bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantifying heterogeneity, heteroscedasticity and publication bias effects on technical efficiency estimates of rice farming: A meta‐regression analysis
Authors: Trong Ho Phuc , Burton Michael , Ma Chunbo , Hailu Atakelty 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIn recent decades, numerous studies have focused on technical efficiency in rice farming, finding considerable variation in mean technical efficiency (MTE) estimates. We conducted a meta‐regression analysis (MRA), using a random‐effects meta‐regression model, to understand the variation in MTE estimates due to study heterogeneity, heteroscedasticity and publication bias. We used 443 observations extracted from 175 primary studies published in English in the last three decades. The results show that MTE estimates are affected by study heterogeneity. Variable returns to scale specification yielded higher MTE scores than constant returns to scale ones. Panel data, secondary data and value data had lower MTE estimates than cross‐sectional data, primary data and physical (quantity) data, respectively. Compared to Southeast Asia, countries in East and South Asia had higher MTE estimates, whereas African countries had lower MTE estimates. We suggest that practitioners and policy‐makers should consider carefully estimation specifications, data types and geographical regions of empirical studies when comparing and interpreting empirical results. The average genuine (predicted) MTE score was 0.76 (range 0.54–0.89), indicating the potential to improve technical efficiency in global rice farming and the need for further research to bridge managerial ability gaps among farmers.
Lower prefrontal cortical synaptic vesicle binding in cocaine use disorder: An exploratory 11C‐UCB‐J positron emission tomography study in humans
Authors: Angarita Gustavo A. , Worhunsky Patrick D. , Naganawa Mika , Toyonaga Takuya , Nabulsi Nabeel B. , Li Chiang‐Shan R. , Esterlis Irina , Skosnik Patrick D. , Radhakrishnan Rajiv , Pittman Brian , Gueorguieva Ralitza , Potenza Marc N. , Finnema Sjoerd J. , Huang Yiyun , Carson Richard E. , Malison Robert T. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractPreclinical studies have revealed robust and long‐lasting alterations in dendritic spines in the brain following cocaine exposure. Such alterations are hypothesized to underlie enduring maladaptive behaviours observed in cocaine use disorder (CUD). The current study explored whether synaptic density is altered in CUD. Fifteen individuals with DSM‐5 CUD and 15 demographically matched healthy control (HC) subjects participated in a single 11C‐UCB‐J positron emission tomography scan to assess density of synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A (SV2A). The volume of distribution (VT) and the plasma‐free fraction‐corrected form of the total volume of distribution (VT/fP) were analysed in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), dorsomedial and ventromedial prefrontal cortex (PFC), lateral and medial orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and ventral striatum. A significant diagnostic‐group‐by‐region interaction was observed for VT and VT/fP. Post hoc analyses revealed no differences on VT, while for VT/fP showed lower values in CUD as compared with HC subjects in the ACC (−10.9%, p = 0.02), ventromedial PFC (−9.9%, p = 0.02) and medial OFC (−9.9%, p = 0.04). Regional VT/fP values in CUD, though unrelated to measures of lifetime cocaine use, were positively correlated with the frequency of recent cocaine use (p = 0.02–0.03) and negatively correlated with cocaine abstinence (p = 0.008–0.03). These findings provide initial preliminary in vivo evidence of altered (lower) synaptic density in the PFC of humans with CUD. Cross‐sectional variation in SV2A availability as a function of recent cocaine use and abstinence suggests that synaptic density may be dynamically and plastically regulated by acute cocaine, an observation that merits direct testing by studies using more definitive longitudinal designs.
Macular Telangiectasia type 2: multimodal assessment of retinal function and microstructure
Authors: Ledolter Anna A. , Ristl Robin , Palmowski‐Wolfe Anja M. , Montuoro Alessio , Deak Gabor G. , Sacu Stefan , Holder Graham E. , Schmidt‐Erfurth Ursula , Ritter Markus 
Published: December 2021

AbstractPurposeTo assess the impact of neurodegenerative morphologic alterations due to macular telangiectasia type 2 (MacTel) on microperimetry (MP) and multifocal electroretinography (mfERG).MethodsThirty‐five eyes of 18 patients with MacTel were examined using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT), fundus autofluorescence (FAF), mfERG and MP. Software was used to match SD‐OCT B‐scans with the corresponding retinal sensitivity map and multifocal electroretinograms (mfERGs), thus enabling direct structure/function correlation.ResultsLoss of the ellipsoid zone (EZ) had the strongest negative association with retinal sensitivity (16.77 dB versus 4.58 dB, adj. p < 0.001) of all parameters examined, and a limited negative effect on mfERGs (0.32 SD versus −1.97 SD adj. p = 0.121). Ellipsoid zone (EZ) irregularity was associated with reduced MP values but preserved mfERGs. There was a significant association between areas of inner retinal hyporeflectivity and loss of MP sensitivity (adj. p < 0.001) but the reduction in sensitivity was less than in locations with EZ loss. Areas of mfERG abnormality showed similar sensitivity loss with either inner retinal hyporeflectivity or EZ loss (adj. p = 0.063). In areas with EZ loss alone, preservation of the external limiting membrane (ELM) was associated with higher MP values than in areas with additional ELM loss; the integrity of the ELM alone was not associated with changes either in MP or mfERG. Increased FAF was observed in 51% of eyes, mixed/reduced FAF in 40%, and no abnormality was detected in 9% of eyes.ConclusionThe data suggest both MP and mfERG to be useful non‐invasive modalities for detecting localised macular dysfunction in MacTel. The findings suggest a different sensitivity of the two modalities to inner and outer retinal changes in macular function and are therefore complementary.
Systematic review with meta‐analysis: the effectiveness of either ustekinumab or vedolizumab in patients with Crohn's disease refractory to anti‐tumour necrosis factor
Authors: Parrot Laurène , Dong Catherine , Carbonnel Franck , Meyer Antoine 
Published: December 2021

SummaryBackgroundUstekinumab and vedolizumab are commonly used after anti‐tumour necrosis factor (TNF) failure in patients with Crohn’s disease (CD). No randomised controlled trial has compared these drugs.AimsTo compare the effectiveness of ustekinumab and vedolizumab in CD patients refractory to anti‐TNF.MethodsFrom PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library, through March 27, 2021, we identified studies that compared ustekinumab and vedolizumab in patients with CD refractory to anti‐TNF. The main outcomes were clinical remission and steroid‐free clinical remission at weeks 14 and 52. Secondary outcomes were biological remission and treatment persistence. We computed pooled odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) using random effects meta‐analysis.ResultsWe identified 1513 reports. Among them, 38 studies were assessed for eligibility and five studies were included. All studies included were of high quality: four were retrospective and one was prospective. Among 1026 patients, 659 received ustekinumab and 367 received vedolizumab. At week 14, clinical remission (OR 1.36; 95%CI: 0.74‐2.47; I2 = 50%), steroid‐free clinical remission (OR 1.24; 95%CI: 0.79‐1.92; I2 = 52%) and biological remission (OR 0.80; 95%CI: 0.50‐1.28; I2 = 0%) rates were similar between the two treatments. At week 52, ustekinumab was associated with higher rates of clinical remission (OR 1.87; 95% CI: 1.18‐2.98; I2 = 0%), steroid‐free clinical remission (OR 1.56; 95% CI: 1.23‐1.97; I2 = 0%), biological remission (OR 1.86; 95% CI: 1.03‐3.37; I2 = 29%) and treatment persistence (OR 2.37; 95% CI: 1.56‐3.62; I2 = 0%).ConclusionIn patients with CD refractory to anti‐TNF, ustekinumab and vedolizumab are similarly effective in induction, but as maintenance treatment, ustekinumab appears to be more effective than vedolizumab.
Systematic review with meta‐analysis: one‐year outcomes of gastric peroral endoscopic myotomy for refractory gastroparesis
Authors: Kamal Faisal , Khan Muhammad Ali , Lee‐Smith Wade , Sharma Sachit , Acharya Ashu , Jowhar Dawit , Farooq Umer , Aziz Muhammad , Kouanda Abdul , Dai Sun‐Chuan , Howden Colin W. , Munroe Craig A. 
Published: December 2021

SummaryBackgroundSeveral studies have examined the efficacy of gastric peroral endoscopic myotomy (G‐POEM) for gastroparesis.AimTo evaluate the mid‐term efficacy of G‐POEM by meta‐analysis of studies with a minimum 1 year of follow‐up.MethodsWe reviewed several databases from inception to 10 June 2021 to identify studies that evaluated the efficacy of G‐POEM in refractory gastroparesis, and had at least 1 year of follow‐up. Our outcomes of interest were clinical success at 1 year, adverse events, difference in mean pre‐ and 1 year post‐procedure Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index (GCSI) score, and difference in mean pre‐ and post‐procedure EndoFLIP measurements. We analysed data using a random‐effects model and assessed heterogeneity by I2 statistic.ResultsWe included 10 studies comprising 482 patients. Pooled rates (95% CI) of clinical success at 1 year and adverse events were 61% (49%, 71%) and 8% (6%, 11%), respectively. Mean GCSI at 1 year post‐procedure was significantly lower than pre‐procedure; mean difference (MD) (95% CI) −1.4 (−1.9, −0.9). Mean post‐procedure distensibility index was significantly higher than pre‐procedure in the clinical success group at 40 and 50 mL volume distension; standardised mean difference (95% CI) 0.82 (0.07, 1.64) and 0.91 (0.32, 1.49), respectively. In the clinical failure group, there was no significant difference between mean pre‐ and post‐procedure EndoFLIP measurements.ConclusionsG‐POEM is associated with modest clinical success at 1 year. Additional studies with longer follow‐up are required to evaluate its longer‐term efficacy.
An experience of total laparoscopic partial colectomy with intracorporeal triangulating anastomosis in an obese patient with descending colon cancer
Authors: Okita Atsushi , Tsukuda Kazunori , Yamamoto Sumiharu , Ikeya Nanami , Yokoyama Nobuji 
Published: December 2021

AbstractA 68‐year‐old woman was transferred to the emergency room of Okayama City Hospital because of worsening epigastric pain. After the examination, she was diagnosed with descending colon cancer, and laparoscopic colectomy was planned. However, exteriorization of the bowels to produce anastomosis was difficult because the rich adipose tissue of the mesocolon hardly stretched, and the abdominal wall was thick as the patient was obese. Therefore, an intracorporeal triangulating end‐to‐end anastomosis was performed. The colon was divided at 10 cm either side from the tumor using an endoscopic linear stapler. After the resection of the stumps with staples, the posterior walls were tied with stay sutures and then stapled with an endoscopic linear stapler. The anterior wall was stapled twice in the same manner, and the intracorporeal anastomosis was completed. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful. This technique provided an alternative intracorporeal anastomotic technique as troubleshooting in laparoscopic colectomy.
Information‐theoretic approach in allometric scaling relations of DNA and proteins
Authors: Adiguzel Yekbun 
Published: December 2021

AbstractAllometric scaling relations can be observed in between molecular parameters. Hence, we looked for presence of such relation among sizes (i.e., lengths) of proteins and genes. Protein lengths exist in the literature as the number of amino acids. They can also be derived from the mRNA lengths. Here, we looked for allometric scaling relation by using such data and simultaneously, the data was compared with the sizes of genes and proteins that were obtained from our modified information‐theoretic approach. Results implied presence of scaling relation in the calculated results. This was expected due to the implemented modification in the information‐theoretic calculation. Relation in the literature‐based data was lacking high goodness of fit value. It could be due to physical factors and selective pressures, which ended up in deviations of the literature‐sourced values from those in the model. Genome size is correlated with cell size. Intracellular volume, which is related to the DNA size, would require certain number of proteins, the sizes of which can therefore be correlated with the protein sizes. Cell sizes, genome sizes, and average protein and gene sizes, along with the number of proteins, namely the expression levels of the genes, are the physical factors, and the molecular factors influence those physical factors. The selective pressures on those can act through the connection between those physical factors and limit the dynamic ranges. Biological measures could be prone to such forces and are likely to deviate from expected models, regardless of the validity of assumptions, unless those are also implemented in the models. Yet, present discrepancies could be pointing at the need for model improvement, data imperfection, invalid assumptions, etc. Still, current work highlights possible use of information‐theoretic approach in allometric scaling relations' studies.
Randomized controlled pilot trial with ion‐exchange water softeners to prevent eczema (SOFTER trial)
Authors: Jabbar‐Lopez Z. K. , Ezzamouri B. , Briley A. , Greenblatt D. , Gurung N. , Chalmers J. R. , Thomas K. S. , Frost T. , Kezic S. , Common J. E. A. , Danby S. , Cork M. J. , Peacock J. L. , Flohr C. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundObservational studies suggest an increased risk of eczema in children living in hard versus soft water areas, and there is, therefore, an interest in knowing whether softening water may prevent eczema. We evaluated the feasibility of a parallel‐group assessor‐blinded pilot randomized controlled trial to test whether installing a domestic ion‐exchange water softener before birth in hard water areas reduces the risk of eczema in infants with a family history of atopy.MethodsPregnant women living in hard water areas (>250 mg/L calcium carbonate) in and around London UK, were randomized 1:1 antenatally to either have an ion‐exchange water softener installed in their home or not (ie to continue to receive usual domestic hard water). Infants were assessed at birth and followed up for 6 months. The main end‐points were around feasibility, the primary end‐point being the proportion of eligible families screened who were willing and able to be randomized. Clinical end‐points were evaluated including frequency of parent‐reported doctor‐diagnosed eczema and visible eczema on skin examination. Descriptive analyses were conducted, and no statistical testing was performed as this was a pilot study.ResultsOne hundred and forty‐nine families screened were eligible antenatally and 28% (41/149) could not have a water softener installed due to technical reasons or lack of landlord approval. Eighty of 149 (54%) were randomized, the primary end‐point. Two participants withdrew immediately after randomization, leaving 39 participants in each arm (78 total). Attrition was 15% (12/78) by 6 months postpartum. All respondents (n = 69) to the study acceptability questionnaire reported that the study was acceptable. Fifty‐six of 708 (7.9%) water samples in the water softener arm were above the hard water threshold of 20 mg/L CaCO3. At 6 months of age 27/67 infants (40%) developed visible eczema, 12/36 (33%) vs. 15/31 (48%) in the water softener and control groups, respectively, difference −15% (95% CI −38, 8.3%), with most assessments (≥96%) remaining blinded. Similarly, a lower proportion of infants in the water softener arm had parent‐reported, doctor‐diagnosed eczema by 6 months compared to the control arm, 6/17 (35%) versus 9/19 (47%), difference −12% (95% CI −44, 20%).ConclusionA randomized controlled trial of water softeners for the prevention of atopic eczema in high‐risk infants is feasible and acceptable. Trial registration: NCT03270566 (clinicaltrials.gov)
Differential population trends align with migratory connectivity in an endangered shorebird
Authors: Morrick Zaine N. , Lilleyman Amanda , Fuller Richard A. , Bush Robert , Coleman Jonathan T. , Garnett Stephen T. , Gerasimov Yuri N. , Jessop Roz , Ma Zhijun , Maglio Grace , Minton Clive D. T. , Syroechkovskiy Evgeny , Woodworth Bradley K. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractMigratory connectivity describes the extent to which migratory species' populations are connected throughout the annual cycle. While recognized as critical for understanding the population dynamics of migratory species and conserving them, empirical evidence of links between migratory connectivity and population dynamics are uncommon. We analyzed associations between spatiotemporal connectivity and differential population trends in a declining and endangered migratory shorebird, the far eastern curlew (Numenius madagascariensis), with multiyear tracking data from across the Australian nonbreeding grounds. We found evidence of temporal and spatial segregation during migration and breeding: curlew from southeast Australia initiated northward migration earlier, arrived at breeding sites earlier, and bred at lower latitudes than curlew from northwest Australia. Analysis of land modification intensity revealed that populations from southeast Australia face greater human impacts compared to those from northwest Australia at both the breeding and nonbreeding grounds, a pattern that aligns with steeper population declines in southeast Australia. This alignment between migratory connectivity, human impacts, and differential population change highlights the importance of a full annual cycle approach to conservation that includes mitigating threats on the breeding grounds and better protecting nonbreeding habitats in Australia where far eastern curlew spend over half of each year.
Marginal allografts in liver transplantation have a limited impact on length of stay
Authors: Goff Cameron , Zhang Theodore , McDonald Malcolm , Anand Adrish , Galvan Nhu Thao Nguyen , Kanwal Fasiha , Cholankeril George , Hernaez Ruben , Goss John A. , Rana Abbas 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe study of marginal liver transplant outcomes, including post‐transplant length of stay (LOS), is necessary for determining the practicality of their use. 50 155 patients who received transplants from 2012 to 2020 were retrospectively analyzed with data from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients database using Kaplan‐Meier survival curves and multivariable Cox regression. Six different definitions were used to classify an allograft as being marginal: 90th percentile Donor Risk Index (DRI) allografts, donation after cardiac death (DCD) donors, national share donors, donors over 70, donors with > 30% macrovesicular steatosis, or 90th percentile Discard Risk Index donors. 24% (n = 12 124) of subjects received marginal allografts. Average LOS was 15.6 days among those who received standard allografts. Among those who received marginal allografts, LOS was found to be highest in those who received 90th percentile DRI allografts at 15.6 days, and lowest in those who received DCD allografts at 12.7 days. Apart from fatty livers (95% CI .86–.98), marginal allografts were not associated with a prolonged LOS. We conclude that accounting for experience and recipient matching, transplant centers may be more aggressive in their use of extended criteria donors with limited fear of increasing LOS and its associated costs.
Kaposi sarcoma: What to do with a negative human herpesvirus 8 immunohistochemical stain?
Authors: Buhle Anna C. , Phillips Mariana A. , Hijazi Yasmine M. , Wiid Michael , Grider Douglas J. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractKaposi sarcoma (KS) is an intermediate vascular sarcoma that can cause significant morbidity and mortality in patients if left untreated. It is associated with human herpesvirus 8 (HHV‐8) infection. Definitive diagnosis is supported by classic histopathology including slit‐like vascular spaces, spindle cells, lymphocyte infiltration, and extravasated red blood cells on H&E stain and positive immunohistochemical (IHC) staining for HHV‐8. We present a challenge we encountered in detecting HHV‐8 by IHC in a mucosal lesion demonstrating classic histopathology for KS.
New technologies to improve bycatch mitigation in industrial tuna fisheries
Authors: Poisson François , Budan Pierre , Coudray Sylvain , Gilman Eric , Kojima Takahito , Musyl Michael , Takagi Tsutomu 
Published: December 2021

AbstractFor many years, tremendous effort has been dedicated to developing new industrial tuna fisheries, while their adverse impacts on threatened marine species have received relatively little attention. In tuna fisheries, bycatch is the major anthropogenic threat to marine megafauna in general, particularly sharks. Research on the development of gear technology for bycatch reduction and potential mitigation measures helped tuna Regional Fisheries Management Organizations adopt bycatch reduction management measures. After reviewing past research on the development of mitigation measures for pelagic longline and tropical purse seine fisheries based on pelagic species' behaviours, we describe promising new approaches integrating recent technological breakthroughs. New innovations include autonomous underwater vehicles carrying cameras along with miniaturized sensors, aerial drones, computer simulation of fishing gear geometry, environmental DNA assays, computer visualizations and deep learning. The successful application of such tools and methods promises to improve our understanding of factors that influence capture, escape and stress of caught species. Moreover, results emerging from recent ethological research explaining the power of social connection and learning in the “fish world” such as social learning from congeners, habituation to deterrents, and how past fishery interactions affect responses to fishing gear should be taken into account when developing technical mitigation measures.
Diarrhea and angiotensin II receptor blockers: Is there any difference between the different drugs?
Authors: Guion‐Firmin Julia , Tessier Samuel , Montastruc Jean‐Louis 
Published: December 2021

AbstractDiarrhea is an adverse drug reaction (ADR) widely reported with olmesartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). Isolated case reports described this ADR with other ARBs. The present study was performed to investigate if, among the different ARBs, some drugs are more at risk of diarrhea than others. Using VigiBase®, the WHO pharmacovigilance database, we performed a disproportionality analysis (case/noncase study). Cases were reports with the MedDRA PT term « diarrhea » and noncases all other reports registered during the same period in Vigibase® from April 6, 1995 to December 31, 2020. After comparison of ARBs and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs), the main analysis was a comparison of the diarrhea reporting risk between each ARB and the seven other ARBs. Results are reported as reporting odds ratio (ROR) adjusted on age, gender, exposure to antihypertensive, and antidiabetic drugs with their 95% confidence interval. Among the 22,429,334 deduplicated reports registered in VigiBase® during the study period, 73,507 involved ARBs, including 2119 diarrhea. The reporting risk of diarrhea was higher with ARBs than with ACEIs (ROR = 2.06 (1.55–2.17)). Diarrhea with ARBs mainly occurred in females with a mean age of 65 years. After exclusion of olmesartan (to minimize a notoriety bias), two ARBs were significantly associated with diarrhea: eprosartan (ROR = 1.93 (1.32–2.72) and telmisartan (ROR = 1.41 (1.23–1.62) but not the six others. The present study found first that diarrhea is more frequently reported with ARBs than with ACEIs and second that the risk of diarrhea differs according to the different ARBs. Diarrhea with ARBs is not a class effect.