bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Treatment of tendinous mallet finger deformity with a part of the flexor digitorum profundus tendon
Authors: Liu Hongjun , Li Renlong , Yuan Chaoqun , Gu Jiaxiang 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundTo introduce and evaluate an updated surgical technique for the treatment of tendinous mallet finger deformity.MethodsFrom April 2017 to September 2018, 13 cases of tendinous mallet finger deformity were treated. All patients had zone I extensor tendon rupture, with no residual tendon at the insertion for suture, and no avulsion fracture in the distal phalanx. Extensor tendon insertion reconstruction was realized by suturing the transferred portion of the flexor digitorum profundus tendon with the proximal end of the extensor tendon via a constructed bone tunnel. The treatment efficacy of the enrolled patients was evaluated by using Dargan evaluation criteria post‐operatively.ResultsAll patients were followed up with an average duration of 10.6 months. At the last follow‐up, 12 patients showed excellent function recovery and one case had unsatisfactory outcome according to the Dargan evaluation criteria.ConclusionSatisfactory therapeutic outcome for the treatment of tendinous mallet finger deformity can be achieved by reconstructing extensor tendon insertion using a part of the flexor digitorum profundus tendon, implying that the proposed treatment method is worthy of clinical application.
The Late Saalian Cyprina clay of northeastern Germany and the following Weichselian sedimentation and deformation history – Review and new data
Authors: Obst Karsten , Ansorge Jörg , Thiel Christine , Frenzel Peter 
Published: June 2020

Glacially dislocated fossiliferous clay – hitherto called Cyprina clay– and associated Pleistocene sediments are exposed at the northeastern German coast. They were uplifted as glacial rafts from a position of about 30 m below the sea level and incorporated into glaciotectonic complexes of Dornbusch (Hiddensee), Arkona (Rügen) and Greifswalder Oie during the ice advances of the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) ages of the fossil‐bearing clay and the overlying glacifluvial/lacustrine successions give insights into Late Saalian, Eemian and Early to Middle Weichselian development of the southern Baltic Sea area. The age data especially support the observation of changing environmental conditions prior to the Eemian warm period as suggested by the fossil record. A high‐arctic brackish fauna documented in a lower reddish‐grey clay is followed by a more boreal brackish‐marine to marine fauna in the overlying olive and/or greenish‐grey clay. This implies conditions of glacial meltwater running to the northwest during the deglaciation phase of the last Saalian Warthe ice advance and inflow of cold marine water from the North Atlantic area along the margin of the Scandinavian Ice Sheet into the Skagerrak and the Kattegat. Subsequently, water with higher salinity entered the mouths and channels of large rivers crossing the southern Baltic Sea area from SE to NW comparable with those of the Oder and Vistula rivers. Eemian Cyprina clay deposits with lusitanian faunal elements are not exposed in the study area but occur in Denmark and northwestern Germany. To distinguish the different facies types and age of the clay, we introduce the stratigraphical term Vitt Formation for the Late Saalian Cyprina clay in NE Germany, comprising Roundstonia, Portlandia and Arctica members – each with characteristic microfossil species.
Long non‐coding RNAs and TGF‐β signaling in cancer
Authors: Papoutsoglou Panagiotis , Moustakas Aristidis 
Published: June 2020

AbstractCancer is driven by genetic mutations in oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes and by cellular events that develop a misregulated molecular microenvironment in the growing tumor tissue. The tumor microenvironment is guided by the excessive action of specific cytokines including transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β), which normally controls embryonic development and the homeostasis of young or adult tissues. As a consequence of the genetic alterations generating a given tumor, TGF‐β can preserve its homeostatic function and attempt to limit neoplastic expansion, whereas, once the tumor has progressed to an aggressive stage, TGF‐β can synergize with various oncogenic stimuli to facilitate tumor invasiveness and metastasis. TGF‐β signaling mechanisms via Smad proteins, various ubiquitin ligases, and protein kinases are relatively well understood. Such mechanisms regulate the expression of genes encoding proteins or non‐coding RNAs. Among non‐coding RNAs, much has been understood regarding the regulation and function of microRNAs, whereas the role of long non‐coding RNAs is still emerging. This article emphasizes TGF‐β signaling mechanisms leading to the regulation of non‐coding genes, the function of such non‐coding RNAs as regulators of TGF‐β signaling, and the contribution of these mechanisms in specific hallmarks of cancer.
Performance of echocardiography for detection of portopulmonary hypertension among liver transplant candidates: Meta‐analysis
Authors: Korbitz Parker M. , Gallagher John P. , Samant Hrishikesh , Singh Shailender , Jophlin Loretta , Ingviya Thammasin , Manatsathit Wuttiporn 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundEvaluation of pulmonary arterial pressure is crucial among cirrhotic patients, considering that moderate portopulmonary hypertension (POPH) is a contraindication for liver transplantation. Although right heart catheterization (RHC) is the most accurate method to diagnose POPH, it is invasive.ObjectiveThe aim of the study is to evaluate the performance of echocardiography in detecting POPH in liver transplant candidates.MethodsA Literature search was performed, and pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (LR), negative LR, and area under the summary receiver operating curve (AUC) were calculated. Subgroup analyses were performed based on different cutoff values for echocardiography and diagnostic criteria of RHC.ResultsSensitivity, specificity, positive LR, negative LR, and AUC of echocardiography for detection of POPH were 0.86 (0.74, 0.94), 0.87 (0.84, 0.90), 7.17 (3.59, 14.31), 0.22 (0.13, 0.38), and 0.807 while they were 0.82 (0.74, 0.89), 0.81 (0.78, 0.84), 117.75 (16.03, 865.08), 0.28 (0.16, 0.50), and 0.876for detection of moderate POPH, respectively. Performance of echocardiography was not significantly different in the subgroup analyses of stringency of POPH criteria and pulmonary arterial systolic pressure (ePASP) cutoffs.ConclusionsOur meta‐analysis supports utilization of echocardiography for screening of POPH. However, RHC remains essential in highly suspicious cases. Echocardiographic data other than ePASP should be evaluated in future studies.
Informed water management alternatives for an over‐allocated river: Incorporating salmon life stage effects into a decision tree process during drought
Authors: Sellheim Kirsten , Zeug Steven , Merz Joseph 
Published: June 2020

AbstractWater competition in overallocated rivers is often extreme, and climate change exacerbates the challenge of balancing ecosystem and societal water needs. During a severe California drought in 2013–2014, storage in a strategic reservoir dropped to critically low levels, necessitating reduced downstream discharge during Chinook salmon, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha (Walbaum), incubation and rearing. In response, stakeholders developed an adaptive management process to balance competing water needs, including reservoir storage and salmon survival. This approach incorporated decision tree models, integrating salmon life stage transitions to define potential impacts. Life stage‐specific thresholds were identified and monitored to determine management triggers and actions. Flow reduction stranded up to 12% of incubating embryos and thus was used to trigger a flow pulse. Frequency of stranded fry in redds was reduced post‐pulse. Water quality did not change but remained within the species’ tolerance. High densities, poor body condition and aggressive behaviour of stranded fry triggered a second pulse three weeks later. This pulse reduced stranding and initiated downstream migration. Prescribed flow pulses supported outmigration of a keystone species while minimising water use during a critical period. This study evaluated ecological responses to management actions intended to ameliorate stressful low flow conditions and provided a decision‐making framework that can be used when resource use conflicts arise again.
An investigation into the grazing efficiency of perennial ryegrass varieties
Authors: Tubritt Tomas , Delaby Luc , Gilliland Trevor , O’Donovan Michael 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe objective of this study was to compare the grazing efficiency of 30 perennial ryegrass varieties, differing in ploidy and heading date. Plots were grazed by lactating dairy cows and managed under a rotational grazing system with 19 grazing events occurring over two years. Pre‐grazing and post‐grazing compressed sward heights were measured with a rising plate meter. A mixed model was used to predict the post‐grazing sward height of each variety based on year, grazing event, block and pre‐grazing sward height. Residual grazed height (RGH) was derived as the difference between the actual and predicted post‐grazing sward height and was used as the measure of grazing efficiency. Negative RGH values indicated that the actual herbage removed was greater than that predicted and so indicated a superior grazing efficiency. Varieties differed in their level of grazing efficiency (p < .001), with RGH values ranging from −0.38 to +0.34 cm. Tetraploid varieties exhibited significantly greater grazing efficiency performance than diploids (p < .001), with average RGH values of −0.13 and +0.13 cm respectively. A significant difference in grazing efficiency was found among recommended perennial ryegrass varieties that are not being recorded by mechanically harvested simulated grazing protocols. A variety reappraisal that included grazing efficiency could identify varieties capable of improving on‐farm livestock productivity from grass.
Locomotive syndrome and the power spectral characteristics of body sway
Authors: Tanaka Satoshi , Ando Kei , Kobayashi Kazuyoshi , Nakashima Hiroaki , Seki Taisuke , Ishizuka Shinya , Machino Masaaki , Kanbara Shunsuke , Ito Sadayuki , Kanemura Tokumi , Ishiguro Naoki , Hasegawa Yukiharu , Imagama Shiro 
Published: June 2020

AimIn Japan, nursing care is advised for patients with locomotive syndrome (LS) because of musculoskeletal disorders. Balance tests have indicated an association between LS risk and sway size related to center of pressure (COP) movement. Here, the power spectrum represents the energy contained in each frequency of COP sway. Although balance tests are often performed during health checkups, no studies have investigated the relationship between the power spectrum and LS. This study investigated this relationship.MethodsIn total, 605 recipients of health checkups were evaluated for LS using the 25‐item Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale. Power spectrums were calculated by applying fast Fourier transform to COP sway time‐series data. These were classified into three sections (0.02–0.2 Hz [low‐frequency band; LFB], 0.2–2 Hz [mid‐frequency band], and 2–10 Hz [high‐frequency band; HFB]). Power spectrums were evaluated in left–right and front–back directions.ResultsLS was associated with significantly lower ratios for both the HFB (P = 0.001) in the left–right direction and LFB (P = 0.007) in the front–back direction. In addition, men had significantly lower HFB ratios in the left–right direction (P = 0.032) and LFB ratios in the front–back (P = 0.013), whereas women had significantly lower HFB ratios in the left–right direction (P = 0.007).ConclusionsLS was associated with significantly lower ratios for both the HFB in the left–right direction and LFB in the front–back direction. This understanding of the power spectral characteristics of LS may be useful in the context of pathology and therapeutic intervention. Geriatr Gerontol Int ••; ••: ••–•• Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; ••: ••–••.
Crystal Chemical Characterisation of Red Beryl by ‘Standardless’ Laser‐Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy and Single‐Crystal Refinement by X‐Ray Diffraction: An Example of Validation of an Innovative Method for the Chemical Analysis of Minerals
Authors: Tempesta Gioacchino , Bosi Ferdinando , Agrosì Giovanna 
Published: June 2020

Laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a valuable technique for performing qualitative and quantitative chemical determinations of all elements in one shot, including low atomic number elements such as Li and Be. This technique does not require any sample preparation to reveal the atomic species, even when present in trace amounts (< 0.01% m/m). In this study, for the first time, we provide an accurate mineral formula for a Cs‐rich red beryl by combining crystallographic data obtained using the traditional single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction technique and quantitative chemical data obtained with an innovative ‘standardless’ method: Calibration‐free‐LIBS (CF‐LIBS). In particular, a new LIBS prototype coupled with a petrographic microscope (CF‐μLIBS) was used to analyse chemically homogeneous areas of about 10 μm spot size, causing minimal damage to the mineral. The results showed that calibration‐free quantitative analysis is suitable for the quantification of major and minor low and high atomic number elements in beryl. The accuracy of quantification of low atomic number elements by CF‐μLIBS led to the empirical formula: [12](Cs0.006Na0.019K0.017Ca0.019)Σ0.061 [4](Be2.989Li0.011)Σ3.000 [6](Ti0.053Mn0.051Mg0.007Al1.890)Σ2.000 [4](Be0.116Fe0.024Si5.860)Σ6.000 O18. This formula is consistent with the crystal‐structure refinement data and demonstrates the validity of CF‐μLIBS for chemical analyses of minerals containing low atomic number elements.
Uncertainty in an era of transformative therapy for haemophilia: Addressing the unknowns
Authors: Pierce Glenn F. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractHaemophilia is at the dawn of a new era in therapeutic management, one that can generate greater protection from bleeding and a functional cure in some individuals. Prior advances in protein engineering and monoclonal antibody technology have facilitated therapeutic options to maintain decreased risk of bleeding and less burdensome treatment. The use of gene transfer, first proposed in 1971 for monogenic diseases, is emerging as an effective long‐term treatment for a variety of diseases. Transfer of functional factor VIII (FVIII) and factor IX (FIX) genes has witnessed a series of advances and setbacks since the first non‐clinical experiments in animals were initiated nearly 30 years ago. More recently, multiyear therapeutic levels of FVIII and FIX activity have been achieved in human clinical trials, translated into meaningful clinical benefit and a functional cure. While clinical progress has been definitive, many questions remain unanswered as prelicensure phase 3 clinical trials are underway. These unanswered questions translate into a state of uncertainty about the known unknowns and unknown unknowns intrinsic to any new therapeutic platform. Accepting this modality as a means to functionally cure haemophilia also means accepting the uncertainty regarding the biology of viral vector‐mediated gene transfer, which remains inadequately understood. Gene therapy is a far more complex biological ‘drug’ than small molecule and protein drugs, where manufacturing processes and the drugs themselves are now well characterized. Extent of community acceptance of uncertainty and acknowledgement of the need for an uncompromising drive for answers to the unknowns will characterize the introduction of this first generation of gene therapy for haemophilia to the wider patient population in both resource‐rich and resource‐poor countries.
Tracking dynamics of glass formers and modifiers via correlation maps of molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Dongol Ruhil , Zhang Tianmu , Rajan Krishna 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIn this study, we describe a method to construct a correlation map that captures the evolution of species‐specific dynamic information through the spatial correlation of high‐dimensional time‐series molecular dynamics (MD) simulation dataset for a series of borosilicate glasses. The correlation is based on ‘displacement’ between a pair of atomic configurations determined by the root mean square distance (RMSD) metric. We implement the correlation map as a quantitative visualization tool that provides a compressed representation of a high‐dimensional molecular dynamics dataset to inspect various physical aspects and capture distinct atomic dynamics—from large fluctuations to small local oscillations—for high‐temperature melt, linear cooling, and low‐temperature equilibration processes during molecular dynamics simulation of glasses. We capture species‐specific dynamics using this method that show different cooling dynamics for different glass formers and modifiers, especially the onset of slow dynamics and the variation of atomic dynamics at high temperatures. Furthermore, we show that the species‐specific atomic dynamics have structural origins that depend on the composition of the simulated borosilicate glasses. The correlation map serves as a visualization tool to rapidly survey changes in atomic configurations during different simulation conditions.
Enhancing the properties of eggshell powder by cold plasma for improved calcium fortification in black coffee
Authors: Aditya Sanprit , Gnanasekaran Santhoshkumar , Stephen Jaspin , Radhakrishnan Mahendran 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThis study was aimed to investigate the effect of low‐pressure plasma on the physicochemical properties and solubility of eggshell powder in black coffee. The powder was exposed to dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma at 1, 1.5, and 2 kV for the duration of 5, 10, and 15 min. Its physical properties, along with solubility in black coffee and water, was estimated. Effect of plasma on the surface morphology and the surface distribution of calcium was determined using a Scanning electron microscope and Energy Dispersive X‐ray spectroscopic analysis. The powder treated at 2 kV for 15 min had the solubility (218.81 mg/L) in black coffee; however, no significant change (p > .05) was noted in its chemical composition after plasma treatment. Hence, DBD plasma can be a useful technique to enhance the solubility of naturally occurring calcium in black coffee and similar beverages.Practical ApplicationsSupplementing increased amounts of highly bioavailable natural calcium through black coffee as a part of the daily diet is needed to avoid deficiency diseases like osteoporosis. This work probes into the potential of cold plasma technique to alter the physicochemical properties of eggshell powder, which will, in turn, enhance the calcium fortification in black coffee. A higher amount of calcium can be incorporated in the black coffee by increasing its solubility. The determined condition (2 kV for 15 min) gives an optimum change in the required properties of the eggshell powder.
A cut‐off value for systemic immune‐inflammation index in the prediction of adverse neonatal outcomes in preterm premature rupture of the membranes
Authors: Tanacan Atakan , Uyanik Esra , Unal Canan , Beksac Mehmet Sinan 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAimTo determine a cut‐off value for systemic immune‐inflammation index (SII)(neutrophil × platelet /lymphocyte) in the prediction of adverse neonatal outcomes in preterm premature rupture of the membranes (PPROM).MethodsThis retrospective cohort study was conducted among singleton pregnancies with PPROM. Cases were divided into two main groups: Group 1) PPROM diagnosed at 24th–28th weeks of gestation and Group 2) PPROM diagnosed at >28th–34th weeks of gestation. Thereafter, main study groups were divided into two subgroups: Subgroup A: pregnancies with favorable neonatal outcomes and Subgroup B: pregnancies with composite adverse neonatal outcomes. Subgroups were compared in terms of demographic features, clinical characteristics, laboratory test results and SII values. Furthermore, cut‐off values of SII for the prediction of composite adverse neonatal outcomes were determined for two main groups. A Mann–Whitney U test was conducted to compare the median values and the chi‐square test was used to compare categorical variables among the groups. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to assess the performance of SII value in predicting composite adverse neonatal outcomes.ResultsSignificant differences were observed for median platelet and SII values between the subgroups (P < 0.001 for both in group 1 and P = 0.002 and P = 0.005, respectively, in group 2). Cut‐off values of 1695.14 109/L (83.3% sensitivity, 85.7% specificity) and 1430.90 × 109/L (71.4% sensitivity, 75.7% specificity) for composite adverse neonatal outcomes were determined, respectively in group 1 and 2 according to the ROC curve analysis.ConclusionSII may be used as an additional indicator for the prediction of adverse neonatal outcomes in PPROM.
Comparing Pathways to Diagnosis and Treatment for Rural and Urban Patients With Colorectal or Breast Cancer: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Bergin Rebecca J. , Emery Jon D. , Bollard Ruth , White Victoria 
Published: June 2020

AbstractPurposeColorectal cancer patients living in rural areas have poorer outcomes than urban counterparts, but such disparities are not found for breast cancer. Although time to care may contribute to rural‐urban disparities, few studies examine patient experiences to understand how and why delays may occur. We compared rural and urban patient experiences of pathways to colorectal or breast cancer diagnosis and treatment in Victoria, Australia.MethodsSemistructured telephone interviews were conducted with 43 patients (49% colorectal; 60% rural, median 7 months postdiagnosis). A framework analysis was applied using the Model of Pathways to Treatment.FindingsRural and urban patients expressed similar attitudes and reasons for prolonged symptom appraisal and help‐seeking triggers. However, some rural patients reported long waiting times to see a Primary Care Practitioner (PCP) and perceived greater gatekeeping to diagnostic services. Patient perceptions of the urgency of PCP referral could impact behavior, such as waiting longer to book appointments.Colorectal cancer patients reported more variable types of symptoms, interpretation, and coping strategies, as well as diverse presentation routes and reduced sense of urgency, compared to breast cancer patients. Waiting time for colonoscopy could be long, particularly in the public health system, but mammograms were quickly arranged.ConclusionsPathway variation was more evident by cancer type than residential location. However, access to primary care and diagnostic services for rural patients with colorectal cancer may be important policy targets. Future research should investigate the impact of diagnostic service accessibility on PCP referral behavior to further understand rural‐urban disparities.