bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Left atrial appendage morphology predicts the formation of left atrial appendage thrombus
Authors: Negrotto Sara M. , Lugo Ricardo M. , Metawee Mohamed , Kanagasundram Arvindh N. , Chidsey Geoffrey , Baker Michael T. , Michaud Gregory F. , Piana Robert N. , Benjamin Shoemaker Moore , Ellis Christopher Randall 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundNonchicken wing left atrial appendage (LAA) morphology is associated with higher risk for stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) than chicken wing (CW) morphology.ObjectiveAssess whether LAA morphology predicts the formation of LAA thrombus independent of age, sex, presenting rhythm, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), or anticoagulant use.MethodsA cross‐sectional analysis was performed on patients prospectively enrolled in the Vanderbilt LAA Registry or presenting for transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) between January 1, 2015, and November 1, 2017 (n = 306). Two physicians independently reviewed TEEs interpreted as having LAA thrombus. Determination of LAA morphology, ejection velocity, and presence of thrombus (n = 102) were based on 0°, 45°, 90°, and 135° TEE views. The control cohort (n = 204) included consecutive AF patients undergoing TEE without LAA thrombus.ResultsLAA morphology in patients with LAA thrombus was: 35% windsock, 47% broccoli, and 12% CW. Windsock (odds ratio [OR], 4.0; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.7–9.3, p = .001) and broccoli (OR, 6.6; 95% CI: 2.6–16.6; p < .001) morphology were higher risk for thrombus compared to CW. Female sex predicted higher‐odds for LAA thrombus (OR, 2.6; 95% CI: 1.4–4.8; p = .002) as did LAA‐EV < 20 cm/s (OR, 11.12; 95% CI: 5.6–22.1). Anticoagulation use (OR, 0.5; 95% CI: 0.3–0.9; p = .03) and higher LVEF (OR, 0.95; 95% CI: 0.93–0.98; p < .001) were associated with lower risk. In patients with a CW morphology who had LAA thrombus, 4 of the 7 had an LAA‐EV < 20 cm/s and acute systolic heart failure with LVEF < 30% or active malignancy. In multivariable linear regression analysis controlling for presenting rhythm, anticoagulant use, age, sex, and LVEF, CW morphology appears relatively protective from LAA thrombus (p = .001).ConclusionCW LAA morphology appears relatively protective against the formation of LAA thrombus.
Healing of buccal gingival recessions following treatment with coronally advanced flap alone or combined with a cross‐linked hyaluronic acid gel. An experimental study in dogs
Authors: Shirakata Yoshinori , Nakamura Toshiaki , Kawakami Yoshiko , Imafuji Takatomo , Shinohara Yukiya , Noguchi Kazuyuki , Sculean Anton 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAimTo clinically and histologically evaluate in dogs the healing of gingival recessions treated with coronally advanced flap (CAF) with or without cross‐linked hyaluronic acid (HA).Materials and methodsGingival recession defects were surgically created on the vestibular side of both maxillary canines in 8 dogs. After 8 weeks of plaque accumulation, the 16 chronic defects were randomly treated with either CAF alone or CAF and HA‐gel (CAF/HA). Clinical and histological outcomes were evaluated at 10 weeks post‐surgically.ResultsCompared to baseline, the clinical measurements at 10 weeks revealed a statistically significant decrease in gingival recession for both CAF (p < 0.01) and CAF/HA (p < 0.001) groups. Statistically significant differences were found in clinical attachment level (p < 0.05) and width of gingival recession (p < 0.01) favouring the CAF/HA group. Bone formation was statistically significantly greater in the CAF/HA group than in the CAF group (1.84 ± 1.16 mm vs., 0.72 ± 0.62 mm, respectively, p < 0.05). Formation of cementum and connective tissue attachment were statistically significantly higher in the CAF/HA group compared with the CAF group (i.e. 4.31 ± 1.78 mm versus 2.40 ± 1.35 mm and 1.69 ± 0.98 mm versus 0.74 ± 0.68 mm, respectively (p < 0.05)).ConclusionsThe present data have for the first time provided histologic evidence for periodontal regeneration of gingival recession defects following treatment with CAF and HA.Clinical relevanceThe use of HA in conjunction with CAF may represent a novel modality for treating gingival recession defects.
Morphometric description and biological notes on the rare kitefin shark Dalatias licha (Chondrichthyes: Dalatidae) from the Hellenic waters
Authors: Kousteni Vasiliki 
Published: January 2021

AbstractDeep‐sea sharks are among the less studied and most endangered elasmobranchs existing in the Mediterranean Sea, and therefore scientific research should be prioritized towards this vulnerable group of species. The aim of this study is to provide a morphometric description of the vulnerable kitefin shark by recording 55 standard morphometric measurements and to present its main biological features based on the examination of six historical specimens that were captured as by‐catch by commercial bottom trawlers in the Hellenic waters.
Diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis in a hooded capuchin (Sapajus apella)
Authors: Moresco Anneke , Han Sushan , Jankowski Gwen , Peterson Abigail 
Published: January 2021

AbstractSpontaneous endometriosis is common in women, great apes and Old World monkeys, but rare in New World monkeys. We report on the clinical diagnosis and successful combination of surgical and medical treatment in a case of spontaneous endometriosis in a diabetic hooded capuchin. Addressing this painful condition had a positive welfare impact.
Ghrelin as a treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Ngo Shyuan T. , Wang Hao , Henderson Robert D. , Bowers Cyril , Steyn Frederik J. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractGhrelin is a gut hormone best known for its role in regulating appetite and stimulating the secretion of the anabolic hormone growth hormone (GH). However, there is considerable evidence to show wider‐ranging biological actions of ghrelin that favour improvements in cellular and systemic metabolism, as well as neuroprotection. Activation of these ghrelin‐mediated pathways may alleviate pathogenic processes that are assumed to contribute to accelerated progression of disease in patients with neurodegenerative disease. Here, we provide a brief overview on the history of discoveries that led to the identification of ghrelin. Focussing on the neurodegenerative disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), we also present an overview of emerging evidence that suggests that ghrelin and ghrelin mimetics may serve as potential therapies for the treatment of ALS. Given that ALS is a highly heterogeneous disease, where multiple disease mechanisms contribute to variability in disease onset and rate of disease progression, we speculate that the wide‐ranging biological actions of ghrelin might offer therapeutic benefit through modulating multiple disease‐relevant processes observed in ALS. Expanding on the well‐known actions of ghrelin in regulating food intake and GH secretion, we consider the potential of ghrelin‐mediated pathways in improving body weight regulation, metabolism and the anabolic and neuroprotective actions of GH and insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1). This is of clinical significance because loss of body weight, impairments in systemic and cellular metabolism, and reductions in IGF‐1 are associated with faster disease progression and worse disease outcome in patients with ALS.
Enablers and barriers to progressing a clinical academic career in nursing, midwifery and allied health professions: A cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Avery Miriam , Westwood Greta , Richardson Alison 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAims and ObjectivesThis study aimed to understand the routes by which nurses, midwives and allied health professionals (NMAHPs) pursue and sustain a research career and the enablers and barriers to career progression.BackgroundRobust evidence is central to practice and professional decision making of NMAHPs, with generation and translation of research arguably best led by those clinically active. Whilst countries like the UK and USA have fellowship schemes to support research career development, anecdotal reports suggest barriers exist in translating these opportunities into sustainable clinical academic careers.DesignOnline survey.MethodsAn online questionnaire addressing career choices, facilitators/barriers and support was emailed to 1074 past applicants (doctoral and post‐doctoral) to National Institute of Health Research fellowship schemes (awarded and rejected) in England between March and May 2017; 231 responded (25.6%). Study reporting adheres to STROBE checklist.ResultsOverall, 134 doctoral and 96 post‐doctoral applicants participated; two‐thirds were from allied health professions. Most were early in their research career.Interest in research was most frequently sparked by interaction with people in research positions. Nearly half had their first research experience during their BSc project; though less often for nurses/midwives/health visitors (37.5%) than other NMAHPs (51.6%).The award of a fellowship resulted in higher likelihood of being research‐active (doctoral level). Nearly three quarters pursuing a clinical academic career indicated ‘clearer career paths’ and ‘greater integration across clinical and academic departments’ were desirable. Most common barriers related to research roles, availability of positions and funding.ConclusionsFellowship schemes are important to NMAHPs’ research careers, but there are serious challenges to establishing and sustaining a career.Relevance to clinical practiceLack of a clear model of career progression, at national and local level, and barriers to creating joint posts impacts on capacity of clinical academics to strengthen integration of research with practice.
Retroperitoneal ectopic pregnancy: A case report and literature review
Authors: Hou Qingxiang , Xin Lingli , Jian Liyan , Pan Jingjing , Chen Ling , Song Weiru 
Published: January 2021

AbstractRetroperitoneal ectopic pregnancy (REP) is a rare type of pregnancy with retroperitoneal implantation of the embryo. Herein, we report a case of a 29‐year‐old female with REP admitted in our department. Moreover, we review the literatures published previously reporting REP with the aim to improve the understanding of diagnosis and treatment of REP.
Cannabinoid receptor type‐1 and its correlation with CB1 gene polymorphism‐1359G/A in ectopic pregnancy compared to the control group
Authors: Moudi Bita , Heidari Zahra , Asemi‐Rad Azam , Mahmoudzadeh‐Sagheb Hamidreza , Sheibak Nadia , Ghasemi Marzieh , Eslami Sanaz 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAimEctopic pregnancy (EP) is one of the most important causes of maternal mortality. This study aimed to evaluate the immunohistochemical (IHC) expression of the cannabinoid receptor type‐1 (CB1) and its association with CB1‐1359G/A gene polymorphism (rs1049353) in the fallopian tubes in EP compared to controls.MethodsIn this case–control study, 100 women with EP (cases) and 100 women that underwent abdominal surgery due to the hysterectomy or uterine tubal ligation (healthy controls) were included. Genotyping of CB1‐1359G/A polymorphism, tissue expression of CB1 at the protein and mRNA levels were studied using restriction fragment length polymorphism, IHC method, and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) analysis.ResultsGenotyping showed that in EP, the frequency of AA, AA+AG genotypes, and A allele was significantly higher than healthy control subjects (p = 0.001).Also, patients with EP had significantly increased IHC expression of CB‐1 compared to the control samples (p = 0.016). Patients with AA and AG genotypes had a significantly higher IHC expression of CB‐1 compared to the GG genotype. qRT‐PCR analysis showed that patients with EP had significantly increased expression of CB‐1 compared to the control samples (p < 0.001). Patients with AA and AG genotypes had higher significant mRNA expression of CB‐1 compared to the GG genotype.ConclusionsCB1 is likely to be effective in creating innate immunity in humans and can affect the process of EP in the fallopian tube. CB1 is also a pathological valuable factor in identifying the pathway of inflammation during ectopic implantation.
S‐cone contribution to the acute melatonin suppression response in humans
Authors: Brown Timothy M. , Thapan Kavita , Arendt Josephine , Revell Victoria L. , Skene Debra J. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractLight influences diverse aspects of human physiology and behaviour including neuroendocrine function, the circadian system and sleep. A role for melanopsin‐expressing intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) in driving such effects is well established. However, rod and/or cone signals routed through ipRGCs could also influence “non‐visual” spectral sensitivity. In humans, this has been most extensively studied for acute, light‐dependent, suppression of nocturnal melatonin production. Of the published action spectra for melatonin suppression, one demonstrates a spectral sensitivity consistent with that expected for melanopsin while our own (using briefer 30 minute light exposures) displays very high sensitivity to short wavelength light, suggesting a contribution of S‐cones. To clarify that possibility, six healthy young male participants were each exposed to 30 minutes of five irradiances of 415 nm monochromatic light (1‐40 µW/cm2) across different nights. These data were then combined with the original action spectrum. The aggregated data are incompatible with the involvement of any single‐opsin and multi‐opsin models based on the original action spectrum (including Circadian Stimulus) fail to predict the responses to 415 nm stimuli. Instead, the extended action spectrum can be most simply approximated by an ~2:1 combination of melanopsin and S‐cone signals. Such a model also better describes the magnitude of melatonin suppression observed in other studies using an equivalent 30 minute mono‐ or polychromatic light paradigm but not those using longer (90 minute) light exposures. In sum, these data provide evidence for an initial S‐cone contribution to melatonin suppression that rapidly decays under extended light exposure.
Who’s getting the office? Party dominance and elected executives’ career path
Authors: Ramos Pastrana Julio A. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractI examine the role of party dominance on elected politicians’ career path. Politicians’ career is divided between political and technical or administrative posts. To examine this relationship, I use data from the Mexican states over the period 2000‐2014. The paper exploits the 2008 US financial crisis as a source of exogenous variation in incumbents’ popularity level. Results support theoretical predictions that elected politicians’ profile in states with a dominant party changed more than in competitive states after the financial crisis. I find that after the 2008 US financial crisis, political experience of new elected governors in states with a dominant party decreased by 36 percentage points, on average, compared to states with no dominant party. Results are robust to different measures of political and technical or administrative career path.
Colonisers of the dark: biostalactite‐associated metazoans from “lu Lampiùne” submarine cave (Apulia, Mediterranean Sea)
Authors: Rosso Antonietta , Sanfilippo Rossana , Guido Adriano , Gerovasileiou Vasilis , Taddei Ruggiero Emma , Belmonte Genuario 
Published: January 2021

AbstractMetazoan/microbial bioconstructions, or biostalactites (BSTs), discovered in submarine caves of Apulia c. 20 years ago—and later found in several shallow‐water Mediterranean caves—are receiving increasing attention in the last years. Examination of a single BST from the “lu Lampiùne” cave (Apulia), at the limit between the Adriatic and the Ionian seas, has been addressed for the first time in this paper. The BST started growing at c. 6,000 years ago with a rapid accretion of large‐sized serpulids (Protula), slowing down since about 3,000–4,000 years ago with a shift in main bioconstructors, probably caused by environmental changes. The present‐day community on the outer BST surface is dominated by skeletonised epibionts, mostly small‐sized serpulids, bryozoans and foraminifers, which contribute carbonate to the BST growth, by encrusting sponges, and by a few endobionts, including boring bivalves and insinuating sponges. New data remarkably increase biodiversity known for the “lu Lampiùne” cave and the cave habitat in the region. Thirty‐five taxa (16 bryozoans, 10 serpulids, 3 brachiopods, 2 foraminifers, 2 sponges, 1 bivalve and 1 cirriped) are recorded for the first time from Apulian marine caves, highlighting the need for further research in the area. In addition, the BST‐associated community seems to differ from those of individual BSTs from other Mediterranean caves, revealing the individuality of these communities.
Intraspecific variation in symbiont density in an insect–microbe symbiosis
Authors: Parker Benjamin J. , Hrček Jan , McLean Ailsa H. C. , Brisson Jennifer A. , Godfray H. Charles J. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractMany insects host vertically transmitted microbes, which can confer benefits to their hosts but are costly to maintain and regulate. A key feature of these symbioses is variation: for example, symbiont density can vary among host and symbiont genotypes. However, the evolutionary forces maintaining this variation remain unclear. We studied variation in symbiont density using the pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum) and the bacterium Regiella insecticola, a symbiont that can protect its host against fungal pathogens. We found that relative symbiont density varies both between two Regiella phylogenetic clades and among aphid “biotypes.” Higher density symbiont infections are correlated with stronger survival costs, but variation in density has little effect on the protection Regiella provides against fungi. Instead, we found that in some aphid genotypes, a dramatic decline in symbiont density precedes the loss of a symbiont infection. Together, our data suggest that the optimal density of a symbiont infection is likely different from the perspective of aphid and microbial fitness. Regiella might prevent loss by maintaining high within‐host densities, but hosts do not appear to benefit from higher symbiont numbers and may be advantaged by losing costly symbionts in certain environments. The standing variation in symbiont density observed in natural populations could therefore be maintained by antagonistic coevolutionary interactions between hosts and their symbiotic microbes.
The prognostic significance of clinicopathological features in meningiomas: Microscopic brain invasion can predict patient outcome in otherwise benign meningiomas
Authors: Banan Rouzbeh , Abbetmeier‐Basse Merle , Hong Bujung , Dumitru Claudia A. , Sahm Felix , Nakamura Makoto , Krauss Joachim K. , Hartmann Christian 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAimsBrain invasion (BI) was firstly defined as a single criterion of atypia in otherwise benign meningiomas in the revised fourth edition of 2016 WHO classification of brain tumours after being previously inconsistently addressed. However, recent studies have raised doubts about the prognostic significance of BI in otherwise benign meningiomas. In our study, we investigate the reproducibility of such a prognostic effect.MethodsWe identified two cohorts one consisting of 483 patients with meningioma WHO grade I (M°I) or atypical meningioma WHO grade II (M°II) from Hannover Medical School and the other including atypical meningiomas defined according to the classical WHO criteria (M°IIb) from the University Hospital Heidelberg. Follow‐up data with a median observation time of 38.2 months were available from 308 cases. These included 243 M°I and 65 M°II patients with the latter group consisting of 25 patients with otherwise benign meningiomas with BI (M°IIa) and 40 with M°IIb.ResultsA significant difference of progression‐free interval (PFI) was found between patients with M°I and M°II, M°I and M°IIa and those with M°I and M°IIb of both cohorts and each separately. However, PFI of M°IIa and M°IIb patients showed no significant difference. In the multivariate regression analysis adjusted for M°I/M°IIa versus M°IIb, sex, age, extent of resection and tumour location, BI exhibited the strongest risk of relapse (Hazard ratio: 4.95) serving as an independent predictor of PFI (p = 0.002).ConclusionsOur results clearly support the definition of BI as a single criterion of atypia in WHO classification of 2016.
Nationalism and the lost homeland: The case of Greece
Authors: Koulos Thanos 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAs evidenced by the radical changes to state organisation, legitimacy and the international order in the past couple of centuries with the development of nationalist ideology, nationalism inherently carries a spatial dimension that translates into an assertion for control of land. This way, it transforms the land to an ancestral national homeland rightfully belonging to ‘the nation’. But what if that land was lost to another nation? Embarking from Anthony Smith's ethno‐symbolist approach on the construction of national homelands, this article will attempt a theoretical approach on the construction of thelostnational homelands. These are usually cases where military defeats led to mass expulsions of populations from their ancestral lands, while nationalist ideologies appropriated them aslostnational homelands. The main argument is that the idea of the lost homelands has turned into a symbol of these nationalist ideologies and a constituent element of the respective national identities. Drawing from Greek perceptions of their lost homelands, this article will explore the mechanisms of the nationalisation of space process that elaborated the nationalisation of those homelands even after they became ‘lost’ for the Greek nation. This article contributes to the studies of the spatial dimensions of national identities, the effects of forced population transfers in identity politics and the creation of national myths and symbols.