bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CT‐guided iodine‐125 brachytherapy as salvage therapy for recurrent mediastinal lymph node metastasis
Authors: Dong Hong , Li Lin , Xing Dianjin , Li Yuliang , Wang Wujie 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe treatment of recurrent mediastinal lymph node metastasis (MLNMs) is challenging. We conducted this study to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of computed tomography (CT)‐guided percutaneous iodine‐125 brachytherapy for MLNMs.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 33 patients with recurrent MLNMs treated with CT‐guided interstitial implantation of iodine‐125 seeds. Regular contrast‐enhanced CT was conducted to evaluate the tumor response. Follow‐up survival, quality of life, and adverse events were analyzed.ResultsThe number of implanted seeds was 16–85 (median, 40). The matched peripheral dose was 110–160 Gy. The patients were followed up for 5–24 months (median, 14 months). At the last follow‐up or death, complete response to therapy was achieved in 11 patients (33.3%) and partial response in 18 patients (54.5%). The median survival time of this cohort was 15.2 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 9.9–20.5 months); the estimated one‐ and two‐year survival rates were 68.6% and 31.1%, respectively. The Karnofsky performance score increased significantly after the procedure (p = 0.007). Pneumothorax with pulmonary compression of 30% to 40% occurred in five (15.2%) patients and was cured after drainage. No severe complications occurred.ConclusionsCT‐guided iodine‐125 brachytherapy provided a safe and effective choice for recurrent mediastinal lymph node metastasis with significant local therapeutic effects and minor complications, especially for patients who were not eligible for surgical resection and had failed to benefit from systemic therapy.
At‐risk acquirers: survival strategy or last‐ditch effort?
Authors: Coyne Joshua , Kim Kevin H. , Talakai Jayson 
Published: March 2021

AbstractManagers of at‐risk firms have incentives to prolong the life of the company or to extract personal wealth prior to firm liquidation, and they can pursue a number of activities in order to achieve these goals. Prior studies have investigated the consequences of managers becoming targets for acquisition. In this study, we examine the consequences of at‐risk firms doing the opposite: buying other firms (i.e., becoming at‐risk acquirers). We find two positive consequences of becoming at‐risk acquirers. At‐risk acquirers (1) avoid delisting due to poor performance and (2) leave at‐risk status in the year following the acquisition. We also find that these benefits are only temporary and come at a cost. Specifically, at‐risk acquirers are less likely to become subsequent targets, and they quickly return to at‐risk status. These results indicate that the decision of the manager of an at‐risk firm to become an at‐risk acquirer buys the manager more time but does not help the firm.
Body temperature fatigue behaviour of reciprocating and rotary glide path instruments in sodium hypochlorite solutions alone or combined with etidronate
Authors: Perez‐Villalba Dario , Macorra José C. , Perez‐Higueras Juan J. , Peters Ove A. , Arias Ana 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe aim of the study was to compare cyclic fatigue (CF) resistance of reciprocating and rotary glide path instruments in the presence of irrigation solutions at body temperature. CF resistance of 100 instruments (50 ProGlider and 50 WaveOne Gold Glider) was tested in sodium hypochlorite solutions alone (NaOCl) or in combination with etidronate (NaOCl/HEBP). The CF platform with a simulated canal (curvature = 60°/radius = 3 mm) was submerged in a temperature‐controlled bath with the solutions kept at 37 ± 1°C controlled by a precision mercury glass thermometer. Instruments were actioned following manufacturer guidelines, and time to failure was recorded and compared among groups with Weibull analysis. Reciprocating glide path preparation instruments were more resistant to CF than rotary instruments in both irrigation solutions. The irrigation solution did not affect the mean life of ProGlider, but reciprocating instruments lasted significantly longer used in presence of NaOCl compared to NaOCl/HEBP.
An integrated scalp and blood biomarker approach suggests the systemic nature of alopecia areata
Authors: Glickman Jacob W. , Dubin Celina , Dahabreh Dante , Han Joseph , Del Duca Ester , Estrada Yeriel D. , Zhang Ning , Kimmel Grace W. , Singer Giselle , Krueger James G. , Pavel Ana B. , Guttman‐Yassky Emma 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundAlopecia areata (AA) is characterized by immune dysregulation in both scalp and blood, but a large‐scale approach establishing biomarkers of AA incorporating both scalp tissue and serum compartments is lacking. We aimed to characterize the transcriptomic signature of AA lesional and nonlesional scalp compared to healthy scalp and determine its relationship with the blood proteome in the same individuals, with comparative correlations to clinical AA disease severity.MethodsWe evaluated lesional and nonlesional scalp tissues and serum from patients with moderate‐to‐severe AA (n = 18) and healthy individuals (n = 8). We assessed 33,118 genes in AA scalp tissue using RNAseq transcriptomic evaluation and 340 inflammatory proteins in serum using OLINK high‐throughput proteomics. Univariate and multivariate approaches were used to correlate disease biomarkers with Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT).ResultsA total of 608 inflammatory genes were differentially expressed in lesional AA scalp (fold change/FCH>1.5, false discovery rate/FDR<0.05) including Th1 (IFNG/IL12B/CXCL11), Th2 (IL13/CCL18), and T‐cell activation‐related (ICOS) products. Th1/Th2‐related markers were significantly correlated with AA clinical severity in lesional/nonlesional tissue, while keratins (KRT35/KRT83/KRT81) were significantly downregulated in lesional compared to healthy scalp (p < .05). Expression of cardiovascular/atherosclerosis‐related markers (MMP9/CCL2/IL1RL1/IL33R/ST2/AGER) in lesional scalp correlated with their corresponding serum expression (p < .05). AA scalp demonstrated significantly greater biomarker dysregulation compared to blood. An integrated multivariate approach combining scalp and serum biomarkers improved correlations with disease severity/SALT.ConclusionThis study contributes a unique understanding of the phenotype of moderate‐to‐severe AA with an integrated scalp and serum biomarker model suggesting the systemic nature of the disease, advocating for the need for immune‐based systemic treatment.
Role of intraretinal and subretinal fluid on clinical and anatomical outcomes in patients with neovascular age‐related macular degeneration treated with bimonthly, treat‐and‐extend and as‐needed ranibizumab in the In‐Eye study
Authors: Saenz‐de‐Viteri Manuel , Recalde Sergio , Fernandez‐Robredo Patricia , López Gálvez María Isabel , Arias Barquet Lluís , Figueroa Marta S. , García‐Arumí José , García‐Layana Alfredo ,   The In‐Eye Study Group
Published: March 2021

AbstractPurposeTo assess the effect of fluid status at baseline (BL) and at the end of the loading phase (LP) of three different ranibizumab regimens: treat‐and‐extend (T&E), fixed bimonthly (FBM) injections and pro re nata (PRN), in patients with neovascular age‐related macular degeneration (nAMD).DesignPost hoc analysis of the In‐Eye study (phase IV clinical trial).MethodsPatients were randomized 1:1:1 to the three study arms and were treated accordingly. The presence and type of fluid, intraretinal fluid (IRF) or subretinal fluid (SRF) and the anatomical and visual outcomes were analysed.Main outcome measuresBest‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA), the mean change from baseline BCVA (BL BCVA), and the proportion of eyes gaining more than 15 letters or losing more than five letters were analysed. Morphological characteristics including the subtype of choroidal neovascular membrane and the development of atrophy and fibrosis were also evaluated.ResultsPatients with SRF at LP had better visual outcomes than patients with IRF. The persistence of SRF did not affect the mean change from BL BCVA among the three treatment regimens. However, in patients with IRF mean change from BL BCVA was significantly lower in the FBM group. The presence of IRF at BL and at the end of the loading phase was associated with the development of fibrosis at the end of the study; this result was contrary to that observed for patients with SRF.ConclusionsWhile SRF is compatible with good visual and anatomical outcomes, IRF leads to worse results in patients with nAMD; our results suggest that patients with IRF have better outcomes when individualized treatment regimens are used (PRN or T&E) in contrast with a FBM regimen.
Effect of immunosuppressive therapy on ocular blood flow in initial‐onset acute uveitis associated with Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada disease
Authors: Abu El‐Asrar Ahmed M. , Alsarhani Waleed , Alzubaidi Abdullah , Gikandi Priscilla W. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractPurposeTo investigate the effect of immunosuppressive therapy on blood flow and waveform parameters in the choroid and optic nerve head (ONH) in patients with initial‐onset acute uveitis associated with Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada (VKH) disease.MethodsIn this prospective study, 18 patients (36 eyes) were studied. Laser speckle flowgraphy was performed at baseline and at 4 weeks, 8 weeks and 12 weeks after treatment. We analysed longitudinal changes in mean blur rate (MBR), blow‐out time, blow‐out score (BOS), acceleration time index (ATI), flow acceleration index (FAI), resistivity index (RI) and blood flow fluctuation.ResultsAfter immunosuppressive therapy, MBR, representing blood flow velocity, in the choroid and ONH significantly increased at each post‐treatment time point compared to baseline values. Among the analysed pulse waveform parameters, BOS significantly increased, while RI and fluctuation significantly decreased. Increased BOS and decreased RI indicate decreased vascular resistance following treatment. There was a strong negative correlation between BOS and RI. Additionally, FAI increased in the choroid and ATI increased in ONH.ConclusionsImmunosuppressive therapy in the acute uveitic phase of VKH disease improved inflammation‐related impairment in choroidal and ONH blood flow.
Human and social capital accumulation within research infrastructures: The case of CERN
Authors: Catalano Gelsomina , Giffoni Francesco , Morretta Valentina 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe contribution to human and social capital accumulation is one of the most important socio‐economic benefits of public investment in Research Infrastructures. Sure enough, these large scientific enterprises are exceptional incubators of human and social capital, especially for early‐career researchers who have the opportunity to gain new skills and expand their network of contacts in highly prestigious and challenging workplaces. This paper explores the contribution of spending a period of study and/or work at the Large Hadron Collider of CERN to the expected future lifelong salary of early‐career researchers. Previous studies are here extended by using three sources of data: primary data collected through a survey to CERN Alumni, a survey to team leaders who supervised early‐career researchers at CERN, and secondary data salary information. Findings show that an experience‐based learning process at CERN is instrumental in developing skills that are needed by the economy and reveal an expected salary premium between 5% and 11%. Such human capital effect seems more important than a pure networking and reputational effect.
Staple‐transection of the dorsal venous complex and urethra in cooperative laparoscopic and transperineal endoscopic total pelvic exenteration for pelvic malignancies
Authors: Mukai Toshiki , Nagasaki Toshiya , Akiyoshi Takashi , Yamaguchi Tomohiro , Hiyoshi Yukiharu , Nagayama Satoshi , Fukunaga Yosuke 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIntroductionHerein, we describe our novel technique for transecting the dorsal venous complex (DVC) and urethra using a linear stapler inserted through a perineal port during endoscopic pelvic exenteration for pelvic malignancies.Materials and Surgical TechniqueFirst, a laparoscopic approach is made using a conventional 5‐trocar pneumoperitoneum technique. When the Retzius and paravesical spaces are dissected to expose the tendinous arch of the levator ani muscle, the transperineal approach is synchronously begun. After the levator ani muscle and bilateral puboprostatic ligaments are dissected, the DVC and urethra are completely exposed. A linear stapler is inserted through the transperineal port along the dorsal side of the pubic body. The DVC and urethra are carefully compressed and transected with minimal bleeding. We describe four cases of laparoscopic total pelvic exenteration using this technique. Tumor size, operation time, and estimated blood loss ranged from 30–130 mm, 535–877 minutes, and 50–1520 mL, respectively.DiscussionTransperineal dissection of the DVC and urethra by linear staplers decreases both operation time and blood loss.
Children's perspectives and experiences of health, diet, physical activity and weight in an urban, multi‐ethnic UK population: A qualitative study
Authors: Murphy Marie , Boardman Felicity , Robertson Wendy , Johnson Rebecca 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundChildren from Black and South Asian ethnic groups are at risk for childhood obesity in the United Kingdom. To inform local action for childhood obesity prevention, it is crucial to explore the basis of ethnic disparities and consider the perspectives of children. This study aimed to understand cultural and contextual factors influencing childhood obesity in an ethnically diverse population using child‐centred methodology.Methods‘Draw, write and tell’ interviews were held with children aged 9–10 years in Coventry, an urban, multi‐ethnic city in the United Kingdom. Data were analysed thematically using framework analysis.ResultsTwenty‐six children participated (85% from Black or minority ethnic groups). Children's perspectives revealed universal themes around health, diet, physical activity and weight and highlighted issues specific to ethnic groups and those living in deprived areas. An underlying feature was weight‐based stigmatization and group stereotyping, and an emphasis on internal factors as the cause of obesity. Children described some experiences of social disadvantage but did not regard these as a barrier to being physically active. Children identified cultural or religious practices or experiences of migration that influenced diet and physical activity.ConclusionsThese findings allow a broad range of children's perspectives to inform future intervention design. In addition, the study was able to identify the many similarities and small amount of diversity in children's perspectives across ethnic groups.
Contextual determinants for use of dental services according to different healthcare financing systems: Andersen's model
Authors: Pilotto Luciane Maria , Celeste Roger Keller 
Published: March 2021

AbstractObjectivesTo explore contextual factors associated with overall dental service use, and investigate whether these factors influenced choice of the type of service according to the healthcare financing alternatives (public services; out‐of‐pocket services; and private health insurance), by adults and older individuals, based on the most recent Andersen's behavioural model.MethodsCross‐sectional study with individual data on 17,305 adults from 177 Brazilian municipalities in the National Oral Health Survey (SBBrasil 2010). Municipal‐level information was obtained from health information systems and census data. Multilevel multinomial logistic regression was carried out for multivariable analysis.ResultsIn the previous year, 38.2% of the individuals visited the dentist; of which 21.4% used out‐of‐pocket spending, 11.6% used public services and 5.2% private dental insurance. Municipalities with population coverage of public primary dental care >80% had higher chances of using public services (OR = 1.28, 95%CI:1.00‐1.64) than those with ≤60%, but lower chances of using private insurance (OR = 0.56, 95%CI:0.38‐0.83). Municipalities with population coverage of private dental insurance > 5% had lower chances of using public services (OR = 0.62, 95%CI:0.47‐0.81) than those with <1% coverage, and greater chances of using private insurance (OR = 4.33, CI:95% 2.02‐9.29). These factors were not associated with out‐of‐pocket dental services.ConclusionsMunicipal coverage of dental services is associated with dental care use, and this is different according to the type of financing system (public or private), as they may change the individual's choice of service. A large public healthcare system may increase public service use for those with reduced access and decrease private service use.
Sensitization to peanut, egg or pets is associated with skin barrier dysfunction in children with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Sherenian Michael G. , Kothari Arjun , Biagini Jocelyn M. , Kroner John W. , Baatyrbek kyzy Asel , Johannson Elisabet , Atluri Gowtham , He Hua , Martin Lisa J. , Khurana Hershey Gurjit K. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundChildren with atopic dermatitis (AD) are often sensitized to food and aeroallergens, but sensitization patterns have not been analysed with biologic measures of disease pathogenicity.ObjectiveWe sought to define allergen sensitization grouping(s) using unbiased machine learning and determine their associations with skin filaggrin (FLG) and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) (assesses skin barrier integrity),S100A8andS100A9expression (assesses skin inflammation) and AD severity.MethodsWe studied 400 children with AD in the Mechanisms of Progression from Atopic Dermatitis to Asthma in Children (MPAACH) cohort to identify groupings of food and aeroallergen sensitizations. MPAACH is a paediatric AD cohort, aged 1–2, recruited through hospital/community settings between 2016 and 2018. We analysed these groupings' associations with AD biomarkers: skinFLG,S100A8andS100A9expression, total IgE, TEWL and AD severity.ResultsAn unbiased machine learning approach revealed five allergen clusters. The most common cluster (N = 131), SPTPEP,had sensitization to peanut, egg and/or pets. Three low prevalence clusters, which included children with allergen sensitization other than peanut, egg or pets, were combined into SPTOther. SPTNEGincluded children with no sensitization(s). SPTPEPchildren had higher median non‐lesional TEWL (16.9 g/m2/h) and IgE (90 kU/L) compared with SPTOTHER(8.8 g/m2/h and 24 kU/L;p = .01 andp < .001) and SPTNEG(9 g/m2/h and 26 kU/L;p = .003 andp < .001). SPTPEPchildren had lower median lesional (0.70) and non‐lesional (1.09)FLGexpression compared with SPTOTHER(lesional: 0.9;p = .047, non‐lesional: 1.78;p = .01) and SPTNEG(lesional: 1.47;p < .001, non‐lesional: 2.21;p < .001). There were no differences among groupings inS100A8orS100A9expression.Conclusions and clinical relevanceIn this largely clinic‐based cohort of young children with AD, allergic sensitization to peanut, egg, cat or dog was associated with more severe disease and skin barrier function but not markers of cutaneous inflammation. These data need replicating in a population‐based cohort but may have important implications for understanding the interaction between AD and allergic sensitization.
Multidisciplinary team obviates biopsy in most patients with diffuse parenchymal lung diseases—A retrospective study from India
Authors: Murali Mohan Bangalore Venkataraman , Tousheed Syed Zulkharnain , Manjunath Poojaramuddanahally Hanumantharayappa , Ravichandra Malapaka Ramakrishna , Ranganatha Ramanjaneya , Annapandian Vellaichamy M. , Kumar M. Hemanth , Sagar Chandrasekar 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIntroductionThe inflammation and fibrosis in diffuse parenchymal lung diseases (DPLDs) in varied proportions give rise to different patterns in radiology and histopathology. The radiological pattern on CT of the thorax most often allows us to make a diagnosis with varying levels of confidence, to optimize management. With a multidisciplinary team bringing the strengths of their individual domains of knowledge, clinical, radiological, histopathological, and in many cases rheumatological, the level of confidence in making this diagnosis increases, often to the stage where the diagnosis is most often right, is concordant with the diagnosis achieved at histopathology and therefore obviates the need for lung biopsy which carries its own costs and risks of complications. Our study emphasizes the role of the multidisciplinary team (MDT) in the management of DPLDs at a tertiary care referral center.Materials and MethodsEvery case of DPLD presenting to our pulmonology department was discussed in an MDT meeting before subjecting them to any diagnostic intervention or therapy. A clinico‐radiological diagnosis was made according to the 2002 ATS/ERS guidelines initially. Later an official ATS/ERS/JRS/ALAT statement on idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and a 2013 ATS/ERS consensus for the classification and diagnosis of idiopathic interstitial pneumonia was used. The concordance in our study was defined as the percentage of histopathological diagnoses that were identical to the clinico‐radiological MDT diagnosis prior to the biopsy.ResultsA total of 434 patients with DPLDs were evaluated. The MDT suggested biopsy for only 38.7% (168/434) patients since the pattern was very clear in 266 (61.3%) cases. As not all patients consented to undergo the biopsy procedure when recommended, histopathology was obtained in 102 patients. The histological diagnosis was concordant with the initial MDT diagnosis in 80.3% (82/102) of samples. On an individual basis, connective tissue disease‐interstitial lung disease and sarcoidosis showed the best concordance (87%). In idiopathic non‐specific interstitial pneumonitis (NSIP) cases, the histopathological diagnosis concurred in only 53.3% (8/15), out of which 8 were NSIP, 4 were usual interstitial pneumonia, and 3 were reported as inadequate sampling on histopathology.ConclusionThe MDT plays a crucial role in the diagnosis of DPLDs. Not every pattern requires biopsy confirmation. However, an idiopathic non‐specific interstitial pneumonitis diagnosis by the MDT should probably be better confirmed by biopsy.
An internationalised Europe and regionally focused Americas: A network analysis of higher education studies
Authors: Akbaritabar Aliakbar , Barbato Giovanni 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe study on which this article reports investigated the internationalisation of higher education studies by examining collaborations in the form of international co‐authorships. We analyse how network‐based mechanisms, related to structural relationship between authors (preferential attachment, i.e., higher tendency to collaborate among the most productive ones) and node level features (homophily, i.e., tendency to collaborate with similar others), affect higher education co‐authorship networks. We build a bipartite co‐authorship network based on 17,262 publications from 33 specialised higher education journals indexed in Scopus from 1996–2018. Scientific collaboration in higher education mainly occurs within national borders. We found that higher education is not an internationally oriented field of research, with around 90% single‐country publications. A geographical divide was observed between the two largest communities (Europe, Asia and Oceania vs. the Americas) which was also reflected in the research themes addressed by these communities, structured around the known divide between (1) learning and teaching, and (2) policy‐based studies. Preferential attachment was observed to be a network‐based mechanism that contributes to drive the formation of new co‐authorships. Similarly, homophily based on academic seniority and research productivity emerged as a significant explanatory mechanism. We present a methodology for disambiguating the names of higher education institutions. We demonstrate an associated effect on co‐authorship networks. Our research and analysis support the effectiveness of the proposed method.