bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Time to initiation of lipid-lowering drugs for subclinical atherosclerosis: sub-study of VIPVIZA randomized controlled trial, with single-arm cross-over
Authors: Holmberg Henrik , Sjölander Maria , Glader Eva-Lotta , Näslund Ulf , Carlberg Bo , Norberg Margareta , Själander Anders 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Aims
Visual information about subclinical atherosclerosis was provided to physicians and participants in the VIPVIZA trial, inclusion 2013–16 in northern Sweden, aiming to improve adherence to cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention guidelines. Pictorial risk information may be more actionable. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of intervention with pictorial risk information on time to first dispensing of statins.

Methods and results
Asymptomatic atherosclerotic disease was screened for by carotid ultrasound examination in 3532 participants enrolled in VIPVIZA, of those 3000 met the criteria for this study. Participants were randomly assigned to receive pictorial risk information consisting of graphical representation of atherosclerosis as compared to a control group without intervention. Time to initiation of statins was assessed during 5 years of follow-up through the National prescribed drug register. After 3 years, both groups were re-examined and received the intervention information. In the intervention group, initiation of statins increased considerably for the first 3 years and a smaller increase was also seen after re-intervention. After the cross-over, the control group showed a sharp increase in initiation of statins, almost reaching the same proportion treated at 5 years. The propensity to initiate statin treatment increased over the study period and there was no difference between men and women.

Conclusions
The pictorial information had an effect on time to initiation of statins, both as original and repeated intervention and also in the control group after single-arm cross-over. The current study supports pictorial information as a tool to shorten time to initiation of statins for CVD prevention.
The VIPVIZA study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01849575.
Incidence and natural history of coronary evagination after implanted biodegradable polymer sirolimus-eluting stent
Authors: Tsuji Keiko , Ishida Masaru , Itoh Tomonori , Kimura Takumi , Kikuchi Tatsuo , Okubo Munenori , Hayashi Takatoshi , Otake Hiromasa , Shinke Toshiro , Morino Yoshihiro 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Aims
The incidence and temporal change in coronary evagination (CE) after first-generation drug-eluting stent implantation is well established, whereas that after biodegradable polymer sirolimus-eluting stent (BP-SES) implantation has not yet been evaluated. The aim of this study is to assess the incidence and natural history of CE after BP-SES implantation.

Methods and results
In this multicenter registry, stable coronary lesions treated by Ultimaster BP-SES were evaluated by serial optical frequency domain imaging (OFDI) (at 0–1–12 or 0–3–12 months) and the incidence of CE was assessed. Coronary evagination was defined as the presence of an outward bulge in luminal vessel contour between apposed struts according to the following criteria: (i) evagination depth ≥10% of nominal stent diameter and (ii) evagination length ≥3.0 mm. Optical frequency domain imaging was obtained in 98, 47, 49, and 87 lesions at 0, 1, 3, and 12 months, respectively. Coronary evagination was observed in 20 (42.6%) and 12 (24.5%) lesions at 1 and 3 months, respectively, and all but one CE had resolved at 12 months. At 12 months, the mean CE area was almost zero and the mean malapposed stent area was also decreased. Comparison of the serial OFDI images indicated that CEs originated mostly from acute stent malapposition or coronary dissection behind the implanted stent.

Conclusions
In stable lesions, CE was occasionally observed with Ultimaster BP-SES at 1–3 months but mostly resolved within 12 months, without late-acquired stent malapposition. These findings suggest the safety and feasibility of biodegradable polymer coating on DES.
DNA repair, recombination, and damage signaling
Authors: Gartner Anton , Engebrecht JoAnne 
Published: February 2022

AbstractDNA must be accurately copied and propagated from one cell division to the next, and from one generation to the next. To ensure the faithful transmission of the genome, a plethora of distinct as well as overlapping DNA repair and recombination pathways have evolved. These pathways repair a large variety of lesions, including alterations to single nucleotides and DNA single and double-strand breaks, that are generated as a consequence of normal cellular function or by external DNA damaging agents. In addition to the proteins that mediate DNA repair, checkpoint pathways have also evolved to monitor the genome and coordinate the action of various repair pathways. Checkpoints facilitate repair by mediating a transient cell cycle arrest, or through initiation of cell suicide if DNA damage has overwhelmed repair capacity. In this chapter, we describe the attributes of Caenorhabditis elegans that facilitate analyses of DNA repair, recombination, and checkpoint signaling in the context of a whole animal. We review the current knowledge of C. elegans DNA repair, recombination, and DNA damage response pathways, and their role during development, growth, and in the germ line. We also discuss how the analysis of mutational signatures in C. elegans is helping to inform cancer mutational signatures in humans.
Hox proteins interact to pattern neuronal subtypes in Caenorhabditis elegans males
Authors: Kalis Andrea K , Sterrett Maria C , Armstrong Cecily , Ballmer Amarantha , Burkstrand Kylie , Chilson Elizabeth , Emlen Estee , Ferrer Emma , Loeb Seanna , Olin Taylor , Tran Kevin , Wheeler Andrew , Ross Wolff Jennifer 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Hox transcription factors are conserved regulators of neuronal subtype specification on the anteroposterior axis in animals, with disruption of Hox gene expression leading to homeotic transformations of neuronal identities. We have taken advantage of an unusual mutation in the Caenorhabditis elegans Hox gene lin-39, lin-39(ccc16), which transforms neuronal fates in the C. elegans male ventral nerve cord in a manner that depends on a second Hox gene, mab-5. We have performed a genetic analysis centered around this homeotic allele of lin-39 in conjunction with reporters for neuronal target genes and protein interaction assays to explore how LIN-39 and MAB-5 exert both flexibility and specificity in target regulation. We identify cis-regulatory modules in neuronal reporters that are both region-specific and Hox-responsive. Using these reporters of neuronal subtype, we also find that the lin-39(ccc16) mutation disrupts neuronal fates specifically in the region where lin-39 and mab-5 are coexpressed, and that the protein encoded by lin-39(ccc16) is active only in the absence of mab-5. Moreover, the fates of neurons typical to the region of lin-39-mab-5 coexpression depend on both Hox genes. Our genetic analysis, along with evidence from Bimolecular Fluorescence Complementation protein interaction assays, supports a model in which LIN-39 and MAB-5 act at an array of cis-regulatory modules to cooperatively activate and to individually activate or repress neuronal gene expression, resulting in regionally specific neuronal fates.
Prospective Associations Between Physical Activity and Perceived Fatigability in Older Men: Differences by Activity Type and Baseline Marital Status
Authors: Moored Kyle D , Qiao Yujia (Susanna) , Boudreau Robert M , Roe Lauren S , Cawthon Peggy M , Cauley Jane A , Glynn Nancy W 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Background
Lower physical activity has been cross-sectionally associated with greater perceived fatigability, defined as self-reported fatigue anchored to activity intensity and duration. The temporality of this relationship, and whether it differs by activity type or marital status, remains unclear.

Methods
In the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men Study (N = 1 759), self-reported total, exercise, and household activity were assessed using the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly across 7 visits (2000–2016). The Pittsburgh Fatigability Scale (range: 0–50; higher scores = greater fatigability) measured physical (mean = 16.6 ± 9.7) and mental (mean = 7.8 ± 8.3) fatigability at Year 14. Least absolute deviation and linear regression were used to examine associations between baseline and change in activity over 14 years with subsequent fatigability. Models were adjusted for demographic, health, and lifestyle factors.

Results
After adjustment, lower baseline (β= −0.08, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.12, −0.04) and greater annual declines in total activity (β = −0.09, 95% CI: −0.14, −0.05) were prospectively associated with higher Pittsburgh Fatigability Scale (PFS) Physical scores. Associations were similar for mental fatigability (both p &lt; .05). Lower baseline leisure exercise, but not baseline household activity, predicted higher PFS Physical scores (β = −0.10 vs −0.001). In contrast, greater declines in household activity, but not declines in exercise, were associated with higher PFS Physical scores (β = −0.09 vs −0.03). Lower baseline household activity predicted higher PFS Mental scores only for unmarried men (β = −0.15, 95% CI: −0.29, −0.01, interaction p = .019).

Conclusions
Baseline total activity and leisure exercise, and declines in total and household activity, were associated with higher subsequent perceived fatigability in older men. Marital status may mitigate the contribution of household activity to subsequent fatigability.
Association Between Community Environment and Depressive Symptoms Among Chinese Middle-aged and Older Adults: Evidence From National Longitudinal Surveys From 2011 to 2018
Authors: Zhou Ying , Wu Qi , Li Chenshuang , Ding Lieyun 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Background
Despite the growing evidence on the relationship between community environment and depressive symptoms, little is known about the longitudinal relationship in older adults. This study aimed to examine the longitudinal association between community environment and depressive symptoms based on a nationally representative survey among Chinese middle-aged and older adults.

Methods
A total of 6 872 participants from the latest four waves (2011, 2013, 2015, and 2018) of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study were included. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale was used to measure depressive symptoms, and Cox proportional hazards regression models were conducted to investigate the longitudinal association between community environment and depressive symptoms after adjusting included covariates.

Results
Both community infrastructure and organizations were significantly associated with depression, and infrastructure was associated with higher risk reduction in depression (hazard ratio [HR], 0.77; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.66–0.89). Furthermore, we estimated the heterogeneous effects of community infrastructure and organizations for vulnerable populations. Additionally, family-based elder-care center (HR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.46–0.86) and outdoor exercise facilities (HR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.68–0.84) were found as significant correlates associated with lower depressive symptom risk.

Conclusions
Our findings indicated that targeted and specific measures should be taken to improve the construction of community infrastructure and strengthen the role of community organizations. Specifically, providing a family-based elder-care center and establishing outdoor exercise facilities might be effective methods to reduce the risk of depression and relieve related public health burdens among Chinese middle-aged and older adults.
Association Between Wages and Nursing Staff Turnover in Iowa Nursing Homes
Authors: Sharma Hari , Xu Lili 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Background and Objectives
Nursing staff turnover is a substantial concern for nursing homes that care for millions of older individuals, especially during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Low pay is considered as one of the key reasons for high turnover. However, we do not know whether increasing wages can lead to lower turnover. In this study, we fill this gap in our understanding by analyzing the relationship between wages and nursing staff turnover.

Research Design and Methods
We obtained data on hourly wages (Medicare Cost Reports), turnover (Iowa Department of Human Services), and nursing home and resident characteristics (Nursing Home Compare and LTCFocus) from 2013 to 2017. We summarized the characteristics of nursing homes as well as turnover trends over time. Next, we used pooled ordinary least squares (OLS) and facility fixed effects regressions to examine the relationship between wages and turnover adjusting for nursing home and resident characteristics.

Results
Among the 396 nursing homes in Iowa, average hourly wage was $27.0 for registered nurses (RNs), $21.6 for licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and $14.1 for certified nurse aides (CNAs) during 2013–2017. Average turnover rates were increasing over time for all staff types and in 2017, turnover rates were 46.0% for RNs, 44.4% for LPNs, and 64.7% for CNAs. In both pooled OLS and facility fixed effects regressions, higher wages were associated with lower turnover of CNAs but not LPNs or RNs. The magnitude of the effect of wages on turnover for CNAs was lower in facility fixed effects regressions.

Discussion and Implications
We found a significant relationship between hourly wages and turnover for CNAs but not for LPNs or RNs. Focusing on higher wages alone may not lead to lower turnover of all types of nursing staff in nursing homes. We should also focus on nonwage factors related to turnover.
Are Interventions for Formal Caregivers Effective for Improving Dementia Care? A Systematic Review of Systematic Reviews
Authors: Sefcik Justine S , Boltz Marie , Dellapina Maria , Gitlin Laura N 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Background and Objectives
Several systematic reviews exist that examine the efficacy of educational interventions in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) designed to improve formal caregivers’ knowledge and skills and/or the outcomes of persons living with dementia. The aim of this article is to summarize existing systematic reviews to assess the effectiveness of educational interventions tested in RCTs and directed at formal caregivers.

Research Design and Methods
Smith et al.’s methodology guided this systematic review of systematic reviews. We used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and the A MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews 2 (AMSTAR 2) for quality appraisals. Reviews were included if they contained interventions with an RCT design that focused on changing staff behavior and/or practice toward persons living with dementia, in any setting and for any health care discipline.

Results
We identified six systematic reviews, one rated as high-quality on the AMSTAR 2. Most interventions were directed at nursing staff, in long-term care facilities, focused on agitation, and were atheoretical. There is insufficient evidence to guide implementation of currently tested interventions; however, training in communication skills, person-centered care, and dementia-care mapping with supervision show promise for improving agitation.

Discussion and Implications
There’s a critical need for additional research with well-designed RCTs, and clear reporting of protocols and findings to inform the field on how best to train and support the workforce. Although there is no conclusive evidence on what interventions are most effective, it could be argued that providing training using interventions with modest evidence of impact is better than no training at all until the evidence base is strengthened.
Ultrasound-Tomographic Image Fusion: A Novel Imaging Technique for Follow-Up of Penetrating Complications of Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Carter Dan , Ben-Horin Shomron , Horesh Nir , Saukhat Olga 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
We herein report the first use, to our knowledge, of computed tomography-ultrasound (US) fusion technique to follow-up Crohn’s disease complications. This novel technique employs real-time reconstructed fusion of previously obtained tomographic images onto the US image software, allowing accurate bedside spatial resolution, localization, and lesion characterization by US.
Noninvasive positive pressure ventilation in the assessment of extrinsic tracheal stenosis
Authors: Fiorelli Alfonso , Fiorito Roberta , Messina Gaetana , Leone Francesco , Mirra Rosa , Pace Maria Caterina , Ferraro Fausto , Caterina Mario 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
In patients with extrinsic tracheal stenosis caused by a mediastinal mass, an airway stent is a palliative measure to relieve airway obstruction. However, the self-expanding force of the stent may be insufficient to force a rigid stenosis. Our goal was to report a simple strategy to indirectly estimate the rigidity of the stenosis and predict airway patency after inserting the stent. Before the procedure, the inspiratory and expiratory flows and their ratio were evaluated under spontaneous breathing and after positive pressure ventilation generated by a facial mask. In patients with stenosis successfully treated with a stent (n = 11), we found significant changes in expiratory (2.3 ± 0.7 vs 2.8 ± 0.7; p = 0.03) and inspiratory (1.5 ± 0.6 vs 2.5 ± 0.9; p = 0.001) flows and a reduction of their ratio (1.4 ± 0.3 vs 1.1 ± 0.2; p = 0.01) whereas no significant changes were observed in patients (n = 2) whose stent failed to force the stenosis. In these cases, a tracheostomy was performed to assure ventilation. Our simple strategy may help physicians predict airway patency after stenting or plan alternative treatments in patients with rigid stenosis difficult to force by stenting.
Sparse spectral methods for partial differential equations on spherical caps
Authors: Snowball Ben , Olver Sheehan 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
In recent years, sparse spectral methods for solving partial differential equations have been derived using hierarchies of classical orthogonal polynomials (OPs) on intervals, disks, disk-slices and triangles. In this work, we extend the methodology to a hierarchy of non-classical multivariate OPs on spherical caps. The entries of discretizations of partial differential operators can be effectively computed using formulae in terms of (non-classical) univariate OPs. We demonstrate the results on partial differential equations involving the spherical Laplacian and biharmonic operators, showing spectral convergence with discretizations that can be made well conditioned using a simple preconditioner.
Antimicrobial stewardship in companion animal practice: an implementation trial in 135 general practice veterinary clinics
Authors: Hardefeldt L. Y. , Hur B. , Richards S. , Scarborough R. , Browning G. F. , Billman-Jacobe H. , Gilkerson J. R. , Ierardo J. , Awad M. , Chay R. , Bailey K. E. 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Background
Antimicrobial stewardship programmes (ASPs) have been widely implemented in medical practice to improve antimicrobial prescribing and reduce selection for multidrug-resistant pathogens.

Objectives
To implement different antimicrobial stewardship intervention packages in 135 veterinary practices and assess their impact on antimicrobial prescribing.

Methods
In October 2018, general veterinary clinics were assigned to one of three levels of ASP, education only (CON), intermediate (AMS1) or intensive (AMS2). De-identified prescribing data (1 October 2016 to 31 October 2020), sourced from VetCompass Australia, were analysed and a Poisson regression model fitted to identify the effect of the interventions on the incidence rates of antimicrobial prescribing.

Results
The overall incidence rate (IR) of antimicrobial prescribing for dogs and cats prior to the intervention was 3.7/100 consultations, which declined by 36% (2.4/100) in the implementation period, and by 50% (1.9/100) during the post-implementation period. Compared with CON, in AMS2 there was a 4% and 6% reduction in the overall IR of antimicrobial prescribing, and a 24% and 24% reduction in IR of high importance antimicrobial prescribing, attributable to the intervention in the implementation and post-implementation periods, respectively. A greater mean difference in the IR of antimicrobial prescribing was seen in high-prescribing clinics.

Conclusions
These AMS interventions had a positive impact in a large group of general veterinary practices, resulting in a decline in overall antimicrobial use and a shift towards use of antimicrobials rated as low importance, with the greatest impact in high-prescribing clinics.
Application of machine learning methods in clinical trials for precision medicine
Authors: Wang Yizhuo , Carter Bing Z , Li Ziyi , Huang Xuelin 
Published: February 2022

AbstractObjectiveA key component for precision medicine is a good prediction algorithm for patients’ response to treatments. We aim to implement machine learning (ML) algorithms into the response-adaptive randomization (RAR) design and improve the treatment outcomes.Materials and MethodsWe incorporated 9 ML algorithms to model the relationship of patient responses and biomarkers in clinical trial design. Such a model predicted the response rate of each treatment for each new patient and provide guidance for treatment assignment. Realizing that no single method may fit all trials well, we also built an ensemble of these 9 methods. We evaluated their performance through quantifying the benefits for trial participants, such as the overall response rate and the percentage of patients who receive their optimal treatments.ResultsSimulation studies showed that the adoption of ML methods resulted in more personalized optimal treatment assignments and higher overall response rates among trial participants. Compared with each individual ML method, the ensemble approach achieved the highest response rate and assigned the largest percentage of patients to their optimal treatments. For the real-world study, we successfully showed the potential improvements if the proposed design had been implemented in the study.ConclusionIn summary, the ML-based RAR design is a promising approach for assigning more patients to their personalized effective treatments, which makes the clinical trial more ethical and appealing. These features are especially desirable for late-stage cancer patients who have failed all the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved treatment options and only can get new treatments through clinical trials.