bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Application of forward‐looking infrared (FLIR) imaging from an unmanned aerial platform in the search for decomposing remains
Authors: Butters Owyn , Krosch Matt N. , Roberts Michell , MacGregor Donna 
Published: September 2020

AbstractTraditional methods of cadaver detection in outdoor environments include manual ground search, cadaver dogs, and manned aerial reconnaissance during daylight. These methods have limitations; however, a potential low‐cost alternative may be to employ thermal imaging equipment mounted on an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to detect heat emitted by insect and bacterial activity on the decomposing remains. No studies have addressed the influence of wrappings on detection of maggot mass thermal signatures nor assessed thermal detection of smaller body fragments. We addressed these knowledge gaps by utilizing a two‐phase experimental approach to explore thermal detection of carcasses using UAV‐mounted infrared imaging. In Phase 1, pig body fragments were deposited on the surface or shallow buried. In Phase 2, whole pig carcasses were deposited in four conditions: on the surface uncovered, wrapped in plastic or carpet, or buried. Our results demonstrated that observable heat emissions from remains corresponded to peak insect activity during active decay and could be readily detected in uncovered whole carcasses and fragments. Although plastic and carpet wrappings partly impeded detection of insect heat signatures, these materials were clearly detectable themselves because of their contrast to the background ground surface. Thermal signatures of buried partial remains and disturbed gravesoil were also observed; however, the buried whole carcass transitioned to adipocere prior to the decay stage and without any insect colonization or heat signature. These data can inform operational implementation of this technique to complement existing search strategies to offer a robust, low‐cost alternative for use where scene characteristics allow.
Impact of malnutrition on health‐related quality of life in patients on maintenance hemodialysis
Authors: Nagy Eman , Mahmoud Mostafa , El‐kannishy Ghada , Sayed‐Ahmed Nagy 
Published: September 2020

AbstractMalnutrition is considered as one of the most important risk factors that adversely affect the quality of life (QOL) in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. Many clinically useful nutrition assessment techniques are now available, but the usefulness of such techniques in predicting QOL in MHD patients had not been sufficiently tested. The aim of this study was to explore the relation between different nutritional assessment methods, and QOL and identify nutritional parameter that can best predict physical and mental domains of QOL in MHD patients. This cross‐sectional study involved 84 MHD patients. Nutritional status was assessed by using International Society of Renal Nutrition and Metabolism criteria for diagnosis of protein‐energy wasting (PEW), malnutrition inflammation score (MIS), subjective global assessment (SGA), anthropometric measurements, bioelectrical impedance analysis, and biochemical tests. Quality of life was evaluated by using the Kidney Disease Quality of Life (36 KDQOL‐36). Only mental health composite component of QOL (MHC) showed statistically significant differences between PEW and non‐PEW groups. MHC was correlated with serum albumin, MIS, and SGA. Physical health composite component (PHC) was correlated with age, hemodialysis duration, socioeconomic status, comorbidity, educational level, serum creatinine and ferritin, MIS, and SGA. On multiple linear regression analysis, MIS was found to be the most significant predictor of PHC while none of the nutritional parameters can predict MHC. Malnutrition is not uncommon problem in MHD patients that is associated with poor QOL. There are multiple factors associated with PHC and only malnutrition afflicts MHC in those patients.
Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty with argon plasma coagulation: A novel technique
Authors: Itani Mohamad I. , Farha Jad , Sartoretto Adrian , Abbarh Shahem , Badurdeen Dilhana , de Moura Diogo T. H. , Kumbhari Vivek 
Published: September 2020

ObjectiveThe endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) is a minimally invasive procedure in which the anterior and posterior aspects of the greater curvature are stitched endoscopically, producing a sleeve‐like anatomy mimicking that in a sleeve gastrectomy. However, suture dehiscence and enlargement of the stomach within months of the procedure have been observed. Argon plasma coagulation (APC) is widely used in gastrointestinal endoscopy and is able to induce scarring and fibrosis. We coupled ESG with APC to evaluate its potential to improve durability.MethodsA 46‐year‐old woman with obesity presented for ESG. Her pre‐procedure weight was 117 kg with a body mass index (BMI) of 41.4 kg/m2. After each plication was complete, APC (60 W, argon flow rate 1.2 L/min) was used to ablate the mucosal surface of the exposed plicated mucosa. APC was applied until the mucosal color was dark brown, indicating adequate and successful mucosal and submucosal ablation.ResultsThe procedure was successful, and the patient recovered without peri‐ or post‐operative complications. The procedure time was 47 minutes. A total of seven sutures were used. At 6‐month follow‐up the patient had lost 17 kg (37.5 lbs), equivalent to 14.5% total weight loss and had a BMI of 35.4 kg/m2. Endoscopic follow‐up at 6 months revealed enhanced fibrosis along the plications, resulting in a superior, sleeve‐like lumen.ConclusionsThe combination of ESG with APC may act synergistically to reduce weight without adding significant procedure time. Further investigation is needed to determine whether it should be widely recommended.
Effects of dehydroepiandrosterone on quality of life in premenopausal women with rheumatoid arthritis: A preliminary randomized clinical trial
Authors: Sandoughi Mahnaz , Kaykhaei Mahmoud Ali , Langarizadeh Elnaz , Dashipour Alireza 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAimChronic inflammation and subsequent use of glucocorticoids can lead to relative adrenocortical insufficiency in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Previously, adrenocortical hormone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) was shown as a potential therapy for autoimmune disorders. However, data regarding effects of DHEA in RA are limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of DHEA on quality of life (QOL) in premenopausal rheumatoid arthritis patients.MethodIn this randomized double blinded, controlled trial 46 premenopausal rheumatoid arthritis patients were assigned to receive 50 mg/d DHEA (23 patients) or placebo (23 patients) for 12 weeks. Disease Activity Score of 28 joints – erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28‐ESR) questionnaire, visual analog score and swollen and tender joint counts (both 0‐28) were used for assessment of disease activity. Persian‐validated World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief version (WHOQOL BREF) questionnaire was used to assess quality of life.ResultsIn comparison to the control group more improvement in QOL (P = .025) and environment health (P = .001) was observed in the DHEA group. After adjustment for age and disease duration DHEA was associated with more improvement in QOL (P = .01), psychological (P = .02) and physical health (P = .03). A trend toward a decrease in ESR was observed in DHEA group (P = .06). DAS was improved in both groups; however, there was no significant change in DAS28 between groups (P = .88). Frequency of adverse events albeit minor was similar in both groups.ConclusionOur study supports a slightly superior effect of DHEA over placebo to improve QOL in premenopausal female patients with rheumatoid arthritis. We did not find improvement in DAS in the DHEA group over placebo.
General medical conditions and mortality in women with postpartum psychiatric disorders
Authors: Johannsen B. M. W. , Laursen T. M. , Bech B. H. , Munk‐Olsen T. 
Published: September 2020

BackgroundPsychiatric patients have an increased risk of general medical conditions and mortality, but no study has systematically explored these outcomes among women with mental disorders following childbirth (postpartum psychiatric disorders: PPD). Therefore, we aimed to investigate the risk of subsequent general medical conditions and mortality in women with a broad spectrum of PPD.MethodsThis register‐based cohort study followed all Danish women born after January 1, 1960, until January 1, 2016. The exposure of interest was (i) mild‐moderate PPD: first‐ever prescription of psychotropic medication (ATC codes: N03‐N07) and (ii) severe PPD: first‐ever in‐ or out‐patient contact to a psychiatric facility, both within six months postpartum. Outcomes of interest were (i) hospital‐registered chronic medical conditions and (ii) mortality from natural and unnatural causes. We included 1 841 949 women representing 22 615 310 person‐years at risk.ResultsAmong 15 852 women with mild‐moderate PPD and 4266 women with severe PPD, we found a higher risk of any subsequent general medical condition (mild‐moderate PPD: IRR 1.25; 95% CI 1.20–1.31 and severe PPD: IRR 1.35; 95% CI: 1.24–1.48) when compared to the female background population. Mortality from both natural and unnatural causes was higher in both groups: Mild‐moderate PPD: natural causes MRR 1.37; 95% CI: 1.17–1.61; unnatural causes MRR 1.52; 95% CI: 1.10–2.11, and severe PPD: natural causes MRR 1.42; 95% CI 1.02–2.00, and unnatural causes MRR 5.05; 95% CI: 3.40–7.51.ConclusionsThis first overview of general medical prognosis in PPD shows that women at either end of the spectrum are at increased risk of subsequent chronic medical conditions and overall mortality.
Incorporating drivers of reproductive success improves population viability analysis
Authors: Franklin Ashley D. , Lacy Robert C. , Bauman Karen L. , Traylor‐Holzer Kathy , Powell David M. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractPopulation viability analysis (PVA) utilizes simulation models to project the genetic and demographic trajectories of populations over time. One benefit to using PVA to assist in ex situ population planning is the ability to compare outcomes from multiple management scenarios. Reproductive viability analysis (RVA), used to identify biological and reproductive characteristics of animals in breeding pairs that correlate with successful reproduction, is also beneficial, informing population managers on best practices for population planning. Our objectives were to: (1) compare genetic and demographic predictions for the managed North American ex situ fennec fox population from two PVA programs: Vortex and ZooRisk; (2) show how RVA results can be incorporated into PVAs in Vortex and how that affects PVA projections; and (3) perform a sensitivity analysis to investigate how uncertainty in the influence of factors on the reproductive success of fennec fox pairs affects variation in population projections. In this study, the relative and average genetic and demographic predictions were generally the same across both software programs when given similar inputs. The inclusion of factors that influence breeding success (RVA) in the PVA models resulted in a lower probability of extinction, less inbreeding accumulation, and slower loss of genetic diversity, due to an overall higher rate of reproductive success. The uncertainty in the negative effects of increasing female and male age, and the positive effect of female parity on reproductive success had the greatest effect on projected genetic diversity and inbreeding. Our study demonstrates that Vortex is capable of projecting the viability of ex situ populations with flexibility, and has the ability to incorporate complexity and uncertainty into population parameters. It also reveals that adjusting ex situ population management, more specifically the consideration of factors affecting reproductive success to create breeding pairs with a higher probability of success, will improve population sustainability.
Bevacizumab plus cisplatin/pemetrexed then bevacizumab alone for unresectable malignant pleural mesothelioma: A Japanese safety study
Authors: Nakano Takashi , Kuribayashi Kozo , Kondo Masashi , Morise Masahiro , Tada Yuji , Hirano Katsuya , Hayashi Morihiko , Tanaka Misa , Hirabayashi Masataka 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAimsMalignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive malignancy with poor prognosis and limited treatment options. Cisplatin plus pemetrexed is the only approved first‐line treatment for patients with unresectable MPM. Recently, promising outcomes were observed with first‐line bevacizumab combined with cisplatin/pemetrexed, leading to the recommendation of this regimen as a first‐line treatment option for patients with MPM. Bevacizumab plus cisplatin/pemetrexed has been shown to be safe and effective in non–small cell lung cancer, however, there are no efficacy or safety data in Japanese patients with MPM treated with this regimen. We conducted a multicenter study to evaluate tolerability and safety for Japanese patients with chemotherapy‐naïve, unresectable MPM.MethodsEligible patients (n = 7) received bevacizumab plus cisplatin/pemetrexed (up to six cycles), then single‐agent bevacizumab until disease progression or onset of unacceptable adverse events (AEs), according to the 3+3 design analogy.ResultsOne patient (14.3%) reported an AE (gastric ulcer) meeting tolerability criteria. All patients experienced gastrointestinal disorders, including nausea (grade 1/2 only, n = 6, 85.7%) and constipation (grade 1/2 only, n = 5, 71.4%). Five patients (71.4%) had grade 3 hypertension. Two patients discontinued treatment due to gastric ulcer (n = 1) and proteinuria (n = 1). At data cut‐off, four patients had stable disease, two had partial response and one had non‐complete response/non‐progressive disease due to the absence of target lesions.ConclusionsBevacizumab plus cisplatin/pemetrexed then bevacizumab was well tolerated in Japanese patients with MPM.
A novel Q‐value‐based nomogram for single intracorneal ring segment implantation versus standard manufacturer's nomogram combined with accelerated cross‐linking for treatment of keratoconus: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Iqbal Mohammed , Elmassry Ahmed , Mounir Amr , Ibrahim Ola , Soliman Ashraf 
Published: September 2020

AbstractPurposeTo compare the efficacy of implanting a single Keraring segment according to a novel Q‐value‐based nomogram (QN) to that of segment implantation according to the manufacturer's standard nomogram (SN), for keratoconus treatment.MethodsThis was a prospective, randomized controlled trial of 104 patients (104 eyes) with Amsler‐Krumeich grade 1 or 2 keratoconus, and type 1 or 2 cone asymmetry determined according to manufacturer's classification. They were randomly distributed into two groups: group A patients (n = 52) underwent Keraring implantation according to the SN, and group B patients (n = 52) underwent implantation of a single (210° arc‐length) Keraring segment according to the QN. Both treatments were combined with accelerated transepithelial cross‐linking, and follow‐up was 6 months. Main outcome measures were preoperative and postoperative visual acuity, subjective refraction and corneal topography.ResultsAt postoperative month 6, group B exhibited statistically significantly higher values of mean uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), sphere, K2, K‐average, K‐max and Q‐anterior (p = 0.02, 0.01, 0.002, 0.001, 0.0001 and 0.03, respectively) compared to that of group A. However, group A exhibited better refractive cylindrical improvements (p = 0.04). In group A, we documented spontaneous extrusion of one Keraring segment.ConclusionSingle 210° arc‐length segment implantation using our objective QN was more efficacious for keratoconus treatment than using the subjective SN. The nomograms were comparable when the Q‐anterior value was >−1.00; however, the QN was superior to the SN when the Q‐anterior value was ≤−1.00. The QN yielded greater postoperative UDVA and smoother corneal remodelling than did the SN for treatment of grade 1 and 2 keratoconic eyes.
Keratin 1 attenuates hypoxic pulmonary artery hypertension by suppressing pulmonary artery media smooth muscle expansion
Authors: Zhang Li , Zeng Xi‐Xi , Li Yu‐Mei , Chen Shao‐Kun , Tang Li‐Yu , Wang Nan , Yang Xi , Lin Mo‐Jun 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAimAbnormally activated vascular smooth muscle cells are key factors in pulmonary artery remodelling (PAR) and pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH). Keratin 1 is involved in inflammatory diseases; however, its role in PAH is unknown. We speculated that keratin 1 could regulate PASMCs and prevent PAH.MethodsRats were exposed to hypoxia (10% O2) or MCT (50 mg/kg, intraperitoneal injection) or treated with AAV6 virus. PAR was measured through HE and Masson staining. PASMC activities were measured using MTS assay, EdU and Western blot analyses after cell knockdown with siRNAs or overexpression with Krt1 vectors.Results1. Hypoxic PAR was associated with a decrease in keratin 1, especially in PASMCs. 2. Keratin 1 knockdown led to cell proliferation, migration and contraction to synthetic transformation, while keratin 1 overexpression attenuated hypoxia‐induced changes in PASMCs. 3. Decreased keratin 1 induced TLR7 upregulation and mediated increases in the inflammatory factors S100a8 and S100a9. 4. Keratin 1 overexpression reduced the inflammatory factor expression induced by TLR7 activation. 5. Further studies demonstrated that keratin 1 expression was negatively correlated with pulmonary vascular pressure following prolonged hypoxia. 6. Pre‐treatment with keratin 1 decreased pulmonary artery pressure and the right heart hypertrophy index and alleviated PAR in two model rats. 7. Keratin 1 exhibited a hypermethylation status in hypoxic pulmonary arteries in the sequencing. Hypoxia‐induced decrease in keratin 1 expression was associated with Dnmt1 upregulation induced by YY1 downregulation in PASMCs.ConclusionThis study suggests that keratin 1 regulates PASMC expansion and has a preventive effect on PAH.
A stacked approach for chained equations multiple imputation incorporating the substantive model
Authors: Beesley Lauren J. , Taylor Jeremy M. G. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractMultiple imputation by chained equations (MICE) has emerged as a popular approach for handling missing data. A central challenge for applying MICE is determining how to incorporate outcome information into covariate imputation models, particularly for complicated outcomes. Often, we have a particular analysis model in mind, and we would like to ensure congeniality between the imputation and analysis models. We propose a novel strategy for directly incorporating the analysis model into the handling of missing data. In our proposed approach, multiple imputations of missing covariates are obtained without using outcome information. We then utilize the strategy of imputation stacking, where multiple imputations are stacked on top of each other to create a large data set. The analysis model is then incorporated through weights. Instead of applying Rubin's combining rules, we obtain parameter estimates by fitting a weighted version of the analysis model on the stacked data set. We propose a novel estimator for obtaining standard errors for this stacked and weighted analysis. Our estimator is based on the observed data information principle in Louis' work and can be applied for analyzing stacked multiple imputations more generally. Our approach for analyzing stacked multiple imputations is the first method that can be easily applied (using R package StackImpute) for a wide variety of standard analysis models and missing data settings.
Quartz OSL chronology of the loess deposits in the Western Qinling Mountains, China, and their palaeoenvironmental implications since the Last Glacial period
Authors: Yang Shengli , Liu Nannan , Li Dongxue , Cheng Ting , Liu Weiming , Li Shuai , Chen Hui , Liu Li , Luo Yuanlong 
Published: September 2020

Extensive loess deposits exist in the Western Qinling Mountains (WQM), which constitute the transition zone between the Tibetan Plateau and the Chinese Loess Plateau (CLP). These deposits are one of the most important terrestrial archives regarding past dust activity and environmental changes in East Asia; however, they remain insufficiently known and poorly understood. Herein, we conducted detailed quartz optically stimulated luminescence dating and multi‐proxy analysis on the Zhouqu loess sequence. Our results show that the loess on the high terrace of the Bailong River started to accumulate by at least ~60 ka. The mass accumulation rate (MAR) in Zhouqu significantly varied during the Last Glacial period. The Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 3 MARs were relatively high and stable. The highest MAR occurred in MIS 2, with peak MARs during 25–19 ka, and it decreased with rapid changes during the Holocene. The discrepancy in the MARs of the WQM loess since the Last Glacial period compared with the rates in the CLP may imply different dust deposition processes in the WQM. The reconstructed palaeoenvironmental records indicate climate changes with warm‐moist climate patterns and low dust flux in interglacial periods and cold‐dry conditions with high dust flux in glacial periods, consistent with those on the CLP. The results contribute to better understanding of the linkages between dust accumulation and climate change in the WQM area.
Climatic structures and intensities of the last two glacials documented by terrestrial molluscs from Chinese loess sequences
Authors: Zhang Dan , Wu Nai‐Qin , Li Feng‐Jiang , Rousseau Denis‐Didier , Chen Xiao‐Yun , Dong Ya‐Jie , Lu Hou‐Yuan 
Published: September 2020

Knowledge of the structures and intensities of past glaciations is crucial for understanding Quaternary palaeoclimatic evolution. Terrestrial molluscs are a reliable proxy of past environmental conditions and can provide specific climatic insights into glacials. Here we compare the climatic evolution of the last two glacials, based on mollusc fossils from the L2 and L1 loess units (equivalent to Marine Isotope Stages (MIS) 6 and 4–2, respectively) of the Xifeng and Luochuan sections of the Chinese Loess Plateau (CLP). The results show that both glacials had a tripartite structure but with different intensities, as indicated by variations in the abundance of the dominant cold‐aridiphilous (CA) mollusc species, Vallonia tenera and Pupilla aeoli. The first stage, from ~191 to 184 ka for MIS 6, and from ~71 to 57 ka for MIS 4, was characterized by a cold, arid climate, as indicated by the abundance of V. tenera and P. aeoli, and the limited occurrence of thermo‐humidiphilous (TH) species. The second stage, from ~184 to 155 ka for MIS 6, and from ~57 to 29 ka for MIS 3, was characterized by a relatively mild, humid climate, indicated by a decrease in V. tenera and P. aeoli, and an increase in TH species. The last stage, from ~155 to 130 ka for MIS 6, and from ~29 to 11.7 ka for MIS 2, experienced the coldest and driest conditions, as indicated by the dominance of V. tenera and P. aeoli in late MIS 6 and by the reduced occurrence of the grassland biomass, necessary for the growth of CA species, in MIS 2. The climate during MIS 2 was much colder and drier than that during late MIS 6. We suggest that the structures of the glacials were controlled mainly by insolation driven by changing astronomical configurations, amongst which obliquity likely played the major role. The different glacial intensities across the CLP may also have been related to variations in Northern Hemisphere ice sheets and the temperature of the tropical oceans.