bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Confidence in treatment is contributing to quality of life in autoimmune liver diseases. The results of ERN RARE‐LIVER online survey
Authors: Wunsch Ewa , Krause Linda , Gevers Tom JG , Schramm Christoph , Janik Maciej K. , Krawczyk Marcin , Willemse José , Uhlenbusch Natalie , Löwe Bernd , Lohse Ansgar Wilhelm , Milkiewicz Piotr 
Published: September 2022

AbstractBackground and AimsAutoimmune liver diseases (AILDs) are associated with impaired health‐related quality of life (HrQoL). The aim of this project was to identify potentially modifiable factors related to HrQoL in a large transnational cohort of patients with AILDs.MethodsA cross‐sectional online survey was conducted on patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) or primary sclerosing cholangitis from 15 European countries. HrQoL was measured with EQ‐5D‐5L and EQ visual analogue scale (EQ‐VAS) and analysed in relation to demographic, psychosocial, disease‐ and treatment‐related factors. A Patient Health Questionnaire‐2 score >3 indicated relevant depression. Multivariable linear regression analyses were used to identify potentially modifiable factors associated with HrQoL and confidence in treatment whilst adjusting for known confounders.ResultsA group of 1178 European patients (79% female, mean age 48 ± 14 years) participated in the study. HrQoL was impaired in all three diseases (mean EQ‐5D‐5L = 0.75, mean EQ VAS = 68.9), most markedly in PBC (mean EQ‐5D‐5L = 0.73, mean EQ‐VAS = 66.2). Relevant depression, which was detected in 17% of patients, was prominently associated with impaired HrQoL. In the regression analysis, treatment confidence was identified as an important modifiable factor positively contributing to HrQoL. This influence was observable even after adjusting for other covariates including depression. Management in a transplant centre, treatment with azathioprine in AIH, and with ursodeoxycholic acid in PBC, was associated with increased treatment confidence. Finally, improved patient‐physician relationships contributed to treatment confidence.ConclusionTreatment confidence is a relevant modifiable determinant of HrQoL and should be further investigated to improve the standards of care for patients with AILDs.
Digital health technologies to support medication adherence in chronic kidney disease
Authors: O'Hara Daniel V. , Yi Tae Won , Lee Vincent W. , Jardine Meg , Dawson Jessica 
Published: September 2022

AbstractNon‐adherence to medications is a critical challenge in the management of people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This review explores the complexities of adherence in this population, the unique barriers and enablers of good adherence behaviours, and the role of emerging digital health technologies in bridging the gap between evidence‐based treatment plans and the real‐world standard of care. We present the current evidence supporting the use of digital health interventions among CKD populations, identifying the key research questions that remain unanswered, and providing practical strategies for clinicians to support medication adherence in a digital age.
Randomized clinical trial: A double‐blind, proof‐of‐concept, phase 2 study evaluating the efficacy and safety of vonoprazan 20 or 40 mg versus esomeprazole 40 mg in patients with symptomatic gastro‐esophageal reflux disease and partial response to a healing dose of a proton‐pump inhibitor
Authors: Tack Jan , Vladimirov Borislav , Horny Ivo , Chong Chui Fung , Eisner Jessica , Czerniak Richard , Takanami Yohei 
Published: September 2022

AbstractBackgroundProton‐pump inhibitors (PPIs) are cornerstone treatments for gastro‐esophageal reflux disease (GERD); however, evidence suggests that most patients exhibit partial response to PPIs, suggesting the need for novel therapies that can provide an improved and sustained increase in gastric pH.AimsThis study aimed to determine the effect of vonoprazan, a novel, orally active small‐molecule potassium‐competitive acid blocker, versus esomeprazole, a PPI, in preventing heartburn symptoms over a 4‐week treatment period in patients with GERD and a partial response to esomeprazole treatment.MethodsThis randomized, double‐blind, proof‐of‐concept, phase 2 clinical trial was conducted between 2016 and 2018 at 39 sites across Europe and designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of vonoprazan 20 mg once daily (q.d.) and 40 mg q.d. versus esomeprazole 40 mg q.d. after 1:1:1 randomization of symptomatic patients with GERD and a partial response to a healing dose of esomeprazole.ResultsOverall, 256 eligible patients (female, 59.4%; mean age, 52.6 years) received vonoprazan 20 mg (n = 85), vonoprazan 40 mg (n = 85), or esomeprazole 40 mg (n = 86); mean (SD) percentages of heartburn‐free 24‐h periods during double‐blind treatment were 36.7% (33.4%), 36.5% (35.6%), and 38.4% (34.8%), respectively, with no intergroup statistical significance. Vonoprazan exposure increased proportionally from the 20‐mg to 40‐mg dose (mean Cmax: 23.3 ng/ml to 47.1 ng/ml, respectively). Most treatment‐emergent adverse events were mild, with no deaths reported.ConclusionsNo statistically significant difference in efficacy and safety was observed among treatment groups, and vonoprazan was well tolerated. The trial is registered with the National Board of Health (EudraCT: 2015–001154‐14) database.
Safety and feasibility of immediate tracheal extubation of small pediatric patients after living donor liver transplantation
Authors: Pandey Vijay K. , Prabhudesai Aditya , Goyal Sumit , Nasa Vaibhav , Yadav Vivek , Singh Shweta A. , Chatterji Chitra , Verma Sapana , Agarwal Shaleen , Gupta Subhash 
Published: September 2022

AbstractBackgroundImmediate extubation is integral constituent of enhance recovery protocols. Purpose of this study was to examine success rates and safety of protocolized immediate extubation in pediatric living donor liver transplant recipients and to find out factors associated with non‐immediate extubation in operation room.MethodsWe performed retrospective analysis for data of small (≤20 kg) pediatric patients transplanted between 2017 and 2019 (protocolized duration) and compared with data of transplants done between 2014 and 2016 (non‐protocolized duration). Further, we compared data during each time duration between immediate extubation and non‐immediate extubation group to find risk factors in that particular duration.ResultsImmediate extubation rates were significantly higher during protocolized duration compared with non‐protocolized duration (85.52% vs. 48.29%, p < .001). Reintubation rates decreased during protocolized duration (10.9% vs. 4.6%). Hospital stays (20.47 ± 7.06 vs. 27.8 ± 6.2 days, p < .001) and mortality (13.2% vs. 28%, p = .04) were significantly decreased in protocolized duration. Higher age (OR: 2.85, 95% CI 1.22–6.67, p = .02), weight > 10 (OR: 4.37, 95% CI 1.16–16.46, p = .029) and high vasopressor support (OR: 32, 95% CI 6.4–160.13, p < .001) found as significant predictors of non‐immediate extubation however only high vasopressor support found to be independent predictor during protocolized duration.ConclusionsOutcomes in pediatric transplants can be optimized by immediate extubation in majority of cases when protocolized as part of policy.
Ultrafast Radical Photogeneration Pathways in Eumelanin†
Authors: Grieco Christopher , Kohl Forrest R. , Kohler Bern 
Published: September 2022

AbstractEumelanin is a ubiquitous biological pigment that rapidly and efficiently deactivates excited states created by UV or visible radiation. Paradoxically, photoirradiation of eumelanin also generates radicals and harmful reactive oxygen species, but the relationship between these pathways and excited‐state deactivation is uncertain. Here, greatly expanding the excitation tuning range (225–620 nm) and probing window (400–1500 nm) in femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy of the synthetic eumelanin, DOPA melanin, enables the detection of photogenerated radials with ultrafast time resolution for the first time. Despite its heterogeneous nature, the transient absorption signals can be modeled by two spectral components assigned to solvated electrons and photogenerated radicals. Radical absorbance measured several nanoseconds after excitation increases exponentially with increasing photon energy, matching the trend in radical yields measured in electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy experiments. Spectral modeling of the transient signals reveals two radical generation mechanisms: (1) photoionization by UV light; and (2) photoinduced charge transfer among eumelanin chromophores by UVA and visible wavelengths capable of reaching the pigment in skin. Concurrent ultrafast relaxation and radical generation underlie the ability of eumelanin to be both photoprotective and photodamaging, and the branching between these pathways likely depends on the wavelength of the absorbed light.
Emerging and re‐emerging fungal threats in Africa
Authors: Dangarembizi Rachael , Wasserman Sean , Hoving Jennifer Claire 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThe emergence of deadly fungal infections in Africa is primarily driven by a disproportionately high burden of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections, lack of access to quality health care, and the unavailability of effective antifungal drugs. Immunocompromised people in Africa are therefore at high risk of infection from opportunistic fungal pathogens such as Cryptococcus neoformans and Pneumocystis jirovecii, which are associated with high morbidity, mortality, and related socioeconomic impacts. Other emerging fungal threats include Emergomyces spp., Histoplasma spp., Blastomyces spp., and healthcare‐associated multi‐drug resistant Candida auris. Socioeconomic development and the Covid‐19 pandemic may influence shifts in epidemiology of invasive fungal diseases on the continent. This review discusses the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and current management strategies available for these emerging fungal diseases in Africa. We also discuss gaps in knowledge, policy, and research to inform future efforts at managing these fungal threats.
Effects of COVID‐19 restrictions on mechanization service providers and mechanization equipment retailers: Insights from phone surveys in Myanmar
Authors: Takeshima Hiroyuki , Masias Ian , Win Myat Thida , Zone Phoo Pye 
Published: September 2022

AbstractAgrifood sector mechanization service providers (MSP) and mechanization equipment retailers (MER) have increasingly become the providers of mechanical technologies for smallholders in developing countries, including Myanmar. Evidence remains scarce on the effects of COVID‐19 on these MSPs and MERs. This study provides insights into the effects of COVID‐19 restrictions on MSPs and MERs in Myanmar, using unbalanced panel data from five rounds of phone surveys. Direct responses to COVID‐19 involving movement restrictions, market disruptions, and growing financial challenges had significant negative effects on revenue prospects, service delivery, and sales of machines and equipment. Negative revenue prospects during a particular period can further hurt revenue prospects in subsequent periods. This is consistent with the hypotheses that MSPs who had incurred high sunk costs in machines can engage in more desperate and, thus, potentially suboptimal business practices to recover the sunk cost. Overall, policies to minimize movement restrictions and various financial struggles and mitigate any pessimism at the beginning of the production season are all important to make sure MSPs and MERs continue to function effectively under COVID‐19.
Comparison of current methods for anti‐dsDNA antibody detection and reshaping diagnostic strategies
Authors: Infantino Maria , Palterer Boaz , Previtali Giulia , Alessio Maria‐Grazia , Villalta Danilo , Carbone Teresa , Platzgummer Stefan , Paura Giusi , Castiglione Caterina , Fabris Martina , Pesce Giampaola , Porcelli Brunetta , Terzuoli Lucia , Bacarelli Maria‐Romana , Tampoia Marilina , Cinquanta Luigi , Brusca Ignazio , Buzzolini Francesca , Benucci Maurizio , Tortora Matteo , Tronchin Lorenzo , Guarrasi Valerio , Soda Paolo , Manfredi Mariangela , Bizzaro Nicola 
Published: September 2022

AbstractAnti–double‐stranded DNA antibodies (anti‐dsDNA) are considered a specific marker for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Though the Farr technique was once the reference method for their detection, it has been almost entirely replaced by more recently developed assays. However, there is still no solid evidence of the commutability of these methods in terms of diagnostic accuracy and their correlation with the Crithidia luciliae immunofluorescence test (CLIFT). Anti‐dsDNA antibody levels were measured in 80 subjects: 24 patients with SLE, 36 disease controls drawn from different autoimmune rheumatic diseases (14 systemic sclerosis, 10 Sjögren's syndrome, nine autoimmune myositis, three mixed connective tissue disease), 10 inflammatory arthritis and 10 apparently healthy blood donors by eight different methods: fluorescence enzyme immunoassay, microdot array, chemiluminescent immunoassay (two assays), multiplex flow immunoassay, particle multi‐analyte technology immunoassay and two CLIFT. At the recommended manufacturer cut‐off, the sensitivity varied from 67% to 92%, while the specificity ranged from 84% to 98%. Positive agreement among CLIFT and the other assays was higher than negative agreement. Mean agreement among methods assessed by the Cohen's kappa was 0.715, ranging from moderate (0.588) to almost perfect (0.888). Evaluation of the concordance among quantitative values by regression analysis showed a poor correlation index (mean r2, 0.66). The present study shows that current technologies for anti‐dsDNA antibody detection are not fully comparable. In particular, their different correlation with CLIFT influences their positioning in the diagnostic algorithm for SLE (either in association or sequentially). Considering the high intermethod variability, harmonization and commutability of anti‐dsDNA antibody testing remains an unachieved goal.
Inference for low‐ and high‐dimensional inhomogeneous Gibbs point processes
Authors: Ba Ismaïla , Coeurjolly Jean‐François 
Published: September 2022

AbstractGibbs point processes (GPPs) constitute a large and flexible class of spatial point processes with explicit dependence between the points. They can model attractive as well as repulsive point patterns. Feature selection procedures are an important topic in high‐dimensional statistical modeling. In this paper, a composite likelihood (in particular pseudo‐likelihood) approach regularized with convex and nonconvex penalty functions is proposed to handle statistical inference for possibly high‐dimensional inhomogeneous GPPs. We particularly investigate the setting where the number of covariates diverges as the domain of observation increases. Under some conditions provided on the spatial GPP and on penalty functions, we show that the oracle property, consistency and asymptotic normality hold. Our results also cover the low‐dimensional case which fills a large gap in the literature. Through simulation experiments, we validate our theoretical results and finally, an application to a tropical forestry dataset illustrates the use of the proposed approach.
Circulating endothelial precursor cells are associated with a healed diabetic foot ulcer evaluated in a prospective cohort study
Authors: Margolis David J. , Mitra Nandita , Hoffstad Ole , Malay D. Scot , Mirza Ziad K. , Lantis John C. , Lev‐Tov Hadar A. , Kirsner Robert S. , Ruhela Deepa , Bhopale Veena M. , Thom Stephan R. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThe goal of this multicentre study was to evaluate whether circulating endothelial precursor cells and microparticles can predict diabetic foot ulcer healing by the 16th week of care. We enrolled 207 subjects, and 40.0% (28.4, 41.5) healed by the 16th week of care. Using flow cytometry analysis, several circulating endothelial precursor cells measured at the first week of care were associated with healing after adjustment for wound area and wound duration. For example, CD34+CD45dim, the univariate odds ratio was 1.19 (95% confidence interval: 0.88, 1.61) and after adjustment for wound area and wound duration, the odds ratio was (1.67 (1.16, 2.42) p = 0.006). A prognostic model using CD34+ CD45dim, wound area, and wound duration had an area under the curve of 0.75 (0.67, 0.82) and CD34+ CD45dim per initial wound area, an area under the curve of 0.72 (0.64, 0.79). Microparticles were not associated with a healed wound. Previous studies have indicated that circulating endothelial precursor cells measured at the first office visit are associated with a healed diabetic foot ulcer. In this multicentred prospective study, we confirm this finding, show the importance of adjusting circulating endothelial precursor cells measurements by wound area, and show circulating endothelial precursor cells per wound area is highly predictive of a healed diabetic foot ulcer by 16th week of care.
A statewide, cross‐sectional evaluation of the knowledge and level of concern of rabies among South Carolina residents
Authors: Gual‐Gonzalez Lídia , McCarter Maggie S. J. , Peebles Megan , Nolan Melissa S. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractAnimal rabies cases have increased steadily in South Carolina (SC) for the past decade. An understanding of the population's awareness and understanding of the disease is needed to tailor public health interventions. A marketing list‐serv of SC residents' email addresses was used to recruit anonymous respondents for a Knowledge Attitudes and Practices (KAP) electronic survey. A total 516 South Carolinians completed the 31‐question survey. Quantile regression and a Pearson's correlation evaluated potential associations between respondent's rabies knowledge and their attitudes and practices. Knowledge was assessed on topics of rabies biology, state animal case counts and rabies pet‐related laws. Level of concern and level of knowledge were positively correlated. Additionally, statewide hotspot analysis revealed geographic areas warranting targeted public health interventions; counties with low public concern juxtapositioned with high animal rabies case counts. This study demonstrates the utility of statewide KAPs to gauge populations rabies perception and related preventative actions to tailor appropriate educational programs to limit human‐animal rabies exposures.
Modeling and Computation of Batoid Swimming Inspired Pitching Impact on Wake Structure and Hydrodynamic Performance
Authors: Menzer Alec , Li Chengyu , Fish Frank , Gong Yuchen , Dong Haibo 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Through direction numerical simulation (DNS) of a model manta ray body, pectoral fin scaled pitching effect on hydrodynamic performance and wake is investigated. The manta ray model is derived from high-speed video of manta ray swimming with motion of the model prescribed to match the actual manta ray. Rotation angles of the model skeletal joints is altered to scale the pitching. This results in four manta ray models with different pectoral fin pitching ratios. The models are simulated using an in-house developed immersed boundary method-based numerical solver. Notable discrepancies in thrust production during the downstroke are observed, with the θR = 1.0 case producing instantaneous thrust peak that is 19% higher than the θR = 0.72 model. Cycle averaged thrust is highest for the θR = 0.72 model case, however, which can be attributed to extended reverse thrust for the θR = 1.0 model. Through analysis of the near-body wake structures produced during the downstroke, late leading-edge vortex (LEV) formation is discovered to be primarily responsible for the detrimental reverse thrust seen for the θR = 1.0 model. Surface pressure contours confirm this finding. Meanwhile the upstroke possesses less pronounced force production.
Effects of Reynolds Number and Streamwise Aspect Ratio on Turbulent Wakes Generated by Rectangular Cylinders
Authors: Liu Manqi , Kumahor Sedem , Tachie Mark F. 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
In the present study, the effects of Reynolds number on the flow characteristics around rectangular cylinders in uniform flow with length-to-height aspect ratios (AR) of 1 and 4 were examined experimentally using particle image velocimetry. High spatial resolution experiments were performed at Reynolds numbers of 3000, 7200, 14700 and 21000 for each aspect ratio. The results show that the separated flow is directly shed into the near wake region for AR1, while mean flow reattachment occurs on AR4, irrespective of the Reynolds number. The characteristics of the primary, secondary and wake vortices formed around the cylinders show dependency on both aspect ratio and Reynolds number. The streamwise mean velocity, turbulence intensities, transport of turbulent kinetic energy by fluctuating velocities in terms of quadrant analyses are also discussed. One-dimensional profiles are presented to quantitatively assess the effects of Reynolds number and aspect ratio.
Effect of Single Nanoparticle Diameter on a Nanochannel Fluid Flow and Heat Transfer
Authors: Gonzalez Isaias , Law Deify 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
This present work studies the effect of single nanoparticle diameter on a nanochannel fluid flow and convective heat transfer using the molecular dynamics simulation code LAMMPS. The channel dimensions are 95 Å in length, 40 Å in depth, and 60 Å in height. Channel wall temperatures are fixed at 200 K whereas inlet bulk fluid temperature is set as 300 K. Two regions (force region and thermostat region) are considered before the channel inlet to create a flow and apply the quasi-periodic boundary condition to the system. Fluid and solid (walls and nanoparticle) materials are argon and copper, respectively. Surface wettability are modeled by setting the energy scale to be 1.67 × 10−21 J and the input force is imposed at 0.002 eV/Å. Both velocity and temperature profiles across the channel height will be plotted at 12.5, 22.5, and 32.5 Å away from the inlet. Effect of single nanoparticle diameter of 0.8, 1.0, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, and 2 nm on the convective heat transfer enhancement will be studied. Nusselt number will be used to quantify the convective heat transfer enhancement with the presence of a nanoparticle size in the nanochannel flow. Nusselt number of a base nanochannel fluid flow without any nanoparticle will be included as a benchmark comparison.