bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Speckle tracking echocardiography in the early detection and prediction of anthracycline cardiotoxicity in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma treated with (R)‐CHOP regimen
Authors: Wang Baozhen , Yu Yang , Zhang Yue , Hao Xiaoyi , Zhao Hong , Yang Shan , Sun Qianqian , Wang Yue 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundDespite speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) has emerged as a sensitive technique for identifying myocardial dysfunction, there are little data available on the appropriate timing to perform STE in the serial assessment after anthracycline administration. Moreover, further uncertainty is increased in the context of STE application in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) research, as most recommendations are inferred by studies conducted primarily in breast cancer.ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine whether early measurement of strain parameters derived by STE could predict the development of cardiotoxicity.MethodsSixty‐five patients were included in the final analysis. The patients were evaluated at baseline, after the third cycle and sixth‐eighth cycle, and during follow‐up. Global longitudinal strain (GLS) was analyzed using STE, and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was calculated by real time 3D echocardiography (RT3DE).ResultsThere was a significant decrease in GLS after the third cycle of chemotherapy and remained decreased during subsequent follow‐up, whereas LVEF decreased only at follow‐up. A percentage reduction in GLS of 13.8% between baseline and the third cycle of chemotherapy was the best predictor of further LVEF reduction.ConclusionEarlier monitoring timing and more accurate assessment methods might be helpful in the prevention of irreversible heart failure.
Unique mechanism of mitral valve prolapse in atrial septal defect: Three‐dimensional insights into mitral complex geometry using real‐time transesophageal echocardiography
Authors: Furugen Makoto , Watanabe Nozomi , Nishino Shun , Kimura Toshiyuki , Ashikaga Keiichi , Kuriyama Nehiro , Shibata Yoshisato 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundMitral valve prolapse (MVP) is often identified in patients with atrial septal defect (ASD), which occasionally require surgical intervention at the time of ASD closure or even long after the surgery. Ventricular and valvular geometric characteristics in preoperative ASD patients were evaluated by three‐dimensional (3D) transesophageal echocardiography.Methods and ResultsMitral valve (MV) complex geometry was quantitatively measured by 3D transesophageal echocardiography in 11 ASD patients (Qp/Qs > 1.5) and 11 controls. The ASD group had a significantly larger indexed prolapse volume and height, with a larger anterior mitral leaflet than controls (0.53 [0.33–0.75] vs 0.057 [0.027–0.11] mL/m2, P = .0001; 2.89 [2.13–3.50] vs 0.92 [0.48–1.32] mm/m2, P < .0001; 391.3 [346.4–445.1] vs 295.3 (281.9–330.0) mm2/m2, P = .011, respectively). The right ventricular (RV)‐to‐left ventricular (LV) end‐systolic diameter ratio was larger in the ASD group than in the control group (1.34 [0.96–1.45] vs 0.85 [0.75–0.88], P = .004). The indexed inter‐papillary muscle distance (IPMD) was significantly shorter in the ASD group than in the control group (7.77 [6.55–8.24] vs 9.71 [8.64–10.8] mm/m2, P = .011). IPMD was significantly correlated with the RV‐LV end‐systolic diameter ratio (r = −.70, P = .017).ConclusionsInward shift of the LV papillary muscle tips due to RV dilation may be a major mechanism of MV prolapse in ASD. At the same time, positive remodeling of the anterior leaflet was observed in the ASD group, which may compensate for the billowing leaflet geometry to maintain effective coaptation. Three‐dimensional assessment of the MV apparatus geometry will help to further understand perioperative mitral regurgitation in patients with ASD.
Origins of hard carbonate nodules in arable Chernozems in the Central Russian Upland
Authors: Khokhlova Olga , Myakshina Tatyana , Kuznetsova Alsu 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe genesis of hard carbonate nodules in the lowermost horizons (180–200 cm) of arable soils in the southern part of the forest‐steppe region of the Central Russian Upland was associated with a change in soil water regime. The conversion of forest to arable lands was studied in three agro‐chronosequences located on flat interfluves and consisted of undisturbed soils under deciduous forests and arable soils with different durations of agricultural use. Due to arable agricultural activity, the upper soil horizons become drier in the summer during the growing season, whereas the lowermost parts get wetter in the spring and autumn after harvests. As a result, two types of hard carbonate nodules, which differed in morphology, origin and age, formed in the arable soils. The first type of hard nodules had a dense cryptocrystalline fabric in thin sections and colloform morphology viewed under an electron microscope, consisting of calcite with Si, Al and Fe peaks in EDS spectra, and had a 14C‐age from 16,410 ± 200 to 13,570 ± 150 years BP. Their formation occurred due to an ascending of “old” carbonate matter in colloidal suspensions through capillary pores from parent rocks in the periods of strong heating of the soil surface; these nodules had an evaporative origin. The second type of hard nodules consisted of crystalline pure calcite and had a 14C‐age of < 4,500 years BP. They had a hydromorphic genesis and developed in periods of water stagnation in the deep horizons and can be considered to be markers of a seasonal hydromorphism of arable soils in the studied area.Highlights
The conversion of forest to arable lands resulted in a change of soil water regime followed by the formation of two types of hard nodules
The uplifting of calcite colloidal solutions/suspensions from parent material enriched newly formed hard nodules with “old” 14C
The seasonal stagnant water in the lowermost soil horizons caused hard nodule recrystallization and rejuvenation by “young” 14C from organic acids and atmospheric CO2.
Economies or diseconomies of scope in the EU banking industry?
Authors: Beccalli Elena , Rossi Ludovico 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBanks’ business models are assumed to affect efficiency, as documented in the banking supervisory priorities of the European Union (EU) for 2016–2018 and the 2014 structural reform proposal for the EU banking sector. We investigate evidence of economies and diseconomies of scope for the EU. We find cost economies of scope and revenue diseconomies of scope, resulting in profit diseconomies of scope. Separating commercial from investment activities generates economic inefficiencies on costs but efficiencies on revenues and profits. Economies of scope are affected by bank size, liquidity, competition in the banking industry, and the European sovereign debt crisis.
Actinic keratosis and surrounding skin exhibit changes in corneocyte surface topography and decreased levels of filaggrin degradation products
Authors: Keurentjes Anne J. , de Witt Kornelis D. , Jakasa Ivone , Rüther Lars , Kemperman Patrick M. J. H. , Kezic Sanja , Riethmüller Christoph 
Published: February 2020

AbstractActinic keratosis (AK) is a frequent premalignant skin lesion mainly caused by chronic sun exposure. AK lesions are often surrounded by invisible, subclinical alterations, called field of cancerization (FoC). Definition of FoC is of importance for therapy management; however, the criteria and non‐invasive tools to characterize FoC are lacking. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) proved to be a suitable tool for detection of changes in the corneocyte surface topography in inflammatory skin diseases, which share similar clinical features with AK such as hyper‐ and parakeratosis. Therefore, in this study we applied AFM to investigate AK and surrounding skin obtained by non‐invasive collection of the stratum corneum (SC) with adhesive tapes. Furthermore, we determined degradation products of structural protein filaggrin (natural moisturizing factor, NMF), which previously showed association with the changes in corneocyte surface topography. Ten patients with multiple AK on the face were recruited from the outpatient clinic. SC samples were collected from the AK lesion, skin sites adjacent to the AK, 5 cm from the AK and retroauricular area. Corneocyte surface topography was determined by AFM, and NMF by liquid chromatography. The AK lesion showed alterations of the corneocyte surface topography characterized by an increased number of nanosize protrusions, which gradually decreased with the distance from the lesion. NMF levels show an inverse pattern. Atomic force microscopy showed to be a suitable tool to detect changes in the corneocyte surface topography on the AK lesion and surrounding skin in a non‐invasive manner.
Using knowledge of behaviour and optic physiology to improve fish passage through culverts
Authors: Jones Matthew Jon , Hale Robin 
Published: February 2020

AbstractCulverts reduce connectivity for aquatic animals by being both a hydraulic and physical barrier. However, altered light intensity may also be a behavioural barrier to fish movement, especially for diurnal species that have adapted to moving when it is light. We propose that knowledge of optical physiology and fish behaviour, two important mechanisms underpinning movement, can inform efforts to improve fish movement through culverts. We firstly review the sensory systems of fish with reference to visual sense and explore how this affects fish movement. We then highlight theoretical knowledge that can help us understand fish behaviour and the potential mismatch between the conditions under which fish have evolved and altered conditions within culverts. We describe potential knowledge gaps and directions for future research to improve our understanding of how culverts may affect fish movement. Finally, we explore the potential costs and ecological benefits of different mitigation options to identify those with the most promise for managing the light environment in culverts to facilitate movement. For researchers and managers exploring this subject, we suggest an approach that: (a) identifies light requirements for movement by different species, (b) tests movement under different light conditions and (c) considers an integrative assessment method for testing fish behaviour around culverts. Understanding how optical physiology, fish behaviour and culvert design influence fish movement can improve connectivity for a range of species.
Rapid change in Yangtze fisheries and its implications for global freshwater ecosystem management
Authors: Zhang Hui , Kang Myounghee , Shen Li , Wu Jinming , Li Junyi , Du Hao , Wang Chengyou , Yang Haile , Zhou Qiong , Liu Zhigang , Gorfine Harry , Wei Qiwei 
Published: February 2020

AbstractFreshwater capture fisheries are globally essential for food security and aquatic biodiversity conservation. The Yangtze River Basin is the third longest and one of the most human‐influenced drainage basins worldwide. Since the founding of P. R. China in 1949, this large river system has suffered increasing human perturbation and its sustainable development is now severely challenged. Meta‐analysis showed that Yangtze River fisheries have experienced an extraordinary process of utilization–over‐exploitation–protection during the past 70 years, to an extent that other globally important rivers may never have encountered. Its fisheries appear to have collapsed over the past four decades, with yield decreasing to only 25% of an historical peak of 400,000 metric tonnes in the late 1950s. Endemic, migratory and rare fishes have been highly threatened with obvious changes in fish community structure and aquatic biodiversity. Anthropogenic activities, including impoundment of water in dams, discharge of pollutants and riverine modification for vessel navigation, have caused large decreases in fisheries yields. Projections from surplus production modelling showed potential for improvement under fishing ban scenarios, but without any prospect for full recovery to historical stock status. This study revealed that the change in fisheries resources was dominated by the social–ecological watershed system, and an integrated approach to river basin management is warranted. Better management of freshwater ecosystems to integrate food security with biodiversity conservation is urgently needed throughout the world, and the changes evident in the Yangtze River fish populations can serve as an informative global reference.
Why do takeover targets protect acquirers? Evidence from force‐the‐vote provisions
Authors: Gogineni Sridhar , Puthenpurackal John 
Published: February 2020

AbstractWe conduct the first comprehensive study of force‐the‐vote (FTV) provisions in mergers and acquisitions transactions and test competing agency and efficient contracting explanations for their usage. Target FTV provisions are observed more frequently when bidding is costly and are associated with higher target returns, a lower likelihood of competing bids, and a higher likelihood of deal completion. By providing greater deal protection to acquirers, target FTV provisions appear to improve bidding incentives resulting in higher target returns consistent with efficient contracting. Our results are robust to controlling for other merger provisions, such as termination fee provisions, stock voting agreements, and endogeneity concerns.
Patient knowledge, experiences and preferences regarding retinoblastoma and research: A qualitative study
Authors: Moses Catherine , Flegg Kaitlyn , Dimaras Helen 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundWe launched a patient engagement strategy to facilitate research involvement of the retinoblastoma (childhood eye cancer) community in Canada. To inform our strategy, we aimed to uncover the experiences with retinoblastoma, knowledge of retinoblastoma and research engagement among retinoblastoma survivors and parents.MethodsFocus groups were held in Toronto and Calgary, including both in‐person and remote participants (via videoconference). Discussions centred on experience with retinoblastoma, knowledge of the disease and engagement with research. Focus group transcripts were evaluated by inductive thematic analysis.ResultsFour focus groups (3 in Toronto, 1 in Calgary) were held with a collective total of 34 participants. Retinoblastoma had a substantial impact on the life of participants, but overall, patients reported being able to adapt and persevere. Experiential knowledge of retinoblastoma was identified as distinct from the theoretical knowledge held by their clinicians. Participants indicated they often acted as a knowledge broker, communicating information about the cancer to their social networks. Participants were willing to engage in research as partners, but recognized barriers such as time and appropriate training.ConclusionsPatients view their experiential knowledge of retinoblastoma as valuable to improving care and directing research. There is a unique role for research engagement in meeting the educational needs of patients.
Preparation of GdBa2Cu3O6+x (GdBCO) precursor powder by spray‐drying a nitrate solution containing PEG
Authors: Camps Jaume , Farjas Jordi , Roura‐Grabulosa Pere , Calleja Albert 
Published: February 2020

AbstractSeveral precursor powders, obtained after precipitation from metal nitrate solution containing polyethylene glycol (PEG) (inside a Pyrex glass reactor or by spray‐drying), and their thermal evolution to GdBa2Cu3O6+x (GdBCO) were analyzed by thermogravimetry, differential thermal analysis, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, and X‐ray diffraction. The amount of PEG had a crucial role in the BaCO3 content of the “Kjeldahl precursors,” but a minor effect on the degree of transformation to GdBCO at 900°C, which did not reach completion after 1 hour. In contrast, a low‐PEG spray‐dried powder led to almost 100% GdBCO in only 5 minutes. The high degree of cation dispersion reached by spray‐drying and the coexistence with a liquid phase can explain this short reaction time. The spray‐dried powder compares favorably with the mechanical mix of metal oxides and Ba carbonate that is commonly used as precursor powder for the synthesis following a solid‐state reaction.
Intralesional immunotherapy with purified protein derivative (PPD) for cryotherapy‐resistant warts
Authors: Kaimal Sowmya , Gopinath Hima , Premalatha Venkatesh 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundCryotherapy and immunotherapeutic modalities elicit nonspecific immune response against the human papillomavirus. There is a paucity of literature on the effects of a sequential shift to immunotherapy in cryotherapy‐resistant warts.AimTo study the efficacy of intralesional purified protein derivative (PPD) immunotherapy in cryotherapy‐resistant warts.MethodsPatients with cryotherapy‐recalcitrant cutaneous warts were given intralesional injections of PPD into the index warts (oldest or largest) at 2‐week intervals until complete clearance or up to a maximum of six injections. The response in the treated index and distant warts was defined as complete, partial, and no response (<25%). Complete responders were followed up for another 3 months to check for recurrence.ResultsTwenty‐eight patients completed the study protocol. Of the eight patients with single warts, four (50%), one (12.5%), and three (37.5%) patients had complete, partial, and no response, respectively. Of the 20 patients with multiple warts, nine (45%) had complete clearance of all warts, two (10%) each had complete and partial response in the index wart, respectively, with no response of the distant warts, and seven (35%) had no response in all warts. Complete response was seen in an average of 3.1 injections (range 1–5). There was no recurrence at the follow‐up visit.ConclusionImmunotherapy with PPD has potential in producing regional and remote wart regression even in cryotherapy‐resistant warts. It is a safe and economical modality in children, multiple warts, and difficult‐to‐treat warts.
A curriculum for behaviour and oral healthcare management for dentally anxious children—Recommendations from the Children Experiencing Dental Anxiety: Collaboration on Research and Education (CEDACORE)
Authors: Costa Luciane R. , Bendo Cristiane B. , Daher Anelise , Heidari Ellie , Rocha Renata Sá , Moreira Ana Paula de Sousa Costa , Moura Larissa Silva , Banerjee Avijit , Newton J. Tim , Hosey Marie T. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundDentists need training in the management of children's anxiety (DA), fear (DF) and behaviour management problems (DBMP) but little is known of their competence on this topic.AimTo report dentists’ opinions and attitudes about protective stabilisation and pharmacological techniques for the management of children with DA/DF/DBMP; to propose a postgraduate curriculum focussing on DA/DF/DBMP.DesignA survey of 301 Brazilian dentists and later a modified Delphi process to outline the curriculum in two phases: (a) face‐to‐face discussions with 33 early career researchers mentored by six researchers, both from UK and Brazil; (b) online discussions by eight early and senior researchers on the knowledge, experience, and competencies necessary for a specialist in paediatric dentistry in Brazil that should be included in the core curriculum of postgraduate courses.ResultsAlmost all (99.0%) of the survey respondents provide treatment to children with DA/DF/DBMP, and 91.2% do not systematically diagnose these conditions; 94.3% use protective stabilisation, and 20.0%‐30.0% have training in pharmacological techniques. The four‐domain framework supporting the proposed curriculum is as follows: DA/DF/DBMP assessment, non‐pharmacological and pharmacological approaches, and decision‐making.ConclusionDental curricula should be customised to solve the misconceptions and promote a comprehensive and positive attitude to DA/DF/DBMP by paediatric oral healthcare practitioners.
Comparison of four different treatment strategies in teeth with molar‐incisor hypomineralization‐related enamel breakdown–A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Linner Thomas , Khazaei Yeganeh , Bücher Katharina , Pfisterer Jan , Hickel Reinhard , Kühnisch Jan 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundThere is little information available on the longevity of non‐invasive glass ionomer cement (GIC) and composite restorations as well as conventional composite and ceramic restorations placed on permanent teeth with enamel breakdowns due to molar‐incisor hypomineralization (MIH).AimTo compare the longevity of the abovementioned treatment procedures.DesignOf 377 identified MIH patients, 118 individuals received restorative treatment and were invited for clinical examination, including caries and MIH status. Finally, survival data from 204 MIH‐related restorations placed on 127 teeth were retrospectively collected from 52 children, monitored between 2010 and 2018. Descriptive and explorative analyses were performed, including Kaplan‐Meier estimators and the Cox regression model.ResultsThe mean patient observation time was 42.9 months (SD = 35.1). The cumulative survival probabilities after 36 months—7.0% (GIC, N = 28), 29.9% (non‐invasive composite restoration, N = 126), 76.2% (conventional composite restoration, N = 27) and 100.0% (ceramic restoration, N = 23)—differed significantly in the regression analysis.ConclusionsConventional restorations were associated with moderate‐to‐high survival rates in MIH teeth. In contrast, non‐invasive composite restorations, which were predominately used in younger or less cooperative children, were linked to lower survival rates.
Constrained shortest path tour problem: models, valid inequalities, and Lagrangian heuristics
Authors: Saraiva Rommel Dias , de Andrade Rafael Castro 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe constrained shortest path tour problem (CSPTP) is an NP‐hard combinatorial optimization problem defined on a connected directed graph , where V is the set of nodes and A is the set of nonnegative weighted arcs. Given two distinct nodes , an integer value , and node disjoint subsets , , the CSPTP aims at finding the shortest trail from s to t while visiting at least one node in every subset , in this order. In this paper, we perform a comparative analysis between two integer programming (IP) models for the problem. We also propose valid inequalities and a Lagrangian‐based heuristic framework. Branch‐and‐bound algorithms from the literature, as well as a metaheuristic approach, are used for comparison. Extensive computational experiments carried out on benchmark data sets show the effective use of valid inequalities and the quality of bounds obtained by the Lagrangian framework. Because benchmark instances do not require a great computational effort of IP models in the sense that their optimality is reached at the root node of the CPLEX branch‐and‐cut search tree, we introduce new challenging CSPTP instances for which our solution approaches outperform existing ones for the problem.