bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Recognizing genital lymphoedema after penile cancer
Authors: Noble‐Jones Rhian , Thomas Melanie J. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractLymphadenectomy for penile cancer treatment increases the risk of genital lymphoedema. There is very little acknowledgment of the risk of genital lymphoedema after penile cancer or its treatment in current literature. Genital lymphoedema is most responsive to treatment in the early stages before irreversible skin changes occur; therefore, early identification would benefit patients. A urology clinic‐based study found an assumption among health care professionals that in patients with a broad range of genital cancers, post‐operative acute genital oedema would resolve on its own, meaning vigilance for chronic lymphoedema was low. It is unclear whether vigilance for lymphoedema is any higher in specialist centres treating penile cancer. This article describes some of the challenges of recognizing genital lymphoedema in an uro‐oncology caseload and specifically in relation to penile cancer. An example case report of penile cancer‐related lymphoedema is described and puts this within the context of two relevant studies, one in a single uro‐oncology centre and the other a wider international education need study of health professionals who manage genital lymphoedema. For patients identified at particular risk, adding genital lymphoedema to the list of possible consequences of treatment could mean timely access to advice and treatment, resulting in better health outcomes. Making health professionals aware of the availability of information and education resources regarding rarely encountered conditions can be challenging. Lymphoedema specialists in collaboration with urology specialist nurses and physicians, and pelvic floor specialists have developed support and education resources to meet the identified needs. These included improved assessment documentation, accredited e‐learning, updated course materials for specialists, a series of international webinars and a set of six brief, free‐to‐view videos, hosted on the website of a recognized international lymphoedema charity.
What works to change identity? A rapid evidence assessment of interventions
Authors: Barnett Georgia , Boduszek Daniel , Willmott Dominic 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis paper describes the results of a rapid evidence assessment that aimed to identify the characteristics and efficacy of interventions that aimed to or reportedly changed personal or social identity. Following a rapid but systematic search of the published, peer‐reviewed research on identity change, 400 studies or reviews were screened for eligibility for inclusion in the review, and 22 were retained. The interventions and samples were diverse and studies came from a broad geographic area. The quality of the research varied, but the majority was assessed as carrying a low weight of evidence. Just under two‐thirds of the studies were qualitative, and most explored, retrospectively, participants' perceptions of, or applied theoretical frameworks to, identity change sometime after an intervention. Quantitative studies provided little evidence of the effectiveness of interventions in changing identity. Qualitative studies most commonly applied and then supported the Social Identity Theory of Identity Change to explain perceived changes in identity. Implications for research are discussed.
Targeted dual inhibition of c‐Met/VEGFR2 signalling by foretinib improves antitumour effects of nanoparticle paclitaxel in gastric cancer models
Authors: Grojean Meghan , Schwarz Margaret A. , Schwarz Johann R. , Hassan Sazzad , von Holzen Urz , Zhang Changhua , Schwarz Roderich E. , Awasthi Niranjan 
Published: May 2021

AbstractElevated expression of multiple growth factors and receptors including c‐Met and VEGFR has been reported in gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC) and thus provides a potentially useful therapeutic target. The therapeutic efficacy of foretinib, a c‐Met/VEGFR2 inhibitor, was determined in combination with nanoparticle paclitaxel (NPT) in GAC. Animal studies were conducted in NOD/SCID mice in subcutaneous and peritoneal dissemination xenografts. The mechanism of action was assessed by Immunohistochemical and Immunoblot analyses. In c‐Met overexpressing MKN‐45 cell‐derived xenografts, NPT and foretinib demonstrated inhibition in tumour growth, while NPT plus foretinib showed additive effects. In c‐Met low‐expressing SNU‐1 or patient‐derived xenografts, the foretinib effect was smaller, while NPT had a similar effect compared with MKN‐45, as NPT plus foretinib still exhibited an additive response. Median mice survival was markedly improved by NPT (83%), foretinib (100%) and NPT plus foretinib (230%) in peritoneal dissemination xenografts. Subcutaneous tumour analyses exhibited that foretinib increased cancer cell death and decreased cancer cell proliferation and tumour vasculature. NPT and foretinib suppressed the proliferation of GAC cells in vitro and had additive effects in combination. Further, foretinib caused a dramatic decrease in phosphorylated forms of c‐Met, ERK, AKT and p38. Foretinib led to a decrease in Bcl‐2, and an increase in p27, Bax, Bim, cleaved PARP‐1 and cleaved caspase‐3. Thus, these findings highlight the antitumour impact of simultaneous suppression of c‐Met and VEGFR2 signalling in GAC and its potential to enhance nanoparticle paclitaxel response. This therapeutic approach might lead to a clinically beneficial combination to increase GAC patients’ survival.
An experimental and finite element analysis of the characteristics of soybean grain compression damage
Authors: Jin Chengqian , Kang Yan , Guo Hongxing , Yin Xiang 
Published: May 2021

AbstractDuring mechanized harvesting, the compression of soybean grains is the main form of crushing caused by the interaction between the operating components and the soybean grains; the resulting damage characteristics of the grains are not well understood. Using Zhengdou 1307 as test materials, the characteristics of stress distributions under different moisture contents soybean grains in the horizontal, lateral, and vertical positions were measured and analyzed, the process of compressive damage was observed, and the damage characteristics due to compression forces were obtained. The test results show that the forced form and compressive displacement of a soybean grain is related to the magnitude of the compressive force, and the location of the stress concentration moves toward the contact, as the contact area decreases, breaking force decreases with increasing moisture content. The grain is subjected to the highest pressure when placed flat, and cracks along the vertical line of the hilum upon rupture. When placed laterally and vertically, the damage to the grain due to a compressive force is mainly from the separation of the two cotyledons.Practical applicationsThe crushing rate is an important indicator to measure the harvest quality of the soybean combine. The mechanical properties of soybean grains are an important factor affecting the crushing rate. In the process of mechanized soybean harvesting, the compression of soybean grains is the main form of crushing caused by the interaction between working parts and soybean grains, but the characteristics of soybean grains damaged by compression are not clear. This study provides a reference for the analysis of soybean damage during the harvesting, transporting, storing, and other stages by studying the damage characteristics of soybean grains, and provides certain ideas for the study of other grain damage characteristics.
What is the rationale behind China's infrastructure investment under the Belt and Road Initiative
Authors: Zou Longcan , Shen Jim Huangnan , Zhang Jun , Lee Chien‐Chiang 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis research presents a full picture of the rationale behind China's infrastructure investment under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which was formally initiated in 2013. In this paper, we argue that the main reason for China to conduct infrastructure investment under BRI is to strategically respond to the emergence of the “New Normal,” which pushes the country to sustain economic growth through further structural transformation. We come up with three relevant factors for why infrastructure projects under BRI could be conducive to structural transformation in China's economy, as it (1) provides a much better alternative to the existing poor logistic conditions and can create accessibility among regions, (2) enables the smooth flow of factor endowments of production that significantly reduce production costs, and (3) indirectly strengthens the influence of the debt provider's home currency. This paper also provides three theoretical pillars: the comparative advantage following (CAF) and defying (CAD) development strategies, the late development theory with antineoliberalism characteristics, and the new international division of labor, from which these three factors might potentially explain how BRI could enhance the structural transformation of this second‐largest economy in the world.
Use of computed tomography sinography for evaluation of draining tracts in 27 dogs and one cat
Authors: Lopez‐Jimenez C. , Morrissey A. M. , Groth A. , de la Puerta B. , Lee K. C. L. , Lamb C. R. 
Published: May 2021

ObjectivesTo describe the clinical findings, imaging findings and outcome in patients in which CT sinography was performed, and assess to what degree this technique adds information about the extent of a tract or increases the accuracy of diagnosis of foreign bodies on CT.Materials and MethodsRetrospective review of medical records of 27 dogs and one cat with draining tracts that had CT sinography. Pre‐ and post‐intravenous (IV) contrast CT series were compared with CT sinography in each patient.ResultsMedian duration of clinical signs before referral was 85 days (range 2 to 1478 days). The most common reported clinical signs were swelling (14/28, 50%) and regional pain (5/28, 18%). CT sinography revealed a more extensive tract than post‐IV contrast CT in 21% cases. On post‐IV contrast CT, 31% of foreign bodies were detected compared to 23% on CT sinography. All four foreign bodies detected by CT were observed in the non‐contrast images. Surgery was performed after CT in 22 (79%) cases. Thirteen (46%) draining tracts resolved after surgery, three (11%) resolved without surgery, six (21%) persisted or recurred after surgery, and six (21%) were lost to follow‐up.Clinical SignificanceCT sinography provides limited additional information about the extent of draining tracts compared to pre‐ and post‐IV contrast CT images and did not increase the number of foreign bodies identified.
Persistent fontanelles in Chihuahuas. Part II: Association with craniocervical junction abnormalities, syringomyelia, and ventricular volume
Authors: Kiviranta Anna‐Mariam , Rusbridge Clare , Lappalainen Anu K. , Junnila Jouni J. T. , Jokinen Tarja S. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundPersistent fontanelles (PFs) are, in Chihuahuas, almost ubiquitous. Furthermore, Chihuahuas are predisposed to other craniomorphological abnormalities, including syringomyelia (SM), ventriculomegaly, and craniocervical junction (CCJ) overcrowding resulting in neural tissue deviation. It is, however, undetermined if PFs are more common in dogs with these structural abnormalities, and their etiology is unknown.Hypothesis/ObjectivesPersistent fontanelles are more numerous and larger in Chihuahuas with low body weight, older age, SM, dilated fourth ventricle, ventriculomegaly, and CCJ overcrowding.AnimalsFifty client‐owned Chihuahuas.MethodsCross‐sectional study evaluating the association of both the number of cranial sutures affected by PFs (NAS) and total fontanelle area (TFA), based on computed tomography with SM, fourth ventricle dilatation, lateral ventricle volume, and extent of neural tissue compression at the CCJ based on magnetic resonance images.ResultsThe NASs was higher and TFA larger in dogs with low body weight (NAS: P = .007; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.384‐0.861; TFA: P = .002; 95% CI = −1.91 to −0.478), larger lateral ventricles (NAS: P ≤ .001; 95% CI = 1.04‐1.15; TFA: P ≤ .001; 95% CI = 0.099‐0.363), and more severe neural tissue compression at the CCJ (NAS: P ≤ .001; 95% CI = 1.26‐2.06; TFA: P = .03; 95% CI = 0.066‐1.13). Similarly, dogs with SM (NAS: P = .004; 95% CI = 1.26‐3.32; TFA: mean ± SD, 130 ± 217 mm2; P = .05) had higher NAS and larger TFA than did dogs without SM (43.7 ± 61.0 mm2). Age was not associated with NAS (P = .81; 95% CI = 0.989‐1.01) or TFA (P = .33; 95% CI = −0.269 to 0.092).Conclusions and Clinical ImportancePersistent fontanelles are associated with small size, SM, ventriculomegaly, and CCJ overcrowding.
The type 3 adenylyl cyclase is crucial for intestinal mucosal neural network in the gut lamina propria
Authors: Zhou Kang , Zhou Yanfen , Yang Dong , Chen Tingrong , Liu Xinxia , Li Shujuan , Wang Zhenshan 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe type 3 adenylyl cyclase (AC3) enzyme is involved in the synthesis of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). It is primarily expressed in the central nervous system (CNS) and plays a crucial role in neurogenesis and neural dendritic arborization. However, the AC3’s functional role in the gastrointestinal tract remains ambiguous.MethodsAC3 expression in enteric tissue of AC3+/+ mice was investigated using immunohistochemistry and RT‐PCR. AC3 knock‐out mice (AC3−/−) were used to examine the effect of AC3 on the enteric nervous system (ENS) function and the number of cilia and apoptotic cells. Additionally, total gastrointestinal transit time and colonic motility were compared between the AC3−/− and AC3+/+ groups of mice.Key ResultsAC3 was predominately expressed in the myenteric plexus of the large intestine. Colonic‐bead expulsion analysis showed accelerated propulsion in the large intestine of the AC3−/− mice. The AC3−/− mice demonstrated reduced nerve fibers and enteric glial cells count in colonic mucosa compared to the AC3+/+ mice. Furthermore, AC3−/− mice exhibited increased cellular apoptosis and reduced ARL13B+ cilium cells in the colonic lamina propria compared to the AC3+/+ mice.ConclusionsIn AC3−/− mice, innervation of the lamina propria in the colonic mucosa was reduced and colonic propulsion was accelerated. AC3 is crucial for the development and function of the adult neural network of ENS. AC3 deficiency caused atrophy in the colonic mucosal neural network of mice.
Fast‐tracking the evaluation of novel female candidate lines in CMS‐based hybrid breeding
Authors: Trini Johannes , Maurer Hans Peter , Weissmann Elmar A. , Würschum Tobias 
Published: May 2021

AbstractTime‐ and resource‐efficient identification of promising lines is of utmost importance in hybrid breeding. Here, we present a novel approach to evaluate female candidate lines for single‐cross hybrids, which saves four to five generations by obtaining general (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) effect estimates prior to the introgression of the female lines into a male sterility‐inducing cytoplasm. The approach is based on three‐way crosses and we exemplarily demonstrate its power by predicting 57 single‐cross hybrids of triticale. Prediction accuracies based on GCA or GCA and SCA effects estimated in three‐way hybrids were generally superior to those based on mid‐parent values. Notably, a high proportion of SCA variance had only little influence on the prediction accuracies based on three‐way hybrids. Simulation studies support the empirical findings and illustrate approaches for further optimization. Thus, the presented approach appears highly valuable and has the potential to increase selection gain in hybrid breeding.
Professional governance in Finnish nursing – measured by the Index of Professional Nursing Governance
Authors: Kanninen Taina , Häggman‐Laitila Arja , Tervo‐Heikkinen Tarja , Hess Robert G. , Kvist Tarja 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAimTo translate and validate the Index of Professional Nursing Governance (IPNG) 2.0 and assess the state of professional nursing governance in Finland.BackgroundRaising and maintaining quality of care while retaining staff are common problems in healthcare globally. Professional governance is a modern way to tackle them, but a reliable instrument is needed to measure the state of nursing governance in Finland, and elsewhere.MethodsThe IPNG that was translated into Finnish by forward‐backward translation, culturally adapted and pilot tested with 20 nurses. A sample of 419 nurses was utilised in a cross‐sectional study to assess the state of professional governance in Finland 2018.ResultsPrincipal component analysis yielded six components with good Cronbach's α values. The results clearly indicate that the IPNG version developed and evaluated in this study has suitable psychometric properties for use in Finnish healthcare settings. The validated IPNG scores indicate that nursing governance in Finland is in the professional governance range. The staff have some input in the governance of Finnish healthcare organisations. However, this perception is strongest among the nurse leaders and experts; other groups do not perceive much change yet.ConclusionParticipants, particularly nurse leaders in Finland, had self‐reported impact in decision‐making. The translated IPNG has acceptable internal consistency and can be used to assess healthcare organisations’ governance models in Finland and broader in Nordic countries and Europe.
Prophylactic tranexamic acid use in non‐cardiac surgeries at high risk for transfusion
Authors: Houston Brett L. , Fergusson Dean A. , Falk Jamie , Krupka Emily , Perelman Iris , Breau Rodney H. , McIsaac Daniel I. , Rimmer Emily , Houston Donald S. , Garland Allan , Ariano Robert E. , Tinmouth Alan , Balshaw Robert , Turgeon Alexis F. , Jacobsohn Eric , Zarychanski Ryan 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundTranexamic acid (TXA) reduces transfusion in a wide range of surgical populations, although its real‐world use in non‐cardiac surgeries has not been well described. The objective of this study was to describe prophylactic TXA use in non‐cardiac surgeries at high risk for transfusion.MethodsThis is a retrospective cohort study of all adult patients undergoing major non‐cardiac surgery at ≥5% risk of perioperative transfusion at five Canadian hospitals between January 2014 and December 2016. Canadian Classification of Health Interventions procedure codes within the Discharge Abstract Database were linked to transfusion and laboratory databases. TXA use was ascertained electronically from The Ottawa Hospital Data Warehouse and via manual chart review for Winnipeg hospitals. For each surgery, we evaluated the percentage of patients who received TXA as well as the specifics of TXA dosing and administration.ResultsTXA use was evaluable in 14 300 patients. Overall, 17% of surgeries received TXA, ranging from 0% to 68% among individual surgeries. TXA use was more common in orthopaedic (n = 2043/4942; 41%) and spine surgeries (n = 239/1322; 18%) compared to other surgical domains (n = 109/8036; 1%). TXA was commonly administered as a bolus (n = 2097/2391; 88%). The median TXA dose was 1000 mg (IQR 1000–1000 mg).ConclusionTXA is predominantly used in orthopaedic and spine surgeries, with little uptake in other non‐cardiac surgeries at high risk for red blood cell transfusion. Further studies are needed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of TXA and to understand the barriers to TXA administration in a broad range of non‐cardiac surgeries.
Public health interventions for preventing re‐infection of Opisthorchis viverrini: application of the self‐efficacy theory and group process in high‐prevalent areas of Thailand
Authors: Songserm Nopparat , Namwong Worawut , Woradet Somkiattiyos , Sripa Banchob , Ali Akhtar 
Published: May 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo study the effectiveness of public health interventions in preventing Opisthorchis viverrini (OV) re‐infection in high‐prevalence areas of Thailand.Methods68 people from Sisaket, the province with the second‐highest prevalence in Thailand, who tested positive for OV eggs in faeces and took praziquantel before the start of the study, participated. 34 participants were allocated to the experimental group, which received a 12‐week public health intervention based on the self‐efficacy theory and group process between July and October 2018. The control group received the usual services. Data were collected using a questionnaire with a reliability of 0.84. Faecal examinations using the formalin‐ether concentration technique were conducted before and after the experiment. The re‐infection rate was analysed after the experimental 12 weeks and after one year. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including paired t‐test and independent t‐test, were employed for data analysis.ResultsAfter the experiment, the mean scores of knowledge, perceived self‐efficacy, self‐efficacy expectation and OV prevention behaviour of the experimental group were significantly higher than before the experiment and also higher than scores of the control group (P < 0.05).ConclusionThe public health intervention is useful. It educated the experimental group about OV, perceived self‐efficacy and self‐efficacy expectation in changing behaviour to prevent OV re‐infection. As a result, no re‐infections were observed after the 12‐week intervention nor at the one‐year follow‐up. Public health benefits will be evident if the results are extended to other high‐prevalence areas.
Experimental and Numerical Study of an Open Impeller Centrifugal Compressor Stage Utilizing Three-Dimensional (3D) Diffuser End Wall Contouring for Operating Range Extension
Authors: Hermann Daniel , Wirsum Manfred , Robinson Douglas , Jenny Philipp 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Highly efficient and concurrent flexible operation are heavy demands on today's centrifugal compressor units. Diffuser end wall contouring is a measure to delay the incipience of instability and therefore to extend the compressor's operating range while maintaining efficient performance. In the presented paper, a hub-side wall contouring, applied in the vaneless space upstream the diffuser vane's leading edge and within the diffuser passage of a state-of-the-art centrifugal compressor stage with an open impeller, is examined. Computational fluid dynamics computations are performed for both a baseline diffuser design with parallel channel walls and the hub-side wall contoured diffuser design. Comparisons of characteristic and diffuser stability decisive flow variables are made in perpendicular sections along an extrapolated camber line of the diffuser vane for full span, near shroud and near hub wall. In operating points near the stability limit at two different stage Mach numbers, the stabilizing effect of the hub-side wall contouring on the diffuser flow is clearly shown. In a scale-model test rig, experimental data including pneumatic five-hole probe data for a full diffuser blade-to-blade passage, static wall pressures at various planes as well as total temperatures were measured. The experimental data are utilized for the validation of the presented numerical calculations. The flow stabilizing effect of the hub-wall contouring is clearly visible in the measurements, which showed 8% range extension at highest stage Mach number Mu2 = 1.16 and a range extension of 2% at design stage Mach number Mu2 = 1.