bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Copeptin is associated with mortality in elderly people
Authors: Smaradottir Maria Isabel , Andersen Karl , Gudnason Vilmundur , Näsman Per , Rydén Lars , Mellbin Linda Garcia 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundElevated copeptin, a marker for vasopressin release, has been associated with impaired prognosis in acute myocardial infarction (MI). The aim was to investigate whether this association extends beyond the acute phase and whether it is related to markers of stress (cortisol) and heart failure (NTproBNP).MethodsCopeptin, cortisol and NTproBNP were measured in 926 participants (age: 76.0; male: 48.5%) in the ICELAND MI study whereof 246 had a previous MI (91 recognizable (RMI) and 155 previously unrecognizable (UMI) detected by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging). The primary endpoint was cardiovascular events (CVEs), and secondary endpoints were total mortality, heart failure and MI (median follow‐up was 9.1 years). The relation between copeptin and prognosis was assessed with the Cox proportional hazard regression (unadjusted, adjusted for cortisol and NTproBNP, respectively, and a multiple model: copeptin, cortisol, NTproBNP, age, sex, serum creatinine, heart failure).ResultsCopeptin was higher in participants with MI (8.9 vs. 6.4 pmol/L; P < .01), with no difference between RMI vs. UMI. Increased copeptin correlated with evening cortisol (r = .11; P < .01) and NTproBNP (r = .07; P = .04). Copeptin was associated with CVE and total mortality after adjusting for cortisol and NTproBNP separately, and remained significantly associated with total mortality in the multiple model.ConclusionsCopeptin was higher in subjects with previous MI regardless whether previously recognized or not. Copeptin correlated weakly with cortisol and NTproBNP, and was independently associated with total mortality. This indicates that the prognostic implications of copeptin are not only mediated by heart failure or stress, supporting the assumption that copeptin is a marker of general vulnerability.
Safety of apixaban compared to warfarin in hemodialysis patients: Do antiplatelets make a difference?
Authors: Ionescu Filip , Cooper Christopher , Petrescu Ioana , George Julie , Mansuri Saima 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundData on the safety of apixaban compared to warfarin in hemodialysis (HD) patients are accumulating, but the impact of concomitant antiplatelet use is unknown.ObjectivesCompare hemorrhagic risk and impact of antiplatelets in HD patients receiving oral anticoagulants (OAC).MethodsRetrospective, multi‐center study of HD patients started on OAC inpatient over 5 years.Results707 patients were included: 563 received warfarin, and 144 received apixaban. 197 had bleeding, most in the warfarin group (173 [30.1%] vs 24 [16.7%] in the apixaban group), P‐value < .01). However, with concomitant antiplatelet use, frequencies were similar (31.4% vs 25.0%; P‐value = .292). Cumulative incidence using bleeding as event of interest and death as competing risk showed higher rates of bleeding with warfarin. In a multivariate model, apixaban was associated with a lower hemorrhagic risk (hazard ratio [HR] 0.55 [95% confidence interval {CI} 0.35‐0.86}). Apixaban showed lower hemorrhagic risk alone (HR 0.24, 95% CI 0.10‐0.55) and similar risk when administered with antiplatelets (HR 0.93, 95% CI 0.55‐1.56).ConclusionsApixaban is associated with less bleeding in HD patients compared to warfarin, but concomitant antiplatelet use may negate the safety advantage. Prospective trials are warranted to determine the impact of antiplatelets on apixaban safety.
Refractory autoimmune cytopenias in pediatric Evans syndrome with underlying systemic immune dysregulation
Authors: Grimes Amanda B. , Kim Taylor O. , Kirk Susan E. , Flanagan Jonathan , Lambert Michele P. , Grace Rachael F. , Despotovic Jenny M. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractEvans syndrome is a rare but challenging disorder in children; and despite rapidly growing evidence for targetable systemic immune dysregulation driving these “idiopathic” autoimmune cytopenias, precision diagnosis and management remains sub‐optimal among these patients. We analyzed retrospective clinical data for 60 pediatric ES patients followed at 3 large tertiary referral centers in the United States over a recent 6‐year period and found that definable underlying systemic immune dysregulation was identified in only 42% of these patients throughout the course of clinical care. Median time from ES diagnosis to identification of the underlying systemic immune dysregulation disorder was 1.3 years (<1 month for rheumatologic disease, 2.3 years for CVID, 3.4 years for ALPS, and 7.4 years for monogenic disorders of immune regulation). Notably, a significantly higher percentage of patients in whom a definitive immune dysregulation disorder was ultimately identified required ≥3 cytopenia‐directed therapies (92%) and also second‐ and third‐line immunomodulatory agents (84%), vs those in whom no unifying immune dysregulation was diagnosed (65%, and 35%, respectively)—indicating that autoimmune cytopenias as a manifestation of systemic immune dysregulation are more treatment‐refractory and severe. These data underline the importance of identifying the underlying systemic immune dysregulation and providing targeted therapy in pediatric ES.
In search of the RNA world on Mars
Authors: Mojarro Angel , Jin Lin , Szostak Jack W. , Head James W. , Zuber Maria T. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAdvances in origins of life research and prebiotic chemistry suggest that life as we know it may have emerged from an earlier RNA World. However, it has been difficult to reconcile the conditions used in laboratory experiments with real‐world geochemical environments that may have existed on the early Earth and hosted the origin(s) of life. This challenge is due to geologic resurfacing and recycling that have erased the overwhelming majority of the Earth's prebiotic history. We therefore propose that Mars, a planet frozen in time, comprised of many surfaces that have remained relatively unchanged since their formation > 4 Gya, is the best alternative to search for environments consistent with geochemical requirements imposed by the RNA world. In this study, we synthesize in situ and orbital observations of Mars and modeling of its early atmosphere into solutions containing a range of pHs and concentrations of prebiotically relevant metals (Fe2+, Mg2+, and Mn2+) spanning various candidate aqueous environments. We then experimentally determine RNA degradation kinetics due to metal‐catalyzed hydrolysis (cleavage) and evaluate whether early Mars could have been permissive toward the accumulation of long‐lived RNA polymers. Our results indicate that a Mg2+‐rich basalt sourcing metals to a slightly acidic (pH 5.4) environment mediates the slowest rates of RNA cleavage, though geologic evidence and basalt weathering models suggest aquifers on Mars would be near neutral (pH ~ 7). Moreover, the early onset of oxidizing conditions on Mars has major consequences regarding the availability of oxygen‐sensitive metals (i.e., Fe2+ and Mn2+) due to increased RNA degradation rates and precipitation. Overall, (a) low pH decreases RNA cleavage at high metal concentrations; (b) acidic to neutral pH environments with Fe2+ or Mn2+ cleave more RNA than Mg2+; and (c) alkaline environments with Mg2+ dramatically cleaves more RNA while precipitates were observed for Fe2+ and Mn2+.
Image‐based high‐throughput phenotyping for the estimation of persistence of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenneL.)—A review
Authors: Jayasinghe Chinthaka , Badenhorst Pieter , Jacobs Joe , Spangenberg German , Smith Kevin 
Published: February 2021

AbstractPerennial ryegrass (Lolium perenneL.) is considered the most important pasture species in temperate agriculture, with over six million hectares of sown area in Australia alone. However, perennial ryegrass has poor persistence in some environments because of low tolerance to a range of both abiotic and biotic stresses. To breed perennial ryegrass, cultivars with greater persistence and productivity may require evaluation of genotypes over a number of years. Persistence assessment in pasture breeding depends on manual ground cover estimation or counting the number of surviving plants or tillers in a known area. These methods are subjective and labour intensive, which may limit data collection in large‐scale breeding programs. With the rapid development of sensors and image processing algorithms, image‐based high‐throughput phenotyping (HTP) is becoming commonplace in the breeding of major food crops. Image‐based HTP approaches consist of the deployment of a wide range of sensors on ground‐based or airborne platforms and data analysed through image processing pipelines. Image‐based HTP shows high potential for use in pasture phenotyping in breeding programs and may be able to reduce timeframes for releasing new cultivars. Moreover, existing image‐based HTP approaches could be further developed to include precise tools for phenotyping pasture persistence traits such as pasture senescence, botanical composition, pathogen and pest resistance. In this study, we reviewed existing image‐based HTP approaches in precision agriculture and discussed their feasibility for perennial ryegrass persistence estimation in pasture breeding. Although the paper focuses on application in perennial ryegrass, the principles equally apply to other perennial forage species.
Novel mapping techniques for rotor core detection using simulated intracardiac electrograms
Authors: Ravikumar Vasanth , Annoni Elizabeth , Parthiban Preethy , Zlochiver Sharon , Roukoz Henri , Mulpuru Siva K. , Tolkacheva Elena G. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundCatheter ablation is associated with limited success rates in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). Currently, existing mapping systems fail to identify critical target sites for ablation. Recently, we proposed and validated several techniques (multiscale frequency [MSF], Shannon entropy [SE], kurtosis [Kt], and multiscale entropy [MSE]) to identify pivot point of rotors using ex‐vivo optical mapping animal experiments. However, the performance of these techniques is unclear for the clinically recorded intracardiac electrograms (EGMs), due to the different nature of the signals.ObjectiveThis study aims to evaluate the performance of MSF, MSE, SE, and Kt techniques to identify the pivot point of the rotor using unipolar and bipolar EGMs obtained from numerical simulations.MethodsStationary and meandering rotors were simulated in a 2D human atria. The performances of new approaches were quantified by comparing the “true” core of the rotor with the core identified by the techniques. Also, the performances of all techniques were evaluated in the presence of noise, scar, and for the case of the multielectrode multispline and grid catheters.ResultsOur results demonstrate that all the approaches are able to accurately identify the pivot point of both stationary and meandering rotors from both unipolar and bipolar EGMs. The presence of noise and scar tissue did not significantly affect the performance of the techniques. Finally, the core of the rotors was correctly identified for the case of multielectrode multispline and grid catheter simulations.ConclusionThe core of rotors can be successfully identified from EGMs using novel techniques; thus, providing motivation for future clinical implementations.
Clinical, radiographic and economic evaluation of short‐6‐mm implants and longer implants combined with osteotome sinus floor elevation in moderately atrophic maxillae: A 3‐year randomized clinical trial
Authors: Shi Jun‐Yu , Lai Yi‐Rao , Qian Shu‐Jiao , Qiao Shi‐Chong , Tonetti Maurizio S. , Lai Hong‐Chang 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAimTo compare the 3‐year clinical, radiographic and economic outcomes of short‐6‐mm implants and longer implants combined with osteotome sinus floor elevation (OSFE) in the posterior maxilla.Material and MethodsThis study enrolled 225 patients (225 implants with diameter of 4.1 mm and 4.8 mm) with a posterior maxillary residual bone height (RBH) of 6–8 mm. Patients were randomly divided into three groups: Group 1 (6 mm implants alone), Group 2 (8 mm implants + OSFE) and Group 3 (10 mm implants + OSFE). The following outcomes were recorded at 1 and 3‐year examinations: implant survival, probing pocket depth (PPD), bleeding on probing (BOP), modified plaque index (mPI), marginal bone loss (MBL), biological and technical complications, complication‐free survival and treatment costs.ResultsAt the 3‐year follow‐up, 199 patients (Group 1: 67; Group 2: 62; Group 3: 70) were re‐examined. Implant survival rates were 91.80%, 97.08% and 100.00% in groups 1, 2 and 3. Implant survival rate in Group 1 was significantly lower than that in Group 3 (p = 0.029). A multivariate Cox model showed that the short‐6‐mm implants with wide diameter had a protective effect on implant survival (hazard ratio: 0.59, p = 0.001). No significant differences in BOP%, PPD, mPI, MBL and complication‐free survival rate were found among the three groups. The average costs of retreatment were 8.31%, 1.96% and 0.56% of the total costs in groups 1, 2 and 3. The cost to avoid a 1% increase in implant loss associated with 6‐mm implants over a 3‐year period was 369 CNY (56 USD) using a 10‐mm implant with OSFE and 484 CNY (74 USD) using an 8‐mm implant with OSFE.ConclusionIn the moderately atrophic posterior maxillae, the three treatments showed acceptable clinical, radiographic and economic outcomes with up to 3‐year follow‐up. 10‐mm implants combined with OSFE showed more favourable implant survival and fewer maintenance costs in comparison with short‐6‐mm implants, which were less expensive.
Consistency of recommendations and methodological quality of guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of COVID‐19
Authors: Luo Xufei , Liu Yunlan , Ren Mengjuan , Zhang Xianzhuo , Janne Estill , Lv Meng , Wang Qi , Song Yang , Mathew Joseph L. , Ahn Hyeong Sik , Lee Myeong Soo , Chen Yaolong 
Published: February 2021

AbstractObjectiveSince the beginning of the COVID‐19 epidemic, a large number of guidelines on diagnosis and treatment of COVID‐19 have been developed, but the quality of those guidelines and the consistency of recommendations are unclear. The objective of this study is to evaluate the quality of the diagnosis and treatment guidelines on COVID‐19 and analyze the consistency of the recommendations of these guidelines.MethodsWe searched for guidelines on diagnosis and/or treatment of COVID‐19 through PubMed, CBM, CNKI, and WanFang Data, from January 1, 2020 to August 31, 2020. In addition, we also searched official websites of the US CDC, European CDC and WHO, and some guideline collection databases. We included diagnosis and/or treatment guidelines for COVID‐19, including rapid advice guidelines and interim guidelines. Two trained researchers independently extracted data and four trained researchers evaluated the quality of the guidelines using the AGREE II instruments. We extracted information on the basic characteristics of the guidelines, guideline development process, and the recommendations. We described the consistency of the direction of recommendations for treatment and diagnosis of COVID‐19 across the included guidelines.ResultsA total of 37 guidelines were included. Most included guidelines were assessed as low quality, with only one of the six domains of AGREE II (clarity of presentation) having a mean score above 50%. The mean scores of three domains (stakeholder involvement, the rigor of development and applicability) were all below 30%. The recommendations on diagnosis and treatment were to some extent consistent between the included guidelines. Computed tomography (CT), X‐rays, lung ultrasound, RT‐PCR, and routine blood tests were the most commonly recommended methods for COVID‐19 diagnosis. Thirty guidelines were on the treatment of COVID‐19. The recommended forms of treatment included supportive care, antiviral therapy, glucocorticoid therapy, antibiotics, immunoglobulin, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), convalescent plasma, and psychotherapy.ConclusionsThe methodological quality of currently available diagnosis and treatment guidelines for COVID‐19 is low. The diagnosis and treatment recommendations between the included guidelines are highly consistent. The main diagnostic methods for COVID‐19 are RT‐PCR and CT, with ultrasound as a potential diagnostic tool. As there is no effective treatment against COVID‐19 yet, supportive therapy is at the moment the most important treatment option.
Acceptability of and intention to use the Unified Protocol delivered in group format in the Spanish Public Health System
Authors: Peris‐Baquero Óscar , Osma Jorge , Gil‐LaCruz Marta , Martínez‐García Laura 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe high prevalence of emotional disorders leads to a high demand for mental care which results in high costs and long waiting lists in public mental health settings. The Unified Protocol for Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders (UP) is a recent emotion‐regulation‐based intervention that can be a cost‐effective solution in public mental health settings due its transdiagnostic approach and the possibility to apply it in group format. However, the acceptability by mental healthcare professionals (MHCPs) delivering the UP in group format has not been explored.MethodsThirty‐three MHCPs, grouped into MHCPs without previous experience and MHCPs with experience in delivering the UP, were asked about aspects of acceptability and intention to use. Quantitative analysis was carried out to explore MHCPs acceptability. Furthermore, qualitative opinion about UP were collected through a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis to explore MHCPs opinion of delivering the UP intervention in a group format, within the Spanish Public Mental Health System.ResultsThe results showed high scores in all acceptability dimensions and intention to use in the future. SWOT analysis showed strengths and opportunities focusing on its transdiagnostic nature and the cost‐effective benefits of group treatment, and weaknesses and threats related to the limited material and human resources.ConclusionsFindings indicate high acceptability of the UP by MHCPs working within the Spanish Public Mental Health System and also identified areas for improvements. In order to enhance the dissemination and implementation of the UP, it is essential to consider MHCPs' perceptions and to be open to their suggestions.
From intention to action: A systematic literature review of provider behaviour change‐focused interventions in physical health and behavioural health settings
Authors: Gupta Brinda , Li Dongze , Dong Peiyu , Acri Mary C. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesIt is clear there are significant delays in the uptake of best practices as part of routine care in the healthcare system, yet there is conflicting evidence on how to specifically align provider behaviour with best practices.MethodWe conducted a review of interventions utilized to change any aspect of provider behaviour. To extend prior research, studies were included in the present review if they had an active intervention targeting behaviour change of providers in health or behavioural‐health settings and were published between 2001 and 2020.ResultsOf 1547 studies, 44 met inclusion criteria. Of 44 studies identified, 28 studies utilized contextually relevant interventions (eg, tailored to a specific provider population). Twenty six interventions with a contextually relevant approach resulted in provider behaviour change.ConclusionsFindings are promising for encouraging provider behaviour change when interventions are tailored to be contextually relevant, as both single‐component and multifaceted interventions were successful when they were contextually relevant. It is critical to conduct additional research to ensure that providers sustain behaviour changes over a long‐term beyond an intervention's implementation and evaluation period.
A novel minimally‐invasive approach for metal tattoo removal with Er:YAG laser
Authors: Mikami Risako , Mizutani Koji , Nagai Shigeyuki , Pavlic Verica , Iwata Takanori , Aoki Akira 
Published: February 2021

AbstractObjectiveFew effective and established treatment methods can remove gingival metal or amalgam tattoos. With this case series, we aimed to demonstrate the use of a novel minimally invasive technique to remove metal tattoos using an erbium‐doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) laser.Materials and MethodsWe retrospectively collected clinical data from 18 patients who had undergone Er:YAG laser treatment to remove metal tattoos. Minimal gingival ablation using an Er:YAG laser directed towards the pigmented area was performed, which exposed metal debris within the connective tissue that was carefully removed. A dental microscope was employed to identify the metal debris, for accurate irradiation, and to minimize wounding by reducing invasion. Postoperative gingival color and morphology, and visual analog scale as a patient‐reported outcome assessing postoperative pain were evaluated.ResultsAll patients' metal tattoos were removed completely and safely during short procedures. Considerable esthetic improvements and favorable wound healing were achieved with almost no postoperative pain or complications.ConclusionThe findings from this case series suggest that this novel minimally invasive therapy for metal tattoo removal that involved the Er:YAG laser is effective and safe, is associated with successful outcomes, and contributes greatly to patients' esthetic satisfaction.Clinical SignificanceMetal tattoo removal using an Er:YAG laser safely and successfully improved gingival esthetics. This novel technique is much simpler and less invasive than conventional periodontal plastic surgery, and it may be more reliable regarding esthetic gingival improvements as it is associated with favorable wound healing, and it could offer significant benefits to patients by alleviating physical and mental stresses via reduced chair time and postoperative pain.