bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of symptoms and symptom change across different heart failure subtypes: a sex-stratified analysis
Authors: Seckin Muzeyyen , Johnston Bridget , Petrie Mark C , Stewart Simon , Chan Yih-Kai 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Aims
To examine sex-stratified differences in the association of left ventricular ejection fraction-based heart failure (HF) subtypes and the characteristics and correlates of self-reported changes in HF symptoms.

Methods and results
We report a secondary data analysis from 528 hospitalized individuals diagnosed with HF characterised by a reduced, mildly reduced, or preserved ejection fraction [HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), HF with mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF), or HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF)] who completed 12-month follow-up within a multicentre disease management trial. There were 302 men (71.1 ± 11.9 years, 58% with HFrEF) and 226 women (77.1 ± 10.6 years, 49% with HFpEF). The characteristics of self-reported symptoms measured by the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) at baseline and 12-month were analysed. At baseline, shortness of breath and fatigue predominated; with key differences according to HF subtypes in bilateral ankle oedema (both sexes), walking problems (women) and depressive symptoms (men). At 12-month follow-up, most KCCQ scores had not significantly changed. However, 25% of individuals reported worse symptom. In women, those with HFpEF had worse symptoms than those with HFmrEF/HFrEF (P = 0.025). On an adjusted basis, women [odds ratios (OR): 1.78, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.00–3.16 vs. men], those with coronary artery disease (OR: 2.01, 95% CI: 1.21–3.31) and baseline acute pulmonary oedema (OR: 1.67, 95% CI: 1.02–2.75) were most likely to report worsening symptoms. Among men, worsening symptoms correlated with a history of hypertension (OR: 2.16, 95% CI: 1.07–4.35) and a non-English-speaking background (OR: 2.30, 95% CI: 1.02–5.20).

Conclusion
We found significant heterogeneity (with potential clinical implications) in the symptomatic characteristics and subsequent symptom trajectory according to the sex and HF subtype of those hospitalized with the syndrome.

Trial Registration
ANZCTR12613000921785
Willingness to pay for a National Health Insurance Scheme in The Gambia: a contingent valuation study
Authors: Njie Hassan , Wangen Knut Reidar , Chola Lumbwe , Gopinathan Unni , Mdala Ibrahimu , Sundby Johanne S , Ilboudo Patrick G C 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
In pursuit of universal health coverage, many low- and middle-income countries are reforming their health financing systems and introducing health insurance schemes. As part of these reforms, lawmakers in The Gambia enacted ‘The National Health Insurance Bill, 2021’. The Act will establish a National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) that pays for the cost of healthcare services for its members. This study assessed Gambians’ willingness to pay (WTP) for a NHIS. Using multistage sampling design with no replacement, head/co-head of households were presented with a hypothetical health insurance scheme from July to August 2020. Their WTP and factors influencing WTP were elicited using a contingent valuation method. Descriptive statistics were used to describe sample characteristics. Lopez-Feldman’s modified ordered probit model and linear regression were applied to estimate respondents’ WTP as well as identify factors that influence their WTP. More than 90% of the respondents—677 (94.4%) were willing to join and pay for the scheme. Half of these respondents—398 (58.8%) agreed to pay the first bid of US dollars (US$) 20.78 or Gambian dalasi (GMD) 1000. The average WTP was estimated at US$23.27 (GMD1119.82), whereas average maximum amount to pay was US$26.01 (GMD1251.16). Results of the two models together showed that gender, level of education and household income were statistically significant, with the latter showing negative influence on WTP. The study found that Gambians were largely receptive to the scheme and have stated their willingness to contribute. Our findings can inform policymakers in The Gambia and other sub-Saharan countries when establishing contribution rates and exemption criteria during social health insurance scheme implementation.
Acceleration of gossip algorithms through the Euler–Poisson–Darboux Equation
Authors: Berthier Raphaël , Li Mufan (Bill) 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Gossip algorithms and their accelerated versions have been studied exclusively in discrete time on graphs. In this work, we take a different approach and consider the scaling limit of gossip algorithms in both large graphs and large number of iterations. These limits lead to well-known partial differential equations (PDEs) with insightful properties. On lattices, we prove that the non-accelerated gossip algorithm of Boyd et al. (2006) converges to the heat equation, and the accelerated Jacobi polynomial iteration of Berthier et al. (2020) converges to the Euler–Poisson–Darboux (EPD) equation—a damped wave equation. Remarkably, with appropriate parameters, the fundamental solution of the EPD equation has the ideal gossip behaviour: a uniform density over an ellipsoid, whose radius increases at a rate proportional to $t$—the fastest possible rate for locally communicating gossip algorithms. This is in contrast with the heat equation where the density spreads on a typical scale of $\sqrt{t}$. Additionally, we provide simulations demonstrating that the gossip algorithms are accurately approximated by their limiting PDEs.
Dedicated teams to optimize quality and safety of surgery: A systematic review
Authors: Lentz C M , De Lind Van Wijngaarden R A F , Willeboordse F , Hooft L , van der Laan M J 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
A dedicated operating team is defined as a surgical team consisting of the same group of people working together over time, optimally attuned in both technical and/or communicative aspects. This can be achieved through technical and/or communicative training in a team setting. A dedicated surgical team may contribute to the optimization of healthcare quality and patient safety within the perioperative period.

Method
A systematic review was conducted to evaluate the effects of a dedicated surgical team on clinical and performance outcomes. MEDLINE and Embase were searched on 23 June 2022. Both randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomized studies (NRSs) were included. Primary outcomes were mortality, complications and readmissions. Secondary outcomes were costs and performance measures.

Results
Fourteen studies were included (RCTs n = 1; NRSs n = 13). Implementation of dedicated operating teams was associated with improvements in mortality, turnover time, teamwork, communication and costs. No significant differences were observed in readmission rates and length of hospital stay. Results regarding duration, glitch counts and complications of surgery were inconclusive. Limitations include study conduct and heterogeneity between studies.

Conclusions
The institution of surgical teams who followed communicative and/or technical training appeared to have beneficial effects on several clinical outcome measures. Dedicated teams provide a feasible way of improving healthcare quality and patient safety. A dose–response effect of team training was reported, but also a relapse rate, suggesting that repetitive training is of major concern to high-quality patient care. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings, due to limited level of evidence in current literature.

Prospero registration number
CRD42020145288
Objective Burn Scar Assessment in Clinical Practice Using the Cutometer©: Introduction and Validation of a Standardized Measurement Protocol
Authors: Klimitz Felix J , Neubauer Hubert , Stolle Annette , Ripper Sabine , Daeschler Simeon C , Aman Martin , Boecker Arne , Thomas Benjamin , Kneser Ulrich , Harhaus Leila 
Published: October 2022

AbstractAn objective burn scar assessment is essential to informed therapeutic decision-making and to monitor scar development over time. However, widely employed scar rating scales show poor inter-rater reliability. For this study we developed a standardized measurement protocol for the Cutometer© applicable for objective burn scar assessment in everyday clinical practice. We developed a measurement protocol for the Cutometer© MPA 580 including a scar site relocation technique based on anatomical landmarks. The protocol emerged through several steps: Identifying key factors for valid and reliable measurements, preliminary testing, specification of technical details, refining the protocol and final testing. Consecutively, the protocol was validated for inter-rater reliability by assessing 34 burn scars in 17 patients by four clinicians and computing an Intra-class Correlation Coefficient (ICC). Parameter R0, representing scar pliability, was identified as the best suited output parameter yielding excellent inter-rater reliability for average measures (ICC 0.92 [95% CI 0.86; 0.96]) and acceptable reliability for single measures (ICC: 0.74 [0.61; 0.84]). The pressure applied on the measuring probe was identified as an influential confounding factor for reliable measurements. Rater gender did not influence reliability of measurements. The introduced standardized measurement protocol for the Cutometer© MPA 580 enables an objective and reliable burn scar assessment for clinical as well as research purposes.
The EU Sustainable Finance Framework in Light of International Standards
Authors: Zetzsche Dirk A , Bodellini Marco , Consiglio Roberta 
Published: October 2022

ABSTRACT
This paper analyses the relationship between the EU sustainable finance legal framework and the most common international environmental, social, and governance standards. We find that standards included in the EU sustainable finance legal framework partly overlap with the international environmental, social and governance standards, while diverging as to the details. This overlap creates frictions, given that financial service providers need to decide which of the overlapping, yet partly diverging, standards they apply. The EU environmental taxonomy presents unique features and a higher level of sophistication when compared to the international environmental, social and governance standards. This may result in both upsides and downsides. On the upside, the EU sustainable finance legal framework could function as a pacemaker and facilitate impact measurement across the industry, while on the downside, we see additional costs for firms and resistance against the granular EU approach. At the same time, the EU sustainable finance legal framework lacks details on the social and governance dimensions. Here, reference to the international standards compensates for the lack of an EU social and governance taxonomy. While this allows for alignment of EU and international social and governance-oriented investors, a greater degree of sophistication at the EU level could enhance the potential for impact measurement—a particularly important aspect for socially sustainable investments.
A retrospective evaluation of the effectiveness of a targeted medicines use review service in improving asthma and COPD control provided by community pharmacists in England
Authors: Dhesi Amardeep , Al-Kharsan Zainab , Chan Amy Hai Yan 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Objective
Medicines Use Reviews (MUR) may benefit asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) control. The present study evaluates the effect of respiratory-targeted MUR-plus (MUR+) services delivered by community pharmacists on disease control.

Methods
A retrospective analysis of MUR+ data in the PharmOutcomes database was conducted. All patients receiving respiratory-targeted MUR+ in Milton Keynes were included. Changes in asthma control test (ACT) and COPD assessment test (CAT) scores were analysed.

Key findings
A total of 191 asthma and 81 COPD patients received MUR+. Asthma and COPD control improved as shown by the increase in mean ACT [+1.2 (95% CI, 0.6–1.8)] and decrease in mean CAT [−0.2 (95% CI, −1.4 to 1.0)]. Baseline ACT, smoking cessation, absence of change in drug therapy, patient education, healthcare professional referral, device training and baseline ACT score ≤19 were associated with change in ACT, but only smoking cessation was related to CAT change. A multivariable regression model comprising the aforementioned variables explained 19% of the variance in ACT change (P &lt; 0.001). Only baseline ACT was associated with ACT change (beta = −0.34, P &lt; 0.01). Baseline CAT, absence of change in drug therapy, smoking cessation and baseline CAT score &gt;20 accounted for 12% of the variance in changes in CAT (P = 0.046). No variable was significantly associated with CAT change.

Conclusions
Respiratory-targeted MUR+ service by community pharmacists was associated with improvements in asthma control among patients with poorer baseline ACT, but not in patients with COPD. Several potentially modifiable factors such as education were associated with changes in control.
Estimation of radiological impact of the activities of Olusosun Dump Site on workers and dwellers of Olusosun, in Lagos Southwest Nigeria
Authors: Ogungbemi Kayode Idowu , Adedokun Margret Bose , Ibitoye Ayo Zaccheaus , Oyebola Olusola Olurotimi , Owoade Ronke Latifat 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
This study assessed the potential radiological risks associated with the activities on Olusosun dump site on workers and dwellers of Olusosun community. The activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th and 40K from of soil and water samples were determined using High-Purity Germanium (HPGe) detector. The background radiation level of Olusosun dump site was measured using a portable Geiger-Müller counter-Radeye B20 survey meter. The mean value of background radiation was 1.46 mSv/yr. This value is about 46% higher than the recommended reference level of 1.0 mSv/yr for the public. The mean activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th and 40K in the soil samples were 19.1 ± 3.2, 29.1 ± 4.4 and 171.5 ± 6.1 Bq/kg respectively which are about 45.4%, 35.3% and 59.2% lower than the world’s average levels. For the water samples, the mean activity concentrations obtained for 238U, 232Th and 40K are 0.4 ± 0.4, 0.8 ± 0.2 and 0.8 ± 0.3 Bq/l respectively. These are about 99.9% and 20% lower than WHO reference levels for 238U and 232Th. The mean absorbed dose rate in air (D), Annual effective dose (AED) outdoor, Radium Equivalent (Req), External hazard index (Hex) internal hazard index (Hin) and Excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) from soil samples were 33.6 nGy/h, 41.0 μSv/yr, 73.1 Bq/kg and 0.2, 0.3 and $1.4\times{10}^{-4}$, respectively. Absorbed dose in air D, AED outdoor, Req, Hex, Hin and ELCR are 41.1%, 41.4%, 80.3%, 80%, 75% and 50% lower than their corresponding world’s average and references. The estimated AEDw from ingestion of water is 148.9 ± 50.4 μSv/yr, this is about 49% higher than the WHO reference level of 100.0 μSv/y from ingestion of water. The radiological hazard indices estimated from soil samples do not indicate any potential risks to the users. The elevated background radiation level of the dump site, and AEDw from ingestion of water, however, suggest that the activities on Olusosun dump site pose potential radiological risks on workers on the site and the public from consumption of water from Olusosun community.
Delayed surgical strategy for type A aortic dissection associated with acute hepatitis C cryoglobulinaemia
Authors: Ahmed-Issap Amber , Balacumaraswami Lognathen 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
An aortic dissection is a condition resulting from a tunica intima tear of the aortic wall creating a ‘false lumen’. An acute Stanford type A (involves the aortic arch and/or ascending aorta) aortic dissection requires emergency surgical repair. To our knowledge, we report the first case in the literature where the treatment for an acute type A aortic dissection was intentionally delayed. This was decided following a multidisciplinary team discussion where it was agreed that the patient’s active hepatitis C infection should be treated prior to surgery. The patient re-presented to the hospital 4 months later with acute dyspnoea and orthopnoea where he was diagnosed with an acute-on-chronic type A aortic dissection with trachea compression. This was successfully treated with emergency surgery. However, the patient suffered residual dyspnoea, likely due to phrenic nerve injury demonstrating the impact of untreated aortic arch distension on the neighbouring trachea and phrenic nerve.
Metabolic link between auxin production and specialized metabolites in Sorghum bicolor
Authors: Perez Veronica C , Dai Ru , Tomiczek Breanna , Mendoza Jorrel , Wolf Emily S A , Grenning Alexander , Vermerris Wilfred , Block Anna K , Kim Jeongim 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Aldoximes are amino acid derivatives that serve as intermediates for numerous specialized metabolites including cyanogenic glycosides, glucosinolates, and auxins. Aldoxime formation is mainly catalyzed by cytochrome P450 monooxygenases of the 79 family (CYP79s) that can have broad or narrow substrate specificity. Except for SbCYP79A1, aldoxime biosynthetic enzymes in the cereal sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) have not been characterized. This study identified nine CYP79-encoding genes in the genome of sorghum. A phylogenetic analysis of CYP79 showed that SbCYP79A61 formed a subclade with maize ZmCYP79A61, previously characterized to be involved in aldoxime biosynthesis. Functional characterization of this sorghum enzyme using transient expression in Nicotiana benthamiana and stable overexpression in Arabidopsis thaliana revealed that SbCYP79A61 catalyzes the production of phenylacetaldoxime (PAOx) from phenylalanine but, unlike the maize enzyme, displays no detectable activity against tryptophan. Additionally, targeted metabolite analysis after stable isotope feeding assays revealed that PAOx can serve as a precursor of phenylacetic acid (PAA) in sorghum and identified benzyl cyanide as an intermediate of PAOx-derived PAA biosynthesis in both sorghum and maize. Taken together, our results demonstrate that SbCYP79A61 produces PAOx in sorghum and may serve in the biosynthesis of other nitrogen-containing phenylalanine-derived metabolites involved in mediating biotic and abiotic stresses.
The natural product rotundic acid treats both aging and obesity by inhibiting PTP1B
Authors: Zhu Jie , An Yongpan , Wang Xin , Huang Liting , Kong Weikaixin , Gao Miaomiao , Wang Jingxiang , Sun Xinpei , Zhu Sujie , Xie Zhengwei 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThe occurrence of obesity is associated with age. But their interplay remains mysterious. Here, we discovered that rotundic acid (RA), a plant-derived pentacyclic triterpene, was a powerful agent for both anti-aging and treating obesity. Considering that obese individuals decrease the appetite-suppressing and energy-expenditure-enhancing functions of leptin leading to obesity, we found RA was a leptin sensitizer, evidenced by observations that RA enhanced the leptin sensitivity to normal diet-induced obese (DIO) mice, and had minimal or no use to normal lean mice, leptin receptor-deficient (db/db) mice, and leptin-deficient (ob/ob) mice. Simultaneously, RA significantly increased energy expenditure, BAT thermogenesis, and glucose metabolism in DIO mice, as the results of enhancing leptin sensitivity. Regarding mode of action, we demonstrated that RA is a noncompetitive inhibitor of leptin negative regulators protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) and T-cell PTP through interaction with their C-terminus, thus leading to weight loss through enhancing leptin sensitivity. Besides, we showed that deletion of yPTP1 in yeast completely abolished the lifespan extension effect of RA, celstrol, and withaferin A, while these compounds exhibited PTP1B inhibition activity. Furthermore, PTP1B knockdown extend lifespan in yeast and human cells, indicating PTP1B is an important factor regulating cellular aging.
Clinical Interviewing and Cultural Conceptualization
Authors: Mercado Alfonso , Venta Amanda 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThis chapter highlights the importance of cultural clinical interviewing and case conceptualization via a cultural lens. The authors present a clinical case that illustrates the importance of integrating cultural values in the clinical interview. In addition, they explore the differences between psychopathology, culturally sanctioned experiences, and culture bound syndromes among Latinx persons, and they offer suggested guidelines to effectively conduct a cultural clinical interview and culturally informed assessment.
Future Directions in Psychological Assessment with Culturally Diverse Groups
Authors: Mercado Alfonso , Venta Amanda 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThe final chapter discusses future directions in research with Latinx groups, highlighting acculturation and adaptations for new waves of immigrants. This chapter summarizes the importance of recognizing the within-group variability among Latinx persons and the importance of expanding training and evidenced-based practices. A call to action is illustrated, and the chapter concludes with a summary section of the book.
Waveforms and Artifacts
Authors: Rubin Devon I. 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
In the practice of clinical neurophysiology, spontaneously generated or stimulus-induced electrical signals from neural tissue in the central, peripheral, and autonomic systems are recorded and displayed as waveforms through digital equipment. Each recorded waveform represents a change over time in the potential difference between two recording points and reflects the summated static or propagating electrical fields generated by or along nerve or muscle structures. If no change occurs in the potential difference, a flat line with no signal is recorded, even if there is a voltage difference between the points. Changes in potential difference are broadly classified as continuous or intermittent. Continuous waveforms are characterized by a relatively smooth, continuously varying appearance. These are most commonly seen in electroencephalogram (EEG) and related studies. Intermittent waveforms are single, discrete events that occur on a flat background. These are typical of those seen in electromyography, such as the waveform of a fibrillation potential or a motor unit potential. However, there is overlap in these patterns such that an EEG can have discrete, intermittent waveforms superimposed on continuous background waveforms (e.g., the spike discharges in epilepsy). Each type of waveform can be characterized by several different parameters: firing frequency, amplitude, and morphology. Changes in each of these waveform parameters may occur in diseases, and discrete waveforms themselves may be abnormal. Artifacts can alter all of the variables used to describe the continuous and discrete waveforms recorded in clinical neurophysiology. This chapter reviews the basic concepts of waveforms recorded during clinical neurophysiology testing.
Adult EEG
Authors: Noe Katherine H. , Drazkowski Joseph F. 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
This chapter reviews the key characters of epileptiform activity and provides classic examples of such activity on standard electroencephalographic (EEG) recordings. The clinician evaluating patients with suspected seizures or neurologic spells typically relies on the use of standard EEG recording as a diagnostic tool, especially early in the evaluation process. Accurate recognition of true epileptiform activity versus potential mimics, combined with the proper reporting of such activity, continues to have important implications for the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy, neurologic spells and seizures. This chapter presents common and less commonly seen examples of epileptiform activity that are often useful in clinical practice.