bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical Features Associated with ‘Normal Range’ Fibrin D-Dimer Levels in Atrial Fibrillation Patients with Left Atrial Thrombus
Authors: Bai Ying , Luo Si-Qing , Liu Si-Tong , Gong Ling , Zhong Peng , Wang Zhen-Zhou , Lip Gregory YH , Zou Yi-Xi , Guo Wei-Hua 
Published: December 2022

Background Left atrial thrombus (LAT) often complicates with atrial fibrillation (AF). The evidence whether fibrin D-dimer levels could be used as a predictive biomarker for LAT is contradictory. This study firstly investigated the relationship between ‘normal range’ D-dimer and prevalent LAT. Second, we explored factors contributing to normal D-dimer levels in the presence of LAT. Methods We studied 244 AF patients with LAT (mean age: 59.9 years, SD:11.7; 53.3% female): of these, 103 (42.2%) had normal D-dimer, 25 (10.2%) had atrial thrombus exclusion score (ATE score) of 0 19 (16.7%) males had CHA2DS2-VASc score of 0, 21(16.2%) females had CHA2DS2-VASc score of 1 and 16 had overlapped ATE score of 0 and CHA2DS2-VASc score of 0 (N = 8 if male) or CHA2DS2-VASc score of 1(N = 8 if female). Using multivariate binary analysis, larger left atrial diameter (LAD; adjusted OR: 1.06, 1.03−1.10, p = 0.001) were associated with increased D-dimer. Patients with high body mass index (BMI), hypertension history and previous anticoagulation were more likely to show normal range D-dimer levels in the presence of LAT. Conclusions A high prevalence (42.2%) of ‘normal range’ D-dimer levels was found in AF patients with LAT, especially in those with hypertension, high BMI and prior anticoagulation. D-dimer levels of those patients with larger LAD were more likely to be increased.
Diabetes has no additional impact on retinal ganglion cell loss in a mouse model of spontaneous glaucoma
Authors: Maestroni Silvia , Belvedere Arianna , Viganò Ilaria , Meoni Cesare , Di Matteo Federico , Gabellini Daniela , Bandello Francesco , Pierro Luisa , Zerbini Gianpaolo 
Published: December 2022

Purpose There is no valid medical treatment for diabetic retinopathy mostly because its pathogenesis remains largely unknown. Early stages of diabetic retinopathy, just like glaucoma, are characterized by the loss of retinal ganglion cells. Whether the two diseases may share a similar pathogenic background is unknown. Methods To clarify this issue the thickness of retinal nerve fiber layer was studied in vivo by optical coherence tomography in 10 Ins2Akita (diabetic) and 10 C57BL/6J (control) mice. The number of retinal ganglion cells and retina's surface covered by neurofilaments were quantified ex vivo in 12 normoglycemic DBA/2J (glaucoma) and 11 diabetic (alloxan-induced) DBA/2J mice (glaucoma + diabetes). Results At 16 weeks of age retinal nerve fiber layer was significantly thinner in Ins2Akita mice confirming the neurodegenerative impact of diabetes. Number of retinal ganglion cells and retina's surface covered by neurofilaments were similar in normoglycemic and diabetic DBA/2J mice with the exception of the superior quadrant where the number of retinal ganglion cells was increased in animals with glaucoma + diabetes. Conclusions In presence of glaucoma, diabetes is unable to induce further retinal ganglion cells loss. The hypothesis that the mechanism leading to retinal ganglion cells loss may be shared by the two diseases cannot be ruled out. Whether early diabetes-driven retinal neurodegeneration could be prevented by neuroprotective treatment proven to be effective in case of glaucoma, remains to be clarified.
Tobler’s law and wavefront patterns in the spatial spread of COVID-19 across Europe during the Delta and Omicron waves
Authors: Plümper Thomas , Neumayer Eric 
Published: December 2022

Aims: Epidemic wavefront models predict the spread of medieval pandemics such as the plague well. Our aim was to explore whether they contribute to understanding the spread of COVID-19, the first truly global pandemic of the 21st century with its fast and frequent international travel links. Methods: We analysed the spatial spread of reaching a threshold of very high incidence of new daily infections of the virus across European countries in the autumn of 2021 in which the Delta variant was dominant, as well as an even higher threshold of incidence in the subsequent spread of infections across the same set of countries during the winter of 2021/2022 when the Omicron variant of the virus became dominant. Results: We found patterns that are consistent with wavefront models for both periods of the pandemic in Europe. Conclusions: Modern means of transportation strongly accelerated the spread of the virus and typically generated diffusion patterns along bidirectional constrained mobility networks in addition to stochastic diffusion processes. However, since the majority of mobility, including mobility across international borders, is over short distances, wavefront patterns in the spread of a pandemic are still to be expected.
Study on the structure-activity relationships between superimposed polymer membranes based on graphene doped cationic hydrophilic polyurethane and the pilling & static resistance of coated cashmere fabrics
Authors: Quan Heng , Ren Jingzhi , Xiao Li , Wang Yang , Ni Lijie 
Published: December 2022

The effects of superimposed polymer membranes doped by graphene via the foaming micro-coating technique on the pilling and static resistance of coated cashmere fabrics are studied. The bonding behaviors to fibers of polymer, which are inescapable in the traditional dipping processing technique, are avoided by the foaming micro-coating technique. Some flexible hydrophilic cationic polyurethanes are purposefully designed and employed in the micro-coating processing of cashmere fabric, and the effects of different coating techniques on the pilling, static, UV and washing resistance of coated cashmere fabric are studied. Results show that the semi-embedded graphene in the “top coating” membrane contributes to static resistance. The pilling resistance of cashmere fabric covered by polymer membranes is enhanced from Grade 1.5 to Grade 4.5 when the its weight gain rate of “bottom coating” reaches 1.5% (o.m.f.), and its static voltage half-life decreases from over 120 s to about 1 s because of functional “top coating.” In addition, the ultraviolet protection factor value of the finished cashmere is doubled, and its anti-pilling and anti-static effects can tolerate more than five times of washing.
The initial experience with the Embotrap III stent-retriever in a real world setting
Authors: Omrani Osama , Hafezi-Bakhtiari Nema , DeSouza Peter , Nikola Christos , Wong Ken , Lansley Joseph , Dhillon Permesh , Makalanda Levansri , Chan Nathan , Harrison Thomas , Andrews Alex , Siow Isabel , Lee Keng Siang , Yeo Leonard , Spooner Oliver , Bhogal Pervinder 
Published: December 2022

Stent-retriever based mechanical thrombectomy (MT) has gained wide acceptance as the treatment of choice for acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) caused by large vessel occlusion (LVO). The Embotrap 3 is the latest iteration within this class of device. We present our results using the new Embotrap 3 device. Materials and Methods We performed a retrospective review of our prospectively maintained database to identify all patients treated with the Embotrap 3 stent-retriever between January 2021 and January 2022. We recorded the baseline demographics, NIHSS, ASPECT score and clot characteristics, first pass and final eTICI scores, complications and 90 day mRS. Results One hundred and ten patients met the inclusion criteria, average age 69 ± 14 years, 50% were male ( n = 55). The median NIHSS at presentation was 18 (range 3–30) and 58.2% received IV tPA prior to MT. The median ASPECT score on plain CT was 8 with average clot length 20.2 ± 14.8 mm ( n = 93). The first pass effect (FPE) was seen in 41.8% of cases with modified FPE seen in 59.1%. A 24-hour CT scan ( n = 97) showed median ASPECTs of 7. 43.8% of patients achieve mRS ≤ 2 at 90-day mRS ( n = 64). Conclusion The Embotrap 3 stent-retriever has a high rate of FPE and final recanalization in this real world cohort of patients.
Long-term follow-up of a randomized controlled trial of choline for neurodevelopment in fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: corpus callosum white matter microstructure and neurocognitive outcomes
Authors: Gimbel Blake A. , Anthony Mary E. , Ernst Abigail M. , Roediger Donovan J. , de Water Erik , Eckerle Judith K. , Boys Christopher J. , Radke Joshua P. , Mueller Bryon A. , Fuglestad Anita J. , Zeisel Steven H. , Georgieff Michael K. , Wozniak Jeffrey R. 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Background
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a lifelong condition. Early interventions targeting core neurocognitive deficits have the potential to confer long-term neurodevelopmental benefits. Time-targeted choline supplementation is one such intervention that has been shown to provide neurodevelopmental benefits that emerge with age during childhood. We present a long-term follow-up study evaluating the neurodevelopmental effects of early choline supplementation in children with FASD approximately 7 years on average after an initial efficacy trial.

Methods
The initial study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of choline vs. placebo in 2.5 to 5 year olds with FASD. Participants in this long-term follow-up study include 18 children (9 placebo; 9 choline) seen 7 years on average following initial trial completion. The mean age at follow-up was 11.0 years old. Diagnoses were 28% fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), 28% partial FAS, and 44% alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder. The follow-up included measures of executive functioning and an MRI scan.

Results
Children who received choline had better performance on several tasks of lower-order executive function (e.g., processing speed) and showed higher white matter microstructure organization (i.e., greater axon coherence) in the splenium of the corpus callosum compared to the placebo group.

Conclusions
These preliminary findings, although exploratory at this stage, highlight potential long-term benefits of choline as a neurodevelopmental intervention for FASD and suggest that choline may affect white matter development, representing a potential target of choline in this population.

Trial registration
Prior to enrollment, this trial was registered with clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01149538) on June 23, 2010.
Popular media and the bombardment of evolution misconceptions
Authors: Ferguson Daniel G. , Abele Jessica , Palmer Sarah , Willis Jordan , McDonald Connor , Messer Chandler , Lindberg Juliana , Ogden T. Heath , Bailey Elizabeth G. , Jensen Jamie L. 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Background
Many students enter science classrooms with misconceptions about scientific principles. One of the most perceived controversial scientific principle for students is evolution. Students struggle to learn and accept evolution due to the many misconceptions students have interacted with before they enter a biology class. Evolution misconceptions come from many sources, such as religious beliefs, textbooks, and even unprepared educators. However, with students spending on average over seven hours a day viewing popular media, it is crucial to investigate further the accuracy of the portrayals of evolution in popular media.

Results
We gathered data on the sources students saw evolution portrayed in popular media and determined what misconceptions were present in these popular media references. We found that 96% of the popular media references mentioned by students in our study inaccurately depicted evolution. The two most common misconceptions we observed in popular media were that evolution was depicted as a linear process and that individual organisms evolve instead of populations.

Conclusion
Popular media does a poor job depicting evolution, which may be why many students are hesitant to learn evolution and overcome misconceptions. We suggest that these incorrect portrayals of evolution may provide an engaging way to teach correct evolutionary principles in the classroom.
Improved compound–protein interaction site and binding affinity prediction using self-supervised protein embeddings
Authors: Wu Jialin , Liu Zhe , Yang Xiaofeng , Lin Zhanglin 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Background
Compound–protein interaction site and binding affinity predictions are crucial for drug discovery and drug design. In recent years, many deep learning-based methods have been proposed for predications related to compound–protein interaction. For protein inputs, how to make use of protein primary sequence and tertiary structure information has impact on prediction results.

Results
In this study, we propose a deep learning model based on a multi-objective neural network, which involves a multi-objective neural network for compound–protein interaction site and binding affinity prediction. We used several kinds of self-supervised protein embeddings to enrich our protein inputs and used convolutional neural networks to extract features from them. Our results demonstrate that our model had improvements in terms of interaction site prediction and affinity prediction compared to previous models. In a case study, our model could better predict binding sites, which also showed its effectiveness.

Conclusion
These results suggest that our model could be a helpful tool for compound–protein related predictions.
Patterns of abundance, chromosomal localization, and domain organization among c-di-GMP-metabolizing genes revealed by comparative genomics of five alphaproteobacterial orders
Authors: Koppenhöfer Sonja , Lang Andrew S. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractBackgroundBis-(3′-5′)-cyclic dimeric guanosine monophosphate (c-di-GMP) is a bacterial second messenger that affects diverse processes in different bacteria, including the cell cycle, motility, and biofilm formation. Its cellular levels are controlled by the opposing activities of two types of enzymes, with synthesis by diguanylate cyclases containing a GGDEF domain and degradation by phosphodiesterases containing either an HD-GYP or an EAL domain. These enzymes are ubiquitous in bacteria with up to 50 encoded in some genomes, the specific functions of which are mostly unknown.ResultsWe used comparative analyses to identify genomic patterns among genes encoding proteins with GGDEF, EAL, and HD-GYP domains in five orders of the class Alphaproteobacteria. GGDEF-containing sequences and GGDEF-EAL hybrids were the most abundant and had the highest diversity of co-occurring auxiliary domains while EAL and HD-GYP containing sequences were less abundant and less diverse with respect to auxiliary domains. There were striking patterns in the chromosomal localizations of the genes found in two of the orders. The Rhodobacterales’ EAL-encoding genes and Rhizobiales’ GGDEF-EAL-encoding genes showed opposing patterns of distribution compared to the GGDEF-encoding genes. In the Rhodobacterales, the GGDEF-encoding genes showed a tri-modal distribution with peaks mid-way between the origin (ori) and terminus (ter) of replication and atterwhile the EAL-encoding genes peaked nearori. The patterns were more complex in the Rhizobiales, but the GGDEF-encoding genes were biased for localization nearter.ConclusionsThe observed patterns in the chromosomal localizations of these genes suggest a coupling of synthesis and hydrolysis of c-di-GMP with the cell cycle. Moreover, the higher proportions and diversities of auxiliary domains associated with GGDEF domains and GGDEF-EAL hybrids compared to EAL or HD-GYP domains could indicate that more stimuli affect synthesis compared to hydrolysis of c-di-GMP.
Characterization of the bacterial microbiome of Amblyomma scalpturatum and Amblyomma ovale collected from Tapirus terrestris and Amblyomma sabanerae collected from Chelonoidis denticulata, Madre de Dios- Peru
Authors: Rojas-Jaimes Jesús , Lindo-Seminario David , Correa-Núñez Germán , Diringer Benoit 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Background
Ticks are arthropods that can host and transmit pathogens to wild animals, domestic animals, and even humans. The microbiome in ticks is an endosymbiotic, pathogenic and is yet to be fully understood.

Results
Adult male Amblyomma scalpturatum (A. scalpturatum) and Amblyomma ovale (A. ovale) ticks were collected from Tapirus terrestris (T. terrestris) captured in the rural area of San Lorenzo Village, and males Amblyomma sabanerae were collected from Chelonoidis denticulate (C. denticulate) of the Gamita Farm in the Amazon region of Madre de Dios, Peru. The Chao1 and Shannon–Weaver analyses indicated a greater bacterial richness and diversity in male A. sabanerae (Amblyomma sabanerae; 613.65–2.03) compared to male A. scalpturatum and A. ovale (A. scalpturatum and A. ovale; 102.17–0.40). Taxonomic analyses identified 478 operational taxonomic units representing 220 bacterial genera in A. sabanerae and 86 operational taxonomic units representing 28 bacterial genera in A. scalpturatum and A. ovale. Of the most prevalent genera was Francisella (73.2%) in A. sabanerae, and Acinetobacter (96.8%) in A. scalpturatum and A. ovale to be considered as the core microbiome of A. sabanerae and A. scalpturatum/A. ovale respectively.

Conclusions
We found a high bacterial diversity in male of A. sabanerae collected from C. denticulata showed prevalence of Francisella and prevalence of Acinetobacter in male A. scalpturatum and A. ovale collected from T. terrestris. The greatest bacterial diversity and richness was found in males A. sabanerae. This is the first bacterial metagenomic study performed in A. scalpturatum/A. ovale and A. sabanerae collected from T. terrestris and C. denticulata in the Peruvian jungle.
Analgesic outcomes of tramadol alone and in combination with Butorphanol or Flurbiprofen Axetil after cesarean section: a retrospective study with propensity score matching analysis
Authors: Yang Guiying , Wu Zhuoxi , Deng Qiangting , Liang Yan , Bao Xiaohang , Yan Guangming , Peng Jing , Liu Wenjun , Tan Dan , Li Hong 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Background
The Society for Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology recommends a multimodal analgesia regimen for cesarean delivery analgesia. This study aimed to compare the analgesic effects of tramadol alone and combined with butorphanol or flurbiprofen axetil after a cesarean section.

Methods
We performed a retrospective analysis based on the electronic medical records of a teaching hospital in China from January 2018 to January 2020. We collected data on demographic characteristics, anesthesia, analgesia strategy, and pain intensity postoperatively during the first 48 hours. Inadequate postoperative analgesia during this period was defined as an NRS score ≥ 4. We also collected data regarding off-bed activity and intestinal function recovery. Participants were classified into three groups according to analgesia regimens. Groups T, TF, and TB received tramadol, a mixture of tramadol and flurbiprofen axetil, and a combination of tramadol and butorphanol, respectively. Analgesic outcomes were compared using propensity score matching analysis.

Results
Data from 2323 cases of caesarean section were included in the analysis, and 521 pairs were matched in each group according to their propensity score. Compared with group T, The inadequate analgesia on pain at rest and pain at movement was lower in group TF (RR: 0.42, 95% CI: 0.36–0.49, P = 0.001 and RR: 0.58, 95% CI: 0.48–0.69, P < 0.001, respectively),and the incidence of inadequate control of pain at movement was higher in group TB (RR: 1.38, 95% CI: 1.22–1.55, P < 0.001).
Additionally, the percentage of off-bed activity at 2 days postoperatively was higher in group TB than in groups TF and T (78.7% vs. 68.5 and 78.7% vs. 64.9%, respectively, P < 0.001). The incidence of intestinal function recovery 2 days after cesarean delivery in group TB was higher than that in group TF (73.3% vs. 66.2%, P = 0.013).

Conclusions
Combining tramadol and flurbiprofen axetil could enhance the analgesic effect and be safely used for analgesia after a cesarean section. However, combining tramadol and butorphanol may produce an antagonistic effect.
Using group testing in a two-phase epidemiologic design to identify the effects of a large number of antibody reactions on disease risk
Authors: Mehta Tanvi , Malinovsky Yaakov , Abnet Christian C. , Albert Paul S. 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Background
The role of immunological responses to exposed bacteria on disease incidence is increasingly under investigation. With many bacterial species, and many potential antibody reactions to a particular species, the large number of assays required for this type of discovery can make it prohibitively expensive. We propose a two-phase group testing design to more efficiently screen numerous antibody effects in a case-control setting.

Methods
Phase 1 uses group testing to select antibodies that are differentially expressed between cases and controls. The selected antibodies go on to Phase 2 individual testing.

Results
We evaluate the two-phase group testing design through simulations and example data and find that it substantially reduces the number of assays required relative to standard case-control and group testing designs, while maintaining similar statistical properties.

Conclusion
The proposed two-phase group testing design can dramatically reduce the number of assays required, while providing comparable results to a case-control design.
General practice management of depression among patients with coronary heart disease in Australia
Authors: Jahan Habiba , Bernardo Carla , Gonzalez-Chica David , Benson Jill , Stocks Nigel 
Published: December 2022

AbstractBackgroundIncident depression is associated with coronary heart disease (CHD) and increased morbidity and mortality. Treatment of depression with antidepressants and psychotherapy can be beneficial for these patients to reduce the risk of further CHD events. Ongoing management of CHD and depression mainly occurs in the community, but little is known about the identification and care of patients with comorbid CHD and depression in general practice. This study explores the prescription of antidepressants for these patients by sociodemographic variables.MethodsThis is an open cohort study with de-identified data based on electronic medical records of 880,900 regular patients aged 40 + years from a national general practice database in Australia (MedicineInsight). Data from 2011–2018 was used to classify patients as newly recorded CHD (CHD recorded in 2018 but not in previous years), previously recorded CHD (CHD recorded between 2011–2017) or no recorded history of CHD. Antidepressant prescribing in 2018 considered active ingredients and commercial brand names. The association between sociodemographic variables and antidepressant prescribing was tabulated according to the CHD status.ResultsThe proportion of current depression among patients with newly recorded CHD was 11.4% (95%CI 10.3–12.6), 10.5% among those with previously recorded CHD (95%CI 10.0–11.1) and 9.6% among those with no recorded history of CHD (95%CI 9.2–10.1). Antidepressant prescribing was slightly higher among those with newly recorded CHD (76.4%; 95%CI 72.1–80.6) than among those with previously recorded CHD (71.6%; 95%CI 69.9–73.2) or no history of CHD (69.5%; 95%CI 68.6–70.4). Among males with newly recorded CHD and depression, antidepressant prescribing was more frequent in major cities or inner regional areas (~ 81%) than in outer/remote Australia (66.6%; 95% CI 52.8–80.4%).ConclusionsAlthough antidepressant prescribing was slightly greater in those with newly recorded CHD compared to those with depression alone, its clinical significance is uncertain. Much larger differences in prescribing were seen by geographic location and could be addressed by innovations in clinical practice.