bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cardioprotective effects of the proline‐rich oligopeptide Bj‐PRO‐7a in spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: de Jesus Érika Fernandes , Nunes Allancer Divino de Carvalho , Pontes Carolina Nobre Ribeiro , Macedo Larissa Matuda , Mendes Elizabeth Pereira , Ianzer Danielle Alves , da Costa Michael , Ghedini Paulo César , dos Santos Fernanda Cristina Alcantara , Biancardi Manoel Francisco , Castro Carlos Henrique 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe proline‐rich oligopeptide from Bothrops jararaca snake venom, Bj‐PRO‐7a, promotes acute effects in blood pressure in hypertensive animals. However, the cardiac effects of this heptapeptide are completely unknown. Thus, we sought to evaluate whether the Bj‐PRO‐7a could protect against cardiac remodelling in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). SHR were treated with Bj‐PRO‐7a (71 nmol/kg/day, s.c.) or saline for 28 days. Wistar rats were used as control. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and heart rate (HR) were measured by tail‐cuff plethysmography. Cardiomyocyte diameter and interstitial and perivascular fibrosis of the left ventricle (LV) were evaluated using Picrosirius staining. Immunofluorescence was used to detect collagen I and III. Fibroblast proliferation was assessed by immunohistochemistry to detect proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Protein expression was assessed by western blot. The superoxide dismutase and catalase activities and the concentration of lipid peroxidation products were evaluated in the LV. The SBP and HR were not different between treated and non‐treated SHR at the end of the treatment. However, Bj‐PRO‐7a attenuated the cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, deposition of interstitial and perivascular fibrosis and collagen I, and positive PCNA‐labelled fibroblasts. This peptide also reduced the increased levels of TBARS, expression and activity of catalase, and activity of SOD in LV from SHR. Also, the Bj‐PRO‐7a increased the expression of metalloproteinases‐2 in SHR hearts. These findings demonstrate that the Bj‐PRO‐7a reduced the pathological cardiac remodelling in a pressure‐independent manner in hypertensive rats through mechanisms mediated by oxidative stress regulation.
Infliximab therapy in parenchymal neuro‐Behçet’s disease: A single‐center experience
Authors: Yalcin Kehribar Demet , Gunaydin Serkan , Ozgen Metin 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundParenchymal neuro‐Behçet’s disease involvement is the most serious complication of Behçet's disease, and no sufficient data on its treatment exists. This study aims to investigate the efficacy and safety of infliximab treatment in neuro‐Behçet’s disease patients with parenchymal involvement.Materials and MethodsPatients who were diagnosed with Behçet's disease with parenchymal neurological involvement and underwent infliximab treatment for at least 12 months were included in the study. Demographic, clinical, and radiological data of the patients were accessed through the electronic database of our hospital.ResultsThis study comprises 19 patients who were diagnosed with neuro‐Behçet's disease and used infliximab: 12 male and 7 female patients. The mean age of the patients was 36.5 ± 11.7 years, and the diagnostic age was 26.3 ± 10.8 years. The duration of treatment with infliximab was 32.3 months (minimum 11, max 79). In the 19 patients receiving infliximab treatment, 11 (58%) patients achieved remission (complete disappearance of neurological symptoms) and 7 (37%) patients achieved disease stability (no new neurological findings); steroid treatments were discontinued for these 18 patients. In addition, only 5 patients were concomitantly taking immunosuppressive drugs with the infliximab. Infliximab was discontinued after the development of a new parenchymal attack in the 9th month of infliximab treatment.ConclusionIn conclusion, parenchymal neurological involvement in Behçet's disease is an important cause of disability, and no sufficient data exists in literature on its treatment. The results of our study suggest that infliximab treatment was effective and safe in neuro‐Behçet’s disease parenchymal involvement for preventing long‐term neurological attacks and discontinuing corticosteroid treatment.
Computed tomography‐guided microwave ablation for the treatment of non‐small cell lung cancer patients with and without adjacent lobe invasion: A comparative study
Authors: Xu Sheng , Bie Zhi‐Xin , Li Yuan‐Ming , Li Bin , Guo Run‐Qi , Li Xiao‐Guang 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of the study was to explore the outcomes of computed tomography‐guided microwave ablation (MWA) in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with adjacent lobe invasion (ALI), and to compare the outcomes of ALI‐NSCLC and non‐ALI NSCLC patients after MWA.MethodsA total of 319 NSCLC patients and 366 tumors treated with MWA were included in the study, comprising 34 ALI‐NSCLC patients and 285 non‐ALI NSCLC patients. Complications, local recurrence rates, progression‐free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were compared. Logistic regression analyses were used to investigate the correlation between ALI and the occurrence of pneumothorax after MWA.ResultsThe mean tumor diameter of ablated tumors was 3.6 ± 2.2 cm. There were 95 (29.8%) NSCLC patients in which pneumothorax occurred after MWA, and all patients recovered. Of these, the ALI group had a significantly higher incidence rate of pneumothorax than the non‐ALI group (52.9% vs. 27.0%, p = 0.002). The median PFS and OS for the ALI group were 12.0 ± 10.2 and 15.5 ± 9.5 months, respectively, and that of the non‐ALI group were 13.0 ± 10.6 and 17.0 ± 11.1 months, respectively, and no significant difference was found in PFS (p = 0.329) nor OS (p = 0.394) between the two groups. Local recurrence rates for ALI and non‐ALI groups were 29.4% and 20.7%, respectively, and no significant difference was found (p = 0.244). Logistic regression analyses revealed that ALI can increase the risk of pneumothorax (hazard ratio [HR], 2.867; p = 0.012).ConclusionsMWA is an effective and safe approach for ALI‐NSCLC treatment. Although ALI can increase the risk of pneumothorax, ALI‐NSCLC patients reveal a comparable outcome to non‐ALI NSCLC patients after MWA.
Estimating expansion of the range of oak processionary moth (Thaumetopoea processionea) in theUKfrom 2006 to 2019
Authors: Suprunenko Yevhen F. , Castle Matthew D. , Webb Cerian R. , Branson Julia , Hoppit Andrew , Gilligan Christopher A. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe expansion of oak processionary moth (OPM) in South‐East England continues despite ongoing efforts to control the pest since its introduction in 2006.Using locations of OPM larval nests, supplied by the Forestry Commission and recorded as part of ongoing surveillance and control measures from 2006 onwards, we show that the expansion of the range of OPM in South‐East England up to 2019 was biphasic with a higher rate of expansion from 2015 onwards.The maximum rate of OPM range expansion in the United Kingdom from 2006 to 2014 was estimated as 1.66 km/year (95% CI = [1.22, 2.09]), whereas the 2015–2019 expansion rate was estimated as 6.17 km/year (95% CI = [5.49, 6.84]). This corresponds to an estimated species range distribution area of 7077 km2in 2019.To explain the faster expansion of OPM range from 2015 onwards, we discuss potential reasons that include: natural capability of species of both short‐ and long‐distance dispersal; external factors such as environmental heterogeneity; a reduction of active control.
Real world outcomes of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy for borderline resectable pancreatic cancer: a multicentre observational study
Authors: Parsonson Andrew Ohyama , Connolly Elizabeth , Lee Mark , Hruby George , Sandroussi Charbel , Merrett Neil , Samra Jaswinder , Mittal Anubhav , Tse Regina , Grimison Peter 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundNeoadjuvant therapy may increase the likelihood of complete (R0) resection for borderline resectable pancreatic cancer. The optimal approach is unknown and differs amongst treatment centres.MethodsWe identified patients with biopsy‐proven borderline resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma who commenced neoadjuvant therapy between January 2012 and June 2019 at three centres in Sydney, Australia. Patterns of care and outcomes of varying approaches were examined.ResultsForty‐eight patients were identified. Median age was 66 years (range: 41–84). Staging included endoscopic ultrasound in 98%, PET‐CT scan in 77%, laparoscopy in 46%. Neoadjuvant regimens used were a combination of chemotherapy and chemo‐radiation (58%), chemotherapy alone (13%) and chemoradiation alone (29%). Radiologic complete or partial response occurred in 33% and progression in 25%. Complete macroscopic surgical resection was achieved in 50%, and R0 resection in 38%. At median follow‐up of 15 months, the 1‐year and 2‐year overall survival was 75% and 63% respectively, and the 1‐year and 2‐year progression‐free survival was 50% and 29% respectively. Significant predictors of macroscopic resectability were radiologic response (p = 0.005) but not addition of radiotherapy to chemotherapy (OR 0.87, p = 0.81). Predictors of overall survival included baseline Ca19.9 level (p = 0.04) and a trend to the use of systemic chemotherapy (HR 0.51, p = 0.07), but not use of radiotherapy (HR 0.70, p = 0.47).ConclusionThere is high variability in staging and neoadjuvant approaches for borderline resectable pancreas cancer. Despite aggressive neoadjuvant therapies, R0 resection and prolonged survival are uncommon. The incremental benefit of neoadjuvant radiotherapy after neoadjuvant chemotherapy was not demonstrated in this observational study.
Prophylactic versus reactive percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma patients undergoing radical radiotherapy
Authors: Thirayan Varun , Jameson Michael Barrett , Gregor Reinhold Theophilus 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundRadiotherapy (RT) for oropharyngeal squamous cell cancer (OPSCC) is associated with malnutrition due to treatment‐related mucositis and dysphagia. While percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) feeding can improve nutrition, it has acute and late complications, including dependence on PEG feeding. We retrospectively evaluated patient outcomes by whether gastrostomy placement was prophylactic (P‐G) or reactive to RT complications (R‐G).MethodsRetrospective analysis of OPSCC patients undergoing curative‐intent RT at Waikato Hospital between 2010 and 2015.ResultsOf 103 OPSCC patients treated with RT (+/− chemotherapy) 21 had P‐G, 15 had R‐G and 67 had none (No‐G). P‐G patients were significantly more likely to be female, older, have higher tumour stage and receive bilateral RT (all p < 0.05). P‐G and No‐G patients had similar rates and duration of hospital admission for complications during treatment, but both were significantly less than in R‐G patients (admission rates 52.3%, 49.3% and 86.7%, and mean length of stay 3.5, 3.3 and 11.9 days, respectively; p < 0.001). R‐G patients also had greater RT treatment delays than P‐G or No‐G patients (mean 1.1, 0.7 and 0.4 days, respectively, p < 0.05). No significant differences were noted between groups in PEG dependence or weight change during, or 1, 3 or 6 months after, RT. Weight loss was not significantly different with P‐G than R‐G despite more frequent use of bilateral RT fields in the former group.ConclusionsP‐G placement affords shorter and less frequent hospital admissions than R‐G during RT for OPSCC, with no increased complications or gastrostomy‐dependence rates.
The doctor will see you now: eye gaze, conversation and patient engagement in the surgical outpatient clinic. An Australian observational cross‐sectional study
Authors: Ting Ying Yang , Reid Jessica L. , Treloar Ellie , Lee Wei Shan Bobby , Tee Jeeng Yeeng , Cong Wen Jing Phoebe , Peng Dangyi , Edwards Suzanne , Ey Jesse , Edwardes Nicholas , Granchi Nelson , Maddern Guy J. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundSurgical outpatient consultations are demanding for the surgeon and patients without a definite formula for success. Various factors have been identified regarding factors that influence patient satisfaction and engagement. We aimed to examine the modern‐day surgical outpatient consultation and report on these factors.MethodsAn observational cross‐sectional study was performed by reviewing video recordings of 182 surgical consultations by 12 surgeons at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, South Australia, Australia.ResultsThe mean consultation time was 12.3 min, with pre‐surgical consultations being the longest. There were 107 consultations for benign conditions (58%). Proportionally, the consultant spoke most (51.9% of total consultation time), followed by the patient (19.5%) and then companion (8.2%). Forty‐eight (26.4%) patients brought a companion to the clinic but monopolisation of the consultation by the companion was rare. When a companion was present, there was more mutual eye gaze between the consultant and the patient. Interruptions were present in 23.6% of consultations and were associated with a significant increase of the length of the consultation. Table positioning did not seem to affect the dynamics of the outpatient consultation.ConclusionCompanions are highly valuable for promoting patient engagement and their presence should be encouraged in surgical outpatients. Interruptions should be kept to a minimum to avoid unnecessary delays. Further studies should be conducted to investigate the effect of companions, interruptions and table positioning during a consultation on patient outcomes.
Not just a tragic compromise: The positive case for adolescent access to puberty‐blocking treatment
Authors: Wenner Danielle M. , George B. R. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractWithin bioethics as well as in broader clinical practice, support for transgender and gender‐questioning adolescent access to pubertal suppression has often relied heavily on the desire to prevent risky, self‐destructive, and suicidal behavior. We argue that framing justifications for access to puberty suppression in this way can actually be harmful to both individual patients as well as to the broader trans population. This justification for access to care makes such access precarious, limits its scope, and introduces perverse incentives to the patient population that is being served. We go on to offer an alternative, positive defense of access to puberty‐blocking treatment for transgender youth grounded in the child's right to an open future. We argue that decisions related to pubertal suppression are both importantly weighty and potentially irreversible, and show why this justification is preferable to so‐called “informed consent” approaches.
A maternity care home model of enhanced prenatal care to reduce preterm birth rate and NICU use
Authors: Masten Yondell , Song Huaxin , Esperat Christina R. , McMurry Linda J. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundCenters for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) funded 182 US health care sites to reduce preterm birth rates by enhancing prenatal care for at‐risk women. As a funded site, the enhanced prenatal care maternity care home (MCH) model was implemented from 2013 to 2018 for 1042 Medicaid‐eligible pregnant women.MethodsThis retrospective study evaluated the impact of enhanced services on preterm birth risk reduction. Certified community health workers provided enhanced services from enrollment through six weeks postpartum. Participants attending enhanced intake and third‐trimester prenatal visits comprised the Active Group (N = 632). Participants missing third‐trimester visits, but participating in enhanced intake and postpartum visits, comprised the Inactive Group (N = 128). Lost Group participants attended only intake visits (N = 282). Data were collected through CMS‐developed intake, third‐trimester, postpartum, and exit forms. Descriptive analysis, analysis of variance, and the chi‐square tests analyzed the impact of risk factors, participant characteristics, and program participation on birth outcomes.ResultsActive Group compared with Inactive and Lost Group participants experienced significantly lower preterm birth rates (7.64% vs 22.48% and 15.82%,P < 0.001) and therefore a significantly lower NICU admission rate compared with Inactive and Lost Groups (2.82% vs 11.85% and 5.47%,P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe MCH model of enhanced prenatal care reduced preterm birth and NICU admission rates for Active Group participants. The Black Active Group participant preterm birth rate was not significantly different than other Active Group rates, but was lower than Black Inactive and Lost Group rates.
Beyond counting words: A paradigm shift for the study of language acquisition
Authors: Masek Lillian R. , Ramirez Alexus G. , McMillan Brianna T. M. , Hirsh‐Pasek Kathy , Golinkoff Roberta Michnick 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe 30‐million‐word gap, the quantified difference in the amount of speech that children growing up in low‐resourced homes hear compared to their peers from high‐resourced homes, is a phrase that has entered the collective consciousness. In the discussion of quantity, the complex and nuanced environments in which children learn language were distilled into a singular metric—number of words. In this article, we propose examining children’s language environments by focusing on what caregivers communicate to children and how they communicate it. Focusing on the features of the language environment promotes a more inclusive approach to understanding how children learn and the diverse contexts in which that learning occurs.
Social relationships and children’s perceptions of adversity
Authors: Smith Karen E. , Pollak Seth D. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractHaving sensitive, contingent, and supportive social relationships has been linked to more positive outcomes after experiences of early childhood adversity. Traditionally, social relationships are construed as moderators that buffer children from the effects of exposure to adverse events. However, recent data support an alternative view: that supportive social relationships influence children’s later outcomes by shaping their perceptions of safety and stress, regardless of the particular events to which children are exposed. This perspective has implications for understanding vulnerability and resilience in children.
The pubertal stress recalibration hypothesis: Potential neural and behavioral consequences
Authors: DePasquale Carrie E. , Herzberg Max P. , Gunnar Megan R. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractRecent research has suggested that the pubertal period provides an opportunity for recalibrating the stress‐responsive systems in youth whose responses to stress have been altered by early adversity. Such recalibration may have cascading effects that affect brain and behavioral development. In this article, we consider a large, cross‐species literature to demonstrate the potential importance of pubertal stress recalibration for understanding the development of psychopathology following early deprivation by caregivers. We review the evidence for recalibration of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis in humans, examine research on rodents that has established mechanisms through which stress hormones affect brain structure and function, and summarize the literature on human neuroimaging to assess how these mechanisms may translate into changes in human behavior. Finally, we suggest ideas for elucidating the consequences of pubertal stress recalibration that will improve our understanding of adaptive and maladaptive adolescent behavior following early adversity.
Advancing developmental intergroup perspectives on social class
Authors: Mistry Rashmita S. , Elenbaas Laura , Griffin Katherine M. , Nenadal Lindsey , Yassine Asil 
Published: August 2021

AbstractRecent research has contributed to developmental scientists’ understanding of how children and adolescents reason about social class in relation to themselves, others, and their economic, social, and cultural world. To advance developmental intergroup perspectives on social class, in this article, we (1)definesocial class, (2) evaluate whether the evidence about social classalignswith key predictions from developmental intergroup theory (DIT) and social identity development theory (SIDT), (3) outline how complementary insights from DIT and SIDT can beintegratedto describe and explain developing concepts of social class, and (4) highlight what isuniqueabout social class andadditional considerationsimportant to the study of social class that developmental intergroup researchers need to consider. In each section, we emphasize strengths and limitations of the research and offers suggestions for ongoing research.
Forecasting habitat and connectivity for pronghorn across the Great Basin ecoregion
Authors: Zeller Katherine A. , Schroeder Cody A. , Wan Ho Yi , Collins Gail , Denryter Kristin , Jakes Andrew F. , Cushman Samuel A. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractAimsIn the sagebrush ecosystems of the western United States, identifying and enhancing habitat for large ungulates has become an increased priority for many management agencies, as indicated by Department of Interior Secretarial Order 3362. Estimating and understanding current and future habitat suitability and connectivity is important for successful long‐term management of these species.LocationGreat Basin ecoregion, western USA.MethodsWe focussed on pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) in the Great Basin ecoregion and used a variety of data sources (GPS telemetry, aerial surveys, observation locations) to develop multi‐scale ensemble habitat suitability models for the current and two future time steps (years 2050 and 2070). We also developed dynamic resistant kernels to model pronghorn connectivity. We combined the habitat suitability and connectivity outputs to derive and quantify changes in pronghorn habitat networks through time as well as identify areas that are resilient to climate and land use change.ResultsWe observed a 33.4% decline in highly suitable pronghorn habitat by 2070, assuming a high carbon emission scenario. Patches of suitable habitat reduced in number and size, whilst the distance amongst patches increased, indicating elevated importance of connectivity for pronghorn in the future. Future connectivity decreased to a greater degree than habitat suitability (47.2%–80.0%, depending on the pronghorn movement threshold used). We also found highly suitable habitat (70%) to be more resilient to climate change than areas of connectivity (10%–15%).Main conclusionsOur results show a loss of high‐quality pronghorn habitat and areas of connectivity with projected climate change. Connectivity was more sensitive than habitat, indicating connectivity may become a limiting factor for pronghorn populations in the Great Basin. These results can help managers prioritize resource investments and conservation efforts in areas most likely to be successful towards long‐term pronghorn conservation.