bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Venous thromboembolism after adult thymus or thymic tumor resection: A single‐center experience
Authors: Yang Xingguo , Yu Lei , Yu Tao , Li Fei , Zhang Yunfeng , Yu Zhen , Zhang Baoxun , Ke Ji , Li Hui 
Published: June 2020

BackgroundVenous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common postoperative complication. Previous studies have shown that the VTE incidence after major thoracic surgery is high. However, there have been no exclusive data after thymectomy thus far. To investigate the incidence of postoperative VTE, we conducted a single‐center, prospective cohort study.MethodsPatients who underwent thymectomy between December 2017 and January 2020 were enrolled. None of the patients received any prophylaxis perioperatively. Subjects were risk stratified into groups of low risk (0–4), moderate risk (5–8), and high risk (≥9). Occurrence of VTE events, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), were identified by imaging.ResultsThere were 192 patients who underwent thymectomy enrolled into the study. The overall VTE incidence was 8.9%. All the patients were diagnosed with DVT, and none were diagnosed with PE. The VTE incidence was 4.6% in patients with benign thymic diseases and 14.5% with malignant diseases. The VTE incidence was 4.7% in patients undergoing thoracoscopic surgery and 22.7% undergoing median sternotomy. The VTE incidence increased with Caprini score. Scores in the low, moderate, and high risk groups were associated with a VTE incidence of 0%, 10.3% and 37.5%, respectively. In patients with thymic malignancy, the VTE incidence in the moderate and high risk groups were 8.8% and 31.8%, respectively.ConclusionsVTE occurred frequently in patients after thymectomy without VTE prophylaxis. The median sternotomy procedure and malignant tumor may be the major risk factors for the development of VTE. Aggressive VTE screening/treatment protocols should be implemented in patents after thymectomy.
Measurement of airborne particle exposure during simulated tracheal intubation using various proposed aerosol containment devices during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Simpson J. P. , Wong D. N. , Verco L. , Carter R. , Dzidowski M. , Chan P. Y. 
Published: June 2020

SummaryThe COVID‐19 pandemic has led to the production of novel devices intended to protect airway managers during the aerosol‐generating procedure of tracheal intubation. Using an in‐situ simulation model, we evaluated laryngoscopist exposure of airborne particles sized 0.3 ‐ 5.0 microns using five aerosol containment devices (aerosol box; sealed box with and without suction; vertical drape; and horizontal drape) compared with no aerosol containment device. Nebulised saline was used as the aerosol‐generating model for 300 s, at which point, the devices were removed to assess particle spread. Primary outcome was the quantity and size of airborne particles measured at the level of the laryngoscopist’s head at 30, 60, 120 and 300 s, as well as 360 s (60 s after device removal). Airborne particles sizes of 0.3, 0.5, 1.0, 2.5 and 5.0 microns were quantified using an electronic airborne particle counter. Compared with no device use, the sealed intubation box with suction resulted in a decrease in 0.3, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.5 micron, but not 5.0 micron, particle exposure over all time‐periods (p = 0.003 for all time periods). Compared with no device use, the aerosol box showed an increase in 1.0, 2.5 and 5.0 micron airborne particle exposure at 300 s (p = 0.002, 0.008, 0.002, respectively). Compared with no device use, neither horizontal nor vertical drapes showed any difference in any particle size exposure at any time. Finally, when the patient coughed, use of the aerosol box resulted in a marked increase in airborne particle exposure compared with other devices or no device use. In conclusion, novel devices intended to protect the laryngoscopist require objective testing to ensure they are fit for purpose and do not result in increased airborne particle exposure.
Decolonizing posthumanism: Indigenous material agency in generative STEM
Authors: Eglash Ron , Bennett Audrey , Babbitt William , Lachney Michael , Reinhardt Martin , Hammond‐Sowah Deborah 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThis paper describes a decolonial perspective on material agency in the context of STEM education and application. Using the framework of generative STEM, we engaged in case studies with African, African American, South American, and Native American educational communities. This research shows that understanding material agency based on Indigenous knowledge systems can open a rich source of research and education content. Using a suite of simulations, Culturally Situated Design Tools, we apply this body of research to the classroom. One important theoretical conclusion is the contrast to a “content agnostic” position. A generative framework instead offers a robust blend of user agency and instructional guidance. The outcomes indicate statistically significant and notable improvement for STEM skills and interests. We conclude with a contrast to the quantum epistemology approach to posthumanism. We show that the Indigenous material agency framework in generative STEM is a better fit to decolonial aspirations, and that it offers a more transformative vision for the potential role of STEM in transitioning from an extractive to a generative economy.
Haematological cancers and the risk of severe COVID‐19: Exploration and critical evaluation of the evidence to date
Authors: El‐Sharkawi Dima , Iyengar Sunil 
Published: June 2020

SummaryFrom the outset of the COVID‐19 pandemic, patients and healthcare professionals have been concerned that a history of haematological malignancy will lead to an increased risk of severe COVID‐19. This led to the UK government advising patients with blood cancers to shield, massive re‐organisation of NHS haematology and cancer services, and changes in treatment plans for thousands of patients. Given the unknown effects that relaxation of social‐distancing measures will have on the infection rate, we review the evidence to date to see whether a history of haematological malignancy is associated with increased risk of COVID‐19. Multivariable analysis of large population studies, taking other known risk factors into account, do indicate that patients with haematological malignancy, especially those diagnosed recently, are at increased risk of death from COVID‐19 compared to the general population. The evidence that this risk is higher than for those with solid malignancies is conflicting. There is suggestive evidence from smaller cohort studies that those with myeloid malignancy may be at increased risk within the blood cancer population, but this needs to be confirmed on larger studies. Ongoing large collaborative efforts are required to gain further evidence regarding specific risk factors for severe complications of COVID‐19.
A comparative evaluation of different neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder sets of criteria
Authors: Papeix C. , Beigneux Y. , Maillart E. , de Seze J. , Lubetzki C. , Vukusic S. , Collongues N. , Marignier R. 
Published: June 2020

Background and purposeThree different sets of criteria have been proposed for the diagnosis of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). The objective was to compare the specificity, sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy of the three different sets of NMOSD criteria in patients presenting with inflammatory disorders of the central nervous system suggestive of NMOSD.MethodsFor 236 suspected NMOSD patients referred for serum aquaporin‐4 immunoglobulin G antibody (AQP4‐IgG) testing between 2012 and 2014, the three sets of NMOSD criteria [1999, 2006 NMO criteria and 2015 International Panel for NMO Diagnosis (IPND) criteria] were applied and compared to the final diagnosis.ResultsSeventy‐six patients fulfilled at least one set of criteria and 28 patients fulfilled all NMOSD sets of criteria. The final diagnosis was NMOSD in 66 cases, multiple sclerosis according to the MacDonald 2010 criteria in 85 cases and another diagnosis in 85 cases. The 2006 NMO criteria have the highest specificity (99%) and the 2015 IPND NMOSD criteria the highest sensitivity (97%). For the 1999, 2006 and 2015 IPND NMOSD criteria, the accuracy was respectively 82%, 87% and 97%.ConclusionsOur study highlights the limitations of the first set of criteria that include the optico‐spinal form of multiple sclerosis. The accuracy of NMOSD diagnostic criteria improved from 1999 to 2015. It confirms the increased performance of the last set of criteria which covers a larger spectrum of clinical presentation. This study raises some concerns for classifying patients with seronegative transverse myelitis or optic neuritis, and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibody‐ associated disease.
Deciphering the surgical treatment gap for drug‐resistant epilepsy (DRE): A literature review
Authors: Solli Elena , Colwell Nicole A. , Say Irene , Houston Rebecca , Johal Anmol S. , Pak Jayoung , Tomycz Luke 
Published: June 2020

AbstractPatients with drug‐resistant epilepsy (DRE) rarely achieve seizure freedom with medical therapy alone. Despite being safe and effective for select patients with DRE, epilepsy surgery remains heavily underutilized. Multiple studies have indicated that the overall rates of surgery in patients with DRE have stagnated in recent years and may be decreasing, even when hospitalizations for epilepsy‐related problems are on the rise. Ultimately, many patients with DRE who might otherwise benefit from surgery continue to have intractable seizures, lacking access to the full spectrum of available treatment options. In this article, we review the various factors accounting for the persistent underutilization of epilepsy surgery and uncover several key themes, including the persistent knowledge gap among physicians in identifying potential surgical candidates, lack of coordinated patient care, patient misconceptions of surgery, and socioeconomic disparities impeding access to care. Moreover, factors such as the cost and complexity of the preoperative evaluation, a lack of federal resource allocation for the research of surgical therapies for epilepsy, and difficulties recruiting patients to clinical trials all contribute to this multifaceted dilemma.
Mating patterns influence vulnerability to the extinction vortex
Authors: Godwin Joanne L. , Lumley Alyson J. , Michalczyk Łukasz , Martin Oliver Y. , Gage Matthew J. G. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractEarth's biodiversity is undergoing mass extinction due to anthropogenic compounding of environmental, demographic and genetic stresses. These different stresses can trap populations within a reinforcing feedback loop known as the extinction vortex, in which synergistic pressures build upon one another through time, driving down population viability. Sexual selection, the widespread evolutionary force arising from competition, choice and reproductive variance within animal mating patterns could have vital consequences for population viability and the extinction vortex: (a) if sexual selection reinforces natural selection to fix ‘good genes’ and purge ‘bad genes’, then mating patterns encouraging competition and choice may help protect populations from extinction; (b) by contrast, if mating patterns create load through evolutionary or ecological conflict, then population viability could be further reduced by sexual selection. We test between these opposing theories using replicate populations of the model insect Tribolium castaneum exposed to over 10 years of experimental evolution under monogamous versus polyandrous mating patterns. After a 95‐generation history of divergence in sexual selection, we compared fitness and extinction of monogamous versus polyandrous populations through an experimental extinction vortex comprising 15 generations of cycling environmental and genetic stresses. Results showed that lineages from monogamous evolutionary backgrounds, with limited opportunities for sexual selection, showed rapid declines in fitness and complete extinction through the vortex. By contrast, fitness of populations from the history of polyandry, with stronger opportunities for sexual selection, declined slowly, with 60% of populations surviving by the study end. The three vortex stresses of (a) nutritional deprivation, (b) thermal stress and (c) genetic bottlenecking had similar impacts on fitness declines and extinction risk, with an overall sigmoid decline in survival through time. We therefore reveal sexual selection as an important force behind lineages facing extinction threats, identifying the relevance of natural mating patterns for conservation management.
The role of Helicobacter pylori in vitamin‐B12 deficiency due to metformin use
Authors: Gökışık Melih Tansel , Uyar Seyit 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundMetformin is widely used for the treatment of type‐2 diabetes (T2D) but was shown to cause vitamin‐B12 deficiency. H pylori infection was also suggested to cause vitamin‐B12 deficiency. This study aimed to elucidate the relationships in this triad by investigating vitamin‐B12 deficiency and H pylori infection in T2D patients using metformin.Materials and MethodsThis descriptive cross‐sectional study recruited T2D patients using metformin from a primary care center and examined their socioeconomic status, accompanying complaints, medication use, and hemogram parameters such as serum vitamin B12, calcium, and hemoglobin. The presence of H pylori infection was determined through stool antigen test.ResultsStudy included 421 T2D patients on metformin regimen: 213 (50.6%) males and 208 (49.4%) females. The mean duration of diabetes was 9.88 ± 7.32 years, and the total metformin dose was 1925.5 ± 236.7 mg/d. Almost half of the participants (n = 199, 47.3%) had H pylori infection, and more than half (n = 222, 52.7%) had vitamin‐B12 deficiency. The rate of vitamin‐B12 deficiency was significantly higher among those with H pylori infection. No significant relationship was found between the daily metformin dose and vitamin‐B12 deficiency.ConclusionsThis study supported the role of H pylori infection in vitamin‐B12 deficiency. However, the effects of increased metformin dose and H pylori infection on vitamin‐B12 levels were not additive. It is recommended that vitamin‐B12 levels in T2D patients are monitored and those with vitamin‐B12 deficiency, regardless of metformin dose, are screened for H pylori and, if necessary, treated.
Potential overfeeding among formula fed Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children participants and associated factors
Authors: Anderson Christopher E. , Martinez Catherine E. , Ventura Alison K. , Whaley Shannon E. 
Published: June 2020

SummaryBackgroundThe Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) provides enough formula to meet the known nutritional needs of infants up to 6 months of age whose mothers report not breastfeeding, but many mothers report WIC providing insufficient formula, indicating potential overfeeding.ObjectiveTo estimate the prevalence of potential overfeeding among formula‐feeding WIC participants and identify associated factors.MethodsPotential overfeeding was identified among participants of the longitudinal Infant and Toddler Feeding Practices Study‐2 (ITFPS‐2) receiving the fully formula‐feeding WIC infant package at 1 month of age (n = 1235, weighted n = 197 079). Associations of potential overfeeding with caloric intake, weight and participant characteristics were assessed.ResultsPotential overfeeding was identified among 37.41% (95% CI = 33.57‐41.25%) of fully formula‐feeding infants. Potentially overfed infants were 0.18 kg heavier (P‐value = .01), consumed 26 more calories daily (P‐value = .004) and were more likely Non‐Hispanic White or English‐speaking Hispanic (P‐value = .007) and highly active at 5 months of age (P‐value = .01). Mothers of potentially overfed infants were less likely to agree that breastfeeding is easier than bottle feeding, only mothers can feed breastfed infants, turning away from the bottle indicates satiation, and crying always indicates hunger (P‐values .04, .002, .04 and .04 respectively), and more likely to report WIC provides insufficient formula early (1‐5 months, P‐value <.0001) and late (6‐13 months, P‐value = .007) in infancy.ConclusionsPotential overfeeding occurs in 37% of fully formula‐feeding infant WIC‐participants <6 months old. Mothers of these infants may benefit from additional education about the formula needs of their infants and how to recognize infant satiation cues.
Molecular characterization of circulating tumour cells identifies predictive markers for outcome in primary, triple‐negative breast cancer patients
Authors: Bittner Ann‐Kathrin , Keup Corinna , Hoffmann Oliver , Hauch Siegfried , Kimmig Rainer , Kasimir‐Bauer Sabine 
Published: June 2020

AbstractmRNA profiles of circulating tumour cells (CTCs) were analysed in patients with triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) (pts) before (BT) and after therapy (AT) to identify additional treatment options. 2 × 5 mL blood of 51 TNBC pts and 24 non‐TNBC pts (HR+/HER2−; HR−/HER2+) was analysed for CTCs using the AdnaTest EMT‐2/Stem Cell Select™, followed by mRNA isolation and cDNA analysis for 17 genes by qPCR PIK3CA, AKT2, MTOR and the resistance marker AURKA and ERCC1 were predominantly expressed in all breast cancer subtypes, the latter ones especially AT. In TNBC pts, ERBB3, EGFR, SRC, NOTCH, ALK and AR were uniquely present and ERBB2+/ERBB3 + CTCs were found BT and AT in about 20% of cases. EGFR+/ERBB2+/ERBB3 + CTCs BT and ERBB2+/ERBB3 + CTCs AT significantly correlated with a shorter progression‐free survival (PFS; P = 0.01 and P = 0.02). Platinum‐based therapy resulted in a reduced PFS (P = 0.02) and an induction of PIK3CA expression in CTCs AT. In non‐TNBC pts, BT, the expression pattern in CTCs was similar. AURKA+/ERCC1 + CTCs were found in 40% of HR−/HER2 + pts BT and AT. In the latter group, NOTCH, PARP1 and SRC1 were only present AT and ERBB2 + CTCs completely disappeared AT. These findings might help to predict personalized therapy for TNBC pts in the future.
Soluble uric acid induces myocardial damage through activating the NLRP3 inflammasome
Authors: Zhang Hailong , Ma Yuting , Cao Run , Wang Guanli , Li Shaowei , Cao Yue , Zhang Hao , Liu Meichen , Liu Guangchao , Zhang Jun , Li Shulian , Wang Yaohui , Ma Yuanfang 
Published: June 2020

AbstractUric acid crystal is known to activate the NLRP3 inflammasome and to cause tissue damages, which can result in many diseases, such as gout, chronic renal injury and myocardial damage. Meanwhile, soluble uric acid (sUA), before forming crystals, is also related to these diseases. This study was carried out to investigate whether sUA could also activate NLRP3 inflammasome in cardiomyocytes and to analyse the mechanisms. The cardiomyocyte activity was monitored, along with the levels of mature IL‐1β and caspase‐1 from H9c2 cells following sUA stimulus. We found that sUA was able to activate NLRP3 inflammasome, which was responsible for H9c2 cell apoptosis induced by sUA. By elevating TLR6 levels and then activating NF‐κB/p65 signal pathway, sUA promoted NLRP3, pro‐caspase 1 and pro‐IL‐1β production and provided the first signal of NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Meanwhile, ROS production regulated by UCP2 levels also contributed to NLRP3 inflammasome assembly and subsequent caspase 1 activation and mature IL‐1β secretion. In addition, the tlr6 knockdown rats suffering from hyperuricemia showed the lower level of IL‐1β and an ameliorative cardiac function. These findings suggest that sUA activates NLRP3 inflammasome in cardiomyocytes and they may provide one therapeutic strategy for myocardial damage induced by sUA.
The loss of self‐incompatibility in a range expansion
Authors: Encinas‐Viso Francisco , Young Andrew G. , Pannell John R. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIt is commonly observed that plant species' range margins are enriched for increased selfing rates and, in otherwise self‐incompatible species, for self‐compatibility (SC). This has often been attributed to a response to selection under mate and/or pollinator limitation. However, range expansion can also cause reduced inbreeding depression, and this could facilitate the evolution of selfing in the absence of mate or pollinator limitation. Here, we explore this idea using spatially explicit individual‐based simulations of a range expansion, in which inbreeding depression, variation in self‐incompatibility (SI), and mate availability evolve. Under a wide range of conditions, the simulated range expansion brought about the evolution of selfing after the loss of SI in range‐marginal populations. Under conditions of high recombination between the self‐incompatibility locus (S‐locus) and viability loci, SC remained marginal in the expanded metapopulation and could not invade the range core, which remained self‐incompatible. In contrast, under low recombination and migration rates, SC was frequently able to displace SI in the range core by maintaining its association with a genomic background with purged genetic load. We conclude that the evolution of inbreeding depression during a range expansion promotes the evolution of SC at range margins, especially under high rates of recombination.‬
Understanding aesthetic interest in oral collagen peptides: A 5‐year national assessment
Authors: Albornoz Christian A. , Shah Saloni , Murgia Robert D. , Wang Jordan V. , Saedi Nazanin 
Published: June 2020

AbstractOral supplementation with collagen peptides has recently grown in popularity. It has been marketed to offer skin rejuvenating properties, such as wrinkle reduction, skin plumping, and moisturizing effects. However, current data are limited regarding its effects on the skin. Despite the controversial status of oral collagen supplements, its popularity has continued to rise. Here, we examine the consumer interest in oral collagen peptides over a 5‐year period in the United States.
Interventions to reduce physical restraints in general hospital settings: A scoping review of components and characteristics
Authors: Abraham Jens , Hirt Julian , Kamm Friederike , Möhler Ralph 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAims and objectivesTo describe the characteristics of interventions for reducing physical restraints in general hospital settings.BackgroundPhysical restraints, such as bedrails and belts in beds and chairs, are commonly used in general hospital settings. However, there is no clear evidence on their effectiveness but some evidence on potential risks for harm.DesignScoping review.MethodsWe conducted a systematic database search (MEDLINE via PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library; March 2020) and snowballing techniques. We included both interventional studies and quality improvement projects conducted in general hospital settings and published in English or German language. Two reviewers independently performed the study selection and data extraction. The Scoping Reviews (PRISMA‐ScR) Checklist was used.ResultsWe included 31 articles (published between 1989 and 2018), 15 quality improvement projects and 16 intervention studies. Only five studies used a controlled design. Most studies and quality improvement projects investigated multicomponent interventions including education (predominantly for nursing staff) and additional components (e.g. case conferences). Three studies examined simple educational programmes without additional components.ConclusionsA large number of multicomponent interventions for preventing and reducing physical restraints in general hospital settings have been developed. The interventions differed widely regarding the components, contents and settings. Well‐designed evaluation studies investigating the effects of such interventions are lacking.Relevance to Clinical PracticeMulticomponent educational interventions might be one approach to change clinical practice, but only insufficient information is available about potential effects of these approaches.