bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the determinants of public capital investments on agricultural water infrastructure in Eswatini
Authors: Nhlengethwa Sibusiso , Matchaya Greenwell , Greffiths Ikhothatseng , Fakudze Bhekiwe 
Published: November 2020

AbstractInfrastructure investment is one of the main preconditions for enabling developing countries to accelerate or sustain the pace of their development and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. This paper examines the determinants of agricultural water infrastructure investments in the Kingdom of Eswatini. Using annual data (time series); Pearson Pair‐wise Correlation, Unit‐root tests and OLS regression techniques are applied to determine the relationship between public infrastructure investment and factors that influence public investments. Agricultural water infrastructure investment is found to be positively correlated to GDP, Sugar export income and FDI into agriculture. Past economic growth and sugar export values are the two critical determinants of agricultural water infrastructure investments in Eswatini. It can be safely construed that higher incomes as well as terms of trade for sugar, can improve spending on agriculture water investments. This is important because an increase in investments in water infrastructure may then help spur economic growth.
The neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and the presence of large nodal mass are independent predictors of early response: A subanalysis of the prospective phase II PET‐2‐adapted HD0607 trial
Authors: Romano Alessandra , Pavoni Chiara , Di Raimondo Francesco , Tarella Corrado , Viviani Simonetta , Rossi Andrea , Patti Caterina , Picardi Marco , Cantonetti Maria , La Nasa Giorgio , Trentin Livio , Bolis Silvia , Zoli Valerio , Gavarotti Paolo , Corradini Paolo , Cimminiello Michele , Schiavotto Corrado , Parvis Guido , Zanotti Roberta , Gini Guido , Ferreri Andrés J. M. , Viero Piera , Chauvie Stephane , Biggi Alberto , Massimo Gianni Alessandro , Gallamini Andrea , Rambaldi Alessandro 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and the lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR) can reflect both the myeloid dysfunction and T‐cell immune suppression and have prognostic significance.MethodsIn 771 newly diagnosed advanced‐stage Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL) patients we evaluated the baseline values of NLR and LMR as predictors of clinical outcome. According to the multicenter prospective phase II GITIL‐HD0607 trial, all patients received two ABVD courses and if PET‐2 negative received four additional ABVD cycles while if PET‐2‐positive patients were randomized to either BEACOPP escalated (Be) plus BEACOPP baseline (Bb) (4 + 4 courses) or Be + Bb (4 + 4) and Rituximab. PET scans were centrally reviewed by an expert panel by Blinded Independent Central Review.ResultsHigher NLR and lower LMR were associated with a PET‐2 positivity and failure to achieve long‐term disease control, respectively. By univariate and multivariate analysis, large nodal mass (>7 cm), IPS ≥ 3, NLR > 6 were strong independent predictors of early PET‐2 response after ABVD. Only NLR > 6 and IPS ≥ 3 were strong independent predictors of outcome at diagnosis; however, when PET‐2 status was added, only PET‐2‐positive status and IPS ≥ 3 were independent predictors of PFS. Focusing on PET‐2‐negative patients, those with NLR > 6 had an inferior 3‐year PFS compared to patients with NLR ≤ 6 (84% vs 89% months, P = .03).ConclusionIn advanced‐stage HL patients treated with a PET‐2‐driven strategy, IPS ≥ 3 and NLR > 6 are independent predictors of outcome at diagnosis while the presence of large nodal mass, IPS ≥ 3, and NLR > 6 at diagnosis are independent predictors of early ABVD response.
Buccal Pedicle Flap Technique Combined With Porcine Collagen Matrix for Volumetric Augmentation of Peri‐Implant Mucosa
Authors: Tabanella Giorgio 
Published: November 2020

IntroductionA special interest has been raised regarding the role of the peri‐implant mucosa as a critical factor for long‐term maintenance of the artificial fixtures as well as the final esthetic outcome that may significantly affect patient satisfaction. It is then imperative to develop minimally invasive and easy‐to‐apply plastic surgical methods to increase the volume of the peri‐implant mucosa.Case PresentationThe limited scientific evidence regarding possible techniques to treat esthetic soft tissue defects around endosseous implants is encouraging a preventive soft tissue augmentation of mucosa deficiencies and thin phenotypes. Several techniques have been proposed to augment the volume of the mucosa to achieve the so‐called pink esthetics. Among these the buccal pedicle flap seems to be less invasive in terms of morbidity since it does not necessitate any soft tissue harvesting. Its low morbidity allows it to treat patients without the need of postoperative medications since it reduces pain, the risk of infections, alteration of the sensitivity of the donor site and significantly reduces the period of healing which is generally longer when associated with connective tissue grafts. A modified surgical approach is based on the combination of the buccal pedicle flap with a stable collagen matrix to boost a biomimetic peri‐implant mucosa and generate a convex pink interface with the final restoration.ConclusionThe proposed modified buccal pedicle flap seems to be promising in terms of decreased morbidity and maintenance of the blood supply, and conducive to an increased patient acceptance rate.
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement in patients with end‐stage renal disease: Is “better than nothing” good enough?
Authors: Chiarito Mauro , Mehran Roxana 
Published: November 2020

Key Points
Patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) have a three‐fold higher prevalence of aortic stenosis than patients with normal renal function, and are at increased risk of adverse events after surgical (SAVR) or transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). However, the optimal management of ESRD patients with concomitant aortic stenosis is still debated.
This large observational, multicenter registry showed that in ESRD patients TAVR improves short term prognosis and reduces length and cost of hospital stay as compared with SAVR, although the rates of complications and mortality was still concerning.
Specific efforts to refine the performance of TAVR in ESRD patients are urgently needed to improve outcome and quality of life in this growing population.
Quassinoids from the Root Barks of Ailanthus altissima: Isolation, Configurational Assignment, and Cytotoxic Activities
Authors: Du Ye‐Qing , Bai Ming , Yu Xiao‐Qi , Lv Tian‐Ming , Lin Bin , Huang Xiao‐Xiao , Song Shao‐Jiang 
Published: November 2020

AbstractMain observation and conclusionQuassinoids, a class of highly oxygenated triterpenes, have been isolated as bitter principles from the plants of Simaroubaceae family. Five new quassinoids, chouchunlactone A—E (1—5), and two known ones were identified from the root barks of Ailanthus altissima Swingle (Simaroubaceae). The chemical structures of the new compounds were deduced by spectroscopic data analyses, NMR calculations and DP4+ probability analysis. The absolute configurations were defined by comparison of their experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra data, and compounds 1—2 were further confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Biologically, compound 5 showed potencies equivalent to sorafenib (IC50 value, 9.70 μmol·L–1) against HepG2 cells. The Hoechst 33342 staining, JC‐1 fluorescent dye and Annexin V/PI analysis studies demonstrated that 5 can induce apoptosis and attenuate mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) in HepG2 cells.
Structure Matters – Direct In‐situ Observation of Cluster Nucleation at Atomic Scale in a Liquid Phase
Authors: Henninen Trond R. , Keller Debora , Erni Rolf 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe formation of almost all solid crystalline materials starts with a nucleation reaction, where a handful of atoms come together to form the initial crystal seed, which then grows to a larger crystal. Thus, understanding and controlling nucleation is essential for the synthesis and manufacturing of most material systems, especially nanomaterials. Despite this, little is known from direct experimental observations about the initial steps of nucleation, the formation of sub‐nanometer sized clusters. Here, we directly study the atomic nucleation reactions of such sub‐nm clusters of Pt in‐situ in a liquid phase. We do this by inducing nucleation in suspended nanofilms and supported nanodroplets of an ionic liquid (1‐butyl‐3‐methyl imidazolium chloride, 5–50 nm thickness), which is observed at atomic resolution by scanning transmission electron microscopy. We can observe Pt atoms to nucleate into few‐atom clusters, which coalesce and grow into cluster agglomerates or nanoparticles, or redissolve. When comparing nucleation in nanofilms and carbon‐supported nanodroplets, nucleation is rarely observed in nanofilms, while easily observable at high nucleation rate in nanodroplets. This is due to the presence of the pre‐existing liquid‐solid interface, resulting in heterogeneous nucleation in the nanodroplets while there is only homogeneous nucleation in the nanofilms. Ultimately, our results show that the nucleation pathways of nanoparticles are not just determined by the local chemical environment, but are also influenced by size and structure of the initially formed clusters.
Genetic analysis of potato tuber metabolite composition: Genome‐wide association studies applied to a nontargeted metabolome
Authors: Levina Anna V. , Hoekenga Owen , Gordin Mikhail , Broeckling Corey , De Jong Walter S. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractPlant improvement requires a response to selection, which can be complicated when the biochemical bases of a trait are poorly understood, difficult to measure, genetically complex, or some combination of these common obstacles. We applied nontargeted metabolomic profiling to generate a deep (but largely anonymous) dataset of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) tubers to increase our understanding of the genetic bases for compositional traits. We examined water–methanol extracts of cooked potato tuber cores from 185 clones that had previously been single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyped by the Solanaceae Coordinated Agricultural Project (SolCAP) and detected 981 features that represent a mixture of primary metabolites, specialized metabolites, and hydrolyzed fragments of abundant proteins. Using GWASpoly, an R package that considers gene dosage through a series of genetic models, 472 features could be associated with at least one SNP marker, markedly increasing the number of marker–trait associations that have been made in potato to date. An additive genetic model detected the most associations, where 301 compositional features were associated with SNPs; in contrast, a duplex‐dominant model detected the least (160 features). Unexpectedly, SNPs associated with features were not uniformly distributed throughout the genome but were instead clustered on chromosomes 3, 7, and 8, with dozens of features associated with several small (∼2 Mbp) regions. Also interesting was that the most significant SNPs for several glycoalkaloids (α‐chaconine, β‐chaconine, and α‐solamarine)—detected on chromosomes 2, 7, and 8—are unlinked to any known glycoalkaloid biosynthetic genes.
HIF‐1a expression and differential effects on survival in patients with oral cavity, larynx, and oropharynx squamous cell carcinomas
Authors: Swartz Justin E. , Wegner Inge , Noorlag Rob , van Kempen Pauline M. W. , van Es Robert J. J. , de Bree Remco , Willems Stefan M. W. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundHypoxia is a negative prognostic factor in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. Under hypoxia, the hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF)‐1a transcription factor is overexpressed. We investigated whether there were site differences in HIF‐1a expression and its effect on patient outcomes per subsite.Design/MethodA total of 941 patients with HNSCC in the squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx (OPSCC, n = 302), oral cavity (OSCC, n = 391), or larynx (LSCC, n = 248) were included. Expression of HIF‐1a in tissue samples was investigated using immunohistochemistry. Overall survival (OS), disease‐free survival (DFS), and locoregional control (LRC) were analyzed.ResultsHIF‐1a expression was higher in OSCC than in LSCC and OPSCC. High HIF‐1a expression led to worse prognosis in OPSCC (OS P = .029, DFS P = .085) and LSCC (OS P = .041, DFS P = .011) and better in OSCC (OS P = .055, DFS P = .012). There was no association between HIF‐1a and LRC.ConclusionsHigh HIF‐1a expression is related to poor outcome in OPSCC and LSCC and better outcome in OSCC.
Galectins‐1, ‐3, ‐7, ‐8 and ‐9 as prognostic markers for survival in epithelial ovarian cancer: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Pergialiotis Vasilios , Papoutsi Eleni , Androutsou Anastasia , Tzortzis Andrianos‐Serafeim , Frountzas Maximos , Papapanagiotou Angeliki , Kontzoglou Konstantinos 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundGalectins are a family of proteins that have recently emerged as regulators of cancer biology.ObjectivesTo investigate the impact of peritumoral and tumoral galectin expression on ovarian cancer prognosis.Search strategyWe searched Medline, Cochrane, and EMBASE databases from inception until March 22, 2020.Selection criteriaAll studies correlating galectins and ovarian cancer prognosis were selected.Data collection and analysisThe literature search presented 11 studies, which contained 1034 patients. Meta‐analysis was performed with RevMan 5.3 software.Main resultsStudies were stratified into two groups depending on the location of galectin expression (peritumoral stroma or nucleus/cytoplasm of tumor cells). Tumoral galectin‐7 and galectin‐9 expression was significantly associated with poor overall survival (odds ratio [OR] 2.06, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.32–3.21, P = 0.001; OR 1.71, 95% CI 1.27–2.30, P < 0.001, respectively). The total effect of high tumoral expression of galectins in overall survival and progression‐free survival was significant (OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.02–2.23, P = 0.04; OR 2.76, 95% CI 1.73–4.40, P < 0.001, respectively).ConclusionsOur results suggest that galectins are implicated in ovarian cancer prognosis; however, further research is needed to ascertain their actual importance as well as their diagnostic accuracy.
Functional consequences of a close encounter between microglia and brain-infiltrating monocytes during CNS pathology and repair
Authors: Quarta Alessandra , Berneman Zwi , Ponsaerts Peter 
Published: November 2020

AbstractNeuroinflammation is recognized as an important factor contributing to the development and progression of several central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Upon CNS trauma or disease, parenchymal microglia highly proliferate and accumulate in and around the lesion site. In addition, blood-derived monocytes can infiltrate the inflamed CNS in response to cellular damage and/or a compromised blood–brain barrier. Both microglia and infiltrating monocytes are characterized by multiple functional states and can either display highly proinflammatory properties or promote resolution of inflammation and tissue regeneration. Despite sharing some basic immunologic functions, microglia and monocytes display many distinctive features, which ultimately define their contribution to neuropathology. Understanding how the innate immune system participates to brain disease is imperative to identify novel treatment options for CNS inflammatory disorders. In this context, existing and newly developed in vitro platforms for disease modeling are fundamental tools to investigate and modulate microglia and monocyte immune functions within a specific neuropathologic context. In this review, we first briefly summarize the current knowledge on microglia and monocyte ontogenesis, as well as their complex and interconnected contributions to the development of various CNS pathologies. Following the well-recognized concept that both microglia and monocytes can either exert neuroprotective functions or exacerbate tissue damage, we provide a comprehensive overview of cellular models currently available for in vitro study of neuroinflammatory responses. In this context, we highlight how simplified single-cell models may not always correctly recapitulate in vivo biology, hence future research should move toward novel models with higher and multicellular complexity.
MDS-associated SF3B1 mutations enhance proinflammatory gene expression in patient blast cells
Authors: Pollyea Daniel A , Kim Hyun Min , Stevens Brett M , Lee Frank Fang-Yao , Harris Chelsea , Hedin Brenna R , Knapp Jennifer R , O'Connor Brian P , Jordan Craig T , Pietras Eric M , Tan Aik Choon , Alper Scott 
Published: November 2020

AbstractTwo factors known to contribute to the development of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and other blood cancers are (i) somatically acquired mutations in components of the spliceosome and (ii) increased inflammation. Spliceosome genes, including SF3B1, are mutated at high frequency in MDS and other blood cancers; these mutations are thought to be neomorphic or gain-of-function mutations that drive disease pathogenesis. Likewise, increased inflammation is thought to contribute to MDS pathogenesis; inflammatory cytokines are strongly elevated in these patients, with higher levels correlating with worsened patient outcome. In the current study, we used RNAseq to analyze pre-mRNA splicing and gene expression changes present in blast cells isolated from MDS patients with or without SF3B1 mutations. We determined that SF3B1 mutations lead to enhanced proinflammatory gene expression in these cells. Thus, these studies suggest that SF3B1 mutations could contribute to MDS pathogenesis by enhancing the proinflammatory milieu in these patients.
Multi‐year hydroclimatic droughts and pluvials across the conterminous United States
Authors: McCabe Gregory J. , Wolock David M. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractTime series of water‐year runoff for 2,109 hydrologic units (HUs) across the conterminous United States (CONUS) for the 1900 through 2014 period were used to identify drought and pluvial (i.e., wet) periods. Characteristics of the drought and pluvial events including frequency, duration, and severity were examined and compared. Additionally, a similar analysis was performed using gridded tree‐ring reconstructions of the Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI) for the period 1475 through 2005 to place the drought and pluvial characteristics determined using water‐year runoff for 1900 through 2014 in the context of multi‐century climate variability. The temporal and spatial variability of droughts and pluvials determined using runoff for the 1900 through 2014 period indicated that most drought events in the CONUS occurred before about 1970, whereas most pluvial periods occurred after about 1970. This change in the frequencies of drought and pluvial events around 1970 was largely related to an increase in fall (October through December) precipitation across much of the central United States. Also, the duration and severity of droughts and pluvials identified using runoff for the 1900 through 2014 period generally were not significantly different from the drought and pluvial characteristics identified using the PDSI for the 1475 through 2005 period.
A New Lung Ultrasound Protocol Able to Predict Worsening in Patients Affected by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Pneumonia
Authors: Perrone Tiziano , Soldati Gino , Padovini Lucia , Fiengo Anna , Lettieri Gianluca , Sabatini Umberto , Gori Giulia , Lepore Federica , Garolfi Matteo , Palumbo Ilaria , Inchingolo Riccardo , Smargiassi Andrea , Demi Libertario , Mossolani Elisa Eleonora , Tursi Francesco , Klersy Catherine , Di Sabatino Antonio 
Published: November 2020

ObjectivesSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection can generate severe pneumonia associated with high mortality. A bedside lung ultrasound (LUS) examination has been shown to have a potential role in this setting. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential prognostic value of a new LUS protocol (evaluation of 14 anatomic landmarks, with graded scores of 0–3) in patients with SARS‐CoV‐2 pneumonia and the association of LUS patterns with clinical or laboratory findings.MethodsA cohort of 52 consecutive patients with laboratory‐confirmed SARS‐CoV‐2 underwent LUS examinations on admission in an internal medicine ward and before their discharge. A total LUS score as the sum of the scores at each explored area was computed. We investigated the association between the LUS score and clinical worsening, defined as a combination of high‐flow oxygen support, intensive care unit admission, or 30‐day mortality as the primary end point.ResultsTwenty (39%) patients showed a worse outcome during the observation period; the mean LUS scores ± SDs were 20.4 ± 8.5 and 29.2 ± 7.3 in patients without and with worsening, respectively (P < .001). In a multivariable analysis, adjusted for comorbidities (>2), age (>65 years), sex (male), and body mass index (≥25 kg/m2), the association between the LUS score and worsening (odds ratio, 1.17; 95% confidence interval, 1.05 to 1.29; P = .003) was confirmed, with good discrimination of the model (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.82). A median LUS score higher than 24 was associated with an almost 6‐fold increase in the odds of worsening (odds ratio, 5.67; 95% confidence interval, 1.29 to 24.8; P = .021).ConclusionsLung ultrasound can represent an effective tool for monitoring and stratifying the prognosis of patients with SARS‐CoV‐2 pulmonary involvement.
Implantable Hearing Aids: Where are we in 2020?
Authors: Banakis Hartl Renee M. , Jenkins Herman A. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBeginning in the late 20th century, implantable hearing aids were developed and used as an alternative for individuals who were unable to tolerate conventional hearing aids. Since that time, several devices have been developed, with four currently remaining on the international market (Med‐el Vibrant Soundbridge, Envoy Esteem, Ototronix MAXUM, and Cochlear Carina). This review will briefly examine the history of middle ear implant development, describe current available devices, evaluate the benefits and limits of the technology, and consider the future directions of research in the field of implantable hearing aids.
Registration of ‘Mislevy’ bermudagrass
Authors: Vendramini J. M. B. , Rios E. , Dubeux J. C. B. , Quesenberry K. , Munoz P. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract‘Mislevy’ (Reg. no. CV‐46, PI 693070) bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] was selected at the University of Florida, and a series of research projects was conducted to evaluate the merit of Mislevy to be released as a new bermudagrass cultivar in Florida. A grazing experiment was conducted in South Florida and clipping trials conducted in South Florida, north‐central Florida, and North Florida. In the grazing trial, Mislevy was compared with Jiggs, World Feeder, and ‘Tifton 85’ bermudagrass, and four stargrass (Cynodon nlemfuensis Vanderyst) cultivars/entries at four grazing frequencies. Mislevy, Jiggs, and Florona had the greatest overall herbage accumulation (HA), but Mislevy had greater HA at late maturity (7 wk). In the clipping trials, Mislevy was compared with Jiggs, Tifton 85, ‘Tifton 44’, ‘Coastal’, Alicia (North Florida only), and ‘Russell’ (North Florida only) bermudagrass. Mislevy and Jiggs had greater spring HA and total HA than the other cultivars/entries in South Florida and North Florida. In South Florida, all cultivars/entries had the presence of Bipolaris spp. in the aboveground forage at the 9‐wk regrowth interval; however, Mislevy and Tifton 44 had greater proportion of green tissue. In north‐central Florida, there was no difference in spring HA among cultivars, and Tifton 85 had greater total annual HA than Mislevy. Mislevy may be a viable option to increase bermudagrass genetic diversity and provide superior spring and annual HA in South Florida.