bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of pediatric multiple sclerosis in Germany: A nationwide population‐based analysis
Authors: Frahm Niklas , Peters Melanie , Bätzing Jörg , Ellenberger David , Akmatov Manas K. , Haas Judith , Rommer Paulus S. , Stahmann Alexander , Zettl Uwe K. , Holstiege Jakob 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackground and purposePrevalence data are needed to reveal trends regarding the pediatric multiple sclerosis (MS) situation worldwide. The aim was to identify changes in MS diagnosis prevalence in pediatric patients over a 10‐year period in Germany.MethodsThis analysis is based on nationwide outpatient claims data of children aged <18 years covered by the German statutory health insurance (n = 11,381,939 in 2018). People with MS (PwMS) had ≥1 documented MS diagnosis (International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, German modification code G35.x). The annual pediatric MS diagnosis prevalence was analyzed regarding age, sex, and place of residence during 2009–2018.ResultsThe prevalence of pediatric MS developed from 5.3 (2009) to 5.4 (2018)/100,000 insured population aged <18 years. The MS prevalence in patients aged 15–17 years showed a moderate increase over 10 years (19.6–22.7/100,000), whereas patients ≤14 years old showed a slight decrease (1.9–1.7/100,000). The sex ratio (female:male) in 2018 was relatively balanced in PwMS aged ≤14 years (1.32) but female‐dominated in those aged 15–17 years (2.47). The formerly different prevalence of pediatric MS between East and West Germany has converged since 2012.ConclusionsSo far, this is the largest study of pediatric MS prevalence in terms of source population size (87% of German children <18 years of age, n = 11,381,939 in 2018) and study period (2009–2018) worldwide. The analyses revealed an increase in MS prevalence and a female‐dominated sex ratio in “older” adolescents compared to younger patients.
The power of ECG in multimodal patient‐specific seizure monitoring: Added value to an EEG‐based detector using limited channels
Authors: Vandecasteele Kaat , De Cooman Thomas , Chatzichristos Christos , Cleeren Evy , Swinnen Lauren , Macea Ortiz Jaiver , Van Huffel Sabine , Dümpelmann Matthias , Schulze‐Bonhage Andreas , De Vos Maarten , Van Paesschen Wim , Hunyadi Borbála 
Published: July 2021

AbstractObjectiveWearable seizure detection devices could provide more reliable seizure documentation outside the hospital compared to seizure self‐reporting by patients, which is the current standard. Previously, during the SeizeIT1 project, we studied seizure detection based on behind‐the‐ear electroencephalography (EEG). However, the obtained sensitivities were too low for practical use, because not all seizures are associated with typical ictal EEG patterns. Therefore, in this paper, we aim to develop a multimodal automated seizure detection algorithm integrating behind‐the‐ear EEG and electrocardiography (ECG) for detecting focal seizures. In this framework, we quantified the added value of ECG to behind‐the‐ear EEG.MethodsThis study analyzed three multicenter databases consisting of 135 patients having focal epilepsy and a total of 896 seizures. A patient‐specific multimodal automated seizure detection algorithm was developed using behind‐the‐ear/temporal EEG and single‐lead ECG. The EEG and ECG data were processed separately using machine learning methods. A late integration approach was applied for fusing those predictions.ResultsThe multimodal algorithm outperformed the EEG‐based algorithm in two of three databases, with an increase of 11% and 8% in sensitivity for the same false alarm rate.SignificanceECG can be of added value to an EEG‐based seizure detection algorithm using only behind‐the‐ear/temporal lobe electrodes for patients with focal epilepsy.
A review of laminitis in the donkey
Authors: Thiemann A. K. , Buil J. , Rickards K. , Sullivan R. J. 
Published: July 2021

SummaryLaminitis is a commonly occurring, painful condition of the foot that can have a major impact on the welfare of affected donkeys. When faced with a donkey suspected to have laminitis, the approach is broadly similar to that in the horse, however there are certain factors unique to donkeys that this article aims to highlight including: the differences in use, behaviour, anatomy, therapy and management.
Onset of selective laser flash sintering of AlN
Authors: Gouws Andre , Hagen Deborah , Chen Alex , Kardoulaki Erofili , Beaman Joseph J. , Kovar Desiderio 
Published: July 2021

AbstractFlash sintering uses a combination of heating and electric fields to rapidly densify ceramics. Previously, it has been shown that a scanning laser can be used to initiate flash sintering in localized regions on an yttria‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ) sample in a process known as selective laser flash sintering (SLFS). In this work, we show using a combination of measurements of electric current flowing through the sample and observations of necks formed between powder particles that aluminum nitride (AlN) can also undergo SLFS. Scan conditions required to initiate SLFS are characterized over a range of laser powers and laser scan speeds in a dry nitrogen environment. It is shown that initiation of SLFS in AlN is governed by both the local input energy density per scan and heat dissipation and a numerical model is developed to predict temperatures during SLFS. Assuming the minimum temperature along the conductive path determines the onset of SLFS, the minimum temperature and time required is 450–670 K in 2–0.25 s for the pressed AlN pellets used in this study for laser scan speeds of 33–300 m/s, laser powers of 10–30 W, and an applied electric field of 3000 V/cm.
Microfluidic rapid quantification of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium collected from chicken meat using immunomagnetic separation after formaldehyde treatment
Authors: Tokunaga Yusuke , Wakabayashi Yuki , Yonogi Shinya , Saito Mamoru , Yamaguchi Nobuyasu 
Published: July 2021

SummaryFoodborne pathogens such as Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, which cause self‐limiting gastroenteritis, are important in food safety and public health. Detection of Salmonella in complex food matrices is required for rapid and effective monitoring of contaminated food products. In this study, we collected Salmonella Typhimurium in chicken using immunomagnetic separation after formaldehyde treatment. Collected Salmonella Typhimurium cells were then quantified microfluidic device or fluorescence microscopy. The recovery ratio obtained with immunomagnetic separation after formaldehyde treatment was 77 (±5)% for the microscope count and 63 (±9)% for the microfluidic count. According to the fluorescence microscope images, the food matrix was effectively removed from the collected cell suspension. The counts of Salmonella Typhimurium cells obtained by the microfluidic device and fluorescence microscope were closely correlated (R2 = 0.993) with a range of 3.3 (±0.5) × 103 to 1.2 (±0.5) × 106 cells g−1. Our method provides quantitative detection of Salmonella Typhimurium within 3–4 h and could be used to efficiently evaluate microbial risk of quality control of foodstuffs and prevention of foodborne disease.
30‐Day morbidity and mortality of bariatric metabolic surgery in adolescence during the COVID‐19 pandemic – The GENEVA study
Authors: Singhal Rishi , Wiggins Tom , Super Jonathan , Alqahtani Aayed , Nadler Evan P. , Ludwig Christian , Tahrani Abd , Mahawar Kamal ,   the GENEVA Collaborative
Published: July 2021

SummaryBackgroundMetabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) is an effective treatment for adolescents with severe obesity.ObjectivesThis study examined the safety of MBS in adolescents during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic.MethodsThis was a global, multicentre and observational cohort study of MBS performed between May 01, 2020, and October 10,2020, in 68 centres from 24 countries. Data collection included in‐hospital and 30‐day COVID‐19 and surgery‐specific morbidity/mortality.ResultsOne hundred and seventy adolescent patients (mean age: 17.75 ± 1.30 years), mostly females (n = 122, 71.8%), underwent MBS during the study period. The mean pre‐operative weight and body mass index were 122.16 ± 15.92 kg and 43.7 ± 7.11 kg/m2, respectively. Although majority of patients had pre‐operative testing for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) (n = 146; 85.9%), only 42.4% (n = 72) of the patients were asked to self‐isolate pre‐operatively. Two patients developed symptomatic SARS‐CoV‐2 infection post‐operatively (1.2%). The overall complication rate was 5.3% (n = 9). There was no mortality in this cohort.ConclusionsMBS in adolescents with obesity is safe during the COVID‐19 pandemic when performed within the context of local precautionary procedures (such as pre‐operative testing). The 30‐day morbidity rates were similar to those reported pre‐pandemic. These data will help facilitate the safe re‐introduction of MBS services for this group of patients.
Combination therapy with paclitaxel and gemcitabine after platinum‐based chemotherapy in patients with advanced urothelial cancer
Authors: Harada Mirii , Tomisaki Ikko , Minato Akinori , Onishi Rei , Terado Michikazu , Inatomi Hisato , Fujimoto Naohiro 
Published: July 2021

ObjectivesTo evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of paclitaxel and gemcitabine therapy after platinum‐based chemotherapy for patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma.MethodsConsecutive patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma who received paclitaxel and gemcitabine therapy from December 2003 to March 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. The objective response for paclitaxel and gemcitabine therapy, progression‐free survival and overall survival, and adverse events were evaluated. The reduction rate among each metastatic site and the associations between the clinical parameters and overall survival or progression‐free survival were also assessed.ResultsWe enrolled 58 patients. Complete and partial responses were observed in two (3.4%) and 15 patients (26%), respectively. The median progression‐free survival and overall survival were 4.3 months (95% confidence interval 2.9–5.2) and 11.5 months (95% confidence interval 7.7–14.8), respectively. The objective response rates of primary site and metastases in lymph nodes, lung, bone, and liver were 6.0%, 37%, 23%, 0%, and 22%, respectively. Poor performance status (≥1), prior use of gemcitabine and the number of metastatic sites (≥2) were significantly associated with poor overall survival. Although three patients discontinued the treatment because of adverse events, there was no therapy‐related death.ConclusionsPaclitaxel and gemcitabine therapy seems to be a valid option as a subsequent treatment after platinum‐based chemotherapy for urothelial carcinoma, especially in patients with favorable performance status and no prior use of gemcitabine.
Labour market profiles of Albanian migrants in Italy: Evidence from Lombardy 2001–2015
Authors: Cela Eralba , Barbiano di Belgiojoso Elisa , King Russell , Ortensi Livia Elisa 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAlbanian migration to Italy represents one of the most intense and iconic East‐West migration flows of recent decades and a paradigmatic case of intra‐Mediterranean migration. This paper uses a unique data set collected by the Lombardy region’s Observatory of Integration and Multiethnicity in 15 annual cross‐sectional surveys over the period 2001–2015. Analysis of this data set enables us to address three questions: first, what are the main factors influencing the labour market performance of Albanian migrants in Lombardy compared with other migrants? Second, what were the differential effects of the post‐2008 economic crisis on migrants’ employment stability? Third, were there any significant gender differences in labour market profiles and outcomes? Our main finding is that Albanian migrants have a lower probability of (long‐term)unemployment and irregular employment and higher probability of employment compared with other migrants, an effect that is partially attributable to the different structural composition of the Albanian migrant group.
Effects of microwave treatment on sorghum grains: Effects on the physicochemical properties and in vitro digestibility of starch
Authors: Li Ren , Dai Lingyan , Peng Hui , Jiang Peng , Liu Nian , Zhang Dongjie , Wang Changyuan , Li Zhijiang 
Published: July 2021

AbstractMicrowave processing has attracted much attention in the field of cereal processing due to its positive effect on improving the nutritional quality of cereals and prolonging the shelf life of cereal food. Microwave (MW) treatment (600 W, 6 min) was studied to evaluate its effect on the physicochemical properties and in vitro digestibility of three kinds of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor [L.] Moench) starch, including Longmiliang No. 1 (LML1), Longza No. 13 (LZ13), and Hongnuo (HN). After microwave treatment, the contents of insoluble dietary fiber, soluble dietary fiber and total dietary fiber of the three kinds of sorghum were significantly increased by 3.72–7.45 g/100 g, 0.33–0.64 g/100 g, and 4.36–7.78 g/100 g, respectively. Microwave treatment also resulted in sorghum starch granules with rough surfaces, an increase in pasting temperature and pasting time, and a decrease in pasting viscosity and transition enthalpy (p < .05). However, Fourier transform near infrared spectroscopy showed that microwaves did not change the chemical groups of sorghum starch. Additionally, after microwave treatment, the in vitro digestibility of sorghum starch was significantly reduced by 3.21–6.61%, the rapidly digestible starch content decreased by 5.88–9.24%, the slowly digestible starch and resistant starch contents increased by 4.63–6.65% and 1.03%–2.41%, and the hydrolysis index (HI) and glycemic index (GI) decreased by 4.98–5.74% and 2.73–3.15%, respectively. These results indicate that microwave treatment is an effective method for decreasing the in vitro digestibility and improving the physicochemical properties of starch.Practical applicationsSorghum, as an important raw material in the food industry, plays an irreplaceable role in the development of cereal food. Additionally, microwaves have been used as a novel approach for improving the edible quality and functional characteristics of cereals. A comparative study of the microstructure, pasting properties, thermal properties, and in vitro digestion of sorghum starch was performed. The results showed that compared with the original starch, microwave treatment changed the physicochemical properties of sorghum starch and decreased the GI. The results can be used to improve the properties of sorghum starch and provide a theoretical basis for the development of sorghum food.
Characterization of short‐period and long‐period incremental markings in porcine enamel and dentine—Results of a fluorochrome labelling study in wild boar and domestic pigs
Authors: Emken Simon , Witzel Carsten , Kierdorf Uwe , Frölich Kai , Kierdorf Horst 
Published: July 2021

AbstractMammalian dental hard tissues exhibit incremental markings that reflect the periodic variation of appositional growth rates. In order to use these markings to characterize dental growth processes and to infer life‐history traits, an unequivocal identification of their periodicities is required. We performed a fluorochrome labelling study on forming enamel and dentine in molar teeth of wild boar and domestic pigs to establish the periodicity and temporal correspondence of incremental markings in enamel and dentine. The dominant incremental markings in enamel (laminations) and dentine (von Ebner lines) recorded in the pig teeth are of a daily nature. In addition, long‐period incremental markings with a periodicity of 2 days were recorded in enamel (striae of Retzius) and dentine (Andresen lines). The 2‐day growth rhythm was also expressed at the lateral crown surface, as evidenced by the pattern of perikymata. In enamel, also markings with a sub‐daily periodicity, representing an ultradian growth rhythm, were observed. Our study provides experimental evidence for the periodicity of incremental markings in porcine enamel and dentine. The findings correct previous misconceptions on incremental markings in dental hard tissues of pigs and other ungulates that had led to erroneous conclusions regarding crown formation parameters.
Healthy Snacks in School: How Do Regulations Work? A Mixed‐Design Study
Authors: Bucher Della Torre Sophie , Fabbi Sidonie , Carrard Isabelle 
Published: July 2021

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDSchool is an important setting to promote healthy eating habits for children. We compared the effects of 4 conditions on the nutritional quality of snacks brought to school. We also investigated teachers' opinions regarding the process, barriers, and facilitators in regulation implementation.METHODSWe compared the nutritional quality of morning snacks based on 1958 photographs from schools divided into 4 conditions: regulation based on a list of permitted foods and beverages; regulation banning sweets, chips, and sugary drinks; information without regulation; or no intervention. Based on 5 focus groups (N = 18 participants), we investigated factors influencing regulation implementation.RESULTSIn schools with a list of permitted foods and beverages, 76% of the children had a healthy snack, compared to 52% to 54% in the 3 other conditions (p < .01). They also brought less sweet foods compared to those in the other conditions (41% vs. 68% to 71%, p < .01). In focus groups, most teachers supported regulation but also expressed ambivalence about their legitimacy.CONCLUSIONSIn this study, a regulation based on a list of permitted foods and beverages showed the best results. All actors should be involved in a progressive implementation process to increase acceptance of such regulation.
Every bit helps: The functional role of individuals in assembling any plant community, from the richest to monospecific ones
Authors: Escudero Adrián , Matesanz Silvia , Pescador David S. , de la Cruz Marcelino , Valladares Fernando , Cavieres Lohengrin A. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractPlant trait‐based ecology is a powerful extension of the attempt of community ecologists to unveil assembly mechanisms. However, the two main expected determinants of community assembly, niche and neutral processes, can be confused under this framework. Here, we propose to move from trait‐based to phenotype‐based community ecology, accounting for the variation between individuals (phenotypes affected by the abiotic and biotic environment, and vice versa), and explicitly considering their ability to compete with or facilitate its neighbours. This would shift our focus from species’ niche responses to niche specialization of phenotypes, reducing the space for neutrality at the finest scales. The current assembly framework, based mainly on niche complementarity and using species‐average functional traits, has been developed exploring mega‐diverse communities, but it fails at describing poor plant communities. Under this framework, monospecificity would be interpreted as an arena where functionally similar individuals compete, consequently leading to regular patterns, which are rarely found in nature. Our niche specialization framework could help explaining coexistence in rich plant communities, where the higher fraction of functional variation is found between species, whereas the intraspecific trait variation dominates in poor species and monospecific communities. We propose a guide to conduct massive phenotyping at the community scale based on the use of visible and near‐infrared spectroscopy. We also discuss the need to integrate the so‐called plant's eye perspective based on the use of spatial pattern statistics in the current community ecology toolbox.
Risk of non‐tumoural portal vein thrombosis in patients with HCV‐induced cirrhosis after sustained virological response
Authors: Mandorfer Mattias , Turon Fanny , Lens Sabela , Baiges Anna , García‐Criado Ángeles , Darnell Anna , Belmonte Ernest , Ferrusquía‐Acosta José , Magaz Marta , Perez‐Campuzano Valeria , Olivas Pol , Bauer David , Casanovas Georgina , Torres Ferran , Mariño Zoe , Forns Xavier , Hernández‐Gea Virginia , García‐Pagán Juan C. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackground & AimsSustained virological response (SVR) to direct‐acting antivirals ameliorates portal hypertension, improves hepatic function and may reverse the procoagulant state observed in patients with cirrhosis. However, an unexpected incidence of portal vein thrombosis (PVT) immediately after antiviral therapy has recently been reported. Therefore, we analysed the long‐term impact of SVR on the development of non‐tumoural PVT.MethodsOur study comprised of two well‐characterized prospective cohorts (hepatitis C virus ‘(HCV)‐Cured’: n = 354/‘HCV‐Active’: n = 179) of patients with HCV cirrhosis who underwent standardized ultrasound surveillance. In the main analysis, the event of interest was de novo non‐tumoural PVT and events known to modify its natural history (orthotopic liver transplantation, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt, death, tumoural PVT and anticoagulation) were considered as competing risk. Adjusted models were built using propensity scores for baseline covariates. Moreover, predictive factors were investigated by conventional multivariate analysis.ResultsTen (2.8%) patients in the ‘HCV‐Cured’ cohort developed a non‐tumoural PVT during a median follow‐up of 37.1 months, while 8 (4.5%) patients in the ‘HCV‐Active’ cohort were diagnosed with non‐tumoural PVT during a median follow‐up of 42.2 months. High Child‐Pugh score was the only independent risk factor for non‐tumoural PVT development and stage A patients were at low risk. Importantly, HCV cure did not decrease the risk of non‐tumoural PVT in inverse probability of treatment‐weighted (IPTW) analysis (subdistribution hazard ratio: 1.31 (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 0.43‐3.97); P = .635). In contrast, SVR was associated with a substantial reduction in mortality (IPTW‐adjusted sHR: 0.453 [95% CI: 0.287‐0.715]; P < .001).ConclusionsThe risk of non‐tumoural PVT persists after HCV cure in patients with cirrhosis, despite improving survival. Even after aetiological cure, severity of liver disease remains the main determinant of non‐tumoural PVT development.
Association of aspirin and statin use with the risk of liver cancer in chronic hepatitis B: A nationwide population‐based study
Authors: Choi Won‐Mook , Kim Hyo Jeong , Jo Ae Jeong , Choi So Hyun , Han Seungbong , Ko Min Jung , Lim Young‐Suk 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackground & AimsAspirin and statins have been suggested to prevent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the combined effects of aspirin and statins on HCC risk in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) are not clear.MethodsA nationwide nested case‐control study was performed with data from the National Health Insurance Service gathered between 2005 and 2015 in Korea. In a cohort of 538,135 treatment‐naïve, non‐cirrhotic patients with CHB, 6,539 HCC cases were matched to 26,156 controls and were analysed by conditional logistic regression. Separate historical cohort studies for each drug were analysed by time‐dependent Cox regression as a sensitivity analysis.ResultsIn the nested case‐control study, statins (OR 0.34; 95% CI 0.32‐0.37) and aspirin (OR 0.92; 95% CI 0.85‐0.99) were significantly associated with a HCC risk reduction. However, dose‐dependent risk reduction was observed only with statins. By sensitivity analysis in the historical cohorts, statin users (n = 244,455; HR 0.67; 95% CI 0.66‐0.68) and aspirin users (n = 288,777; HR 0.81; 95% CI 0.80‐0.82) had significantly lower HCC risk. In the drug‐stratified analyses, statins were associated with significantly reduced risk of HCC regardless of aspirin, whereas aspirin did not show such associations.ConclusionsIn this nationwide population‐based study of patients with CHB, statin use was consistently associated with a significant and dose‐dependent reduction in HCC risk. In contrast, the association between aspirin use and HCC risk reduction was not dose‐dependent and was suggested to be confounded by statins.