bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ventilator Allocation Protocols: Sophisticated Bioethics for an Unworkable Strategy
Authors: Truog Robert D. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractI was a member of the Massachusetts advisory working group that wrote the Commonwealth's crisis standards of care guidance for the Covid‐19 pandemic, and I was proud of the work we did, thinking carefully about whether age should matter and whether priority should be given to essential workers if there was a scarcity of medical resources, about whether protocols should address issues of structural racism, and so forth. But as a critical care physician, I have concluded that, no matter how sophisticated the ethical analysis, the fundamental approach we proposed was flawed and virtually impossible to implement. All the existing allocation protocols that states developed are based on the assumption that clinicians will be faced with the task of selecting which patients will be offered a ventilator from among a population of patients who are each in need of one. The protocols then assign patients a priority category, and the protocols specify “tie‐breaking” criteria to be used when necessary. The problem with this approach for ventilator allocation is that it has no relationship whatsoever to what happens in the real world.
Brain‐wide inferiority and equivalence tests in fMRI group analyses: Selected applications
Authors: Gerchen Martin Fungisai , Kirsch Peter , Feld Gordon Benedikt 
Published: September 2021

AbstractNull hypothesis significance testing is the major statistical procedure in fMRI, but provides only a rather limited picture of the effects in a data set. When sample size and power is low relying only on strict significance testing may lead to a host of false negative findings. In contrast, with very large data sets virtually every voxel might become significant. It is thus desirable to complement significance testing with procedures like inferiority and equivalence tests that allow to formally compare effect sizes within and between data sets and offer novel approaches to obtain insight into fMRI data. The major component of these tests are estimates of standardized effect sizes and their confidence intervals. Here, we show how Hedges' g, the bias corrected version of Cohen's d, and its confidence interval can be obtained from SPM t maps. We then demonstrate how these values can be used to evaluate whether nonsignificant effects are really statistically smaller than significant effects to obtain “regions of undecidability” within a data set, and to test for the replicability and lateralization of effects. This method allows the analysis of fMRI data beyond point estimates enabling researchers to take measurement uncertainty into account when interpreting their findings.
Cohort‐based leadership development for high‐potential employees: A model for programmatic design
Authors: Bialek Tani K. , Hagen Marcia S. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractLeadership development is a top priority for many organizations and a critical driver of success. This qualitative case study research examined ways participation in a cohort‐based LDP contributed to HiPo employee's leadership development for the purpose of talent management, including an examination of which programmatic components help promote participant growth. This study illustrates the importance of, and methods to support, better leadership development outcomes for HiPos to improve talent management efforts. This research utilized a method for qualitative analysis and was conducted using a constant comparative method, requiring new findings and interpretations be compared with those previously found during analysis. Data included end‐of‐program graduate evaluations, semi‐structured interviews, and manager evaluation surveys. Findings support the importance of 360‐feedback and peer coaching as part of HiPo employee development. Each of these simultaneously improves self‐awareness, human capital, networking, and participant well‐being; the resulting model provides an illustration of the relationships found.
Genome‐wide association studies of survival in 1520 cancer patients treated with bevacizumab‐containing regimens
Authors: Quintanilha Julia C. F. , Wang Jin , Sibley Alexander B. , Xu Wei , Espin‐Garcia Osvaldo , Jiang Chen , Etheridge Amy S. , Ratain Mark J. , Lenz Heinz‐Josef , Bertagnolli Monica , Kindler Hedy L. , Dickler Maura N. , Venook Alan , Liu Geoffrey , Owzar Kouros , Lin Danyu , Innocenti Federico 
Published: September 2021

AbstractGermline variants might predict cancer progression. Bevacizumab improves overall survival (OS) in patients with advanced cancers. No biomarkers are available to identify patients that benefit from bevacizumab. A meta‐analysis of genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) was conducted in 1,520 patients from Phase III trials (CALGB 80303, 40503, 80405 and ICON7), where bevacizumab was randomized to treatment without bevacizumab. We aimed to identify genes and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with survival independently of bevacizumab treatment or through interaction with bevacizumab. A cause‐specific Cox model was used to test the SNP‐OS association in both arms combined (prognostic), and the effect of SNPs‐bevacizumab interaction on OS (predictive) in each study. The SNP effects across studies were combined using inverse variance. Findings were tested for replication in advanced colorectal and ovarian cancer patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TGCA). In the GWAS meta‐analysis, patients with rs680949 in PRUNE2 experienced shorter OS compared to patients without it (P = 1.02 × 10−7, hazard ratio [HR] = 1.57, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.33‐1.86), as well as in TCGA (P = .0219, HR = 1.58, 95% CI 1.07‐2.35). In the GWAS meta‐analysis, patients with rs16852804 in BARD1 experienced shorter OS compared to patients without it (P = 1.40 × 10−5, HR = 1.51, 95% CI 1.25‐1.82) as well as in TCGA (P = 1.39 × 10−4, HR = 3.09, 95% CI 1.73‐5.51). Patients with rs3795897 in AGAP1 experienced shorter OS in the bevacizumab arm compared to the nonbevacizumab arm (P = 1.43 × 10−5). The largest GWAS meta‐analysis of bevacizumab treated patients identified PRUNE2 and BARD1 (tumor suppressor genes) as prognostic genes of colorectal and ovarian cancer, respectively, and AGAP1 as a potentially predictive gene that interacts with bevacizumab with respect to patient survival.
Identification of a compound heterozygous missense mutation in LAMA2 gene from a patient with merosin‐deficient congenital muscular dystrophy type 1A
Authors: Khorrami Afshin , Goleij Pouya , Karamad Vahidreza , Taheri Elham , Shadman Behrouz , Emami Parisa , Jahangirzadeh Gholamreza , Hajazimian Saba , Isazadeh Alireza , Baradaran Behzad , Heidari Mansour 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundMerosin‐deficient congenital muscular dystrophy type 1A (MDC1A) is occurred by mutations in LAMA2 gene that encodes the laminin α2 chain (merosin). MDC1A is a predominant subtype of congenital muscular dystrophy. Herein, we identified two missense mutations in LAMA2 gene in compound heterozygous status in an Iranian patient with MDC1A using whole‐exome sequencing (WES).MethodsIn the present study, we evaluated genetic alterations in an Iranian 35‐month‐old boy with MDC1A and his healthy family using WES method. The identified mutations further confirmed by Sanger sequencing method. Finally, in silico analysis was conducted to further evaluation of molecular function of the identified genetic variants.ResultsWe identified two potentially pathogenic missense mutations in compound heterozygous state (c.7681G>A p.Gly2561Ser and c.4840A>G p.Asn1614Asp) in LAMA2 gene as contributing to the MDC1A phenotype. The healthy parents of our proband are single heterozygous for identified mutations. These variants were found to be pathogenic by in silico analysis.ConclusionsIn general, we successfully identified LAMA2 gene mutations in an Iranian patient with MDC1A using WES. The identified mutations in LAMA2 gene can be useful in genetic counseling, prenatal diagnosis, and predicting prognosis of MDC1A.
The role of BDNF exon I region methylation in the treatment of depression with sertraline and its clinical diagnostic value
Authors: Xing Yuhua , Sun Ting , Li Guangxue , Xu Guoan , Cheng Jia , Gao Shugui 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundBrain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is considered to be one of the best candidate genes for depression. However, whether sertraline treatment affects the methylation level of this gene remains unknown.MethodsFifty‐three patients with depression and 51 healthy controls were included in the study. The methylation level of BDNF exon I was determined in blood samples from these subjects. The Hamilton Depression Scale was used to evaluate the depression status of patients. Single nucleotide polymorphism detection was used for genotyping, and a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the predictive value of the methylation level of this locus in patients with depression.ResultsThere was a significant difference in the methylation level of BDNF exon I between the control and depression groups. No effect of sertraline monotherapy on BDNF methylation was found in subjects with depression. Moreover, no interaction was found between BDNF genotype and the per cent methylation of BDNF exon I. However, methylation at this site was positively correlated with diurnal variation and retardation scores. Blood homocysteine concentrations were significantly reduced by sertraline treatment. No influence of genotype on serum BDNF concentration was found in subjects with depression. The ROC curve showed that methylation of BDNF exon I may be used to distinguish patients from healthy people, to a certain extent.ConclusionMethylation of BDNF exon I may be used as a biomarker of depression and may be a therapeutic target for previously untreated depression.
Gender congruence and mental health problems among Chinese transgender and gender non‐conforming individuals: A process model involving rumination and stigma consciousness
Authors: Wu Qinglu , Ji Yuan , Lin Xiuyun , Yang Hengyu , Chi Peilian 
Published: September 2021

AbstractObjectiveThe present study examined the roles of gender identity rumination and stigma consciousness in the relationship between gender congruence (comfort with one's gender identity and external appearance) and mental health problems (anxiety and depression).MethodsThree hundred and fourteen Chinese individuals identified as transgender and gender non‐conforming (TGNC) individuals were recruited through the Internet and answered an online questionnaire (Mage = 24.34 years, standard deviation = 5.80).ResultsGender congruence was associated with anxiety and depression through three indirect pathways: rumination, stigma consciousness, and sequentially through rumination and stigma consciousness.ConclusionGender congruence is an intrapersonal resource that reduces mental health problems through its positive impacts on the TGNC identity process. A more consistent feeling of gender, a lower level of rumination, and a reduced level of consciousness about stigma could be potential working points for interventions in the TGNC community to help alleviate their mental health problems.
Nanobioremediation: A sustainable approach towards the degradation of sodium dodecyl sulfate in the environment and simulated conditions
Authors: Yadav Virendra K. , Khan Samreen H. , Choudhary Nisha , Tirth Vineet , Kumar Pankaj , Ravi Raman K. , Modi Shreya , Khayal Areeba , Shah Maulin P. , Sharma Purva , Godha Meena 
Published: September 2021

AbstractNanotechnology has gained huge importance in the field of environmental clean‐up today. Due to their remarkable and unique properties, it has shown potential application for the remediation of several pesticides and textile dyes. Recently it has shown positive results for the remediation of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). One of the highly exploited surfactants in detergent preparation is anionic surfactants. The SDS selected for the present study is an example of anionic linear alkyl sulfate. It is utilized extensively in industrial washing, which results in the high effluent level of this contaminant and ubiquitously toxic to the environment. The present review is based on the research depicting the adverse effects of SDS in general and possible strategies to minimizing its effects by bacterial degradation which are capable of exploiting the SDS as an only source of carbon. Moreover, it has also highlighted that how nanotechnology can play a role in the remediation of such recalcitrant pesticides.
Alkalic dextranase produced by marine bacterium Cellulosimicrobium sp. PX02 and its application
Authors: Ning Zhe , Dong Dongxue , Tian Xiaopeng , Zu Hangtian , Tian Xueqing , Lyu Mingsheng , Wang Shujun 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe enzyme dextranase is widely used in the sugar and food industries, as well as in the medical field. Most land‐derived dextranases are produced by fungi and have the disadvantages of long production cycles, low tolerance to environmental conditions, and low safety. The use of marine bacteria to produce dextranases may overcome these problems. In this study, a dextranase‐producing bacterium was isolated from the Rizhao seacoast of Shandong, China. The bacterium, denoted as PX02, was identified as Cellulosimicrobium sp. and its growing conditions and the production and properties of its dextranase were investigated. The dextranase had a molecular weight of approximately 40 kDa, maximum activity at 40°C and pH 7.5, with a stability range of up to 45°C and pH 7.0–9.0. High‐performance liquid chromatography showed that the dextranase hydrolyzed dextranT20 to isomaltotriose, maltopentaose, and isomaltooligosaccharides. Hydrolysis by dextranase produced excellent antioxidant effects, suggesting its potential use in the health food industry. Investigation of the action of the dextranase on Streptococcus mutans biofilm and scanning electron microscopy showed that it to be effective both for removing and inhibiting the formation of biofilms, suggesting its potential application in the dental industry.
Paraspinal muscle morphology and composition in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: A histological analysis
Authors: Shahidi Bahar , Yoo Andrew , Farnsworth Christine , Newton Peter O. , Ward Samuel R. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundAdolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a condition resulting in spinal deformity and tissue adaptation of the paraspinal muscles. Although prior studies have demonstrated asymmetries in fiber type and other energetic features of muscle on the concave side of the curve, muscle morphology, architecture, and composition have not been evaluated. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare differences in paraspinal muscle microarchitecture and composition between concave and convex sides of a scoliotic curve in individuals with AIS.MethodsParaspinal muscle biopsies were obtained at the apex of the scoliotic curve in 29 individuals with AIS undergoing surgical deformity correction. Histological assays were performed to quantify fiber size, evidence of muscle degeneration and regeneration, and tissue composition (proportion of muscle, collagen, and fat). Differences between contralateral muscle samples were compared using two‐tailed paired Student's t tests, and relationships between clinical characteristics (age and curve severity) and muscle characteristics were investigated using Pearson correlations.ResultsMuscle fibers were significantly larger on the convex side of the curve apex (P = .001), but were lower than literature‐based norms for healthy paraspinal muscle. There were no differences in amount of degeneration/regeneration (P = .490) or the proportion of muscle and collagen (P > .350) between the concave and convex sides, but high levels of collagen were observed. There was a trend toward higher fat content on the concave side (P = .074). Larger fiber size asymmetries were associated with greater age (r = .43, P = .046), and trended toward an association with greater curve severity (r = .40, P = .069).ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that although muscle fibers are larger on the convex side of the scoliotic curve in AIS, muscles on both sides are atrophic compared to non‐scoliotic individuals, and demonstrate levels of collagen similar to severe degenerative spinal pathologies. These findings provide insight into biological maladaptations occurring in paraspinal muscle in the presence of AIS.
Severe acute otitis media and mastoiditis caused by group A beta‐hemolytic streptococcus
Authors: Laakso Juha T. , Rissanen Valtteri , Ruotsalainen Eeva , Korpi Jarkko , Laulajainen‐Hongisto Anu , Sivonen Ville , Sinkkonen Saku T. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the characteristics, diagnostics, treatment, and outcome of severe acute otitis media (AOM) and acute mastoiditis (AM) caused by group A beta‐hemolytic streptococcus (GAS).Study designA retrospective cohort study.MethodsThe yearly incidence of inpatient care‐needing GAS AOM/AM patients in our hospital catchment area between 2002 and 2018 was investigated. A detailed analysis was performed for cases treated during the last GAS epidemic in 2017‐2018. Anamnesis, signs and symptoms, pure‐tone audiometry results, treatment, complications, and outcome were collected from medical charts. Patients responded to an otology‐specific health‐related quality of life survey (EOS‐16) 1.5 to 3 years after their treatment.ResultsThe number of GAS infections peaks at approximately 7‐year intervals. During 2017 and 2018, altogether 37 patients (29 adults and 8 children) were hospitalized due to GAS AOM/AM. AM was diagnosed in 14 (38%) patients. The disease progression was typically very rapid. At presentation, all patients had severe ear pain, 68% tympanic membrane perforation and discharge, 43% fever, and 43% vertigo. In pure‐tone audiometry, there was usually a marked mixed hearing loss at presentation. There was a significant recovery in both air and bone conduction thresholds; the pure tone average improvement from presentation was 32.3 ± 14.8 dB. Rapid strep tests (RST) proved to be more sensitive than bacterial culture in identifying GAS as a cause of AOM/AM.ConclusionGAS AOM/AM has a rapid onset. Hearing loss usually includes a sensorineural component, which is usually reversible with adequate treatment. RST seems to be useful in detecting GAS from middle ear discharge.Level of Evidence4.
HeaLED: Assessment of skin healing under light‐emitting diode (LED) exposure—A randomized controlled study versus placebo
Authors: Le Duff Florence , Fontas Eric , Guardoli Davide , Lacour Jean‐Philippe , Passeron Thierry 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundLight‐emitting diodes (LEDs) in the visible or near‐infrared spectrum have been reported to promote wound healing. However, despite being frequently proposed in daily clinical practice, the efficacy of photobiomodulation treatment after a laser procedure relies on very limited clinical data.ObjectiveTo compare the relative efficacy of LED versus placebo treatment in decreasing erythema and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) after a fractional CO2 session.MethodsWe conducted an open prospective intraindividual randomized controlled study with 10 healthy volunteers. An ablative fractional laser was performed on the seven forearm areas. Three consecutive daily sessions of LED (590, 630, and 850 nm [two tested irradiances each] and placebo) were applied after randomization. Physical measures (colorimetry, TEWL), photography, and clinical evaluation were performed on Days 1, 2, 3, 7, and 21. The main criterion of evaluation was the variation of parameter a* (erythema) at 72 hours for each LED parameter compared to placebo treatment.ResultsNo significant differences in the variation of the parameter a* or any of the other studied parameters were found for the different LEDs compared to the placebo area.ConclusionPhotobiomodulation failed to improve healing after laser ablation compared to placebo.
A Mesenchymal‐Epithelial Transition Factor‐Agonistic Antibody Accelerates Cirrhotic Liver Regeneration and Improves Mouse Survival Following Partial Hepatectomy
Authors: Ma Kuai , Que Weitao , Hu Xin , Guo Wen‐Zhi , Gu Er‐li , Zhong Liang , Morello Virginia , Cazzanti Manuela , Michieli Paolo , Takahara Terumi , Li Xiao‐Kang 
Published: September 2021

Small‐for‐size syndrome (SFSS) is a common complication following partial liver transplantation and extended hepatectomy. SFSS is characterized by postoperative liver dysfunction caused by insufficient regenerative capacity and portal hyperperfusion and is more frequent in patients with preexisting liver disease. We explored the effect of the Mesenchymal‐epithelial transition factor (MET)‐agonistic antibody 71D6 on liver regeneration and functional recovery in a mouse model of SFSS. Male C57/BL6 mice were exposed to repeated carbon tetrachloride injections for 10 weeks and then randomized into 2 arms receiving 3 mg/kg 71D6 or a control immunoglobulin G (IgG). At 2 days after the randomization, the mice were subjected to 70% hepatectomy. Mouse survival was recorded up to 28 days after hepatectomy. Satellite animals were euthanized at different time points to analyze liver regeneration, fibrosis, and inflammation. Serum 71D6 administration significantly decreased mouse mortality consequent to insufficient regeneration of the cirrhotic liver. Analysis of liver specimens in satellite animals revealed that 71D6 promoted powerful activation of the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase pathway and accelerated liver regeneration, characterized by increased liver‐to‐body weight, augmented mitotic index, and higher serum albumin levels. Moreover, 71D6 accelerated the resolution of hepatic fibrosis as measured by picrosirius red, desmin, and α–smooth muscle actin staining, and suppressed liver infiltration by macrophages as measured by CD68 and F4/80 staining. Analysis of gene expression by reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction confirmed that 71D6 administration suppressed the expression of key profibrotic genes, including platelet‐derived growth factor, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 3, and transforming growth factor‐β1, and of key proinflammatory genes, including tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐1β, chemokine (C‐C motif) ligand 3, and chemokine (C‐C motif) ligand 5. These results suggest that activating the MET pathway via an hepatocyte growth factor–mimetic antibody may be beneficial in patients with SFSS and possibly other types of acute and chronic liver disorders.
Effect of pulse cathodic protection on corrosion mitigation and electrochemical conditions under a simulated coating disbondment on pipeline steel
Authors: Najafi Hossein , Eslami Abdoulmajid , Golozar Mohammad A. , Kavian Amin , Ahmadi Mahdi 
Published: September 2021

AbstractCoating disbondments on pipeline steels are regions with high resistivity where conventional cathodic protection (CP) could not fully protect. Therefore, in an attempt to mitigate this challenge, this study investigates the effect of pulse CP on corrosion mitigation and electrochemical conditions under a simulated coating disbondment on X‐52 pipeline steel. In this regard, conventional and pulse CP of −870 mVSCE were applied to the open mouth of a simulated coating disbondment. For pulse CP, frequencies of 1, 5, and 10 kHz were used. Results showed while the conventional CP was not able to fully protect the 20 cm simulated coating disbondment, for the pulse CP with increase in frequency from 1 to 5 kHz, and from 5 to 10 kHz, improve in CP potential protection under the simulated coating disbondment was achieved. This was accompanied by considerably lower corrosion and a more uniform pH distribution under the simulated coating disbondment.