bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Patient compliance with Twin Block appliance during treatment of Class II malocclusion: a randomized controlled trial on two check-up prescriptions
Authors: Frilund Erik , Sonesson Mikael , Magnusson Anders 
Published: August 2022

SummaryBackgroundCompliance is crucial for the treatment outcome with removable appliances. Previous studies on treatment with the Twin Block appliance have focused on effectiveness in relation to other treatment methods or wear-time. Studies on different check-up intervals to improve compliance seem to be lacking.ObjectivesTo compare the impact of two different check-up prescriptions on patient compliance and treatment outcome during treatment with Twin Block.Trial DesignTwo-arm parallel group, single-centre, randomized controlled trial.Materials and MethodsSeventy-three patients, 38 boys, and 35 girls, mean age 11.2 years, were included and block-randomized into two groups treated with a Twin Block appliance. Group 1 was called for check-up visit every sixth week and group 2 every fourth week. Compliance was evaluated with a TheraMon® microsensor, moulded into the appliance, measuring wear-time. Overjet, overbite, and molar relationships were assessed on study casts before and after treatment. The treatment outcomes were analysed on an intention-to-treat basis.ResultsIn group 1, the reduction of overjet was 5.2 mm and the mean wear-time was 6.9 hours. In group 2, the reduction was 4.7 mm and the wear-time was 6.1 hours. Seventy-four per cent of the patients presented an overjet of 4 mm or less. Wear-time did not correlate to age, gender, or severity of malocclusion.HarmsNo harm was observed in any patient. Lateral open bites were registered during treatment but were normalized at the end of the treatment.LimitationsThe trial was a single-centre study and long-term effects were not evaluated.ConclusionsDuring treatment with the Twin Block appliance, a 4-week check-up interval did not improve treatment outcome or increase wear-time, compared to a 6-week check-up interval. The mean wear-time was 6.5 hours per day, even if the recommendation was 12 hours.Clinical Trial RegistrationNCT05155774
Graded Specht Modules as Bernstein–Zelevinsky Derivatives of the RSK Model
Authors: Gurevich Maxim 
Published: August 2022

AbstractWe clarify the links between the graded Specht construction of modules over cyclotomic Hecke algebras and the Robinson-Schensted-Knuth (RSK) construction for quiver Hecke algebras of type $A$, which was recently imported from the setting of representations of $p$-adic groups. For that goal we develop a theory of crystal derivative operators on quiver Hecke algebra modules that categorifies the Berenstein–Zelevinsky strings framework on quantum groups and generalizes a graded variant of the classical Bernstein–Zelevinsky derivatives from the $p$-adic setting. Graded cyclotomic decomposition numbers are shown to be a special subfamily of the wider concept of RSK decomposition numbers.
Effects of a mildly cooked human-grade dog diet on gene expression, skin and coat health measures, and fecal microbiota of healthy adult dogs
Authors: Geary Elizabeth L , Oba Patrícia M , Applegate Catherine C , Clark Lindsay V , Fields Christopher J , Swanson Kelly S 
Published: August 2022

AbstractPurported benefits of human-grade pet foods include reduced inflammation, enhanced coat quality, and improved gut health, but research is scarce. Therefore, we compared gene expression, skin and coat health measures, and the fecal microbiome of dogs consuming a mildly cooked human-grade or extruded kibble diet. Twenty beagles (BW = 10.25 ± 0.82 kg; age = 3.85 ± 1.84 yr) were used in a completely randomized design. Test diets included: 1) chicken and brown rice recipe [feed-grade; extruded; blue buffalo (BB)]; and 2) chicken and white rice [human-grade; mildly cooked; Just Food for Dogs (JFFD)]. The study consisted of a 4-week baseline when all dogs ate BB, and a 12-week treatment phase when dogs were randomized to either diet (n = 10/group). After the baseline and treatment phases, fresh fecal samples were scored and collected for pH, dry matter (DM), and microbiome analysis; blood samples were collected for gene expression analysis; hair samples were microscopically imaged; and skin was analyzed for delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH), sebum concentration, hydration status, and transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Data were analyzed as a change from baseline (CFB) using the Mixed Models procedure of SAS (version 9.4). At baseline, fecal pH was higher (P &lt; 0.05) and hair surface score, superoxide dismutase (SOD) expression, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) expression was lower (P &lt; 0.05) in dogs allotted to JFFD. The decrease in CFB fecal pH and DM was greater (P &lt; 0.05) in dogs fed JFFD, but fecal scores were not different. The increase in CFB hair surface score was higher (P &lt; 0.05) in dogs fed JFFD. The decrease in CFB TEWL (back region) was greater (P &lt; 0.05) in dogs fed JFFD, but TEWL (inguinal and ear regions), hydration status, and sebum concentrations in all regions were not different. Hair cortex scores and DTH responses were not affected by diet. The increase in CFB gene expression of SOD, COX-2, and TNF-α was greater (P &lt; 0.05) in dogs fed JFFD. PCoA plots based on Bray–Curtis distances of bacterial genera and species showed small shifts over time in dogs fed BB, but dramatic shifts in those fed JFFD. JFFD increased (adj. P &lt; 0.05) relative abundances of 4 bacterial genera, 11 bacterial species, 68 KEGG pathways, and 167 MetaCyc pathways, and decreased (adj. P &lt; 0.05) 16 genera, 25 species, 98 KEGG pathways, and 87 MetaCyc pathways. In conclusion, the JFFD diet dramatically shifted the fecal microbiome but had minor effects on skin and coat measures and gene expression.
mOTUpan: a robust Bayesian approach to leverage metagenome-assembled genomes for core-genome estimation
Authors: Buck Moritz , Mehrshad Maliheh , Bertilsson Stefan 
Published: August 2022

AbstractRecent advances in sequencing and bioinformatics have expanded the tree of life by providing genomes for uncultured environmentally relevant clades, either through metagenome-assembled genomes or through single-cell genomes. While this expanded diversity can provide novel insights into microbial population structure, most tools available for core-genome estimation are sensitive to genome completeness. Consequently, a major portion of the huge phylogenetic diversity uncovered by environmental genomic approaches remains excluded from such analyses. We present mOTUpan, a novel iterative Bayesian method for computing the core genome for sets of genomes of highly diverse completeness range. The likelihood for each gene cluster to belong to core or accessory genome is estimated by computing the probability of its presence/absence pattern in the target genome set. The core-genome prediction is computationally efficient and can be scaled up to thousands of genomes. It has shown comparable estimates to state-of-the-art tools Roary and PPanGGOLiN for high-quality genomes and is capable of using genomes at lower completeness thresholds. mOTUpan wraps a bootstrapping procedure to estimate the quality of a specific core-genome prediction, as the accuracy of each run will depend on the specific completeness distribution and the number of genomes in the dataset under scrutiny. mOTUpan is implemented in the mOTUlizer software package, and available at github.com/moritzbuck/mOTUlizer, under GPL 3.0 license.
Electronic Cigarette Nicotine Flux, Nicotine Yield, and Particulate Matter Emissions: Impact of Device and Liquid Heterogeneity
Authors: Soule Eric K , Mayne Shannon , Snipes William , Do Elizabeth K , Theall Travis , Höchsmann Christoph , Talih Soha , Martin Corby K , Eissenberg Thomas , Fuemmeler Bernard F 
Published: August 2022

Abstract

Introduction
Electronic cigarettes (ECIGs) heat a nicotine-containing liquid to produce an inhalable aerosol. ECIG power (wattage) and liquid nicotine concentration are two factors that predict nicotine emission rate (“flux”). These factors can vary greatly across devices and users.

Aims and Methods
The purpose of this study was to examine ECIG device and liquid heterogeneity in “real world” settings and the association with predicted nicotine flux, nicotine yield, and total particulate matter (TPM) emissions. Past 30-day ECIG users (n = 84; mean age = 23.8 years [SD = 9.6]) reported device and liquid characteristics. Device power was measured via multimeter, device display screens, or obtained via labeling. Liquid nicotine concentration was obtained via labeling or through chemical analysis. Predicted nicotine flux, nicotine yield, and TPM associated with 10 4-second puffs were calculated for participants’ primary devices.

Results
Participants’ primary devices were box mods (42.9%), disposable vapes (20.2%), and pod mods (36.9%). Most participants (65.5%) reported not knowing their primary device wattage. Rebuildable/box mods had the greatest power range (11.1–120.0 W); pod mod power also varied considerably (4.1–21.7 W). Unlike device wattage, most participants (95.2%) reported knowing their liquid nicotine concentration, which ranged from 3.0 to 86.9 mg/ml (M = 36.0, SD = 29.3). Predicted nicotine flux varied greatly across products (range =12.0–160.1 μg/s, M = 85.6 μg/s, SD = 34.3). Box mods had the greatest variability in wattage and predicted nicotine flux, nicotine yield, and TPM yield.

Conclusions
ECIG device and liquid heterogeneity influence nicotine and other toxicant emissions. Better measurement of ECIG device and liquid characteristics is needed to understand nicotine and toxicant emissions and to inform regulatory policy.

Implications
ECIG device and liquid heterogeneity cause great variability in nicotine flux and toxicants emitted. These data demonstrate the need to examine device and liquid characteristics to develop empirically informed, health-promoting regulatory policies. Policies may include setting product standards such that ECIG products cannot (1) have nicotine fluxes much greater than that of a cigarette to decrease the risk of dependence, (2) have nicotine fluxes that are very low and thus would have minimal appeal to cigarette smokers and may serve as starter products for youth or nontobacco users, and (3) emit large amounts of particulate matter and other toxicants.
A preliminary exploration of the impact of experiential learning on animal science undergraduates’ perceptions of humane stunning and slaughter
Authors: Sullivan Paxton , Davis Melissa , Smith Colton L , Delmore Robert , Román-Muñiz Noa , Cramer Catie , Stallones Lorann , Edwards-Callaway Lily 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
It is essential to educate students about humane slaughter as it is a critical component of livestock production, particularly for animal science students who represent future stakeholders in agriculture. There is limited research about the effects of experiential learning on student comfort in participating in education regarding sensitive, yet important topics in the animal sciences. A survey was developed to investigate how a teaching module using an experiential learning activity to teach undergraduates about the slaughter process affected student perceptions of stunning and slaughter. Students enrolled in an animal science course, in which live animals and carcasses are evaluated, were surveyed before and after a teaching module. The module included a lecture about proper stunning and a laboratory activity in which the students had the opportunity to shoot a captive bolt stunner on both model and carcass heads. Respondents completed a pre-survey, attended the laboratory activity, and completed a post-survey; 29 survey responses were recorded. Most respondents were women (23, 79.3%) between the ages of 18 and 21 years (25, 86.2%) and in their first year of college (11, 37.9%). The majority of respondents (22, 75.9%) reported using the captive bolt stunner to stun the model heads during the laboratory activity. After participating in the module, all students strongly agreed that “stunning” is a critical component of livestock slaughter (29, 100%) and most agreed that “stunning is a humane process that ensures animal welfare during the slaughter process” (25, 86.2%). The majority of respondents strongly agreed that the “humane stunning simulation was beneficial to their learning about livestock slaughter” (21, 72.4%) and “improved their understanding of slaughter” (16, 55.2%). Almost all of the survey respondents either agreed or strongly agreed that “the model heads and captive bolt demonstration made them more comfortable with the slaughter process” (14, 48.3%; 14, 48.3%, respectively). This research suggests that experiential learning opportunities are potentially effective teaching strategies for educating undergraduates about the slaughter process. Future research should focus on practical ways to integrate new teaching methods into existing animal science curricula, as this will be critical for educating students on important topics in livestock production and increasing student comfort with sensitive material.
Utility of Diffusion Basis Spectrum Imaging in Quantifying Baseline Disease Severity and Prognosis of Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy
Authors: Zhang Justin K. , Sun Peng , Jayasekera Dinal , Greenberg Jacob K. , Javeed Saad , Dibble Christopher F. , Blum Jacob , Song Chunyu , Song Sheng-Kwei , Ray Wilson Z. 
Published: August 2022

Study Design.
Prospective cohort study

Objective.
To assess the association between diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and diffusion basis spectrum imaging (DBSI) measures and cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) clinical assessments at baseline and two-year follow-up.

Summary of Background Data.
Despite advancements in diffusion-weighted imaging, few studies have examined associations between diffusion MRI markers and CSM-specific clinical domains at baseline and long-term follow-up.

Methods.
A single-center prospective cohort study enrolled fifty CSM patients who underwent surgical decompression and twenty controls from 2018-2020. At initial evaluation, all patients underwent diffusion-weighted MRI acquisition, followed by DTI and DBSI analyses. Diffusion-weighted MRI metrics assessed white matter integrity by fractional anisotropy, axial diffusivity, radial diffusivity, and fiber fraction. To improve estimations of intra-axonal anisotropic diffusion, DBSI measures intra-/extra-axonal fraction, and intra-axonal axial diffusivity. DBSI also evaluates extra-axonal isotropic diffusion by restricted and non-restricted fraction. Clinical assessments were performed at baseline and two-year follow-up and included the mJOA, SF-36 PCS, SF-36 MCS, NDI, MDI, and DASH. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were computed to compare associations between DTI/DBSI and clinical measures. A False Discovery Rate correction was applied for multiple comparisons testing.

Results.
At baseline presentation, of 36 correlations analyzed between DTI metrics and CSM clinical measures, only DTI fractional anisotropy showed a positive correlation with SF-36 PCS (r=0.36, P=0.02). In comparison, there were 30/81 (37%) significant correlations among DBSI and clinical measures. Increased DBSI axial diffusivity, intra-axonal axial diffusivity, intra-axonal fraction, restricted fraction, and extra-axonal anisotropic fraction were associated with worse clinical presentation (decreased mJOA, SF-36 PCS/MCS, and increased NDI, MDI, DASH). At latest follow-up, increased preoperative DBSI intra-axonal axial diffusivity and extra-axonal anisotropic fraction were significantly correlated with improved mJOA.

Conclusions.
Our findings demonstrate that DBSI measures may reflect baseline disease burden and long-term prognosis of CSM as compared to DTI. With further validation, DBSI may serve as a non-invasive biomarker following decompressive surgery.

Level of Evidence.
III
Investigating treatment response and immune profile in association with pattern identification in NSCLC patients scheduled for immune checkpoint inhibitor monotherapy (HARMONY study)
Authors: Jang Jung-Hee , Jun Hyeong Joon , Choi Yujin , Kim Jin Chul , Jang Ho , Park Sang-Min , Kwon Ojin , Choi Chang-Min , Kim Seung Joon , Choi Jong Gwon , Son Ji Woong , Lee Seung Hyeun , Jang Tae-Won , Yoon Seong Hoon , Ryu Jeong-Seon , Lim Jun Hyeok , Jang Seung-Hun , Oh In-Jae , Lee Sung Yong , Jeong Mi-Kyung 
Published: August 2022

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) considerably improve overall survival of advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. However, it has certain limitations, such as low response rates. Although programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression is currently used as a representative predictive biomarker, it cannot robustly predict response; thus, identifying other dynamic biomarkers to ensure better selection of patients susceptible for ICI therapy is required. Pattern identification is a diagnostic system used in oriental medicine and is performed through collecting and analyzing a series of symptoms and characteristic signs. We intended to analyze the association between survival, treatment response, and immune profile evaluated on every visit according to different pattern identifications and determine how pattern identification changes during the course of NSCLC treated with ICI.
Across 10 academic hospitals, 200 patients diagnosed with stage Ⅲb-Ⅳ NSCLC and scheduled for ICI monotherapy (pembrolizumab or atezolizumab) as second-line or more treatment following platinum-based first-line treatment for NSCLC will be recruited. Throughout the study, participants are expected to exhibit different immune profiles according to pattern identification in association with treatment response and survival. The primary endpoint is progression-free survival (PFS), while secondary endpoints are overall survival (OS), objective response rate (ORR), and immune profile, all of which will be analyzed in association with pattern identification. Approximately 10 mL blood samples will be obtained from each patient.
Results from the analysis of immune cells and cytokines will be analyzed together with pattern identification. Results from the analysis of differences in survival, treatment response, and immune profile, together with pattern identification for NSCLC patients during ICI therapy, will have significant scientific and medical contributions, and will provide comprehensive data to identify pattern identification-based immune biomarkers for predicting survival and treatment response of ICI therapy for NSCLC patients. Ethical approval has been obtained from the medical ethics committees of 10 academic hospitals. All amendments to the research protocol were submitted and approved.
This trial is registered in Clinical Research Information Service (CRIS) of the Republic of Korea with the number KCT0005173. Registration date: July 22, 2020 (version 3.0).
Burden of Pediatric Functional Gastrointestinal Disorder in an Emergency Department—A Single-Center Experience
Authors: Yousaf Afroze , Mutalib Mohamed 
Published: August 2022

ObjectivesFunctional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are recurrent or chronic gastrointestinal signs and symptoms in the absence of anatomical or biochemical alterations. They are commonly treated in outpatient setting but often present to emergency departments. We aimed to estimate the burden of pediatric FGID on a busy accident and emergency (A&E) department.MethodsElectronic patient records were used to retrospectively analyze the A&E attendances of 3866 patients presenting with either constipation or abdominal pain. Those found not to have a surgical/organic cause were assessed in terms of various parameters, that is, arrival times, wait times, and investigations performed.ResultsA total of 91.31% of the attendances relating to constipation or nonsurgical, nonorganic causes of abdominal pain were self-referred with only 3.64% arriving via ambulance, an average wait time ranging between 138 and 156 minutes, and a total of 1008 investigations carried out on patients presenting with these symptoms. A total of 63.65% of the patients were discharged without follow-up.ConclusionsFunctional gastrointestinal disorders place considerable burden on the A&E, in terms of resource usage, time of clinicians, and financial strain. More education should be provided to families of those experiencing FGID in an outpatient setting to minimize A&E resource utilization. More research is needed to ascertain the true burden of FGIDs, both financially and in terms of time and resource.
Higher prevalence of QTc interval prolongation among virologically suppressed older people with HIV
Authors: Theerasuwipakorn Nonthikorn , Rungpradubvong Voravut , Chattranukulchai Pairoj , Siwamogsatham Sarawut , Satitthummanid Sudarat , Apornpong Tanakorn , Ohata Pirapon J. , Han Win Min , Kerr Stephen J. , Boonyaratavej Smonporn , Avihingsanon Anchalee 
Published: August 2022

Objective:
To assess the prevalence, and factors associated with QTc interval prolongation, among 383 virologically suppressed people with HIV (PWH), without evidence of cardiovascular disease and active opportunistic infections in Thailand.

Design:
Cross-sectional study.

Methods:
Resting 12-lead digital ECGs were performed in 2019. QT interval corrected for heart rate (QTc) >450 ms in males and >460 ms in females was defined as QTc interval prolongation. We used multivariable logistic regression to investigate factors associated with QTc interval prolongation.

Results:
Mean (standard deviation) age was 56 (5.5) years and 42% were female. The median current CD4+ was 619 (interquartile range [IQR] 487, 769) cells/mm3. The median duration of antiretroviral therapy (ART) was 11.9 (IQR 7.1–16.1) years. Commonly used ART were rilpivirine (37.9%), efavirenz (20.1%), atazanavir/ritonavir (15.7%), lopinavir/ritonavir (12.3%) and dolutegravir (5%). The prevalence of QTc interval prolongation was 22.7%. In multivariable analysis, older age (odds ratio [OR] 1.07, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02–1.12, P = 0.005), female sex (OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.01–2.82, P = 0.046) and increasing BMI (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.01–1.15, P = 0.03) were associated with QTc interval prolongation. With every 1-year increase in age, the odds of QTc interval prolongation increased by 7%.

Conclusions:
In this well-suppressed aging Asian HIV cohort, the prevalence of QTc interval prolongation was relatively high, and associated with increasing age, female sex, and higher BMI. For PLWH with these characteristics, QTc interval should be monitored before and after initiating any medications known to prolong QTc intervals, to prevent fatal cardiac arrhythmias.
An algebraic framework for structured epidemic modelling
Authors: Libkind Sophie , Baas Andrew , Halter Micah , Patterson Evan , Fairbanks James P. 
Published: August 2022

Pandemic management requires that scientists rapidly formulate and analyse epidemiological models in order to forecast the spread of disease and the effects of mitigation strategies. Scientists must modify existing models and create novel ones in light of new biological data and policy changes such as social distancing and vaccination. Traditional scientific modelling workflows detach the structure of a model—its submodels and their interactions—from its implementation in software. Consequently, incorporating local changes to model components may require global edits to the code base through a manual, time-intensive and error-prone process. We propose a compositional modelling framework that uses high-level algebraic structures to capture domain-specific scientific knowledge and bridge the gap between how scientists think about models and the code that implements them. These algebraic structures, grounded in applied category theory, simplify and expedite modelling tasks such as model specification, stratification, analysis and calibration. With their structure made explicit, models also become easier to communicate, criticize and refine in light of stakeholder feedback.This article is part of the theme issue ‘Technical challenges of modelling real-life epidemics and examples of overcoming these’.