bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Low‐dose steroids do make a difference: Independent risk factors for impaired linear growth after pediatric liver transplantation
Authors: Leiskau Christoph , Samuel Saskia , Pfister Eva‐Doreen , Junge Norman , Beneke Jan , Stupak Julia , Richter Nicolas , Vondran Florian , Schrem Harald , Baumann Ulrich 
Published: March 2021

AbstractGrowth failure persists after pediatric liver transplantation and impairs pediatric development and quality of life. Steroid dose minimization attempts to prevent growth impairment, yet long‐term assessment in pediatric liver recipients is lacking. We identified risk factors for impaired linear growth after pediatric liver transplantation, with a special focus on low‐dose steroid therapy. This is a single‐center retrospective analysis of height development in pediatric liver recipients up to 5 years after transplantation. Risk factors for impaired linear growth (height Z‐scores≤‐2) at transplantation, after two (n = 347) and five years (n = 210) were identified by univariate and multivariate logistic regression. At transplantation, growth retardation was found in 52.2%, predominantly younger children. Height Z‐scores improved from −2.23 to −1.40 (SE 0.11; 95%CI 0.74–1.16; p < .001) two years and −1.19 (SE 0.07;0.08–0.34; p = .017) five years post‐transplant. Multivariate analysis showed previous growth impairment (OR=1.484; 95%‐CI=1.107–1.988; p = .004), graft loss (49.006;2.232–1076; p = .006), and prolonged cold ischemic time (1.034;1.007–1.061; p = .011) as main long‐term risk factors; steroid use was a significant predictor of 2‐year but not 5‐year growth impairment. In univariate analysis, impaired growth after 2 and 5 years was associated with continuous low‐dose (2.5 mg/m2BSA) steroid therapy (OR=3.323;1.578–6.996; p < .001/OR=8.352;1.089–64.07; p = .006)and graft loss (OR=2.513;1.395–4.525; p = .003/OR=3.378;1.815–7.576; p < .001). Furthermore, indication and era of transplantation affected growth. Our results show significant catch‐up growth after pediatric liver transplantation, yet growth failure strongly affects particularly young liver recipients. The main influenceable long‐term risk factor is pre‐existing growth failure, emphasizing the importance of early aggressive nutritional therapy. Moreover, low‐dose steroid therapy might impair growth and should therefore be critically questioned in long‐term immunosuppression.
Neurotechnology ethics and relational agency
Authors: Goering Sara , Brown Timothy , Klein Eran 
Published: March 2021

AbstractNovel neurotechnologies, like deep brain stimulation and brain‐computer interface, offer great hope for treating, curing, and preventing disease, but raise important questions about effects these devices may have on human identity, authenticity, and autonomy. After briefly assessing recent narrative work in these areas, we show that agency is a phenomenon key to all three goods and highlight the ways in which neural devices can help to draw attention to the relational nature of our agency. Drawing on insights from disability theory, we argue that neural devices provide a kind of agential assistance, similar to that provided by caregivers, family, and others. As such, users and devices participate in a kind of co‐agency. We conclude by suggesting the need for developing relational agency‐competencies—skills for reflecting on the influence of devices on agency, for adapting to novel circumstances ushered in by devices, and for incorporating the feedback of loved ones and others about device effects on agency.
Hinge Contextualisma
Authors: Mion Giovanni 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe paper explores a possible connection between epistemic contextualism and hinge epistemology. My basic idea is that Wittgenstein’s hinge propositions play a possibility‐governing role, in the sense that they govern our knowledge attributions by determining which possibilities count as relevant alternatives. This is a novel proposal with several theoretical advantages for both hinge epistemology and epistemic contextualism. On the one hand, in order to offer a substantial account of the way in which knowledge attributions work, the contextualist needs more than mere formal tools. She needs to tell us what goes inside the contexts that govern our conversations. On the other hand, the hinge epistemologist cannot be satisfied by mere metaphors (like the hinge metaphor). She needs to tell us how hinges can effectively govern our conversations. I take hinge contextualism to be the answer. With the help of hinges, we can furnish contexts; and with the help of contexts, we can put hinges to work.
Microbial signatures of health, gingivitis, and periodontitis
Authors: Abusleme Loreto , Hoare Anilei , Hong Bo‐Young , Diaz Patricia I. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe subgingival crevice harbors diverse microbial communities. Shifts in the composition of these communities occur with the development of gingivitis and periodontitis, which are considered as successive stages of periodontal health deterioration. It is not clear, however, to what extent health‐ and gingivitis‐associated microbiota are protective, or whether these communities facilitate the successive growth of periodontitis‐associated taxa. To further our understanding of the dynamics of the microbial stimuli that trigger disruptions in periodontal homeostasis, we reviewed the available literature with the aim of defining specific microbial signatures associated with different stages of periodontal dysbiosis. Although several studies have evaluated the subgingival communities present in different periodontal conditions, we found limited evidence for the direct comparison of communities in health, gingivitis, and periodontitis. Therefore, we aimed to better define subgingival microbiome shifts by merging and reanalyzing, using unified bioinformatic processing strategies, publicly available 16S ribosomal RNA gene amplicon datasets of periodontal health, gingivitis, and periodontitis. Despite inherent methodological differences across studies, distinct community structures were found for health, gingivitis, and periodontitis, demonstrating the specific associations between gingival tissue status and the subgingival microbiome. Consistent with the concept that periodontal dysbiosis is the result of a process of microbial succession without replacement, more species were detected in disease than in health. However, gingivitis‐associated communities were more diverse than those from subjects with periodontitis, suggesting that certain species ultimately become dominant as dysbiosis progresses. We identified the bacterial species associated with each periodontal condition and prevalent species that do not change in abundance from one state to another (core species), and we also outlined species co‐occurrence patterns via network analysis. Most periodontitis‐associated species were rarely detected in health but were frequently detected, albeit in low abundance, in gingivitis, which suggests that gingivitis and periodontitis are a continuum. Overall, we provide a framework of subgingival microbiome shifts, which can be used to generate hypotheses with respect to community assembly processes and the emergence of periodontal dysbiosis.
Spatial scale in analysis of the dental plaque microbiome
Authors: Borisy Gary G. , Valm Alex M. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractEcologists have long recognized the importance of spatial scale in understanding structure‐function relationships among communities of organisms within their environment. Here, we review historical and contemporary studies of dental plaque community structure in the context of three distinct scales: the micro (1‐10 µm), meso (10‐100 µm) and macroscale (100 µm to ≥1 cm). Within this framework, we analyze the compositional nature of dental plaque at the macroscale, the molecular interactions of microbes at the microscale, and the emergent properties of dental plaque biofilms at the mesoscale. Throughout our analysis of dental plaque across spatial scales, we draw attention to disease and health‐associated structure‐function relationships and include a discussion of host immune involvement in the mesoscale structure of periodontal disease–associated biofilms. We end with a discussion of two filamentous organisms, Fusobacterium nucleatum and Corynebacterium matruchotii, and their relevant contributions in structuring dental plaque biofilms.
Estimating Optimal Treatment Rules with an Instrumental Variable: A Partial Identification Learning Approach
Authors: Pu Hongming , Zhang Bo 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIndividualized treatment rules (ITRs) are considered a promising recipe to deliver better policy interventions. One key ingredient in optimal ITR estimation problems is to estimate the average treatment effect conditional on a subject’s covariate information, which is often challenging in observational studies due to the universal concern of unmeasured confounding. Instrumental variables (IVs) are widely used tools to infer the treatment effect when there is unmeasured confounding between the treatment and outcome. In this work, we propose a general framework of approaching the optimal ITR estimation problem when a valid IV is allowed to only partially identify the treatment effect. We introduce a novel notion of optimality called ‘IV-optimality’. A treatment rule is said to be IV-optimal if it minimizes the maximum risk with respect to the putative IV and the set of IV identification assumptions. We derive a bound on the risk of an IV-optimal rule that illuminates when an IV-optimal rule has favourable generalization performance. We propose a classification-based statistical learning method that estimates such an IV-optimal rule, design computationally efficient algorithms, and prove theoretical guarantees. We contrast our proposed method to the popular outcome weighted learning (OWL) approach via extensive simulations, and apply our method to study which mothers would benefit from travelling to deliver their premature babies at hospitals with high-level neonatal intensive care units. R package ivitr implements the proposed method.
Professional values and nursing self‐efficacy in the Italian context. Correlational descriptive study
Authors: Dellafiore Federica , Rosa Debora , Udugampolage Nathasha Samali , Villa Giulia , Albanesi Beatrice 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIntroductionNurses’ professional values (NPVs) and self‐efficacy (SE) are two fundamental elements in nursing care that influence its professional identity, competences, resulting in changing the behaviour of professionals and their response to the patient's health needs. The various studies produced so far have not investigated a possible relationship between these two areas. Therefore, the objective of the following study is to identify and deepen the relationship between NPV and SE, in order to improve the knowledge of these issues.Materials and methodsAn observational, correlational and multicentric study has been carried out through a questionnaire based survey. The sampling was conventional. The data collection took place through Nursing Professional Values Scale, version 3 (NPVS‐3), which investigates professional values; and Nursing Professional Self‐Efficacy Scale (NPSES), which investigates self‐efficacy and a socio‐demographic questionnaire.ResultsThe total sample was 532 nurses and 65.6% was female, with a median age of 42 years and a median of 15 working years. Positive statistically significant correlations between the various domains of the NPVS‐3 and NPSES scales were found. These relationships also emerged in the analyses between geographical areas. Overall, the relationships between self‐efficacy and values were similar in all the analyses.DiscussionAs the professional values of nurses increase in their response to the patient's health needs, self‐efficacy perceived by them increases and vice versa, significantly effecting the clinic and care outcomes of the patients and improving nursing outcomes. The stratification of the sample by geographical area regarding the relationship between age, years of work and professional values indicated that these variables strongly influence the NPV and SE of nurses. Therefore, in some contexts, more support in maintaining a stable value structure may be needed; moreover, it is necessary to incentivise nurses with more effective interventions, as an example and a basis of motivation for future generations.
Suitability of high‐frequency ultrasonography (20 MHz) in evaluation of various forms of primary cicatricial alopecia in relation to trichoscopy — pilot study
Authors: Mikiel Dominik , Polańska Adriana , Żaba Ryszard , Adamski Zygmunt , Dańczak‐Pazdrowska Aleksandra 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundPrimary cicatricial alopecia is a potentially irreversible process of hair loss, in which for proper diagnosis a skin biopsy is necessary. Searching for new, non‐invasive diagnostic methods may shorten the time for final diagnosis, initiating appropriate treatment and reduce the need for biopsy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of high‐frequency ultrasonography (HF‐USG) as a diagnostic method in patients with primary scarring alopecia and to compare it with trichoscopy.Materials and methodsThe study covered a total of 44 adults: 8 with classic lichen planopilaris (LPP), 11 with discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE), 14 with frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA), and 11 healthy volunteers. Each patient underwent physical and trichoscopic examination which was the base for qualification for active/inactive stage of the disease. Then, HF‐USG was performed using a probe with a frequency of 20 MHz. In HF‐USG images, the following elements were evaluated and measured: entrance echo (EE), follicular structures (FS), dermal background (DB), and dermal/subdermal border (D/SB).ResultsInactive phase was characterized by significantly lower number/lack of FS compared to the active phase of scarring alopecia. HF‐USG of active LPP/FFA presented cigar‐like shaped FS, while inactive stage pronounced D/SB forming saw‐like pattern. Active DLE in HF‐USG were associated with focal, doubled EE and widened FS with a tendency to create hypoechogenic wide, structureless bands within the skin. In inactive DLE, there was no specific pattern of D/SB or rarely puzzle‐like pattern.ConclusionHF‐USG images differ depending on the phase of the disease and the type of scarring alopecia, similarly to trichoscopic examination.
In vivo reflectance confocal microscopy of halo nevi
Authors: Pogorzelska‐Antkowiak Anna , Corneli Paola , Agozzino Marina 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIntroductionHalo nevi named also Sutton's nevi are uncommon melanocytic lesions occurring especially among adolescents. There are two effective diagnostic methods: dermoscopy and in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM), which can help us to observe many structural elements and characteristic features of Sutton's nevi.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to describe reflectance confocal microscopy features of halo nevi.MethodsEleven patients with fourteen halo nevi were examined by FotoFinder Medicam 800 dermoscope and reflectance confocal microscope Viva Scope 1500 between May of 2018 and September of 2019.ResultsDermoscopic examination revealed 78.6% nevi with a globular pattern, while 21.4% showed a homogenous pattern. In RCM, a typical honeycombed pattern was observed in 57.1% of nevi. 42.9% of nevi showed a disarray of the epidermis and presence of dendritic cells. 35.7% of all lesions presented roundish atypical cells in the epidermis. Roundish pagetoid cells in the dermo‐epidermal junction were detected in 14.2% of nevi. Non‐edged papillae were observed in 50% of lesions. In each nevus, there were dilated vessels. 50% of nevi revealed dense nests in the periphery, although in case of one lesion the dishomogeneous nests were observed.ConclusionsHalo nevi are important “melanoma simulators” in confocal microscopy.
The role of cryoprecipitate in human and canine transfusion medicine
Authors: Prittie Jennifer 
Published: March 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the current role of cryoprecipitate in human and canine transfusion medicine.Data sourcesHuman and veterinary scientific reviews and original studies found using PubMed and CAB Abstract search engines were reviewed.Human data synthesisIn the human critical care setting, cryoprecipitate is predominantly used for fibrinogen replenishment in bleeding patients with acute traumatic coagulopathy. Other coagulopathic patient cohorts for whom cryoprecipitate is recommended include those undergoing cardiovascular or obstetric procedures or patients bleeding from advanced liver disease. Preferential selection of cryoprecipitate versus fibrinogen concentrate (when available) is currently being investigated. Also a matter of ongoing debate is whether to administer this product as part of a fixed‐dose massive hemorrhage protocol or to incorporate it into a goal‐directed transfusion algorithm applied to the individual bleeding patient.Veterinary data synthesisAlthough there are sporadic reports of the use of cryoprecipitate in dogs with heritable coagulopathies, there are few to no data pertaining to its use in acquired hypofibrinogenemic states. Low fibrinogen in dogs (as in people) has been documented with acute traumatic coagulopathy, advanced liver disease, and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Bleeding secondary to these hypocoagulable states may be amenable to cryoprecipitate therapy. Indications for preferential selection of cryoprecipitate (versus fresh frozen plasma) remain to be determined.ConclusionsIn the United States, cryoprecipitate remains the standard of care for fibrinogen replenishment in the bleeding human trauma patient. Its preferential selection for this purpose is the subject of several ongoing human clinical trials. Timely incorporation of cryoprecipitate into the transfusion protocol of the individual bleeding patient with hypofibrinogenemia may conserve blood products, mitigate adverse transfusion‐related events, and improve patient outcomes. Cryoprecipitate is readily available, effective, and safe for use in dogs. The role of this blood product in clinical canine patients with acquired coagulopathy remains unknown.
Ultrasonographic guidance for perineural injections of the cervical spinal nerves in horses
Authors: Wood Andrew Douglas , Sinovich Matthew , Prutton James Stephen Winter , Parker Russell Alexander 
Published: March 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the accuracy of ultrasonographic guidance for injection near the ventral rami of the cervical spinal nerves (VRCSN).Study designEx vivo study.Sample populationTen cadavers (n = 40 injections).MethodsLeft and right VRCSN at C4/5 and C5/6 were infiltrated at the intervertebral foramen (IVF) under ultrasonographic guidance. A vertically orientated 3.5‐MHz curvilinear probe was used to identify the craniocaudal midpoint of the articular process joint (APJ). The probe was moved ventrally until the IVF was identified. An 18‐gauge 15‐cm‐long spinal needle was aimed immediately below the ventral margin of the cranial articular process, where 1 mL of latex was injected. Cadavers were dissected, and the location of the latex was recorded relative to the ventral ramus, the spinal cord, and the vertebral artery.ResultsDirect infiltration of the ventral ramus occurred in 73% (29/40) of injections; 15% (6/40) of injections were < 0.5 cm from the ventral ramus, and 13% (5/40) of injections were > 0.5 cm (maximum 1.5 cm). Latex was located at a mean of 2.4 cm (range, 0.8–4) from the spinal cord and 0.9 cm (range, 0–1.5) from the vertebral artery.ConclusionUltrasonographic guidance of perineural injections of the caudal VRCSN was repeatable and accurate, with 88% of injections located within 0.5 cm of the ventral ramus. Iatrogenic damage was limited to one penetration into the vertebral artery.Clinical significanceUltrasonographic guidance of perineural injections of the caudal VRCSN may be considered by operators experienced in cervical APJ scanning in horses with suspected cervical spinal nerve compression.
A Velocity-Modified Temperature for the Plastic Flow of Metals
Authors: MacGregor C. W. , Fisher J. C. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Based on the work of Eyring and others relating to the creep problem, a velocity-modified temperature is developed for representing by means of a single variable the combined effects of strain rate and temperature on the stress reaction in a tension specimen. Available data are analyzed, indicating that the velocity-modified temperature is equally applicable to the tension test conducted at both slow and rapid rates and to the creep test. The data also indicate that the stress reaction, corresponding to tests at very slow and very rapid rates of deformation, may be found from tension tests at moderate strain rates and appropriately raised or lowered temperatures.
A Uniform Method for Determining Angular Accelerations in Mechanisms
Authors: Koenig L. R. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to disclose a more reliable and uniform method, applicable to mechanisms in general, for determining directly the angular accelerations of the constituent links. The method completely suffices where the determination of angular accelerations is the end in view. Although it is independent of normal, tangential, and total accelerations of points on the links, reliable determinations of such accelerations are considerably facilitated with the aid of the acquired angular accelerations. Angular-acceleration problems may be solved with increased assurance because; (a) only velocity-vector considerations are required in the necessary kinematic layouts; (b) full advantage may be taken of the process of inversion in simplifying velocity-vector layouts, which is not possible when acceleration vectors are employed; and (c) the method gives considerable insight into the effects of the various factors controlling the angular accelerations.
Action of Forces and Moments Symmetrically Distributed Along a Generatrix of a Thin Cylindrical Shell
Authors: Odqvist F. K. G. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Applications of the present subject theory have been made to monolithic structures by certain Scandinavian engineers who have treated the subject and related problems in a series of papers. The author has confined his studies to more slender structures, such as welded and riveted plate containers, ship hulls, and similar applications, to which a simplified form of the theory may be applied. For an isotropic shell with no stiffeners, explicit formulas are developed in important cases, where the external load is applied to a cylindrical shell, distributed along a generatrix.