bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Feasibility and utility of transbronchial cryobiopsy in precision medicine for lung cancer: Prospective single‐arm study
Authors: Udagawa Hibiki , Kirita Keisuke , Naito Tomoyuki , Nomura Shogo , Ishibashi Masayuki , Matsuzawa Reiko , Hisakane Kakeru , Usui Yuko , Matsumoto Shingo , Yoh Kiyotaka , Niho Seiji , Ishii Genichiro , Goto Koichi 
Published: May 2020

AbstractCryoprobe is a novel transbronchial biopsy (TBB) tool that yields larger tissue samples than forceps. Pathological diagnosis and biomarker analysis, such as genetic alterations and programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) expression, are paramount for precision medicine against lung cancer. We evaluated the safety and usefulness of cryoprobe TBB for lung cancer diagnosis and biomarker analysis. In this single‐center, prospective single‐arm study, patients suspected of having or diagnosed with primary lung cancer underwent cryoprobe TBB using flexible bronchoscopy after conventional forceps TBB from the same lesion. Cryoprobe TBB was performed in 121 patients. The incidence rate of severe bleeding and serious adverse events (4% [90% confidence interval: 2%‐9%]) was significantly lower than the expected rate (20% with 30% threshold, P < 0.01). Combining both central and peripheral lesions, the diagnostic yield rate of cryoprobe samples was 76% and that of forceps samples was 84%. Compared with forceps TBB samples, cryoprobe TBB samples were larger (cryoprobe 15 mm2 vs forceps 2 mm2) and resulted in a larger proportion of definite histomorphological diagnosis (cryoprobe 86% vs forceps 74%, P < 0.01), larger amounts of DNA extracted from samples (median: cryoprobe, 1.60 µg vs forceps, 0.58 µg, P = 0.02) and RNA (median: cryoprobe, 0.62 µg vs forceps, 0.17 µg, P < 0.01) extracted from samples, and tended to yield greater rates of PD‐L1 expression >1% (51% vs 42%). In conclusion, cryoprobe is a safe and useful tool for obtaining lung cancer tissue samples of adequate size and quality, which allow morphological diagnosis and biomarker analysis for precision medicine against lung cancer.
Preparation and evaluation of 99mTc‐HYNIC‐D(TPPE) as a new targeted imaging probe for detection of colon cancer: Preclinical comparison with 99mTc‐HYNIC‐EPPT
Authors: Maleki Fariba , Masteri Farahani Arezou , Sadeghzadeh Nourollah , Mardanshahi Alireza , Abediankenari Saeid 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe aim of this study was to prepare radiolabeled peptide‐based agents for imaging of colon cancer. According to the incorporation of HYNIC for radiolabeling with technetium‐99m, two analogs were designed and compared: an antitumor‐antibody‐derived peptide based on the EPPT sequence and a novel retro‐inverso peptidomimetic derivative D(TPPE) structurally modified by replacing the L‐amino acids with D‐amino acids and reversing the primary amino acid sequence of EPPT. The HYNIC‐conjugated peptides were labeled with 99mTc using tricine/EDDA coligand with more than 98% radiochemical yield and showed high metabolic stability. Kd values of 41.77 ± 7.34 nM and 37.33 ± 8.37 nM for 99mTc‐HYNIC‐EPPT and 99mTc‐HYNIC‐D(TPPE) confirmed high affinity of both peptides for cell surface antigen MUC1. These radiotracers demonstrated no significant differences in the cellular uptake and internalization value, but the biodistribution profile of 99mTc‐HYNIC‐D(TPPE) was more favorable than that of 99mTc‐HYNIC‐EPPT as a result of better tumor‐to‐non‐target ratios for the examined tissues and organs. HT29 tumors were visualized more clearly in scintigraphic images with 99mTc‐HYNIC‐D(TPPE) in comparison with 99mTc‐HYNIC‐EPPT. The results showed the retro‐inverso analog to be a more promising radiotracer as a probe for in vivo targeting of HT‐29 tumors than the parent peptide.
Estimation of spatiotemporal trends in bat abundance from mortality data collected at wind turbines
Authors: Davy Christina M. , Squires Kelly , Zimmerling J. Ryan 
Published: May 2020

AbstractRenewable energy sources, such as wind energy, are essential tools for reducing the causes of climate change, but wind turbines can pose a collision risk for bats. To date, the population‐level effects of wind‐related mortality have been estimated for only 1 bat species. To estimate temporal trends in bat abundance, we considered wind turbines as opportunistic sampling tools for flying bats (analogous to fishing nets), where catch per unit effort (carcass abundance per monitored turbine) is a proxy for aerial abundance of bats, after accounting for seasonal variation in activity. We used a large, standardized data set of records of bat carcasses from 594 turbines in southern Ontario, Canada, and corrected these data to account for surveyor efficiency and scavenger removal. We used Bayesian hierarchical models to estimate temporal trends in aerial abundance of bats and to explore the effect of spatial factors, including landscape features associated with bat habitat (e.g., wetlands, croplands, and forested lands), on the number of mortalities for each species. The models showed a rapid decline in the abundance of 4 species in our study area; declines in capture of carcasses over 7 years ranged from 65% (big brown bat [Eptesicus fuscus]) to 91% (silver‐haired bat [Lasionycteris noctivagans]). Estimated declines were independent of the effects of mitigation (increasing wind speed at which turbines begin to generate electricity from 3.5 to 5.5 m/s), which significantly reduced but did not eliminate bat mortality. Late‐summer mortality of hoary (Lasiurus cinereus), eastern red (Lasiurus borealis), and silver‐haired bats was predicted by woodlot cover, and mortality of big brown bats decreased with increasing elevation. These landscape predictors of bat mortality can inform the siting of future wind energy operations. Our most important result is the apparent decline in abundance of four common species of bat in the airspace, which requires further investigation.
Effectiveness of psychosocial interventions for the prevention and treatment of foot ulcers in people with diabetes: a systematic review
Authors: Norman G. , Westby M. J. , Vedhara K. , Game F. , Cullum N. A. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractAimTo identify and synthesize the evidence for the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions to promote the healing, and/or reduce the occurrence of, foot ulceration in people with diabetes.MethodsIn March 2019 we searched CENTRAL, Medline, Embase and PsycInfo for randomized controlled trials of interventions with psychosocial components for people with diabetes. The primary outcomes of this review were foot ulceration and healing. We assessed studies using the Cochrane risk‐of‐bias tool, the TIDieR checklist and GRADE. We conducted narrative synthesis and random‐effects meta‐analysis.ResultsWe included 31 randomized controlled trials (4511 participants), of which most (24 randomized controlled trials, 4093 participants) were prevention studies. Most interventions were educational with a modest psychosocial component. Ulceration and healing were not reported in most studies; secondary outcomes varied. Evidence was of low or very low quality because of high risks of bias and imprecision, and few studies reported adherence or fidelity. In groups where participants had prior ulceration, educational interventions had no clear effect on new ulceration (low‐quality evidence). Two treatment studies, assessing continuous pharmacist support and an intervention to promote understanding of well‐being, reported healing but their evidence was also of very low quality.ConclusionMost psychosocial intervention randomized controlled trials assessing foot ulcer outcomes in people with diabetes were prevention studies, and most interventions were primarily educational. Ulcer healing and development were not well reported. There is a need for better understanding of psychological and behavioural influences on ulcer incidence, healing and recurrence in people with diabetes. Randomized controlled trials of theoretically informed interventions, which assess clinical outcomes, are urgently required. (PROSPERO registration: CRD42016052960).
Liraglutide treatment in overweight and obese patients with type 1 diabetes: A 26‐week randomized controlled trial; mechanisms of weight loss
Authors: Ghanim Husam , Batra Manav , Green Kelly , Abuaysheh Sanaa , Hejna Jeanne , Makdissi Antione , Borowski Robert , Kuhadiya Nitesh D. , Chaudhuri Ajay , Dandona Paresh 
Published: May 2020

AbstractAimTo investigate the effects of liraglutide treatment on glycaemic control and adipose tissue metabolism in overweight and obese people with type 1 diabetes (T1DM).Research design and methodsA total of 84 adult overweight and obese patients with T1DM, with no detectable C‐peptide, were randomized (1:1) to either placebo or 1.8 mg/d liraglutide for 6 months. Blood samples were collected at 0, 12 and 26 weeks. Subcutaneous adipose tissue biopsies, a high‐calorie high‐fat meal challenge test, continuous glucose monitoring, dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry and MRI were performed before and at the end of treatment.ResultsIn all, 37 and 27 patients who received liraglutide and placebo, respectively, completed the study. Glycated haemoglobin fell by 0.41 ± 0.18% (4.5±1.4 mmol/mol) from baseline after liraglutide treatment (P = 0.001), and by 0.29 ± 0.19% (3.1±2.0 mmol/mol) compared to placebo (P = 0.1). There was no increase in hypoglycaemia, while the time spent in normal glycaemia increased (P = 0.015) and time spent in hyperglycaemia decreased (P = 0.019). Body weight fell significantly in the liraglutide group, mostly in the form of fat mass loss (including visceral fat), with no change in lean mass. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) also fell after liraglutide treatment. Liraglutide also caused a significant increase in the expression of adipose tissue triglyceride lipase, carnitine palmitoyl transferase‐1, peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR)α, PPARδ, uncoupling protein‐2 and type 2 iodothyronine deiodinase in the adipose tissue.ConclusionsLiraglutide improves glycaemia, reduces adiposity and SBP. Liraglutide also stimulates mechanisms involved with an increase in lipid oxidation and thermogenesis, while conserving lean body mass.
Impact of anatomical variations of the left ventricular outflow tract on stroke volume calculation by Doppler echocardiography in aortic stenosis
Authors: Pu Min , Dong Zhifeng , Zhou Li , Stacey Richard B. , Richardson Karl , Applegate Robert J. , Zhao David 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundAccurate calculation of stroke volume (SV) by Doppler echocardiography is important for the assessment of aortic stenosis (AS), which may be impacted by anatomical variations of left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT).MethodsPatients with AS (n = 64) were studied using computed tomography (CT) and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). Anatomical variations of LVOT areas were measured at (a) the aortic annulus (Aa); (b) 5 mm (A5); and (c) 10 mm below the annulus (A10) by CT. LVOT diameters were also measured by 2D TTE at these three levels for calculation of LVOT areas. Stroke volumes (SV) were calculated using continuity equation. The impacts of anatomical variations of LVOT on SV calculation were evaluated.ResultsAnatomical LVOT area increased from Aa to A10 (5.0 ± 0.9 cm2 vs 5.8 ± 1.9 cm2, P < .01). Differences between TTE‐calculated LVOT areas and anatomical areas were most significant at A10 due to elongation of mediolateral diameters with variable changes in anteroposterior diameters (5.8 ± 1.9 cm2 vs 3.4 ± 1.1 cm2, P < .001). Although mean calculated SV by TTE was not significant at different LVOT levels (Aa 69 ± 22 mL, vs A5 66 ± 21 mL, vs A10 66 ± 28 ± 22 mL, P > .05), the most significant variations in individuals were at A10 levels (ΔSV: 8.2 ± 6.4 mL, 12 ± 9%).ConclusionVariations of LVOT anatomy in individuals with AS significantly impact the SV calculated by Doppler echocardiography. These features should be taken into account for AS diagnosis and a clinical decision‐making for intervention.
Diastolic function assessment by echocardiography: A practical manual for clinical use and future applications
Authors: Henein Michael Y. , Lindqvist Per 
Published: May 2020

AbstractDiastole is an important component of the cardiac cycle, during which time optimum filling of the ventricle determines physiological stroke volume ejected in the succeeding systole. Many factors contribute to optimum ventricular filling including venous return, left atrial filling from the pulmonary circulation, and emptying into the left ventricle. Left ventricular filling is also impacted by the cavity emptying function and also its synchronous function which may suppress early diastolic filling in severe cases of dyssynchrony. Sub‐optimum LA emptying increases cavity pressure, causes enlarged left atrium, unstable myocardial function, and hence atrial arrhythmia, even atrial fibrillation. Patients with clear signs of raised left atrial pressure are usually symptomatic with exertional breathlessness. Doppler echocardiography is an ideal noninvasive investigation for diagnosing raised left atrial pressure as well as following treatment for heart failure. Spectral Doppler based increased E/A, shortened E‐wave deceleration time, increased E/e’, and prolonged atrial flow reversal in the pulmonary veins are all signs of raised left atrial pressure. Left atrial reduced myocardial strain is another correlate of raised cavity pressure (>15 mm Hg). In patients with inconclusive signs of raised left atrial pressure at rest, exercise/stress echocardiography or simply passive leg lifting should identify those with stiff left ventricular which suffers raised filling pressures with increased venous return.
Between legal requirements and local traditions in school improvement reform in Austria: School leaders as gap managers
Authors: Knapp Mariella 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe implementation of a new school type has changed the context of school leadership in Austrian lower secondary schools. An interview study with 25 secondary‐school leaders was undertaken. The goal of the study was to inquire how school leaders conceptualise their role in the local policy adaptation of a centrally driven reform. The results indicate that school leaders saw themselves as double agents in facing increasing demands from within and without schools for legitimating their work. Neo‐institutionalist theory is used for explaining the role of school leaders as gap managers. The concept of gap management is deployed for describing the role of school leaders as balancing multiple and contradictory interests at school and among local actors such as teachers, parents, students, and community partners.
Co‐occurrence is not evidence of ecological interactions
Authors: Blanchet F. Guillaume , Cazelles Kevin , Gravel Dominique 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThere is a rich amount of information in co‐occurrence (presence–absence) data that could be used to understand community assembly. This proposition first envisioned by Forbes (1907) and then Diamond (1975) prompted the development of numerous modelling approaches (e.g. null model analysis, co‐occurrence networks and, more recently, joint species distribution models). Both theory and experimental evidence support the idea that ecological interactions may affect co‐occurrence, but it remains unclear to what extent the signal of interaction can be captured in observational data. It is now time to step back from the statistical developments and critically assess whether co‐occurrence data are really a proxy for ecological interactions. In this paper, we present a series of arguments based on probability, sampling, food web and coexistence theories supporting that significant spatial associations between species (or lack thereof) is a poor proxy for ecological interactions. We discuss appropriate interpretations of co‐occurrence, along with potential avenues to extract as much information as possible from such data.
Practice recommendations for neurovascular ultrasound investigations of acute stroke patients in the setting of the COVID‐19 pandemic: an expert consensus from the European Society of Neurosonology and Cerebral Hemodynamics
Authors: Baracchini C. , Pieroni A. , Kneihsl M. , Azevedo E. , Diomedi M. , Pascazio L. , Wojczal J. , Lucas C. , Bartels E. , Bornstein NM. , Csiba L. , Valdueza J. , Tsivgoulis G. , Malojcic B. 
Published: May 2020

Background and purposePatients with acute ischemic stroke are at high‐risk for contracting COVID‐19 infection. Additionally, healthcare professionals including neurovascular ultrasound providers are also at risk of being infected by SARS‐CoV‐2 virus. Yet, preparedness to continue to guarantee hyperacute treatment is vital for patients outcome. In light of this situation, the European Society of Neurosonology and Cerebral Hemodynamic (ESNCH) appointed a task force to provide consensus recommendations for the performance of neurovascular ultrasound investigations in acute ischemic stroke during the COVID‐19 pandemic with the aim of protecting both patients and ultrasound providers.MethodsThe “ultrasound in acute stroke working group” of the ESNCH examined literature articles and reviews using the following key words: “corona virus” or “COVID‐19” or “SARS‐CoV‐2 virus”, and “acute stroke” or “cerebrovascular disease”, and “ultrasound”. Thereafter, a thorough discussion was conducted with the “education and guidelines working group” of the ESNCH.ResultsWe propose rapid up‐to‐date recommendations for healthcare personnel involved in the pre‐hospital and intra‐hospital assessment of stroke patients, with a particular attention to neurovascular ultrasound performance.ConclusionThe ESNCH provides a guidance summary for the performance of neurovascular ultrasound investigations in acute ischemic stroke in the time of COVID‐19.
Comparison of brain atrophy in patients with multiple sclerosis treated with first‐ versus second‐generation disease modifying therapy without clinical relapse
Authors: Masuda H. , Mori M. , Hirano S. , Uzawa A. , Uchida T. , Ohtani R. , Aoki R. , Kuwabara S. 
Published: May 2020

Background and purposeThe silent progression of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) has been reported. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between brain atrophy rates and disease‐modifying drugs (DMDs) in patients with MS during their relapse‐free period.MethodsPatients with relapsing‐remitting MS were classified into two groups on the basis of clinical records, i.e. a first‐generation DMD group treated with interferon‐beta‐1a, interferon‐beta‐1b or glatiramer acetate and a second‐generation DMD group treated with dimethyl fumarate, fingolimod or natalizumab. Brain volume was calculated with SPM12.ResultsA total of 45 patients with relapsing‐remitting MS were enrolled in the first‐generation (n = 22) or second‐generation (n = 23) DMD group. The annualized relapse rate was lower in the first‐generation than in the second‐generation DMD group (median 0.26 vs. 0.59; P < 0.001). The annualized atrophy rate of the normalized brain volume was not different between the first‐ and second‐generation DMD groups after analysis of covariance (median 0.13% vs. 0.59%; P = 0.17).ConclusionsThe median annualized atrophy rate of normalized brain volume in the first‐generation DMD group was similar to the previously reported annual brain atrophy rate of healthy controls, which may suggest that treatment with a first‐generation DMD need not be changed when patients with MS are clinically inactive.
Effects of fruit‐baited trap height on flower and leaf chafer scarab beetles sampling in Amazon rainforest
Authors: Puker Anderson , Correa César M. A. , Silva Adriano S. , Silva João V. O. , Korasaki Vanesca , Grossi Paschoal C. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThere is no standardization of ideal trap installation height for an accurate sampling of flower and leaf chafer scarab beetles in the rainforest canopy. This limits the comparison among different studies on the ecology as well as systematic collecting of this beetle group. Here, we sampled flower and leaf chafer beetles using fruit‐baited traps installed at different heights (1.5, 4.5, 7.5 and 10.5 m) in the Brazilian Amazon rainforest with the following proposals: (i) we tested whether there are effects of trap installation height on the abundance, species richness and biomass of these beetles; and (ii) we tested whether there is a difference in the species composition between each trap height. From January to April 2017, we sampled flower and leaf chafer beetles by using traps baited with a banana and sugarcane juice mixture in Amazon rainforest fragments in Porto Velho, Rondônia, Brazil. The abundance, species richness and biomass of flower chafer beetles (Cetoniinae) were higher in traps installed at 10.5 m. For leaf chafer beetles (Rutelinae), we found the higher species richness and abundance at 4.5, 7.5 and 10.5 m, but the biomass of these insects did not differ among the different heights. Only the community composition of flower chafer beetles differed among the different trap installation heights. Our results showed that flower chafer beetles demonstrate a preference for foraging for resources at greater heights in the Amazon rainforest. Thus, to collect cetoniines from tropical forests, the recommended manner is to install the traps in the forest canopy.
Objective and results‐based management of universities: Constructing reality or illusions?
Authors: Kure Nikolaj , Nørreklit Hanne , Røge Kristian M. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThis paper examines the conceptual qualities of the framework of ‘objective and results‐based management’ implemented by Danish governmental institutions for the effective performance management of Danish university institutions. Drawing on pragmatic constructivism, we make a conceptual inquiry into whether this framework contains conceptual qualities that may form the basis for effective performance management of universities. The analysis reveals that the conceptual structure of the model features numerous poorly outlined concepts and mismatches, which gives rise to a language game of pseudo‐realism that is liable to produce illusory control practices. We show that poorly developed performance measurement concepts create an environment wherein top managers are not made accountable for results, thus generating a culture of delusions and arbitrary power. We also find a circumvention of the principal–agent model. The assumption of Danish governmental institutions seems to be that management has access to more information about alternative courses of action and their consequences than university scholars. The study adds to the methodological apparatus to conceptualise, understand, and analyse the effectiveness of organisational practices of performance measurement in public sector activities.