bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The relationship between serum uric acid levels and development of obesity in living kidney donors after donor nephrectomy
Authors: Karatas Murat , Tatar Erhan , Simsek Cenk , Yıldırım Ali Murat , Uslu Adam 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundHyperuricaemia plays a role in the pathogenesis of obesity and related metabolic disorders. The aim of this study to investigate the relationship between pre‐donation serum uric acid (SUA) level and obesity development after nephrectomy in living kidney donors.MethodsLiving donors of kidney transplants between 1998 and 2019 were evaluated. Donors with less than 1 year of follow‐up were excluded from the study. The participants were divided into two groups according to last control body mass index (BMI) (obese; ≥ 30 kg/m2 and nonobese; <30 kg/m2) and median baseline SUA level (<4.6 mg/dL and ≥4.6 mg/dL).ResultsIn the included 240 donors, the mean follow‐up was 50 ± 44 (12‐216) months. The mean age was 47 ± 11 (19‐82) years, and 46.6% of donors were male. At last control, the percentage of obese donors had increased significantly compared to pre‐donation time (22.5% vs 33.8%; P < .001) and last control obese donors had both higher baseline SUA (5.1 ± 1.4 vs 4.5 ± 1.2; P < .01) and BMI (30.7 ± 2.6 vs 24.8 ± 3.0; P < .001). Cox regression analysis showed that there is an independent relationship between the baseline SUA level and development of obesity (odds ratio: 1.30 [CI; 1.12‐1.50]; P < .001). In Kaplan‐Meier analysis, the development of obesity was significantly higher in kidney donors with high SUA level.ConclusionLiving kidney donors (LKD) have a tendency to obesity after nephrectomy. Preoperative serum uric acid level gives important information in LKDs that it could foresee the development of obesity after donation.
The incidence of thrombocytopenia in adult patients receiving chemotherapy for solid tumors or hematologic malignancies
Authors: Shaw Jaime L. , Nielson Carrie M. , Park Joseph K. , Marongiu Andrea , Soff Gerald A. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractObjectivesTo estimate the risk of thrombocytopenia in various cancers and chemotherapy regimens.MethodsStructured patient‐level data from the Flatiron Health Electronic Health Record database were used to identify adult patients who received chemotherapy for a solid tumor or hematologic malignancy from 2012 to 2017. Three‐month cumulative incidence of thrombocytopenia was assessed based on platelet counts, overall and by grade of thrombocytopenia. Co‐occurrence of anemia, neutropenia, and leukopenia was evaluated.ResultsOf 15,521 patients with solid tumors, 13% had thrombocytopenia within 3 months (platelet count < 100 × 109/L); 4% had grade 3 (25 to < 50 × 109/L), and 2% grade 4 (<25 × 109/L) thrombocytopenia. Of 2537 patients with hematologic malignancies, 28% had any thrombocytopenia, 16% with grade 3, and 12% with grade 4. Among patients with thrombocytopenia, it occurred without another cytopenia in 18% of solid tumors and 7% of hematologic malignancies.ConclusionsIn a large, US‐representative sample of patients undergoing chemotherapy in clinical practice, thrombocytopenia incidence varied across tumor and regimen types. Despite recommendations to alter chemotherapy to avoid severe thrombocytopenia, 4% of patients with solid tumors and 16% with hematologic malignancies experienced grade 3 thrombocytopenia. Prediction and prevention of thrombocytopenia may help oncologists avoid dose modifications and their adverse effects on survival.
The long‐term outcome of MOGAD: An observational national cohort study of 61 patients
Authors: Deschamps Romain , Pique Julie , Ayrignac Xavier , Collongues Nicolas , Audoin Bertrand , Zéphir Hélène , Ciron Jonathan , Cohen Mikael , Aboab Jennifer , Mathey Guillaume , Derache Nathalie , Laplaud David , Thouvenot Eric , Bourre Bertrand , Ruet Aurélie , Durand‐Dubief Françoise , Touitou Valérie , Vignal‐Clermont Catherine , Papeix Caroline , Gout Olivier , Marignier Romain , Maillart Elisabeth ,   the NOMADMUS study group
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackground and objectiveThe prognosis in myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibody‐associated disease (MOGAD) is a matter of debate. Our aim was to assess the long‐term outcomes of patients with MOGAD.MethodsWe retrospectively analysed the clinical and paraclinical data of patients from the French nationwide observatory study NOMADMUS who tested positive for MOG antibodies (MOG‐IgG) and who had clinical follow‐up of at least 8 years from their first episode.ResultsSixty‐one patients (median [range] age at onset 27 [3–69] years), with a median (mean; range) follow‐up of 177 (212.8; 98–657) months, were included. Among 58 patients with a relapsing course, 26.3% relapsed in the first year after onset. Of the 61 patients, 90.2% experienced at least one episode of optic neuritis. At last visit, the median (mean; range) Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score was 1 (2.12; 0–7.5), 12.5% had an EDSS score ≥6 and 37.5% had an EDSS score ≥3. Of 51 patients with final visual acuity (VA) data available, 15.7% had VA ≤0.1 in at least one eye and 25.5% had VA ≤0.5 in at least one eye. Bilateral blindness (VA ≤0.1) was present in 5.9% of patients. Finally, 12.5% of patients presented bladder dysfunction requiring long‐term urinary catheterization. No factor associated significantly with a final EDSS score ≥3 or with final VA ≤0.1 was found.ConclusionOverall long‐term favourable outcomes were achieved in a majority of our patients, but severe impairment, in particular visual damage, was not uncommon.
The rule of law as the lodestar of the European Convention on Human Rights: The Strasbourg Court and the independence of the judiciary
Authors: Spano Robert 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe rule of law is a constitutional principle under the European Convention on Human Rights. Throughout its history, the rule of law has been the lodestar guiding the development of the case‐law of the European Court of Human Rights. In recent years, the normative impact of this principle has been increasing in the case‐law of the Court, in particular in cases dealing with the independence of the judiciary. The article discusses the conceptual core of the rule of law under the Convention system as a fundamental component of “European public order”. Subsequently, the three‐dimensional normative status of the rule of law is explored as well as the Court's statement that the principle is “inherent in all the Articles of the Convention”. On this basis, an in‐depth analysis is undertaken of the application in recent Strasbourg case‐law of the independence of the judiciary as a fundamental organic component of the rule of law. Finally, the author reflects on the “symbiotic” relationship in the field of judicial independence between the Strasbourg Court and the Court of Justice of the European Union.
Female taxi drivers in Mexico City: Facing patriarchal structures as a force of oppression
Authors: Hiramatsu Anri 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAn increased need for safety has led to a demand in Mexican cities for female drivers for taxis and ride‐hailing services. However, little attention has been paid to female drivers' vulnerability to gender‐based violence and the challenges of working under patriarchal structures. This article draws on the empirical application of Walby's patriarchy framework (1990, 1997) to assess the interrelationship between patriarchal relations in households, paid work, and male violence, on the one hand, and the entry, working conditions, and survival strategies of female drivers in the Mexican taxi industry, on the other. The accounts of the dozen female drivers in Mexico City highlight key challenges faced by these women: Interaction with co‐workers, mistrust of their professional capabilities, sexual harassment, occupational hazards, and lack of political power in the taxi organizations. The findings show that the female drivers are heterogeneous in their working patterns and safety strategies, depending on their different social class and age. The article concludes with recommendations for the city government to provide an effective support scheme for female taxi drivers following an assessment of their demographics and labor force participation patterns.
Successful hybridization between non‐congeneric parrots in a small introduced population
Authors: Hernández‐Brito Dailos , Tella José L. , Carrete Martina , Blanco Guillermo 
Published: February 2021

Introduced organisms have to overcome several obstacles, including the scarcity of conspecific mates, before becoming successfully established. We recorded interspecific mating in non‐native areas (Spain) that involved Orange‐winged Amazons Amazona amazonica with three non‐congeneric parrot species: Scaly‐headed Parrot Pionus maximiliani, Rose‐ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri and Monk Parakeet Myiopsitta monachus. Rather than mating with parakeets, a male Orange‐winged Amazon successfully bred with a female Scaly‐headed Parrot, raising hybrid offspring during five consecutive years and thus increasing the initial population size from five to 12 individuals in 9 years. Non‐congeneric hybridization seems to be extremely rare in wild parrots and, in this case, it may facilitate the successful establishment of a small introduced population in Tenerife, Spain.
Water dispersibility of the β‐carotene source and its effect on the physical, thermal, and in vitro release properties of an inclusion complex
Authors: Flores Floirendo P. , Kong Fanbin 
Published: February 2021

SummaryThere is a need to understand the effect of in vitro digestion on the release of β‐carotene (BC) from inclusion complexes (IC) prepared with water‐dispersible (WDBC) or hexane‐soluble (HSBC) sources. IC were prepared by co‐precipitating WDBC or HSBC with β‐cyclodextrin and characterised using imaging, spectral (FTIR) and thermal techniques. Two solvent systems (absolute ethanol, AE and 4:3 ethanol–hexane, EH) were employed to compare extractability of BC during simulated co‐digestion with rice as food matrix. WDBC‐IC had greater yield (89% vs. 44%) but lower encapsulation efficiency (30% vs. 89%) than HSBC‐IC. Imaging, FTIR and thermal data confirm inclusion complex formation. In vitro WDBC release extracted with AE decreased uniformly and was unaffected by rice, whereas HSBC extracted with EH exhibited gradual release towards intestinal digestion but decreased with rice. Fabricated microcapsules with suitable forms of BC may be applied for food fortification purposes.
Impact of pressure on structure and properties of hot‐compressed Na2O–Al2O3–SiO2 glass by molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Deng Binghui , Tandia Adama , Shi Ying 
Published: February 2021

AbstractWe conduct systematic studies to investigate the impact of pressure on structure and properties of Na2O–Al2O3–SiO2 glass system using molecular dynamics simulations. Glass compositions range from peralkaline, to charge‐balancing, to peraluminous. Hot‐compression operation is applied to as‐prepared glasses with pressure up to 4 GPa. Several key learnings are obtained from the study: (a) Density and elastic moduli increase with increasing Al/Na ratio (RAl/Na) and pressure, which are mainly driven by average internetwork bond angle reduction and void size reduction upon compression. (b) Population of three bonded oxygen (TBO) show some presence in the peralkaline composition space, while gain significantly in the peraluminous regime. Pressure essentially encourages conversion of bridging oxygen to nonbridging and three bonded oxygens. Local nearest neighbor environment of TBO is predominately Al atoms rather than Si atoms regardless of RAl/Na and applied pressure. (c) Analysis of first sharp diffraction peak (FSDP) from neutron scattering suggests that medium‐range structure is compacted and small size rings are noticeably distorted over the hot‐compression process. (d) Ring size distribution analysis shows that pressure has a more pronounced effect on altering medium‐range structure for peralkaline glasses as compared to peraluminous glasses.
Structure, crystallization, and performances of alkaline‐earth boroaluminosilicate sealing glasses for SOFCs
Authors: Yan Jiajia , Zhang Teng , Tao Haizheng , Zhan Hongbing , Yue Yuanzheng 
Published: February 2021

AbstractWe study the structure, crystallization, and performances of the sealing glasses with the composition (mol.%) of 12Al2O3·8B2O3·40SiO2·40RO (R = Mg, Ca, Sr) for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) before and after isothermal treatment at 700°C, which is within the operation temperature range (600‐800°C) of SOFCs. The crystallization behavior has been investigated by differential scanning calorimetry and X‐ray diffraction under both dynamic and isothermal conditions. The structural evolution is probed using the Raman and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopies. The performances of the sealing glasses are characterized in terms of the coefficient of thermal expansion, the crystallization‐induced stress at glass–steel interface. We find that strong crystallization occurs at the operation temperature (700°C) far below the crystallization onset temperature measured by DSC. The structure origin of this anomalous crystallization is discussed in terms of structural heterogeneity of the three studied glasses. We determine the residual stress at the interface between the Ca‐containing glass and the steel after isothermal treatment at 700°C for 48 h, but this stress does not lead to falling off the glass layer from the steel. This indicates that this glass is a good candidate to be applied in SOFCs.
Intracardiac echocardiography‐guided implantation of the Watchman FLX left atrial appendage closure device
Authors: Turagam Mohit K. , Neuzil Petr , Petru Jan , Hala Pavel , Mraz Tomas , Baroch Jiri , Lekesova Veronika , Prokopova Milena , Dukkipati Srinivas R. , Reddy Vivek Y. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe next‐generation Watchman FLX left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) device has: (1) an atraumatic closed distal end, (2) reduced height, (3) a recessed screw hub to decrease device‐related thrombus (DRT), (4) two rows of J‐shape anchors so redeployment is possible after full recapture, and (5) ability to treat a greater size range of LAA ostia.ObjectiveTo report, for the first time, the feasibility and safety of intracardiac echocardiography (ICE)‐guided Watchman FLX implantation.MethodsA single‐center prospective registry of atrial fibrillation patients planned for LAAC with the FLX device underwent ICE‐guided implantation with conscious sedation. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) imaging was done preprocedure (to assess LAA size and exclude thrombus) and at clinical follow‐up at 6–12 weeks. Clinical outcomes were LAA closure success, complications, leak, or DRT on follow‐up TEE and major safety events.ResultsThe study included 30 patients: age 75 ± 8 years, 53% men, CHA2DS2‐VASc 4.6 ± 1.6, and HAS‐BLED 3.4 ± 1.1. The primary indication was prior bleeding in 60% (72% GI bleeding). The LAA orifice width and length were 22.7 ± 3.1 and 25.7 ± 5.7 mm, respectively. Technical success was 100% (the first‐choice device was used in 28 of 30). Procedure time was less than 30 min in 27 of 30 cases, with 36 ± 15 ml contrast used. The final device size was 29.2 ± 4.7 mm with 21.6 ± 4.5% compression. There were no procedure‐related complications. Follow‐up TEE at a median 47 days follow‐up showed 100% device success with no DRT or peridevice leak ≥5 mm. Major safety events occurred in 6.6% (2/30).ConclusionThe Watchman FLX device can be safely implanted with intraprocedural ICE imaging instead of TEE.
Differences in growth between offspring of anadromous and freshwater brown troutSalmo trutta
Authors: Jonsson Bror , Jonsson Nina 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIn this study, individual growth of juvenile offspring of anadromous and freshwater resident brown troutSalmo truttaand crosses between the two from the River Imsa, Norway, was estimated. The juveniles were incubated until hatching at two temperatures (±S.D.), either 4.4 ± 1.5°C or 7.1 ± 0.6°C. Growth rate was estimated for 22 days in August–September when the fish on average werec. 8 g in wet mass, and the estimates were standardized to 1 g fish dry mass. Offspring of anadromousS. truttagrew better at both 15 and 18°C than offspring of freshwater residentS. truttaor offspring of crosses between the twoS. truttatypes. This difference appears not to result from a maternal effect because anadromousS. truttagrew better than the hybrids with anadromous mothers. Instead, this appears to be an inherited difference between the anadromous and the freshwater resident fish lending support to the hypothesis that anadromous and freshwater residentS. truttain this river differ in genetic expression. Egg incubation temperature ofS. truttaappeared not to influence the later growth as reported earlier from the studies of Atlantic salmonSalmo salar.
Predicting the risk of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation: The palmar creases pigmentation scale
Authors: Leal‐Silva Hector 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundPostinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) may affect any skin type but has been linked more often to darker skin. While propensity to hyperpigmentation has not been fully elucidated, there may be a direct correlation to one's palmar crease pigmentation.ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to validate the reliable use of a palmar creases pigmentation (PCP) scale, and its accuracy in predicting the risk of PIH.MethodsA prospective, comparative, and blinded study was conducted through photo‐numeric analysis of 126 photographs of pairs of palms. We utilized a 4‐point visual scale based on the level of contrast between palmar crease pigment and that of the surrounding skin. Score 0 indicated no difference, score 1 referred to a low difference, score 2 meant a moderate difference, and score 3 related to a high difference. Scores were subdivided based on the risk of PIH. Scores 0‐1 are low risk and scores 2‐3 are high risk. A panel of 8 medical experts independently evaluated and re‐evaluated the photographs that were shown in a random order.ResultsA significant degree of inter‐rater reliability was found at both evaluation visits, with an intra‐class correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.908, P <.001, at the first evaluation and an ICC = 0.924, P <.001, at the second evaluation, demonstrating a validity of the scale. Global Fleiss kappa for intra‐rater reliability for all physicians was 0.514.ConclusionThe PCP scale can be effectively used by any physician to predict hyperpigmentation risk.
Effect of a new cryotherapy device on an itchy sensation in patients with mild atopic dermatitis
Authors: Lee Eun Hye , Lee Hyun Ji , Park Kyung Duck , Lee Weon Ju 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe existence of an itchy sensation is a common complaint in patients with atopic dermatitis. More therapeutic modalities to address the itchy sensation in atopic dermatitis are still required.ObjectiveWe sought to assess the effect of a new cryotherapy device on the itchy sensation experienced by patients with atopic dermatitis.MethodsA total of 28 patients with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis participated in this study. A split‐body clinical trial was conducted for 2 months, where one side of each participant was treated with the novel cryotherapy device, and the other side of each participant was observed as a control. The cryotherapy device was set to −5°C and applied for five seconds. We evaluated the visual analog scale (VAS) score for itch at 10, 30, and 60 minutes and at 1, 2 and 8 weeks after cryotherapy application. In addition, the level of patient satisfaction and adverse events were evaluated every visit.ResultsOn the day immediately after treatment, the VAS score for itch in the treated‐side group was lower following cryotherapy application than as compared within the control‐side group. Further, the VAS score for itch in the treated‐side group at baseline (before treatment) was higher than at 1, 2 and 8 weeks after treatment. The proportion of patients reporting good or excellent satisfaction was 14.3%. No serious adverse events were recorded.ConclusionsThe novel cryotherapy tested herein may be a valuable antipruritic therapeutic remedy in patients with atopic dermatitis.
Assessment of serum interleukin‐19 in acne vulgaris patients of different clinical severities
Authors: Saleh Hanan M. , Deif Moustafa A. , El‐Husseiny Rania M. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundAcne vulgaris (AV) is a common chronic inflammatory disorder of the pilosebaceous unit among adolescents and young adults. Inflammation does have a central role in formation of both inflammatory and noninflammatory acne lesions with production of proinflammatory cytokines.AimsTo measure serum levels of interleukin 19 (IL‐19) in acne vulgaris patients with different severities, and compare it with healthy controls, to evaluate its role in pathogenesis of acne vulgaris and correlate it with acne severity.Materials and MethodsThis study included 120 subjects, aged 18‐30 years, divided into four groups, 30 in each; mild, moderate, and severe AV patients groups according to acne severity as well as apparently healthy controls group of matched age and sex with no previous history of acne or active acne. Each patient was subjected to history taking, general and dermatological examination with assessment of acne severity. Serum IL‐19 levels of both patients and controls were also measured using quantitative enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).ResultsResults revealed significant difference in serum IL‐19 levels between acne patients and controls, being higher in the former group (P value is < 0.001). Moreover, the rise in serum IL‐19 levels was significantly proportional to the increased acne severity (P value < 0.001).ConclusionIL‐19 is related to the etiopathological inflammatory process of acne vulgaris and correlates with acne severity. It could be proposed as a prognostic inflammatory marker for acne vulgaris.