bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Implementation of a clinical pathway for the surgical treatment of colorectal cancer during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Evans S. , Taylor C. , Antoniou A. , Agarwal T. , Burns E. , Jenkins J.T. , Miskovic D. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAimThis report summarizes the early experience of implementing elective colorectal cancer surgery during the COVID‐19 pandemic.MethodsA pathway to minimize the risk of including COVID‐19‐positive patients for elective surgery was established. Prioritization and additional safety measures were introduced into clinical practice. Minimal invasive surgery was used where appropriate.ResultsThirty‐eight patients were prioritized, and 23 patients underwent surgery (eight colon, 14 rectal and one anal cancer). The minimal invasive surgery rate was 78%. There were no major postoperative complications or patients diagnosed with COVID‐19. Histopathological outcomes were similar to normal practice.ConclusionA safe pathway to offer standard high‐quality surgery to colorectal cancer patients during the COVID‐19 pandemic is feasible.
A Step toward Standardization: Results of two National Surveys of Best Practices in Donation after Circulatory Death Liver Recovery and Recommendations from The American Society of Transplant Surgeons and Association of Organ Procurement Organizations
Authors: Hobeika Mark J. , Glazner Robert , Foley David P. , Hanish Steven , Loss George , Quintini Cristiano , Eidbo Elling , Zollinger Charles , Ruterbories Jay , Lebovitz Daniel J. , Axelrod David 
Published: July 2020

AbstractDonation after circulatory death (DCD) liver allografts remain underutilized. Inconsistent processes for DCD procurement may contribute to allograft discard. Optimal surgical and organ procurement organization (OPO) practices for DCD liver recovery should be developed and adopted. DCD practice surveys were distributed to transplant surgeons and OPO leadership. DCD liver recovery best practices were assembled based on survey data, literature review, and subject‐matter expert consensus opinion. Data were obtained from transplant surgeons (n = 188) and OPO leadership (n = 48 OPOs). Surgeons preferred attending physician presence at recovery (72.4%); while only 27.7% of OPOs require this. Pre‐withdrawal communication huddle (Surgeons: 88.7%; OPOs: 93.8%) and administration of pre‐withdrawal heparin (Surgeons: 90.6%; OPOs: 84.8%) are widely accepted. Surgical preference for withdrawal of support is in the operating room (89.3%); OPO practice varies dependent upon hospital and family requirements. Functional donor warm ischemic time (fDWIT) start time is variable, while fDWIT end time is agreed upon as initiation of aortic flush by surgeons (81%) and OPOs (81%). DCD liver recovery practices including mandatory communication huddle, pre‐withdrawal heparin administration, and clearly defined start and end of fDWIT should be implemented nationally. Creating a set of best practices for DCD recovery guidelines is necessary for improving DCD liver utilization.
Diabetes and subclinical hypothyroidism on heart rate variability
Authors: Hoshi Rosangela A. , Santos Itamar S. , Dantas Eduardo M. , Andreão Rodrigo V. , Mill José G. , Duncan Bruce B. , Schmidt Maria I. , Lotufo Paulo A. , Bensenor Isabela 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundWe aimed to analyse if the effects of coexistent diabetes and subclinical hypothyroidism extend to the cardio autonomic nervous system, using heart rate variability baseline data from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health.Materials and MethodsHeart rate variability analyses were performed by linear time and frequency domains in 5‐minute time series collected in the supine position. The associations of diabetes and subclinical hypothyroidism with the lowest quartile group for heart rate and the highest quartile group for each heart rate variability parameter were analysed using additive and multiplicative terms in logistic models. For the first approach, the subsample was categorized into four groups: subjects without diabetes and normal thyroid function (controls); subjects without diabetes and subclinical hypothyroidism; patients with diabetes and normal thyroid function; and patients with diabetes and subclinical hypothyroidism. For the interaction alnalysis, diabetes and subclinical hypothyroidism diagnoses were included in separate, along with a multiplicative interaction term between them.ResultsPoint odds ratio estimates for the 4th quartiles of heart rate, and 1st quartiles of all heart rate variability measurements were higher for subjects with combined diabetes and subclinical hypothyroidism than for diabetes only, independently of main sociodemographic and clinical variables (HR: 8.33 vs 2.63; SDNN: 2.59 vs 1.61; RMSSD: 2.37 vs 1.42; LF: 2.83 vs 1.71; HF: 3.06 vs 1.39), but not independently of HbA1c and TSH. Only the interaction term for the association with heart rate, adjusted for sociodemographic and clinical variables, had borderline statistical significance.ConclusionDiabetes and subclinical hypothyroidism exert a potential joint impact on cardiac autonomic control, showed by additive effects between diabetes and subclinical hypothyroidism, as well as a significant interaction term for the association with heart rate.
Sitting Still and Reading: Rethinking the Role of Literary Fiction in Civics Education
Authors: Schultz Annie 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIn this article Annie Schultz argues that engaging with narratives of resistance and empowerment in literary fiction makes for an important addition to the practice of political education. She is interested, in particular, in what can be gained from the thoughtful contemplation modeled by the inner monologues of literary narrators. Many writers of fiction have turned the inner lives of oppressed characters outward in order for readers to glimpse depictions of moral injustices that mirror those of the real world. Using Ralph Ellison's novel Invisible Man as an example of a literary representation of an existential journey to political consciousness, Schultz explores the imaginative implementation of literature in politically engaged pedagogy that, she argues, results in the development of conscious, articulate citizens.
Synaptic organization of cortico‐cortical communication in primates
Authors: Ashaber Maria , Zalányi László , Pálfi Emese , Stuber István , Kovács Tamás , Roe Anna W. , Friedman Rob M. , Négyessy László 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIn cortical circuitry, synaptic communication across areas is based on two types of axon terminals, small and large, with modulatory and driving roles, respectively. In contrast, it is not known whether similar synaptic specializations exist for intra‐areal projections. Using anterograde tracing and three‐dimensional reconstruction by electron microscopy (3D‐EM), we asked whether large boutons form synapses in the circuit of somatosensory cortical areas 3b and 1. In contrast to observations in macaque visual cortex, light microscopy showed both small and large boutons not only in inter‐areal pathways, but also in long‐distance intrinsic connections. 3D‐EM showed that correlation of surface and volume provides a powerful tool for classifying cortical endings. Principal component analysis supported this observation and highlighted the significance of the size of mitochondria as a distinguishing feature of bouton type. The larger mitochondrion and higher degree of perforated postsynaptic density associated with large rather than to small boutons support the driver‐like function of large boutons. In contrast to bouton size and complexity, the size of the postsynaptic density appeared invariant across the bouton types. Comparative studies in human supported that size is a major distinguishing factor of bouton type in the cerebral cortex. In conclusion, the driver‐like function of the large endings could facilitate fast dissemination of tactile information within the intrinsic and inter‐areal circuitry of areas 3b and 1.
Primary melanotic tumors of the nervous system: a consecutive case series
Authors: Grosshans H. K. , Huttner A. J. , Piepmeier J. M. , Kaulen L. D. , Fulbright R. K. , Baehring J. M. , Karschnia P. 
Published: July 2020

Background and purposePrimary melanotic tumors of the nervous system (PMTNS) are thought to be an exceedingly rare group of tumors not captured by tumor registries. We aimed to determine relative incidence, clinical presentation, diagnostic findings, patient management, and outcome.MethodsWe retrospectively searched the database of the Section of Neuro‐Oncology at the Yale Cancer Center for patients with primary or metastatic melanotic lesions of the nervous system. For patients with PMTNS, we recorded demographic data, clinical presentation, histopathological and imaging findings, therapy, and outcome.ResultsA total of 116 patients with melanotic lesions were identified, including four patients with PMTNS. The relative incidence of PMTNS was therefore calculated as 3.4%. Histology of PMTNS patients revealed melanocytoma in three patients and psammomatous melanotic schwannoma in one patient. Symptoms were non‐specific and attributed to tumor mass effect. Magnetic resonance imaging showed hyperintensity on pre‐contrast T1‐weighted imaging, hypointensity on T2‐weighted imaging, and homogenous contrast enhancement in all PMTNS patients. Definitive diagnosis was based on tissue analysis, with detection of melanin‐containing cells on conventional histology and S100‐positivity on immunohistochemistry. Molecular analysis for GNAQQ209L mutation assisted in establishing diagnosis when only small amounts of tissue were available. Aggressive surgical treatment showed favorable outcomes in all cases; radiation therapy was used for residual or relapsed disease. The median follow‐up was 7.5 ± 5 years, and all patients were alive on the day of database closure.ConclusionPrimary melanotic tumors of the nervous system are rare nervous system tumors. Outcome appears excellent, and complete surgical resection may form the basis for favorable outcome. Radiation therapy may represent a therapeutic approach for residual or relapsed disease.
Tree planting in organic soils does not result in net carbon sequestration on decadal timescales
Authors: Friggens Nina L. , Hester Alison J. , Mitchell Ruth J. , Parker Thomas C. , Subke Jens‐Arne , Wookey Philip A. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractTree planting is increasingly being proposed as a strategy to combat climate change through carbon (C) sequestration in tree biomass. However, total ecosystem C storage that includes soil organic C (SOC) must be considered to determine whether planting trees for climate change mitigation results in increased C storage. We show that planting two native tree species (Betula pubescens and Pinus sylvestris), of widespread Eurasian distribution, onto heather (Calluna vulgaris) moorland with podzolic and peaty podzolic soils in Scotland, did not lead to an increase in net ecosystem C stock 12 or 39 years after planting. Plots with trees had greater soil respiration and lower SOC in organic soil horizons than heather control plots. The decline in SOC cancelled out the increment in C stocks in tree biomass on decadal timescales. At all four experimental sites sampled, there was no net gain in ecosystem C stocks 12–39 years after afforestation—indeed we found a net ecosystem C loss in one of four sites with deciduous B. pubescens stands; no net gain in ecosystem C at three sites planted with B. pubescens; and no net gain at additional stands of P. sylvestris. We hypothesize that altered mycorrhizal communities and autotrophic C inputs have led to positive ‘priming’ of soil organic matter, resulting in SOC loss, constraining the benefits of tree planting for ecosystem C sequestration. The results are of direct relevance to current policies, which promote tree planting on the assumption that this will increase net ecosystem C storage and contribute to climate change mitigation. Ecosystem‐level biogeochemistry and C fluxes must be better quantified and understood before we can be assured that large‐scale tree planting in regions with considerable pre‐existing SOC stocks will have the intended policy and climate change mitigation outcomes.
Patient with Cluster Headache and Harlequin Sign – Related or Not?
Authors: Van Oosterhout W.P.J. 
Published: July 2020

BackgroundThe harlequin sign or syndrome is a rare cranial autonomic condition characterized by unilateral diminished flushing and sweating of the face (and sometimes arm), in response to heat or exercise. It results from autonomic, mainly sympathetic dysfunction. Although the idiopathic form is the most common, underlying structural abnormalities in the head, neck, and thorax need to be excluded.Methods and ResultsHere, we describe the first case of the combination of primary cluster headache and the harlequin syndrome in a 49‐year‐old female patient. The patient presented with a first bout of cluster headache with persisting Horner syndrome and new harlequin sign after the bout. Additional neuroimaging did not reveal underlying pathologies. This report provides an overview of cases from the literature and then discusses the association between primary headaches and the harlequin syndrome. Relevant anatomy, diagnostic tools, and therapeutic options are all considered.ConclusionThis case reports a rare combination of cluster headache and harlequin sign that warrants further testing to exclude pathology in the brain, neck or mediastinum. It also illustrates the underlying anatomy and physiology of the autonomic nervous system.
Diabetes mellitus and the healing of periapical lesions in root filled teeth: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Gupta A. , Aggarwal V. , Mehta N. , Abraham D. , Singh A. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundDiabetes mellitus (DM) may affect the healing and survival of root filled teeth with periapical lesions.AimTo systematically analyse the available clinical literature to evaluate the association between DM and the prevalence of radiolucent periapical lesions in root filled teeth. The review question was ‘Is there a difference between the root canal treatment healing outcome (in terms of presence or absence of radiolucent periapical lesions) in diabetic and non‐diabetic patients?’.Data sourcesA systematic review of cross‐sectional studies and prospective clinical trials was conducted according to the PRISMA checklist. The review involved a search of the electronic databases of PubMed, Scopus and EBSCO host.Study eligibility criteria, participants and interventionsThe research protocol was previously registered in the International Prospective Register of Ongoing Systematic Reviews (CRD42019130954) and included defined inclusion/exclusion criteria. The included studies were related to the root canal treatment outcome in diabetic patients in terms of periapical radiolucent lesions associated with root filled teeth.Study appraisal and synthesisThe selected studies were critically analysed by two evaluators using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tool. The pooled odds ratio (OR) was recognized as the primary outcome variable and measure of the effect for the occurrence of periapical lesions associated with root filled teeth of control and diabetic patients. The random‐effects Mantel–Haenszel method was used, at a 95% confidence interval, to calculate the pooled OR. A funnel plot was created to evaluate possible sources of heterogeneity.ResultsTen studies published between 1989 and March 2019 were selected after thorough analysis and exclusion according to the strict criteria. Seven cross‐sectional studies, 1 longitudinal and 2 prospective clinical studies were included. The pooled OR was calculated by comparing 773 diabetic subjects and 1133 control subjects. The pooled OR for the observational studies and clinical studies were 1.42 and 6.36, respectively. This value signified a high prevalence of periapical lesions in root filled teeth in diabetic subjects.LimitationsThere are limited prospective clinical trials on this topic. The majority of the included studies are observational.Conclusions and implications of key findingsThe data suggest a strong connection between the presence of periapical radiolucency on root filled teeth amongst diabetics as determined by the pooled OR.
Mechanical investigation of glass ceramic brazed ceramic and steel composites
Authors: Walter Tobias M. , Bucharsky Ethel C. , Schell Karl G. , Hoffmann Michael J. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractSolid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) convert chemical energy from hydrogen, methane, or other hydrocarbons directly into electrical energy and heat. Advantages are low noise during operation as well as relatively low pollutant emissions. This makes them interesting for stationary applications, eg combined heat and power plants for domestic use and for mobile applications, when there is a demand for integrating auxiliary power units. The high operating temperatures of about 850°C and the simultaneous presence by both, reducing and oxidizing atmospheres place high demands on the components of a SOFC. Due to these requirements, glass‐ceramics are proposed as sealants between interconnector and electrolyte. They provide lower costs and lower weight than commercially used silver solders. Furthermore, they have the following impressive benefits: The sealants are electrical insulating, chemical stable and by careful materials selection and adapted manufacturing processes, they adhere well on steel and on ceramic substrates. In order to characterize the adhesion of glass‐ceramic sealants on steel and on zirconia substrates, layer‐like composites are fabricated by screen‐printing and subsequent sintering in air. It turns out that the formation of crystalline phases at the interface is crucial for the adhesion behavior.
Use of antioxidants for enhancing oxidative stability of bulk edible oils: a review
Authors: Mishra Sumit Kumar , Belur Prasanna D. , Iyyaswami Regupathi 
Published: July 2020

SummaryEdible oils industry is using synthetic and natural antioxidants to enhance the oxidative stability of bulk edible oils. Due to safety concerns of BHA, BHT and TBHQ, there is an ongoing effort to find an effective and safe replacement. Finding a safe antioxidant or its synergistic mixture, which delays, retard or prevent the oxidation of bulk oil without changing the colour or flavour upon addition is a challenge. In this review, a brief account of chemical basis of oxidative deterioration of the stored oil is given. The effectiveness of most widely experimented antioxidants such as tocopherols, carotenoids, ascorbic acid and its derivatives, lignan compounds, flavonoids, polyphenols and phenolic acids in various edible oils have been reviewed. Further, the synergistic and antagonistic combination of these antioxidants in controlling oxidative degradation of edible oils has been discussed.
Rye secalin characterisation and use to improve zein‐based film performance
Authors: Qazanfarzadeh Zeinab , Kadivar Mahdi , Shekarchizadeh Hajar , Porta Raffaele 
Published: July 2020

SummaryRye prolamins (secalin) were extracted, characterised and used as biopolymer source to produce plasticised films, as well as composite films in the presence of corn zein. Secalin film showed lower contact angle values and higher moisture content, solubility and swelling index than zein film, whereas the water vapour permeability of the two films was not different. Also, secalin film exhibited lower tensile strength and Young’s modulus and higher elongation at break. The average functional properties of the secalin/zein blend were morphologically confirmed by SEM analysis of the composite film surface that showed a good miscibility and compatibility of the two different biopolymers. These results indicated that secalin films were less hydrophobic and more flexible than those previously prepared by using other prolamins, whereas a material with hydrophobic features similar to those of zein films and a flexibility comparable to that exhibited by secalin films was obtained by preparing a secalin/zein blend.
SARS‐CoV‐2: An immunogenetics call to arms
Authors: Clark Brendan , Poulton Kay 
Published: July 2020

AbstractSusceptibility to viral infection, development of immunity, response to treatment and patient clinical outcomes are all under the control of heritable factors in the host. In the context of the current SARS‐Cov‐2 pandemic, this review considers existing immunogenetic knowledge of virus‐immune system interactions. A major focus is to highlight areas in which work is required in order to improve understanding of antiviral immune responses and to move towards improved patient management.
Necrotic cell death increases the release of macrophage migration inhibitory factor by monocytes/macrophages
Authors: Dankers Wendy , Hasnat Md Abul , Swann Vanesa , Alharbi Arwaf , Lee Jacinta PW , Cristofaro Megan A , Gantier Michael P , Jones Sarah A , Morand Eric F , Flynn Jacqueline K , Harris James 
Published: July 2020

AbstractMacrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a pleiotropic inflammatory molecule with both cytokine and noncytokine activity. MIF is constitutively released from multiple cell types via an unconventional secretory pathway that is not well defined. Here, we looked at MIF release from human and mouse monocytes/macrophages in response to different stimuli. While MIF release was not significantly altered in response to lipopolysaccharide or heat‐killed Escherichia coli, cytotoxic stimuli strongly promoted release of MIF. MIF release was highly upregulated in cells undergoing necrosis, necroptosis and NLRP3 inflammasome‐dependent pyroptosis. Our data suggest that cell death represents a major route for MIF release from myeloid cells. The functional significance of these findings and their potential importance in the context of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases warrant further investigation.
Highly tailorable electromechanical properties of auxetic piezoelectric ceramics with ultra‐low porosity
Authors: Tang Haishan , Jiang Xinli , Ling Ling , Li Li , Hu Yujin 
Published: July 2020

AbstractConventional porous piezoelectric ceramics can possess superior figures of merit only at very high values of porosity, leading to bad fragileness, small stiffness, low toughness, and the difficulty of polarization. To this end, this study for the first time shows that it is possible that the piezoelectric ceramic with ultra‐low porosity is capable of superior figures of merit based on the concept of auxetic piezoelectric ceramics. Owing to the ultra‐low porosity and auxetic effect, the auxetic piezoelectric ceramic shall also possess larger stiffness, higher toughness, and is more easily polarized. First, the auxetic piezoelectric ceramic with ultra‐low porosity is proposed to achieve highly tunable electromechanical properties on the basis of the rotating square mechanism. Then, using a multiscale finite element method, the effects of geometric architecture and polarization directions on the electromechanical properties including Poisson's ratios, elastic coefficients, piezoelectric stress coefficients, dielectric coefficients, and figures of merit in the auxetic piezoelectric ceramics are investigated in detail. Furthermore, the stress fields in conventional and proposed porous piezoelectric ceramics subjected to mechanical and electrical loads are compared and discussed. Finally, it can be concluded that the auxetic piezoelectric ceramic exhibits (a) giant negative Poisson's ratios (smaller than ), (b) negative elastic coefficients, (c) more extensible, higher piezoelectric sensitivity, lower acoustic impedance, stronger crack resistance than conventional porous piezoelectric ceramics with the same porosity, and (d) larger stiffness than conventional porous piezoelectric ceramics with similar figures of merit.