bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic diversity and detection of candidate loci associated with alternative morphotypes in a tailed amphibian
Authors: Toli Elisavet A , Bounas Anastasios , Merilä Juha , Sotiropoulos Konstantinos 
Published: September 2022

AbstractPhenotypic changes in response to environmental cues allow organisms to adapt and enhance their fitness in a given habitat. Despite the significance of phenotypic plasticity in the evolution and ecology of natural populations and the ongoing development of new genomic tools, the underlying genetic basis is still largely unknown. Herein, we examined the underlying mechanisms of genetic and phenotypic divergence among alternative morphs of a natural population of the Greek smooth newt (Lissotriton graecus). The studied population consists of fully aquatic individuals exhibiting facultative paedomorphosis, the retention of larval traits such as gills, and individuals that have passed metamorphosis (paedomorphic vs. metamorphic newts). Based on the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) obtained, we observed low genetic divergence between the two alternative morphs and similar levels of gene diversity on neutral markers. Despite the observed high gene flow between the morphs, an Fst approach for outliers detected candidate loci putatively associated with the alternative morphs that mapped to four genes. These identified genes have functional roles in metabolic processes that may mediate the persistence of alternative ontogenetic trajectories.
Cross-direct effects in settings with two mediators
Authors: Gabriel Erin E , Sjölander Arvid , Follmann Dean , Sachs Michael C 
Published: September 2022

Summary
When multiple mediators are present, there are additional effects that may be of interest beyond the well-known natural (NDE) and controlled direct effects (CDE). These effects cross the type of control on the mediators, setting one to a constant level and one to its natural level, which differs across subjects. We introduce five such estimands for the cross-CDE and -NDE when two mediators are measured. We consider both the scenario where one mediator is influenced by the other, referred to as sequential mediators, and the scenario where the mediators do not influence each other. Such estimands may be of interest in immunology, as we discuss in relation to measured immunological responses to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. We provide identifying expressions for the estimands in observational settings where there is no residual confounding, and where intervention, outcome, and mediators are of arbitrary type. We further provide tight symbolic bounds for the estimands in randomized settings where there may be residual confounding of the outcome and mediator relationship and all measured variables are binary.
Definition and diagnosis of postsurgical hypoparathyroidism after thyroid surgery: meta-analysis
Authors: Nagel Kathrin , Hendricks Anne , Lenschow Christina , Meir Michael , Hahner Stefanie , Fassnacht Martin , Wiegering Armin , Germer Christoph-Thomas , Schlegel Nicolas 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Background
Postsurgical hypoparathyroidism (PH) is the most frequent complication after thyroid surgery. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to summarize a unifying definition of PH and to elucidate the best possible approach for early detection of PH.

Methods
A systematic review of the literature according to the PICO framework using Embase, PUBMED and the Cochrane library was carried out on 1 December 2021 followed by analysis for risk of bias, data extraction and meta-analysis. All studies addressing the definition of postoperative hypoparathyroidism and/or diagnostic approaches for early detection and diagnosis were included. Case reports, commentaries, non-English articles, book chapters and pilot studies and reviews were excluded.

Results
From 13 704 articles, 188 articles were eligible for inclusion and further analysis. These articles provided heterogeneous definitions of PH. Meta-analysis revealed that postoperative measurements of parathormone (PTH) levels have a higher sensitivity and specificity than intraoperative PTH measurements to predict PH after thyroid surgery. None of the timeframes analysed after surgery within the first postoperative day (POD1) was superior to predict the onset of PH. PTH levels of less than 15 pg/ml and less than 10 pg/ml are both reliable threshold levels to predict the postoperative onset of PH. A relative reduction of mean(s.d.) PTH levels from pre- to postoperative values of 73 (standard deviation 11) per cent may also be predictive for the development of PH. The estimation of calcium levels on POD1 are recommended.

Conclusion
PH is best defined as an undetectable or inappropriately low postoperative PTH level in the context of hypocalcaemia with or without hypocalcaemic symptoms. PTH levels should be measured after surgery within 24 h. Both threshold levels below 10 and 15 pg/ml or relative loss of PTH before/after thyroid surgery are reliable to predict the onset of PH.
Correlation between diastolic seismocardiography variables and echocardiography variables
Authors: Agam Ahmad , Søgaard Peter , Kragholm Kristian , Jensen Ask Schou , Sørensen Kasper , Hansen John , Schmidt Samuel 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Aims
Echocardiography is a key diagnostic tool for assessment of myocardial performance and haemodynamics. Seismocardiography (SCG) can potentially provide fast and reliable assessments of key components related to myocardial performance. The aims of this study were to investigate the correlation between SCG and echocardiographic measures, and a decrease in preload by raising the subjects to a 30° head-up tilt position would be detected by both echocardiography and SCG.

Methods and results
A total of 45 subjects were included in the study. SCG and electrocardiogram were recorded simultaneously and afterwards echocardiography was recorded. The SCG signals were divided into individual heart beats using a duration-dependent Markov model. Using a fiducial point detection algorithm, the diastolic fiducial points were identified. The amplitudes from the SCG showed a high correlation, especially with the variable e′ from the echocardiography. The peak-to-peak amplitude of the diastolic SCG complex and e′ had a high correlation of 0.713 (P &lt; 0.001). The second minimum in diastolic occurring after the closing of the aortic valve was the only amplitude showing a high correlation when comparing supine with head-up tilt in the SCG. All the echocardiography variables but E/e′ showed a high correlation when comparing supine with head-up tilt.

Conclusion
The results found in this study showed a high correlation between the amplitudes from the diastolic SCG and the diastolic variable e′ from the echocardiography, thus indicating that the SCG could potentially be utilized to evaluate the diastolic function.
European survey on valvular heart disease clinical experience from the European Society of Cardiology council on valvular heart disease
Authors: Sannino Anna , Campbell Sarah , Grapsa Julia , Modine Thomas , Barbanti Marco , Chambers John B , Zamorano Jose L , Pibarot Philippe , Garbi Madalina , Vannan Mani , Habib Gilbert , Lancellotti Patrizio 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Aims
The aim of this survey is to analyze how current recommendations on valvular heart disease (VHD) management have been adopted. Identifying potential discrepancies between recommendations and everyday clinical practice would enable us to better understand and address the remaining challenges in this controversial and complex field.

Methods and results
A total of 33 questions, distributed via email to all European Society of Cardiology (ESC) affiliated countries through the newsletter of the ESC council on VHD, were answered by 689 respondents, mainly from tertiary care settings. The results of this survey showed that VHD patients are mostly managed by tertiary care centres, where multi-disciplinary heart teams are frequently a reality. Cardiac computed tomography (CT) is often used in the preprocedural planning of transcatheter interventions, particularly for sizing and deliverability assessment. Echocardiography represents the most widely used imaging modality in the diagnostic, intra-operative and follow-up phase of VHD patients. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is still largely underused, also for conditions such as mitral annular disjunction, or for the assessment of left ventricle volumes where it is considered as the gold standard, despite 3D volumes by echocardiography having proved good comparability with CMR. As for endocarditis, despite still underused, transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) represents the approach of choice for the diagnosis of native and prosthesis valve endocarditis (up to 46% of the respondents use it). In this context, positron emission tomography-CT is largely underused.

Conclusion
There is widespread adoption of current recommendation on the evaluation of VHD and these are frequently used to guide patient management. Nonetheless, there are still many discrepancies across centres and countries which need to be addressed with the aim of improving patients’ management and outcomes and ultimately positively impacting on healthcare resources.
Paediatric familial hypercholesterolaemia screening in Europe: public policy background and recommendations
Authors: Gidding Samuel S , Wiegman Albert , Groselj Urh , Freiberger Tomas , Peretti Noel , Dharmayat Kanika I , Daccord Magdalena , Bedlington Nicola , Sikonja Jaka , Ray Kausik K , Santos Raul D , Halle Martin , Tokgözoğlu Lale , Gutiérrez-Ibarluzea Iñaki , Pinto Fausto J , Geanta Marius 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is under-recognized and under-treated in Europe leading to significantly higher risk for premature heart disease in those affected. As treatment beginning early in life is highly effective in preventing heart disease and cost-effective in these patients, screening for FH is crucial. It has therefore now been recognized by the European Commission Public Health Best Practice Portal as an effective strategy. Model programmes exist in Europe to identify young individuals with FH, which are based on cascade screening of first-degree relatives of affected individuals, universal screening for high cholesterol, opportunistic screening of high-risk individuals, or a combination of the above approaches. Recommendations presented herein to improve identification of FH emphasize that every country should have an FH screening programme. These programmes should be adapted from existing strategies to best fit the individual country’s healthcare system, governments should provide financial support for these programmes and related care, and further research to optimize care and implementations should be conducted.
The phytochemical components of walnuts and their application for geographical origin based on chemical markers
Authors: Mo Runhong , Zheng Yuewen , Ni Zhanglin , Shen Danyu , Liu Yihua 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Place of origin has an important influence on walnut quality and commercial value, which results in the requirement of rapid geographical traceability method. Thus, a method for geographical origin identification of walnuts on the basis of nutritional quality of walnuts from China was conducted. The concentrations of 43 phytochemical components were analyzed in walnut samples from five different walnut-producing regions of China. Based on 14 chemical markers selected by the Random Forest method from these phytochemical components, a new discriminant model for geographical origin was built, with the corresponding correct classification rate of 99.3%. In addition, the quantitative quality differences of walnuts from five regions were analyzed, with values of 0.17–1.43. Moreover, the top three chemical markers for the geographical origin discriminant analysis were Mo, V, and stearic acid, with contribution rates of 26.8%, 18.9%, and 10.9%, respectively. This study provides a potentially viable method for application in food authentication.
‘They can stigmatize you’: a qualitative assessment of the influence of school factors on engagement in care and medication adherence among adolescents with HIV in Western Kenya
Authors: Wiggins Lisa , O’Malley Gabrielle , Wagner Anjuli D , Mutisya Immaculate , Wilson Kate S , Lawrence Sarah , Moraa Hellen , Kinuthia John , Itindi Janet , Muhenje Odylia , Chen Tai-Ho , Singa Benson , Mcgrath Christine J , Ngugi Evelyn , Katana Abraham , Ng′ang′a Lucy , John-Stewart Grace , Kholer Pamela , Beima-Sofie Kristin 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
School-related factors may influence retention in care and adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) among adolescents with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). We analyzed data from in-depth interviews with 40 adolescents with HIV (aged 14 -19 years), 40 caregivers of adolescents with HIV, and 4 focus group discussions with healthcare workers to evaluate contextual factors affecting adherence to ART and clinic attendance among adolescents, with a focus on the school environment. Informed by Anderson’s Model of Health Services Utilization, transcripts were systematically coded and synthesized to identify school-related themes. All groups identified the school environment as a critical barrier to engagement in HIV care and medication adherence for adolescents with HIV. Adolescent participants reported inflexible school schedules and disclosure to school staff as the biggest challenges adhering to clinic appointments and ART. Adolescents described experiencing stigma and discrimination by peers and school staff and would adjust when, where and how often they took ART to avoid inadvertent disclosure. Boarding school students faced challenges because they had limited private space or time. Caregivers were often instrumental in navigating school permissions, including identifying a treatment supporter among school staff. Additional research engaging school staff may guide interventions for schools to reduce stigma and improve adherence and retention.
Oral Administration of Oxytocin, Like Intranasal Administration, Decreases Top-Down Social Attention
Authors: Zhuang Qian , Zheng Xiaoxiao , Yao Shuxia , Zhao Weihua , Becker Benjamin , Xu Xiaolei , Kendrick Keith M 
Published: September 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe neuropeptide oxytocin (OXT) modulates social cognition by increasing attention to social cues and may have therapeutic potential for impaired social attention in conditions such as autism spectrum disorder. Intranasal administration of OXT is widely used to examine the drug’s functional effects in both adults and children and is assumed to enter the brain directly via this route. However, OXT can also influence brain function through increased blood concentrations, and we have recently shown that orally (lingual) administered OXT also modulates neural responses to emotional faces and may be better tolerated for therapeutic use. Here, we examine whether 24 IU OXT administered orally can facilitate social attention.MethodsIn a randomized, placebo-controlled pharmacologic study, we used a validated emotional antisaccade eye-tracking paradigm to explore the effects of oral OXT on bottom-up and top-down attention processing in 80 healthy male participants.ResultsOur findings showed that in terms of top-down attention, oral OXT increased errors for both social (angry, fearful, happy, sad, and neutral emotion faces) and nonsocial stimuli (oval shapes) in the antisaccade condition but increased response latencies only in the social condition. It also significantly reduced post-task state anxiety, but this reduction was not correlated with task performance. A comparison with our previous intranasal OXT study using the same task revealed that both routes have a similar effect on increasing antisaccade errors and response latencies and on reducing state anxiety.ConclusionsOverall, our findings suggest that oral administration of OXT produces similar effects on top-down social attention control and anxiety to intranasal administration and may therefore have therapeutic utility.
Effectiveness of CoronaVac and BNT162b2 Vaccines Against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Omicron BA.2 Infections in Hong Kong
Authors: Yang Bingyi , Wong Irene O L , Xiao Jingyi , Tsang Tim K , Liao Qiuyan , Cowling Benjamin J 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
There is limited evidence on vaccine effectiveness against asymptomatic or mild Omicron infections. We estimated that recent third doses of messenger RNA or inactivated vaccines reduced the risk of self-reported infection by 52% (95% confidence interval, 17%–73%) among randomly sampled adults during the Omicron BA.2–dominated surge in Hong Kong.
Mysterious Consumption: Preference for Horizontal (vs. Vertical) Uncertainty and the Role of Surprise
Authors: Buechel Eva C , Li Ruoou 
Published: September 2022

AbstractMysterious consumption items represent products that are chosen or purchased without knowing the exact nature of the product(s). In contrast to the widely accepted notion of uncertainty aversion, the present research shows that consumers prefer uncertainty over certainty in the context of mysterious consumption. Across a variety of products (stress balls, ice cream, songs, teas, snacks, hotel rooms, masks, rental cars), participants preferred mysterious consumption items over non-mysterious consumption items of equal expected value. The value of mysterious consumption lies at least in part in the uncertainty about the nature of the outcome among objectively similar outcomes. Specifically, the uncertainty around horizontally differentiated outcomes (i.e., outcomes that differ as a matter of taste) in the case of mysterious consumption focuses consumers on the positive side of uncertainty: the opportunity to be surprised. The preference for uncertainty is not observed when the possible outcomes are vertically differentiated (i.e., outcomes that differ in objective superiority, as is the case in existing demonstrations of uncertainty) or when horizontal uncertainty is reduced to a degree that diminishes the ability to be surprised. The findings reconcile literatures on surprise and uncertainty aversion and help explain mysterious consumption as a substantive phenomenon in the marketplace.
Biological patent thickets and delayed access to biosimilars, an American problem
Authors: Goode Rachel , Chao Bernard 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Our study seeks to determine whether patent thickets covering biologic drugs are responsible for delayed biosimilar market entry. We compare patent assertions against the same biosimilar drugs across three countries. On average nine to twelve times more patents were asserted against biosimilars in the United States than in Canada and the United Kingdom. Biosimilars also enter the Canadian and UK markets more quickly than they do in the United States following regulatory approval. Later market entry is not a problem when the brand name drug company is asserting high quality patents (i.e. patents covering significant advances). Consequently, we drilled down into the U.S. patent portfolio of one major biologic, Abbvie's Humira drug, and found that it was made up of roughly 80% non-patentably distinct (duplicative) patents linked together by terminal disclaimers, which is permitted under United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) rules. In contrast, there were far less non-duplicative European patents that covered Humira. Patent thickets can allow brand name drug companies to delay biosimilar entry by relying on the high cost of challenging many duplicative patents instead of the quality of their underlying patents. Accordingly, we suggest several policy interventions that may thin these biologic patent thickets.
Usefulness and Need for Digital Technology to Assist Forest Management: Summary of Findings from a Survey of Registered Foresters
Authors: Bettinger Pete , Merry Krista , Fei Songlin , Weiskittel Aaron , Ma Zhao 
Published: September 2022

AbstractKey components of a digital forestry program (digital tools, databases, and decision-support systems) can be of great importance in the management of forests today. A general lack of knowledge of the needs of forest managers and landowners for components of digital forestry has been hypothesized. A survey regarding digital forestry tools was conducted of registered foresters from five USA states (Alabama, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, and North Carolina). Registered foresters may be private landowners or those working for organizations that meet the requirements for licensure in a state. Of the registered foresters who identified as nonindustrial private landowners, roughly half currently do not use digital technologies for forest management efforts. Of the registered foresters who identified as employees of forestry organizations, about 80% use digital technology in the management of their organization’s forests. Geographic information systems technology was the most important, followed by inventory systems, databases, and field-ready smartphone applications. Those registered foresters who had not used digital technologies in the past suggested that their usefulness for the management of their property and their lack of awareness of potential options were likely reasons for not using digital technologies.Study Implications: From surveying five eastern states in the United States, we found that forest landowners are not current users of technology, whereas those associated with forest organizations are more apt to use technologies when managing their forests. Desirable technologies used by both private landowners and forestry organizations include geographic information systems and smartphone applications, whereas those working for forestry organizations also desired inventory systems and databases. Current technology gaps were also identified.
Appendiceal endosalpingiosis: a case report of a rare finding from appendicectomy
Authors: Nayak Agnish , Karpes Josh , Stewart Kathryn 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Endosalpingiosis is occasionally incidentally found on histopathologic examination of gynecologic or gastrointestinal specimen, most commonly in the ovary, fallopian tube, omentum and uterus. Recently an association between endosalpingiosis and, ovarian and uterine cancer has been described. Here, we describe a rare case of appendiceal endosalpingiosis mimicking appendicitis. Further prospective studies are required to elucidate the clinical significance of appendiceal endosalpingiosis, the potential association with gynecologic malignancy and implications for management.
Application of the Single-Molecule Real-Time Technology (SMRT) for Identification of HKαα Thalassemia Allele
Authors: Zhang Min , Lin Zhaodong , Chen Meihuan , Pan Yali , Zhang Yanhong , Chen Lingji , Lin Na , Ren Yuanyuan , Jia Hongjin , Cai Meiying , Xu Liangpu , Huang Hailong 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Objective
Single-molecule real-time technology (SMRT) is a sequencing technology using the DNA polymerases and fluorescently tagged nucleotides to accurately sequence DNA strands. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the detection accuracy of SMRT for identification of the Hong Kongαα (HKαα) thalassemia allele.

Methods
We conducted a blinded study of 33 samples of known HKαα alleles. These alleles were detected using SMRT to evaluate accuracy.

Results
We conducted a blinded study of 33 known HKαα samples and found all HKαα variants detected by SMRT to be concordant with those independently assigned by gap-polymerase chain reaction (gap-PCR), reverse dot blot hybridization, and 2-round nested PCR. In addition, SMRT detected 2 β-thalassemia variants that were missed by conventional techniques.

Conclusion
The results demonstrate that SMRT offers a higher detection accuracy of thalassemia rare and new loci. It is an efficient, reliable, and broad-spectrum test that can be widely used for thalassemia screening in the clinic.