bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Paediatricians' practices and knowledge of corticosteroids: A national survey
Authors: Sekler Opal , Segev‐Becker Anat , Interator Hagar , Brener Avivit , Schachter‐Davidov Anita , Elkon‐Tamir Erella , Lebenthal Yael 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAimTo explore corticosteroid prescription practices and knowledge among paediatricians.MethodsThe Paediatricians Corticosteroids Survey, a cross‐sectional, web‐based survey distributed to Israeli paediatricians between February and July 2018.ResultsThree hundred and forty‐nine paediatricians (105 general paediatricians, 207 subspecialists and 37 paediatric endocrinologists) participated. Two hundred and three (58.2%) had >10 years of paediatric clinical experience and treated >60 patients/wk on average, 175/318 (55%) prescribed corticosteroids to >10% of their patients. On knowledge items, 11/266 (4.1%) responded ‘not sure’ when tapering of steroids is required, 22/268 (8.2%) to what ‘stress dose’ meant and 27/268 (10.1%) when a stress dose is required. Multivariate linear analysis showed higher scores were associated with training in paediatric endocrinology (β = 2.271, P = 0.032); medical practice only in a subspecialty (β = 1.909, P = 0.041) or in both general paediatrics and a subspecialty (β = 2.023, P = 0.014), compared to general paediatrics alone and medical studies in Israel (β = 1.059, P = 0.035). Overall, 96.2% thought continued medical education (CME) sessions would be helpful.ConclusionOur findings suggest that despite clinical experience with corticosteroid usage, respondents demonstrated gaps in knowledge for potentially life‐threatening situations. Corticosteroid‐based CME programs are warranted to improve paediatricians' knowledge and patient management.
Establishment of a desert foundation species is limited by exotic plants and light but not herbivory or water
Authors: Filazzola Alessandro , Brown Charlotte , Westphal Michael , Lortie Christopher J. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractQuestionsThe biodiversity of deserts is becoming increasingly threatened due to global change including the introduction of invasive species. Desert shrubs are foundational species that can facilitate native plant communities but can also benefit exotic species. The influence of exotic plants on the establishment of benefactors from seeds or seedlings is a critical knowledge gap. We tested if the establishment, survival, or growth of seedlings for a benefactor shrub species in California was reduced by the invasive grasses that they facilitate in the field.LocationSan Joaquin Desert, California, USA.MethodsWe conducted a field survey to determine if a native shrub, Ephedra californica, facilitated the invasive grass Bromus madritensis. Using seed collected from the field, we conducted a competition experiment on Ephedra californica, using a densities series of Bromus madritensis and under manipulated conditions of light, water, and simulated herbivory. We measured seedling establishment, survival, and biomass of Ephedra californica and Bromus madritensis.ResultsIn the field, Ephedra californica facilitated Bromus madritensiswithin the shrub canopy. In the competition experiment, Bromus madritensishad consistent negative effects on Ephedra californica emergence and seedling survival at all resource and herbivory levels. The emergence and survival of Ephedra californica was reduced in low light, but none of the manipulated conditions increased the competitive effect of Bromus madritensis.ConclusionsReciprocal costs of facilitation by shrubs were evident in emergence and seedling survival but not in growth once established. Water, herbivory, and shade did not mitigate these costs, but also did not exacerbate competition from exotics. Direct competition with exotic plant species is the most significant impact tested here on dryland shrub species and manipulations of resources or herbivory may not effectively promote shrub recruitment. Native shrubs are well adapted to variable desert conditions and could be effective foundational species if invasive grasses are reduced.
Vegetation unit assignments: phytosociology experts and classification programs show similar performance but low convergence
Authors: Maciejewski Lise , Pinto Paulina E. , Wurpillot Stéphanie , Drapier Jacques , Cadet Serge , Muller Serge , Agou Pierre , Renaux Benoît , Gégout Jean‐Claude 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAimsAssigning vegetation plots to vegetation units is a key step in biodiversity management projects. Nevertheless, the process of plot assignment to types is usually non‐standardized, and assignment consistency remains poorly explored. To date, the efficiency of automatic classification programs has been assessed by comparing them with a unique expert judgment. Therefore, we investigated the consistency of five phytosociology expert judgments, and the consistency of these judgements with those of automatic classification programs.LocationMainland France.MethodsWe used 273 vegetation plots distributed across France and covering the diversity of the temperate and mountainous forest ecosystems of Western Europe. We asked a representative panel of five French organizations with recognized expertise in phytosociology to assign each plot to vegetation units. We provided a phytosociological classification including 228 associations, 43 alliances and eight classes. The assignments were compared among experts using an agreement ratio. We then compared the assignments suggested by three automatic classification programs with the expert judgments.ResultsWe observed small differences among the agreement ratios of the expert organizations; a given expert organization agreed with another one on association assignment one time in four on average, and one time in two on alliance assignment. The agreement ratios of the automatic classification programs were globally lower, but close to expert judgments.ConclusionsThe results support the current trend toward unifying the existing classifications and specifying the assignment rules by creating guiding tools, which will decrease inter‐observer variation. As compared to a pool of phytosociology experts, programs perform similarly to individual experts in vegetation unit assignment, especially at the alliance level. Although programs still need to be improved, these results pave the way for the creation of habitat time series crucial for the monitoring and conservation of biodiversity.
Urinary tract stone deaths: data from the Australian and New Zealand Audits of Surgical Mortality
Authors: Galiabovitch Elena , Hansen Dylan , Retegan Claudia , McCahy Philip 
Published: July 2020

ObjectivesTo analyse all mortalities related to surgery for urinary tract calculi in Australia from 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2018, and identify common causes, clinical management issues (CMIs), and areas for improvement.Patients and MethodsAll urological‐related deaths reported to the Australian and New Zealand Audit of Surgical Mortality (ANZASM) from 2009 to 2017 were analysed. The Bi‐National Audit of Surgical Mortality (BAS) database was interrogated for any involvement with renal, ureteric or bladder stones and all relevant associated data analysed. Any CMIs documented by the peer reviewers were recorded and compared to those in urology and all of surgery ANZASM data.ResultsOf 1034 total urological deaths, 100 (9.7%) were related to stones. The mean (range) age of patients was 74.4 (21–97) years; 95% of the patients underwent at least one procedure, with 45 (47.4%) of these being elective. Urinary sepsis was responsible for 49.5% of the deaths, with 20% dying of cardiac events. In all, 39% (37/95) of deaths were associated with CMIs, the most common considerations being delays in diagnosis or treatment, perioperative management and inadequate preoperative evaluation. This is a considerably higher percentage than the 26% recorded for the general urology and all surgery national data. Ureterorenoscopy at 54% (12/22) had the highest rate of CMIs.ConclusionDeath related to stone surgery represents only a small proportion of all urological surgical deaths, but generates more CMIs amongst ANZASM peer assessors. Results could be improved with more rapid diagnosis and treatment. Careful case selection and access to all treatment options are recommended.
A risk calculator predicting recurrence in lymph node metastatic penile cancer
Authors: Bandini Marco , Spiess Philippe E. , Pederzoli Filippo , Marandino Laura , Brouwer Oscar R. , Albersen Maarten , Roussel Eduard , de Vries Hielke M. , Chipollini Juan , Zhu Yao , Ye Ding‐Wei , Ornellas Antonio A. , Catanzaro Mario , Hakenberg Oliver W. , Heidenreich Axel , Haidl Friederike , Watkin Nick , Ager Michael , Ahmed Mohamed E. , Karnes Jeffrey R. , Briganti Alberto , Salvioni Roberto , Montorsi Francesco , Azizi Mounsif , Necchi Andrea 
Published: July 2020

ObjectivesTo develop and externally validate a risk calculator for prediction of any cancer recurrence in patients with penile squamous cell carcinoma (pSCC) and inguinal lymph node metastases (ILNM), as to date no validated prognostic tool is available for patients with pSCC and ILNM.Patients and MethodsThe development cohort included 234 patients from seven referral centres. The external validation cohort included 273 patients from two additional referral centres. Cox regression identified predictors of any recurrence, which were used to develop a risk calculator. The risk‐calculator grouped the development and the validation cohorts according to the individual risk of any recurrence at 24 months (24m‐R). Adjuvant treatment effects were tested on overall survival (OS) according to the derived tertiles, within the development and validation cohorts.ResultsPositive surgical margins, pN3, and ILNM ratio were associated with higher recurrence rate. The 2‐year OS rates were lower for patients with high (>37%) and intermediate (19–37%) compared to low (<19%) 24m‐R risk of recurrence, for both the development (43% and 58% vs 83%, P < 0.001) and validation cohort (44% and 50% vs 85%, P < 0.001). Results were confirmed in the subgroup of patients who did not receive adjuvant treatment (P < 0.001), but not in patients who did receive adjuvant treatments in both the development and validation cohorts (P > 0.1).ConclusionAdjuvant treatment planning is crucial in patients with pSCC with ILNM, where only weak evidence is available. The current tool proved to successfully stratify patients according to their individual risk, potentially allowing better tailoring of adjuvant treatments.
The molecular etiology of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Smith Adam R. , Mill Jonathan , Lunnon Katie 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is a growing global healthcare epidemic. Owing to advances in technology, genome‐scale studies of various layers of molecular information have been undertaken in recent years and robust variation in key loci have now been published and reproduced by others. This mini‐symposium highlights four key areas of current research in the field of molecular biology in AD, including articles focused on large‐scale genomic profiling, epigenetic research, integrative multi‐omic approaches and how these can be appropriately modeled to address reverse causality. This mini‐symposium provides a timely update on research focused on elucidating the molecular etiology of AD to date and highlights new methodological advances that could enable neuroscientists to identify novel therapeutic targets.
Epigenome‐wide association studies in Alzheimer’s disease; achievements and challenges
Authors: van den Hove Daniel L. A. , Riemens Renzo J. M. , Koulousakis Philippos , Pishva Ehsan 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAlzheimer’s disease (AD) represents a devastating progressive neurodegenerative disease with a complex pathophysiology, affecting millions of people worldwide. Recent epigenome‐wide association studies suggest a key role for epigenetic mechanisms in its development and course. Despite the fact that current evidence on the role of epigenetic dysregulation in aging and AD is convincing, the pioneering field of neuroepigenetics is still facing many challenges that need to be addressed to fundamentally increase our understanding about the underlying mechanisms of this neurodegenerative disorder. This perspective paper describes the current state of play for epigenetic research into AD and discusses how new methodological advances in the field of epigenetics and related data science disciplines could further spur the development of novel therapeutic agents and biomarker assays.
The Svalbard Eocene‐Oligocene (?) Central Basin succession: Sedimentation patterns and controls
Authors: Helland‐Hansen William , Grundvåg Sten‐Andreas 
Published: July 2020

AbstractA synthesis has been undertaken based on regionally compiled data from the post early Eocene foreland basin succession of Svalbard. The aim has been to generate an updated depositional model and link this to controlling factors. The more than kilometer thick progradational succession includes the offshore shales of the Gilsonryggen Member of the Frysjaodden Formation, the shallow marine sandstones of the Battfjellet Formation and the predominantly heterolithic Aspelintoppen Formation, together recording the progressive eastwards infill of the foredeep flanking the West Spitsbergen fold‐and‐thrust belt. Here we present a summary of the paleo‐environmental depositional systems across the basin, their facies and regional distribution and link these together in an updated depositional model. The basin‐margin system prograded with an ascending shelf‐edge trajectory in the order of 1°. The basin fill was bipartite, with offset stacked shelf and shelf‐edge deltas, slope clinothems and basin floor fans in the western and deepest part and a simpler architecture of stacked shelf‐deltas in the shallower eastern part. We suggest a foredeep setting governed by flexural loading, likely influenced by buckling, and potentially developing into a wedge top basin in the mature stage of basin filling. High‐subsidence rates probably counteracted eustatic falls with the result that relative sea‐level falls were uncommon. Distance to the source terrain was small and sedimentation rates was temporarily high. Time‐equivalent deposits can be found outbound of Stappen High in the Vestbakken Volcanic Province and the Sørvestsnaget Basin 300 km further south on the Barents Shelf margin. We cannot see any direct evidence of coupling between these more southerly systems and the studied one; southerly diversion of the sediment‐routing, if any, may have taken place beyond the limit of the preserved deposits.
Infant and Toddler Child‐Care Quality and Stability in Relation to Proximal and Distal Academic and Social Outcomes
Authors: Bratsch‐Hines Mary E. , Carr Robert , Zgourou Eleni , Vernon‐Feagans Lynne , Willoughby Michael 
Published: July 2020

This study considered the quality and stability of infant and toddler nonparental child care from 6 to 36 months in relation to language, social, and academic skills measured proximally at 36 months and distally at kindergarten. Quality was measured separately as caregiver–child verbal interactions and caregiver sensitivity, and stability was measured as having fewer sequential child‐care caregivers. This longitudinal examination involved a subsample (N = 1,055) from the Family Life Project, a representative sample of families living in rural counties in the United States. Structural equation modeling revealed that children who experienced more positive caregiver–child verbal interactions had higher 36‐month language skills, which indirectly led to higher kindergarten academic and social skills. Children who experienced more caregiver stability had higher kindergarten social skills.
Sexual function and depressive symptoms in young women with hypoprolactinaemia
Authors: Krysiak Robert , Kowalcze Karolina , Okopień Bogusław 
Published: July 2020

AbstractObjectiveDopamine agonist treatment may result in hypersexuality in men. The aim of this study was to investigate for the first time female sexual functioning and depressive symptoms in women with very low prolactin levels.DesignA prospective case‐control study.Patients and measurementsThe study population consisted of three age‐matched groups of young women with normal, regular menstrual cycles: 15 subjects with cabergoline‐induced hypoprolactinaemia (group A), 25 cabergoline‐treated individuals with prolactin levels within the reference range (group B) and 30 dopamine agonist‐naïve women with normoprolactinemia. Because of low prolactin levels, the dose of cabergoline in group A (but not in group B) was then reduced. Apart from measuring serum levels of prolactin, testosterone, sex hormone‐binding globulin, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, estradiol and gonadotropins, at the beginning of the study and 6 months later, all included women filled in questionnaires evaluating female sexual function (FSFI) and depressive symptoms (BDI‐II).ResultsAt the beginning of the study, there were no differences between groups B and C in the mean total FSFI score, all domain scores and in the BDI‐II score. In group A, the total FSFI score and domain scores for desire and arousal were lower, while the BDI‐II score was higher than in the remaining study groups. Compared with groups of B and C, women with cabergoline‐induced hypoprolactinaemia were also characterized by lower total testosterone levels and lower values of the free androgen index. Cabergoline dose reduction normalized the FSFI score, desire, arousal, the BDI‐II score, as well as normalized prolactin, total testosterone and the free androgen index.ConclusionsThe obtained results suggest that dopamine agonist‐induced hypoprolactinaemia impairs sexual functioning and well‐being in young women, as well as that these disturbances are secondary to low prolactin levels, not to specific properties of cabergoline.
The risk of chronic kidney disease among women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A long‐term population‐based cohort study
Authors: Behboudi‐Gandevani Samira , Amiri Mina , Cheraghi Leila , Amanollahi Soudmand Saber , Azizi Fereidoun , Ramezani Tehrani Fahimeh 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackground and ObjectiveResults of studies focusing on chronic kidney disease (CKD) among women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are insufficient and controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence rate of CKD in women with PCOS, compared to a control group of healthy women.MethodsThis study was a population‐based cohort study conducted from among 1460 reproductive‐age women including 156 women with PCOS and 1304 controls. Incidence rates per 1000 person‐years of follow‐up were calculated for PCOS and control groups. Cox proportional hazards regression with age as the time‐scale was used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals for developing CKD in relation to PCOS in both univariable and multivariable models.ResultsDuring a median follow‐up of 12.9 years, 330 new cases of CKD were identified, including 25 PCOS women (14.8 per 1000 person‐years; 95% CI, 10‐22) and 305 healthy controls (21.5 per 1000 person‐years; 95% CI, 19.2‐24.1). The results of the Cox model showed that the risk of CKD among women with PCOS and healthy women is comparable and women with PCOS did not have a higher risk of developing CKD compared to healthy women (unadjusted HR: 0.883; 95% CI: 0.587‐1.328; P = .551). The results remained unchanged after adjustment for potential confounders of smoking status, BMI, hypertension and diabetes at baseline and follow‐up of study (multiple adjusted HR: 0.911; 95% CI: 0.600‐1.383; P = .661).ConclusionOur population‐based study with a long‐term follow‐up period showed that the risk of CKD in PCOS patients was similar to the general female population. Large studies, with long‐term follow‐up and more diverse phenotypes, are needed to confirm the findings.
Long‐acting porcine ACTH stimulated salivary cortisol in the diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency
Authors: George Geena Susan , Jabbar Puthiyaveettil Khadar , Jayakumari Chellamma , John Mathew , Mini Malathi , Thekkumkara Surendran Nair Anish , Das Darvin V. , Gomez Ramesh , Sreenath Ravindranath , Prasad Nandini , Nair Abilash 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundSynacthen stimulated salivary cortisol has been previously evaluated and found beneficial in the diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency (AI), especially in situations with altered cortisol‐binding protein (CBG) levels. Unfortunately, Synacthen is not marketed in many parts of the world whereas porcine sequence corticotrophin (Acton Prolongatum) is readily available. This study aimed to find the diagnostic accuracy of Acton prolongatum stimulated salivary cortisol test (APSST) compared to the short synacthen test (SST).MethodsConsecutive outpatients with suspected AI underwent SST initially, followed by APSST after 3 days. For APSST, saliva was collected at 0, 60 and 120 minutes after administering 30 units Acton Prolongatum intramuscularly. Serum and salivary cortisol were estimated using electrochemiluminescence assay. (Cobas e 411, Elecsys Cortisol II kits)ResultsSixty‐seven patients with clinically suspected AI were enrolled for the study. Based on SST, 35 patients were classified as having AI [primary AI (n=19) and secondary AI (n=16)] whereas 32 had normal glucocorticoid reserve. The area under receiver operator curve of 0.99 and 0.98 was observed for salivary cortisol values at 60 and 120 minutes, respectively, for APSST. A cut‐off value of 18.5 nmol/L (0.67 µg/dL) and 29.3 nmol/L (1.06 µg/dL) at 60 and 120 minutes, respectively, had a sensitivity as well as specificity of 93%‐100% in diagnosing AI.ConclusionSalivary cortisol estimation following stimulation using intramuscular porcine ACTH (Adrenocorticotrophic hormone) (30 units) is an economical and accurate alternative to SST in the diagnosis of AI, m and its level of 30 nmol/L or more at 2 hours confirms adrenal sufficiency.
Immediately loaded mini‐implants supporting mandibular overdentures: A one‐year comparative prospective cohort study
Authors: Mifsud David P. , Sammut Edward J. , Degiorgio Jan , Borg Peter , Cortes Arthur R. G. , Attard Nikolai J. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundLittle is known about differences between mini‐implants and conventional immediately loaded implants for overdentures.ObjectivesTo compare clinical outcomes using two immediately loaded conventional or mini‐implants for mandibular overdentures.Materials and MethodsEdentulous patients receiving either conventional (4.1 mm) or mini‐implants (2.9 mm or less), based on available bone width were analyzed. All implants were immediately loaded with mandibular overdentures installed using locator attachments. Digital periapical radiographs for measuring marginal bone loss and clinical outcomes (ie, periodontal probing, plaque, and bleeding indices) were assessed at 1, 3, 6, and 12‐month follow‐up periods.ResultsFifty patients (25 receiving conventional implants—12 females, mean age of 65.3 ± 7.3 years; and 25 receiving mini‐implants—11 females, mean age of 66.8 ± 8.1 years) was analyzed. Peak insertion torque (P = .001) and bone loss (P = .02), as well as change in plaque (P = .02) and bleeding (P = .04) indices at 12 months differed significantly between groups. Furthermore, linear regression revealed the height of the locator as a risk factor for bone loss (P = .038).ConclusionsThe present findings suggest that two mini‐implants are significantly more susceptible to bone loss after immediate loading, for which the height of locator might be considered a risk factor.