bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multimodal assessment of autonomic dysfunction in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Weise David , Menze Ina , Metelmann Moritz C. F. , Woost Timo B. , Classen Joseph , Otto Pelz Johann 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackground and purposeAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder with predominant progressive degeneration of motor neurons and motor deficits, but non‐motor symptoms (NMS) such as cognitive and behavioural deficits are frequent and underestimated in current diagnostic pathways. Autonomic dysfunction has occasionally been described, although its frequency and relevance are unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of the autonomic nervous system in ALS using a multimodal approach.MethodsThirty‐seven ALS patients and 40 healthy sex‐ and age‐matched controls were included. NMS were studied with the NMS assessment scale for Parkinson's disease and an autonomic subscale was calculated. Cardioautonomic innervation at rest and whilst standing was assessed by different parameters of heart rate variability. Morphological changes (cross‐sectional area) of the vagus and median nerves for control were measured with high‐resolution ultrasound.ResultsNon‐motor symptoms in general were more frequent in ALS patients and correlated inversely with the ALS Functional Rating Scale whereas the autonomic subscore of the NMS assessment scale for Parkinson's disease did not differ between the two groups and was not related to functional impairment. Cardioautonomic assessment solely revealed an increased heart rate at rest in ALS patients, whereas the other heart rate variability parameters did not differ from controls. Structural sonographic investigation of the vagus and median nerves was similar in both groups.ConclusionsUsing a multimodal approach evidence was found for a rather mild cardio‐sympathetic overactivity in ALS patients. Overall, autonomic dysfunction seems to be subtle and is not related to the functional state of ALS patients.
Effect of the reaction temperature on the prothrombin time and the apparent International Normalized Ratio determined with International Standards for thromboplastins
Authors: Van Den Besselaar Antonius M. H. P. , Cobbaert Christa M. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractIntroductionThe definition of the International Normalized Ratio (INR) depends on a reference measurement procedure for the prothrombin time (PT) determined with international standards for thromboplastins. The agreed water bath temperature for PT determination in the reference measurement procedure is 37°C. The aim of the study was to assess the influence of small deviations of the agreed reaction temperature on PT and INR determined with World Health Organization international standards for thromboplastins rTF/16 (recombinant human) and RBT/16 (rabbit brain).MethodsProthrombin time was determined, with a manual hook technique, in glass test tubes in a water bath at a controlled temperature. The PT reaction temperatures were varied between 28 and 40°C. Pooled normal plasma and pooled coumarin plasma (INR ≈ 2.8) were used as test plasmas. The data were fitted to a quadratic relationship between PT and temperature.ResultsProthrombin times with rTF/16 were shortened by increasing the reaction temperature up to approximately 39‐40°C. PTs with RBT/16 were shortened by increasing the reaction temperature up to approximately 34‐37°C, but were prolonged at higher temperatures. The apparent INR change of the coumarin plasma at 37.0°C was 0.06/°C and 0.11/°C for rTF/16 and RBT/16, respectively.ConclusionsReaction temperature had a significant effect on PT and the apparent INR with the International Standards. At 37.0°C, the apparent INR of coumarin plasma determined with RBT/16 was more responsive to temperature change than the apparent INR determined with rTF/16. The required accuracy of the water bath temperature should be 37.0 ± 0.1°C.
What sequencing technologies can teach us about innate immunity*
Authors: Mohammed Salih Mays , Carpenter Susan 
Published: November 2021

AbstractFor years, we have taken a reductionist approach to understanding gene regulation through the study of one gene in one cell at a time. While this approach has been fruitful it is laborious and fails to provide a global picture of what is occurring in complex situations involving tightly coordinated immune responses. The emergence of whole‐genome techniques provides a system‐level view of a response and can provide a plethora of information on events occurring in a cell from gene expression changes to splicing changes and chemical modifications. As with any technology, this often results in more questions than answers, but this wealth of knowledge is providing us with an unprecedented view of what occurs inside our cells during an immune response. In this review, we will discuss the current RNA‐sequencing technologies and what they are helping us learn about the innate immune system.
Evidence and risk indicators of non‐random sampling in clinical trials in implant dentistry: A systematic appraisal
Authors: Shi Jun‐Yu , Zhang Xiao , Qian Shu‐Jiao , Wei Shi‐min , Yan Kai‐Xiao , Xu Min , Lai Hong‐Chang , Tonetti Maurizio S. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractAimAnalysis of distribution of p‐values of continuous differences between test and controls after randomization provides evidence of unintentional error, non‐random sampling, or data fabrication in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We assessed evidence of highly unusual distributions of baseline characteristics of subjects enrolled in clinical trials in implant dentistry.Materials and methodsRCTs published between 2005 and 2020 were systematically searched in Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane databases. Baseline patient data were extracted from full text articles by two independent assessors. The hypothesis of non‐random sampling was tested by comparing the expected and the observed distribution of the p‐values of differences between test and controls after randomization.ResultsOne‐thousand five‐hundred and thirty‐eight unique RCTs were identified, of which 409 (26.6%) did not report baseline characteristics of the population, and 671 (43.6%) reported data in forms other than mean and standard deviation and could not be used to assess their random sampling. Four‐hundred and fifty‐eight trials with 1449 baseline variables in the form of mean and standard deviation were assessed. The study observed an over‐representation of very small p‐values [<.001, 1.38%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.85–2.12 compared to the expected 0.10%, 95% CI 0.00–0.26]. No evidence of over‐representation of larger p‐values was observed. Unusual distributions were present in 2.38% of RCTs and more frequent in non‐registered trials, in studies supported by non‐industry funding, and in multi‐centre RCTs.ConclusionsThe inability to assess random sampling due to insufficient reporting in 26.6% of trials requires attention. In trials reporting suitable baseline data, unusual distributions were uncommon, and no evidence of data fabrication was detected, but there was evidence of non‐random sampling. Continued efforts are necessary to ensure high integrity and trust in the evidence base of the field.
The effectiveness of nurse‐led group interventions on hypertension lifestyle management: A mixed method study
Authors: Nanyonga Rose Clarke , Spies Lori A. , Nakaggwa Florence 
Published: November 2021

AbstractPurposeHypertension is prevalent in Uganda and achieving treatment goals remains a challenge. Our aim was to assess the impact of a bundled nurse‐led intervention on hypertension physiologic measures and lifestyle modification, and to explore perceptions of the interventions to enhance sustainability.Design and settingWe employed a sequential explanatory mixed‐method design. The study was conducted at a large urban private hospital in Uganda from September 2018 to May 2019.SampleParticipants were clinic patients with hypertension currently under care. A total of 54 participants were enrolled in two study groups. Two focus groups with 16 participants and 2 nurse‐educator interviews were conducted.MethodsBlood pressure and weight were measured at baseline, three, six, and nine months. The Self‐Care of Hypertension Inventory was used to assess lifestyle modification. Monthly education and group‐support with text‐message follow‐up were implemented. Two focus‐groups and nurse‐educator interviews were conducted to assess perceptions post‐implementation. The analysis included descriptive statistic, multivariate analysis and qualitative analysis for themes and subthemes.FindingsOverall, participants had a mean weight loss of 7.7 kg (p = 0.001) and a mean reduction in systolic blood pressure (SBP) of 9.5 mm Hg (p = 0.001). Improvement in biometric outcomes was associated with lifestyle modification such as taking medicine as prescribed (p = 0.008), eat lots of fruit and vegetables (p = 0.043), and control your body weight (p = 0.015). Thematic analysis yielded the following themes: Knowledge and understanding, Attitude change, Adherence—a real struggle, and Adapting to what suits us. Participants found group support, shared learning, and knowledge reinforcement enhanced their knowledge and self‐efficacy. Nurse educators were motivated by the patients’ favorable responses to the Bundled Education and Support with Text (BEST) intervention.ConclusionFindings support the use of nurse‐led interventions to enhance the achievement of hypertension treatment goals. To sustain the achieved lifestyle modification and blood pressure outcomes, participants expressed a desire for continued support, information access, and inclusion of patients as champions for knowledge dissemination. Future studies need to explore the provision of enabling structures to support nurse‐led interventions in routine non‐Communicable disease (NCD) care.Clinical relevanceHypertension knowledge‐gaps exist among patients and may reflect missed opportunities for patient engagement and education for behavior change. Bundled nurse‐led hypertension interventions can significantly improve lifestyle modification and enhance hypertension outcomes. Persons supported and empowered with knowledge can act as conduits to wider communities in championing knowledge dissemination.
Comparing and combining sliding semilandmarks and weighted spherical harmonics for shape analysis
Authors: Harper Christine M. , Goldstein Deanna M. , Sylvester Adam D. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractQuantifying morphological variation is critical for conducting anatomical research. Three‐dimensional geometric morphometric (3D GM) landmark analyses quantify shape using homologous Cartesian coordinates (landmarks). Setting up a high‐density landmark set and placing it on all specimens, however, can be a time‐consuming task. Weighted spherical harmonics (SPHARM) provides an alternative method for analyzing the shape of such objects. Here we compare sliding semilandmark and SPHARM analyses of the calcaneus of Gorilla gorilla gorilla (n = 20), Pan troglodytes troglodytes (n = 20), and Homo sapiens (n = 20) to determine whether the SPHARM and sliding semilandmark analyses capture comparable levels of shape variation. We also compare both the sliding semilandmark and SPHARM analyses to a novel combination of the two methods, here termed SPHARM–sliding. In SPHARM–sliding, the vertices of the surface models produced from the SPHARM analysis (that are the same in number and relative location) are used as the starting landmark positions for a sliding semilandmark analysis. Calcaneal shape variation quantified by all three analyses was summarized using separate principal components analyses. Results were compared using the root mean square (RMS) and maximum distance between surface models of species averages scaled (up) to centroid size created from each analysis. The average RMS was 0.23 mm between sliding semilandmark and SPHARM average surface models, 0.19 mm between SPHARM and SPHARM sliding average surface models, and 0.22 mm between sliding semilandmark and SPHARM sliding average surface models. Although results indicate that all three analyses are comparable methods for 3D shape analysis, there are advantages and disadvantages to each. While the SPHARM analysis is less time‐intensive, it is unable to capture the same level of detail around the sharp edges of articular facets on average surface models as the sliding semilandmark analysis. The SPHARM analysis also does not allow for individual articular facets to be analyzed in isolation. SPHARM–sliding, however, captures the same level of detail as the sliding semilandmark analysis, and (as in the sliding semilandmark analysis) allows for the evaluation of individual portions of bone. SPHARM is a comparable method to a 3D GM analysis for small, irregularly shaped bones, such as the calcaneus, and SPHARM–sliding allows for an expedited set up process for a sliding semilandmark analysis.
Coronavirus Pandemic: The Blame Game in Middle East Geopolitics
Authors: Raza Syed Sami 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe Middle East is notorious for its deep‐rooted state rivalries based on ethnic and sectarian divisions. Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Turkey are the three major powers in the region that seek hegemony, impelling the smaller states to choose their allies. At the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, these major powers engaged in a blame game about the spread of the virus in the region, further straining their diplomatic relations. In this article, I map out this blame game among the major powers as well as other political groups and nonstate actors in the Middle East. This highlights how the pandemic has entrenched state rivalries and intensified regional geopolitics.
Consistent iterative algorithm for stochastic dynamic traffic assignment with a stable route set
Authors: Verstraete Jeroen , Tampère Chris M. J. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractIn stochastic (dynamic) traffic assignment (DTA), route choice (RC) formulations with implicit route set require less memory than their explicit counterparts. To compute turn probabilities, however, a topological ordering of the nodes is needed, which negatively impacts the stability of convergence and consistency of equilibrium. This paper formulates a general framework for the RC module of the efficient stochastic DTA (ESDTA) without topological ordering; we demonstrate how its full fixed route yields smooth and consistent convergence. The theoretical framework requires a series of computational modifications to ensure that numerical errors remain limited and to make the formulation more efficient for use in practice. The resulting ESDTA's computation time to reach equilibrium scales linearly with respect to all relevant complexity dimensions (network size, demand zones, time resolution, and congestion level).
Viability and release of Neonectria ditissima ascospores on apple fruit in Brazil
Authors: Araujo Leonardo , Pinto Felipe A. M. F. , de Andrade Camila C. L. , Duarte Valmir 
Published: November 2021

AbstractDuring European canker monitoring in an apple experimental orchard, 14 mummified fruit (two and three trees with 10 and four positive records in 2018 and 2019, respectively) showed perithecia. Perithecium production on apple fruit, confirmation of pathogenicity of Neonectria ditissima isolated from mummified fruit, and ascospore release from fruit tissues has rarely been reported, and their role in the epidemiology of European canker has been largely overlooked. Thus, the objectives of our study were to (a) prove the presence of both conidia and ascospores of N. ditissima in mummified fruit in an experimental field, confirming pathogenesis in different apple cultivars, and (b) monitor production of the two types of inoculum in infected apple fruit over time. Canker incidence in this orchard was 47% of trees with symptoms in 2018 and 48% in 2019. Molecular and morphological tests confirmed that the fungus detected in the mummified apple fruit was N. ditissima. Apple fruit with sporodochia and perithecia washed immediately after collection from the orchard showed conidia but no ascospores of N. ditissima. However, after 4 days’ incubation, perithecia on mummified fruit showed many ascospore cirri. Koch's postulates were fulfilled on apple plants and mature fruit. Fruit inoculated with N. ditissima released spores for over a year under Brazilian field conditions. The release of both spore types peaked in May (Brazilian leaf fall) and October (spring); release of conidia also peaked in February (early harvest). These results support our hypothesis that fruit can serve as primary inoculum for European canker in Brazilian apple orchards.
Effect of test anxiety on visual working memory capacity using evidence from event‐related potentials
Authors: Song Jintao , Chang Lei , Zhou Renlai 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThis study examined the effects of test anxiety on working memory capacity. Studies have demonstrated that individuals with trait social anxiety disorder exhibit increased visual working memory capacity and that those with trait anxiety exhibit decreased working memory capacity. Test anxiety may also induce unique effects on individuals' working memory capacity, and we thus employed the change detection task to explore such effects. Participants were divided into high‐ and low‐test anxiety groups. We used K score and contralateral delay activity (CDA) amplitude to measure working memory capacity, focusing on processing effectiveness and efficiency. The study results revealed that deficits in the working memory capacity of individuals in the high test anxiety group manifested in the CDA amplitude rather than in the K score. The CDA amplitude of the high test anxiety group did not increase after load 3, and that of the low test anxiety group did not increase after load 4. No difference was observed in the K scores of the two groups. The study concluded that test anxiety impairs processing efficiency but not processing effectiveness.
Differential effects of team‐based learning on clinical reasoning
Authors: Ong Kim Yao , Ng Cherie W. Q. , Tan Nigel C. K. , Tan Kevin 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundClinical reasoning (CR) is the ability to integrate information, knowledge and contextual factors for patient care. Few studies have explored effects of team‐based learning (TBL) on neurological CR. This study compared simplified TBL (sTBL) against interactive lectures (IL) for teaching CR in neuroanatomical localisation (NL) and neurological emergencies (NE), assessed using a validated Script Concordance Test (SCT).MethodsA crossover study was conducted with third‐ and fifth‐year undergraduates, randomly assigned to two groups, from the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine in Singapore. Group 1 was taught NE with sTBL and NL with IL, whereas Group 2 was taught NL with sTBL and NE with IL. Teaching was conducted sequentially over 3 h followed immediately by the SCT. The primary outcome was the difference in mean SCT scores of NE and NL taught with sTBL versus IL.FindingsA total of 179 students (Group 1, n = 81; Group 2, n = 98) participated. Mean NL SCT scores for students taught with sTBL were significantly higher compared with IL (64.8% vs. 61.7%, mean difference 3.1%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.6%–5.5%, p = 0.013); effect size was 0.38. Mean NE SCT scores were similar between students taught with sTBL or IL (66.6% vs. 67.0%, mean difference −0.4%, 95% CI −2.2% to 3.1%, p = 0.75).ConclusionssTBL was superior to IL for teaching NL, whereas both methods were comparable for teaching NE. TBL may be suitable for teaching more complex neurological topics involving diagnostic reasoning through development of problem representation, hypothesis generation and illness script selection.
Immunomodulatory effect of long‐term oclacitinib maleate therapy in dogs with atopic dermatitis
Authors: De Caro Martins Guilherme , da Costa‐Val Adriane Pimenta , Coura Fernanda Morcatti , Diamantino Gabriela Matoso Lima , Nogueira Marina Moller , de Oliveira Melo‐Junior Otoni Alves , Giunchetti Rodolfo Cordeiro , da Silveira‐Lemos Denise , Melo Marilia Martins 
Published: November 2021

BackgroundCanine atopic dermatitis (cAD) is a chronic disease characterised by hypersensitivity to environmental allergens. Oclacitinib maleate selectively inhibits pro‐inflammatory mediators associated with cAD. However, the impact of chronic oclacitinib use on immunocompetence requires further investigation.ObjectivesHerein, we examined the potential immunomodulatory effects of prolonged oclacitinib treatment in dogs.AnimalsThirteen privately owned dogs with cAD, treated with 0.4–0.6 mg/kg oclacitinib for 12 months.Methods and materialsPruritus level was evaluated using a pruritus Visual Analog Scale (pVAS) and the canine atopic dermatitis extent and severity index, 4th iteration (CADESI IV). Peripheral blood samples were collected for routine laboratory assays and lymphocyte subtypes were analysed using flow cytometry. Antigen‐specific intracellular cytokine production from CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes was analysed following in vitro stimulation by Dermatophagoides farinae antigens.ResultsOclacitinib treatment significantly reduced pVAS and CADESI‐04 scores, by 51% and 86.7%, respectively. Flow cytometric analysis revealed increased CD4+ and CD14+ lymphocyte populations. The cytokine profile at 360 days after treatment initiation was similar to that before treatment and was not associated with clinical relapse.ConclusionOclacitinib, when administered at the currently labelled dose for one year, is associated with a significant increase in circulating CD4+ T cells, but does not alter cytokine production from antigen‐stimulated T cells. The results reported do not support evidence for immunosuppression mediated by the mechanisms evaluated in this study.
Examining the Nature of Item Bias on Students’ Performance in National Examinations Council (NECO) Mathematics Senior School Certificate Dichotomously Scored Items in Nigeria
Authors: Adediwura A. Alaba , Patricia Asowo A. 
Published: November 2021

This study examined the nature of item bias on students’ performance in 2017 National Examinations Council (NECO) mathematics senior school certificate dichotomously scored items in Nigeria. The study adopted an ex-post-facto research design. A sample of 256,039 candidates was randomly selected from the population of 1,034,629 students who took the test. Instrument for data collection was 'Student Results' (SR). Data collected were analysed using the R language environment and an independent t-test. Results showed that the 2017 NECO Mathematics test was essentially unidimensional (-0.28 (<.20), ASSI = -0.31 (< 0.25) and RATIO = -0.31 (< 0.36). Results also showed that the nature of bias statistically encountered was a mean difference in scores bias, indicating that 86% (52 items), 79.1% (34 items), and 96% (56 items) were biased against male students, urban and public-school students, respectively. It was concluded that item bias is a notable factor that affected the validity of the NECO 2017 Mathematics test and conclusions drawn from the scores in Nigeria. Hence, it was recommended that before tests are administered for public use, examination bodies should make a careful review of tests through dimensionality assessment at the developmental stage to eliminate any perspectives that could cause test inequity among examinees.