bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The combination of carboxy‐terminal propeptide of procollagen type I blood levels and late gadolinium enhancement at cardiac magnetic resonance provides additional prognostic information in idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy – A multilevel assessment of myocardial fibrosis in dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Raafs Anne G. , Verdonschot Job A.J. , Henkens Michiel T.H.M. , Adriaans Bouke P. , Wang Ping , Derks Kasper , Abdul Hamid Myrurgia A. , Knackstedt Christian , van Empel Vanessa P.M. , Díez Javier , Brunner‐La Rocca Hans‐Peter , Brunner Han G. , González Arantxa , Bekkers Sebastiaan C.A.M. , Heymans Stephane R.B. , Hazebroek Mark R. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAimsTo determine the prognostic value of multilevel assessment of fibrosis in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) patients.Methods and resultsWe quantified fibrosis in 209 DCM patients at three levels: (i) non‐invasive late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) at cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR); (ii) blood biomarkers [amino‐terminal propeptide of procollagen type III (PIIINP) and carboxy‐terminal propeptide of procollagen type I (PICP)], (iii) invasive endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) (collagen volume fraction, CVF). Both LGE and elevated blood PICP levels, but neither PIIINP nor CVF predicted a worse outcome defined as death, heart transplantation, heart failure hospitalization, or life‐threatening arrhythmias, after adjusting for known clinical predictors [adjusted hazard ratios: LGE 3.54, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.90–6.60; P < 0.001 and PICP 1.02, 95% CI 1.01–1.03; P = 0.001]. The combination of LGE and PICP provided the highest prognostic benefit in prediction (likelihood ratio test P = 0.007) and reclassification (net reclassification index: 0.28, P = 0.02; and integrated discrimination improvement index: 0.139, P = 0.01) when added to the clinical prediction model. Moreover, patients with a combination of LGE and elevated PICP (LGE+/PICP+) had the worst prognosis (log‐rank P < 0.001). RNA‐sequencing and gene enrichment analysis of EMB showed an increased expression of pro‐fibrotic and pro‐inflammatory pathways in patients with high levels of fibrosis (LGE+/PICP+) compared to patients with low levels of fibrosis (LGE‐/PICP‐). This would suggest the validity of myocardial fibrosis detection by LGE and PICP, as the subsequent generated fibrotic risk profiles are associated with distinct cardiac transcriptomic profiles.ConclusionThe combination of myocardial fibrosis at CMR and circulating PICP levels provides additive prognostic value accompanied by a pro‐fibrotic and pro‐inflammatory transcriptomic profile in DCM patients with LGE and elevated PICP.
Hearing and vision health for people with dementia in residential long term care: Knowledge, attitudes and practice in England, South Korea, India, Greece, Indonesia and Australia
Authors: Dawes Piers , Leroi Iracema , Chauhan Nisha , Han Woojae , Harbishettar Vijaykumar , Jayakody Dona M.P. , Jones Louise , Konstantinou Adamos , Maharani Asri , Martini Angelita , Politis Antonios , Prabhakar Suhan , Prew Sandra , Prouskas Costis , Russell Gregor , Sturrock Angus , Sunarti Sri , Taylor Joanne , Vorvolakos Theofanis , Worthington Mark 
Published: April 2021

AbstractObjectivesUp to 90% of people with dementia in long term care (LTC) have hearing and/or vision impairment. Hearing/vision difficulties are frequently under‐recognised or incompletely managed. The impacts of hearing/vision impairment include more rapid cognitive decline, behavioural disturbances, reduced quality of life, and greater care burden. This research investigated LTC staff knowledge, attitudes and practice regarding hearing/vision care needs for residents with dementia.MethodsA survey of staff in LTC facilities in England, South Korea, India, Greece, Indonesia and Australia. Respondents used a five‐point scale to indicate agreement or YES/NO response to questions regarding sensory‐cognitive care knowledge (what is known); attitudes (what is thought); practice (what is done).ResultsRespondents reported high awareness of hearing/vision care needs, although awareness of how to identify hearing/vison difficulties or refer for assessment was low. Most felt that residents were not able to use hearing/vision devices effectively due to poor fit, being poorly tolerated or lost or broken devices. A substantial minority of respondents reported low confidence in supporting use of assistive hearing/vision devices, with lack of training the main reason. Most staff did not undertake routine checking of hearing/vision devices, and it was rare for facilities to have designated staff responsible for sensory needs. Variation among countries was not significant after accounting for staff experience and having received dementia training.ConclusionsThere is a need to improve sensory support for people with dementia in LTC facilities internationally. Practice guidelines and training to enhance sensory‐cognitive knowledge, attitudes and practice in professional care teams is called for.
Longitudinal Analysis of the Utility of Liver Biochemistry as Prognostic Markers in Hospitalized Patients With Corona Virus Disease 2019
Authors: Wang Tingyan , Smith David A. , Campbell Cori , Harris Steve , Salih Hizni , Várnai Kinga A. , Woods Kerrie , Noble Theresa , Freeman Oliver , Moysova Zuzana , Marjot Thomas , Webb Gwilym J. , Davies Jim , Barnes Eleanor , Matthews Philippa C. 
Published: April 2021

The association of liver biochemistry with clinical outcomes of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection is currently unclear, and the utility of longitudinally measured liver biochemistry as prognostic markers for mortality is unknown. We aimed to determine whether abnormal liver biochemistry, assessed at baseline and at repeat measures over time, was associated with death in hospitalized patients with COVID‐19 compared to those without COVID‐19, in a United Kingdom population. We extracted routinely collected clinical data from a large teaching hospital in the United Kingdom, matching 585 hospitalized patients who were SARS‐CoV‐2 real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) positive to 1,165 hospitalized patients who were RT‐PCR negative for age, sex, ethnicity, and preexisting comorbidities. A total of 26.8% (157/585) of patients with COVID‐19 died compared to 11.9% (139/1,165) in the group without COVID‐19 (P < 0.001). At presentation, a significantly higher proportion of the group with COVID‐19 had elevated alanine aminotransferase (20.7% vs. 14.6%, P = 0.004) and hypoalbuminemia (58.7% vs. 35.0%, P < 0.001) compared to the group without COVID‐19. Within the group with COVID‐19, those with hypoalbuminemia at presentation had 1.83‐fold increased hazards of death compared to those with normal albumin (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.83; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.25‐2.67), while the hazard of death was ~4‐fold higher in those aged ≥75 years (adjusted HR, 3.96; 95% CI, 2.59‐6.04) and ~3‐fold higher in those with preexisting liver disease (adjusted HR, 3.37; 95% CI, 1.58‐7.16). In the group with COVID‐19, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) increased (R = 0.192, P < 0.0001) and albumin declined (R = −0.123, P = 0.0004) over time in patients who died. Conclusion: In this United Kingdom population, liver biochemistry is commonly deranged in patients with COVID‐19. Baseline hypoalbuminemia and rising ALP over time could be prognostic markers for death, but investigation of larger cohorts is required to develop a better understanding of the relationship between liver biochemistry and disease outcome.
Variation in rice water requirement and its influencing factors in Poyang Lake basin during the past 30 years*
Authors: Liu Fangping , Xu Junzeng , Yang Shihong , Huang Yongzhong , Liang Ju 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe effect of global climate change on agricultural fields has attracted worldwide attention from many scholars in recent years. Lots of research about the effect of climate change on physiological growth processes, water consumption and food production are crucial to ensure food security. Numerous crop‐water models have been adapted to analyse the response of physiological growth and water requirement to meteorological factors, but reports differ in various regions. The variations in yield (Y) of early and late rice, growth season duration (SD) and climatic factors were investigated based on data collected in the Poyang Lake basin from 1987 to 2016. Furthermore, the variation in rice water requirement (ET) and its response to Y, SD and climatic factors were analysed. The results showed that the climatic factors varied insignificantly, while the mean (Tam), maximum (Tah) and minimum (Tal) air temperatures increased significantly during early and late rice growth periods. SD increased insignificantly for early and late rice, and Y increased insignificantly for early rice and significantly for late rice. ET increased significantly from 1994 to 2003 and decreased significantly from 2004 to 2014 for both early and late rice. Variation in SD, cumulative temperature (Taa) and sunshine hours (hs) mainly led to increased ET for early and late rice; variation in Tam, Tah, relative humidity (RH) and Y led to reduced ET for early and late rice.
Characterization of novel pyridine‐derived N‐heterocyclic silylenes via density functional theory perspective
Authors: Hassanpour Akbar , Heravi Mohammad Reza Poor , Rahmani Zahra , Ebadi Abdolghaffar , Ahmadi Sheida 
Published: April 2021

AbstractWe theoretically searched new derivatives of N‐heterocyclic silylenes (NHSis) by substituting of pyridine and phosphinine rings, compared to the reference carbenes (N‐heterocyclic carbenes—NHCs) including benzopyridine‐4‐ylidene (1) and dibenzopyridine‐4‐ylidene (2), at M06‐2X/AUG‐cc‐pVTZ and B3LYP/AUG‐cc‐pVTZ. Regardless of how organized NHSis are, fusion of 1 six‐membered ring leads to more vibration frequency (υmin), stabilizing effect, and polarizability than 2 six‐membered rings. In all cases, singlet (3s‐10s) and triplet (3t‐10t) NHSis emerge as ground state, showing more stability of singlet states than their corresponding triplet congeners. From thermodynamic and kinetic viewpoints, the scrutinized singlet NHSis show more stability than the parent singlet NHCs (1s and 2s), but the studied triplet NHSis exhibit less stability than triplet NHCs (1t and 2t). Regarding the orientation of silylenic center and nitrogen or phosphor heteroatoms of fused rings, the stabilizing energy for para−fused rings is more than ortho ones. The most stability is confirmed by one para−substituted pyridine NHSi (singlet‐triplet energy difference; ΔΕs‐t = 47.3 and band gap; ΔEHOMO‐LUMO = 85.0 kcal/mol; highest occupied molecular orbital [HOMO] and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital [LUMO]) and the least stability is demonstrated by two substituted benzene NHC (ΔΕs‐t = 11.9 and ΔEHOMO‐LUMO = 58.6 kcal/mol). In contrast to pure NHCs, triplet NHSis (3t‐10t) show lower ΔΕHOMO‐LUMO, higher nucleophilicity, lower electrophilicity, and lower chemical hardness than their corresponding singlet states (3s‐10s).
Changes in expressions of ecdysteroidogenic enzyme and ecdysteroid signaling genes in relation to Bombyx embryonic development
Authors: Gu Shi‐Hong , Chen Chien‐Hung , Lin Pei‐Ling 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAlthough the role of ecdysteroids in regulating egg diapause process in Bombyx mori is well documented, temporal changes in expression levels of genes involved in ecdysteroid biosynthesis and its downstream signaling are less well understood. In the present study, we studied changes in expression levels of genes involved in ecdysteroid biosynthesis and its downstream signaling during embryonic development of B. mori. Results showed that in diapause eggs, the expression of ecdysteroid‐phosphate phosphatase (EPPase) gene and Halloween genes (Spook [Spo] and Shade [Shd]) remained at very low levels. However, in eggs whose diapause initiation was prevented by HCl, significant increases in the messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of EPPase, Spo, and Shd were detected during embryonic development. Other Halloween genes (Neverland [Nvd] and Phantom [Phm]) also showed different changes between diapause and HCl‐treated eggs. However, genes of Disembodied (Dib) and Shadow (Sad) showed similar changes in both diapause and HCl‐treated eggs. We further investigated changes in expression levels of ecdysone receptor genes (EcRA, EcRB1, and USP) and downstream signaling genes (E75A, E75B, E74A, E74B, Br‐C, HR3, HR4, KR‐H1, and FTZ‐F1). Results showed that genes of EcRA and the other nuclear receptors (E75A, E75B, E74A, HR3, HR4, KR‐H1, and FTZ‐F1) exhibited significant differential patterns between diapause and HCl‐treated eggs, with increased levels being detected during later stages of embryonic development in HCl‐treated eggs. Differential temporal changes in expressions of genes involved ecdysteroid biosynthesis and its downstream signaling found between diapause and HCl‐treated eggs were further confirmed using nondiapause eggs. Our results showed that nondiapause eggs exhibited the same changing patterns as those in HCl‐treated eggs, thus clearly indicating potential correlations between expressions of these genes and embryonic development in B. mori. To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive report to study the transcriptional regulation of ecdysteroidogenic and ecdysteroid signaling genes, thus providing useful information for a clearer understanding of insect egg diapause mechanisms.
Optimal uses of pooled testing for COVID‐19 incorporating imperfect test performance and pool dilution effect: An application to congregate settings in Los Angeles County
Authors: Nianogo Roch A. , Emeruwa I. Obi , Gounder Prabhu , Manuel Vladimir , Anderson Nathaniel W. , Kuo Tony , Inkelas Moira , Arah Onyebuchi A. 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACTIntroductionPooled testing is a potentially efficient alternative strategy for COVID‐19 testing in congregate settings. We evaluated the utility and cost‐savings of pooled testing based on imperfect test performance and potential dilution effect due to pooling and created a practical calculator for online use.MethodsWe developed a 2‐stage pooled testing model accounting for dilution. The model was applied to hypothetical scenarios of 100 specimens collected during a one‐week time‐horizon cycle for varying levels of COVID‐19 prevalence and test sensitivity and specificity, and to 338 skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) in Los Angeles County (Los Angeles) (data collected and analyzed in 2020).ResultsOptimal pool sizes ranged from 1 to 12 in instances where there is a least one case in the batch of specimens. 40% of Los Angeles SNFs had more than one case triggering a response‐testing strategy. The median number (minimum; maximum) of tests performed per facility were 56 (14; 356) for a pool size of 4, 64 (13; 429) for a pool size of 10, and 52 (11; 352) for an optimal pool size strategy among response‐testing facilities. The median costs of tests in response‐testing facilities were $8250 ($1100; $46,100), $6000 ($1340; $37,700), $6820 ($1260; $43,540), and $5960 ($1100; $37,380) when adopting individual testing, a pooled testing strategy using pool sizes of 4, 10, and optimal pool size, respectively.ConclusionsPooled testing is an efficient strategy for congregate settings with a low prevalence of COVID‐19. Dilution as a result of pooling can lead to erroneous false‐negative results.
Unravelling the influence of subjectivity on ranking of CMIP6 based climate models: A case study
Authors: Anil Suram , Manikanta Velpuri , Pallakury Anand Raj 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe skill of General Circulation Models (GCMs) in mimicking the observed climate is assessed through various procedures and are ranked. The performance of a GCM is site‐specific and the ranking pattern varies spatially. In general, a set of best performing GCMs is extracted to study the impact of climate change. As, there is no universally accepted ranking procedure, the ranking of GCMs is prone to subjectivity. In this study, it is aimed to address the effect of this subjectivity on the GCM rankings. The past performance of GCMs from Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 6 (CMIP6) in simulating the maximum and minimum temperature across India are evaluated and ranked by different ranking procedures. These ranking procedures involve combinations of various components present in the ranking procedure such as model evaluation criteria, criteria weightage allocation methods, Multicriteria Decision Making methods (MCDM) and reference gridded datasets. Different criteria and methods involved in the ranking procedures are carefully selected to address the subjectivity involved in ranking of GCMs. The effect of each individual component on the ranking pattern is systematically analysed and the spatial distribution of grids with same ranking patterns across all the combinations are considered as grids with same ranking. The performance of best performing GCM is attributed to homogenous climatic zones and its corresponding topological features. An ensemble of frequently performing top five GCMs among 16 different ranking procedures are extracted for each climate zone as the most suitable set of GCMs.
Subcutaneous Versus Sublingual Immunotherapy for Adults with Allergic Rhinitis: A Systematic Review with Meta‐Analyses
Authors: Tie Kevin , Miller Craig , Zanation Adam M. , Ebert Charles S. 
Published: April 2021

ObjectivesTo determine whether subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) or sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) better improves patient outcomes and quality of life for adults with allergic rhinitis or rhinoconjunctivitis (AR/C) with or without mild to moderate asthma.MethodsSystematic review methodology was based on the Cochrane Collaboration handbook and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analyses. Four databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Web of Science) were queried from inception to July 30, 2020. Two independent reviewers screened potentially relevant studies and assessed risk of bias. Outcomes of interest were symptom score (SS), medication score (MS), combined symptom medication score (CSMS), and Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ). Meta‐analyses with an adjusted indirect comparison were conducted in RevMan 5.4.1.ResultsSeven SCIT versus SLIT randomized controlled trials (RCTs) demonstrated no significant differences for any outcomes, but insufficient data precluded direct meta‐analysis. For the adjusted indirect comparison, 46 RCTs over 39 studies were included for SCIT versus placebo (n = 13) and SLIT versus placebo (n = 33). Statistically significant results favoring SCIT were found for SS (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.40; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.31–0.49), MS (SMD = 0.26; 95% CI = 0.14–0.39), CSMS (SMD = 0.42; 95% CI = 0.17–0.67), and RQLQ (MD = 0.24; 95% CI = 0.04–0.44). Statistically significant results favoring SLIT were found for SS (SMD = 0.42; 95% CI = 0.32–0.53), MS (SMD = 0.40; 95% CI = 0.28–0.53), CSMS (SMD = 0.37; 95% CI = 0.29–0.45), and RQLQ (MD = 0.32; 95% CI = 0.20–0.43). No significant differences were found between SCIT and SLIT for SS (SMD = −0.02; 95% CI = −0.15 to 0.11), MS (SMD = −0.14; 95% CI = −0.31 to 0.03), CSMS (SMD = 0.05; 95% CI = −0.21 to 0.31), or RQLQ (MD = −0.08; 95% CI = −0.31 to 0.15).ConclusionSCIT and SLIT are comparably effective treatments for adults with AR/C. More RCTs analyzing SCIT versus SLIT are needed to directly compare the two. Laryngoscope, 132:499–508, 2022
Concurrent zinc and vitamin B6 deficiencies in acutely exacerbated inflammatory bowel disease: Case reports
Authors: Moon Nabeel , Figgins Bradley , Altshuler Ellery , Pham Angela , Kamel Amir Y. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundLimited evidence is available to describe the prevalence, causes, and consequences of zinc and vitamin B6 deficiencies in those with acutely exacerbated inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Zinc is important for immune function and wound healing, and B6 is needed for metabolic and neurological function. Patients with IBD are at risk of micronutrient deficiencies, particularly during flares.PresentationsThe cases of 2 patients with IBD exacerbations were reviewed in which deficiencies of both zinc and vitamin B6 were identified.ConclusionsThese cases highlight the need for increased screening for zinc and pyridoxine deficiencies in IBD population, especially during disease exacerbation. Therefore, we recommend a comprehensive nutrition workup with physical exam, diet history, and a complete micronutrient panel while ruling out contributing factors. If patients are susceptible to deficiencies during flares, prophylactic oral zinc and pyridoxine supplementation may be considered, with close monitoring for subsequent iron and copper deficiencies.
Discussion on degree of entanglement, chain confinement, and reinforcement efficiency factor of PTT/PE blend nanocomposite embedded with MWCNTs
Authors: Madathinal Kunjappan Aswathi , Reghunadhan Arunima , Ramachandran Ajitha A. , Mathew Lovely , Padmanabhan Moothetty , Laroze David , Thomas Sabu 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe current report addresses the rheological and viscoelastic properties of poly (trimethylene terephthalate)/polyethylene blend system containing multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The alliance of MWCNT into the blend system raises both the modulus and the dynamic viscosity. The thermophysical properties of blend nanocomposites exhibit a lower threshold percolation particularly in comparison to nanocomposites PTT/MWCNT. The dynamic mechanical properties of nanocomposites were also enhanced by adding MWCNT and the higher storage modulus value of nanocomposites explains their reasonable load—bearing capacity by inserting MWCNT. Reinforcing efficiency factor, degree of entanglement density, coefficient of effectiveness, and volume of the constrained region of blend nanocomposites are studied and 90PTT/10PE/3CNT has shown maximum entanglement density value and reinforcement efficiency factor. Different theoretical models were used to predict the storage modulus of blend nanocomposites and among them, the Takayanagi model established fine concurrence with the experimental results.