bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long-term Survival in Esophageal Cancer After Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy Compared to Open Esophagectomy
Authors: Gottlieb-Vedi Eivind , Kauppila Joonas H. , Mattsson Fredrik , Lindblad Mats , Nilsson Magnus , Lagergren Pernilla , Rouvelas Ioannis , Lagergren Jesper ,   FINEGO group
Published: January 2021

Objective:
To examine 5-year survival in esophageal cancer after MIE compared to OE.

Summary Background Data:
MIE is becoming an increasingly common approach in the surgical treatment of esophageal cancer. A recent meta-analysis suggested 18% lower 5-year all-cause mortality after MIE compared to OE, but the quality of the included studies was limited.

Methods:
Population-based cohort study including almost all patients who underwent elective esophagectomy for esophageal cancer in Sweden or Finland in 2010 to 2016, with follow-up until end of 2019. Cox regression was used to provide hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of all-cause 5-year mortality (main outcome) after MIE (hybrid or total) versus OE. Adjustments were made for age, sex, comorbidity, pathological tumor stage, histological tumor type, neoadjuvant chemo(radio)therapy, country, and annual hospital volume of esophagectomy.

Results:
Among all 1264 patients, 470 (37.2%) underwent MIE and 794 (62.8%) underwent OE. MIE was associated with an 18% decreased risk of all-cause 5-year mortality, compared to OE [adjusted HR 0.82, 95% CI 0.67– 1.00 (P = 0.048)]. The HR of all-cause 5-year mortality was seemingly lower after total MIE compared to OE (adjusted HR 0.77, 95% CI 0.60–0.98) than after hybrid MIE compared to OE (adjusted HR 0.87, 95% CI 0.68–1.11).

Conclusions:
This bi-national study indicates that MIE is associated with a higher 5-year survival than OE in patients with esophageal cancer, and that the survival benefit is greater after total MIE than hybrid MIE.
Robotic Versus Open Liver Resection in Hepatocarcinoma: Surgical and Oncological Outcomes
Authors: Pesi Benedetta , Bencini Lapo , Moraldi Luca , Tofani Federica , Batignani Giacomo , Bechi Paolo , Farsi Marco , Annecchiarico Mario , Coratti Andrea 
Published: January 2021

Background:
Minimally invasive approaches are spreading in every field of surgery, including liver surgery. However, studies comparing robotic hepatectomy with the conventional open approach regarding oncologic outcomes for hepatocellular carcinoma are limited.

Materials and Methods:
We retrospectively reviewed demographics characteristics, pathologic features, surgical, and oncological outcomes of patients who underwent robotic and conventional open liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma.

Results:
No significant differences in demographics features, tumor size, tumor location, and type of liver resection were found. The morbidity rate was similar, 23% for the open group versus 17% of the robotic group (P=0.605). Perioperative data analysis showed a greater estimated blood loss in patients who underwent open resection, if compared with robotic group (P=0.003). R0 resection and disease-free resection margins showed no statistically significant differences. The 3-year disease-free survival of the robotic group was comparable with that of the open group (54% vs. 37%; P=0.592), as was the 3-year overall survival (87% vs. 78%; P=0.203).

Conclusions:
The surgical and the oncological outcomes seem to be comparable between minimally invasive and open hepatectomy. Robotic liver resections are effective, and do not compromise the oncological outcome, representing a reasonable alternative to the open approach.
Pilates for Conditioning of Equestrian Master Athletes
Authors: Romani-Ruby Christine 
Published: January 2021

Introduction:
Master athletes performing in equestrian riding and jumping have specific needs that many typical conditioning programs do not address.

Case Presentation:
An equestrian master athlete with several comorbidities embraced Pilates as a method to maintain her fitness level and improved her performance at competition.

Management and Outcome:
The client was experiencing difficulty holding her position on the horse due to fatigue, lack of flexibility, and weakness. Through a year of Pilates conditioning, she improved her strength and flexibility and learned methods to delay the onset of fatigue and improve her posture for riding.

Discussion:
One of the most vital aspects of training for the equestrian master athlete is the ability to visualize and produce postures. The Pilates environment provides the simulated environment, the visual cues, and the appropriate physical overload.
Nursing Home Residents
Authors: Raposo Paula , Nogueira Dália , Reis Elizabeth , Serrasqueiro Rogério 
Published: January 2021

Background:
Frailty is a state of increased vulnerability with multisystem loss of physiologic reserves and decreased response to stressors, predicting adverse health outcomes. The phenotype of frailty is characterized by unintentional weight loss, self-reported exhaustion, weakness (low grip strength), slow walking speed, and low physical activity. This study aimed at assessing the prevalence and characteristics of frailty in a sample of institutionalized older people to identify a target intervention group.

Methods:
This is a descriptive cross-sectional and correlational study. Participants were 226 men and women living in nursing home facilities. Frailty was assessed using the phenotype of frailty. Sociodemographic, health status, physical and cognitive function, and depression data were collected. Relations between variables were analyzed using parametric (t test, Pearson coefficient) and nonparametric (chi-square and Spearman coefficient) tests. A multiple linear regression model was applied to assess the relationship between the frailty criteria and a set of predictor variables.

Results:
Assessment of frailty was possible in 35.3% of the subjects and 41.5% were found frail, 52.1% prefrail, and 6.4% nonfrail. Three frailty criteria had higher prevalence: weakness (76.6%), low physical activity (61.7%), and low walking speed (52.1%). The number of frailty criteria per subject was significantly correlated with cognitive status and depressive symptoms, and there was weak, though significant, correlation with the Barthel Index. Participants in frailty tests had a better functional and cognitive state than those unable to participate. No significant difference in depressive symptoms was found between these 2 groups. The multiple regression model explained only 21.6% of the variation of frailty.

Conclusions:
Subjects revealed low social status, advanced age comorbidity, and multifactorial incapacity. In a nursing home setting, frail and prefrail elderly stand out as a subset in the sample with higher functional status, as opposed to the usual findings in community-dwelling older adults. These facts should help recognize them as a target intervention group, as frail elderly are vulnerable and their needs might be underestimated in a setting where highly dependent people represent a huge burden for caretakers. Targeted interventions may improve their condition, prevent adverse health events, and preserve quality of life.
Gabapentin-Induced Myokymia: A Case Report
Authors: Brown Alexander , Esechie Aimalohi , Gogia Bhanu , Shanina Elena 
Published: January 2021

Background
Gabapentin is a commonly used medication for neuropathic pain and epilepsy that is prescribed by a wide range of medical specialties. Adverse effects including asterixis and myoclonus have been described in patients with chronic kidney disease, but myokymia has not been previously reported.

Case Presentation
A 69-year-old man with a history of traumatic brain injury, peripheral neuropathy, amnesia, and posttraumatic stress disorder presented to the hospital after multiple falls attributed to acute onset muscle spasms. He reported taking a total daily dose of 9600 mg of gabapentin, as prescribed. Physical examination demonstrated stimulus-sensitive myoclonus, painful muscle spasms in all extremities, and myokymia in his bilateral calves. Diffuse action tremors, as well as tongue tremors, were also observed.
Initial workup, including basic laboratory investigations, brain imaging, and electroencephalogram, was unrevealing. Gabapentin toxicity was suspected, and a gabapentin holiday was initiated with the improvement of myokymia by hospital day 3. The patient was found to have a high gabapentin level (25.8 μg/mL; reference range, 2.0–20.0 μg/mL) measured the morning after hospital presentation. After restarting on a lower dose of gabapentin with multimodal pain control, the patient continued to improve with diminution of his myoclonus, tremor, and gait instability.

Conclusions
Myokymia is a newly described motor symptom associated with gabapentin toxicity. The mechanism of gabapentin-associated myokymia is currently unknown. A brief medication holiday resulted in the resolution of motor symptoms without significant withdrawal symptoms. Knowledge of this newly reported adverse manifestation can aid physicians in the diagnosis of gabapentin toxicity and prompt treatment, as gabapentin levels are not widely or immediately available.
Thirteen independent genetic loci associated with preserved processing speed in a study of cognitive resilience in 330,097 individuals in the UK Biobank
Authors: Fitzgerald Joan , Fahey Laura , Holleran Laurena , Broin Pilib Ó , Donohoe Gary , Morris Derek W. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractCognitive resilience is the ability to withstand the negative effects of stress on cognitive functioning and is important for maintaining quality of life while aging. UK Biobank (UKB) does not have direct measurements of the same cognitive phenotype at distal timepoints. Therefore, we used number of education years (EY) as a proxy phenotype for past cognitive performance. Current cognitive performance was determined based on processing speed. This approach captured an average time span of 40 years between past and current cognitive performance in 330,097 individuals. A confounding factor was that EY is highly polygenic and masked the genetics of resilience. To overcome this, we employed Genomics Structural Equation Modelling (GenomicSEM) to perform a GWAS-by-subtraction using two GWAS, one GWAS of EY and resilience and a second GWAS of EY but not resilience. Subtracting one from the other generated a GWAS ofResilience. Replication of this approach was shown using independent discovery and replication samples within UKB and the full UKB GWAS results show significant genetic correlation with a GWAS of cognitive change in the independent Health and Retirement Study (N=9,526;P=1.5×10−3). We found 13 independent genetic loci forResilience. Functional analyses showed enrichment in several brain regions and involvement of specific cell types, including GABAergic neurons (P=6.59×10−8) and glutamatergic neurons (P=6.98×10−6) in the cortex. Gene-set analyses implicated the biological process “neuron differentiation” (P=9.7×10−7) and the cellular component “synaptic part” (P=2.14×10−6). Mendelian randomization analysis showed a causative effect of white matter volume on cognitive resilience. These results enhance neurobiological understanding of resilience.
Materials in action: The look and feel of soft
Authors: Cavdan Müge , Drewing Knut , Doerschner Katja 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe softness of objects can be perceived through several senses. For instance, to judge the softness of our cat’s fur, we do not only look at it, we also run our fingers in idiosyncratic ways through its coat. Recently, we have shown that haptically perceived softness covaries with the compliance, viscosity, granularity, and furriness of materials (Dovencioglu et al.,2020). However, it is unknown whether vision can provide similar information about the various aspects of perceived softness. Here, we investigated this question in an experiment with three conditions: in the haptic condition, blindfolded participants explored materials with their hands, in the visual-static condition participants were presented with close-up photographs of the same materials, and in the visual-dynamic condition participants watched videos of the hand-material interactions that were recorded in the haptic condition. After haptically or visually exploring the materials participants rated them on various attributes. Our results show a high overall perceptual correspondence between the three experimental conditions. With a few exceptions, this correspondence tended to be strongest between haptic and visual-dynamic conditions. These results are discussed with respect to information potentially available through the senses, or through prior experience, when judging the softness of materials.
Category-specific item encoding in the medial temporal lobe and beyond: The role of reward
Authors: Schultz Heidrun , Yoo Jungsun , Meshi Dar , Heekeren Hauke R. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractForming new memories is a fundamental part of human life, and the medial temporal lobe (MTL) is central to memory formation. Recent research suggests that within MTL, the perirhinal and parahippocampal cortices (PRC, PHC) process object and scene memory, respectively, whereas the hippocampus (HC) is agnostic to stimulus category. It is unclear, however, whether MTL category specificity extends to item encoding. Furthermore, MTL does not act in isolation: Reward-related memories are formed in interplay with the dopaminergic midbrain (substantia nigra/ventral tegmental area, SNVTA) and amygdala (AMY), but it is unclear whether reward modulates neural item encoding in a category-specific way. To address these questions, we had 39 healthy volunteers (27 for all memory-based analyses) undergo functional magnetic resonance imaging while they solved an incidental encoding task, which paired objects or scenes with high or low reward, followed by a next-day surprise recognition test. Behaviourally, high reward preferably enhanced object memory. Importantly, neural activity in PRC and PHC reflected item encoding of objects and scenes, respectively. Moreover, AMY encoding effects were selective for high-reward objects, with a similar pattern in PRC. SNVTA and HC showed no clear evidence of item encoding. The behavioural and neural asymmetry of reward-related encoding effects may be conveyed through an anterior-temporal memory system, including AMY and PRC, potentially in interplay with the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC).
Comparative genomics of emerging lineages and mobile resistomes of contemporary broiler strains ofSalmonellaInfantis andE. coli
Authors: Szmolka Ama , Wami Haleluya , Dobrindt Ulrich 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIntroductionCommensal and pathogenic strains of MDREscherichia coliand non-typhoid strains ofSalmonellarepresent a growing foodborne threat from foods of poultry origin. MDR strains ofS. Infantis andE. coliare frequently isolated from broiler chicks and the simultaneous presence of these two enteric bacterial species would potentially allow the exchange of mobile resistance determinants.ObjectivesIn order to understand possible genomic relations and to obtain a first insight into the potential interplay of resistance genes between enteric bacteria, we compared genomic diversity and mobile resistomes ofS. Infantis andE. colifrom broiler sources.ResultsThe cgMLST analysis of 56S. Infantis and 90E. colicontemporary strains revealed a high genomic heterogeneity of broilerE. coli. It also allowed the first insight into the genomic diversity of the MDR clone B2 ofS. Infantis, which is endemic in Hungary. We also identified new MDR lineages forS. Infantis (ST7081 and ST7082) and forE. coli(ST8702 and ST10088). Comparative analysis of antibiotic resistance genes and plasmid types revealed a relatively narrow interface between the mobile resistomes ofE. coliandS. Infantis. The mobile resistance genestet(A), aadA1andsul1were identified at an overall high prevalence in both species. This gene association is characteristic to the plasmid pSI54/04 of the epidemic clone B2 ofS. Infantis. Simultaneous presence of these genes and of IncI and IncX plasmids in cohabitant caecal strains ofE. coliandS. Infantis suggests an important role of these plasmids in a possible interplay of resistance genes betweenS. Infantis andE. coliin broilers.ConclusionsThis is the first comparative genomic analysis of contemporary broiler strains ofS. Infantis andE. coli. The diversity of mobile resistomes suggests that commensalE. colicould be potential reservoirs of resistance forS. Infantis, but so far only a few plasmid types and mobile resistance genes could be considered as potentially exchangeable between these two species. Among these, IncI plasmids could make the greatest contribution to the microevolution and genetic interaction betweenE. coliandS. Infantis.
Don't be a Drag, Just be a Priest: The Clothing and Identity of the Galli of Cybele in the Roman Republic and Empire
Authors: Mowat Chris 
Published: January 2021

ABSTRACTThis paper explores the clothing and representation of the galli priests of Cybele in late Republican and early Imperial Rome. The galli were male‐bodied, but practiced self‐castration and wore traditionally feminine clothing and makeup, which the article argues placed them outside any expected gender binary and allowed them to inhabit a non‐binary identity. The article applies contemporary drag theory and the relationship between clothing and identity, particularly in respect of (assumed) incongruity, to explore the ways in which the galli's identity is visible in the Roman world. In the final section, a case study is made of the way the galli are represented in Lucian of Samosata's On the Syrian Goddess.
Addressing the Ongoing Humanitarian and Environmental Consequences of Nuclear Weapons: An Introductory Review
Authors: Bolton Matthew B. , Minor Elizabeth 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe use and testing of nuclear weapons caused transnational and catastrophic humanitarian and environmental consequences. Legacies of more than 2,000 nuclear detonations in the territories of 15 states persist today, with serious implications for human rights and sustainable development. There is an inadequate global policy architecture for addressing the humanitarian and environmental consequences of nuclear weapons. However, the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), adopted by 122 states at the UN in 2017, established obligations to assist victims of nuclear weapons and testing and remediate contaminated environments. Other global policymaking bodies have also mandated action on such concerns. In this review article, introducing a Special Section on ‘Addressing the Humanitarian and Environmental Consequences of Nuclear Weapons’, we provide a global overview of the facts about past nuclear weapons activities in different countries and some of the known and potential ongoing consequences of the blast, heat and radioactive energy released by past nuclear weapons detonations. In doing so, we aim to inform the development of policy around the TPNW and the gathering of further relevant information, enabling efforts to develop global humanitarian, human rights and sustainable development policy assisting communities affected by nuclear weapons.
Unlike dietary restriction, rapamycin fails to extend lifespan and reduce transcription stress in progeroid DNA repair‐deficient mice
Authors: Birkisdóttir María B. , Jaarsma Dick , Brandt Renata M. C. , Barnhoorn Sander , van Vliet Nicole , Imholz Sandra , van Oostrom Conny T. , Nagarajah Bhawani , Portilla Fernández Eliana , Roks Anton J. M. , Elgersma Ype , van Steeg Harry , Ferreira José A. , Pennings Jeroen L. A. , Hoeijmakers Jan H. J. , Vermeij Wilbert P. , Dollé Martijn E. T. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractDietary restriction (DR) and rapamycin extend healthspan and life span across multiple species. We have recently shown that DR in progeroid DNA repair‐deficient mice dramatically extended healthspan and trippled life span. Here, we show that rapamycin, while significantly lowering mTOR signaling, failed to improve life span nor healthspan of DNA repair‐deficient Ercc1∆/− mice, contrary to DR tested in parallel. Rapamycin interventions focusing on dosage, gender, and timing all were unable to alter life span. Even genetically modifying mTOR signaling failed to increase life span of DNA repair‐deficient mice. The absence of effects by rapamycin on P53 in brain and transcription stress in liver is in sharp contrast with results obtained by DR, and appoints reducing DNA damage and transcription stress as an important mode of action of DR, lacking by rapamycin. Together, this indicates that mTOR inhibition does not mediate the beneficial effects of DR in progeroid mice, revealing that DR and rapamycin strongly differ in their modes of action.
Speed of adjustment towards target leverage: evidence from a quantile regression analysis
Authors: Nguyen Thao , Bai Min , Hou Greg , Truong Cameron 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThrough employing a quantile regression approach and a dataset of 206,046 firm‐year observations over the period 1970–2017 in the United States market, we examine the heterogeneity and asymmetry in the speed of adjustment (SOA) towards target leverage. We document that high‐ and low‐levered firms adjust more quickly towards their target levels than do mid‐levered firms. This holds true when total leverage and long‐term leverage are considered in the analysis. Second, there is a difference in SOA between low‐ and high‐levered firms, which points to SOA skewness. Third, when short‐term leverage is considered in the analysis, the adjustment speed becomes smaller at varying levels of short‐term debts. Finally, empirical evidence from total leverage and long‐term leverage adjustments is consistent with the trade‐off theory, whereas empirical evidence from short‐term debt adjustments supports the pecking order theory.
Alarming evidence of widespread mite extinctions in the shadows of plant, insect and vertebrate extinctions
Authors: Sullivan Gregory T. , Ozman‐Sullivan Sebahat K. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis paper, which addresses the issue of the extinction of mite species at the global scale for the first time, highlights mite diversity, assesses the evidence for an extinction process, discusses contributing factors and estimates losses. The ~1 250 000 mite species occupy an enormous variety of terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems from the equator to the polar regions and to high altitudes. Some groups provide essential ecosystem services, including the incorporation of organic matter into the soil. The maintenance of mite diversity is inextricably linked to the continuance of floristic diversity, habitat complexity and insect diversity. The majority of mite species are assumed to be in the tropical rainforests, of which >50% has been destroyed or severely degraded. Most biodiversity hotspots are in tropical forests; endemic phytoseiid mite species are at least 17 times more concentrated in the hotspots than outside. Habitat destruction and degradation continue on an enormous scale, with increasing human population growth and resource consumption the overarching drivers of extinction. Moreover, climate change is likely to be worsening the effects of the other drivers at an increasing rate. The small body of direct evidence and a considerable body of indirect evidence strongly suggest the continuing, widespread extinction of mite species. Based on estimates of overall biodiversity loss, ~15% of mite species were likely to have become extinct by 2000, with losses currently expected to increase by between 0.6% and 6.0% by 2060. More detailed information on both spatial differences in mite assemblages and anthropogenic threats worldwide is crucial because they underpin the total number of species and their vulnerability to extinction, respectively. The rapid expansion of the protected area estate to capture the maximum possible area of ecosystem heterogeneity, especially in the biodiversity hotspots, is essential, as is best practice management of these areas.