bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prostate SBRT using O‐Ring Halcyon Linac — Plan quality, delivery efficiency, and accuracy
Authors: Pokhrel Damodar , Tackett Tanner , Stephen Joseph , Visak Justin , Amin‐Zimmerman Falguni , McGregor Andrew , Strup Stephen E. , St Clair William 
Published: December 2020

AbstractCone beam CT‐guided prostate stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) treatment on the recently installed novel O‐ring coplanar geometry Halcyon Linac with a single energy 6MV‐flattening filter free (FFF) beam and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) is a fast, safe, and feasible treatment modality for early stage low‐ and intermediate‐risk prostate cancer patients. Following the RTOG‐0938 compliance criteria and utilizing two‐full arc geometry, VMAT prostate SBRT plans were generated for ten consecutive patients using advanced Acuros‐based algorithm for heterogeneity corrections with Halcyon couch insert. Halcyon VMAT plans with the stacked and staggered multileaf collimators (MLC) produced highly conformal SBRT dose distributions to the prostate, lower intermediate dose spillage and similar dose to adjacent organs‐at‐risks (OARs) compared to SBRT‐dedicated Truebeam VMAT plans. Due to lower monitor units per fraction and less MLC modulation through the target, the Halcyon VMAT plan can deliver prostate SBRT fractions in and overall treatment time of less than 10 minutes (for 36.25 Gy in five fractions), significantly improving patient compliance and clinic workflow. Pretreatment quality assurance results were similar to Truebeam VMAT plans. We have implemented Halcyon Linac for prostate SBRT treatment in our institution. We recommend that others use Halcyon for prostate SBRT treatments to expand the access of curative hypofractionated treatments to other clinics only equipped with a Halcyon Linac. Clinical follow‐up results for patients who underwent prostate SBRT treatment on our Halcyon Linac is underway.
Association between parity and tooth loss among northern Nigerian Hausa women
Authors: Oziegbe Elizabeth O. , Schepartz Lynne A. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundFemale reproduction is associated with physiological, metabolic, and nutritional demands that can negatively affect health and are possibly cumulative when parity is high. While it is probable that maternal oral health is similarly affected, available evidence is based on fairly low parity populations and likely confounders affecting oral health status were not considered.AimTo determine the relationship between parity and tooth loss in a population with many high parity women. Contributions of age, reproductive and socioeconomic parameters, and oral health practices were considered.Materials and methodsThis was a cross‐sectional study involving 612 Hausa women of all parity levels aged 13–65 years. Women with ≥5 children were considered high parity. Sociodemographic status and oral health practices were collected using a structured interviewer‐administered questionnaire. All teeth present, (excluding third molars) and missing teeth were noted, with inquiries regarding tooth loss etiology. Associations with tooth loss were evaluated through correlations, ANOVA, post hoc analyses and Student's t tests. Effect sizes were used to interpret the magnitude of differences. Multiple regression (negative binomial model) was used to investigate predictors of tooth loss.ResultsHausa women had a low prevalence of tooth loss, despite poor oral hygiene, and limited dental care. Older, middle SES, and higher parity women experienced significantly more tooth loss. Additionally, increased duration of reproductively active years was significantly related to fewer remaining teeth.ConclusionHigher parity was related to greater tooth loss in Hausa women. Women with ≥5 children experienced more loss than lower parity age mates.
Prophylactic antibiotics after endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis: a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled noninferiority clinical trial
Authors: Lehmann Ashton E. , Raquib Aaishah R. , Siddiqi Shan H. , Meier Josh , Durand Marlene L. , Gray Stacey T. , Holbrook Eric H. 
Published: December 2020

BackgroundSurgeons commonly prescribe prophylactic antibiotics after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS), yet minimal data exist to support this practice. In this study we aimed to assess the impact of post‐ESS antibiotics on infection, quality of life (QOL), and endoscopic scores.MethodsThis was a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, noninferiority trial comparing amoxicillin‐clavulanate vs placebo after ESS (NCT01919411, ClinicalTrials.gov). Adults (N = 77) with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) refractory to appropriate medical therapy who underwent ESS were randomized to antibiotics (N = 37) or placebo (N = 40) and followed clinically (mean ± standard deviation: 1.3 ± 0.3 and 8.8 ± 3.9 weeks postoperatively). At baseline and follow‐up, QOL was measured with 22‐item Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test questionnaires and Lund‐Kennedy endoscopic scores were evaluated. Outcomes were analyzed with repeated‐measures analysis of variance and analysis of covariance and z tests for proportions.ResultsPlacebo was noninferior to antibiotic prophylaxis with regard to postoperative SNOT‐22 scores (β = 0.18, 2‐tailed p < 0.05). There were no significant differences between the antibiotic and placebo groups in LK score trajectories over time (p = 0.63) or in postoperative infection rates (2.6% vs 2.4%, respectively; p = 0.96). The rate of diarrhea was significantly higher in the antibiotic group (24.3% vs 2.5%; relative risk = 10.8; p = 0.02).ConclusionAlthough statistically underpowered, the results suggest placebo was noninferior to prophylactic antibiotics after ESS for CRS regarding postoperative sinonasal‐specific QOL. There were no significant differences in postoperative endoscopic scores or rates of infection, but the rate of diarrhea was significantly higher in the antibiotic group. These findings add to the growing evidence that routine use of prophylactic postoperative antibiotics does not improve outcomes post‐ESS and significantly increases the rate of diarrhea.
Metabolic response as assessed by18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography‐computed tomography does not predict outcome in patients with intermediate‐ or high‐risk rhabdomyosarcoma: A report from the Children's Oncology Group Soft Tissue Sarcoma Committee
Authors: Harrison Douglas J. , Chi Yueh‐Yun , Tian Jing , Hingorani Pooja , Mascarenhas Leo , McCowage Geoffrey B. , Weigel Brenda J. , Venkatramani Rajkumar , Wolden Suzanne L. , Yock Torunn I. , Rodeberg David A. , Hayes‐Jordan Andrea A. , Teot Lisa A. , Spunt Sheri L. , Meyer William H. , Hawkins Douglas S. , Shulkin Barry L. , Parisi Marguerite T. 
Published: December 2020

ABSTRACTBackgroundStrategies to optimize management in rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) include risk stratification to assign therapy aiming to minimize treatment morbidity yet improve outcomes. This analysis evaluated the relationship between complete metabolic response (CMR) as assessed by18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography‐computed tomography (FDG‐PET) imaging and event‐free survival (EFS) in intermediate‐risk (IR) and high‐risk (HR) RMS patients.MethodsFDG‐PET imaging characteristics, including assessment of CMR and maximum standard uptake values (SUVmax) of the primary tumor, were evaluated by central review. Institutional reports of SUVmax were used when SUVmax values could not be determined by central review. One hundred and thirty IR and 105 HR patients had FDG‐PET scans submitted for central review or had SUVmax data available from institutional report at any time point. A Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to evaluate the relationship between these parameters and EFS.ResultsSUVmax at study entry did not correlate with EFS for IR (p = 0.32) or HR (p = 0.86) patients. Compared to patients who did not achieve a CMR, EFS was not superior for IR patients who achieved a CMR at weeks 4 (p = 0.66) or 15 (p = 0.46), nor for HR patients who achieved CMR at week 6 (p = 0.75) or 19 (p = 0.28). Change in SUVmax at week 4 (p = 0.21) or 15 (p = 0.91) for IR patients or at week 6 (p = 0.75) or 19 (p = 0.61) for HR patients did not correlate with EFS.ConclusionBased on these data, FDG‐PET does not appear to predict EFS in IR or HR‐RMS. It remains to be determined whether FDG‐PET has a role in predicting survival outcomes in other RMS subpopulations.
Cryptococcemia in a patient with COVID‐19: A case report
Authors: Khatib Mohamad Y. , Ahmed Amna A. , Shaat Said B. , Mohamed Ahmed S. , Nashwan Abdulqadir J. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe authors urge clinicians to balance the use of Immunosuppressant drugs and tocilizumab for COVID‐19 patients to avoid the development of infections like Cryptococcemia, leading to death within 30 days.
Cryptotanshinone ameliorates cardiac injury and cardiomyocyte apoptosis in rats with coronary microembolization
Authors: Zhang Yongpeng , Luo Fei , Zhang Haixia , He Wei , Liu Ting , Wu Yue , Zhang Lei , Shi Gang 
Published: December 2020

AbstractCoronary microembolization (CME) is a prevalent cardiovascular disease, especially nowadays when percutaneous coronary intervention is widely applied. However, neither cardio‐protective agents nor devices for distal protection could effectively prevent the occurrence of CME. Therefore, we aimed to develop a new drug for CME. Rats were orally administrated with different doses of Cryptotanshinone (CTS, 5, 15, 45 mg/kg) daily for 2 weeks, respectively, following CME surgery. Then cardiac function and cardiac injury were evaluated in CME rats as well as measuring oxidative stress and apoptosis in cardiomyocytes. Compared to sham group, CME operation induced cardiac dysfunction, cardiac injury, the activation of platelet and endothelium, cardiomyocyte apoptosis and oxidative stress, all of which could be dose‐dependently restored by CTS pretreatment. Moreover, NF‐κB signaling pathway participated in the development of CME and also in the preventive process of CTS against CME. CTS might serve as a potential and promising candidate drug to prevent the occurrence of CME.
Introduction to a special issue on eating disorders in Asia
Authors: Kim Youl‐Ri , Nakai Yoshikatsu , Thomas Jennifer J. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractObjectiveIt is our pleasure to introduce a special issue of the International Journal of Eating Disorders on eating disorders (EDs) in Asia.MethodWe received such a robust response to the special edition that we were able to fill two issues. Contributions focused on seven main themes: (1) prevalence, (2) time trends, (3) healthcare systems, (4) treatment, (5) risk factors, (6) assessment, and (7) orthorexia.ResultsNew prevalence and time trend data from China, Iran, Singapore, Japan, and Taiwan suggest that EDs are increasingly common in Asia but are not always detected in healthcare settings. Only a minority of individuals with EDs in Singapore receive treatment, and psychosocial treatment and prevention interventions that are evidence‐based in the West may require cultural adaptation before they can be fully implemented in Japan, Singapore, China, and South Korea. Psychological risk factors for EDs are more similar than different in Iran, India, Japan, and China, but biological risk factors are understudied across the continent. Psychometrically sound assessment tools are available in many Asian languages.DiscussionWe hope this special issue provides a catalyst and blueprint for global collaboration to relieve the burden of suffering of EDs in Asia and beyond.
Disentangling effects of disturbance severity and frequency: Does bioindication really work?
Authors: Pielech Remigiusz , Czortek Patryk 
Published: December 2020

AbstractEcological disturbances are recognized as a crucial factor influencing the attributes of ecological communities. Depending on the specific adaptation or life cycle, plant species show different responses to disturbances of different magnitudes. Herben et al. (Journal of Vegetation Science, 27, 628–636) proposed six disturbance indicator values (DIVs) that describe the niches of Central‐European plant species along gradients of disturbance frequency and severity. Here, we ask if the DIVs can be used in community ecology for bioindication of disturbance regime?We used a dataset of riparian forests sampled within mountain catchments (the Sudetes, SW Poland). As the regime of disturbance is driven by changes in floods from the spring toward the mouth, we calculated the position of every plot along longitudinal (upstream–downstream) gradient and used it as a proxy for the disturbance severity and frequency. We then calculated the community‐weighted means (CWMs) for each of the six indices for each plot and analyzed whether these indices reflected the position of the plots along the rivers. We expected an increase in the severity indices and a decrease in the frequency indices downstream along the rivers. Moreover, we analyzed relationships between disturbance indices and species optima along longitudinal gradient.Surprisingly, means for all analyzed indices increased along the rivers. Severity indices showed the strongest association with the longitudinal gradient. The disturbance severity index for herbs was the only index that differed significantly among species with different responses along longitudinal gradient. On these results, we identified a strong correlation between the severity and frequency indices as the main problem.We conclude that the DIVs have considerable applicative potential; however, the determination of ecological niches separately for disturbance severity and frequency is difficult because different components interact to shape the realized niche of each species. All analyzed indices encompass different attributes of the disturbance regime including both severity and frequency.
Is conservation based on best available science creating an ecological trap for an imperiled lagomorph?
Authors: Cheeseman Amanda E. , Cohen Jonathan B. , Ryan Sadie J. , Whipps Christopher M. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractHabitat quality regulates fitness and population density, making it a key driver of population size. Hence, increasing habitat quality is often a primary goal of species conservation. Yet, assessments of fitness and density are difficult and costly to obtain. Therefore, species conservation often uses “best available science,” extending inferences across taxa, space, or time, and inferring habitat quality from studies of habitat selection. However, there are scenarios where habitat selection is not reflective of habitat quality, and this can lead to maladaptive management strategies. The New England cottontail (Sylvilagus transitionalis) is an imperiled shrubland obligate lagomorph whose successful recovery hinges on creation of suitable habitat. Recovery of this species is also negatively impacted by the non‐native eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus), which can competitively exclude New England cottontails from preferred habitat. Herein, we evaluate habitat quality for adult and juvenile New England and eastern cottontails using survival and density as indicators. Our findings did not support selection following an ideal free distribution by New England cottontails. Instead, selected resources, which are a target of habitat management, were associated with low survival and density and pointed to a complex trade‐off between density, survival, habitat, and the presence of eastern cottontails. Further, movement distance was inversely correlated with survival in both species, suggesting that habitat fragmentation limits the ability of cottontails to freely distribute based on habitat quality. While habitat did not directly regulate survival of juvenile cottontails, tick burden had a strong negative impact on juvenile cottontails in poor body condition. Given the complex interactions among New England cottontails, eastern cottontails, and habitat, directly assessing and accounting for factors that limit New England cottontail habitat quality in management plans is vital to their recovery. Our study demonstrates an example of management for possible ecological trap conditions via the application of incomplete knowledge.
A fact‐finding survey on self‐efficacy of foot care behaviour in patients with diabetes: Analysis using the Diabetes Study from the Center of Tokyo Women’s Medical University 2017 (DIACET 2017)
Authors: Ikura Kazuki , Kato Hayato , Azuma Haruna , Oda Yuri , Kato Yuka , Miura Junnosuke , Babazono Tetsuya 
Published: December 2020

AbstractAimWe aimed to determine the association between self‐efficacy of foot care behaviour and chronic complications in Japanese patients with diabetes.MethodsWe conducted a cross‐sectional study based on a questionnaire survey of 4571 patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes who had (a) given consent to participate in the Diabetes Study from the Center of Tokyo Women's Medical University: DIACET 2017, and (b) completed all the questions of the Japanese Version of Foot Care Confidence Scale (J‐FCCS), consisting of 12 statements.ResultsA greater proportion of respondents answered that they were not confident in determining the condition of corns and/or calluses and the condition of toenails. The J‐FCCS total scores of the patients with retinopathy (p <.001) and numbness or pain in the feet (p <.001) were significantly lower than those of the patients without these complications. In both the multiple regression analysis and logistic regression analysis, lower J‐FCCS was significantly associated with retinopathy and numbness or pain in the feet.ConclusionFoot care education that emphasizes a psychological approach in improving confidence associated with foot self‐care is important for patients with advanced complications of diabetes.
Is acute heart failure a distinctive disorder? An analysis from BIOSTAT‐CHF
Authors: Davison Beth A. , Senger Stefanie , Sama Iziah E. , Koch Gary G. , Mebazaa Alexandre , Dickstein Kenneth , Samani Nilesh J. , Metra Marco , Anker Stefan D. , Cleland John G. , Ng Leong L. , Mordi Ify R. , Zannad Faiez , Filippatos Gerasimos S. , Hillege Hans L. , Ponikowski Piotr , van Veldhuisen Dirk J. , Lang Chim C. , van der Meer Peter , Núñez Julio , Bayés‐Genís Antoni , Edwards Christopher , Voors Adriaan A. , Cotter Gad 
Published: December 2020

AimsThis retrospective analysis sought to identify markers that might distinguish between acute heart failure (HF) and worsening HF in chronic outpatients.Methods and resultsThe BIOSTAT‐CHF index cohort included 2516 patients with new or worsening HF symptoms: 1694 enrolled as inpatients (acute HF) and 822 as outpatients (worsening HF in chronic outpatients). A validation cohort included 935 inpatients and 803 outpatients. Multivariable models were developed in the index cohort using clinical characteristics, routine laboratory values, and proteomics data to examine which factors predict adverse outcomes in both conditions and to determine which factors differ between acute HF and worsening HF in chronic outpatients, validated in the validation cohort. Patients with acute HF had substantially higher morbidity and mortality (6‐month mortality was 12.3% for acute HF and 4.7% for worsening HF in chronic outpatients). Multivariable models predicting 180‐day mortality and 180‐day HF readmission differed substantially between acute HF and worsening HF in chronic outpatients. Carbohydrate antigen 125 was the strongest single biomarker to distinguish acute HF from worsening HF in chronic outpatients, but only yielded a C‐index of 0.71. A model including multiple biomarkers and clinical variables achieved a high degree of discrimination with a C‐index of 0.913 in the index cohort and 0.901 in the validation cohort.ConclusionsThis study identifies different characteristics and predictors of outcome in acute HF patients as compared to outpatients with chronic HF developing worsening HF. The markers identified may be useful in better diagnosing acute HF and may become targets for treatment development.
IL‐17A expressed on neutrophil extracellular traps promotes mesenchymal stem cell differentiation toward bone‐forming cells in ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Papagoras Charalampos , Chrysanthopoulou Akrivi , Mitsios Alexandros , Ntinopoulou Maria , Tsironidou Victoria , Batsali Aristea K , Papadaki Helen A , Skendros Panagiotis , Ritis Konstantinos 
Published: December 2020

AbstractAnkylosing spondylitis (AS) is an inflammatory disease characterized by excessive bone formation. We investigated the presence of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in AS and how they are involved in the osteogenic capacity of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) through interleukin‐17A (IL‐17A). Peripheral neutrophils and sera were obtained from patients with active AS and healthy controls. NET formation and neutrophil/NET‐associated proteins were studied using immunofluorescence, immunoblotting, qPCR, and ELISA. In vitro co‐culture systems of AS NET structures and MSCs isolated from controls were deployed to examine the role of NETs in the differentiation of MSCs toward osteogenic cells. Analysis was performed using specific staining and qPCR. Neutrophils from patients with AS were characterized by enhanced formation of NETs carrying bioactive IL‐17A and IL‐1β. IL‐17A‐enriched AS NETs mediated the differentiation of MSCs toward bone‐forming cells. The neutrophil expression of IL‐17A was positively regulated by IL‐1β. Blocking IL‐1β signaling on neutrophils with anakinra or dismantling NETs using DNase‐I disrupted osteogenesis driven by IL‐17A‐bearing NETs. These findings propose a novel role of neutrophils in AS‐related inflammation, linking IL‐17A‐decorated NETs with the differentiation of MSCs toward bone‐forming cells. Moreover, IL‐1β triggers the expression of IL‐17A on NETs offering an additional therapeutic target in AS.
A quantitative western blot technique using TMB: Comparison with the conventional technique
Authors: Ntoukas Aristeidis , Niarchos Athanasios , Tsika Aikaterini C. , Mantzoukas Spiridon , Spyroulias Georgios A. , Poulas Konstantinos 
Published: December 2020

AbstractNumerous molecular biological experiments performed throughout the world require the detection or quantification of a protein of interest. Western blotting is one of the most popular techniques used for this purpose and offers quantitative information with the aid of specialized software. However, its dependence on the picture that is captured, and the background and the absence of a common protocol prevent the technique from being completely quantitative. To overcome these obstacles, we present a simple and reliable assay that is similar to the regular technique, with the exception of the last stage of band visualization and quantification. We propose that small pieces of the blot that include the protein of interest can be cut and dipped in a small volume of 3,3',5,5'‐tetramethylbenzidine solution, giving a colorimetric signal with linear dependence on the quantity of the protein. The reaction is stopped with H2SO4, and the signal is measured in a plate reader. This modification shows high linearity without additional costs and can be applied for both purified proteins and proteins found in a lysate. The results obtained with our proposed technique were compared with those obtained by the conventional method and proved to be more reliable.