bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rising incidence rates and unaltered survival rates for primary upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma: a Dutch population‐based study from 1993 to 2017
Authors: van Doeveren Thomas , van der Mark Marianne , van Leeuwen Pim J. , Boormans Joost L. , Aben Katja K.H. 
Published: March 2021

AimTo assess trends in the incidence, disease management and survival rates for upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) in the Netherlands.Materials and methodsPatients diagnosed with primary UTUC in the Netherlands between 1993 and 2017 were identified through the population‐based Netherlands Cancer Registry (NCR). Patient and tumour characteristics, as well as information on treatment and vital status, were retrieved from the NCR. Age‐standardized incidence rates were calculated, stratified by age, gender, calendar period and disease stage. Relative survival served as an approximation for cancer‐specific survival.ResultsWe identified 13 314 patients with primary UTUC. The age‐standardized incidence rate increased from 2.0 in 1993 to 3.2 per 100 000 person‐years in 2017, without change in gender distribution. The increase in incidence held for all disease stages except organ‐confined (T1–T2) disease. The most prominent increase was in superficial (Tis/Ta) and metastatic (M+) UTUC, which increased from 0.6 to 1.2 and 0.1 to 0.4 per 100 000 person‐years, respectively. The 5‐year relative survival did not change over time: 57.0% (95% confidence interval 55.9–58.1). Applied treatments were largely the same over the study period, although fewer radical nephroureterectomies and more kidney‐sparing surgeries were performed in the most recent years. The use of peri‐operative intravesical chemotherapy modestly increased.ConclusionBetween 1993 and 2017, the age‐standardized incidence of primary UTUC in the Netherlands has increased by more than 50%, but the relative survival of UTUC patients remained unchanged. Preventive measures against exposure to risk factors, early detection of disease, and more efficacious treatment methods are needed to improve outcomes of patients with UTUC.
Short‐chain fatty acids and bile acids in human faeces are associated with the intestinal cholesterol conversion status
Authors: Matysik Silke , Krautbauer Sabrina , Liebisch Gerhard , Schött Hans‐Frieder , Kjølbæk Louise , Astrup Arne , Blachier Francois , Beaumont Martin , Nieuwdorp Max , Hartstra Annick , Rampelli Simone , Pagotto Uberto , Iozzo Patricia 
Published: March 2021

Background and PurposeThe analysis of human faecal metabolites can provide an insight into metabolic interactions between gut microbiota and the host organism. The creation of metabolic profiles in faeces has received little attention until now, and reference values, especially in the context of dietary and therapeutic interventions, are missing. Exposure to xenobiotics significantly affects the physiology of the microbiome, and microbiota manipulation and short‐chain fatty acid administration have been proposed as treatment targets for several diseases. The aim of the present study is to give concomitant concentration ranges of faecal sterol species, bile acids and short‐chain fatty acids, based on a large cohort.Experimental ApproachSterol species, bile acids and short‐chain fatty acids in human faeces from 165 study participants were quantified by LC–MS/MS. For standardization, we refer all values to dry weight of faeces. Based on the individual intestinal sterol conversion, we classified participants into low and high converters according to their coprostanol/cholesterol ratio.Key ResultsLow converters excrete more straight‐chain fatty acids and bile acids than high converters; 5th and 95th percentile and median of bile acids and short‐chain fatty acids were calculated for both groups.Conclusion and ImplicationsWe give concentration ranges for 16 faecal metabolites that can serve as reference values. Patient stratification into high or low sterol converter groups is associated with significant differences in faecal metabolites with biological activities. Such stratification should then allow better assessment of faecal metabolites before therapeutic interventions.LINKED ARTICLESThis article is part of a themed issue on Oxysterols, Lifelong Health and Therapeutics. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v178.16/issuetoc
COVID‐19 test result reporting for deceased donors: Emergent policies, logistical challenges, and future directions
Authors: Lentine Krista L. , Singh Neeraj , Woodside Kenneth J. , Schnitzler Mark A. , Li Ruixin , Alhamad Tarek , Rothweiler Richard , Parsons Ronald F. , Mannon Roslyn B. , Snyder Jon , Cooper Matthew , Axelrod David A. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic poses unprecedented challenges to the transplant community, including organ procurement organizations (OPOs), transplant centers, regulatory agencies, and recipient candidates. Access to timely, accurate information on the status of deceased donor viral infection is essential in determining organ acceptance. The Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network expeditiously added fields to collect these data; however, use of the data collection fields was not uniform nationally. Standardized, field‐defined data capture and reporting are vital to ensure optimal organ utilization during this pandemic, and to prepare the community for subsequent challenges.
Transplantation of liver from hepatitis C–infected donors to hepatitis C RNA–negative recipients: Histological and virologic outcome
Authors: Nair Satheesh P. , Marella Hemnishil K. , Maliakkal Benedict , Snyder Heather , Handley Charlotte , Kothadia Jiten P. , Ali Bilal , Satapathy Sanjaya K. , Molnar Miklos Z. , Clark Ian , Jain Richa , Helmick Ryan , Eymard Corey , Eason James D. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe virologic and histologic outcomes of a hepatitis C virus (HCV)–infected liver graft into an HCV‐negative recipient are not well understood. We aimed to evaluate the sustained virologic response (SVR) rate and the liver histology at 1 year post‐Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) with an HCV‐infected graft.MethodsA total of 33 patients received the HCV antibody (Ab)+/nucleic acid amplification test (NAT)+ graft. Of these patients, 23 were HCV‐negative recipients and 10 were HCV‐positive recipients. The 1‐year biopsy data were available for 24 patients: 15 patients in HCV‐negative group who received an HCV Ab+/NAT+graft and 9 patients in HCV‐positive group who received an HCV Ab+/NAT+ graft. Patients with (+) HCV ribonucleic acid (RNA) were started on direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) treatment approximately 107 days after OLT using either a Glecaprevir‐Pibrentasvir or Sofosbuvir‐Velpatasvir or Sofosbuvir‐Ledipasvir.ResultsAll patients (n = 33) were treated with DAA and achieved SVR. The 1‐year post‐OLT liver biopsies were available in 24 patients: 9 patients had F1 and F2 fibrosis and 17 patients had minimal to moderate inflammation. There was no statistical difference in fibrosis and inflammation between the HCV‐negative vs. HCV‐positive recipients. All patients who received the NAT+ graft developed viremia and subsequently achieved SVR with treatment.ConclusionAt 1 year protocol liver biopsy, patients had inflammation consistent with viral hepatitis despite the successful eradication of HCV.
Predicting major adverse limb events in individuals with type 2 diabetes: Insights from the EXSCEL trial
Authors: Weissler E. Hope , Clare Robert M. , Lokhnygina Yuliya , Buse John B. , Goodman Shaun G. , Katona Brian , Iqbal Nayyar , Pagidipati Neha J. , Sattar Naveed , Holman Rury R. , Hernandez Adrian F. , Mentz Robert J. , Patel Manesh R. , Jones W. Schuyler 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAimsAlthough models exist to predict amputation among people with type 2 diabetes with foot ulceration or infection, we aimed to develop a prediction model for a broader range of major adverse limb events (MALE)—including gangrene, revascularization and amputation—among individuals with type 2 diabetes.MethodsIn a post‐hoc analysis of data from the Exenatide Study of Cardiovascular Event Lowering (EXSCEL) trial, we compared participants who experienced MALE with those who did not. A multivariable model was constructed and translated into a risk score.ResultsAmong the 14,752 participants with type 2 diabetes in EXSCEL, 3.6% experienced MALE. Characteristics associated with increased risk of MALE were peripheral artery disease (PAD) (HRadj 4.83, 95% CI: 3.94–5.92), prior foot ulcer (HRadj 2.16, 95% CI: 1.63–2.87), prior amputation (HRadj 2.00, 95% CI: 1.53–2.64), current smoking (HRadj 2.00, 95% CI: 1.54–2.61), insulin use (HRadj 1.86, 95% CI: 1.52–2.27), coronary artery disease (HRadj 1.67, 95% CI: 1.38–2.03) and male sex (HRadj 1.64, 95% CI: 1.31–2.06). Cerebrovascular disease, former smoking, age, glycated haemoglobin, race and neuropathy were also associated significantly with MALE after adjustment. A risk score ranging from 6 to 96 points was constructed, with a C‐statistic of 0.822 (95% CI: 0.803–0.841).ConclusionsThe majority of MALE occurred among participants with PAD, but participants without a history of PAD also experienced MALE. A risk score with good performance was generated. Although it requires validation in an external dataset, this risk score may be valuable in identifying patients requiring more intensive care and closer follow‐up.
The business of philanthropy: Challenges in measuring the value of cultural giving
Authors: Bosa Iris M. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractCorporations are under increasing pressure to provide information about their corporate social responsibility activities. However, there is limited work on how firms measure the value of their philanthropic giving. The value of a philanthropic act can be difficult to ascertain as it often relates to unique goods that do not have a market value. The paper examines the processes a sample of (mainly family‐run) private corporations follow to value their donations to a not‐for‐profit cultural festival. The findings suggest that while giving to the festival is seen as a contribution to the local community, there are additional motivations for donating. Moreover, the firms do not attempt to formally assess the value of their act, which they believe is hard (if not impossible) to measure. Our case highlights a more complex system influencing philanthropic acts of private firms.
Biochemical insights into structure and function of arrestins
Authors: Aydin Yasmin , Coin Irene 
Published: March 2021

Arrestins (arr) are multifunctional cytosolic adaptors that bind to active and phosphorylated G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) via a highly versatile interface. Arrestins stop G protein signaling and trigger other signaling pathways. Recently, 3D structures of arr–GPCR complexes have been solved, which provide a bulk of structural information for understanding the mechanism of arr recruitment and activation. However, many questions about the functional consequences of structural details and the dynamics of the arr–GPCR interaction remain open. A wealth of information about key determinants for the arr–GPCR interaction and their functional relevance, and dynamic insights into the process of arr binding and the functional outcomes of different binding modes have been provided by a series of biochemical methods which we review here. Importantly, most of these methods provide information from the live cell, which is a necessary validation and complement for structural data. With the main focus on the most recent research, we will highlight major findings about arr structure, function, and dynamics derived from mutagenesis studies, cross‐linking studies, conformational probes, and sensors, and we summarize available systems to detect arr recruitment. Furthermore, we discuss recent findings and directions of in silico investigations in arr–GPCR complexes.
A systematic review of physical activity in people with haemophilia and its relationship with bleeding phenotype and treatment regimen
Authors: Kennedy Megan , O’Gorman Philip , Monaghan Ann , Lavin Michelle , O’Mahony Brian , O’Connell Niamh M. , O’ Donnell James S. , Turecek Peter L. , Gormley John ,   the Irish Personalised Approach to the Treatment of Haemophilia (iPATH) study group
Published: March 2021

AbstractIntroductionAlthough the measurement of physical activity (PA) amongst people with haemophilia (PWH) has become increasingly widespread in recent years, the relationship between PA and bleeding phenotype remains poorly understood. In addition, the influence of various treatment regimens on this relationship has not been defined.AimThis review aimed to systematically assess the data that are available regarding PA levels amongst PWH, as well as the relationship between PA and bleeding.MethodsA systematic search of the online databases EMBASE, Cochrane, MEDLINE Ovid, CINAHL and Web of Science was conducted by two independent reviewers. Quality assessment was undertaken using the AXIS Critical Appraisal Tool for Cross‐sectional Studies and the STROBE checklist.ResultsOf 1902 sources identified overall, 36 articles were included. Low‐to‐moderate transparency of reporting and various sources of bias were identified. PA levels varied amongst heterogeneous samples of PWH. The relationship between PA and bleeds was inconclusive, although there was evidence that improvements in treatment over recent decades have appeared to enable PWH to become more physically active.ConclusionBased upon the limited available evidence, the relationship between PA and bleeding phenotype in PWH remains unclear. However, with the development of improved prophylaxis treatment regimens in recent years, there is evidence that PA levels have increased, especially amongst people with severe haemophilia. The use of validated outcome measures of PA and more robust reporting of bleeds and treatment regimen are warranted in future research, especially in a rapidly evolving era of new treatments for PWH.
Mental health clinicians’ views of summary and systematic review utility in evidence‐based practice
Authors: Steele Rachel 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundEvidence‐based practice (EBP) requires integration of research evidence with clinical expertise and patient preferences. It is endorsed by many regulatory bodies, using the approach is challenging for many busy clinicians.ObjectivesTo explore mental health practitioners’ perceptions of the factors which help, and which hinder, EBP and their views of two formats for presenting research findings – a systematic review and a one‐page summary of that review. (written by a clinical librarian)MethodsQualitative semi‐structured interviews with a multi‐professional sample of mental health clinicians. (n=7)ResultsParticipants worked under varying time constraints, with some participants perceiving a conflict between research activities such as reading the evidence and their clinical duties one‐page research summary would help some participienrs to identify potentially valuable evidence quickly. However, participants agreed that they would need to read full systematic review to assess whether and how their practice could or should change.DiscussionA one‐page research summary can perform useful functions for clinicians; however, they require more detailed research reports such as systematic reviews to judge research's external validity.ConclusionThis exploratory study indicates that writing evidence summaries is a useful role for clinical librarians, as part of training and support for EBP.
Crystallization and sintering studies on an anomalous Li2O‐Al2O3‐SiO2 glass for making tunable thermal expansion ceramic
Authors: Venkateswaran Chinnu , Sreemoolanadhan Harihara I. , Pant Bhanu , Sharma Sharad C. , Chauhan Vishal S. , Vaish Rahul 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis work is an attempt to understand the crystallization behavior of unconventional LAS (1:1.2:7) composition having MgO, BaO, K2O, and ZrO2. Crystallization parameters were determined using thermo‐analytical models based on differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The activation energy of crystallization, E, and frequency factor, were calculated to be 354.40 kJ mol–1 K–1 and 1.63 × 1015, respectively. Effect of sintering temperature on density, phase constitution, thermal expansion, and microstructure is reported herein. The temperature range between 1373 K and 1473 K was found to be the optimum window for sintering the glass particles. Glass‐ceramic with CTE matching the Fe–Ni alloy is reported herein. Considering the LAS glass system's better sinterability, efforts were made toward sintering alumina with LAS glass as a sintering aid. The 5 wt%. LAS/Al2O3 composite was prepared with density: 3.6 g/cm3, relative permittivity 10.5, and dielectric loss tangent 2.45 × 10‐3. This composition was found to be a potential CTE compensator material while processing tailorable CTE ceramics.
A critical realist evaluation of advance care planning in care homes
Authors: Spacey Adam , Scammell Janet , Board Michele , Porter Sam 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAimsTo evaluate care planning in advance of end‐of‐life care in care homes.DesignA qualitative study.MethodsQualitative data were collected from January 2018–July 2019 (using focus groups and semi‐structured interviews) from three care homes in the South West of England. The data were analysed using thematic analysis followed by Critical Realist Evaluation.ResultsParticipants comprised of registered nurses (N = 4), care assistants (N = 8), bereaved relatives (N = 7), and domiciliary staff (N = 3). Although the importance of advance care planning was well recognized, the emotional labour of frequently engaging in discussions about death and dying was highlighted as a problem by some care home staff. It was evident that in some cases care home staff's unmet emotional needs led them to rushing and avoiding discussions about death and dying with residents and relatives. A sparsity of mechanisms to support care home staff's emotional needs was noted across all three care homes. Furthermore, a lack of training and knowledge appeared to inhibit care home staff's ability to engage in meaningful care planning conversations with specific groups of residents such as those living with dementia. The lack of training was principally evident amongst non‐registered care home staff and those with non‐formal caring roles such as housekeeping.ConclusionThere is a need for more focused education to support registered and non‐registered care home staff to effectively engage in sensitive discussions about death and dying with residents. Furthermore, greater emotional support is necessary to help build workforce resilience and sustain change.ImpactKnowledge generated from this study can be used to inform the design and development of future advance care planning interventions capable of supporting the delivery of high‐quality end‐of‐life care in care homes.
The Role of the Commission in Intergovernmental Agreements in the Field of Energy. A Foot in the Door Technique?
Authors: Batzella Francesca 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe European Commission has been active in proposing legislation on the exchange of information on Intergovernmental Agreements (IGAs) in the field of energy, pushing for an ex ante control mechanism which most member states have been reluctant to accept. This article aims to explain the extent to which and the conditions under which the Commission has been able to achieve its IGAs objectives. It argues that they have been achieved to a considerable extent due to the ability of the Commission to build on its agenda‐setting powers and the preference alignment of member states. The article offers a thorough analysis of two consecutive legislative processes: the first leading to Decision 994/2012 and the second repealing the former and leading to Decision 2017/684. The analysis builds on legislative documents, secondary sources and data collected during two rounds of interviews in 2013 and 2018.
A questionnaire‐based crossover study on the association of microbiological testing with prescription of systemic antibiotics following initial periodontal therapy
Authors: Vrijghem Camille , Cosyn Jan , Fransen Jasper , Christiaens Véronique 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAim(1) To assess prescription of systemic antibiotics following initial periodontal therapy with and without the availability of microbiological information; (2) To identify factors associated with prescription of systemic antibiotics following initial periodontal therapy.Materials and methodsTwenty‐four clinicians were invited to complete a questionnaire on 20 patient records with respect to periodontal treatment planning, once with microbiological information available and once without. Randomization determined when the microbiological information was provided, and a 3‐month washout period was respected between scoring sessions. Regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with prescription of systemic antibiotics.ResultsTwenty‐one clinicians completed both scoring sessions. Clinicians prescribed systemic antibiotics in on average 56% (95% Confidence Interval (CI) [0.51; 0.61]) of the cases having microbiological information, and in 52% (95% CI [0.47; 0.57]) of the same cases not having that information (p = 0.094). The odds for prescribing systemic antibiotics were 3.34 (95% CI [2.06; 5.42]) times higher when the clinician had at least 3 years of experience, 2.55 (95% CI [1.40; 4.66]) times higher for patients diagnosed with periodontitis stage IV when compared to stage III, 1.08 (95% CI [1.04; 1.11]) times higher for younger patients, 2.78 times (95% CI [1.37; 5.56]) times higher for non‐smokers and 2.22 (95% CI [1.27; 3.85]) times higher when less than three teeth would require extraction. No significant associations with the prescription of systemic antibiotics were found for detection ofA.actinomycetemcomitans(p = 0.287), grade of periodontitis (p = 0.499) and gender of the patient (p = 0.067).ConclusionsBased on a limited number of cases and clinicians, several patient and clinician related factors were associated with prescription of systemic antibiotics following initial periodontal therapy. However, microbiological testing was not.
The impact of splinting mobile mandibular incisors on Oral Health‐Related Quality of Life—Preliminary observations from a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Sonnenschein Sarah K. , Ziegler Philipp , Ciardo Antonio , Ruetters Maurice , Krisam Johannes , Kim Ti‐Sun 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAimTo compare the Oral Health‐Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) of patients with mobile mandibular incisors before and after full‐mouth disinfection (FMD) with and without splinting.Material and methodsThirty‐four periodontitis patients with ≥1 mobile mandibular incisor (degree II/III) were randomly allocated to the test or control group. All patients received FMD and the test group additional splinting of teeth 33–43. OHRQoL was assessed before (BL) and 3 months after FMD (RE) using the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP)‐14. Data were compared within and between the groups (Wilcoxon test/Mann–Whitney U test).ResultsTwenty‐eight patients (13 test group/15 control group) were re‐evaluated. FMD led to a reduction of the mean probing pocket depth (PPD; in mm) (test group: BL‐PPD 3.89 ± 1.03, RE‐PPD 2.82 ± 0.53; control group: BL‐PPD 3.58 ± 0.66, RE‐PPD 2.77 ± 0.59; each p ≤ .001), the mean clinical attachment level (CAL; in mm) (test group: BL‐CAL 5.22 ± 1.38, RE‐CAL 4.79 ± 0.85; control group: BL‐CAL 4.58 ± 1.10, RE‐CAL 4.41 ± 0.96; each p ≤ .05), and the mean OHIP‐14 summary scores (test group: BL‐OHIP 21.7 ± 11.06, RE‐OHIP 9.9 ± 8.96, p = .0046; control group: BL‐OHIP 16.8 ± 8.27, RE‐OHIP 11.7 ± 8.55; p = .0217). The reduction of the OHIP‐G14 scores was considerably higher in the test group but statistically not significant (p = .080).ConclusionsThe results show a positive impact of non‐surgical periodontal treatment on OHRQoL and a possible tendency for further improvement by splinting mobile mandibular incisors.