bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of left ventricular myocardial mechanics in patients with normally functioning bicuspid aortic valves: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Chen Huiyun , Liang Huili , Wang Tao , Zhao Hongze , Yang Jun , Chen Xin 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundStudies have found conflicting results concerning the left ventricular (LV) myocardial deformation properties in patients with normally functioning bicuspid aortic valves (BAVs). Whether the remodeling process of LV occurs independently in patients with BAV is a matter of debate.MethodWe searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library, and Web of Science for cohort studies aiming to assess LV function in adults with isolated BAV compared with tricuspid aortic valve (TAV) controls. Standard mean difference (SMD) was calculated from random‐effects meta‐analyses.ResultsEight cohort studies were included. There were significantly lower global longitudinal strain (GLS), global radial strain (GRS), global circumferential strain (GCS) in BAV than in TAV controls (GLS: SMD = 0.64, 95% CI: 0.35 to 0.92, P < .0001; GRS: SMD = −0.71, 95% CI: −1.09 to −0.32, P = .0003; GCS: SMD = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.41 to 0.98, P < .00001) and significantly higher left atrial volume index (LAVI) and E/e’ in BAV than in TAV controls (LAVI: SMD = 0.50, 95% Cl: 0.12 to 0.88, P = .01; E/e’: SMD = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.30 to 0.77, P < .00001). There was significantly higher Left ventricular mass index（LVMI） in BAV than in TAV controls (SMD = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.24 to 0.79, P = .0003). Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was not significantly different between BAV patients and TAV controls (SMD = 0.05, 95% CI: −0.16 to 0.26, P = .63).ConclusionThe impairment of LV myocardial mechanics, including LV systolic, diastolic dysfunction and LV hypertrophy, is present in patients with normally functioning BAV. This might support the hypothesis that BAV is not only a valvular disease but also a myocardial disease.
An interpretation and modification of the SWT function
Authors: Kujawski Daniel 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIn this paper, a new interpretation and modification of the SWT function in terms of the total damaging energy density are proposed and discussed. The total damaging energy density is the sum of the damaging part of the strain energy density and complementary energy density corresponding to the first quadrant in damaging σD‐εD axes. For cyclic loading with a positive mean stress (σm ≥ 0), the proposed function reduces to the original SWT formulation. For cyclic loading with a negative mean stress (σm < 0), the maximum stress is augmented by 1/3 of absolute value of the mean stress. The proposed approach shows a consistent correlation of the mean stress effects for both positive and negative mean stresses.
Firm life cycle and trade credit
Authors: Hasan Mostafa Monzur , Cheung Adrian (Wai‐Kong) , Tunas Lidia , Kot Hung Wan 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThis study investigates the relation between firm life cycle and trade credit. We find evidence that firms in the introduction, growth, and decline stages use significantly more trade credit, whereas firms in the mature stage use significantly less trade credit. Firm life cycle works as a separate channel to affect trade credit independently from other channels proposed in the literature. These results are robust to alternative regression specifications, alternative measures of life cycle and trade credit, and the endogeneity concern. Firms in the introduction and decline stages adjust trade credit to the target level quickly compared to others.
Impacts of multi‐morbidity, hemoglobin levels, and frailty on functional disability of older adult residents of long‐term care facilities: A structural equation analysis
Authors: Liu Li‐Hsing , Kao Chia‐Chan , Wang Ruey‐Hsia , Liu Yi‐Hui 
Published: April 2021

AimPrevious studies have focused on the relationship between multi‐morbidity, frailty, and anemia or functional disability alone rather than in combination. This study aimed to explore the impacts of multi‐morbidity, hemoglobin levels, and frailty on functional disability simultaneously in older adult residents of long‐term care facilities.MethodsThis was a cross‐sectional study. Data were retrieved from the electronic health records of eight long‐term care facilities. Data from a total of 352 subjects aged at least 60 years and residing in these facilities for at least 6 months were analysed. Analytic datasets included the Barthel Index of Activities of Daily Living, the Frailty Phenotype Criteria, the number of chronic diseases, hemoglobin levels, age, and gender.ResultsThe final model demonstrated acceptable goodness‐of‐fit indices, namely goodness‐of‐fit index, comparative fit index, and incremental fit index ≧0.90, root mean square error of approximation <0.08, and insignificance of χ2 (P > 0.05). Frailty, multi‐morbidity, and hemoglobin levels all had direct associations with functional disability (all P < 0.001). Hemoglobin levels had a direct association with frailty (ß = −0.11). Multi‐morbidity had an indirect association (ß = 0.04) with functional disability through hemoglobin levels. Hemoglobin levels had an indirect association (ß = 0.05) with functional disability through frailty.ConclusionsThe impacts of multi‐morbidity, hemoglobin levels, and frailty on functional disability were explored. A high‐quality disease management program, interventions for the prevention of frailty, and the provision of continued education for staff about reducing progressive frailty and functional disability for older adult residents are recommended. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2021; 21: 532–537.
Induction of stable human FOXP3+ Tregs by a parasite‐derived TGF‐β mimic
Authors: Cook Laura , Reid Kyle T , Häkkinen Elmeri , de Bie Brett , Tanaka Shigeru , Smyth Danielle J , White Madeleine PJ , Wong May Q , Huang Qing , Gillies Jana K , Ziegler Steven F. , Maizels Rick M , Levings Megan K 
Published: April 2021

AbstractImmune homeostasis in the intestine is tightly controlled by FOXP3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs), defects of which are linked to the development of chronic conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). As a mechanism of immune evasion, several species of intestinal parasites boost Treg activity. The parasite Heligmosomoides polygyrus is known to secrete a molecule (Hp‐TGM) that mimics the ability of TGF‐β to induce FOXP3 expression in CD4+ T cells. The study aimed to investigate whether Hp‐TGM could induce human FOXP3+ Tregs as a potential therapeutic approach for inflammatory diseases. CD4+ T cells from healthy volunteers were expanded in the presence of Hp‐TGM or TGF‐β. Treg induction was measured by flow cytometric detection of FOXP3 and other Treg markers, such as CD25 and CTLA‐4. Epigenetic changes were detected using ChIP‐Seq and pyrosequencing of FOXP3. Treg phenotype stability was assessed following inflammatory cytokine challenge and Treg function was evaluated by cellular co‐culture suppression assays and cytometric bead arrays for secreted cytokines. Hp‐TGM efficiently induced FOXP3 expression (> 60%), in addition to CD25 and CTLA‐4, and caused epigenetic modification of the FOXP3 locus to a greater extent than TGF‐β. Hp‐TGM‐induced Tregs had superior suppressive function compared with TGF‐β‐induced Tregs, and retained their phenotype following exposure to inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, Hp‐TGM induced a Treg‐like phenotype in in vivo differentiated Th1 and Th17 cells, indicating its potential to re‐program memory cells to enhance immune tolerance. These data indicate Hp‐TGM has potential to be used to generate stable human FOXP3+ Tregs to treat IBD and other inflammatory diseases.
Efficacy and safety of ethanol infusion into the vein of Marshall for mitral isthmus ablation
Authors: Lam Anna , Küffer Thomas , Hunziker Lukas , Nozica Nikolas , Asatryan Babken , Franzeck Florian , Madaffari Antonio , Haeberlin Andreas , Mühl Aline , Servatius Helge , Seiler Jens , Noti Fabian , Baldinger Samuel H. , Tanner Hildegard , Windecker Stephan , Reichlin Tobias , Roten Laurent 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIntroductionChemical ablation by retrograde infusion of ethanol into the vein of Marshall (VOM‐EI) can facilitate the achievement of mitral isthmus block. This study sought to describe the efficacy and safety of this technique.Methods and ResultsTwenty‐two consecutive patients (14 males, median age 71 years) with attempted VOM‐EI for mitral isthmus ablation were included in the study. VOM‐EI was successfully performed with a median of 4 ml of 96% ethanol in 19 patients (86%) and the mitral isthmus was successfully blocked in all (100%). Touch up endocardial and/or epicardial ablation after VOM‐EI was necessary for 12 patients (63%). Perimitral flutter was present in 12 patients (63%) during VOM‐EI and terminated or slowed by VOM‐EI in 4 and 3 patients, respectively. The low‐voltage area of the mitral isthmus region increased from 3.1 cm2 (interquartile range [IQR] 0–7.9) before to 13.2 cm2 (IQR: 8.2–15.0) after VOM‐EI and correlated significantly with the volume of ethanol injected (p = .03). Median high‐sensitive cardiac troponin‐T increased significantly from 330 ng/L (IQR: 221–516) the evening of the procedure to 598 ng/L (IQR: 382–769; p = .02) the following morning. A small pericardial effusion occurred in three patients (16%), mild pericarditis in one (5%), and uneventful VOM dissection in two (11%). After a median follow‐up of 3.5 months (IQR: 3.0–11.0), 10 of 18 patients (56%) with VOM‐EI and available follow‐up had arrhythmia recurrence. Repeat ablation was performed in five patients (50%) and peri‐mitral flutter diagnosed in three (60%).ConclusionVOM‐EI is feasible, safe, and effective to achieve acute mitral isthmus block.
Efficacy and prognostic factors of adjuvant radiotherapy for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang J. , Wang Y. , Wijaya W.A. , Liang Z. , Chen J. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAlthough adjuvant radiotherapy has been used for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, its outcome benefits, especially for patients with clear surgical margins, have not been statistically estimated, and the characteristics that can indicate patients who require adjuvant therapy need to be validated with more evidence. We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis of literature on the survival outcomes and prognostic factors in patients with cSCC treated by surgery with or without adjuvant radiotherapy. Twenty related studies involving 2605 patients met our inclusion criteria. The significant survival outcomes of adjuvant radiotherapy included lower recurrence (OR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.36–0.85), longer disease‐free survival (OR, 2.17; 95% CI, 1.23–3.83) and longer overall survival (OR, 2.94; 95% CI, 1.75–4.91). Significant prognostic factors for poor outcomes were perineural invasion (HR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.24–2.09), involved surgical margins (HR, 2.34; 95% CI, 1.42–3.83) and immunosuppression (HR, 3.02; 95% CI, 2.14–4.25) while adjuvant radiotherapy significantly contributed to better overall survival (HR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.34–0.65). In conclusion, this systematic review suggests that in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma patients with risk factors, including metastasis to the parotid gland, perineural invasion and immunosuppression, the use of adjuvant radiotherapy may be beneficial irrespective of surgical margin status.
Tooth discoloration induced by the different phases of a calcium aluminate cement: One‐year assessment
Authors: de Jesus Lucas Santos , Volpato Claudia Angela Maziero , Bortoluzzi Eduardo Antunes , da Silveira Teixeira Cleonice , Rossetto Hebert Luís , de Carvalho Panzeri Pires‐de‐Souza Fernanda , da Fonseca Roberti Garcia Lucas 
Published: April 2021

AbstractObjectivesTo assess the discoloration of teeth treated with the different phases of calcium aluminate cement (CAC), in comparison with the conventional CAC and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA).Materials and methodsFifty bovine incisors were prepared and filled. Two millimeters of the filling was removed to fabricate a cervical plug with the following cements (n=10): CA(CaO.Al2O3); CA2(CaO.2Al2O3); C12A7(12CaO.7Al2O3); CAC and MTA. The initial color measurement was performed and after 7, 15, 30, 45, 90, 180, and 365 days new color measurements were performed to determine the color (ΔE00), lightness (ΔL'), chroma (ΔC'), hue differences (ΔH'), and the whiteness index (WID).ResultsΔE00 was significant for groups (p = 0.036) and periods (p < 0.05). The greater ΔE00 was observed after 365 days for CAC (12.8). C12A7 (7.2) had the smallest ΔE00. ΔL' and ΔC' were significant for groups and periods (p < 0.05). ΔH' was significant for periods (p < 0.05). After 365 days, significant reduction in lightness was observed for all groups. For CA, CA2, CAC, and MTA groups, the WID values decreased over time (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThe tested cements changed the color behavior of the samples, resulting in greater teeth darkening over time.Clinical significanceThere is no long‐term study assessing the discoloration induced by the different phases of CAC.
Countercyclical Foreign Currency Borrowing: Eurozone Firms in 2007–09
Authors: BACCHETTA PHILIPPE , MERROUCHE OUARDA 
Published: April 2021

AbstractUsing syndicated loan‐level data, we document and explain the causes and implications of a new and surprising stylized fact. In the midst of the financial crisis, dollar borrowing by leveraged Eurozone (EZ) corporates rose dramatically relative to their euro borrowing. We show that this resulted from a shift from EZ to non‐EZ banks, mainly U.S. banks. This was combined with an increase in the proportion of dollar lending by non‐EZ banks, explained by a rise in the relative cost of euro wholesale funding and the disruptions in the FX swap market. Non‐EZ banks thus dampened the 2007–09 credit crunch in Europe.
The Limits of p‐Hacking: Some Thought Experiments
Authors: CHEN ANDREW Y. 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACTSuppose that the 300+ published asset pricing factors are all spurious. How much p‐hacking is required to produce these factors? If 10,000 researchers generate eight factors every day, it takes hundreds of years. This is because dozens of published t‐statistics exceed 6.0, while the corresponding p‐value is infinitesimal, implying an astronomical amount of p‐hacking in a general model. More structure implies that p‐hacking cannot address 100 published t‐statistics that exceed 4.0, as they require an implausibly nonlinear preference for t‐statistics or even more p‐hacking. These results imply that mispricing, risk, and/or frictions have a key role in stock returns.
Legal mobilization without resources? How civil society organizations generate and share alternative resources in vulnerable communities
Authors: ASPINWALL MARK 
Published: April 2021

AbstractScholars often assume that social movements and civil society organizations can draw on deep wells of traditional resources, such as money and lawyers, to finance legal mobilization. However, resource mobilization is rarely so straightforward in developing countries such as Mexico. I show how under‐resourced civil society organizations create and mobilize alternative resources which they share with marginalized communities, increasing those communities’ access to environmental justice. This occurs in developed countries too, but where money is scarcer, alternative non‐material resources are more important. The findings contribute to debates on social movement resource mobilization and on legal mobilization in defence of vulnerable communities facing development pressures from extractive and other industries. The article also provides a fine‐grained analysis of how environmental movements act on the ground, focusing on Mexico as an important case of environmental mobilization in a context of poorly resourced and vulnerable communities.
Temporary Labor Migration and Spouses' Marital Quality: Evidence from Nepal
Authors: Compernolle Ellen L. 
Published: April 2021

ObjectiveThis study investigated the effect of temporary labor migration on spouses' marital quality.BackgroundHow temporary international labor migration affects the marital relationship remains unclear. Research shows migration increases couples' risk of dissolution, whereas studies of spouses' marital quality—much of which is cross‐sectional and/or limited to either internal or joint migration—is more mixed. This lack of consensus masks the possibility that, under certain conditions, migration may improve spouses' marital quality.MethodThis study uses data from the Chitwan Valley Family Study, a panel study set in Nepal, and primary data collected among a subsample of migrant husbands (in East Asia, Middle East) and their wives and nonmigrant couples (in Nepal).ResultsFindings from linear regression models show that, relative to non‐migrant spouses, spouses engaged in temporary international labor migration report significantly higher marital quality—less conflict and more love—net of marital quality assessed 6 years earlier. However, these benefits are not enjoyed equally between spouses: husbands' marital quality improves, whereas changes in their wives' are less conclusive.ConclusionThe fact that these benefits (a) diverge from previous understandings and (b) vary by spouse's gender extends current understandings of the conditions shaping this association: social and structural forces supporting men as breadwinners, a strong husband–wife bond facilitating husbands' migration, and marriage‐protective social environments at both ends of migration.
MRI to detect and localize the area postrema in multiple sclerosis: The role of 3D‐DIR and 3D‐FLAIR
Authors: Farges Valentine , Hannoun Salem , Benini Théo , Marignier Romain , Cotton François 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackground And PurposeArea postrema (AP) is a highly vascularized paired 2 mm‐long anatomical structure, localized on the dorsal inferior surface of the medulla oblongata, at the caudal end of the fourth‐ventricle. AP is principally affected in AP syndrome, which is commonly associated with autoimmune inflammatory diseases, including essentially neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). The aim of this study is to assess the best cerebral MRI sequences and planes for AP detection in order to assist or aid in the diagnosis of difficult NMOSD cases.Methods3DT1, 2DT2, 3D‐fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery (3DFLAIR), and 3D‐double inversion recuperation (3DDIR), routinely used in inflammatory diseases, were analyzed and scored based on quality (0–2), and ability to detect AP in each plane (0 = no detection, 1 = probable detection, 2 = obvious detection). Based on image availability, subjects were divided into three groups: Group‐1, including 100 randomly selected subjects with 3DT1 and 3DFLAIR, Group‐2, including 30 multiple sclerosis (MS) patients from the “Observatoire Français de la Sclérose En Plaques” (OFSEP) with 3DT1, 3DFLAIR, and 3DDIR, and Group‐3, including 164 OFSEP MS patients with 3DFLAIR and 2DT2.ResultsAP was undetectable on 3DT1 and 2DT2. AP was detected in 87% of 3DFLAIR in Group‐1, 90% in Group‐2, and 90% in Group‐3. AP was also detected in 100% of 3DDIR images in the axial plane.ConclusionsAs evidenced, AP was easily assessed on 3DDIR and 3DFLAIR emphasizing the importance of adding these sequences to NMOSD MRI‐protocols. Moreover, the most effective imaging plane in identifying AP was the axial plane.
Does mirabegron deteriorate spermatogenesis? A lesson from spinal cord injury cases
Authors: Okada Hiroshi , Tokumoto Tadahiko , Osaka Akiyoshi , Tanaka Takashi , Iwahata Toshiyuki , Kobori Yoshitomo , Saito Kazutaka , Sato Yoko , Ban Shinichi , Sugimoto Kouhei 
Published: April 2021

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate whether the long‐term usage of mirabegron, which was reported to have potential side effects on male reproductive organs in animal studies, was harmful to spermatogenesis in human testis.MethodsThirty consecutive patients with spinal cord injury (20‐48 years old) who performed clean intermittent catheterization were involved in this study. Ten patients were treated with mirabegron (50 mg/d) for more than 2 years and refrained from using an antimuscarinic agent due to the side effects of constipation and dry mouth. Twenty patients were treated with neither anticholinergic agents nor mirabegron. All underwent conventional testicular sperm extraction. The sperm recovery rate and histopathologic findings of the retrieved testicular tissue were compared between both groups.ResultsWe found no difference in the sperm recovery rate (P = .083) between both groups. Spinal cord injury patients treated with mirabegron had better spermatogenesis than those not treated with mirabegron (P < .05).ConclusionsFrom these data, we conclude that the therapeutic dose of mirabegron had no harmful effect on spermatogenesis in spinal cord injury patients of reproductive age.
Comprehensive update on inventory of finfish cell lines developed during the last decade (2010–2020)
Authors: Thangaraj Raja Swaminathan , Narendrakumar Lekshmi , Prasannan Geetha Preena , Shanmuganathan Arun Raja , Dharmaratnam Arathi , Nithianantham Sundar Raj 
Published: April 2021

AbstractCell culture has become an indispensable part of modern research and is considered the best alternatives for different biological research on whole animals as they mimic the host cellular genetic homogeneity and also reduces the variability ofinvivoresponses. Hence, there has been increasing development of cell lines by different research groups and companies globally. For this reason, to cover the dearth of knowledge of newly developed fish cell lines, we have made a comprehensive update on new fish cell lines established in the past decade (2010–2020) to reflect the number of cell lines now available. This review focuses on the appraisal of the literature and of work done in finfish cell culture around the globe during the last decade and summarizes 280 newly established fish cell lines derived from 20 different tissue types of 44 fish families belonging to 21 different countries raising the total finfish cell lines to 783. The highest number of cell lines developed in the past decade was from the fish of the family Cyprinidae, which are most widely cultured in Asian countries. Also, the review discusses the need of new cell line development, different methods of cell line development and further enumerates the various applications and future prospects for these cell lines which we believe will serve as a referral document for researchers in the field.
An Optimized Weighted Naïve Bayes Method for Flood Risk Assessment
Authors: Tang Xianzhe , Shu Yuqin , Liu Wei , Li Jiufeng , Liu Minnan , Yu Huafei 
Published: April 2021

AbstractFloods occur frequently and cause considerable damage to local environments. Effectively assessing the flood risk contributes to reducing loss caused by such disasters. In this study, the weighted naïve Bayes (WNB) method was selected to evaluate flood risk, and the entropy weight method was employed to compute the weights. A sampling and verifying model was employed to generate the most accurate conditional probability table (MACPT) to calculate the probability of flooding. When using the framework integrating WNB with the sampling and verifying model, previous studies could not obtain a WNB‐based MACPT and the WNB classification accuracy, for lacking WNB functions that could be called directly. Facing this issue, in this study we developed WNB functions with the MATLAB platform to directly integrate with the sampling and verifying model to generate a WNB‐based MACPT, contributing to the greater interpretability and extensibility of the model. Shantou and Jieyang cities in China were selected as the study area. The results demonstrate that: (1) a WNB‐based MACPT can reflect the real spatial distribution of flood risk and (2) the WNB outperform the NB when integrated with the sampling and verifying model. The resulting gridded estimation reveal a detailed spatial pattern of flood risk, which can serve as a realistic reference for decision making related to floods. Furthermore, the proposed method uses less data, which would be helpful in developing countries where long‐term intensive hydrologic monitoring is limited.