bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Head to head comparison of [99mTc]Tc(CO)3(NTA) and [99mTc]Tc-MAG3 in patients with suspected obstruction
Authors: Taylor Andrew T. , Lipowska Malgorzata , Halkar Raghuveer K. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Purpose
99mTc-tricarbonyl-nitrilotriacetic acid, [99mTc]Tc(CO)3(NTA), is a new 99mTc-renal radiopharmaceutical with a clearance equal to that of 131I-ortho-iodohippuran, [131I]I-OIH. Our purpose was to compare the performance of [99mTc]Tc(CO)3(NTA) and [99mTc]Tc-MAG3 in patients with suspected obstruction.

Methods
[99mTc]Tc(CO)3(NTA) was prepared with commercially available NTA ligand and CRS Isolink kit, and isolated by HPLC. Eighteen adult patients referred for diuretic renography received an intravenous injection of approximately 40 mg of furosemide 15 min prior to either [99mTc]Tc(CO)3(NTA) or [99mTc]Tc-MAG3 (mean activity of 47 ± 4.4 MBq). Data were acquired for 24 min followed by an anterior image of the liver and gall bladder and a measure of voided volume. Patients received a second furosemide injection equal to one third of the original dose followed fifteen minutes later by administration of the alternate tracer, mean activity of 320 ± 34 MBq. Clearances were measured using a camera-based technique.

Results
The clearance of NTA was greater than that of MAG3, 331 ± 146 versus 271 ± 105 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively, p < 0.0001. The kidney to background ratio for NTA was greater than that of MAG3 for both left and right kidneys, p < 0.001; the 20 min/maximum count ratio was significantly less, p < 0.0001. There was no significant difference in the voiding volumes following NTA and MAG3 administration, 598 ± 237 mL versus 498 ± 170 mL, respectively, p = 0.07. Gall bladder activity was not observed with NTA but was present in 6/17 MAG3 studies. Images and renogram curves were comparable except for two patients where the NTA study excluded obstruction but the MAG3 study suggested an indeterminate or obstructed kidney.

Conclusions
Unlike MAG3, NTA is not eliminated via the hepatobiliary track. Moreover, NTA has a higher kidney to background ratio and more rapid clearance than MAG3. These advantages should allow more robust camera-based clearance measurements and may lead to better discrimination between obstructed and non-obstructed kidneys.
Correctness conditions for high-order differential equations with unbounded coefficients
Authors: Ospanov Kordan N. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractWe give some sufficient conditions for the existence and uniqueness of the solution of a higher-order linear differential equation with unbounded coefficients in the Hilbert space. We obtain some estimates for the weighted norms of the solution and its derivatives. Using these estimates, we show the conditions for the compactness of some integral operators associated with the resolvent.
A new method for high-order boundary value problems
Authors: Zhang Yingchao , Mei Liangcai , Lin Yingzhen 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis paper presents a numerical algorithm for solving high-order BVPs. We introduce the construction method of multiscale orthonormal basis in $W^{m}_{2}[0,1]$

W
2
m

[
0
,
1
]
. Based on the orthonormal basis, the numerical solution of the boundary value problem is obtained by finding the ε-approximate solution. In addition, the convergence order, stability, and time complexity of the method are discussed theoretically. At last, several numerical experiments show the feasibility of the proposed method.
The importance of large-diameter trees to the creation of snag and deadwood biomass
Authors: Lutz James A. , Struckman Soren , Germain Sara J. , Furniss Tucker J. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundBaseline levels of tree mortality can, over time, contribute to high snag densities and high levels of deadwood (down woody debris) if fire is infrequent and decomposition is slow. Deadwood can be important for tree recruitment, and it plays a major role in terrestrial carbon cycling, but deadwood is rarely examined in a spatially explicit context.MethodsBetween 2011 and 2019, we annually tracked all trees and snags ≥1 cm in diameter and mapped all pieces of deadwood ≥10 cm diameter and ≥1 m in length in 25.6 ha ofTsuga heterophylla/Pseudotsuga menziesiiforest. We analyzed the amount, biomass, and spatial distribution of deadwood, and we assessed how various causes of mortality that contributed uniquely to deadwood creation.ResultsCompared to aboveground woody live biomass of 481 Mg ha−1(from trees ≥10 cm diameter), snag biomass was 74 Mg ha−1and deadwood biomass was 109 Mg ha−1(from boles ≥10 cm diameter). Biomass from large-diameter trees (≥60 cm) accounted for 85%, 88%, and 58%, of trees, snags, and deadwood, respectively. Total aboveground woody live and dead biomass was 668 Mg ha−1. The annual production of downed wood (≥10 cm diameter) from tree boles averaged 4 Mg ha−1yr−1. Woody debris was spatially heterogeneous, varying more than two orders of magnitude from 4 to 587 Mg ha−1at the scale of 20 m × 20 m quadrats. Almost all causes of deadwood creation varied in importance between large-diameter trees and small-diameter trees. Biomass of standing stems and deadwood had weak inverse distributions, reflecting the long period of time required for trees to reach large diameters following antecedent tree mortalities and the centennial scale time required for deadwood decomposition.ConclusionOld-growth forests contain large stores of biomass in living trees, as well as in snag and deadwood biomass pools that are stable long after tree death. Ignoring biomass (or carbon) in deadwood pools can lead to substantial underestimations of sequestration and stability.
Movement patterns of juvenile Atlantic tarpon (Megalops atlanticus) in Brewers Bay, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
Authors: Duffing Romero Mareike D. , Matley Jordan K. , Luo Jiangang , Ault Jerald S. , Pittman Simon J. , Nemeth Richard S. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
Atlantic tarpon (Megalops atlanticus) are a highly migratory species ranging along continental and insular coastlines of the Atlantic Ocean. Due to their importance to regional recreational and sport fisheries, research has been focused on large-scale movement patterns of reproductively active adults in areas where they are of high economic value. As a consequence, geographically restricted focus on adults has left significant gaps in our understanding of tarpon biology and their movements, especially for juveniles in remote locations where they are common. Our study focused on small-scale patterns of movement and habitat use of juvenile tarpon using acoustic telemetry in a small bay in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands.

Results
Four juvenile tarpon (80–95 cm FL) were tracked from September 2015 to February 2018, while an additional eight juveniles (61–94 cm FL) left the study area within 2 days after tagging and were not included in analysis. Four tarpon had > 78% residency and average activity space of 0.76 km2 (range 0.08–1.17 km2) within Brewers Bay (1.8 km2). Their vertical distribution was < 18 m depth with occasional movements to deeper water. Activity was greater during day compared to night, with peaks during crepuscular periods. During the day tarpon used different parts of the bay with consistent overlap around the St. Thomas airport runway and at night tarpon typically remained in a small shallow lagoon. However, when temperatures in the lagoon exceeded 30 °C, tarpon moved to cooler, deeper waters outside the lagoon.

Conclusion
Our results, although limited to only four individuals, provide new baseline data on the movement ecology of juvenile Atlantic tarpon. We showed that juvenile tarpon had high residency within a small bay and relatively stable non-overlapping daytime home ranges, except when seasonally abundant food sources were present. Fine-scale acoustic tracking showed the effects of environmental conditions (i.e., elevated seawater temperature) on tarpon movement and habitat use. These observations highlight the need for more extensive studies of juvenile tarpon across a broader range of their distribution, and compare the similarities and differences in behavior among various size classes of individuals from small juveniles to reproductively mature adults.
Assessing the wellbeing of Chinese university students: validation of a Chinese version of the college student subjective wellbeing questionnaire
Authors: Zhang Yan , Carciofo Richard 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundIn response to the rising concern with promoting the wellbeing of university students and relative lack of domain-specific wellbeing measurement instruments in China, the current study aimed to validate a Chinese version of the College Student Subjective Wellbeing Questionnaire (CSSWQ), a 16-item self-report English-language rating scale assessing four aspects of wellbeing (academic satisfaction, academic efficacy, school connectedness, and college gratitude).MethodsThe Chinese translation of the CSSWQ, the Students’ Life Satisfaction Scale, the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, the 10-Item Big Five Personality Inventory, and demographic questions were completed by 252 Chinese students at a university in Suzhou, China.ResultsExploratory factor analysis found four factors each with the same four items as in the original English scale. Each subscale showed good internal consistency. Test–retest for a one-month interval showed generally moderate reliability. As predicted, Pearson correlational analysis found positive correlations between the Chinese CSSWQ and life satisfaction, positive affect, extraversion, and GPA, and negative correlations with neuroticism and negative affect. Monthly income had small negative correlations with academic satisfaction and academic efficacy, smoking had a small positive correlation with school connectedness, and exercise had a small positive correlation with academic efficacy.ConclusionData for the Chinese CSSWQ in the current study showed validity and reliability, supporting the use of this instrument as a measurement of college student wellbeing in China.
Empiric use of anticoagulation in hospitalized patients with COVID-19: a propensity score-matched study of risks and benefits
Authors: Yu Bo , Gutierrez Victor Perez , Carlos Alex , Hoge Gregory , Pillai Anjana , Kelly J. Daniel , Menon Vidya 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
Hospitalized patients with COVID-19 demonstrate a higher risk of developing thromboembolism. Anticoagulation (AC) has been proposed for high-risk patients, even without confirmed thromboembolism. However, benefits and risks of AC are not well assessed due to insufficient clinical data. We performed a retrospective analysis of outcomes from AC in a large population of COVID-19 patients.

Methods
We retrospectively reviewed 1189 patients hospitalized for COVID-19 between March 5 and May 15, 2020, with primary outcomes of mortality, invasive mechanical ventilation, and major bleeding. Patients who received therapeutic AC for known indications were excluded. Propensity score matching of baseline characteristics and admission parameters was performed to minimize bias between cohorts.

Results
The analysis cohort included 973 patients. Forty-four patients who received therapeutic AC for confirmed thromboembolic events and atrial fibrillation were excluded. After propensity score matching, 133 patients received empiric therapeutic AC while 215 received low dose prophylactic AC. Overall, there was no difference in the rate of invasive mechanical ventilation (73.7% versus 65.6%, p = 0.133) or mortality (60.2% versus 60.9%, p = 0.885). However, among patients requiring invasive mechanical ventilation, empiric therapeutic AC was an independent predictor of lower mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 0.476, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.345–0.657, p < 0.001) with longer median survival (14 days vs 8 days, p < 0.001), but these associations were not observed in the overall cohort (p = 0.063). Additionally, no significant difference in mortality was found between patients receiving empiric therapeutic AC versus prophylactic AC in various subgroups with different D-dimer level cutoffs. Patients who received therapeutic AC showed a higher incidence of major bleeding (13.8% vs 3.9%, p < 0.001). Furthermore, patients with a HAS-BLED score of ≥2 had a higher risk of mortality (HR 1.482, 95% CI 1.110–1.980, p = 0.008), while those with a score of ≥3 had a higher risk of major bleeding (Odds ratio: 1.883, CI: 1.114–3.729, p = 0.016).

Conclusion
Empiric use of therapeutic AC conferred survival benefit to patients requiring invasive mechanical ventilation, but did not show benefit in non-critically ill patients hospitalized for COVID-19. Careful bleeding risk estimation should be pursued before considering escalation of AC intensity.
Seasonal variation of Hedruris dratini (Nematoda) parasitizing Hydromedusa tectifera (Chelidae), with focus on host’s torpor state
Authors: Palumbo Ezequiel , Cassano María Julia , Alcalde Leandro , Diaz Julia Inés 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to analyze the seasonal distribution of the nematodeHedruris dratiniparasitizing the South American Snake-necked turtleHydromedusa tectiferaand the amphipodHyalellaspp. in an urban stream. We focused on understand which strategies parasite population displays to get through the host’s hibernation period.ResultsThe highest prevalence and abundance ofH. dratiniwere found in summer. The parasitic load was lower in winter, however there were no significant differences when it was compared with autumn and spring. Generalized linear model identified the temperature as a determining factor for the presence of parasites in turtles.ConclusionsOur results indicate that, beside turtles enter in a diapause state, the life cycle ofH. dratininever stop throughout the year, being a continuous transmission between both the intermediate and final host throughout the year. Turtles feed and become infected with parasite larvae even in winter although with a lower ingestion rate.
Safety of perioperative period in robot-assisted atrial septal defect repair under hyperkalemic arrest
Authors: Miyata Kazuto , Tarui Tatsuya , Shigematsu Sayaka , Ishikawa Norihiko , Watanabe Go 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
Various attempts have been made to meet patient desires, especially among younger and otherwise healthy individuals, for cosmetically satisfying incision with atrial septal defect (ASD) repair. One of procedures was a robotic-assisted totally endoscopic ASD repair via only two ports under hyperkalemic arrest without aortic cross-clamping. This study investigated perioperative management and safety for robotic-assisted total endoscopic ASD repair surgery under hyperkalemic arrest.

Methods
We retrospectively reviewed perioperative management of thirty patients who underwent total endoscopic robot-assisted ASD repair under hyperkalemic arrest. All procedures were performed under general anesthesia using robotic-assisted total endoscopic for ASD repair via two or three ports under hyperkalemic arrest without aortic cross-clamping.

Results
A total of 30 patients (mean age 45 ± 17 years, 8 male, 22 female) underwent successful ASD repair with the total endoscopic robotic-assisted procedures under hyperkalemic arrest.
Hyperkalemic arrest was achieved and maintained by intravenous administration of mean potassium dose of 91±32 mEq (1.4±0.6 mEq/kg) with the lowest bladder temperature was 31.9±1.4 °C during hyperkalemic arrest.
In all cases, serum potassium concentration was <5.0 mEq/L after weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass, although two cases who developed hyperkalemia >6 mEq/L after operation. At other time points, no patient exceeded 6 mEq/L of serum potassium concentration. At admission to the intensive care unit, mean serum creatine phosphokinase-MB level was 32±7mg/dL. There were no cases of arrhythmia or other cardiac complications during recovery.

Conclusions
Perioperative management of robotic-assisted total endoscopic ASD repair under hyperkalemic arrest is safe and is not associated with fatal arrhythmia due to hyperkalemia.
Prevalence of burnout among neurologists in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Qahtani Zina Ali , Alhazzani Adel 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
Burnout is a psychological syndrome defined as emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalization (DP), and reduced personal accomplishment (PA) secondary to work stress. Burnout is widespread among medical workers. We aim to study the prevalence of burnout among neurologists in Saudi Arabia and describe some related personal and professional factors.

Results
A total of 62 consultants and 34 residents participated in the study. Having long working hours was a high source of stress among most of the participants. Consultants and residents reported high burnout rates in the three domains of the scale. In the emotional and exhaustion domain, more consultants (37.1%) showed high burnout compared to residents (23.5%). Regarding depersonalization domain, more residents (41.2%) showed high burnout compared to consultants (27.4%). Regarding the low personal accomplishment domain, more consultants (77.7%) showed high burnout compared to residents.

Conclusion
Residents and consultant neurologists showed high burnout rates, and results can be used as a baseline guidance to assist in reducing burnout by improving job satisfaction and working environment among neurologists.
Indoor navigation: state of the art and future trends
Authors: El-Sheimy Naser , Li You 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis paper reviews the state of the art and future trends of indoor Positioning, Localization, and Navigation (PLAN). It covers the requirements, the main players, sensors, and techniques for indoor PLAN. Other than the navigation sensors such as Inertial Navigation System (INS) and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), the environmental-perception sensors such as High-Definition map (HD map), Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR), camera, the fifth generation of mobile network communication technology (5G), and Internet-of-Things (IoT) signals are becoming important aiding sensors for PLAN. The PLAN systems are expected to be more intelligent and robust under the emergence of more advanced sensors, multi-platform/multi-device/multi-sensor information fusion, self-learning systems, and the integration with artificial intelligence, 5G, IoT, and edge/fog computing.
Bioanalysis in the Age of New Drug Modalities
Authors: Shi Jing , Chen Xuesong , Diao Jianbo , Jiang Liying , Li Lan , Li Stephen , Liang Wenzhong , Jin Xiaoying , Wang Yonghui , Wong Colton , Zhang Xiaolong Tom , Tse Francis L.S. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIn the absence of regulatory guidelines for the bioanalysis of new drug modalities, many of which contain multiple functional domains, bioanalytical strategies have been carefully designed to characterize the intact drug and each functional domain in terms of quantity, functionality, biotransformation, and immunogenicity. The present review focuses on the bioanalytical challenges and considerations for RNA-based drugs, bispecific antibodies and multi-domain protein therapeutics, prodrugs, gene and cell therapies, and fusion proteins. Methods ranging from the conventional ligand binding assays and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry assays to quantitative polymerase chain reaction or flow cytometry often used for oligonucleotides and cell and gene therapies are discussed. Best practices for method selection and validation are proposed as well as a future perspective to address the bioanalytical needs of complex modalities.
Gut Microbiome and Intestinal Permeability Are Promising Targets for Treating Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Heshmati Hassan Massoud 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a leading liver disease worldwide with a prevalence of approximately 24% among adult population. It is a spectrum of liver disorders ranging from simple steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Obesity, insulin resistance, inflammation, disrupted gut microbiome (dysbiosis), and increased intestinal permeability (“leaky gut”) are important risk factors associated with and/or contributing to NAFLD. In the absence of specific drugs to treat NAFLD, management relies mainly on lifestyle changes (diet and exercise). Gut microbiome and intestinal permeability are becoming promising targets for the treatment of several diseases including NAFLD. Methods: A systematic search of literature was conducted using the search terms nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, obesity, insulin resistance, inflammation, gut microbiome, intestinal permeability, and targeted therapy. Results: Several clinical studies have shown the association of qualitative and quantitative changes in gut microbiome (e.g., increased Lactobacillus and Gram-negative bacteria) with NAFLD and its severity. The increased gut microbiome taxa may produce more short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), alcohol, and lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Increased SCFAs, alcohol, and LPS (endotoxins) associated with increased intestinal permeability are implicated in the pathogenesis of NAFLD and its evolution to NASH (promotion of obesity and inflammation). Gut microbiome and intestinal permeability can be modified with diet, prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation. A high-fiber diet for 6 months in NAFLD subjects caused a decrease in intestinal permeability (as assessed by serum zonulin) and a reduction of liver enzymes and fatty liver. Treatment with a prebiotic (oligofructose) for 8 weeks in NASH subjects showed a significant decrease in markers of liver inflammation. Administration of probiotics (e.g., Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and VSL#3) for 8 to 16 weeks in NAFLD subjects had several beneficial effects including reduction of liver enzymes and fatty liver. Clinical studies using fecal microbiota transplantation in NAFLD subjects are currently ongoing. To optimize the efficacy of therapies using prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation in NAFLD subjects, focus should be on the altered gut microbiome taxa responsible for high SCFAs, alcohol, and LPS production. Conclusion: NAFLD is the most common chronic liver disease. NAFLD subjects have disrupted gut microbiome associated with increased intestinal permeability. In addition to weight loss (when excess body weight is present), targeting gut microbiome and intestinal permeability with diet, prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation represents a promising novel approach in the treatment of NAFLD.