemiology of leptospirosis in Yaeyama, subtropical Japan
Authors: Sato Yukuto , Hermawan Idam , Kakita Tetsuya , Okano Sho , Imai Hideyuki , Nagai Hiroto , Kimura Ryosuke , Yamashiro Tetsu , Kajita Tadashi , Toma Claudia 
Published: March 2022

Background
Leptospirosis, a zoonosis caused by species in the spirochete genus Leptospira, is endemic to the Yaeyama region in Okinawa, subtropical Japan. Species of the P1 subclade “virulent” group, within the genus Leptospira, are the main etiological agents of leptospirosis in Okinawa. However, their environmental persistence is poorly understood. This study used a combination of bacterial isolation and environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding methods to understand the eco-epidemiology of leptospirosis in this endemic region.

Findings
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) characterized twelve human clinical L. interrogans isolates belonging to the P1 subclade “virulent” subgroup and 11 environmental soil isolates of the P1subclade “low virulent” subgroup (genetically related to L. kmetyi, n = 1; L. alstonii, n = 4; L. barantonii, n = 6) from the Yaeyama region targeting four virulence-related genes (lipL32, ligA, ligB and lpxD1). Clinical isolates were PCR positive for at least three targeted genes, while all environmental isolates were positive only for lipL32. Analysis of infected renal epithelial cells with selected clinical and environmental strains, revealed the disassembly of cell-cell junctions for the Hebdomadis clinical strain serogroup. Comparison of leptospiral eDNA during winter and summer identified operational taxonomic units corresponding to the species isolated from soil samples (L. kmetyi and L. barantonii) and additional P2 subclade species (L. licerasiae, L. wolffii-related, among others) that were not detected by soil cultivation. Total Leptospira read counts were higher in summer than in winter and the analysis of leptospiral/animal eDNA relationship suggested Rattus spp. as a potential reservoir animal.

Conclusion
Our study demonstrated high environmental Leptospira diversity in the Yaeyama region, particularly during summer, when most of the leptospirosis cases are reported. In addition, several Leptospira species with pathogenic potential were identified that have not yet been reported in Yaeyama; however, the environmental persistence of P1 subclade species previously isolated from human clinical cases in this region was absent, suggesting the need of further methodology development and surveillance.
A randomized controlled trial of a proportionate universal parenting program delivery model (E-SEE Steps) to enhance child social-emotional wellbeing
Authors: Bywater Tracey , Berry Vashti , Blower Sarah , Bursnall Matthew , Cox Edward , Mason-Jones Amanda , McGilloway Sinead , McKendrick Kirsty , Mitchell Siobhan , Pickett Kate , Richardson Gerry , Solaiman Kiera , Teare M. Dawn , Walker Simon , Whittaker Karen 
Published: April 2022

BackgroundEvidence for parenting programs to improve wellbeing in children under three is inconclusive. We investigated the fidelity, impact, and cost-effectiveness of two parenting programs delivered within a longitudinal proportionate delivery model (‘E-SEE Steps’).MethodsEligible parents with a child ≤ 8 weeks were recruited into a parallel two-arm, assessor blinded, randomized controlled, community-based, trial with embedded economic and process evaluations. Post-baseline randomization applied a 5:1 (intervention-to-control) ratio, stratified by primary (child social-emotional wellbeing (ASQ:SE-2)) and key secondary (maternal depression (PHQ-9)) outcome scores, sex, and site. All intervention parents received the Incredible Years®Baby Book (IY-B), and were offered the targeted Infant (IY-I)/Toddler (IY-T) program if eligible, based on ASQ:SE-2/PHQ-9 scores. Control families received usual services. Fidelity data were analysed descriptively. Primary analysis applied intention to treat. Effectiveness analysis fitted a marginal model to outcome scores. Cost-effectiveness analysis involved Incremental Cost-Effectiveness Ratios (ICERs).ResultsThe target sample (N = 606) was not achieved; 341 mothers were randomized (285:56), 322 (94%) were retained to study end. Of those eligible for the IY-I (n = 101), and IY-T (n = 101) programs, 51 and 21 respectively, attended. Eight (of 14) groups met the 80% self-reported fidelity criteria. No significant differences between arms were found for adjusted mean difference scores; ASQ:SE-2 (3.02, 95% CI: -0.03, 6.08, p = 0.052), PHQ-9 (-0.61; 95% CI: -1.34, 0.12, p = 0.1). E-SEE Steps had higher costs, but improved mothers’ Health-related Quality of Life (0.031 Quality Adjusted Life Year (QALY) gain), ICER of £20,062 per QALY compared to control. Serious adverse events (n = 86) were unrelated to the intervention.ConclusionsE-SEE Steps was not effective, but was borderline cost-effective. The model was delivered with varying fidelity, with lower-than-expected IY-T uptake. Changes to delivery systems and the individual programs may be needed prior to future evaluation.Trial registrationInternational Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number:ISRCTN11079129.
Clinical characteristics, systemic complications, and in-hospital outcomes for patients with COVID-19 in Latin America. LIVEN-Covid-19 study: A prospective, multicenter, multinational, cohort study
Authors: Reyes Luis F. , Bastidas Alirio , Narváez Paula O. , Parra-Tanoux Daniela , Fuentes Yuli V. , Serrano-Mayorga Cristian C. , Ortíz Valentina , Caceres Eder L. , Ospina-Tascon Gustavo , Díaz Ana M. , Jibaja Manuel , Vera Magdalena , Silva Edwin , Gorordo-Delsol Luis Antonio , Maraschin Francesca , Varón-Vega Fabio , Buitrago Ricardo , Poveda Marcela , Saucedo Lina M. , Estenssoro Elisa , Ortíz Guillermo , Nin Nicolás , Calderón Luis E. , Montaño Gina S. , Chaar Aldair J. , García Fernanda , Ramírez Vanessa , Picoita Fabricio , Peláez Cristian , Unigarro Luis , Friedman Gilberto , Cucunubo Laura , Bruhn Alejandro , Hernández Glenn , Martin-Loeches Ignacio ,   for the LIVEN-Covid-19 Investigators
Published: March 2022

Purpose
The COVID-19 pandemic has spread worldwide, and almost 396 million people have been infected around the globe. Latin American countries have been deeply affected, and there is a lack of data in this regard. This study aims to identify the clinical characteristics, in-hospital outcomes, and factors associated with ICU admission due to COVID-19. Furthermore, to describe the functional status of patients at hospital discharge after the acute episode of COVID-19.

Material and methods
This was a prospective, multicenter, multinational observational cohort study of subjects admitted to 22 hospitals within Latin America. Data were collected prospectively. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize patients, and multivariate regression was carried out to identify factors associated with severe COVID-19.

Results
A total of 3008 patients were included in the study. A total of 64.3% of patients had severe COVID-19 and were admitted to the ICU. Patients admitted to the ICU had a higher mean (SD) 4C score (10 [3] vs. 7 [3)], p<0.001). The risk factors independently associated with progression to ICU admission were age, shortness of breath, and obesity. In-hospital mortality was 24.1%, whereas the ICU mortality rate was 35.1%. Most patients had equal self-care ability at discharge 43.8%; however, ICU patients had worse self-care ability at hospital discharge (25.7% [497/1934] vs. 3.7% [40/1074], p<0.001).

Conclusions
This study confirms that patients with SARS CoV-2 in the Latin American population had a lower mortality rate than previously reported. Systemic complications are frequent in patients admitted to the ICU due to COVID-19, as previously described in high-income countries.
Correlates of prevalent syphilis infection among men who have sex with men (MSM) living with HIV attending the HIV clinic in Trinidad
Authors: Edwards R. Jeffrey , Mohammed Abigail , Lavia Leon-Omari , Edwards Jonathan , Verma Shiva , Reddy Saketh , Boyce Gregory 
Published: March 2022

Background
Syphilis among men who have sex with men (MSM) living with HIV is of public health concern, thus the objective of the study is to determine the correlates of prevalent syphilis infection in this population so that urgent interventions could be instituted.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted during the period September 2020-June 2021 among MSM who attended a large HIV Clinic in Trinidad. A questionnaire was administered to obtain socio-demographic data and correlates of prevalent syphilis and patients were screened for syphilis using the traditional algorithm. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were conducted and multivariable logistic regression factors was used to assess factors significantly associated with a syphilis diagnosis.

Results
Two hundred and sixty four MSM were enrolled; age range 18–64 years, median age 33 years and 89 (34.4%) were actively bisexual. The prevalence of syphilis was 28% (74/264) and 89.2% (66/74) of these infections were asymptomatic. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that those patients who participated in sex with anonymous partners (OR 2.09; 95% CI, 1.03–4.26), those with a previous diagnosis of syphilis (OR 5.16; 95% CI, 1.03–25.83) and those who used marijuana in the last 12 months (OR 2.13; 95% CI, 1.14–3.96) were more likely to be diagnosed with syphilis.

Conclusion
There is a high prevalence of asymptomatic syphilis among MSM living with HIV in Trinidad. Repeat episodes of syphilis and anonymous sex may play a role in the transmission dynamics of T pallidum infection in this population, thus urgent public health prevention interventions are warranted.
Clinical effectiveness of beta-lactams versus fluoroquinolones as empirical therapy in patients with diabetes mellitus hospitalized for urinary tract infections: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Tang Yu-Hsin , Lu Po-Liang , Huang Ho-Yin , Lin Ying-Chi 
Published: March 2022

Background
Diabetic patients are at risk of severe urinary tract infections (UTIs). Due to the emerging resistance rates to fluoroquinolones and β-lactams, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of β-lactams versus fluoroquinolones as empirical therapy for diabetic patients hospitalized for UTIs.

Methods
A retrospective cohort study was conducted in a medical center in Taiwan between 2016 and 2018. Patients with type 2 diabetes, aged ≥20 and hospitalized for UTIs were enrolled. Patients with UTI diagnosis within one year before the admission, co-infections at the admission, or ≥2 pathogens in the urine cultures were excluded. The primary outcome was empiric treatment failure.

Results
298 patients were followed for at least 30 days after the admission. Escherichia coli (61.07%) was the most common pathogen. The resistance rates of the pathogens to levofloxacin were 28.52% and 34.22% according to the historical Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) breakpoints and the updated 2019 CLSI breakpoints, respectively. The resistance rates of ceftazidime and cefepime were 21.81% and 11.41%, respectively. Empirical β-lactams were associated with less treatment failure compared to fluoroquinolones (adjusted OR = 0.32, 95% CI = 0.17–0.60). Beta-lactams were associated with less treatment failure than fluoroquinolones when appropriatness was determined by the pre-2019 CLSI breakpoints but not the 2019 CLSI breakpoints.

Conclusions
In diabetic patients hospitalized for UTIs, β-lactams were associated with less empiric treatment failure compared to fluoroquinolones when the resistance rate to fluoroquinolone is higher than β-lactams. The updated 2019 CLSI breakpoint for fluoroquinolone was better than pre-2019 CLSI breakpoints to correlate with treatment outcomes for hospitalized UTIs in diabetic patients.
Conflictos ambientales y participación social en torno al turismo residencial en Latinoamérica. Experiencias en Región Este, Uruguay
Authors: Gadino Isabel , Sciandro José Luis , Goldberg Nathalie 
Published: April 2022

Mientras teoría y legislación avanzan hacia modelos de gobernanza abierta y participativa, uno de los principales motivos de movilización en América Latina son los conflictos ambientales. En la costa de Región Este, Uruguay, territorio destinado históricamente al turismo residencial, múltiples aprobaciones de proyectos ubicados en primera línea frente al mar o sobre la playa, son en general vividas como atropellos por la sociedad civil. En este contexto interesa saber qué tipo de participación para el desarrollo urbano costero se abre a partir del ordenamiento territorial.
Se analiza información cualitativa y cuantitativa surgida de talleres participativos, encuestas a residentes, entrevistas a grupos activistas locales y un manifiesto público de las organizaciones costeras a nivel nacional. Se aprecia la fuerte preocupación por la conservación de las condiciones ambientales del sitio, baja información sobre temas específicos costeros y dificultades para incidir en las decisiones finales. Los resultados coinciden con planteos internacionales sobre la instalación del discurso oficial de la gobernanza ambiental, sin un progreso real que permita lograr cambios importantes en el modelo de desarrollo asociado al extractivismo inmobiliario. La situación planteada demanda con urgencia la instalación de formatos permanentes de diálogo horizontal entre actores, que aun sin ser legalmente vinculantes, fomenten el conocimiento y permitan una participación real sobre la planificación territorial litoral.
Strip spraying technology for precise herbicide application in carrot fields
Authors: Rybacki Piotr , Przygodziński Przemysław , Blecharczyk Andrzej , Kowalik Ireneusz , Osuch Andrzej , Osuch Ewa 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
The aim of this empirical field research was to show potential differences due to the precise application of herbicides in the quality and size of the carrot root yield and the amount of working liquid used compared to those for control samples. Empirical verification of the effectiveness of the developed technology, confirmed by statistical analyses of the obtained results, allows for a comparative assessment of this method with the conventional method of herbicide application used in this study. Due to the methodology used, it can be assumed that for carrots, the years were a random factor, and the experiments carried out were a series. It can be assumed that in the analysis of a series of experiments, for each of the examined features there are no differences between the groups and there is no interaction of the groups with the years. The yields of the groups weeded manually, sprayed in a conventional way, and weeded with precise spraying did not differ in a statistically significant way. In the precise application, a 20–30% lower herbicide consumption was observed, which has an impact on the protection of the environment and improves the economic effect of carrot production.
Monodromic model for Khovanov–Rozansky homology
Authors: Bezrukavnikov Roman , Tolmachov Kostiantyn 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
We describe a new geometric model for the Hochschild cohomology of Soergel bimodules based on the monodromic Hecke category studied earlier by the first author and Yun. Moreover, we identify the objects representing individual Hochschild cohomology groups (for the zero and the top degree cohomology this reduces to an earlier result of Gorsky, Hogancamp, Mellit and Nakagane). These objects turn out to be closely related to explicit character sheaves corresponding to exterior powers of the reflection representation of the Weyl group. Applying the described functors to the images of braids in the Hecke category of type A we obtain a geometric description for Khovanov–Rozansky knot homology, essentially different from the one considered earlier by Webster and Williamson.
Malachite green dye removal using ceramsite-supported nanoscale zero-valent iron in a fixed-bed reactor
Authors: Li Tianpeng , Chen Hongkai , Wang Zhengqing , Ding Huadong , Xiao Ce , Li Ce , Sun Tingting 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
In this study, we prepared and characterized ceramsite-supported nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI). Malachite green (MG) dye removal from aqueous solutions using a fixed-bed reactor packed with the above composite material was investigated. This research was carried out according to the prophase study of the preparation and characterization of ceramsite material for water treatment using sintering method from solid wastes. The results indicated that ceramsite could be loaded with nZVI, mainly because of its magnetic property. With the decrease in the initial concentration and influent flow rate or the increase in the reaction temperature, the breakthrough curve became less steep. Meanwhile, the breakthrough and saturation points gradually shifted rightward. When the initial concentration was 10 mg·L−1, the reaction temperature was 25°C, and the influent flow rate was 5 mL·min−1, the breakthrough curve presented an irregular “S” shape, the breakthrough and saturation times were 230 and 515 h, respectively. The characterization of MG dye-containing wastewater treatment using ceramsite-supported nZVI in a fixed-bed reactor by employing the Yoon-Nelson kinetic model was superior to those using the Thomas and Adams-Bohart kinetic models, with R
2 > 0.96.