bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Laparoscopic D2 gastrectomy in advanced gastric cancer: Postoperative outcomes and long‐term survival analysis
Authors: Chittawadagi Bhushan , Nayak Sunil K. , Ramakrishnan Parthasarathi , Kumar Saravana , Cumar Bharath , Natarajan Ramesh , Palanivelu Praveen R. , Chinnusamy Palanivelu 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIntroductionData on laparoscopic treatment of operable gastric cancer from India is sparse. This study aims to document outcomes of laparoscopic D2 gastrectomy in an Indian population.Materials and methodsData of patients who underwent laparoscopic D2 gastrectomy for operable advanced gastric cancer between February 2012 and January 2017 were collected from electronic hospital records supplemented by telephonic interviews and analyzed. Survival was evaluated using Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis curves.ResultsIn total 121 patients were included. Conversion to open gastrectomy was 5.7%. One hundred and fourteen patients (73 laparoscopic subtotal gastrectomy and 41 laparoscopic total gastrectomy) were included for analysis. D2 lymphadenectomy was done in all cases; mean number of dissected lymph nodes was 23.12 ± 9.14 (12–45). Major complications (Clavien‐Dindo Grade III and IV) was seen in 6.1% of cases with reoperation rate of 3.5% (4/114). Stage 3 disease was seen in 60.6% cases and stage 2 disease in 32.5%. Follow‐up data were available for 76.3% of patients with mean follow‐up of 29.5 months. Overall survival across all stages was 38.7 months. Five‐year disease‐free survival and overall survival were 36.7% and 55.9% respectively, across all stages.ConclusionLaparoscopic D2 gastrectomy is safe, feasible with similar postoperative complications and comparable survival outcomes across all stages when compared to available literature on open gastrectomy cases.
The association between cigarette smoking and efavirenz plasma concentration using the population pharmacokinetic approach
Authors: Chow Ngah Kuan , Harun Sabariah Noor , Wong E‐Jinq , Low Lee Lee , Sheikh Ghadzi Siti Maisharah , Khan Amer Hayat 
Published: February 2021

AimsEfavirenz is still widely used as the preferred first‐line antiretroviral agent in middle‐ and low‐income countries, including Malaysia. The efavirenz population pharmacokinetic profile among HIV‐positive smokers is still unknown. We aimed to assess the association of smoking with efavirenz and the differences in HIV clinical outcomes.MethodsA total of 154 stable HIV‐positive patients on efavirenz in northern Malaysia were recruited with a sparse sampling for this multicentre prospective cohort study. The association between smoking and efavirenz pharmacokinetic parameters was determined using the nonlinear mixed‐effect model. A mixture model of clearance was adopted to describe the metaboliser status because genetic data are unavailable. The effect of smoking on HIV clinical markers (CD4, CD4/CD8 ratio and viral blips) for at least 2 years after the antiretroviral initiation was also investigated.ResultsOur data were best fitted with a 1‐compartment mixture model with first‐order absorption without lag time. Smoking significantly associated with higher clearance (β = 1.39; 95% confidence interval: 1.07 to 1.91), while weight affected both clearance and volume. From the mixture model, 20% of patients were in the slow clearance group, which mimic the genotype distribution of slow metaboliser. An efavirenz dose reduction is not recommended for smokers ≥60 kg with normal metabolism rate. Smoking significantly associated with slower normalisation of CD4 and CD4/CD8 ratio.ConclusionsHIV‐positive smokers presented with significantly higher efavirenz clearance and unfavourable clinical outcomes. Close monitoring of adherence and clinical response among smokers is warranted.
Regulation of the conserved 3′‐5′ exoribonuclease EXOSC10/Rrp6 during cell division, development and cancer
Authors: Stuparević Igor , Novačić Ana , Rahmouni A. Rachid , Fernandez Anne , Lamb Ned , Primig Michael 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACTThe conserved 3′‐5′ exoribonuclease EXOSC10/Rrp6 processes and degrades RNA, regulates gene expression and participates in DNA double‐strand break repair and control of telomere maintenance via degradation of the telomerase RNA component. EXOSC10/Rrp6 is part of the multimeric nuclear RNA exosome and interacts with numerous proteins. Previous clinical, genetic, biochemical and genomic studies revealed the protein's essential functions in cell division and differentiation, its RNA substrates and its relevance to autoimmune disorders and oncology. However, little is known about the regulatory mechanisms that control the transcription, translation and stability of EXOSC10/Rrp6 during cell growth, development and disease and how these mechanisms evolved from yeast to human. Herein, we provide an overview of the RNA‐ and protein expression profiles of EXOSC10/Rrp6 during cell division, development and nutritional stress, and we summarize interaction networks and post‐translational modifications across species. Additionally, we discuss how known and predicted protein interactions and post‐translational modifications influence the stability of EXOSC10/Rrp6. Finally, we explore the idea that different EXOSC10/Rrp6 alleles, which potentially alter cellular protein levels or affect protein function, might influence human development and disease progression. In this review we interpret information from the literature together with genomic data from knowledgebases to inspire future work on the regulation of this essential protein's stability in normal and malignant cells.
Cerebral amyloid angiopathy‐related inflammation and dementia
Authors: Sakai Kenji , Yamada Masahito 
Published: February 2021

AbstractCerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is a disorder characterized by deposition of amyloid on the leptomeningeal and cortical blood vessels. Sporadic amyloid β (Aβ)‐type CAA is the most common type of CAA. Although CAA is well known as a cause of recurrent cerebral lobar hemorrhage, inflammation and vasculitis (CAA‐related inflammation [CAA‐ri]) induced by deposited Aβ on the vessel walls is emerging as a treatable condition. Furthermore, dementia could develop regardless of the presence of Alzheimer's disease pathology. The estimated total number and prevalence of CAA‐ri in Japan was reported as follows: 170 and 0.13 per 100 000 population, respectively. The estimated total number of CAA‐related intracerebral hemorrhage was 5900. The crude prevalence rate of CAA‐related intracerebral hemorrhage was 4.64 per 100 000 population. The patients with CAA‐ri show acute or subacute‐onset cognitive impairment, behavioral changes and headache. Brain magnetic resonance imaging is a useful tool for the diagnosis of CAA‐ri, showing asymmetrical white matter abnormalities and occasional meningeal enhancement. Furthermore, elevation of anti‐Aβ antibodies and inflammatory markers in the cerebrospinal fluid would be useful for clinical diagnosis. Clinical diagnostic criteria were proposed; however, neuropathological examination obtained by brain biopsy is still warranted to confirm severe Aβ deposition and vasculopathic changes with lymphocytic infiltrations and/or granulomatous vasculitis. No validated protocol of treatment has been established. Nearly 80% of the patients with CAA‐ri improved after immunosuppressant therapy, including corticosteroid and cyclophosphamide. Early treatment is necessary to prevent the development of irreversible sequela in the brain.
Mandibular residual ridge morphology in relation to complete dentures and implant overdentures–PartII: Predictors for effectiveness of implant overdenture therapy
Authors: Xia Yuning , Ma Chufan , Chen Jihua , Witter Dick J. , Zhang Qian , Creugers Nico H. J. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe significance of mandibular residual ridge height and satisfaction with conventional complete dentures (CCD) as predictors for the added value of implant‐overdenture (IOD) therapy is unknown.PurposeTo investigate the predictive value of thresholds for (1) residual ridge height at premolar location (PRH), and (2) satisfaction with CCD‐stability for the added value of two intraforaminal implants supporting the mandibular CCD.MethodsThirty CCD wearing patients (67.9 ± 7.0 years) for whom a new CCD was advised, received a new CCD. Mandibular gypsum models were digitally measured. After 3 months free of complaints (T1), perceived CCD‐stability was evaluated, and participants received two intraforaminal implants. At T1 and T2 (3 months free of complaints after IOD therapy) participants completed OHIP14‐CN, and denture satisfaction (VAS) questionnaires, and performed mixing ability tests. Participants were grouped according to PRH of ≥6.15 mm versus < 6.15 mm, and perceived CCD‐stability satisfied vs. dissatisfied. Scores at T2 were compared to T1 (pairedt‐tests). Predictive values of PRH and CCD‐stability were analyzed with logistic multivariate regression models.ResultsAt T2, only participants with PRH of <6.15 mm or dissatisfied with CCD‐stability had significant lower OHIP‐total and domain scores for 'physical pain' and 'physical disability' and significantly higher VAS scores for perceived chewing function, denture retention and oral comfort. Regression analyses showed that participants with PRH of <6.15 mm, or dissatisfied with CCD‐stability had significantly higher chance for lower OHIP‐total and domain scores 'physical pain' and 'physical disability', and for higher VAS scores for perceived chewing function, denture retention and oral comfort at T2. Masticatory performance improved significantly after IOD therapy, but independent of PRH and CCD‐stability.ConclusionPRH and satisfaction with CCD‐stability were adequate prognostic indicators for improvement of oral health‐related quality of life and denture satisfaction by mandibular IOD therapy.
Importance of deepening integration of crime and conservation sciences
Authors: Gore Meredith L. , Bennett Abigail 
Published: February 2021

AbstractConservation crime is a globally distributed societal problem. Conservation crime science, an emerging interdisciplinary field, has the potential to help address this problem. However, its utility depends on serious reflection on the transposition of crime science approaches to conservation contexts, which may differ in meaningful ways from traditional crime contexts. We considered the breadth of crime science approaches being used in conservation as well as the depth of crime science integration in conservation. We used the case of sea cucumber (Holothuria floridana, Isostichopus badionotus) trafficking in Mexico as an example of why the interdisciplinarity of crime and conservation sciences should be deepened and how integration can help ideate new solutions. We first conducted a review of literature to capture the range of interdisciplinarity applications. We identified 6 crime science approaches being applied to the conservation contexts of illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing; wildlife and plant crime; and illegal logging. We then compared this knowledge base to the case of illegal sea cucumber fishing in Mexico. We identified 5 challenges in the application of these approaches to conservation contexts: the relative diffusion of harms and victims in conservation crimes; scalar mismatches in crime, authority, and the conservation issue itself; interactions between legal and illegal networks; communities and their authority to define and control crime; and the role of natural science in the rule of law. Considering these 5 factors may enhance the depth of interdisciplinarity between crime and conservation sciences. Nurturing interdisciplinary crime and conservation science will expand innovation and help accelerate successful risk management programs and other policy agendas.
Hull fouling marine invasive species pose a very low, but plausible, risk of introduction to East Antarctica in climate change scenarios
Authors: Holland Oakes , Shaw Justine , Stark Jonathan S. , Wilson Kerrie A. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAimsTo identify potential hull fouling marine invasive species that could survive in East Antarctica presently and in the future.LocationAustralia's Antarctic continental stations: Davis, Mawson and Casey, East Antarctica; and subantarctic islands: Macquarie Island and Heard and McDonald Islands.MethodsOur study uses a novel machine‐learning algorithm to predict which currently known hull fouling MIS could survive in shallow benthic ecosystems adjacent to Australian Antarctic research stations and subantarctic islands, where ship traffic is present. We used gradient boosted machine learning (XGBoost) with four important environmental variables (sea surface temperature, salinity, nitrate and pH) to develop models of suitable environments for each potentially invasive species. We then used these models to determine if any of Australia's three Antarctic research stations and two subantarctic islands could be environmentally suitable for MIS now and under two future climate scenarios.ResultsMost of the species were predicted to be unable to survive at any location between now and the end of this century; however, four species were identified as potential current threats and five as threats under future climate change. Asterias amurensis was identified as a potential threat to all locations.Main conclusionsThis study suggests that the risks are very low, but plausible, that known hull fouling species could survive in the shallow benthic habitats near Australia's East Antarctica locations and suggest a precautionary approach is needed by way of surveillance and monitoring in this region, particularly if propagule pressure increases. While some species could survive as adults in the region, their ability to reach these locations and undergo successful reproduction is considered unlikely based on current knowledge.
Pulmonary valve assessment by three‐dimensional echocardiography
Authors: Taskesen Tuncay , Gill Edward A. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe pulmonary valve (PV) has historically been ignored by imaging studies. Disorders of the PV encountered in adult cardiac patients are increasingly encountered due to advanced care of patients with congenital heart disease and associated PV diseases. Despite advances in PV imaging, multiple challenges remain when it comes to obtaining high quality PV images. While 2D TTE is the usual initial imaging tool for PV, excellent views of the PV annulus and its one or two leaflets are obtained in less than half of patients. The 3D echocardiography en face view allows all three leaflets to be evaluated concurrently, as well as assessments of the RV outflow tract and main pulmonary artery, which has improved quantitative assessment of PV diseases. Increasing image quality and experience with live/real time 3D TEE amplifies its utility in accurate evaluation and helps guide and monitor successful percutaneous PV interventions. 2D TTE remains the first line diagnostic tool; however, 3D TTE and 3D TEE provide better image quality which increases diagnostic accuracy and guidance to therapy. In this review article, we stress improvement in 3D echocardiography and its role in diagnostic and therapeutic options for PV diseases.
Treatment decision‐making needs among emerging adults with early psychosis
Authors: Thomas Elizabeth C. , Suarez John , Lucksted Alicia , Siminoff Laura , Hurford Irene , Dixon Lisa , O'Connell Maria , Salzer Mark 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAimMany emerging adults disengage from early intervention in psychosis (EIP) services prematurely. Service disengagement may be in part due to having unresolved treatment decision‐making needs about use of mental health services. A basic understanding of the decision‐making needs of this population is lacking. The purpose of this qualitative study was to identify the range of treatment decisions that emerging adults face during their initial engagement in an EIP program and elucidate barriers and facilitators to decision‐making.MethodsTwenty emerging adults with early psychosis were administered semistructured interviews to capture treatment decision‐making experiences during the first six months after enrolment in an EIP program. Interviews were audio‐recorded and transcribed verbatim. Responses were independently coded by two authors using an integrated thematic analysis approach; differences in coding were discussed to consensus. Data analysis was facilitated using NVivo 12 Plus.ResultsEmerging adults identified numerous decisions faced after EIP enrolment. Decisions pertaining to life and treatment goals and to starting and continuing psychiatric medication were commonly selected as the most difficult/complicated. Decision‐making barriers included not having the right amount or type of information/knowledge, social factors (e.g., lacking social support, opposition/pressure), lacking internal resources (e.g., cognitive and communication skills, self‐efficacy, motivation) and unappealing options. Obtaining information/knowledge, social supports (e.g., connection/trust, learning from others' experiences, encouragement), considering personal values, and time were decision‐making facilitators.ConclusionsThis study informs development and optimization of interventions to support decision‐making among emerging adults with early psychosis, which may promote service engagement.
Brokers of international student mobility: The roles and processes of education agents in China
Authors: Feng Siyuan , Horta Hugo 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe study on which this article reports explored the role of education agents in international student mobility, developing a better understanding of how they operate, behave and think when dealing with the admissions processes of universities overseas. The behaviours and reasoning, the modus operandi, and positioning of education agents are analysed using agency theory; specifically, the information‐asymmetric relations that they have with the principals they serve. The context analysed was characterised by two types of admissions practices: (a) direct admissions to the university without the need for any preparatory courses and (b) dual admissions involving enrolment in the host universities' preparatory language centres before university enrolment proper. Students and their families are principals in both types of admissions processes, whereas universities overseas serve as a principal in the dual admissions process. The findings demonstrate a mix of transparent practices and those that border to unethical practices in international university admissions services, as well as student dependence on service providing agents who operate free from accountability. Agents are identified as a cog in the machine of international higher education, which increasingly works as a mechanism of socioeconomic reproduction.
Single‐trial regression of spatial exploration behavior indicates posterior EEG alpha modulation to reflect egocentric coding
Authors: Gehrke Lukas , Gramann Klaus 
Published: February 2021

AbstractLearning to navigate uncharted terrain is a key cognitive ability that emerges as a deeply embodied process, with eye movements and locomotion proving most useful to sample the environment. We studied healthy human participants during active spatial learning of room‐scale virtual reality (VR) mazes. In the invisible maze task, participants wearing a wireless electroencephalography (EEG) headset were free to explore their surroundings, only given the objective to build and foster a mental spatial representation of their environment. Spatial uncertainty was resolved by touching otherwise invisible walls that were briefly rendered visible inside VR, similar to finding your way in the dark. We showcase the capabilities of mobile brain/body imaging using VR, demonstrating several analysis approaches based on general linear models (GLMs) to reveal behavior‐dependent brain dynamics. Confirming spatial learning via drawn sketch maps, we employed motion capture to image spatial exploration behavior describing a shift from initial exploration to subsequent exploitation of the mental representation. Using independent component analysis, the current work specifically targeted oscillations in response to wall touches reflecting isolated spatial learning events arising in deep posterior EEG sources located in the retrosplenial complex. Single‐trial regression identified significant modulation of alpha oscillations by the immediate, egocentric, exploration behavior. When encountering novel walls, as well as with increasing walking distance between subsequent touches when encountering novel walls, alpha power decreased. We conclude that these oscillations play a prominent role during egocentric evidencing of allocentric spatial hypotheses.
Knowing who we teach: Tracking attitudes and expectations of first‐year postsecondary language learners
Authors: Knouse Stephanie M. , Bessy Marianne , Longest Kyle C. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractGiven waning second language (L2) enrollments in K‐16 contexts, L2 programs must strive to understand their learners, as changes in their sociocultural environment can impact students' attitudes and, subsequently, their desire and ability to learn an L2. Thus, the authors conducted a two‐wave analysis of 68 first‐year L2 students' attitudes, dispositions, and expectations of L2 learning. Findings show that, as a group, first‐year students entered the postsecondary arena with positive dispositions. Analyzing students' traits and prior L2 experiences was a more illustrative way of predicting how their opinions evolved. Specifically, female gender, lack of pre‐high school L2 instruction, lack of travel experience in a country where the L2 is spoken, and enrollment in a 100‐level course were all found to negatively shape these attitudes over time. The authors contend that L2 programs should regularly analyze learners' dispositions along with their traits to better engage and retain first‐year postsecondary L2 students.
Aquatic exercise in patients with haemophilia: Electromyographic and functional results from a prospective cohort study
Authors: Feldberg Glenda , Ricciardi Janaína B. S. , Zorzi Alessandro R. , Colella Marina P. , Ozelo Margareth C. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIntroductionRecurrent joint bleeds in haemophilia patients often cause musculoskeletal changes leading to functional capacity impairment.AimIn this study, we assessed the effects of aquatic activities performed to improve functional capacity in these patients.MethodsThe interventional protocol consisted of 24 hydrotherapy sessions during three months, in comparison with 24 swimming sessions. The pre‐ and post‐intervention assessment consisted of Functional Independence Score, haemophilia joint health score (HJHS), Pediatric Haemophilia Activities List (PedHAL), surface electromyography (SEMG) of thigh muscles to assess muscle electric activity, and load cell on extensor and flexor thigh muscles to evaluate muscular strength.ResultsForty‐seven haemophilia patients were enrolled in this study, and 32 (23 severe haemophilia A, one moderate haemophilia A and 8 severe haemophilia B), median age 12y (6 to 40y), concluded the aquatic intervention. We observed a statistically significant increase with substantial improvement in functional capacity in the pre‐ and post‐intervention evaluation of hydrotherapy in comparison with the swimming protocol, with HJHS (p = .006 and p = .001 respectively), PedHAL (Sum score) (p = .022 and p = .001) and score FISH (p = .021). The swimming group revealed significant improvements in muscular strength, in all muscles tested (p = .005 and p = .001). SEMG signal amplitude reached significantly higher levels in all muscles evaluated after both interventions except for the vastus medialis (right) in the hydrotherapy group.ConclusionOur results concluded that both swimming and hydrotherapy were associated with physical improvement in haemophilia patients; however, only hydrotherapy lead to a more significant improvement in functional capacity.