bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Proof of concept study on coronary microvascular function in low flow low gradient aortic stenosis
Authors: Scarsini Roberto , Pighi Michele , Mainardi Andrea , Portolan Leonardo , Springhetti Paolo , Mammone Concetta , Della Mora Francesco , Fanti Diego , Tavella Domenico , Gottin Leonardo , Bergamini Corinna , Benfari Giovanni , Pesarini Gabriele , Ribichini Flavio Luciano 
Published: December 2022

ObjectivesWe hypothesised that low flow low gradient aortic stenosis (LFLGAS) is associated with more severe coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) compared with normal-flow high-gradient aortic stenosis (NFHGAS) and that CMD is related to reduced cardiac performance.MethodsInvasive CMD assessment was performed in 41 consecutive patients with isolated severe aortic stenosis with unobstructed coronary arteries undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). The index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR), resistive reserve ratio (RRR) and coronary flow reserve (CFR) were measured in the left anterior descending artery before and after TAVI. Speckle tracking echocardiography was performed to assess cardiac function at baseline and repeated at 6 months.ResultsIMR was significantly higher in patients with LFLGAS compared with patients with NFHGAS (24.1 (14.6 to 39.1) vs 12.8 (8.6 to 19.2), p=0.002), while RRR was significantly lower (1.4 (1.1 to 2.1) vs 2.6 (1.5 to 3.3), p=0.020). No significant differences were observed in CFR between the two groups. High IMR was associated with low stroke volume index, low cardiac output and reduced peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS). TAVI determined no significant variation in microvascular function (IMR: 16.0 (10.4 to 26.1) vs 16.6 (10.2 to 25.6), p=0.403) and in PALS (15.9 (9.9 to 26.5) vs 20.1 (12.3 to 26.7), p=0.222). Conversely, left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain increased after TAVI (−13.2 (8.4 to 16.6) vs −15.1 (9.4 to 17.8), p=0.047). In LFLGAS, LV systolic function recovered after TAVI in patients with preserved microvascular function but not in patients with CMD.ConclusionsCMD is more severe in patients with LFLGAS compared with NFHGAS and is associated with low-flow state, left atrial dysfunction and reduced cardiac performance.
Isolation and Characterization of Lactic Acid Bacteria from Fermented Milk Produced in Jimma Town, Southwest Ethiopia, and Evaluation of their Antimicrobial Activity against Selected Pathogenic Bacteria
Authors: Goa Tigistu , Beyene Getenet , Mekonnen Mekidim , Gorems Kasahun 
Published: December 2022

Background. Raw milk is usually contaminated with pathogenic bacteria. Fermentation of milk is important to inhibit the growth of contaminants, spoilage, and pathogenic bacteria. The objective of this study was to isolate lactic acid bacteria from fermented milk and evaluate their antimicrobial activity against selected pathogenic bacteria. Methods. Laboratory-based experimental study design was conducted from May-July, 2021.Three samples of Ergo (each of 250 ml) were collected from Jimma town. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolates were identified through integrated phenotypic techniques. Further identification was conducted through using API 50 CHL strips. Antimicrobial activities (AMAs) of LAB isolates were tested against clinical isolates of E. coli, S. aureus, and Salmonella spp. using agar well diffusion method. The data were analyzed by using SPSS software version 21 and Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. Tables and figures were applied to describe characteristics of data. Results. Twelve LAB isolates were identified. Those LAB isolates include six Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis, Lactobacillus acidophilus (2), Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (1), Limosilactobacillus fermentum (2), and Leuconostoc lactis (1). Based on primary screening of LAB, isolates/strains ESCIa, ESBIa, and ESCIc show strong AMA against S. aureus, E. coli, and Salmonella spp. The CFS of ESCIc showed the highest AMA against S. aureus and Salmonella spp. with a zone of inhibition of

14.12
±
1.6

mm

and

12.9
±
3.6

mm

, respectively, while ESBIa showed the highest AMA against E. coli with a zone of inhibition of

13.5
±
2.1

mm

. The CFSs of selected LAB strains were heat tolerant at varying temperatures up to 100°C. The CFSs of selected LAB strains were inactivated by proteinase enzymes, but they are not inactivated with amylase enzymes. Conclusions and Recommendation. All 12 LAB isolates exhibited antimicrobial activity against tested bacterial strains. Lactobacillus isolates showed the highest antagonistic activity on tested indicator strains. Thus, they are possible alternatives to antibiotics in the era of antimicrobial resistance. S. aureus was the most sensitive to antimicrobial effects/agents of selected LAB isolates. Consumption of fermented foods is advisable since they support the growth of healthy GIT microbiota. Fermentation serves as biopreservation of food. However, analysis of probiotic features and in vivo probiotic effects of those LAB isolates will be subject of future research/study.
Genetic Predictors for Fecal Propionate and Butyrate-Producing Microbiome Pathway Are Not Associated with Colorectal Cancer Risk: A Mendelian Randomization Analysis
Authors: Lu Yujia , Zhao Yu Chen , Chang-Claude Jenny , Gruber Stephen B. , Gsur Andrea , Offit Kenneth , Vodickova Ludmila , Woods Michael O. , Nguyen Long H. , Wade Kaitlin H. , Carreras-Torres Robert , Moreno Victor , Buchanan Daniel D. , Cotterchio Michelle , Chan Andrew T. , Phipps Amanda I. , Peters Ulrike , Song Mingyang 
Published: December 2022

Abstract

Background:
Mechanistic data indicate the benefit of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) produced by gut microbial fermentation of fiber on colorectal cancer, but direct epidemiologic evidence is limited. A recent study identified SNPs for two SCFA traits (fecal propionate and butyrate-producing microbiome pathway PWY-5022) in Europeans and showed metabolic benefits.

Methods:
We conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis of the genetic instruments for the two SCFA traits (three SNPs for fecal propionate and nine for PWY-5022) in relation to colorectal cancer risk in three large European genetic consortia of 58,131 colorectal cancer cases and 67,347 controls. We estimated the risk of overall colorectal cancer and conducted subgroup analyses by sex, age, and anatomic subsites of colorectal cancer.

Results:
We did not observe strong evidence for an association of the genetic predictors for fecal propionate levels and the abundance of PWY-5022 with the risk of overall colorectal cancer, colorectal cancer by sex, or early-onset colorectal cancer (diagnosed at &lt;50 years), with no evidence of heterogeneity or pleiotropy. When assessed by tumor subsites, we found weak evidence for an association between PWY-5022 and risk of rectal cancer (OR per 1-SD, 0.95; 95% confidence intervals, 0.91–0.99; P = 0.03) but it did not surpass multiple testing of subgroup analysis.

Conclusions:
Genetic instruments for fecal propionate levels and the abundance of PWY-5022 were not associated with colorectal cancer risk.

Impact:
Fecal propionate and PWY-5022 may not have a substantial influence on colorectal cancer risk. Future research is warranted to comprehensively investigate the effects of SCFA-producing bacteria and SCFAs on colorectal cancer risk.
Self-Renewing CD8+ T-cell Abundance in Blood Associates with Response to Immunotherapy
Authors: Maniar Rohan , Wang Peter H. , Washburn Robert S. , Kratchmarov Radomir , Coley Shana M. , Saqi Anjali , Pan Samuel S. , Hu Jianhua , Shu Catherine A. , Rizvi Naiyer A. , Henick Brian S. , Reiner Steven L. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractTreatment with immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) often fails to elicit durable antitumor immunity. Recent studies suggest that ICB does not restore potency to terminally dysfunctional T cells, but instead drives proliferation and differentiation of self-renewing progenitor T cells into fresh, effector-like T cells. Antitumor immunity catalyzed by ICB is characterized by mobilization of antitumor T cells in systemic circulation and tumor. To address whether abundance of self-renewing T cells in blood is associated with immunotherapy response, we used flow cytometry of peripheral blood from a cohort of patients with metastatic non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with ICB. At baseline, expression of T-cell factor 1 (TCF1), a marker of self-renewing T cells, was detected at higher frequency in effector-memory (CCR7–) CD8+ T cells from patients who experienced durable clinical benefit compared to those with primary resistance to ICB. On-treatment blood samples from patients benefiting from ICB also exhibited a greater frequency of TCF1+CCR7–CD8+ T cells and higher proportions of TCF1 expression in treatment-expanded PD-1+CCR7–CD8+ T cells. The observed correlation of TCF1 frequency in CCR7–CD8+ T cells and response to ICB suggests that broader examination of self-renewing T-cell abundance in blood will determine its potential as a noninvasive, predictive biomarker of response and resistance to immunotherapy.
Risk Factors and Causes of Ischemic Stroke in 1322 Young Adults
Authors: Ekker Merel S. , Verhoeven Jamie I. , Schellekens Mijntje M.I. , Boot Esther M. , van Alebeek Mayte E. , Brouwers Paul J.A.M. , Arntz Renate M. , van Dijk Gert W. , Gons Rob A.R. , van Uden Inge W.M. , den Heijer Tom , de Kort Paul L.M. , de Laat Karlijn F. , van Norden Anouk G.W. , Vermeer Sarah E. , van Zagten Marian S.G. , van Oostenbrugge Robert J. , Wermer Marieke J.H. , Nederkoorn Paul J. , Zonneveld Thomas P. , Kerkhoff Henk , Rooyer Fergus A. , van Rooij Frank G. , van den Wijngaard Ido R. , Klijn Catharina J.M. , Tuladhar Anil M. , de Leeuw Frank-Erik 
Published: December 2022

Background:
Identification of risk factors and causes of stroke is key to optimize treatment and prevent recurrence. Up to one-third of young patients with stroke have a cryptogenic stroke according to current classification systems (Trial of ORG 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment [TOAST] and atherosclerosis, small vessel disease, cardiac pathology, other causes, dissection [ASCOD]). The aim was to identify risk factors and leads for (new) causes of cryptogenic ischemic stroke in young adults, using the pediatric classification system from the IPSS study (International Pediatric Stroke Study).

Methods:
This is a multicenter prospective cohort study conducted in 17 hospitals in the Netherlands, consisting of 1322 patients aged 18 to 49 years with first-ever, imaging confirmed, ischemic stroke between 2013 and 2021. The main outcome was distribution of risk factors according to IPSS classification in patients with cryptogenic and noncryptogenic stroke according to the TOAST and ASCOD classification.

Results:
The median age was 44.2 years, and 697 (52.7%) were men. Of these 1322 patients, 333 (25.2%) had a cryptogenic stroke according to the TOAST classification. Additional classification using the ASCOD criteria reduced the number patients with cryptogenic stroke from 333 to 260 (19.7%). When risk factors according to the IPSS were taken into account, the number of patients with no potential cause or risk factor for stroke reduced to 10 (0.8%).

Conclusions:
Among young adults aged 18 to 49 years with a cryptogenic ischemic stroke according to the TOAST classification, risk factors for stroke are highly prevalent. Using a pediatric classification system provides new leads for the possible causes in cryptogenic stroke, and could potentially lead to more tailored treatment for young individuals with stroke.
Predicting longitudinal brain atrophy in Parkinson’s disease using a Susceptible-Infected-Removed agent-based model
Authors: Abdelgawad Alaa , Rahayel Shady , Zheng Ying-Qiu , Tremblay Christina , Vo Andrew , Misic Bratislav , Dagher Alain 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by accumulation of abnormal isoforms of alpha-synuclein. Alpha-synuclein is proposed to act as a prion in Parkinson’s disease: In its misfolded pathologic state, it favors the misfolding of normal alpha-synuclein molecules, spreads trans-neuronally, and causes neuronal damage as it accumulates. This theory remains controversial. We have previously developed a Susceptible-Infected-Removed (SIR) computational model that simulates the templating, propagation, and toxicity of alpha-synuclein molecules in the brain. In this study, we test this model with longitudinal MRI collected over 4 years from the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (1,068 T1 MRI scans, 790 Parkinson’s disease scans, and 278 matched control scans). We find that brain deformation progresses in subcortical and cortical regions. The SIR model recapitulates the spatiotemporal distribution of brain atrophy observed in Parkinson’s disease. We show that connectome topology and geometry significantly contribute to model fit. We also show that the spatial expression of two genes implicated in alpha-synuclein synthesis and clearance, SNCA and GBA, also influences the atrophy pattern. We conclude that the progression of atrophy in Parkinson’s disease is consistent with the prion-like hypothesis and that the SIR model is a promising tool to investigate multifactorial neurodegenerative diseases over time.
The Effect of Asset Degradation on Trust in Swarms: A Reexamination of System-Wide Trust in Human-Swarm Interaction
Authors: Capiola August , Hamdan Izz aldin , Lyons Joseph B. , Lewis Michael , Alarcon Gene M. , Sycara Katia 
Published: December 2022

Objective The effects of asset degradation on trust in human-swarm interaction were investigated through the lens of system-wide trust theory. Background Researchers have begun investigating contextual features that shape human interactions with robotic swarms—systems comprising assets that coordinate behavior based on their nearest neighbors. Recent work has begun investigating how human trust toward swarms is affected by asset degradation through the lens of system-wide trust theory, but these studies have been marked by several limitations. Method In an online study, the current work manipulated asset degradation and measured trust-relevant criteria in a within-subjects design and addressed the limitations of past work. Results Controlling for swarm performance (i.e., target acquisition), asset degradation and trust (i.e., reliance intentions) in swarms were negatively related. In addition, as degradation increased, perceptions of swarm cohesion, obstacle avoidance, target acquisition, and terrain exploration efficiency decreased, the latter two of which (coupled with the reliance intentions criterion) support the tenets of system-wide trust theory as well as replicate and extend past work on the effects of asset degradation on trust in swarms. Conclusion Human-swarm interaction is a context in which system-wide trust is relevant, and future work ought to investigate how to calibrate human trust toward swarm systems. Applications Based on these findings, design professionals should prioritize ways to depict swarm performance and system health such that humans do not abandon trust in systems that are still functional yet not over-trust those systems which are indeed performing poorly.
The association of physical multimorbidity with suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in England: A mediation analysis of influential factors
Authors: Smith Lee , Shin Jae Il , Lee San , Oh Jae Won , López Sánchez Guillermo F , Kostev Karel , Jacob Louis , Tully Mark A. , Schuch Felipe , McDermott Daragh T. , Pizzol Damiano , Veronese Nicola , Song Junmin , Soysal Pinar , Koyanagi Ai 
Published: December 2022

Background: Suicide is one of the most important causes of deaths in the United Kingdom, and the numbers are currently increasing. Aim: There are numerous identified determinants of suicidality, and physical multimorbidity is potentially important but is currently understudied. Thus, this study aims to investigate the association of physical multimorbidity with suicidality. Methods: Cross-sectional data from the Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey 2007, which was conducted in England between October 2006 and December 2007 by the National Center for Social Research and Leicester University were analyzed. Respondents were asked about 20 physical health conditions, and suicidal ideation and suicide attempts were assessed. Results: Out of 7,403 individuals aged 16 years or over, the prevalence of physical multimorbidity, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts were 35.1%, 4.3%, and 0.7%, respectively. After adjustment for potential confounders, compared to no physical conditions, 1, 2, 3, and ⩾4 conditions were associated with significant 1.79 (95% CI [1.25, 2.57]), 2.39 (95% CI [1.63, 3.51]), 2.88 (95% CI [1.83, 4.55]), and 6.29 (95% CI [4.12, 9.61]) times higher odds for suicidal ideation. Mediation analysis showed that cognitive problems (mediated percentage 39.2%) and disability (37.5%) explained the largest proportion between multimorbidity and suicidal ideation. Pain (38.0%) and cognitive problems (30.7%) explained the largest proportion between multimorbidity and suicide attempts. Conclusion: In this large sample of UK adults, physical multimorbidity was associated with significantly higher odds for suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. Moreover, several potential mediators were identified, and these may serve as future targets for interventions that aim to prevent suicidality among people with physical multimorbidity.
Demand response with heat pumps: Practical implementation of three different control options
Authors: Crawley Jenny , Martin-Vilaseca Adria , Wingfield Jez , Gill Zachary , Shipworth Michelle , Elwell Clifford 
Published: December 2022

The electrification of heating and transport and decarbonisation of supply creates a need for demand side flexibility to balance the grid. Heat pumps are expected to form a major part of heat delivery, and many modelling studies have investigated the technical potential of heat pump demand response. However, little empirical work has been reported on the practical implementation of such demand response in occupied homes. This paper presents a cross-case comparison of three early adopters of heat pump demand response in the UK. The aim was to reduce heat pump electricity consumption during the same peak period, but each employed a different control strategy: lowered air temperature setpoints, lowered flow temperature and blocked heat pump compressor. A 56–90% electricity reduction during the peak period was observed; the success of the demand response depended on how the control strategy affected the heat pump and the rest of the heating system. However, no one stakeholder is responsible for all these system components. The fabric, heating distribution and control system and heat pumps installed are highly heterogeneous across the stock, highlighting that flexibility mechanisms must be developed that can be tailored to or work across their range. Three case studies of different heat pump demand response control strategies in real homes are presented. All three households reduced their electricity consumption during a peak period but delivered unintended consequences where the heat pump’s logic did not correspond to the demand response requirements. This study highlights that the implementation of heat pump demand response to support electricity system operation requires a clear definition of electricity system need as well as practical demand response mechanisms to be integrated into heating system design.
Characteristics, outcomes, and 30-day readmissions following pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in the United States: A Nationwide Readmissions Database study
Authors: Shafi Obeid , Mir Tanveer , Liu Daniel , Velumula Pradeep K , Tul Llah Sibghat , Korumilli Ritesh 
Published: December 2022

Objectives Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an increasingly used mode of critical care support for pediatric patients refractory to conventional therapy. We evaluated the characteristics, outcomes, and readmissions rates for pediatric ECMO in the United States. Methods Data was extracted from the Nationwide Readmissions Database, a database designed to support national readmissions analyses, for patients aged 1–18 years undergoing ECMO between 2012–2018. Baseline demographics, comorbidities, and characteristics were identified using International Classification of Diseases codes. Results Out of 897,117 index pediatric hospitalizations, 3706 patients underwent ECMO [median age 9 years (IQR 2,15); 51.6% males]. 2246 (60.6%) patients survived to hospital discharge, with a 30-day readmissions rate of 17% among survivors. Cardiac conditions associated with ECMO were congenital heart disease (25.3%), cardiogenic shock (23.6%), and congestive heart failure (16.2%). The common respiratory associations were sepsis (36.2%), pneumonia (35.6%), and asthma (15.4%). Patients who survived were more likely to have diagnoses of asthma, bronchiolitis, myocarditis, pneumonia, and sepsis. Acute kidney injury (51.5%), disseminated intravascular coagulation (22.5%), and surgical site bleeding (12.7%) were the commonly associated complications. The trend for yearly survival rates was not statistically significant (linear p-trend = 0.38). Conclusions Pediatric ECMO continues to be associated with notable mortality and complication rates. We did not observe a meaningful trend for the yearly survival rates over the study period, and over one-sixth of survivors were readmitted within 30-days. More research is needed to identify patients at high risk of mortality and readmissions, to help target resources more efficiently and improve survival.
Non-pharmacological management of osteoporotic vertebral fractures: Patient perspectives and experiences
Authors: Tibert Nicholas , Ponzano Matteo , Brien Sheila , Funnell Larry , Gibbs Jenna C , Jain Ravi , Keller Heather , Laprade Judi , Morin Suzanne N , Papaioannou Alexandra , Weston Zach , Wideman Timothy Howard , Giangregorio Lora 
Published: December 2022

Objective To understand perceptions on rehabilitation after vertebral fracture, non-pharmacological strategies, and virtual care from the perspective of individuals living with vertebral fractures. Design and setting We conducted semi-structured interviews online and performed a thematic and content analysis from a post-positivism perspective. Participants Ten individuals living with osteoporotic vertebral fractures (9F, 1 M, aged 71  ±  8 years). Results Five themes emerged: pain is the defining limitation of vertebral fracture recovery; delayed diagnosis impacts recovery trajectory; living with fear; being dissatisfied with fracture management; and “getting back into the game of life” using non-pharmacological strategies. Conclusion Participants reported back pain and an inability to perform activities of daily living, affecting psychological and social well-being. Physiotherapy, education, and exercise were considered helpful and important to patients; however, issues with fracture identification and referral limited the use of these options. Participants believed that virtual rehabilitation was a feasible and effective alternative to in-person care, but perceived experience with technology, cost, and individualization of programs as barriers.