bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantitative assessment of contractile reserve of systemic right ventricle in post‐Senning children: Incorporating speckle‐tracking strain and dobutamine stress echocardiography
Authors: Taha Fatma Aboalsoud , Elshedoudy Sahar , Adel Mona 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIntroductionThe systemic load on the right ventricle (RV) after Senning atrial switch leads to ventricular dysfunction. Quantitative assessment of RV contractile reserve is mandatory to anticipate the need for anti‐fibrotic treatment. We aimed to quantitatively assess RV contractile reserve in Senning children by estimating speckle‐based global longitudinal strain (GLS) during dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE).MethodsThis prospective study compared thirty‐one post‐Senning children (group I) and thirty controls (group II). In post‐Senning children, echocardiographic RV systolic function using one‐plane ejection fraction (RVEF), RV fractional area change (RVFAC), tricuspid annulus plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), its Z‐score, and RVGLS were recorded at rest and peak DSE. Contractile reserve was defined as improvement >5% in RVEF, >2% in GLS, and/or to near normal TAPSE.ResultsRVEF, RVFAC, TAPSE, and TAPSE Z‐score were significantly lower in patients than controls [RVEF:40.13 ± 2.93% vs 53.17 ± 3.17% (P < .001*), RVFAC: 21.17 ± 2.37% vs 37.23 ± 2.13% (P < .001*), TAPSE:13.81 ± 1.26 vs 17.45 ± 2.93 mm (P < .001*), TAPSE Z‐score: −3.47 ± 0.46 vs −2.09 ± 0.48 (P < .001*)]. Also, RVGLS was significantly impaired in Senning children than controls[ (−11.89 ± 2.31% vs −22.35 ± 6.73% (P < .001*)]. At peak DSE, contractile reserve was not evident as measured by RVEF which increased none significantly to 42.47 ± 2.80% (P = .063). However, RVGLS improved significantly to −15.78 ± 0.93% (P < .001*) and discovered the masked contractile reserve in Senning children. The 19(61.29%) children who showed masked contractile reserve (improvement in RVGLS > 2%) underwent continuation of anti‐fibrotic medications.ConclusionsDespite systemic RV function in post‐Senning children was impaired at rest and during DSE, RVGLS was useful in quantitative assessment of masked contractile thus promoted continuing anti‐fibrotic treatment.
Retromandibular transparotid approach for subcondylar mandibular fracture: A retrospective study
Authors: Koirala Ujjwal , Subedi Sushil 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIntroductionThe retromandibular transparotid approach provides the shortest and the most direct access to mandibular sub‐condylar fractures. However, this approach is less preferred due to the fear of facial nerve injury. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and morbidity of the retromandibular transparotid approach for open reduction and internal fixation of sub‐condylar mandibular fractures.MethodsA retrospective cohort study of 29 patients with 35 sub‐condylar mandibular fractures who underwent open reduction and internal fixation through the retromandibular transparotid approach was conducted. The primary study variable was facial nerve palsy, whereas the secondary variables were infection, sialocele, salivary fistula, stability of the fractured segments, post‐operative malocclusion, Frey's syndrome, and unesthetic scar. All patients were followed up for 6 months. Predictor variables included age, gender, side, location, displacement, etiology, concomitant maxillofacial fractures, and healing status. Fisher's exact test was calculated to find the association between primary variables and predictor variables.ResultOut of 35 sub‐condylar fractures (29 patients; 23 male, 6 female), four (11.42%) developed transient facial nerve palsy. Fractures at the condylar neck level (P = .045) and with displacement (P = .026) were significantly associated with the development of facial nerve palsy. Four patients (13.8%) developed slight malocclusion, two had surgical site infections, two developed sialoceles, and one had a salivary fistula.ConclusionThe retromandibular transparotid approach is safe and effective with rare major complications in the management of sub‐condylar fractures of the mandible. Condylar neck fractures and displaced fractured segments are associated with an increased risk of development of facial nerve palsy.
Histology of the spleen in immune thrombocytopenia: clinical‐pathological characterization and prognostic implications
Authors: Pizzi Marco , Friziero Alberto , Vianello Fabrizio , Binotto Gianni , Da Dalt Gianfranco , Zoletto Simone , Carraro Elisa , Fassan Matteo , Sbaraglia Marta , Sperti Cosimo , Baldan Nicola , D’Amore Fabio , Bertozzi Irene , Righi Simona , Pierobon Elisa Sefora , Moletta Lucia , Capovilla Giovanni , Grego Andrea , Sabattini Elena , Fabris Fabrizio , Merigliano Stefano , Dei Tos Angelo Paolo 
Published: November 2020

AbstractObjectiveImmune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an acquired disorder, characterized by immune‐mediated platelet destruction. The spleen plays a key pathogenic role in ITP and splenectomy is a valuable second‐line therapy for this disease. Little is known on ITP spleen histology and response to splenectomy is unpredictable. This study aims to characterize ITP spleen histology and assess possible predictors of splenectomy outcome.MethodsA series of 23 ITP spleens were retrospectively assessed for the following histological parameters: density of lymphoid follicles (LFs), marginal zones (MZs), T helper and cytotoxic T cells; presence of reactive germinal centers (GCs); width of perivascular T cell sheaths; and red pulp features. Clinical and histological data were matched with postsplenectomy platelet counts to assess their prognostic relevance.ResultsThree histological patterns were documented: a hyperplastic white pulp pattern, a non‐activated white pulp pattern (lacking GCs), and a white pulp‐depleted pattern. Poor surgical responses were associated with presplenectomy high‐dose steroid administration, autoimmune comorbidities and low T follicular helper cell density. The combination of such parameters stratified patients into different splenectomy response groups. The removal of accessory spleens was also associated with better outcome.ConclusionITP spleens are histologically heterogeneous and clinical‐pathological parameters may help predict the splenectomy outcome.
Predictive significance of selected gene mutations in relapsed and refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients treated with ibrutinib
Authors: Machnicki Marcin M. , Górniak Patryk , Pępek Monika , Szymczyk Agnieszka , Iskierka‐Jażdżewska Elżbieta , Steckiewicz Paweł , Bluszcz Aleksandra , Rydzanicz Małgorzata , Hus Marek , Płoski Rafał , Makuch‐Łasica Hanna , Nowak Grażyna , Juszczyński Przemysław , Jamroziak Krzysztof , Stokłosa Tomasz , Puła Bartosz 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundIbrutinib, an inhibitor of the Bruton's kinase (BTK), is characterized by high efficacy in the therapy of patients with relapsed and refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (RR‐CLL).AimsTo analyze the potential significance of the mutational status of selected 30 genes on the disease outcome in 45 patients with RR‐CLL using custom‐made gene panel and sequencing on Illumina MiSeq FGx platform.ResultsThe highest rate of mutations was observed in TP53 (n = 18; 40.0%), NOTCH1 (n = 13; 28.8%), SF3B1 (n = 11; 24.4%), ATM (n = 7; 15.6%), MED12 (n = 6, 13.3%), CHD2 (n = 5; 11.1%), XPO1 (n = 5; 11.1%), NFKBIE (n = 5; 11.1%), BIRC3 (n = 4; 8.9%), SPEN (n = 4; 8.9%), POT1 (n = 4; 8.9%), EGR2 (n = 3; 6.7%), and RPS15 (n = 3; 6.7%). With a median observation time of 45.9 months, the median progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were not reached. The 36‐month estimated rate of PFS and OS were 64% and 68.2%, respectively. The overall response rate was noted in 23 patients (51.1%), while twenty (44.4%) patients achieved stability. Progression was noted in 2 (4.5%) cases. Analyzed molecular factors had no impact on PFS and OS.ConclusionDespite accumulation of several poor prognostic factors in our real‐life cohort of heavily pretreated patients with CLL, ibrutinib treatment showed long‐term clinical benefit.
Establishing criteria for pediatric epilepsy surgery center levels of care: Report from the ILAE Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Task Force
Authors: Gaillard William D. , Jette Nathalie , Arnold Susan T. , Arzimanoglou Alexis , Braun Kees P. J. , Cukiert Arthur , Dick Alexander , Harvey A. Simon , Jacobs Julia , Rydenhag Bertil , Udani Vrajesh , Wilmshurst Jo M. , Cross J. Helen , Jayakar Prasanna ,   Task Force for Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery, Commission for Pediatrics, and the Surgical Commission of the International League Against Epilepsy
Published: November 2020

AbstractPresurgical evaluation and surgery in the pediatric age group are unique in challenges related to caring for the very young, range of etiologies, choice of appropriate investigations, and surgical procedures. Accepted standards that define the criteria for levels of presurgical evaluation and epilepsy surgery care do not exist. Through a modified Delphi process involving 61 centers with experience in pediatric epilepsy surgery across 20 countries, including low–middle‐ to high‐income countries, we established consensus for two levels of care. Levels were based on age, etiology, complexity of presurgical evaluation, and surgical procedure. Competencies were assigned to the levels of care relating to personnel, technology, and facilities. Criteria were established when consensus was reached (≥75% agreement). Level 1 care consists of children age 9 years and older, with discrete lesions including hippocampal sclerosis, undergoing lobectomy or lesionectomy, preferably on the cerebral convexity and not close to eloquent cortex, by a team including a pediatric epileptologist, pediatric neurosurgeon, and pediatric neuroradiologist with access to video‐electroencephalography and 1.5‐T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Level 2 care, also encompassing Level 1 care, occurs across the age span and range of etiologies (including tuberous sclerosis complex, Sturge‐Weber syndrome, hypothalamic hamartoma) associated with MRI lesions that may be ill‐defined, multilobar, hemispheric, or multifocal, and includes children with normal MRI or foci in/abutting eloquent cortex. Available Level 2 technologies includes 3‐T MRI, other advanced magnetic resonance technology including functional MRI and diffusion tensor imaging (tractography), positron emission tomography and/or single photon emission computed tomography, source localization with electroencephalography or magnetoencephalography, and the ability to perform intra‐ or extraoperative invasive monitoring and functional mapping, by a large multidisciplinary team with pediatric expertise in epilepsy, neurophysiology, neuroradiology, epilepsy neurosurgery, neuropsychology, anesthesia, neurocritical care, psychiatry, and nursing. Levels of care will improve safety and outcomes for pediatric epilepsy surgery and provide standards for personnel and technology to achieve these levels.
Progress report on new antiepileptic drugs: A summary of the Fifteenth Eilat Conference on New Antiepileptic Drugs and Devices (EILAT XV). I. Drugs in preclinical and early clinical development
Authors: Bialer Meir , Johannessen Svein I. , Koepp Matthias J. , Levy René H. , Perucca Emilio , Perucca Piero , Tomson Torbjörn , White H. Steve 
Published: November 2020

AbstractSince 1992, the Eilat Conferences have provided a forum for all stakeholders in the epilepsy community to appraise the latest data on new antiepileptic drugs and emergency seizure treatments, including, in recent years, updates on progress with the development of novel monitoring and therapeutic devices. Because of the COVID‐19 pandemic, the Fifteenth Eilat Conference on New Antiepileptic Drugs and Devices (EILAT XV) was held as a fully virtual conference on July 27‐30, 2020 for the sessions on drugs and on August 3, 2020 for the sessions on devices, and was attended during the 5 days by >500 participants from 63 countries. This progress report summarizes key preclinical and initial (phase 1) clinical data on eight investigational treatments that are currently in early development, including 2‐deoxy‐D‐glucose, GAO‐3‐02, JNJ‐40411813, NBI‐921352, NTX‐001, sec‐butylpropylacetamide, XEN1101, and XEN496. This report provides an overview of current scenarios in the area of treatment discovery and development. The information presented illustrates a variety of innovative strategies, including exploration of compounds with novel mechanisms of action, transplantation of interneurons into epileptogenic brain regions, and the targeting of rare, previously neglected syndromes.
Epilepsy with myoclonic‐atonic seizures (Doose syndrome): Clarification of diagnosis and treatment options through a large retrospective multicenter cohort
Authors: Nickels Katherine , Kossoff Eric H. , Eschbach Krista , Joshi Charuta 
Published: November 2020

AbstractObjectiveEpilepsy with myoclonic‐atonic seizures (EMAS) is a rare childhood onset epileptic encephalopathy. There is no clear consensus for recommended treatments, and pharmacoresistance is common. To better assess the clinical phenotype, most effective treatment, and determinants of cognitive and seizure outcomes, three major pediatric epilepsy centers combined data, creating the largest cohort of patients with EMAS ever studied to date.MethodsAuthors performed a retrospective chart review of patients with EMAS who received care at the authors’ institutions.ResultsA total of 166 children were identified. Global developmental delay (>1 domain) was present in 2% of children at onset and 49% during the course of the disease. Afebrile seizures occurred after the age of 2 years in 88%, generalized tonic‐clonic seizures in 60%, and drop attack or myoclonic seizures in 30%. At onset, electroencephalography (EEG) found 28% normal, background slowing in 20%, and epileptiform discharges or seizures in 69%. Subsequent EEG found slowing in 62% and discharges or seizures in 90%. Response (>50% seizure reduction) to the first three antiseizure drugs (ASDs) was 26% (levetiracetam, 17%; valproic acid, 31%; other ASDs combined, 26%). Diet therapy was used as a second or third therapy in 19% and ultimately used in 57%; response was 79%, significantly greater than the first three ASDs (P = .005, χ2). Seizure freedom occurred in 57% and was less likely in the case of persistent global developmental delays (P < .001), seizure recorded on subsequent EEGs (P = .027), and failure to respond to diet therapy (P = .005). Development was normal in 47%, and 12% had delays in one domain, which was less likely in the case of global developmental delay after epilepsy onset (P < .001) and failure to achieve seizure freedom (P < .001).SignificanceThis large cohort of children with EMAS clarifies areas of variability in practice. Diet therapy is by far the most effective treatment; failure to respond was associated with failure to attain seizure freedom. This therapy should be used early in the treatment in EMAS. This study also identified a bidirectional link between cognitive and seizure outcomes.
Does sustainable investing reduce portfolio risk? A multilevel analysis
Authors: Maxfield Sylvia , Wang Liu 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThis study complements and extends prior research on the risk mitigation role of sustainable investing. We use a continuous measure of funds' sustainability traits, rather than a categorical approach, and assess impact on risk directly rather than by looking at fund performance in up versus down markets. We find that sustainable investing plays a significant role in mitigating total, systematic, and idiosyncratic risk of equity funds, even after controlling for other fund characteristics. Further evidence indicates that the explanation for the risk reduction role of sustainable funds largely runs through traits of the firms held in the funds.
Targeting cellular senescence based on interorganelle communication, multilevel proteostasis, and metabolic control
Authors: Cavinato Maria , Madreiter‐Sokolowski Corina T. , Büttner Sabrina , Schosserer Markus , Zwerschke Werner , Wedel Sophia , Grillari Johannes , Graier Wolfgang F. , Jansen‐Dürr Pidder 
Published: November 2020

Cellular senescence, a stable cell division arrest caused by severe damage and stress, is a hallmark of aging in vertebrates including humans. With progressing age, senescent cells accumulate in a variety of mammalian tissues, where they contribute to tissue aging, identifying cellular senescence as a major target to delay or prevent aging. There is an increasing demand for the discovery of new classes of small molecules that would either avoid or postpone cellular senescence by selectively eliminating senescent cells from the body (i.e., ‘senolytics’) or inactivating/switching damage‐inducing properties of senescent cells (i.e., ‘senostatics/senomorphics’), such as the senescence‐associated secretory phenotype. Whereas compounds with senolytic or senostatic activity have already been described, their efficacy and specificity has not been fully established for clinical use yet. Here, we review mechanisms of senescence that are related to mitochondria and their interorganelle communication, and the involvement of proteostasis networks and metabolic control in the senescent phenotype. These cellular functions are associated with cellular senescence in in vitro and in vivo models but have not been fully exploited for the search of new compounds to counteract senescence yet. Therefore, we explore possibilities to target these mechanisms as new opportunities to selectively eliminate and/or disable senescent cells with the aim of tissue rejuvenation. We assume that this research will provide new compounds from the chemical space which act as mimetics of caloric restriction, modulators of calcium signaling and mitochondrial physiology, or as proteostasis optimizers, bearing the potential to counteract cellular senescence, thereby allowing healthy aging.
Comparing the diversity and composition of waterbird functional traits between natural, restored, and artificial wetlands
Authors: Almeida Bia A. , Sebastián‐González Esther , dos Anjos Luiz , Green Andy J. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

The restoration of degraded areas and the creation of artificial ecosystems have partially compensated for the continuing loss of natural wetlands. However, the success of these wetlands in terms of the capacity of supporting biodiversity and ecosystem functions is unclear. Research is needed to improve our understanding of the value of restored and constructed wetlands for functional diversity of freshwater fauna.

We compared natural, restored, and artificially created wetlands present within the Doñana Natural Space, Spain and valued as important for waterbirds. We evaluated if these wetlands are equivalent in terms of waterbird functional trait diversity and composition, during both the wintering and breeding seasons. We modelled functional diversity measures and functional group species richness describing species diet, body mass, and foraging techniques with generalised linear mixed models in 20 wetlands monitored between 2006 and 2011. We used three different statistical approaches to evaluate the robustness of our results.

Artificial wetlands constructed for conservation failed to reach the functional diversity of natural and restored wetlands. Unexpectedly, artificial ponds constructed for fish production performed better, and even exceeded natural wetlands for functional richness during winter. Fish ponds stood out as having a unique functional composition, connected with increase in richness of opportunistic gulls and decrease of species sensitive to high salinity. Overall, the functional structure of breeding communities was more affected by wetland type than wintering communities.

Our findings suggest that compensating the loss of natural wetlands with restored and artificial wetlands results in systems with altered waterbird‐supported functions, such as seed dispersal or nutrient cycling. Protection of natural Mediterranean wetlands is vital to maintain the original diversity and composition of waterbird functional traits. Furthermore, restoration must be prioritised over the creation of artificial wetlands, which, even when intended for conservation, may not provide an adequate replacement.
Erenumab‐Induced Severe Nausea Leading to Smoking Cessation: A Retrospective Case Series
Authors: Mathew Paul G. , Krivitski David , Sharon Roni 
Published: November 2020

ObjectiveErenumab is a novel treatment modality with a relatively benign and safe side effect profile, currently approved for the prevention of migraine headache. We present 3 cases with chronic migraine who are cigarette smokers were prescribed erenumab, and developed an intense smoking‐induced nausea which eventually led to smoking cessation.MethodsA multicenter retrospective review of 3 cases with cigarette smoking, one of whom was also smoking marijuana, suffering from chronic migraine resistant to multiple preventive therapies was studied. All were prescribed monthly injections of erenumab 70 mg. Response in terms of headache frequency and intensity and smoking habits was obtained through medical record review.ResultsOut of 3 patients, 2 reported reduced headache frequency and intensity. All patients developed severe nausea while smoking cigarettes after their first dose of erenumab, leading to smoking cessation. One patient co‐smoked marijuana, which did not result in nausea after being treated.ConclusionTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of severe nausea secondary to erenumab administration and smoking cigarettes, which finally resulted in complete cigarette smoking cessation. As such, further study is indicated on the benefit of erenumab and other calcitonin gene‐related peptide antagonists in migraineurs who smoke to promote smoking cessation.
Surface properties and flexural strength of a monolithic zirconia submitted to grinding and regenerative heat treatment
Authors: Fratucelli Érick Dante de Oliveira , Candido Lucas Miguel , Pinelli Lígia Antunes Pereira 
Published: November 2020

ABSTRACTThe present study evaluated the average (Ra) and total (Rz) roughness, crystallography (XRD), flexural strength (FS), and Weibull modulus (m) of a monolithic zirconia subjected to grinding (G) and heat treatments (HT). Specimens were submitted or not to grinding with a diamond stone in low rotation. HT was conduced in two protocols, one at 900°C for 60 minutes and the other at 1000°C for 30 minutes. Roughness was evaluated in a profilometer, crystallography in X‐ray diffractometer, and FS by four‐point flexural strength in a mechanical testing machine. Grinding increased Ra, Rz, and FS. HT had no influence on roughness and for the FS, just decreased in the group that was ground and heat treated with 1000°C for 30 minutes. Neither G nor HT changed the m of the groups. In addition, the HT was able to reverse all monoclinic phases. By the properties evaluated, both HTs could be done without damaging the material.
Customers response to online food delivery services during COVID‐19 outbreak using binary logistic regression
Authors: Mehrolia Sangeeta , Alagarsamy Subburaj , Solaikutty Vijay Mallikraj 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThis study aims to empirically measure the distinctive characteristics of customers who did and did not order food through Online Food Delivery services (OFDs) during the COVID‐19 outbreak in India. Data are collected from 462 OFDs customers. Binary logistic regression is used to examine the respondents’ characteristics, such as age, patronage frequency before the lockdown, affective and instrumental beliefs, product involvement and the perceived threat, to examine the significant differences between the two categories of OFDs customers. The binary logistic regression concludes that respondents exhibiting high‐perceived threat, less product involvement, less perceived benefit on OFDs and less frequency of online food orders are less likely to order food through OFDs. This study provides specific guidelines to create crisis management strategies.