bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantification of 1,3‐β‐d‐glucan by Wako β‐glucan assay for rapid exclusion of invasive fungal infections in critical patients: A diagnostic test accuracy study
Authors: Cento Valeria , Alteri Claudia , Mancini Valentina , Gatti Milo , Lepera Valentina , Mazza Ernestina , Moioli Maria Cristina , Merli Marco , Colombo Jacopo , Orcese Carlo Andrea , Bielli Alessandra , Torri Stefania , Gasparini Laura Elisa , Vismara Chiara , De Gasperi Andrea , Brioschi Paolo , Puoti Massimo , Cairoli Roberto , Lombardi Gianluigi , Perno Carlo Federico 
Published: August 2020

SummaryObjectivesRapid and reliable exclusion of invasive fungal infections (IFI) by markers able to avoid unnecessary empirical antifungal treatment is still a critical unmet clinical need. We investigated the diagnostic performance of a newly available β‐d‐Glucan (BDG) quantification assay, focusing on the optimisation of the BDG cut‐off values for IFI exclusion.MethodsBDG results by Wako β‐glucan assay (lower limit of detection [LLOD] = 2.16 pg/mL, positivity ≥ 11 pg/mL) on two consecutive serum samples were retrospectively analysed in 170 patients, admitted to haematological wards (N = 42), intensive care units (ICUs; N = 80), or other wards (N = 48), exhibiting clinical signs and/or symptoms suspected for IFI. Only patients with proven IFI (EORTC/MSG criteria) were considered as true positives in the assessment of BDG sensitivity, specificity and predictive values.ResultsPatients were diagnosed with no IFI (69.4%), proven IFI (25.3%) or probable IFI (5.3%). Two consecutive BDG values < LLOD performed within a median of 1 (interquartile range: 1‐3) day were able to exclude a proven IFI with 100% sensitivity and negative predictive value (primary study goal). Test's specificity improved by using two distinct positivity and negativity cut‐offs (7.7 pg/mL and LLOD, respectively), but remained suboptimal in ICU patients (50%), as compared to haematological or other patients (93% and 90%, respectively).ConclusionsThe classification of Wako's results as negative when < LLOD, and positive when > 7.7 pg/mL, could be a promising diagnostic approach to confidently rule out an IFI in both ICU and non‐ICU patients. The poor specificity in the ICU setting remains a concern, due to the difficulty to interpret positive results in this fragile population.
Ramsification and the ramifications of Prior's puzzle
Authors: D'Ambrosio Justin 
Published: August 2020

AbstractRamsification is a well‐known method of defining theoretical terms that figures centrally in a wide range of debates in metaphysics. Prior's puzzle is the puzzle of why, given the assumption that that‐clauses denote propositions, substitution of “the proposition that ” for “that ” within the complements of many propositional attitude verbs sometimes fails to preserve truth, and at other times fails to preserve grammaticality. On the surface, Ramsification and Prior's puzzle appear to have little to do with each other. But Prior's puzzle is much more general than is ordinarily appreciated, and Ramsification requires a solution to the generalized form of Prior's puzzle. Without such a solution, a wide range of theories will either fail to imply their Ramsey sentences, or have Ramsey sentences that are ill‐formed. As a consequence, definitions of theoretical terms given using the Ramsey sentence will be either incorrect or nonsensical. I present a partial solution to the puzzle that requires making use of a neo‐Davidsonian language for scientific theorizing, but the would‐be Ramsifier still faces serious challenges.
Learning to run the number line: the development of attentional shifts during single‐digit arithmetic
Authors: Díaz‐Barriga Yáñez Andrea , Couderc Auriane , Longo Léa , Merchie Annabelle , Chesnokova Hanna , Langlois Emma , Thevenot Catherine , Prado Jérôme 
Published: August 2020

AbstractSolving single‐digit subtraction and addition problems is associated with left and right shifts of attention in adults. Here, we explored the development of these spatial shifts in children from the third to fifth grade. In two experiments, children solved single‐digit addition (Experiments 1 and 2), subtraction (Experiment 1), and multiplication (Experiment 2) problems in which operands and the arithmetic sign were shown sequentially. Although the first operand and the arithmetic sign were presented on the center of a screen, the second operand was presented either in the left or the right visual field. In Experiment 1, we found that subtraction problems were increasingly associated with a leftward bias by the fifth grade, such that problem solving was facilitated when the second operand was in the left visual field. In Experiment 2, we found that children can also associate addition problems with the right side of space by the fourth grade. No developmental increase in either leftward or rightward bias was observed for multiplication problems. These attentional shifts might be due to the increasing reliance on calculation procedures that involve mental movements to the left or right of a sequential representation of numbers during subtraction and addition.
Usefulness of the Edmonton Obesity Staging System for stratifying the presence and severity of weight‐related health problems in clinical and community settings: A rapid review of observational studies
Authors: Atlantis Evan , Sahebolamri Mehdi , Cheema Birinder S. , Williams Kathryn 
Published: August 2020

SummaryThis rapid review aimed to examine the usefulness of the Edmonton Obesity Staging System (EOSS) for stratifying the presence and severity of weight‐related health problems in clinical and community settings. We searched PubMed, CINAHL and ProQuest for records from 2009 to May 2020. We considered observational studies in participants with overweight or obesity that investigated the risk of any clinical outcome associated with increasing EOSS. We reviewed and appraised 20 observational studies (cohort = 4, case series = 7, cross‐sectional = 9) published between 2011 and 2020. Of 12 studies in clinical populations, the EOSS was most consistently associated with an increased risk of postoperative complications following bariatric surgery, especially for EOSS 3–4, and inversely associated with weight loss, treatment time and resolution of hypertension following bariatric surgery and clinical weight management. Of eight studies in community populations, the EOSS most consistently predicted mortality outcomes, especially for EOSS 3, and was associated with polypharmacy, service use and poorer work outcomes. Studies reported diverse EOSS definitions and outcomes, which slightly weakens the overall evidence base. The EOSS should be routinely used for predicting risks and benefits of surgical and nonsurgical weight management, but it should be applied with caution for population health planning.
Optical and imaging properties of a novel multi‐segment spectacle lens designed to slow myopia progression
Authors: Jaskulski Matt , Singh Neeraj K , Bradley Arthur , Kollbaum Pete S 
Published: August 2020

AbstractPurposeHigh sampling density optical metrology combined with pupil‐ and image‐plane numerical analyses were applied to evaluate a novel spectacle lens containing multiple small zones designed to slow myopia progression.MethodsHigh‐resolution aberrometry (ClearWave, www.lumetrics.com) was used to sample wavefront slopes of a novel spectacle lens, Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments (DIMS) (www.hoya.com), incorporating many small, positive‐powered lenslets in its periphery. Using wavefront slope and error maps, custom MATLAB software (‘Indiana Wavefront Analyzer’) was used to compute image‐plane point‐spread functions (PSF), modulation transfer functions (MTF), simulated images and power distributions created by the dual‐focus optic for different pupil sizes and target vergences.ResultsOutside of a central 10 mm zone containing single distance optical power, a hexagonal array of small 1 mm lenslets with nearest‐neighbour separations of 0.5 mm were distributed over the lens periphery. Sagittal and curvature‐based measures of optical power imperfectly captured the consistent +3.50 D add produced by the lenslets. Image plane simulations revealed multiple PSFs and poor image quality at the lenslet focal plane. Blur at the distance optic focal plane was consistent with a combination of diffraction blur from the distance optic and the approximately +3.50 D of defocus from the 1 mm diameter near optic zones.ConclusionConverging the defocused beams generated by the multiple small (1 mm diameter) lenslets to a blurred image at the distance focal plane produced a blur magnitude determined by the small lenslet diameter and not the overall pupil diameter. The distance optic located in between the near‐add lenslets determines the limits of the optical quality achievable by the lens. When compared to the optics of a traditional concentric‐zone dual‐focus contact lens, the optics of the DIMS lens generates higher‐contrast images at low spatial frequencies (<7 cycles per degree), but lower‐contrast at high spatial frequencies.
Percutaneous Endoscopic Transforaminal Lumbar Discectomy via Eccentric Trepan foraminoplasty Technology for Unilateral Stenosed Serve Root Canals
Authors: Zou Hong‐jun , Hu Yong , Liu Jin‐bo , Wu Jun 
Published: August 2020

ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical outcomes of percutaneous lumbar foraminoplasty for unilateral stenosed nerve root canals.MethodsThe article is a retrospective analysis. From May 2016 to April 2017, 32 patients with lumbar spinal stenosis syndrome (unilateral stenosed nerve root canals) were treated with percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal lumbar discectomy (PETLD). The study included 15 men and 17 women, with an average age of 53.8 ± 15.4 years, ranging from 24 to 78 years. The indexes used for preoperative and postoperative 1 day, 3 months, and final follow up were the visual analogue scale (VAS) for lumbar and leg, the Oswestry disability index (ODI), and the modified Macnab criteria. All patients were followed up for an average 6 months after the operation.ResultsThe average operative time was 75.82 ± 10.58 min, the average blood loss was 15.83 ± 3.75 mL, and the average hospital stay after surgery was 6.2 ± 4.6 days. The VAS score (leg) decreased from 6.94 ± 0.50 preoperatively to 1.16 ± 0.45 at the final follow up (P < 0.05) and ODI were obviously improved, from preoperative evaluation of 80.19 ± 5.55 to 9.44 ± 1.16 at the final follow up (P < 0.05). However, the postoperative VAS score (lumbar) did not show an improvement, reducing from 1.78 ± 0.49 preoperatively to 1.62 ± 0.55 at the final follow‐up (P > 0.05). According to the modified Macnab criteria, the outcome showed that the excellent and good rate was 90.6%. There were three patients with hip soreness, and nerve root symptoms were relieved.ConclusionPercutaneous endoscopic transforaminal lumbar discectomy has a satisfactory clinical effect in the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis syndrome, especially for unilateral stenosed nerve root canals, and in decompressing the lateral recess and relieving the nerve root symptoms.
Novel Double Endobutton Technique Combined with Three‐Dimensional Printing: A Biomechanical Study of Reconstruction in Acromioclavicular Joint Dislocation
Authors: Zhang Lei , He Ai‐ni , Jin Yu‐feng , Cheng Han‐wen , Yu Lin , Zhang Hua‐qiang , Yao Jun‐jie , Zhou Xin 
Published: August 2020

ObjectiveTo reconstruct the acromioclavicular (AC) joint using an adjusted closed‐loop double Endobutton technique via a guiding locator that was applied using three‐dimensional (3D) printing technology. At the same time, the reliability and safety of the novel double Endobutton (NDE) were tested by comparing the biomechanics of this technique with the TightRope (TR) approach.MethodsThis retrospective study was conducted between January 2017 and January 2019. The Department of Anatomy at Southern Medical University obtained 18 fresh‐frozen specimens (8 left and 10 right; 12 men and 6 women). First, the guiding locators were applied using 3D printing technology. After preparation of materials, specimens were divided into an NDE group, a TR group, and a normal group. In the NDE and TR groups, the navigation module was used to locate and establish the bone tunnels; after that, the NDE or TR was implanted. However, the Endobuttons were fixed while pressing the distal clavicle downwards and the length of the loop could be adjusted by changing the upper Endobutton in the NDE group while the suture button construct was tensioned and knotted after pressing down the distal clavicle in the TR. Finally, load testing in anterior–posterior (AP), superior–inferior (SI), and medial–lateral (ML) directions as well as load‐to‐failure testing in the SI direction were undertaken to verify whether the NDE or TR had better biomechanics.ResultsIn the load testing, the displacements of the NDE and TR groups in the AP, SI, and ML direction were significantly shorter than those of the normal group (P < 0.05). In the load‐to‐failure testing, the ultimate load of the NDE and TR groups had significantly higher increases than the normal group (722.16 ± 92.04 vs 564.63 ± 63.05, P < 0.05; 680.20 ± 110.29 vs 564.63 ± 63.05, P < 0.05). However, there was no statistically significant difference between the two techniques for these two tests (P > 0.05). In the NDE group, four of six failures were a result of tunnel fractures of the coracoid, while two of six were due to suture breakage. In the TR, three failures were due to coracoid tunnel fractures, one was a result of a clavicle tunnel fracture, and the rest were due to suture breakage. In the normal group, half of the failures were a result of avulsion fractures of the conical ligament at the point of the coracoid process, and the other three were due to rupture of the conical ligament, fracture of the distal clavicle, and fracture of the scapular body.ConclusionAs for the TR technique, the stability and strength of the AC joint were better in patients who underwent reconstruction using the NDE technique than in the intact state.
Ethanol infusion into the vein of Marshall for recurrent perimitral atrial tachycardia after catheter ablation for persistent atrial fibrillation
Authors: Sang Caihua , Lai Yiwei , Long Deyong , Li Mengmeng , Bai Rong , Jiang Chenxi , Wang Wei , Li Songnan , Tang Ribo , Guo Xueyuan , Liu Nian , Zhao Xin , Zuo Song , Wen Songnan , Ning Man , Wu Jiahui , Du Xin , Dong Jianzeng , Ma Changsheng 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundCatheter ablation of perimitral atrial tachycardia (PMAT) is challenging. Epicardial conduction of the Marshall bundle (MB) across the mitral isthmus (MI) remains an important cause of recurrent tachycardia. The role of ethanol infusion into the vein of Marshall (EI‐VOM) for PMAT has not been fully elucidated.MethodsThe study enrolled 28 consecutive patients with recurrent PMAT after atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. Conventional PMAT (group 1, n = 15) and MB‐related PMAT (group 2, n = 13) were diagnosed by detailed activation mapping and entrainment mapping. VOM venography and EI‐VOM were first performed, and additional ablation was performed if necessary.ResultsThe VOM was accessible in 24 (85.7%) patients (12 [80%] in group 1 and 12 [92.3%] in group 2). Patients with MB‐related PMAT were more responsive to EI‐VOM (as shown by PMAT termination or tachycardia cycle length prolongation) (92.4% vs 53.3%, P = .038). In the 16 patients requiring additional ablation after EI‐VOM, all residual MI conduction gaps were located on the annular side of the MI. At the end of the procedure, MI bidirectional block was achieved in 14 (93.3%) patients in group 1 and in 12 (92.3%) patients in group 2 (P = 1.000). After a mean follow‐up of 7.5 ± 3.1 months, three (10.7%) patients had recurrent AT.ConclusionsEI‐VOM is feasible and effective in the treatment of PMAT after AF ablation, especially in patients with MB‐related PMAT.
Retrospect on in vitro androgenesis of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor)
Authors: Chege Paul , Lantos Csaba , Pauk János 
Published: August 2020

AbstractDevelopment of sorghum hybrids can immensely benefit from an enhanced anther culture protocol since the resultant doubled haploids would accelerate, as in other major cereal crops, the attainment of homozygosity and fixation of alleles. Production of the hybrids that have got high yielding, stress tolerance and other traits of industrial significance in a shorter time as compared to the current trend can hence be realized. This review presents the advances that have been made in the development of such a protocol, with closer attention to androgenic induction components of pre‐treatment, culture media composition and conditions as well as ploidy determination and eventual chromosome doubling. From the findings of this review, it is clear that further work is desired to ensure a protocol, that to a large degree, breaks the genotype dependency trend that has been widely cited to impede the usability of the tested protocols.
Decoding ABA and osmostress signalling in plants from an evolutionary point of view
Authors: Komatsu Kenji , Takezawa Daisuke , Sakata Yoichi 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe plant hormone abscisic acid (ABA) is fundamental for land plant adaptation to water‐limited conditions. Osmostress, such as drought, induces ABA accumulation in angiosperms, triggering physiological responses such as stomata closure. The core components of angiosperm ABA signalling are soluble ABA receptors, group A protein phosphatase type 2C and SNF1‐related protein kinase2 (SnRK2). ABA also has various functions in non‐angiosperms, however, suggesting that its role in adaptation to land may not have been angiosperm‐specific. Indeed, among land plants, the core ABA signalling components are evolutionarily conserved, implying their presence in a common ancestor. Results of ongoing functional genomics studies of ABA signalling components in bryophytes and algae have expanded our understanding of the evolutionary role of ABA signalling, with genome sequencing uncovering the ABA core module even in algae. In this review, we describe recent discoveries involving the ABA core module in non‐angiosperms, tracing the footprints of how ABA evolved as a phytohormone. We also cover the latest findings on Raf‐like kinases as upstream regulators of the core ABA module component SnRK2. Finally, we discuss the origin of ABA signalling from an evolutionary perspective.
Mitochondrial DNA‐depleter mouse as a model to study human pigmentary skin disorders
Authors: Villavicencio Kyrene M. , Ahmed Noha , Harris Melissa L. , Singh Keshav K. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractPigmentation abnormalities are reported in the spectrum of phenotypes associated with aging and in patients with mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome (MDS). Yet, a relevant animal model that mimics these effects and would allow us to evaluate the detrimental aspects of mtDNA depletion on melanocyte function has not been described. Here, we characterize the pigmentary changes observed in the ears of a mtDNA‐depleter mouse, which phenotypically includes accentuation of the peri‐adnexal pseudonetwork, patchy hyper‐ and hypopigmentation, and reticular pigmentation. Histologically, these mice show increased epidermal pigmentation with patchy distribution, along with increased and highly dendritic melanocytes. These mtDNA‐depleter mice mimic aspects of the cutaneous, pigmentary changes observed in humans with age‐related senile lentigines as well as MDS. We suggest that this mouse model can serve as a novel resource for future interrogations of how mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to pigmentary skin disorders. The mtDNA‐depleter mouse model also serves as a useful tool to identify novel agents capable of treating pigmentary changes associated with age‐related mitochondrial dysfunction in humans.
Folliculocystic and collagenous hamartoma of tuberous sclerosis complex, not always a single cutaneous lesion
Authors: Roca‐Ginés Juncal , Torres‐Navarro Ignacio , Llavador‐Ros Margarita , Évole‐Buselli Montserrat 
Published: August 2020

AbstractFolliculocystic and collagenous hamartoma (FCCH) is a rare cutaneous manifestation characterized by the presence of single plaques studded with comedo‐like openings and cysts. Although its pathophysiology is still unknown, it has generally been described in men with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). We report a case of a one‐year‐old child with two FCCH in the abdominal wall associated with TSC. In our case, a TSC2 mutation was identified.
A sixteen‐year single‐center retrospective chart review of Spitz nevi and spitzoid neoplasms in pediatric patients
Authors: Davies Olivia M.T. , Majerowski Jacquelyn , Segura Annette , Kelley Scott W. , Sokumbi Olayemi , Humphrey Stephen R. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundSpitzoid neoplasms in pediatric patients pose an interesting challenge for clinicians. More data on the clinical, histologic, and molecular characteristics of these lesions are necessary to distinguish features that may portend recurrence or malignant behavior to help determine future treatment guidelines in pediatric patients.MethodsInstitutional Review Board approval was obtained from Children's Hospital of Wisconsin to conduct a retrospective analysis of spitzoid neoplasms. Patients with biopsied or excised spitzoid neoplasms between 01/01/2000 and 08/01/2016 were included. Pertinent clinical and histologic data were collected. Atypical, unusual, or diagnostically uncertain lesions were selected for re‐review.Results266 lesions from 264 patients were included. 243 were classified as benign (91.35%), 22 as atypical (8.27%), and 1 as spitzoid melanoma (0.38%). No clinical or histologic variables were found to be statistically significant between the benign Spitz, atypical Spitz, and spitzoid melanoma cohorts. No known deaths occurred.ConclusionOur findings highlight the extreme variability of spitzoid neoplasms clinically and histologically. Importantly, this study demonstrates that the vast majority of spitzoid neoplasms in pediatric populations are benign and supports conservative management of spitzoid lesions in children.
Exploring the term “harmony” and its practical significance in Confucian classics with examples drawn from the Liji
Authors: Fang Zhaohui , McConochie Thomas 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe Chinese character, he (和), “harmony,” occurs more than 100 times in the Liji (禮記; the Book of Rites). This accounts for over one‐third of the term's total number of occurrences in the 13 pre‐Qin Confucian classics. In this study, we engage with existing scholarship on the concept of “harmony” in Chinese culture and contribute to the discussion by analyzing the variety of senses that “harmony” has in the pre‐Qin Confucian classics, especially the Liji. We find that usages of the term “he” (“harmony”) in the Liji fall into six categories, namely, self, external things, music, human relations, politics, and the universe. We hold that the ways in which harmony features in the Liji and other Confucian classics can help us understand the Chinese cultural presupposition that there exists “only one world,” meaning that this world encompasses both the natural and the supernatural, and that human beings are a holistic blend of body and heart‐mind, which does not give rise to any dualistic tension between body and mind. Based on our understanding of the unique Chinese worldview and the corresponding view on life, this study aims to give an account for the importance of harmony as a guideline within various areas of Chinese life.