bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An IPI based immune prognostic model for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Authors: Mu Shidai , Shi Deyao , Ai Lisha , Fan Fengjuan , Peng Fei , Sun Chunyan , Hu Yu 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundInternational Prognostic Index (IPI) was widely used to better discriminate prognosis of patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). However, there is a significant need to identify novel valuable biomarkers in the context of targeted therapies, such as immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy.MethodsGene expression data and clinical information of DLBCL were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets. 371 immune-related hub genes in DLBCL patients with different IPI levels were identified by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), and 8 genes were selected to construct an IPI-based immune prognostic model (IPI-IPM). Afterward, the genetic, somatic mutational and molecular profiles of IPI-IPM subgroups were analyzed, as well as the potential clinical response of ICB in different IPI-IPM subgroups.ResultsThe IPI-IPM was constructed based on the expression of CMBL, TLCD3B, SYNDIG1, ESM1, EPHA3, HUNK, PTX3 and IL12A, where high-risk patients had shorter overall survival (OS) than low-risk patients, consistent with the results in the GEO cohorts. The comprehensive results showed that high IPI-IPM risk scores were correlated with immune-related signaling pathways, high KMT2D and CD79B mutation rates, as well as up-regulation of inhibitory immune checkpoints including PD-L1, BTLA and SIGLEC7, indicating more potential response to ICB therapy.ConclusionThe IPI-IPM has independent prognostic significance for DLBCL patients, which provides an immunological perspective to elucidate the mechanisms on tumor progression, also sheds a light on developing immunotherapy for DLBCL.
Researchers’ awareness about plagiarism and impact of plagiarism detection tools – does awareness effect the actions towards preventing plagiarism?
Authors: Mostofa Sk. Mamun , Tabassum Mashiat , Ahmed S.M. Zabed 
Published: March 2021

PurposeThis paper aims to analyse researchers’ awareness about plagiarism and impact of plagiarism detection tools on the actions that they take to prevent plagiarism. It also employs a structural model that examines whether awareness of plagiarism and anti-plagiarism tools have any significant effect on the actions taken by the researchers to avoid plagiarism.Design/methodology/approachA survey questionnaire was distributed to researchers at a large public university in Bangladesh. The survey accumulated 184 valid responses. Descriptive statistics were obtained to assess researchers’ awareness about plagiarism and impact of plagiarism detection tools and the actions taken by them. The reasons that may cause plagiarism were also identified. The awareness of the availability of the anti-plagiarism software that was being used by the university and its actual use by the researchers was gathered through the survey. Non-parametric Mann–Whitney and Kruskal–Wallis tests were conducted to investigate the differences in awareness levels and actions in terms of gender, age, discipline and current level of research. The chi-square test was carried out to examine the relationship between awareness about the availability of the anti-plagiarism software and its use by the researchers. Finally, the survey data were analysed using structural equation modeling to examine the effects of awareness of plagiarism and anti-plagiarism software on the actions taken by the researchers.FindingsThe study revealed that the level of awareness regarding plagiarism and impact of plagiarism detection software is generally high among the researchers. There are some significant differences between researchers’ demographic and personal characteristics and their awareness levels and actions with regard to plagiarism. The findings indicate that almost three-quarters of the researchers were aware about the anti-plagiarism tool that is being used, whereas more than half of the researchers indicated that they used the software to assess their works. The results of the structural equation model do not show a good fit, although there is strong statistical evidence that awareness about plagiarism and anti-plagiarism software has significantly impacted researchers’ actions towards preventing plagiarism.Originality/valueThere is no reported study on researchers’ awareness of plagiarism and its affiliated issues in Bangladesh. The findings of this study will not only provide useful insights regarding awareness about plagiarism but also assist university authorities to formulate relevant policy and take necessary actions against plagiarism in higher education institutions.
Real‐world prevalence and burden of genital eczema in atopic dermatitis: A multicenter questionnaire‐based study
Authors: Woo Yu Ri , Han Yujin , Lee Ji Hae , Lee Young Bok , Kim Jung Eun , Kim Miri , Park Chul Jong , Lee Ji Hyun , Cho Sang Hyun 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe involvement of genital lesions in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) is poorly understood. Moreover, clinical characteristics, potentially related factors, and impact on the quality of life (QOL) of genital eczema in patients with AD are also largely unknown. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence and burden of genital eczema in patients with AD. A prospective cross‐sectional study recruited a total of 220 patients diagnosed with AD. The participants were asked to complete the self‐administrated questionnaire asking sociodemographic characteristics, details about their AD, and individual experiences of their genital eczema. Among 220 responders, 99 patients (45.00%) reported that they had experienced genital eczema at some time during the course of AD. Longer disease duration (odds ratio [OR], 2.29; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13–4.62; p = 0.02), marital status (OR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.21–0.89; p = 0.003), involvement of the trunk (OR, 3.44; 95% CI, 1.81–6.52; p = 0.001), and involvement of the nipple (OR, 6.20; 95% CI, 1.39–27.63; p = 0.017) were the significant associated factors for the presence of genital eczema among patients with AD. Of note, the severe impairment of genital eczema‐specific QOL was observed in 28.29% of AD patients with genital eczema. Especially, female sex (OR, 2.22; 95% CI, 0.84–5.82; p = 0.04) was more associated with severe impairment of genital eczema‐specific QOL. Many patients with AD suffer from the genital presentation of the disease. Moreover, genital involvement of the disease has a significant impact on the QOL of patients with AD. We suggest that more attention should be paid to the genital presentation of the disease to increase QOL and provide further delicate treatment of patients with AD.
Do Analysts Account for Accruals? Evidence from the Insurance Industry*
Authors: Baik Bok , Kim Young Jun , Roh Yongoh 
Published: March 2021

AbstractProperty‐casualty (PC) insurers are mandated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to report managers’ revisions of loss reserve estimates (“development”) in 10‐K supplemental disclosures. Using manually collected PC insurers’ development, we examine whether analysts’ earnings forecasts incorporate information in development. We initially show that development has incremental power to predict insurers’ future profitability. Although analysts revise earnings forecasts in response to the updates on development in 10‐K filings, their forecast errors are positively related to development. We also find that analysts exhibit greater errors for firms that exert more discretion over development. Overall, our findings suggest that analysts do not fully incorporate the information in managers’ estimates.
Predictive biomarkers and clinical evidence
Authors: Jørgensen Jan Trøst 
Published: March 2021

AbstractPredictive biomarkers play an important role in our efforts to individualize pharmacotherapy, and within recent years, a number of different types of assays have been introduced. These biomarkers may potentially support the selection and dosage of specific drugs in order to maximize efficacy and minimize adverse reactions in the individual patient. However, in many instances, the scientific and clinical evidence is insufficient to support the prescribing decision. When predictive biomarkers are used to guide pharmacotherapy, it is important to secure that decisions are based on solid clinical evidence. Here, the regulatory authorities, especially the FDA, have been at the forefront in relation to regulate this type of biomarker assay in order to secure patient safety. The approval process for companion diagnostics is an example of this effort, where the scientific validity of the biomarker and assay is in focus. With the approaching implementation of the new IVD Regulation, greater attention will also be paid to analytical and clinical validity of biomarker assays in the EU. For any type of predictive biomarker assay, including pharmacogenetic and tumour profiling tests, the clinical evidence needs to be in place before they are used routinely in the clinic.
Transepithelial corneal collagen cross‐linking using iontophoresis versus the Dresden protocol in progressive keratoconus: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Wan Kelvin H. , Ip Christina K. Y. , Kua Wee Nie , Chow Vanissa W. S. , Chong Kelvin K. L. , Young Alvin L. , Cheng George P. M. , Jhanji Vishal 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundStandard epithelium‐off collagen cross‐linking using Dresden protocol (S‐CXL) is the standard of care for progressive keratoconus. Despite its efficacy, epithelial debridement is associated with pain, delayed visual rehabilitation, stromal oedema and haze. Minimising these complications while achieving a comparable efficacy remains an unmet need.MethodsComparative studies between transepithelial iontophoresis‐assisted CXL (I‐CXL) and S‐CXL reporting the outcomes of visual, refractive, topographic, aberrometry, demarcation line, endothelial cell density, confocal microscopy or complications were identified from databases. Assessments of publication bias, meta‐analyses, sensitivity analysis, subgroup analysis, and meta‐regressions were performed.ResultsIn this meta‐analysis, 586 eyes from three randomised controlled trials and seven comparative studies were analysed. No differences were found in the change in uncorrected/corrected distance visual acuities, mean/maximum keratometry, central corneal thickness, higher order aberration, spherical aberration, coma, subbasal nerve/anterior stromal keratocyte density and demarcation line depth in both CXL protocols (P ≥ .052). However, I‐CXL resulted in less thinning at the minimum pachymetry (standardised mean difference 0.25; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.06‐0.44). More importantly, there was a significant reduction in complications following I‐CXL (odds ratio 0.30; 95% CI 0.12‐0.75). Meta‐regression analyses on demarcation line depth and complication suggested that I‐CXL was more effective than S‐CXL when baseline maximum keratometry was >55.2 D and the risk of complication was independent of other baseline covariates.ConclusionI‐CXL has a more favourable safety profile, as evidenced by the available literature, with less thinning at the minimum pachymetry and reduced risk of complications while achieving comparable effects on visual, refractive, topographic, aberrometry, and morphological outcomes as S‐CXL.
Automated seizure detection using wearable devices: A clinical practice guideline of the International League Against Epilepsy and the International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology
Authors: Beniczky Sándor , Wiebe Samuel , Jeppesen Jesper , Tatum William O. , Brazdil Milan , Wang Yuping , Herman Susan T. , Ryvlin Philippe 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe objective of this clinical practice guideline (CPG) is to provide recommendations for healthcare personnel working with patients with epilepsy on the use of wearable devices for automated seizure detection in patients with epilepsy, in outpatient, ambulatory settings. The Working Group of the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) and the International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology (IFCN) developed the CPG according to the methodology proposed by the ILAE Epilepsy Guidelines Working Group. We reviewed the published evidence using The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis (PRISMA) statement and evaluated the evidence and formulated the recommendations following the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system. We found high level of evidence for the accuracy of automated detection of generalized tonic‐clonic seizures (GTCS) and focal‐to‐bilateral tonic‐clonic seizures (FBTCS) and recommend the use of wearable automated seizure detection devices for selected patients when accurate detection of GTCS and FBTCS is recommended as a clinical adjunct. We also found a moderate level of evidence for seizure types without GTCS or FBTCS. However, it was uncertain whether the detected alarms resulted in meaningful clinical outcomes for the patients. We recommend using clinically validated devices for automated detection of GTCS and FBTCS, especially in unsupervised patients, where alarms can result in rapid intervention (weak/conditional recommendation). At present, we do not recommend clinical use of the currently available devices for other seizure types (weak/conditional recommendation). Further research and development are needed to improve the performance of automated seizure detection and to document their accuracy and clinical utility.
Impact of delay in follow‐up due to COVID‐19 pandemic on skin cancer progression: a real‐life experience from an Italian hub hospital
Authors: Valenti Mario , Pavia Giulia , Gargiulo Luigi , Facheris Paola , Nucca Ombretta , Mancini Luca , Sacrini Francesco , Borroni Riccardo G. , Narcisi Alessandra , Costanzo Antonio 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe COVID‐19 pandemic required the setting of a national lockdown in Italy from March 9, 2020, until May 18, 2020; therefore, most of the non‐COVID‐19 activities were postponed. As a consequence, many follow‐up visits in patients with previously excised skin cancers were delayed. The aim of this retrospective real‐life case–control study is demonstrating that delay in follow‐up led to an increased incidence of advanced melanoma and keratinocyte cancers on the total of surgically excised skin cancers.MethodsThe incidence of excised advanced melanoma and keratinocyte cancers in our dermato‐surgery division in the period May 18 to November 18, 2020, was compared to the same time span of 2019. All data were collected from the electronic database of our department. Odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was used to assess the risk of excised advanced skin cancers in 2020 compared to 2019.ResultsFrom May to November 2019, we performed 265 surgical excisions, while during the pandemic in 2020, we completed 280 surgeries. The number of advanced skin cancers excised between May 18 and November 18, 2020, was significantly higher compared with the same period in 2019 (54 vs. 22, OR: 2.64; 95% CI: 1.56–4.47; P = 0.0003). Significant differences were also observed regarding the number of surgically removed advanced BCCs (OR 2.15; 95% CI 1.14–4.07; P = 0.0187) and advanced SCCs (OR 4.60; 95% CI 1.31–16.18; P = 0.0175).ConclusionThese results confirm that delay in follow‐up and, consequently, postponed surgical excisions are related to an increased incidence of advanced skin tumors, resulting in poorer prognosis lifelong. Follow‐up visits should be carried on even during COVID‐19 pandemic, avoiding significant delays as much as possible.
Inhibition of hypertrophic scar formation with oral asiaticoside treatment in a rabbit ear scar model
Authors: Huang Jia , Zhou Xiaobo , Xia Lingling , Liu Weiwei , Guo Fei , Liu Jianhui , Liu Wei 
Published: March 2021

AbstractHypertrophic scar (HS) is a fibrotic skin disease characterised by over‐productive collagen and excessive inflammatory reaction, which can be functionally and cosmetically problematic. A scar‐prone constitute will accelerate HS formation and functional disorder, which deserves systemic therapy with oral medicine. To examine the oral therapeutic effectiveness on HS with convincing evidence of gross view and histological improvement, a rabbit ear HS model was employed with oral administration of asiaticoside (AS) at the doses of 12 and 24 mg kg−1 d−1 daily for 60 consecutive days. Gross observation and histological findings showed that oral AS treatment could significantly inhibit HS formation in a dose dependent manner. Semi‐quantification of scar elevation index at days 7, 15, 30, and 60, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction at days 30 and 60 also provided the evidences of reduced scar thickness and inhibited fibrotic gene expressions of collagens I, III, TGF‐β1, interleukins 1β, 6 and 8, and enhanced gene expression of SMAD 7 and PPAR‐γ with a dose‐dependent manner. These results indicated that AS is likely to serve as a systemic therapeutic agent of HS treatment for those who may have scar‐prone constitute via anti‐inflammation, inhibiting fibrotic process, and enhancing matrix degradation.
Whose resilience matters? Addressing issues of scale in supply chain resilience
Authors: Novak David C. , Wu Zhaohui , Dooley Kevin J. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractMany existing studies and models of supply chain resilience conceptualize resilience from the perspective of an equilibrium‐seeking focal firm or industry. The term “supply chain resilience” is often discussed as a dimension of firm resilience, as opposed to a standalone concept. In this context, resilience is defined according to how well a firm or industry can respond to a disruption while maintaining existing structures and processes and then “bounce back” to a pre‐disruption equilibrium or “bounce forward” to a new, presumably better, equilibrium in the shortest amount of time with the least cost. In this paper, we argue that equilibrium‐based conceptualizations of supply chain resilience can be misaligned with the notion of a supply chain as complex adaptive system (CAS) that continually adapts and transforms via autonomous actions of the different actors within the system. We offer suggestions on how practitioners and researchers can advance theory and practice by adopting a CAS or complexity‐based perspective on supply chain resilience. Specifically, we address the importance of scale and the challenges associated with mismatched scales.
Electrical conductivity and performance evaluation of verjuice concentration process using ohmic heating method
Authors: Cevik Mutlu 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe verjuice sample (14.5 ± 0.2% total soluble solid [TSS] content) was concentrated (at 102 ± 2°C evaporation temperature) until reach 50% TSS content by applying ohmic heating at 13, 15, 17, and 19 V/cm voltage gradients. The total process times up to 50% TSS content were determined as 2,100, 1,500, 1,200, and 1,020 s for 13, 15, 17, and 19 V/cm, respectively. The electrical conductivity values increased until reach 32% TSS content and then showed a decrease until the final TSS content. The total energy consumption values increased as the voltage gradient decreased. The total power and specific water removal ratio (SWRR) values decreased as the voltage gradient decreased. The efficiency of ohmic heating assisted concentration process increased with the applied voltage gradient and it ranged from 71.27 to 75.22%. By evaluating the effects of ohmic heating conditions applied in the present study on total process time, total energy consumption, and process efficiency, 19 V/cm voltage gradients could be recommended to be optimum evaporation conditions of verjuice concentration in case of decreasing process time and higher energy efficiency.Practical applicationsFruit juices are generally concentrated to extend their shelf life. Therefore, for concentration purposes, various techniques, such as thermal evaporation, freezing methods, and membrane techniques, are applied in the fruit juice industry. This technique has some disadvantages, such as high energy requirements, the formation of undesirable compounds, high initial investment cost, and high failure rate to reach the desired total soluble solid content. The ohmic heating method, which is among the alternative heating methods, has advantages such as high energy efficiency, shorter processing time, higher product quality, and not causing wastewater. As a result of this study, it is thought that the verjuice samples were successfully concentrated up to 50% TSS content by using the ohmic heating method and this method can be used as an alternative method instead of the traditional method due to higher process efficiency and shorter process time.
Melatonin promotes potassium deficiency tolerance by regulating HAK1 transporter and its upstream transcription factor NAC71 in wheat
Authors: Li Ge‐Zi , Liu Jin , Chen Shi‐Juan , Wang Peng‐Fei , Liu Hai‐Tao , Dong Jie , Zheng Yong‐Xing , Xie Ying‐Xin , Wang Chen‐Yang , Guo Tian‐Cai , Kang Guo‐Zhang 
Published: March 2021

AbstractMelatonin (MT) is involved in various physiological processes and stress responses in animals and plants. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms by which MT regulates potassium deficiency (DK) tolerance in crops. In this study, an appropriate concentration (50 μmol/L) was found to enhance the tolerance of wheat plants against DK. RNA‐seq analysis showed that a total of 6253 and 5873 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were separately identified in root and leaf tissues of the DK + MT‐treated wheat plants. They functionally involved biological processes of secondary metabolite, signal transduction, and transport or catabolism. Of these, an upregulated high‐affinity K transporter 1 (TaHAK1) gene was next characterized. TaHAK1 overexpression markedly enhanced the K absorption, while its transient silencing exhibited the opposite effect, suggesting its important role in MT‐mediated DK tolerance. Moreover, yeast one‐hybrid (Y1H) was used to screen the upstream regulators of TaHAK1 gene and the transcription factor TaNAC71 was identified. The binding between TaNAC71 and TaHAK1 promoter was evidenced by using Y1H, LUC, and EMSA assays. Transient overexpression of TaNAC71 in wheat protoplasts activated the TaHAK1 expression, whereas its transient silencing inhibited the TaHAK1 expression and aggravated the sensitivity to DK. Exogenous MT application greatly upregulated the expression of TaHAK1 in both transient overexpression and silencing systems. Our findings revealed some molecular mechanisms underlying MT‐mediated DK tolerance and helped broaden its practical application in agriculture.
Unravelling foliar water uptake pathways: The contribution of stomata and the cuticle
Authors: Guzmán‐Delgado Paula , Laca Emilio , Zwieniecki Maciej A. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractPlants can absorb water through their leaf surfaces, a phenomenon commonly referred to as foliar water uptake (FWU). Despite the physiological importance of FWU, the pathways and mechanisms underlying the process are not well known. Using a novel experimental approach, we parsed out the contribution of the stomata and the cuticle to FWU in two species with Mediterranean (Prunus dulcis) and temperate (Pyrus communis) origin. The hydraulic parameters of FWU were derived by analysing mass and water potential changes of leaves placed in a fog chamber. Leaves were previously treated with abscisic acid to force stomata to remain closed, with fusicoccin to remain open, and with water (control). Leaves with open stomata rehydrated two times faster than leaves with closed stomata and attained approximately three times higher maximum fluxes and hydraulic conductance. Based on FWU rates, we propose that rehydration through stomata occurs primarily via diffusion of water vapour rather than in liquid form even when leaf surfaces are covered with a water film. We discuss the potential mechanisms of FWU and the significance of both stomatal and cuticular pathways for plant productivity and survival.