bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Durability and delayed treatment effects of zoledronic acid on bone loss after spinal cord injury: a randomized, controlled trial
Authors: Edwards W. Brent , Haider Ifaz T. , Simonian Narina , Barroso Joana , Schnitzer Thomas J. 
Published: July 2021

ABSTRACT
A single infusion of zoledronic acid (ZOL) after acute spinal cord injury (SCI) attenuates bone loss at the hip (proximal femur) and knee (distal femur and proximal tibia) for at least 6 months. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of timing and frequency of ZOL over 2 years. In this double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, we randomized 60 individuals with acute SCI (&lt;120 days of injury) to receive either ZOL 5-mg infusion (n = 30) or placebo (n = 30). After 12 months, groups were again randomized to receive ZOL or placebo, resulting in four treatment groups for year 2: (i) ZOL both years; (ii) ZOL year 1, placebo year 2; (iii) placebo year 1, ZOL year 2; and (iv) placebo both years. Our primary outcome was bone loss at 12 months; compared to placebo, a single infusion of ZOL attenuated bone loss at the proximal femur, where median changes relative to baseline were −1.7% to −2.2% for ZOL versus −11.3% to −12.8% for placebo (p &lt; 0.001). Similarly, the distal femur and proximal tibia showed changes of −4.7% to −9.6% for ZOL versus −8.9% to −23.0% for placebo (p ≤ 0.042). After 24 months, differences were significant at the proximal femur only (−3.2% to −6.0% for ZOL vs. −16.8% to −21.8% for placebo; p ≤ 0.018). Although not statistically significant, median bone density losses suggested some benefit from two annual infusions compared to a single baseline infusion, as well as from a single infusion 12 months after baseline compared to 2 years of placebo; therefore, further investigation in the 12-month to 24-month treatment window is warranted. No unanticipated adverse events associated with drug treatment were observed. In summary, ZOL 5-mg infusion after acute SCI was well-tolerated and may provide an effective therapeutic approach to prevent bone loss in the first few years following SCI. © 2021 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Adapting genetic counseling operations amidst the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Mauer Caitlin , Zimmerman John , Lahiri Sayoni , Watson Elise , Parsi Lily , Berg Jordan , Pirzadeh‐Miller Sara 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe COVID‐19 pandemic caused significant disruptions to the delivery of genetic counseling services and clinical operations. Understanding how these pivots in practice affected patient care across both a county hospital system and academic medical center can help provide models of clinical operations for other genetic counselors. Programmatic data were analyzed between March 18, 2020 and September 18, 2020, including visit completion rates and genetic testing completion outcomes for genetic counseling services during the COVID‐19 pandemic. In addition to analyzing the effects on patient care, we provide commentary on technological adaptations that aided our operations, billing practices, onboarding and engaging new and existing staff, and coordination of education and outreach opportunities. Through this work, we highlight barriers encountered and successful adaptations that will influence future clinical practices and may guide other providers in the development of strategies to meet their clinical and operational needs.
No evidence of SARS‐CoV‐2 transmission through transfusion of human blood products: A systematic review
Authors: Mawalla William Frank , Njiro Belinda J. , Bwire George M. , Nasser Ahlam , Sunguya Bruno 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe presence of viral nucleic material in the circulation poses a theoretical risk of transmission through transfusion. However, little is known about the possibility of the actual transmission through transfusion or transplantation of blood products. A PROSPERO registered systematic review pooled evidence from PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar and CINAHL. The search included studies on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) transmission through human blood products. In total 537 studies were extracted, and only eight articles (1.5%) were eligible for the final analysis. A total of 14 patients received blood products from coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) virus‐positive donors, and six (42.9%) tested negative for COVID‐19 RT‐PCR for up to 14 days post‐transfusion/transplantation. There were no documented clinical details on the COVID‐19 test for eight (57.1%) blood products recipients. Of the eight patients, none of them developed any COVID‐19‐related symptoms. In conclusion, there is limited evidence of transfusion transmission of SARS‐CoV‐2 via human blood products. Consolidation of further evidence, as it emerges, is warranted.
Formulation and stability evaluation of an extemporaneously prepared baclofen suspension (1 mg/mL)
Authors: Purohit Trusha J. , Thakur Sachin S. , Carruth Jonathan , Dean Farhan , Kim Darin , Lee Seunghyun , Liu Colin , Sharma Manisha , Hanning Sara M. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundBaclofen is prescribed for both adults and children as a muscle relaxant, but no data exists to support an appropriate lower‐dose extemporaneously compounded oral liquid suitable for young children in New Zealand.AimThis study aimed to determine the stability of 1 mg/mL baclofen oral suspension over 30 days.MethodBaclofen suspensions were compounded (n = 6 per formulation) using suspending vehicles Ora‐Blend® (OB) or Ora‐Blend sugar‐free® (OB SF) and stored at either 25°C/60% relative humidity or 2–8°C for 30 days. Organoleptic properties, sedimentation volume ratio, ease of redispersion, pH and baclofen content were determined.ResultsFormulations required 2–3 inversions to redisperse at each time point. A colour change was observed from day 14 in the OB suspensions stored at both temperatures, likely due to the Maillard reaction, whereas no colour change was observed in any OB SF suspensions. The pH of all formulations remained between 4.5 and 4.6. Both OB and OB SF suspensions retained >90% of the initial baclofen concentration over 30 days.ConclusionAlthough baclofen 1 mg/mL suspensions prepared in both OB and OB SF retained sufficient baclofen to be considered chemically stable in both storage conditions over the study period, OB SF is recommended as a preferred vehicle over OB formulations due to the colour change observed.
NIR surface enhanced Raman spectra of biological hemes: Solvation and plasmonic metal effects
Authors: Ingraham Harrison M. , Premasiri W. Ranjith , Ziegler Lawrence D. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractSurface enhanced Raman spectra (SERS) excited at 785 nm are reported for hemoglobin, myoglobin, two heme B proteins, and cytochrome c, a heme C protein, solubilized in a variety of solvent systems and then placed on Au and Ag substrates. These solvent environments include H2O pH 7.4, HCl/water pH 2, HCl/50% ethanol pH 2, 50% acetic acid and the organic layer of a pH 2 HCl/butanone mixture. To obtain the most intense SERS spectra of heme B proteins (Mb and Hb) it is not sufficient to be in a low pH (pH ~ 2) denaturing environment. A hydrophobic solvent component is additionally required in order to efficiently solubilize the cleaved heme moiety and consequently observe intense SERS spectra indicative of these heme B proteins. Although both heme B proteins exhibit virtually identical, metal (Au, Ag) specific SERS spectra, Cyt c is much weaker in the low pH environments and only displays a Ag‐like SERS spectrum on both metals indicating that this heme C protein is not cleaved in any of these solvation environments. The strong SERS signals of hemoglobin and myoglobin are due to hemin and ferric acetate heme formed in pH 2 HCl/ethanol and pH 2/50% acetic acid solutions respectively. SERS vibrational features confirm oxidation state, coordination number and ligands. SERS signals due to globin protein aggregation effects are reduced in low pH solvent systems with polarities lower than pure water. These results confirm the mechanism of a successful acetic acid protocol previously developed for the highly sensitive SERS detection of dried blood for forensic applications and indicate how it may be further improved to achieve even higher SERS sensitivity for heme protein detection.
Oil palm agroforestry shows higher soil permanganate oxidizable carbon than monoculture plantations in Eastern Amazonia
Authors: Gomes Mila Façanha , Vasconcelos Steel Silva , Viana‐Junior Arleu Barbosa , Costa Alessa Nayhara Mendanha , Barros Priscila Castro , Ryohei Kato Osvaldo , Castellani Debora Cristina 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe expansion of oil palm(Elaeis guineensisJacq.) cultivation in degraded areas has increased in the Brazilian Amazon. Cultivation of oil palm in diversified agroforestry systems may be a relatively sustainable alternative to monocultures for crop expansion. Here, we evaluated the effect of oil palm cultivation systems on soil C, an important indicator of the soil quality of production systems. We assessed: (1) whether these systems of oil palm cultivation alter the potassium permanganate oxidizable C content (POx‐C) and the carbon management index (CMI); and (2) how the POx‐C varied among management zones (harvest path, leaf pile, weeded circle, and diversified strip). The soil C indices of the oil palm cultivation systems were also compared with those of secondary forests. POx‐C varied consistently based on the pattern agroforestry > secondary forest = monoculture, ranging from 0.95 ± 0.14 (agroforestry) to 0.66 ± 0.10 g·kg−1(monoculture). The POx‐C pattern among management zones was pile > diversified strip = weeded circle > harvest path. The CMI was higher in agroforestry than in monoculture. We found that these indices are sensitive to land‐use systems and management practices that affect organic matter input. Organic fertilization and species diversity likely drive the improvement of soil quality in agroforestry systems than in monocultures through C input to the soil directly and indirectly, by creating favorable conditions for the action of root and fauna that in turn positively affect soil C. Therefore, we postulate that soil quality improves through oil palm agroforestry than through oil palm monocultures.
Biofilm pigments in temporary streams indicate duration and severity of drying
Authors: Colls Miriam , Timoner Xisca , Font Carme , Acuña Vicenç , Sabater Sergi 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIncreased duration and frequency of droughts under global change may affect both temporary and formerly permanent watercourses. Streambed desiccation, cooccurring solar radiation, and high temperature all may affect the composition and metabolism of photoautotrophic organisms in benthic biofilms. To test these effects, we characterized the composition of pigments when biofilms were exposed to dry conditions, and compared this to pigments measured after flow resumed, as well as to others measured from permanent streams in the same region. This comparison revealed important differences in pigmentary composition based on flow conditions. Active chlorophylls decreased exponentially with the duration and severity of the nonflow period, while chlorophyll degradation products and protective carotenoids increased. Streams experiencing longer and more severe nonflow periods showed the highest dissimilarities in their biofilm pigmentary composition, and this pattern was maintained after flow resumed. Our results pointed to duration of nonflowing periods as the major driver of pigmentary composition, regardless of whether these were interrupted or not by short intervals of water flows. Multivariate changes in pigmentary composition between sampling periods highlighted the influence of the long‐term hydrological history on the relative abundance of different taxonomic groups and their associated pigments. Overall, pigmentary fingerprints are informative of the biofilm capacity to resist water flow interruption and of their ability to recover after water flow returns.
Active microbial ecosystem in glacier basal ice fuelled by iron and silicate comminution‐derived hydrogen
Authors: Toubes‐Rodrigo Mario , Potgieter‐Vermaak Sanja , Sen Robin , Oddsdóttir Edda S. , Elliott David , Cook Simon 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe basal zone of glaciers is characterized by physicochemical properties that are distinct from firnified ice due to strong interactions with underlying substrate and bedrock. Basal ice (BI) ecology and the roles that the microbiota play in biogeochemical cycling, weathering, and proglacial soil formation remain poorly described. We report on basal ice geochemistry, bacterial diversity (16S rRNA gene phylogeny), and inferred ecological roles at three temperate Icelandic glaciers. We sampled three physically distinct basal ice facies (stratified, dispersed, and debris bands) and found facies dependent on biological similarities and differences; basal ice character is therefore an important sampling consideration in future studies. Based on a high abundance of silicates and Fe‐containing minerals and, compared to earlier BI literature, total C was detected that could sustain the basal ice ecosystem. It was hypothesized that C‐fixing chemolithotrophic bacteria, especially Fe‐oxidisers and hydrogenotrophs, mutualistically support associated heterotrophic communities. Basal ice‐derived rRNA gene sequences corresponding to genera known to harbor hydrogenotrophic methanogens suggest that silicate comminution‐derived hydrogen can also be utilized for methanogenesis. PICRUSt‐predicted metabolism suggests that methane metabolism and C‐fixation pathways could be highly relevant in BI, indicating the importance of these metabolic routes. The nutrients and microbial communities release from melting basal ice may play an important role in promoting pioneering communities establishment and soil development in deglaciating forelands.
Novel Approach to Movement Disorder Society–Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale Monitoring in Clinical Trials: Longitudinal Item Response Theory Models
Authors: Luo Sheng , Zou Haotian , Goetz Christopher G. , Choi Dongrak , Oakes David , Simuni Tanya , Stebbins Glenn T. 
Published: July 2021

ABSTRACTBackgroundAlthough nontremor and tremor Part 3 Movement Disorder Society–Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale items measure different impairment domains, their distinct progression and drug responsivity remain unstudied longitudinally. The total score may obscure important time‐based and treatment‐based changes occurring in the individual domains.ObjectiveUsing the unique advantages of item response theory (IRT), we developed novel longitudinal unidimensional and multidimensional models to investigate nontremor and tremor changes occurring in an interventional Parkinson's disease (PD) study.MethodWith unidimensional longitudinal IRT, we assessed the 33 Part 3 item data (22 nontremor and 10 tremor items) of 336 patients with early PD from the STEADY‐PD III (Safety, Tolerability, and Efficacy Assessment of Isradipine for PD, placebo vs. isradipine) study. With multidimensional longitudinal IRT, we assessed the progression rates over time and treatment (in overall motor severity, nontremor, and tremor domains) using Markov Chain Monte Carlo implemented in Stan.ResultsRegardless of treatment, patients showed significant but different time‐based deterioration rates for total motor, nontremor, and tremor scores. Isradipine was associated with additional significant deterioration over placebo in total score and nontremor scores, but not in tremor score. Further highlighting the 2 separate latent domains, nontremor and tremor severity changes were positively but weakly correlated (correlation coefficient, 0.108).ConclusionsLongitudinal IRT analysis is a novel statistical method highly applicable to PD clinical trials. It addresses limitations of traditional linear regression approaches and previous IRT investigations that either applied cross‐sectional IRT models to longitudinal data or failed to estimate all parameters simultaneously. It is particularly useful because it can separate nontremor and tremor changes both over time and in response to treatment interventions.
Sub‐nanosecond, single longitudinal mode laser based on a VBG‐coupled EOQ Nd:YVO4 oscillator for remote sensing
Authors: Jiang Yewen , Li Peilin , Fu Xing , Liu Qiang 
Published: July 2021

AbstractHigh energy, sub‐nanosecond, single longitudinal mode (SLM) pulse is especially preferred for LiDAR application. In this paper, a kHz‐level sub‐nanosecond electro‐optical Q‐switched Nd:YVO4 laser of SLM operation for remote sensing was demonstrated. By utilizing a compact resonator with a Volume Bragg Grating as output coupler, maximum SLM output power of 1.08 W and pulse width of 919 ps was obtained at 10 kHz. Moreover, we proposed a theoretical model to calculate the multimode threshold of the VBG‐coupled cavity. The longitudinal mode characteristics at four different cavity lengths were investigated experimentally and the results match well with the numerical simulations, which validates the theory. We expected the method could help to guide VBG‐coupled cavity design and construction.
Optimized bias and signal inference in diffusion‐weighted image analysis (OBSIDIAN)
Authors: Kuczera Stefan , Alipoor Mohammad , Langkilde Fredrik , Maier Stephan E. 
Published: July 2021

PurposeCorrection of Rician signal bias in magnitude MR images.MethodsA model‐based, iterative fitting procedure is used to simultaneously estimate true signal and underlying Gaussian noise with standard deviation on a pixel‐by‐pixel basis in magnitude MR images. A precomputed function that relates absolute residuals between measured signals and model fit to is used to iteratively estimate . The feasibility of the method is evaluated and compared to maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) for diffusion signal decay simulations and diffusion‐weighted images of the prostate considering 21 linearly spaced b‐values from 0 to 3000 s/mm2. A multidirectional analysis was performed with publically available brain data.ResultsModel simulations show that the Rician bias correction algorithm is fast, with an accuracy and precision that is on par to model‐based MLE and direct fitting in the case of pure Gaussian noise. Increased accuracy in parameter prediction in a low signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) scenario is ideally achieved by using a composite of multiple signal decays from neighboring voxels as input for the algorithm. For patient data, good agreement with high SNR reference data of diffusion in prostate is achieved.ConclusionsOBSIDIAN is a novel, alternative, simple to implement approach for rapid Rician bias correction applicable in any case where differences between true signal decay and underlying model function can be considered negligible in comparison to noise. The proposed composite fitting approach permits accurate parameter estimation even in typical clinical scenarios with low SNR, which significantly simplifies comparison of complex diffusion parameters among studies.
Impact of palliative care simulation on nursing students’ learning outcomes and reported use in hospital placement
Authors: Valen Kristin , Simonsen Morten , Holm Anne Lise , Jensen Kari Toverud , Grov Ellen Karine 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAimNursing students report emotional distress and feelings of inadequacy to the complexity of palliative care. This study aimed to examine nursing students’ attainment of learning outcomes in palliative care through simulation and hospital placement.DesignA longitudinal, intervention study.MethodsFifty‐five second‐year bachelor nursing students participated. Three waves of assessments were performed: (1) pretest; (2) postsimulation test and (3) postplacement test after the completion of the placement. Non‐parametric Wilcoxon's signed‐rank test for paired samples was used to test for differences between assessments of knowledge, skills and competence before and after simulation, and between postsimulation and post hospital placement.ResultsThe results showed positive differences between pre‐ and postsimulation, indicating that learning outcomes were attained through simulation. However, negative differences between the postplacement test and postsimulation test scores indicated that the participants had practiced learning outcome from the simulation to a small degree during placement.
On the application of a Krylov subspace spectral method to poroacoustic shocks in inhomogeneous gases
Authors: Lambers James V. , Jordan Pedro M. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractPoroacoustic shocks in inhomogeneous gases are numerically simulated using Krylov subspace spectral (KSS) methods; specifically, existing KSS methods are modified to use basis functions tailored to the assumed density profile of the gas, and to handle the nonhomogeneous boundary condition used to insert the shock‐inducing signal. The simulations presented demonstrate that KSS methods are effective at capturing the features of the solution, consistent with theoretical expectations, even when using a time step that greatly exceeds the CFL limit.
Reflexology and meditative practices for symptom management among people with cancer: Results from a sequential multiple assignment randomized trial
Authors: Wyatt Gwen , Lehto Rebecca , Guha‐Niyogi Pratim , Brewer Sarah , Victorson David , Pace Thaddeus , Badger Terry , Sikorskii Alla 
Published: July 2021

AbstractOptimal sequencing of complementary therapies can help improve symptom management through nonpharmacological approaches. A 12‐week sequential multiple assignment randomized trial comparing home‐based reflexology and meditative practices on severity of fatigue and other symptoms was conducted among patients with cancer and their informal caregivers. Dyads were initially randomized to reflexology (N = 150), meditative practices (N = 150), or control (N = 47). If patient's fatigue did not improve (nonresponse) after 4 weeks of reflexology or meditative practices, the dyad was rerandomized to either add the other therapy or continue with the original therapy for weeks 5–8. Four decision rules (DRs) were compared: (1) Initiating reflexology, and if nonresponse on fatigue after 4 weeks, continue with reflexology for another 4 weeks, thus providing a higher dose; (2) Initiating reflexology, and if nonresponse on fatigue after 4 weeks, add meditative practices for the next 4 weeks; (3) Initiating meditative practices, and if nonresponse on fatigue after 4 weeks, continue meditative practices for another 4 weeks, thus providing a higher dose; and (4) Initiating meditative practices, and if nonresponse on fatigue after 4 weeks, add reflexology for the next 4 weeks. Symptoms were evaluated weekly using the M.D. Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI). Clinically, nurses can recommend either therapy since no differences were found among the 4 DRs, with the exception of lower severity for summed MDASI symptoms at week 8 for the use of reflexology only (DR‐1) versus DR‐2 (sequencing reflexology to meditative practices). Adding the other therapy for nonresponders after 4 weeks may not be warranted.