bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of acute and long‐term outcomes of Evolution® and TightRail™ mechanical dilator sheaths during transvenous lead extraction
Authors: Bahadır Nihan , Canpolat Ugur , Kaya Ergun B. , Sahiner Mehmet L. , Ateş Ahmet H. , Yorgun Hikmet , Aytemir Kudret 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundPowered transvenous lead extraction (TLE) tools are commonly required to remove the leads with long implant duration due to fibrotic adhesions. However, comparative data are lacking among different types of TLE tools.AimTo compare the efficacy and safety of two different rotational mechanical dilator sheaths in retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent TLE.Methods and ResultsA total of 566 lead extractions from 302 patients using TightRail™ (333 lead extractions from 169 patients) and Evolution® (233 lead extractions from 133 patients) mechanical dilator sheaths were performed between July 2009 and June 2018. Acute and long‐term outcomes of study groups were compared. There is no statistically significant difference between Evolution® and TightRail™ groups in procedural success (93.9% vs. 94%), clinical success (99.2% vs. 98%), and major complications (3.8% vs. 1.2%), respectively (p > .05). In multivariate regression analysis, lead dwell time, the number of extracted leads, and baseline leukocyte count were found as independent predictors of procedural success (p < .05). During the median follow‐up of 36.6 (0.2–118) months, all‐cause mortality was observed in 73 patients (25.6% in the Evolution® vs. 23.1 in the TightRail™ group, p > .05). Chronic renal disease, heart failure, and coagulopathy were shown as independent predictors of all‐cause mortality in multivariate regression analysis (p < .05).ConclusionTLE using TightRail™ or Evoluation® mechanical dilator sheaths was a safe and effective therapeutic option. Both mechanical dilator sheaths showed similar efficacy, safety, and all‐cause mortality at acute and long‐term follow‐up of patients who underwent TLE.
ARL4C might serve as a prognostic factor and a novel therapeutic target for gastric cancer: bioinformatics analyses and biological experiments
Authors: Xie Ning , Bai Yunfan , Qiao Lu , Bai Yuru , Wu Jian , Li Yan , Jiang Mingzuo , Xu Bing , Ni Zhen , Yuan Ting , Shi Yongquan , Wu Kaichun , Xu Feng , Wang Jinhai , Dong Lei , Liu Na 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe ADP‐ribosylation factor‐like proteins (ARLs) have been proved to regulate the malignant phenotypes of several cancers. However, the exact role of ARLs in gastric cancer (GC) remains elusive. In this study, we systematically investigate the expression status, interactive relations, potential pathways, genetic variations and clinical values of ARLs in GC. We find that ARLs are significantly dysregulated in GC and involved in various cancer‐related pathways. Subsequently, machine learning models identify ARL4C as one of the two most significant clinical indicators among ARLs for GC. Furthermore, ARL4C silencing remarkably inhibits the growth and metastasis of GC cells both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, enrichment analysis indicates that ARL4C is highly correlated with TGF‐β1 signalling. Correspondingly, TGF‐β1 treatment dramatically increases ARL4C expression and ARL4C knockdown inhibits the phosphorylation level of Smads, downstream factors of TGF‐β1. Meanwhile, the coexpression of ARL4C and TGF‐β1 worsens the prognosis of GC patients. Our work comprehensively demonstrates the crucial role of ARLs in the carcinogenesis of GC and the specific mechanisms underlying the GC‐promoting effects of TGF‐β1. More importantly, we uncover the great promise of ARL4C‐targeted therapy in improving the efficacy of TGF‐β1 inhibitors for GC patients.
Effect of pressure homogenization and modified starch on the viscosity of ketchup: Experimental and modeling
Authors: Baeghbali Saeed , Shahriari Shahla , Pazuki Gholamreza 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe simultaneous determination of the suitable level of homogenization pressure and modified starch is an important issue, which affects the quality of the industrial ketchup. In this study, ketchup was produced at different pressures of homogenization (0, 5, 8, 11, 14, 17, and 20 MPa) and different weight percentages of modified starch (0, 0.1, 0.4, 0.7, and 1 g/100 g). The viscosity of ketchup was measured at different temperatures. The results showed that the selected ketchup, which contains 1 g/100 g of modified starch and homogenized at a temperature of 25°C and a pressure of 14 MPa, has the optimum viscosity and consistency. After that, to evaluate the effect of homogenization on the physical properties of selected ketchup, additional tests such as the dynamic dispersion scale, the optical microscopy and the Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer were done. The results indicated a smaller particle size, a more uniform, and a continuous structure of selected ketchup compared with the control sample. Consequently, several different rheological models were investigated for evaluating the rheological behavior of selected ketchup. The statistical measures indicated that the Cross model could predict the rheological behavior of selected ketchup well (R2 = 0.998).Practical ApplicationsViscosity and syneresis can have strong effects on ketchup quality. Also, reliable rheological data are necessary for designing and optimization of ketchup processing equipment such as pumps, piping, heat exchangers, evaporators, sterilizers, filters, and mixers. In this research, the simultaneous effect of the modified starch and pressure homogenization on the rheological data of ketchup was evaluated. The purpose of this study is to help the ketchup industry by determining the optimum level of homogenization pressure and the optimal dose of modified starch when used simultaneously. Paying attention to this subject is vital for loss prevention in the process and machine depreciation. Furthermore, the rheological behavior which is important during storage, processing, and the transport of ketchup in the industry is determined.
Diagnostic biomarkers from proteomic characterization of cerebrospinal fluid in patients with brain malignancies
Authors: Schmid Dominic , Warnken Uwe , Latzer Pauline , Hoffmann Dirk C. , Roth Judith , Kutschmann Stefanie , Jaschonek Hannah , Rübmann Petra , Foltyn Martha , Vollmuth Philipp , Winkler Frank , Seliger Corinna , Felix Marius , Sahm Felix , Haas Jürgen , Reuss David , Bendszus Martin , Wildemann Brigitte , von Deimling Andreas , Wick Wolfgang , Kessler Tobias 
Published: March 2021

AbstractRecent technological advances in molecular diagnostics through liquid biopsies hold the promise to repetitively monitor tumor evolution and treatment response of brain malignancies without the need of invasive surgical tissue accrual. Here, we implemented a mass spectrometry‐based protein analysis pipeline which identified hundreds of proteins in 251 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from patients with four types of brain malignancies (glioblastoma, lymphoma, brain metastasis, and leptomeningeal disease [LMD]) and from healthy individuals with a focus on glioblastoma in a retrospective and confirmatory prospective observational study. CSF proteome deregulation via disruption of the blood brain barrier appeared to be largely conserved across brain tumor entities. CSF analysis of glioblastoma patients identified two proteomic clusters that correlated with tumor size and patient survival. By integrating CSF data with proteomic analyses of matching glioblastoma tumor tissue and primary glioblastoma cells, we identified potential CSF biomarkers for glioblastoma, in particular chitinase‐3‐like protein 1 (CHI3L1) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Key findings were validated in a prospective cohort consisting of 35 glioma patients. Finally, in LMD patients who frequently undergo repeated CSF work‐up, we explored our proteomic pipeline as a mean to profile consecutive CSF samples. Therefore, proteomic analysis of CSF in brain malignancies has the potential to reveal biomarkers for diagnosis and therapy monitoring.
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Anatomic, computed tomographic, and ultrasonographic assessment of the lymph nodes in presumed healthy adult cats: The head, neck, thorax, and forelimb
Authors: Tobón Restrepo Mauricio , Espada Yvonne , Aguilar Adrià , Moll Xavier , Novellas Rosa 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAssessment of the lymph nodes is key in staging cancer patients. Descriptions of normal features of the feline lymph nodes using computed tomography (CT) and ultrasound (US) are limited. A prospective anatomic and comparative imaging study was performed. The frequency of identification and the size of the lymph nodes during gross pathology from 6 feline cadavers were compared to the images of lymph nodes from 30 presumed healthy adult cats obtained by CT and US. Measurements (length, width, and height) were compared among techniques. The CT and US features of the identified lymph nodes were also recorded. The frequency of identification of the lymph centers varied among techniques and individually. The mandibular lymph nodes were identified in 100% of the cadavers and in 100% of the healthy cats using CT and US. The medial retropharyngeal lymph nodes were identified in 100% of the cats using CT and US. The deep cervical lymph nodes were not visualized in the cadavers. The cranial mediastinal and tracheobronchial lymph nodes were not visualized using US. Lymph nodes showed a higher length on CT and higher width on US. The height was the most statistically significant variable measurement among techniques. On CT, lymph nodes were most frequently isoattenuating or slightly hypoattenuating to surrounding musculature, with homogeneous contrast enhancement. On US, most lymph nodes were isoechoic or hypoechoic to surrounding fat tissue. The lymph nodes were most frequently elongated or rounded.
Plasma cholesterol levels and short‐term adaptations of metabolism and milk production during feed restriction in early lactating dairy cows on pasture
Authors: Gross Josef J. , Schwinn Ann‐Catherine , Müller Esther , Münger Andreas , Dohme‐Meier Frigga , Bruckmaier Rupert M. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractLow plasma total cholesterol (TC) concentrations are characteristic during the negative energy balance in early lactating dairy cows. The objective was to investigate short‐term effects of different TC concentrations during an aggravated energy deficiency through a 1‐week concentrate withdrawal on adaptations of metabolism and milk production. Multiparous Holstein cows (n = 15) were investigated during 3 week beginning at 24 ± 7 DIM (mean ± SD). Cows were kept on pasture and received additional concentrate in experimental week 1 and 3, while in week 2, concentrate was withdrawn. Blood was sampled once and milk twice daily. Based on their average TC concentration during week 1 (prior to concentrate withdrawal), cows were retrospectively assigned into a high (H‐Chol; n = 8, TC ≥ 3.36 mmol/L) and a low TC groups (L‐Chol; n = 7, TC < 3.36 mmol/L). Concentrations of phospholipids and lipoproteins were higher in H‐Chol compared to L‐Chol throughout the study (p < 0.05). During concentrate withdrawal, milk yield, glucose and insulin concentrations decreased similarly in both groups, while milk fat, milk acetone and plasma BHB were higher in H‐Chol compared to L‐Chol (p < 0.05). Compared to initial values, plasma NEFA, TAG and VLDL increased in both groups within 2 days after concentrate withdrawal (p < 0.05). Concentrations of NEFA during week 2 were greater in L‐Chol compared to H‐Chol (p < 0.05). Despite reintroduction of concentrate, milk yield in H‐Chol remained lower for two more days compared to week 1 (p < .05), whereas milk yield recovered immediately in L‐Chol. Activity of aspartate aminotransferase was higher in H‐Chol compared to L‐Chol in week 2 (p < 0.05). Greater plasma TC concentrations were associated with a reduced increase of NEFA. Further research is warranted if TC concentrations are related to adipose tissue mobilization and fatty acid turnover.
Associations between biochemical parameters and referral centre in pet rabbits with urolithiasis
Authors: Wong A. D. , Gardhouse S. , Rooney T. , Beaufrère H. , Eshar D. 
Published: March 2021

ObjectivesTo determine the association between signalment, selected haematologic and biochemical parameters and referral centre in pet rabbits with imaging evidence of urolithiasis presented to two veterinary teaching hospitals in North America.Materials and MethodsThe medical record database of two veterinary teaching hospitals was searched from 2009 to 2019 for records of pet rabbits that received both imaging studies and plasma biochemistry profiles. Information regarding signalment, bodyweight, packed cell volume, total solids, and plasma biochemistry profiles was obtained. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were performed to identify statistically significant parameters associated with imaging evidence of urolithiasis.ResultsOf the 324 examined rabbits, 33 (10.2%) had confirmed evidence of urolithiasis on imaging. Increasing plasma calcium and sodium concentrations and referral centre were significantly associated with the presence of urolithiasis on the univariable logistic regression model. However, only plasma calcium concentration and the referral centre demonstrated significant associations on the multivariable logistic regression model.Clinical SignificanceResults indicate that urolithiasis in pet rabbits that receive imaging is associated with mildly increasing plasma calcium concentration and referral centre. The association with referral centre may indicate there are geographic influences on urolithiasis or on imaging. However, the identified associations have low predictive value for the diagnosis of urolithiasis, indicating the need for additional diagnostic modalities.
Together we stand, divided we fall: Effects of livestock grazing on vegetation patches in a desert community
Authors: Pelliza Yamila Ivón , Fernandez Anahi , Saiz Hugo , Tadey Mariana 
Published: March 2021

AbstractQuestionsVegetation patches formed by interacting xeric species are the main drivers of dryland structure and function. Plant aggregation enhances microclimatic conditions and triggers abiotic and biotic processes, such as nutrient cycling and accumulation, and species interactions. However, vegetation patches may be modified by disturbances in unpredictable ways. We tested whether livestock grazing affects vegetation structure and plant spatial associations in a desert community, by considering the role of plant species in ecological succession.LocationPatagonian Monte Desert, Argentina.MethodsWe used high‐quality standardized photographs along transects to characterize plant community structure (i.e., cover, abundance, richness), spatial patterns (i.e. plant‐plant associations), and classified species based on their successional role (i.e. early, intermediate and late species). We used regression models and network analysis to evaluate the effect of grazing on vegetation.ResultsIn general, grazing modified community structure, reducing total cover, abundance and richness. Grazing modulated community spatial patterns, simplifying and removing vegetation patches. The impact of grazing depended on the species successional role. The abundance and cover of early species were less affected by grazing than intermediate and late species, the latter being the most affected. However, species richness significantly decreased with increasing stocking rates, regardless of their successional role. Late species were present in most plant spatial associations, indicating a major contribution to multi‐specific vegetation patches formation.ConclusionsThe reduction in species richness and low abundance of late species highlights the need to prevent irreversible degradation caused by overgrazing. Late species emerge as key structures of vegetation in desert rangelands facilitating the establishment and protecting other plant species. Due to the critical role of vegetation patches in maintaining desert ecosystem functioning, conservation and management practices should focus on late species, while early species, responsible for vegetation patch formation in overgrazed situations, should be preferred for restoration practices.
Learner conceptions of health advocacy: ‘Going above & beyond’ or ‘kind of an expectation’
Authors: Hubinette Maria M. , Scott Ian , van der Goes Theresa , Kahlke Renate 
Published: March 2021

AbstractContextHealth advocacy is a core component of physician competency frameworks. However, advocacy has lacked a clear definition and is understood and enacted variably across contexts. Due to their mobility across contexts, learners are uniquely positioned to provide insight into the tensions that have made this role so difficult to define, but that may be central to this role. The purpose of this study was to map the tensions and contours in conceptions of health advocacy among learners across a variety of learning contexts.MethodsWe used constructivist grounded theory and interviewed nine medical students and twenty residents in family, paediatric and internal medicine from across our university's distributed programmes. Data were analysed concurrently using open, focussed and theoretical coding to establish themes and relationships between themes.ResultsLearners understood health advocacy in two overlapping but distinct ways: as a set of behaviours and as a sense of ‘going above and beyond’, through additional effort, time or risk. These two conceptions overlapped and were often in tension. ‘Going above and beyond’ sometimes aligned with identifiable advocacy behaviours; at other times, ‘going above and beyond’ did not align with definitions of health advocacy in competency frameworks and aligned more closely with ‘patient‐centred care’.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that learners perceive that there are important elements of health advocacy that cannot be captured in universal behaviours that apply across contexts. ‘Going above and beyond’ describes a sense of grappling with sociocultural barriers to patient‐centred care and striving towards better systems and better care for individuals. This more abstract and contextually bound notion of health advocacy may not lend itself easily to definition in competency frameworks and thus adds challenges to both teaching and assessment.
Consent and capacity confidence and knowledge within optometric practice in Scotland
Authors: McGarva Emily , Rousselet Lesley 
Published: March 2021

AbstractPurposeWith the remit of the optometric workforce expanding amidst a growing population, education around consent and capacity is crucial. The aim of this study is to gain an understanding of the current confidence and knowledge around consent and capacity within the optometric workforce in Scotland, to elicit whether there is an interest for training and education on the topic and to highlight areas of misunderstanding. Results will guide the content for the 2020 General Ophthalmic Services (Scotland) Mandatory Training module and any further workstreams.MethodsThe optometric workforce in Scotland was invited to participate in a voluntary online survey, open for 50 days in May 2019. The final survey consisted of 15 closed‐ended questions and six open‐ended questions, with an additional eight routed questions that were only available if respondents gave a particular response to one of the 15 bulk closed‐ended questions. The survey covered the following areas: respondent demographics; consent in optometric practice in Scotland; adults with incapacity in optometric practice in Scotland; education around consent and capacity; The Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000 and a final open question.ResultsOne hundred and forty‐seven valid responses were received (9.1%): 85.7% were interested in future education around consent and capacity; 8.3% were not interested in training to allow them to issue a certificate of incapacity, with the remainder interested (37.2%) or requiring further information (54.5%).Sixty percent were moderately or very confident assessing a patient’s capacity to consent and 74.8% were moderately or very confident at performing an eye examination on a patient who lacks capacity for all or part of the appointment or patient journey. Of respondents, 48.3% had either ‘never heard of’ or would rate themselves as ‘not at all knowledgeable’ of the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000 and 60.5% regarding certificates of incapacity. No respondents rated themselves as very knowledgeable and 15% or less felt they were moderately knowledgeable in either area.ConclusionsAlthough there is moderate confidence around consent and capacity within the optometric workforce in Scotland, there is a lack of knowledge. Consent and capacity education is critical, and significant interest in such exists. The optometric workforce in Scotland must be supported to deliver safe and appropriate care in‐line with the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000.
Long‐term cognitive outcomes of prematurely born infants: A longitudinal follow‐up of Denver II, Bayley III and WISC‐IV Tests
Authors: Direk Meltem Çobanoğulları , Makharoblidze Khatuna , Sevimli Eyşan , Çelik Yalçın , Taşdelen Bahar , Kömür Mustafa , Okuyaz Çetin 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundPrematurity constitutes a risk factor for developmental delay in infancy and childhood. This study aims to: (i) determine long‐term cognitive outcomes in prematurely delivered children and compare them with term‐delivered children using the WISC‐IV and Stroop tests; (ii) examine the relation between Denver II, Bayley III and WISC‐IV, Stroop tests.MethodsThe study group consisted of children born prematurely who had been tested with Denver II and Bayley III in their first 2 years, and had been evaluated with WISC‐IV and Stroop tests under follow up, 6–10 years later.ResultsThe study group (n = 60, 25 F, 35 M) was 8.0 ± 2.4 (6–10.7) years old when given WISC‐IV and Stroop tests. Gestational age in the study group was 34–37 weeks in 25%, 30–33 weeks in 48.3%, and <29 weeks in 26.7%. On WISC‐IV, the verbal comprehension index, perceptual reasoning index, working memory index, and full‐scale IQ scores were lower in the study group than the control group (P < 0.05). The study group took longer to complete the Stroop test (P < 0.05). Lower socioeconomic status (P = 0.005) and parental education level (P = 0.000) were associated with lower verbal comprehension index scores. Denver II and Bayley III test results were related to WISC‐IV results (P < 0.05) but not to the Stroop test results (P > 0.05).ConclusionsOur results showed prematurity negatively influences the results of WISC‐IV and Stroop tests at school age. Denver II and Bayley III tests applied at age 2 years likely predict WISC‐IV results.