bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Learning curve for two-port video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery lung segmentectomy
Authors: Dimitrovska Natasha Toleska , Bao Feichao , Yuan Ping , Hu Shoujun , Chu Xiao , Li Wentao 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
When lung cancer evolves from a large, centrally located mass to small, peripherally located pulmonary nodules, such as ground glass nodules, segmentectomy offers a reasonable method by which to save lung parenchyma without eliciting compromising oncological effects. To master these techniques, it is important to analyse the learning curve of surgeons. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to analyse the learning curve for two-port video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) segmentectomy in our institution.

METHODS
We retrospectively collected data from 86 consecutive patients who underwent two-port VATS segmentectomy between June 2019 and November 2019. The operative time (OT) and estimated blood loss and other complications were analysed. The learning curve was evaluated using the OT and the cumulative sum (CUSUM) value of OTs across all cases.

RESULTS
We generated a graph of the CUSUM of OTs and found that the learning curve could be differentiated into 3 phases: phase 1, the initial learning phase (1st to 27th operation); phase 2, the increased competence phase (28th to 54th operation); and phase 3, the experienced phase (55th to 86th operation). The CUSUM value inflected at patient number 47. There were significant reductions in the OT and bleeding in phase 3 relative to phases 1 and 2. There were also significant differences in OT and estimated blood loss between the simple and complex segmentectomy procedures.

CONCLUSIONS
In conclusion, the 3 phases identified using CUSUM analysis of the OT represented characteristic stages of the learning curve for two-port VATS segmentectomy. The data indicate that, in our institution, the inflection point for the learning curve was achieved after operating on 47 cases.
Practice Theory and Postsocialist Civil Society: Toward a New Analytical Framework
Authors: Baća Bojan 
Published: September 2021

AbstractWhen discussing postsocialist civil societies in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), scholars have predominantly focused on the nonparticipatory and advocacy-oriented activities of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), effectively narrowing the concept of “civil society” to that of the “civic sector.” This actor-focused and normative approach has resulted in a systematic obfuscation of less structured forms of everyday resistance, civic engagement, active citizenship, contentious politics, and social movements, giving only a partial view of civil societies in the region. Through a critical dialogue between state-of-the-art research on postsocialist civil society and the practice turn in international political sociology (IPS), this article postulates an analytical distinction between contentious and compliant practices in order to arrive at a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the ways in which postsocialist civil societies are manifested, enacted, and actualized. On the one hand, the proposed practice turn moves the research agenda away from abstract, universalist, and normative assumptions of what civil society should be in favor of an embedded, contextual, and critical understanding of what it actually is; on the other hand, this shift opens venues for theorizing not only about, but also from the “postsocialist condition” of civil societies in the transnational space of CEE.
Interactive, on-line visualization tools to measure and drive equity in COVID-19 vaccine administrations
Authors: Shaheen Amy W , Ciesco Eileen , Johnson Kevin , Kuhnen Greg , Paolini Christopher , Gartner Gary 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Equitable distribution of vaccines is necessary to ensure those at highest risk of illness are protected from COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019). Unfortunately, there is significant evidence that vaccines have not been reaching the most vulnerable. At our large hospital system, we created interactive online tools to measure and visualize equitability of vaccine administrations and to help stakeholders identify populations at highest risk within state-designated eligible vaccine groups. Using race, ethnicity, gender, and social vulnerability, we are able to measure and reflect our vaccine administration performance against the communities that we serve. With our visualization tools, stakeholders have been able to target interventions to improve equity in vaccine administrations, including improvements in race, ethnicity, and social vulnerability. We plan to use the data elements incorporated in our electronic health record and data warehouse due to the COVID-19 pandemic to guide further population health efforts at decreasing disparities.
Community Foundations as Network Conveners: Structuring Collective Agency for Child Education and Development System Impact
Authors: Sedgwick Donna , Lemaire Robin H , Wirgau Jessica , McKeague Lauren K 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe resource investment and flexibility necessary to support the development of collective agency among autonomous organizational actors can be substantial. Public agencies, with their rigid budget cycles and regulatory burdens, often struggle with providing the resources needed to forge this type of system building to address complex community issues. Community foundations, as anchor institutions in communities, exhibit financial and social power, flexibility, and a reputation for broad community interests that position them to be such conveners. Framing our examination with structuration theory, we conducted a longitudinal mixed methods action research project from Fall 2015 to Spring 2019 to document how a community foundation dislodged schemas and convened a purpose-oriented network to forge collective agency. Data collection included surveying 40 system providers before the launching of the network and 49 providers 3 yr later, interviews with 10 network participants, and field observations of 21 network meetings. Network analysis was employed to examine the changes to the system while qualitative methods were used to analyze the processes behind those changes. The implications of this study are that emphasizing the resources and processes that contribute to building collective action broadens perspectives about which organizations may be well suited to convening networks in the public sphere.
Edge influence on herbaceous plant species, diversity and soil properties in sparse oak forest fragments in Iran
Authors: Valadi Gelareh , Eshaghi Rad Javad , Khodakarami Yahia , Nemati Peykani Mostafa , Harper Karen A 
Published: September 2021

AbstractForest edges have been well studied in temperate and tropical forests, but less so in open canopy forests. We investigated edge influence on plant species diversity and soil properties in sparse oak forest fragments. Data were collected along three transects from the edge to the interior of three small (under 10 ha) and three large (over 10 ha) oak forest fragments in Kermanshah Province, Iran. We measured herbaceous plants (&lt;0.5 m in height) and soil attributes at 0 (forest edge), 25, 50, 100 and 150 m. We quantified species diversity using the Shannon index, used rarefaction to compare species richness between two different sizes of fragments and applied non-metric multidimensional scaling ordination to investigate the variation in species composition. We estimated the distance of edge influence using randomization tests. Generalized linear mixed models with post-hoc Tukey’s HSD tests were used to assess the effects of distance from edge and fragment size on diversity and soil properties. We found greater species richness, diversity and evenness at the edge of both small and large fragments and lower nitrogen and organic carbon at the edge compared to the interior of large fragments, with most changes within 50 m of the edge. Species composition, organic carbon and total nitrogen were significantly different between small and large fragments. Our findings of significant edge influence on herbaceous plants and soil properties in these sparse forests provide a significant contribution to the literature on edges, especially in relation to herbaceous plants.
Mental well-being promotion by Australian community pharmacists: what’s happening and what needs to be done?
Authors: Suppiah Vijayaprakash , Kelly Fiona , Watt Oliver , Wheeler Amanda J , Hotham Elizabeth , McMillan Sara 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Objectives
This study aimed to explore the range of activities provided by community pharmacists for promoting mental well-being in Australia.

Methods
An online survey was developed and piloted by 2 community pharmacists, 1 representative from the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia and 11 pharmacy students for content and face validity. Community pharmacists were recruited via direct emails to pharmacy groups and social media between November 2019 and January 2020. Descriptive statistics and chi-squared analyses were conducted.

Key findings
Data were analysed from 85 pharmacists (of 115 total pharmacy staff respondents). Although 40% reported working in a pharmacy that promoted mental well-being, most (88.2%) were not involved in such activities. However, most respondents (88.0%) identified community pharmacy as a suitable setting to promote mental well-being. Barriers to mental well-being promotion included busy pharmacy environment with competing priorities, a lack of staff training and confidence in discussing mental well-being and stigma associated with mental illness.

Conclusions
Community pharmacy presents a suitable setting to promote mental well-being. However, pharmacists may not be utilizing their full range of skills and knowledge in promoting a national health priority. This study identified opportunities for increased pharmacist-led promotion of mental well-being, particularly given the emerging mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has highlighted the growing urgency for mental health-friendly health workers across the sector including the community pharmacy workforce to engage consumers about their mental well-being.
A case of C-ANCA-positive systematic lupus erythematous and ANCA-associated vasculitis overlap syndrome superimposed by COVID-19: a fatal trio
Authors: Mashinchi Baharnaz , Aryannejad Armin , Namazi Mansoor , Moradi Soroush , Masoumi Zahra , Parsaei Amirhossein , Masoumi Maryam 
Published: September 2021

ABSTRACT
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) poses a substantial challenge for rheumatologists and rheumatologic patients. They are concerned about the reciprocal interaction between connective tissue diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and the virus. Here, we report a 21-year-old female SLE patient presented to the emergency department with gastrointestinal symptoms and kidney involvement evidence. Based on the pathology and laboratory assessments, she was suspected of C-antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) positive SLE and ANCA-associated vasculitis overlap syndrome (SLE/AAV OS), and plasmapheresis was performed every other day due to this diagnosis alongside the high titer of C-ANCA. We also administered methylprednisolone [1 g/day, intravenous (IV)] for 3 days, followed by dexamethasone with the maintenance dosage (1 mg/kg/day, IV). Although the patient’s general condition improved the next days, her condition deteriorated suddenly on the 7th day of hospitalisation. She got intubated and went to the intensive care unit. Despite taking possible measures to manage the patient’s condition, she eventually passed away due to severe acute respiratory distress syndrome, triggered by COVID-19. The distinct role of C-ANCA in SLE/AAV vascular damage and activating neutrophil cytokine release accompanied by the impaired immune system while facing COVID-19 seems to lead to increased morbidity and mortality in such patients. This report is presented to bring into consideration the possible role of C-ANCA in the prognosis of COVID-19 in SLE/AAV OS patients.
Considering opportunistic parasitic infections in COVID-19 policies and recommendations
Authors: Mewara Abhishek , Sahni Neeru , Jain Amit 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant increase in the immunosuppressed population worldwide due to the disease pathology and extensive use of corticosteroids. This has subsequently increased the risk of opportunistic parasitic infections such as Toxoplasma gondii, Strongyloides stercoralis and other parasites in these patients. The reactivation of such parasites may remain unnoticed due to overlapping symptoms, the difficulty of diagnosis and lack of guidelines for opportunistic parasitic infections in COVID-19 management. Therefore, recommendations for systematic screening of high-risk patients in endemic regions and active research and surveillance to estimate the impact of these infections are required in COVID-19 policy guidelines.
GENOME-WIDE ASSOCIATIONS OF AORTIC DISTENSIBILITY SUGGEST CAUSAL RELATIONSHIPS WITH AORTIC ANEURYSMS AND BRAIN WHITE MATTER HYPERINTENSITIES
Authors: Francis Catherine M , Futschik Matthias E , Huang Jian , Bai Wenjia , Sargurupremraj Muralidharan , Petretto Enrico , Ho Amanda SR , Amouyel Philippe , Engelter Stefan T , Ware James S , Debette Stephanie , Elliott Paul , Dehghan Abbas , Matthews Paul M 
Published: September 2021

ABSTRACTAortic dimensions and distensibility are key risk factors for aortic aneurysms and dissections, as well as for other cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. We tested genome-wide associations of ascending and descending aortic distensibility and area derived from cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data of up to 32,590 Caucasian individuals in UK Biobank. We identified 102 loci (including 31 novel associations) tagging genes related to cardiovascular development, extracellular matrix production, smooth muscle cell contraction and heritable aortic diseases. Functional analyses highlighted four signalling pathways associated with aortic distensibility (TGF-β, IGF, VEGF and PDGF). We identified distinct sex-specific associations with aortic traits. We developed co-expression networks associated with aortic traits and applied phenome-wide Mendelian randomization (MR-PheWAS), generating evidence for a causal role for aortic distensibility in development of aortic aneurysms. Multivariable MR suggested a causal relationship between aortic distensibility and cerebral white matter hyperintensities, mechanistically linking aortic traits and brain small vessel disease.
Lack of benefit of temozolomide forMGMTmethylated patients with high vascular glioblastoma: a confirmatory study
Authors: Álvarez-Torres María del Mar , Fuster-García Elies , Balaña Carmen , Puig Josep , García-Gómez Juan Miguel 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIn this study we evaluated the benefit on survival of the combination ofMGMTmethylation and moderate vascularity in glioblastoma using a retrospective dataset of 123 patients from a multicenter cohort. MRI processing and calculation of relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV), used to define moderate- and high-vascular groups, were performed with the automatic ONCOhabitats method. We assessed the previously proposed rCBV threshold (10.7) and the new calculated ones (9.1 and 9.8) to analyze the association with survival for different populations according to vascularity andMGMTmethylation status. We found that patients included at the moderate-vascular group had longer survival whenMGMTis methylated (significant median survival difference of 174 days, p = 0.0129*). However, we did not find significant differences depending on theMGMTmethylation status for the high-vascular group (p = 0.9119). In addition, we investigated the combined correlation ofMGMTmethylation status and rCBV with the prognostic effect of the number of temozolomide cycles, and only significant results were found for the moderate-vascular group. In conclusion, there is a lack of benefit of temozolomide forMGMTmethylated patients with high vascular glioblastomas. Preliminary results suggest that patients with moderate vascularity and methylatedMGMTwould benefit more from prolonged adjuvant chemotherapy.Simple SummaryDespite the complete treatment with surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, patients with glioblastoma have a devasting prognosis. Although the role of extending temozolomide treatment has been explored, the results are inconclusive. Recent evidence suggested that tumor vascularity may be a modulating factor in combination withMGMTmethylation on the effect of temozolomide-based therapies, opening new possibilities for personalized treatments. Before proposing a prospective interventional clinical study, it is necessary to confirm the beneficial effect of the combined effect ofMGMTmethylation and moderate tumor vascularity. As well as the lack of benefit of temozolomide in patients with a highly vascular tumor.
Transcriptomics of acute DENV-specific CD8+ T cells does not support qualitative differences as drivers of disease severity
Authors: Grifoni Alba , Voic Hannah , Mateus Jose , Fung Kai Mei Yan , Wang Alice , Seumois Grégory , De Silva Aruna D. , Tennekon Rashika , Premawansa Sunil , Premawansa Gayani , Tippalgama Rashmi , Wijewickrama Ananda , Chawla Ashu , Greenbaum Jason , Peters Bjoern , Pandagrundan Vijayanand , Weiskopf Daniela , Sette Alessandro 
Published: September 2021

AbstractWhile several lines of evidence suggest a protective role of T cells against disease associated with Dengue virus (DENV) infection, their potential contribution to immunopathology in the acute phase of DENV infection remains controversial, and it has been hypothesized that the more severe form of the disease (dengue hemorrhagic fever, DHF) is associated with altered T cell responses. To address this question, we determined the transcriptomic profiles of DENV-specific CD8+T cells in a cohort of 40 hospitalized DENV donors with either a milder form of the disease (dengue fever, DF) or a more severe disease form (dengue hemorrhagic fever, DHF). We found multiple transcriptomic signatures, one associated with DENV-specific Interferon-gamma responding cells, and two other gene signatures, one specifically associated with the acute phase, and the other with the early convalescent phase. Additionally, we found no differences in quantity and quality of DENV-specific CD8+T cells based on disease severity. Taken together with previous findings that did not detect altered DENV-specific CD4 T cell responses, the current analysis argues against alteration in DENV-specific T cell responses as being a correlate of immunopathology.
Microbiota development in early life mediates association between mode of delivery and vaccine responses
Authors: de Koff E.M. , van Baarle D. , van Houten M.A. , Reyman M. , Berbers G.A.M. , de Heij F. , Chu M.L.J.N. , Sanders E.A.M. , Bogaert D. , Fuentes S. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe gut microbiota in early life, when critical immune maturation takes place, may influence the immunogenicity of childhood vaccinations. We assessed the association between mode of delivery, gut microbiota development in the first year of life, and mucosal antigen-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) responses against pneumococcal and meningococcal conjugate vaccination at ages 12 and 18 months, respectively, in a prospective birth cohort of 120 infants. Birth by natural delivery was associated with higher IgG responses against both vaccines, which for the anti-pneumococcal IgG response could be explained by a gut microbial community composition with high abundances of Bifidobacterium and Escherichia coli in the first weeks of life. High E. coli abundance in the same period was also associated with higher anti-meningococcal IgG responses. Our results suggest that associations between mode of delivery and antibody responses to routine childhood vaccines are mediated by gut microbiota development.
Physical activity specifically evokes release of cell-free DNA from granulocytes thereby affecting liquid biopsy
Authors: Neuberger Elmo W.I. , Sontag Stephanie , Brahmer Alexandra , Philippi Keito F.A. , Radsak Markus P. , Wagner Wolfgang , Simon Perikles 
Published: September 2021

AbstractCell-free DNA (cfDNA) methylation-based diagnostics is a promising approach in oncology and hematooncology. Exercise impacts immune homeostasis and leads to a rapid and marked increase of cfDNA levels in blood. Since the origin of cfDNA during exercise remains elusive, the implications for liquid biopsy are unknown. In this study, we identified the source of cfDNA in 10 healthy untrained individuals before, immediately after, and 30 min after exercise, and in 6 patients with myeloid neoplasms or acute leukemia under resting conditions. A pyrosequencing assay was used to analyze the methylation levels of four CpGs, representing DNA from granulocytes, lymphocytes, monocytes, and non-hematopoietic cells. After exercise, cfDNA was almost exclusively released from granulocytes, with cell type specific proportions increasing significantly from 54.1% to 90.2%. Exercise did not trigger the release of cfDNA from lymphocytes or other analyzed cell types, whereas a small amount of cfDNA was released from monocytes. Compared to healthy people, patients with hematological malignancies show significantly higher cfDNA levels at rest with 48.1 (19.1; 78) vs. 8.5 (8.2; 9.5) ng/ml, data expressed as median (25th; 75th percentiles), and considerably higher levels of lymphocyte specific hypomethylated cg17587997 (P<.001). Hence, exercise-induced cfDNA elevations can compromise diagnostic accuracy.Key Points-cfDNA is a robust sample source for targeted bisulfite sequencing, enabling reliable mapping of the source cells.-cfDNA methylation signatures differ between healthy people and patients with hematological malignancies.-During intense exercise, cfDNA is almost exclusively derived from granulocytes, which can affect results of liquid biopsy.