bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and Safety of Pharmacologic Interventions in Patients Experiencing a Gout Flare: A Systematic Review and Network Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Zeng Linan , Qasim Anila , Neogi Tuhina , Fitzgerald John D. , Dalbeth Nicola , Mikuls Ted R. , Guyatt Gordon H. , Brignardello‐Petersen Romina 
Published: August 2020

ObjectiveTo compare the relative efficacy and safety of pharmacologic antiinflammatory interventions for gout flares.MethodsWe searched Ovid Medline, Embase, and Cochrane library for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared pharmacologic antiinflammatory treatment of gout flares. We conducted a network meta‐analysis (NMA) using a frequentist framework and assessed the certainty of evidence and made conclusions using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation for NMA.ResultsIn the 30 eligible RCTs, canakinumab provided the highest pain reduction at day 2 and at longest follow‐up (mean difference relative to acetic acid derivative nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs [NSAIDs] –41.12 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) –53.36, –29.11] on a 0–100 scale at day 2, and mean difference –12.84 [95% CI –20.76, –4.91] at longest follow‐up; both moderate certainty; minimum important difference –19). Intravenous or intramuscular corticosteroids were inferior to canakinumab but may be better than the other commonly used interventions (low to very low certainty). For joint tenderness, canakinumab may be the most effective intervention at day 2. Acetic acid derivative NSAIDs improved joint swelling better than ibuprofen NSAIDs at day 2 (mean difference –0.29 [95% CI –0.56, –0.02] on a 0–4 scale; moderate certainty) and improved patient global assessment (PtGA) greater than ibuprofen NSAIDs at the longest follow‐up (mean difference –0.44 [95% CI –0.86, –0.02]; moderate).ConclusionCanakinumab may be superior to other alternatives and intravenous or intramuscular corticosteroids may be the second best in pain reduction. Acetic acid derivative NSAIDs may be superior to ibuprofen NSAIDs in improving joint swelling and PtGA.
Mortality Among Patients With Polymyalgia Rheumatica: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Partington Richard , Muller Sara , Mallen Christian D. , Abdul Sultan Alyshah , Helliwell Toby 
Published: August 2020

ObjectiveTo determine whether a diagnosis of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is associated with premature mortality.MethodsWe extracted anonymized electronic medical records of patients ages >40 years who were eligible for linkage with the Office for National Statistics Death Registration data set, from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink from 1990 to 2016. Patients with PMR were individually matched, by age, sex, and registered general practice, with up to 5 controls without PMR. The total number and proportion of deaths and mortality rates were calculated. The mortality rate ratio (MRR) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI), adjusted for age, sex, region, smoking status, body mass index, and alcohol consumption, was calculated using Poisson regression. The 20 most common causes of death were tabulated.ResultsA total of 18,943 patients with PMR were matched to 87,801 controls. The mean ± SD follow‐up after date of diagnosis was 8.0 ± 4.4 years in patients with PMR and 7.9 ± 4.6 years in controls. PMR was not associated with an increase in the risk of death (adjusted MRR 1.00 [95% CI 0.97–1.03]) compared to matched controls. Causes of death were broadly similar between patients with PMR and controls, although patients with PMR were slightly more likely to have a vascular cause of death recorded (24% versus 23%).ConclusionA diagnosis of PMR does not appear to increase the risk of premature death. Minor variations in causes of death were observed, but overall this study is reassuring for patients with PMR and for clinicians.
High‐efficiency Practices of Residents in an Academic Emergency Department: A Mixed‐methods Study
Authors: Egan Haley M. , Swanson Morgan B. , Ilko Steven A. , Pomeranz Kaila A. , Mohr Nicholas M. , Ahmed Azeemuddin 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundEmergency department utilization and crowding is increasing, putting additional pressure on emergency medicine (EM) residency programs to train efficient residents who can meet these demands. Specific practices associated with resident efficiency have yet to be identified. The objective of this study was to identify practices associated with enhanced efficiency in EM residents.MethodsA mixed‐methods study design was utilized to identify behaviors associated with resident efficiency. In Stage 1, eight EM faculty provided 61 efficiency behaviors during semistructured interviews, which were prioritized into eight behaviors by independent ranking. A total of 31 behaviors were tested, including additions from previous literature and the study team. In Stage 2, two 4‐hour observations during separate shifts of 27 EM residents were performed to record minute‐by‐minute timing and frequency of each behavior. In Stage 3, the association between resident efficiency and each of the behaviors was estimated using multivariable regression models adjusted for training year and clustered on resident. The primary efficiency outcome was 6‐month average relative value units/hour. A sensitivity analysis was performed using patients/hour.ResultsSeven practices were positively associated with efficiency: average patient load, taking initial patient history with nurse present (number/hour, number/new patient), running the board (number/hour), conversations with other care team members (number/hour, % time), dictation use (number/hour, % time), smartphone text communication (number/hour, % time), and nonwork tasks (number/hour). Three practices were negatively associated with efficiency: visits to patient room (number/patient), conversations with attending physicians (% time), and reviewing electronic medical record (number/hour).ConclusionSeveral discrete behaviors were found to be associated with enhanced resident efficiency. These results can be utilized by EM residency programs to improve resident education and inform evaluations by providing specific, evidence‐based practices for residents to develop and improve upon throughout training.
Flow, suspension and mixing dynamics in DASGIP bioreactors, Part 2
Authors: Samaras Jasmin J. , Ducci Andrea , Micheletti Martina 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThis work aims to characterize the mixing and suspension dynamics occurring within two commercially available DASGIP bioreactor configurations, equipped with a two‐blade paddle impeller with large impeller to tank diameter ratio, D/T = 0.97. Both continuous and intermittent agitation modes were employed to determine the impact that agitation strategy has upon mass transfer and microcarrier settling/suspension. This paper builds upon the flow dynamics data presented in Part 1 for a flat bottom DASGIP bioreactor and shows how intermittent agitation can break‐up regions of slow mixing observed during continuous agitation, therefore substantially increasing the mixing efficiency of the system. Similarly, it was found that microcarrier characteristics might significantly affect the level of suspension when the impeller is in dwell status when intermittent agitation modes are used.
Iron oxide‐loaded polymer scaffolds for non‐invasive hyperthermic treatment of infiltrated cells
Authors: Lam Tiffany , Moy Alyssa , Lee Hak Rae , Shao Qi , Bischof John C. , Azarin Samira M. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractFocal therapies such as hyperthermia have been successfully used to treat solid localized tumors; however, they are not easily applied to cancers that may present in a disseminated form such as ovarian cancer. To address this need, iron oxide (IO) particles were incorporated into microporous poly(caprolactone) scaffolds previously shown to recruit disseminating cancer cells. Under an alternating magnetic field, IO‐loaded scaffolds exhibited heating and killed ID8 ovarian cancer cells in vitro. After implantation in the intraperitoneal cavity of mice, IO‐loaded scaffolds became infiltrated with tissue after 6–7 weeks, and infiltrated cells were successfully treated ex vivo. Finally, IO‐loaded scaffolds noninvasively killed infiltrated cells in vivo as evidenced by decreases in number of nuclei. These studies demonstrate the promising use of IO‐loaded scaffolds as a tool for noninvasive hyperthermia, which could be an innovative modality for treatment of disseminated cancers.
Waves in a rivulet falling down an inclined cylinder
Authors: Aktershev Sergey , Alekseenko Sergey , Bobylev Aleksey 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIn the long‐wave approximation, a theoretical model is developed to describe waves in a rivulet flowing down the lower surface of an inclined cylinder. The model equations are derived by the weighted residual method by projecting the Navier–Stokes equations onto the constructed system of basic orthogonal polynomials. The simplest case of quasi‐two‐dimensional waves is studied in detail. The stability of the rivulet flow is analyzed and dispersion dependences for linear waves are obtained. The characteristics of nonlinear steady‐state traveling waves have been obtained by numerical method for the first time, and the spatial development of forced waves has been studied. The results of calculations are in good agreement with the available experimental data for various liquids in a wide range of parameters.
Effectiveness of safety training interventions for supervisors: A systematic review and narrative synthesis
Authors: Sinelnikov Sergey , Bixler Emily A. , Kolosh Alaina 
Published: August 2020

AbstractA wealth of research demonstrates that work unit supervisors serve a critical function in protecting the safety and health of workers. A systematic review examined the effectiveness of workplace safety training interventions intended for various supervisor populations published from 2000 to 2019. A search of seven electronic databases was supplemented with hand searches from the reference lists of identified publications, relevant scientific journals, and the gray literature. This review included an assessment of the methodological quality using a modified version of the Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies. A total of 22 peer‐reviewed studies met a set of inclusion criteria and were subsequently assessed for methodological quality. Training interventions were grouped into five topical domains: ergonomics, leadership, supervisor‐worker interaction, injury, and disability management, and general safety education. Consistent evidence was found for the effectiveness of supervisory training interventions across several outcome measures. To our knowledge, this is the first study to synthesize the literature on supervisory training interventions in the area of occupational safety. While the results are encouraging, they must be viewed with caution due to the fact that the methodological rigor of the reviewed studies was low.
Alertness Training Improves Spatial Bias and Functional Ability in Spatial Neglect
Authors: Van Vleet Thomas , Bonato Paolo , Fabara Eric , Dabit Sawsan , Kim Sarah‐Jane , Chiu Christopher , Bisogno Antonio Luigi , Merzenich Michael , Corbetta Maurizio , DeGutis Joseph 
Published: August 2020

ObjectiveWe conducted a multisite, randomized, double‐blinded, controlled trial to examine the effectiveness of a digital health intervention targeting the intrinsic regulation of goal‐directed alertness in patients with chronic hemispatial neglect.MethodsForty‐nine participants with hemispatial neglect, who demonstrated significant spatially biased attention after acquired brain injury, were randomly assigned to the experimental attention remediation treatment or the active control group. The participants engaged with the remotely administered interventions for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was spatial bias on the Posner cueing task (response time difference: left minus right target trials). Secondary outcomes included functional abilities (measured via the Catherine Bergego scale and Barthel index), spatial cognition, executive function, quality of life, and sleep. Assessments were conducted before and immediately after participation in the experimental intervention or control condition, and again after a 3‐month no‐contact period.ResultsCompared with the active control group, the intervention group exhibited a significant improvement in the primary outcome, a reduction in spatially biased attention on the Posner cueing task (p = 0.010, Cohen's d = 0.96), in addition to significant improvements in functional abilities as measured on the Catherine Bergego and Barthel indices (p = 0.027, Cohen's d = 0.24).InterpretationOur results demonstrate that our attention training program was effective in improving the debilitating attention deficits common to hemispatial neglect. This benefit generalized to improvements in real‐world functional abilities. This safe, highly scalable, and self‐administered treatment for hemispatial neglect might serve as a useful addition to the existing standard of care. ANN NEUROL 2020;88:747–758
Antirheumatic Disease Therapies for the Treatment of COVID‐19: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Putman Michael , Chock Yu Pei Eugenia , Tam Herman , Kim Alfred H. J. , Sattui Sebastian E. , Berenbaum Francis , Danila Maria I. , Korsten Peter , Sanchez-Alvarez Catalina , Sparks Jeffrey A. , Coates Laura C. , Palmerlee Candace , Peirce Andrea , Jayatilleke Arundathi , Johnson Sindhu R. , Kilian Adam , Liew Jean , Prokop Larry J. , Murad M. Hassan , Grainger Rebecca , Wallace Zachary S. , Duarte-García Alí ,   the COVID‐19 Global Rheumatology Alliance
Published: August 2020

ObjectiveAntirheumatic disease therapies have been used to treat coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) and its complications. We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis to describe the current evidence.MethodsA search of published and preprint databases in all languages was performed. Included studies described ≥1 relevant clinical outcome for ≥5 patients who were infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 and were treated with antirheumatic disease therapy between January 1, 2019 and May 29, 2020. Pairs of reviewers screened articles, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias. A meta‐analysis of effect sizes using random‐effects models was performed when possible.ResultsThe search identified 3,935 articles, of which 45 were included (4 randomized controlled trials, 29 cohort studies, and 12 case series). All studies evaluated hospitalized patients, and 29 of the 45 studies had been published in a peer‐reviewed journal. In a meta‐analysis of 3 cohort studies with a low risk of bias, hydroxychloroquine use was not significantly associated with mortality (pooled hazard ratio [HR] 1.41 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.83, 2.42]). In a meta‐analysis of 2 cohort studies with some concerns/higher risk of bias, anakinra use was associated with lower mortality (pooled HR 0.25 [95% CI 0.12, 0.52]). Evidence was inconclusive with regard to other antirheumatic disease therapies, and the majority of other studies had a high risk of bias.ConclusionIn this systematic review and meta‐analysis, hydroxychloroquine use was not associated with benefit or harm regarding COVID‐19 mortality. The evidence supporting the effect of other antirheumatic disease therapies in COVID‐19 is currently inconclusive.
Computer‐based evaluation to assess students' learning for the multiple‐choice question–based exams: CBE‐MCQs software tool
Authors: Solak Serdar , Ucar Mustafa H. B. , Albadwieh Mohammad 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIn this study, a computer‐based evaluation (CBE) software tool, namely CBE‐MCQs, is proposed to assist the instructor to evaluate and analyze traditional classroom‐based exams, which include multiple‐choice questions (MCQs) reliably, quickly, and automatically. Using the proposed CBE‐MCQs software tool while performing question analysis, the learning outcome‐based analyzes are performed by matching the learning outcomes of the courses with the exam questions. With question‐based evaluations, item analyzes such as item difficulty, item discrimination, and item distracters can be made easily. Also, with the question‐based evaluation, the instructor of the course can effectively measure the extent to which students achieve the learning outcomes of the related course. Thus, the CBE‐MCQs tool helps successful maintenance of both accreditation and training processes with the analysis it provides to the instructors. In addition, the final exam assessment of the course based on MCQs within the scope of the case study was carried out with the CBE‐MCQs software tool. Each MCQ was evaluated based on classical theory within the scope of difficulty index (P), discrimination index (D), and distracter efficiency (DE). It is observed that association between D and P was statistically significant according to Pearson correlation (r = −0.600) and χ2 (χ2 = 15.98, df = 8; α = 0.05). Also, a system usability survey of 10 statements was applied to the instructors using this software to evaluate the usability of the CBE‐MCQs software tool. As a result of a series of experimental studies and survey, the developed CBE‐MCQs software tool is evaluated as simple, effective, and satisfactory by 87.4% of the instructors.
Integration of anthracnose resistance loci and RLK and NBS‐LRR‐encoding genes in the Phaseolus vulgaris L. genome
Authors: Vaz Bisneta Mariana , Gonçalves‐Vidigal Maria Celeste 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe most effective strategy to manage bean anthracnose (ANT), caused by Colletotrichum lindemuthianum, is the use of resistant cultivars. There are more than 20 ANT resistance genes that have been identified and mapped in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) chromosomes. Moreover, quantitative resistance loci (QRLs) have been described through genome‐wide association studies (GWAS). Identification of pathogen‐responsive genes and proteins on a molecular level provides a better understanding of metabolic pathways involved in ANT resistance. In this study, we investigated typical resistance proteins located close to ANT resistance loci in the common bean reference genome. Among them, we checked for proteins with nucleotide‐binding and leucine‐rich repeat (NBS‐LRR) domains and kinase domains since most resistance genes encode proteins with these domains. In addition, proteins with kinase domains are known to operate as pattern‐recognition receptors that recognize pathogen‐associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and activate an immune response. Based on the common bean reference genome (Version 2.1), the regions 500‐kb upstream and downstream of the physical position of each ANT resistance locus were considered for a candidate gene search. Thus, an integrated map of ANT resistance loci and candidate genes (encoding defense response‐related proteins) was constructed. This map contains candidate genes for all ANT resistance genes and QRLs previously described in the literature. A total of 256 NBS‐LRR proteins and 200 protein kinases were detected. The functions of the identified candidate genes in ANT response should be validated and studies should be performed to understand how they interact with metabolic pathways.
The stability and variability of maize kernel moisture content at physiological maturity
Authors: Li Lulu , Ming Bo , Xie Ruizhi , Wang Keru , Hou Peng , Gao Shang , Chu Zhendong , Zhang Wanxu , Huang Zhaofu , Li Hongyan , Zhou Xianlin , Li Shaokun 
Published: August 2020

AbstractMaize (Zea mays L.) kernel moisture content at physiological maturity significantly differs among hybrids and is affected by the environment. Nonetheless, 35% was previously reported and is widely accepted as the moisture content at physiological maturity. To verify whether the 35% moisture content could be applied to various hybrids and regions, a multi‐area, multi‐year trial was conducted from 2015 to 2018 in six locations in different maize‐planting regions of China. Time‐series kernel moisture contents and kernel dry weights were investigated for 156 hybrids in total to ascertain the growth pattern of the percentage maximum kernel dry weight as a function of kernel moisture content. The growth patterns were fitted with a tri‐linear model with a plateau, and at the point at which the percentage maximum kernel dry weight first reached its maximum (physiological maturity), the kernel moisture contents were 32% for summer maize, 34% for spring maize, and 38% for Daqing (a special spring maize region). We found that regional variation existed in kernel moisture content at physiological maturity. The regional average moisture content at physiological maturity could thus be used as an indicator to determine physiological maturity for most hybrids in the region. In addition, varietal differences in moisture content could be accounted for when using the regional average value.
Differences in epitope‐specific antibodies to pertussis toxin after infection and acellular vaccinations
Authors: Knuutila Aapo , Dalby Tine , Barkoff Alex‐Mikael , Jørgensen Charlotte Sværke , Fuursted Kurt , Mertsola Jussi , Markey Kevin , He Qiushui 
Published: August 2020

AbstractObjectivesPertussis toxin (PT) is a component of all acellular pertussis vaccines. PT must be detoxified to be included in acellular vaccines, which results in conformational changes in the functional epitopes of PTs. Therefore, induced epitope‐specific antibodies to PT may vary after vaccinations or natural infections, and this information could reveal biomarkers implicated for protection and successful immunisation.MethodsPertussis toxin epitope‐specific antibodies in sera from 152 vaccinated children and 72 serologically confirmed patients were tested with a blocking ELISA, based on monoclonal antibodies that target protective PT epitopes.ResultsAll study groups induced considerable antibody titres to subunit 1 (S1). Of interest, S3 7E10‐specific antibodies were present in patients, but not after vaccinations (P < 0.001). The impact of glutaraldehyde treatment of PT was visible on epitope 1D7 (S1), whereas epitopes 1B7 (S1) and 10D (S1) were more preserved. Antibodies to these epitopes were higher after three primary vaccine doses than after a single booster dose.ConclusionThe high amount of 7E10‐specific antibodies in patients suggests this epitope might be functionally relevant in protection. The overall characteristics of epitope‐specific antibodies are influenced by infection or vaccination background, by the used detoxification method of PT and by the amount of the toxin used in immunisation.
OMIP‐068: High‐Dimensional Characterization of Global and Antigen‐Specific B Cells in Chronic Infection
Authors: Cascino Katherine , Roederer Mario , Liechti Thomas 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThis 24‐color flow cytometry panel focuses on characterizing antigen‐specific B cells and precise delineation of B‐cell subsets in chronic infections and is applicable to other chronic diseases such as autoimmunity. The panel was optimized for human cryopreserved peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Markers were chosen to extensively distinguish B‐cell lineages (CD19, CD20, CD10, CD38, CD24, IgM, IgD, CD27, CD21, CD43, CD5). Inclusion of antigen‐specific probes was of high priority in order to assess hepatitis B virus (HBV) antigen‐specific B cells for our purposes. These probes can be readily exchanged for other pathogen‐specific probes or additional markers for the panel to be tailored to desired research questions beyond HBV. In addition, we included a comprehensive and unique set of functional markers such as chemokine receptors (CXCR3, CXCR5), co‐stimulatory molecule (CD86), Fc receptor (CD32), regulatory molecules (BTLA, CD39), and inhibitory markers associated with chronic infections (PD‐1, FcRL5, CD11c, CD22) to enable in‐depth analysis of global and antigen‐specific B cells during chronic infection. © 2020 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry