bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and healthcare utilization of rare neurological diseases in Hong Kong: 2014–2018
Authors: Chiu Annie Ting Gee , Li Jingjing , Chang Richard Shek Kwan , Chung Claudia Ching Yan , Wong Wilfred Hing Sang , Ip Patrick , Chan Sophelia Hoi Shan 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundThere has been increasing attention focused on the epidemiology of rare diseases (RDs) in recent years. Rare neurological diseases (RNDs) constitute a significant proportion of RDs; however, relevant research is still lacking.MethodsA list of ICD‐10 codes corresponding to RNDs was compiled using adaptations from the Orphanet Classification of Rare Diseases, and classified into rare epilepsy, movement‐related, neurocutaneous, neuroimmune, neurometabolic and neurodegenerative, neuromuscular and other RNDs. Using the Clinical Data Analysis and Reporting System, which holds public hospital healthcare records of Hong Kong anonymously, we calculated the prevalence and healthcare utilization of RND patients between 2014 and 2018. The list of RNDs was also used to review relevant pharmacological trials within the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform between 2009 and 2018.ResultsThe prevalence of RNDs in Hong Kong is 3.6 in 1,000 individuals. Patients with RNDs had frequent emergency department, outpatient and inpatient healthcare utilization. The average annual cost per patient is estimated at HKD 182,075 (€ 19,688). Different categories of RNDs showed different patterns of healthcare utilization. Moreover, there were only 677 RND‐related pharmacological trials during the study period, and no trial was found for 78% of RNDs.ConclusionsThis is one of the first population studies on the prevalence and healthcare utilization patterns of RNDs, with comprehensive reviews of RND‐related pharmacological research. It shows high healthcare utilization rates among patients with RNDs, as well as a wide research gap in many RNDs. We call for better attention and tailored healthcare for these patients.
A machine learning approach to integrating genetic and ecological data in tsetse flies (Glossina pallidipes) for spatially explicit vector control planning
Authors: Bishop Anusha P. , Amatulli Giuseppe , Hyseni Chaz , Pless Evlyn , Bateta Rosemary , Okeyo Winnie A. , Mireji Paul O. , Okoth Sylvance , Malele Imna , Murilla Grace , Aksoy Serap , Caccone Adalgisa , Saarman Norah P. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractVector control is an effective strategy for reducing vector‐borne disease transmission, but requires knowledge of vector habitat use and dispersal patterns. Our goal was to improve this knowledge for the tsetse species Glossina pallidipes, a vector of human and animal African trypanosomiasis, which are diseases that pose serious health and socioeconomic burdens across sub‐Saharan Africa. We used random forest regression to (i) build and integrate models of G. pallidipes habitat suitability and genetic connectivity across Kenya and northern Tanzania and (ii) provide novel vector control recommendations. Inputs for the models included field survey records from 349 trap locations, genetic data from 11 microsatellite loci from 659 flies and 29 sampling sites, and remotely sensed environmental data. The suitability and connectivity models explained approximately 80% and 67% of the variance in the occurrence and genetic data and exhibited high accuracy based on cross‐validation. The bivariate map showed that suitability and connectivity vary independently across the landscape and was used to inform our vector control recommendations. Post hoc analyses show spatial variation in the correlations between the most important environmental predictors from our models and each response variable (e.g., suitability and connectivity) as well as heterogeneity in expected future climatic change of these predictors. The bivariate map suggests that vector control is most likely to be successful in the Lake Victoria Basin and supports the previous recommendation that G. pallidipes from most of eastern Kenya should be managed as a single unit. We further recommend that future monitoring efforts should focus on tracking potential changes in vector presence and dispersal around the Serengeti and the Lake Victoria Basin based on projected local climatic shifts. The strong performance of the spatial models suggests potential for our integrative methodology to be used to understand future impacts of climate change in this and other vector systems.
Dietary ecology of Alaskan polar bears (Ursus maritimus) through time and in response to Arctic climate change
Authors: Petherick Ansley S. , Reuther Joshua D. , Shirar Scott J. , Anderson Shelby L. , DeSantis Larisa R. G. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractArctic climate change poses serious threats to polar bears (Ursus maritimus) as reduced sea ice makes seal prey inaccessible and marine ecosystems undergo bottom‐up reorganization. Polar bears’ elongated skulls and reduced molar dentition, as compared to their sister species the grizzly bear (Ursus arctos), are adaptations associated with hunting seals on sea ice and a soft, lipid‐rich diet of blubber and meat. With significant declines in sea ice, it is unclear if and how polar bears may be altering their diets. Clarifying polar bear dietary responses to changing climates, both today and in the past, is critical to proper conservation and management of this apex predator. This is particularly important when a dietary strategy may be maladaptive. Here, we test the hypothesis that hard‐food consumption (i.e., less preferred foods including bone), inferred from dental microwear texture analysis, increased with Arctic warming. We find that polar bears demonstrate a conserved absence of hard‐object feeding in Alaska through time (including approximately 1000 years ago), until the 21st century, consistent with a highly conserved and specialized diet of soft blubber and flesh. Notably, our results also suggest that some 21st‐century polar bears may be consuming harder foods (e.g., increased carcass utilization, terrestrial foods including garbage), despite having skulls and metabolisms poorly suited for such a diet. Prior to the 21st century, only polar bears with larger mandibles demonstrated increased hard‐object feeding, though to a much lower degree than closely related grizzly bears which regularly consume mechanically challenging foods. Polar bears, being morphologically specialized, have biomechanical constraints which may limit their ability to consume mechanically challenging diets, with dietary shifts occurring only under the most extreme scenarios. Collectively, the highly specialized diets and cranial morphology of polar bears may severely limit their ability to adapt to a warming Arctic.
A link between gastrointestinal disorders and migraine: Insights into the gut–brain connection
Authors: Aurora Sheena K. , Shrewsbury Stephen B. , Ray Sutapa , Hindiyeh Nada , Nguyen Linda 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundMigraine is a complex, multifaceted, and disabling headache disease that is often complicated by gastrointestinal (GI) conditions, such as gastroparesis, functional dyspepsia, and cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS). Functional dyspepsia and CVS are part of a spectrum of disorders newly classified as disorders of gut–brain interaction (DGBI). Gastroparesis and functional dyspepsia are both associated with delayed gastric emptying, while nausea and vomiting are prominent in CVS, which are also symptoms that commonly occur with migraine attacks. Furthermore, these gastric disorders are comorbidities frequently reported by patients with migraine. While very few studies assessing GI disorders in patients with migraine have been performed, they do demonstrate a physiological link between these conditions.ObjectiveTo summarize the available studies supporting a link between GI comorbidities and migraine, including historical and current scientific evidence, as well as provide evidence that symptoms of GI disorders are also observed outside of migraine attacks during the interictal period. Additionally, the importance of route of administration and formulation of migraine therapies for patients with GI symptoms will be discussed.MethodsA literature search of PubMed for articles relating to the relationship between the gut and the brain with no restriction on the publication year was performed. Studies providing scientific support for associations of gastroparesis, functional dyspepsia, and CVS with migraine and the impact these associations may have on migraine treatment were the primary focus. This is a narrative review of identified studies.ResultsAlthough the association between migraine and GI disorders has received very little attention in the literature, the existing evidence suggests that they may share a common etiology. In particular, the relationship between migraine, gastric motility, and vomiting has important clinical implications in the treatment of migraine, as delayed gastric emptying and vomiting may affect oral dosing compliance, and thus, the absorption and efficacy of oral migraine treatments.ConclusionsThere is evidence of a link between migraine and GI comorbidities, including those under the DGBI classification. Many patients do not find adequate relief with oral migraine therapies, which further necessitates increased recognition of GI disorders in patients with migraine by the headache community.
Multi‐approach characterization of shallow‐water carbonates off Minamitorishima and their depositional settings/history
Authors: Aftabuzzaman Md. , Yomogida Kazuki , Suzuki Shota , Takayanagi Hideko , Ishigaki Akimasa , Machida Shiki , Asahara Yoshihiro , Yamamoto Koshi , Hirano Naoto , Sano Shin‐Ichi , Chiyonobu Shun , Bassi Davide , Iryu Yasufumi 
Published: April 2021

AbstractSedimentological, geochemical, and chronological analyses were carried out on 18 carbonate rock samples collected at depths of 938, 1085, and 3354 m on the western slope of Minamitorishima (Marcus Island), which is located near the western margin of the Pacific Plate. Four groups of carbonate rocks were distinguished: a mollusk‐rich limestone, a coral‐rich dolomite, a foraminiferal‐nannofossil packstone, and a phosphatized mudstone/wackestone. The mollusk‐rich limestone is characterized by the dominance of bivalves (including rudists) and gastropod shells. Strontium isotope ratios (87Sr/86Sr) and Mesorbitolina ex gr. texana (a large benthic foraminifer) indicate that the shallow‐water carbonates were deposited during the late Aptian–early Albian (ca. 123–111 Ma). The coral‐rich dolomite is characterized by abundant scleractinian corals and nongeniculate coralline algae associated with encrusting acervulinid foraminifers. The biotic composition is similar to that of the Oligocene–Pleistocene carbonates reported from other seamounts in the northwestern Pacific. Geochemical data show that the coral‐rich carbonates were dolomitized at 9.5–6.8 Ma (Tortonian–Messinian) and that normal seawater was the most likely parent fluid. The foraminiferal‐nannofossil packstone is a semi‐consolidated foraminiferal‐nannofossil ooze and was deposited during the Pleistocene (0.99–0.45 Ma). The phosphatized mudstone/wackestone is marked by the absence of macrofossils and the presence of traces of planktic foraminifers. Although its depositional age is not constrained, the Sr isotope ratios indicate that the phosphatization occurred at 33.2–28.9 Ma. After the deposition of the Cretaceous shallow‐water carbonates, including the mollusk‐rich limestone, Minamitorishima was drowned and its top was covered with a pelagic cap, represented by the mudstone/wackestone. The late Eocene–early Oligocene volcanism (40.2–33.2 Ma) caused episodic uplift and returned the top of Minamitorishima to a shallow‐water environment. After the early Oligocene phosphatization of the pelagic cap, coral reefs flourished on the top of this island. The reef limestone was dolomitized during the Tortonian–Messinian.
CXCL2 benefits acute myeloid leukemia cells in hypoxia
Authors: Li Lijun , Zhao Li , Man Jiancheng , Liu Bei 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIntroductionDrug resistance and relapse of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is still an important problem in the treatment of leukemia. Leukemia outbreak causes severe hypoxia in bone marrow (BM), remolding BM microenvironment (niche), and transforming hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) niche into leukemia stem cell (LSC) niche. AML cells and the microenvironment usually conduct “cross‐talk” through cytokines to anchor resistant AML cells into LSC niche, thus supporting their survival. Therefore, this study was aimed to investigate the role of CXCL2 in the hypoxic AML niche.MethodsAML hypoxic niche was simulated by hypoxic culture of THP‐1 and HL‐60 cells in vitro, thus to study the effects of CXCL2 on the proliferation and migration of AML cells. The expression of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) and the activation of survival‐related kinases such as PIM2 and mTOR under CoCl2‐simulated hypoxic conditions were detected. The correlation between CXCL2 and the prognosis of AML with big data was verified.Results(a) CXCL2 promoted the proliferation and migration of AML cells. (b) CXCL2 up‐regulated the expression of PIM2 by enhancing the transcriptional activity of HIF‐1α. (c) CXCL2 activated mTOR in AML cells. (d) CXCL2 was associated with poor prognosis in AML.ConclusionCXCL2 promotes survival, migration, and drug resistance pathway of AML cells in hypoxia and is associated with poor prognosis in AML. Therefore, CXCL2 can be considered as an important factor in promoting the development of AML cells in hypoxia.
(W1‐x,Mx)C carbides with desired combinations of compatible density and properties – A first‐principles study
Authors: Liu Ruiliang , Zhang Dong , Tang Yunqing , Tang Xinhu , Humphries Edward , Li Dongyang 
Published: April 2021

AbstractTungsten monocarbide (WC) is one of the highly valuable hard materials for industry, widely used as reinforcement in hardfacing overlays, thermal spray coatings, composites, and various alloys. However, its large density leads to the inhomogeneous distribution of WC particles in the metal‐matrix hardfacing overlays. It is highly wished to have appropriate reinforcing phases with an optimal combination of high strength, compatible density, and physical properties. In this study, we tailored WC by partially substituting W with 3d and 4d transition metals through first‐principles calculations. It is demonstrated that WC can be tailored by element‐substitution with desired properties. Identified stable carbides possess lowered density and mechanical properties that are comparable to those of WC. Physical properties, for example, the Debye temperature, Grüneisen parameter, and thermal conductivity, of the tailored carbides are also studied for widened applications. Efforts are made to generate comprehensive information on metal‐substituted with elucidated underlying mechanisms through analyzing the corresponding electronic characteristics.
The influence of carbon on the microstructure and wear resistance of alumina
Authors: Marder Rachel , Ghosh Priyadarshini , Reimanis Ivar , Kaplan Wayne D. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe influence of carbon as a dopant on grain growth and wear resistance of polycrystalline alumina was evaluated. Carbon was introduced into alumina by sintering in a carbon‐rich environment (graphite furnace under flowing He), and/or by residual carbon from organic binders used during the green body consolidation process. Samples were sintered at 1600°C for 2 h. Doping alumina with carbon resulted in a reduced grain size after sintering, correlated to solute‐drag, and graphite particle‐drag for high concentrations of carbon (~3 wt.%). The material response to abrasive wear was quantified by measuring the sample area cut for a defined time using a diamond wafering saw, as a function of grain size and carbon content. Sintering alumina with carbon resulted in a significant increase in wear resistance, as a result of the reduced grain size.
Electrophysiologic and electroanatomic characterization of ventricular arrhythmias in non‐compaction cardiomyopathy: A systematic review
Authors: Bhaskaran Ashwin , Campbell Timothy , Virk Sohaib , Bennett Richard G. , Kizana Eddy , Kumar Saurabh 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundNon‐compaction cardiomyopathy (NCCM) is a form of structural heart disease prone to ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) and sudden cardiac death. Non‐compacted myocardium may harbor VA substrate, though some reports suggest otherwise.ObjectiveThis study aimed to characterize the electrophysiologic (EP) features of VA in NCCM.MethodsWe performed a systematic review of case reports, case series, and observational studies.ResultsOne hundred and thirty‐five cases of NCCM from studies between 2000 and 2020 were included. Mean age was 34 ± 20 years, mean left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction was 42 ± 15% with two cases having late gadolinium enhancement on magnetic resonance imaging. The LV apex was the most common non‐compacted segment (86%); 10% involved the right ventricle (RV). Antiarrhythmic failure was documented in 16 cases, of which 50% failed more than one agent. Only 23% of monomorphic VAs localized to regions of non‐compaction on electrocardiogram. Most frequently, VAs localized to the RV outflow tract (n = 21), posterior fascicle (n = 19), and anterolateral LV apex (n = 9). All cases with apical exits arose from the non‐compacted myocardium. On EPS, 83% of sustained VTs were due to re‐entry, 17% due to focal mechanism. Catheter ablation was performed in 39 cases, with 7 requiring more than 1 procedure. Acute VA non‐inducibility was achieved in 82% and VA‐free survival was reported in 85% over a mean follow‐up of 24 months.ConclusionThe majority of VAs in NCCM arise remotely from non‐compacted myocardium, and non‐re‐entrant mechanism seen in ~1/5th of sustained VTs. Catheter ablation outcomes appear favorable. Further study is needed to understand the pathophysiology of VA in NCCM.
Reduction of protein‐bound uraemic toxins in plasma of chronic renal failure patients: A systematic review
Authors: Saar‐Kovrov V. , Zidek W. , Orth‐Alampour S. , Fliser D. , Jankowski V. , Biessen E. A. L. , Jankowski J. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundProtein‐bound uraemic toxins (PBUTs) accumulate in patients with chronic kidney disease and impose detrimental effects on the vascular system. However, a unanimous consensus on the most optimum approach for the reduction of plasma PBUTs is still lacking.MethodsIn this systematic review, we aimed to identify the most efficient clinically available plasma PBUT reduction method reported in the literature between 1980 and 2020. The literature was screened for clinical studies describing approaches to reduce the plasma concentration of known uraemic toxins. There were no limits on the number of patients studied or on the duration or design of the studies.ResultsOut of 1274 identified publications, 101 studies describing therapeutic options aiming at the reduction of PBUTs in CKD patients were included in this review. We stratified the studies by the PBUTs and the duration of the analysis into acute (data from a single procedure) and longitudinal (several treatment interventions) trials. Reduction ratio (RR) was used as the measure of plasma PBUTs lowering efficiency. For indoxyl sulphate and p‐cresyl sulphate, the highest RR in the acute studies was demonstrated for fractionated plasma separation, adsorption and dialysis system. In the longitudinal trials, supplementation of haemodialysis patients with AST‐120 (Kremezin®) adsorbent showed the highest RR. However, no superior method for the reduction of all types of PBUTs was identified based on the published studies.ConclusionsOur study shows that there is presently no technique universally suitable for optimum reduction of all PBUTs. There is a clear need for further research in this field.
Use of a Pediatric Obesity Fall‐risk Scale (POFS) in 301 hospitalized obese children and adolescents
Authors: Tamini Sofia , Cicolini Sabrina , Porcu Anna , Seddone Angela , Ryan‐Wenger Nancy , Sartorio Alessandro 
Published: April 2021

AbstractPurposeFalls are a significant safety risk in hospitalized patients, but little evidence regarding their significance in obese children are available to date. Aim of the study was to determine whether the Pediatric Obesity Fall‐risk Scale (POFS) is able to discriminate between hospitalized obese pediatric patients at high or low risk of falling, to evaluate its sensitivity and specificity and to analyze if the risk factors considered were actually related to the falling event.Design and MethodsThe sample consisted of 301 children and adolescents hospitalized for a body weight reduction program. In this 12‐month study, 14.6% of patients experienced a fall during hospitalization, the fall rate per 1000 patient days being 5.33 for the first and 4.36 for the second 6‐month of the year. The components of the POFS included chronological age, history of falls, body mass index standard deviation score (BMI‐SDS), and the ability to maintain equilibrium.ResultsNo differences were observed between fallers and nonfallers as far as BMI and BMI‐SDS are concerned. Compared with patients who did not fall, those who fell were significantly younger and shorter and their weights were lower. The POFS identified 85 patients with high and 216 with low falling risk, the two subgroups being comparable for BMI and BMI‐SDS. Compared with patients with low fall‐risk, those with high fall‐risk were significantly younger and shorter and their weights were lower. The sensitivity of the POFS was 61.4%, while the specificity was 77.4%. The positive predictive value of the POFS was 31.8%, while the negative predictive value was 92.1%. The analyses of each POFS component did not show significant differences between fallers and non‐fallers in terms of BMI‐SDS and equilibrium test. Compared with patients who did not fall, those who fell were significantly younger, experienced a fall during the 3 months prior the admission in hospital and their total POFS score was higher.Practice ImplicationsPreventing falls in hospitalized obese pediatric patients is challenging due to the markedly increased risk of this population and specific fall‐risk assessment tools are required to early identify patients who needs more care, attention, and specific nursing/medical interventions.