bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical experience with a shape memory polymer peripheral vascular embolisation plug: a case series
Authors: Morgan Robert A. , Loftus Ian , Ratnam Lakshmi , Das Raj , Mailli Leto , Hamady Mohamad S. , Lobotesis Kyriakos 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Shape memory polymers are materials that are manufactured in a certain shape, can be stored in a temporary deformed shape, and then return to – or remember – their original shape upon exposure to external stimuli such as temperature and moisture. This property lends itself to application in endovascular medical devices. Peripheral vasculature embolisation devices incorporating this novel technology have become commercially available and this case series, where the data were collected as part of a post market registry, outlines initial clinical experience with these novel devices.

Results
Eight cases are described in this series. The disease state/conditions for which embolisation was indicated were right common iliac artery aneurysms (n = 3), a type II endoleak into the thoracic aorta following thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (n = 1), a left inferior gluteal artery aneurysm (n = 1), left internal iliac artery aneurysms (n = 2), and a case of splenomegaly, where splenectomy was planned after the embolisation procedure (n = 1). Target arteries were 5–10 mm in diameter. In each case, at least one IMPEDE Embolization Plug (IMP-Device) of an appropriate diameter was used. All procedures were technically successful and target vessel thrombosis was achieved in all cases. Follow-up imaging available during the 45–90-day data collection timeframe showed sustained vessel occlusion. This case series includes examples of situations commonly encountered when embolising the peripheral vasculature, namely, the use of one or multiple devices in a single vessel and in combination with the use of other embolic devices (e.g., microcoils, gelatin sponge, and PVA particles) in the same case. There were no adverse events related to the specific use of the device.

Conclusions
This small series illustrates the safety and efficacy of this novel sponge-based embolic device for the embolisation of small and medium sized arteries and further experience will demonstrate the utility of the shape memory polymer devices.
Ultraselective transcatheter arterial embolization with small-sized microcoils for acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding
Authors: Kinoshita Mitsuhiro , Kondo Hiroshi , Hitomi Suguru , Hara Takuya , Zako Ryusei , Yamamoto Masayoshi , Hiraoka Junichiro , Takaoka Yukiko , Enomoto Hideaki , Matsunaga Naoki , Takechi Katsuya , Shirono Ryozo , Akagawa Yoko , Osaki Kyosuke , Ohnishi Norio , Tani Hayato 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Purpose
To evaluate the clinical outcome of ultraselective transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) with small-sized microcoils for acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB).

Materials and methods
The subjects were 17 consecutive patients (mean age, 69 years) with LGIB who were treated with ultraselective TAE using small-sized microcoils between December 2013 and December 2019. Ultraselective TAE was defined as embolization of one or both of the long or short branches of the vasa recta. The etiologies of bleeding were colonic diverticulosis in 16 patients (94%) and malignancy in one patient (6%). The bleeding foci were in the ascending colon in 11 patients (65%), transverse colon in 2 patients (12%), and sigmoid colon in 4 patients (23%). A total of 18 branches (diameter: range 0.5–1.5 mm, mean 1.1 mm) of the vasa recta in 17 patients were embolized with small-sized microcoils (size range 1–3 mm, mean combined lengths of all microcoils 7.6 cm). The mean follow-up period was 19 months (range 1–80 months). The technical and clinical success rate, recurrent bleeding rate, major complications and long-term clinical outcomes were retrospectively evaluated.

Results
Technical and clinical success was achieved in all patients (17/17). The rates of early recurrent bleeding (within 30 days of TAE) and major complications were 0% (0/17). Recurrent bleeding occurred in one patient at 2 months after TAE, but was stopped with conservative treatment. There were no other bleeding episodes or complications in the follow-up period.

Conclusion
Ultraselective TAE with small-sized microcoils is a highly effective and safe treatment modality for LGIB.
The danger of denialism: lessons from the Brazilian pandemic
Authors: Silva Heslley Machado 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Scientific denialism has always had harmful consequences for humanity, but with the advent of the pandemic these effects seem to have been accentuated.

Main body
Unwillingness to accept the facts about the COVID-19 pandemic ascertained by scientists and public health authorities has led to widespread scientific denialism, including the emergence of conspiracy theories of all sorts. Examples are diverse, reaching both developed and developing countries, arriving through populist leaders and the spread of conspiracy theories through social media.

Short conclusion
It is important to pay attention to the risk of the extremes of this denialism and the possible repercussions, especially in countries that have leaders who agree with these conceptions, such as Brazil and the USA.
Phenomic characterization of Crotalaria germplasm for crop improvement
Authors: Muli Joshua Kiilu , Neondo Johnstone O. , Kamau Peter K. , Odari Eddy , Budambula Nancy L. M. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Diversification of global food systems through exploration of traditional varieties and wild edible plant species is a focal mitigation strategy for food security worldwide. The present study determined the phenomic diversity of locally available, affordable and climate-resilient cultivated and wild Crotalaria species for breeding purposes.

Methods
Seed samples were collected from different administrative counties in Kenya spanning different climatic zones. Other seeds were provided by the Genetic Resources Research Institute of Kenya. A randomized complete block design with three replications was used for agro-morphological evaluation of the 83 accessions used in this study. Data on quantitative and qualitative traits was collected. Cluster analysis on R and R-studio was used to generate a dendrogram by the Euclidian genetic distance and dissimilarity indices while the non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) method was used to determine the spatial interrelationship between the accessions. The Pearson’s correlation coefficients were used to determine the relationships between qualitative and quantitative traits while the principal component analysis was used to discriminate the accessions.

Results
Three edible species (C. brevidens Benth., C. ochroleuca G.Don, C. trichotoma Bojer.) were found to be cultivated by Kenyan farmers and a significant variation (p < 0.0001) for all parameters under study was recorded. Agglomerative hierarchical clustering grouped the accessions into 8 major clusters. The NMDS ordination formed 15 and 6 groups based on counties and regions respectively.

Conclusions
This study forms the basis for exploring novel breeding strategies among cultivated species, between wild and cultivated Crotalaria species as well as determining molecular markers linked to phenomic traits.
Multilevel Factors Associated With More Intensive Use of Radioactive Iodine for Low-Risk Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Wallner Lauren P , Banerjee Mousumi , Reyes-Gastelum David , Hamilton Ann S , Ward Kevin C , Lubitz Carrie , Hawley Sarah T , Haymart Megan R 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Context
The use of radioactive iodine (RAI) for low-risk thyroid cancer is common, and variation in its use exists, despite the lack of benefit for low-risk disease and potential harms and costs.

Objective
To simultaneously assess patient- and physician-level factors associated with patient-reported receipt of RAI for low-risk thyroid cancer.

Methods
This population-based survey study of patients with newly diagnosed differentiated thyroid cancer identified via the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) registries of Georgia and Los Angeles County included 989 patients with low-risk thyroid cancer, linked to 345 of their treating general surgeons, otolaryngologists, and endocrinologists. We assessed the association of physician- and patient-level factors with patient-reported receipt of RAI for low-risk thyroid cancer.

Results
Among this sample, 48% of patients reported receiving RAI, and 23% of their physicians reported they would use RAI for low-risk thyroid cancer. Patients were more likely to report receiving RAI if they were treated by a physician who reported they would use RAI for low-risk thyroid cancer compared with those whose physician reported they would not use RAI (adjusted OR: 1.84; 95% CI, 1.29-2.61). The odds of patients reporting they received RAI was 55% lower among patients whose physicians reported they saw a higher volume of patients with thyroid cancer (40+ vs 0-20) (adjusted OR: 0.45; 0.30-0.67).

Conclusions
Physician perspectives and attitudes about using RAI, as well as patient volume, influence RAI use for low-risk thyroid cancer. Efforts to reduce overuse of RAI in low-risk thyroid cancer should include interventions targeted toward physicians, in addition to patients.
Changes in Management Strategy and Impact of Neoadjuvant Therapy on Extent of Surgery in Invasive Lobular Carcinoma of the Breast: Analysis of the National Cancer Database (NCDB)
Authors: Mukhtar Rita A. , Hoskin Tanya L. , Habermann Elizabeth B. , Day Courtney N. , Boughey Judy C. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundGiven reports of low response rates to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC), we evaluated whether use of alternative strategies such as neoadjuvant endocrine therapy (NET) is increasing. Additionally, we investigated whether NET is associated with more breast conservation surgery (BCS) and less extensive axillary surgery in those with ILC.Patients and MethodsWe queried the NCDB from 2010 to 2016 and identified all women with stage I–III hormone receptor positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 negative (HR+/HER2−) ILC who underwent surgery. We used Cochrane–Armitage tests to evaluate trends in utilization of the following treatment strategies: NAC, short-course NET, long-course NET, and primary surgery. We compared rates of BCS and extent of axillary surgery stratified by clinical stage and tumor receptor subtype for each treatment strategy.ResultsAmong 69,312 cases of HR+/HER2− ILC, NAC use decreased slightly (from 4.7 to 4.2%,p= 0.007), while there was a small but significant increase in long-course NET (from 1.6 to 2.7%,p< 0.001). Long-course NET was significantly associated with increased BCS in patients with cT2–cT4 disease and less extensive axillary surgery in clinically node positive patients with HR+/HER2− tumors.ConclusionsPrimary surgery remains the most common treatment strategy in patients with ILC. However, NAC use decreased slightly over the study period, while the use of long-course NET had a small increase and was associated with more BCS and less extensive axillary surgery.
Reducing contrast medium dose with low photon energy images in renal dual-energy spectral CT angiography and adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR)
Authors: Zhang Xirong , Chen Jing , Yu Nan , Ren Zhanli , Tian Qian , Tian Xin , Jia Yongjun , He Taiping , Guo Changyi 
Published: March 2021

Objective:
To evaluate the value of using low energy (keV) images in renal dual-energy spectral CT angiography (CTA) and adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR) to reduce contrast medium dose.

Methods:
40 patients with renal CTA on a Discovery CT750HD were randomly divided into two groups: 20 cases (Group A) with 600 mgI kg−1 and 20 cases (Group B) with 300 mgI kg−1. The scan protocol for both groups was: dual-energy mode with mA selection for noise index of 10 HU, pitch 1.375:1, rotating speed 0.6 s/r. Images were reconstructed at 0.625 mm thickness with 40%ASIR, Group A used the conventional 70keV monochromatic images, and Group B used monochromatic images from 40 to 70 keV at 5 keV interval for analysis. The CT values and standard deviation (SD) values of the renal artery and erector spine in the plain and arterial phases were measured with the erector spine SD value representing image noise. The enhancement degree of the renal artery (ΔCT = CT(arterial) -CT(plain)), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR=CTrenal-artery/SDrenal-artery) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR=(CTrenal-artery-CTerector spine)/SDerector-spine) were calculated. The single factor analysis of variance was used to analyze the difference of ΔCT, SNR and CNR among image groups with p &lt; 0.05 being statistically significant. The subjective image scores of the groups were assessed blindly by two experienced physicians using a 5-point system and the score consistency was compared by the κ test.

Results:
Contrast medium dose in the 300 mgI kg−1 group was reduced by 50% compared with the 600 mgI kg−1 group, while radiation dose was similar between the two groups. The subjective scores were 4.00 ± 0.65, 4.50 ± 0.60 and 3.70 ± 0.80 for images at 70 keV (600 mgI kg−1 group), 40 keV (300 mgI kg−1 group) and 45 keV (300 mgI kg−1 group), respectively with good consistency between the two reviewers (p &gt; 0.05). The 40 keV images in the 300 mgI kg−1 group had similar ΔCT (469.77 ± 86.95 HU vs 398.54 ± 73.68 HU) and CNR (15.52 ± 3.32 vs 18.78 ± 6.71) values as the 70 keV images in the 600 mgI kg−1) group but higher SNR values (30.19 ± 4.41 vs 16.91 ± 11.12, p &lt; 0,05)

Conclusion:
Contrast dose may be reduced by 50% while maintaining image quality by using lower energy images combined with ASIR in renal dual-energy CTA.

Advances in knowledge:
Combined with ASIR and energy spectrum, can reduce the amount of contrast dose in renal CTA.
Prenatal lead exposure: associations with growth and anthropometry in early childhood in a UK observational birth cohort study
Authors: Taylor Caroline M. , Golding Jean , Kordas Katarzyna 
Published: March 2021

Background:Lead is a neurotoxic metal that crosses the placenta freely. It has adverse effects on a range of birth outcomes. The few studies reporting on the associations of prenatal exposure to lead and child growth have had conflicting results. This study aimed to examine the effect of prenatal exposure to lead on children’s growth from 4 to 61 months of age.Methods:Pregnant women were enrolled in the UK Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). Whole blood samples for pregnancies with a live birth were analysed for lead (n=4140). A 10% subsample of the offspring cohort (Children in Focus) were invited to clinics at 10 time points (4–61 months) at which anthropometric measurements were carried out; z-scores for height, weight and BMI were calculated using the 1990 British Growth Reference Standards. Associations between prenatal log10-lead concentrations and z-scores and other anthropometric measures were modelled using adjusted linear regression models in an imputed dataset for children who attended at least one clinic (n=574).Results:The median prenatal blood lead concentration was 3.60 (IQR 2.61–4.16) µg/dl. There was no evidence for any associations of prenatal lead exposure with z-scores for BMI, height or weight in adjusted models from age 4 to 61 months. There were no associations for other anthropometric measures including mid-upper arm circumference, head circumference and waist circumference. There was some evidence for a weakly positive effect of prenatal lead exposure on head circumference in girls at age 43 and 61 months (at 61 months unstandardised B coefficient 1.59 (95% CI 0.12, 3.16) cm, p=0.048) but not at other ages.Conclusions:There was no consistent evidence of associations between prenatal exposure to lead and measures of growth and anthropometry from age 4 to 61 months in this cohort of children in the UK.
Revisiting Ellsberg’s and Machina’s Paradoxes: A Two-Stage Evaluation Model Under Ambiguity
Authors: He Ying 
Published: March 2021

In this paper, a two-stage evaluation (TSE) model for decision making under ambiguity is proposed. Events in state space are classified into risky and ambiguous events, which correspond to different types of uncertainty generated by different sources. In this TSE model, uncertainty of two different types are evaluated by decision maker (DM) in different stages. In the first stage, DM evaluates more uncertain consequences of an act locally by applying local subjective expected utility (SEU) models, which are then embedded into the second-stage evaluation based on SEU defined globally over all events. To axiomatize such a model, the small domain SEU over risky acts is extended to both risky and nonrisky (ambiguous) acts. When evaluating a risky act, TSE model reduces to Savage’s SEU with one stage. When evaluating an ambiguous act, local SEU with a different uncertainty aversion defined on ambiguous events gives TSE model some flexibility in describing preferences. It can be shown that TSE model can accommodate Ellsberg’s paradoxes and Machina’s paradoxes in the literature. When applied to portfolio selection problem, TSE model enjoys some nice properties other models do not have. This paper was accepted by Manel Baucells, decision analysis.
“Orgulho de ser Hetero”? Disputas em torno das masculinidades em uma página do Facebook
Authors: Klein Carin , Santos Alison Dos 
Published: March 2021

O presente trabalho tem como objetivo analisar a produção e a veiculação de representações de masculinidades e de feminilidades em uma página do Facebook, intitulada “Orgulho de ser Hetero”. O estudo insere-se nos campos teóricos dos Estudos Culturais e Estudos de Gênero, em aproximação com a perspectiva pós-estruturalista. Para a operacionalização da pesquisa, selecionamos um conjunto de imagens e textos, a fim de explorá-los a partir dos conceitos de cultura, representação e gênero, com a intenção de discutirmos as representações de gênero que estão sendo ali veiculadas, ou seja, realizamos o exame de como elas vêm sendo nomeadas, reforçadas, re/atualizadas, tensionadas e negociadas, por meio dos sentidos que se incorporam a elas nesse contexto.
Validation of joint space narrowing on plain radiographs and its relevance to partial knee arthroplasty
Authors: Khury Farouk , Fuchs Michael , Awan Malik Hassan , Leiprecht Janina , Reichel Heiko , Faschingbauer Martin 
Published: March 2021

AimsTo explore the clinical relevance of joint space width (JSW) narrowing on standardized-flexion (SF) radiographs in the assessment of cartilage degeneration in specific subregions seen on MRI sequences in knee osteoarthritis (OA) with neutral, valgus, and varus alignments, and potential planning of partial knee arthroplasty.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 639 subjects, aged 45 to 79 years, in the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) study, who had symptomatic knees with Kellgren and Lawrence grade 2 to 4. Knees were categorized as neutral, valgus, and varus knees by measuring hip-knee-angles on hip-knee-ankle radiographs. Femorotibial JSW was measured on posteroanterior SF radiographs using a special software. The femorotibial compartment was divided into 16 subregions, and MR-tomographic measurements of cartilage volume, thickness, and subchondral bone area were documented. Linear regression with adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, and Kellgren and Lawrence grade was used.ResultsWe studied 345 neutral, 87 valgus, and 207 varus knees. Radiological JSW narrowing was significantly (p < 0.01) associated with cartilage volume and thickness in medial femorotibial compartment in neutral ( r = 0.78, odds ratio (OR) 2.33) and varus knees ( r = 0.86, OR 1.92), and in lateral tibial subregions in valgus knees ( r = 0.87, OR 3.71). A significant negative correlation was found between JSW narrowing and area of subchondral bone in external lateral tibial subregion in valgus knees ( r = −0.65, p < 0.01) and in external medial tibial subregion in varus knees ( r = −0.77, p < 0.01). No statistically significant correlation was found in anterior and posterior subregions.ConclusionSF radiographs can be potentially used for initial detection of cartilage degeneration as assessed by MRI in medial and lateral but not in anterior or posterior subregions. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2021;10(3):173–187.
Measurement of phase and group refractive indices and dispersion of thermo-optic and strain-optic coefficients of optical fibers using weak fiber Bragg gratings
Authors: Cruz J. L. , Barmenkov Y. O. , Díez A. , Andres M. V. 
Published: March 2021

In this work we report on the measurement, with record accuracy, of the
absolute modal effective refraction index (phase index) of single-mode
optical fibers by using Bragg gratings. We also demonstrate a new
method to measure the group index of the fibers from the grating’s
Bragg wavelength. We present as well the characterization of the
thermo-optic and strain-optic coefficients as a function of the
wavelength; the values we have obtained are the closest to those of
pristine fiber measured with gratings technology so far. The phase
index is measured with a set of gratings in the wavelength ranges from
1509 to 1563 nm, and the group index is obtained from the wavelength
dependence of the phase index. Very weak gratings with reflectivity
down to

1

0

−
3

have been used in order to minimize
the perturbation of the pristine fiber. Results are presented at a
temperature of 22°C and zero strain after preliminary calibration of
the thermo-optic and strain-optic coefficients as a function of the
wavelength. Accuracies better than

3

×

1

0

−
5

and

7

×

1

0

−
4

have been achieved for the phase and
group indices, respectively. It is also shown that the main source of
error relates to the uncertainty in pitch of the phase masks used for
grating inscription. The technique is useful for testing different
kinds of fibers including telecommunication, amplifying, and
polarization maintaining.