bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Surgical aortic valve replacement and left ventricular remodeling: Survival and sex‐related differences
Authors: Barletta Giuseppe , Del Bene Maria Riccarda , Venditti Francesco , Pilato Giuseppe , Stefàno Pierluigi 
Published: May 2021

AbstractObjectivesTo analyze how left ventricular (LV) remodeling and hypertrophy geometry evolve after surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) in octogenarian patients, and identify potential sex‐related differences and implications for long‐term outcomes.MethodsIn 170 patients with aortic stenosis ([AS], age 80 ± 4 years, 59% women), hypertrophy geometry and remodeling (LV index) were reanalyzed one year post‐SAVR. The six‐year outcomes were evaluated.ResultsPre‐SAVR, 65% of the women and 38.6% of the men (P < .001) showed adaptive remodeling. Concentric hypertrophy was prevalent in adaptive remodeling, and mixed and dilated hypertrophy were more prevalent in maladaptive remodeling. At one year, the remodeling patterns and sex distribution were similar to those observed pre‐SAVR, but the LV index decreased in women and increased in men (P < .0001). Women with adaptive remodeling had a higher incidence of persistent concentric hypertrophy with higher LV filling pressures. Long‐term survival was better in women and worse in men with adaptive remodeling (P = .039). Men with adaptive remodeling and men with concentric hypertrophy had the highest risk of cardiac death. This risk was similar between sexes for patients with maladaptive remodeling and dilated hypertrophy. Women with LV ejection fraction >55% had a lower risk of cardiac death than men.ConclusionsThe long‐term outcomes of SAVR differ between sexes in older patients with AS and adaptive LV remodeling. The LV index facilitates studying the pathways of adaptation to AS. The follow‐up shifts help explain the sex differences in long‐term outcomes post‐SAVR. Concentric hypertrophy is associated with the highest risk of cardiac death in men.
Layer‐specific longitudinal strain predicts left ventricular maximum wall thickness in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Tsugu Toshimitsu , Nagatomo Yuji , Dulgheru Raluca , Lancellotti Patrizio 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAimsThe aim of this study was (a) to clarify the detailed mechanisms of structural and functional abnormalities of myocardial tissue in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) using layer‐specific strain (LSS) and compare it with healthy subjects (b) to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of LSS for HCM.Methods and ResultsForty‐one patients with HCM and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF; 66% male, 52 ± 18 years, LVEF 62.9% ± 3.7%) and 41 controls matched for age and sex (66% male, 52 ± 20 years, LVEF 63.5% ± 8.2%) underwent 2D‐speckle tracking echocardiography. Absolute values of LSS were globally lower and the ratio of endocardial/epicardial layer (End/Epi ratio) was higher in HCM. LSS gradually increased from the epicardial toward the endocardial layer at all chamber views and at all levels of the LV. LSS and End/Epi ratio at the apex were higher than those at the middle or basal level of the LV. End/Epi ratio was correlated with LV maximal wall thickness both controls (r = .35, P = .03) and HCM (r = .81, P < .001). End/Epi ratio was an independent factor associated with LV maximal wall thickness (β = 0.96, P < .001). A higher End/Epi ratio (≥1.31) was associated with diagnostic criteria for HCM (sensitivity 98%, specificity 95%, area under the curve 0.99, P < .001).ConclusionLSS has the potential for unraveling the mechanism of impaired LV wall motion in HCM and to accurately detect HCM.
Examining persistent effects of extractive institutions in the United States
Authors: Rose Liam , Shepard Asha 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis paper estimates the medium‐ to long‐run effects of slavery in the United States in a spatial regression discontinuity design. Using the boundary between free and slave states immediately antebellum, we find that legal slavery decreased per capita manufacturing output by as much as 30% in the decades following the Civil War. Perhaps surprisingly, agricultural output and farm values were only briefly depressed in former slave states after the war. Although emancipation ended slavery, political forces kept the institution from being completely disintegrated, and we explore channels through which this was possible. We show that slavery affected the structure of the economy in a given region—specifically through agricultural production decisions—and that these structures persisted long after passage of the 13th Amendment. However, sharecropping played a relatively small role in this region. Our results support mounting evidence in recent literature of the significant and lasting effects of institutions on economic development.
Income, education and their impact on treatments and survival in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Larfors Gunnar , Moreno Berggren Daniel , Garelius Hege , Jädersten Martin , Nilsson Lars , Rasmussen Bengt , Ejerblad Elisabeth 
Published: May 2021

AbstractObjectivesTo assess whether socioeconomic indices such as income and educational level can explain part of the variation in survival among patients with myelodysplastic syndromes, and further to assess whether these factors influence care and treatment decisions.MethodsPopulation‐based cohort study on 2945 Swedish patients diagnosed between 2009 and 2018 and included in the Swedish MDS Register. Relative mortality was assessed by Cox regression, whereas treatment differences were assessed by Poisson regression. Regarding mortality, patients were also compared to a matched comparison group from the general population.ResultsMortality was 50% higher among patients in the lowest income category compared to the highest and 40% higher in patients with mandatory school education only compared to those with college or university education. Treatment with hypomethylating agents and allogeneic stem cell transplantation, as well as investigation with cytogenetic diagnostics were also linked to income and education. The findings were not explained by differences in risk class or comorbidity at the time of diagnosis.ConclusionsIncome and education are linked to survival among patients with myelodysplastic syndromes. Socioeconomic status also seems to influence treatment intensity as patients with less income and education to a lesser degree receive hypomethylating agents and transplants.
N‐acetylcysteine reduces addiction‐like behaviour towards high‐fat high‐sugar food in diet‐induced obese rats
Authors: Sketriene Diana , Battista Damien , Perry Christina J. , Sumithran Priya , Lawrence Andrew J. , Brown Robyn M. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractCompulsive forms of eating displayed by some obese individuals share similarities with compulsive drug‐taking behaviour, a hallmark feature of substance use disorder. This raises the possibility that drug addiction treatments may show utility in the treatment of compulsive overeating. N‐Acetylcysteine (NAC) is a cysteine pro‐drug which has experienced some success in clinical trials, reducing cocaine, marijuana and cigarette use, as well as compulsive behaviours such as gambling and trichotillomania. We assessed the impact of NAC on addiction‐like behaviour towards highly palatable food in a rat model of diet‐induced obesity. Adult male Sprague–Dawley rats were placed on a high‐fat high‐sugar diet for 8 weeks and then assigned to diet‐induced obesity‐prone (DIO) or diet‐induced obesity‐resistant (DR) groups based on weight gain. DIO and DR rats were subjected to an operant conditioning paradigm whereby rats could lever press for high‐fat high‐sugar food pellets. This alternated with periods of signalled reward unavailability. Before treatment DIO rats ate more in their home cage, earned more food pellets in operant sessions, and responded more during periods that signalled reward unavailability (suggestive of compulsive‐like food seeking) compared with DR rats. This persistent responding in the absence of reward displayed by DIO rats was ameliorated by daily injections of NAC (100 mg/kg, i.p.) for 14 days. By the end of the treatment period, lever‐pressing by NAC‐treated DIO rats resembled that of DR rats. These findings suggest that NAC reduces addiction‐like behaviour towards food in rats and supports the potential use of this compound in compulsive overeating.
A first exploration of perceived pros and cons of quantitative gait analysis in equine clinical practice
Authors: Hardeman A. M. , Van Weeren P. R. , Serra Bragança F. M. , Warmerdam H. , Bok H. G. J. 
Published: May 2021

SummaryBackgroundQuantitative gait analysis is rapidly gaining ground in equine practice, and pros and cons are regularly discussed within the scientific literature. However, no data exist on the appreciation of the technique by equine clinicians, their motivation to use it or not, and their perception of its value in daily practice.ObjectivesTo make a first inventory of opinions, expectances and experiences of equine veterinarians concerning the use of quantitative gait analysis in their daily general practice.Study designSurvey.MethodsA questionnaire was sent out to a group of equine orthopaedic clinicians working in an equine clinic or practice. Respondents were classified as users (having clinical experience with quantitative gait analysis) or not (nonusers). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics.ResultsWithin the sample population, users were more positive about the usefulness of quantitative gait analysis than nonusers. Veterinarians who purchased a system were motivated by better objectivity, transparency, documentation and client service. Main reasons not to purchase a system were costs and complexity of data interpretation. A minority of both users and nonusers deemed quantitative gait analysis also suitable for equine professionals other than veterinarians.Main limitationsUsers (n = 40) outnumbered nonusers (n = 32), sample size was limited (n = 72) and insufficient to allow for generalisation of results.ConclusionsUsers of quantitative gait analysis were more positive about the technology than nonusers. More data are needed to allow for generalisation of the results. Regularly repeating this survey may help in monitoring, and eventually guiding the process of integration of gait analysis technology within equine clinical practice by providing valuable information for individual clinics, educational institutions and the industry producing this technology.
Mental health in the commercial fishing industry: Modern uncertainties and traditional risks
Authors: King Tanya J. , Turner Rachel , Versace Vincent , Abernethy Kirsten , Kilpatrick Sue , Brumby Susan 
Published: May 2021

AbstractCommercial fishers face a range of stressors that impact physical and mental health. However, there is limited research on the level of mental ill‐health among fishers and on the nature of stressors that contribute to their psychological distress. This paper focuses on the experiences of commercial wild‐catch fishers and analyses the results of an Australian national survey conducted in 2017 (n = 872) (Appendix S1). We first assess underlying themes in perceived stressors, identifying three distinct categories termed ‘traditional risks’, ‘modern uncertainties’ and ‘future concerns’. Second, we assess the level of self‐reported psychological distress, demonstrating higher occurrence of high to very high psychological distress among commercial fishers in comparison with the national population. Third, we examine the relationship between different groups of stressors and psychological distress, finding that stronger perceptions of both ‘traditional risks’ and ‘modern uncertainties’ are associated with greater levels of psychological distress among fishers. Fourth, recognizing diversity within the industry, we examine differences in these relationships among skippers and crew (work role), and inshore versus offshore fishers (fishing location). Our analysis demonstrates that ‘traditional risks’ and ‘modern uncertainties’ differentially impact on fisher mental health and depend on the individual's role in the industry and their fishing location. The findings suggest that changes to factors associated with modern uncertainty stressors—including government management techniques, red tape, media representation and political support—could significantly improve mental health in the commercial fishing sector.[Correction added on 09 June 2021, after first online publication: Abstract has been corrected in this version.]
Biochar increases tree biomass in a managed boreal forest, but does not alter N2O, CH4, and CO2 emissions
Authors: Grau‐Andrés Roger , Pingree Melissa R. A. , Öquist Mats G. , Wardle David A. , Nilsson Marie‐Charlotte , Gundale Michael J. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBiochar soil amendment may provide the forestry sector with a formidable tool to simultaneously sequester carbon (C) in the soil and aboveground by enhancing plant productivity, yet several key uncertainties remain. Crucially, empirical evidence of long‐term effects of biochar management on vegetation and on greenhouse gas emissions in forest ecosystems is scarce. Using a large field experiment in a young managed boreal forest in northern Sweden, we investigated the effects of biochar (applied either on the soil surface or mixed in the soil 8–9 years prior to this study) on supply rates of soil nutrients, on survival and growth of planted Pinus sylvestris, on community composition of the understory vegetation, and on forest floor fluxes of N2O, CH4, and CO2. We found that biochar promoted P. sylvestris survival only when biochar was applied on the soil surface. Conversely, biochar enhanced P. sylvestris growth overall, resulting in a 19% increase in C stored in biomass. Biochar also altered the composition of the understory vegetation, especially when mixed into the soil, and promoted a more resource‐conservative community (i.e., with more ericaceous shrubs and less graminoids and forbs). Meanwhile, supply rates of the main soil nutrients were largely unaffected by biochar. Finally, we found that biochar did not alter overall N2O and CO2 emissions and CH4 uptake from the forest floor. Our findings show that biochar amendment increased the net C input to the system, since, besides directly increasing soil C stocks, biochar enhanced biomass growth without increasing soil C losses. Therefore, our study suggests that biochar could potentially be used for emissions abatement in intensively managed boreal forests.
Evaluating the effectiveness of fluoride varnish in preventing caries amongst Long‐Term Care Facility Residents
Authors: Jabir Eman , McGrade Catherine , Quinn Grainne , McGarry Joe , Nic Iomhair Aoife , Kelly Niamh , Srinivasan Murali , Watson Sinead , McKenna Gerald John 
Published: May 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of professionally applied fluoride varnish on the incidence of dental caries amongst older adults resident in LTCFs in Northern Ireland.BackgroundThe oral health status of older adults within Long‐Term Care Facilities (LTCFs) is significantly worse than their community living peers. Whilst evidence suggests an important role for fluoride varnish in preventing caries in this population, very few studies have evaluated this intervention.Materials and MethodsA quality improvement project was undertaken with dentate residents (n = 190) in nine LTCFs who had fluoride varnish applied by Dental Care Professionals on two separate occasions during a 12‐month period (intervention group). Nine LTCFs were chosen as matched controls (control group) with comparable numbers of residents of similar medical status (n = 217). For the intervention group, oral hygiene training was also provided for the care home staff.ResultsA total of 407 patients (n = 271 female) were included in the analyses (mean age [SD]: 84.1 [6.6] years). After 12 months, the intervention group recorded a significant reduction in mean number of carious teeth (mean [95% CI]: −0.85 [−1.12, −0.58]; P < .001). Patients in the control group had significant increases in the mean number of carious teeth (mean [95% CI]: 0.21 [0.05, 0.37]; P = .012), mean plaque score (mean [95% CI]: 1.16 [0.28, 2.04]; P = .010) and mean DMFT score (mean [95% CI]: 0.13 [0.04, 0.22]; P = .004).ConclusionsThis study demonstrates the potential role of fluoride varnish in combination with oral hygiene training for staff in the prevention and arrest of carious lesions among older adults in LTCFs.
Simultaneous Determination of Insoluble Fluoride‐Forming and High Field‐Strength Element Abundances in Rock Samples by ICP‐QMS through Isotope Dilution‐Internal Standardisation
Authors: Kagami Saya , Yokoyama Tetsuya 
Published: May 2021

A new method for precise measurement of the mass fractions of insoluble fluoride‐forming elements (IFFEs) and high field‐strength elements (HFSEs) in rock samples by ICP‐QMS was developed. Unlike previous methods, in which the two elemental groups are measured separately using two solutions prepared from distinct sample aliquots (i.e., separate methods), this technique prepares a solution by acid digestion from a single sample aliquot, then divides the solution into two fractions that are dedicated to the measurement of IFFEs and HFSEs. The incorporation of IFFEs/HFSEs into insoluble fluorides during HF digestion was overcome by adjusting the Ca‐Al‐Mg composition of the sample by Al addition before acid digestion. The acceptable composition was Ca/(Ca+Al) < 0.43 and Mg/(Mg+Al) < 0.40 with hot plate digestion, whereas the limited condition of Ca/(Ca+Al) < 0.40, Mg/(Mg+Al) < 0.40 and Al/(Mg+Ca) < 1.86 was required for digestion under high pressure and temperature. For samples with an unacceptable composition, the change in Ca‐Al‐Mg composition by Mg/Ca addition should be prohibited because the reaction of HF with the added solution before sample decomposition forms fluorides that coprecipitate HFSEs. The developed method yielded mass fractions consistent with data from the separate methods (± 5%) and achieved a repeatability of < 4% for most elements.
Preliminary investigation of the feasibility of a long‐term but low‐frequency preventive intervention for depression in Japanese high schools
Authors: Kambara Kohei , Kira Yugo , Kohno Risa , Ogata Akiko 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAimWe explored the feasibility of a long‐term but low‐frequency psychological preventive intervention in a high school setting.BackgroundHigh school students may experience depression; psychological interventions to improve social and cognitive skills may be useful to decrease such depression. A long‐term but low‐frequency intervention may be feasible in this setting because of its minimal time demands and lack of need for specialist human resourcesDesignWe conducted a single‐arm longitudinal descriptive study with an intervention applied six times over 2 years in one high school.MethodWe conducted a psychological preventive intervention with 94 high school students in one school for 2 years (April 2014 to March 2016). This intervention aimed to improve social and cognitive skills. We measured social skills, cognitive distortion, and depression five times during the 2‐year period, through a self‐report scale.Results/FindingsScores for maintaining relationship skills tended to increase over the 2 years. However, depression did not decrease over the intervention period.ConclusionAlthough our research did not include control conditions and the intervention did not decrease depression, the six‐session programme for high school adolescents improved an aspect of social skills that is a preventive factor against depression.
Dynamics of conditional survival and risk factors in androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer using a multi‐institutional Japan‐wide database
Authors: Chikamatsu Sotaro , Shiota Masaki , Onozawa Mizuki , Hinotsu Shiro , Kitagawa Yasuhide , Sakamoto Shinichi , Kawai Taketo , Eto Masatoshi , Kume Haruki , Akaza Hideyuki ,   the Japan Study Group of Prostate Cancer (J‐CaP)
Published: May 2021

ObjectivesThe objectives of this study were to analyze the conditional survival and prognostic factors in androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer using the Japan Study Group of Prostate Cancer database.MethodsData on patients treated with primary androgen deprivation therapy between 2001 and 2003 from a nationwide database of the Japan Study Group of Prostate Cancer were used. The conditional 5‐year progression‐free rate, cancer‐specific survival and overall survival, as well as the conditional mortality owing to prostate cancer and other causes were calculated as per subgroups. Prognostic factors for progression‐free rate, cancer‐specific survival and overall survival at each time after androgen deprivation therapy initiation were calculated using the Cox proportional hazards model.ResultsThe conditional 5‐year progression‐free rate and cancer‐specific survival, but not overall survival, gradually increased with time. The prognostic impact of stage IV characteristics (T4, N1 and M1) changed over time; however, the prognostic impact of the Gleason score remained unchanged. In the subgroup analysis, prostate‐specific mortality risk reduced over time in patients with stage IV prostate cancer, whereas non‐prostate cancer mortality increased over time in elderly patients.ConclusionsInformation regarding conditional survival and mortality obtained in this study would provide a benchmark for physicians and cancer survivors.
Epstein–Barr virus‐related lymphoma in rheumatoid arthritis: implications for long‐term usage of immunosuppressive drugs and review of the literature
Authors: He Jianna , Williamson Luke , Cai Ken , Wong Peter , Sturgess Allan , Taper John , Manolios Nicholas 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common autoimmune disease where methotrexate (MTX) is widely used as the first‐line therapy. The combination of RA and MTX is associated with lymphoproliferative disorders (LPD). RA patients with Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) have impaired T‐lymphocyte function, thus allowing an overgrowth of EBV‐positive lymphoblastoid cells. We examined the association of EBV with LPD in immunosuppressed RA patients, particularly those treated with MTX.AimTo review the relationship between RA, EBV‐associated LPD and MTX use.MethodsWe reported two cases of RA patients with long‐term MTX treatment who subsequently developed EBV‐positive LPD, followed by a review of the relevant literature.ResultsCompared with normal population, RA patients have a higher risk of lymphoma, with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma being the most common subtype. MTX withdrawal can lead to lymphoma regression. Other biological therapies, such as abatacept and tocilizumab, are not associated with increased EBV‐positive lymphoma diagnosis in RA patients.ConclusionThe association between EBV, lymphoma and MTX highlights the need to consider reducing or stopping MTX in patients who have had stable RA for many years.