bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The prostate of the bat Artibeus lituratus: Seasonal variations, abiotic regulation, and hormonal control
Authors: Albernaz Edna S. S. , Santiago Cornélio S. , Guerra Luiz H. A. , Santos Fernanda C. A. , Góes Rejane M. , Morielle‐Versute Eliana , Taboga Sebastião R. , Souza Carolina C. , Beguelini Mateus R. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe prostate is an important gland that contributes to the male reproductive process, producing secretions that are essential for maintaining ideal conditions for the survival of sperm. Studies indicate a wide variation in the occurrence, morphology, and physiology of this gland in mammals, especially in bats, with this variation being related not only to the number of regions and their degree of compaction/lobulation but also to fluctuations in their functioning throughout the year. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the annual morphological and physiological variations of the male prostate of Artibeus lituratus and analyze their responses to annual abiotic variations and hormonal control. Sixty sexually adult males of A. lituratus were analyzed in this study, with five specimens collected monthly. Blood samples were submitted to serum hormone measurements and the prostates were morphologically, morphometrically, and immunohistochemically analyzed. The results indicated that the two prostatic regions (ventral and dorsal) of A. lituratus had different morphology, as well as different physiology and regulation. Annual fluctuations in abiotic factors seemed to influence the dorsal region more than the ventral region. Conversely, variations on testicular factors, such as testosterone and estradiol, influenced the ventral region more than the dorsal region. Despite these differences, both prostatic regions were strongly synchronized to the main reproductive peak of the species in September. The holocrine pattern of the ventral prostate was not directly affected by abiotic factors or by factors released by the testes.
Detecting precipitation trend using a multiscale approach based on quantile regression over a Mediterranean area
Authors: Treppiedi D. , Cipolla G. , Francipane A. , Noto L.V. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractOne of the most relevant and debated topics related to the effects of the climate change is whether intense rainfall events have become more frequent over the last decades. It is a crucial aspect, since an increase in the magnitude and frequency of occurrence of heavy rainfall events could result in a dramatic growth of floods and, in turn, human lives losses and economic damages. Because of its central position in the Mediterranean area, Sicily has been often screened with the aim to capture some trends in precipitation, potentially related to climate change. While Mann‐Kendall test has been largely used for the rainfall trend detection, in this work a different procedure is considered. Precipitation trends are here investigated by processing the whole rainfall time‐series, provided by the regional agency SIAS at a 10‐min resolution, through the quantile regression method by aggregating precipitation across a wide spectrum of durations and considering different quantiles. Results show that many rain gauges are characterized by an increasing trend in sub‐hourly precipitation intensity, especially at the highest quantiles, thus suggesting that, from 2002 to 2019, sub‐hourly events have become more intense in most of the island. Moreover, by analysing some spatial patterns, it has been revealed that the south and the east of Sicily are more interested in significant increasing rainfall trends, especially at the 10‐min duration. Finally, the comparison between the two procedures revealed a stronger reliability of the quantile regression in the trend analysis detection, mainly due to the possibility of investigating the temporal variation of the tails of precipitation distribution.
ACL injury prevention: Where have we come from and where are we going?
Authors: Arundale Amelia J. H. , Silvers‐Granelli Holly J. , Myklebust Grethe 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAnterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are one of the most common and severe knee injuries across sports. As such, ACL injury prevention has been a focus of research and sports medicine practice for the past three‐plus decades. Examining the current research and identifying both clinical strategies and research gaps, the aim of this review is to empower clinicians and researchers with knowledge of where the ACL injury prevention literature is currently and where it is going in the future. This paper examines the mechanism of ACL injury prevention, screening, implementation, compliance, adherence, coronavirus, and areas of future research. Clinical significance: The time lag between research and practical implementation in general healthcare settings can be as long as 17 years; however, athletes playing sports today are unable to wait that long. With effective programs already established, implementation and adherence to these programs is essential. Strategies such as coaching education, increasing awareness of free programs, identifying barriers, and overcoming implementation obstacles through creative collaboration are just a few ways that could help improve both ACL injury prevention implementation and adherence.
Circulating inflammatory cytokines alter transcriptional activity within fibrotic tissue of Dupuytren's disease patients
Authors: Wang Mark L. , Rajpar Ibtesam , Ruggiero Nicholas A. , Fertala Jolanta , Steplewski Andrzej , Beredjiklian Pedro K. , Rivlin Michael R. , Chen Yong , Feldman George J. , Fertala Andrzej , Tomlinson Ryan E. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractDupuytren's disease is a benign fibroproliferative disorder of the hand that results in disabling digital contractures that impair function and diminish the quality of life. The incidence of this disease has been correlated with chronic inflammatory states, but any direct association between inflammatory cytokines and Dupuytren's disease is not known. We hypothesized that advanced fibroproliferation is associated with increased levels of circulating inflammatory cytokines. Blood and fibrotic cord tissue were collected preoperatively from patients with severe contracture and control patients. Blood plasma concentrations of known inflammatory cytokines were evaluated using a multiplex immunoassay. Proteins from the cord tissue were analyzed by RNA sequencing and immunohistochemistry. Moreover, collagen‐rich cords were analyzed using Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy. The results indicate that patients exhibited significantly elevated circulating inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin (IL)‐2, and IL‐12p70, as compared with controls. Similarly, IL‐4 and IL‐13 were detected significantly more frequently in Dupuytren's disease as compared with control. RNA sequencing revealed 5311 differentially expressed genes and distinct clustering between diseased and control samples. In addition to increased expression of genes associated with fibroproliferation, we also observed upregulation of transcripts activated by inflammatory cytokines, including prolactin inducible protein and keratin intermediate filaments. IL‐2, but not TNF‐α, was detected in fibrotic cord tissue by immunohistochemistry. Finally, spectroscopic assays revealed a significant reduction of the collagen content and alterations of collagen cross‐linking within the Dupuytren's disease tissues. In total, our results illustrate that patients with severe Dupuytren's disease exhibit substantially elevated circulating inflammatory cytokines that may drive fibroproliferation. Clinical Significance: The results from this study establish the basis for a specific cytokine profile that may be useful for diagnostic testing and therapeutic intervention in Dupuytren's disease.
Differences in synovial fibrosis relative to range of motion in knee osteoarthritis patients
Authors: Hodgeson Sydney , O'Brien Sarah , Simkin Jennifer , Plakotaris Elena , McCarthy Christina , Dasa Vinod , Marrero Luis 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThis study tests if differences exist in the severity of synovial fibrosis between patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for osteoarthritis (OA) to help explain disparate deficits in pre‐ and postoperative range of motion (ROM) between patient groups. 117 knee OA patients were grouped by women (n = 74) and men (n = 43) or those who self‐reported as Black (n = 48) or White (n = 69). ROM was measured pre‐ and post‐TKA. Condyles and synovium collected during TKA were scored histologically for OA severity and synovitis. Fibrosis was measured from picrosirius‐stained sections of the synovium. Data were analyzed using Mann–Whitney, parametric, and Spearman's rho tests with alpha at 0.05. We found no significant differences between patient age, BMI, radiographic scores, or deformity type when grouped by sex or race, or between metrics or OA severity when grouped by sex. Notably, higher synovitis was measured in women (p = .039) than men. White patients had greater ROM before (p = 0.46) and after surgery (p = .021) relative to Black patients. Fibrosis, but not OA severity and synovitis scores, for the total patient sample negatively correlated with preoperative (r
s = −0.330; p = .0003) but not postoperative (rs
= −0.032; p = .7627) ROM. Black patients manifested more fibrosis than White patients (p = <.0001), without significant differences between sexes. Statement of Clinical Significance: Coupled with histological scoring, measuring perioperative differences in synovial fibrosis against ROM may refine OA classification and justify the in‐depth preoperative assessment of the knee as a whole. Such individualized analyses could guide personalized strategies to relieve symptomatic OA when TKA is not readily accessible and promote equitable TKA outcomes.
Renal function in patients with intestinal failure receiving home parenteral support
Authors: Mathiesen Sophie Maria , Fuglsang Kristian Asp , Ranzato Giovanna , Scheike Thomas , Jeppesen Palle Bekker 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundProgressive renal impairment, given by an annual decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), has been described in patients with intestinal failure (IF) receiving home parenteral support (HPS). The objective of this study was to examine changes in eGFR over 5 years following initiation of HPS treatment and to identify potential risk factors for loss of renal function.MethodThis retrospective database study investigates eGFR changes in nonmalignant IF patients discharged with HPS from Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, in an 8‐year period.ResultsOne year after HPS initiation, mean eGFR decreased by 15.3 ml/min/1.73 m2. Paired t‐test showed a decline of 15.0 ml/min/1.73 m2 (95% CI, −18.3 to −11.6; P < .0001). Over the following years, eGFR continued to decrease but at insignificant lower rates. Decreased eGFR was associated with increasing age, female sex, increasing body weight, diabetes at HPS initiation, and a high requirement of HPS volume.ConclusionIn nonmalignant IF patients, the decrease of eGFR was mainly seen during the first year of HPS. This may be due to a higher risk of dehydration and possibly secondary hyperaldosteronism leading to renal damage following the onset of IF. However, the decrease in eGFR may also represent a higher production of creatinine due to a beneficial increase of muscle mass in the initial recovery phase. In general, once the patients were stabilized, the eGFR decline followed a physiological course resembling the background population. Patients with diabetes or high HPS volume needs seem to be more vulnerable and may require special attention.
Effects of Insoluble Cereal Fibre on Body Fat Distribution in the Optimal Fibre Trial
Authors: Kabisch Stefan , Honsek Caroline , Kemper Margrit , Gerbracht Christiana , Meyer Nina Marie Tosca , Arafat Ayman M. , Birkenfeld Andreas L. , Machann Jürgen , Dambeck Ulrike , Osterhoff Martin A. , Weickert Martin O. , Pfeiffer Andreas F. H. 
Published: April 2021

ScopeThe Optimal Fibre Trial (OptiFiT) investigates metabolic effects of insoluble cereal fibre in subjects with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), showing moderate glycemic and anti‐inflammatory benefits, especially in subjects with an obesity‐related phenotype. An OptiFiT sub‐group is analysed for effects on body fat distribution.Methods and results180 participants with IGT receive a blinded, randomized supplementation with insoluble cereal fibre or placebo for 2 years. Once a year, all subjects undergo fasting blood sampling, oral glucose tolerance test, and anthropometric measurements. A subgroup (n=47) also received magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy for quantification of adipose tissue distribution and liver fat content. We compared MR, metabolic and inflammatory outcomes between fibre and placebo group metabolism and inflammation.Visceral and non‐visceral fat, fasting glucose, HbA1c, fasting insulin, insulin resistance, and uric acid decrease only in the fibre group, mirroring effects of the entire cohort. However, after adjustment for weight loss, there are no significant between‐group differences. There is a statistical trend for fibre‐driven liver fat reduction in subjects with confirmed non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD; n = 19).ConclusionsData and evidence on beneficial effects of insoluble cereal fibre on visceral and hepatic fatstorage is limited, but warrants further research. Targeted trials are required.
Ti3C2Tx MXenes reinforced PAA/CS hydrogels with self‐healing function as flexible supercapacitor electrodes
Authors: Yu Ting , Lei Xiping , Zhou Yali , Chen Haonan 
Published: April 2021

AbstractLightweight, thin, and stretchable flexible microelectronic devices have become a new challenge for researchers. To provide power for these conformable devices, it is necessary to design the energy storage device into a flexible and stretchable structure. In this paper, a two‐step method was used to prepare a dual‐physical cross‐linked polyacrylic acid/chitosan/Ti3C2Tx(PCT) conductive hydrogel flexible electrode. The three‐dimensional (3D) porous structure not only offers a good electrical connection, but also saves the use of binder and additional current collector, which helps to enhance the electrochemical properties of electrode. The unique two‐dimensional layered structure of Ti3C2Tx enables the hydrogel electrode to withstand considerable pressure deformation without breaking, and has excellent tensile properties. The flexible electrode exhibited an excellent tensile strength of 0.083 MPa if only introduced 0.31 wt% of Ti3C2Tx with the tensile strain of 158.63% and owned remarkable self‐healing properties after injury. Thereby, the hydrogel electrode renders a maximum capacitance of 291.8 mF g−1 at 0.5 mA/g and a good cycling stability with 64.24% capacitance retention after 2000 charge–discharge cycles. This provides a research and development strategy for binder‐free, non‐toxic, and mini‐size flexible energy storage devices.
The European Paediatric Rare Tumours Network ‐ European Registry (PARTNER) project for very rare tumors in children
Authors: Orbach Daniel , Ferrari Andrea , Schneider Dominik T. , Reguerre Yves , Godzinski Jan , Bien Ewa , Stachowicz‐Stencel Teresa , Surun Aurore , Almaraz Ricardo Lopez , Dragomir Monica , Jani Dragana , Ami Tal Ben , Roganovic Jelena , Brecht Ines B. , Ladenstein Ruth , Bisogno Gianni 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe PARTNER project (Paediatric Rare Tumours Network ‐ European Registry) was launched in 2016. PARTNER aims to create a European Registry dedicated to children and adolescents with very rare tumors (VRT). It links existing national registries and provides a registry for those countries in which a VRT registry has not yet been created. This consortium is composed of the various national cooperative groups and their respective member institutions. The strategic value of this project is based on the Europe‐wide data collection concerning the treatment of VRTs. These data are provided to experts and constitute the basis for new clinical practice guidelines for use by ERN (European Reference Network) and non‐ERN institutions. The proposed tasks and milestones will increase collaboration in the field of pediatric oncology among member states and will also facilitate the inclusion of low health expenditure average rate (LHEAR) countries in this process. In addition, this project creates a platform for VRTs that may represent a model on how to elaborate a comprehensive approach (case registration, international case consultation and treatment recommendations, and website to provide information for parents/patients) for rare diseases.
Elaboration and characterization of biocomposite based on polylactic acid and Moroccan sisal fiber as reinforcement
Authors: Samouh Zineb , Molnár Kolos , Hajba Sándor , Boussu François , Cherkaoui Omar , El Moznine Reddad 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe aim of the current study is to further investigate the impact of the sisal fiber content up to 30% on the mechanical and thermal properties of polylactic acid (PLA) matrix composites following up to our previous study for sisal content up to 15%. The biocomposites were prepared successfully using a twin‐screw extruder and an injection molding machine. It was found that 20 m% resulted the best mechanical, dynamic mechanical, and thermal properties among the tested fiber contents. Beyond this weight fraction of sisal, these properties showed a slight decrease probably because of reaching the threshold percolation corresponding to weight fraction limit before the aggregations started to form in the matrix. This finding was supported by scanning electron microscopy. The degree of crystallinity increased until reaching 10% fiber content, but not above. The results reveal that the reinforcement of PLA by sisal fiber does not only improve mechanical properties but also it could be used as a nucleating agent for the PLA. Moreover, a new relationship is proposed to characterize the effectiveness of the composite due to the addition of sisal fiber. The performance of the biocomposites developed makes them capable for applications in various fields such as aeronautics, automotive, and construction.
Linkage of public health and all payer claims data for population‐level opioid research
Authors: Hallvik Sara E. , Dameshghi Nazanin , El Ibrahimi Sanae , Hendricks Michelle A. , Hildebran Christi , Bishop Carissa J. , Weiner Scott G. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractObjectiveOur objective is to describe how we combine, at an individual level, multiple administrative datasets to create a Comprehensive Opioid Risk Registry (CORR). The CORR will characterize the role that individual characteristics, household characteristics, and community characteristics have on an individual's risk of opioid use disorder or opioid overdose.Data SourcesStudy data sources include the voluntary Oregon All Payer Claims Database (APCD), American Community Survey Census Data, Oregon Death Certificate data, Oregon Hospital Discharge Data (HDD), and Oregon Prescription Drug Monitoring (PDMP) Data in 2013–2018.Study DesignTo create the CORR we first prepared the APCD data set by cleaning and geocoding addresses, creating a community grouper and adding census indices, creating household grouper, and imputing patient race. Then we deployed a probabilistic linkage methodology to incorporate other data sources maintaining compliance with strict data governance regulations.Data Collection/Extraction MethodsAdministrative datasets were obtained through an executed data use agreement with each data owner. The APCD served as the population universe to which all other data sources were linked.Principal FindingsThere were 3 628 992 unique people in the APCD over the entire study period. We identified 968 767 unique households in 2013 and 1 209 236 in 2018, and geocoded patient addresses representing all census tracts in Oregon. Census, death certificate, HDD, and PDMP datasets were successfully linked to this population universe.ConclusionsThis methodology can be replicated in other states and may also apply to a broad array of health services research topics.
Thoracic CTA in infants and young children: Image quality of dual‐source CT (DSCT) with high‐pitch spiral scan mode (turbo flash spiral mode) with or without general anesthesia with free‐breathing technique
Authors: Tivnan Patrick , Winant Abbey J. , Johnston Patrick R. , Plut Domen , Smith Katherine , MacCallum Gail , Lee Edward Y. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractPurposeTo determine whether diagnostic quality thoracic computed tomography angiography (CTA) studies can be obtained without general anesthesia (GA) in infants and young children using dual‐source computed tomography (DSCT) with turbo flash spiral mode (TFSM) and free‐breathing technique.Materials and MethodsAll consecutive infants and young children (≤ 6 years old) who underwent thoracic CTA studies from January 2018 to October 2020 for suspected congenital thoracic disorders were categorized into two groups: with GA (Group 1) and without GA (Group 2). All thoracic CTA studies were performed on a DSCT scanner using TFSM and free‐breathing technique. Two pediatric thoracic radiologists independently evaluated motion artifact in three lung zones (upper, mid, and lower). Degree of motion artifact was graded 0–3 (0, none; 1, mild; 2, moderate; and 3, severe). Logistic models adjusted for age and gender were used to compare the degree of motion artifact between lung zones. Interobserver agreement between reviewers was evaluated with kappa statistics.ResultsThere were a total of 73 pediatric patients (43 males (59%) and 30 females (41%); mean age, 1.4 years; range, 0–5.9 years). Among these 73 patients, 42 patients (58%) underwent thoracic CTA studies with GA (Group 1) and the remaining 31 patients (42%) underwent thoracic CTA studies without GA (Group 2). Overall, the degree of motion artifact was higher for Group 2 (without GA). However, only a very small minority (1/31, 3%) of Group 2 (without GA) thoracic CTA studies had severe motion artifact. There was no significant difference between the two groups with respect to the presence of severe motion artifact (odds ratio [OR] = 6, p = .222). When two groups were compared with respect to the presence of motion artifact for individual lung zones, motion artifact was significantly higher in the upper lung zone for Group 2 (without GA) (OR = 20, p = .043). Interobserver agreement for motion artifact was high, the average Kappa being 0.81 for Group 1 and 0.95 for Group 2.ConclusionAlthough the degree of motion artifact was higher in the group without GA, only a small minority (3%) of thoracic CTA studies performed without GA had severe motion artifact, rendering the study nondiagnostic. Therefore, the results of this study support the use of thoracic CTA without GA using DSCT with TFSM and free‐breathing in infants and young children. In addition, given that motion artifact was significantly higher in the upper lung zone without GA, increased stabilization in the upper chest and extremities should be considered.