bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modification of the effects of intensive systolic blood pressure control on kidney outcomes by baseline body mass index
Authors: Agarwal Adhish , Wei Guo , Boucher Robert , Ahmed Faris , Beddhu Srinivasan 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAimObesity and intensive systolic blood pressure (SBP) control are independently associated with greater risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) and incident chronic kidney disease (CKD). We examined whether baseline body mass index (BMI) modifies the effects of intensive SBP lowering on AKI or incident CKD.MethodsThe systolic blood pressure intervention trial (SPRINT) randomized 9361 participants with high blood pressure to an SBP target of either <120 mm Hg or < 140 mm Hg. In a secondary analysis of 9210 SPRINT participants with a baseline BMI of ≥18.5 and < 50 kg/m2, we examined the interactions of baseline BMI and SPRINT SBP intervention on subsequent AKI and incident CKD.ResultsEach 5 kg/m2 increase in baseline BMI was associated with higher risk of AKI (hazard ratio [HR] 1.12, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01 to 1.25) and incident CKD (HR 1.17, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.32). Intensive SBP control increased the risk of AKI (HR 1.68, 95% CI 1.22–2.11) and incident CKD (HR 3.49, 95% CI 2.47–4.94). The increased risk of AKI with intensive SBP control was consistent across the baseline BMI spectrum (linear interaction p = 0.55); however, the risk of incident CKD with SPRINT intervention increased with higher BMI (linear interaction p = 0.043).ConclusionThe increased risk of adverse kidney events seen with intensive SBP control in the SPRINT persisted across the baseline BMI spectrum. A higher baseline BMI was associated with an augmented risk of incident CKD with intensive SBP control.
Defining codominance in plant communities
Authors: Gray Jesse E. , Komatsu Kimberly J. , Smith Melinda D. 
Published: February 2021

SummarySpecies dominance and biodiversity in plant communities have received considerable attention and characterisation. However, species codominance, while often alleged, is seldom defined or quantified. Codominance is a common phenomenon and is likely to be an important driver of community structure, ecosystem function and the stability of both. Here we review the use of the term ‘codominance’ and find inconsistencies in its use, suggesting that the scientific community currently lacks a universal understanding of codominance. We address this issue by: (1) qualitatively defining codominance as mostly shared abundance that is distinctively isolated within a subset of a community, and (2) presenting a novel metric for quantifying the degree to which relative abundances are shared among a codominant subset of plant species, while also accounting for the remaining species within a plant community. Using both simulated and real‐world data, we then demonstrate the process of applying the codominance metric to compare communities and to generate a quantitatively defensible subset of species to consider codominant within a community. We show that our metric effectively distinguishes the degree of codominance between four types of grassland ecosystems as well as simulated ecosystems with varying degrees of abundance sharing among community members. Overall, we make the case that increased research focusses on the conditions under which codominance occurs and the consequences for species coexistence, community structure and ecosystem function that would considerably advance the fields of community and ecosystem ecology.
Clinical and dermoscopic polymorphisms in agminated Spitz nevi: Ugly presentation but benign behavior
Authors: De Giorgi Vincenzo , Venturi Federico , Scarfì Federica , Trane Luciana , Silvestri Flavia , Savarese Imma , Facchini Flavio , Buccoliero Anna Maria , Massi Daniela 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAgminated Spitz nevi are an uncommon entity, and their management is challenging due not only the young age of the patients but also the tumor's uncertain malignant potential and the variability in the dermoscopic and clinical presentation. We report a case of a 6‐year‐old boy with multiple agminated Spitz nevi on a café au lait macule with different atypical clinical patterns and dermoscopic features.
Psychometric properties of Virtual Environment for Social Information Processing, a social information processing simulation assessment for children
Authors: Russo‐Ponsaran Nicole M. , McKown Clark , Karls Ashley , Wu Irene Y. H. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractVirtual Environment for Social Information Processing (VESIPTM) is a web‐based social information processing assessment developed for youth in grades 3–7. VESIP was developed to address: (a) the broader assessment of social information processing in a variety of socially challenging situations and (b) the need for technically strong and scalable assessments that can be administered universally in schools as a growing number of states adopt social and emotional learning standards. Consistent with the Crick and Dodge theoretical model of social information processing, VESIP assesses six different dimensions: solution preference, problem identification, emotion response, intent attribution, goal preference, and social self‐efficacy. This study summarizes technical properties of VESIP based on the evaluation of two general education samples: a multi‐state group of students whose data were part of a large‐scale norming study (N = 2,156), and a subset of local students from that group who participated in a validation study (n = 334). Confirmatory factor analyses supported a model that has three distinct facets: (a) one that includes five social information processing factors, (b) one that includes five situational factors, and (c) one overall social information processing factor. This model closely parallels the Crick and Dodge model and suggests that social information processing is somewhat situation specific. Internal consistency and test–retest reliabilities for social information processing factors were good. VESIP scores were consistently associated with an alternate measure of social information processing and other criterion measures. Implications for theory and practice are considered.
Reduction of anti‐K‐mediated hemolytic disease of newborns after the introduction of a matched transfusion policy: A nation‐wide policy change evaluation study in the Netherlands
Authors: Luken Jessie S. , Folman Claudia C. , Lukens Michaël V. , Meekers Johan H. , Ligthart Peter C. , Schonewille Henk , Zwaginga Jaap Jan , Janssen Mart P. , van der Schoot C. Ellen , van der Bom Johanna G. , de Haas Masja 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundDuring pregnancy, maternal red blood cell (RBC) antibodies can lead to life‐threatening fetal hemolysis and anemia. Women can become immunized by a pregnancy or an unmatched transfusion. Our aim was to quantify the effect of a nationwide K‐matched transfusion policy for women of childbearing age potential to prevent K‐immunization in pregnancy.Study Design and MethodsIn this nation‐wide policy change evaluation study we determined the occurrence of RBC antibodies before and after introduction of a K‐matched transfusion policy and evaluated the cause K alloimmunization 10 years after introduction of this measure. K‐matched transfusion for females under 45 years of age is advised in the Dutch transfusion guideline since 2004. We used laboratory data from pregnancies with RBC antibodies identified in the period 1999‐2018 obtained as part of a population‐based screening program in the Netherlands.ResultsTests of 36 286 pregnancies produced a positive antibody screening result which concerned anti‐K in 1550 pregnancies. The occurrence of anti‐K decreased from 67.9 to 20.2 per 100 000 pregnancies. The relative risk reduction was 0.70 which largely exceeded the relative risk reduction of 0.27 for antibodies against RBC antigens for which no preventive matching is required. The number of pregnancies at risk for anti‐K‐mediated disease decreased from 9.7 to 4.2 per 100 000 pregnancies.ConclusionsA K‐matched transfusion policy is associated with a major decrease in a number of pregnant women with anti‐K and pregnancies at risk for anti‐K‐mediated disease. A relatively simple measure is now shown to impact prevention of hemolytic disease in the fetus and newborn.
Ca2+‐permeable AMPA receptors and their auxiliary subunits in synaptic plasticity and disease
Authors: Cull‐Candy Stuart G. , Farrant Mark 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAMPA receptors are tetrameric glutamate‐gated ion channels that mediate a majority of fast excitatory neurotransmission in the brain. They exist as calcium‐impermeable (CI‐) and calcium‐permeable (CP‐) subtypes, the latter of which lacks the GluA2 subunit. CP‐AMPARs display an array of distinctive biophysical and pharmacological properties that allow them to be functionally identified. This has revealed that they play crucial roles in diverse forms of central synaptic plasticity. Here we summarise the functional hallmarks of CP‐AMPARs and describe how these are modified by the presence of auxiliary subunits that have emerged as pivotal regulators of AMPARs. A lasting change in the prevalence of GluA2‐containing AMPARs, and hence in the fraction of CP‐AMPARs, is a feature in many maladaptive forms of synaptic plasticity and neurological disorders. These include modifications of glutamatergic transmission induced by inflammatory pain, fear conditioning, cocaine exposure, and anoxia‐induced damage in neurons and glia. Furthermore, defective RNA editing of GluA2 can cause altered expression of CP‐AMPARs and is implicated in motor neuron damage (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) and the proliferation of cells in malignant gliomas. A number of the players involved in CP‐AMPAR regulation have been identified, providing useful insight into interventions that may prevent the aberrant CP‐AMPAR expression. Furthermore, recent molecular and pharmacological developments, particularly the discovery of TARP subtype‐selective drugs, offer the exciting potential to modify some of the harmful effects of increased CP‐AMPAR prevalence in a brain region‐specific manner.
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Hybrid Modeling Approach for Melt-Pool Prediction in Laser Powder Bed Fusion Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Moges Tesfaye , Yang Zhuo , Jones Kevontrez , Feng Shaw , Witherell Paul , Lu Yan 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Multi-scale, multi-physics, computational models are a promising tool to provide detailed insights to understand the process–structure–property–performance relationships in additive manufacturing (AM) processes. To take advantage of the strengths of both physics-based and data-driven models, we propose a novel, hybrid modeling framework for laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) process. Our unbiased model-integration method combines physics-based, simulation data, and measurement data for approaching a more accurate prediction of melt-pool width. Both a high-fidelity computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model and experiments utilizing optical images are used to generate a combined dataset of melt-pool widths. From this aggregated data set, a hybrid model is developed using data-driven modeling techniques, including polynomial regression and Kriging methods. The performance of the hybrid model is evaluated by computing the average relative error and comparing it with the results of the simulations and surrogate models constructed from the original CFD model and experimental measurements. It is found that the proposed hybrid model performs better in terms of prediction accuracy and computational time. Future work includes a conceptual introduction to the use of an AM ontology to support improved model and data selection when constructing hybrid models. This study can be viewed as a significant step toward the use of hybrid models as predictive models with improved accuracy and without the sacrifice of speed.
Fuel Stratification Influence on NOx Emission in a Premixed Axial Reacting Jet-in-Crossflow at High Pressure
Authors: Stiehl Bernhard , Genova Tommy , Otero Michelle , Martin Scott , Ahmed Kareem 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Three reacting jet-in-crossflow (JiC) methane/air flames were numerically investigated in a lean axially staged combustor at a pressure of five atmospheres. A detailed chemistry Star-CCM+ computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model was used with 53 species considered and the result of turbulence-governed finite-rate modeling was validated with in-house experimental data. An optically accessible test section features three side windows, allowing local flow and flame analysis with particle image velocimetry (PIV) and CH* chemiluminescence as well as pressure, temperature, and species exit measurements. The research objective was to predict and verify NOx formation of the premixed 12.7 mm axial jet. Three headend temperature levels were investigated along with three premixed jets at lean (φJet = 0.75), near-stoichiometric (φJet = 1.07), and rich (φJet = 1.78) axial fuel line equivalence ratio. Based on the matching exit emission concentration, global emission benefits were investigated by adjustment of the fuel stratification. The perfectly premixed methane/air flames of this study were shown to ignite at the lee-side of the jet. For the elevated headend temperature level T = 1800 K, the flame extended beyond the windward jet trajectory and caused high axial NO production. For industry application, a firing temperature of 1920 K was achieved with a NOx optimized fuel split of 25%, combining a lean headend (φHeadend = 0.61) with a rich (φJet = 1.78) jet equivalence ratio. This operating point allowed minimization of the combustor residence time at temperatures above 1700 K as well as combustion in a compact flame at the jet lee-side along the counter rotating vortex pair.
Suprachoroidal CLS-TA for non-infectious uveitis: an open-label, safety trial (AZALEA)
Authors: Henry Christopher Ryan , Shah Milan , Barakat Mark R , Dayani Pouya , Wang Robert C , Khurana Rahul N , Rifkin Lana , Yeh Steven , Hall Colette , Ciulla Thomas 
Published: February 2021

PurposeTo evaluate local and systemic safety of suprachoroidal (SC) triamcinolone acetonide injectable suspension (CLS-TA) injections in subjects with non-infectious uveitis (NIU).DesignOpen-label, prospective multicentre safety study.ParticipantsThirty-eight subjects with NIU, with and without macular oedema (MO).MethodsTreatment consisted of two suprachoroidal injections of CLS-TA 4 mg, 12 weeks apart. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), adverse event (AE) assessment, ophthalmic examinations and optical coherence tomography (OCT) were conducted every 4 weeks for 24 weeks. Blood samples were analysed for plasma triamcinolone acetonide (TA) concentrations.Main outcome measuresThe main outcome measure was frequency of AEs. Other endpoints included plasma TA concentrations, change in signs of inflammation, BCVA and retinal central subfield thickness (CST).ResultsBased on a CST of >300 µm, 20 out of 38 subjects had MO at baseline. Mean intraocular pressure (IOP) was 13.3 mm Hg at baseline and 15.2 mm Hg at week 24 in the study eye. A total of six (15.8%) subjects had an IOP rise >10 mm Hg compared with baseline, in the study eye, and two (5.3%) subjects had IOP >30 mm Hg (maximum 34 mm Hg at week 8 and 38 mm Hg at week 20). Cataract formation AEs were reported in four study eyes; one of which was deemed treatment-related. No serious ocular AEs in the study eye occurred in the study. Quantifiable post-injection TA plasma concentration was <1 ng/mL. Efficacy parameters showed improvement over the 24-week study period.ConclusionsSuprachoroidally administered CLS-TA was safe and well tolerated over the 24-week, open-label study in NIU subjects with and without MO.
Telemedicine medical abortion at home under 12 weeks’ gestation: a prospective observational cohort study during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Reynolds-Wright John Joseph , Johnstone Anne , McCabe Karen , Evans Emily , Cameron Sharon 
Published: February 2021

BackgroundIn response to the COVID-19 pandemic, legislation and guidance were introduced in Scotland permitting medical abortion at home by telemedicine for pregnancies at less than 12 weeks’ gestation. Women had a telephone consultation with a clinician. Routine ultrasound was not performed. Medications and a low-sensitivity pregnancy test to confirm success of treatment were collected by or delivered to the woman, with telephone support provided as needed.MethodsA prospective cohort study of 663 women choosing medical abortion at home via the NHS Lothian telemedicine abortion service between 1 April and 9 July 2020. Interviewer-administered questionnaires were completed 4 and 14 days following treatment. Regional hospital databases were reviewed to verify abortion outcomes and complications within 6 weeks. Outcome measures included efficacy, complications and acceptability.ResultsAlmost all (642/663, 98.2%) the women were under 10 weeks’ gestation. For 522/663 (78.7%) women, gestation was determined using last menstrual period alone. Some 650/663 (98%) women had a complete abortion, 5 (0.8%) an ongoing pregnancy and 4 (0.6%) an incomplete abortion. No one was treated inadvertently beyond 12 weeks’ gestation, but one woman was never pregnant. One woman who had a pre-abortion ultrasound was later managed as a caesarean scar ectopic. There were two cases of haemorrhage and no severe infections. Some 123 (18.5%) women sought advice by telephone for a concern related to the abortion and 56 (8.4%) then attended a clinic for review. Most (628, 95%) women rated their care as very or somewhat acceptable.ConclusionsThis model of telemedicine abortion without routine ultrasound is safe, and has high efficacy and high acceptability among women.
Risk of major cardiovascular events according to educational level before and after the initial COVID-19 public lockdown: a nationwide study
Authors: Andersen Julie , Strandberg-Larsen Katrine , Gerds Thomas , Gislason Gunnar , Torp-Pedersen Christian , Blanche Paul , Andersson Charlotte , Køber Lars , Fosbøl Emil , Phelps Matthew , Kragholm Kristian , Andersen Mikkel Porsborg , Østergaard Lauge , Butt Jawad Haider , Schou Morten 
Published: February 2021

BackgroundDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, decreasing rates of hospitalisations for cardiovascular disease raised concerns for undertreatment, particularly for vulnerable groups. We investigated how the initial COVID-19 public lockdown, impacted the risk of being hospitalised with a major cardiovascular event (MCE: myocardial infarction/stroke/heart failure) according to educational level.MethodsWe grouped all Danish residents according to educational attainment level (low, medium, high) and age (40–59, 60–69, ≥70 years). In each group, we calculated the age-standardised and sex standardised risk of MCE hospitalisation in the initial COVID-19 lockdown-period (13 March 2020–3 May 2020) and in the corresponding calendar period in 2019. We calculated age-standardised and sex-standardised risks to investigate whether the COVID-19 lockdown had a differential effect on MCE incidence according to educational level.ResultsIn the period in 2019, 2700 Danish residents were hospitalised with MCE, compared with only 2290 during the lockdown. During lockdown, the risk of hospitalisation for MCE decreased among residents aged ≥70 with low education (risk difference (RD) −46.2 (−73.2; −19.2) per 100,000) or medium education (RD −23.2 (−50.8; 4.3) per 100 000), but not among residents with high education (RD 5.1 (−32.3; 42.5), per 100 000). The risk of hospitalisation for MCE did not decrease significantly for the younger age groups.ConclusionsThe COVID-19 lockdown is associated with a reduced incidence for MCE, especially among low educated, elderly residents. This raises concern for undertreatment that without clinical awareness and action may widen the educational gap in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
How does vulnerability to COVID-19 vary between communities in England? Developing a Small Area Vulnerability Index (SAVI)
Authors: Daras Konstantinos , Alexiou Alexandros , Rose Tanith C , Buchan Iain , Taylor-Robinson David , Barr Benjamin 
Published: February 2021

BackgroundDuring the initial wave of the COVID-19 epidemic in England, several population characteristics were associated with increased risk of mortality—including, age, ethnicity, income deprivation, care home residence and housing conditions. In order to target control measures and plan for future waves of the epidemic, public health agencies need to understand how these vulnerabilities are distributed across and clustered within communities.MethodsWe performed a cross-sectional ecological analysis across 6789 small areas in England. We assessed the association between COVID-19 mortality in each area and five vulnerability measures relating to ethnicity, poverty, prevalence of long-term health conditions, living in care homes and living in overcrowded housing. Estimates from multivariable Poisson regression models were used to derive a Small Area Vulnerability Index.ResultsFour vulnerability measures were independently associated with age-adjusted COVID-19 mortality. Each SD increase in the proportion of the population (1) living in care homes, (2) admitted to hospital in the past 5 years for a long-term health condition, (3) from an ethnic minority background and (4) living in overcrowded housing was associated with a 28%, 19% 8% and 11% increase in age-adjusted COVID-19 mortality rate, respectively.ConclusionVulnerability to COVID-19 was noticeably higher in the North West, West Midlands and North East regions, with high levels of vulnerability clustered in some communities. Our analysis indicates the communities who will be most at risk from a second wave of the pandemic.
Increased serum nesfatin-1 levels in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases
Authors: Beyaz Şengül , Akbal Erdem 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundAdipokines are adipose tissue–derived secreted molecules that can exert anti-inflammatory or proinflammatory activities. Altered expression of adipokines has been described in various inflammatory diseases, including inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) such as Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Little is known about nesfatin-1, a recently identified adipokine, in IBD. The aim of this study was to investigate serum nesfatin-1 levels in patients with IBD.MethodsThis study included a total of 52 adult individuals (17 patients with CD, 18 patients with UC and 17 healthy volunteers) with similar age and body mass index. Serum nesfatin-1 levels were measured by ELISA in healthy individuals and patients with IBD in their active and remission periods. Blood inflammation markers including C reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation (ESR) and white cell count (WCC) were also measured in patients.ResultsWe found significantly elevated levels of serum nesfatin-1 in the active disease period in both patients with CD (p=0.00003) and patients with UC (p=0.00001), compared with healthy individuals. Serum nesfatin-1 levels moderately decreased in the remission period; however, they were still significantly higher than that of healthy individuals. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses indicated serum nesfatin-1 with an excellent diagnostic value for IBD. Finally, patients had significantly high CRP, ESR and WCC in the active IBD; however, we found the nesfatin-1 strongly correlated only with ESR in the active CD.ConclusionThis is the first study investigating the circulating levels of nesfatin-1 in patients with IBD. Serum nesfatin-1 may serve as an additional inflammatory marker for diagnosis of IBD in affected individuals.