bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Detection of Advanced Lesions of Atherosclerosis in Carotid Arteries Using 3-Dimensional Motion-Sensitized Driven-Equilibrium Prepared Rapid Gradient Echo (3D-MERGE) Magnetic Resonance Imaging as a Screening Tool
Authors: Baylam Geleri Duygu , Watase Hiroko , Chu Baocheng , Chen Li , Zhao Huilin , Zhao Xihai , Hatsukami Thomas S , Yuan Chun ,   on behalf of the CARE-II Study Collaborators
Published: September 2021

Background and Purpose:
Two-dimensional high-resolution multicontrast magnetic resonance imaging (2D-MC MRI) is currently the most reliable and reproducible noninvasive carotid vessel wall imaging technique. However, the long scan time required for 2D-MC MRI restricts its practical clinical application. Alternatively, 3-dimensional motion-sensitized driven-equilibrium prepared rapid gradient echo (3D-MERGE) vessel wall MRI can provide high isotropic resolution with extensive coverage in two minutes. In this study, we sought to prove that 3D-MERGE alone can serve as a screening tool to identify advanced carotid lesions.

Methods:
Two hundred twenty-seven subjects suspected of recent ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack were imaged using 2D-MC MRI with an imaging time of 30 minutes, then with 3D-MERGE with an imaging time of 2 minutes, on 3T-MRI scanners. Two experienced reviewers interpreted plaque components using 2D-MC MRI as the reference standard and categorized plaques using a modified American Heart Association lesion classification for MRI. Plaques of American Heart Association type IV and above were classified as advanced. Arteries of American Heart Association types I to II and III were categorized as normal or with early lesions, respectively. One radiologist independently reviewed only 3D-MERGE and labeled the plaques as advanced if they had a wall thickness of >2 mm with high or low signal intensity compared with the adjacent sternocleidomastoid muscle. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for 3D-MERGE were calculated.

Results:
Four hundred forty-nine arteries from 227 participants (mean age 61.2 years old, 64% male) were included in the analysis. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for identification of advanced lesions on 3D-MERGE were 95.0% (95% CI, 91.8–97.2), 86.9% (95% CI, 81.4–92.0), 93.8% (95% CI, 91.1–95.8), respectively.

Conclusions:
3D-MERGE can accurately identify advanced carotid atherosclerotic plaques in patients suspected of stroke or transient ischemic attack. It has a more extensive coverage and higher sensitivity and specificity for advanced plaque detection with a much shorter acquisition time than 2D-MC MRI.

REGISTRATION:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT02017756.
Evaluation of coupled regional climate models in representing the local biophysical effects of afforestation over continental China
Authors: Ge Jun , Qiu Bo , Chu Bowen , Li Duzitian , Jiang Lingling , Zhou Weidan , Tang Jianping , Guo Weidong 
Published: September 2021

AbstractRegional climate models have been widely used to examine the biophysical effects of afforestation, but their performances in this respect have rarely been evaluated. To fill this knowledge gap, an evaluation method based on the “space for time” strategy is proposed here. Using this method, we validate the performances of three regional models, the Regional Climate Model (RegCM), Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model and the WRF model run at a convection-permitting resolution (WRF-CP), in representing the local biophysical effects of afforestation over continental China against satellite observations. The results show that WRF and WRF-CP can not accurately describe afforestation-induced changes in surface biophysical properties, e.g. albedo or leaf area index. Second, all models exhibit poor simulations of afforestation-induced changes in latent and sensible heat fluxes. In particular, the observed increase in the summer latent heat due to afforestation is substantially underestimated by all models. Third, the models are basically reasonable in representing the biophysical impact of afforestation on temperature. The cooling of the daily mean surface temperature and 2-meter temperature in summer are reproduced well. Nevertheless, the mechanism driving the cooling effect may be improperly represented by the models. Moreover, the models perform relatively poorly in representing the response of the daily minimum surface temperature to afforestation. This highlights the necessity of evaluating the representation of the biophysical effects by a model before the model is employed to carry out afforestation experiments. This study serves as a test bed for validating regional model performance in this respect.
Revisiting the Global Seasonal Snow Classification: An Updated Dataset for Earth System Applications
Authors: Sturm Matthew , Liston Glen E. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractTwenty-five years ago, we published a global seasonal snow classification now widely used in snow research, physical geography, and as a mission planning tool for remote sensing snow studies. Performing the classification requires global datasets of air temperature, precipitation, and land-cover. When introduced in 1995, the finest resolution global datasets of these variables were on a 0.5° × 0.5° latitude-longitude grid (approximately 50 km). Here we revisit the snow classification system and, using new datasets and methods, present a revised classification on a 10-arcsecond × 10-arcsecond latitude-longitude grid (approximately 300 m). We downscaled 0.1° × 0.1° latitude-longitude (approximately 10 km) gridded meteorological climatologies (1981-2019, European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts [ECMWF] ReAnalysis, 5thGeneration Land [ERA5-Land]) using MicroMet, a spatially distributed, high-resolution, micro-meteorological model. The resulting air temperature and precipitation datasets were combined with European Space Agency (ESA) Climate Change Initiative (CCI) GlobCover land-cover data (as a surrogate for wind speed) to produce the updated classification, which we have applied to all of Earth’s terrestrial areas. We describe this new, high-resolution snow classification dataset, highlight the improvements added to the classification system since its inception, and discuss the utility of the climatological snow classes at this much higher resolution. The snow class dataset (Global Seasonal-Snow Classification 2.0) and the tools used to develop the data are publicly available online at the National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC).
Disaster-Related Food Security and Past General Governance Strategies in a Worldwide Sample
Authors: Jones Eric C. , Ong Corinne , Haynes Jessica 
Published: September 2021

AbstractClimate change is an increasingly pressing concern because it generates individual and societal vulnerability in many places in the world and also because it potentially threatens political stability. Aside from sea level rise, climate change is typically manifested in local temperature and precipitation extremes that generate other hazards. In this study, we investigated whether certain kinds of governance strategies were more common in societies whose food supply had been threatened by such natural hazards—specifically, floods, droughts, and locust infestations. We coded and analyzed ethnographic data from the Human Relations Area Files on 26 societies regarding dominant political, economic, and ideological behaviors of leaders in each society for a specified time period. Leaders in societies experiencing food-destroying disasters used different political economic strategies for maintaining power than did leaders in societies that face fewer disasters or that did not face such disasters. In nondisaster settings, leaders were more likely to have inward-focused cosmological and collectivistic strategies; conversely, when a society had experienced food-destroying disasters, leaders were more likely to have exclusionary tribal/family-based and externally focused strategies. This apparent difficulty in maintaining order and coherence of leadership in disaster settings may apply more to politically complex societies than to polities governed solely at the community level. Alternatively, it could be that exclusionary leaders help set up the conditions for disastrous consequences of hazards for the populace. Exceptions to the pattern of exclusionary political economic strategies in disaster settings indicate that workarounds do exist that allow leaders with corporate governance approaches to stay in power.
The Use of Infrared Thermal Imaging to Determine Functional Nasal Adequacy: A Pilot Study
Authors: Jiang Sydney , Chan Jason , Stupak Howard D. 
Published: September 2021

ObjectiveThe goal of this study was to establish a numeric threshold to separate functional from substantially obstructed noses using comparisons of thermal imaging and subjective scores.Study DesignAn inexpensive smartphone application and hardware attachment that uses infrared thermal imaging was tested to differentiate between substantial nasal blockage from an adequately functioning nose.SettingSequential adult participants who presented to a public hospital otolaryngology clinic between June and August 2018 were asked to complete the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) tool.MethodsA thermal video imaging device was used to record the difference in temperature (ΔT) between inspired (I) and expired (E) air at each nostril. The nostril ΔT between I and E air of patients with severe obstruction by the subjective measure (NOSE score) was compared with that of patients with minimal symptoms.ResultsA total of 26 participants were enrolled in the study. During normal respiration, Total ΔT for the nonobstructed group had a mean of 9.0, whereas the Total ΔT for the obstructed group had a mean of 7.69, a 17% difference that was statistically significant at P =. 045. For the worst‐performing nostril tested, ΔT for the nonobstructed group had a mean/median of 4°C, while the obstructed group had a mean of 3.23°C (median 3; 23.8% difference, P =. 023).ConclusionMeasures of thermal imaging, particularly at the threshold between the median scores of the worst‐performing nostril, may be a useful clinical test to differentiate between a substantially obstructed nose from an adequately functioning nose, although more data are required.
Down-expression of TaPIN1s Increases the Tiller Number and Grain Yield in Wheat
Authors: Yao Fu Quan , Li Xiao Hui , Wang He , Song Yu Ning , Li Zhong Qing , Li Xing Guo , Gao Xin-Qi , Zhang Xian Sheng , Bie Xiao Min 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
Tiller number is a factor determining panicle number and grain yield in wheat (Triticum aestivum). Auxin plays an important role in the regulation of branch production. PIN-FORMED 1 (PIN1), an auxin efflux carrier, plays a role in the regulation of tiller number in rice (Oryza sativa); however, little is known on the roles of PIN1 in wheat.

Results
Nine homologs of TaPIN1 genes were identified in wheat, of which TaPIN1-6 genes showed higher expression in the stem apex and young leaf in wheat, and the TaPIN1-6a protein was localized in the plasma membrane. The down-expression of TaPIN1s increased the tiller number in TaPIN1-RNA interference (TaPIN1-RNAi) transgenic wheat plants, indicating that auxin might mediate the axillary bud production. By contrast, the spikelet number, grain number per panicle, and the 1000-grain weight were decreased in the TaPIN1-RNAi transgenic wheat plants compared with those in the wild type. In summary, a reduction of TaPIN1s expression increased the tiller number and grain yield per plant of wheat.

Conclusions
Phylogenetic analysis and protein structure of nine TaPIN1 proteins were analyzed, and subcellular localization of TaPIN1-6a was located in the plasma membrane. Knock-down expression of TaPIN1 genes increased the tiller number of transgenic wheat lines. Our study suggests that TaPIN1s is required for the regulation of grain yield in wheat.
Comparison of hemostatic effect and safety between epinephrine and tramazoline during nasotracheal intubation: a double-blind randomized trial
Authors: Sato-Boku Aiji , Sento Yoshiki , Kamimura Yuji , Kako Eisuke , Okuda Masahiro , Tachi Naoko , Okumura Yoko , Hashimoto Mayumi , Hoshijima Hiroshi , Suzuki Fumihito , Sobue Kazuya 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
Nasal bleeding is the most common complication during nasotracheal intubation (NTI). To reduce nasal bleeding, the nasal mucosa is treated with vasoconstrictors (epinephrine [E] or tramazoline [T]) prior to NTI. This study aimed to determine whether E or T is more effective and safe for reducing nasal bleeding during NTI.

Methods
This study was preregistered on UMIN-CTR after being approved by the IRB of the School of Dentistry at Aichi Gakuin University. Written consent was received from all the patients. Total 206 patients aged 20–70 years and classified as 1–2 on American Society of Anesthesiologists-physical status were scheduled to undergo general anesthesia with NTI. At last, 197 patients were randomly divided into two groups and treated with either E (n = 99; 3 patients were discontinued) or T (n = 98; 2 patient were discontinued). After induction of general anesthesia, each patient’s nasal mucosa was treated using either E or T. The E used in this study was BOSMIN® SOLUTION 0.1% (Daiichi-Sankyo Co., Ltd., Tokyo), and the T used in this study was TRAMAZOLIN Nasal Solution 0.118% AFP, (Alfresa Pharma Corporation, Osaka). E was diluted five times according to the package insert (final concentration of E = 0.02%), and T was used in its original solution. After 2 min, NTI was performed via the right nostril. Primary outcome were the presence of nasal bleeding (if bleeding was recognized at the posterior pharyngeal wall via nasal cavity during intubation, it was defined as bleeding) and the degree of bleeding (classified as none, mild, moderate, or severe). Secondary outcomes were arrhythmia, and hemodynamic (mean atrial pressure and heart rate) changes associated with vasoconstrictors.

Results
The presence of bleeding was comparable in both groups (12.5%, E; 14.5%, T; P = 0.63). No significant difference between the groups regarding the degree of bleeding (P = 0.78) was observed, with most patients having no bleeding (n = 84, E; n = 82, T). No severe bleeding and no arrhythmias induced by vasoconstrictor were observed in the two groups.

Conclusions
Nasal treatment with E or T shows no difference in nasal bleeding during NTI. Although no arrhythmia associated with E was observed in this study, it has been reported in literature. Therefore, as frequency and degree of nasal bleeding were comparable, nasal treatment with T could reduce the risk of NTI.

Trial registration
UMIN-CTR (Registration No. UMIN000037907). Registered (05/09/2019).
Joint latent class model: Simulation study of model properties and application to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis disease
Authors: Kyheng Maéva , Babykina Génia , Ternynck Camille , Devos David , Labreuche Julien , Duhamel Alain 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
In many clinical applications, evolution of a longitudinal marker is censored by an event occurrence, and, symmetrically, event occurrence can be influenced by the longitudinal marker evolution. In such frameworks joint modeling is of high interest. The Joint Latent Class Model (JLCM) allows to stratify the population into groups (classes) of patients that are homogeneous both with respect to the evolution of a longitudinal marker and to the occurrence of an event; this model is widely employed in real-life applications. However, the finite sample-size properties of this model remain poorly explored.

Methods
In the present paper, a simulation study is carried out to assess the impact of the number of individuals, of the censoring rate and of the degree of class separation on the finite sample size properties of the JLCM. A real-life application from the neurology domain is also presented. This study assesses the precision of class membership prediction and the impact of covariates omission on the model parameter estimates.

Results
Simulation study reveals some departures from normality of the model for survival sub-model parameters. The censoring rate and the number of individuals impact the relative bias of parameters, especially when the classes are weakly distinguished. In real-data application the observed heterogeneity on individual profiles in terms of a longitudinal marker evolution and of the event occurrence remains after adjusting to clinically relevant and available covariates;

Conclusion
The JLCM properties have been evaluated. We have illustrated the discovery in practice and highlights the usefulness of the joint models with latent classes in this kind of data even with pre-specified factors. We made some recommendations for the use of this model and for future research.
An overview of bacterial meningitis epidemics in Africa from 1928 to 2018 with a focus on epidemics “outside-the-belt”
Authors: Mazamay Serge , Guégan Jean-François , Diallo Neby , Bompangue Didier , Bokabo Eric , Muyembe Jean-Jacques , Taty Nadège , Vita Tonton Paul , Broutin Hélène 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundBacterial meningitis occurs worldwide but Africa remains the most affected continent, especially in the "Meningitis belt" that extends from Senegal to Ethiopia. Three main bacteria are responsible for causing bacterial meningitis, i.e.,N. meningitidis(Nm),S. pneumoniaeandH. influenzaetype b. Among Nm, serogroup A used to be responsible for up to 80 to 85% of meningococcal meningitis cases in Africa. Since 2000, other Nm serogroups including W, X and C have also been responsible for causing epidemics. This overview aims to describe the main patterns of meningitis disease cases and pathogens from 1928 to 2018 in Africa with a special focus on disease conditions “out-of-the-belt” area that is still usually unexplored. Based on basic spatio-temporal methods, and a 90-years database of reported suspected meningitis cases and death from the World Health Organization, we used both geographic information system and spatio-temporal statistics to identify the major localizations of meningitis epidemics over this period in Africa.ResultsBacterial meningitis extends today outside its historical limits of the meningitis belt. Since the introduction of MenAfrivac vaccine in 2010, there has been a dramatic decrease in NmA cases while other pathogen species and Nm variants including NmW, NmC andStreptococcus pneumoniaehave become more prevalent reflecting a greater diversity of bacterial strains causing meningitis epidemics in Africa today.ConclusionBacterial meningitis remains a major public health problem in Africa today. Formerly concentrated in the region of the meningitis belt with Sub-Saharan and Sudanian environmental conditions, the disease extends now outside these historical limits to reach more forested regions in the central parts of the continent. With global environmental changes and massive vaccination targeting a unique serogroup, an epidemiological transition of bacterial meningitis is ongoing, requiring both a better consideration of the etiological nature of the responsible agents and of their proximal and distal determinants.
Women’s attitudes, beliefs and values about tests, and management for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy
Authors: Ahmed Shenaz , Brewer Alina , Tsigas Eleni Z. , Rogers Caryn , Chappell Lucy , Hewison Jenny 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
Advances in research suggest the possibility of improving routine clinical care for preeclampsia using screening (predictive) and diagnostic tests. The views of women should be incorporated into the way in which such tests are used. Therefore, we explored the views of women with experience of preeclampsia and other hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (HDPs) about predictive and diagnostic tests, treatment risks, and expectant management.

Method
Eight hundred and seven women with experience of preeclampsia or other HDPs completed an online questionnaire. These women were participants in the Preeclampsia Registry (USA). The questionnaire contained 22 items to elicit women’s views about predictive tests (n = 8); diagnostic tests (n = 5); treatment risks (n = 7), and expectant management (n = 2). An optional text box allowed participants to add qualitative open-ended comments. Levels of agreement with the statements were reported descriptively for the sample as a whole, and a preliminary investigation of the role of lived experience in shaping women’s views was conducted by comparing subgroups within the sample based on time of HDP delivery (preterm/term). The qualitative data provided in the optional text box was analysed using inductive thematic analysis to examine participants’ responses.

Results
Women generally favored predictive and diagnostic testing, although not because they would opt for termination of pregnancy. Participants generally disagreed that taking daily low-dose aspirin (LDA) would make them nervous, with disagreement significantly higher in the preterm delivery subgroup. A high proportion of participants, especially in the preterm delivery subgroup, would take LDA throughout pregnancy. The majority of participants would be more worried about the possibility of preeclampsia than about the risks of treatments to their health (60%), and that proportion was significantly higher in the preterm delivery subgroup. There were no differences between subgroups in the views expressed about expectant management, although opinion was divided in both groups. Overall, most participants opted to put the baby’s interests first.

Conclusion
Women with experience of hypertensive disorders were enthusiastic about improved predictive and diagnostic tests. However, varied views about treatment options and expectant management suggest the need for a shared decision-making tool to enable healthcare professionals to support pregnant women’s decision-making to maximize the utility of these tests and interventions.
Manifestation of Susac syndrome during interferon beta-1a and glatiramer acetate treatment for misdiagnosed multiple sclerosis: a case report
Authors: Roskal-Wałek Joanna , Biskup Michał , Dolecka-Ślusarczyk Magdalena , Rosołowska Anita , Jaroszyński Andrzej , Odrobina Dominik 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
Susac syndrome (SS) is characterized by the triad of encephalopathy, branch retinal artery occlusion, and sensorineural hearing loss. However, the diagnosis of SS remains difficult because the clinical triad rarely occurs at disease onset, and symptom severity varies. SS symptoms often suggest other diseases, in particular multiple sclerosis (MS), which is more common. Misdiagnosing SS as MS may cause serious complications because MS drugs, such as interferon beta-1a, can worsen the course of SS. This case report confirms previous reports that the use of interferon beta-1a in the course of misdiagnosed MS may lead to exacerbation of SS. Moreover, our case report shows that glatiramer acetate may also exacerbate the course of SS. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of exacerbation of SS by glatiramer acetate.

Case presentation
We present a case report of a patient with a primary diagnosis of MS who developed symptoms of SS during interferon beta-1a treatment for MS; these symptoms were resolved after the discontinuation of the treatment. Upon initiation of glatiramer acetate treatment, the patient developed the full clinical triad of SS. The diagnosis of MS was excluded, and glatiramer acetate therapy was discontinued. The patient’s neurological state improved only after the use of a combination of corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulins, and azathioprine.

Conclusions
The coincidence of SS signs and symptoms with treatment for MS, first with interferon beta-1a and then with glatiramer acetate, suggests that these drugs may influence the course of SS. This case report indicates that treatment with glatiramer acetate may modulate or even exacerbate the course of SS.