bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Value of Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasound Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System in the Diagnosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Peng Jing , Zhang Tao , Wang Hang , Ma Xuelei 
Published: October 2021

ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to systematically evaluate the diagnostic ability of the contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) liver imaging reporting and data system (LI‐RADS) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).MethodsWe searched relevant studies from PubMed, Medline, and Embase database. After literature search, duplicate removal, and data extraction, we calculated and analyzed the pooled sensitivity, pooled specificity, pooled odds ratios of diagnostic, pooled likelihood ratio (LR) of positive and negative, and area under the curve (AUC), accuracy, and F1 score to evaluate the diagnostic value of CEUS LI‐RADS for HCC.ResultsThirteen studies and 6491 patients were included in this analysis. The pooled sensitivity and pooled specificity were 0.72 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.70–0.73) and 0.92 (95% CI, 0.91–0.93), respectively. The positive LR was 8.02 (95% CI, 4.93–13.06) and the negative LR was 0.31 (95% CI, 0.27–0.37). The pooled diagnostic odds ratio was 27.91 (95% CI, 15.39–50.63). The overall AUC was 0.8406 and the accuracy was 0.77.ConclusionsCEUS LI‐RADS is an effective and promising method to diagnose HCC.
Analysis of the Clinical Features and Surgical Outcomes of First Branchial Cleft Anomalies
Authors: Yang Runqin , Dong Chen , Chen Yang , Liu Hongsheng , Zhang Changming , Lai Yubin , Zha Dingjun , Han Yu 
Published: October 2021

ObjectivesTo analyze the clinical features and otologic manifestations of first branchial cleft anomalies (FBCAs) and the disparity between Work's classification, and to explore the relationships between postoperative facial paralysis and features of FBCAs.Study DesignRetrospective clinical study.MethodsA retrospective analysis of 109 patients with FBCAs was conducted, including clinical characteristics and otologic features. Pearson chi‐square tests and Fisher's exact tests were used to compare disparity between Work's classification, and the impact factors of postoperative facial paralysis among 86 patients who were explored in follow‐up.ResultsPatients with FBCAs presented with otologic symptoms, including cysts or fistula in the external auditory canal (EAC) and periauricular (43.2%), microtia (3.7%), EAC web (1.8%), otitis media (1.8%), and otorrhea (4.6%). Eighty‐five cases (78.0%) were type I FBCAs and 24 (22.0%) were type II. Compared to type I FBCAs, type II (58.3%) was more likely to be located deep to the facial nerve (FN) and to have superficial parotidectomy on them (79.2%). This difference was statistically significant (P < .001). FBCAs deep to the FN had a higher incidence of postoperative facial paralysis (P < .05).ConclusionThe majority of patients (55.0%) had otologic symptoms. The FBCAs of Work type II was commonly deep to the FN and superficial parotidectomy was frequently performed. Postoperative facial paralysis was associated with FBCAs located deep to the FN, but not with Work's type.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 132:1008–1014, 2022
Impact of COVID‐19 on Otolaryngology Literature
Authors: Chillakuru Yeshwant R. , Gerhard Eleanor F. , Shim Timothy , Selesnick Samuel H. , Lustig Lawrence R. , Krouse John H. , Hanna Ehab Y. , Smith Timothy L. , Fisher Edward W. , Kerschner Joseph E. , Monfared Ashkan 
Published: October 2021

Objectives/HypothesisTo understand the effect of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the volume, quality, and impact of otolaryngology publications.Study DesignRetrospective analysis.MethodsFifteen of the top peer‐reviewed otolaryngology journals were queried on PubMed for COVID and non‐COVID‐related articles from April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021 (pandemic period) and pre‐COVID articles from the year prior. Information on total number of submissions and rate of acceptance were collected from seven top‐ranked journals.ResultsOur PubMed query returned 759 COVID articles, 4,885 non‐COVID articles, and 4,200 pre‐COVID articles, corresponding to a 34% increase in otolaryngology publications during the pandemic period. Meta‐analysis/reviews and miscellaneous publication types made up a larger portion of COVID publications than that of non‐COVID and pre‐COVID publications. Compared to pre‐COVID articles, citations per article 120 days after publication and Altmetric Attention Score were higher in both COVID articles (citations/article: 2.75 ± 0.45, P < .001; Altmetric Attention Score: 2.05 ± 0.60, P = .001) and non‐COVID articles (citations/article: 0.03 ± 0.01, P = .002; Altmetric Attention Score: 0.67 ± 0.28, P = .016). COVID manuscripts were associated with a 1.65 times higher acceptance rate compared to non‐COVID articles (P < .001).ConclusionsCOVID‐19 was associated with an increase in volume, citations, and attention for both COVID and non‐COVID articles compared to pre‐COVID articles. However, COVID articles were associated with lower evidence levels than non‐COVID and pre‐COVID articles.Level of Evidence3 Laryngoscope, 132:1364–1373, 2022
Molecular markers of brain cholesterol homeostasis are unchanged despite a smaller brain mass in a mouse model of cholesteryl ester storage disease
Authors: Aqul Amal A. , Ramirez Charina M. , Lopez Adam M. , Burns Dennis K. , Repa Joyce J. , Turley Stephen D. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractLysosomal acid lipase (LAL), encoded by the gene LIPA, facilitates the intracellular processing of lipids by hydrolyzing cholesteryl esters and triacylglycerols present in newly internalized lipoproteins. Loss‐of‐function mutations in LIPA result in cholesteryl ester storage disease (CESD) or Wolman disease when mutations cause complete loss of LAL activity. Although the phenotype of a mouse CESD model has been extensively characterized, there has not been a focus on the brain at different stages of disease progression. In the current studies, whole‐brain mass and the concentrations of cholesterol in both the esterified (EC) and unesterified (UC) fractions were measured in Lal−/− and matching Lal+/+ mice (FVB‐N strain) at ages ranging from 14 up to 280 days after birth. Compared to Lal+/+controls at 50, 68–76, 140–142, and 230–280 days of age, Lal−/− mice had brain weights that averaged approximately 6%, 7%, 18%, and 20% less, respectively. Brain EC levels were higher in the Lal−/− mice at every age, being elevated 27‐fold at 230–280 days. Brain UC concentrations did not show a genotypic difference at any age. The elevated brain EC levels in the Lal−/− mice did not reflect EC in residual blood. An mRNA expression analysis for an array of genes involved in the synthesis, catabolism, storage, and transport of cholesterol in the brains of 141‐day old mice did not detect any genotypic differences although the relative mRNA levels for several markers of inflammation were moderately elevated in the Lal−/− mice. The possible sites of EC accretion in the central nervous system are discussed.
A Meta‐Analysis and Systematic Review on the Global Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Outcomes of Coronary Artery Disease in Liver Transplantation Recipients
Authors: Xiao Jieling , Yong Jie Ning , Ng Cheng Han , Syn Nicholas , Lim Wen Hui , Tan Darren Jun Hao , Tan En Ying , Huang Daniel , Wong Raymond C. , Chew Nicholas W. S. , Tan Eunice Xiang Xuan , Noureddin Mazen , Siddiqui Mohammad Shadab , Muthiah Mark D. 
Published: October 2021

The shift in the changing etiology of cirrhosis requiring liver transplantation (LT) has resulted in an increasing prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) that can potentially impact post‐LT outcomes. This systematic review and meta‐analysis evaluates the prevalence of CAD, risk factors, and outcomes of patients diagnosed with CAD before LT. MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched for articles describing CAD in pre‐LT patients. Meta‐analysis of proportions using the generalized linear mix model was conducted to analyze the pooled prevalence of CAD in pre‐LT patients. Associated risk factors for CAD in pre‐LT patients and outcomes were evaluated in conventional pairwise meta‐analysis. A total of 39 studies were included. The pooled prevalence of patients diagnosed with CAD before LT was 15.9% (95% CI, 9.8%‐24.7%). Age, male sex, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, smoking, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, hepatitis B virus, and hepatocellular carcinoma were significantly associated with CAD. Patients from high‐income countries especially North America, Europe, and South America, with the associated risk factors were at increased risk for CAD before LT. CAD before LT was associated with an increased odds of overall mortality (odds ratio [OR], 1.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4‐1.4; P = 0.01) and cardiac‐related mortality (OR, 1.2; 95% CI, 1.1‐1.3; P = 0.03). A total of 48.7% of included articles considered the presence of cardiovascular risk factors for CAD screening. However, 10.3% of the studies screened for CAD in pre‐LT patients via invasive coronary angiography only, without stress testing or risk stratification. This study demonstrates the high prevalence of CAD in pre‐LT patients, associated risk factors, and outcomes. There is heterogeneity among guidelines and practice in screening for pre‐LT CAD, and more studies are needed to establish consensus.
The Toronto Postliver Transplantation Hepatocellular Carcinoma Recurrence Calculator: A Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Ivanics Tommy , Nelson Walter , Patel Madhukar S. , Claasen Marco P.A.W. , Lau Lawrence , Gorgen Andre , Abreu Phillipe , Goldenberg Anna , Erdman Lauren , Sapisochin Gonzalo 
Published: October 2021

Liver transplantation (LT) listing criteria for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain controversial. To optimize the utility of limited donor organs, this study aims to leverage machine learning to develop an accurate posttransplantation HCC recurrence prediction calculator. Patients with HCC listed for LT from 2000 to 2016 were identified, with 739 patients who underwent LT used for modeling. Data included serial imaging, alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP), locoregional therapies, treatment response, and posttransplantation outcomes. We compared the CoxNet (regularized Cox regression), survival random forest, survival support vector machine, and DeepSurv machine learning algorithms via the mean cross‐validated concordance index. We validated the selected CoxNet model by comparing it with other currently available recurrence risk algorithms on a held‐out test set (AFP, Model of Recurrence After Liver Transplant [MORAL], and Hazard Associated with liver Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma [HALT‐HCC score]). The developed CoxNet‐based recurrence prediction model showed a satisfying overall concordance score of 0.75 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.64‐0.84). In comparison, the recalibrated risk algorithms’ concordance scores were as follows: AFP score 0.64 (outperformed by the CoxNet model, 1‐sided 95% CI, >0.01; P = 0.04) and MORAL score 0.64 (outperformed by the CoxNet model 1‐sided 95% CI, >0.02; P = 0.03). The recalibrated HALT‐HCC score performed well with a concordance of 0.72 (95% CI, 0.63‐0.81) and was not significantly outperformed (1‐sided 95% CI, ≥0.05; P = 0.29). Developing a comprehensive posttransplantation HCC recurrence risk calculator using machine learning is feasible and can yield higher accuracy than other available risk scores. Further research is needed to confirm the utility of machine learning in this setting.
Lignin‐Based Microgels by Inverse Suspension Polymerization: Syntheses and Dye Removal
Authors: Yiamsawas Doungporn , Kangwansupamonkon Wiyong , Kiatkamjornwong Suda 
Published: October 2021

AbstractLignin, as a sustainable building block, has become popular in developing the hydrogel absorbents since the last two decades. Herein, lignosulfonate‐graft‐poly[acrylamide‐co‐(acrylic acid)], LS‐g‐P(AAm‐co‐AA) microgels are synthesized by inverse suspension, a well‐known and practical industrial process. Taking advantage of a chain transfer reaction with lignosulfonate (LS), no modification of lignin is therefore required. LS is confirmed to incorporate in the microgels as evidenced by elemental analysis, FTIR, DOSY 1H NMR, and XPS spectroscopies. Microgel particles with a high percent LS grafting are obtained by decreasing the monomer concentration in the disperse phase. Additionally, the LS‐g‐P(AAm‐co‐AA) microgels containing LS promote thermal stability and render the faster and stronger methylene blue (MB) adsorption. The adsorption kinetics and isotherms understudy indicate that the adsorption behavior of MB on the microgels follows the pseudo‐second order and Langmuir model. It is found that the LS‐g‐P(AAm‐co‐AA) microgels can take up MB with 154 mg g−1 of adsorption capacity. More importantly, the LS‐g‐P(AAm‐co‐AA) microgels can be degraded by laccase enzyme derived by fungi in nature.
A DOPO Derivative Constructed by Sulfaguanidine and Thiophene toward Enhancing Fire Safety, Smoke Suppression, and Mechanical Properties of Epoxy Resin
Authors: Zhang Junjun , Duan Huajun , Zou Jiahao , Cao Jianfan , Wan Chao , Zhang Chenhao , Ma Huiru 
Published: October 2021

AbstractIn order to eliminate the negative effect of traditional 9,10‐dihydro‐9‐oxa‐10‐phosphaphenanthrene‐10‐oxide (DOPO) ‐based flame retardants on heat resistance, mechanical properties, and curing process of epoxy resin (EP), a DOPO derivative (DST) constructed by sulfaguanidine and thiophene is designed and used as co‐cured agent for EP. Compared with EP, the maximum decrease of glass transition temperature (Tg) in all EP/DST samples is less than 5%, indicating EP modified by DST maintains good heat resistance. Encouragingly, DST shows satisfactory flame‐retardant efficiency and excellent smoke suppressing effects. EP containing barely 5 wt% of DST (P content: 0.37 wt%) achieves a UL‐94 V‐0 rating and 32.8% limited oxygen index (LOI) value. Its peak heat release rate (PHRR), total heat release (THR), and total smoke production (TSP) are also decreased by 31.2%, 18.8%, and 30.2% . Further, DST significantly improves mechanical properties of the EP/DDM/DST system. The tensile strength and modulus increase by 37.2% and 14.6%, respectively, as DST content is 7.5 wt%. It is revealed that DST has positive quenching and diluting effects in the gas phase, as well as promoting the formation of a compact char layer in the condensed phase.
Discotic Liquid Crystal Epoxy Resins Integrating Intrinsic High Thermal Conductivity and Intrinsic Flame Retardancy
Authors: Zhong Xiao , Yang Xutong , Ruan Kunpeng , Zhang Junliang , Zhang Haitian , Gu Junwei 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe integration of intrinsic thermal conductivity and intrinsic flame retardancy of epoxy resins shows wider application prospects in electricals and electronics. Discotic liquid crystal epoxy (D‐LCE) is synthesized from pyrocatechol, 2‐allyloxyethanol, and 3‐chloroperoxybenzoic acid. P/Si synergistic flame‐retardant co‐curing agent (DOPO‐POSS, DP) is synthesized from p‐hydroxybenzaldehyde, 9, 10‐dihydro‐9‐oxa‐10‐phosphaphenanthrene 10‐oxide (DOPO), and amino terminated polysilsesquioxane (POSS). Finally, D‐LCE is cured within liquid crystal range with 4, 4′‐diaminodiphenyl methane (DDM) and DP, to obtain intrinsic highly thermal conductive/flame‐retardant epoxy resins (D‐LCERDP). D‐LCERDP‐10.0 (10.0 wt% DP) synchronously possesses excellent intrinsic thermal conductivity and intrinsic flame retardancy, with thermal conductivity coefficient in vertical and parallel direction (λ⊥ and λ∥) of 0.34 and 1.30 W m−1 K−1, much higher than that of general bisphenol A epoxy resin (E‐51, λ⊥ of 0.19 W m−1 K−1, λ∥ of 0.65 W m−1 K−1). The limiting oxygen index (LOI) value of D‐LCERDP‐10.0 reaches 31.1, also better than those of E‐51 (19.8) and D‐LCER (21.3).
Effect of Intraparticle Mass Transfer on the Catalytic Site Formation in the Preparation of Silica‐Supported Metallocene Catalysts
Authors: Tran Dennis , Sowah Courtney Spain , Choi Kyu Yong 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe preparation conditions of silica‐supported metallocene catalysts impact the catalytic performance and consistency in ethylene polymerization. In a commonly used catalyst impregnation technique, the concentrations of catalyst solutions and the contact time between silica microparticles and catalyst solutions are used to ensure uniform and stable immobilization of coactivator methyl aluminoxane (MAO) and metallocenes. The overall catalytic activities for olefin polymerization, catalyst particle fragmentation, and the resulting polymer particle morphology depend upon the distribution of active catalyst sites within the silica catalyst particle. This work presents both experimental and theoretical modeling studies on the intraparticle spatial distribution of MAO and metallocene in highly porous silica microparticles for ethylene polymerization in a liquid‐slurry phase. The silica‐catalyst solution contact times and the catalyst solution concentrations are used as two major variables to vary the intraparticle catalyst site distributions. The overall aluminum and zirconium contents in the catalyst and their radial distributions are observed to be strongly affected by the impregnation conditions. A mathematical model is also derived for the catalyst impregnation process and it provides adequate predictions of the impregnation process characteristics.
Muscle biopsy and MRI findings in ANO5‐related myopathy
Authors: Holm‐Yildiz Sonja , Witting Nanna , de Stricker Borch Josefine , Kass Konni , Khawajazada Tahmina , Krag Thomas , Vissing John 
Published: October 2021

AbstractIntroduction/AimsMutations in the anoctamin 5 (ANO5) gene are a common cause of muscular dystrophy. We aimed to investigate whether inflammatory changes in muscle are present in patients with ANO5 myopathy when assessed by muscle biopsy and muscle magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).MethodsAdults with pathogenic variations in ANO5 known to cause muscular dystrophy were included in our study. Muscle biopsies of pelvic and lower extremity muscles were reviewed retrospectively. Muscle MR short‐tau inversion recovery (STIR) images of a subset of these patients were obtained prospectively.ResultsMuscle biopsies from 24 patients were reviewed. MR STIR images were performed in 17 of these patients. We found inflammatory changes in muscle biopsies of three patients and MRI revealed hyperintense signals on STIR images in 14 of 17 patients.DiscussionIn this study, we found that muscle edema is very common in patients with ANO5 myopathy and that some patients have inflammatory changes in muscle biopsies. Further studies are needed to determine whether the STIR+ lesions reflect inflammation.
Determinants of diaphragm inspiratory motion, diaphragm thickening, and its performance for predicting respiratory restrictive pattern in Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Fayssoil Abdallah , Nguyen Lee S. , Stojkovic Tanya , Prigent Helene , Carlier Robert , Amthor Helge , Bergounioux Jean , Zini Justine , Damez‐Fontaine Sebastien , Wahbi Karim , Laforet Pascal , Nicolas Guillaume , Behin Anthony , Bassez Guillaume , Leturcq France , Ben Yaou Rabah , Mansencal Nicolas , Annane Djillali , Lofaso Frédéric , Orlikowski David 
Published: October 2021

AbstractIntroduction/AimsRespiratory status is a key determinant of prognosis in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). We aimed to evaluate the determinants of diaphragm ultrasound and its performance in predicting restrictive respiratory patterns in DMD.MethodsThis was a retrospective study of DMD patients followed in our center and admitted for an annual checkup from 2015 to 2018. We included DMD patients who underwent diaphragm ultrasound and pulmonary functional tests.ResultsThis study included 74 patients with DMD. The right diaphragm thickening fraction (TF) was significantly associated with age (P = .001), Walton score (P = .012), inspiratory capacity (IC) (P = .004), upright forced vital capacity (FVC) (P < .0001), supine FVC (P = .038), and maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) (P = .002). Right diaphragm excursion was significantly associated with age (P < .0001), steroid use (P = .008), history of spinal fusion (P < .0001), body mass index (BMI) (P = .002), Walton score (P < .0001), IC (P < .0001), upright FVC (P < .0001), supine FVC (P < .0001), and MIP (P < .0001). A right diaphragm TF >28% and a right diaphragm excursion>25.4 mm were associated with an FVC >50% with, respectively, an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.95 (P = .001) and 0.93 (P < .001). A left diaphragm TF >26.8% and a left diaphragm excursion >21.5 mm were associated with an FVC >50% with, respectively, an AUC of 0.95 (P = .011) and 0.97 (P < .001).DiscussionDiaphragm excursion and diaphragm TF can predict restrictive pulmonary insufficiency in DMD.
Optimal dividend problems with a risk probability criterion
Authors: Wen Xin , Guo Xianping , Xia Li 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThis paper considers a discrete time optimal dividend payout problem with a risk probability criterion. Different from the expected discounted dividends that are widely studied in the existing literature, our emphasis is the risk probability that an insurance company's total discounted dividend fails to reach a given dividend goal by the time of ruin. We aim to find an optimal dividend policy to minimize such risk probability. More precisely, we establish a general model for optimal dividend problems based on a Markov decision process with varying discount factors and a probability criterion. The associated optimality equation and the existence of optimal policies under the probability criterion are investigated. For a special case with independently identically distributed incomes, we further characterize the properties of optimal value functions and the structures of optimal dividend policies. A value iteration‐type algorithm for computing value functions and optimal policies is developed. The convergence and error bound analyses of the algorithm are also derived. Finally, an optimal dividend policy in a concrete example is presented to demonstrate our main results.
Unique Lucayan sand dune burials at the Rolling Heads site, Long Island, The Bahamas
Authors: Keegan William F. , Young Colleen B. , LeFebvre Michelle J. , Pateman Michael P. , Hanna Jonathan A. , Newsom Lee Ann , Mistretta Brittany A. , Ciofalo Andy J. , Ross Ann H. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe skeletal remains of nearly 100 Indigenous Bahamians, called Lucayans, have been recovered in the Bahama archipelago (Lucayan Islands). Until now, virtually, all were recovered from wet and dry caves, caverns, and blue holes, most of which lacked specific evidence for mortuary practices. In the aftermath of Hurricane Joaquin in October 2015, two human crania were found on Lowe's Beach, Long Island, The Bahamas. In addition, two burial areas were identified in the face of the adjacent, north‐facing, Atlantic coast sand dune. The human remains were identified as Indigenous Lucayans based on the intentional fronto‐occipital modification of the crania. These are the first open‐air, sand dune burials to be excavated systematically in The Bahamas, and they provide new insights regarding Lucayan burial practices and lifeways. This article describes the unique environmental and cultural contexts of Lucayan individuals who were buried at the Rolling Heads site. The local geomorphology reflects long‐term processes of dune erosion and remodeling that suggest that an unknowable number of additional individuals were buried at the site. The physical characteristics and mortuary practices are different from those observed elsewhere in the Caribbean, highlighting regional diversity and local practices. They raise the question of why different portals were used to transmit the dead to their afterlife. Finally, these individuals are contributing to regional studies assessing biological and cultural identities through genome‐wide DNA, phenotypic morphometrics, stable carbon and nitrogen isotope reconstruction of diet, strontium isotope assessment of origins, and accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) dating to evaluate the timing of human dispersal across the Bahama archipelago. The Lucayans did not survive the Spanish invasion, but there is much to be learned from their remains.