bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Myocardial infarction in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma patients – a population‐based matched cohort study
Authors: Ekberg S. , Harrysson S. , Jernberg T. , Szummer K. , Andersson P.‐O. , Jerkeman M. , Smedby K. E. , Eloranta S. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe outcome for diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients has improved with the immunochemotherapy combination R‐CHOP. An increased rate of heart failure is well documented following this treatment, whereas incidence and outcome of other cardiac complications, for example myocardial infarction, are less well known.MethodWe identified 3548 curatively treated DLBCL patients in Sweden diagnosed between 2007 and 2014, and 35474 matched lymphoma‐free general population comparators. The incidence, characteristics and outcome of acute myocardial infarctions (AMIs) were assessed using population‐based registers up to 11 years after diagnosis. The rate of AMI was estimated using flexible parametric models.ResultsOverall, a 33% excess rate of AMI was observed among DLBCL patients compared with the general population (HR: 1.33, 95% CI: 1.14–1.55). The excess rate was highest during the first year after diagnosis and diminished after 2 years. High age, male sex and comorbidity were the strongest risk factors for AMI. Older patients (>70 years) with mild comorbidities (i.e. hypertension or diabetes) had a 61% higher AMI rate than comparators (HR: 1.61, 95% CI: 1.10–2.35), whereas the corresponding excess rate was 28% for patients with severe comorbidities (HR: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.01–1.64). Among younger patients (≤70), a short‐term excess rate of AMI was limited to those with severe comorbidities. There was no difference in AMI characteristics, pharmacological treatment or 30‐day survival among patients and comparators.ConclusionDLBCL patients have an increased risk of AMI, especially during the first 2 years, which calls for improved cardiac monitoring guided by age and comorbidities. Importantly, DLBCL was not associated with differential AMI management or survival.
Diffusion‐weighted and dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI to assess radiation therapy response for head and neck paragangliomas
Authors: Ota Yoshiaki , Liao Eric , Kurokawa Ryo , Syed Faiz , Baba Akira , Kurokawa Mariko , Moritani Toshio , Srinivasan Ashok 
Published: May 2021

ABSTRACTBackground and PurposeThe prediction of radiotherapy outcome in head and neck paragangliomas is clinically important. We investigated perfusion and diffusion markers for evaluation of response to radiotherapy of head and neck paragangliomas.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 330 consecutive patients from January 2016 to September 2019 with suspected head and neck paragangliomas, and enrolled 11 patients (2 males, 9 females; age: 55.2 ± 10.3 years) who had conventional MRI and dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE)‐MRI before and after radiation therapy. Radiation therapy, consisting of external beam radiotherapy or stereotactic radiotherapy, was conducted at the radiation oncology department in a single center. Mean apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), normalized mean ADC, and parameters of DCE‐MRI were compared between pre‐ and post‐treatment status by paired t‐test. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used for the relationship between tumor volume ratio (post‐treatment status/pre‐treatment status) and pre‐treatment and post‐treatment values.ResultsMean and normalized ADC values were statistically higher in post‐treatment status than pre‐treatment status (p = 0.005, p = 0.005, respectively), and Ktrans (volume transfer constant between extravascular, extracellular space [EES], and blood plasma per minute) and Kep (rate transfer constant between EES and blood plasma per minute) were significantly lower in post‐treatment status than pre‐treatment status (p = 0.007, p = 0.027, respectively). The correlation coefficient of the relationship between tumor volume ratio and pre‐treatment Ktrans (r = 0.70; p = 0.016) and between tumor volume ratio and post‐treatment Ktrans and Kep (r = 0.83; p = 0.002, r = 0.8; p = 0.003, respectively) was statistically significant.ConclusionsKtrans has predictive potential to predict the response to radiation therapy of head and neck paragangliomas.
MR perfusion imaging: Half‐dose gadolinium is half the quality
Authors: Heit Jeremy J. , Christensen Soren , Mlynash Michael , Marks Michael P. , Faizy Tobias D. , Lansberg Maarten G. , Wintermark Max , Bammer Roland , Albers Gregory W. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackground and PurposePatients with acute ischemic stroke due to a large vessel occlusion (AIS‐LVO) undergo emergent neuroimaging triage for thrombectomy treatment. MRI is often utilized for this evaluation, and cerebral magnetic resonance perfusion (MRP) imaging is used to identify the presence of the salvageable penumbra. To determine if dose reduction is feasible, we assessed whether a half‐dose reduction in gadobenate provided sufficient MRP quality in AIS‐LVO patients.MethodsA prospective observational study of all patients presenting to our neurovascular referral center with AIS‐LVO was performed. MRP was done with a half‐dose of gadolinium (0.1 ml/kg body weight) over a period of 10 months. MRP images were compared to a consecutive historical cohort of full‐dose gadolinium (0.2 ml/kg body weight) MRP studies and rated for image quality (poor, borderline, or good) that determined thrombectomy eligibility.ResultsFifty‐four half‐dose and 127 full‐dose patients were included. No differences in patient demographics or stroke presentation details were identified. MRP quality differed between half‐ and full‐dose scans (p < 0.001), which were rated as poor (40.7% vs. 6.3%), borderline (18.5% vs. 26.8%), and good quality (40.7% vs. 66.9%), respectively. MRP image quality was then dichotomized into poor and sufficient (borderline and good) quality groups; half‐dose studies were more likely to have poor quality compared to full‐dose studies (40.7% vs. 6.3%; p < 0.001).ConclusionsHalf‐dose gadolinium administration for MRP in AIS‐LVO patients results in poor image quality in a substantial number of studies. MR cerebral perfusion performed with half‐dose gadolinium may adversely affect stroke patient triage for thrombectomy.
Effectiveness of the POWER Program in Improving Physical Activity and Executive Function in Fifth Grade Students
Authors: Hecht Mindy Feldman , Garber Carol Ewing 
Published: May 2021

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDHigh volumes of school‐based sedentary time may impact academic achievement and executive function negatively. This study evaluated a multimodal classroom program's (POWER) effect on fifth graders' physical activity (PA) and executive function.METHODSSix 5th grade classes (3 = intervention [POW]; 3 = waitlist control [CONT]) in 2 diverse New Jersey schools participated. Data were collected before, during, and post‐intervention. PA was assessed via accelerometer, executive function by NIH Toolbox, and academic achievement via standardized math tests. The POW principal, teachers, and select students participated in follow‐up interviews. Group comparisons were made by multivariate repeated‐measures ANOVA and linear regression.RESULTSPA decreased in both groups over time, but POW's post‐intervention class‐time PA was significantly higher than CONT's. POW's NIH Toolbox score increased 3 percentiles more than CONT's. Intervention fidelity was associated with significantly higher scores for one NIH Toolbox test. Student math test scores increased significantly for both schools, but there was no significant main effect for group. POW's feedback was positive, with the principal reporting fewer disciplinary referrals and teachers and students conveying positive growth.CONCLUSIONSOverall, POW's positive changes and the favorable reception of POWER support POWER'S ability to improve children's socioemotional and physical health.
Testing a self‐affirmation intervention for improving the psychosocial health of Black and White medical students in the United States
Authors: Perry Sylvia P. , Wages James E. , Skinner‐Dorkenoo Allison L. , Burke Sara E. , Hardeman Rachel R. , Phelan Sean M. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractSelf‐affirmation interventions have been shown to mitigate the negative psychological effects of stereotype threat on Black students in secondary and undergraduate education. However, there is currently limited research testing whether Black students in medical schools may also experience the negative influences of stereotype threat. Until now, it has been unclear whether Black (vs. White) students experience a lower sense of belonging in medical school and whether they can benefit from self‐affirmation interventions during medical training. With a longitudinal field experiment, we tested (a) whether Black (vs. White) medical students in the US experience decrements in psychological well‐being (i.e., fatigue, depression, anxiety), sense of belonging, perceived residency competitiveness, and residency goal stability; and (b) the extent to which a self‐affirmation intervention would ameliorate any observed disparities in these outcomes for Black students. With a sample of 234 Black and 182 White medical students across 50 schools in the United States, we found that Black students tended to report more fatigue and less belonging than White students; however, the self‐affirmation intervention did not significantly influence students’ fatigue, depression, anxiety, or belonging. Unexpectedly, Black students in the self‐affirmation (vs. control) condition reported lower perceived competitiveness for residency. White students’ perceived competitiveness for residency was unaffected by the intervention. Exploratory analyses revealed that Black (vs. White) students were less likely to indicate stable residency goals over time, which may be an indication of threat; however, this racial gap was eliminated with the intervention. We discuss the plausible reasons for these findings and provide recommendations for future work in this area.
Outpatient telecardiology perceptions among rural, suburban, and urban veterans utilizing in‐person cardiology versus telecardiology services: A mixed methods analysis
Authors: Finley Brooke A. , Palitsky Roman , Charteris Elaine , Pacheco Christy , Kapoor Divya 
Published: May 2021

AbstractPurposeTo better understand opportunities and barriers to implementation and adoption, this mixed‐methods study qualitatively examined attitudes toward telecardiology services among veterans who use in‐person (IP) outpatient cardiology service versus those using telecardiology (TC) outpatient services.MethodsFree‐text responses were collected from N = 179 veterans enrolled in Veteran Health Administration (VHA) IP or TC services in 3 rural‐serving, outpatient telehealth clinics and 1 large, metropolitan outpatient center. Mixed‐method analyses of responses included thematic analysis, followed by comparison of code categories and themes between IP and TC groups.FindingsFifteen thematic coding categories were identified, which comprised 4 valence categories (favorable or unfavorable attitudes toward TC and IP), as well as themes pertaining to obstacles and opportunities for TC implementation. Overall, veterans enrolled in TC held more favorable attitudes toward TC than those enrolled in IP. Veteran responses included structural concerns (eg, time demands, access, and travel), as well as humanistic qualities (rapport, competence, and face‐to‐face contact). Differences were observed between the responses of veterans who reported dwelling in urban, suburban, and rural communities, with rural‐identifying veterans generally holding more favorable attitudes toward TC than suburban‐identifying veterans.ConclusionsTC users had overwhelmingly positive perceptions of TC. Conversely, unfavorable attitudes from IP patients toward TC did not appear to be borne out in the responses of TC users. On the contrary, TC users’ responses may indicate opportunities for allaying the concerns of TC‐naïve veterans. This suggests promise for developing tailored education to dispel barriers for TC service implementation.
Perspectives on self‐sampling for cancer screening among rural and urban women: Multilevel factors related to acceptability
Authors: Stoltzfus Kelsey C. , Popalis Madyson L. , Reiter Paul L. , Moss Jennifer L. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractPurposeSelf‐sampling tests may be used to overcome barriers to screening that are more prevalent in rural populations compared to urban populations. This study aims to qualitatively examine the attitudes toward established and novel self‐sampling tests for cervical and colorectal cancer among women, comparing themes from rural versus urban areas.MethodsWe recruited women (ages 45‐65) from 28 counties in Pennsylvania. Four focus groups were conducted with women from metropolitan counties, and 7 focus groups were conducted with women from nonmetropolitan counties. A brief survey was conducted prior to the focus group regarding general health and willingness to complete self‐sampling tests for cervical and colorectal cancer.FindingsWe identified 3 themes about the potential for self‐sampling for cancer screening: advantages and disadvantages of self‐sampling compared to traditional testing, impact of self‐sampling on patient interactions with their health care providers/clinics, and implications for improving/worsening access to quality health care services. We detected differences in responses from rural versus urban participants in the potential impact of self‐sampling for cancer screening.ConclusionsThere are several barriers and facilitators at the individual, interpersonal, and organizational levels that influence the feasibility of implementing self‐sampling for cancer screening in routine clinical practice. Rural participants face unique barriers to cancer screening across all levels. These findings can be used to guide interventions aimed at increasing the use of self‐sampling methods.
Why study turn‐taking sequences in interspecies interactions?
Authors: Mondémé Chloé 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe “turn‐taking” system, a notion referring to the dynamics of verbal exchanges in face‐to‐face interaction, is often presented as the hallmark of human language (Levinson, 2016). However, recent works have investigated turn‐taking mechanisms in several nonhuman taxa, thus referring to the moment‐by‐moment coordinated alternation of actions or vocalizations, for instance in primates or birds. These findings have been interpreted as evidence of elementary forms of sequence organization in the animal world, and therefore as evidences of an evolutionary pathway, leading from very rough forms of signal alternation, to the complex multimodal and conversational turn‐taking system used by humans. This article first reviews and discusses these findings. It then makes the case for going beyond the study of uniquelyintra‐specific forms of communication and interaction. It argues that considering interspecies interaction is of interest for social sciences in general, and linguistics scholarship in particular, at least in two respects. First, on an empirical level, to investigate a widespread phenomenon, namely ordinary human‐animal interactions, as it occurs mostly in domestic settings—a topic that has been relatively neglected in the study of social interaction so far (for a range of reasons that we shall touch on). Secondly, on a more speculative level, it assumes that ordinary interspecies interactions, especially as they unfold with domestic pets or wild animals in natural settings (vs. in experimental settings), are a valuable locus to explore rudimentary forms of sequence organization, that are neither governed by linguistic and cultural norms, nor entirely the product of stereotypical species‐related behavioral patterns. We posit that fundamental principles of sociality are to be found in the contextual adjustments of multimodal actions and in the emergence of meaning in interspecies interactions.
Estimating the attributable fraction of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma due to hepatitis B and C
Authors: Duffell Erika , Cortez‐Pinto Helena , Simonova Marieta , Dalgard Olav , Dahl Elin Hoffmann , de Martel Catherine , Mozalevskis Antons , Buti Maria , Pavlova Slava , Hadzhilova Tnaiq , Simões Carolina , Katzarov Krum , Mardh Otilia 
Published: May 2021

AbstractA goal of the WHO strategy on the elimination of hepatitis as a public threat is a 65% reduction in the attributable mortality. Deaths related to hepatitis B and C infections are mostly due to decompensated cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) but accurately measuring mortality is challenging as death certificates often do not capture the underlying disease. The aim of this collaborative study between European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) was to assess a WHO‐developed protocol to support countries in implementing studies to collect data on the fraction of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma attributable to hepatitis B and C. Three sentinel sites (in Bulgaria, Norway and Portugal) collected data for patients first admitted or seen in their centres during 2016. Patients with cirrhosis or HCC were identified through patient files or healthcare databases using ICD‐10 codes. The proportion of patients with cirrhosis and HCC who tested positive for HBV and HCV were calculated to estimate the aetiological fractions. After the pilot study was completed, each site was asked about the feasibility and acceptability of the protocol. A total of 1249 patients presenting with cirrhosis and/or HCC were evaluated across the three sites. The prevalence of HBV and HCV among cases of cirrhosis showed that in Norway and Portugal, HCV was responsible for about one‐quarter of the cases, whereas in Bulgaria, HBV was more common. For HCC, HCV was responsible for more than one‐third of cases in Norway and Portugal, while in Bulgaria HBV was more frequent as the underlying cause. Results obtained during the pilot study were comparable to published estimates obtained through statistical modelling or meta‐analyses. Several challenges were reported from the sites involved in the pilot including the considerable time needed for reviewing the hospital records and extracting patient data. The pilot demonstrated the feasibility of collecting data on the prevalence of HBV and HCV infection among patients with cirrhosis and HCC in sentinel sites. This method can be used to estimate mortality attributable to HBV and HCV for elimination monitoring. Where easily implementable, sentinel studies are the best way to empower countries, get up‐to date data and closely monitor the changes in the attributable fraction at a country level.
Hepatitis B virus genome diversity in adolescents: Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate treatment effect and HBeAg serocon version
Authors: Combet Christophe , Bhardwaj Neeru , Hedskog Charlotte , Podlaha Ondrej , Gaggar Anuj , Murray Karen F. , Mo Hongmei , Svarovskaia Evguenia , Zoulim Fabien 
Published: May 2021

AbstractMore systematic analysis of hepatitis B virus (HBV) genome diversity, linked with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) treatment and HBeAg seroconversion, are needed. GS‐US‐174–0115 was a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, Phase 3, 192‐week clinical trial that evaluated TDF in adolescents with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). HBV full‐genome deep sequencing was performed using Illumina MiSeq at baseline (BL; n = 85), Week 8 (W8; n = 80), Week 72 (W72; PBO only, n = 42), and treatment‐free follow‐up (TDF only, n = 25). The viral diversity was calculated using Shannon entropy and population nucleotide diversity with a 2% variant cutoff. Our data showed (i) a higher viral diversity in the X region at baseline than the core/polymerase/surface regions, (ii) higher core/surface viral diversity at baseline for patients with seroconversion, (iii) an expected reduction in viral diversity after 8 weeks of TDF treatment, and (iv) a drop in viral diversity at W72 for patients receiving placebo with a seroconversion (n = 7). The higher viral diversity in X was associated with higher baseline alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels (p < .001). Patients with greater reduction of diversity at W8 of TDF treatment had higher baseline ALT levels. For placebo patients who seroconverted, the drop in viral diversity at W72 (p = .04) coincided with reduction of serum HBV DNA (average change from baseline = −4.10 log10 copies/ml) and unique combinations of variants were enriched in a patient's viral population post seroconversion. The basal core promoter (BCP) variants, A1762T and G1764A, and the pC variant, G1896A, were most often enriched at or after seroconversion.
EASL‐ALEH 2015 algorithm for the use of transient elastography in treatment‐naive patients with hepatitis B: An independent validation
Authors: Nana Jean , Skaare Kristina , Bosson Jean Luc , Leroy Vincent , Asselah Tarik , Adler Michael , Sturm Nathalie , Zarski Jean‐Pierre 
Published: May 2021

AbstractVarious non‐invasive methods have been evaluated in chronic hepatitis B, but none of them have been fully validated for the assessment of liver fibrosis. The issued EASL‐ALEH 2015 guidelines provide detailed algorithms based on LSM and ALT serum levels. The aim of our study was to validate the diagnostic accuracy of this algorithm and to better understand discrepancies. Four hundred and thirteen patients from 3 centres were retrospectively included. All included patients were classified for fibrosis stage according to results of a liver biopsy. The overall diagnostic value was expressed with AUROCs given with 95% confidence intervals for the diagnostic targets. For each diagnostic target, optimal cut‐offs were determined according to the Youden method. For the population of patients with ALT<N (n = 65), the AUROCs of TE were 0.75 (0.62–0.88) and 0.72 (0.56–0.88) for F ≥ 2 and F ≥ 3 diagnostic targets. Taking the EASL cut‐offs, the prevalence of significant fibrosis was 8%, 38% and 67% when LSM was <6kPa, between 6 and 9 kPa or >9 kPa, respectively. For patients with ALT>N but ≤5N (n = 306), AUROCs of transient elastography were 0.79 (0.73–0.84) and 0.84 (0.75–0.92) for F ≥ 2 and F ≥ 3 diagnostic targets. The prevalence of significant fibrosis was, respectively, 15%, 52% and 85% when LSM was <6kPa, between 6 and 12 kPa or >12 kPa. Our study independently validates the EASL‐ALEH algorithm based on ALT levels and LSM assessed by transient elastography.
Seasonal dynamics of mycoplankton in the Yellow Sea reflect the combined effect of riverine inputs and hydrographic conditions
Authors: Wang Mengmeng , Ma Yiyuan , Cai Lei , Tedersoo Leho , Bahram Mohammad , Burgaud Gaëtan , Long Xuedan , Zhang Shoumei , Li Wei 
Published: May 2021

AbstractLittle is known about how multiple factors including land‐based inputs and ocean currents affect the spatiotemporal distribution of the mycoplankton in coastal regions. To explore the seasonal changes of mycoplanktonic communities and potential environmental drivers, we collected water samples from the Yellow Sea, used here as a model for subtropical sea habitats, in different seasons over two years. Compared with winter and spring, summer exhibited higher levels of fungal richness and community heterogeneity in the water column. The seasonal shifts in mycoplankton diversity and community composition were mainly ascribed to freshwater inputs, the Cold Water Mass and invasion of the Yellow Sea Warm Current. Among the physicochemical variables tested, temperature was the primary determinant of fungal diversity and showed contrasting influences on fungal richness in the surface and bottom waters during summer. In addition, we provide evidence for the community similarity and dissolved nutrients of different water bodies to highlight the potential origin of the Cold Water Mass. Our findings bring new understanding on the factors determining the dynamics of mycoplankton communities by modelling the influence of physicochemical variables and tracking the geographical distribution of certain fungal taxa.