bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combined Working Memory Training and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Demonstrates Low Feasibility and Potentially Worse Outcomes on Delay to Smoking and Cognitive Tasks: A Randomized 2 × 2 Factorial Design Pilot and Feasibility Study
Authors: Lechner William V , Philip Noah S , Kahler Christopher W , Houben Katrijn , Tirrell Eric , Carpenter Linda L 
Published: July 2022

Abstract

Introduction
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) has shown promising results in treating several Substance Use Disorders including Tobacco Use Disorder. However, questions remain regarding how to optimize treatment outcomes. Enhancement of working memory by rTMS is a potential therapeutic mechanism. The current pilot study examined whether rTMS plus a cognitive training program could enhance the effects of rTMS on smoking behaviors using a controlled, factorial design.

Aims and Methods
We hypothesized that cognitive training plus stimulation would improve control over smoking behaviors, resulting in enhanced cognitive performance and increased latency to smoke on a delay to smoking analog task. Using a 2 × 2 factorial design, nicotine dependent smokers (n = 43) were randomized to receive 10 sessions of active (10 Hz) or sham rTMS delivered to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, plus active or sham working memory training (WMT) prior to and following stimulation.

Results
Contrary to hypotheses, we observed a significant interaction effect, indicating that combining the two active interventions (rTMS+WMT) resulted in worse performance on the smoking analog task (B = −33.0, 95% CI = −64.39, −1.61, p &lt; .05), compared to delivering either intervention alone. Additionally, although active rTMS (compared to sham rTMS) improved letter-sequencing performance (B = 1.23, 95% CI = 0.08–2.38, p &lt; .05), and active WMT (compared to sham WMT) improved back-digit task performance (B = 1.53, 95% CI = 0.02–3.05, p &lt; .05), combining interventions worsened the effect of each on a back-digit task (B = −3.01, 95% CI = −5.96, −0.052, p &lt; .05).

Conclusions
These preliminary findings indicate potential iatrogenic effects of combining rTMS and this working memory training intervention and underscore the need for rigorous evaluation of substance specific conceptual frameworks when selecting future combination interventions.

Implications
Counter to hypothesis, this study found no additional benefit of adding a working memory training program to a rTMS protocol in a sample of daily smokers. The combination condition (active rTMS + active training) resulted in worse performance on a delay to smoking analog task and a measure of working memory performance compared to delivering either intervention alone. These preliminary findings inform strategies for optimizing rTMS in smokers and highlight the need for future studies to consider several key components of candidate combination interventions, including effects on regulation of substance use.

Clinical Trial Registration (if any)
The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03337113).
A Psychometric Evaluation of the Stanford Expectations of Treatment Scale (SETS) in the Context of a Smoking Cessation Trial
Authors: Ferkin Adam C , Tonkin Sarah S , Maguin Eugene , Mahoney Martin C , Colder Craig R , Tiffany Stephen T , Hawk Larry W 
Published: July 2022

Abstract

Introduction
Although treatment outcome expectancies (TOEs) may influence clinical outcomes, TOEs are rarely reported in the smoking cessation literature, in part because of the lack of validated measures. Therefore, we conducted a psychometric evaluation of TOEs scores with the Stanford Expectations of Treatment Scale (SETS) in the context of a smoking cessation clinical trial.

Methods
Participants were 320 adults enrolled in a randomized controlled trial of extended versus standard pre-quit varenicline treatment for smoking cessation (clinicaltrials.gov ID: NCT03262662). Across an 8-week treatment period, we examined the nature and stability of the factor structure using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), evaluated discriminant validity by examining correlations with abstinence self-efficacy and positive/negative affect (PA/NA), and assessed internal consistency and test–retest reliability of SETS scores.

Results
CFAs supported a 2-factor structure that was stable (ie, invariant) across weeks. Positive and negative TOEs were each reflected in three-item subscales that exhibited acceptable to excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s alphas ≥ .77). Positive and negative TOEs were modestly correlated with PA and NA (all |rs| &lt;.27, p &lt; .05). Positive TOEs, but not negative TOEs, were moderately correlated with abstinence self-efficacy (rs = .45 to .61, p &lt; .01). Both positive and negative TOEs scores demonstrated moderate test-retest reliability between assessments (rs = .54 to .72).

Conclusions
SETS scores generally reflect a valid and reliable assessment of positive and negative TOEs in a sample of adults enrolled in a smoking cessation trial. The SETS appears to be a reasonable option for assessing TOEs in future smoking treatment studies.

Implications
Assessments of treatment outcome expectancies are rarely reported in the smoking cessation literature. The present results support the validity and reliability of the SETS scores among adults seeking treatment for their smoking behavior.
The Impact of Standardized Infectious Diseases Consultation on Postsplenectomy Care and Outcomes
Authors: Hale Andrew J , Depo Benjamin , Khan Sundas , Whitman Timothy J , Bullis Sean , Singh Devika , Peterson Katherine , Hyson Peter , Catoe Laura , Tompkins Bradley J , Alston W Kemper , Dejace Jean 
Published: July 2022

Abstract

Background
Patients who receive splenectomy are at risk for overwhelming postsplenectomy infection (OPSI). Guidelines recommend that adult asplenic patients receive a complement of vaccinations, education on the risks of OPSI, and on-demand antibiotics. However, prior literature suggests that a majority of patients who have had a splenectomy receive incomplete asplenic patient care and thus remain at increased risk. This study assessed the impact of standardized involvement of infectious diseases (ID) providers on asplenic patient care outcomes in patients undergoing splenectomy.

Methods
A quasi-experimental study design compared a prospective cohort of patients undergoing splenectomy from August 2017 to June 2021 who received standardized ID involvement in care of the asplenic patient with a historic control cohort of patients undergoing splenectomy at the same institution from January 2010 through July 2017 who did not. There were 11 components of asplenic patient care defined as primary outcomes. Secondary outcomes included the occurrence of OPSI, death, and death from OPSI.

Results
Fifty patients were included in the prospective intervention cohort and 128 in the historic control cohort. There were significant improvements in 9 of the 11 primary outcomes in the intervention arm as compared with the historic controls. Survival analysis showed no statistically significant difference in the incidence of OPSI-free survival between the groups (P = .056), though there was a trend toward improvement in the prospective intervention arm.

Conclusions
Standardized involvement of an ID provider in the care of patients undergoing splenectomy improves asplenic patient care outcomes. Routine involvement of ID in this setting may be warranted.
Applying Lessons Learned From COVID-19 Therapeutic Trials to Improve Future ALI/ARDS Trials
Authors: Wu Qun , Pennini Meghan E , Bergmann Julie N , Kozak Marina L , Herring Kristen , Sciarretta Kimberly L , Armstrong Kimberly L 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Host-directed therapeutics targeting immune dysregulation are considered the most promising approach to address the unmet clinical need for acute lung injury (ALI)/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). To better understand the current clinical study landscape and gaps in treating hospitalized patients with severe or critical COVID-19, we identified COVID-19 trials developing host-directed therapies registered at ClinicalTrials.gov and discussed the factors contributing to the success vs failure of these studies. We have learned, instead of the one-size-fits-all approach, future clinical trials evaluating a targeted immunomodulatory agent in heterogeneous patients with ALI/ARDS due to COVID-19 or other infectious diseases can use immune-based biomarkers in addition to clinical and demographic characteristics to improve patient stratification and inform clinical decision-making. Identifying distinct patient subgroups based on immune profiles across the disease trajectory, regardless of the causative pathogen, may accelerate evaluating host-directed therapeutics in trials of ALI/ARDS and related conditions (eg, sepsis).
Κey Role of Early Source Control in Candidemic Patients With Sepsis or Septic Shock
Authors: Papadimitriou-Olivgeris Matthaios , Battistolo Julien , Poissy Julien , Coste Alix , Bochud Pierre-Yves , Calandra Thierry , Senn Laurence , Lamoth Frédéric 
Published: July 2022

Abstract

Background
Despite advances in diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, candidemia remains associated with high mortality rates. This study aimed at identifying predictors of mortality among patients with candidemia, with a focus on early interventions that can improve prognosis.

Methods
This was a single-center retrospective study including all adult patients with at least 1 positive blood culture for Candida species from 2014 to 2021.

Results
A total of 222 episodes of candidemia were included. Most candidemias were of unknown origin (36%) or vascular catheter related (29%). Septic shock developed in 29% episodes. Overall, 14-day mortality rate was 23%. In univariate analyses, septic shock was associated with higher 14-day mortality, whereas catheter-related candidemia and early (&lt;72 hours) interventions, such as appropriate antifungal therapy, source control, and infectious diseases consultation, were associated with improved survival. In a Cox multivariate regression model, septic shock (odds ratio [OR], 3.62 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 2.05–6.38]) was associated with higher mortality. While the impact of early antifungal therapy did not reach statistical significance, early (&lt;72 hours) infectious diseases consultation (OR, 0.46 [95% CI, .23–.91]) and early source control (OR, 0.15 [95% CI, .08–.31]) were associated with better survival. Subanalyses showed that the benefits of early source control, specifically catheter removal, were significant among patients with sepsis or septic shock, but not among those without sepsis. These associations remained significant after exclusion of patients who died prematurely or were in palliative care.

Conclusions
Early source control, in particular catheter removal, was a key determinant of outcome among candidemic patients with sepsis or septic shock.
Role of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring in the Treatment of Persistent Mycobacterium abscessus Central Nervous System Infection: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Wu En-Ling , Al-Heeti Omar , Hoff Brian M , Williams Janna L , Krueger Karen M , Santoiemma Phillip P , Rhodes Nathaniel J 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
A patient presenting with recurrent ventriculoperitoneal shunt infection was found to have Mycobacterium abscessus growing from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which remained persistently positive. Therapeutic monitoring of clarithromycin, imipenem, and linezolid in CSF and plasma revealed lower than expected concentrations, prompting alternative therapy and culture clearance on hospital day 42.
The Role of Imagination and Anticipation in the Acceptance of Computability Proofs: A Challenge to the Standard Account of Rigor
Authors: Weber Keith 
Published: July 2022

ABSTRACT
In a 2022 paper, Hamami claimed that the orthodox view in mathematics is that a proof is rigorous if it can be translated into a derivation. Hamami then developed a descriptive account that explains how mathematicians check proofs for rigor in this sense and how they develop the capacity to do so. By exploring introductory texts in computability theory, we demonstrate that Hamami’s descriptive account does not accord with actual mathematical practice with respect to computability theory. We argue instead for an alternative account in which imagination, anticipation, and interpretations of natural language play roles in establishing mathematical rigor.
Significant fluctuation in the global sulfate reservoir and oceanic redox state during the Late Devonian event
Authors: Cai Chunfang , Xu Chenlu , Fakhraee Mojtaba , Chen Daizhao , Peng Yanyan 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Ocean sulfate concentration might have fluctuated greatly throughout the Earth’s history and may serve as a window into perturbations in the ocean–atmosphere system. Coupling high-resolution experimental results with an inverse modeling approach, we, here, show an unprecedented dynamic in the global sulfate reservoir during the Frasnian–Famennian (F–F) boundary event, as one of the “Big five” Phanerozoic biotic crises. Notably, our results indicate that, in a relatively short-time scale (∼200 thousand years), seawater sulfate concentration would have dropped from several mM before the Upper Kellwasser Horizon (UKH) to an average of 235 ± 172 μM at the end of the UKH (more than 100 times lower than the modern level) as the result of evaporite deposition and euxinia, and returned to around mM range after the event. Our findings indicate that the instability in the global sulfate reservoir and nutrient-poor oceans may have played a major role in driving the Phanerozoic biological crises.
Measuring racial and ethnic disparities in traffic enforcement with large-scale telematics data
Authors: Cai William , Gaebler Johann , Kaashoek Justin , Pinals Lisa , Madden Samuel , Goel Sharad 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Past studies have found that racial and ethnic minorities are more likely than White drivers to be pulled over by the police for alleged traffic infractions, including a combination of speeding and equipment violations. It has been difficult, though, to measure the extent to which these disparities stem from discriminatory enforcement rather than from differences in offense rates. Here, in the context of speeding enforcement, we address this challenge by leveraging a novel source of telematics data, which include second-by-second driving speed for hundreds of thousands of individuals in 10 major cities across the United States. We find that time spent speeding is approximately uncorrelated with neighborhood demographics, yet, in several cities, officers focused speeding enforcement in small, demographically nonrepresentative areas. In some cities, speeding enforcement was concentrated in predominantly non-White neighborhoods, while, in others, enforcement was concentrated in predominately White neighborhoods. Averaging across the 10 cities we examined, and adjusting for observed speeding behavior, we find that speeding enforcement was moderately more concentrated in non-White neighborhoods. Our results show that current enforcement practices can lead to inequities across race and ethnicity.
Large-time asymptotics to solutions of a generalized Burgers equation with linear damping on half-line
Authors: Samanta P , Rao Ch. Srinivasa 
Published: July 2022

Summary
In this article, we investigate an initial-boundary value problem posed for generalized Burgers equation (GBE) with linear damping via the method of matched asymptotic expansions. Asymptotic solutions are constructed for different sub-regions of the domain $x &gt; 0,~ t &gt; 0$. A special solution is derived, and it describes the large-time asymptotic behavior of the solutions of the GBE for certain parametric ranges. We also observe that a stationary solution of the GBE describes the large-time behavior of solutions for certain parametric ranges. The existence and uniqueness of the relevant stationary solution are proved using a shooting argument. A numerical study is presented comparing the numerical solutions (obtained by the method of lines) with the asymptotic solutions constructed.
Comparison of a modified Mogen clamp and classic dorsal slit circumcision under local anesthesia: A clinical study
Authors: Güler Yavuz 
Published: July 2022

Abstract

Background
Currently, although various methods are used, there is no gold standard method for circumcision. Therefore, we developed a modified circumcision clamp inspired by the Mogen clamp suitable for circumcisions performed under local anesthesia in our country. To evaluate its success and complications, we compared our modified Mogen clamp with a dorsal slit circumcision.

Materials and methods
From 2013 to 2017, we retrospectively evaluated 1309 patients who had undergone circumcision; of these, 832 used the modified Mogen clamp method (Group 1) and 477 used the dorsal slit method (Group 2). The patients’ age, surgery duration, minor hemorrhage (not requiring suture or repeated surgical exploration after circumcision but with buffer or clotting solution used), major hemorrhage (hemorrhage requiring suture or exploration), redundant prepuce skin remnants, revision numbers, and family satisfaction values were evaluated and compared between the 2 groups.

Results
Patients were assessed at least 3 times: 1day, 1week, and 1month after circumcision. The mean ages in Groups 1 and 2 were 16.5±22.8 versus 15.5±18.8 months, respectively. The surgical procedure durations were 9.2±1.7 and 15.4±2.5 minutes in Groups 1 and 2, respectively (p < 0.001). Complications were found in 164 (19.7%) versus 81 patients (17.0%) (p = 0.522), including redundant skin in 42 (5.4%) versus 15 patients (3.14%) (p = 0.105) and major hemorrhage in 20 (2.4%) versus 15 patients (3.3%) (p = 0.230) in Groups 1 and 2, respectively.

Conclusion
Under local anesthesia, the circumcision procedure with the modified Mogen clamp can be performed more rapidly than with the dorsal slit, and the cosmetic results are better as the incision line is more regular. All postoperative complications were similar, with problems related to redundant skin occurring more frequently with clamp circumcision.
Penile metastasis in prostate cancer patients: Two case reports, surgical excision technique, and literature review
Authors: Landen Lucas , Devos Gaëtan , Joniau Steven , Albersen Maarten 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Two cases of penile metastasis from primary prostate cancer in a single center are presented, along with a literature review and description of the excision technique. Despite its rich vascularization, penile metastasis is rare, with 72 new cases from September 2006 to March 2021. There is a wide variety of diagnoses, treatments, and prognoses for penile metastatic lesions. Ga-68 prostatespecific membrane antigen positron emission tomography/computed tomography is the most sensitive imaging tool for detecting metastasis from primary prostate cancer. Magnetic resonance imaging of the penis is the most reliable technique for differentiating penile lesions. Histological diagnosis is mostly performed using fine-needle biopsy aspiration.
Metastasis-directed treatment is not considered to contribute to prolonged survival. Local treatment is feasible and can be offered to symptomatic patients. Owing to a heterogeneous group, defining overall survival is difficult. Survival until 46months after detecting penile metastases is described.
Deep Learning vs manual techniques for assessing left ventricular ejection fraction in 2D echocardiography: validation against CMR
Authors: Saloux Eric , Popoff Alexandre , Langet Hélène , Piro Paolo , Ropert Camille , Gauriau Romane , Stettler Romain , Amzulescu Mihaela Silvia , Pizaine Guillaume , Allain Pascal , Bernard Olivier , Hodzic Amir , Manrique Alain , Craene Mathieu De , Gerber Bernhard L. 
Published: July 2022

Structured AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate accuracy and reproducibility of 2D echocardiography (2DE) left ventricular (LV) volumes and ejection fraction (LVEF) estimates by Deep Learning (DL) vs. manual contouring and against CMR.Background2DE LV manual segmentation for LV volumes and LVEF calculation is time consuming and operator dependent.MethodsA DL-based convolutional network (DL1) was trained on 2DE data from centre A, then evaluated on 171 subjects with a wide range of cardiac conditions (49 healthy) – 31 subjects from centre A (18%) and 140 subjects from centre B (82%) – who underwent 2DE and CMR on the same day. Two senior (A1 and B1) and one junior (A2) cardiologists manually contoured 2DE end-diastolic (ED) and end-systolic (ES) endocardial borders in the cycle and frames of their choice. Selected frames were automatically segmented by DL1 and two DL algorithms from the literature (DL2 and DL3), applied without adaptation to verify their generalizability to unseen data. Interobserver variability of DL was compared to manual contouring. All ESV, EDV and EF values were compared to CMR as reference.Results50% of 2DE images were of good quality. Interobserver agreement was better by DL1 and DL2 than by manual contouring for EF (Lin’s concordance = 0.9 and 0.91 vs. 0.84), EDV (0.98 and 0.99 vs. 0.82), and ESV (0.99 and 0.99 vs. 0.89). LVEF bias was similar or reduced using DL1 (-0.1) vs. manual contouring (3.0), and worse for DL2 and DL3. Agreement between 2DE and CMR LVEF was similar or higher for DL1 vs. manual contouring (Cohen’s kappa = 0.65 vs. 0.61) and degraded for DL2 and DL3 (0.48 and 0.29).ConclusionDL contouring yielded accurate EF measurements and generalized well to unseen data, while reducing interobserver variability. This suggests that DL contouring may improve accuracy and reproducibility of 2DE LVEF in routine practice.
A polygenic risk score to predict sudden cardiac arrest in patients with coronary artery disease
Authors: Porcu Eleonora , Thorball Christian W. , Porretta Alessandra Pia , Pruvot Etienne , Wiskott Kim , Gilardi Federica , Thomas Aurelien , Redin Claire , Kutalik Zoltán , Fracasso Tony , Müller Olivier , Fellay Jacques 
Published: July 2022

AbstractCardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading health problem and the main cause of death globally. Even when underlying causative factors are known, it is unclear why a cardiovascular condition causes premature death in a victim while others can live longer with the same condition. Here we propose a combined polygenic risk score (metaPRS) based on coronary artery disease (CAD), myocardial infarction (MI), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, body mass index (BMI) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) to predict the risk of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in patients affected by severe cardiovascular conditions.We collected 2,114 patients with reported history of acute coronary syndrome from the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV) Genomic Biobank (BGC) and extracted data from the UK Biobank (UKB) on 13,696 participants with similar medical history. Among them, 303 and 932 had a further reported diagnosis of SCA or ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation according to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) codes in BGC and UKB, respectively. We demonstrate that the metaPRS is significantly associated with SCA in both cohorts (ORBGC = 1.28, PBGC = 8.39 × 10−05 and ORUKB = 1.14, PUKB = 7.07 × 10−05). Furthermore, using the diagnosis based on the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) codes available in the UKB, the metaPRS exhibits a strong association with the presence of aortocoronary bypass graft (ORUKB = 1.31, PUKB = 6.93 × 10−33) and coronary angioplasty implant (ORUKB=1.14, PUKB=1.46×10−12).These results show that a combined genetic risk score for CVD and associated risk factors has the potential to predict the occurrence of SCA in patients with myocardial infarction, hence to identify patients who could benefit from further preventive measures.