bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Population-wide cohort study of statin use for the secondary cardiovascular disease prevention in Scotland in 2009–2017
Authors: Thalmann Inna , Preiss David , Schlackow Iryna , Gray Alastair , Mihaylova Borislava 
Published: October 2022

ObjectiveTo estimate the extent of suboptimal statin use for the secondary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) at different stages of the treatment pathway and identify patient groups at risk of suboptimal treatment.MethodsNational retrospective cohort study using linked National Health Service Scotland administrative data of adults hospitalised for an ASCVD event (n=167 978) from 2009 to 2017. Proportions of patients initiating, adhering to, discontinuing and reinitiating statins were calculated. We separately examined treatment following myocardial infarction (MI), ischaemic stroke and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) hospitalisations. Multivariable logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the roles of patient characteristics in the likelihood of initiating and discontinuing statins.ResultsOf patients hospitalised with ASCVD, only 81% initiated statin therapy, 40% of whom used high-intensity statin. Characteristics associated with lower odds of initiation included female sex (28% less likely than men), age below 50 years or above 70 years (<50 year-olds 26% less likely, and 70–79, 80–89 and ≥90 year-olds 22%, 49% and 77% less likely, respectively, than 60–69 year-olds), living in the most deprived areas and history of mental health-related hospital admission. Following MI, 88% of patients initiated therapy compared with 81% following ischaemic stroke and 75% following PAD events. Of statin-treated individuals, 24% discontinued treatment. Characteristics associated with discontinuation were similar to those related to non-initiation.ConclusionsStatin use remains suboptimal for the secondary ASCVD prevention, particularly in women and older patients, and following ischaemic stroke and PAD hospitalisations. Improving this would offer substantial benefits to population health at low cost.
Local TLR4 stimulation augments in situ vaccination induced via local radiation and anti-CTLA-4 checkpoint blockade through induction of CD8 T-cell independent Th1 polarization
Authors: Jagodinsky Justin C , Bates Amber M , Clark Paul A , Sriramaneni Raghava N , Havighurst Thomas C , Chakravarty Ishan , Nystuen Erin J , Kim KyungMann , Sondel Paul M , Jin Won Jong , Morris Zachary S 
Published: October 2022

BackgroundRadiation therapy (RT) has been demonstrated to generate an in situ vaccination (ISV) effect in murine models and in patients with cancer; however, this has not routinely translated into enhanced clinical response to immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI). We investigated whether the commonly used vaccine adjuvant, monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL) could augment the ISV regimen consisting of combination RT and ICI.Materials/methodsWe used syngeneic murine models of melanoma (B78) and prostate cancer (Myc-CaP). Tumor-bearing mice received either RT (12 Gy, day 1), RT+anti-CTLA-4 (C4, day 3, 6, 9), MPL (20 µg IT injection days 5, 7, 9), RT+C4+MPL, or PBS control. To evaluate the effect of MPL on the irradiated tumor microenvironment, primary tumor with tumor draining lymph nodes were harvested for immune cell infiltration analysis and cytokine profiling, and serum was collected for analysis of antitumor antibody populations.ResultsCombination RT+C4+MPL significantly reduced tumor growth, increased survival and complete response rate compared with RT+C4 in both B78 and Myc-CaP models. MPL favorably reprogrammed the irradiated tumor-immune microenvironment toward M1 macrophage and Th1 TBET+CD4+T cell polarization. Furthermore, MPL significantly increased intratumoral expression of several Th1-associated and M1-associated proinflammatory cytokines. In co-culture models, MPL-stimulated macrophages directly activated CD8 T cells and polarized CD4 cells toward Th1 phenotype. MPL treatment significantly increased production of Th1-associated, IgG2c antitumor antibodies, which were required for and predictive of antitumor response to RT+C4+MPL, and enabled macrophage-mediated antibody-dependent direct tumor cell killing by MPL-stimulated macrophages. Macrophage-mediated tumor cell killing was dependent on FcγR expression. In metastatic models, RT and MPL generated a systemic antitumor immune response that augmented response to ICIs. This was dependent on macrophages and CD4+but not CD8+T cells.ConclusionsWe report the potential for MPL to augment the ISV effect of combination RT+C4 through FcγR, macrophage, and TBET+CD4+Th1 cell dependent mechanisms. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing generation of a CD8+T cell-independent, Th1 polarized, systemic antitumor immune response with subsequent generation of immunologic memory. These findings support the potential for vaccine adjuvants to enhance the efficacy of in situ tumor vaccine approaches.
Association between operator volume and mortality in primary percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Krishnamurthy Arvindra , Keeble Claire M , Anderson Michelle , Burton-Wood Natalie , Somers Kathryn , Harland Charlotte , Baxter Paul D , McLenachan Jim M , Blaxill Jonathan M , Blackman Daniel J , Malkin Christopher J , Wheatcroft Stephen B , Greenwood John P 
Published: October 2022

BackgroundThere is a paucity of real-world data assessing the association of operator volumes and mortality specific to primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI).MethodsDemographic, clinical and outcome data for all patients undergoing PPCI in Leeds General Infirmary, UK, between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2011, and 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2013, were obtained prospectively. Operator volumes were analysed according to annual operator PPCI volume (low volume: 1–54 PPCI per year; intermediate volume: 55–109 PPCI per year; high volume: ≥110 PPCI per year). Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were undertaken to investigate 30-day and 12-month all-cause mortality, adjusting for confounding factors.ResultsDuring this period, 4056 patients underwent PPCI, 3703 (91.3%) of whom were followed up for a minimum of 12 months. PPCI by low-volume operators was associated with significantly higher adjusted 30-day mortality (HR 1.48 (95% CI 1.05 to 2.08); p=0.02) compared with PPCI performed by high-volume operators, with no significant difference in adjusted 12-month mortality (HR 1.26 (95% CI 0.96 to 1.65); p=0.09). Comparisons between low-volume and intermediate-volume operators, and between intermediate and high-volume operators, showed no significant differences in 30-day and 12-month mortality.ConclusionsLow operator volume is independently associated with higher probability of 30-day mortality compared with high operator volume, suggesting a volume–outcome relationship in PPCI at a threshold higher than current recommendations.
Performance analysis of vibration characteristics on VCR engine using hybrid honeycomb structure
Authors: Senthilkumar C. , Vasudevan D. 
Published: October 2022

There are a number of techniques available to reduce the engine vibration, and vibration isolation is one among those techniques. Such vibrations can be isolated using hybrid engine mounts that absorb the forces caused by vibration. Consequently, the present work proposes a hybrid aluminium mount filled with silica gel to isolate the engine vibration. Experiments were carried out on the variable compression ratio engine mounted on the hybrid honeycomb structure, and the free, forced vibrations, and frequency domains were analysed. The test results portrayed that the performance of the engine with a hybrid mount is found to be better than the conventional rubber mount. The hybrid sandwich panel with a honeycomb structure crowded with silica gel as fibrous material was utilized to isolate the engine vibrations. Compared with conventional mount (1.502 m/s2), high amount of vibration was reduced by honeycomb structured mount (0.814 m/s2) using different load conditions and fuel input pressure of 150 bar. Vibration in conventional mount for blower closing condition was 1.546 m/s2 and that in honeycomb structured mount was 1.4 m/s2.
Dead men still tell tales: bivalve death assemblages record dynamics and consequences of recent biological invasions in Kingston Harbour, Jamaica
Authors: Kokesh Broc S. , Stemann Thomas A. 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Short-lived biological invasions may leave lasting impacts on ecosystems well after they have concluded, yet the nature of such events is difficult to elucidate in the absence of monitoring efforts. Here, the ability for surficial death assemblages to recount such invasion events and their ecological legacies was tested using mangrove-dwelling bivalves from Kingston Harbour, Jamaica, where the Asian green mussel (
Perna viridis
) was introduced
c.
20 years ago. While rare in Kingston Harbour today, relative densities of dead
P. viridis
shells mapped well to historical surveys from early into the invasion and thus help reconstruct spatial variations in invasion intensity. Live–dead discordance for the bivalve community further indicated that species have not returned to pre-invasion relative abundance distributions such that the economically-important mangrove oyster (
Crassostrea rhizophorae
) declined while the flat tree oyster (
Isognomon alatus
) rose to dominance. Finally, we report the presence of the charru mussel (
Mytella strigata
) in Kingston Harbour, a newly introduced species that has not yet been significantly incorporated into the subfossil record. This case study exemplifies the utility of underexploited sources of geohistorical data for informing the growing problem of human-assisted biological invasion.
Biodiversity change and extinction risk in Plio-Pleistocene Mediterranean bivalves: the families Veneridae, Pectinidae and Lucinidae
Authors: Danise Silvia , Dominici Stefano 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Understanding species vulnerability to extinction is one of the goals of conservation. Here we analyse a dataset of Plio-Pleistocene Mediterranean bivalve occurrences (families Veneridae, Pectinidae and Lucinidae), to reconstruct biodiversity change through time, and to test whether species occurrence frequency, geographical range and habitat specialization explained species survival or extinction. We found that biodiversity loss started soon after the mid-Piacenzian warming Period, at
c.
3.0 Ma, and continued as climate progressively cooled, up to the Gelasian. It was more gradual than expected, as some species found a temporary
refugium
in the warmer, eastern Mediterranean. Extinction was more intense for the epifaunal, mobile pectinids, compared to the infaunal, siphonate venerids and lucinids. Occurrence frequency, geographical range and habitat specialization were good predictors of species extinction for the Veneridae and the Lucinidae. For the Pectinidae habitat specialization was a good predictor of extinction, but not occurrence frequency and geographical range, as also some common and geographical widespread Pliocene species became extinct. In this family, extinction risk was better predicted by latitudinal range than geographical range. Habitat loss due to the fragmentation of carbonate palaeoenvironments and high metabolic rates related to large body size also played a role in pectinid extinction.
Game Theory–Based Parameter Tuning for Energy-Efficient Path Planning on Modern UAVs
Authors: Moolchandani Diksha , Yadav Kishore , Kulathunga Geesara , Afanasyev Ilya , Kumar Anshul , Mazzara Manuel , Sarangi Smruti 
Published: October 2022

Present-day path planning algorithms for UAVs rely on various parameters that need to be tuned at runtime to be able to plan the best possible route. For example, for a sampling-based algorithm, the number of samples plays a crucial role. The dimension of the space that is being searched to plan the path, the minimum distance for extending a path in a direction, and the minimum distance that the drone should maintain with respect to obstacles while traversing the planned path are all important variables. Along with this, we have a choice of vision algorithms, their parameters, and platforms.
Finding a suitable configuration for all these parameters at runtime is very challenging because we need to solve a complicated optimization problem, and that too within tens of milliseconds. The area of theoretical exploration of the optimization problems that arise in such settings is dominated by traditional approaches that use regular nonlinear optimization techniques often enhanced with AI-based techniques such as genetic algorithms. These techniques are sadly rather slow, have convergence issues, and are typically not suitable for use at runtime. In this article, we leverage recent and promising research results that propose to solve complex optimization problems by converting them into approximately equivalent game-theoretic problems. The computed equilibrium strategies can then be mapped to the optimal values of the tunable parameters. With simulation studies in virtual worlds, we show that our solutions are 5-21% better than those produced by traditional methods, and our approach is 10× faster.
Constraint on the Higgs-Dilaton Potential via Warm Inflation in Two-Time Physics
Authors: Phong Vo Quoc , Loc Ngo Phuc Duc 
Published: October 2022

Within the

S
P

2
,
R

symmetry, the two-time model (2T model) has six dimensions with two dimensions of time and the dilaton field that can be identified as inflaton in a warm inflation scenario with potential of the form

~

ϕ

4

. From that consideration, we derive the range of parameters for the Higgs-Dilaton potential, the coupling constant between Higgs and Dilaton (

α

) is larger than 0.0053 and the mass of Dilaton is smaller than

1

0

−
7

GeV. Therefore, the 2T model indirectly suggests that extra dimension can also be a source of inflation.
Estimation of Breeding Parameters from Phenotypic Data of F4:5 RIL in Ethiopian Malt Barley (Hordeum distichum L.) Breeding Population
Authors: Tadesse Endeshaw , Wilde Peer , Tesfaye Kassahun , Fekadu Yohannes , Alemu Tesfahun , Gebretsadik Rebeka 
Published: October 2022

The critical stage for any breeder is the selection of crossing parents to drive improved inbred for subsequent breeding cycles. In our study, we estimate breeding parameters such as mid-parent value (MPV), variances among and within crosses, the heritability of relevant traits and their correlations, the usefulness of crosses, and regression of cross means on MPV. 900 F4:5 Recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from 30 crosses were tested together with their parental lines in a modified split-plot p-rep design at two locations. The analysis revealed significant genetic variation among parents, crosses, and RIL for almost all traits. Heritability for parents ranged from 49.50% (malt extract) to 93.60% (plant height) and heritability for crosses ranged from 29.52% (grain protein concentration) to 87.0% (days to maturity), whereas heritability for RIL was the lowest with 27.40% for beta-glucan and the highest to 73.60% for thousand kernel weight, respectively. Significant (

P

<
0
.
01

) genotypic correlations with high impact for practical breeding were found between malting traits. Accordingly, the genotypic correlation ranged from −0.73 to 0.78 whereas the phenotypic correlation ranged from −0.60 to 0.65, respectively. Significant (

P

<
0
.
01

) regression of cross-mean on MPV where R2 ranges from 0.27 to 0.70 and is higher than 0.5 for most of the traits demonstrates that cross means can accurately be predicted from MPV and selection among crosses at an early stage is highly effective. Based on the usefulness criterion, 16 superior crosses were identified compared to the planet as the actual leading malt variety. Starting from a simple additive genetic model with random mating, we discuss deviations from the initial model and their impact on the actual estimates implying how to design a state-of-the-art cereal breeding program.
Associations between Pretreatment Body Composition Features and Clinical Outcomes among Patients with Metastatic Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma Treated with Immune Checkpoint Blockade
Authors: Ged Yasser , Sanchez Alejandro , Patil Sujata , Knezevic Andrea , Stein Emily , Petruzella Stacey , Weiss Kate , Duzgol Cihan , Chaim Joshua , Akin Oguz , Mourtzakis Marina , Paris Michael T. , Scott Jessica , Kuo Fengshen , Kotecha Ritesh , Hakimi A. Ari , Lee Chung-Han , Motzer Robert J. , Voss Martin H. , Furberg Helena 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Purpose:
High body mass index (BMI) may lead to improved immune-checkpoint blockade (ICB) outcomes in metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (mccRCC). However, BMI is a crude body size measure. We investigated BMI and radiographically assessed body composition (BC) parameters association with mccRCC ICB outcomes.

Experimental Design:
Retrospective study of ICB-treated patients with mccRCC. BMI and BC variables [skeletal muscle index (SMI) and multiple adiposity indexes] were determined using pretreatment CT scans. We examined the associations between BMI and BC variables with ICB outcomes. Therapeutic responses per RECIST v1.1 were determined. We compared whole-transcriptomic patterns with BC variables in a separate cohort of 62 primary tumor samples.

Results:
205 patients with mccRCC were included in the cohort (74% were male, 71% were overweight/obese, and 53% were classified as low SMI). High-BMI patients experienced longer overall survival (OS) than normal-weight patients [unadjusted HR, 0.66; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.45–0.97; P = 0.035]. The only BC variable associated with OS was SMI [unadjusted HR comparing low vs. high SMI 1.65 (95% CI: 1.13–2.43); P = 0.009]. However, this OS association became nonsignificant after adjusting for International Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Database Consortium score and line of therapy. No OS association was seen for adiposity and no BC variable was associated with progression-free survival or radiological responses. Tumors from patients with low SMI displayed increased angiogenic, inflammatory, and myeloid signals.

Conclusions:
Our findings highlight the relevance of skeletal muscle in the BMI paradox. Future studies should investigate if addressing low skeletal muscle in metastatic patients treated with ICB can improve survival.
IDO1 Is a Therapeutic Target for Pancreatic Cancer–Associated Depression
Authors: Hue Jonathan J. , Graor Hallie J. , Zarei Mehrdad , Katayama Erryk S. , Ji Karen , Hajihassani Omid , Loftus Alexander W. , Vaziri-Gohar Ali , Winter Jordan M. 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Metabolites of tryptophan degradation are known to alter mood. Their effects have only been superficially examined in the context of pancreatic cancer. Herein, we study the role of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1), an enzyme important in the conversion of tryptophan to kynurenine, in a murine model of pancreatic cancer–associated depression. Behavioral tests (open field, forced swim, tail suspension, and elevated plus maze) and biochemical assays (LC-MS metabolomics) were used to characterize a depressive-phenotype in tumor-bearing mice (relative to non–tumor-bearing mice). In addition, we determine whether pharmacologic blockade of IDO1 affects mood in tumor-bearing mice. Immunocompetent mice bearing orthotopic pancreatic tumors exhibit depressive-like behavior relative to non–tumor-bearing mice. Pancreatic tumors strongly express IDO1. Consequently, serum kynurenine levels in tumor-bearing mice are elevated relative to non–tumor-bearing mice. Tumor-bearing mice treated with epacadostat, an IDO1 inhibitor, exhibited improved mood relative to mice receiving vehicle. There was a 95% reduction in serum kynurenine levels in mice receiving epacadostat relative to mice treated with vehicle. As confirmatory evidence of on-target activity, tumors of mice treated with epacadostat exhibited a compensatory increase in IDO1 protein levels. Escitalopram, an approved antidepressant, was ineffective at improving mood in tumor-bearing mice as measured by behavioral assays and did not affect kynurenine levels. Neither epacadostat, nor escitalopram, affected overall survival relative to vehicle. Mice with pancreatic cancer exhibit depressive-like behavior. Epacadostat was effective as an antidepressant for pancreatic cancer–associated depression in mice. These data offer a rationale to consider IDO1 inhibition as a therapeutic strategy to mitigate depressive symptoms in patients with pancreatic cancer.
Message frames in health warnings and plain packaging. What effects do they have on non-smokers?
Authors: Gantiva Carlos , Correal-Grijalba Nicolás , Murcia-Vaca Laura 
Published: October 2022

Objective: The key to controlling tobacco use lies in preventing new smokers. Graphic health warnings and plain packaging are policy interventions to discourage cigarette consumption. This study examined the effect of the warning message frame (gain vs loss) and cigarette packaging (branded vs plain) in non-smokers. Methods: Young adult non-smokers aged 18–22 years ( n = 282) were recruited online and randomised to one of four experimental conditions, in a 2 (Package, plain vs branded) × 2 (Frame, gain vs loss) between-subjects experimental design. Each participant was exposed to four images of cigarette packs. After observing each image, participants reported the perceived message effectiveness, perceived risks (or benefit) of smoking (or not), decision not to smoke, and attention to image. Results: Separate two-way analyses of covariance (ANCOVAs) that examined the main effects of frame and package were used for each measure. A loss-framed warning was perceived as more effective, increased risk perception, enhanced awareness of the health benefits of not smoking, produced less desire to smoke, and strengthened the decision not to smoke. Plain packaging had no significant effect on any of the outcomes. No significant differences were found in visual attention. Conclusions: The results suggest that loss-framed warnings were more effective in preventing non-smokers from starting, compared with gain-framed warnings. Plain packaging did not seem to enhance the effect of health warnings in our sample of non-smokers.
Neuro-ophthalmology malpractice: A review of the Westlaw Database
Authors: Zhu Daniel , Wong Amanda , Shah Paras P , Pomeranz Howard D 
Published: October 2022

Background Neuro-ophthalmologic conditions are at a higher risk of misdiagnosis compared to other ophthalmic conditions. Increased awareness of the most common diagnostic errors in neuro-ophthalmology that lead to malpractice claims can allow ophthalmologists to further improve their diagnostic workup to reduce delays in diagnosis and management, while also mitigating the risk of litigation. Methods Malpractice trials in the Westlaw Legal Database that involved cases of neuro-ophthalmologic diagnostic errors or failures by ophthalmologists were included in this study. Results A total of 43 cases were included, all citing failure to diagnose as the main reason for litigation. The most common diagnoses missed were cerebrovascular pathologies (30.2%), intracranial tumours (27.9%) and giant cell arteritis (25.6%). The majority of verdicts were in favour of the defendants (48.8%). After adjusting for inflation, the average amount awarded was $1,952,154. Conclusion Nearly half of the cases resulted in a defendant verdict. Settlement and plaintiff verdicts were costly, with average awards of approximately two million inflation-adjusted dollars. Failure to diagnose cerebrovascular pathologies was the most common diagnostic error followed by failure to diagnose intracranial tumours and giant cell arteritis. It is crucial for ophthalmologists to be aware of the most common pitfalls that lead to misdiagnosis or delays in diagnosis of neuro-ophthalmologic conditions.