bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Successful application of ancient DNA extraction and library construction protocols to museum wet collection specimens
Authors: Straube Nicolas , Lyra Mariana L. , Paijmans Johanna L. A. , Preick Michaela , Basler Nikolas , Penner Johannes , Rödel Mark‐Oliver , Westbury Michael V. , Haddad Célio F. B. , Barlow Axel , Hofreiter Michael 
Published: May 2021

AbstractMillions of scientific specimens are housed in museum collections, a large part of which are fluid preserved. The use of formaldehyde as fixative and subsequent storage in ethanol is especially common in ichthyology and herpetology. This type of preservation damages DNA and reduces the chance of successful retrieval of genetic data. We applied ancient DNA extraction and single stranded library construction protocols to a variety of vertebrate samples obtained from wet collections and of different ages. Our results show that almost all samples tested yielded endogenous DNA. Archival DNA extraction was successful across different tissue types as well as using small amounts of tissue. Conversion of archival DNA fragments into single‐stranded libraries resulted in usable data even for samples with initially undetectable DNA amounts. Subsequent target capture approaches for mitochondrial DNA using homemade baits on a subset of 30 samples resulted in almost complete mitochondrial genome sequences in several instances. Thus, application of ancient DNA methodology makes wet collection specimens, including type material as well as rare, old or extinct species, accessible for genetic and genomic analyses. Our results, accompanied by detailed step‐by‐step protocols, are a large step forward to open the DNA archive of museum wet collections for scientific studies.
Prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Jung Jae Hyun , Lim Ji Hyun , Bang Cho Hee , Seok Hongdeok , Song Gwan Gyu , Choi Sung Jae 
Published: May 2021

AbstractObjectiveRheumatoid arthritis (RA) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are both chronic inflammatory diseases; the prevalence of COPD in RA patients is known to be high. However, the prevalence of both RA and COPD differs according to sex; the relationship between RA and COPD may also vary according to sex. Therefore, we investigated the prevalence of COPD and its association in patients with RA in Korea by sex.MethodsWe conducted a nationwide cross‐sectional study using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. A total of 12 417 men and 15 878 women were included. In this study, RA was defined as physician diagnosed or currently under RA treatment. COPD was defined based on spirometry results, chronic symptoms, and smoking history. Multivariable logistic regression models were employed and we calculated the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for COPD prevalence in patients with RA.ResultsThe prevalence of COPD was 15.5% in men with RA, 3.5% in women with RA, 7.8% in men without RA, and 2.2% in women without RA. After adjustment for potential confounding variables, including smoking status, RA was significantly associated with COPD in men (OR 2.16, 95% CI 1.06‐4.40), but not in women (OR 1.58, 95% CI 0.81‐3.10).ConclusionsIn Korea, the prevalence of COPD was high in patients with RA of both sexes; RA and COPD was significantly likely to be associated in men, but not in women.
Significant difference in recurrence according to the proportion of high grade patterns in stage IA lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Jeon Hyun Woo , Kim Young‐Du , Sim Sung Bo , Moon Mi Hyoung 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundPatients with early lung cancer are the best candidates for surgical resection. However, those patients with high grade patterns (micropapillary or solid) do not have a good prognosis, even if they have been diagnosed with stage I lung adenocarcinoma. A new modified grading system has been introduced and this study aimed to identify the prognostic role of the new grading system in patients with stage IA lung adenocarcinoma.MethodsPatients with pathological stage IA lung adenocarcinoma, according to the eighth TNM classification who underwent curative resection, were reviewed. The pathological data of stage IA adenocarcinoma was reviewed 1 (grade 1: lepidic predominant with no or less than 20% of high grade patterns, grade 2: acinar or papillary predominant with no or less than 20% of high grade patterns, grade 3: any tumor with 20% or more of high grade patterns). Prognostic factors were analyzed for disease‐free interval (DFI) and overall survival (OS) using Cox proportional models.ResultsThe medical records of 429 patients with stage IA lung adenocarcinoma were reviewed. DFI (p < 0.001) and OS (p < 0.001) were significantly lower in patients diagnosed with grade 3 compared with grade 1 and grade 2. Multivariate analysis showed that smoking (p = 0.013), value of SUVmax (p = 0.005), lymphovascular invasion (p = 0.004) and grade 3 (p = 0.008) were significant prognostic factors for DFI.ConclusionsThe proportion of high grade patterns showed a different prognosis, even if curative resection had been performed for stage IA adenocarcinoma. This new grading system is more simple and useful in the prediction of a prognosis in patients with stage IA lung adenocarcinoma.
Student Reflections on Assurance and Taxation during COVID‐19: A Commentary*
Authors: Bujaki Merridee Lynne , Brouard François 
Published: May 2021

ABSTRACTIn this commentary, we document insights on the impact of COVID‐19 on the practice and practitioners of assurance and taxation from the perspectives of prospective professional accountants in a graduate accounting program leading to the CPA designation. These graduate students in accounting highlight that COVID‐19 poses many challenges for the practice of assurance and tax, in terms of the nature and process of work, affecting a wide range of stakeholders. At the same time, a number of examples of creativity and innovation in overcoming challenges were also identified by the students. The richness of student insights leaves us feeling optimistic that the future of the profession is in good hands.
ASA classification and surgical severity grading used to identify a high‐risk population, a multicenter prospective cohort study in Swedish tertiary hospitals
Authors: Bartha Erzsebet , Ahlstrand Rebecca , Bell Max , Björne Håkan , Brattström Olof , Helleberg Johan , Nilsson Lena , Semenas Egidijus , Kalman Sigridur 
Published: May 2021

BackgroundIdentification of surgical populations at high risk for negative outcomes is needed for clinical and research purposes. We hypothesized that combining two classification systems, ASA (American Society of Anesthesiology physical status) and surgical severity, we could identify a high‐risk population before surgery. We aimed to describe postoperative outcomes in a population selected by these two classifications system.MethodsData were collected in a Swedish multicentre, time‐interrupted prospective, consecutive cohort study. Eligibility criteria were age ≥18 years, ASA ≥3, elective or emergent, major to Xmajor/complex (Specialist Procedure Codes used in United Kingdom), gastrointestinal, urogenital or orthopaedic procedures. Postoperative morbidity was identified by the Postoperative Morbidity Survey on postoperative days 3 ± 1, 7 ± 1, 10 + 5 and graded for severity by the Clavien‐Dindo system. Mortality was assessed at 30, 180 and 360 days.ResultsPostoperative morbidity was 78/48/47 per cent on postoperative days 3/7/10. Majority of morbidities (67.5 per cent) were graded as >1 by Clavien‐Dindo. Any type of postoperative morbidity graded >1 was associated with increased risk for death up to one year. The mortality was 5.7 per cent (61/1063) at 30 days, 13.3 per cent (142/1063) at 6 months and 19.1 per cent (160/1063) at 12 months.ConclusionSeverity classification as major to Xmajor/complex and ASA ≥3 could be used to identify a high‐risk surgical population concerning postoperative morbidity and mortality before surgery. Combining the two systems future electronic data extraction is possible of a high‐risk population in tertiary hospitals.
Short implants without bone augmentation vs. long implants with bone augmentation: systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Bitinas Donatas , Bardijevskyt≐ Gail≐ 
Published: May 2021

AbstractPurposeAnatomical limits such as the location of the lower alveolar nerve, the maxillary sinus in atrophied jaws might extend implant surgery treatment. The purpose of this systematic literature review is to review the literature and determine whether short implants can be an effective alternative to standard‐length implants after bone augmentation.Materials and methodsA systematic search was performed on PRISMA wizard. Searched for clinical trials 2010–2020 in the Medline database. The keywords chosen are "short versus long implants, augmented bone, clinical trial", and their various variations.ResultsMeta‐analyses of the studies of implant loss after 1, 3 and 5 years showed a statistically insignificant difference between groups. The number of complications after 1 year was statistically significantly higher in the control group. Meta‐analyses with follow‐up periods of 3 and 5 years showed a statistically insignificant difference; Meta‐analyses of studies of marginal bone loss after 1, 3 and 5 years showed a statistically insignificant difference between the groups.ConclusionsShort dental implants may be a suitable alternative to standard length dental implants after bone augmentation. The risk of their complications is possibly lower because of the lack of need for bone augmentation.
The ex‐ante Effect of Law and Judicial Efficiency on Borrower Discouragement: An International Evidence
Authors: Ullah Khan Safi , Ullah Khan Naimat , Ullah Asad 
Published: May 2021

AbstractWe investigate whether cross‐country differences in the legal system influence demand‐side credit constraints. We explore the notion of discouraged borrowers — firms that choose not to apply for bank credit because they anticipate rejection. Employing survey data from 46 economies, we find that rapid and less costly court proceedings, lower procedural complexity in court processes, and higher recovery rates under bankruptcy lead to the lower likelihood of borrower discouragement. These results are more pronounced in countries with strong creditor protections in relation to company reorganization and liquidation. The results corroborate the supply‐side view that strong creditor rights and their efficient enforceability alleviate banks’ participation constraints in the loan market, thereby encouraging small and medium‐sized enterprises to apply for credit in the first place. We also find that differences in institutional settings, such as higher regulatory quality, better control of corruption, and the rule of law, lead to lower rates of credit self‐rationing in the loan market.
Reparative effect of super active platelet combined with allogeneic bone for large bone defects
Authors: Wang Qinglong , Huang Zhipeng , Huang Xi , Zhang Tao , Wang Wenbo 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIn clinical practice, autologous bone transplantation is usually used to treat large‐scale bone defects. However, autologous bone can cause complications such as secondary injury to patients, the scarcity of autografts. In this study, the study of using super active platelet lysate (sPL) and allogeneic bone to treat the 15 mm long bone defect in right radius of rabbits, and provide an experimental basis for the next step of clinical bone defect treatment. The critical‐size defect of New Zealand white rabbits was made and divided into three groups: autologous bone group, allogeneic bone group, and sPL group. They were euthanized 1, 2, and 3 months after the operation, perform imaging and histological observation on the repair of bone defect area. The results showed that there were varying degrees of new bone in the bone defect. CT data showed that the bone defect repair rate and new bone mass in each group increased month by month (P <.05). Bone tissue (BV) and bone tissue to the total volume (BV/TV, %) in the sPL group > allogeneic bone group, autologous bone group > allogeneic bone group, with statistical significance (P < .05). Compared with the allogeneic bone group, the sPL group can significantly promote the healing of bone defects, enhance the bone density after fracture healing. The repair effect after 3 months was similar to that of the autogenous bone group. The use of allogeneic bone and sPL therapy may become part of a comprehensive strategy for tissue engineering to treat bone defects.
Leisure walks modulate the cognitive and affective representation of the corona pandemic: Employing Cognitive‐Affective Maps within a randomized experimental design
Authors: Reuter Lisa , Fenn Julius , Bilo Tobias Andreas , Schulz Melanie , Weyland Annemarie Lina , Kiesel Andrea , Thomaschke Roland 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIn response to the corona pandemic, many leisure activities have been restricted while walking has been explicitly endorsed by health authorities. We investigated how leisure walking affects individuals' attitudes to the pandemic. We used Cognitive‐Affective Maps (CAMs) to measure individual's cognitive and affective attitudes toward the corona pandemic and related issues. In a controlled randomized experiment, we asked (N = 66) participants to draw a CAM before and after a walk. Participants in a control group drew CAMs before and after any self‐chosen activity at home. We found that walking led to a more negative evaluation of the pandemic itself, likely due to a more intense reflection, while in everyday routines one has already adapted to it. In further qualitative post hoc assessments of the CAMs, we observed that negative concepts other than corona disappeared after walking. We conclude that leisure walks have complex effects on individuals' cognitive and affective conceptualization of the corona pandemic. Hence, the exact mechanisms of these effects need to be examined in future research. Our study has also shown that CAMs are a promising tool for measuring experimental interventions in health psychology.
Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging of the prostate underestimates tumour volume of small visible lesions
Authors: Sorce Gabriele , Stabile Armando , Lucianò Roberta , Motterle Giovanni , Scuderi Simone , Barletta Francesco , Pellegrino Francesco , Cucchiara Vito , Gandaglia Giorgio , Fossati Nicola , De Cobelli Francesco , Montorsi Francesco , Jeffrey Karnes R. , Guccini Ilaria , Briganti Alberto 
Published: May 2021

ObjectiveTo assess the relationship between the volume of the index lesion (IL) measured at multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI; MRIvol) and at radical prostatectomy (RPvol), stratifying it according to Prostate Imaging‐Reporting and Data System (PI‐RADS) score.Patients and MethodsWe identified 332 men with a positive mpMRI (single lesion with PI‐RADS ≥3) who underwent systematic plus targeted biopsy and subsequent RP at two tertiary referral centres between 2013 and 2018. All mpMRIs were reviewed by experienced radiologists using PI‐RADS scores. The study outcome was to assess the relationship between MRIvol (based on planimetry from MRI sequence best showing tumour) and RPvol (based on tumour involved area of each RP pathology slice). To achieve this endpoint, we performed a multivariable linear regression analysis (LRA) to predict RPvol using PI‐RADS, prostate‐specific antigen level, prostate volume, age, digital rectal examination, Gleason score at MRI‐targeted biopsy, biopsy history and time from mpMRI to RP as covariates. Non‐parametric locally estimated scatterplot smoothing (LOESS) function was used to graphically explore the relationship between MRIvol and RPvol, stratifying for PI‐RADS score.ResultsOverall, 24%, 49% and 27% of men had visible PI‐RADS 3, 4 and 5 lesions at mpMRI. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) MRIvol and RPvol were 0.67 (0.29–1.76) mL and 1.39 (0.58–4.23) mL. At LRA, MRIvol was significantly correlated with a RPvol underestimation (slope: 2.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.1–46.3). The non‐parametric LOESS analysis showed a non‐linear relationship between MRIvol and RPvol. Significant underestimation was reported across all volumes with the highest differences between MRIvol and RPvol in the low volume range (<2 mL), where RPvol almost doubled MRIvol. A similar effect was observed across all PI‐RADS scores subgroups.ConclusionsIn the present study, mpMRI significantly underestimated the exact volume of the IL, especially for small visible lesions, regardless of PI‐RADS score. This should be considered when planning tailored focal therapy approaches often delivered to men with smaller prostatic lesions.
COVID‐19 school closures and educational achievement gaps in Canada: Lessons from Ontario summer learning research
Authors: Aurini Janice , Davies Scott 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe 2020 COVID‐19 pandemic closed most Canadian public schools for six consecutive months between March and September. This paper explores possible impacts of that closure on student achievement. Longstanding research suggests that lengthy periods of time out of school generally create losses of literacy and numeracy skills and widen student achievement gaps. New American studies have attributed sizeable learning losses to the COVID‐19 closures. In lieu of comparable Canadian data, this paper extrapolates from summer learning research to estimate likely shortfalls in literacy and numeracy skills. We draw on data from 14 cohorts of Ontario primary‐grade students collected between 2010 and 2015 in which 3,723 attended summer programs and 12,290 served as controls. Across three plausible scenarios, we use meta analyses and OLS and quintile regression models to predict learning losses of 3.5 and 6.5 months among typically‐performing and lower‐performing students respectively, and achievement gaps that grow up to 1.5 years among same grade peers. After qualifying these predictions, we recommend that provincial ministries offer targeted supplementary programs during the summer and synchronous instruction in the event of future school closures.
Triple‐mutated oncolytic herpes virus for treating both fast‐ and slow‐growing tumors
Authors: Fukuhara Hiroshi , Takeshima Yuta , Todo Tomoki 
Published: May 2021

AbstractOncolytic virus therapy has emerged as a promising treatment option against cancer. To date, oncolytic viruses have been developed for malignant tumors, but the need for this new therapeutic modality also exists for benign and slow‐growing tumors. G47∆ is an oncolytic herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV‐1) with an enhanced replication capability highly selective to tumor cells due to genetically engineered, triple mutations in the γ34.5, ICP6 and α47 genes. To create a powerful, but safe oncolytic HSV‐1 that replicates efficiently in tumors regardless of growth speed, we used a bacterial artificial chromosome system that allows a desired promoter to regulate the expression of the ICP6 gene in the G47∆ backbone. Restoration of the ICP6 function in a tumor‐specific manner using the hTERT promoter led to a highly capable oncolytic HSV‐1. T‐hTERT was more efficacious in the slow‐growing OS‐RC‐2 and DU145 tumors than the control viruses, while retaining a high efficacy in the fast‐growing U87MG tumors. The safety features are also retained, as T‐hTERT proved safe when inoculated into the brain of HSV‐1 sensitive A/J mice. This new technology should facilitate the use of oncolytic HSV‐1 for all tumors irrespective of growth speed.
Rac1‐mediated sustained β4 integrin level develops reattachment ability of breast cancer cells after anchorage loss
Authors: Mori Kazunori , Higurashi Masato , Ishikawa Fumihiro , Shibanuma Motoko 
Published: May 2021

AbstractPreviously, we reported that non‐apoptotic cell death was induced in non‐malignant mammary epithelial cells (HMECs) upon loss of anchorage during 48 h incubation in suspension. In this study, we examined HMECs in suspension at an earlier time point and found that most of them lost attachment ability to substrata when replated, although >80% were alive. This suggested that HMECs lost reattachment ability (RA) prior to cell death upon detachment. Concomitant with the loss of RA, a decrease in the levels of β1 and β4 integrin was observed. In sharp contrast, breast cancer cells retained integrin levels, reattached to substrata, and formed colonies after exposure to anchorage loss as efficiently as those maintained under adherent conditions. Such RA of cancer cells is essential for the metastatic process, especially for establishing adhesion contact with ECM in the secondary organ after systemic circulation. Further analysis suggested that sustained levels of β4 integrin, which was mediated by Rac1, was critical for RA after anchorage loss and lung metastasis of breast cancer cells. In the cancer cells, persistent Rac1 activity enhanced escape of β4 integrin from lysosomal degradation depending on actin‐related protein 2/3 and TBC1D2, a GTPase‐activating protein of Rab7 GTPase. Notably, simultaneous high expression ofITGB4andRAC1was associated with poor prognosis in patients with breast cancer. Therefore, β4 integrin and Rac1 are attractive therapeutic targets to eliminate RA in cancer cells, thereby preventing the initial step of colonization at the secondary organ during metastasis.
Dupilumab suppresses type 2 inflammatory biomarkers across multiple atopic, allergic diseases
Authors: Hamilton Jennifer D. , Harel Sivan , Swanson Brian N. , Brian William , Chen Zhen , Rice Megan S. , Amin Nikhil , Ardeleanu Marius , Radin Allen , Shumel Brad , Ruddy Marcella , Patel Naimish , Pirozzi Gianluca , Mannent Leda , Graham Neil M. H. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundType 2 inflammation is common in numerous atopic/allergic diseases and can be identified by elevated biomarker levels. Dupilumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody, blocks the shared receptor component for interleukin‐4 and interleukin‐13, key and central drivers of type 2 inflammation.ObjectiveAssessment of dupilumab effect on type 2 inflammatory biomarkers in atopic dermatitis (AD), asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE).MethodsData were extracted from three randomized placebo‐controlled trials of dupilumab in AD (NCT02277743, N = 671; NCT02277769, N = 708; NCT02260986, N = 740); and one each in asthma (NCT02414854, N = 1902); CRSwNP (NCT02898454, N = 448); and EoE (NCT02379052, N = 47). Biomarkers assessed were serum thymus and activation‐regulated chemokine (TARC), plasma eotaxin‐3, serum total immunoglobulin E (IgE), serum periostin and blood eosinophil count.ResultsDupilumab versus placebo significantly suppressed most type 2 inflammatory biomarker levels across all studies/indications where data were assessed. Reductions in serum TARC, plasma eotaxin‐3 and serum periostin occurred rapidly, whereas reductions in serum total IgE were more gradual. Across diseases, at the end of treatment, median percentage change from baseline in TARC levels ranged from −24.8% to −88.6% (placebo +2.6% to −53.6%); −38.2% to −51.5% (placebo +8.3% to −0.16%) in eotaxin‐3; −24.8% to −76.7% (placebo +8.3% to −4.4%) in total IgE; and −13.6% to −41.1% (placebo +10.1% to −6.94%) in periostin levels. Blood eosinophil responses to dupilumab varied by disease, with minimal changes in AD in the SOLO studies (median percentage change from baseline to end of treatment: 0% [95% CI: −15.8, 0]); transient increases followed by decreases to below‐baseline levels in asthma (−14.6% [−20.0, −7.7]) and CRSwNP (−29.4% [−40.0, −16.3]); and significant decreases in EoE (−50.0% [−50.0, −33.3]).Conclusion and clinical relevanceDupilumab reduced levels of type 2 biomarkers across clinical studies in patients with AD, asthma, CRSwNP and EoE.