bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interaction of FGF9 with FGFR3‐IIIb/IIIc, a putative driver of growth and aggressive behaviour of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Paur Jakob , Valler Maximilian , Sienel Rebecca , Taxauer Karin , Holzmann Klaus , Marian Brigitte , Unterberger Andreas , Mohr Thomas , Berger Walter , Gvozdenovich Andja , Schimming Johannes , Grusch Michael , Grasl‐Kraupp Bettina 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackground & AimsRecently, overexpression of the fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) splice variants FGFR3‐IIIb and FGFR3‐IIIc was found in ~50% of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here, we aim to identify FGFR3‐IIIb/IIIc ligands, which drive the progression of HCC.MethodsFACS, MTT assay and/or growth curves served to identify the FGFR3‐IIIb/IIIc ligand being most effective to induce growth of hepatoma/hepatocarcinoma cell lines, established from human HCC. The most potent FGF was characterized regarding the expression levels in epithelial and stromal cells of liver and HCC and impact on neoangiogenesis, clonogenicity and invasive growth of hepatoma/hepatocarcinoma cells.ResultsAmong all FGFR3‐IIIb/IIIc ligands tested, FGF9 was the most potent growth factor for hepatoma/hepatocarcinoma cells. Replication and/or sprouting of blood/lymphendothelial cells was stimulated as well. FGF9 occurred mainly in stromal cells of unaltered liver but in epithelial cells of HCC. Every fifth HCC exhibited overexpressed FGF9 and frequent co‐upregulation of FGFR3‐IIIb/IIIc. In hepatoma/hepatocarcinoma cells FGF9 enhanced the capability for clonogenicity and disintegration of the blood and lymphatic endothelium, being most pronounced in cells overexpressing FGFR3‐IIIb or FGFR3‐IIIc, respectively. Any of the FGF9 effects in hepatoma/hepatocarcinoma cells was blocked completely by applying the FGFR1‐3‐specific tyrosine kinase inhibitor BGJ398 or siFGFR3, while siFGFR1/2/4 were mostly ineffective.ConclusionsFGF9 acts via FGFR3‐IIIb/IIIc to enhance growth and aggressiveness of HCC cells. Accordingly, blockade of the FGF9‐FGFR3‐IIIb/IIIc axis may be an efficient therapeutic option for HCC patients.
Correlation between lumbar skeletal muscle size and urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy
Authors: Mitsui Yosuke , Sadahira Takuya , Watanabe Toyohiko , Araki Motoo , Maruyama Yuki , Sato Ryota , Rodrigo Acosta Gonzalez Herik , Wada Koichiro , Watanabe Masami , Chancellor Michael B. , Nasu Yasutomo 
Published: May 2020

AbstractObjectivesUrinary incontinence is a major concern after radical prostatectomy because it can decrease quality of life. The aim of the present study was to explore the effect of preoperative skeletal muscle on urinary quality of life after robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy.MethodsA total of 762 patients underwent robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy. Longitudinal health‐related quality of life was evaluated using the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite instrument. The skeletal muscle area at the level of the third lumbar vertebra was assessed preoperatively by computed tomography and was standardized to height to obtain the skeletal muscle index. Reduced skeletal muscle size (RSMS) was defined as a skeletal muscle index ≤ 53 or ≤ 43 cm2/m2 in patients with a body mass index (BMI) ≥25 or < 25, respectively.ResultsA total of 301 patients were included in this study, of whom 91 were classified as having RSMS (30.2%). Non‐RSMS patients exhibited better urinary function at 12 months (P = .012) and better urinary continence recovery at 2 weeks and 12 months (P = .033 and P = .014, respectively) after prostatectomy compared with RSMS patients. Univariate and multivariate analyses identified preoperative RSMS as a significant and independent predictor of urinary incontinence (odds ratio = 1.77, P = .028).ConclusionsPatients with RSMS had a lower urinary quality of life compared with non‐RSMS patients after robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy, and RSMS, independent of age or BMI, was predictive of postoperative urinary incontinence.
Strengths of meteorites—An overview and analysis of available data
Authors: Pohl Leos , Britt Daniel T. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractWe report all available measurements on strength of meteorites, primarily focusing on compressive and tensile strengths and supplementary data such as Young's modulus, Poisson's ratio, elastic sound wave velocities, density, porosity, and sample sizes. These data are solely taken from the original papers to avoid misprints and other issues. The data are provided as originally presented by the authors with the exception of standardization of units to the SI system. A brief overview of methods for each original work is also provided as a guide to “data quality” since individual papers go to varying levels of detail on their experimental setup and procedures. From this data set, we confirm that the compressive strength of ordinary chondrites (varying in the range of 10s to 100s of MPa) is about an order of magnitude larger compared to their tensile strength and the difference increases with iron content. For carbonaceous chondrites, the tensile strength seems to be about an order of magnitude below the tensile strength of ordinary chondrites and at least an order of magnitude below their compressive strength. We also provide a statistical relation between the strength of meteorites and their densities and porosities and discuss the role of strain rate and sample size on the resultant measured strength. Finally, the data do not provide sufficient statistics to support a size scale effect of strength of meteorites.
Comparing the Ricker and θ‐logistic models for estimating elk population growth
Authors: Koetke Lisa J. , Duarte Adam , Weckerly Floyd W. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractConflicting evidence exists supporting linear and nonlinear density‐dependent population growth when species have slow life histories. The Ricker (linear) and θ‐logistic (nonlinear) models are commonly used to analyze survey data for these species, but no evaluation has examined whether these hypotheses can be differentiated with field data. We conducted a simulation exploring effects from shape of density dependence and variation in vital rates on the fit of these models. When vital rates had moderate to high variation, the models had similar fit. The θ‐logistic model differed from the Ricker model and was biologically realistic (θ > 1) when variation in vital rates was low and the growth response was nonlinear. Furthermore, the θ‐logistic model has issues with model convergence when using vague priors and when variation in vital rates as high. These results indicate that the Ricker model is appropriate for population survey data of species with slow life histories.Recommendations for Resource Managers

The shape of the growth response (i.e., the relationship between abundance and population growth rate) depends on the shape of the relationships between abundance and vital rates (survival and pregnancy).
The variation in the environmental setting of a population over time, as well as the species life history traits, can influence whether linear or nonlinear models fit time series of population survey data.
Random changes over time in the growth rate of a population can mask the shape of the relationship between abundance and growth rate.
When modeling population dynamics of species with slow life histories, the Ricker model is often more appropriate than the θ‐logistic model, especially when environmental variation over time is high or when using vague priors when fitting the models.
Radiotherapy‐induced oral morbidities in head and neck cancer patients
Authors: Bhandari Sudhir , Soni Bhavita Wadhwa , Bahl Amit , Ghoshal Sushmita 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe cumulative effect of radiation and the extent of related morbidities on oral tissues are enormous and increase over time. The numerous radiation‐related side effects have a strong, negative influence on the oral functions and are responsible for a drastic reduction in the oral‐health‐related quality of life of the cancer survivors. In a significant deviation to the earlier approach of advising extraction of all remaining teeth before RT, the concept of preserving a maximum number of teeth in a state of health and for better oral functions postcancer cure has been globally accepted and is adhered to. The effects of radiation and their impact on the general well‐being of the patients underscore the relevance of understanding the sequelae of radiation therapy on healthy oral tissues, preexisting oral diseases and their progression, impact on oral treatment needs, limitations in performing the indicated treatment, and shortcoming in treatment outcomes. It is vital for the professionals involved in head and neck cancer care to follow a well‐devised referral system for oral care before and after RT and educate patients for a life‐long follow‐up
Explaining Italian “exceptionalism” and its end: Minimum income from neglect to hyper‐politicization
Authors: Jessoula Matteo , Natili Marcello 
Published: May 2020

AbstractTraditionally at the margins of the political debate, minimum income protection has recently become a key issue in Italian politics. After decades of social and political “neglect” letting Italy the only European country (with Greece) still lacking an anti‐poverty minimum income safety net in the 2010s, finally a national programme called Inclusion Income was introduced in 2018, then replaced by a more robustly financed scheme, the Citizenship Income in 2019. The introduction of these new programmes was the object of an intense political debate, which raises two main puzzles. Why a policy field characterized by the low political resources of would be beneficiaries and low incidence on the overall welfare budget has become so important in the political debate? How did it occur in Italy, where minimum income protection had been absent in political discourses for at least five decades after World War II? To answer these questions, this article first elaborates a novel theoretical framework which combines the main properties of socio‐political demand and political supply in order to explain the scope and direction of minimum income reforms. Second, it provides an analytically oriented reconstruction of MIS policy trajectory in Italy in the three different phases: the phase of MIS “neglect” (1948–1992) characterized by inertia; the period of political “contentiousness” (1993–2012), marked by attempts of path departure followed by policy reversals; the more recent phase leading to the introduction and institutionalization of a MIS. Third, the article provides a theoretically framed interpretation of the overall MIS trajectory in Italy.
Is Labour Productivity Higher in Transit Oriented Development Areas? A Study of Beijing
Authors: Lyu Guowei , Bertolini Luca , Pfeffer Karin 
Published: May 2020

AbstractTransit oriented development (TOD) advocates enhancing public transport connectivity, clustering urban development around public transport nodes and creating station areas with high‐density, diverse land uses and pedestrian‐ and cycling‐friendly environments. While this urban development approach is expected to have positive effects on the urban economy, the impacts of TOD strategies on economic efficiency are yet to be empirically examined. This study operationalised economic efficiency as labour productivity; developed a methodology to investigate how labour productivity is distributed at the local level, to explore the relationships between TOD characteristics and the clustering of labour productivities across different types of industries within a city; and applied it to the case of Beijing, China. The results show that in most cases the distribution of labour productivity has no significant association with TOD characteristics. However, in certain consumer‐service‐related economic sectors (i.e. wholesale and retail; accommodation and catering; and culture, sports, and entertainment) labour productivity is on average significantly higher in an area with stronger transit‐oriented development characteristics. Furthermore, within the conceptual framework of agglomeration economies, the paper identified specific TOD characteristics that are related to the clustering of the higher level of labour productivities in certain industry sectors. These outcomes provide insights for developing more focused TOD strategies, aimed at enhancing the clustering of labour productivities in the identified industries around the existing metro station areas in Beijing.
Coiled‐coil registry shifts in the F684I mutant of Bicaudal D result in cargo‐independent activation of dynein motility
Authors: Cui Heying , Ali M. Yusuf , Goyal Puja , Zhang Kaiqi , Loh Jia Ying , Trybus Kathleen M. , Solmaz Sozanne R. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe dynein adaptor Drosophila Bicaudal D (BicD) is auto‐inhibited and activates dynein motility only after cargo is bound, but the underlying mechanism is elusive. In contrast, we show that the full‐length BicD/F684I mutant activates dynein processivity even in the absence of cargo. Our X‐ray structure of the C‐terminal domain of the BicD/F684I mutant reveals a coiled‐coil registry shift; in the N‐terminal region, the two helices of the homodimer are aligned, whereas they are vertically shifted in the wild‐type. One chain is partially disordered and this structural flexibility is confirmed by computations, which reveal that the mutant transitions back and forth between the two registries. We propose that a coiled‐coil registry shift upon cargo‐binding activates BicD for dynein recruitment. Moreover, the human homolog BicD2/F743I exhibits diminished binding of cargo adaptor Nup358, implying that a coiled‐coil registry shift may be a mechanism to modulate cargo selection for BicD2‐dependent transport pathways.
Improving emergency department blood product use through nursing education
Authors: Riveira Melora C. , Fredrickson Tim A. , Iha Bryant R. , Mitchell Steven H. , White Nathan J. , Arbabi Saman , Hess John R. 
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUNDRapid access to blood products can be lifesaving for hemorrhaging patients, but placing blood components in easily accessible locations in the emergency department (ED) can lead to wasteful patterns of use. Education can lead to improvements in transfusion behavior, but such changes for the better are often short lived.METHODSTo facilitate the early initiation of balanced resuscitation, an emergency blood refrigerator was placed in our ED in February 2015. Physician education to give blood components in a 1:1 plasma:red blood cell (RBC) unit ratio with the plasma given first was given repeatedly with short‐term success. Finally, nurses were trained and empowered to strongly suggest that blood components be given in balanced ratios and that plasma be given first. Plasma:RBC unit ratios were compared in successive years with the chi‐square test for trend.RESULTSA total of 1165 RBC units and 623 plasma units were issued from the ED emergency blood refrigerator over 5 years. Intensive physician education is documented at start, in late 2016 to early 2017, and again in early and late 2018. Ratios of components (U plasma/U RBCs) were 2015, 17%; 2016, 26%; 2017, 61%; 2018, 49%; and 2019, 91% (p < 10−18 chi‐square for trend). Higher ratios of plasma use were associated with $40,000+ annual savings.CONCLUSIONSGiving the ED senior nurses formal education about the need for and a policy to give guidance on massive transfusion protocol (MTP) blood component administration sequence has achieved compliance with our MTPʼs intention. Increasing plasma use reduces group O RBC use and total blood costs.
Synchronization of a Soft Robotic Ventricular Assist Device to the Native Cardiac Rhythm Using an Epicardial Electrogram
Authors: Bautista-Salinas Daniel , Hammer Peter E. , Payne Christopher J. , Wamala Isaac , Saeed Mossab , Thalhofer Thomas , del Nido Pedro J. , Walsh Conor J. , Vasilyev Nikolay V. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Soft robotic devices have been proposed as an alternative solution for ventricular assistance. Unlike conventional ventricular assist devices (VADs) that pump blood through an artificial lumen, soft robotic VADs (SRVADs) use pneumatic artificial muscles (PAM) to assist native contraction and relaxation of the ventricle. Synchronization of SRVADs is critical to ensure maximized and physiologic cardiac output. We developed a proof-of-concept synchronization algorithm that uses an epicardial electrogram as an input signal and evaluated the approach on adult Yorkshire pigs (n = 2). An SRVAD previously developed by our group was implanted on the right ventricle (RV). We demonstrated an improvement in the synchronization of the SRVAD using an epicardial electrogram signal versus a RV pressure signal of 4 ± 0.5% in heart failure and 3.2 ± 0.5% during actuation for animal 1 and 7.4 ± 0.6% in heart failure and 8.2% ± 0.8% during actuation for animal 2. Results suggest that improved synchronization is translated in greater cardiac output. The pulmonary artery (PA) flow was restored to a 107% and 106% of the healthy baseline during RV electrogram actuation and RV pressure actuation, respectively, in animal 1, and to a 100% and 87% in animal 2. Therefore, the presented system using the RV electrogram signal as a control input has shown to be superior in comparison with the use of the RV pressure signal.
Is high-sensitivity troponin, alone or in combination with copeptin, sensitive enough for ruling out NSTEMI in very early presenters at admission? A post hoc analysis performed in emergency departments
Authors: Chenevier-Gobeaux Camille , Sebbane Mustapha , Meune Christophe , Lefebvre Sophie , Dupuy Anne-Marie , Lefèvre Guillaume , Peschanski Nicolas , Ray Patrick 
Published: May 2020

ObjectivesCopeptin and high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (HS-cTn) assays improve the early detection of non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). Their sensitivities may, however, be reduced in very early presenters.SettingWe performed a post hoc analysis of three prospective studies that included patients who presented to the emergency department for chest pain onset (CPO) of less than 6 hours.Participants449 patients were included, in whom 12% had NSTEMI. CPO occurred <2 hours from ED presentation in 160, between 2 and 4 hours in 143 and >4 hours in 146 patients. The prevalence of NSTEMI was similar in all groups (9%, 13% and 12%, respectively, p=0.281).MeasuresDiagnostic performances of HS-cTn and copeptin at presentation were examined according to CPO. The discharge diagnosis was adjudicated by two experts, including cardiac troponin I (cTnI). HS-cTn and copeptin were blindly measured.ResultsDiagnostic accuracies of cTnI, cTnI +copeptin and HS-cardiac troponin T (HS-cTnT) (but not HS-cTnT +copeptin) lower through CPO categories. For patients with CPO <2 hours, the choice of a threshold value of 14 ng/L for HS-cTnT resulted in three false negative (Sensitivity 80%(95% CI 51% to 95%); specificity 85% (95% CI 78% to 90%); 79% of correctly ruled out patients) and that of 5 ng/L in two false negative (sensitivity 87% (95% CI 59% to 98%); specificity 58% (95% CI 50% to 66%); 52% of correctly ruled out patients). The addition of copeptin to HS-cTnT induced a decrease of misclassified patients to 1 in patients with CPO <2 hours (sensitivity 93% (95% CI 66% to 100%); specificity 41% (95% CI 33% to 50%)).ConclusionA single measurement of HS-cTn, alone or in combination with copeptin at admission, seems not safe enough for ruling out NSTEMI in very early presenters (with CPO <2 hours).Trial registration numberDC-2009–1052
Improving the paediatric surgery patient experience: an 8-year analysis of narrative quality data
Authors: Robillard Julie M , Bourne Stephanie C , Tam Mallorie T , Page Patricia M , Lamb Elizabeth A , Gogal Carmina , Skarsgard Erik D , Afshar Kourosh 
Published: May 2020

BackgroundNarrative data about the patient experience of surgery can help healthcare professionals and administrators better understand the needs of patients and their families as well as provide a foundation for improvement of procedures, processes and services. However, units often lack a methodological framework to analyse these data empirically and derive key areas for improvement. The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) is aimed at improving the quality of surgical care by collecting patient data and reporting risk-adjusted surgical outcomes for each participant hospital in the programme. Though qualitative data about patient experience are captured as part of the NSQIP database, to date no framework or methodology has been proposed, or reported on, to analyse these data for the purposes of quality improvement. The goal of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility of using content analysis to empirically derive key areas for quality improvement from a sample of 3601 narrative comments about paediatric surgery from patients and families at British Columbia Children’s Hospital.Study designThematic content analysis conducted on a total of 3601 patient and family narratives received between 2011 and 2018.ResultsOverall satisfaction with care was high and experiences with healthcare providers at the hospital were positive. Areas for improvement were identified in the themes of health outcomes, communication and surgery timelines. Results informed follow-up interprofessional quality improvement initiatives.ConclusionsRecording and analysing patient experience data as part of validated quality improvement programmes such as ACS NSQIP can provide valuable and actionable information to improve quality of care.
Preventing lower extremity injury in elite orienteerers: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: von Rosen Philip , Halvarsson Bodil 
Published: May 2020

BackgroundThe high physical load associated with running through uneven terrain contributes toorienteerers being exposed to high injury risk, where the majority of injuries are located in the lower extremities. Specific training programmes have been effective at reducing injury risk in sports. Yet no trial has been conducted in elite orienteering. The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of a specific training programme in preventing lower extremity injury in adult elite orienteerers.Study designRandomised controlled trial (RCT).MethodsSeventy-two Swedish elite orienteerers, aged 18–40 years, are allocated to an intervention or control group. The intervention group performs four specific exercises, with three difficult levels intensified every second week over the first 4 weeks, targeting strength, flexibility and coordination of the lower extremity. The exercises are completed four times a week (10 min per session) in conjunction with normal training over 14 weeks. Injury data are collected every second week using a valid injury questionnaire distributed by text messages over 14 weeks. The primary outcome is number of substantial injuries in the lower extremity. The secondary outcomes are incidence of ankle sprains and the average substantial injury prevalence across 14 weeks.DiscussionDue to high injury risk and lack of injury prevention trials in orienteering, an RCT investigating the effect of a specific exercise programme in preventing lower extremity injury is warranted. The results of this trial will be beneficial to orienteerers, clubs and federations, and increase our understanding on how lower extremity injuries can be prevented in a physically challenging sport.Trial registration numberNCT03408925.