bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predictors of survival in paediatric mitral valve surgery: the impact of age at operation at late follow-up
Authors: Brancaccio Gianluca , Trezzi Matteo , Croci Ileana , Guerra Giulia , Chinali Marcello , Grandinetti Maria , Perri Gianluigi , D’Anna Carolina , Iodice Francesca , Giorni Chiara , Iacobelli Roberta , Galletti Lorenzo 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study was to elucidate predictors of death and reintervention after mitral valve (MV) surgery in children.

METHODS
A single-centre retrospective study was performed enrolling 142 patients younger than 18 years who underwent primary index surgical mitral repair or replacement at Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital in Rome from July 1982 to April 2020. Patients with complete, transitional or partial atrioventricular septal defect and patients with single ventricle physiology were excluded. Patients were stratified according to the age group: group 1 (&lt;1 year old), group 2 (1–5 years old) and group 3 (&gt;5 years old). The composite primary outcome was freedom from death or transplant. The secondary outcome was freedom from redo MV surgery.

RESULTS
Transplant-free survival was 89% at 5 years and 88% at 10 years. Stratified by age, group 1 had poorer outcome in comparison with other groups (log-rank test P = 0.105). Both univariate and multivariate analyses showed that age &lt;1 year was a significant risk factor for death or transplant (P = 0.044). Age &lt;1 year was associated with increased risk of reoperation (aHR = 3.38, P = 0.009), while the presence of genetic syndrome (aHR = 0.22) and preoperative EF% (aHR = 0.97) were protective factors for reoperation.

CONCLUSIONS
The overall survival and freedom from reoperation in children undergoing MV surgery still need improvements. Younger age was a significant risk factor for death and reintervention both after repair and replacement of the MV. In particular, infants and neonates have a three-fold risk for death compared to children.
Data standards for heart failure: the European Unified Registries for Heart Care Evaluation and Randomized Trials (EuroHeart)
Authors: Aktaa Suleman , Batra Gorav , Cleland John G F , Coats Andrew , Lund Lars H , McDonagh Theresa , Rosano Giuseppe , Seferovic Petar , Vasko Peter , Wallentin Lars , Maggioni Aldo P , Casadei Barbara , Gale Chris P ,   In Collaboration with the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology
Published: March 2022

AbstractStandardized data definitions are essential for assessing the quality of care and patient outcomes in observational studies and randomized controlled trials. The European Unified Registries for Heart Care Evaluation and Randomized Trials (EuroHeart) project of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) aims to create contemporary pan-European data standards for cardiovascular diseases, including heart failure (HF). We followed the EuroHeart methodology for cardiovascular data standard development. A Working Group including experts in HF registries, representatives from the Heart Failure Association of the ESC, and the EuroHeart was formed. Using Embase and Medline (2016–21), we conducted a systematic review of the literature on data standards, registries, and trials to identify variables pertinent to HF. A modified Delphi method was used to reach a consensus on the final set of variables. For each variable, the Working Group developed data definitions and agreed on whether it was mandatory (Level 1) or additional (Level 2). In total, 84 Level 1 and 79 Level 2 variables were selected for nine domains of HF care. These variables were reviewed by an international Reference Group with the Level 1 variables providing the dataset for registration of patients with HF on the EuroHeart IT platform. By means of a structured process and interaction with international stakeholders, harmonized data standards for HF have been developed. In the context of the EuroHeart, this will facilitate quality improvement, international observational research, registry-based randomized trials, and post-marketing surveillance of devices and pharmacotherapies across Europe.
Fit for Purpose Assessment: A New Direction for IACUCs
Authors: Kinter Lewis B , Johnson David K , Weichbrod Robert H , Prentice Ernest D , Simmonds Richard C , Houghton Paul W , Whitney Jr Robert A , DeGeorge Joseph , DeHaven W Ron , Kramer Klaas , DeTolla Louis 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe organization and function of the institutional animal care and use committee (IACUC) is the key component of government regulation and oversight of necessary scientific research using live animals and of AAALAC - International accreditation of animal care and use programs in the United States. The regulations, roles, and responsibilities of IACUCs have evolved since their inception 35 years ago from a limited focus on animal welfare and specific animal procedures to embracing scientific quality, data reproducibility and translation, and animal welfare as inextricably interdependent and critical components of generation of new scientific knowledge and medical treatments. A current challenge for IACUCs is in evaluating whether benefits to be derived (eg, new knowledge or treatments) justify any unavoidable pain, stress, or injury associated with proposed research protocols, because the former are long-term and at best speculative outcomes, whereas the latter are immediate and tangible for the study animals. Scientific consensus is that research most likely to generate significant new knowledge and medical treatments is that conducted to high scientific, technical, and quality standards and reported with full transparency to facilitate reproducibility. As an alternative to current benefits evaluations included in risk benefit and harm benefit constructs, the authors propose that IACUCs assess the proposed research for scientific quality and alignment of study elements with the study purpose (e.g., Fit for Purpose [FfP]), including justifications for study design components, selection of primary endpoints and technologies, rationale for data and statistical analyses, and research communication plans. Fit for Purpose endpoints are objective, immediate, and impactful as are the potential risks for study animals, and at the same time they are the best predictors for achievement of longer-term benefits. We propose that IACUCs and any revision of The ILAR Guide consider FfP concepts in place of traditional benefits assessment to accelerate the generation of new knowledge and treatments benefiting medical and veterinary patients and the environment through better science and animal welfare rather than to continue to rely on speculative future outcomes.
Disproof of a Conjecture of Erdős and Simonovits on the Turán Number of Graphs with Minimum Degree 3
Authors: Janzer Oliver 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
In 1981, Erdős and Simonovits conjectured that for any bipartite graph $H$, we have $\textrm {ex}(n,H)=O(n^{3/2})$ if and only if $H$ is $2$-degenerate. Later, Erdős offered $250 for a proof and $500 for a counterexample. In this paper, we disprove the conjecture by finding, for any $\varepsilon&gt;0$, a $3$-regular bipartite graph $H$ with $\textrm {ex}(n,H)=O(n^{4/3+\varepsilon })$.
Conceptualizing the Effects of Polarization for US Foreign Policy Behavior in International Negotiations: Revisiting the Two-Level Game
Authors: Friedrichs Gordon M 
Published: March 2022

AbstractPolarization has been a prevalent phenomenon in US politics, yet its foreign policy implications remain understudied. A common assumption is that polarization undermines the utilization of United States’ material power via a coherent grand strategy. In this article, I argue that polarization does not make the United States incapable of enacting a foreign policy per se but instead affects US foreign policy conduct, power, and strategy toward international negotiations. The effects of domestic polarization for US foreign policy behavior in international negotiations are best understood via an advanced application of the “two-level game” model, which conceptualizes a state's domestic politics as a determinant factor for the executive branch's approach toward foreign affairs. I identify three effects polarization has on US foreign policy: (1) a sorting effect, which produces homogenous partisan coalitions with divergent foreign policy preferences and inclines the executive to pursue an obstinate international negotiation conduct; (2) a partisan conflict effect, which weakens Congress as a veto player and reduces United States’ bargaining power; and, finally, (3) an institutional corrosion effect, which inclines the executive branch to manipulate domestic support and to politicize international negotiations at home. In sum, domestic polarization increases the opportunity costs for US foreign policy toward international negotiations and contributes to global instability. Anecdotal evidence from US foreign policy over the last decade offers support for these effects, but further empirical research is needed to better understand when they are most impactful and in which combination these effects appear.
Assessment of Comorbidity in Bariatric Patients through a Biomarker-Based Model—A Multicenter Validation of the Metabolic Health Index
Authors: Gensen Carmen , van Loon Saskia L M , van Riel Natal A , Nienhuijs Simon , Triepels Ralf , Kos Snježana , Mulder Alide H L , Pouw Nadine , Scharnhorst Volkher , Boer Arjen Kars 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Background
The metabolic health index (MHI) is a biomarker-based model that objectively assesses the cumulative impact of comorbidities type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension and dyslipidemia on the health state of bariatric patients. The MHI was developed on a single-center cohort using a fully laboratory data-driven approach, resulting in a MHI score on a range from 1 to 6. To show universal applicability in clinical care, the MHI was validated externally and potential laboratory-related shortcomings were evaluated.

Methods
Retrospective laboratory and national bariatric quality registry data were collected from five Dutch renowned bariatric centers (n = 11 501). MHI imprecision was derived from the cumulative effect of biological and analytical variance of the individual input variables of the MHI model. The performance of the MHI (model) was assessed in terms of discrimination and calibration.

Results
The cumulative imprecision in MHI was 0.25 MHI points. Calibration of the MHI model diverged over the different centers but was accounted for by misregistration of comorbidity after cross-checking the data. Discriminative performance of the MHI model was consistent across the different centers.

Conclusions
The MHI model can be applied in clinical practice of bariatric centers, regardless of patient mix and analytical platform. Because the MHI is based on objective parameters, it is insensitive to diverging clinical definitions of comorbidities. Therefore, the MHI can be used to objectify severity of metabolic comorbidities in bariatric patients. The MHI can support the patient-selection process for surgery and objectively assessing the effect of surgery on the metabolic health state.
Target-biased informed trees: sampling-based method for optimal motion planning in complex environments
Authors: Wang Xianpeng , Ma Xinglu , Li Xiaoxu , Ma Xiaoyu , Li Chunxu 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Aiming at the problem that the progressively optimized Rapidly-exploring Random Trees Star (RRT*) algorithm generates a large number of redundant nodes, which causes slow convergence and low search efficiency in high-dimensional and complex environments. In this paper we present Target-biased Informed Trees (TBIT*), an improved RRT* path planning algorithm based on target-biased sampling strategy and heuristic optimization strategy. The algorithm adopts a combined target bias strategy in the search phase of finding the initial path to guide the random tree to grow rapidly toward the target direction, thereby reducing the generation of redundant nodes and improving the search efficiency of the algorithm; after the initial path is searched, heuristic sampling is used to optimize the initial path instead of optimizing the random tree, which can benefit from reducing useless calculations, and improve the convergence capability of the algorithm. The experimental results show that the algorithm proposed in this article changes the randomness of the algorithm to a certain extent, and the search efficiency and convergence capability in complex environments have been significantly improved, indicating that the improved algorithm is feasible and efficient.
A DNA Extraction Method for Insects From Sticky Traps: Targeting a Low Abundance Pest, Phthorimaea absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), in Mixed Species Communities
Authors: Butterwort V , Dansby H , Zink F A , Tembrock L R , Gilligan T M , Godoy A , Braswell W E , Kawahara A Y 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Invasive insects can cause catastrophic damage to ecosystems and cost billions of dollars each year due to management expenses and lost revenue. Rapid detection is an important step to prevent invasive insects from spreading, but improvements in detection capabilities are needed for bulk collections like those from sticky traps. Here we present a bulk DNA extraction method designed for the detection of Phthorimaea absoluta Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), an invasive moth that can decimate tomato crops. We test the extraction method for insect specimens on sticky traps, subjected to different temperature and humidity conditions, and among mock insect communities left in the field for up to 21 d. We find that the extraction method yielded high success (&gt;92%) in recovering target DNA across field and lab trials, without a decline in recovery after three weeks, across all treatments. These results may have a large impact on tomato growing regions where P. absoluta is in the early stages of invasion or not yet present. The extraction method can also be used to improve detection capabilities for other bulk insect collections, especially those using sticky traps, to the benefit of pest surveys and biodiversity studies.
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular events associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors in cancer patients
Authors: Tajiri Kazuko , Sekine Ikuo 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors have demonstrated significant clinical benefits in many cancers, and the use of these drugs is rapidly expanding. Unfortunately, these agents can induce a wide range of immune-related adverse events through the activation of immune responses in non-target organs, including the cardiovascular system. Among cardiovascular immune-related adverse events, myocarditis is the most established and biologically plausible cardiac complication of immune checkpoint inhibitors therapy with immune-related pathophysiology. In contrast, atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases, such as myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke, were not previously recognized as a part of the immune-related adverse event spectrum. However, there is now increasing preclinical and clinical evidence that suggests a possible correlation between immune checkpoint inhibitors therapy and atherosclerotic cardiovascular events, and cardiovascular disease is increasingly recognized as a toxicity of ICIs. Results from animal studies suggest that the blockade of the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 or programmed cell death protein 1 pathway plays a relevant role in promoting the progression of atherosclerotic lesions. Several clinical studies have reported an increased incidence of atherosclerotic vascular events after immune checkpoint inhibitor administration. Our findings suggest that clinicians should (i) recognize that immune checkpoint inhibitors can exacerbate atherosclerosis, (ii) consider the management of cardiovascular risk factors and (iii) perform periodic screening in patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors.
The molecular regulation of autophagy in antimicrobial immunity
Authors: Qin Chuan , Lu Yalan , Bai Lin , Wang Kewei 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Autophagy is a catabolic process that can degrade worn-out organelles and invading pathogens. The activation of autophagy regulates innate and adaptive immunity, playing a key role in the response to microbial invasion. Microbial infection may cause different consequences such as the elimination of invaders through autophagy or xenophagy, host cell death, and symbiotic relationships. Pathogens adapt to the autophagy mechanism and further relieve intracellular stress, which is conducive to host cell survival and microbial growth. The regulation of autophagy forms a complex network through which host immunity is modulated, resulting in a variety of pathophysiological manifestations. Modification of the autophagic pathway is an essential target for the development of antimicrobial drugs.
Coping With Imaginative Resistance
Authors: Altshuler Daniel , Maier Emar 
Published: March 2022

AbstractWe propose to characterize imaginative resistance as the failure or unwillingness of the reader to take a fictional description of a deviant reality at face value. The goal of the paper is to explore how readers deal with such a breakdown of the default Face Value interpretation strategy. We posit two distinct interpretative ‘coping’ strategies which help the reader engage with the resistance-inducing fiction by attributing the offending content to one of the fictional characters. We present novel empirical evidence that shows that actual readers use these strategies and we flesh out the exact workings of these strategies by integrating them into a general formal semantic framework for interpreting fiction.
Dimorphism-dependent transgenerational effects facilitate divergence of drought tolerance in Synedrella nodiflora
Authors: Gan Qian , Liu Jingyu , Liao Huixuan , Peng Shaolin 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Transgenerational effects in plants incur opposing effects on the adaptation to predictable vs. unpredictable environments. While seed-dimorphic plants can produce dimorphic offspring with different adaptive strategies, it remains unclear whether the transgenerational effects and seed dimorphism may interact to dictate offspring adaptation. This study aimed to explore whether and how seed-dimorphic maternal plants impart different transgenerational effects to dimorphic offspring. Synedrella nodiflora was chosen as a study species, which is adaptive to a wide soil water gradient and produces two distinctive types of seeds (light disc vs. heavy ray seeds). In a greenhouse, S. nodiflora was grown for two generations under drought stress to test whether the transgenerational effects on offspring performance and mortality depend on maternal (MS) or offspring seed morph (OS). The potential regulatory mechanisms were explored by measuring seed provisioning and chemical regulators of maternal plants and related reproductive processes. The transgenerational effects depended on both MS and OS. Drought stress induced the maternal plants originated from ray seeds to increase the relative proportion of ray- vs. disc-seed offspring and transmit stronger adaptive transgenerational effects to the former, whereas its effects on the maternal plants originated from disc seeds were exactly opposite. These different effects on offspring corresponded with different seed abscisic acid and soluble sugar contents but not seed provisioning. Dimorphism-dependent transgenerational effects allow large divergence of drought tolerance among offspring, which may be an important but under-explored mechanism to balance the needs of population maintenance and range expansion in seed-dimorphic species.
Measuring PROMIS® Global Health in Early Childhood
Authors: Kallen Michael A , Lai Jin-Shei , Blackwell Courtney K , Schuchard Julia R , Forrest Christopher B , Wakschlag Lauren S , Cella David 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Objective
Assessing general (“global”) health is important to clinicians caring for patients, researchers studying patient subgroups, and epidemiologists tracking population trends. The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System® (PROMIS®) introduced an adult self-report Global Health measure (ages 18+) in 2009 and pediatric versions (ages 5–17 years) in 2014. Our aim was to extend global health assessment to 1–5-year olds.

Methods
We used the PROMIS mixed-methods approach to develop PROMIS Early Childhood (EC) Global Health, emphasizing qualitative measure development guidance utilizing input from experts and parents. Quantitatively, we conducted two data collection waves with parents of 1–5-year olds and applied state-of-the-science measure development methods, including exploratory, confirmatory, and bi-factor analytics, particularly regarding potentially multi-dimensional Global Health item content. We conducted a series of hypothesis-based across-domain association analyses, which were more exploratory in nature, and known-groups validity analyses.

Results
Experts emphasized the physical, mental, and social facets of global health, and parents described the broader, overarching construct. Using Waves 1 (N = 1,400) and 2 (N = 1,057) data, we retained six items directly sourced from the age 5–17 version and two new items. The resulting 8-item PROMIS EC Global Health was sufficiently unidimensional, so we fit item responses to the graded response model for parameter estimation. This produced an 8-item scale with one total score. Across-domain associations and known-groups validity analyses largely supported our hypotheses.

Conclusions
We achieved our aim to extend global health assessment to 1–5-year olds and to thereby expand the range of PROMIS life course global health assessment from children aged 1–17 years, to adults of all ages.
Seroconversion and antibody persistence after yellow fever vaccination in people living with HIV: impact of baseline HIV viral load and yellow fever seropositivity
Authors: Martin Charlotte , Florence Eric , Domingo Cristina , Delforge Marc , De Wit Stéphane , Dauby Nicolas 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Background
Data on seroconversion rates following yellow fever (YF) vaccine and effect of revaccination in people living with HIV (PLWH) are scarce. We aimed at determining key factors for seroconversion after YF vaccine in PLWH and the role of preexisting neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) at vaccination.

Methods
A retrospective cross-sectional study at several timepoints in two Belgian AIDS Reference Center. For each individual, plasma samples from three timepoints were selected: Timepoint 0 (TP0) in the year before administration of the YF vaccine, Timepoint 1 (TP1) in the year following the YF vaccine, Timepoint 2 (TP2) &gt;1 year after the YF vaccine. Plasma samples were analysed for YF NAbs by plaque reduction neutralization test. The primary endpoint was the number of patients with protective levels of NAbs ≥ 1/10. A boosted immune response was defined as a 4-fold increase in serologic titres following revaccination.

Results
Of the 160 PLWH included, protective levels of NAbs were present in 36%, 87% and 72% of subjects at baseline, at a median of 12 months and a median of 96 months after YF vaccination, respectively. Among vaccine recipients negative for YF NAbs at baseline (n = 102), 83% seroconverted. PLWH with undetectable HIV viral load (VL) at baseline were more likely to seroconvert (P &lt; 0·01). A booster response was observed in only 17% of subjects with baseline seropositivity (n = 10 out of 58). In multivariate analysis, undetectable HIV VL at vaccination and baseline YF seropositivity were associated with persistent levels of protective NAbs at a median of 8 years after YF vaccination.

Conclusion
Undetectable HIV VL at baseline is associated with high rates of seroconversion. YF seropositivity before revaccination is associated with low rates of booster effect but a higher chance of long term persistent NAbs response, suggesting a benefit of revaccination in PLWH.