bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Magnetic resonance imaging of Baló’s concentric sclerosis: Literature review and presentation of two focused cases
Authors: Ballini Chiara , Destro Francesco , Garofalo Paolo , Suri Jasjit S. , Ercoli Tommaso , Muroni Antonella , Caddeo Giancarlo , Qi Yang , Defazio Giovanni , Saba Luca 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe aim of this study was to describe two cases of Baló’s concentric sclerosis, and to review the state‐of‐the‐art literature. This dissertation is the result of a critical analysis matching the literature and our professional experience. Data were synthesized into a narrative review. BCS is often referred to as a variant of multiple sclerosis (MS). It is still unclear whether BCS is an acute variant of MS or a distinct entity that happens to coexist with MS. BCS and MS‐like lesions might be present at the same time. BCS lesions are characterized by a large concentric “onion‐like” shape on MRI T2‐weighted images composed of alternating hypointense and hyperintense layers. On contrast‐enhanced T1‐weighted images, BCS active lesions usually show an enhancing and non‐enhancing pattern. The advancing edge of demyelination could be represented by peripheral restricted diffusion and contrast enhancement. Baló’s lesions is mainly found in the supratentorial white matter; however; the cerebellum, the brainstem and the spinal cord might be affected as well. The present two cases both showed onion‐like lesions; case 1 showed typical BCS features, whereas case 2 was atypical and could be classified as probably BCS or as a BCS‐like lesion in the course of MS. It is important for radiologists to be able to recognize this type of lesion and to cooperate with clinicians to help them carry out earlier diagnosis and treatment, determining a better clinical outcome for patients affected by BCS, even without histological confirmation, which is still considered the gold standard.
Perspectives on personal identity in the early stages of psychosis: A survey of Canadian clinicians
Authors: Ben‐David Shelly , Kealy David , Hanson Jessica , Ortiz Radha 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAimIdentity‐related concerns represent an important aspect of young people's experience in early psychosis. Knowledge regarding clinicians' perspectives on this issue, however, is limited. Thus, the present study was developed to understand Canadian clinicians' perspectives on personal identity‐related concerns in early psychosis.MethodsAn online survey was distributed to 331 multiprofessional clinicians working in early psychosis intervention programs in a Canadian province. Clinicians were asked about their opinions regarding the salience of identity in early psychosis using Likert‐rated items and open response questions.ResultsNearly all of the clinicians agreed that identity is an important issue for clinical attention, yet only half of the clinicians endorsed a high level of confidence in their ability to address issues related to identity in treatment. Although several clinical strategies were identified, specific evidence‐based approaches for strengthening identity in early psychosis remain lacking.ConclusionsFindings indicate a need for early psychosis programs to invest in identity‐ related training for clinicians.
Alteration of brain dynamics during dual‐task overground walking
Authors: Nenna Federica , Do Cao Tri , Protzak Janna , Gramann Klaus 
Published: September 2020

AbstractWhen walking in our natural environment, we often solve additional cognitive tasks. This increases the demand of resources needed for both the cognitive and motor systems, resulting in Cognitive‐Motor Interference (CMI). A large portion of neurophysiological investigations on CMI took place in static settings, emphasizing the experimental rigor but overshadowing the ecological validity. As a more ecologically valid alternative to treadmill and desktop‐based setups to investigate CMI, we developed a dual‐task walking scenario in virtual reality (VR) combined with Mobile Brain/Body Imaging (MoBI). We aimed at investigating how brain dynamics are modulated by dual‐task overground walking with an additional task in the visual domain. Participants performed a visual discrimination task in VR while standing (single‐task) and walking overground (dual‐task). Even though walking had no impact on the performance in the visual discrimination task, a P3 amplitude reduction along with changes in power spectral densities (PSDs) were observed for discriminating visual stimuli during dual‐task walking. These results reflect an impact of walking on the parallel processing of visual stimuli even when the cognitive task is particularly easy. This standardized and easy to modify VR paradigm helps to systematically study CMI, allowing researchers to control for the impact of additional task complexity of tasks in different sensory modalities. Future investigations implementing an improved virtual design with more challenging cognitive and motor tasks will have to investigate the roles of both cognition and motion, allowing for a better understanding of the functional architecture of attention reallocation between cognitive and motor systems during active behavior.
A high glucose concentration during early stages of in vitro equine embryo development alters expression of genes involved in glucose metabolism
Authors: Sánchez‐Calabuig María J. , Fernández‐González Raúl , Hamdi Meriem , Smits Katrien , López‐Cardona Angela P. , Serres Consuelo , Macías‐García Beatriz , Gutiérrez‐Adán Alfonso 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundEquine embryos exhibit an unusual pattern of glucose tolerance in vitro and are currently cultured in hyperglycaemic conditions.ObjectiveOur main objective was to analyse the effect of different glucose concentrations on in vitro‐produced equine embryo development and quality.Study designExperiments comparing in vitro and in vivo produced embryos.MethodsOocytes (n = 641) were collected from post‐mortem ovaries, matured in vitro and fertilised by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Embryo culture was divided from Day 0 to Day 4 and from Day 4 to Day 9 in three groups: 5‐10 (5 and 10 mmol/L glucose respectively; n = 87); 5‐17 (5 and 17.5 mmol/L; n = 66); and 10‐17 (10 and 17.5 mmol/L; n = 117). A control group of 20 in vivo produced blastocysts was included. Cleavage and blastocyst rates were evaluated and embryos were snap‐frozen for analysis of the relative mRNA expression of genes related to mitochondrial function, DNA methylation, apoptosis, glucose transport and metabolism.ResultsNo differences were observed in the cleavage or blastocyst rates among in vitro groups. Under high glucose conditions in vitro (10‐17 group), BAX/BCL2 was higher, and PFKP, LDHA and COX2 were overexpressed compared to all other groups. The two groups with 5 mmol/L glucose concentration during the first culture stage (5‐10 and 5‐17) displayed similar patterns which differed to the 10‐17 group.Main limitationsConclusions related to embryo quality are based on gene expression patterns. Transfer of in vitro‐produced embryos would reveal whether the observed differences improve embryo developmental competence.ConclusionsFive mM glucose during the first days of culture seems to be preferable to avoid over‐activation of embryonic glycolytic pathways. Further studies are necessary to determine whether this improves embryo developmental competence.
Perceptual differences about kanji instruction: Native versus nonnative, and secondary versus postsecondary instructors of Japanese
Authors: Mori Yoshiko 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThis study investigated perceptual differences between Japanese language instructors with different ethnolinguistic and professional backgrounds in respect to kanji (i.e., Chinese characters used in Japanese) instruction. A total of 199 teachers of Japanese across the United States completed a 62‐item questionnaire eliciting their attitudes toward kanji and instructional strategies. A principal component analysis identified six attitude factors (Kanji has cultural value; Kanji is useful; Kanji is difficult; Kanji is fun; Kanji has future; and Kanji learning requires special abilities) and seven strategy factors (memory strategies, context‐based strategies, confidence, sound strategies, morphological analysis, metacognitive strategies, and rote memorization). Overall, the instructors appreciated the usefulness of kanji and considered rote memorization, memory, and metacognitive strategies effective. Multivariate analyses, however, revealed the statistically significant effects of native status and school level on the self‐report instructional strategies. Specifically, nonnative instructors rated the effectiveness of sound, memory, and context‐based strategies higher than native counterparts, and that secondary school teachers showed stronger beliefs in the effectiveness of memory strategies than college instructors, who rated rote memorization most effective. In sum, Japanese language instructors in general reflect upon their own kanji instruction from multiple perspectives but show different perceptions that are attributable to their learning and professional experiences.
Developing metaphorical awareness and competence in Chinese as a foreign language through concept‐based instruction
Authors: Liu Shuyuan , Hsieh Chen‐Yu C. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractDue to the importance of metaphorical capacity for L2 learners, metaphor instruction is increasingly considered a crucial part of language education. To contribute to the still growing literature, the current study reports a project of teaching Chinese animal metaphors to learners of Mandarin as a foreign language, following the framework of systemic‐theoretical instruction for concept‐based instruction (CBI). Given the conceptual nature of metaphors and their role in the conceptual understanding of a language, a concept‐based approach is therefore hypothesized as relevant in the development of learner's metaphorical capacity. By analyzing the surveys, coursework, and assignments completed by and the audio recordings of instructional sessions conducted with three focal participants, this research shows that CBI is effective in growing the learners' metaphorical awareness and competence, despite their difference in general language proficiency and the seemingly short period of instruction. As such, this research reveals both the mechanisms of L2 metaphor learning and the effects of CBI on the practice of L2 metaphor instruction.
Improving the age reading of East Greenland Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) by determining otolith growth zone timing and annuli widths
Authors: Lyngby Mette Svantemann , Rigét Frank , Retzel Anja , Hedeholm Rasmus , Grønkjær Peter 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAccurate and consistent age readings are cornerstones of age‐based assessment and management of exploited fish stocks. Otoliths are the preferred structure for age determination, often performed by counting the number of completed 001 zones. Uncertainty regarding the identification of the first translucent zone and the timing of translucent zone formation can cause skewed age determination even in species with otherwise clearly defined annuli. This study addresses an inter‐institutional discrepancy in age readings of the East Greenland Atlantic cod Gadus morhua L. By analysing the opacity of the otolith margin of cod sampled monthly from February to December, it was shown that translucent zones are formed primarily during March–May. Size distributions of the dorsal–ventral and proximal–distal widths of the first three translucent zones are provided as guide to their identification. This study provides new knowledge that resolves the discrepancy in age reading of East Greenland Atlantic cod.
Donor cell microchimerism in kidney transplantation: Implications for graft function
Authors: El‐Ansary Mervat , Saadi Gamal , Hassaballa May , Zidan Mahmoud , Abdel Fattah Walaa , Kelany Ayda K. , Hanna Mariam Onsy F. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractGiven the uncertainty regarding the relationship between donor cells at microchimeric levels and its influence on graft function and clinical outcome, we explored the extent and importance of donor microchimerism in kidney transplantation. Twenty patients with chronic kidney disease who had received allografts from living donors were studied. We examined peripheral whole blood samples from the recipients one month after the transplant, applying mitochondrial DNA variant‐specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to identify and quantify donor cells in relation to allograft function and survival during three years of follow‐up. Higher quantities of donor‐derived cell microchimerism in the peripheral blood correlated with better graft function in the early postoperative period at 1 month (R2 = .536, p = .001) and predicted improved graft function 1 year following the transplant (R2 = .430, p = .008). Furthermore, early post‐transplant quantities of donor cell microchimerism were an important predictor of improved kidney function 3 years after transplantation (R2 = .397, p = .021). However, donor cell microchimerism failed to predict patient and graft survival after 3 years (odds ratio = 0.536, p = .860). Our findings suggest that donor cell microchimerism plays an immunoregulatory role in kidney transplantation and contributes to donor‐specific immune hypo‐responsiveness and graft acceptance.
Establishing Ghanaian adult reference intervals for hematological parameters controlling for latent anemia and inflammation
Authors: Bawua Abigail S. A. , Ichihara Kiyoshi , Keatley Rosemary , Arko‐Mensah John , Dei‐Adomakoh Yvonne , Ayeh‐Kumi Patrick F. , Erasmus Rajiv , Fobil Julius 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundIn Ghana, diagnostic laboratories rely on reference intervals (RIs) provided by manufacturers of laboratory analyzers which may not be appropriate. This study aimed to establish RIs for hematological parameters in adult Ghanaian population.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study recruited 501 apparently healthy adults from two major urban areas in Ghana based on the protocol by IFCC Committee for Reference Intervals and Decision Limits. Whole blood was tested for complete blood count (CBC) by Sysmex XN‐1000 analyzer, sera were tested for iron and ferritin by Beckman‐Coulter/AU480, for transferrin, vitamin‐B12, and folate was measured by Centaur‐XP/Siemen. Partitioning of reference values by sex and age was guided by “effect size” of between‐subgroup differences defined as standard deviation ratio (SDR) based on ANOVA. RIs were derived using parametric method with application of latent abnormal values exclusion method (LAVE), a multifaceted method of detecting subjects with abnormal results in related parameters.ResultsUsing SDR ≥ 0.4 as a threshold, RIs were partitioned by sex for platelet, erythrocyte parameters except mean corpuscular constants, and iron markers. Application of LAVE had prominent effect on RIs for majority of erythrocyte and iron parameters. Global comparison of Ghanaian RIs revealed lower‐side shift of RIs for leukocyte and neutrophil counts, female hemoglobin and male platelet count, especially compared to non‐African countries.ConclusionThe LAVE effect on many hematological RIs indicates the need for deliberate secondary exclusion for proper derivation of RIs. Obvious differences in Ghanaian RIs compared to other countries underscore the importance of country‐specific RIs for improved clinical decision‐making.
The impact of the social context on value and expectancy beliefs in an online graduate program: The role of social presence
Authors: Edwards Ordene V. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThis study examines the influence of perceived social presence on online graduate students' value and expectancy beliefs. Forty‐nine participants enrolled in an online teacher leadership graduate program completed questionnaires that measured perceived social presence and value and expectancy beliefs. A series of simple linear regression analyses revealed that social presence positively predicted students' value for online learning. Social presence did not predict participants' expectations of future success in teacher leadership. Results partially supported the assumption of the expectancy‐value model that motivational beliefs are influenced by the information students receive from social partners. Moreover, the study tested and confirmed the application of the model in online settings and for students pursuing graduate education.
LIGHT aggravates sepsis‐associated acute kidney injury via TLR4‐MyD88‐NF‐κB pathway
Authors: Zhong Yu , Wu Shun , Yang Yan , Li Gui‐qing , Meng Li , Zheng Quan‐you , Li You , Xu Gui‐lian , Zhang Ke‐qin , Peng Kan‐fu 
Published: September 2020

AbstractSepsis‐associated acute kidney injury (SA‐AKI) is a common clinical critical care syndrome. It has received increasing attention due to its high morbidity and mortality; however, its pathophysiological mechanisms remain elusive. LIGHT, the 14th member of the tumour necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily and a bidirectional immunoregulatory molecule that regulates inflammation, plays a pivotal role in disease pathogenesis. In this study, mice with an intraperitoneal injection of LPS and HK‐2 cells challenged with LPS were employed as a model of SA‐AKI in vivo and in vitro, respectively. LIGHT deficiency notably attenuated kidney injury in pathological damage and renal function and markedly mitigated the inflammatory reaction by decreasing inflammatory mediator production and inflammatory cell infiltration in vivo. The TLR4‐Myd88‐NF‐κB signalling pathway in the kidney of LIGHT knockout mice was dramatically down‐regulated compared to the controls. Recombinant human LIGHT aggravated LPS‐treated HK‐2 cell injury by up‐regulating the expression of the TLR4‐Myd88‐NF‐κB signalling pathway and inflammation levels. TAK 242 (a selective TLR4 inhibitor) reduced this trend to some extent. In addition, blocking LIGHT with soluble receptor fusion proteins HVEM‐Fc or LTβR‐Fc in mice attenuated renal dysfunction and pathological damage in SA‐AKI. Our findings indicate that LIGHT aggravates inflammation and promotes kidney damage in LPS‐induced SA‐AKI via the TLR4‐Myd88‐NF‐κB signalling pathway, which provide potential strategies for the treatment of SA‐AKI.
Clinical outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve replacement in South America: A centre‐level systematic review and meta‐analysis of observational data
Authors: Boissonnet Carlos Pablo , Giorgi Mariano Aníbal , Carosella Lucila , Brescacin Carola , Pissinis Jerónimo , Guetta Javier Norberto 
Published: September 2020

AbstractObjectivesTo estimate in‐hospital and 30‐day outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in South America through a systematic review and meta‐analysis of observational data.MethodsWe comprehensively searched for papers published in peer‐reviewed medical journals and for abstracts presented in medical conferences of the region from 1 September 2008, through 29 June 2020, using predefined criteria. We included single‐centre studies on TAVR populations with ≥10 patients from South America reporting any in‐hospital or 30‐day clinical outcome.ResultsFifty‐five cohorts from seven countries, pooling 3001 patients, were included in a random‐effects meta‐analysis. Self‐expandable prostheses were the most frequently implanted. Pooled estimate of procedure success by VARC2 criteria was 90.0% (95%CI 81.8%‐94.7%; I2 75.0%). The pooled estimate rates of the outcomes were as follow: post‐procedure moderate or severe aortic regurgitation, 9.7% (95%CI 6.0%‐15.4%; I2 65.4%), in‐hospital cardiac tamponade, 4.0% (95%CI 2.5%‐6.6%; I2 0%), in‐hospital stroke, 4.1% (95%CI 2.9%‐5.7%; I2 0%), in‐hospital major vascular complication, 7.8% (95%CI 5.2%‐11.5%; I2 22.3%), in‐hospital permanent pacemaker implantation, 19.4% (95%CI 15.9%‐23.4%; I2 53.8%), in‐hospital mortality, 8.0% (95%CI 6.7%‐9.6%; I2 0%), and 30‐day mortality, 9.7% (95%CI 7.9%‐11.8%; I2 26.4%).ConclusionAs compared with published international registries, the overall results of TAVR in South America seemed underrated. Significant heterogeneity was observed in procedural success, pacemaker requirement, and post‐procedure moderate or severe aortic regurgitation. This study provides a real‐life framework for the analysis of the performance of this technology in the region, intended to be a starting point for quality improvement.
Symptomatic cholelithiasis patients have an increased risk of pancreatic cancer: A population‐based study
Authors: Wang Chi‐Chih , Tseng Ming‐Hseng , Wu Sheng‐Wen , Yang Tzu‐Wei , Chen Hsuan‐Yi , Sung Wen‐Wei , Su Chang‐Cheng , Wang Yao‐Tung , Chen Wei‐Liang , Lai Hsueh‐Chou , Lin Chun‐Che , Tsai Ming‐Chang 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackground and AimPancreatic cancer is a fatal disease; currently, the risk factor survey is not suitable for sporadic pancreatic cancer, which has neither family history nor the genetic analysis data. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the roles of cholelithiasis and cholelithiasis treatments on pancreatic cancer risk.MethodsSymptomatic adult patients with an index admission of cholelithiasis were selected from one million random samples obtained between January 2005 and December 2009. The control group was matched with a 1:1 ratio for sex, age, chronic pancreatitis, and pancreatic cystic disease. Subsequent pancreatic cancer, which we defined as pancreatic cancer that occurred ≥ 6 months later, and total pancreatic cancer events were calculated in the cholelithiasis and control groups. The cholelithiasis group was further divided into endoscopic sphincterotomy/endoscopic papillary balloon dilatation, cholecystectomy, endoscopic sphincterotomy/endoscopic papillary balloon dilatation and cholecystectomy, and no‐intervention groups for evaluation.ResultsThe cholelithiasis group and the matched control group included 8265 adults. The cholelithiasis group contained 86 cases of diagnosed pancreatic cancer, and the control group contained 8 cases (P < 0.001). The incidence rate ratio (IRR) of subsequent pancreatic cancer was significantly higher in the cholelithiasis group than in the control group (IRR: 5.28, P < 0.001). The IRR of subsequent pancreatic cancer was higher in the no‐intervention group comparing with cholecystectomy group (IRR = 3.21, P = 0.039) but was similar in other management subgroups.ConclusionSymptomatic cholelithiasis is a risk factor for pancreatic cancer; the risk is similar regardless of the intervention chosen for cholelithiasis.
Banking on the Boom, Tripped by the Bust: Banks and the World War I Agricultural Price Shock
Authors: JAREMSKI MATTHEW , WHEELOCK DAVID C. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractHow do banks respond to asset booms? This paper examines (i) how U.S. banks responded to the World War I farmland boom; (ii) the impact of regulation; and (iii) how bank closures exacerbated the postwar bust. The boom encouraged new bank formation and balance sheet expansion (especially by new banks). Deposit insurance amplified the impact of rising crop prices on bank portfolios, while higher minimum capital requirements dampened the effects. Banks that responded most aggressively to the asset boom had a higher probability of closing in the bust, and counties with more bank closures experienced larger declines in land prices.