bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prospective validation of the provisional entity of refractory cytopenia of childhood, proposed by the World Health Organization
Authors: Hama Asahito , Hasegawa Daisuke , Manabe Atsushi , Nozawa Kazue , Narita Atsushi , Muramatsu Hideki , Kosaka Yoshiyuki , Kobayashi Masao , Koh Katsuyoshi , Takahashi Yoshiyuki , Watanabe Kenichiro , Ohara Akira , Ito Masafumi , Kojima Seiji 
Published: November 2021

SummaryIn 2008, the World Health Organization proposed a new entity of childhood myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), which was referred to as refractory cytopenia of childhood (RCC). However, whether this morphological classification reflects clinical outcomes remains unclear. We performed a prospective evaluation of bone marrow morphology in 252 children with acquired bone marrow failure between 2009 and 2013. Of 252 patients, 63 were diagnosed with aplastic anaemia (AA), 131 with RCC without multilineage dysplasia (RCC‐w/o‐MLD) and 58 with RCC with MLD (RCC‐MLD). One patient with AA, three with RCC‐w/o‐MLD and nine with RCC‐MLD presented with chromosomal abnormalities at diagnosis (P = 0·001). The response rates to immunosuppressive therapy (IST) at 6 months and the cumulative incidence of clonal evolution at 5 years did not significantly differ among the three groups. A multivariate analysis revealed that the morphological classification of RCC‐MLD was a significant risk factor for secondary graft failure after haematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) (P = 0·003). In view of these findings, RCC could be divided into two categories, RCC‐w/o‐MLD and RCC‐MLD, because children with this condition exhibited a distinct morphology, frequent chromosomal abnormalities at diagnosis and a high frequency of secondary graft failure after HCT.
Quality forecasts: Predicting when and how much markets value higher‐protein wheat
Authors: Bekkerman Anton 
Published: November 2021

AbstractWheat markets stand out among other major crop commodity markets because pricing at the first point of exchange—typically a grain handling facility—is differentiated on specific quality characteristics. Moreover, the premiums and discounts that elevators offer to obtain grain of specific quality can be significant. The relative importance of quality premiums and discounts to farm‐level production and marketing decisions demonstrate a need to quantitatively measure and explain factors that affect elevators' wheat‐quality pricing decisions. This study develops an informed expectation model of elevators' quality‐based pricing strategies and empirically estimates the model from a lengthy dataset of weekly price observations. I find empirical evidence that elevators use linear pricing schedules, but more aggressively discount wheat with protein levels lower than a baseline than reward higher‐protein wheat. The results also indicate that weather characteristics, futures contract price indicators, and USDA Crop Progress reports are contributors to predicting the new crop protein premiums and discounts, and that out‐of‐sample accuracy for predicting how grain elevators will value wheat protein ranges between 70% and 80%.
A nerve conduit filled with Wnt5a‐loaded fibrin hydrogels promotes peripheral nerve regeneration
Authors: Liu Yi‐jun , Chen Xiao‐feng , Zhou Li‐ping , Rao Feng , Zhang Dian‐ying , Wang Yan‐hua 
Published: November 2021

AbstractAimsPeripheral nerve injury is a significant clinical problem with a substantial impact on quality of life, for which no optimal treatment has been found. This study aimed to analyze the effect and mechanism of Wnt5a‐loaded fibrin hydrogel on a 10‐mm rat sciatic nerve defect.MethodsThe Wnt5a‐loaded fibrin hydrogel was synthesized by mixing a Wnt5a solution with thrombin and fibrinogen solutions. The loading capacity and release profile of Wnt5a‐loaded fibrin hydrogel and the effect of Wnt5a on Schwann cells were evaluated in vitro. We also assessed the in vivo repair status via histological analysis of the regenerative nerve and gastrocnemius muscle, electrophysiological examination, gait analysis, and muscle wet weight.ResultsWe developed a nerve conduit filled with Wnt5a‐loaded fibrin hydrogel (Fn) as a sustained‐release system to repair a 10‐mm rat sciatic nerve defect. In vitro, Wnt5a could promote SC proliferation and the gene expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), nerve growth factor (NGF), and cholinergic neurotrophic factor (CNTF), as well as the protein secretion of VEGF and NGF. In vivo, the Wnt5a/Fn group was superior to the hollow, fibrin hydrogel, and Wnt5a groups in terms of axonal growth, myelination, electrophysiological recovery, target organ innervation, and motor function recovery 12 weeks after the operation.ConclusionThe Wnt5a/Fn nerve conduit can promote peripheral nerve defect regeneration, with potential clinical applications. The mechanism for this may be the facilitation of multiple neurotrophin secretion, combining vascularization and neurotrophic growth cues.
Nodal metastases in small rectal neuroendocrine tumours
Authors: O’Neill Sarah , Haji Amyn , Ryan Suzanne , Clement Dominique , Sarras Konstantinos , Hayee Bu , Mulholland Nicola , Ramage John K. , Srirajaskanthan Rajaventhan 
Published: November 2021

AbstractAimRectal neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) are the most common type of gastrointestinal NET. European Neuroendocrine Tumour Society guidelines suggest that rectal NETs measuring ≤10 mm are indolent with low risk of spread. In practice, many patients with lesions ≤1 cm do not undergo complete tumour staging. However, the size of the lesion may not be the only risk factor for nodal involvement/metastases. The aim of this study was to determine if MRI ± nuclear medicine imaging alters tumour stage in patients with rectal NETs ≤10 mm.MethodsPatients referred to a tertiary NET centre between 2005 and 2020 who met the inclusion criteria of a rectal NET ≤10 mm, full cross‐sectional imaging, primarily an MRI scan and, if abnormal findings were identified, a subsequent 68Ga‐DOTATATE positron emission tomography scan were included. All patients were followed up at our institution.ResultsIn all, 32 patients with rectal NETs 10 mm or less were included in the study: 16 women; median age 58 years (range 33–71); 47% (n = 15) were referred from bowel cancer screening procedures. The median size of the lesions was 5 mm (range 2–10 mm). 81% (n = 26) were World Health Organization Grade 1 tumours with Ki67 <3%. Radiological staging confirmed nodal involvement in 25% (8/32); two cases had distant metastatic disease. Lymphovascular invasion was present in 3% (1/32) of patients but none demonstrated peri‐neural invasion.ConclusionThis study demonstrates that small rectal NETs can develop nodal metastases; therefore it is important to stage these tumours accurately with MRI at baseline and, if there are concerns regarding potential lymph node metastases, to consider 68Ga‐DOTATATE positron emission tomography imaging.
Effectiveness and safety of empagliflozin in routine care patients: Results from the EMPagliflozin compaRative effectIveness and SafEty (EMPRISE) study
Authors: Patorno Elisabetta , Pawar Ajinkya , Wexler Deborah J. , Glynn Robert J. , Bessette Lily G. , Paik Julie M. , Najafzadeh Mehdi , Brodovicz Kimberly G. , Déruaz‐Luyet Anouk , Schneeweiss Sebastian 
Published: November 2021

AbstractAimTo investigate effectiveness and safety outcomes among patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) initiating empagliflozin versus dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) inhibitor treatment across the broad spectrum of cardiovascular risk.MethodsIn a population‐based cohort study we identified 39 072 pairs of 1:1 propensity score‐matched adult patients with T2D initiating empagliflozin or DPP‐4 inhibitors, using data from 2 US commercial insurance databases and Medicare between August 2014 and September 2017. The primary outcomes were a composite of myocardial infarction (MI)/stroke, and hospitalization for heart failure (HHF). Safety outcomes were bone fractures, lower‐limb amputations (LLAs), diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), and acute kidney injury (AKI). We estimated pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) adjusting for more than 140 baseline covariates.ResultsStudy participants had a mean age of 60 years and only 28% had established cardiovascular disease. Compared to DPP‐4 inhibitors, empagliflozin was associated with similar risk of MI/stroke (HR 0.99 [95% CI 0.81‐1.21]), and lower risk of HHF (HR 0.48 [95% CI 0.35‐0.67] and 0.63 [95% CI 0.54‐0.74], based on a primary and any heart failure discharge diagnosis, respectively). The HR was 0.52 (95% CI 0.38‐0.72) for all‐cause mortality (ACM) and 0.83 (95% CI 0.70‐0.98) for a composite of MI/stroke/ACM. Empagliflozin was associated with a similar risk of LLA and fractures, an increased risk of DKA (HR 1.71 [95% CI 1.08‐2.71]) and a decreased risk of AKI (HR 0.60 [95% CI 0.43‐0.85]).ConclusionsIn clinical practice, the initiation of empagliflozin versus a DPP‐4 inhibitor was associated with a lower risk of HHF, ACM and MI/stroke/ACM, a similar risk of MI/stroke, and a safety profile consistent with documented information.
Transgastric imaging—The key to successful periprocedural TEE guiding for edge‐to‐edge repair of the tricuspid valve
Authors: da Rocha e Silva Jaqueline G. , Ruf Tobias F. , Hell Michaela M. , Tamm Alexander , Geyer Martin , Munzel Thomas , von Bardeleben Ralph Stephan , Kreidel Felix 
Published: November 2021

AbstractIntraprocedural transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) guidance plays an essential role in transcatheter repair therapy of the tricuspid valve (TV). So far, several different imaging concepts are in use. We propose an imaging protocol that fully addresses the morphological complexity of the TV and further offers efficacious workarounds for the frequently occurring restrictions of TV imaging in edge‐to‐edge repair of the TV. As a tertiary referral center with a large experience of more than 250 cases of transcatheter edge‐to‐edge repair (TEER) of the TV performed at the Heart Valve Center in Mainz/Germany, we have constantly adapted our peri‐interventional echocardiographic approach to accomplish both. As a key measure for success, we intensely rely on the transgastric acoustic windows that not only deliver high‐resolution information on the morphology of the TV and all relevant procedural steps but also help to avoid the frequent shadowing artifacts experienced in transesophageal imaging.
How many macropods?A manager’s guide to small‐scale population surveys of kangaroos and wallabies
Authors: Coulson Graeme , Snape Melissa A. , Cripps Jemma K. 
Published: November 2021

SummaryEvery macropod population is unique in terms of the combination of species, site and management goals, so there is no universal ‘best’ method for surveying populations. We distinguish between different measures of abundance and the confidence a manager can place in them. We examine the separate components of survey methods: the survey platform, mode of detection and form of sampling. We also review the range of current methods available and highlight new developments, including their assumptions and limitations. To guide managers in choosing a method for their management context, we provide a decision matrix based on the behavioural ecology of the target species, the structure of habitat at the site and the porosity of the site boundary. To promote current best practice, we describe in detail four standard counting methods: direct count, sweep count, faecal accumulation rate and distance sampling.
Kangaroos in peri‐urban areas: A fool’s paradise?
Authors: Herbert Catherine A. , Snape Melissa A. , Wimpenny Claire E. , Coulson Graeme 
Published: November 2021

SummaryPeri‐urban Eastern Grey Kangaroo (Macropus giganteus) populations can reach very high densities in areas with remnant native vegetation and adequate pasture. This review summarizes the scientific evidence for the impacts of these high‐density peri‐urban populations, which predominantly involve threats to human life and livelihood (kangaroo–vehicle collisions), impacts on threatened species and ecosystems and declines in the health of individual kangaroos. The latter two impacts result from an imbalance between the kangaroo population and their food resources. We argue that urban infrastructure is a fundamental driver of many of these inter‐related impacts through population fragmentation, isolation and direct mortality of kangaroos on roads. Roads may also act as barriers to movement, isolating populations and promoting this localized overabundance. However, not all peri‐urban kangaroo populations attain high densities. Combined with the impacts of climate change on resource availability, peri‐urban development has the capacity to push local populations towards extinction in actively urbanizing areas via the impacts of habitat loss and/or fragmentation and road mortality. The successful coexistence of people and kangaroos in these peri‐urban environments therefore requires a better understanding of the impacts of urban infrastructure on kangaroo population dynamics, and a better policy framework to promote ecologically sensitive development.
Pilot study of focused ultrasound for drug‐resistant epilepsy
Authors: Lee Cheng‐Chia , Chou Chien‐Chen , Hsiao Fu‐Jung , Chen Yi‐Hsiu , Lin Chun‐Fu , Chen Ching‐Jen , Peng Syu‐Jyun , Liu Hao‐Li , Yu Hsiang‐Yu 
Published: November 2021

AbstractObjectiveThe neuromodulatory effects of focused ultrasound (FUS) have been demonstrated in animal epilepsy models; however, the safety and efficacy of FUS in humans with epilepsy have not been well established. Patients with drug‐resistant epilepsy (DRE) undergoing stereo‐electroencephalography (SEEG) provide an opportunity to investigate the neuromodulatory effects of FUS in humans.MethodsPatients with DRE undergoing SEEG for localization of the seizure onset zone (SOZ) were prospectively enrolled. FUS was delivered to the SOZ using a neuronavigation‐guided FUS system (ceiling spatial‐peak temporal‐average intensity level = 2.8 W/cm2, duty cycle = 30%, modulating duration = 10 min). Simultaneous SEEG recordings were obtained during sonication and for 3 days after treatment. Seizures, interictal epileptiform discharges, and adverse events after FUS were monitored.ResultsSix patients met the eligibility criteria and completed FUS treatment. A decrease in seizure frequency was observed in two patients within the 3‐day follow‐up; however, one patient presented an increase in the frequency of subclinical seizures. Posttreatment magnetic resonance imaging revealed neither lesion nor brain edema. Significant changes in spectral power of SEEG were noted at the targeted electrodes during FUS treatment. One patient reported subjective scalp heating during FUS, and one patient developed transient naming and memory impairment that resolved within 3 weeks after FUS.SignificanceFUS can be safely delivered to the SOZ of patients with DRE, resulting in significant changes in spectral power of SEEG. A larger sample cohort and pursuing optimal sonication parameters will be required to elucidate the neuromodulatory effects of FUS when used for seizure control.
The effect of friction welding on the mechanical properties and corrosion fatigue resistance of titanium alloy drill pipe
Authors: Mou Yisheng , Lian Zhanghua , Li Wei , Zhong Xiankang , Li Jiuyi , He Yuantai , Cao Jinchao , Eliaz Noam 
Published: November 2021

AbstractTitanium alloys are the best candidates to replace steels for drill pipes in horizontal wells. However, friction welding (FW) may significantly change the properties of titanium alloy drill pipes. In this work, the microstructure, tensile and impact mechanical properties, and corrosion fatigue performance of the FW zone were compared with those of the base alloy. The results show that the base material is mainly composed of equiaxed globular α (hcp)‐Ti, while the acicular α + β (bcc)‐Ti is dominant in the FW zone. Due to these differences in microstructure, the FW zone has higher strength but lower stiffness and toughness than the base alloy. In addition, the fatigue performance and corrosion resistance of the material decrease in drilling fluid. These results indicate that FW zones in titanium alloy drill pipes might be the weakest region where crack, fracture, and corrosion are more likely to occur.
Hydration and microhardness of mineral trioxide aggregate depending on ratio between di‐ and tricalcium silicates
Authors: Kim Yurian , Lee Se Woong , Rho Hyung Tay , Kim Sang‐il 
Published: November 2021

AbstractTricalcium silicate (C3S) and dicalcium silicate (C2S) are the main components related with the hydration process of mineral trioxide aggregates (MTAs) for endodontic materials. In this study, we investigate the influence of different ratios of C3S and C2S in a series of MTA samples with (100‐x)C3S‐xC2S‐18ZrO2 (x = 0, 10, 15, 34, and 100) on their physical and chemical characteristics, hydration process, and microhardness properties. The chemical compositional properties of different samples are measured using X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectrometry, and scanning electron microscopy. The physical and microhardness properties are also investigated after the standard hydration process (ISO 6876:2021). Generally, the sample with higher C3S ratio induces the faster hydration, which results in decreased fluidity as well as shorter working and setting times. The microhardness generally decreases with larger C3S ratio.
Patient satisfaction with medication consultations and medicines information provided by nurses working autonomously in sexual health services: A questionnaire study
Authors: Black Adam , Gage Heather , Norton Christine , Franklin Bryony Dean , Murrells Trevor , Courtenay Molly 
Published: November 2021

AbstractAimTo compare the satisfaction of patients managed by independent nurse prescribers with that of patients managed by nurses using PGDs with respect to experience of the consultation and information received about the medication.DesignSurvey.MethodsPatients receiving medications from nurses in five urban sexual health services in the United Kingdom completed validated questionnaires immediately after the consultation, September 2015–August 2016. Scores of independent nurse prescribers and nurses using patient group directions were compared about consultation experience (5 items) Satisfaction with Information about Medicines (SIMS 16 items scale).ResultsOf 808 patients receiving medications, 393 (48.6%) received questionnaires and 380 were returned (independent nurse prescribers 180 of 198, 90.9%; patient group directions 173 of 195, 88.7%). Patients in both groups reported high levels of satisfaction. About the consultation experience, patients found nurses friendly/ approachable (>99%), instilling confidence and trust (>99%) and explaining reasons for medications clearly (97%). Satisfaction with medication information: Of 348 (92%) respondents completing SIMS, the overall mean score was 13.4 of maximum 16 (no difference between groups, t‐test, p = .63).ConclusionsPatients were highly satisfied with nurse consultations and information around medications regardless of whether they were managed by independent nurse prescribers or nurses using patient group directions.ImpactFindings provide evidence in support of autonomous provision of medications by nurses in sexual health clinics.
Lysergic acid diethylamide induces increased signalling entropy in rats’ prefrontal cortex
Authors: Savino Aurora , Nichols Charles D. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractPsychedelic drugs are gaining attention from the scientific community as potential new compounds for the treatment of psychiatric diseases such as mood and substance use disorders. The 5‐HT2A receptor has been identified as the main molecular target, and early studies pointed to an effect on the expression of neuroplasticity genes. Analysing RNA‐seq data from the prefrontal cortex of rats chronically treated with lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), we describe the psychedelic‐induced rewiring of gene co‐expression networks, which become less centralised but more complex, with an overall increase in signalling entropy typical of highly plastic systems. Intriguingly, signalling entropy mirrors, at the molecular level, the increased brain entropy reported through neuroimaging studies in human, suggesting the underlying mechanisms of higher‐order phenomena. Moreover, from the analysis of network topology, we identify potential transcriptional regulators and propose the involvement of different cell types in psychedelics’ activity.
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Value of peripheral perfusion index to predict acute limb ischaemia in newborns after peripheral artery cannulation
Authors: Liu Xiaoshu , Nie Jiao , Pan Junhui , Fu Fang 
Published: November 2021

AbstractAims and objectivesTo investigate the feasibility of using peripheral perfusion index (PPI) to monitor acute limb ischaemia (ALI) in newborns after catheterisations.BackgroundALI is common complication of neonatal peripheral artery cannulation. It is important to address as soon as the early signs of ALI. PPI could aid in noninvasive evaluation of distal extremity perfusion in an effort to notify risk of potential ischaemic injury from catheterisations.DesignA nested case–control study.MethodsClinical information of newborns who had been admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Jiangxi Provincial Children's Hospital and had received peripheral artery cannulation from January 2018 to January 2020 was prospectively collected. Transcutaneous blood oxygen saturation (TcSO2), PPI and delta‐PPI (ΔPPI1; the difference in PPI values of the two arms. ΔPPI2; difference in the PPI values before and after cannulation) were recorded. We used STROBE checklist as an EQUATOR in this study.ResultsA total of 25 newborns with ALI were included in the study. These were then paired with 100 newborns without ALI. The PPI and TcSO2 of the cannulated limb were significantly lower in the ALI group than in the non‐ALI (NALI) group (p < .05). The area under the receiver‐operating characteristic curve was significant for ΔPPI1. The ΔPPI1 had a sensitivity and specificity of 92% and 87%, respectively, for diagnosing ALI. ΔPPI1 greater than 0.315 suggested that the infant was at risk of ALI.ConclusionsMonitoring the change in the PPI in newborns after catheterisations helped in the early assessment of ALI.Relevance to clinical practiceDrops in the PPI and TcSO2 of the cannulated limbs might, to some extent, reflect the possibility of ALI in newborns. ΔPPI1 (the difference in PPI values of the two arms) proved to be a simple, objective parameter to predict the presence of ALI.