bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prognostic factors for survival in children who relapsed after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for acute leukemia
Authors: Hazar Volkan , Tezcan Karasu Gülsün , Öztürk Gülyüz , Küpesiz Alphan , Aksoylar Serap , Özbek Namık , Uygun Vedat , İleri Talia , Okur Fatma Visal , Koçak Ülker , Kılıç Suar Çakı , Akçay Arzu , Güler Elif , Kansoy Savaş , Karakükcü Musa , Bayram İbrahim , Aksu Tekin , Yeşilipek Akif , Karagün Barbaros Şahin , Yılmaz Şebnem , Ertem Mehmet , Uçkan Duygu , Fışgın Tunç , Gürsel Orhan , Yaman Yöntem , Bozkurt Ceyhun , Gökçe Müge ,   the Turkish Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplantation Study Group
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundPost‐transplant relapse has a dismal prognosis in children with acute leukemia undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT). Data on risk factors, treatment options, and outcomes are limited.ProcedureIn this retrospective multicenter study in which a questionnaire was sent to all pediatric transplant centers reporting relapse after allo‐HSCT for a cohort of 938 children with acute leukemia, we analyzed 255 children with relapse of acute leukemia after their first allo‐HSCT.ResultsThe median interval from transplantation to relapse was 180 days, and the median follow‐up from relapse to the last follow‐up was 1844 days. The 3‐year overall survival (OS) rate was 12.0%. The main cause of death was disease progression or subsequent relapse (82.6%). The majority of children received salvage treatment with curative intent without a second HSCT (67.8%), 22.0% of children underwent a second allo‐HSCT, and 10.2% received palliative therapy. Isolated extramedullary relapse (hazard ratio (HR): 0.607, P = .011) and relapse earlier than 365 days post‐transplantation (HR: 2.101, P < .001 for 0‐180 days; HR: 1.522, P = .041 for 181‐365 days) were found in multivariate analysis to be significant prognostic factors for outcome. The type of salvage therapy in chemosensitive relapse was identified as a significant prognostic factor for OS.ConclusionA salvage approach with curative intent may be considered for patients with post‐transplant relapse, even if they relapse in the first year post‐transplantation. For sustainable remission, a second allo‐HSCT may be recommended for patients who achieve complete remission after reinduction treatment.
Protective role of fat hen (Chenopodium album L.) extract and gamma irradiation treatments against fusarium root rot disease in sunflower plants
Authors: Abu‐Tahon M. A. , Isaac G. S. , Mogazy A. M. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

One of the most drastic diseases causing economic losses in sunflower crops is fusarium root rot caused by Fusarium solani. Plant extracts and ionizing radiation provide alternative environmentally safe control agents that have a significant role in controlling and overcoming this fungal plant pathogen.

In the present study, the effect of different concentrations of aqueous Chenopodium album extract (2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5 and 6.0%) and gamma radiation at a dose of 6 Gy were examined for their efficacy in inducing resistance of sunflower plants against fusarium root rot caused by F. solani MG‐3 by evaluation of some physiological and biochemical parameters of infected and healthy plants under greenhouse conditions.

The pre‐treatment of sunflower seeds with 6% C. album extract and 6 Gy gamma radiation reduced fusarium incidence from 47.49% to 28.25%. Also, nucleic acid content, ascorbic acid, α‐tocopherol, anthocyanin, total flavonoids, proline, glycine betaine and lipid components significantly increased in irradiated infected plants treated with C. album extract, while H2O2 content and lipid peroxidation markedly decreased as compared with healthy control plants. Moreover, treatment with gamma radiation reduced the amount of unsaturated fatty acids through accumulation of saturated fatty acids compared with non‐irradiated plants; treatment with C. album extract also enhanced the content of unsaturated fatty acids, with a noticeable decrease in saturated fatty acid content.

Hence, C. album extract and gamma radiation can be used to enhance biological control of fusarium root rot of sunflower plants.
Expression profile of developmental competence gene markers in comparison with prostaglandin F2α synthesis and action in the early‐ and late‐cleaved pre‐implantation bovine embryos
Authors: Suwik Katarzyna , Boruszewska Dorota , Sinderewicz Emilia , Kowalczyk‐Zieba Ilona , Staszkiewicz‐Chodor Joanna , Woclawek‐Potocka Izabela 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe kinetics of early cleavage stages can affect embryo quality. The bovine model of early‐ and late‐cleaved embryos has been described in the literature and is deemed a useful tool in the field of oocyte developmental competence studies. The expression of genes demonstrating developmental potential differs between early‐ and late‐cleaved embryos. Previously, we demonstrated that prostaglandin F2α synthase (PGFS) and prostaglandin F2α receptor (PTGFR) expression depend on the developmental stage and embryo quality. In the present study, we used the same model to determine the mRNA expression profile of developmentally important genes (IGF1R, IGF2R, PLAC8, OCT4, SOX2) in early, expanded and hatched blastocysts obtained from the early‐ and late‐cleaved group of embryos, as well as to correlate the transcription levels of these embryonic gene markers with the transcription levels of PGFS and PTGFR. The mRNA expression of PGFS, PTGFR and factors described as gene markers of embryonic implantation ability and developmental competence genes was determined by real‐time PCR. The obtained results were analysed using statistical software GraphPad prism 6.05. During the course of our analyses, we observed that the transcript abundance of most analysed genes tends to be higher in the late—rather than in the early cleaved group of embryos, as well as in B and/or C grade embryos rather than in A grade embryos. On the other hand, for the early cleaved group of blastocysts with cavity, we detected higher PLAC8 mRNA expression for grade A embryos compared with grade C embryos. It suggests that the mRNA expression level of genes depends on the quality of embryos but differs according to various factors including the method of production or culture method. Moreover, numerous correlations between analysed gene markers and PGF2α synthase and PGF2α receptor suggest that PGF2α plays a role in the crucial steps of bovine embryo development.
Classification of loneliness using the T‐ILS: Is it as simple as it seems?
Authors: Nielsen Tine , Friderichsen Ida S. , Rayce Signe Boe 
Published: December 2020

Student well‐being is a growing issue in higher education, and assessment of the prevalence of conditions as loneliness is therefore important. In higher education and population surveys the Three‐Item Loneliness Scale (T‐ILS) is used increasingly. The T‐ILS is attractive for large multi‐subject surveys, as it consists of only three items (derived from the UCLA Loneliness Scale). Several ways of classifying persons as lonely based on T‐ILS scores exist: dichotomous and trichotomous classification schemes and use of sum scores with rising levels indicating more loneliness. The question remains whether T‐ILS scores are comparable across the different population groups where they are used or across groups of students in the higher education system. The aim was to investigate whether the T‐ILS suffers from differential item functioning (DIF) that might change the loneliness classification among higher education students, using a large sample just admitted to 22 different academy profession degree programs in Denmark (N = 3,757). DIF was tested relative to degree program, age groups and gender. The framework of graphical loglinear Rasch models was applied, as this allows for adjustment of sum scores for uniform DIF, and thus for assessment of whether DIF might change the classification. Two items showed DIF relative to degree program and gender, and adjusting for this DIF changed the classification for some subgroups. The consequences were negligible when using a dichotomous classification and larger when using a trichotomous classification. Therefore, trichotomous classification should be used with caution unless suitable adjustments for DIF are done prior to classification.
A Springboard for physicians returning to practice
Authors: Mullender Claire , Gowland Emily , Ford Charlotte , Moore Anna , Fisk Marie , Bryant Catherine , Le Ball Karen , Deaner Andrew , Birns Jonathan 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundMany physicians take time out of training and have decreased confidence and poor performance ratings on their return. Courses employing multiple educational methods have been shown to be effective in easing learners into new clinical roles during transition periods but, to date, there is limited evidence for courses to support trainees returning to practice (RTP).MethodsA 2‐day course, named Springboard, was developed, specifically to address the needs of trainee physicians RTP. It employed a blended, multi‐modal approach to learning, including lectures, workshops, case‐based sessions, interactive panel discussions, small group teaching, peer‐led practical advice sessions and simulation training. Springboard was delivered eight times between 2014 and 2019 with a total of 540 doctors attending. We analysed participant pre‐and post‐course questionnaire feedback.ResultsReasons for doctors taking time out of training included parental leave, research, fellowships in education and leadership, health‐related absence and career breaks. Time out of training ranged between 3 months and 6 years. A significant pre/post‐course increase in candidates’ self‐reported leadership skills and confidence in being prepared to return to practice was demonstrated alongside an appreciation of a multi‐modal, ‘boot camp’ course delivered by expert faculty and a networking experience.DiscussionDedicated training courses tailored to the needs of physicians RTP provide an opportunity for improving confidence relating to many areas of clinical and non‐clinical practice as well as providing an environment for networking and sharing experiences. Further work would be valuable to establish the potential of providing this on a larger scale.
Development of a method for flood detection based on Sentinel‐1 images and classifier algorithms
Authors: Sharifi Alireza 
Published: December 2020

AbstractFloods are one of the most devastating natural disasters in the world, displacing millions of people each year and causing severe damage to people's lives and infrastructure. It is the most widespread hydrological hazard worldwide that affects water management, nature protection, economic activities, hydromorphological alterations on ecosystem services and human health. Real‐time monitoring systems play a key role in flood risk reduction and disaster response decisions. Studies have shown that using earth observation data for flood monitoring and timely actions based on good quality information reduces damages. In this paper, after thresholding, a machine learning algorithm and an object‐based classification method were used to classify the SAR data. Thresholding helps detect regions in the flooded areas. A comparison of the results showed that the machine learning algorithm obtained significant results. Because of the results obtained, the usefulness of Sentinel‐1 images as a baseline data for the improvement of the methodological guide is appreciated and should be used as a new source to monitor the flood risks.
OPTIMIZATION OF REFLUX EXTRACTION FOR CAESALPINIA SAPPAN LINN. WOOD BY USING RESPONSE SURFACE METHODOLOGY
Authors: Mohd Ariff Mohd Azahar , Abd Jalil Muhammad Syafiq , Abdul Razak Noor ‘Aina , Jaapar Jefri 
Published: December 2020

Caesalpinia sappan linn. (CSL) is a plant which is also known as Sepang tree contains various medicinal values such as to treat diarrhea, skin rashes, syphilis, jaundice, drinking water for blood purifying, diabetes, and to improve skin complexion. The aim of this study is to obtain the most optimum condition in terms of the ratio of sample to solvent, particle size, and extraction time to get the highest amount of concentration of the CSL extract. In this study, the ranges of each parameters used were: ratio sample to solvent: 1.0:20, 1.5:20, 2.0:20, 2.5:20, 3.0:20, particle size: 1 mm, 500 um, 250 um, 125 um, 63 um, and extraction time: 1 hr, 2 hr, 3 hr, 4 hr, 5 hr. The concentration was analyzed using a UV-vis spectrophotometer. The optimum conditions were obtained by response surface methodology. From the design, 20 samples were run throughout this experiment. The optimized value from the RSM were 2.0:20 for ratio sample to solvent, 125 µm of particle size and 2.48 hours with the concentration of 37.1184 ppm. The accuracy of the predictive model was validated with 2 repeated runs and the mean percentage error was less than 3%. This confirmed the model’s capability for optimizing the conditions for the reflux extraction of CSL’s wood.
Role of Cultural Diversity in Innovative Performance of International Business Collaborations
Authors: Moharrer M. , Corso M. 
Published: December 2020

International business (IB) collaborations can create a difference in the performance of the firms. Some previous studies had doubt if this superior performance is due to the internationalization itself or is related to the characteristics of one of the partners. However, here it is argued that difference in performance can be due to the characteristics of dyad between the partners, i.e. cultural distance. We tested the role of cultural distance (cultural diversity) between partners, while considering a network of countries. Social network analysis (SNA) is applied by utilizing UCINET software. This study built a database of around six hundred thousand patents data from The United States Patent and Trademark Office, and analyzed innovations resulting from cross-cultural collaborations. The result illustrates that increase in cultural distance decreases the number (quantity) of innovations, but has an inverted U-shape relationship with the quality of innovations. Researches which studied the relationship between cultural diversity and innovation in IB, mainly either conclude diversity hinders innovation or promotes it. This study fills this gap by analyzing two important dimensions of innovation i.e. quantity and quality of innovation.
Marchenko–Pastur law with relaxed independence conditions
Authors: Bryson Jennifer , Vershynin Roman , Zhao Hongkai 
Published: December 2020

We prove the Marchenko–Pastur law for the eigenvalues of [Formula: see text] sample covariance matrices in two new situations where the data does not have independent coordinates. In the first scenario — the block-independent model — the [Formula: see text] coordinates of the data are partitioned into blocks in such a way that the entries in different blocks are independent, but the entries from the same block may be dependent. In the second scenario — the random tensor model — the data is the homogeneous random tensor of order [Formula: see text], i.e. the coordinates of the data are all [Formula: see text] different products of [Formula: see text] variables chosen from a set of [Formula: see text] independent random variables. We show that Marchenko–Pastur law holds for the block-independent model as long as the size of the largest block is [Formula: see text], and for the random tensor model as long as [Formula: see text]. Our main technical tools are new concentration inequalities for quadratic forms in random variables with block-independent coordinates, and for random tensors.
A Biomechanical Comparison of Locked Unicortical with Non-Locking Bicortical Screws for Metacarpal Shaft Fractures in a Randomized Human Cadaveric Model
Authors: Minogue Febe , Reilly Keryn , Walker Cameron , Malak Sharif , Mayo Andrew , Heiss-Dunlop Wolfgang 
Published: December 2020

Background: Locking plate fixation is widely used in large long bone fixation and is now available for small “long” bones in the hand. Potential advantages of unicortical locked fixation are reduced risk of over-drilling and therefore reduced risk of damage to surrounding structures and reduced risk of irritation from proud screws. Furthermore, unicortical fixation may be used where bicortical fixation is technically impossible. Our aim was to compare fixation strength of unicortical locked plate fixation with bicortical non-locked fixation in a human cadaveric model, by assessing strength under cyclical loading conditions and load to failure (LTF). Methods: 16 matched pairs of embalmed and refrigerated human cadaveric metacarpals were randomly allocated to either unicortical locked or bicortical non-locked plate and screw fixation. A transverse osteotomy was made. Fractures were stabilized with 2.0 mm self-tapping locking or cortical screws. Each metacarpal was then loaded with a 3-point cantilever testing using a 100 N cell on an Instron materials testing device, cyclically loading them at 1,000 repetitions of 30 N and 50 N. If there was no visible failure of the fixation from cyclical loading they were then loaded to failure with a 1 kN cell. Results: There was a significant difference of average LTF between the bicortical non-locking and unicortical locking of 38.07–59.95 N (p < 0.01). However, both groups showed no statistically significant difference when comparing their performance under cyclical loading. Conclusions: The authors regard unicortical locked fixation as a useful adjunct to standard plating technique.
Treatment of Proximal Ulnar Stump after Darrach or Sauvé-Kapandji Procedure by Transfer of Insertion-Released Pronator Quadratus Pedicle
Authors: Sakamoto Kazuaki 
Published: December 2020

Background: Treatment of the proximal ulnar stump with the Darrach or Sauvé-Kapandji (SK) procedure remains controversial. Ulnar wrist symptoms can result, and although many surgeons attribute these to ulnar stump instability, they can also be caused by radioulnar convergence or stump irritation. We present a novel surgical method for protecting the proximal ulnar stump and avoiding these complications. Methods: Our cases were five men and five women (mean age 72.0 years, range, 34–89). Mean follow-up duration was 41.7 months (range, 6–101 months). Radiological findings were osteoarthritis in five, rheumatoid arthritis of distal radioulnar joint in three, and ulnocarpal abutment syndrome in two. Pronator quadratus (PQ) was released from its insertion on the radius and transferred dorsally to cover the proximal ulnar stump. Postoperative ulnar wrist symptoms such as ulnar stump tenderness, forearm range of motion, and grip strength were compared with contralateral values. Dynamic radioulnar impingement was evaluated by Lee and Scheker’s stress roentgenogram. Nine patients completed the Patient Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) at final follow-up. Results: No patients reported ulnar wrist pain or tenderness at the proximal ulnar stump. Postoperative forearm range of motion recovered almost to contralateral values in cases without preoperative forearm contracture. In the two cases with contracture, postoperative pronation and supination recovered to more than their preoperative range. Grip strength averaged 86.4% (range, 66.7–103%) of the contralateral value at final follow-up. Lees and Scheker’s stress roentgenogram revealed marked radioulnar impingement in one case, mild impingement in four cases and none in five, yet no patient complained of pain during the maneuver. The mean PRWE score was 34.7 points (range, 0–52.5 points). Conclusions: Insertion-released PQ pedicle transfer is an effective treatment option for the proximal ulnar stump after the Darrach or SK procedure.
CT Based Characterization of Volar Surface of Distal Radius: Can an Ideal Volar Plate for Fixation of Distal Radial Fractures be Designed?
Authors: Kumar Arvind , Passey Jigyasa , Chouhan Dushyant , Saini Manish , Narang Amit 
Published: December 2020

Background: Literature has limited evidence concerning the morphology of volar surface of distal radius. A mismatch between the plate-contour and contour of the actual volar bony surface can result in malreduction. The purpose of this study is to analyze the normal curvature morphology of volar surface of distal radius and related parameters that can help in designing of the volar plates for fixation of distal radial fractures. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed CT scans of uninjured healthy distal radii performed during a one year period (2018–2019). The mediolateral extent of the pronator quadratus line, the mediolateral curve of the pronator quadratus line, the mediolateral surface angle between intermediate column and radial column of distal radius, the curvatures and locations of their vertices for radial and intermediate columns were measured. Results: A total of 84 CT-based studies were analyzed. The mediolateral extent of the pronator quadratus line, the mediolateral curve of the pronator quadratus line, and the mediolateral surface angle between intermediate column and radial column of the distal radius were 24.27 mm, 144.8 degrees and 163.1 degrees, respectively. The mean volar curvatures of the radial and intermediate columns were 156.5 and 151.4 degrees, respectively and distances of their vertices from the pronator-quadratus line were 10.96 mm and 14.13 mm, respectively. Conclusions: Considerable variations occur in curvature morphology of distal radial volar surface. A best fit rather than an anatomical fit can be considered during implant selection owing to these variations. Besides volar curvature of radial and ulnar columns, location of their vertices, mediolateral angulation and surface curvature between these columns at the level of watershed line should also be considered in plate selection. A combination of a few serial increments of the described parameters in the designs of volar fixation plates would be helpful for surgeons in the best implant selection.
Sylvia Plath, Cláudia Roquette-Pinto e os limites da escrita: uma poética do autoaniquilamento.
Authors: Barbosa Aline Leal 
Published: December 2020

A partir da análise comparativa da poética de Sylvia Plath e de Claudia Roquette-Pinto, unidas aqui por relação referencial bem como por certo anacronismo, este artigo pretende pensar a construção de uma linguagem que atravessa o tema e a materialidade do corpo, do feminino e da morte. O suicídio, na vida e na poética de Sylvia Plath, serve como chave de análise, ora refutada ora apresentada, para se pensar essa escrita obscura, realizada numa espécie de “zona de sombra” entre o dizível e o indizível, no contato com as margens da vida, que vai recair sobre os extremos da linguagem. Nomes como Van Gogh, Antonin Artaud, Anne Sexton, Ana Cristina César, entre outros, são também evocados neste artigo como desagregadores de instituições, como a própria linguagem.