bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use and outcomes of chemotherapy for metastatic pancreatic cancer in Australia
Authors: Body Amy , Wong Rachel , Shapiro Jeremy , Jalali Azim , McLachlan Sue‐Anne , Ananda Sumitra , Lipton Lara , Cooray Prasad , Gibbs Peter , Lee Belinda , Lee Margaret 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundMetastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (mPDAC) is highly lethal. Combination chemotherapy regimens improve overall survival (OS). Historically, only one‐third of mPDAC patients in Victoria received chemotherapy.AimTo describe current Australian chemotherapy utilisation and outcomes in patients with mPDAC using the multi‐site PURPLE (Pancreatic cancer: Understanding Routine Practice and Lifting End Results) registry.MethodsPURPLE collects longitudinal data on consecutive patients with pancreatic cancer seen since January 2016. Data were collated for patients with mPDAC from six Victorian sites, and analysed descriptively.ResultsThree hundred and sixty‐three patients with mPDAC were identified. Median age was 70 years (range 20–94 years). First‐line chemotherapy was administered in 195 (54%) patients. Prevalent regimens included gemcitabine‐nab‐paclitaxel (71%), gemcitabine alone (10%) and FOLFIRINOX (6%). Sixty‐two of 195 (32%) patients who received first line treatment have proceeded to second‐line chemotherapy. Chemotherapy‐treated patients were younger (69 versus 73 years; P < 0.01), with better Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (ECOG 0–1 89 vs 66%; P < 0.01) and lower median Charlson comorbidity index (3 vs 4; P < 0.01) compared with untreated patients. Median OS of the entire cohort from diagnosis of metastases was 5.1 months. Median OS was 9.3 months in the chemotherapy treated patients, and 2.5 months in chemotherapy‐untreated patients (P < 0.01).ConclusionsA substantial proportion of patients with mPDAC still do not receive active treatment, which may in part by explained by age, poor performance status and comorbidity. Gemcitabine‐nab‐paclitaxel was the preferred first‐line chemotherapy regimen. Median OS for treated patients in this cohort was comparable to that of recent published clinical trials.
Unbound vitamin D concentrations are not decreased in critically ill patients
Authors: Palmer David , Soule Steven , Gaddam Ravinder R. , Elder Peter , Chambers Stephen , Doogue Matthew 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundFree concentrations of highly protein bound hormones, such as cortisol and thyroxine, are unchanged in critical illness despite substantial decreases in total concentration. Total 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration is decreased in critical illness, but the free concentration of 25(OH)D has had less attention.AimTo compare total and calculated free 25(OH)D concentrations in critically ill patients with healthy controls.MethodsIn this case‐control study, 38 patients with critical illness were compared with 68 healthy controls; 25(OH)D was measured by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LCMS/MS) and vitamin D binding protein (VDBP) by direct sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Total and calculated free 25(OH)D concentrations were compared using unpaired t‐tests.ResultsTotal 25(OH)D concentrations were significantly lower in critically ill patients than controls (37 (95% confidence interval 31–43) vs 57 (53–60) nmol/L). Calculated free concentrations of 25(OH)D were not lower in critically ill patients than healthy controls (26 (22–29) vs 19 (18–20) pmol/L).ConclusionsCalculated free 25(OH)D concentrations are not decreased in critical illness. Measuring total 25(OH)D concentrations in patients with critical illness potentially underestimates vitamin D and overestimates the number of patients who are deficient in vitamin D.
Acromegaly might not negatively affect microvascular circulation
Authors: Hacioglu Yalcin , Kalfa Melike , Niyazoglu Mutlu , Kilickaya Pelin , Hatipoglu Esra 
Published: October 2020

BackgroundEndothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis are well known complications of acromegaly. However, current data on microvascular circulation are limited.AimsTo evaluate microvascular circulation in patients with acromegaly.MethodsThis comparative study included a total of 21 patients with acromegaly and 20 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy subjects. A stereomicroscope under ×100 magnification was used by a single rheumatologist to evaluate the capillary dimensions (capillary loop length, capillary width) and capillary/mm count in the capillaries of subjects. Statistical data analysis was conducted using the SPSS 15.0 package program.ResultsThe mean number of capillaries per millilitre (normal ≥8/mL) in the acromegaly group (AG) and healthy controls (HC) was 7.67 ± 1.88 and 8.67 ± 0.65, respectively (P = 0.04). In the AG and the HC, the number of tortuous capillaries, the mean capillary loop length and the mean capillary width were not different. Although the median number of capillaries in the AG was lower than in the HC, it was still within normal limits.ConclusionAlthough the number of capillaries was statistically lower in patients with acromegaly, they were within a normal range and the difference was not clinically significant. Moreover, there was no difference in morphological characteristics between the groups. While endothelial dysfunction is the earliest known marker of the atherosclerotic process and is considered to be one of the complications of acromegaly, the disease may not result in impairment of microvasculature of those people afflicted by it.
Retrospective study on the epidemiology of antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies‐associated vasculitis in two Australian health districts
Authors: Chung Edmund Y. M. , Risi Dante , Holt Jane L. , Lonergan Maureen , Kotwal Sradha , Yong Kenneth , Smyth Brendan , Chen Jenny H. C. , Wen Cheng 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundAntineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies (ANCA)‐associated vasculitis (AAV) is more prevalent in rural Australia compared with metropolitan areas, suggesting a role of environment in disease pathogenesis. However, the prevalence of environmental risk factors in Australian AAV patients has not been described.AimsTo compare the incidence of AAV between two health districts (Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (ISLHD), a mixed rural/metropolitan region, and South Eastern Sydney Local Health District (SESLHD), a metropolitan region) in Australia and its relationship to environmental exposures.MethodsCases of AAV from 2002 to 2017 were retrospectively identified from ISLHD and SESLHD using electronic medical records. Eligible participants were invited to complete a standardised questionnaire examining their exposure to silica, solvents, metal, dust, farming, gardening and sunlight.ResultsOne hundred and fifty‐six cases of AAV were identified from 2002 to 2017. A higher cumulative incidence of AAV was observed in the ISLHD (184.2 (95% confidence interval (CI) 143.6–232.7) per million) compared with SESLHD (102.6 (95% CI 82.1–126.8) per million). Over 50% of the cohort had high levels of silica and solvents exposure, based on self‐reported questionnaires. There was no significant relationship between region and exposure to silica (P = 0.96), solvents (P = 0.44), metal (P = 0.33), dust (P = 0.25), farming (P = 0.90), gardening (P = 0.93) or sunlight (P = 0.55).ConclusionsWe found a higher incidence of AAV in ISLHD compared with SESLHD with high levels of exposure to silica and solvents in both regions based on self‐reported questionnaires. Prospective systematic collection of data, such as a registry of AAV, is warranted to further explore the relationship between environmental exposures and AAV.
Dental arch perimeter changes as a result from premature loss of primary anterior teeth due to trauma: A case series in infant and pre‐school children
Authors: Nadelman Patricia , Gárate Kriss Mélane , Oliveira Andressa , Pithon Matheus Mello , de Castro Amanda Cunha Regal , Maia Lucianne Cople 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe premature loss of primary anterior teeth in deciduous arches is a controversial topic in the literature, especially due to the lack of robust scientific evidence about the consequences in the arch perimeter space and magnitudes of the effects involved.AimEvaluate the association between premature loss of primary anterior teeth and dental arch perimeter changes, according to clinical variables as deciduous arch type, erupted primary canines, midline involvement and deleterious oral habits, on infants and pre‐school children.DesignPatients with avulsion or referral to extraction due to traumatic dental injuries (TDI) were evaluated. After the tooth loss, two trained operators measured the tooth/teeth space, both with a digital caliper and a dry tip compass. The clinical documentation included photographs and radiographs. Follow‐up visits occurred from the baseline and every two months over a 12‐month period. Chi‐square test was used to evaluate the association between arch perimeter changes and clinical variables (α = 0.05). A descriptive statistic was performed to explore the magnitude of space changes, with 95% confidence intervals.ResultsEighteen infants/children (mean, 2.78 ± 1.39 years) were included. Nine patients presented space loss (50.0%) (mean, −1.32 mm), six patients gained space (33.3%) (mean, +1.55 mm), and three patients presented space maintenance (16.7%). Clinical variables did not influence dental arch perimeter changes. Conclusions: Premature loss of primary anterior teeth, as well as deleterious oral habits, deciduous arch type, midline involvement and erupted primary canines, were not associated with dental arch perimeter changes.
Valorization of Al slag in the production of green ceramic tiles: Effect of experimental conditions on microstructure and crystalline phase composition
Authors: Romero Maximina , Martín María Isabel , Barbieri Luisa , Andreola Fernanda , Lancellotti Isabella , López‐Delgado Aurora 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThis work reports the results of an investigation aimed at the development of sintered glass‐ceramic tiles by the sinter‐crystallization of mixtures composed of aluminum slag and reclaimed packaging glass. The thermal behaviors of mixtures incorporating 50 and 60 wt% Al slag were established by differential thermal analysis (DTA). Green compacts were sintered in a temperature range of 800°C‐1050°C and then soaked for 10‐60 minutes. The mineralogical characterizations of the sintered materials were obtained by X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The achieved results indicated that the sintering of aluminum slag and packaging glass reclaimed led to a glass‐ceramic material composed mainly of needle‐like crystals of wollastonite (CaSiO3). The bloating of samples during firing was evaluated according to a Cougny predictive diagram. After initial observations and according to bending strength characterizations, sintered tiles prepared from aluminum slag and glassy sand are appropriate for floor pavement and wall covering.
Community participation of families of children with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities in South Africa
Authors: McKenzie Judith Anne , Kahonde Callista , Mostert Karen , Aldersey Heather Michelle 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundFamilies struggle to support family members with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD), especially in low resourced settings where formal services may not be available.MethodThe adapted Family Community Participation survey, measuring perceptions of community participation, was administered to 67 primary caregivers of children with PIMD in Cape Town by community‐based rehabilitation workers.ResultsFamilies were most satisfied going to religious activities and getting together with family and friends. They were most dissatisfied with doing activities together in public and working or volunteering outside the home. Barriers to participation included negative attitudes, insufficient money and unavailability of community activities. Transportation, safety and security were additional challenges.ConclusionsParticipants advocate awareness raising, community support and provision of services to address barriers to community participation. Families should be consulted on community issues to integrate their specific family needs into the overall needs of the community.
Factors affecting accuracy of estimated effective number of chromosome segments for numerically small breeds
Authors: Marjanovic Jovana , Calus Mario P. L. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractFor numerically small breeds, obtaining a sufficiently large breed‐specific reference population for genomic prediction is challenging or simply not possible, but may be overcome by adding individuals from another breed. To prioritize among available breeds, the effective number of chromosome segments (Me) can be used as an indicator of relatedness between individuals from different breeds. TheMeis also an important parameter in determining the accuracy of genomic prediction. TheMecan be estimated both within a population and between two populations or breeds, as the reciprocal of the variance of genomic relationships. However, the threshold for number of individuals needed to accurately estimate within or between populationsMeis currently unknown. It is also unknown if a discrepancy in number of genotyped individuals in two breeds affects the estimates ofMebetween populations. In this study, we conducted a simulation that mimics current domestic cattle populations in order to investigate how estimatedMeis affected by number of genotyped individuals, single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) density and pedigree availability. Our results show that a small sample of 10 genotyped individuals may result in substantial over or underestimation ofMe. While estimates of within populationMewere hardly affected by SNP density, between populationMevalues were highly dependent on the number of available SNPs, with higher SNP densities being able to detect more independent chromosome segments. When subtracting pedigree from genomic relationships before computingMe, estimates of within populationMewere three to four times higher than estimates with genotypes only; however, betweenMeestimates remained the same. For accurate estimation of within and between populationMe, at least 50 individuals should be genotyped per population. Estimates of withinMewere highly affected by whether pedigree was used or not. For withinMe, even the smallest SNP density (~11k) resulted in accurate representation of family relationships in the population; however, for betweenMe, many more markers are needed to capture all independent segments.
Trait‐specific trade‐offs prevent niche expansion in two parasites
Authors: Lievens Eva J. P. , Michalakis Yannis , Lenormand Thomas 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIt is often difficult to determine why parasites do not evolve broader niches, especially when there are closely related and ecologically similar hosts available. We used an experimental evolution approach to test whether source–sink demography or trade‐offs drive specialization, and its underlying traits, in two microsporidian parasites infecting two brine shrimp species. In the field, both parasites regularly infect both hosts, but experiments have shown that they are partially specialized. We serially passaged the parasites on one, the other, or an alternation of the two hosts; after 10 passages, we assayed the infectivity, virulence, and spore production of the evolved lines. Our results indicated a weak between‐host trade‐off acting on infectivity, but a strong trade‐off acting on spore production. Consequently, spore production maintained both parasites’ overall pattern of specialization. This study highlights that when trade‐off shapes differ among traits, one key trait can prevent the evolution of generalism.
Characterization and functional analysis of a galectin‐related protein B from Nile tilapia involved in the immune response to bacterial infection
Authors: Niu Jinzhong , Luo Guoling , Liu Xinchao , Huang Yu , Tang Jufen , Wang Bei , Lu Yishan , Cai Jia , Jian Jichang 
Published: October 2020

AbstractGalectin‐related protein is a kind of lectin without canonical activity that regulates cell adhesion and cell growth. In this study, a novel galectin‐related protein B (OnGRPB) was identified from Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). The open reading frame of OnGRPB was 438 bp and encoded a peptide of 145 amino acids. The deduced protein sequence of OnGRPB possessed a conserved carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD) with partial sugar binding sites (N‐R, V‐N and W‐E) and shared high identities with other fish GRPB proteins. The qRT‐PCR analysis found that OnGRPB was widely distributed in various tissues and monocyte/macrophages (Mo/MΦ) of healthy tilapia. After Streptococcus agalactiae infection, OnGRPB transcripts were significantly up‐regulated in liver, spleen, head kidney and Mo/MΦ. The recombinant OnGRPB protein (rOnGRPB) had the binding activity and agglutination ability to bacteria. Also, rOnGRPB could modulate antibacterial activity and inflammatory factor expression of Mo/MΦ. These data collectively indicate that OnGRPB plays roles in the immune response of Nile tilapia against bacterial infection.
Absolute environmental sustainability assessment of a Danish utility company relative to the Planetary Boundaries
Authors: Ryberg Morten W. , Bjerre Troels K. , Nielsen Per Henrik , Hauschild Michael 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIncreasing environmental pressure from production and consumption of products and services is starting to affect Earth System stability. Thus, the Planetary Boundaries framework introduced a set of absolute boundaries for keeping the Earth System stable and delimiting a safe operating space for humanity. The sum of environmental pressures associated with human activities should not exceed the safe operating space. This includes utility companies whose activities relate to supply of water and treatment of waste‐ and stormwater. This study conducted an absolute environmental sustainability assessment (AESA) of a Danish utility company to evaluate if it could be considered absolutely sustainable relative to an assigned share of the safe operating space (SoSOS). The AESA evaluated the company's impacts relative to an assigned share of the Planetary Boundaries and relative to specific local boundaries for nitrogen and phosphorous emissions. Results showed that the assigned SoSOS was exceeded for 10 of 18 impact categories, for example, climate related boundaries were exceeded by up to a factor 7.8 while local nitrogen and phosphorus boundaries were exceeded by ca. a factor 16. The AESA can indicate to which degree the company exceeds its assigned SoSOS for certain impact categories and the processes and life‐cycle stages to focus on to become absolutely sustainable. This information is crucial for deriving specific impact reduction targets as part of environmental strategies for companies to become sustainable in an absolute sense.
L's approach: illumination pattern estimation technique for optical microscopy
Authors: BROOKSHIRE CHARLES , UCHIC MICHAEL , KRAMB VICTORIA , LESTHAEGHE TYLER , HIRAKAWA KEIGO 
Published: October 2020

SummaryWe propose a novel solution to the correction of illumination nonuniformity without removing the imaging sample. Calibration of the spatial illumination pattern in reflectance microscopy is challenging due to the fact that the illumination source is colocated with the objective lens and therefore cannot be observed directly. Our proposed methodology overcomes this by collecting three spatially translated images in a strategic way. We prove that ‘log‐illumination pattern’ recovery can be reformulated as a deconvolution of log‐ratio of captured images, and develop an efficient, noise‐robust implementation. Experiments with simulated and reflectance microscopy data verify the effectiveness of our proposed approach.Lay DescriptionThe proposed technique overcomes a common problem of nonuniform illumination in microscopy. For the case of reflectance microscopy, we show that a few images with large amounts of overlap can be used to recover the illumination pattern. In conjunction with an image formation model, the recovered illumination pattern may be used to correct the images captured under similar illumination conditions.
Potential use of medicinal plants from Argentinean highland as agent anti‐photoaging
Authors: Orqueda María Eugenia , Moreno María Alejandra , Zampini Iris Catiana , Bravo Karent , Osorio Edison , Isla María Inés 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe overexposure to sun ultraviolet (UV) radiation produce photoaging by effect of free radicals on lipid, protein, and nucleic acid or by direct activation of responsible enzymes of cleavage of extracellular matrix components (EMC).AimsTo develop new anti‐photoaging agents, the anti‐aging activity of four “jarillas” standardized extracts from Argentina (Zuccagnia punctata Cav.,Larrea divaricata Cav.,Larrea cuneifolia Cav., and Larrea nitida Cav.) were examined.MethodsThe effect on the activity and expression of enzymes related to photoaging (collagenase, hyaluronidase, elastase, tyrosinase) and the antioxidant capacity of four “jarillas” extracts were examined.ResultsThe results suggest that “jarillas” extracts could protect EMC by inhibition of skin aging‐related enzymes and suppression of the expression of metalloproteinases (MMP‐1) in human skin fibroblasts from photoinduced damage. Modulation of MMP‐1 expression induced by UV radiation in human skin cells could be associated, at least in part, with the ROS scavenging capacity of “jarilla” extracts. The extract of Z punctata was more active than Larrea species extracts in all the trials. The activity of Z punctata and Larrea extracts could be ascribed to chalcones and lignans, major constituents of “jarillas,” respectively.ConclusionsThe results obtained would indicate the potential of these adapted species to live in arid zones of Argentina, exposed to high ultraviolet radiation in production of cosmetic products and justify the promotion of their sustainable use and the development of crops.
Rubbing the skin when removing makeup cosmetics is a major factor that worsens skin conditions in atopic dermatitis patients
Authors: Hosokawa Kumiko , Taima Hidetoshi , Kikuchi Mamiko , Tsuda Hiroko , Numano Kayoko , Takagi Yutaka 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundMany patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) know that harsh rubbing of their skin might worsen their skin symptoms. They consider that the force they use to rub their skin when removing their makeup cosmetics should not be hard and their cleansing habits could worsen their skin symptoms. However, we presume that the force they use to rub their skin may still be strong and might worsen their skin symptoms.AimsWe characterized the effects of rubbing the skin of AD patients during cleansing of makeup cosmetics.Patients/MethodsA cleansing oil which has a higher cleansing ability compared the cleansers used daily by the subjects but required less rubbing force was used. We performed a 4‐week clinical trial of this cleansing oil on 35 female subjects who had mild AD skin symptoms on their faces. Each subject used the cleansing oil instead of their usual makeup remover without changing their other facial skin care habits. Prior to the study, and at the end of weeks 1 and 4, the skin conditions of each subject were evaluated.ResultsFour weeks of usage of this cleansing oil significantly decreased skin dryness, scaling, irritation, erythema, and itchiness. Higher improvements were observed for subjects who had previously used cleansers with less cleansing ability. Accompanying those improvements, a significant increase in moisture‐retention ability and a significant decrease in transepidermal water loss were observed.ConclusionThese results suggest that many AD patients cleanse their face with hard rubbing of their skin because of the low cleansing ability of their skin cleansers and may worsen their AD skin symptoms without realizing it.