bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Somatic symptoms have negligible impact on Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 depression scale scores in neurological patients
Authors: Katzan Irene L. , Lapin Brittany , Griffith Sandra , Jehi Lara , Fernandez Hubert , Pioro Erik , Tepper Stewart , Crane Paul K. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackground and purposeThere is concern that the Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9) depression scale may be impacted by the presence of somatic symptoms (differential item functioning [DIF]) in patients with neurological conditions. We evaluated the PHQ‐9 for the presence and impact of DIF in large clinical samples of neurological patients.MethodsWe conducted a cross‐sectional study of patients seen at the Cleveland Clinic Cerebrovascular, Headache, Movement Disorder, and Neuromuscular clinics who completed the PHQ‐9 and patient‐reported disease severity measures as part of standard care between 29 July 2008 and 21 February 2013. We evaluated PHQ‐9 items for DIF with respect to disease‐specific severity for each condition. Salient DIF impact was characterized as a difference between DIF‐adjusted and unadjusted PHQ‐9 scores.ResultsIncluded in the study were 2112 patients with stroke, 8221 with migraine, 440 with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and 5022 with Parkinson disease (PD). Several PHQ‐9 items demonstrated DIF with respect to disease‐specific severity, although salient DIF was present in very few patients (stroke, n = 0; migraine, n = 1; ALS, n = 13; PD, n = 1).ConclusionsPHQ‐9 items function consistently across disease severity, with salient levels of DIF impact found only for a very small proportion of people. These results suggest that the PHQ‐9 provides a consistent measure of depression severity among people with neurological conditions associated with somatic symptoms that overlap with depression.
Extinguishing Petroleum Vapor Intrusion and Methane Risks for Slab‐on‐ground Buildings: A Simple Guide
Authors: Davis Gregory B. , Knight John H. , Rayner John L. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe occurrence of aerobic biodegradation in the vadose zone between a subsurface source and a building foundation can all‐but eliminate the risks from methane and petroleum vapor intrusion (PVI). Understanding oxygen availability and the factors that affect it (e.g., building sizes and their distribution) are therefore critical. Uncovered ground surfaces allow oxygen access to the subsurface to actively biodegrade hydrocarbons (inclusive of methane). Buildings can reduce the net flux of oxygen into the subsurface and so reduce degradation rates. Here we determine when PVI and methane risk is negligible and/or extinguished; defined by when oxygen is present across the entire sub‐slab region of existing or planned slab‐on‐ground buildings. We consider all building slab sizes, all depths to vapor sources and the effect of spacings between buildings on the availability of oxygen in the subsurface. The latter becomes critical where buildings are in close proximity or when increased building density is planned. Conservative assumptions enable simple, rapid and confident screening should sites and building designs comply to model assumptions. We do not model the aboveground “building” processes (e.g., air exchange), and assume the slab‐on‐ground seals the ground surface so that biodegradation of hydrocarbons is minimized under the built structure (i.e., the assessment remains conservative). Two graphs represent the entirety of the outcomes that allow simple screening of hydrocarbon vapors based only on the depth to the source of vapors below ground, the concentration of vapors within the source, the width of the slab‐on‐ground building, and the gap between buildings; all independent of soil type. Rectangular, square, and circular buildings are considered. Comparison with field sites and example applications are provided, along with a simple 8‐step screening guide set in the context of existing guidance on PVI assessment.
Cutaneous mesenchymal tumors treated with Mohs micrographic surgery: a comprehensive review
Authors: Rosenfeld David J. , Cappel Mark A. , Tolkachjov Stanislav N. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractCutaneous mesenchymal tumors (CMT) are rare tumors with wide clinicopathologic heterogeneity. Treatment of malignant cutaneous mesenchymal tumors traditionally includes wide local excision (WLE), though Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) has been increasingly used. A PubMed literature review of articles from inception until September 2019 related to malignant CMT and surgical treatment with MMS or WLE was completed. Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans treated with MMS recurred in 1.2% of patients with no reported metastasis. Atypical fibroxanthoma treated with MMS recurred and metastasized in 2.7 and 2.5%, respectively. Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma treated with MMS recurred in 32% with an unknown metastatic rate. Superficial leiomyosarcoma treated with MMS recurred in 3.8% with no reported metastasis. Cutaneous angiosarcoma and myofibrosarcoma treated with MMS have shown no recurrence or metastatic disease, but literature is sparse. The rarity of malignant CMT and the lack of comparative data on treatment make conclusive treatment recommendations difficult. However, recent literature suggests MMS is a useful option and potentially a superior treatment for primary cutaneous mesenchymal tumors.
Laparoscopic versus open radical cystectomy in 607 patients with bladder cancer: Comparative survival analysis
Authors: Huang Haiwen , Yan Bing , Hao Han , Shang Meixia , He Qun , Liu Libo , Xi Zhijun 
Published: March 2021

ObjectivesTo compare perioperative and oncologic survival outcomes between laparoscopic radical cystectomy and open radical cystectomy.MethodsA total of 607 patients underwent open radical cystectomy (n = 412) or laparoscopic radical cystectomy (n = 195) at a single academic institution from January 2006 to April 2017. Their medical records were retrospectively analyzed. One‐to‐one propensity score matching was carried out to reduce selection bias. Estimated blood loss and complications were compared. Overall survival, cancer‐specific survival and progression‐free survival estimates for all patients and patients with locally advanced bladder cancer were analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method.ResultsEither before or after matching, the laparoscopic radical cystectomy group had less estimated blood loss (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001) and fewer complications (P < 0.001 and P = 0.008). There was no difference in the overall survival (P = 0.216 and P = 0.961) and progression‐free survival (P = 0.826 and P = 0.462) for all the patients having either laparoscopic radical cystectomy or open radical cystectomy. However, the 5‐year progression‐free survival of open radical cystectomy was higher than that of laparoscopic radical cystectomy (P = 0.019 and P = 0.021) for patients with locally advanced bladder cancer.ConclusionsLaparoscopic radical cystectomy is superior to open radical cystectomy in terms of perioperative outcomes, and similar to open radical cystectomy in terms of oncologic outcomes for patients with early stage bladder cancer. However, for patients with locally advanced bladder cancer, laparoscopic radical cystectomy seems to be associated with shorter progression‐free survival than open radical cystectomy.
Increased risk of rhinovirus infection in children during the coronavirus disease‐19 pandemic
Authors: Takashita Emi , Kawakami Chiharu , Momoki Tomoko , Saikusa Miwako , Shimizu Kouhei , Ozawa Hiroki , Kumazaki Makoto , Usuku Shuzo , Tanaka Nobuko , Okubo Ichiro , Morita Hiroko , Nagata Shiho , Watanabe Shinji , Hasegawa Hideki , Kawaoka Yoshihiro 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundCoronavirus disease (COVID‐19), which is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), was first detected in Japan in January 2020 and has spread throughout the country. Previous studies have reported that viral interference among influenza virus, rhinovirus, and other respiratory viruses can affect viral infections at the host and population level.MethodsTo investigate the impact of COVID‐19 on influenza and other respiratory virus infections, we analyzed clinical specimens collected from 2244 patients in Japan with respiratory diseases between January 2018 and September 2020.ResultsThe frequency of influenza and other respiratory viruses (coxsackievirus A and B; echovirus; enterovirus; human coronavirus 229E, HKU1, NL63, and OC43; human metapneumovirus; human parainfluenza virus 1, 2, 3, and 4; human parechovirus; human respiratory syncytial virus; human adenovirus; human bocavirus; human parvovirus B19; herpes simplex virus type 1; and varicella‐zoster virus) was appreciably reduced among all patients during the COVID‐19 pandemic except for that of rhinovirus in children younger than 10 years, which was appreciably increased. COVID‐19 has not spread among this age group, suggesting an increased risk of rhinovirus infection in children.ConclusionsRhinovirus infections should be continuously monitored to understand their increased risk during the COVID‐19 pandemic and viral interference with SARS‐CoV‐2.
Verapamil‐containing silicone gel reduces scar hypertrophy
Authors: Choi Jangyoun , Han Yu Na , Rha Eun Young , Kang Hwi Ju , Kim Ki Joo , Park Il Kyu , Kim Hyun‐Jung , Rhie Jong Won 
Published: March 2021

AbstractA hypertrophic scar is a common dermal fibroproliferative lesion usually treated with topical silicone. Verapamil, a type of calcium channel blocker, is considered a candidate drug for the treatment of hypertrophic scars. Here, we report that the addition of verapamil to topical silicone gel enhances treatment outcomes of hypertrophic scars. Upon creation of hypertrophic scars with the rabbit ear model, varying concentrations of verapamil‐added silicone gel (0.1, 1, and 10 mg/g) were applied daily for 28 days. After the animals were euthanised, microscopic measurement was performed for (a) scar elevation index (SEI), (b) fibroblast count, and (c) capillary count. On gross analysis, features of hypertrophic scars were significantly alleviated in the verapamil‐added groups. On histologic examination, verapamil‐added groups showed (a) reduced SEI (1.93 (1.79‐2.67) for control vs 1.34 (1.21‐1.51) for silicone only and 1.13 (1.01‐1.65) for verapamil‐added silicone), (b) fibroblast count 700.5 (599.5‐838.5) for control, 613.25 (461‐762.5) for silicone only, and 347.33 (182.5‐527) for verapamil‐added silicone), and (c) capillary formation (52 (35.5‐96.5) for control, 46 (28‐64.5) for silicone only, and 39.83(24‐70) for verapamil‐added silicone) (Kruskal‐Wallis test, P < .05). On western blot, expression levels of collagen I protein was lower in the 1 mg/g and 10 mg/g verapamil‐added silicone compared with control. Therefore, we suggest a therapeutic concentration of verapamil‐added silicone gel of at least over 1 mg/g. Further study regarding maximally effective concentration and deeper insight into the mechanism of action should follow.
Fit factor compliance of masks and FFP3 respirators in nurses: A case–control gender study
Authors: De‐Yñigo‐Mojado Borja , Madera‐García Javier , Becerro‐De‐Bengoa‐Vallejo Ricardo , Losa‐Iglesias Marta E. , Rodríguez‐Sanz David , Calvo‐Lobo Cesar , López‐López Daniel , Casado‐Hernández Israel , San‐Antolín Marta 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAimsTo determine the fit factor and compliance with American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements of surgical masks and filtering respirators in male versus female nurses.DesignA case–control gender study performed from 2016 to 2019.MethodsA gender and age matched‐paired sample of 74 nurses was recruited and divided into men (n = 37) and women (n = 37). FFP3 filtering respirators and surgical masks fit factors were compared between male and female nurses by Mann–Whitney U tests. These measurements were tested to pass or fail according to the OSHA (≥100) and AIHA (≥50) criteria by Fisher exact tests for a 95% confidence interval.ResultsGlobal fit factor mean (standard deviation) was 2.86 (2.73) and 3.55 (6.34) for male and female nurses wearing surgical masks (p = .180), respectively, and nobody passed neither OSHA nor AIHA criteria (p = 1.00). Nevertheless, global fit factor were 30.82 (28.42) and 49.65 (43.04) for male and female nurses wearing FFP3 respirators, respectively, being significantly lower and worse in male nurses (p = .037). According to OSHA criteria, only 2.70% and 13.51% of male and females nurses, respectively, passed with non‐significant difference (p = .199), meanwhile 21.62% and 48.64% of male and female nurses, respectively, passed AIHA criteria showing significant differences (p = .027) wearing FFP3 respirators.ConclusionsAll male and female nurses wearing surgical masks failed to pass OSHA and AIHA criteria. Global fit factor of the proposed FFP3 filtering respirators was decreased and worse in male than female nurses.ImpactOur recommendation is to avoid surgical masks use for protective purposes and use the proposed FFP3 filtering respirators among nurses. Each nurse should be fit tested for its own respirator with special caution in male nurses due to their lower fit factor achieved and most of them failed to pass OSHA and AIHA criteria, especially during COVID‐19 pandemic.
Med1 controls CD8 T cell maintenance through IL‐7R‐mediated cell survival signalling
Authors: Lei Lei , Yang Xiaofeng , Su Yanhong , Zheng Huiqiang , Liu Jun , Liu Haiyan , Zou Yujing , Jiao Anjun , Wang Xin , Zhang Cangang , Zhang Xingzhe , Zhang Jiahui , Zhang Dan , Zhou Xiaobo , Shi Lin , Liu Enqi , Bai Liang , Sun Chenming , Zhang Baojun 
Published: March 2021

AbstractUnder steady‐state conditions, the pool size of peripheral CD8+ T cells is maintained through turnover and survival. Beyond TCR and IL‐7R signals, the underlying mechanisms are less well understood. In the present study, we found a significant reduction of CD8+ T cell proportion in spleens but not in thymi of mice with T cell‐specific deletion of Mediator Subunit 1 (Med1). A competitive transfer of wild‐type (WT) and Med1‐deficient CD8+ T cells reproduced the phenotype in the same recipients and confirmed intrinsic role of Med1. Furthermore, we observed a comparable degree of migration and proliferation but a significant increase of cell death in Med1‐deficient CD8+ T cells compared with WT counterparts. Finally, Med1‐deficient CD8+ T cells exhibited a decreased expression of interleukin‐7 receptor α (IL‐7Rα), down‐regulation of phosphorylated‐STAT5 (pSTAT5) and Bim up‐regulation. Collectively, our study reveals a novel role of Med1 in the maintenance of CD8+ T cells through IL‐7Rα/STAT5 pathway‐mediated cell survival.
Testing the Present‐Value Model of the Exchange Rate with Commodity Currencies
Authors: DEVEREUX MICHAEL B. , SMITH GREGOR W. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractCountries that specialize in commodity exports often exhibit a correlation between the relevant commodity price and the value of their currency. We explore an explanation for this correlation based on the present‐value, monetary model of the exchange rate. An increase in the commodity price leads to an increase in the expected, future policy interest rate and so to an immediate appreciation. We test the model's over‐identifying restrictions for Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. There, controlling for the effect of commodity prices in predicting current and future monetary policy leaves those prices no significant, remaining role in statistically explaining exchange rates.
A CSR/fair trade inspired policy for fairer geographical indications
Authors: Marsoof Althaf , Tan Li Ting 
Published: March 2021

AbstractGeographical indications (GIs) come with the promise of socioeconomic development for local communities. But more often than not, GIs in the developing world have not been able to deliver on that promise. However, it is unwise to place the entire blame on GIs for this shortcoming. Instead, the problem lies in the inequitable distribution of premiums generated by GIs within supply/value chains. For that reason, we looked outside the GIs system for inspiration and were drawn towards corporate social responsibility (CSR) and fair trade. Both the CSR and fair trade examples we considered share common standards that aim to guarantee fair wages/prices, access to education and training, healthcare and safe working conditions, and human rights to stakeholders involved across supply/value chains. Our plea is for these common standards to be infused into the GIs system to benefit local communities. We have recommended a strategy to achieve that objective.
Gut microbiota, key to unlocking the door of diabetic kidney disease
Authors: Wang Peipei , Wang Ting , Zheng Xuejun , Cui Wen , Shang Jin , Zhao Zhanzheng 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis review discusses the influence of gut microbiota dysbiosis on diabetic kidney disease through metabolite profile changes and immune and inflammatory mechanisms. We also elaborate on the mechanism of dysbiosis in the onset and development of other kidney diseases.
Effects of social support on mental health outcomes in disasters: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Park Suin , Kim Sunah , Kim Go‐Un , Noh Dabok 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis study examined the mediating effects of social support on the association between disaster distress and mental health outcomes. We analyzed the data of 1006 participants with either direct or indirect exposure to one or more disasters. Disaster distress, social support, depression, and anxiety were significantly correlated. Multiple regression and mediation analyses with bootstrapping showed that social support was a partial mediator between disaster distress and depression, and between disaster distress and trait anxiety. It was a complete mediator between disaster distress and state anxiety. The results suggest that enhancing social support may reduce the negative effects of disaster distress on depression and anxiety. Therefore, comprehensive interventions incorporating disaster distress management and enhanced social support are essential in national disaster management policies and psychiatric and mental health nursing services for individuals who have experienced disasters.
STARCH SYNTHASE 4 is required for normal starch granule initiation in amyloplasts of wheat endosperm
Authors: Hawkins Erica , Chen Jiawen , Watson‐Lazowski Alexander , Ahn‐Jarvis Jennifer , Barclay J. Elaine , Fahy Brendan , Hartley Matthew , Warren Frederick J. , Seung David 
Published: March 2021

Summary

Starch granule initiation is poorly understood at the molecular level. The glucosyltransferase, STARCH SYNTHASE 4 (SS4), plays a central role in granule initiation in Arabidopsis leaves, but its function in cereal endosperms is unknown. We investigated the role of SS4 in wheat, which has a distinct spatiotemporal pattern of granule initiation during grain development.

We generated TILLING mutants in tetraploid wheat (Triticum turgidum) that are defective in both SS4 homoeologs. The morphology of endosperm starch was examined in developing and mature grains.

SS4 deficiency led to severe alterations in endosperm starch granule morphology. During early grain development, while the wild‐type initiated single ‘A‐type’ granules per amyloplast, most amyloplasts in the mutant formed compound granules due to multiple initiations. This phenotype was similar to mutants deficient in B‐GRANULE CONTENT 1 (BGC1). SS4 deficiency also reduced starch content in leaves and pollen grains.

We propose that SS4 and BGC1 are required for the proper control of granule initiation during early grain development that leads to a single A‐type granule per amyloplast. The absence of either protein results in a variable number of initiations per amyloplast and compound granule formation.
Isotopic evidence for axial tree stem methane oxidation within subtropical lowland forests
Authors: Jeffrey Luke C. , Maher Damien T. , Tait Douglas R. , Reading Michael J. , Chiri Eleonora , Greening Chris , Johnston Scott G. 
Published: March 2021

Summary

Knowledge regarding mechanisms moderating methane (CH4) sink/source behaviour along the soil–tree stem–atmosphere continuum remains incomplete. Here, we applied stable isotope analysis (δ13C‐CH4) to gain insights into axial CH4 transport and oxidation in two globally distributed subtropical lowland species (Melaleuca quinquenervia and Casuarina glauca).

We found consistent trends in CH4 flux (decreasing with height) and δ13C‐CH4 enrichment (increasing with height) in relation to stem height from ground. The average lower tree stem δ13C‐CH4 (0–40 cm) of Melaleuca and Casuarina (−53.96‰ and −65.89‰) were similar to adjacent flooded soil CH4 ebullition (−52.87‰ and −62.98‰), suggesting that stem CH4 is derived mainly by soil sources. Upper stems (81–200 cm) displayed distinct δ13C‐CH4 enrichment (Melaleuca −44.6‰ and Casuarina −46.5‰, respectively).

Coupled 3D‐photogrammetry with novel 3D‐stem measurements revealed distinct hotspots of CH4 flux and isotopic fractionation on Melaleuca, which were likely due to bark anomalies in which preferential pathways of gas efflux were enhanced. Diel experiments revealed greater δ13C‐CH4 enrichment and higher oxidation rates in the afternoon, compared with the morning.

Overall, we estimated that c. 33% of the methane was oxidised between lower and upper stems during axial transport, therefore potentially representing a globally significant, yet previously unaccounted for, methane sink.
Pathogenesis of IgE‐mediated food allergy and implications for future immunotherapeutics
Authors: Ramsey Nicole , Berin M. Cecilia 
Published: March 2021

AbstractOur understanding of the immune basis of food allergy has grown rapidly in parallel with the development of new immune‐targeted interventions for the treatment of food allergy. Local tissue factors, including the composition of skin and gastrointestinal microbiota and production of Th2‐inducing cytokines (TSLP, IL‐33, and IL‐25) from barrier sites, have been shown not only to contribute to the development of food allergy, but also to act as effective targets for treatment in mice. Ongoing clinical trials are testing the targeting of these factors in human disease. There is a growing understanding of the contribution of IL‐13 to the induction of high‐affinity IgE and the need for continual T‐cell help in the maintenance of long‐lived IgE. This provides a strong rationale to test biologics targeting both IL‐4 and IL‐13 in the treatment of established food allergy. Various forms of allergen immunotherapy for food allergy have clearly shown that low specific IgE and elevated specific IgG4 are predictive of sustained treatment effect. Treatments that mimic that immune response, for example, lowering IgE, with monoclonal antibodies such as omalizumab, or administering allergen‐specific IgG, are in various stages of investigation. As we gain more opportunities to use immune‐modifying treatments for the treatment of food allergy, studies of the immune and clinical response to those interventions will continue to rapidly advance our understanding of the immune basis of food allergy and tolerance.
Stewart‐Bluefarb syndrome following traumatic arteriovenous malformation
Authors: Sun Helen Yiling , Kandasamy Mayooran , Zhao Cathy Yunjia , Makhija Mani , Sebaratnam Deshan Frank 
Published: March 2021

AbstractStewart‐Bluefarb syndrome is a rare angioproliferative disorder that presents as violet plaques on the extremities, due to an underlying arteriovenous malformation (AVM). We report the case of a 12‐year‐old boy who developed a traumatic AVM in a bicycle accident and presented seven years later with exophytic, violet plaques. This is the first instance of a traumatic AVM preceding Stewart‐Bluefarb syndrome in a pediatric patient in the literature. Given the typically long period required to establish this diagnosis, it is crucial for clinicians to actively interrogate a history of preceding trauma in patients presenting with acroangiodermatitis.